LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Tetzave, 5756 B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT TETZAVE Adar 10, 5756 March 1, 1996 SPECIAL FEATURE: Your Purim Guide * Published Weekly By Lubavitch Shluchim Conferences On The Moshiach Campaign, Committee For The Blind * * * 5756 *********************************************** * TO RECEIVE THIS PUBLICATION VIA INTERNET: * * E-Mail: yys@dorsai.org * * FOR CHABAD-LUBAVITCH IN CYBERSPACE: * * E-Mail: info@chabad.org * *********************************************** 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 Parshat Zachor The Rebbe's Prophecy Purim Message from the Rebbe Your Purim Guide Purim - Then and Now The Mitzvot of Purim Other Observances of Purim Hamentaschen Recipe A Call To Action ****************** * INTRODUCTION * ****************** We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach. * This week's issue focuses on the festive holiday of Purim, which begins on Monday night, March 4. Therefore, we present here "Your Purim Guide," [*] and other related material about Purim. * 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 2 Adar, 5756 Brooklyn, New York ---------- *) Published by Prestige Litho. Special thanks to Rabbi M. Borisute for his help. ************************************** * PARSHAT ZACHOR * * Adapted from a Letter of the Rebbe * ************************************** OVERCOMING HAMAN Rosh Chodesh Adar II, 5738/1978 As you surely know, the special additional Torah portion, Parshat Zachor, which is read on the Shabbat before Purim, contains the commandments to remember what Amalek, the arch-enemy of our Jewish people, did to our people when they were on their way to receive the Torah at Sinai. Amalek's unprovoked and stealthy attack was calculated to shake their belief in G-d and dampen their enthusiasm for His Torah and mitzvot. Haman, a direct descendant of Amalek, was driven by hatred of the Jews, because "their laws were different from those of any other people," as the Megillah states. Likewise did all subsequent Amalekites and Hamans of all ages hate the Jews. But "Amalek"--in a wider sense--represents all obstacles and hindrances that a Jew encounters on his or her way to receive and observe the Torah and mitzvot with enthusiasm and joy in the everyday life. And so Parshat Zachor comes to remind us, and never forget, that Amalekites exist in every generation and in every day and age, and that we must not allow ourselves to be deterred or discouraged by any Amalekite in any shape or form. If the question be asked, "Why has G-d done thus?" Why should a Jew be confronted with such trials and difficulties? The answer is, that every Jew has been given the necessary powers to overcome all such Amalekites, and he is expected to use them, in order to demonstrate to himself and others that nothing will deter him, nor dampen his fervor, in the observance of the Torah and mitzvot in accordance with G-d's Will. And once he recognizes that whatever difficulty he encounters is really a test of his faith in G-d, and resolves firmly to meet the challenge, he will soon see that no Amalek of any kind is a match for the Divine powers of the Jewish soul. Indeed, far from being insurmountable obstructions, they turn out to be helpers and catalysts for ever greater achievements, having been instrumental in mobilizing those inner powers that would have otherwise remained dormant. This is also forcefully brought out in the Megillah, in the example of Mordechai the Jew, who "would not bend his knee nor bow down" before Haman. As a result of this indomitable stance, not only was Haman's power totally broken, but many enemies became friends, as the Megillah tells us that "many of the peoples of the land were becoming 'Jewish,' for the fear of Mordechai fell upon them!" May G-d grant that each and all of you should go from strength to strength in emulating Mordechai the Jew, advancing in all matters of Judaism, Torah and mitzvot, with joy and gladness of heart, and may you all be blessed with a full measure of "light, joy, gladness, and honor," both in the plain sense as well as in the inner meaning of these terms in accordance with the interpretation of our Sages--"Light--this is the Torah... Honor-- this is tefillin"--since the Torah and mitzvot, though a "must" for their own sake, are the channels and vessels to receive and enjoy G-d's blessings in all needs, materially and spiritually. Wishing each and all of you a happy Purim, and may its inspiration be with you every day throughout the year. ************************ * 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. ********************************************* * 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 first yahrtzeit, * * Shabbat Parshat Terumah, 4 Adar, 5756 * * Pais * ********************************************* ******************************** * PURIM MESSAGE FROM THE REBBE * ******************************** Dear Friend, On the festival of Purim, when we all listen carefully to the reading of the Megillah and ponder upon the story it tells us, let us all remember a few important details and facts that took place in those days at this time: There arose a Haman, who issued a decree to murder and destroy all Jews at a fixed date. Queen Esther then calls upon Mordechai to "gather all the Jews and fast" and then she would go and plead with the King to rescind the terrible decree. Mordechai thereupon goes and gathers tens of thousands of Jewish children and teaches them the Torah; he teaches them the procedure of offering the Omer when the Bet-HaMikdosh would be rebuilt. All the