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featured articles WeeKlY cOluMNs

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tHe siX stOleN sifrei tOraH Were returNed

Nosson Avraham

PaiNtiNGs WitH MasHKe frOM tHe reBBe

arMY 24 frOM tO tHeGuard dutY reBBes arMY

Nosson Avrohom

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Dvar Malchus Shavuos Story Farbrengen Viewpoint Stories Parsha Thought Crossroads Memoirs

30 tHe JeWisH sParK tHat fOuNd its

WaY HOMe
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DvaR MaLchus

ITS OBVIOUS WHO MOSHIACH IS

Moshiach already exists and is ready to usher in the redemption. You know inside that you are not Moshiach, and I know that it is not I. But somebody must be Moshiach... Why does it bother you that it is the Lubavitcher Rebbe?!
Translated by Boruch Merkur

the whos who of jewish leaders

It says in the Zohar that there is a manifestation of Moshe in every generation. As with all topics in the esoteric dimension of the Torah, this concept also finds expression in the revealed part of Torah. Indeed, it states in the Midrash (BReishis Rabba 6:7): There is no generation without someone in it like Moshe and like the Avos (the Patriarchs of the Jewish people). All Jews, being believers in the words of our Sages, accept this as fact. The only question is: whos who? [who is the Moshe Rabbeinu, etc., of our time?] It is clear that in the generation of the Baal Shem Tov, the Baal Shem Tov was the Moshe Rabbeinu, then [in the next generation, it was] the Maggid, the Alter Rebbe, etc., until our generation the Rebbe of our generation is my revered fatherin-law. If this was obvious of the earlier generations [as described earlier in this talk that the Alter Rebbe said, Everyone knows that there is a Rebbe. However, it is necessary to know that [in the previous generation] the Rebbe was the Baal Shem Tov, and in

this generation it is the Maggid] how much more is this the case now: In our generation, whos who (identifying the Moshe Rabbeinu) is certainly something that is obvious, etc.

the oBVioUs aNswer: it is he!

When the Rebbe issued the public proclamation, immediately to tshuva (returning to G-d, repentance), immediately to redemption, the Chassidim at the time spread the word, adding the whos who [i.e., identifying the Rebbe Rayatz as Moshiach]. (Regarding the expression whos who, see Sota 13a, Tosafos dibbur hamaschil Serach. Also, see Hisvaaduyos 5747 Vol. 1 pg. 266: The meaning of the name Tzemach Tzedek alludes to Moshiach Tzidkeinu indicating that this name expresses the faith of Chassidim, for every Chassid believes with utter faith that the Rebbe of his generation the leader of the generation incarnate is Moshiach.) A complaint was made about this at the time, directed to a gutte id, a rebbe from one of the Chassidic dynasties of

Poland: How can this be?! How were the Chassidim permitted to publicize this [radical] proclamation, and whats worse, to make such a brazen claim [identifying Moshiach as the Lubavitcher Rebbe]?! The gutte id answered: Consider this. We believe [in Moshiach and we are in eager anticipation] every day that he should come. There are those who articulate this statement of faith verbally and there are those who fulfill their obligation in thought alone. In any event [since Jews believe with perfect faith that Moshiach can come today, therefore], Moshiach already exists [and is ready to usher in the redemption]. You know inside that you are not Moshiach, and I know that it is not I. But somebody must be Moshiach... Why does it bother you that it is he?! The same reasoning applies to our discussion. There is presently a Rebbe, for indeed, it says so in the Zohar and Midrash, quoted above. And since there is no one [else] to ascribe this title to, then, when the question arises, whos who? the obvious answer is it is he! At first it was the Baal Shem Tov, then the Maggid, the Alter Rebbe, etc., until the Rebbe Rayatz, my father-in-law.

4 4 Sivan 5772

how theY erred iN oPPositioN

From this we derive a lesson regarding spreading the teachings of Chassidus outward. There are those who maintain that it is impossible to go out openly and spread the wellsprings of Chassidus in the face of the opposition that still exists against it but that is not the truth. The antagonism of previous generations came about as a result of mistakenly perceiving a possible source in the Torah for opposing Chassidus. For in light of the dangerous movements of the time, it was possible to err, etc., [with regard to Chassidus, mistaking it to be a similar threat] albeit inadvertently or at least not deliberately. Whereas today, everyone knows, even the man on the

according to Torah, it is no more street, even Gentiles, lhavdil, than a nisayon, a challenge; it that when they identify Jews is but a chimera, having no real as adherent of Chassidus, the existence. (See Seifer HaSichos intent is [benign, namely] that 5747, Vol. 1 pg. 264-266). they don two pairs of tfillin, they have full beards, they wear Thus, Chassidim can spread tzitzis that are folded over to the wellsprings in full force so total 8 strands per corner, and long as they do so in the ways so on and so forth. The sole of pleasantness and the ways argument against the Chassid of peace to awaken the inner is that he is a batlan, meaning aspect of the Jews soul through that he doesnt have a job in the the inner dimension of the Torah, workforce, as he davens at length thereby connecting the Jew with and wears two pairs of tfillin the inner aspect of the Alm-ghty. [and of consequence, he has no And from there he draws down time for a nine-to-five job]. In G-dliness into the revealed aspect short, he is scrupulous in all the of service Express service Express G-d, which is the source of Mitzvos! Therefore, according Fully the entire Seider Hishtalshlus, the FullyComputerized Computerized to the Torah, there is no room to Natural Order of the universe. oppose this approach to Judaism And drawing down theKingston Ave.Ave. 331 inner 331 Kingston in any way, were it not for the aspect of G-dliness intond Flr) Brooklyn NY 11213 (2nd(2 the Flr) Brooklyn NY 11213 deed of their fathers is in their world gives rise to abundance in hands [i.e., they blindly follow whatever is needed in family, the opposition of their fathers Get your health, and sustenance. tickets within minutes! Get your tickets within minutes! against Chassidim]. And since Fax: of Shabbos Fax: (718) 493-4444 (From the address(718) 493-4444 this position holds no weight

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FeatuRe

THE SIX STOLEN SIFREI TORAH WERE RETURNED

Last week, the ancient Tzemach Tzedek Synagogue in Tzfas held a joyous celebration after its six precious Torah scrolls, stolen the previous Shabbos, were miraculously discovered in an abandoned house. Together with the happiness of the occasion, this marked an appropriate opportunity to take a look at the amazing history of this treasured shul, its renovation, how it shielded the holy city from Syrian tanks, and a series of special instructions that the Rebbe gave in connection to its reconstruction.
By Nosson Avraham

abbi Gavriel Marzel, director of the Tzemach Tzedek Synagogue and the Rebbe MHMs shliach in the Old City of Tzfas, could not imagine anything worse. The tremendous personal investment he had made over the years appeared in ruins as he stood before the broken doors of the aron kodesh and the huge black hole that now replaced the golden embroidered curtain that had covered them. However, last Sunday (chesed shbyesod), after several long days and nights of anxiety, the affair came to a stunning conclusion. A group of local children, playing in the vicinity of the Old City, came across an

abandoned house, where the six Torah scrolls had been concealed. Rabbi Shmuel Davidson, head of the Tzemach Tzedek Kollel, will never forget that joyous moment: At around four oclock in the afternoon, when we were in the middle of our daily learning schedule, Yehoshua Dovid Nota Kopp and two other boys came to me in a state of great excitement to say that they had found the Torah scrolls in a deserted building. We immediately halted our studies and quickly followed them to the old house. To our great surprise, as we entered the premises, we saw the six Torah scrolls wrapped in the white tablecloths that had been stolen together with them.

I immediately called the Rebbes shliach, Rabbi Gavriel Marzel, who also serves as the rav of the shul, and he called the police to inform them of the discovery. The police arrived shortly thereafter, took fingerprints, and when they completed their investigative work, they spontaneously began to dance together with the jubilant kollel students. At that moment, it seemed as if the entire city of Tzfas steeped in gloom over the theft of the Torah scrolls was shouting and rejoicing. Upon hearing the news, numerous residents came to see for themselves the amazing sight of the return of the Torah scrolls to the synagogue.

6 4 Sivan 5772

The children who found the sifrei Torah

the theft aNd the shoCK

A mixture of shock and incredulity struck many Tzfas residents that Shabbos, the 13th of Iyar, the yahrtzait of the Rebbes brother, R Yisroel Aryeh Leib Schneersohn, of blessed memory, whose resting place is located in the local Tzfas cemetery, a short distance from the Tzemach Tzedek Synagogue. As the shuls gabbai arrived that morning, he was stunned to discover that the main entrance to the synagogue had been left wide open. As he walked in, the scene left him aghast for several minutes. The doors of the aron kodesh had been ripped off,

and the six Torah scrolls that were usually kept there, were gone. The shuls interior was in shambles. The thieves had broken into the personal lockers of the synagogue members, and there were sfarim and tablecloths strewn around in every corner. Word of the terrible theft spread like wildfire, and within a matter of minutes, dozens of Old City residents gathered in the shul, as they grieved over the theft of the Torah scrolls, including some that were quite old. Chabad Chassidim, who knew quite well how much the Rebbe had invested in the synagogues renovation, were especially pained to hear about the crime.

When I came to the shul the following day, the overall feeling was very unpleasant. Tears streamed down my face during those moments, said Rabbi Gavriel Marzel. Imagine if you had bought a house for a large amount of money, only to find it the next morning totally destroyed. That is how we felt. It took me a long time to digest that this had really happened. At the request of the police officials, we closed the shul to enable them to conduct an investigation of the crime scene. But the shuls members would not go to other shuls. No one was prepared to daven somewhere else at a time like this. Everyone went to make a minyan at the nearby
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morning. When I opened the door to the synagogue, I was stunned beyond belief. We stood speechless in front of the empty aron kodesh. The anguish we felt at that moment was simply indescribable. I had heard that in the days of the Tzemach Tzedek, the shul had housed seven Torah scrolls, and it was my dream to achieve this as well. Now it seemed that this dream had been shattered. In the meantime, many neighbors, including those who were not yet Torah observant, arrived at the scene and one of them contacted the police. When the officer came, I asked him if he was Jewish. When he said that he wasnt, I explained to him that he could do his job and write down what he wanted, but I wouldnt sign the complaint form due to the sanctity of Shabbos. There were several pairs of tfillin lying in a pile on one of the side tables. They had been forcibly removed from the private lockers of shul members, but for some reason, the thieves chose not to take them. They wrapped the Torah scrolls in the Shabbos tablecloths before sneaking out of the shul. We found out later that a Gerer Chassid staying in the Old City had seen some men carrying Torah scrolls. He approached them and kissed the Torahs, not realizing that those holding them were thieves.

Accompanying the sifrei Torah with pride

Hundreds of Anash and Tmimim accompanying the sifrei Torah Chabad House. One of the shul members, R Yaron Jackson, ran to the Beirav Synagogue, where his own personal Torah scroll was located. He brought it to the Chabad House until the stolen Torah scrolls could be retrieved. We met Rabbi Marzel in the shul before Mincha on the following Sunday. The sight was heartbreaking. The aron kodesh was still wide open, its doors ripped off and lying on the floor. Throughout the interview, Rabbi Marzels mobile phone was constantly ringing, as many Jews who had heard about the theft were calling to offer their assistance. The first person who saw the devastation was the gabbai, R Sholom Pasternak. He was so shocked that he ran all the way from the Old City to Rabbi Marzels house near Kiryat Chabad. We didnt meet along the way as I was already heading to shul, said Rabbi Marzel, as he recalled the experience of that Shabbos

aNCieNt roots
This shocking incident received considerable publicity. As a Tzfas resident and a member of the citys Chabad community, I decided to take a historical journey back nearly forty years, when the Rebbe gave instructions to restore the glory of the Tzemach Tzedek Synagogue.

8 4 Sivan 5772

When did Chabad Chassidim first arrive in the Old City? It turns out that the first Chassidim in Tzfas were led by Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk, who decided to settle there before eventually making their way to Teveria. This marked the opening chapter of Tzfas chassidic history. Even after they departed from Tzfas, there were always some who stayed in the Old City, as we can see in the historical records of Kollel Chabad. During the leadership of the Tzemach Tzedek, the shul was built by his Chassidim. The only case where we see how our Rebbeim related to the shuls construction appear in the seifer The Tzemach Tzedek and the Enlightenment: During that year 5601 the Rebbe sent fifteen thousand rubles to Eretz HaKodesh, may it be rebuilt and re-established, a portion of which was used to pay previous debts. Similarly, the Chabad shuls in Yerushalayim and Tzfas were then established. The decision to establish the synagogue had been preceded by a personal matter involving the Tzemach Tzedeks niece, Baila, who had come to Tzfas around this time with her five children. This niece was the daughter of his half-sister, Devorah. After the untimely passing of the Tzemach Tzedeks mother, Devorah Leah (the Alter Rebbes daughter), his father, R Sholom Shachne, married the daughter of the holy R Aharon Karliner, and their daughter was Bailas mother. This nieces husband was R Yeshaya HaLevi Horwitz, one of the Tzemach Tzedeks Chassidim, and an eighth generation descendant of his namesake, the Shla HaKadosh. At the time of their wedding, the Tzemach Tzedek delivered the

Rabbi Marzel at the entrance to the Tzemach Tzedek Shul in Tzvas chassidic discourse Rani Akara. The couple had five children, and the Chassidim of that generation called them the five books of the Torah. After her husbands passing, Baila returned to live for a while with her uncle, the Tzemach Tzedek. The Rebbe later sent her back to Tzfas, after he accepted responsibility to provide for her familys material needs, together with Rabbi Aharon Karliner and her uncle Rabbi Aharon of Chernobyl. After she arrived in Tzfas, Rabbi Shmuel Heller, then chief rabbi of Tzfas, and the citys other leading Torah scholars would customarily visit her to

The recently built aron kodesh

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hear pearls of wisdom that she had personally heard from the Tzemach Tzedek. For her part, Baila maintained close contact with her uncle, and when she heard that there was a dispute in Tzfas between Chabad chassidim and Polish chassidim over various customs, she informed the Rebbe about it. In his reply, he encouraged her to establish a separate Chabad shul in Tzfas. These instructions were carried out, and the shul was given the name The Tzemach Tzedek Synagogue. The synagogue had two floors: one for the main sanctuary, the other for the womens section. It also had a basement where the mikveh was located. The shul served as the foundation of the Chabad community in Tzfas, and was a forceful impetus towards its eventual development. From 5636 onward, the Chabad community in Tzfas was headed by Bailas fourth son, Rabbi Asher Yechezkel, and later by his son, Rabbi Yeshaya Horwitz, author of Eden Tziyon and Pri HaAretz, and who received his rabbinical ordination from the gaon Rabbi Yaakov Dovid Wilovsky (the Ridbaz). He served in this position until his emigration to Western Canada, where he became the regions most prominent rabbinical leader. In the years that followed, the Chabad community largely disappeared, although a few chassidim remained in the city during this time. The last well-known Chabad chassidim who lived in the city and continued serving in the synagogue were R Shmuel Wachsler and R Eliezer Steimetz.

the sYNaGoGUes reNewal

Over a period of many years, the Chabad synagogue in Tzfas was in a state of desolation, until its revival as per the instructions of the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach. Despite the lack of a solid community, Kollel Chabad had continued to provide support to those Chabad families who remained in the city throughout the years, as listed in the reports made by Rabbi Ezriel Zelig Slonim. We find the first mention of the renewal of the Chabad community in a letter dated Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5724 from the Rebbe to Mr. Zalman Shazar, who had just been elected President of the State of Israel: I was naturally quite thrilled to hear about the Chabad settlement near TzfasMiron. However, I dont have all the details at the present time, particularly with regard to the type of people who are prepared to settle there [in a place] suitable for Russian migrs In 5730, Tzfas was hit by a heavy snowstorm, and the roof of the synagogue caved in, bringing several walls down with it. Concerned citizens removed the Torah scrolls and holy sfarim to keep in their homes for the time being. The severe devastation to this holy site apparently had an effect upon Mr. Eli Kadosh, then-mayor of Tzfas, and he quickly sent a letter to the Rebbe requesting that the Chabad community in Tzfas be restored. In fact, several Chabad askanim in Eretz HaKodesh, headed by Rabbi Efraim Wolf, had unsuccessfully tried to do this for years. The idea did not become an

actual mission until the 15th of Tammuz 5733, when the Rebbe chose Rabbi Aryeh Leib Kaplan, of blessed memory, to be his emissary to the Holy City of Tzfas. On that day, Rabbi Kaplan went in for yechidus, and the Rebbe spoke with him on the subject for twenty minutes.

