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"LIVING WITH MOSHIACH,"
Parshat Kedoshim, 5760

Nissan 30, 5760
May 5, 2000

Please pray for the immediate and complete recovery of
Horav Chaim Yehuda Kalman Ben Rochel Marlow Shlita,
head of the Bet-Din (Rabbinical Court) of Crown Heights

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

NOTE:
The Table of Contents contains links to the text. Click on an entry in the Table of Contents and you will move to the information selected.

"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

THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED
TO THE REBBE,
RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON
OF LUBAVITCH

Click here, to see pictures of the Rebbe
The Daily Sicha (in Real Audio) - Listen to selected excerpts of the Rebbe's Sichos
[talks] which are relevant to the particular day.

INTRODUCTION

We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach.

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This Shabbat is the second day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar, therefore this week's issue focuses on the Hebrew month of Iyar.

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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."

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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.

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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

28 Nissan, 5760
Brooklyn, New York

THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe

Parshat Kedoshim

This week's Torah portion, Kedoshim, contains the commandment: "Sanctify yourselves and be holy." Man is commanded to sanctify himself even within the parameters of Torah law. Not only must he heed both positive and negative mitzvot, but he must also sanctify himself in those areas that the Torah has deemed permissible.

One might think that because these areas are not specifically spelled out in the Torah, this commandment is less important than others that are explained in great detail. But it is precisely this personal sanctification that has the power to bring the Final Redemption closer to reality.

Although learning Torah and performing mitzvot require the individual to subjugate, to a certain extent, his own personal desires to G-d's will, this in no way ensures that his inner nature will be purified and refined. But when a person, of his own accord and of his own volition, consistently behaves in the same dignified and respectful manner, no matter what the endeavor, it demonstrates that the Torah's holiness has penetrated his inner being and that he is totally committed to G-d.

At the same time, this imbues one's entire life with G-dliness, not only those areas directly involved with religious observance. A person who strives to sanctify himself at all times, however mundane his activity, reveals the G-dliness within all of creation and proves that no aspect of life is too insignificant to be used in the service of G-d.

This commandment has particular meaning for us now, as we stand on the threshold of the Final Redemption: we are the last generation of Golus (Exile) and the first generation of the Geulah (Redemption). For one of the main changes that will occur when Moshiach comes is the revelation of G-dliness that will suddenly become apparent. When Moshiach comes we will realize that G-d is indeed everywhere and that truly "there is nothing besides Him."

At the present time, holiness is manifested in a limited way. Now, it is the physical objects we use to perform mitzvot that become imbued with holiness and sanctity. During the Messianic Era, however, we will easily recognize the G-dliness inherent in every detail of creation.

When Moshiach comes, G-d will be perceived as He exists--without any limitations whatsoever. G-d's desire to establish a dwelling place for Himself "down on earth" will be totally fulfilled and the purpose of creation realized.

Sanctifying even the most mundane aspects of our lives, therefore, not only prepares us for the imminent Redemption, but, serves to bring Moshiach even closer.

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.

THE HEBREW MONTH OF IYAR

This Shabbat is the second day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar; therefore, let's consider just two of the numerous points about the unique quality of Iyar.

Iyar, as spelled in Hebrew, is an acronym for the verse, "I, G-d, am your Healer." Thus, this month is an auspicious time for personal and communal healing.

In addition, the Rebbe stressed many times the special quality of every single day of the month of Iyar, as each day has its own special mitzvah of sefira, or "counting."

The first time the Jewish people counted during this period between Passover and Shavuot was when they left Egypt and were preparing themselves to receive the great gift of G-d's Torah at Mount Sinai. At the time they were on a journey not only toward Mount Sinai and ultimately the Holy Land, but they were also on their own personal journeys of self-refinement and purification.

In future years "sefira" was connected to the counting of the omer, a measure of barley that the Jews brought as an offering in the Holy Temple on the second day of Passover.(1)

Even as we await the rebuilding of the Third and eternal Holy Temple, we recite the blessing and fulfill the mitzvah of counting the omer each evening from the second night of Passover until the eve of Shavuot. And as we do so, we, too, travel on our own personal journeys of self-refinement and purification, thereby drawing holiness into this world, and preparing it for the arrival of Moshiach.

This, then, is the essence of part of the uniqueness of the month of Iyar. Each day in this month has the mitzvah of counting (as compared to the previous month of Nissan and the next month of Sivan, which only have a few days with this mitzvah). And each day is filled with the longing and preparation for the giving of the Torah. Similarly, each day brings with it renewed introspection and the desire for character refinement and purification.

May we complete our personal and national counting in the Holy Temple with Moshiach, immediately.