children are so enchanted by the new spirit that Mordechai had inculcated into them, that even facing the danger of death, they exclaim: We stick with Mordechai and the Torah - for life or death! In that very same day the decree becomes null and void. Haman's downfall is already assured and the Jews are saved, even though they learn of it only after a number of months. The experience of our fathers is a lesson to us all. Let us remember that one of the chief means of frustrating the Haman's of our time, bring about their downfall, and bring light and joy to our people is: TO GATHER JEWISH CHILDREN AND TEACH THEM TORAH AND YIDDISHKEIT! To tell them that the true and complete redemption really lies in our own hands, for as soon as we Jews return to G-d in complete repentance - we are redeemed immediately, by our Righteous Messiah. To tell them further, that our Holy Bet-HaMikdosh will be rebuilt soon, and we must all be worthy and prepared to serve our G-d in the Holy Sanctuary. On the day when the Jewish children are imbued with this spirit, and are ready to exclaim - "We remain with thee, our Torah, for life or death" - on that very day, our Torah assures us, all the Hamans will be defeated, and all Jews will have 'light, gladness, joy, and respect,' speedily in our time. Wishing you a Happy Purim, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson ******************** * YOUR PURIM GUIDE * *------------------* * 14 Adar 5756 * * March 4-5 1996 * ******************** THE HISTORY OF PURIM Danger in Exile Jewish morale was at an all-time low. The Temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed, the nation conquered, and for almost 70 years, had been dispersed in foreign lands. The prophesied end of Exile had not materialized, and the blight of assimilation had set in. Just then, the enemy arose to carry out his evil plans. This time it was Haman. Descended from the Jew-hating tribe of Amalek, Haman devised his scheme to solve 'the Jewish problem' once and for all, by annihilating every Jew, men, women and children, throughout the world, in a single day. Rallying the Jews And it almost worked. Were it not for Mordechai. A descendent of King Shaul, and advisor to King Achashverosh, Mordechai sensed the danger. Donning sackcloth and ashes, he went to the gate of the palace, crying aloud, rallying the Jews to return to Torah. His niece, Queen Esther, called for him. He told her that she must go to the King and plead for her people. Officially in disfavor, she feared to go, but saw that she had no choice. She undertook a three-day fast of penitence, and called upon the whole Jewish people to do likewise. Then she went to the King . . . Victory It is a story of great courage and self-sacrifice--first and foremost by Queen Esther and Mordechai, and ultimately by the whole Jewish nation. For throughout the duration of the whole year, not one single Jew chose to convert, even to save his life. The nation was awakened to a whole-hearted return to Torah and mitzvot, and throughout the year strengthened their faith and observance. And in the merit of this, they were able to rise up against their enemies and destroy them, on the 13th of Adar, the very day destined for the "final solution." The Jewish people had shown their true character. They had earned the right to leave Exile, to return to the Holy Land, and rebuild the Temple. As it was in those days, so may it be with us today. Each year in fulfilling the special mitzvot of the Purim festival, we reaffirm our commitment to the eternal values of the Torah . . . and we share in the very same merit that redeemed the Jewish people in the days of Mordechai and Esther. *********************************** * PURIM - THEN AND NOW * * Based on the Works of the Rebbe * *********************************** Remembered and Reenacted One of the Purim mitzvot is the reading of the Megillah-the Scroll of Esther, in which the miracle of Purim is recounted. The Talmud tells us that "whoever reads the Megillah backwards does not fulfill his obligation." Our Sages explain that "backwards" does not only mean in reverse order; it also means that whoever reads the Megillah merely as ancient history has missed the point. The Purim story is directly relevant to our contemporary world. As the Megillah itself tells us, that when we celebrate Purim each year, the miraculous events of Purim are "remembered and reenacted" in our lives. Haman, Then and Now One does not have to look far to find Haman's modern-day heirs. Now, as then, there are evil schemers who seek to scapegoat the Jewish people and--Heaven forfend--to erase us from the face of the earth. Each time they rise up to destroy us, their schemes are foiled by the miraculous Hand of G-d. The most striking example in recent times was the Persian Gulf War that ended victoriously on Purim, 5751/1991. From Redemption to Redemption Throughout our history, we have seen miracles. Despite centuries upon centuries of persecution, we have survived and flourished, by the Grace of G-d. Yet we have remained in exile for nearly 2,000 years, hoping and praying for the final and complete Redemption--the Redemption that will end suffering and exile forever. May the observance of Purim be a precursor to the coming of Moshiach, our Righteous Redeemer, whose imminent arrival will bring about a better life for all the nations of the world. ************************ * THE MITZVOT OF PURIM * ************************ Purim is the festival that commemorates the breathtaking victory over the murderous designs of Haman. Observed on the fourteenth of Adar, this joyous festival reveals the hidden Hand of