MiraCUloUs reNoVatioNs
The person chosen to renovate the ancient shul was Rabbi Kaplan. Before he went on shlichus, the Rebbe stressed that the Tzemach Tzedek shul was a central aspect of his shlichus. The Rebbe said, There is a Chabad shul in Tzfas and they say it is in ruins. Consequently, one of the first jobs will be to renovate the shul. Since I want you to build the neighborhood, you need to see whether it is possible to build next to the shul; that would be good. You can claim that it needs to be near the shul so that it can be a place to gather and have shiurim. The Rebbe added that he did not know the details and that R Kaplan would have to investigate on site, But in any case, build the neighborhood nearby so it will be possible to go to the shul. A few days after the yechidus, R Kaplan received a note with instructions from the Rebbe that began with the following words, Those matters which the heads of the council there wrote about and promised their help the first thing is renovating the Chabad shul. R Kaplan himself began working on it, together with many Chabad askanim, Rabbis: Zushe Wilyamovsky, Efraim Wolf, Shmuel Chefer, and Shlomo Maidanchek. Upon their arrival they found the shul

10 4 Sivan 5772

in a decrepit state. A short while later, a surprising instruction came from the Rebbe to complete the renovations of the shul by Tishrei so that people would be able to use it and daven there. Since they had little time at their disposal, R Kaplan considered first putting up a tent so they would be able to daven and only afterward, to begin the massive renovations. When he asked the Rebbe, the answer was no tent. They should use the shul. R Kaplan spoke with contractors, but when they heard the impossible timetable, about a months time, they refused to do it. He tried importuning them to provide at least the outer walls by Tishrei. R Moshe Schleifstein of Tzfas was the contractor who agreed to do the job. He still lives in Maaleh Canaan in Tzfas and is 100 years old. He was willing to try, and he brought workers who began the job. When they cleared out the wreckage, they saw that the floor was not damaged and that even the western wall and part of the northern wall were still standing. R Moshe the contractor described what happened: R Kaplan came to me following the recommendation of the deputy mayor, R Chaim Berkowitz, an Agudath Israel representative in the city council. When he came to my home, my wife welcomed him and offered him a cup of tea and then sent him to the quarry where I worked. He told me about the shul and its history and about the order he had received from the Lubavitcher Rebbe to rebuild the shul by the Yomim Noraim 5734/1973, one month away. I knew this was nearly impossible, but since this is what the Rebbe wanted, I immediately agreed without even discussing money.

The old Synagogue

The reconstructed old synagogue After a few days, he brought up the matter himself and said that the Rebbe promised to pay all the expenses. Since I did not want to hire Arab workers to build a shul, I enlisted all the Jewish workers who worked with me, twelve of them, and together we worked in twelve hour shifts. The workers began the job. However, considering the extent of their progress, it did not look as though the work would be completed by the designated time. The contractor told this to R Kaplan and to R Zushe Partisan who was involved in every detail. When R Zushe heard this, he began to cry. He told the contractor that he was planning to go to the Rebbe for Tishrei and how would he be able to face the Rebbe when the job wasnt done? After endless hurdles the shul was ready on Friday, Erev Shabbos Slichos. R Moshe Schleifstein: That morning, R Kaplan came and made the surprising announcement that the Rebbe
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FeatuRe
wanted them to daven there that Shabbos. I agreed to make the effort. I ran an electrical line from a nearby house and got an Aron Kodesh, a table and some chairs. R Kaplan brought two Sifrei Torah from a shul in the old city that were there for safekeeping. When they were brought into the shul, it was tremendously exciting. On Rosh Chodesh Elul of that year, 5733, the first Chabad in the Tzemach Tzedek shul on the Yomim Noraim. Great excitement was felt throughout the fledgling community that had merited to bring back the glory days of the shul. The Rebbe took a great interest in what went on there, and after Yom Tov there was a phone call from R Chadakov with the Rebbe listening in. He asked R Kaplan how many people davened there on Rosh HaShana and whether The Rebbe continued to speak about Tzfas and said: The shul was founded by Chassidim of the Tzemach Tzedek over a hundred years ago, and especially considering that by divine providence the shuls structure remains ... On another occasion, in a yechidus for the Lelover Admurim on 24 Cheshvan 5745, the Rebbe spoke briefly about the shul. When he spoke about the special quality of the city of Tzfas he stressed, Due to the greatness of Tzfas, there was also (as in Chevron) a Chabad settlement back in the time of the Tzemach Tzedek. There is also a Chabad shul that was built (I think) back in that period and before that, there were students of the Baal Shem Tov and the Maggid there. In the conversation that the Rebbe had with the Israeli ambassador to the US, Chaim Herzog, in 770 on Simchas Torah, it was apparent how he valued the renewal of the Chabad settlement in Tzfas and the shul reclamation. The Rebbe spoke about the shluchim he had sent to Tzfas and about their work.

When R Zushe heard this, he began to cry. He told the contractor that he was planning to go to the Rebbe for Tishrei and how would he be able to face the Rebbe when the job wasnt done?
there was a womens section. In 5738, R Kaplan brought the mayor of Tzfas, Aharon Nachmias, to a farbrengen of the Rebbe. During the farbrengen, they gave the Rebbe the key to the city and the mayor described the development of Kiryat Chabad. The Rebbes comment was that this was just the first stage and he asked R Groner to ask the mayor to wait for the next sicha. In that sicha, the Rebbe spoke about Tzfas and said: One of the reasons for the revival of the (Chabad) yishuv, is because it has the shul which was founded by Chassidim of the Tzemach Tzedek, so there would be a continuation in a way of increasing and going, like a dwarf on top of a giant. Even though one cannot compare to the Tzemach Tzedek, the Tzemach Tzedek takes every Jew and puts him on his shoulder. Then he is like a dwarf on top of a giant, as per the well known analogy. (Sichos Kodesh 5738, vol. 2, p. 571)

kollel opened with the shluchim who went to Tzfas. The kollel opened in the Ashkenazic Ari shul that is near the Tzemach Tzedek shul. When the renovations were finished, the kollel moved by instructions of the Rebbe. At a later point, when Anash moved to the new neighborhood that had been built on Mt. Canaan, R Kaplan asked the Rebbe whether the kollel should stay in the shul or move to Kiryat Chabad. The Rebbe said the kollel should learn in the Tzemach Tzedek shul at least on Mondays and Thursdays. Indeed, the kollel remains there until today. With the completion of the renovations by Rosh HaShana, the Rebbe sent three instructions. One there should be a large minyan for the Yomim Noraim. Two Anash should hold a procession for Tashlich on Rosh HaShana. Three the members of the kollel who visited their parents for Sukkos should return for Simchas Torah. Twenty-five people davened

MoViNG MeMories
One of the first shluchim to go to Tzfas was R Shlomo Raskin, who went with his family in Elul 5733/1973. He described the Slichos that were said in the shul after the hasty renovation of the shul: All the Lubavitchers gathered on Motzaei Shabbos. It was a sight I will never forget. The smell of paint was still strong and the lighting consisted of fluorescent bulbs that were hung from the ceiling with chains and powered by a line strung from the next door building.

12 4 Sivan 5772

Before Shabbos, I went around with R Kaplan to the shuls of the city where the Sifrei Torah of the Tzemach Tzedek shul had been placed for safekeeping after the shul had been destroyed. We asked for the Sifrei Torah back. The gabbaim maintained that they had become pasul over the years, but we insisted on their return. Finally, one of the gabbaim was willing to return one Torah which served us for many years. When R Raskin describes the Slichos that year, one can see that recalling the events of those days is an emotional experience. We were all thrilled to participate in something that the Rebbe wanted so much and which came to a successful conclusion in a manner that was above nature. On Shabbos Shuva this year, I went to daven in the Tzemach Tzedek shul and was reminded of that first year. I recalled the smell of fresh paint and the faces of my fellow shluchim, and the first tfilla that was said with such intensity and not only because it was Slichos. None of the Chassidim understood the sense of urgency that the Rebbe conveyed regarding the completion of the shul, but after a few days, with the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War, R Chadakov said now it was clear why the Rebbe rushed the restoration of the shul. Explained R Chadakov: Sending shluchim to Tzfas and restoring the shul, and doing the latter with the utmost speed, was no less than a fortification that the Rebbe built in the north in order to halt the Syrian army which reached the Golan Heights, and miraculously remained there without pressing forward into Israel. The Syrian tanks stopped at a distance of forty minutes

Synagogue Kollel thirty years ago travel from Tzfas. The Rebbe built a spiritual fortified wall to stop them. Yom Tov the shul was closed. Many of the sfarim and Sifrei Torah were moved to the new shul in Kiryat Chabad. The old city in those days was deserted and run down. The government did not put anything into its infrastructure or into the historic tourist sites as they have lately. People were afraid to live in the old city. They didnt see a future for it. Whoever lived there was considered eccentric, recalls R Marzel. The Rebbe was not pleased by the abandonment of the Tzemach Tzedek shul and on 26 Shevat 5739 he wrote a letter to the shluchim in Tzfas in which he noted the goal of their shlichus. In one of the paragraphs, the Rebbe wrote, In Tzfas a Chabad yishuv was founded or, more accurately put, was renewed, and a Chabad town was founded with all that pertains to it (obviously, in addition to the main thing, the establishment of a shul named for the Tzemach Tzedek which existed already) and, lhavdil, a mikva and an array of schools from kollel to preschool. R Yosef Yitzchok Gansburg and R Gavriel Marzel took the message to heart. They decided
Issue 835

reBirth
The shul was renovated and turned into a proper place for tfilla, but it was obvious that the work was not yet finished. In 5736, the Rebbe sent a group of shluchim to Eretz Yisroel. They settled in Tzfas at which point they added a womens section to the shul. The Ezras Nashim was built on a base of metal poles. It was obvious to all that in the future, the shul would have to undergo massive renovations beyond the patches that had been used in its construction up till that point. In addition, the asbestos roof that was built hastily was not strong enough and a law was passed barring its use, explained the shliach, R Gavriel Marzel, menahel of the shul. In 5738, Kiryat Chabad was completed and slowly, all the Lubavitcher families moved from the old city to the new neighborhood and the shul was closed once again. The kollel continued there but the activities ceased, and on Shabbos and

13

FeatuRe
to renovate the Tzemach Tzedek shul and bring it back to life. We committed to opening the shul once again, said R Marzel. We saw how important this was to the Rebbe. It was hard and complicated at the outset. Its funny to think about those difficult times when today, a hundred and more people pack the shul every Shabbos. The rest of the week too, the shul is full, but back then it was different. We were able to get some Americans involved. They lived in the old city and had a connection with Chabad. Some of them were artists who worked in the area. We also worked on convincing some young married men to take the long walk from the Canaan neighborhood at the top of the hill to the old city at least once a month, in order to make a minyan. We would stand in front of the shul and ask passersby to come inside to form a minyan. Throughout the years, the Rebbe continued to inquire about the shul and asked that it be expanded. R Marzel never stopped dreaming about a large, beautiful place that would be no less attractive than any other shul in the old city. With great effort, we managed to raise the money. Those who lived nearby agreed to forgo their personal property so that we could expand the shul as the Rebbe wanted. The renovations went on for several years until they were completed. Five years ago, the shul was finished and there was the sixth Hachnasas Seifer Torah. The renovations were extensive. On the first floor a spacious beis midrash was built where the kollel learns from morning till night, directed by R Shmuel Davidson. There are also about a dozen American baalei tshuva learning in a special yeshiva program that opened two years ago. The two upper floors consist of an impressive shul and womens section. On Shabbasos in the summer there is no room to sit, boasts R Marzel. Every day there are minyanim which are well attended. Over the past decade the Tzemach Tzedek shul has been reborn, with dozens of people davening there every day. Shluchim, rabbanim and distinguished public figures from an array of backgrounds attended the Chanukas Habayis that took place on 19 Sivan 5766/2006. The shul was full of men, women and children who came to rejoice with the Torah. It is a great privilege for us, residents of Tzfas, to participate in an event that is all about achdus, Ahavas Yisroel and restoring the crown to its former glory, said one of the people who davens in the shul to R Marzel. Old timers in Tzfas said that the city hadnt seen such a happy event in a long time. The Torah scroll, as well as the renovations and construction of the shul were funded by Rabbi Avrohom and Mrs. Rechel Rappaport to mark the 22nd yahrtzait of Mrs. Tzivia Chaya Rappaport ah. As far as Im concerned, the work isnt finished until the shul has seven Sifrei Torah like it had when the shul was founded by the Chassidim of the Tzemach Tzedek, said R Marzel.

torah of life
When I visited the shul this past week, I found a special place with Jews of all sorts: Chassidim and Litvaks, young and old, and people from across the globe. I visited the shul the day after the theft. People still looked sad. People spoke about it and davened that the Sifrei Torah be found intact. A week after the theft that rocked the city, the Sifrei Torah were found and the residents of the city, especially those who daven in the shul, were ecstatic.

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14 4 Sivan 5772

shavuos stoRY

THE BAAL SHEM TOV SAYS TORAH IN GAN EDEN

Presented for shavuos, the yahrtzait of the Baal shem tov.
By Menachem Ziegelboim

Part i
Even after the Baal Shem Tov became publicly known, many did not look favorably upon him. At first, he dealt mainly with the masses, with many people going to him for help with health and other problems. It was only later that his tremendous knowledge of Torah and his avodas Hashem became known. Recently, it was discovered that in the records of the town of Mezhibuzh the tzaddik is referred to as the doctor Baal Shem Tov. Not surprisingly, when the Baal Shem Tov arrived in Mezhibuzh, having been invited by the heads of the khilla, there were some people who were not happy to see him. It wasnt only the learned ones who opposed him, but even some of the lofty individuals who were known as members of an elite group of pious men. Their welcome wasnt friendly. Among them were R Zev Wolf Kitzes and R Dovid Furkas. In general, people were skittish after the Sabbatean debacle. They were wary of charlatans who crowned themselves as baalei shem and fooled the people. Some of these shady characters brazenly used

holy names. Aside from that, even if the man was a genuine tzaddik, they did not think it seemly for him to take on this lofty title of baal shem. Then one day, something happened which drew even the dissenters towards the great light.

