"LIVING WITH MOSHIACH,"
Parshat Pinchas, 5762
Year
of Hakhel
Tamuz 18, 5762
June. 28, 2002
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"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.
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 The fast day of the 17th of Tamuz,
Thursday, June 27.
*
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
13 Tamuz, 5762
Year
of Hakhel
Los Angeles, California
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Reb Menachem Mendel Halevi
ben Reb Leib Yoel Halevi
Katsch
Passed away on 12 Iyar, 5757
*
Mrs. Rochel bas Reb Mordechai
Katsch
Passed away on 9 Tamuz, 5760
* * *
Dedicated by their Children
Mr. & Mrs. Boruch Shimon Halevi & Pnina Katsch
and Grandchildren
Parshat Pinchas
This week's Torah portion, Pinchas, details the manner in which the
land of Israel was to be apportioned between the Twelve Tribes. The Torah
states: "According to the lot shall one's inheritance be divided." The lot
determined which section of the Land of Israel each tribe would inhabit.
It was not a rational process, but a method of dividing the land in which
no logical reasoning was apparent.
Chasidic philosophy explains that the physical plane of existence is a reflection
of its higher spiritual source. It follows that just as the division of the
Land of Israel was accomplished by a lot, so are certain aspects of a Jew's
spiritual service determined in a super-rational manner.
To explain: Every Jew is obligated to keep all the Torah's mitzvot.
However, certain commandments are more relevant to some individuals than
to others.
We are told of various Sages of long ago who were especially scrupulous in
their performance of one mitzvah. Of course, being Tzaddikim,
they observed all the Torah's commandments. But one mitzvah was more
personally relevant than all the rest.
How do we explain this? That a particular mitzvah has special significance
for a given individual is not something that can be explained rationally;
the person himself doesn't necessarily perceive that this is so, either.
In truth, it is a matter that transcends intellectual understanding, just
like the process of choosing by lot. Indeed, the particular mitzvah that
is most relevant to each of us is determined from Above. The Jew's function
in life is to be especially careful in that one area, and to observe that
mitzvah to the best of his ability.
The simplest way to determine which mitzvah is the most vital to us
personally, is by examining the relative ease or difficulty we encounter
in observing it. As a general rule, the mitzvah we find the most difficult
to fulfill is the one that is most imperative on a personal level. In fact,
the hardship we experience is proof of this, as our evil inclination, recognizing
the mitzvah's special significance, spares no effort in trying to
deter us. The machinations of the evil inclination increase in direct proportion
to the mitzvah's importance.
The lesson to be learned is remarkable. Whenever we find it exceptionally
difficult to do a certain mitzvah, or it seems that the effort required
of us is greater than that required of other people, it is forbidden to throw
up our hands in defeat. On the contrary, we must try even harder in that
one area, as it is most relevant to us personally. Indeed, the mitzvah
for which we must overcome the greatest number of obstacles is the one
that can be said to have fallen to our lot.
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.
18 years ago, on Shabbat Parshat Pinchas, 5744/1984, the Rebbe spoke
in a relatively unusual manner about his persistence and insistence on
continuously discussing the coming of Moshiach. Let me share with you translated
excerpts from that talk:
"Some people wonder: How can a person appear in public, week after week,
and repeatedly speak on one subject -- the coming of Moshiach?
"Furthermore, that person always stresses that he is not just speaking of
the concept, but of the actual coming of Moshiach, here on this physical
earth, and immediately, this very day. On each occasion he instructs those
gathered to sing 'May the Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days,'
emphasizing that 'speedily in our days' should not be understood as 'speedily,
tomorrow,' but as 'speedily, today'!
"Certainly, every Jew believes that Moshiach can come at any moment -- after
all, 'I await his coming every day' is one of the fundamental principles
of Judaism. Still, they wonder, to believe that Moshiach will come at this
very moment is hardly consistent with the reality of our lives. So why does
this man speak incessantly about it, on every occasion, and with such
single-minded intensity, as if to force the idea into the minds of his listeners?
"Their conclusion is that all this is a nice dream, nice, but not very realistic.
So what is the point of speaking so much about one's dreams?
"Chasidic philosophy explains that our current state of exile is like a dream;
in a dream one's sense of perception can tolerate the most contradictory
and irrational things.
"In other words, our current 'reality' is a dream, while the world of Moshiach
is the true reality. In a single moment, we can all wake up from the dream
of exile and open our eyes to the true reality of our existence -- the perfect
world of Moshiach. Everyone present in this room can immediately awaken himself
from his dream, so that today, Shabbat Parshat Pinchas, 5744, before
we even say the afternoon prayers, in fact this very moment, we all open
our eyes and see Moshiach, in the flesh, with us, here in this room."