G-d in the events of man. It is a day to be celebrated by the entire family--not only adults and boys and girls past Bar/Bas Mitzvah, but youngsters too should be encouraged to fulfill the mitzvot of Purim. Listen to the Megillah To relive the miraculous events of Purim, we listen to the reading of the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther) on Monday night, March 4, and again on Tuesday, March 5, during the daytime. When Haman's name is mentioned, we twirl graggers and stamp our feet to "drown out" his evil name. Tell the children Purim is the only time when it's a mitzvah to make noise! Send Gifts of Food On Purim we emphasize the importance of Jewish unity and friendship by sending gifts of food to friends. Send a gift of at least two kinds of ready-to-eat foods (for example, pastry, fruit, beverage), to at least one friend on Tuesday, March 5, during the daytime. It is proper that men send to men and women to women. Sending these gifts should be done through a third party. Children, in addition to sending their own gifts of food, make enthusiastic messengers. Give Gifts to the Needy Concern for the needy is a year-round responsibility for the Jew. On Purim, particularly, it is a special mitzvah to remember the poor. Give charity to at least two, but preferably more, needy individuals on Tuesday, March 5, during the daytime. The mitzvah is best fulfilled by giving directly to the needy. If, however, you cannot find poor people, place at least several coins into pushkas (charity boxes). Even small children should fulfill this mitzvah. Eat the Festive Meal As on all festivals, we celebrate Purim with a special festive meal on Tuesday, March 5, during the daytime, when family and friends gather together to rejoice in the Purim spirit. ****************************** * OTHER OBSERVANCES OF PURIM * ****************************** The Fast of Esther To commemorate the day of prayer and fasting that the Jews held before their victory, we fast on the day before Purim, Monday, March 4, from approximately 72 minutes before sunrise until 40 minutes after sunset. Machatzit Hashekel It is a tradition to give 3 half-dollar coins to charity to commemorate the half-shekel given by each Jew in the time of the Holy Temple. This mitzvah, usually performed in the synagogue, should be done on Monday, March 4, or Tuesday, March 5, according to your custom. Special Prayers On Purim we recite the Al HaNissim liturgy in the Amidah (Silent Prayer) for evening, morning and afternoon, as well as in the Grace After Meals. In the morning service there is a special reading from the Torah Scroll in the synagogue. Shushan Purim The Jews of Persia celebrated their victory over Haman and their other enemies on Adar 14. The Jews of the capital city of Shushan--a walled city--however, had a longer battle, waging war on the 13th and 14th of Adar. They therefore celebrated on the 15th. To honor the Land of Israel, our Sages ordained that any city in Israel that had been surrounded by a wall--like Shushan-- during the times of Joshua would also celebrate Purim on Adar 15. Thus, the 15th of Adar became known as Shushan Purim. Jerusalem is the only city in Israel where Purim is celebrated on Adar 15. *********************** * Hamentaschen Recipe * *********************** Hamentaschen, a traditional Purim delight, is a three-cornered pastry filled with mohn (poppy seed) or other sweet filling. 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup oil 1/2 cup margarine 3 eggs 4 cups flour 1/2 cup orange juice 3 tsps. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1 egg, beaten 2 lbs. mohn filling Cream sugar, oil and margarine. Add eggs and juice and mix well. Blend with dry ingredients and roll into a ball. Divide into four parts. Roll out each piece very thin (approximately 1/8 inch) on a floured board. With the rim of a cup or glass (depending on desired size) cut into the dough to make circles. Place 1/2 to 2/3 teaspoon of filling in the middle of each circle. To shape into triangle, lift up right and left sides, leaving the bottom side down, and bring both sides to meet at center, above the filling. Lift bottom side up to center to meet other two sides. Preheat oven to 350o. Brush dough with beaten egg before baking. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350o for approximately 20 minutes. Yields 4 dozen Hamentaschen. ******************** * A CALL TO ACTION * ******************** The Rebbe's slogan is: "The main thing is the deed." Hence, we present suggestions from the Rebbe's talks of what we can do to complete the Rebbe's work of bringing the Redemption. CELEBRATE PURIM: The Rebbe has called on every Jew to observe the mitzvot of Purim: hearing the Megillah read, giving charity, eating a festive meal, sending gifts of food to friends and reciting the Al HaNissim prayer. In addition, the Rebbe asked that everyone take part in spreading the awareness of the mitzvot of Purim. "There should not be a single Jew in a far-off corner of the world who does not have the opportunity to fulfill all the mitzvot of Purim." *************** * HAPPY PURIM * *************** May this Most Joyous of Jewish Festivals Bring Joy to You and All Your Loved Ones. May the Miracle of Purim be Reenacted in Your Life, Your Family's Life and in All Our Lives. And May We Rejoice Together in the Culmination of the Miracle of Purim-- the Imminent Arrival of Moshiach, and a Better World for All Humankind. ============================================================ = End of Text: Living With Moshiach, Parshat Tetzave, 5756 = ============================================================