Part ii
Izik was one of the outstanding scholars of Mezhibuzh. He was almost always sitting in the beis midrash, bent over his Gemara. His avodas Hashem was also serious and superlative. His pleasant demeanor endeared him to everyone. One day, Izik became sick. His illness worsened day by day. He tossed in bed, writhing in pain. His teachers went to visit him, for they knew that Chazal say that one who visits a sick person removes one sixtieth of his illness. They sat near him, but since he was distracted by his suffering he was unable to talk to them in learning. Oy, he said. If only the Baal Shem could visit me ... They knew he was referring to the famous Baal Shem who had come to Mezhibuzh not long ago and was known as a

healer and wonder worker. His teachers were not pleased with this sentiment. They believed in the power of tfilla and a chapter of Thillim said wholeheartedly, not in segulos provided by a Baal Shem who may or may not have been legitimate. Izik tried to convince them otherwise. Only when they saw how much it meant to him, and when they heard that the doctor was very concerned about his condition, did they reluctantly agree to a meeting between their sick student and the Baal Shem. However, they said, setting this condition, whatever he tells you, you must tell us.

Part iii
The Baal Shem Tovs face shone as he kissed the mezuza in Iziks house. His noble appearance immediately impressed Izik. The tzaddik entered the room and began speaking to him. A few moments earlier, one of the boys in the house had hidden under the bed in order to hear what would be said. As they spoke, Izik understood that his days were numbered and that the master did not have a segula for his illness. The tzaddik did not speak of death but about rectifying his life. Although you have many fine qualities, this matter (and the Baal Shem Tov specified what it was) has not yet been corrected.

Issue 835

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shavuos stoRY
Izik turned pale for only he knew about that matter that needed correction. He realized that his life history was known to the tzaddik and nothing was a secret. For a long time, I sought an opportunity to rectify the matter, said Izik, and now, as I am on the threshold of the world to come, what should I do? The tzaddik thought for a moment and then said, Dont worry Izikl. I will see to it that this matter wont hold you up. I promise you that you will enter Gan Eden. The tzaddik said this in a confident tone and Izik looked pleased. He accepted the judgment lovingly. Before the Baal Shem Tov left the room, he ordered him not to tell anyone what they had spoken about. A few hours later, his teachers visited him in order to hear about the wonder workers visit. They wanted to hear firsthand whether the rumors about his segulos were true. Izik did as he had been told and did not say a word. I promised to keep it a secret, he said. This made them even more suspicious. At that moment, the boy who had hidden under the bed made an appearance. He told them what had transpired, leaving out nothing of the conversation. The rabbis looked at Izik in astonishment. They had never heard a conversation like that in their lives! Is what he says correct? Izik nodded. In case they thought the boy had fabricated a story, now they knew that the wondrous conversation had, indeed, taken place. On the one hand, they were impressed by the Baal

I remained alone with the Baal Shem Tov. I bitterly asked him why I had been brought into Gan Eden and not given a place. He said, Because you gave your word and did not keep it. Part iV
Not long afterward, the Jews of Mezhibuzh followed Iziks casket, as the young man was laid to rest. A few days went by before Izik came in a dream to his teachers. His face was shining. He told them that he had risen to the supernal chambers and his fate was quickly determined to be Gan Eden, for he had spent all his life on Torah, prayer and fear of heaven. Two angels led him to the gates of Gan Eden and escorted

Shem Tovs confidence, with his promise uttered like someone before whom the pathways of heaven are visible. What person has knowledge of who will live and who will die, who will enter Gan Eden and who will not? What could they say? They decided to ask Izik to swear that he would come after his death and tell them what had happened to him, so they would know whether the Baal Shem Tovs words had materialized.

16 4 Sivan 5772

him in with great respect. Since the angels did not show me to my place, I began to wander here and there, from place to place within Gan Eden. I looked for and found an empty place to sit but I was quickly moved from there, because it was reserved for one of the tzaddikim. I kept wandering and as time passed I became bothered and ill at ease. Then, I saw that everyone

was heading to a different heavenly chamber. I joined them. Since I was feeling upset, as soon as I entered the new chamber I went ahead and sat down next to a large table, but even here, I was pushed out of my seat. I was greatly distressed. Suddenly, I saw the Baal Shem Tov sitting there and saying deep divrei Torah. He asked a difficult question to the heavenly yeshiva who tried to answer it but were unable to do so. He finally gave an amazing answer himself, and Izik repeated the question that had been posed in Gan Eden and the answer. Then everybody returned to their original places and I remained alone with the Baal Shem Tov. I bitterly asked him why I had been brought into Gan Eden and not given a place. He said, Because you gave your word and did not keep it. I immediately remembered that I had promised you that I would come and tell you what happened to me up above. So I have come to you in a dream.

also ordinary residents of the town. The tzaddik asked a difficult, scholarly question and asked the talmidim to give him an answer. Since the two guests were familiar with the question, the same one that had been asked in Gan Eden, as Izik had related to them, they knew the answer and they said it out loud. The tzaddik looked at them gravely and said, I know that the deceased Izik told you what happened. From that point on, R Zev Wolf Kitzes and R Dovid Furkas became two of the Baal Shem Tovs closest disciples.

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Part V
That Shabbos, two new guests attended the third Shabbos meal that took place in the Baal Shem Tovs beis midrash. The tzaddik sat at the head of the table with his face shining with holiness. Around him sat the leading members of the chevraya kadisha (holy brotherhood). There were

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Issue 835

YechIDus

PAINTINGS WITH MASHKE FROM THE REBBE

For a number of years, the Chassidic artist, R Elazar Kalman Tiefenbrun would go to the Rebbe for Shavuos. In yechidus, he merited to hear interesting things about the importance of Jewish art. * On one occasion, the Rebbe even gave him a bottle of mashke and told him to mix the mashke into his paints. * We gladly present our readers with some excerpts from the diary of his son R Elimelech, which was printed in honor of the bar mitzva of his grandson. whY draw Me looKiNG serioUs?
In 5727/1967, my father, R Elazar Kalman Tiefenbrun, drew a painting of the Rebbe standing next to his shtender, wrapped in tallis and tfillin. He planned on doing a printing of the drawing and disseminating copies to the public (in those days, it was quite a novelty to publicize the Rebbes photograph in general, even more so a drawing). My father sent a copy of

18 4 Sivan 5772

A response from the Rebbe about the painting (on the right) which was sent by express mail Why am I always drawn looking serious?

the drawing to the Rebbe and asked for his consent and blessing, along with questions regarding other personal matters. After some time, he received a general-particular letter [letter of the Rebbe sent to many individuals with an identical message Ed.] at the end of which the Rebbe added a bracha for all the matters he was involved in. Since my father was involved with drawing this picture at the time, he concluded that the Rebbes answer was also an approval for his printing the drawing and disseminating it. A short while later, the askan R Avrohom Yitzchok Glick ah had yechidus, and the Rebbe asked him, How is Tiefenbrun? He answered, He is in the middle of printing the Rebbes picture. The Rebbe asked, Why am

I always made to look serious? Perhaps this can be changed. When R Glick returned to London, he told my father about the yechidus and my father understood that the Rebbe agreed to the publicizing of his picture, but his expression needed to be changed. He sent a letter to the Rebbe in which he wrote that he would try to change it, though he wrote that everybody knows that the Rebbe is a serious man and tallis and tfillin are also serious matters. Within a few days my father received an express letter, again a general-particular one, with a postscript that said he should change the drawing only if it did not entail a bother or monetary expense since a Jews money is very important. This was the third time that the Rebbe was alluding to his

approval and my father was very happy about this, for in those days, it was exceedingly rare to receive the Rebbes consent to publicize his picture. My father printed more than 3000 copies of this drawing and sent it all over the world, especially to Eretz Yisroel. From then on, he tried to draw the Rebbe smiling.

jUdaisM iN a PaiNtiNG
My father had yechidus on Yud-Tes Kislev 5732. The Rebbe told him, You should have success with the pictures since you have the ability to express Judaism in a painting.

aGGraVatioN for the riGht reasoN

In the days close to Shavuos 5732/1972, my father had yechidus along with my sister
Issue 835

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YechIDus

A letter from the Rebbetzin to R Elazar Kalman Tiefenbrun, thanking him for the painting he sent.

A letter from the Rebbe to R Elazar Kalman Tiefenbrun with references to his paintings

Rania (Feinland). The Rebbe said, Your success should be such that it is good for you and good for those who receive the pictures. My father told the Rebbe about a certain incident that caused him pain and aggravation because he was a Lubavitcher. The Rebbe said, That you had aggravation from being a Lubavitcher if it was decreed that you would have aggravation, this should be the aggravation. My father thought it had sounded like he felt aggravation over being a Lubavitcher, and he quickly corrected this impression when he said, I have agmas nefesh?! Its a tremendous pleasure! The Rebbe smiled broadly and said, You should know

If you see someone who is not so pleased with Lubavitch, do not be concerned, since in a place where there are more qualities and more holiness, there is more opposition.
Shavuos 5735/1975, my father took me for yechidus. My brother Naftali was also with us. The Rebbe tested us and gave us a bracha that we be successful in our learning of Gemara, Mishnayos, Chumash, and Tanach. My father told the Rebbe that people had suggested that he draw pictures of other people, including the royal family. The Rebbe said, I would not want you to waste your energy that you can put into Jewish pictures. According to Shulchan

that a good thing always has opposition. Then the Rebbe said in English, This is meant for your daughter too. And turning to my sister he said, If you see someone who is not so pleased with Lubavitch, do not be concerned, since in a place where there are more qualities and more holiness, there is more opposition.

it is Not forBiddeN, BUt

In the days leading up to

20 4 Sivan 5772

Erev Shavuos 5735. On the table are Tanyas that were just translated into English. During the farbrengen, the Rebbe asked all the guests from England to come up to the farbrengen platform and say lchaim. The Rebbe gave each one the public letter for Erev Shavuos and lchaim, and lekach was given to the children. In the middle of the distribution, the Rebbe loudly asked, Where is Tiefenbrun? With the children too. In the picture you can see R Elazar Kalman Tiefenbrun receiving the letter from the Rebbe with his two children next to him, Elimelech and Naftali.

Aruch I do not see why not, as long as it is not immodest. Nevertheless, nowadays, even non-Jews are interested in Jewish subjects. At the end of the yechidus, the Rebbe gave my father three dollars for my sister in order to influence three others to light Shabbos candles and another dollar for schar tircha (i.e. payment for the effort she would have to expend).

MaKe others iNto ChassidiM

In 5737/1977, shortly before Shavuos, my father had yechidus along with my brothers Yosef Yitzchok ah and Naftali. The Rebbe blessed them to grow up to be Chassidim, Yerei Shamayim, and Lamdanim and said, Make others become Chassidim, Yerei Shamayim, and Lamdanim,

to light up the immediate environment. May it be a year of Torah and a year of light. Then the Rebbe asked my brother Naftali whether or not he had vacation. He nodded yes and the Rebbe said to him, You should learn with a friend. My brother said, I arranged with [Moshe] Pekkar that we will learn together. The Rebbe asked, Tzvi Pekkar (Moshes father) came today? My brother said, No, his son. The Rebbe concluded, The main thing is that you learn. At the end of the yechidus, my father wished the Rebbe, The Rebbe should be healthy and lead us all towards Moshiach. The Rebbe said, Yes, among Klal Yisroel.

the PiCtUres shoUld BriNG YoU aMPle ParNasa

In Tishrei 5739/1978, I had yechidus with my father and brother Naftali. The Rebbe said, Shalom aleichem to all of you. May Hashem give everyone a good and sweet year for all those who are here and for those who remained in England. May Hashem accept all prayers. The Rebbe said to my father, You write nothing about the pictures. My father apologized and said, I did not want to lengthen the yechidus. The Rebbe asked, But in actual fact? My father said, I brought four pictures with me. The Rebbe said, You brought four pictures! Were they all bought already?

Issue 835

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YechIDus
My father said, No, I spoke to people about them. The Rebbe said, If parnasa needs to come through paintings, may it be an ample parnasa, so that you and your wife can raise all the children to Torah, chuppa, and good deeds. My father said, I would like to thank the Rebbe for everything he does for us. The Rebbe said, You dont need to thank me; you need to thank G-d. did not write that he had mixed the mashke into the paint in such a way that he did not have to sell it to a goy. It was possible to understand from his letter that he had sold the mashke along with the chametz. The Rebbe expressed his displeasure, and it was clear that the Rebbe did not want his mashke to be sold to a goy. My father wrote again and this time he explained himself, that he made the mashke not fit for a dog to eat which enabled him to leave it on Pesach without selling it to a goy. He said that if the Rebbe wished, he would stop using the mashke and destroy it. The Rebbe underlined the words using it (signifying his approval to continue using it) and regarding what my father wrote, since it wasnt chametz, I did not sell it but just set it aside, the Rebbe wrote, as selfunderstood, (indicating that it should be put to use and not destroyed). for the Rebbe to come. As the Rebbe approached, my father opened the door and held it until the Rebbe went in. The Rebbe suddenly stopped and asked my father, Do you have what to eat and drink here? My father said, Boruch Hashem. The Rebbe said, Boruch Hashem, but what about a bracha acharona? My father had thought of saying a bracha acharona in the place where he had recently eaten, but then he had forgotten to say it. He now remembered that he had forgotten to say it and exclaimed in surprise, Yes! The Rebbe shrugged his shoulders to indicate astonishment as he walked inside, and my father quickly corrected what he had forgotten.

a Bottle of MashKe iN the PaiNts

While distributing Kos shel Bracha on Motzaei Simchas Torah 5739, the Rebbe gave a bottle of mashke to my father and said (in English), Mix it into your paints. Before Pesach, my father asked a rav what to do about Pesach. The rav said he should mix all the mashke into the paint very well until the mashke was not fit for a dog to eat, and then he could put it aside and not have to sell it to a gentile. After Pesach, my father wrote to the Rebbe that Boruch Hashem, he still had mashke. He

taleNt froM the PareNts

One of the times that my mother had yechidus, the Rebbe said to her, I hear from various sources that you have a daughter who has the ability to teach both older and younger students, and this [ability] comes from the parents.

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FeatuRe

FROM ARMY GUARD DUTY TO THE REBBES ARMY

It was a long process before R Refael Shuval changed his life and became a Chassid. Hashgacha pratis prevented him from reaching the front line outpost on Har Dov and kept him on a base near his home where he began reaching out to soldiers. The results: three became Lubavitchers, some soldiers became part of other religious groups, and others were strengthened in their Judaism in general. * In honor of Shavuos, the holiday that marks Kabbalas haTorah, we had a conversation with R Refael and his three Lubavitchers and discussed their life stories and thoughts, and the ups and downs that they experienced in their personal Kabbalas haTorah. * Part 1

24 4 Sivan 5772

By Nosson Avrohom

t was 5761. R Refael Shuval, a Lubavitcher Chassid and teacher from Tzfas, was called up for Reserve duty. It was a Shmita year and the lack of food with a proper hechsher is the reason the commanders decided to leave him behind on a rear military base and not have him join the rest of his comrades who went to Har Dov on the Lebanese border. The base that he was on was located next to the police station in Tzfas, only a few meters away from his home. The result of three weeks of service was a general strengthening of Judaism on base. Many men began putting on tfillin every day and eventually, three of them became Lubavitcher Chassidim: Yair Burstein of Tzfas, Nadav Frindlander of Haifa, and Shai Choresh of Netanya.

