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LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach

Parshat Va'eira, 5766
27 Tevet, 5766
Jan. 27, 2006


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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

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"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.

INTRODUCTION

We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, the 459-460th issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach.

*

In this week's issue, we focus on:

1)  The Rambam, whose yahrtzeit is on Friday, the 20th of Tevet, Jan. 20.

2) Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, whose yahrtzeit is on Tuesday, 24 Tevet, Jan. 24.

3) On the new Hebrew month of Shevat, that we bless this Shabbat.

*

On a personal note:

Wednesday, the 25th of Tevet, Jan. 25, is the 68th yahrtzeit of my grandfather, Rabbi Yitzchok Elchonon Halevi Shagalov, who literally gave his life to spread Yiddishkeit in Russia. Therefore, in his memory, we also present a famous incident in his life.

*

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

23 Tevet, 5766
Los Angeles, California

THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe

Parshat Va'eira

This week's Torah portion, Va'eira, opens with G-d's reply to Moses' question, posed at the end of last week's reading. "Why have You allowed so much evil to befall this people?" Moses added. "Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done more evil... You have not delivered Your People."

"I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob," G-d counters.

What kind of answer is this to Moses' seemingly legitimate complaint? Our Sages interpret this verse as a mild rebuke. "Your forefathers," G-d says, "Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, were repeatedly tested, yet none of them ever questioned My motives."

This exchange seems odd in light of the fact that, in general, the Torah goes out of its way to use only positive terms, even when referring to the lowliest beast. Every word in the Torah contains countless practical lessons to enhance our relationships with our fellow man and to apply in our service of G-d. We must therefore conclude that G-d's response to Moses must be of practical significance in our daily lives as well.

Moses, the greatest prophet who ever lived, certainly knew of the greatness of the patriarchs and their unquestioning devotion to G-d. In fact, because Moses stood on an even higher spiritual level than the patriarchs, his faith in G-d and trust in Him were likewise also greater. Yet if so, how could he have complained to G-d, "Why have You allowed so much evil to befall this people?"

Chasidic philosophy explains that Moses was on the spiritual level of chochma, intellect, whereas the patriarchs were the embodiment of midot, the emotions. Intellect always strives to understand; the nature of emotion includes the willingness to accept authority. The patriarchs were, therefore, unquestioning in their submission to G-d, whereas Moses argued and questioned in his desire to comprehend.

The practical lesson we may derive from this is twofold: On the one hand, we must always endeavor to emulate our forefathers, who, even in times of adversity, had complete faith in G-d and never questioned His actions. Likewise, in our own era, now is not the time for questions as we stand on the threshold of the complete and Final Redemption. Yet at the same time, Moses' demand of G-d is equally valid for us today.

Nowadays, as we find ourselves at the very end of our exile, an exile so bitter and confusing that the very boundaries between light and dark and between good and evil appear to be blurred, we must bear these two things in mind: The Jew must have utmost faith that all of G-d's actions are good, that the darkness itself is leading us toward Redemption, and, at the same time, he must beg and implore G-d with all his might to fulfill His promise to bring Moshiach.

Our cry, "How long, O G-d?" is not in contradiction to our faith; rather, our G-d-given intellect dictates that we demand, "Why have You done more evil to this people?" Both intellect and emotions must work in tandem, combining the faith of our forefathers with the cry of "We Want Moshiach NOW!"

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 OUR DEAR FRIEND AND COPY EDITOR
Reb Mordechai ben Reb Shaul
Staiman

Passed away on 22 Tamuz, 5763

THE RAMBAM

"From Moses to Moses there arose none like Moses." The first Moses to which this quote refers was the great prophet and Jewish leader, Moses. The second was Moses Maimonides, otherwise known as the Rambam, an acronym for Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon. Born on the day before Passover, 1135, in Cordova, Spain, the Rambam passed away on the 20th of Tevet, 1204 (this year, Friday, the 20th of Tevet, Jan. 20).

Maimonides was known in the Jewish world as a great talmudist and scholar. He served as chief rabbi of Egypt, the land to which he moved in his early thirties. He authored numerous books and treatises, including The Guide for the Perplexed, a commentary on the Mishnah, and the Sefer HaMitzvot (Book of Mitzvot).

21 years ago, the Rebbe urged all Jews to study every day a section of the Rambam's magnum opus, Mishneh Torah (a code of Jewish law), or at least the briefer Sefer HaMitzvot. Today, the Mishneh Torah, or the briefer Sefer HaMitzvot, is studied daily by hundreds of thousands of Jews -- men, women and children -- around the world.

