B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT Lech Lecha, 5762 Cheshvan 9, 5762 * October 26, 2001 >> A Jewish Response To Terrorism - Letter From The Rebbe << http://www.moshiach.net/blind/lwm-5761/262.htm *************************************************** * 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 * * * 5762 "Year of Hakhel" http://www.moshiach.net/blind/lwm-5761/262.htm#Year of Hakhel **************************************************** * 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 Lech Lecha. * Avraham Avinu. * Walking On A Tightrope. * 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. * We'd like to hear from you. Tell us your comments, suggestions, etc. Write to us, or E-Mail via Internet. * 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 7 Cheshvan, 5762 Year of Hakhel Brooklyn, New York *************************************** * THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** Parshat Lech Lecha This week's Torah portion, Lech Lecha, describes G-d's promise of the Land of Israel to the Jewish people. It also describes Abraham's travels through the land whereby he acquired it for his descendants forever. Abraham's traversing of the land was not a necessary prerequisite for his taking possession of it as G-d's promise itself sufficed to transfer ownership of the Holy Land to Abraham. It has been mentioned numerous times that the Rebbe's statements regarding the Holy Land, and his staunch position not to give back even one inch of land to the Arabs, has nothing to do with biblical promises or messianic visions. Rather, the Rebbe has made these statements and taken this position because of Pikuach Nefesh -- the imminent danger to life -- of Jews in the Holy Land.[1] Unfortunately, the Rebbe's stand has been shown to be absolutely true. And yet, of course, there are spiritual as well as mundane lessons to be learned from this week's Torah portion. There are spiritual implications, the Rebbe explains, of G-d's promise to the Jewish people via Abraham: "There is a particular relevance to G-d's promise in the present age, the era immediately preceding Moshiach's coming. For G-d promised Abraham the lands of the ten nations, including not only the land of the seven Canaanite nations conquered by the Jews after the exodus from Egypt, but also the lands of the Keini, the Kenizi, and the Kadmoni people. G-d promised -- and thus gave -- the Jewish people all these ten lands at the same time. Nevertheless, in the present era, we were granted only the lands of seven nations and the fulfillment of this promise in its full sense will not be until the Era of the Redemption.... In the Era of the Redemption, by contrast, not only all the Jews of that generation but also all the Jews of all previous generations who will arise in the Resurrection, will live there." With the situation as it is now in Israel, the only solution is that G-d fulfill His promise and give possession of the entire Holy Land to the Jewish people under the leadership of Moshiach. * * * Let us read carefully and take to heart the words that the Rebbe said on Shabbat Bereishis ten years ago: "Throughout the centuries, the Jews have been recognized as 'the chosen people.' In the world at large, and in particular, in the United States, the Jews are allowed to carry out their service of G-d without persecution, indeed, amidst rest and prosperity. Furthermore, the government offers assistance to the Jews here and those in the Land of Israel, enabling them to progress in the service of G-d. "This has been made possible by the activities of many of the Torah Sages in their relations with the gentiles, including the activities of the Chabad Rebbes. "Based on the above, we can understand how inappropriate are the statements which certain Rabbis have recently made that the Jews must comply with the demands of the gentile nations in regard to the Holy Land. These statements continue, stating that, heaven forbid, such compliance is necessary because the existence of the Jews in the Holy Land is dependent on the kindness of the gentile nations. "The principle, 'Do not challenge the nations,' is not relevant in this context, for this principle can never override an explicit teaching of Torah law. In this instance, we are clearly bound by the decision of the Shulchan Aruch (the Code of Jewish Law, Orach Chayim, 329), that if gentiles threaten to attack a Jewish settlement we must take up arms and defend ourselves against them. And if that settlement is located on the border, we must take up arms against them even if they are demanding 'straw and hay' for by acquiescing to them, we 'open the entire land to them.' "Since such statements were made, it is obvious that greater emphasis has to be placed on recognizing the uniqueness of the Jewish people and emphasis on their connection to the Holy Land.... And this will lead to the ultimate wonder in this year of wonders, the coming of the Redemption. And then we will proceed together with the entire Jewish people to the Holy Land, to Jerusalem, and to the Holy Temple." _______________ 1. 