May the Rebbe's words of 18 years ago, and his prophetic promise of ten years
ago, that "the time of our Redemption has arrived," be fulfilled this very
Shabbat Parshat Pinchas, 5762.
Surely you've seen the t-shirts and pins stating, "I don't need your attitude,
I have one of my own."
Most likely, the person wearing this message is tired of being confronted
by people with negative, angry attitudes, whether a fellow commuter on mass
transit, a cashier at the supermarket, or a customer service representative
for a local utility company.
People with attitudes seem cold as ice, but if you've ever tried saying a
few caring words, you were probably surprised to see the frosty exterior
melt like a popsicle on a 100 degree day.
"You look like you've had a really hard day" will often get you a sigh of
appreciation and a peek under the veil of indifference and anger.
But why should we put ourselves out and be compassionate toward a surly person?
Because, in these last few moments of life as we know it here in this imperfect
world, we can practice honing our interpersonal skills. Kindness, compassion,
and consideration are what our attitudes will be all about in the times of
Moshiach.
In the Messianic Era, the inherent goodness and G-dliness that everything
contains, will be revealed. We can help reveal that latent quality even now
by making sure our Attitudes are caring toward our fellow human beings. Even
if their Attitudes make them seem despicable and unworthy of compassion,
we should respect them simply because they are G-d's creatures, and if G-d
tolerates them, we should, too.
Sometimes, displaying a Moshiach Attitude takes no time at all. Like when
you flash a smile at someone as you pass him or her on the sidewalk, or when
you say a heartfelt "thank you" as you're given your change. At other times
it might take a moment, but not much more, to let your Moshiach Attitude
shine through: Letting someone with one item go ahead of you in the supermarket
line; helping a little old lady cross the street (yes, there are still little
old ladies who need help crossing the street!); calling a parent or sibling
to say, "I was thinking of you," not cutting someone off in traffic just
to get to your destination 30 seconds earlier. But those moments are timeless
and well spent.
Practicing a Moshiach Attitude now is a sure way to get ready for and actually
hastens the perfect world we've always dreamed of.
Thursday, 17th of Tamuz, June, 27, is a fast day. We neither eat nor
drink, from approximately 72 minutes before sunrise until 40 minutes after
sunset.(1)
_______________
1. In New York City, at 9:10 pm.
This summer, during the months of June and July, comes a very serious time
for the Jewish people, when many terrible things happened throughout history.
This period is called the "Three Weeks," or Bain HaMetzorim, which
means "Between the Straits."
What happened during this time? On the 17th of Tamuz: 1) Moses descended
from Mt. Sinai and smashed the two Tablets with the Ten Commandments when
he saw the Jews worshipping the Golden Calf; 2) The Romans breached the walls
of Jerusalem in 70 c.e.; 3) During the siege of Jerusalem the daily sacrifice
was interrupted by Nebuchadnezzer; 4) Apostomus publicly burned a Torah scroll;
and 5) An idol was erected in the courtyard of the Holy Temple. On the 9th
of Av, both the First and Second Temple were destroyed, bringing terrible
suffering upon the Jewish people.
*
The "Three Weeks" begin on the 17th of Tamuz (Thursday, June 27, 2002),
and continue until the 9th of Av (Thursday, July 18, 2002).
We observe some aspects of mourning: Weddings do not take place, and playing
musical instruments is prohibited, as is the buying and wearing of new garments.
In addition, we do not cut our hair.
Also, we should try to be extra kind to one another. We should give extra
charity, and learn extra Torah, and pray to G-d to end the Exile.
*
Jewish teachings explain that when we learn the laws of the Holy Temple,
its structure, the services and sacrifices practiced there, it is as if we
are rebuilding it.
Therefore, the Rebbe stresses that during the "Three Weeks" we should spend
time studying what the Holy Temple will be like, and to learn all about it.
See our publication:
"Laws of the Holy
Temple"
The text of the book: "Seek Out The Welfare Of Jerusalem" [Analytical Studies
by the Rebbe, of Rambam's rulings concerning the construction and design
of the Holy Temple], published by Sichos in English -- is available on-line
at:
http://www.sichosinenglish.org/books/seek-out,
and is divided into a special study program.
Also, for a Audio/Visual Virtual Interactive Tour of the second Bais
Hamikdosh (Holy Temple), go to:
http://www.moshiach.com/temple
There are two approaches to the present period of the "Three Weeks."
One approach is to dwell on the awesomeness of those tragedies and the
difficulties suffered by our people in the exile that followed.
The other approach, while not minimizing the extent of our nation's loss,
puts the emphasis on the purpose of the exile. Heaven forbid to say that
destruction and exile are ends in and of themselves. Rather, within the ashes
of the Temple's destruction was kindled the spark of the Future Redemption.
