LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Korach, 5757 B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT KORACH Sivan 29, 5757 July 4, 1997 SPECIAL FEATURE: Gimel Tamuz * Published Weekly By Lubavitch Shluchim Conferences On The Moshiach Campaign, Committee For The Blind * * * 5757 ********************************************* * VISIT US ON THE WEB, AT: * * http://www.moshiach.net/blind * *===========================================* * TO RECEIVE THIS PUBLICATION VIA INTERNET: * * E-Mail: yys@dorsai.org * *===========================================* * FOR CHABAD-LUBAVITCH IN CYBERSPACE: * * E-Mail: info@chabad.org * ********************************************* THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED TO THE REBBE, RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON OF LUBAVITCH "I BELIEVE WITH COMPLETE FAITH IN THE ARRIVAL OF THE MOSHIACH. AND THOUGH HE MAY TARRY, I SHALL WAIT EACH DAY, ANTICIPATING HIS ARRIVAL." Maimonides, Principles of the Faith, No. 12 ********************* * TABLE OF CONTENTS * ********************* * Introduction * The Rebbe Is The "Head" * The Rebbe's Prophecy * Learn the Rebbe's Teachings * A Meeting with the Rebbe * Gimel Tamuz * Nothing By Chance * The Sun Stands Still * Living With The Rebbe Today! * Miracles and Mathematics * It Happened Once * The Weekly Shabbat Calendar * Laws of Shabbat Candle Lighting for the Blind * Shabbat Candle Lighting Blessing **************** * INTRODUCTION * **************** We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach. * This week's issue focuses on Gimel Tamuz, the 3rd of Tamuz, Tuesday, July 8. * Our sincere appreciation to L'Chaim weekly publication, published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, for allowing us to use their material. * It is our fervent hope that our learning about Moshiach and the Redemption will hasten the coming of Moshiach, NOW! Rabbi Yosef Y. Shagalov Administrator Committee for the Blind E-Mail: yys@dorsai.org 18 Sivan, 5757 Brooklyn, New York ***************************************** * THE REBBE IS THE "HEAD" * * Translated from a letter of the Rebbe * ***************************************** Gimel Tamuz, 5710/1950 . . . Many are seeking an explanation of the characteristic greatness of the Chabad leaders in general, and the leader of our generation, my father-in-law, of blessed memory, in particular, in terms of the following designations: A man of great self-sacrifice, a gaon [great Torah scholar], a baal midot [man of sterling character], a tzaddik, a possessor of ruach hakodesh [divine inspiration], able to perform miracles, etc., etc. These praises gain even greater significance as they are defined by the teachings of chasidic philosophy. Yet in all this, the main point is absent. Furthermore (and this is essentially the main point), the Rebbe's special greatness is by virtue of his unique relationship with us, his congregation of chasidim, and with those who are connected to him. And this is because he is the nasi--the leader of Chabad. For in general, the nasi is called "the head of the community of Israel": in relation to them, he is their "head" and "brain"; it is through him that they derive their vitality. By attaching themselves to the nasi, they connect and become united with their Source above. There are several types of nesi'im: those whose influence is in the sphere of penimiyut [inwardness], and those whose influence is in the realm of makif [surrounding]. Within these distinctions are further divisions: those whose primary effect was in the realm of the revealed Torah, or the esoteric part of the Torah, or in both together; those who taught a path in Divine service and in Chasidus; those whose influence extended into the material realm, etc. There are also those who combined several of the above attributes, or even all of them. Chabad leaders up until the present time, from the Alter Rebbe to my father-in-law, have included all of the above characteristics and distinctions: Their influence was both internal and external, in Torah, Divine service and good deeds, in both the spiritual and material realms. Consequently, their connection to those who belonged to them extended to all 613 limbs of the body and soul. Each and every one of us should know--meaning that he should study and fix in his mind--that the Rebbe is the nasi and the "head," it is from him and through him that everything both physical and spiritual flows, and it is through connecting oneself with him ([the Rebbe] has already indicated in his letters how to do this) [1] that one connects and unites oneself with one's source, and the [Divine] Source of sources, ever higher and higher. __________ 1. By studying his talks and by following his directives - Living With Moshiach, Vol. 12. See also below "Living With The Rebbe Today!" Ed. ************************ * THE REBBE'S PROPHECY * ************************ The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of Lubavitch, issued a call that "THE TIME OF OUR REDEMPTION HAS ARRIVED!" and "MOSHIACH IS ON HIS WAY!" The Rebbe stressed that he is saying this AS A PROPHECY, and asks us all to prepare ourselves for the Redemption, through increasing acts of goodness and kindness. LET US ALL HEED THE REBBE'S CALL. ********************************************* * IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR GRANDPARENTS, * * * * Reb Shmuel Pesach Ben Reb Yaakov Dovid * * Passed away on 3 Tishrei, 5755 * * * * Mrs. Fraidel Chedvah Bas Reb Zev Wolf * * Passed away on 4 Adar II, 5755 * * Pais * ********************************************* ******************************* * LEARN THE REBBE'S TEACHINGS * ******************************* The Rebbe taught that a true connection to the Rebbe comes through studying the Rebbe's teachings. Dozens of the Rebbe's works are available in English. You can log onto the Rebbe's teachings on the Internet at web address http://www.chabad.org. And, of course, continue to read Living With Moshiach, and share it with friends. ************************************************** * A MEETING WITH THE REBBE * * With College students from Hillel Foundations, * * 7 Adar, 5720 (March 6, 1960), * * Edited by the Rebbe * ************************************************** This year has special significance, being the 200th anniversary of the histalkus of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of general Chasidism. The word "histalkus" does not mean death in the sense of coming to an end, but rather an elevation from one level to another on a higher plane. When one has accomplished his mission in life, he is elevated to a higher plane. The significance of this for us is that everyone can now lift himself to a higher level by studying the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov and taking an example from his life. From the very beginning, one of the first things the Baal Shem Tov did was to teach small children simple things such as blessings and to explain to them how they could be near to G-d Alm-ghty--that G-d was very real for them and close to them and not far-removed in some "seventh heaven." He worked not only with teenagers but even with six-and seven-year-old children, making them understand how G-d Alm-ghty watches over them all the time--not only Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, but all the days of their life, and that by obeying G-d's will they would be assured of a happy and harmonious life, materially and spiritually. The epoch of the Baal Shem Tov came after the Chmielnetzky pogroms, which left the Jews in a state of dejection and despair. It was the aim of the Baal Shem Tov to encourage the Jews and to show them how they could meet the problems of their day while living a life of Torah and mitzvot. Our present age is similar in many ways to the time of the Baal Shem Tov. One-third of the Jewish population has perished under Hitler and has been cut off from us. How great, then, is the obligation that lies upon each and every one of us to do as much as is within his power to spread the light of Torah and mitzvot in his own surroundings and throughout the world in general. Q: WHAT IS THE VIEW OF CHASIDUS CONCERNING AN AFTER-LIFE? A: As was explained earlier, death is not a cessation of life, but rather, one's spiritual life takes on a new dimension or is, as we said, elevated to a higher plane. This is logical and follows also from the principles of science which are considered to be the "absolute truth." In science, the principle of the conservation of matter states that nothing physical can be annihilated. This table or a piece of iron can be cut up, burned etc., but in no case could the matter of the table or the iron be destroyed. It only takes on a different form. So, likewise, on the spiritual level, our spiritual being--the soul--can never be destroyed. It only changes its form, or is elevated to a different plane. Q: IS THE AFTER-LIFE OF A SOUL PERSONAL OR IMPERSONAL? A: In conjunction with what was said before, the soul takes on a new and higher form. In this, the term "after-life" is inappropriate. Rather, it is a continuation of life. Until 120, life is experienced at one level, and at 121, 122 and 123, etc. it is carried on at another level, and thus we go higher and higher