R Rafi Shuval on the right and R Yair Berstein on the left

aloNe, iN a terrorist aMBUsh

First, we wanted to hear Refaels story. He was born in Netanya and was given a government-religious education. His mother came from that sort of background while his father came from a more religious home. Co-education, which consisted of religious values along with a liberal attitude, confused me. When I graduated the religious Tachkemoni school and went to an irreligious high school, I was already antiJudaism. As far as values went, I knew the religious school was better, but from a religious perspective I found it very confusing. The classes were mixed and there was a shocking lack of tznius, and yet we had to

wear tzitzis and a kippa and they spoke about keeping Shabbos. When I went to the army, I was absolutely anti-religious. I believed that anyone who felt like it could call himself a rabbi and talk about lofty things. However, during my army service there were some instances in which I felt that I was reverting back to Judaism. The first time was when we visited the Meoras HaMachpeila before serving in Chevron. I was a young commander. I remember that I felt inexplicably inspired, an elevated feeling that is difficult to describe in words. The next time was when the Arabs set up an ambush for the jeep belonging to my unit. The ambush was prepared in a narrow alley with vehicles blocking both the entrance and the exit. The

The values we grew up with were intellectualism, intellectualism, and more intellectualism.

Arabs began throwing stones at the soldiers. I was called to go out there and extricate the soldiers. I sent the other soldiers who came along with me to hide under store awnings and I entered the alley, exposing myself to a volley of rocks. Window panes broke, but not one rock hit me. I clearly felt that Hashem was protecting me. Two UN teams that came to investigate were immediately stoned and they quickly fled. There was yet another incident that got me thinking. It was during my service in Rafiach. During Chanuka, a Chabad tank came to our post. We were in full body armor, and they just came as they were, fearlessly and with lots of simcha. I wondered what motivated them to come to Rafiach, to endanger themselves, in order to bring us joy.

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border. There they would replace a unit from which three soldiers had been kidnapped not long before. The problem was that it was a Shmita year and the commanders, despite their efforts, were unable to guarantee him kosher food with a superior hechsher. They suggested that Refael remain behind on the base in Tzfas to boost the base security. In any case, more than enough soldiers had shown up for the Reserves, more than had been anticipated. So Refael did his Reserve duty close to home. When I asked Refael how he ended up becoming a full time shliach, he said: When I realized that I was on an open base from where I could leave whenever I wanted, without passes and without the tension that characterizes serving on the border, I decided I would devote every minute to shlichus. There were two things that helped me. In my previous position in the army, I commanded a tough bunch of undisciplined soldiers. Every commander who started out with them opted to leave. Before I accepted the position, I decided not to order my subordinates to do things that annoyed me when I was a soldier. This approach sounded nave to some of the commanders but it worked beautifully. I had a good rapport with the soldiers, and instead of trying to outsmart me they cooperated and did whatever they were told to do. The other thing that helped me in shlichus was, when I was at the Chabad house in Sydney, before I left for home, one of the shluchim convinced me to go to yeshiva. I didnt want to go, but he kept urging me until I concluded that he was right.

HASHGACHA PRATIS AND MORTAR FIRE IN THE MILITARY SHUL

R Rafi Shuval has an amazing story of hashgacha pratis that has to do with his commanders decision to leave him on the base in Tzfas and not send him to the border: Two years after I stopped going to the base, we were sitting and farbrenging in the Heichal Levi Yitzchok shul in Kiryat Chabad in Tzfas. Suddenly, a religious fellow walked in. He said he was passing by, heard us singing and so decided to come in. Nobody knew him and I had never seen him before, nor did I see him again. He was not a resident of the neighborhood. As Chassidim are wont to do, we told miracle stories and stories of hashgacha pratis. The man sat there and listened, hanging on to our every word. He finally offered to tell a miracle story that he experienced during the Reserve duty he did in Lebanon. Everybody gave him their attention. He said that one Thursday, after two weeks of service, it was his turn to go home for Shabbos. He had prepared to leave when a state of emergency was announced and all soldiers were ordered to remain at their posts and could not go home. On Friday, many soldiers who had planned on spending Shabbos with their families, waited impatiently to see whether the alert would be canceled. It was finally canceled a few hours before Shabbos and yet he decided to leave anyway. He arrived home a minute before Shabbos. He realized what the miracle was on Sunday, when he returned to base. Hezbollah terrorists had locked in on the base where he was serving and some mortars had landed on the caravan that was used as a shul. The entire structure was full of shrapnel. He knew that if he had remained on base, he would certainly have spent the entire Shabbos in that caravan That is what the stranger told us. I was curious and began to question him. I asked when this incident had occurred and at which post. His answers made chills go down my spine. It was precisely the same post on Har Dov that I was supposed to be at Who knows what the Rebbe saved me from? I left the army a little less anti-religious than when I went in. A year and a half after I finished my army duty, I had a good job in high-tech, and a life that every discharged soldier dreams of, and yet I felt a sense of emptiness. I flew off to Australia because I felt that as long as I did not find peace of mind, I could not stop searching. In Sydney I met the shluchim, R Yitzchok Akselrod, R Sender Cohen, and R Reuven Kupchik. I enjoyed the atmosphere they created. I quickly became very involved and began learning with them, and then I realized that Judaism has plenty of depth. I understood that what I thought of as Judaism was only the tip of the iceberg. When I returned home to my parents in Netanya, I kept up my connection with Chabad through R Nesanel Dreyfus. Two years after I returned home, I became a Chassid and got married.

froM reserVe dUtY to a fUll tiMe shliaCh

In 5761, Refael was learning in kollel when he was called up for Reserve duty. He was supposed to stay with his unit for a day or two on the base in Tzfas, and after collecting the necessary equipment, they were to head for Har Dov, close to the Lebanese

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However, by that point he had stopped asking me. He decided that it was futile, and it ended up taking me more time until I took this step. Yet, I was convinced that if he had persisted, I would have implemented it much sooner. When I thought about this, I decided that when it came to mivtzaim, it would make no difference to me who he was and how stubborn he would be, I would never give up on anyone. I adopted these two approaches and they work well for me.

foUr straNGers Meet oN aN arMY Base

We asked to hear the stories of the other three men before they encountered R Shuval. We started with Yair Burstein who is a melamed in a Chabad school in Tzfas, and a shliach in yishuv Bnei Yehuda in the Golan Heights. Yair was born in Raanana. He moved with his family to Kfar Saba and Ariel and finally settled in moshav Neot Golan. In our home there was a lot of respect for tradition, but nothing more. The second soldier was Nadav Frindlander who lives in Haifa and is the accounting department director for the bakery chain Minchas HaAretz. He was born in the Neve Shaanan neighborhood in Haifa. I did not grow up in an anti-religious home but it wasnt particularly religious either. We had zero knowledge of Judaism. Neve Shaanan is known as an irreligious place where academics and people in nontraditional professions live. The values we grew up with were intellectualism, intellectualism, and more intellectualism. In my youth, I began feeling something
R Shai Choresh

I sent the other soldiers who came along with me to hide, while I entered the alley, exposing myself to a volley of rocks. Window panes broke, but not one rock hit me. I clearly felt that Hashem was protecting me. Two UN teams that came to investigate were immediately stoned and they quickly fled.
was lacking and took an interest in spirituality. I did not believe that true spirituality can be found within Judaism and I searched for it in Eastern religions. I read a lot about the East and found it interesting. I was drafted as a combat engineer. For the first time I met soldiers who were anti-religion. I became friends with the kibbutznikim in the group and heard harsh things about Judaism and religious people, and I adopted this perspective as my own. The year that I served was the year that Israel withdrew from Lebanon, a move I strongly supported. I was

During his army service

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what they call an ardent Leftist. I also believed that we had to get out of the so-called settlements right away. I felt I was serving a few crazies. Nobody understood why the settlers chose to spend their lives among thousands of hostile Arabs. In the middle of my army service I took an officers course but dropped out two weeks before it was over. After the fact, I know it was all divine providence so that I would end up at the base in Tzfas. Since I had taken a command level course, I was appointed as intelligence group commander on base. It was my responsibility to know the location of all explosives, to report on all unusual happenings, mines and fortifications. One of the attendant responsibilities of this position was oversight over the soldiers assigned to guard the base. In this position, I got to know Shai and Yair who were also guards. We spent entire nights together. Every now and then, they would send us reservists to beef up security and that is how R Shuval joined us. Every morning, he would circulate among the soldiers with tfillin. I refused him day after day. I felt respect for mysticism and spirituality, but not for religion. I would tell him, I dont need tfillin in order to be connected to G-d. Refael continued asking me until I gave in. I felt that I couldnt keep on refusing someone who went around with a smile and loved everyone. As soon as I put on tfillin, all the ice in me melted. The barriers fell and we began to talk and debate. Immediately afterward, we were together on long night watches during which we had lively discussions about the meaning of life and the role of a Jew in the world. The third soldier, Shai Choresh, works as a naturopath in a big health food store where he gives advice to customers. He was born in yishuv Mitzpeh Hila, where Gilad Shalit grew up. The yishuv is very Left leaning and anti-religious, but in our home there was in fact a little tradition. We observed the separation of milk and meat to the best of our knowledge, we believed in a Creator, and fasted on Yom Kippur. There is a shul now on the yishuv, following the wave of spiritual awakening that has taken place there. My father, who also became a baal tshuva, built the shul. Before I joined the army I traveled a lot. I wasnt a kid who learned. I left school before all my classmates. I worked half a year and spent the rest of the time traveling. I was in many countries in the East and even in Moslem countries like Indonesia, but never encountered Chabad. The first time I heard about Chabad was from a neighbor on our yishuv who said that in 5753 he had seen the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and his Chassidim are sure he is Moshiach. I had no idea what he was talking about. My first encounter with the Rebbe was in the army. In the guard booth I saw a picture of the Rebbe. I looked at it for a long time and thought how beautiful, what a shining face, what penetrating eyes. He must be someone very special. Until then, I did not know who the Rebbe is and what he looked like. I noticed R Shuval and asked him whether he had put up the picture. He smiled and admitted it was he. I saw he was surprised to hear how impressed I was by the picture and that is how our relationship began. Rafi (Refael): I remember that. On Sunday I showed up at the base and decided to begin by putting up a picture of the Rebbe at the entrance. When I walked in the next day, a soldier, Shai, asked me who I was and whether I had put up the picture. I thought he was going to lecture me about the law which says it is illegal to hang up anything in the booth of the base guard, but instead, he simply told me how impressed he was by the picture. By his appearance, he seemed connected to nothing, and yet, the picture of the Rebbe had impressed him.

heart to heart talKs iNto the NiGht

Irreligious people generally have many stereotypes and fears about religious Jews. How did you become friends? Yair: I became friendly with him because he spoke from the heart and he told me the truth. There are many people who talk to you and you feel that they are saying A but thinking B. I remember how one time, he took me aside for a conversation. My great love is music, and at that time I was very into hard rock. He explained to me how music has the power to influence the soul and if I listen to music written by a crazy gentile, it has an effect on me. He said this without sugarcoating it. Nadav: My connection with him began through tfillin, as I mentioned. It continued because although he was religious and had a hat and beard, he was a soldier like me, had served in the army and was now doing Reserve duty too. What complaint could I have against him? What really impressed me was that everything he said, he said from the heart. I saw he was a serious guy.

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Shai: I grew up in a place where we were taught to love everyone and not to judge people based on origin, nationality etc. except if you were talking about a religious Jew. I took it one step further. I even accepted someone if he was a Chabad Chassid. In my heart of hearts I always respected Judaism. Do you remember those conversations you had when you were on duty all night? Rafi: I was learning in kollel and I tried to come every day with an interesting sicha from the Rebbe. There are sichos in volumes one to four that are easy to understand, yet pack a powerful message. Our conversations were mostly about Judaism and faith, questions that bothered me before I became religious, and I knew the answers well. Questions in the Rebbes sichos have clear answers. Yair: Rafi spoke to us straight. I myself did not do tshuva because of intellectual reasons. I simply felt that the things he was saying were pure. He was very sincere and loved people, and he wanted to connect and befriend us. You could feel this in every conversation. That is what attracted me. I felt that beyond the nice words and the deep messages, he had a way of life that I wanted to know about and that, when the time came, I wanted to be a part of. He wasnt a rabbi and we werent his students; we were all friends. Nadav: I would talk to him a lot about G-d. Questions like, who says the connection with G-d can only be if I observe mitzvos? Or, who says that G-d is ours and doesnt belong to some other religion? The topic of shleimus haaretz came up a lot, with me taking the extreme Left position. Today, in hindsight, I

R Nadav Frindlander

During his army service

feel that G-d sent me the right person to influence me. Rafi is as straight as a ruler. He answered my questions clearly. There are lots of people whom I know who are hypocrites. If you were to debate them, they would come around to your view and the discussion would end peacefully. R Shuval was consistent. He would say, This is the truth, do you want it or not? He knew how to sell the truth in a way that made me feel that he was truly right. Shai: I was very involved in Eastern teachings. I was very drawn to them from when I was a young boy. When I toured the Far East at age 18, I researched it even more. When I went to the army and they placed me in Tzfas, the subject of mysticism became even more palpable. Tzfas is a mystical city. However, Judaism was missing from this whole process until I met R Shuval. In our talks together, we spoke a lot about Chassidus and supernal sfiros as explained in Tanya. One day, he brought me a Tanya and there, in chapter one, we learned about the four elements: fire, water, earth, wind.

I remembered that in Eastern religions, they speak of five elements and this is the difference between holiness and the other side. I suddenly began to understand that Judaism contains everything I was learning outside of it, and in a clearer fashion. I had never learned Torah before, and when I finally got it, I kept studying it until I believed that Torah is true and I was living a life of falsehood. It took three years until I translated this insight into action. R Shuval, what did you do so as not to turn them off? Rafi: I did everything without pressure. You can put tfillin on someone without pressuring him. Its important to maintain a decent appearance and to speak pleasantly, to show that you care. I once appeared at the guard post and saw they had forgotten to bring lunch to the soldier. First I went to get him lunch and only then did I suggest that he put on tfillin. As the Rebbe Rayatz says, do a material favor for a Jew and then a spiritual one. In our conversations, we spoke a lot about topics that preoccupied us. To be continued

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THE JEWISH SPARK THAT FOUND ITS WAY HOME

This is the story of a Gentile girl growing up in Germany who discovered she had a Jewish grandparent. * Hear her retell her fascinating journey towards conversion and then Chabad, following in the footsteps of Rus. * Presented for Shavuos.
By H. Ben Yishai

astoUNdiNG disCoVerY
I was born in a small German city to a Protestant family. I had a good childhood, good parents and a good family. Without knowing why, I felt close to G-d. I was drawn to recite Psalms and I loved anything spiritual. I was in the church choir, attended Bible class and taught children. My mother was a woman of faith and good character, with a positive outlook about everyone and everything. She raised us at home until we were of school age and then we received an excellent education. My father was involved in writing and publishing as the chief editor of one of the departments at the local newspaper. He loved doing kind deeds and often hired

foreign workers in order to help them. He was a special man with a very restless soul. He traveled a lot, going to India and Egypt, and he died suddenly at age 70. I was a shy and very introverted child. From a young age I felt different than others. I drew, wrote, played music, sang, and was involved in many social groups, and yet, I felt alone. My home wasnt religious at all and my four sisters and brother were not drawn to religion as I was. When I was five, we discovered that my paternal grandmother was Jewish. It seemed that my father himself did not know that he was Jewish until he grew up. His mother had converted and assimilated along with her thirteen brothers and sisters and denied her

Jewishness. This was common in Germany. My father lived through the Holocaust in a state of great frustration, since he had to deny his Jewishness and live without any Jewish identity. He did not want us to suffer as he did and so he did not tell us about his roots. But as young as I was, I was thrilled with the astonishing news. My Jewish grandmother died at the age of 95 in the peak of health. Its interesting that I, of all the grandchildren, had a different relationship with her and it wasnt positive. She was very critical of me. She considered me the black sheep and she caused me much suffering. At the same time, its extraordinary that upon my birth, she demanded that I be given a Jewish name, unlike the other

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children. I assume it came from a subconscious inner conflict she had about Judaism. My father was her only son among four daughters. He did not like to talk about his past. With wisdom and humor he tried hiding his roots. But I, with curiosity and persistence, managed to get some information from my aunts and grandmother (who were all blonde and of Aryan appearance) who had hidden in Denmark during the war.

