"LIVING WITH MOSHIACH,"
Parshat Vayikra, 5760
10 Adar II, 5760
March 17, 2000
SPECIAL FEATURE:
Your Purim Guide
Please pray for the immediate and complete recovery of
Horav Chaim Yehuda Kalman Ben Rochel Marlow Shlita,
head of the Bet-Din (Rabbinical Court) of Crown Heights
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
NOTE:
The Table of Contents contains links to the text. Click on an entry
in the Table of Contents and you will move to the information selected.
"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.
Thank G-d, we are able to present to our dear readers the 200th issue of
our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach.
*
At this time, we take the opportunity to thank our supporters, who have helped
us publish this weekly publication.
May G-d bless them, with health, happiness and success in all of their endeavors.
*
In this week's issue, we focus on:
1) The Seventh(1) and Ninth of Adar II.
2) The festive holiday of Purim, which begins on Monday night, March 20.
Therefore, we present here "Your Purim Guide,"(2) and other
related material about Purim.
*
This Jewish year, is the year 5760 since Creation. The Hebrew letters are
Hei-Tav-Shin-Samech. Over a decade ago, in the year 5742, the Rebbe
stated that the Hebrew letters for that year were an acronym for "This should
be the year of the coming of Moshiach."
Since that time, the Rebbe has publicized a phrase describing the year according
to the acrostic of its Hebrew letters. This year has been designated by the
Rebbe's followers as "Hoyo T'hei Shnas Segulah," meaning "It will
surely be an auspicious year."
*
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
7 Adar II, 5760
Brooklyn, New York
_______________
1. "In a leap year, such as our current year, there is a difference of opinion
as to whether we commemorate this date in the first or second month of
Adar. Since both opinions are "the words of the Living G-d" it is
appropriate to commemorate the date in both months."
(The Rebbe, 7 Adar I, 5752/1992)
2. Published by Prestige Litho.
Special thanks to Rabbi M. Borisute for his help.
Parshat Vayikra
This week's Torah portion is Vayikra, which begins the book of Leviticus.
The book of Leviticus, is also known as Torat Kohanim (the Laws of
the Priests) and the Book of Sacrifices.
Jews, as a people, and individually, are expected to behave like
kohanim (priests), as G-d has declared: "And you should be unto Me
a Kingdom of Kohanim." Just as the kohen has been selected
to dedicate himself to the Divine Service--and not only for his own sake,
but also for the whole Jewish people--so has every Jew been chosen to serve
G-d, with a responsibility also for his entire environment.
To serve G-d does not mean to withdraw from the world; it rather means to
serve G-d within this world and together with this world. The beginning of
this G-dly service is in one's own home-life, by conducting it in such a
way that G-d's Presence should dwell in it, as it is written: "They shall
make Me a Sanctuary that I may dwell among them."
This is accomplished by a way of life exemplified by the sacrifices of old.
The service of the sacrifices consisted in taking things from one's possession--a
lamb, flour, oil, wine, salt, etc.--and consecrating them.
This is the way a Jewish home should be conducted; every detail of one's
life should be consecrated to G-d. How is this accomplished? By bringing
spirituality into our daily lives and our homes through charity and good
deeds, communicating with G-d, and Jewish education. And then the Divine
Presence dwells there, and it is a home blessed by G-d, materially and
spiritually.
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.
This week contains within it a special date for the American Chabad-Lubavitch
community, yet possibly even more so for the American Jewish community at
large.
The date is the Ninth of Adar II, (Thursday, March 16). On this day,
60 years ago, (in 5700, March 19, 1940), the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef
Yitzchok Schneersohn, arrived in the United States.
For all purposes, this day marks the beginning of the "dissemination of the
wellsprings (of Chasidus) to the outside" in the Northern Hemisphere.
Though weakened in body--as he was confined to a wheelchair--he was not weakened
in spirit.
After his arrival in the United States, the previous Rebbe successfully devoted
himself to establishing a strong educational system here. Within two years,
yeshivot in New York, Montreal, Newark, Worcester and Pittsburgh were
founded. This flurry of activity, however, did not at all affect the manner
in which he continued to work toward the establishment of educational
organizations in other parts of the world. For, within ten years, programs
were started in Paris, Safaria (Israel) and N. Africa.
Before his arrival in the United States, the previous Rebbe was told that
"America is different." The customs and ways from the "old country" just
wouldn't do here. The Rebbe replied in his usual indomitable manner, "America
is not different!" and proceeded, throughout the rest of his life, to prove
that he was right.
The Jewish community here is greatly indebted to this prophetic and visionary
giant.
* * *
The Previous Rebbe announced, upon his arrival, that he was going to open
the first Chabad-Lubavitch yeshivah in America. He said, "America
iz nisht andersh--America is not different [from Europe]." Just as
yeshivot had dotted the European landscape for centuries, so too would
they flourish here in America.
Upon hearing this, many people came to the Previous Rebbe and tried to dissuade
him, citing examples of prominent rabbis who had also tried to establish
yeshivot in America and had failed.
The Rebbe replied, "I did not come to America to relax, but rather, Divine
Providence brought me to America to start rebuilding Judaism." He refused
to go to sleep that night until he was assured that the yeshivah would
open as he wished. The following day, Tomchei T'mimim Lubavitch
Yeshivah in Brooklyn opened with ten students.
* * *
The Previous Rebbe wrote and spoke at great length about the process of education
and the momentous task that is bestowed upon teachers.