in the realm of the spirit. Q: WHAT IS THE ROLE THAT THE BAAL SHEM TOV PLAYED IN THE CHASIDIC MOVEMENT. A: We can understand what the Baal Shem Tov did by the simile of the relationship of an electric power house with a lamp that is connected to it by a wire. In order to light his lamp, he must find the right switch, or push the correct button. The soul of every Jew is a part of and connected with G-d Alm-ghty, but in order that one can enjoy the great benefits of it, the correct switch must be found for the proper button to pushed. It was the Baal Shem Tov's mission to explain and proclaim that every Jew without exception is connected with "the power house," and every one of them has a switch in his innermost, that will be found if searched for. So also every one of us in our own work in strengthening Judaism, must try to find the switch in the soul of every Jew. One can never know what will make the connection, perhaps one word. But by this, you open up the well or inner fountain of his soul. Q: WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF A REBBE? A: As was said earlier, to find the switch in every Jew and help him become connected with the power house. *************** * GIMEL TAMUZ * *************** This date itself, while ingrained in the minds of Lubavitcher chasidim around the globe, has significance for all Jews and, indeed the entire world population. Although we have not seen the Rebbe with our physical eyes since Gimel Tamuz three years ago, his presence in the lives of his hundreds of thousands of chasidim and millions of admirers is evident. And the Rebbe's involvement in the thousands of institutions he established, and the hundreds of institutions set up since Gimel Tamuz three years ago, is palpable. Gimel Tamuz, Tuesday, July 8, is the third day in the Hebrew month of Tamuz. The number three has much significance in Jewish teachings. Our Sages teach that the world stands on three pillars: Torah study, prayer, and acts of kindness. In addition, they teach that the tzaddik is the foundation of the entire world. What has been the thrust of the Rebbe, the foundation of the world, in his over four decades of leadership? As is well known to our readers, since the Rebbe's acceptance of the mantle of leadership HE STATED CLEARLY THE PURPOSE OF OUR GENERATION, the seventh generation (since the inception of Chabad Chasidism), IS TO BRING THE REDEMPTION. And since then, the Rebbe has elucidated how we can accomplish this in a threefold campaign: through Torah study, prayer, and acts of kindness: Our Torah study should be increased in all areas of Jewish knowledge in general, chasidic philosophy in particular, and specifically those matters found everywhere in Jewish teachings that deal with Moshiach and the Redemption. Our prayers should be suffused with heartfelt requests of G-d to bring the Redemption, crying out "How much longer?" and even to the point of demanding the Redemption (as explained by the Chofetz Chaim). Lastly, through love of our fellow Jew in general and even simple acts of kindness and good deeds, we can prepare ourselves for the Redemption and hasten its inception. May we be together with the Rebbe this year on Gimel Tamuz, not just "feeling" his presence but actually seeing the Rebbe, a soul in a physical body, leading us to the Holy Land and ushering in the complete and eternal Redemption. ********************* * NOTHING BY CHANCE * ********************* According to Jewish thought, especially as elucidated in the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, nothing in this world happens by chance, everything--even the movement of a blade of grass--is governed by Divine Providence. Additionally, a tzaddik, a wholly righteous person, has Divine powers of insight and far-reaching vision that allow him to see that which is unseen or not yet visible to the untrained eye. What can we glean from the Rebbe's very own thoughts on Gimel Tamuz? In the book Hayom Yom ("From Day To Day," which the Rebbe compiled on the instructions of his father-in-law from the teachings of the previous Rebbes), the quote the Rebbe included for Gimel Tamuz, 5703/1943, reads: "A Jewish groan that, G-d forbid, arises from physical misfortune, is also a great repentance; how much more so, then, is a groan arising from spiritual distress, a lofty and effective repentance. The groan pulls him out of the depths of evil and places him on a firm footing in the realm of good." The Rebbe was assuring us, even then, that our groans resulting from that date, rather than paralyzing us, would ultimately point us in the right direction and inspire us to rededicate ourselves