CaNdle iN the CeMeterY

In my youth I felt an enormous need to dig into my roots, and driven by some inexplicable curiosity, I began researching what a Jew is. I did not include my parents in my search because I did not feel an inner bond with them. I told only one sister of mine. I looked in encyclopedias and avidly read any scrap of information about the Jewish people. What I discovered just spurred me on to find out more. I went to Frankfurt where I systematically looked through the telephone book for Jewish names, any shred of information that could guide me in my search of my roots. I found names and addresses of Jewish hospitals, cemeteries, and old age homes and began walking, due to lack of funds, to every location with a Jewish name. One Erev Shabbos, I arrived at a Jewish synagogue just as they were davening Kabbalas Shabbos. That inner urge compelled me to overcome my shyness and walk in. I did not want to stand out, but the men immediately noticed me and motioned to me to go to the womens section. I stood there hypnotized. I copied what they did: when they sat, I sat and

when they stood, I stood. I was moved to the depths of my soul as though I was in paradise. I couldnt restrain myself. I danced and sang. For the first time in my life I was inexplicably happy. Ill just mention here that I visited the same place two years ago and everything was just as it was then. That first wonderful Shabbos led to additional Shabbasos, which were important steps in my journey. I continued to go to shul on Shabbos and to church on Sundays. Everything having to do with Judaism excited me. I was drawn to anything with Hebrew letters. I lived a double life with a Bible in my bag all the time, which I read whenever I had a free moment. I had many questions. I asked them and received answers. At that time, I did not think of becoming Jewish. It was a spontaneous search that was driven directly by my subconscious. One time, I was looking out the window of a bus and saw a sign for the Jewish cemetery. I couldnt wait to go there. For some reason, I had the idea of lighting a candle there. At the first opportunity I got on my bicycle and rode over and lit a candle, but then I immediately left so people wouldnt think I was crazy. I began writing in a journal, maybe influenced by the diary of Anne Frank whom we all admired. Writing helped me develop. I wrote all kinds of thoughts, for example, what does G-d want of me. I spoke to Him freely.

aloNe oN the deCK

At 17 I began studying early childhood education in a seminary run by nuns. Although I tried hiding my interest in Judaism, I wasnt too successful

because it came up constantly. If we were doing crafts, I used Jewish motifs. Jewish symbols also came up in my drawings. Judaism appeared in my work like a point of light above Christianity which drew from it, and the image in black was me. The seminary was Catholic but free of religious requirements, and I was able to be excused from religion classes. I enjoyed the school and had good friends and good teachers. I always loved children and enjoyed working with them. After getting my teaching certificate, I got a job at a preschool in Paris. At nap time, I loved playing my guitar and singing to the children. I stood out in my work and got to know everybody, but unfortunately, I also discovered the dark side of people, the jealousy and the lack of being happy for others. The principal of the school was a hypocrite and everyone was afraid of her, including her husband and the neighbors. She was sweet and smiled at everyone, but she spoke about them behind their backs. I had a hard time getting along with her and she began badmouthing me behind my back too. One day, she called me to her office for a talk. I was afraid. I didnt know how to stand up to her. I went to the beach that night, alone, barefoot on the sand, and cried to G-d to help me. Then suddenly, I cant explain it, I heard a voice which said, Whats the problem? Leave it all and go to Israel. To me, Israel was only a concept, but the answer that burst forth from my soul liberated me. I went back to the dormitory happily and when I went to see her the following morning, I told her that I wanted to go to Israel. She said, Oh, if thats why youre

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left them feeling tremendously grateful and traveled to the kibbutz. I was sure I would find the answers to all my questions about Judaism, but when I arrived I found that the kibbutz wasnt at all religious. So I went to a nearby kibbutz for Shabbos where there was a synagogue for elderly men. I prayed with a kerchief because all the old ladies wore kerchiefs. They told me at the kibbutz that there is a family who knows everything about Judaism because they were religious in Russia. I went to them and felt I had come home. The husband and wife guided me, answered all my questions and taught me Shabbos songs. In the local paper they wrote about the German girl with a Chassidic soul. I sold my return boat ticket and determinedly learned Hebrew. I was content. I was 19, surrounded by guitars and youth from all over the world gentiles and Jews, and life was grand.

Port of Haifa in those years

acting this way, Ill give you an additional position. And things changed for the better. She gave me a bonus and I got the address of the Jewish Agency from her. I kept that paper in my wallet like a talisman. I felt I should go to Israel immediately. I decided to go to a kibbutz. I planned well for the next stage of my life. I tried to learn Hebrew and read up on Israel, especially about kibbutzim. I wrote to my parents, telling them I had to go to Israel. I asked them to arrange my paperwork at the Interior Ministry. They were opposed to my decision. Why should an 18 year old girl travel alone to a dangerous place, to the Middle East? They were unwilling to support me in this decision and so I looked for the cheapest way to get to Israel. I found a round trip boat ticket with a three month visa and I told my father about it. He actually went to the Jewish Agency and tried to cancel my ticket, but they told him that Israel is like Europe; it wasnt Egypt. There was nothing to be afraid about. My father did not forbid me to go; he just kept quiet.

Before leaving, I went to a Reform youth home in Frankfurt to attend a Seder. The principal, an Israeli named Uri, let me join together with my sister. I asked him to teach me a little Alef-Beis and he agreed, on condition that I help him out. I have a radio and speakers. Do me a favor. They wont check you. Take this to my sister in Israel. We made a deal: I would take the radio and he would teach me a little Hebrew. I boarded the ship with my little suitcase and the radio, without an address. I relied on G-d that all would be well. As we approached the port of Haifa, a storm kicked up. The ship could not anchor and was awash with sea water. Everybody fled below but I stayed alone on deck and was happy. We finally arrived in Haifa. Where should I go? All I had was the address for where to deliver the radio, Uris sisters house in Cholon. I was warmly welcomed. She spoke a little German and I stayed with them for two weeks. They did everything for me and arranged a place for me to stay at Kibbutz Ashdot Yaakov. I

BeCoMiNG a New PersoN

Then the Six-Day War broke out. All foreigners received orders from their parents to go home and my parents also begged me to get out. I was a good girl and didnt want to aggravate them, but I felt that I could not leave. I considered running to a cave in the Negev so the consul wouldnt send me to Germany. I decided to write to them about how conflicted I felt. I was very surprised by their response. My mother wrote, We didnt know how you felt. You are old enough. We want you to be happy and if you are happy there, then stay. We trust you. So I stayed on the kibbutz through the war. At first I was afraid of the war planes which I recognized from Holocaust

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movies. Whenever I went to the bomb shelter I took my Bible and my diary. At that point, I still did not think about conversion. I felt that my connection to the Jewish people was enough for me, but at a certain point they told me: If you want to pray and do mitzvos, you need to convert. The war made me think about death and what would happen if my life stopped at this point. It occurred to me that I wanted to die as a Jew and maybe this is what propelled me to convert. Things moved into high gear because the minute I made this decision, I felt an internal shift. I opened a conversion file in Tel Aviv and waited to move to the Ulpan on the religious kibbutz Beerot Yitzchak. In the meantime, I continued working on the kibbutz I was on, on the Jordanian border. Only a small river separates the enemy from the kibbutz. At the time, I oversaw a group working in the banana groves. Every morning, I drove a tractor with a flatbed that held twenty people on it to the banana grove where we worked until the heat became unbearable. We were surrounded by bombs and mines. I saw miracles. The biggest miracle took place two days after I left for the religious kibbutz. The tractor I had driven for more than a year hit a mine and everyone was killed. It was chilling to think about what would have happened to me if I had stayed another two days on the kibbutz. This open miracle strengthened my feeling that G-d wanted me to be here and was watching over me. At Beerot Yitzchok I was sent straight to the Ulpan. Nobody looked at me as a gentile. I studied Judaism in private lessons and everything went smoothly until the conversion.

When I told Rabbi Keller of Nahariya, an expert in kashrus, that I wanted to convert, he tried to dissuade me: What do you need it for? Its not worth it. Go back to Germany. Why are you here altogether? At the time, I didnt know he was doing his halachic duty since a potential convert needs to be pushed away at first to see whether they really want to convert. I wondered why he was being difficult when I acted as a Jew in every way and so badly wanted to be Jewish. When he pushed me off, I thought what will happen if I go back to Germany? This seemed out of the question for me. I felt that if I returned there, I would be destroying everything I had achieved thus far. Im talking

From the moment I converted, I felt like a new person. Everything about me changed. I acquired selfconfidence. Actually, the moment I began thinking about myself as a Jew, the change began. I felt I belonged, a feeling I was always searching for, because until then I wasnt sure what my identity was. Belonging to the Jewish people gave me a feeling of unshakeable emuna. I married a Jewish man when I was 22 and Baruch Hashem we have a family. Every year, I celebrate my conversion anniversary as I do my birthday, and I make a big party in my home. We also have a weekly Tanya class given by Rabbi HaNegbi which has been going on for fifteen years. We are very

The war made me think about death and what would happen if my life stopped at this point. It occurred to me that I wanted to die as a Jew and maybe this is what propelled me to convert.
particular about this weekly shiur because the Rebbe gave us a bracha for it.

about deep feelings that went way beyond cold intellect. There is just a deep feeling that pushes you towards what you need to do, even though you dont know what will result from it. What did I lack abroad? I had good parents, a nice life and no problems. But the thought that I belonged here propelled me forward. My parents werent exactly thrilled by my converting and tried to dissuade me, but I was determined and nothing could stand in my way. It wasnt an easy time for me, but as soon as I underwent conversion my soul was calmed. I was 21 and had finally crossed over into the most significant stage in my life.

the NeXt joUrNeY

We were married for several years and had children, and I was still thirsting to know more and more. I constantly sought shiurim, tfillos, to grab what I could. I discovered Machon Meir where I enjoyed the learning. The hashkafa classes there were based mainly on the writings of the Maharal and that was good, but I wanted more. I knew nothing about Chabad at the time and did not consider that there would be another journey in my life. Then one day, a girl from France came to us who, after
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seeing an ad in the newspaper, wanted to attend a Chabad class. I agreed to go with her but then it turned out to be scheduled at exactly the same time as the regular shiur at Machon Meir, so I declined. She begged me to come just once and I finally went with her. It was a shiur on the parsha given by Rabbi Deitsch. I loved it and was hooked. I had found the inner point, the core. Until then I hadnt heard about Chabad and the Rebbe, but my soul sensed that this was it. It belonged to the root of my neshama. There was something here that was not present in any other shiur I had heard before. It was an entire world and it won me over completely. Unlike other places where I went to listen to a shiur and remained an outsider, not even daring to ask questions, in Chabad I felt like an insider right away. You are one of us, part of the group. This definitely satisfied my deep need to belong within the world of Judaism and Torah. I began bringing Chassidus into my home. I did so slowly, patiently, quietly. At first it was very hard, especially with my husband who did not feel that sense of belonging to Chabad as I did, but identified strongly with his Sephardic roots. I knew that I had to be careful and I tried doing things in a peaceful way. I davened a lot and Hashem made miracles. My two daughters, who were born afterward, got into Chabad and helped me. Chassidus illuminated the way for me and helped me overcome all opposition and problems. I became acquainted with the Rebbe and brought him into my life. As was my way, I clung steadfastly to the Rebbe who is my exclusive guide in life. My husband finally got used to this. We both changed a lot. Chassidus changes your outlook on the world. Without it, I wouldnt have been able to hang on. Hashem is with me, at every step, through the Rebbe. so that my son would be fine. I got up and danced in the Ezras Nashim and brought myself to an elevated state of joy. When we went home, we found out that at the same time we had been dancing at the farbrengen, a double terrorist attack had taken place at Kikar Zion. My son was there with friends and had gone into a nearby store to wash his hands. The bomb went off and some of his friends were killed. Since his bag was there, he wanted to go and get it but the security forces did not allow him. Then the second bomb went off and he was saved once again! I saw how willing myself to be happy had helped save his life. Twice! This same son was saved later on from another attack during the Lebanon war six years ago. Katyushas were striking at the north and my son was working at a childrens institute in the Galil. We were abroad at the time. They evacuated the children to the south and the place was almost completely empty. That day, my son and a friend went to visit friends in the Galil in order to help them. Everyone had already left except for one person who did not want to leave his sheep. The boys went onto the porch of one of the houses to rest when suddenly they were woken up by a mighty explosion. A Katyusha landed on the roof and the entire house collapsed on them. The friend was injured and was covered in blood. My son miraculously sustained only superficial scratches. He crawled to the shelter and got help. They were all in shock. The friend eventually recovered and became a baal tshuva. Another miracle happened to me last winter. I hadnt traveled abroad for many years for reasons

PUBliCiZiNG MiraCles
Chassidus taught me to be happy. This positive energy spreads further and I see miracles. There is a connection between simcha, which sweetens judgment and breaks boundaries, and miracles, and so I try to always be happy and to make others happy. Although its not my nature, I work on it because I know how important it is to me and my surroundings. One of the first miracles occurred right after I converted. I started working in Yerushalayim as a counselor in an institution for children. One evening, I traveled by way of Bethlehem. I bought a drink at a kiosk and sat down on a bench to drink it. I finished it and got up to go and then heard a loud explosion that made everything shake. It turned out that a bomb had been detonated at a nearby gas station. The guard was killed. I was supposed to be there, I thought, but Hashem saved me once again. Years later, I was at a farbrengen with Rabbi Ayalon one Motzaei Shabbos in a hall. It was a very happy occasion, but my young son wasnt at home at the time and I felt worried about him. I felt that he was in danger and wanted to help him. I wondered how I could help him and thought: only simcha can help. I must be happy. Although I felt ridiculous, I resolved to overcome any unpleasant feelings and be happy

34 4 Sivan 5772

Chassidishe nachas. Pictures of grandchildren in costume

of kashrus etc., but I finally decided to make the trip since some of my children live there. Additionally, my mother and siblings had aged, and although since the conversion I did not feel a deep connection with them, I visited them as an act of kindness. Last winter, on Chanuka, I went to see my sick sister and my mother who was 93 (both have since died). I first visited my sister and then I traveled to my mother who lived in a little village in northern Germany. The flight started out okay but then it began to snow heavily. In Hamburg, where I landed, the trains were off-schedule. The first train somehow managed to get out, but the storm got stronger and when I reached the next city everything was closed and there was no transportation. The conductor told me: Im sorry maam, but there is no reason to get off the train since all the roads are closed and nothing is moving. I couldnt turn back because of the snow. I said to myself and to Hashem, I have to see my mother. She was an old woman and waiting for me. I just had to get to her! I had to return to Eretz Yisroel in two days. If you brought me here, you have to get me out of here!