In "The Principles of Guidance and Education," the Previous Rebbe describes
the process of introspection and refinement that an educator must undergo
in order to properly guide his/her students. He also explains how a teacher
must carefully examine each individual pupil's character and tailor his/her
teaching style to best educate the student with both love and firmness.
Contrary to the old saying that "those who can, do, and those who can't,
teach," the Rebbe shows us that only a person with a truly fine, exceptional
character can properly carry out the task of teaching the next generation.
The Rebbe explains that the arrival of the Previous Rebbe on our shores marked
the beginning of the primary efforts to spread Chasidus and Judaism
to the outer reaches of the world at large.
We should intensify our efforts to carry out the service begun on the 9th
of Adar II, namely, to spread the light of Torah to the entire world,
until the Redemption comes and this world is revealed as G-d's dwelling.
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.
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 Hamans 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 II 5760
March 20-21 2000
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.
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.
Purim is the festival that commemorates the breathtaking victory over the
murderous designs of Haman. Observed on the fourteenth of Adar II,
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 20,
and again on Tuesday, March 21, 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 21, 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
21, 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 21, during the daytime, when family and friends
gather together to rejoice in the Purim spirit.
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, on Monday, March 20, from
approximately 72 minutes before sunrise until 40 minutes after
sunset.(3)
_______________
3. In New York City, at 6:47 p.m.
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 20, or Tuesday, March 21, according to your custom.
Special Prayers
On Purim we recite the V'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.
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.
Purim is such a great holiday.
Children and adults alike love to celebrate Purim with the exciting and unusual
mitzvot and customs of the day. Dressing up, eating
hamentaschen for dessert at the Purim meal (do you like prune, poppy
seed, raspberry or apricot?), twirling the gragger at Haman's name
in the Megillah, and giving shalach manot--food gifts to friends.
These are the reasons why the young of age and the young at heart look forward
to Purim each year.
Did you ever stop to think what the Purim mitzvot and customs have
in common? Let's take off the masks, open up the shalach manot, look
inside the Megillah--peel the layers off of everything--and see the
common denominator intrinsic to all of them.
When someone is dressed up in a costume or mask, his identity is concealed.
Rich or poor, smart or average, pretty or homely, we no longer perceive the
physical, economic, or intellectual differences that often separate us. Yes,
one costume is expensive, another more original, and there are hundreds of
Queen Esthers. But it's obvious that these are just externals. They aren't
the person inside the costume. On a very basic level, when we dress up on
Purim our superficial differences are, for the moment, concealed.
The Megillah, that exciting story recounting the triumph of right
over might, good over evil, and the Jews' faith in G-d over the vile schemes
of Haman, is also a lesson in Jewish equality and unity. For, it was only
once the Jews united, that they were saved from Haman's plan of total
annihilation. Men, women and children, scholars and shoe cobblers, peasants
and the Queen all fasted and prayed as one for three days and nights to avert
the evil decree. And because they united, because each one felt equally
responsible and able to effect a change, their prayers and penitence were
accepted.
Now, on to those delicious hamentaschen of varying fillings and recipes.
Some say they are meant to remind us of Haman's hat or his ears. But they
are also symbolic of that which is hidden within. G-d's Hand, so to speak,
was hidden during the whole Purim episode--the incidents that led up to Esther
being crowned queen, Mordechai overhearing the palace guards' plot to kill
Achashverosh, etc., seemed quite natural. But they were--like everything
in life--Divine Providence, G-d's way of putting together an intricate puzzle.
Just as the filling is concealed in the hamentaschen and the Divine
was hidden during the Purim epoch of Jewish history, the Divine within each
one of us is hidden--very often to others and often even to ourselves. The
Divine within each of us is our soul--the actual part of G-d that gives us
life. And though it is intangible, though its existence is often concealed,
the soul is the great equalizer of all of us. For, though one Jew might do
more mitzvot than another, or have a more comprehensive Jewish education,
or be kinder or gentler, the essence of our souls and their source are the
same--an actual part of G-d.
Lastly, we have the shalach manot, those delightful packages of goodies.
They range from a sandwich bag with raisins, cookies and a drink to a
three-foot-high wicker basket filled with aged-wine and elegant treats. There
are numerous differences in packaging, price and products, but, once again,
all shalach manot have one thing in common: they foster unity. Unity
not just because we feel good when we give and when we receive. But unity
also because we customarily give the shalach manot through a messenger--we
involve another person in the mitzvah. When giving the shalach
manot we connect not only with the person to whom we are giving, but
to a third person as well. And the messenger can be anyone--young or old,
friend or stranger, male or female.
This Purim in particular is a special time to participate in the
mitzvot of Purim or to enhance our observance of them. For, as the
Rebbe explained, the Redemption is imminent and each act of kindness, every
deed, any additional mitzvah, helps us better prepare ourselves for
that era which is unfolding before our very eyes.
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
II became known as Shushan Purim.
Jerusalem is the only city in Israel where Purim is celebrated on Adar
15.
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.
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 V'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."
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.
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.chabad.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.chabad.org/chabadir-access.html.
In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848).
Times shown are for Metro NY - NJ
Friday, Mar. 17, Erev Shabbat Parshat Vayikra:
-
Light Shabbat Candles,(4) by 5:46 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 18, Shabbat Parshat Vayikra:
_______________
4. 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. |