to the Rebbe's goal of bringing the revelation of Moshiach and the Redemption. In a letter dated Gimel Tamuz, 5710/1950, five months after the passing of the Previous Rebbe, the Rebbe described what a Rebbe is (see above "The Rebbe Is The "Head"," for a translation from the original Hebrew). On Gimel Tamuz, 5751/1991--the last time the Rebbe spoke on that date until we are once more reunited--the Rebbe discussed two historical events that occurred on Gimel Tamuz: The more recent event was in 5687/1927, when the Previous Rebbe was released from Soviet prison and exiled to Kostrama for three years. Before his release to internal exile he had been sentenced to death. Thousands of years earlier, Gimel Tamuz was the day on which Joshua beseeched G-d to allow the sun to stand still in the sky so as to be able to continue the Jewish people's battle against the enemy and be victorious. The Rebbe notes, in the talk of six years ago, that both of these events were miracles, but miracles that occurred within the realm of nature rather than totally outside of nature. The Rebbe connects these points to an event in the weekly Torah portion of that year, which was the portion of Korach. In Korach we read of G-d's command to Moses to take the staffs of princes of the 12 tribes, including that of Aaron the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), and to place them overnight in the Tent of Meeting. The staff that is rejuvenated, G-d informs Moses, will be the one belonging to the family that rightfully serves as priests. This miracle, G-d assures Moses, will surely end the complaints of the Jewish people against Moses and Aaron. Aaron's staff sprouted, blossomed and even bore fruit. And the staff became an eternal sign to the Jewish people of the validity of the priesthood being with Aaron and his descendants. As we imminently await the Rebbe's rejuvenation, may we all sincerely attempt to implement the Rebbe's call to ALL men, women and children of our generation to "DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO BRING MOSHIACH IN ACTUALITY!" and to fulfill our last communal mission in this pre-Redemption world, "TO PREPARE OURSELVES AND THE ENTIRE WORLD TO GREET OUR RIGHTEOUS MOSHIACH!" ************************ * THE SUN STANDS STILL * ************************ The third of Tamuz is a day destined for monumental events. The first time the third of Tamuz "made headlines" was over 3,000 years ago. During Joshua's battle in Gibeon he commanded the sun to stand still until the Jewish people were successful in the fight against their enemies. In the Book of Joshua we read: "Then Joshua spoke to the L-rd... and he said in the sight of Israel, 'Sun, stand still upon Gibeon; and moon, in the valley of Ayalon.' And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies... So the sun stood still in the middle of the sky, and hastened not to go down a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the L-rd hearkened to the voice of a man; for the L-rd fought for Israel." The third of Tamuz is also the date, many years later, when the Previous Rebbe was released from imprisonment in Communist Russia to go into exile for three years. The Rebbe, quoting the Talmudic statement, "Auspicious things come to pass on an opportune day...," explains that as Joshua's command to the sun to stand still and the Previous Rebbe's release from imprisonment took place on the same day, albeit years apart, there must be a connection between the two events. Thus, it is certain that there must be a connection between the third of Tamuz in Joshua's time and the third of Tamuz three years ago, the day of the passing of the Rebbe. On the third of Tamuz in Joshua's time, the sun remained in its place until it had fulfilled its mission: to unceasingly illuminate the world until the Jewish people had achieved victory. In the first ma'amar (Chasidic discourse) said by the Rebbe, on Yud [2] Shevat, 5711/1951, the Rebbe defined his mission as the seventh Chabad Rebbe, the leader of the seventh generation: "...This is what is demanded of each of us in the seventh generation--because 'All those who are the seventh are beloved'... Our divine mission is to complete the revelation of G-d's presence into its most exalted aspect specifically into this lowly world." Simply stated, the mission of the Rebbe and of our generation is to bring about the actual revelation of Moshiach and the commencement of the Messianic Era. It is far from coincidental that the Rebbe's passing was on the third of Tamuz. The Rebbe, like the sun, remains at his post, guiding us with his brilliant light, warming us with his wisdom, until