LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Vayishlach, 5756 B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT VAYISHLACH Kislev 15, 5756 Dec. 8, 1995 * 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 The Weekly Torah Portion The Rebbe's Prophecy Yud Daled Kislev Not Just Any Day Happy New Year, NOW? Where Are You? A Call To Action Please Tell Me What the Rebbe Said ****************** * INTRODUCTION * ****************** We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach. * In this week's issue, our feature presentation focuses on the auspicious date of Yud Tes Kislev, the 19th day of Kislev. * Our sincere appreciation to L'Chaim weekly publication, published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, and to the publishers of Sichos In English, 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 3 Kislev, 5756 Brooklyn, New York ***************************************** * THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * ***************************************** PARSHAT VAYISHLACH This week's Torah portion, Vayishlach, describes the encounter between Yaakov (Jacob) and his brother Esav, after Esav had sent 400 armed men announcing his arrival. Their meeting, which threatened to be confrontational, actually turned out amiable-- "Esav ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him; and they wept." Why this change of Esav's intentions? Rashi explains: Esav's mercy was aroused when he saw Yaakov prostrating himself before him so many times. Rashi continues by quoting Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai: Despite the halacha (rule) that Esav hates Yaakov, Esav's compassion was stirred at that time and he kissed him with his whole heart. Rabbi Shimon used the word halacha, which means religious law, to emphasize something about the nature of Esav's hatred toward Yaakov: it is as immutable and timeless as are the practical laws of Torah. Rabbi Shimon wished to teach us that we should not try to rationalize Esav's hatred of Yaakov by ascribing various reasons or motives to it; it is a hatred rooted in Esav's very essence. If and when we find an instance of Esav's positive behavior toward Yaakov, we should realize that it is an exception to the rule-- "his compassion was stirred at that time." This saying of Rabbi Shimon also found its expression in his own personal life. Rabbi Shimon lived under the yoke of Rome, and suffered under the harsh decrees issued against the Jewish nation. He, in particular, suffered greatly because of his own staunch opposition to the Romans, and was forced to hide, together with his son, in a cave for 13 years. Yet it was precisely this same Rabbi Shimon who traveled to Rome to have the anti-Jewish decrees rescinded, and was successful! The story of Rabbi Shimon illustrates both sides of the coin: the unchangeable nature of Esav's hatred and persecution of the Jews, and the triumph of one who was particularly renowned for his opposition to Roman rule. We learn from this a valuable lesson in how to relate to our oppressors during this long and bitter Exile: On the one hand, a Jew must not rely on the mercy of the nations, because we know that Esav's hatred toward Yaakov is a given fact. At the same time, it is within the power of every Jew to command respect from the non-Jews by maintaining his pride and adherence to the Jewish way of life. When a Jew is unbending in his commitment to Torah and mitzvot, it positively influences the nations, so that "Esav's compassion was stirred and he kissed him with his whole heart." Not only does this command respect, but it brings about Esav's cooperation and even assistance in helping the Jew to keep his Torah. ************************ * 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 * * Passed away on 4 Adar II, 5755 * * Pais * ********************************************* ********************** * YUD DALED KISLEV * ********************** Thursday, the 14th of Kislev (Dec. 7), is the wedding anniversary of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. Therefore we share excerpts from the diary of a yeshivah student of that time about this event: "The good news that the marriage of the Previous Rebbe's daughter, Chaya Mushka, to the Rebbe would take place in Warsaw brought great joy to all.... "The hall was silent as the Previous Rebbe began a discourse before the wedding ceremony: 'It is well known that at the time of a wedding, the souls of the ancestors of the couple from three generations back come to bless the couple. There are times, though, that ancestors from even earlier generations come. As an invitation to our holy Rebbes and ancestors, I will say a discourse that contains within it teachings from each of them'.... "Following this introduction, the Previous Rebbe began a chassidic discourse.... Then they went to the chupah, which was in the yeshivah's courtyard. Over 5,000 people were in the courtyard. "The wedding feast was in one of the largest halls in Warsaw and the Previous Rebbe walked among the tables and said 'l'chaim' to everyone. He delivered a talk to the yeshivah students and then afterwards danced with the administrators and teachers of the yeshivah. The Previous Rebbe then delivered another chassidic discourse that lasted until after midnight. Only then did all of the guests begin their meal. "Far away, in the city of Dnepropetrovsk, the Rebbe's parents, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok [1] and Rebbetzin Chana [2] Schneerson, were celebrating with the people of their city. They had been forbidden by the government to attend the wedding of their eldest son. The entire night the festivities continued in their home." Once, on his anniversary, the Rebbe said, "This is the time that I became connected to you--the chassidim." May everyone soon experience the complete connection to the Rebbe with the commencement of the Messianic Era. ---------- 1. See Living With Moshiach, Vol. 38. 