Of course, I also davened to be happy, because I knew that if anything could extricate me from this situation, it was happiness. I cheered myself up with positive thoughts and I was happy. I talked to the Rebbe, which is something I often do, in addition to writing through the Igros Kodesh. Although it wasnt clear to me what I was going to do, I got off the train with my luggage and went to the train station. Everything was closed. A girl there said she was stuck for a few days already! It was freezing and I had no means of transportation, nor were there available bathrooms. I went to see whether there were any buses and I saw a bus there. I asked where it was going and the driver named the little town where my mother lived! It was astounding how, of all possible places, he was going to that small, out of the way place. We waited two hours for the next train and in the meantime I got on the bus with my suitcases and warmed up a bit. When the next train arrived, two people got off and we set out. Throughout this time, I strengthened myself with tfilla and simcha. I did not permit myself to succumb to anxious thoughts and I truly felt that the bus was traveling

especially for me. It was the last time I was there and was able to bring joy to my mother. Sadly, my connection with my Jewish relatives is weak. I tried to be mekarev the daughters of my Jewish aunts who live in Denmark, but have been unsuccessful thus far. I am a swimming instructor and try to influence others by being a good example. When I travel abroad I interact with Jewish passengers. On night flights there is usually a feeling of openness. People begin to talk and you can discuss mivtzaim and stories about the Rebbe. I was once reading Beis Moshiach on a flight and another passenger started a conversation with me that lasted for hours. Ill often say a prayer that Hashem help me sanctify His name and then try to reach out to those around me. I thank G-d for being with me throughout this journey, for granting me a husband and a religious family, Lubavitcher daughters, and of course, the Rebbe who sustains us. I did not merit seeing him before Gimmel Tammuz but I went afterward. I look at a picture of the Rebbe and talk to him. For me, he is alive as ever. The Rebbe is constantly with us, and this is reason enough to always be happy.

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FARBRENGEN

YOU COUNT! HERES WHY

By Rabbi Akiva Wagner

he following story was related by Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Schwartz who settled in Brazil on the advice of the Rebbe. It was first published in the Kfar Chabad several years ago.

the reBBe CaNt sleeP BeCaUse of YoU

One day, Rabbi Shwartz received a call from the parents of one of the children in the school that he ran, requesting a meeting. While this was a fairly common request, in this particular instance the anxiety in the voices on the phone indicated that this was no simple matter. He invited them to meet him in his home that evening. This does not concern our son, began the father, who is doing wonderfully in your school; rather, it is about our eldest daughter, who grew up here before you came. As you know, we are not scrupulously observant, but it is important to us that our children retain their identity as Jews. This is why we send our son to your school, despite the fact that your school is considerably more religious than we consider ourselves to be. To get to the point, our daughter has informed us that she has fallen in love with a non-Jew and that they intend to marry. We have tried everything to dissuade her, but our arguments, appeals,

threats and tears have all been to no avail. She now refuses to discuss the matter with us at all and has moved out of our home. Rabbi! You are our only hope! Perhaps you can reach her. Perhaps you can impress upon her the gravity of the betrayal of her people, her parents and her own identity by what she intends to do! Would she agree to meet with me? asked Rabbi Shwartz. If she knew that we had spoken to you, shed surely refuse, they replied. Then Ill go and speak to her on my own. He took down the address from her parents, and rang her bell that very evening. She was visibly annoyed to learn of the purpose of his visit, but she was too well-mannered not to invite him in. They spoke for several hours. She listened politely and promised to consider everything he said, but he came away with the feeling that little or nothing had been achieved. For several days Rabbi Shwartz pondered the matter, trying to think of what might possibly be done to prevent the loss of a Jewish soul rl. Then he remembered an avenue that he hadnt yet pursued the Rebbe. He called the Rebbes secretary, Rabbi Chadakov, related to him the entire affair, and asked for the Rebbes advice as to what

might be done. A few minutes later the phone rang. The Rebbe says to tell the young woman, said Rabbi Chadakov, that there is a Jew in Brooklyn who cannot sleep at night because she intends to marry a nonJew. The unexpected reply confused Rabbi Shwartz, and he didnt immediately grasp what Rabbi Chadakov was saying. Who is this Jew? he blurted out. Suddenly, he heard the Rebbes voice on the other extension saying: His name is Mendel Schneersohn. Rabbi Shwartz slowly returned the receiver to its cradle, more confused than ever. How could I possibly do what the Rebbe is suggesting? he wondered. Why, shell slam the door in my face! After agonizing all night, however, he decided to carry out the Rebbes instructions to the letter. After all, the fate of a Jewish soul was at stake, and what could he lose, other than his pride? Early the next morning, he was once again at her door. Listen, she said as soon as she spotted him, whom I marry is my own affair, and no one elses. I respect rabbis and men of faith, so I heard you out the last time, when I should have shown you the door. But now, please go away and stop bothering me.

36 4 Sivan 5772

There is one more thing I need to say to you, he said urgently. Then say it, and go. There is a Jew in Brooklyn who cannot sleep at night because you intend to marry a non-Jew. Thats what you came to tell me?! she said, incredulous, and proceeded to close the door. Midway she stopped. Who is this Jew? she asked, suddenly. A great Jewish leader, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe, he replied. The Rebbe is greatly concerned about the material and spiritual wellbeing of every Jew, and agonizes over every soul that is lost to its people. What does he look like? Do you have a picture of him? Shocked by her unexpected question, he answered her: I should have a picture somewhere. Ill go and get it for you. Surprisingly, she didnt object, and nodded in assent. He rushed home and nearly turned the house upside down in search of a photograph of the Rebbe. Finally, he discovered one in a desk drawer, and hurried back to the young womans apartment with it. She took one look at the Rebbes likeness and her face turned pale. Yes, its him, she whispered in amazement. Noticing his astonishment, she explained: All week long this man has been appearing in my dreams and imploring me not to abandon my people. I told myself that I was conjuring up an image of a Jewish sage and putting those words in his mouth as a reaction to what you and my parents have been saying to me. But no, it was not my imagination. I have never

met this man in my life, seen a picture of him, or even heard of him. But this is he this is the man I have been seeing in my dreams! There are many powerful arguments that can be used to deter a person from such a drastic and tragic step as intermarriage rl; in this story, however, the Rebbe took a unique approach. His message to her was: You make a difference! Although the Rebbe is the leader of the entire Jewish nation, of millions of people, and there are myriads of organizations worldwide that are overseen by him, nonetheless he said to this woman you, as an individual, are important to the Rebbe. Sometimes, it is the mere realization of the impact of ones

even one iota, and rather stem from, his complete personal concern and care for each and every single individual. Its a message that is so very telling to each and every one of us: Lubavitch is not only about multimillion dollar undertakings with worldwide influence, but it is about every single maaseh, dibbur and machshava performed by every and any man, woman or child. Its about recognizing the magnitude of every single individual deed. Although the Rebbe was directly involved with so many large scale projects, his (perhaps most oft-repeated) slogan was the quote of the Rambam about how one act or speech or thought by one person tips the scale for the entire universe.

An askan arrives in a city and is immediately concerned with changing the world. The shliach, in contrast, is focused on that one neshama that he can return to its source.
To be sure, the Rebbes goal was, and is, to change the world. But he never allowed himself or us to forget the fact that this is achieved by changing ourselves. A Chassid once said to the Rebbe L chaim far Lubavitch. To which the Rebbe responded: Lubavitch ken zich alein an eitza gebben, zog L chaim far zich! (Lubavitch can take care of itself; say, rather, L chaim for yourself).

actions, which can help them reassess and appreciate the true gravity of their decision. The Rebbe feels this impact, and this was the message that he conveyed to the woman.

the shliaCh aNd the asKaN

The Rebbe once explained the difference between a shliach and an askan: An askan arrives in a city and is immediately concerned with changing the world. The shliach, in contrast, is focused on that one neshama that he can return to its source. Indeed, in this respect, the Rebbe is the quintessential shliach. The countless global projects that he is involved with do not detract

eVerY iNdiVidUal CoUNts

This week we begin a new seifer in Chumash, Chumash BaMidbar, that is also known as Chumash HaPekudim the Chumash of Counting (thats right, the commonly used translation of the book of
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FARBRENGEN
Numbers is not accurate; the correct translation of Pekudim is counting, not numbers). What is so special about the act of counting the Jewish people, to the point of naming a Chumash after this event? What was the necessity or significance of counting Yidden in the first place? The Rebbe often repeated the explanation that this counting gave Bnei Yisroel the status of a davar shbminyan which can never become battul. If you buy a bushel of apples, one apple more or less wont necessarily make a difference; you arent buying a specific number of apples, but rather a whole bunch, and one more or less wont affect that. But if you buy a dozen eggs, each and every egg is essential for them to be a dozen; eleven or 13 arent a dozen. And that holds true even if youre buying 500 dozen; if you only get 5,999 eggs then you didnt get 500 dozen (whew, thank G-d for my calculator). A davar shbminyan means a group in which you dont just see the aggregate, but a group in which every individual element has its inherent value and importance. A davar shbminyan is a group in which no matter how large the general group may be every single individual counts. And this is the theme of Seifer BaMidbar: every single individual counts. The total may be 600,000, it may be 3,000,000. You may feel yourself as an unimportant statistic. But the Torah tells us otherwise; Moshe Rabbeinu indicated otherwise. From the perspective of the Eibeshter, whose connection with and interest in us cannot be measured by physical standards, every single one of us counts, and counts equally! This is the central point of Chag HaShavuos, Zman Mattan Toraseinu, as well. When we consider the solar system, with all of its heavenly bodies and vast amount of space, our little planet is an insignificant speck of matter that can hardly be considered of any importance. Now consider the entire universe, with infinite galaxies and planets; from this vantage point the world as we know it is too insignificant to even be called insignificant. And thats merely on the physical plane. When we further consider that the entire physical existence as we know it is nothing more than the tail-end of an intricate seder hishtalshlus that is dwarfed by the ongoing chain of spiritual worlds that precede it, rising higher and higher to eternity, then the happenings of even our entire universe, let alone our measly planet, and especially a small portion thereof, are the epitome of inconsequential. Yet, on Shavuos the Eibeshter Himself descended with all of His hordes and hosts of angels and declared to us: YOU COUNT! He indicated to us that He desires a dwelling place specifically on this lowly, negligible, insignificant spot in His vast creation. And He wants it to be effected by the conduct of these lowly, unimportant beings these insignificant specks of humanity. That is to say: you and I! Because to Him we count! And everything that we do, say, or even think counts! And this realization itself can and must induce us to pay more attention to our behavior. It is sometimes easy to throw great effort into a massive program with wide-reaching consequences. We cant underestimate the importance of hundreds of tfillin, thousands of tzitzis, multitudes of Jews reached by a given endeavor. But, it can be hard to recognize and accept that I, too, count. As important as it is to change the world, it is as important to impact the Olam Katan zeh haadam. To figure out what I can do about my own learning, how to increase a shiur in nigleh and chassidus, and how to take steps to better my own behavior. On Shabbos BaMidbar, according to the directives of the Rebbe, we focus especially on Achdus. And there are ambitious plans to initiate new programs that will promote achdus amongst Chassidim, or even amongst world Jewry. But here too, we must remember that I too count. Its not enough to bring about global unity; its a good idea for me (and you) to start getting along with someone with whom I had difficulty getting along with in the past. Its a time that I should take a step towards improving and refining my character traits that define my relationship with others. Because on BaMidbar, we are each told: In this great nation, and in this massive universe: YOU COUNT! L chaim! As the Eibeshter is again surely counting us (since HaYamim HaEilu Nizkarim VeNaasim), he is surely simultaneously counting our tears, our sighs, as well as our limitless hope and stubborn faith, and surely the count will tip the scale and bring about the immediate and actual hisgalus of Moshiach Tzidkeinu Teikef Umiyad Mamash!!!
From a written farbrengen directed towards Alumni of Yeshivas Lubavitch Toronto

38 4 Sivan 5772

vIeWPoInt

HUMBLE PRIDE
By Rabbi Yisroel Harpaz

A young man came to his rabbi looking for a wife. The rabbi arranged for the young man to meet several fine young women as potential matches, but he was not satisfied. In each of the women he immediately found a fault that made her undesirable. I think you need to focus on becoming more humble, the rabbi counseled the young lad. Perhaps then you will be more ready to find your match. So the young man engrossed himself in concentrated learning and prayer in order to become more humble. After several months, he came back to the rabbi for potential matches. The rabbi immediately suggested one of the young women that the young man had previously rejected. The young man was taken aback. If she wasnt good enough for me before, how could she be good enough for me now that I have become so humble!? If we pay attention, the natural world can teach us the most profound lessons in life. Look at the earth at your feet (you might have to go outside for this one). The dust of the earth is perhaps the lowliest element within all of creation. It is hardly

valued. It is trampled on, taken for granted, and altogether disregarded, especially in our increasingly urbanized existence. But one thing is for certain: The earth is the source of life. Everything that lives depends on the nurturing power of the earth to feed it. This is the way humility operates. On the one hand, it is the subjugation of the ego by the spirit, a feeling of intense meekness betrayed by an unassuming nature. On the other hand, humility is, in a more metaphysical sense, the source of all life. Through humility we can truly love, because only a love stemming from humility can be truly unconditional. Through humility we can experience pure joy without the egos interference. With humility as the foundation, the recognition that everything comes from Above, the individual can appreciate life and accomplish more with the gifts that she or he is given. This is, perhaps, the greatest challenge of attaining humility. To admit your greatness without letting it get to your head. Because its easy to ignore who you are, and assume the identity of some alter ego that is more humble, or, alternatively, to deny the importance of being humble altogether and coast through

life completely self-absorbed. In both cases, you miss the point. The challenge is to be yourself and to be humble; to recognize that you are unique (just like everyone else) and acknowledge the Source of that uniqueness. Then the greatness you have is not just a privilege that you can exploit as you see fit, but a responsibility a mission that is uniquely yours to fulfill. This is why the Torah was given on Mount Sinai, the lowest of mountains. The Torah is, among other things, the tool with which we unite the spirit and the matter of our lives. The starting point of this quest must be humility: You are a mountain of an individual, but because your special stature comes from Above, you are a small mountain but a mountain nonetheless. And it is humility that allows us to appreciate the true nature of our qualities and talents, and those of others, and utilize them for their proper purpose. Reproduced with permission from Exodus Magazine

TO BRING MOSHIACH NOW!