we achieve victory in the final battle against the darkness of exile. _______________ 2. On this day the Rebbe officially accepted the mantle of Chabad-Lubavitch leadership, becoming the 7th Rebbe in the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty. ******************************** * LIVING WITH THE REBBE TODAY! * ******************************** The Rebbe's followers, admirers, even people who have had only casual interaction with the Rebbe, are still "living with the Rebbe," following his directives, turning to him for advice, asking for his blessings. How is this being done? Studying the Rebbe's teachings is one of the most important and basic ways to live with the Rebbe. The Rebbe often quoted the Previous Rebbe's letters, which explain that a true connection with the Rebbe is attained only by studying the teachings of the Rebbe. The Rebbe clarified, though: "Most certainly the Rebbe is a tzaddik who bestows blessings; G-d surely fulfills his blessings to the utmost, to each and every individual, according to his need. Specifically, the Rebbe holds each person by the hand and guides him; one must only be careful not to involve his own will in the matter." Just two months after the Previous Rebbe's passing, the Rebbe wrote the following to someone: "You worry that now one cannot ask the Rebbe when he is in doubt how he should conduct himself. If you stand strong in your connection to him . . . and send your questions to the Rebbe's ohel [gravesite], the Rebbe will find a way to answer." Some people fax letters to the ohel (718-723-4444), some come from near or far to go personally. Others ask one of the Rebbe's secretaries to read the letter at the ohel. Another way people "live with the Rebbe" is by placing a letter to the Rebbe in any of the nearly 100 volumes of the Rebbe's Torah teachings or correspondence. This is, in fact, what chasidim of previous generations did when they were unable to correspond with their Rebbe in the conventional way. There's a modern twist, though. Today we have 24 volumes of Igros Kodesh--letters written by the Rebbe to private individuals over the past 50 years. As they are letters to private individuals--and the Rebbe "custom makes" the advice to fit the soul--there are different answers to similar questions. For instance, to one person who asks the Rebbe if he should move, the Rebbe answers "yes." To another person the Rebbe's answer is "no." After writing to the Rebbe, one opens the book "at random" and the advice in that letter is one's answer. And we haven't heard of a case yet when one sincerely asks the Rebbe advice in this manner that there hasn't been an answer. How are these answers, blessings, and guidance possible? Again, let's turn to the Rebbe directly for an explanation: "In answer to your question, when people came to the Rebbe for a blessing they did so not because of the superiority of his physical body, but because of the superiority of his soul. Death only pertains to the physical body, for the soul is eternal, especially the soul of a tzaddik to whom purgatory and punishment have no relevance. The passing of a tzaddik is merely a departure, an ascent to a higher plane, and therefore cannot be termed 'death,' as is explained in the Zohar." **************************** * MIRACLES AND MATHEMATICS * **************************** We have seen, beyond a doubt, that the Rebbe, a true shepherd, continues to guide and direct in areas both large and small. In the two years since the Third of Tamuz, many people have written to the Rebbe. After "randomly" inserting the letter into one of the many volumes of the Rebbe's letters ("Igros Kodesh"), they have read the letters on that page and found their answer--often startlingly to the point. * Dr. Yaakov Reich, a highly regarded university professor in the field of mathematics, who has published several articles in distinguished academic journals, seems an unusual person to talk of miracles. But Dr. Reich, who is also a chasid, cherishes his ongoing relationship with the Rebbe, which impacts not only his spiritual life, but also his day-to-day decisions. "During a short visit to Jerusalem in the summer of 1995, my daughter and I were awakened suddenly by a frightening blast, followed by the sounds of ambulances and helicopters. A suicide bomber had just exploded two buses a few hundred yards from where we were staying. There were several dead and wounded. After we overcame our initial shock, I turned to my daughter, who had planned to stay in Israel for the upcoming school year. 