The Rambam's fame and influence transcended the Jewish world. He was also internationally acclaimed as a philosopher and physician. In fact, he served as royal physician to the court of Saladin. He authored over fifteen works on the theory and practice of medicine, including one on asthma and another about poisons.

When the Rambam passed away, he was mourned by Jews and Moslems alike in Egypt, and Jews throughout the entire world. He was buried in the holy city of Tiberias in the northern part of Israel. By studying his works we can be united with his spirit.

* * *

A few years ago, the Rebbe discussed the following concepts:

"The name Rambam is an acronym for the Hebrew words meaning, "I will multiply My wonders in the land of Egypt," an allusion to the wonders associated with Redemption. Similarly, the Rambam's spiritual service involved giving Jews in Egypt -- in the night of exile -- a foretaste of the Redemption.

"Firstly, he lived in Egypt and it was there that he composed his magnum opus, the Mishneh Torah (a code of Jewish law). As he explained in his 'Introduction,' the Mishneh Torah was composed because of the difficulties of exile, as the Jews were unable to derive halachic rulings from the Talmud and needed an auxiliary source. Nevertheless, the text that the Rambam composed gave the Jews a foretaste of the Redemption -- reflected in the fact that it includes laws that will only be relevant in the Era of the Redemption when the Holy Temple will be rebuilt and in the conclusion of the text that focuses directly on the Era of the Redemption.

"Since, on the yahrtzeit of a tzaddik, 'the totality of his deeds, teachings, and service is revealed and... "brings about salvation in the depths of the earth,'" it follows that the Rambam's yahrtzeit grants us further potential to anticipate the Redemption.

"The above is particularly relevant in the present age when the Jewish people have completed the service required of them in exile. Everything is ready for the Redemption. All that is lacking is for G-d to open the eyes of the Jews and allow them to realize that they are sitting at the feast of the Redemption."

The Rebbe concluded: "There is no need for any further delay, and without any interruption we shall soon proceed from the present era to the era of the Redemption. The very next moment can be the last moment of the exile and the first moment of that era. As a catalyst for this, we must reflect an attitude of Redemption in our lives, showing how even within the exile, we can experience Redemption."

THE RAMBAM'S MISHNEH TORAH

The Rambam is probably best remembered for his encyclopedic codification of all 613 commandments of the Torah in his magnum opus, the Mishneh Torah.

In the Mishneh Torah, the Rambam enumerates and details all of the 613 laws of the Torah. He places the laws relating to the Jewish king, and Moshiach, at the very end of his work. In the introduction to these laws he states that the Jews were commanded to fulfill three mitzvot upon conquering and entering the land of Israel: To appoint a king; to kill the descendants of Amalek; and to build G-d's Chosen House, the Beis HaMikdosh, in Jerusalem.

It would seem that these mitzvot should have been mentioned much earlier in his work if they were, in fact, so important! However, the Rambam chose to organize the Mishneh Torah in this fashion to emphasize that the true and complete performance of all the mitzvot of the Torah will be attained only when a king rules over Israel. The Rambam then defines Moshiach as a king, who will not only redeem the Jews from exile, but also restore the observance of the Torah and the mitzvot to their complete state.

For many, this would seem a rather novel approach. Yet, the Talmud states that "the world was created solely for Moshiach." This being the case, we certainly must do everything in our power to prepare ourselves for Moshiach's imminent arrival.

What is within the power and reach of each individual, great and small? Good deeds, charity, studying concepts and laws associated with Moshiach and the Final Redemption, fostering peace between family, friends and co-workers, and actively waiting for and anticipating his arrival each and every day.

IT HAPPENED ONCE (1)

The following story is told about how it was "decided" where the Rambam's final resting place should be:

People from all over gathered in Egypt to attend the funeral of the great Rambam. When the procession was over, a discussion erupted as to where to bury him. The Rambam had only requested to be buried in the Holy Land. No mention was made as to which city should be his final resting place.

Representatives of different cities in the Holy Land came forward, each one arguing that the Rambam should be buried in their city. Because no solution to the problem at hand was in sight, everyone agreed to begin taking the coffin toward Israel, hoping that along the way they might come upon a solution for this problem. The coffin was perched atop a sturdy camel and, with hundreds joining the caravan, made its way toward the Holy Land.

One of the most difficult and dangerous parts of desert travel was the constant fear of being overtaken by one of the many bands of highway robbers who attacked travelers.

