LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Ki Tavo, 5757 B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT KI TAVO Elul 17, 5757 September 19, 1997 * Published Weekly By Lubavitch Shluchim Conferences On The Moshiach Campaign, Committee For The Blind * * * 5757 ********************************************* * VISIT US ON THE WEB, AT: * * http://www.moshiach.net/blind * *===========================================* * 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 * Chai Elul * Honest Self-Assessment * A Jewish Smoke-Detector * 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. * In this week's issue we focus on Chai Elul, the 18th of Elul. * 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. * We take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very sweet, happy, healthy and successful new year. * 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 13 Elul, 5757 Brooklyn, New York *************************************** * THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** PARSHAT KI TAVO This week's Torah portion, Ki Tavo, contains the commandment of bikurim, first fruits. "And it shall be, when you come into the land...and you shall take of all the fruit of the earth...and put it in a basket...and you shall go to the priest...and the priest shall take the basket from your hand, and set it down before the altar of the L-rd your G-d." The mitzvah of first fruits applies only to the "seven kinds by which the land of Israel is praised"--grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, dates, wheat and barley. Whoever cultivated these special fruits on his portion of land was obligated to bring the very first of his harvest to G-d's representative on earth--the priest who served in the Holy Temple--thereby thanking G-d for His bounty and joyfully acknowledging the Creator of all things. A mitzvah may be performed in one of two ways: with a minimum of involvement and effort, merely in order to fulfill the requirement, or out of a sense of love and joy, demonstrated by one's desire to observe the mitzvah in the most beautiful way possible, utilizing the very best of whatever one possesses. This principle is best expressed in the mitzvah of bikurim, for which the farmer must go against his natural inclination to retain for himself the very best of the fruits of his labor, and hand them over to the priest in Jerusalem. As we stand now on the very threshold of the messianic era, when we will once again be obligated to perform this mitzvah, it is fitting that we prepare ourselves for its renewed observance, at least in the spiritual sense. How? By thinking of ourselves as the "first fruit" of G-d: every action we take, every thought we have and every word that comes out of our mouths must be not only "for the sake of Heaven," but also must be our absolute best, the most choice and select we are capable of producing. Furthermore, this principle should be applied not only to the realm of religious observance, but to the myriad details of our everyday, mundane lives, elevating even our business transactions to the level of "first fruits," as our Sages said, "All of your deeds should be for the sake of Heaven." Until Moshiach comes, when we will be able to perform the mitzvah of first fruits in the physical sense, every Jew must picture himself at all times as if he is standing in the Holy Temple, about to hand over his basket of offerings to the priest. May our efforts to refine ourselves in this manner bring the Final Redemption speedily in our day, and with it, the opportunity to observe the mitzvah of bikurim in the literal sense as well. ************************ * 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 * ********************************************* ************* * CHAI ELUL * ************* An individual's birthday has a very special meaning for that person. The birthday of a tzaddik has deep significance for everyone who attempts to live according to the tzaddik's teachings. A tzaddik's birthday is, in some ways like the spiritual birthday of his followers. The birthdays of two great tzaddikim are on the 18th of Elul (corresponding this year to Shabbat Parshat Ki Tavo, Saturday, Sept. 20). On the 18th ("Chai") of Elul, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (in 5458/1698), founder of the Chasidus movement, and Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (in 5505/1745), spiritual grandson of the Baal Shem Tov and founder of Chabad Chasidus, were born. These great men dedicated their lives to teach the value of every single Jew. Ahavas Yisrael--unconditional love of each Jew-- was at the forefront of their philosophy. Today, two centuries later, we benefit from the guidance and revelations of the Baal Shem Tov and Rabbi Shneur Zalman. The date of their birth, then, is not only their birthday--it is also our birthday. On our birthday we take time out to reflect on our achievements of the past year and our goals for the future. It is fitting that on the birthday of these tzaddikim, we reflect on how well we have followed and benefited from them, and we make our resolutions for the New Year. We will, in their merit, be blessed with a K'Siva Vachasima Tova, a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. ************************************** * HONEST SELF-ASSESSMENT * * Adapted from a Letter of the Rebbe * ************************************** The month of Elul, as is well known, is the month of honest self-assessment of the outgoing year, and, at the same time, the month of preparation for the new year--which is, clearly, also the purpose of the honest stock-taking--i.e., not only to try to make good one's deficiencies, but also to know, and to resolve with proper determination, the right path of future daily conduct henceforth. And this will make the coming year a good and sweet one spiritually, hence also a good and sweet year materially. In the month of Elul itself, the 18th (Chai) day comes as a special reminder, with encouragement and exhortation, in the said two aspects of self-assessment and preparation. Its message is: With this day begins the last 12 days of the year; hence the self-searching must now be more intensive and embrace all the months of the year--each day corresponding to a month, the start being Chai Elul. Moreover, according to our Rebbes, the day of Chai Elul must infuse vitality (chai--life) into all details of the Divine service of the entire month of Elul and in its two general aspects of assessment and preparation. One may wonder what has "vitality" to do with such a thing as an honest self-assessment that deals with "hard" facts. The connection is as follows: There is the well-known instruction that just as one must not forget one's shortcomings in order to rectify them fully, so must one not forget one's good qualities, in order to utilize them to the