'This is it. You are coming back home with me!' "'Abba,' my daughter reminded me, 'before coming here, I received very clear direction from the Rebbe to come. Why don't we ask the Rebbe again?' "I agreed and she wrote a letter which she randomly slipped into volume 18 of the Rebbe's letters (known as Igros Kodesh). She opened the book, where her note lay, and read: 'Do not fear. The eyes of G-d are on the Land of Israel from the beginning of the year until the end of the year.' "Needless to say, my daughter stayed in Israel. I appreciated the clarity of direction and thanked G-d for that. But this answer meant even more to me. It was an absolute assurance from the Rebbe that I had nothing to fear. So, in spite of the tragic events of that year, I did not worry about my daughter's safety." Dr. Reich continues with another example of the Rebbe's continual involvement in his life. "A prior incident involves a business deal that I was unsure I should conclude. I wrote to the Rebbe. The letter to which I 'happened' to open was addressed to someone with the exact same first and last name as the person about whom I was writing! I immediately went ahead with the deal. "Recently a friend of ours called from Paris for advice. Should she come to New York to meet a young man who had been suggested to her as a possible match? I told her, 'Why don't you ask the Rebbe?' and I explained to her about receiving answers from the Rebbe through the Igros Kodesh. She asked me to write on her behalf as she does not have any of the Rebbe's letters and also does not know Hebrew. "Together we composed a letter to the Rebbe, after which I placed it into a volume of the Rebbe's letters. The letter was nestled in a page containing an answer from the Rebbe addressed to a woman in Paris. The Rebbe commenced the letter by giving his blessing to meet 'the young man.' Then the Rebbe gave specific instructions to the mother who had some marital problems. (Our friend acknowledged that her parents had been having problems in their relationship, and the Rebbe's advice was very much to the point.) At the end of the letter the Rebbe added a postscript: 'I did not hear from you for a while. Please know that I know French, though my secretaries do not.'" Dr. Reich's wife, Dr. Esther Reich, a dentist who is also professor in a New York university, tells another family story: "In the summer of 1995, one of our children did not know whether to return to Denver to work as head counselor in the Chabad day camp there or to work in a Chabad camp in Russia. Her school was encouraging her to go to Russia, as were we. But she really wanted to return to Denver where she had worked before and where she felt she had a rapport with some of the Russian children. She was being pressed for an answer. We suggested that she write to the Rebbe. "Initially she wrote just out of obedience. In the letter that she opened, the Rebbe was telling the person, 'You can do good for a Jew anywhere in the world.' "'You see,' she said to me excitedly, 'the Rebbe wants me to go to Denver!' "I read the letter and said, 'No!, the Rebbe wants you to go to Russia!' We were still at an impasse. I encouraged her to write another letter with all her heart and to ask the Rebbe for a clear answer, which she did. She then randomly opened to a page in one of the volumes of the Rebbe's letters. On that page was a list of names of cities in Russia! What is more to the point is that all the cities listed were ones that had been recommended to me as good cities for her to go to." * Many might be inclined to brush off these episodes as mere chance or coincidence. As a professor of mathematics whose specialty is probability, Dr. Yaakov Reich is well qualified to discuss the statistical probability of thousands of people receiving answers in this manner. "Fundamentally, what is happening here is that you have thousands of people who are independently doing this 'experiment,' known in mathematics as independent trials. The probability in independent trials is multiplied each time an additional trial is performed. For instance, if the probability of my trial coming up with the desired response is 50%, and the probability of your trial coming up with the desired response is 50%, then the probability of both of us coming up with the desired response is 25%," explains Dr. Reich. "Thus, if all of the letters any one person could have gotten which relate to their particular question is compared to the total number of letters, this kind of probability is less than 5%, even less than 1%. But let's be very conservative and say that one could somehow relate every tenth letter to his or her question. If there are thousands of people writing letters to the Rebbe to ask for his guidance