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 ************************ * 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 259: http://www.moshiach.net/blind/lwm-5761/259.htm ********************************************* * IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR GRANDPARENTS, * * * * Reb Shmuel Pesach Ben Reb Yaakov Dovid * * On the occasion of his seventh yahrtzeit, * * 3 Tishrei, 5762 * * * * Mrs. Fraidel Chedvah Bas Reb Zev Wolf * * Passed away on 4 Adar II, 5755 * * Pais * ********************************************* ********************** * PARSHAT LECH LECHA * ********************** There is a saying of the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, quoted in the name of his father, the Rebbe Rashab: "The first Torah portion, Parshat Bereishis, is a joyful Torah portion, for in it, G-d created the world and all of its inhabitants. "Parshat Noach, however, relates the Great Flood. The week in which it is read is therefore a sad one, but it ends on a happy note with the birth of our forefather Abraham. "Yet the week which is truly the happiest is the one in which the Torah portion of Parshat Lech Lecha is read. For each and every day of the week we live with Abraham." Why is Parshat Lech Lecha, this week's Torah reading, considered the most joyful of the three? Parshat Bereishis contains the narrative of Creation. This portion relates G-d's actions, and describes how He created the world in six days. The Torah portion tells us what G-d did, but it does not relate the deeds of the creations themselves. Parshat Noach, by contrast, deals primarily with the actions of mankind. In this Torah portion we learn about the Great Flood, about the behavior of the people of Noach's generation, and about the deeds of the righteous Noach himself. Thus each of the first two Torah portions concerns itself with an entirely different sphere. Parshat Bereishis revolves around G-d and G-dly matters, whereas Parshat Noach concentrates on the more mundane affairs of mankind. In neither of these Torah portions is the connection between G-d and man, the higher spheres and the lower spheres, expressed. How do Jews create that connection? By carrying out the will of G-d and performing His mitzvot. When Jews observe the Torah's commandments they draw nearer to G-d, binding themselves to Him with an everlasting bond. When G-d gave His holy Torah to the Jewish people, He thereby gave them the means to forge a connection between the "higher worlds" -- G-d, and the "lower worlds" -- human beings. The preparation for the giving of the Torah began with Lech Lecha, when G-d gave Abraham the commandment to "go out" of his native land, and Abraham obeyed. Ignoring his own personal wishes and his natural proclivities and inclinations, Abraham set off to fulfill the will of G-d to establish a "dwelling place" for Him in the physical world. Thus began the wondrous connection with G-d that continues and is strengthened with every mitzvah we perform. This is why Parshat Lech Lecha is the most joyful of the Torah's first three portions. The first speaks solely of the higher worlds; the second, only about the lower. It isn't until the third portion, Lech Lecha, that the true connection to G-d first commences. ***************** * AVRAHAM AVINU * ***************** Some people say that Avraham Avinu (Abraham our father) was the first Lubavitcher chasid. This might sound a little (or more than a little) self-serving. But, let us take a few moments to analyze Avraham's life; we might find that, in fact, there is much truth in this statement. In this week's Torah portion, Avraham is commanded by G-d to go away from his home, leave his parents, and travel to a distant, unknown land. He always spoke to strangers, bringing them closer to an awareness of G-d, their Creator. Now, isn't this, actually, what Lubavitcher chasidim are doing all over the world? Avraham set up a huge tent in the middle of the desert. The tent had four doors, one in each direction, so that any person passing by would always be able to enter quickly. Doesn't that remind you of a Chabad House -- Chabad-Lubavitch outreach centers on college campuses and suburban Jewish communities with an "open door" policy? With Avraham as our role model and guide, let us make every effort to follow in his footsteps, setting up our own tents, and helping others set up tents for people to live and experience the beauty and warmth of Judaism. ************************** * WALKING ON A TIGHTROPE * ************************** Why all this hubbub about Moshiach? Why the constant talk, classes, publicity campaigns? Isn't focusing on it once a year -- when we say, "Next year in Jerusalem" at