As it began to get dark, the pace of the caravan quickened. Everyone hoped that they would find a relatively safe place to camp for the evening. Their fears were well founded though, for within a short while, the sound of hoof beats were heard, coming closer and closer. "We're being attacked," cried out the leader of the caravan. Many of the people panicked and scattered in different directions. A few remained with the coffin to guard it. But, they, too, were frightened away as the gang of vicious bandits came charging toward them.

The bandits approached the camel with the coffin. They assumed that the box contained a huge treasure since so many people were guarding it. As much as they tried, though, the box could not be taken off the camel.

"Grab the camel's reins," shouted the leader of the bandits. "We'll take it with us." Their efforts met with no success, and they could not get the huge animal to budge.

"Open the box," commanded the leader.

One of the gangsters swaggered over to the box and began to pry off the lid. "There's a body in this box," he shrieked, as he ran away. The other bandits, too, became frightened at the thought of a dead body in a box in the middle of the dark desert and quickly made their exit.

Upon seeing that the bandits had left, the people from the caravan made their way back toward the camel. But, to their surprise, the camel began moving determinedly, as if it had a specific destination in mind.

The caravan leader cautioned the other people not to go near the camel. "It seems almost as if something is guiding the camel. Let us see what direction it takes." Soon it was obvious that the camel was heading straight for the border of Israel.

The caravan followed from a distance. By now, everyone was certain that the problem of where to bury the Rambam was solved.

After reaching the borders of Israel, the camel continued to travel steadily. It came to the city of Tiberias in the northern part of the country. It continued on through the narrow streets of the city until it suddenly stopped and knelt down on the ground.

The people understood that this was the place where they should bury the Rambam. Carefully, they removed the coffin from the camel's back and placed it on the ground, then immediately began digging the grave. All who witnessed this strange event were amazed to see the wonderful miracle.

The people of the city of Tiberias built a beautiful structure over the spot where the Rambam was buried. And every year, on the anniversary of his passing, thousands of people from all parts of the world come to visit his holy grave.

MOSHIACH MATTERS (1)*

I

A businessman who wants to double his capital first has to invest it in merchandise, and then, empty-handed, await his profit. In the same way, only by being dispersed empty-handed among the nations of the world can the Jewish people ultimately arrive at their great profit -- the exalted revelation of Divine light which will take place imminently in the true and complete Redemption through our righteous Moshiach.

II

The prophet Isaiah said concerning the Era of Redemption, "For the world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d as the waters cover the ocean." The main difference between now and the Era of Redemption will be our knowledge and awareness of G-d. This is reflected in the fact that the Hebrew word for exile, "gola," shares the same letters as the Hebrew word for redemption, "geula," with one exception: "Geula" possesses the letter alef -- one. It stands for G-d, "Alufo shel olam -- the L-rd of the world." Chassidic philosophy explains that there is more than a passive similarity involved. The addition of the alef actually transforms exile into redemption.

_______________

* Adapted from the essay, "From Exile to Redemption," published by Sichos In English, 788 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213.

YAHRTZEIT AND PRACTICAL DEEDS
Adapted from a Letter of the Rebbe

21 Tevet, 5720/1960

To all participants in the Annual Dinner of the United Lubavitcher Yeshivos "Tomchei-T'mimim":

This year's Annual Dinner takes place on the auspicious day of the 24th of Tevet, the yahrtzeit of the Alter Rebbe, author of the Tanya and Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) and founder of Chabad Chasidus.

* * *

A Yahrtzeit is the annual remembrance of the last day of life on this earth for a Jewish neshama (soul), and of its return to its Creator. This day marks the summation of the whole span of life, the conclusion of the soul's mission on earth.

Like all remembrances in Jewish life to which the Torah calls attention, a yahrtzeit is not just a reminder that is to remain in the realm of memory.

It recalls and demands practical deeds in the spirit of the soul's mission of the person whose yahrtzeit is commemorated, and by means of such practical deeds in that spirit one becomes part and parcel of the creativity and eternity of that person.

According to the explanation of my venerated father-in-law and of his father, of saintly memory, the inner aspect of the soul's mission and of the life and work of the Alter Rebbe -- as reflected also in his name, Shneur (shnei-ohr, meaning "two lights"), two lights united together in one word -- was to fuse together the two Divine lights, the revealed light of the Torah (Nigleh she'b'Torah) and the hidden inner light of the Torah (Nistar she'b'Torah), in such a way that the innermost should permeate, irradiate and shine forth through the outer (revealed) light, resulting in a whole and complete Torah -- Torah T'mima.