2. See Living With Moshiach, Vol. 44. ********************** * NOT JUST ANY DAY * ********************** Legal holidays, bank holidays, American holidays. For most Americans, Presidents' Day and July Fourth, Memorial Day and Columbus Day conjure up images of long weekends, no mail, 24-hour banking machines and sales. In Jewish tradition, a holiday, special event, or the birthday or yahrtzeit of a great person, has a different type of significance. Chassidic philosophy reveals that every special day in the Jewish calendar can have its own special impact on a person's life and the entire year. From Passover, for instance, one receives the strength to break out of one's own Egypt, one's own limitations. From the upcoming holiday of Chanukah, we derive the ability to rededicate ourselves to G-dly service just as the Hasmonian Maccabees rededicated the Holy Temple after its desecration. In the spiritual realm, the same forces in effect at the time of the original event reassert themselves at the time of the anniversary of the event. This makes an anniversary an opportune time to benefit from those forces. This coming Tuesday, Dec. 12, is Yud Tes Kislev, the 19th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, a day of import to chassidim the world-over. But, in keeping with the above comments, it has great significance for every Jew. The 19th of Kislev is the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezritch, successor to the Baal Shem Tov. It is also the day of liberation for Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the Maggid's disciple and the first Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch. Rabbi Shneur Zalman's arrest by the Russian government was instigated by opposers to the chassidic movement and its teachings. His liberation, then, meant freedom for the Chassidism. "Every Jew is a brother, every individual Jew is important... A Jew is, by his very nature, inseparable from G-d, regardless of how much circumstances have temporarily overshadowed this connection." These were some of the basic teachings of the Baal Shem Tov expounded upon and disseminated by his chief disciple, the Maggid, and Rabbi Shneur Zalman. The spiritual energy inherent in the 19th of Kislev gives each one of us the strength necessary to explore the Baal Shem Tov's teachings. From understanding and implementing the intrinsic unity of the Jewish people to the more esoteric and mysterious aspects of the Torah as explained in chassidic philosophy, this is an opportunity not to be missed. ************************** * HAPPY NEW YEAR, NOW? * ************************** Happy New Year! Wait a minute. It's a little late for Rosh HaShanah. Actually, on the 19th of Kislev (this year, Tuesday, Dec. 12) we do celebrate a "New Year," of sorts, the little-known Rosh HaShanah of Chassidus. On that day, 197 years ago, the first Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, who had been imprisoned on trumped-up charges, was released. To this day, chassidim greet each other with a "Happy New Year" and other appropriate salutations, on the 19th of Kislev. But what, in fact, was so important about the first Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman--and his release--that we make such a big hubbub about it? Rabbi Shneur Zalman was imprisoned because he was teaching and making available to all Jews Chassidus--the inner mysteries of the Torah. Today, what with modern technology, "sharing" and honesty in relationships, movies about ghosts and extraterrestrial beings, there don't seem to be many mysteries left to unravel. But, when it comes to Torah, and in particular to Jewish education, one big mystery still remains. It's the mystery of how Jewish children in free countries continue to grow up with little or no Jewish education. It would seem that, in the spirit of Rabbi Shneur Zalman's life work, this "New Year" is the perfect time to be making resolutions about Jewish education. So, break out the bubbly, put on a hat, toot a few horns, and let's figure out how we can help that Jewish kid down the block learn something about being Jewish. ******************** * WHERE ARE YOU? * ******************** The question of decades ago, "It's ten p.m. Do you know where your children are?" might bring more looks of exasperation today than in the past. Yet, if someone directed a similar question to you--"Do you know where you are?" we would think that the questioner is a bit daft. Aside from visits to malls, zoos or amusement parks, when we often have to refer to the map at the information center to find out "you are here," we always seem to know where we are. But do we really know where we are? The first Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman, was imprisoned on trumped up charges of anti-government activities. During his imprisonment, one of the czar's officers--having heard of Rabbi Shneur Zalman's keen intellect and outstanding genius in all areas of life--engaged him in a conversation. The officer had an unsolved question. "It says that Adam 'hid' after he sinned by eating fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. When G-d wanted to speak with Adam, He asked him, 'Where are you?' Didn't G-d know where Adam