LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach
Parshat Re'eh, 5764
Menachem-Av 26, 5764
August 13, 2004
This week's issue is sponsored in part by:
Holy Sparks -
http://www.holysparks.com
Your premiere site for Jewish spirituality.
5,764 Years of the Most Amazing Jewish Wisdom
recorded in calligraphy, especially for you!
Explore your potential:
Jewish Books, Art & Wisdom For Our Time.
FREE art!
Visit TruePeace.org
Dedicated to educating the public regarding the
current situation in Israel, based on Torah
sources, with special emphasis on the opinion
and teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
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.
We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, the 388th
issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach.
*
This Shabbat we bless the new Hebrew month of
Elul,(1) therefore this week's issue focuses on
Elul.
*
We take this opportunity to wish you and yours a K'Siva Vachasima Tova,
a happy, healthy and prosperous New 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 of blessed
memory, 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
18 Menachem-Av, 5764
Los Angeles, California
_______________
1. Rosh Chodesh Elul is celebrated on Tuesday, August 17, and Wednesday,
August 18.
In honor of
Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Yitzchok and Gitel Rochel
Shagalov
On the occasion of our wedding,
Sunday, 13 Nissan, 5764
Elul And Parshat Re'eh
This Shabbat we bless the new Hebrew month of Elul, a particularly
auspicious month that possesses a unique dimension. For during this month,
G-d is especially close to us and we are granted an extraordinary capacity
for teshuva -- "return."
As every Torah portion has particular relevance for the time of year in which
it is read, let us examine the connection between the month of Elul
and the Torah portion, Re'eh, which we read this Shabbat.
Our portion begins with the words, "See! This day I give to you a blessing
and a curse." Every word in this verse contains an allusion to the special
nature of the service of the month of Elul, and the Divine assistance
we are given to fulfill it.
"See!:" The first thing a Jew must do is to open his eyes. Our sense
of sight affords a much more definitive verification of facts than does our
sense of hearing; when a person sees something with his own eyes he cannot
be dissuaded. A Jew's G-dly service must be performed with this same level
of absolute confidence and conviction.
But how are we, mere human beings living in a physical world, supposed to
attain this level? G-d provides the answer in the next word of the verse:
"I" ("Anochi"): The word Anochi relates to the Essence
of G-d, an aspect of G-dliness that is higher than Names. The reason we are
able to achieve these lofty spiritual heights is because the power to do
so is derived from this highest of Sources. The Torah continues:
"Give:" G-d gives us this Divine assistance according to the principle
of "He who gives, gives generously;" His gifts are bestowed willingly and
in great abundance.
"To you" ("Lifneichem"): This word is related to the Hebrew
word penimiyut, meaning "inside" and "within." The special boost we
receive from G-d during Elul is not superficial, but involves the
sum and substance of the Jew and enables him to connect with G-d on the deepest
level.
"This day:" Lest anyone think that this Divine assistance is granted
only once, the Torah tells us that G-d's help is ongoing, enabling us to
serve G-d with renewed strength every day of the month.
And how are we to properly utilize this added dimension in our service?
"A blessing and a curse:" This refers to the observance of the Torah's
positive commandments and the avoidance of its prohibitions.
Directing our added capacity for teshuva in these two directions will
result in a good and sweet new year and a favorable inscription in the Book
of Life.
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 OUR DEAR FRIEND AND COPY EDITOR
Reb Mordechai ben Reb Shaul
Staiman
Passed away on 22 Tamuz, 5763
This Shabbat we bless the new Hebrew month of Elul, and we
celebrate Rosh Chodesh Elul, on Tuesday, August 17, and Wednesday,
August 18.
In addition to being the name of a Jewish month, the word Elul is
an acronym for five verses from the Torah which are connected to the five
different types of service, each identified with our new month.
The Rebbe enumerated these five verses:
Prayer -- "I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine." For it is through
prayer, the "duty of the heart," that our relationship with G-d is enhanced
and intensified.
Torah study -- "It chanced to happen and I set aside for you a place."
This verse describes the Cities of Refuge to which a person who killed
unintentionally can flee. But it also refers to Torah study for "the words
of Torah provide refuge."
Deeds of Kindness -- "A person [gives presents] to his friends and
gifts to the poor." In this verse the concept of deeds of kindness is clearly
expressed.
Teshuva -- "And G-d your L-rd will circumcise your heart and
the hearts of your descendants." For the service of teshuva -- returning
to G-d wholeheartedly, is primarily the service of changing one's inner self,
the feelings of one's heart.
Redemption -- "And they said, 'We will sing to G-d'" This phrase is
taken from the Song of Redemption sung at the Red Sea.
The first three services are identified with the three pillars of man's service.
These services must be permeated by the service of teshuva and by
the service of redemption and thus, they will be endowed with a boundless
quality that surpasses the limits of a person and the world at large.
A Month of Mercy
In the generation of the Exodus from Egypt, Moses ascended Mount Sinai three
times.