And, as explained in the Zohar, this is also the means whereby, in the same way, the innermost aspect of the soul is merged with its outer aspect -- the revealed part of the Jewish soul with its inner nekudas haYahadus (Divine spark).

Such is also the inner purpose of the Yeshivos "Tomchei T'mimim" Lubavitch, namely, that the students should become t'mimim (whole and complete) in the spirit of Torah T'mima, as defined and expounded upon by the Alter Rebbe, whose yahrtzeit is commemorated today.

* * *

All those who adequately participate in the Annual Dinner of the United Yeshivos Tomchei T'mimim on this auspicious day of the 24th of Tevet, including those who were unable to participate in person but take an adequate share in the supporting and strengthening of the Lubavitcher Yeshivos, thereby contribute and become an integral part of the creative deeds and accomplishments of the one whose yahrtzeit is being commemorated.

May G-d grant that such participation be in a growing measure, with a steadily rising vitality and devotion.

And the zechut [merit] of the Baal-ha-Yahrtzeit, the Alter Rebbe, will surely stand you all in good stead, men and women, who take an active share in the support and expansion of the Yeshivos Tomchei T'mimim, which are conducted in his spirit and with his system, and will bring you Divine blessings in all your needs, both material and spiritual, which go hand in hand together.

CHOF DALED TEVET

Tuesday, Chof Daled (the 24th day of) Tevet, Jan. 24, is the yahrtzeit of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch and the founder of Chabad Chasidic philosophy and the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty.

The Alter Rebbe opened a new path that allowed the teaching of the previously hidden aspects of the Torah -- P'nimiyus HaTorah -- to be grasped through the intellect and thus reveal additional G-dliness within the world.

But the Alter Rebbe was not only a master in the area of the more esoteric aspects of the Torah. Even as a child he was considered a great scholar of the revealed parts of the Torah -- nigle d'Torah -- as well.

This quality of the Alter Rebbe is alluded to in his name, Shneur, which can be broken up into two Hebrew words, "Shnei" and "ohr" which mean "two lights." The Alter Rebbe illuminated the world with his greatness in the two lights of the Torah.

In the Alter Rebbe's magnum opus, Tanya, he writes: "The Messianic Era...is the fulfillment and culmination of the creation of the world, for which purpose it was originally created." This means that our spiritual service will reach its full completion only with the fulfillment and culmination of the entire creation that will take place when Moshiach is revealed.

The entire purpose, in fact, of the revelation of chasidic philosophy is to hasten and prepare the world for the Messianic Era.

Thus, when each one of us studies Chasidus, whether the more sublime aspects or the most esoteric concepts, we prepare ourselves and the world around us for Moshiach.

* * *

The Alter Rebbe's works incorporated the whole spectrum of Jewish thought. The philosophical system he created is a synthesis of the mystical and revealed aspects of Judaism. But the Alter Rebbe was not merely a cold, analytic scholar, as the following story reveals:

Once, Rabbi Dov Ber, the Alter Rebbe's son, was studying late at night, his infant son in a cradle nearby. Rabbi Dov Ber was so immersed in his studies that when the baby fell out of the cradle he did not hear the child cry. The Alter Rebbe was also studying in another part of the house. But he heard his grandson's cry and quickly went to pick him up.

"You must always hear the cry of a child," the Alter Rebbe rebuked his son.

This simple admonition is like the rallying cry of all of the Alter Rebbe's descendants and followers since then. The Alter Rebbe devoted his life to hearing the cry of every child -- regardless of his chronological age. Indeed, within each one of us there is a child crying out to his Father in Heaven, waiting to be picked up and brought close. The Alter Rebbe's teachings, especially his main work, the Tanya, were written to help enable one to achieve that very closeness.

MOSHIACH MATTERS (2)

Tuesday, 24 Tevet, Jan. 24, is the yahrtzeit of the first Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi. We would like to share with you just a few of the hundreds of references to and explanations about Moshiach, the exile and redemption, that Rabbi Shneur Zalman made in his numerous scholarly works.

*

"In the days of the Holy Temple, the Children of Israel were by their very nature drawn by a genuine yearning towards the service of G-d; for them the demands of this world were a matter of necessity, to be dispensed with off-handedly, and without ardor. In the time of exile the opposite is true: A man is drawn by nature to his bodily needs and to this-worldly matters, while his divine service and his love of G-d are earned at the expense of considerable toil."

