B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT KI TISA, 5761 Adar 21, 5761 March 16, 2001 *************************************************** * Visit TruePeace.org * * "http://www.truepeace.org" * * Dedicated to educating the public regarding the * * current situation in Israel, based on Torah * * sources, with special emphasis on the opinion * * and teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe * *************************************************** Published Weekly By Lubavitch Shluchim Conferences On The Moshiach Campaign, Committee For The Blind * * * 5761 **************************************************** * VISIT US ON THE WEB, AT: * * http://www.moshiach.net/blind * **************************************************** * TO RECEIVE THIS PUBLICATION VIA INTERNET: * * E-Mail: yys@dorsai.org * **************************************************** * OPERATION REFUAH: * * http://www.operationrefuah.org * **************************************************** * JEWISH CHILDREN: * * Get your own letter in a Sefer Torah! * * http://www.kidstorah.org * **************************************************** * Kids! We Want YOU To Join * * Tzivos Hashem (The Army of G-d) * * http://www.moshiach.net/blind/tzivos-h.htm * **************************************************** * MOSHIACH - CHILDREN'S PAGE * * http://www.moshiach.net/blind/children/index.htm * **************************************************** 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. * Parshat Parah. * Time to Start Passover Cleaning. * The ABC's of Getting Ready for Passover. * 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. * In this week's issue, we focus on: 1) Shabbat Parshat Parah, the third of four special Torah readings read in the synagogue on the Sabbaths before the month of Nissan--Shekolim, Zachor, Parah and HaChodesh. 2) As our Sages have enjoined us to begin preparing for each holiday thirty days before the holiday begins, Therefore, we begin in this week's issue, to focus on the upcoming 8-day festive holiday of Pesach, which begins this year, on Saturday night, April 7. * 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 16 Adar, 5761 Shushan Purim in Jerusalem Brooklyn, New York *************************************** * THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** PARSHAT KI TISA This week's Torah portion of Ki Tisa contains the mitzvah of the half-shekel, symbolic of the mitzvah of tzedakah (charity). There are several ways in which an individual can give tzedakah. The first is when a person is kindly and giving by nature, or when he understands intellectually the need to help his fellow man. This is, however, considered to be the lowest level of giving tzedakah. A higher level is when a person gives tzedakah because G-d has commanded him to. In this instance the incentive is not personal, but stems from the desire to obey G-d's will. A mitzvah is an absolute that is not subject to intellectual or emotional considerations. Thus, when a person gives tzedakah out of a sense of obedience, his action is imbued with greater power. Yet even here there can be personal motivations mixed in, such as the fear of punishment or the desire to receive reward (material or spiritual) in this world or the next. Above these two levels is the giving of tzedakah "without the intent of receiving a reward." In this instance, the mitzvah is fulfilled out of pure and simple obedience to G-d, without any thought of recompense whatsoever. The person wants to fulfill G-d's will and enjoys doing so. The mitzvah of the half-shekel, however, represents the very highest category of giving tzedakah. On the verse in this week's Torah portion, "This shall they give...a half-shekel...an offering to G-d" (the commandment for every Jew to give the half-shekel), the Jerusalem Talmud comments: "The Holy One, Blessed be He, removed a coin of fire from under the Throne of Glory and showed it to Moses, saying, 'This shall they give.'" Indeed, the "secret" of the half-shekel is related to the idea of "a coin of fire." The nature of fire is to always ascend upward; it has no "weight" or fixed, definable form. Similarly, the optimal way to give tzedakah is with a fiery "flame" and enthusiasm, without any personal considerations or motives. In this scenario, the Jew just naturally desires to fulfill G-d's will, and doesn't even look for other reasons or justifications. Nonetheless, it is significant that G-d showed Moses a "coin of fire," rather than just a flame. When a person gives tzedakah (or does any other mitzvah, for that matter), theoretical abstracts are not enough. The point is to bring down that fiery enthusiasm to where it can actually help someone, and express it in the realm of concrete action. When the mitzvah of tzedakah is done in this manner, a Jew will give unconditionally, without waiting for specific times and without waiting to be asked. His inner "fire" will prompt him to seek out those in need, and he will give repeatedly, over and over again. ************************ * 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 212: http://www.moshiach.net/blind/lwm-5760/212.