The first was to receive the Torah.
The second was to plead with G-d for His forgiveness, after the Jewish people
sinned in worshipping the golden calf.
Then, on the first day of Elul -- the month immediately preceding
Tishrei -- Moses ascended the mountain a third time, to invoke G-d's
abundant mercy for our complete atonement.
He remained there for forty days, until Yom Kippur, when G-d
cleansed us completely, as though we had never sinned.
Since then, these days are marked as a special period of Divine grace, during
which our sincere prayers are sure to find favor in the eyes of G-d.
* The Shofar(2) is sounded every weekday morning,
except on Shabbat, and the last day of Elul, Erev Rosh
HaShanah(3) (Wed., Sept. 15).
* Psalm 27 is added to the daily morning and afternoon prayers.
* It is customary to give additional charity each weekday.
* During the entire month of Elul we greet friends with the traditional
blessings of, "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet year."
It is customary to send friends and relatives New Year's greetings with blessings
for the coming year.
* It is customary to have our mezuzot and tefillin checked
to make sure they are still fit.
* To be more careful about keeping kosher.
* Beginning Saturday night, September 11, and on the following weekday mornings
until the eve of Rosh HaShanah, Selichot(4) (special
penitential prayers) are recited.
* Elul is an appropriate time to reflect on our actions and attitudes
of the previous year, and resolve to correct our shortcomings. We increase
our good deeds and try to be more meticulous in our observance of those
mitzvot that we already perform.
* * *
Why do we do all of this in the month of Elul? Can't it wait until
we're closer to Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur -- most of us "work"
better under pressure anyway!
These questions can be explained by a beautiful parable given by Rabbi Shneur
Zalman of Liadi, the first Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch:
Once each year, a very mighty king leaves his palace, his guards, his finery,
and goes out into the field to meet with his subjects. At that time, they
can ask of him anything they wish. They do not need to wait in long lines,
go through security checks, be announced ceremoniously. They can speak with
him without hesitation. When the king returns to his palace, his subjects
will once again have to go through all kinds of protocol to meet with him.
So, of course, his subjects make the most of the opportunity.
During the month of Elul, G-d is "in the field." We don't need to
go through all kinds of red tape to reach Him. We need only to come out to
meet Him, as it were, with a humble heart, and He will listen to us. He will
accept our repentance and consider our requests most carefully.
The King will soon be in the field. Make sure not to miss this opportunity.
_______________
2. Maimonides explains that the shofar is blown as the means of stirring
the Jew to repentance. He says the call of the shofar is: "Awaken,
you sleepers, from sleep, you slumberers from slumber; search your actions
and return in penitence."
3. To differentiate between the shofar sounding of Elul, which
is custom and that of Rosh HaShanah, which is prescribed by the Torah.
4. The Sephardic custom is to recite them during the entire month of
Elul. According to the Ashkenazic custom, they are recited beginning
on the Saturday preceding Rosh HaShanah after midnight and thereafter each
morning until Rosh HaShanah.
by Rabbi Bentzion Grossman
To those who live in Jerusalem, Rabbi Eliezer Chaim Streicher is a familiar
figure. Rabbi Streicher is known for his unwavering trust that G-d will come
to his assistance when he is in need. Many stories are told about the salvation
that came to him in the nick of time.
As a young man, Reb Eliezer Chaim learned in a yeshivah, where he
devoted himself to Torah study day and night. After he was married he began
to search for a job, but could not find a suitable position.
After consulting with several friends, they all told him that it was easier
to make a living in the United States, he decided to move to New York. The
young couple relocated to the Borough Park section of Brooklyn, and Reb Eliezer
Chaim found a job without difficulty.
However, with every passing day, Reb Eliezer Chaim found that he had less
time to devote to his beloved Torah studies and spiritual pursuits.
It became obvious to Reb Eliezer Chaim that he had to make a decision about
where his life was going. He was hesitant to leave his job and return to
full-time Torah study. And yet...
With these thoughts going through his mind, Reb Eliezer Chaim went to pray
in a small shul that he did not usually frequent. He came across a
book that spoke about the importance of trusting in G-d. A person who has
trust, the author wrote, can be assured that G-d will never abandon him wherever
he goes.
The book made a strong impression on Reb Eliezer Chaim, and he decided that
from that day on he would rely on the beneficence of G-d. With his wife's
approval, he left his job and began to study Torah full-time in a
kollel -- a yeshivah for married men.
His faith and trust in G-d, that the Al-mighty would provide him with his
livelihood from another source, was unshakable.
A few years passed and the Streichers decided to return to Israel where Reb
Eliezer Chaim would continue to devote his life to Torah study. Indeed, G-d
took care of the Streichers. Several friends helped them out and within a
short time of their return to Israel the couple was settled in a furnished
apartment in one of the religious neighborhoods of Jerusalem.
