B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT KORACH Tamuz 4, 5760 July 7, 2000 SPECIAL FEATURE: The Third of Tamuz Published Weekly By Lubavitch Shluchim Conferences On The Moshiach Campaign, Committee For The Blind * * * 5760 ********************************************* * 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 * *===========================================* * OPERATION REFUAH * * http://www.operationrefuah.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 Weekly Torah Portion * The Rebbe's Prophecy * The Rebbe Is the "Head" * Moshiach Matters * Learn the Rebbe's Teachings * Mission (not yet) Accomplished * Gimel Tamuz * Nothing by Chance * Living with The Rebbe Today! * The Ultimate Goal * It Happened Once * A Call to Action * 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, Thursday, July 6. * It is with tremendous pain and sorrow that I dedicate this issue of Living With Moshiach to the loving memory of Horav Chaim Yehuda Kalman Ben Horav Avrohom Yehoshua Marlow, head of the Bet-Din (Rabbinical Court) of Crown Heights, who passed away, on Friday Morning, 20 Sivan, 5760 (June 23, 2000). * This Jewish year, is the year 5760 since Creation. The Hebrew letters are Hei-Tav-Shin-Samech. Over a decade ago, in the year 5742, the Rebbe stated that the Hebrew letters for that year were an acronym for "This should be the year of the coming of Moshiach." Since that time, the Rebbe has publicized a phrase describing the year according to the acrostic of its Hebrew letters. This year has been designated by the Rebbe's followers as "Hoyo T'hei Shnas Segulah," meaning "It will surely be an auspicious year." * Our sincere appreciation to L'Chaim weekly publication, published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, for allowing us to use their material. Also, many thanks to our copy editor, Reb Mordechai Staiman, for his tireless efforts. * 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 Erev Rosh Chodesh Tamuz, 5760 Brooklyn, New York *************************************** * THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** PARSHAT KORACH Everything in this week's Torah portion, Korach, seems to be centered around the concept of priesthood. The portion begins with the challenge of Korach against Aaron the High Priest. It concludes with the gifts the Jewish people are obligated to give to the kohanim (priests). Priesthood, it appears, is an important element in our service of G-d, with Korach symbolizing those negative forces that seek to impede our spiritual progress. Kohanim are distinguished by their total devotion to G-d; indeed, the Torah tells us that "G-d is their portion." Therefore, when a Jew gives the kohanim the special offerings enumerated in the Torah, he is, in effect, making that offering to G-d. These gifts express the willingness of every Jew to dedicate himself to the service of the Creator, according to the principle, "All the best parts belong to G-d." A Jew must reserve for G-d only the very best of whatever he possesses--even if this goes against his nature. Although without the Holy Temple (may it be immediately rebuilt) we cannot fulfill these mitzvot in the literal sense, the principle of utilizing only our very best for holy purposes applies in every place and in all circumstances. The best portion of our material and spiritual wealth (time and energy) are to be reserved for the "kohen" that exists within--the holy Jewish soul--to G-d and to His Torah. "Best," as it applies to the hours of the day, is synonymous with "first." As soon as the Jew opens his eyes in the morning he says "Modeh Ani," thanking G-d for restoring his soul. Then, before he begins his workday, he climbs the rungs of prayer and studies the Torah's Divine wisdom. Laying down this firm foundation is what guarantees the Jew success in his more mundane daily pursuits. Korach's argument challenged this concept. "Is a tallit that is entirely blue required to have tzitzit?" he and his followers demanded sarcastically of Moses. "Does a house full of holy books still need a mezuzah on the door post?" If every Jew is holy by virtue of his G-dly soul, Korach claimed, the Divine Presence already rests among the Jewish people--and it is therefore unnecessary to dedicate the "best parts" for holy purposes. Moses' answer, however, was clear and unequivocable. A Jew must not content himself with the innate holiness with which he is born, but must always strive to attain higher and higher levels of spirituality. Yes, the all-blue tallit does require tzitzit, and the room full of holy books still needs the extra measure of holiness of the mezuzah. May we speedily merit the fulfillment of "all the best parts belong to G-d," with the rebuilding of the Holy Temple. ************************ * 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. _______________ See "Living With Moshiach" Vol 181: http://www.moshiach.net/blind/lwm-5759/181.htm ********************************************* * 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 * ********************************************* ************************************** * THE REBBE IS THE "HEAD" * * Adapted from a Letter of the Rebbe * ************************************** Gimel Tamuz, 5710/1950 . . . Many seek to explain the qualities and greatness of the Chabad Rebbes in general, and in particular the Rebbe of our generation, my father-in-law, of blessed memory, in various areas: as a man of self-sacrifice, of Torah genius, of lofty character, a tzaddik, of prophetic ability, a miracle-worker, etc., etc. These qualities are further magnified when viewed in the light of chasidic teaching, which explains what is true Torah genius, and so on. And yet, none of this addresses the primary quality of the Rebbe, a quality that is not only primary in essence, but which is most important to us, his chasidim and followers, namely the fact that he is a Nassi, and particularly a Chabad Nassi. A Nassi, broadly defined, is a "head of the multitudes of Israel." He is their "head" and "mind," their source of life and vitality. Through their attachment to him, they are bound and united with their source on high. There are several types of Nesi'im: those who supply their constituents with internalized nurture (penimiyut), and those whose nurture is of a more "encompassing" nature (makif). This is further divisible into the particulars of whether they impart the teaching of the "revealed" part of Torah, or the esoteric part of the Torah, or both together; whether they offer guidance in the service of G-d and the ways of chasidim; whether they draw down material provision, and so on. There are also Nesi'im who are channels in several of these areas or even in all of them. Such was the nature of the leadership of the Nesi'im of Chabad, from the Alter Rebbe to and including my father in law, who embraced all these categories and areas: they nurtured their chasidim in both the "internal" and the "encompassing" qualities of their souls; in Torah, divine service and good deeds; in spirit and in body. Thus, their bond with those connected with them was in all 613 limbs and organs of their souls and bodies. Each and every one of us must know--that is, dwell and implant the awareness in his or her mind--that the Rebbe is our Nassi and head: that he is the source and channel for all our material and spiritual needs, and that it is through our bond with him (and he has already instructed us in his letters how and by what means this bond is achieved) [1] that we are bound and united with our source, and the source of our source, up to our ultimate source on high. _______________ 1. "You ask how you can be bound to me when I do not know you personally... "...The true bond is created by studying Torah. When you study my discourses, read the talks and associate with those dear to me... and you fulfill my request... in this is the bond." ("Hayom Yom"--"From Day To Day," 24 Sivan). See also below "Living With The Rebbe Today!" Ed. ******************** * MOSHIACH MATTERS * ******************** "Some people are apprehensive about having the Redemption arrive so suddenly. What will come of all the businesses that they have set up, the property and possessions they have accumulated, the friendships and the contacts that have been established, and so on? "They need not worry. The Redemption does not imply the annulment of the natural order nor the loss of the good things that came into being (in the spirit of the Torah) during the exile. Indeed, these very things will be comprised in the Redemption, and will be elevated to a state of Redemption, to the level of their true consummation." (The Rebbe, 5751/1991) ******************************* * 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 http://www.chabad.org. And, of course, continue to read Living With Moshiach, and share it with friends. ********************************** * MISSION (not yet) ACCOMPLISHED * ********************************** Many people express wonder at the fact that the Rebbe's leadership is spoken of in the present tense, that the Rebbe's leadership is uninterrupted despite our inability to perceive him physically. Jewish teachings state that G-d showed Adam, the first person, all future generations together with their great leaders. These leaders are the tzaddikim (righteous individuals) whose souls G-d, in His wisdom and kindness, sent into this world to guide the generations, caring for them both spiritually and materially and showing the Jewish people the correct path to follow. Chasidic philosophy explains that these great leaders are the mind and the heart of the body of the Jewish people. Each generation has its own unique mission and role in the overall fulfillment of G-d's purpose in the entire creation: to create a "home" for G-d in this physical world through the revelation of Moshiach and the Redemption. In the Tanya of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, (the first Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch and the founder of Chabad Chasidic