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Counting the omer teaches us that every day counts. It reminds us that each hour, each minute, should be filled with words, thoughts and deeds of which we can be proud. And, too, that we are held accountable for every precious second of life with which our Creator has blessed us.

"But, hold on a minute!" one might silently shout. "I'm just finding out about this now. I've already missed out on making the past 20 days (or 20 years) count. What can I do to rectify the situation?"

The answer to this heartfelt cry lies in the uniqueness of the month of Iyar and the mitzvah with which it is intertwined. Each day holds a separate mitzvah, a unique opportunity, a particular mission. True, you might have passed up prior chances, but today's and tomorrow's minutes and hours are still available for you to fill with meaningful moments. And by making our days count from now on, we can, in truth, rectify that which we were missing in the past.

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1. See The Story of the Omer, printed in Living With Moshiach, Your S'firat Ha'omer Guide, 5760

'L'CHATCHILA ARIBER' - BEIS IYAR

The Rebbe has spoken often of how important the Land of Israel is to the Jewish people.(2) At a gathering in 5750/1990 the Rebbe spoke about the importance of maintaining possession of every inch of the land, saying:

"Just as the Jews are G-d's chosen people, Eretz Yisrael [the Land of Israel] is G-d's chosen land, a holy land given to the Jewish people, those living on the land at present, and those who are presently living in the Diaspora.

"No one is entitled to give up any portion of Eretz Yisrael to gentiles. Maintaining possession of these lands is the only path to peace. Succumbing to the pressure to surrender them will only invite additional pressure, weakening the security of the Jewish people and exposing them to danger. Heaven forbid that the government in Eretz Yisrael should consider surrendering any portion of Eretz Yisrael that G-d has granted us."

The Rebbe's approach to Eretz Yisrael could almost be described as that of "L'chatchila Ariber." L'chatchila Ariber means, "to begin with, go over."

This concept was innovated by the fourth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, Rabbi Shmuel, known as the Rebbe Maharash, whose birthday is celebrated on Sunday, Iyar 2 (May 7).

The approach of L'chatchila Ariber teaches that if we come upon an obstacle to a task we are involved in, or an obstacle to a mitzvah or project or good deed which comes our way (or we pursue), we should overcome the obstacle in the most direct manner. The Rebbe Maharash explained that while some people propose that when confronted with an obstacle the best route is to go around, or under it--l'chatchila ariber--from the start, go over it.

In these auspicious days of the Rebbe Maharash's birthday and the Shabbat following it, may our pursuit of Torah and mitzvot be in a manner of "l'chatchila ariber." Surely this fortitude and persistence will have its desired effect, true peace in the Land of Israel, and throughout the entire world, with the revelation of Moshiach, NOW!

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The Rebbe Maharash mentioned this concept--which has been the constant battle cry of Lubavitch outreach workers all over the world--in reference to one who finds himself faced with an obstacle. "The whole world says, first try to go under or around an obstacle. If this doesn't work, then go over it," the Rebbe Maharash noted. "But I say, 'In the first place, go over,'" he declared.

What does it mean to go over an obstacle right away rather than trying another method to pass an obstruction? In confronting obstacles to all good endeavors, one should take the most ambitious and aggressive approach. One cannot remain passive, hoping that the situation will change by itself or that the obstruction will magically disappear. It must be approached as a challenge. And, as such, it should be afforded one's utmost attention and energy.

In addition, when working at overcoming obstacles, we have to keep uppermost in our mind only positive thoughts and the image of the endeavor successfully accomplished. For this, too, will aid in our ultimate triumph and success.

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2. See "EYES UPON THE LAND" - The Territorial Integrity of Israel: A Life Threatening Concern. Based on the Public Statements and Writings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, Adapted by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger (1997: Sichos in English). http://www.truepeace.org/book.html

See also: REBBE'S VIEWS http://www.truepeace.org/rebbeview.html

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.

Study Ethics of the Fathers

We read one chapter of Ethics of the Fathers (Pirkei Avot) each Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, because these are the days leading up to the Giving of the Torah and Pirkei Avot contain ethics and moral exhortations to help us improve ourselves so that we are worthy of the Torah.

The Rebbe emphasized the importance of not only reciting the chapters, but also actually studying them.

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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-5."

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, May 5, Erev Shabbat Parshat Kedoshim:

  • First day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar.
  • Light Shabbat Candles,(3) by 7:37 p.m.

Saturday, May 6, Shabbat Parshat Kedoshim:

  • Second day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar.
  • On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapter 2 of Ethics of the Fathers (Pirkei Avot).
  • Shabbat ends at nightfall, at 8:43 p.m.

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3. 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.

Laws of Shabbat Candle Lighting for the Blind

Shabbat Candle Lighting Blessing

"Let There Be Light" - The Jewish Women's Guide to Lighting Shabbat Candles.


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