Years passed. Reb Eliezer Chaim found that he missed the insights and guidance
of the Rosh HaKollel, dean of the kollel, in New York. He decided
that he would travel to New York for a short while to see him. Again, G-d
provided Reb Eliezer Chaim with the necessary airfare in the merit of his
trust.
Before leaving, however, Reb Eliezer Chaim consulted with his wife, in accordance
with the Talmud's instruction to obtain one's wife's permission before embarking
on a journey. She agreed, but on one condition: that he buys clothing for
their children when he was in Borough Park. They sat down and figured out
how much it would cost: $600 would cover everything. Of course, Reb Eliezer
Chaim had not a penny in his pocket when he set off, but he agreed to his
wife's condition; G-d would somehow provide.
Weeks passed, during which Reb Eliezer Chaim was happily and dilligently
studying in his former kollel in New York. In a few more days he was
scheduled to return to Israel; the clothing for his children had been completely
forgotten.
On the last day of his visit he suddenly recalled the promise he had made
to his wife. There were only a few hours left before he would have to take
a taxi to the airport. But what could he do? He still had no money; even
if he had, he would have been hard pressed to fit a shopping spree in. Reb
Eliezer Chaim put his trust in G-d and continued to learn.
Then the door to the study hall opened suddenly and Reb Eliezer Chaim looked
up from his book. At that hour the study hall was empty, except for the man
who was rapidly walking toward Reb Eliezer Chaim.
The stranger was smiling; from the way he was dressed it was obvious that
he was a Lubavitcher chasid. The man came over and placed his arm
on Reb Eliezer Chaim's shoulder. Reb Eliezer Chaim greeted him warmly and
asked, "What can I do for you?"
"The Lubavitcher Rebbe gave me this envelope and told me to deliver it to
the person I would find sitting and learning in this study hall." The man
handed Reb Eliezer Chaim the envelope and left.
When Reb Eliezer Chaim opened the envelope a small cry escaped his lips.
Inside was exactly $600.
Needless to say, Reb Eliezer Chaim made it to the airport on time, his suitcases
bulging with the clothing for his children that his wife had indicated.
Years later, Reb Eliezer Chaim was still shocked by what had occurred. "Why
are you so surprised?" I asked him when he told me the story. "Hadn't you
seen with your own eyes time and time again how G-d came to your assistance
whenever it was necessary?"
"Never mind that G-d knew about my problem and came to my aid," Reb Eliezer
Chaim replied. "That I can understand. But how did the Lubavitcher Rebbe
find out?"
The most important principle in the Torah is the protection of Jewish life.
It's more important than Shabbat, more important than holidays, even
fasting on Yom Kippur.
Right now, in Israel, and everywhere, Jews must stand together in unity and
do whatever possible to protect Jewish life.
The Rebbe teaches that there are ten important
Mitzvot we can do to protect life. See what you can do:
1) Ahavat Yisroel: Behave with love towards another Jew.
2) Learn Torah: Join a Torah class.
3) Make sure that Jewish children get a Torah true education.
4) Affix kosher Mezuzot on all doorways of the house.
5) For men and boys over 13: Put on Tefillin every weekday.
6) Give Charity.
7) Buy Jewish holy books and learn them.
8) Light Shabbat & Yom Tov candles. A Mitzvah
for women and girls.
9) Eat and drink only Kosher Food.
10) Observe the laws of Jewish Family Purity.
In addition, the Rebbe also urged every man, woman and child to Purchase
a Letter in a Sefer Torah. There are several Torah scrolls
being written to unite Jewish people and protect Jewish life.
Letters for children can be purchased for only $1. Send your Hebrew name
and your mother's Hebrew name plus $1 to:
"Children's Sefer Torah,"
P. O. Box 8,
Kfar Chabad, 72915, Israel
or via the Internet, at:
http://www.kidstorah.org
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.
Facilitate an increase in Jewish education for children
A few years ago, near the end of the month of Menachem-Av, the Rebbe
explained:
"We are nearing the close of the month of Menachem-Av, a month associated
with the destruction of the Holy Temple. Removing the cause of the Holy Temple's
destruction -- 'Jerusalem was destroyed solely because the Torah study of
the children was nullified' -- will cause the effect, the destruction and
the exile, also to cease, and bring about the revelation of the Third Holy
Temple. One should assure an increase in the area of the education of Jewish
children."
You can start by enrolling your child in a Jewish day school or afternoon
school program or giving a donation to an institution dedicated to Jewish
education.
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, August 13, Erev Shabbat Parshat Re'eh:
-
Light Shabbat Candles,(5) by 7:38 p.m.
Saturday, August 14, Shabbat Parshat Re'eh:
-
Blessing of the New Month, Elul.(6)
-
On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapter 6 of
Pirkei Avot -- Ethics of the Fathers.
-
Shabbat ends at nightfall, at 8:40 p.m.
_______________
5. 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.
6. Rosh Chodesh Elul is celebrated on Tuesday, August 17, and Wednesday,
August 18.
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.
Back to "Living With Moshiach" Home Page
 |