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ADD IN ACTS OF GOODNESS & KINDNESS

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stoRIes

THE WHITE NIGHTS

OF SHLICHUS
on shavuos night, people are awake at times when the streets are usually empty and the world is still resting from the days activities. the shluchim are often as active at night as they are during the day. they dont have set times for when they are open and closed. * stories of shluchim working at night.
By Rabbi Yaakov Shmuelevitz Shliach, Beit Shaan

aN eNtire NiGht to CoNQUer Mt. CherMoN

Rabbi Yitzchok Lifsh, shliach in Tzfas, told me about a similar incident that took place about 25 years ago. The Rebbe had announced the mivtza of printing Tanya in every possible place, and R Lifsh went with a group of Chassidim to print the Tanya at the military post in the Chermon. Rabbi Bentzion Cohen came from Kfar Chabad in a big van that had the printing apparatus and I joined him together with Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Jacobowitz. Late at night we arrived at the military post near the lower cable car station. We got electricity via an extension cord from the military post and we began printing. The printing machine was old and dilapidated, causing it to occasionally stop working, needing to be adjusted and to have parts changed. This was in the middle of the winter and it was freezing at the Chermon. Every few minutes we took turns going into the heated military bunker to thaw out our frozen limbs so we could continue working. The work continued into the night when the brigade commander showed up. He noticed unusual activity taking place in the middle of the night and he came to check out what was going on near the fence

Please say Thillim for Yaakov Aryeh ben Rochel for a refua shleima. On Shavuos, the custom is to stay awake all night and recite the Tikkun Leil Shavuos and learn Torah. Perhaps this is a taste of messianic times when the night will shine like the day and He makes an end to darkness, when we will be able to learn Torah and do mitzvos all night. In this weeks column, I present stories about shluchim who get involved in activities that continue through the night and sometimes several days and nights. Nearly every shliach can tell about situations like that, some of which were planned such as the work that needs to be done before Yomim Tovim and sometimes a one-time event, such as a house call that went through the night. Sometimes, it involves distributing mishloach

manos in the army camps, when the work begins with the break of day. Generally, this greatly impresses the soldier who stands alone at his post and suddenly, at six in the morning, he sees a car drive up with a Lubavitcher who has mishloach manos for him. He will never forget that. Another example is the shliach who gives out Shabbos pamphlets to neighboring kibbutzim every Thursday night. Sometimes, he is invited to a wedding on Thursday night which entails a two hour drive from his city and a two hour drive back. He gets home after the wedding at one in the morning and first starts folding the pages and heading out to the kibbutzim. That impresses the guard at the entrance to the kibbutz who excitedly tells his friends about the Chabadnik who showed up in the middle of the night.

40 4 Sivan 5772

of the military post. We explained to him that this was an instruction from the Lubavitcher Rebbe to conquer the Chermon with the power of Torah and the wellsprings of Chassidus. He heard us out and expressed his amazement over the dedication of Chassidim who leave their warm homes to labor out there, near the Chermon, to print a Tanya as per the Rebbes orders. If you need to conquer the Chermon, he said, there is a better place to do it. I will take you to the highest post that commands the entire mountain, the Israeli Chermon post that is located directly opposite the Syrian Chermon post and we will print the Tanya there! That will be a complete conquest! We went in a convoy behind the commander and got right up to the dangerous border and continued printing. Here too, the machine continued giving us trouble. Sometimes, too much ink came out and we had to slow down the printing. Dawn had broken and we were still printing. It was first noontime when we had about a thousand copies of the Tanya. After eighteen consecutive hours, including a night without sleep, we had conquered the Chermon.

the taNYa Got rid of the aVoda Zara

R Lifsh also related: On another occasion, we went to print the Tanya in Mitzpeh Hararit, a small yishuv near Akko. At the time, it was a center for idol worship, meditation and other negative things. A young couple, Motti Katzir and his wife, lived on the yishuv. They took

an interest in Judaism and asked that the printing of the Tanya take place in their yard. Rabbi Bentzion Cohen, Betzalel Kupchik and I went to the yishuv and began printing. As usual, the machine kept breaking down and it took us all night. At some point, we noticed that someone was watching us through the shutters of the house next door. Every time we glanced at the other house, the person closed the shutter. We decided not to look directly at the house, but occasionally we peeked and saw a man standing there. He remained there all night watching us. We later found out that an irreligious man who was a descendent of the Alter Rebbe lived there. When he heard that a Tanya would be printed in his yishuv, he felt personally

implicated. He subsequently told Motti Katzir that he was so excited that he couldnt sleep that night and he watched us print the book of his grandfathers grandfather. We saw the enormous spiritual impact of the printing of the Tanya on the yishuv not long afterward. Three weeks after the printing, the yishuv officially declared that it was getting rid of all idol-worshiping activity and the yishuv was open to anyone who wanted to live there. By the way, Motti and his wife are now pillars of the Chabad community in Tzfas.

wheN the NiGht shiNes as the daY

Although R Yair Calev lives in Kfar Chabad, his shlichus (nearly) every night is carried
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out in a wide variety of locations where he is mekarev numerous people to Torah and mitzvos. R Calev lectures, farbrengs, sings and plays the guitar, night after night, for hours into the night, with dozens and sometimes hundreds of people riveted to his songs, stories and divrei Torah. His lectures are popular all over the country. Not surprisingly, he travels every night to a different location in Eretz Yisroel and abroad. R Calev relates: I was invited to a farbrengen at a Chabad house in the US. Dozens of people showed up to the farbrengen, which went on until after midnight. I noticed an Israeli, a businessman and mekurav of the Chabad house, who sat and cried the entire time. After the official part of the farbrengen was over, only a few of the shliachs closest friends remained; friends from Kvutza who serve as shluchim in Omsk Siberia, Basel Switzerland, Dusseldorf Germany, and the man who cried. The small group farbrenged until dawn, and the Israeli mekurav was an enthusiastic participant. The next day, this Israeli gave the shliach a five figure donation, a huge sum relative to the mans means and relative to the usual donations that the Chabad house receives. story to share with our readers, he referred me to some young Tankistin. I wasnt disappointed. What follows is a selection of stories from the Tankistin: R Moshe Nachshon, Dovids son, was in the IDF during the Second Lebanon War. After a few days of fighting, he was given some time off which he used to work on the mitzva tanks that operated around the clock at that time, visiting soldiers the length of the Lebanese border. With the help of his cell phone, he was able to join a mitzva tank that was operating near the combat zone. On the tank were his father and the shliach Rabbi Moshe Asman who had come from the Ukraine. Moshe showed up in uniform, got on the tank and joined their outreach work. At a certain point, we arrived at a yishuv near the Lebanese border. The entire yishuv was empty due to the dangerous situation. Maybe six laypeople remained, who were responsible for security and infrastructure, along with many soldiers who guarded the yishuv in all directions. When we entered the yishuv, it was a few minutes before sunset. We managed to put tfillin on with some soldiers. Then came a warning about the infiltration of terrorists and the entire area was closed to traffic. Nobody could come or go. Since that was the case, we on the tank decided to make a farbrengen to celebrate my fathers birthday. The soldiers came on the tank, lchaims were poured, and the farbrengen began. Then two men came into the tank, residents of the area (out of the six who had remained), and realized they were in the midst of a farbrengen. One of them exclaimed, I dont believe it! A Chabad tank! 25 years ago, I ran after this tank and shouted and sang the 12 Psukim that the Chassid on the tank taught us. He said to my father, I have just one request. Bless me that my daughter will also run after a tank and sing the 12 Psukim. The atmosphere on the tank warmed up, the Rebbes bracha was felt in the atmosphere, and R Asman announced that he would donate money so they could buy another tank. And that was just the beginning ... The farbrengen lasted deep into the night and then some more soldiers came in. They said that because of the terrorist infiltration, they could not bring food to many soldiers who were in lookout towers throughout the area. We have a jeep full of food, but the driver did not show up because all the roads are closed. They could not believe their ears when Moshe Nachshon, in his army uniform, got up and said, I am a military driver and I will give out the food to the soldiers. They considered this an open miracle that they would find a driver, in the middle of the night, with a military pass, who could save the soldiers from starving.

taNKistiN who doNt sleeP

Rabbi Dovid Nachshon, director of the Chabad Mobile Mitzva Tanks in Eretz Yisroel, chuckled when I asked him for a story about white nights. You want a story?! This happens all the time. Nearly all our tanks are active most of the day and most of the night. When I urged him to pick a

all of raMat GaN iN a farBreNGeN throUGh the NiGht

Another Tankist, Shlomo Margolis, reminisced about an unusual nighttime activity: It was Yud Shevat of two years ago and the tank was operating in Ramat Gan. The shliach there, R Motti Gal, asked us to host a farbrengen on the tank while it traveled around the city, for the purpose of including the entire city in a farbrengen.

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We did as he asked and the traveling farbrengen lasted until three in the morning. We finally arrived at the police station where there were a few policemen on duty, and we included them in our unique farbrengen. At a certain point, R Dovid Nachshon, who had just returned from some other outreach work, joined us. The farbrengen got a new surge of energy and lasted until it was time for the morning Shma.

Yeshivat tt"l Chabad Shomron

Surrounded by a breathtaking mountain view. Breathing clean country air. The perfect place for your sons to learn next year! Permeated with Chasishkeit and Yiras Shemayim. The yeshiva ketana of Immanuel in the Shomron- Shiur Aleph and Beis. Which will open Bezras Hashem for the next academic year- 5773. At the yeshiva your son will find: A professional educational staff- experienced and dedicated. Individual attention to each student. Learning on a high academic level. Individual help and tutoring at each students pace. Rich Chassidishe experience and atmosphere. Extracurricular activities to renew kochos for learning. Campaigns to promote hiskashrus and chasidishkeit with prizes

Yeshiva with a Vision

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MiraCles that haPPeN oNlY iN the Middle of the NiGht

Yisroel Bukovza, a dynamic Tankist relates: There was a dinner in Tel Aviv in support of the tanks. All the tanks were to show up the night before, fully cleaned, at the Ganei Taarucha, for the exhibit and visits by donors and guests. The night before the dinner, we cut our work short and by midnight we had arrived at Elad where our tank would be thoroughly cleaned. While I was driving out of Elad, I heard an explosion. The right tire had blown out. We began looking for someone to help us change the tire. We called some repair people, but they said the vehicle was not running properly and the repair would cost many hundreds of shekels. While we wondered what to do, a huge tanker truck passed by that was transporting flour to one of the bakeries. A driver with a small car volunteered to chase after the truck and ask for help. The driver of the truck, a Russian fellow, was happy to help. He said, It is almost Yom Kippur and I am happy to do a mitzva. He turned his truck around, came back to the tank, took out a repair kit and within twenty minutes the tank was ready at the Ganei Taarucha. We also worked around the clock on Independence Day. We parked in the national park in Ramat Gan and thousands of celebrants came on the tank, bought sfarim, said psukim, put on tfillin, said brachos, etc. Between two and three in the morning, we saw a young man call out to his wife: Heres a Chabad tank; we must go on. They came on board, saw a video of the Rebbe, wrote to the Rebbe through the Igros Kodesh, and got into a discussion about Chabad and Chabad education. The woman said firmly, I can tell you that when my children get older, they will definitely go only to Chabad schools. A good resolution made at three in the morning.

All of the above is under the close supervision and guidance of an expert educational specialist with an M.A. degree who is also a member of the Chabad community in Immanuel (English speaking). In addition the staff will receive guidance and counsel from the spiritual board including Chabad rabanim and mashpiim. Also! A pleasant dwelling broadens a persons mind First class accommodations New building with modern equipment Large and luxurious zal Varied and plentiful meals For details and registration: 054-6489459
Attention: Since the yeshiva administration has taken upon itself the goal of giving individual attention to each student, the number of places is necessarily limited!

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PARshA ThOuGhT

THE CENSUS TRIUMVIRATE

By Rabbi Heschel Greenberg

whY three CeNsUs taKers?

This weeks parsha, BaMidbar, discusses the census of the Jewish people in the desert that was taken by Moses, Aaron and the Nasi/leader of each of the twelve tribes. In the Torahs own words: Take the sum of the entire congregation of the children of IsraelYou and Aaron should count them there should be with you a person from each tribe, one who is head of his fathers house. The Torah then proceeds to list the heads of the twelve tribes who were to accompany Moses and Aaron for the census. Why was it necessary for Moses to have others with him in fulfilling his task? If three people were enoughdespite the enormity of the taskthen one or two could have sufficed as well.

purpose of the census was to empower them to withstand the pressures of living in a desert. These 600,000 plus Jews, we are told, were general souls that encompassed within them the souls of all subsequent generations of Jews. The census thus helped to illuminate Jewish souls by unlocking the spiritual energy of all future generations. And since this census occurred when the Jewish people were in the desertas the Torah underscores in the very beginning of this parshait follows that it applies specifically to the period of galus/exile which is likened to a desert.

two iNtertwiNed NaMes

Indeed, the fourth book of Torah has been given two names: BaMidbar/In the Desert and Chumash HaPekudim/the Book of Counting. These two names reflect an intrinsic connection between these two themes. Being in a desertliterally and figurativelyrequires special energy to enable us to cope with its hostile environment. The desert that the Jews traversed is described in the Torah in most foreboding terms: Great and fearful desert (Dvarim 1:19); Who led you through that great and awesome desert, where there were snakes, serpents and scorpions, and thirst but no

water. (Dvarim 8:15) These descriptions aptly describe the horrible physical and spiritual conditions of life in exile. According to the great Kabbalist, the Ari, our generationthe one the Rebbe has repeatedly designated as the last generation of exile and the first of Redemptionis a reincarnation of the generation of the desert. It follows then that the details of the census of the Jews in the desert has a direct and powerful message to our generation in particular. The three census takers represent three forms of positive energy that were generated and channeled to us. And these three forms of energy are especially relevant to our generation, as we stand on the threshold of the final Redemption.

reVealiNG their taleNts

In truth, the counting of the Jewish nation in the desert was not an ordinary census. Counting them was intended to bring out their hidden talents. The fact that it was done in the desertand the Torah makes a point of stressing that it was in the desertindicates that the

Moses: seeiNG the world throUGh G-ds PrisM

Moses was G-ds foremost representative to the Jewish people and indeed to the entire world. Moses brought the Torah down from Mount Sinai and introduced it to us; this is the event that recurs every year during the upcoming Festival of Shavuos. Moses reality is primarily a Torah reality, which means that he sees things from

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G-ds perspective. Moses involvement in conducting the census empowered us to see things from G-ds perspective. Whenever we study Torah we get a glimpse into that Divine mindset. This is particularly so with respect to the study of the inner dimension of Torah revealed by the Baal Shem Tov (whose passing coincides with Shavuos), which focuses on G-d, His attributes and His relationship to our world. When we see things through the prism of TorahG-ds prismit helps us weather the stormy events of exile. Torah provides us with a radically different and sanguine way of viewing life. No wonder King David (whose passing also coincides with the upcoming Festival of Shavuos) speaks in his book of Thillim, especially Psalm 119, of how the Torah saved him during his periods of distress. The entire universe is inconsequential when compared to one small detail of Torah. Torah is the celestial song that drowns out all of the static caused by exile. Torah neutralizes all the spiritual snakes and scorpions that threaten our well being.

dampen our spirits and cool off the ardor we have for anything spiritual. We will not be receptive to Moses giving us the Torah, which enables us to see things from G-ds perspective, if our senses are numbed. Aaron wakes us up and inspires us to bring out the best in ourselves. Aaron, even more than Moses, was able to unite the people, because he was able to touch them and reveal their true love for one another just as he was able to arouse their souls passion for G-d.