philosophy and the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty), it is explained that earlier generations are like the head, their major preoccupation being Torah study; later generations, known as the "heels of Moshiach," are more closely associated with raw action. Sincerely our generation is characterized by "Action is the main thing," as the Rebbe told us. The Al-mighty sends each generation the leader appropriate to the task of the times. This leader comes to guide his generation in a unique direction in the fulfillment of G-d's purpose for creation commensurate with their own nature and purpose. Let us apply these principles to our own generation. In the first official Chasidic teaching articulated by the Rebbe when he accepted the mantle of leadership, the Rebbe declared unequivocally that the unique purpose of our generation, the seventh from Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, is to fulfill the original intent of G-d's creation. This is to be achieved by drawing down G-d's presence into this mundane physical world with the complete revelation of Moshiach and the commencement of the Redemption. The Rebbe has told us numerous times in his most recent public talks that we have finished the Divine service of exile and that our purpose now is to prepare for the Redemption. "The time of your Redemption has arrived," the Rebbe declared with prophetic vision. This is a totally different message which has never before been enunciated in the history of the Jewish people. He explained that we should involve ourselves in more good deeds, more Torah study, the enhanced fulfillment of mitzvot, as a preparation and foretaste of the Redemption. However, until the Redemption actually begins, with the rebuilding of the Third Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the ingathering of all of the Jews from the Diaspora, the ultimate fulfillment of our purpose has not been achieved. Why the Al-mighty willed that the leadership of the Rebbe at the conclusion of the service of this generation should be in its current form will most likely remain a mystery until the completion of the process of Redemption. But what we know clearly is what the Rebbe himself has told us in no uncertain terms, that the role of our generation is to actually bring about the Redemption and to prepare ourselves and the entire world for it. Until this has been achieved, we remain in the same generation. The Rebbe and his leadership are very much of the present and will continue until G-d has mercy on us and our mission is crowned with success. *************** * 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 six 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 six years ago, is palpable. Gimel Tamuz, Thursday, July 6, 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 five 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. [2] 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 nine 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 await the immediate revelation of the Rebbe, 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!" _______________ 2. See above "The Rebbe Is The "Head"," for an adaptation from the original Hebrew. ******************************** * 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 26 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. [3] 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. _______________ 3. See "Living With Moshiach," Vol. 135: Miracles and Mathematics. "http://www.moshiach.net/blind/lwm-5758/135.htm#Miracles andMathematics" ********************* * THE ULTIMATE GOAL * ********************* A true leader is one who leads. He does not follow the crowd or prevailing mood of the times. It takes the courage and strength of a true leader to make a decision that might be unpopular, and to adhere to it regardless of popular opinion. From Moses to King David, from Maimonides to the Baal Shem Tov, from Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi to the Previous Rebbe, history shows us how every Torah-leader of the Jewish nation has had a Divinely assigned task to accomplish in the world. What is the Rebbe's task? To bring the Redemption. To prepare the world for the long-awaited Redemption, there is only one way--to refine the world through the study of Torah and the keeping of mitzvot. In fact, the Rebbe explicitly stated about many of his worldwide campaigns and projects that they were initiated to hasten or prepare for the Redemption. LOVE WITHOUT CAUSE "Since the Holy Temple was destroyed on account of undeserved hatred, this reason must be undone by means of unearned love--by loving every Jew without cause, even when one sees no apparent justification for loving him. And it is this unity that will bring the Prophet Elijah, the harbinger of the Redemption." 5721 (1961) TORAH STUDY CAMPAIGN "The Zohar teaches that as a result of wasting opportunities for Torah study, 'the day on which Moshiach will redeem us from this exile is postponed.' Through the Torah campaign, by studying both the revealed and the hidden dimensions of the Torah, this postponement can be revoked." 