and blessings, and only 50% get answers, the probability on such a large scale is extremely remote. And, of course, much more than 50% of the people who write to the Rebbe receive answers in this manner. One simply cannot attest this to a matter of interpretation anymore. Also, as happens often, specific details of the question such as a date, place or name appear in the answer. This reduces the probability of a chance many times. "We constantly hear of answers to specific questions, as has happened in our family in a most incredible way. These responses are not random and cannot be attributed to chance. One can only conclude that the Rebbe is truly here with us. "I would like to emphasize that the mathematical explanation given above, far from being a proof of the miraculous nature of the Rebbe's answers, is rather an illustration--for mathematics, though the most abstract field in science, is finite and limited and therefore in essence cannot prove G-d Who is unlimited and infinite." On a non-statistical note, Dr. Yaakov Reich comments, "Looking back through Jewish history, there were times when selected, righteous individuals were able to receive guidance by opening a Bible or other holy book. Now an amazing phenomenon is happening. The Rebbe is accessible to everyone, anywhere, any time. And the Rebbe answers immediately." In today's day of immediate gratification, an immediate answer is especially appreciated. Dr. Reich concludes: "As the Rambam explains, the occurrence of myriad of miracles 'while the world continues to operate in the usual manner' is a fundamental innovation of the Messianic Era, where the miracles will be the domain of everyone, not just a select few. As the Rebbe said in 5752/1992, 'Especially in these days, the days of Moshiach in which we find ourselves, all that is necessary is that we open our eyes.'" ******************** * IT HAPPENED ONCE * ******************** by Mrs. Yehudis Engel [3] Dr. E. Goldstock, the founder and director of an organization which helps children with special needs and their parents, had to come up with $15,000 within 10 days or the organization was in danger of folding. Understandably, for the work he was accomplishing, this would have been a great tragedy. Dr. Goldstock was at a total loss as to how he could come up with such a sum during that time. He decided to write to the Rebbe for his assistance. Dr. Goldstock wrote a letter to the Rebbe and placed it randomly in one of the volumes of Igros Kodesh (letters of the Rebbe). He had not realized that the volume into which he had placed the letter was actually that of the Previous Rebbe. Nevertheless, when he opened the book to where he had inserted his letter, he found a reply written in English from the Previous Rebbe to a doctor. The letter stated that the Previous Rebbe had received his letter and is aware of the financial difficulties he is having, and therefore is sending a check to help him out. The following day, Dr. Goldstock received a letter from a foundation from which he had tried unsuccessfuly to get assistance for over a year. The letter contained a check for $5,000. Dr. Goldstock's wife, advised him to "strike while the iron is hot." She urged him to do everything in his power to get the $10,000 balance needed as they were obviously seeing positive results from the Rebbe's blessing. A week went by but, no matter what he tried, Dr. Goldstock met with no success. With one day left until the deadline, the situation seemed hopeless. It was Friday afternoon, the last day before the money had to be in, when a stranger walked into Dr. Goldstock's office. The man asked for Dr. Goldstock and the doctor identified himself. The stranger, whom Dr. Goldstock had never seen before or since, handed him a bulging envelope saying, "This is for you." With that, the man left. Dr. Goldstock opened the envelope. To his amazement, it contained 100 hundred dollar bills! * * * At the end of October, 1996, Mrs. C. R. of Crown Heights, New York, went to visit family in Florida. She took along her seven-year-old son. While in Florida, she went to a flea market. Many people they met as they perused the merchandise commented on her son's yarmulke (skull-cap) and enjoyed his enthusiastic, bright smile. Mrs. R. regretted that she did not have with her any pamphlets about lighting Shabbat candles, Moshiach, or other Jewish materials to share with the people. She decided to go to the nearest Chabad House to see what materials she could get for future outings. At the Chabad House she was able to pick up some Jewish calendars for the new year. As it happened, Mrs. R. and her son met a