was?" asked the officer. Rabbi Shneur Zalman replied, "The Bible is eternal and its message is for all times. G-d was inquiring of Adam, and of all his descendants for all time, 'Where are you? Where do you stand in the fulfillment of your life's mission? How much have you accomplished today and what do you intend to accomplish tomorrow that will help you fulfill the special task with which you have been entrusted?'" The question "Where are you?" is asked every day of each one of us. Like the question, "Who are you?" the answer has to come from a place that goes beyond names and titles and positions and affiliations and job descriptions. To be able to properly respond, our answer has to come from our very essence. For G-d does not direct the question to Adam or Eve, to Michael or Jennifer. He directs it to you: "Where are *you*?" An important start in being able to answer the question is to understand who "you" are. The chassidic teachings of Rabbi Shneur Zalman--the dissemination of which was the true cause for his imprisonment--explain that "you" are comprised of a G-dly soul and a body chosen by G-d at Mount Sinai. Torah, primarily as elucidated by chassidic teachings, can help us fully understand these two components of ourselves. Together with that understanding comes the ability to begin to answer the age-old and ageless question, "Where are you." The New Year of Chassidus commences on the 19th of Kislev. Make a New Year's resolution that "you" will never regret. Join a Torah class that includes chassidic teachings. Find out where you really are. * Chassidus classes are available for people of all ages and backgrounds. For information, call your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center. For a listing of the Centers in your area, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848). ********************** * 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. Gatherings should be held in every Jewish community, in honor of 19 Kislev--the "New Year of Chassidus" and anniversary of the liberation of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe. Participate in as many gatherings as you can. They needn't be huge assemblies; begin with yourself (i.e., a gathering of one's own strengths and powers for good). At these gatherings an emphasis should be placed on inspiring each other to increase in Torah, prayer and deeds of kindness. (The Rebbe, 16 Kislev, 5752/1991) * For a Yud Tes Kislev gathering in your area, contact your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center. **************************************** * PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE REBBE SAID * * Weekly Torah Insights For Children, * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * **************************************** PARSHAT VAYISHLACH Once [3] a man came to visit Rabbi Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezeritch. He was shocked to see how empty the Maggid's home was. There was hardly any furniture; the tables, chairs, and beds were all made of simple boards or stumps of wood. The man could not help asking the Maggid why his house was so bare. The Maggid replied: "And where is your furniture?" "In my home, of course." "Why don't you have any with you?" the Maggid continued. The man looked at the Maggid in surprise. "I'm on a business trip now. Surely a person doesn't need his furniture when he is in the middle of a journey!" The Maggid smiled. "I too am on a journey. This world and all its possessions are only temporary." * * * Yaakov Avinu was sending this same message to Esav. He sent messengers to Esav, instructing them to give his brother gifts and tell him in Yaakov's name: "Im Lavan garti... I have lived with Lavan and have been delayed there until now. I have acquired many possessions--oxen, donkeys, sheep and servants." Rashi tells us that the word garti--"I have lived"--has a deeper message. The Hebrew letters of this word are gimmel, reish, taf and yud. We find the same letters in the word taryag. We all know that taryag stands for the 613 mitzvot of the Torah. Yaakov's message, says Rashi, was--"I have lived with Lavan for many years, but I was not influenced by him. I kept the mitzvot and led my life according to Torah." The words garti and taryag are not connected only because they share the same letters. There are other words in Hebrew that mean "live." Yaakov could have used a different word. But he chose garti, which comes from the root ger--a stranger, a person who knows that he's not really at home. Yaakov was saying that everything that he earned while working for Lavan--the oxen, donkeys, sheep and servants--are not really important. The entire time he was living there, he was like a stranger, because working for these things is not that his life was all about. Yaakov's real life centers around his neshamah (soul). All his possessions are things he lives with, not things he lives for. He was telling Esav: "I am concerned with things that are permanent, things that really count." All the time that we, Yaakov's children, are in Galus (Exile), we are also strangers. Although we may be successful and prosper, this is not what we are really living for. Like Yaakov, our lives should center around our neshamos. That is what really matters to a Jew. ---------- 3. Adapted from the book, Please Tell Me What The Rebbe Said, Vol. 2 (Brooklyn, NY: S.I.E., 1995). =============================================================== = End of Text: Living With Moshiach, Parshat Vayishlach, 5756 = ===============================================================