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 * * On the occasion of her sixth yahrtzeit, * * 4 Adar, 5761 * * Pais * ********************************************* ***************** * PARSHAT PARAH * ***************** There are four special Torah readings read in the synagogue on the Sabbaths before the month of Nissan -- Shekolim, Zachor, Parah and HaChodesh. This Shabbat we read the additional Torah portion known as "Parshat Parah" (the "red heifer"). In the days of the Holy Temple, if a person became spiritually unclean through contact with a dead body, the ashes of the red heifer were used to remove the spiritual impurity. As a person had to be in a state of ritual cleanliness in order to bring the Passover offering, these laws were read publicly in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Although we cannot bring offerings in the literal sense at present, the spiritual lessons they contain are timeless. Our Sages likened mitzvot to the human body. Just as the body is composed of 248 limbs and 365 sinews, the Torah is composed of 248 positive and 365 negative commandments. But the Torah is also likened to the soul. Just as the soul animates the physical body and transforms it into a living being, so too does the Torah enliven the practical mitzvot and illuminate them with its light. When a Jew studies Torah and understands the deeper significance of the commandments, his mitzvot are performed with joy and happiness, and with a heartfelt enthusiasm. This principle sheds light on the Talmudic statement, "He who studies the laws of the burnt-offering is considered as if he has brought one." During the exile, when we cannot bring sacrifices in the literal sense, our study of the law stands in its stead. The mitzvah of bringing the sacrifice, however, just like the human body, is limited by the boundaries of time and space; the actual mitzvah can only be fulfilled in the proper time and at the proper location (indeed, it is forbidden to offer sacrifices outside the Temple). But our holy Torah, just like the soul, is spiritual; it is not limited by the restraints of time and place. Our study of the Torah's laws of offerings is therefore relevant and appropriate in any age and in any location. As we gradually "rev up" for the Passover season, let us remember that every positive action we do draws nearer the day when "The spirit of uncleanliness I will remove from the earth," with the coming of Moshiach and the Final Redemption. May it happen immediately! *********************************** * TIME TO START PASSOVER CLEANING * *********************************** Springtime happens to bring with it one of the most colorful, widely observed, and vividly recalled Jewish holidays--Passover. In fact, one of the three names by which Passover is mentioned in the Bible is "the Holiday of Spring." Our Sages enjoin us to begin preparing for each holiday thirty days before the holiday begins. When our Sages made this suggestion, they had in mind learning the laws pertaining to the holiday. The holiday of Purim falls thirty days before Passover, which serves as an easy reminder of when to start preparations. Many people use Purim, and the thirty-day guideline as a reminder that it's time to start getting serious about cleaning the house, and getting the chometz (leavened foods) out of the house, for Passover. We've already passed the thirty-day mark. So, certainly, it's not too soon to make plans for where you'll be spending the seders. Also, check out your local supermarket or grocery store and see if they'll be stocking the KOSHER-FOR-PASSOVER food that have a RELIABLE RABBINICAL SUPERVISION that you will need for the eight-day holiday. If they don't have everything, find out who does. In addition, call your local rabbi, or Chabad-Lubavitch Center to order shmurah matzah--special hand-made matzah just like the Jews used when they came out of Egypt--at least for the two seders. With the first crocuses starting to peep their heads up, even through the frost, it's really time to start thinking about Passover. This year, bring the "Holiday of Spring" into your thoughts, now. ********************************************* * THE A B C'S OF GETTING READY FOR PASSOVER * ********************************************* When it comes to getting ready for Passover; teamwork is essential to do the job right. If you consider the task of removing all traces of chometz from your possession as an adventure, it makes it more fun and rewarding. And when you're having fun, everyone wants to join in. Start early enough--traditionally we start preparing for a holiday 30 days before the festival--and consider cleaning