B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT VA'EIRA, 5762 Tevet 27, 5762 * Jan. 11, 2002 >> A Jewish Response To Terrorism << http://www.moshiach.net/blind/lwm-5762/269.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. * The Hebrew Month of Shevat. * Rosh Chodesh. * Moshiach Matters. * Beis Shevat. * 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 Shabbat we bless the new Hebrew month of Shevat, [1] therefore this week's issue focuses on Shevat. * 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 25 Tevet, 5762 Year of Hakhel Brooklyn, New York _______________ 1. Rosh Chodesh Shevat is on Monday, Jan. 14. IN LOVING MEMORY OF Mrs. Golde bas Reb Aryeh Leib Rosenberg Passed away on 5 Tevet, 5762 *************************************** * THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** PARSHAT VA'EIRA One of the reasons the Exodus from Egypt is central in Judaism (to the point that we mention it every day in our prayers) is that aside from its historical significance, it represents an ongoing spiritual process on the individual level. "Mitzrayim," the Hebrew for Egypt, is derived from the word meaning straits or limitations. "Going out of Egypt" connotes freeing oneself from anything that prevents spiritual progress, for the purpose of allowing the G-dly soul to fully express itself. This week's Torah portion, Va'eira, describes the very beginning of the Exodus from Egypt. It thus teaches us the "first step" on the road to true spiritual liberation. The first of the Ten Plagues was the plague of blood, in which all the water in Egypt was transformed into blood. Similarly, on the individual level, in order to free ourselves of spiritual constraints, we must also seek to turn "water" into "blood." Water is symbolic of coldness, stillness and lack of enthusiasm. By contrast, blood is symbolic of warmth, fervor and fiery passion. If you really want to "go out of Egypt," the Torah tells us, to overcome the fetters that restrict the soul, the first thing to do is abandon your apathy ("water") and replace it with warmth and enthusiasm ("blood"). A person might claim that it is possible to be a "good Jew" even if he is not particularly enthusiastic about Jewish observance. "I already do mitzvot," he might say. "Why should I get all excited over it?" However, the Torah teaches that coldness is the source of all evil. The true meaning of coldness is lack of interest, as demonstrated by the fact that when something truly interests us and "speaks to the heart," it is impossible to remain apathetic. If a person is "cold" toward Judaism, his actions will be dry and done by rote, even if they are technically flawless. The key to liberating the Jewish soul, therefore, lies in changing one's approach, banishing the cold and "turning up the thermostat" -- learning Torah, doing mitzvot, praying, and serving G-d with eagerness and joy. One practical way to implement this is by performing the mitzvot in the most beautiful manner possible. If a Jew's attitude is "chilly," he will be satisfied with the bare minimum. If, however, he is enthusiastic about his Divine service, he will try to observe mitzvot to the best of his ability, as he will be motivated by willingness and love rather than aiming for minimal compliance. This, then, is the first step toward "going out of Egypt" on the individual level, which will ultimately culminate in macrocosm in the Final Redemption with Moshiach. ************************ * 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 * * Passed away on 3 Tishrei, 5755 * * * * Mrs. Fraidel Chedvah Bas Reb Zev Wolf * * Passed away on 4 Adar II, 5755 * * Pais * ********************************************* ****************************** * THE HEBREW MONTH OF SHEVAT * ****************************** This Shabbat we bless the new Hebrew month of Shevat, which begins on Monday, Jan. 14. As related in Deuteronomy, on the first day of Shevat, in the 40th year after the Exodus from Egypt, Moses began to explain the fifth Book of the Torah to the Jewish people. (He concluded on the 7th day of Adar, the same day he passed away). The beginning of Deuteronomy relates how Moses rebuked the Jews for their sins, including the Golden Calf and the sin of the Twelve Spies. However, Moses did not specify any particular transgressions, but only alluded to their sins. Moses inspired the Jews to return to the right path through his constructive criticism. From this we learn a great lesson: Whenever discipline is necessary, love and kindness are much more effective than humiliation and embarrassment. The name "Shevat" itself relates to the Hebrew word "shevet," meaning staff, which is associated with the concept of authority and kingship, as the Torah states, "The staff will not depart from Judah." The most perfect expression of this idea will be manifested in the era of