In an ultimate sense, this was the purpose of the exile -- to prepare the
Jewish people and the world at large for the higher and deeper level of
fulfillment to be reached in that era.
There is no question that the second approach is the one more followed in
the present age.
Our Sages declared, "All the appointed times for Moshiach's coming have passed;
the matter is only dependent on teshuvah."
We have already turned to G-d with sincere teshuvah. Thus, when speaking
of the readiness of our generation, the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok
Schneersohn, used the allegory of a garment that is complete in all respects
-- "and all that is needed now is to polish the buttons."
Surely, the many years of vibrant Torah activity that have followed since
the Previous Rebbe's statement was made, have been sufficient to accomplish
that purpose.
We are standing on the threshold of the Redemption. Moshiach's coming is
no longer a dream of a distant future, but an imminent reality that will
very shortly become fully manifest.
Through living with the concept of Moshiach, we shall hasten his coming and
bring about the era in which these "Three Weeks" will be transformed from
mourning into the celebration of the Redemption.
May this take place in the immediate future.
The Holy Temple lay in ruins, its resplendent beauty plowed under by the
conquering Roman Legions. The remnants of the population were in despair.
The Talmud relates that four great rabbis were walking along a road
in The Land of Israel. Suddenly they heard a rumbling sound rising from the
distance. One rabbi inquired of the others, "What is that noise?"
"That is the sound of a multitude of Romans far away in the distance," replied
another.
Three of the rabbis began to weep; the fourth, Rabbi Akiva, began laughing.
The others were surprised by their colleague's reaction and asked, "Akiva,
why are you laughing?"
He countered: "Why are you three crying?"
They said: "Here we see that the Romans, who worship idols and burn incense
to them, are living in safety and prosperity. And we [who worship the true
G-d], the House which is G-d's footstool [the Holy Temple] lies burned in
fire. Why shouldn't we weep?"
Rabbi Akiva replied: "That is precisely why I'm laughing. For, if this is
the lot of those who violate the will of G-d, how much more joyous will be
the future for us Jews who do His will?"
On another occasion the same four Sages were traveling together to Jerusalem.
When they reached the point of the Mount of Olives, they tore their clothes
[in mourning] as is prescribed by Jewish law. Proceeding further they arrived
at the desolate Temple Mount, and as they gazed toward the Holy of Holies
-- where the sacred incense had been offered to the Al-mighty -- they saw
a fox emerging. Three of the rabbis began to weep at the sight of the degradation
of the holy place. Rabbi Akiva, however, laughed. They turned to Akiva and
asked, "Why are you laughing?"
He asked in return, "Why are you weeping?"
They answered him, "This is place of which it is written, 'And the stranger
who approaches will surely die.' Yet, now we see foxes strolling about. Why
should we not weep."
Replied Akiva, "That is precisely why I am laughing. In the prophecy of Uria
it says, 'Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem
will be desolate and the Temple Mount will be a forest.' The prophecy of
Zecharia says, 'Aged men and women will yet sit in the streets of Jerusalem.'
"Before I saw the prophecy of Uria fulfilled I worried that the prophecy
of Zecharia would not be realized. But now that I have witnessed the fulfillment
of the first, I know surely that the second will come to pass as well."
They turned to him and said, "Akiva, you have comforted us! Akiva you have
comforted us!"
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 About the Holy Temple:
Jewish teachings explain that when we learn the laws of the Holy Temple,
its structure, the services and sacrifices practiced there, it is as if we
are rebuilding it.
Therefore, the Rebbe stresses that during the "Three Weeks" we should spend
time studying what the Holy Temple will be like, and to learn all about it.
*
"This study should be carried out in anxious anticipation of the Holy Temple
being rebuilt. We should study about the Holy Temple with the awareness that
in the very near future we will see what we are studying about in actual
reality."
The Rebbe, 24 Tamuz, 5751/1991
*
"G-d told the prophet Yechezkel that through studying the laws of the structure
of the Holy Temple it is considered as if we have been involved in its actual
construction.
"As we are so close to the Redemption, the subject must be approached as
a present reality; at any moment the Third Holy Temple which is already built
in the heavens will descend and be revealed on earth."
The Rebbe, 17 Tamuz, 5751/1991
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, June 28, Erev Shabbat Parshat Pinchas:
-
Light Shabbat Candles,(2) by 8:12 p.m.
Saturday, June 29, Shabbat Parshat Pinchas:
-
On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapter 6 of
Pirkei Avot -- Ethics of the Fathers.
-
Shabbat ends at nightfall, at 9:22 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
Shabbat Candle
Lighting Blessing
"Let There Be
Light" - The Jewish Women's Guide to Lighting Shabbat Candles.
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