Likutei Torah

*

"The time of exile has been likened to a dream. For so it is written, "When G-d will return the exiles of Zion, we will have been like dreamers." A dream can fuse two opposites. In the present time of exile likewise, a person can be a paradox. While he is at prayer he is aroused to a love of G-d; when his prayers are over, this love has vanished: he is preoccupied all day with his business affairs, and gives priority to his bodily needs."

Torah Or

*

"Fulfilling mitzvot during the time of exile is like sowing seeds. A seed planted in the ground sprouts into a harvest that far exceeds its beginnings. So, too, by fulfilling mitzvot, one "sows" and increases the lights Above, in the Supernal "Land," and the harvest will "sprout" in future time. Moreover, the longer a seed remains in the ground, the richer will be the yield. So, too, the longer this exile is extended, the more intense will be the revelation in time to come."

Likutei Torah

*

"It is well known that the Messianic Era, and especially the time of the Resurrection of the Dead, is the fulfillment and culmination of the creation of the world, for which purpose it was originally created.... This culminating fulfillment of the Messianic Era and of the Resurrection of the Dead, depends on our actions and service throughout the duration of the exile."

Tanya

IT HAPPENED ONCE (2)

In 1812, Napoleon invaded Russia, and the route of the invasion led through White Russia. The Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, leader of the chassidic movement in White Russia, who had twice been accused of high treason, turned out to be a most loyal patriot. Although the French conqueror was hailed in some religious Jewish quarters as the harbinger of a new era of political and economic freedom, the Alter Rebbe saw in Napoleon a threat to basic religious principles and spiritual values.

The Alter Rebbe had nothing but contempt for the man whose arrogance and lust for power knew no bounds, and who represented to the Chabad leader the antithesis of humility and holiness. The Alter Rebbe urged his numerous followers to help the Russian war effort against the invaders in every possible way. With the aid of his followers behind the enemy lines, some of whom were employed by the French Military Command, the Alter Rebbe was also able to render valuable intelligence service to the Russian generals at the front.

When the French armies approached Liadi, the Russian generals advised the Alter Rebbe to flee. In August (1812) the Alter Rebbe hastily left Liadi, and fled with his family towards Smolensk. For some five months the Alter Rebbe and his family suffered the hardships and perils of the road and of an unusually inclement winter, until they reached a village in the district of Kursk. Here the Alter Rebbe succumbed to a severe illness in the final stages of the harrowing journey, and passed away at the age of 68.

Traditions and records preserved in the family of the Alter Rebbe provide interesting details in connection with the Alter Rebbe's last and fateful journey. From an account by Rabbi Nachum, grandson of the Alter Rebbe, relating his personal experiences, we learn the following details:

It was on Friday, the 29th of Av, that the Alter Rebbe fled from Liadi on the advice of the generals commanding the Russian armies in that area. Sixty wagons were put at his disposal, but they were not enough, and many had to walk on foot. A number of armed troops were assigned to accompany and protect the caravan. In view of the rapid advance of the French army, the generals suggested that the best route for the flight of the Alter Rebbe would be through the town of Bayev. But the Alter Rebbe decided to head for Krasna, urging the caravan to make the utmost haste, in order to cross the river Dnieper at the earliest possible time.

After covering a distance of about two miles, the Alter Rebbe suddenly requested the accompanying troops to let him go back to Liadi. Arriving at his deserted house, he ordered his men to search the house carefully to make sure that nothing whatever, however trivial, had been overlooked. The only things found were a pair of worn-out slippers, a rolling pin and a sieve, which had been left in the attic. He ordered these to be taken along, and to set the house on fire before the enemy arrived. Then he blessed those of the townspeople who remained in the town, and speedily departed again.

No sooner had he left the town on the road leading to the Dnieper than the avant-coureur of Napoleon's army reached the town from the opposite end. Presently, Napoleon himself with his entourage entered the town on their galloping steeds. Napoleon inquired after the house of the Alter Rebbe, but when he reached it, he found it ablaze, the fire burning beyond control. Napoleon wished to have something that belonged to the Alter Rebbe and offered a rich reward to anyone who could bring him anything.(1) But nothing was there.

During all his long and arduous journey the Alter Rebbe kept in touch with the situation of Russian Jewry caught in the gigantic Franco-Russian war. At that time the invading armies plundered everything they could lay their hands on. Starvation and ruination were the order of the day, and the Alter Rebbe's heart went out to his suffering brethren, who were the most hard-hit victims of the invasion.