the Redemption, when Moshiach will become the sovereign king. Indeed, on the verse "And a shevet will arise in Israel," Maimonides explains, "This refers to King Moshiach." The word "shevet" also means "branch" or "shoot." In this context, there is also a connection to Moshiach. On the verse "A shoot will emerge from the stem of Jesse" (a famous prophecy about the coming of Moshiach), the Torah commentator Metzudat David explains that this also refers to King Moshiach. As we begin this month so closely associated with Moshiach, let us hope and pray that all our efforts to learn Torah, observe mitzvot and spread awareness of the Rebbe's Prophecy of Moshiach's imminent arrival, bring about the ultimate Redemption without delay. **************** * ROSH CHODESH * **************** On Monday, Jan. 14, G-d willing, we will, be celebrating Rosh Chodesh Shevat, starting the new Hebrew month of Shevat. Rosh Chodesh is celebrated as a mini-holiday, with special prayers and finer food and clothing. Jewish women, in particular, observe Rosh Chodesh more meticulously. What is the reason for Jewish women's stricter celebration of Rosh Chodesh? Rabbi Eliezer wrote: "When the men came to ask for their wives' gold earrings for the Golden Calf, the women refused to hand them over. They said to their husbands: 'We will not obey you in order to make an abomination that has no power to save!' G-d rewarded them in this world, giving them a greater degree of observance on Rosh Chodesh, and He rewards them in the World to Come, giving them the power of constant renewal that characterizes [the renewal of the moon on] Rosh Chodesh." On a more general note, the Jewish calendar is a lunar one, and our people are compared to the moon. Although our light is sometimes eclipsed by that of other nations, like the moon we are always here -- both at night and by day. Our nation's history has its share of growth and decline; like the moon we wax and wane. But ultimately, these are just phases. For, although at times we seem to be as unimportant or insignificant as the sliver of the moon when it reappears, this is just a veneer. May we sanctify the new moon this year and celebrate Rosh Chodesh Shevat in the Holy Temple with Moshiach. ******************** * MOSHIACH MATTERS * ******************** Our Sages relate that "in the merit of the righteous women, the Jews were redeemed from Egypt." Similarly, the Sages associated subsequent redemptions with the merit of Jewish women. The Holy Ari, Rabbi Yitzchok Luria, emphasized that the future Redemption will follow the pattern of the Exodus, and thus will also come as a result of the merit of the righteous women of that generation. From "Women as Partners in the Dynamic of Creation" *************** * BEIS SHEVAT * *************** Tuesday, Beis Shevat, the second day of Shevat (Jan. 15), is the yahrtzeit of Reb Zusya of Anipoli, a disciple of Reb Dov Ber of Mezritch (the Mezritcher Maggid), and colleague of Reb Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad Rebbe. The fact that illness and utter poverty were Reb Zusya's lot did not in the least affect his piety, humility, and love of G-d for which he was renowned. A story is told of Reb Shmelke of Nikolsburg, who approached Reb Dov Ber of Mezritch and asked him how it was possible to follow the injunction of our Sages to "make a blessing upon hearing bad news just as one would make a blessing upon hearing good news." Reb Dov Ber told Reb Shmelke to go to Reb Zusya, and he would answer his question. Reb Shmelke went to Reb Zusya, upon whom poverty and illness had left their physical marks. When Reb Shmelke posed his question to him, Reb Zusya was surprised. He replied, "This question should have been brought to someone who has actually experienced unfortunate events, G-d forbid. Thank G-d, I have only had good things happen to me for my whole life." The answer to Reb Shmelke's question was that someone should rejoice in his lot to the point that he is not even aware of harsh events. This was the hallmark of Reb Zusya's life. Reb Shneur Zalman of Liadi held Reb Zusya in such high esteem that before printing his magnum opus, the Tanya, he sent a copy of it with a special messenger to Reb Zusya for his approbation. *************************************** * 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, JAN. 11, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT VA'EIRA: * Light Shabbat candles, [2] by 4:30 p.m. SATURDAY, JAN. 12, SHABBAT PARSHAT VA'EIRA: * Blessing of the New Month, Shevat. [3] * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 5:35 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. 3. Rosh Chodesh Shevat is on Monday, Jan. 14. *********************************** * 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 Va'eira, 5762 = ============================================================