couple from Kentucky who were overjoyed to receive the Jewish Calendar, since the one they normally received in the mail had not been sent to them. Still later, while shopping, Mrs. R. met a young Israeli woman to whom she offered a Jewish Calendar. The woman was thrilled to receive it as her mother always sent one from Israel, but this year, had not sent one. Mrs. R. and the woman began talking and Mrs. R. noticed that she was upset. Mrs. R. gently asked her what was bothering her. She revealed that she had been married over two years and still had no child. "Would you like me to call the Ohel [the Rebbe's resting place] for your name to be mentioned there for a blessing for a child?" Mrs. R. asked her. The woman was more than happy with this suggestion and readily gave Mrs. R. her name and mother's name to be given to the Rebbe. Mrs. R. gave the woman her phone number in Brooklyn asking that when she had good news to share she should call and let her know. On the first Friday afternoon this March, Mrs. R. received a call from the woman telling her the good news that she was now in her fourth month of pregnancy. _______________ 3. Adapted from her weekly newsletter "Miracles in our Time." ******************************** * In loving memory of * * RABBI ELYE GROSS, * * our Developmental Consultant * ******************************** ******************************* * THE WEEKLY SHABBAT CALENDAR * ******************************* ** JEWISH WOMEN AND GIRLS LIGHT SHABBAT CANDLES ** ********************************************************* * FOR LOCAL CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES: * * consult your local Rabbi, Chabad-Lubavitch * * Center, or call: (718) 774-3000. * * or: * * http://www.havienu.org/resrcs/hebcal.html * * * * FOR A FREE CANDLE LIGHTING KIT: * * contact your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center. * * * * FOR A LISTING OF THE CENTERS IN YOUR AREA: * * http://www.chabad.org/chabadir-access.html * * In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848). * ********************************************************* >>>> Times Shown Are for Metro NY - NJ <<<< FRIDAY, JULY 4, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT KORACH: * Light Shabbat Candles, [4] by 8:11 p.m. SATURDAY, JULY 5, SHABBAT PARSHAT KORACH: * On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapter 4 of Ethics of the Fathers (Pirkei Avot). * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 9:21 p.m. _______________ 4. The candles must be lit 18 minutes *BEFORE* sunset. IT IS PROHIBITED AND IS A DESECRATION OF THE SHABBAT TO LIGHT THE CANDLES *AFTER* SUNSET. *********************************** * LAWS OF SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING * * FOR THE BLIND * *********************************** Edited by Rabbi Y. K. Marlow* * A blind woman who lives alone should light her Shabbat candle(s) with a blessing. * If she is married to a non-visually impaired person, HER HUSBAND SHOULD LIGHT THE SHABBAT CANDLES WITH THE BLESSING. * If she is eating and lighting in the company of others who are non-visually impaired, and they lit the Shabbat candles, she should light her own Shabbat candle(s), BUT WITHOUT SAYING THE BLESSING. * (If at all possible, she should not be the last one to light the Shabbat candle(s), so that she can be absolved by the latter's blessing.) _______________ *. Head of Bet-Din (Rabbinical Court) of Crown Heights. ************************************ * SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSING * ************************************ * First light the candles. Then spread your hands out around the candles, drawing your hands inward in a circular motion three times to indicate the acceptance of the sanctity of Shabbat. You then cover your eyes and recite the following blessing: BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM A-SHER KI-DE-SHO-NU BE-MITZ-VO-SOV VE-TZI-VO-NU LE-HAD-LIK NER SHEL SHA-BOS KO-DESH. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat. * Uncover your eyes and behold the Shabbat lights. * The time of lighting is considered especially propitious for praying to G-d for health and happiness. The prayer is readily acceptable because it is offered during the performance of this great mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles. CAUTION: The candles must be lit 18 minutes *BEFORE* sunset. IT IS PROHIBITED AND IS A DESECRATION OF THE SHABBAT TO LIGHT THE CANDLES *AFTER* SUNSET. =========================================================== = End of Text: Living With Moshiach, Parshat Korach, 5757 = ===========================================================