according to the ABC's. ATTACK THE ATTIC. Go through all of those storage spaces that accumulate chometz during the year. BEWARE OF BEDROOMS, BOOKS AND EVEN BRIEFCASES. Even if your policy is no food in bedrooms, crumbs wind up there. Chometz also wedges itself in books if you eat while you read. CLEAR THE CABINETS, CHAIRS, CAR AND CLOSETS OF CHOMETZ. This is a perfect time to have the carpets cleaned, too. DEAL WITH THE DRAWERS AND DESKS. ELIMINATE YOUR EGO. What does ego have to do with Passover and chometz? To make a long chasidic discourse short, chometz contains leaven and rises. Matzah doesn't have any leaven and therefore remains flat. As we rid our physical surroundings of leaven, we should try to eradicate our pompous, haughty and self-righteous aspects, those parts of our personality which grow and rise. FACE THE FREEZER AND ALL FURNITURE. And, if you've contemplated cleaning your upholstery, now is the time. GO FOR THE GARAGE, GARBAGE CANS AND WASTEBASKETS. HIDE THE HIGH CHAIR. Unless you still need to use it. If so, thoroughly scrub it, and cover the trays. IGNORE THE IDEA TO QUIT. You're nearly half-way through! JOYOUSLY DE-CHOMETZ THE JIG-SAW PUZZLES AND ALL OTHER TOYS. It's easy not to be happy when you have 300 pieces of Lego to clean--all with Cheerios meshed in. But think of all the quiet playtime these toys encourage. And think of all the joy that the children give you when you're playing with them--the kids, that is, not the Lego. KEEP AT THE KITCHEN AND KITCHEN APPLIANCES. The kitchen is "not within the scope of this article." Ask a rabbi or rebbetzin how to do it! LATHER THE LUGGAGE. Go through your suitcases and carry-on bags. MAKE-OVER THE MEDICINE CABINET. Many non-prescription medicines contain chometz and should be dealt with properly. If you must take medicine during Passover, consult your rabbi (probably a nice guy who would love to hear from you). NURTURE YOUR NEEDS. Take a break. Sit down with a drink and relax for a few minutes. While you're relaxing, peruse one of the many interesting Haggadahs available today and you'll be preparing yourself mentally for the holiday, as well. OVERTAKE YOUR OFFICE. Unless you're taking the whole week off, you have to clean your office for Passover. PERUSE YOUR POCKETS, PURSE AND PORCH FOR CHOMETZ. QUARANTINE YOUR QUARTERBACK. Or, for that matter, anyone who goes running through your ready-for-Passover rooms with chometz. READY THE REFRIGERATOR. Use up all those open jars and then clean it well. SCRUB THE STROLLER. If you don't have one, help someone who does. TACKLE THE TELEPHONE. It's probably sticky if you talk while you're eating. UNCLUTTER THE UTILITY ROOM. VALIDATE THE VACUUM CLEANER by throwing out or emptying the bag after you vacuumed the last chometz. WASH THE WALL where all the cake batter splatters when you bake. XEROX YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES which can be used for Passover since your cookbooks are probably so full of chometz that they are unsalvageable. YIELD CHOMETZ FROM YOUR YACHT. Although, if you have a yacht you're probably not doing most of the cleaning, anyway. ZEE, IT WASN'T ZO BAD AFTER ALL! ******************** * 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. Thirty Days: "Purim is thirty days before Passover. [1] As Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi writes in his Code of Jewish Law, thirty days before Passover, we should begin studying the laws of the holiday. "Similarly, since the celebration of the Passover holiday involves many expenses, it is proper that efforts be made to provide everyone who lacks with their Passover needs. "Although there are organizations involved with these activities throughout the entire year, there must be an increase in these efforts in connection with the Passover holidays, providing them with both food and clothing so that they can celebrate the holiday in an ample manner, as befits 'free people.'" (The Rebbe, 16 Adar, 5751) _______________ 1. This year, Passover begins on Saturday night, April 7. Ed. *************************************** * 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.candlelightingtimes.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.candlelightingtimes.org/general/shluchim.html * In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848). * ******************************************************* >>>> Times Shown Are for Metro NY - NJ <<<< FRIDAY, MARCH 16, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT KI TISA: * Light Shabbat Candles, [2] by 5:44 p.m. SATURDAY, MARCH 17, SHABBAT PARSHAT KI TISA: * Parshat Parah. * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 6:45 p.m. _______________ 2. 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 * *********************************** 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 Ki Tisa, 5761 = ============================================================