5731 (1971) KASHRUT & FAMILY PURITY CAMPAIGNS "When our forefathers were in the wilderness, on the eve of their entry into the Land of Israel, they were commanded to be vigilant with the kashrut of their vessels, and with the purity and sanctity of their family life. "In our days, too, in these last days of exile, our generation should be particularly vigilant with these two mitzvot--with kashrut and with the laws of family purity--as a preparation for our entry into the Land of Israel together with our Righteous Moshiach." 5735 (1975) SHABBAT CANDLE CAMPAIGN "Every Jewish daughter, as soon as she comes to the age of Jewish education [3 years of age], should light a candle each Sabbath and Yom Tov eve, and through the lighting of Shabbat candles we will merit the fulfillment of G-d's promise, 'If you will keep the lights of the Sabbath candles, I will show you the lights of Zion,' in the complete and true Redemption." 5735 (1975) LOVE AND UNITY "The Redemption will unify all of Israel, from the greatest to the smallest. For not a single Jew will remain in exile: 'You, the Children of Israel, will be gathered in one by one.' Moreover, the multitudes who will then be gathered in are described collectively, in the singular: 'A great congregation will return here.' In preparation for this state, therefore, one should make every endeavor to unify all the different kinds of Jews, in a spirit of ahavat Yisrael, the love of a fellow Jew." 5736 (1976) CAMPAIGN FOR JEWISH EDUCATION "Concerning the era of the Redemption it is written, 'I shall pour My spirit upon your seed, and My blessing upon your offspring.' This plainly refers, quite literally, to one's sons and daughters. Hence, since all the revelations of the future depend on our present actions and Divine service, propagating the Torah education of Jewish children becomes a matter of the utmost urgency." 5736 (1976) TORAH SCROLL "The obligation to write a Torah scroll is the culmination of all the 613 mitzvot. It is thus clear that acquiring a letter in one of the universal Torah scrolls now being written hastens the culmination of the exile." In connection with the campaign for every single Jew throughout the world to acquire a letter in a Torah scroll written to foster Jewish unity, the Rebbe quoted the verse in the Book of Daniel, "At that time will stand forth the Angel Michael, the great prince, who stands over the children of Your people; and there shall be a time of trouble such as there never was since there was a nation till that time. And at that time Your people will escape, everyone found written in the Book." The Rebbe explained that the "Book" is the Torah scroll, and all those who own a letter in a Torah scroll will escape harm. 5741 (1981) CAMPAIGN FOR LARGE FAMILIES "With every Jewish infant born, the Redemption is brought nearer. As our Sages teach, 'Moshiach the son of David will not come until there are no souls left in the heavenly treasury' (Yevamot 62a). By doing our part in bringing souls down to his world, we will thus bring the Redemption nearer." 5741 (1981) TZIVOS HASHEM "All Jewish children must know that they are, from birth, soldiers in Tzivos Hashem-- G-d's army--and conduct themselves accordingly. For every generation has (in addition to the overall task of transforming the world), its own special mission and goal. Today's goal is to hasten and ensure the ultimate victory--the coming of Moshiach. New goals need new measures; we need a mobilization of all available reserves--new Jewish boys and girls. . . "May G-d grant that every Jewish child be successful in his or her duties as a soldier in Tzivos Hashem, each rising to attain ever higher ranks in the army. May they, together with all of us, receive quickly in our time the greatest soldier of all, our righteous Moshiach." 5741 (1981) THE SEVEN NOACHIDE LAWS "The future Redemption will apply not only to Israel, but to the whole world as well. In preparation for this Redemption, therefore, action needs to be taken so that the world at large will be ready for such a state. This is to be achieved through the efforts of the Jewish people to influence the nations of the world to conduct themselves in the spirit of the verse that states that G-d 'formed the world in order that it be settled' (Isaiah 45:18) in a civilized manner, through the observance of their seven mitzvot." 5743 (1983) PRINTING TANYAS "Since in the future Redemption not a single Jew will remain in exile, it is clear that the Redemption of every individual Jew has a bearing on the Redemption of the entire House of Israel. It is thus our duty to work with every Jew to ensure that he will be ready for the Redemption. "This is accomplished by disseminating the Torah and especially its innermost and mystical dimensions, wherever Jews are to be found, and wherever even only one single Jew is to be found. Therefore, in order that the wellsprings themselves should reach the furthermost places, the Tanya should be printed everywhere." 