fullest degree. In order that this should be accomplished in the proper way --and to the greatest possible degree--the assessment must be done with real vitality. Whereas an honest assessment of one's shortcomings might sometimes induce discouragement, or worse, despair, an honest evaluation of one's achievements might lead to complacency and to the conclusion that one has already attained a state of perfection. However, the sign and effectiveness of vitality is in growth, and not the growth of a vegetable, which remains in the same place (and situation), but of a living creature--moving from one place to a better place. Growth is indicated not only by changing location, but also by growing through personal change, a change in one's nature, habits and entire being from good to better and better still. This is the true vitality of a Jew who has been commanded to refine and change his character attributes. The capacity to attain all the above has been given to every Jew, or, using the quotation above, to "all of you," from "the heads of your tribes" to "the hewer of your wood and the drawer of your water." For the vitality of every Jew derives from, and is bound up with, the Source of Life, as is written, "And you who are attached to G-d, your G-d, are all of you living this day"--by virtue of your attachment to G-dliness, the Source of life and vitality, through the Torah, the Torah of Life, and the mitzvot whereby Jews live. Moreover, it is a matter of common experience that everything done with vivacity can be achieved with greater success and more completeness. And--what is no less important--such activity makes the proper impact on others inspiring them with the same spirit, for the best influence is a living example. May G-d grant, that everyone, man and woman, take full advantage of the great opportunity of the last days of the year and those following, all the days of the coming year--to act with true vitality in fullest measure, as above. And in the merit of it, everyone, in the midst of all our Jewish people, should be inscribed for a good and sweet year, for good life and for peace, Unto the coming of our righteous Moshiach, and the fulfillment of the Divine prophecy: "The strength and glory of the righteous shall be uplifted," very soon indeed. *************************** * A JEWISH SMOKE-DETECTOR * *************************** Once in a while, for safety's sake, you can and should test your smoke-detector to make sure it's working properly. This is, of course, in addition to replacing the battery when it starts beeping once in awhile. When it starts beeping all the time, for your safety and sanity, you'd better replace the battery immediately. In addition, some smoke-detectors come with information about how often they should be tested and how often batteries need to be replaced. There's another "safety contraption" in our homes that needs to be checked periodically--our mezuzot. It is customary and advisable to have a knowledgable person check the mezuzah parchment (the actual mezuzah) during the Hebrew month of Elul. Though mezuzot don't actually come with pre-packaged instructions, the instructions should be followed all the same. Since we are currently in the month of Elul, now is the time to check our mezuzot. It's also a good time to take a moment to learn about the place mezuzot (like smoke-alarms) hold in helping assure our safety. The Zohar, which contains the more esoteric aspects of Judaism, explains that the effect of having a mezuzah on one's door is to provide protection by G-d from the time you leave home until you return. This aspect of "protection" is also hinted at by the Hebrew letter shin that appears on most mezuzah covers. The shin is the first of three letters, shin--dalet--yud, which spell out one of G-d's names. Those letters are also an acronym for Shomer Daltot Yisrael--Guardian of the Doors of Israel. Finally, just as the blood placed on the doorposts of the Jewish homes in Egypt kept away the Angel of Death, so, too, the mezuzah has the effect of "not allowing the destroyer to come into your houses to strike you." With all of the above in mind, however, we are told not to look upon the mezuzah as a charm or amulet; it is not a good luck symbol, garlic, etc., to be worn around one's neck. It is also not just a symbol or quaint ritual, to tell the outside world that this is a Jewish home. Of course, it does serve as a concrete reminder to the people living in the home, when coming in or going out, that the people in the home, in fact, are Jewish, though this is not its primary purpose. How can we understand how the mezuzah protects us inside and outside the home and is yet not some sort of charm or amulet? A mezuzah can be compared to a helmet. A soldier wears a helmet to protect him from enemy bullets, and a mezuzah, too, protects us, our family and our possessions from harm. Yet, "bad" things do sometimes happen to someone with mezuzot on his doors. How is this possible? If, while wearing a helmet, an enemy bullet does manage to wound a soldier, it is the enemy bullet, and the enemy bullet alone that has pierced him. The helmet provides added protection, but is not the only factor involved in the soldier's safety. Similarly, a smoke detector offers a certain amount of protection in case of fire. However, if a fire does, G-d forbid, cause damage, it is the fire and not the smoke detector that has brought about the disaster. Have your mezuzot checked soon. If you don't have mezuzot or you need more, make sure to purchase them from a reputable Judaica store or certified scribe. Or call your local Lubavitch representative for more information. ******************************** * In loving memory of * * RABBI ELYE GROSS, * * our Developmental Consultant * ******************************** ******************************* * 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.havienu.org/resrcs/hebcal.html * * * * FOR A FREE CANDLE LIGHTING KIT: * * contact your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center. * * * * FOR A LISTING OF THE CENTERS IN YOUR AREA: * * http://www.chabad.org/chabadir-access.html * * In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848). * ********************************************************* >>>> Times Shown Are for Metro NY - NJ <<<< FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT KI TAVO: * Light Shabbat Candles, [1] by 6:42 p.m. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, SHABBAT PARSHAT KI TAVO: * On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapter 3 & 4 of Ethics of the Fathers (Pirkei Avot). * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 7:40 p.m. _______________ 1. 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* * 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 Ki Tavo, 5757 = ============================================================