triBal leaders: reVealiNG oUr iNdiVidUalitY

To make the census complete and enable it to unleash our full potential to cope with exile and

them into a deeper form of exile. While an individual must learn to subordinate his or her own private interests to the needs of the community, one must also first have an individual identity which one can then subordinate and surrender. To be a nothing and a nobody leaves you without anything to contribute. Just as a pauper cannot contribute financially, so a spiritually impoverished individual has nothing to offer. The role of the leaders of each of the tribes was to inspire each member of their tribe with the beauty and importance of the individuals role and talent. A person who lacks identity and personal achievement will be a depressed person, just as a person who is entirely self-

When we see things through the prism of Torah it helps us weather the stormy events of exile. Torah provides us with a radically different and sanguine way of viewing life. Torah is the celestial song that drowns out all of the static caused by exile.
centered cannot be a truly happy person. True and complete joy derives from the combined realization of the unique importance of every individual in the scheme of Creation and, and the necessity for each of us to strive to surrender our egos to a higher cause.

aaroN: iGNitiNG the sParKs

To complement Moses contribution to the census, Aaron, the second census taker, was the ultimate representative of the Jewish people. Aaron was their patron and confidant. Aaron was a man of the people. And it was Aaron, who was charged with the responsibility to light the Menorah; it is he who inspires us to ignite our own inner flame and passion for all that is holy and good. Exile has the facility to

to ultimately break out of the exile referred to as the desert of nations we also need the third census takers, the leaders of each of the twelve tribes. As much as Moses and Aaron deal with the Jewish people on a national level, it is crucial that each tribe and segment of the nation appreciate its own individualistic talents and contributions towards our liberation from galus. If a Jew only appreciates his or her role as a member of a collective entity and loses his or her individuality, he or she will look for other avenues and outlets for self-expression. But such an attitude will only get

the three PoiNters

To counter the effects of exile and thereby usher in the Age of Redemption we must be mindful of three objectives: We must not allow ourselves to be constrained by conventional thought processes. We must through Torah study, especially the teachings of the Torah
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concerning Moshiach and Redemptionendeavor to reorient the way we see the entire world. We must gain a view from on high; a panoramic view of all of existence. That birdseye view, in and of itself, is a redemptive experience, because we are free from seeing things narrowly and myopically. It is therefore the means through which we introduce the energies of Moshiach. This is Moses contribution in the census. We must also incorporate the Aaron doctrine of igniting the spark and passion of our souls and of the souls of each and every Jew with whom we have contact. Unity in and of itselfa product of Aarons inspiration is a precursor and catalyst for Redemption. In addition, Aarons lighting of our souls will liberate them from their imprisonment in the desensitized environment of both the external and internal forms of exile. We must also liberate our own individual talents that distinguish us from everyone else, with the proviso, of course, that it does not lead to an inflated ego and a divisive mindset. Succeeding in this leader of the tribes census dynamic enables us to liberate that unique purpose for which we, as individuals, were sent into this world. Torah belongs to one group of Jews or another. This reflects the contribution of the individual tribal leaders, who connect their constituents as individuals with the Torah. Without these tribal leaders, the Jew might feel a connection to Torah as part of a large impersonal and amorphous conglomeration, rather than as an individual. The desert component of Torah underscores the relationship that every Jew has, as an individual, with the totality of Torah.

torah: water, fire aNd desert

The Midrash, commenting on this weeks parsha that highlights the desert, discusses the three salient characteristics associated with the giving of Torah. The Torah was given with (or in) three items: water, fire and in the desert. It may be suggested that these three components of Torah correspond to the three census takers. Moses, the Torah tells us, was brought out of the water. For that reason, Pharaohs daughter named him Moshe. And just as water flows downward, so did Moses bring us G-ds wisdom from on high, down to our world. And just as water symbolizes humilityfor it flows down to lower placesso too was Moses the most humble person on the face of the earth. Aaron lit the menorah. Aaron is associated with love, passion and fire. Aaron succeeded in inspiring us to rise to higher places, as fire flickers upwards. The desert, as the Midrash observes, belongs to no one. It is hefker, free for all. This implies that nobody can claim that the

all of the aBoVe!

Moshiach, as the ultimate leader, who will liberate us from all aspects of exile, embodies all three qualities of Moses, Aaron and the tribal leaders. Moshiach must be steeped in the Torah and indeed possesses the soul of Moses. Moshiach must also be the one to inspire the Jewish people and gather them together with feelings of love and unity; the role of Aaron. And finally, Moshiach must also know how to cultivate the individual talents of every Jew and cherish his or her individual contribution. And, indeed, Moshiachs greatest contribution is that he gets us to achieve all of these qualities.

46 4 Sivan 5772

cRossRoaDs

A CHANCE TO CLEAN UP THEIR ACT

the declaration of this new left-right regime may be the very thing to keep us from falling into the abyss. no one can claim anymore that this is a right-wing government. It is now obvious to all that the policies of this two-faced government are dangerous.
By Sholom Ber Crombie Translated by Michoel Leib Dobry

Just two weeks ago, all the right-wing political forces in Eretz Yisroel were busy making preparations for an upcoming national election. They momentarily forgot the very troublesome situation in Givat HaUlpana and Migron, two settlements with a sword of expulsion at their throats, along with other far more urgent matters facing the country that required their attention in the coming months. However, the political reality in Eretz Yisroel turned everything upside down. It turns out that what was urgent yesterday is no less important today. The right-wing politicians once again found themselves occupied with the pressing question of how to prevent the destruction of Jewish neighborhoods and settlements throughout Yehuda and Shomron. In effect, nothing has changed. Over a period of more than three years, all the responsibility for whats

happening beyond the Green Line has been in the hands of someone with strong left-wing positions, e.g., we have to give away 98% of these territories to the terrorists rl. As a result, he imposed a ban on settlement construction in Yehuda and Shomron, sending his soldiers to destroy the homes of Jewish families in the middle of the night. Therefore, no one should expect any real changes in the situation, especially now when theres a new government minister who has an even more extreme left-wing ideology than Netanyahu. However, this new political bombshell has created a much more difficult reality. It would seem that this plays right into the hands of those who want to cause further destruction. If the Knesset Members faithful to Eretz Yisroel had previously said that this is a right-wing regime, at least for appearances sake, the formation of this national unity government has buried that claim, once and for all. However, the declaration of

this new left-right regime may be the very thing to keep us from falling into the abyss. Theyve constantly been telling us that this is a Likud government and we must not topple it under any circumstances, otherwise it will be replaced by a left-wing Kadima government. Today, this excuse no longer applies. No one can claim now that this is a right-wing government and that we cant demonstrate against Netanyahu, lest we bring him down. This new reality allows for the enlistment of wide support, enabling us to speak out with a much clearer voice against government policies. Since they no longer have to stand behind calls to strengthen the prime ministers position in the government, they can now say explicitly that the policies of this two-headed government are dangerous.

we MUst CoNtiNUe to BriNG UNitY to oUr raNKs

However, there have already been some benefits from the abortive attempt to call new elections. As the smell of elections permeated the air during these past few weeks, we watched as all the right-wing political parties in the Knesset sought to join forces and achieve the best possible results in the upcoming campaign. There were also serious, albeit unsuccessful, efforts to unite these parties into a technical right-wing bloc;

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the discussions on unity have already made an impact. We also saw the splintering of several political factions, creating real concern that each of the rightwing parties may eventually run separately. Nevertheless, there was an overall feeling that the consolidation of these political forces would achieve greater cooperation in reaching their shared objective. We have to make good use of this consolidation of political power in the countrys dayto-day activities until the next elections. The general public must demand unity from its politicians, in whatever form that can bring success toward reaching our common goals. The parliamentary representatives of Eretz Yisroel need to remember that they were not sent to the Knesset to deal with their own personal interests; they must nobly advance the far greater cause of protecting the People and the Land of Israel. Therefore, despite the differences of opinion, we must do everything possible to attain maximum cooperation among all these political forces to prevent further deterioration of the integrity of the Jewish People and the Jewish homeland in Eretz Yisroel, as we advance the truly most important issues. During the current parliamentary term, we have persistently seen how cooperation among Knesset Members from parties across the political spectrum can produce positive results. We must now hope that such results can be achieved in Givat HaUlpana, if the Knesset passes the proposed legislation legalizing Jewish outposts in Yehuda and Shomron, as sponsored by four different parties. HaMoshiach, on this issue, we realize that this is something that can significantly change the whole struggle for a truly Jewish homeland in Eretz Yisroel. It can put an end to many of the constant squabbles that pervade this country today. The Rebbe never gave up in his demand for a united technical bloc, even after writing numerous letters on the matter without any concrete response. He never relented as he persistently called for unity among the religious politicians in order to win the battle for the People and the Land of Israel. The false alarm that sounded here in recent weeks has reminded us that there is much work for us to do and the responsibility is upon our shoulders. The religious politicians have received another year and a half to get themselves organized for the next Knesset election. We hope and pray that they will use this opportunity to achieve true unity, and we should thereby merit that the next prime minister will be Moshiach Tzidkeinu, immediately mamash.

waNted: UNitY aCross the Board

Until the elections for the Nineteenth Knesset, which will apparently take place at the time prescribed by law (Cheshvan 5774), we must continue to strive for the unification of all the religious parties in one technical bloc, running as a joint list of candidates. If we take a good look at the number of letters written by the Rebbe, Melech

Continued from page 50 and mashgiach, R Zalman Hoditcher (Levitin) and asked for a tikkun (rectification). The Chassidishe mashpia did not treat this as minor and said that for something like this it would be good to learn by heart

a number of chapters of Tanya. Not just I, but my friends too, envied him for his genuine yiras Shamayim. I stopped going to learn with R Eliyahu Chaim when I became sick with typhus. As I recall, Yoske remained the last talmid at that time. In those days, I was

also impressed by R Eliyahu Chaims greatness, how even when starving and without being paid he continued to sit and learn with the last talmid who went to him. That is how the first Talmud Torah of the Lubavitcher Chassidim in Samarkand came to an end.

TO BRING MOSHIACH NOW!

48 4 Sivan 5772

ADD IN ACTS OF GOODNESS & KINDNESS

MeMoIRs

THE RISE AND FALL OF THE FIRST CHEIDER IN SAMARKAND

this chapter goes back to the early period in samarkand. of course, there was no yeshiva yet, but they tried to start a yeshivale for children. * the legendary chassid and mashpia, R eliyahu chaim Roitblatt serves devotedly as a melamed during the days of starvation. * heishkes friend, Yoske Reitzes, gives some of his bread to the melameds only son, shmerel.
By Rabbi Yehoshua Dubrawski ah

stories to still the hUNGer

As was typical of those days, we learned in the melameds house. In a corner was a rickety Uzbeki cradle where his son Shmerel lay. He often lay there and cried to express how, nebach, hungry he was. Near the wall that supported the ceiling lay his wife, most of the time, on something that was supposed to be a bed. She moaned from time to time. I dont remember how long we learned with R Eliyahu Chaim. Nor do I remember how many talmidim we were at the height of enrollment. I think we were about twelve, certainly not more than that. Those tzaros, diseases, and starvation which slowly stole away R Eliyahu Chaims salary, also took his students, and rather quickly too. I remember that the last two talmidim were Yosef Reitzes (Yoske) and me. Yoske was my friend, not so much in learning (oy, my learning at that time) but after we learned. He was my close friend at a time when this was very necessary. I remember that we would stroll about the streets and alleyways of the old city of Samarkand and I would tell him a long story in installments. Till today, I dont understand from where I got those imaginative episodes about the adventures of (dont laugh) someone by the name of Ilai, which greatly interested my friend Yoske. I too would get caught up in the

teaCher of GeNeratioNs of ChildreN

Samarkand was a city of refuge for most of the Lubavitcher refugees in Russia during World War II. In the winter of 1941, there were already a large number of Lubavitcher families from Moscow, Leningrad, Charkov and other cities. As such, there were a number of religious children of those who had learned in Tomchei Tmimim between the ages of 12-14. Some Chassidim decided that they had to do something so that these children would be taught Gemara daily by a G-d fearing and effectual melamed. There was no better or more Chassidic melamed than the one that was chosen (nor could there be). He was the renowned Chassid and most outstanding teacher of young children in Soviet Russia, R Eliyahu Chaim Roitblatt zl.

Most of the young Lubavitcher boys of that generation (and later generations) were his students. He was an incomparably great yerei Shamayim and a deeply devout and devoted Chassid. I have already mentioned him in earlier chapters but it is worthwhile writing about this Chassidishe mashpia a bit more at length. The organizers of the yeshiva (I remember the name of one of the activists involved: R Yosef Goldberg) decided on a paltry salary for R Eliyahu Chaim, but within a short time they could not manage to pay one cent of even this meager sum since most of the parent body, who were refugees, were destitute. They were not able to find work in Samarkand for their sustenance and very few of them brought money with them. They did not even have the small amount they needed to pay for the pseudo apartments they lived in.

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MeMoIRs

R Yosef Reitzes

R Eliyahu Chaim Roitblatt

R Yosef Goldberg

imaginary events that distracted me a little from the tortuous hunger. Speaking of my dear friend Yoske, I cannot refrain from telling you about some glowing moments during those dark days; a ray of light that shone forth from my friend Yoske. I know he is not very pleased (or not pleased at all) by my talking about him, but I will do so anyway.

he GaVe of his Bread to the Poor

In those days, most of the Lubavitcher Chassidim starved, some more and some less. Our rebbi, R Eliyahu Chaim, was, nebach, in a state of constant starvation, and he had a sick wife and a hungry little boy too. I dont know whether any of the young Lubavitchers helped this dear Jew; I believe there was surely one such person or maybe more. What I do know is, for I saw this myself, my friend Yoske from time to time would go to R Eliyahu Chaim, take out a piece of bread or lepyashka (flat Uzbeki bread) from under his tattered clothing, and wordlessly hand it to R Eliyahu Chaim. It

usually was a respectable enough piece that people at that time would swallow whole with their eyes if they could. It is hard for me to forget the expression on R Eliyahu Chaims face when he took the piece of bread. He had a sort of lopsided smile which was unusual, and he mumbled something. One time, I caught the words, a meal that is insufficient for its owner, but Yoske protested, No, no! Its good, its good! And R Eliyahu Chaim took the bread. One time, I remember, he immediately brought the bread to his son. I was amazed at the time, since Yoske himself was far from being sated. It is possible that his talented sisters managed to get a little more bread than other families. I am certain that Yoske had to take the bread quietly, secretively. Today, boruch Hashem, it is hard to fathom the greatness of this enormous act of chesed in that time of deprivation.

a lUBaVitCher BoY asKs for a tiKKUN

Speaking of Yosef Reitzes, it is hard not to mention the

yiras Shamayim of this real Lubavitcher Chassidishe bachur of 15-16. One time, my friend Yoske came to me very upset. What happened? He said in an agitated voice that he had stumbled in a matter involving meat and milk. In other words, several hours after eating meat, he ate dairy, and when he realized this he became ois mentch (inconsolable). He tried all possible methods to get himself to vomit what he ate, but they did not help and he consulted with us about how to get the dairy out of his body. We could not help him. Some time later, I met him in a better mood. He told me that he had finally succeeded in his efforts. He shoved certain things in his mouth, which cannot be mentioned at the table, until he vomited what was apparently not only the dairy but also the meat. I dont want to get into what he did in order to uproot the meat and milk until he was successful. Yoske was pleased by the happy ending, but still felt regret. So he then went to our mashpia Continued on page 48

50 4 Sivan 5772