the Passover seder -- enough? Or once a week, as on Shabbat, which is sort of a taste of the Messianic Era? Or, let's say, even three times a day in our prayers? Isn't that enough? By way of explanation, there is a story about Reb Mendel Futerfas, the mashpia, spiritual advisor of the Lubavitcher yeshivah in Kfar Chabad, Israel. Reb Mendel was imprisoned in Soviet prisons for 14 years. He spent most of his free time in prayer and study. Nevertheless, he was not totally aloof from the non-Jews who shared his lot, and spent a few hours a day in conversation with them. Included in this group were many types of people: political idealists, university professors, and many ordinary people jailed for "crimes," of which neither they nor others understood the criminal nature. In the latter category was a circus performer whose claim to fame was his feats as a tight rope walker. He and Reb Mendel had a standing argument. For this was before safety nets had become standard circus practice, and Reb Mendel could not understand why a person would risk his life walking on a rope extended several stories above the ground. "There must be," Reb Mendel maintained, "some hidden ropes holding you in case you slip." The tightrope walker, for his part, maintained that there was no need for ropes. It was not all that dangerous. A person began practicing on low ropes and once he gained experience, the chance of falling was minimal. The argument continued for years until, after Stalin died, the prison authorities relaxed their rules slightly. Several months prior to May Day they allowed the prisoners to prepare a makeshift circus in celebration of the day. The circus performer suddenly came alive, becoming the center of attention in the prison. He organized various performances, with the highlight of the show his tightrope walk. He made sure that Reb Mendel was in the audience. As the drums began to beat, he climbed the pole and approached the line. His first steps were somewhat hesitant; after all it had been several years since he had walked the ropes, but after a few seconds, he felt at home. It all came back to him. He began to twirl a hoop and wave to his friends. As he reached the end of the rope, he hesitated for a moment, made a fast turn, and then proceeded to the other side. On his way back, he exuded confidence and performed several stunts. After he reached the end of the rope, he climbed down and ran to Reb Mendel. "You see, no ropes holding me up," he gleamed in satisfaction. "Yes, you're right, no ropes," agreed Reb Mendel. "You're a smart man," the performer continued. "What is the trick? Is it in the hands, the feet?" Reb Mendel paused to think. "You moved your hands freely and it appeared that your footwork was not the determining factor." After reviewing the scene in his mind several times, Reb Mendel said, "It's the eyes. At all times, your eyes were riveted on the opposite pole." The performer nodded in agreement, "When you see your destination in front of you, you know where to put your feet." What is our destination that we must concentrate on and keep constantly in front of our eyes so that we don't lose our balance as we walk the tight rope of life? It is Moshiach and the Messianic Era for which we Jews have hoped and prayed for 2,000 years. It will bring a world of peace and unity, material and spiritual prosperity, and a knowledge of G-d and G-dliness never before experienced. It is the ultimate purpose -- destination, if you will -- for which the world was created. Keeping your eyes riveted on Moshiach and the redemption is the only safe way to walk the tightrope. ******************** * 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. Encourage the Kids! Do the doorposts of your children's rooms have mezuzahs on them? If they do, point them out to the children and encourage them to kiss or touch the mezuzah cover as they go in and out of the room. If not, purchase a hand-written mezuzah scroll from a reliable Judaica store or your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center. You can even let the child choose his or her own mezuzah cover. The Rebbe explained, "We see that children have a unique attraction to a mezuzah, and kiss it eagerly several times a day. From the mezuzah, one goes from one's house to the world at large as the Rambam writes, "Whenever one enters or departs, one will confront the unity of G-d's name.'" (18th of Cheshvan, 5752/1991) *************************************** * 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, OCT. 26, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT LECH LECHA: * Light Shabbat Candles, [2] by 5:43 p.m. SATURDAY, OCT. 27, SHABBAT PARSHAT LECH LECHA: * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 6:43 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 Lech Lecha, 5762 = ===============================================================