5744 (1984) To date, Tanyas have been printed in over 3,500 locations in over a dozen languages, including Braille. ONLY "KOSHER" TOYS "Concerning the Days of Moshiach it is written, 'I shall remove the spirit of impurity from the earth.' As the footsteps of Moshiach approach ever closer, we should now enjoy a foretaste of the revelations that will be ours in future time, just as concerning Shabbat it is written, 'Those who savor it shall merit eternal life,' a phrase that inspired the Friday afternoon custom of tasting the delicacies prepared for Shabbat. "Accordingly, it would be advisable to use illustrations only of pure subjects. When choosing toys for infants, for example, one should buy only representations of kosher animals; only such illustrations should appear in the booklets that are prepared for the use of children; and so on." 5744 (1984) CHAIN LETTERS ABOUT MOSHIACH "It would be advisable that everyone publicize the teachings of famous Torah scholars concerning the obligation to hope for and anticipate and demand the coming of Moshiach. This can be done by sending a letter (including such quotations) to ten fellow Jews, with the suggestion and request that each of them send a copy of it to another ten Jews, and so on." 5746 (1986) MOSHIACH CAMPAIGN "Since our righteous Moshiach is about to come, though he has not yet actually come, a final effort is required that will bring Moshiach. Every individual--man, woman and child--should increase his Torah study in subjects that concern the Redemption. . . "This study should preferably be undertaken in groups of at least ten, for group study excites happiness, and increases the eager anticipation of the participants for the coming of Moshiach. "One should likewise upgrade one's meticulous observance of the mitzvot, particularly the mitzvah of tzedaka, 'which brings the Redemption near.' "It would be well to connect one's additional contributions to tzedaka with one's additional study of subjects connected with the Redemption, by making one's increased contributions with the intent that it hasten the coming of the Redemption." 5751 (1991) "What more can I do to motivate the whole world to cry out and demand the Redemption? I have done all I can; now you do everything you can, here and now, to bring the Redemption immediately." 28 Nissan, 5751 (1991) ******************** * IT HAPPENED ONCE * ******************** by Mrs. Yehudis Engel [4] 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! _______________ 4. Adapted from her weekly newsletter "Miracles in our Time." "http://www.moshiach.net/miracles" ******************** * A CALL TO ACTION * ******************** The Rebbe's slogan is: "The main thing is the deed." We therefore present from the Rebbe's talks suggestions what we can do to complete his work of bringing the Redemption. Enroll your child in a Torah Summer Camp The Rebbe spoke many times about the unique learning opportunity for Jewish children afforded by the months of summer vacation. Without the pressures of tests, homework, etc., children enrolled in camps permeated with a Torah atmosphere eagerly learn about their heritage and are instilled with pride in being Jewish. Creative methods are used to make Judaism come alive. The soul is nourished as the body and mind are strengthened through sports, crafts, etc. If you don't have camp-age children, help sponsor a child in a Torah camp. Call your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center for more information. *************************************** * In loving memory of * * HORAV CHAIM YEHUDA KALMAN * * Ben Horav Avrohom Yehoshua Marlow, * * head of the Bet-Din (Rabbinical * * Court) of Crown Heights, * * Passed away, on Friday Morning, * * 20 Sivan, 5760 (June 23, 2000) * *************************************** ******************************* * 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.chabad.org/shabbos * * * * 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 7, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT KORACH: * Light Shabbat Candles, [5] by 8:11 p.m. SATURDAY, JULY 8, SHABBAT PARSHAT KORACH: * On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapter 4 of Ethics of the Fathers (Pirkei Avot). [6] * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 9:20 p.m. _______________ 5. The Shabbat candles must be lit 18 minutes *BEFORE* sunset. IT IS PROHIBITED AND IS A DESECRATION OF THE SHABBAT TO LIGHT THE CANDLES *AFTER* SUNSET. 6. The weekly chapter of Pirkei Avot with the Rebbe's commentaries, are available electronically via the Internet, by sending your subscription request to: listserv@chabad.org - Subscribe "G-4." *********************************** * LAWS OF SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING * * FOR THE BLIND * *********************************** Edited by Rabbi Y. K. Marlow O.B.M.* * 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, 5760 = ===========================================================