The Alter Rebbe had foreseen Napoleon's invasion of Moscow as well as his defeat there. He also predicted that Napoleon's final defeat would be at the hands of his own compatriots. At the same time he knew that the retreating French armies, starving and desperate, would plunder the Jewish communities that lay in their path. Arriving in Piena, the Alter Rebbe embarked upon a relief campaign to aid the Jewish victims of the war, including resettlement plans, fund raising, and relief distribution. For ten days after his arrival in Piena the Alter Rebbe worked feverishly on his plans and projects to alleviate the plight of his brethren. Then, he fell ill, his condition worsening day to day. At the conclusion of Shabbat Parshat Shemot, after reciting the Maariv (evening prayer) and Havdalah, he composed a letter full of mystical allusions, and a few minutes later he returned his soul to his Maker.

_______________

1. It seems that Napoleon practiced some sort of sorcery for which such an object was required. Ed.

THE HEBREW MONTH OF SHEVAT

This Shabbat we bless the new Hebrew month of Shevat. About the first day of Shevat, it is related in Deuteronomy, that on this day, in the 40th year after the Exodus from Egypt, Moses began to explain the fifth Book of the Torah to the Jewish people. (He concluded on the 7th day of Adar, the same day he passed away).

The beginning of Deuteronomy relates how Moses rebuked the Jews for their sins, including the Golden Calf and the sin of the Twelve Spies. However, Moses did not specify any particular transgressions, but only alluded to their sins. Moses inspired the Jews to return to the right path through his constructive criticism. From this we learn a great lesson: Whenever discipline is necessary, love and kindness are much more effective than humiliation and embarrassment.

The name "Shevat" itself relates to the Hebrew word "shevet," meaning staff, which is associated with the concept of authority and kingship, as the Torah states, "The staff will not depart from Judah." The most perfect expression of this idea will be manifested in the era of the Redemption, when Moshiach will become the sovereign king. Indeed, on the verse "And a shevet will arise in Israel," Maimonides explains, "This refers to King Moshiach."

The word "shevet" also means "branch" or "shoot." In this context, there is also a connection to Moshiach. On the verse "A shoot will emerge from the stem of Jesse" (a famous prophecy about the coming of Moshiach), the Torah commentator Metzudat David explains that this also refers to King Moshiach.

As we begin this month so closely associated with Moshiach, let us hope and pray that all our efforts to learn Torah, observe mitzvot and spread awareness of the Rebbe's Prophecy of Moshiach's imminent arrival, bring about the ultimate Redemption without delay.

BEIS SHEVAT

Tuesday, Beis Shevat, the second day of Shevat (Jan. 31), is the yahrtzeit of Reb Zusya of Anipoli, a disciple of Reb Dov Ber of Mezritch (the Mezritcher Maggid), and colleague of Reb Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad Rebbe.

The fact that illness and utter poverty were Reb Zusya's lot did not in the least affect his piety, humility, and love of G-d for which he was renowned.

A story is told of Reb Shmelke of Nikolsburg, who approached Reb Dov Ber of Mezritch and asked him how it was possible to follow the injunction of our Sages to "make a blessing upon hearing bad news just as one would make a blessing upon hearing good news." Reb Dov Ber told Reb Shmelke to go to Reb Zusya, and he would answer his question.

Reb Shmelke went to Reb Zusya, upon whom poverty and illness had left their physical marks. When Reb Shmelke posed his question to him, Reb Zusya was surprised. He replied, "This question should have been brought to someone who has actually experienced unfortunate events, G-d forbid. Thank G-d, I have only had good things happen to me for my whole life."

The answer to Reb Shmelke's question was that someone should rejoice in his lot to the point that he is not even aware of harsh events. This was the hallmark of Reb Zusya's life.

Reb Shneur Zalman of Liadi held Reb Zusya in such high esteem that before printing his magnum opus, the Tanya, he sent a copy of it with a special messenger to Reb Zusya for his approbation.

COURT CASE IN GOMEL**

The following is a true story related by a Russian Jewish woman who was present at the court case described below:

In 1924, the Russian masses, most of whom had been fervently religious before the Revolution of 1917, were in the process of being weaned away from their religion. But, there were many -- even Communist party members -- who remained faithful to their religions. Many Jews retained outward appearances to show that they were good Communists, but deep within them burned the eternal Jewish spark.

One such man created a sensation in Gomel. Soon after his wife gave birth to their first child, a son, he said that he was suing for divorce. The reason: his wife had the baby circumcised!

The Communists had a chance to display to Gomel's Jewish population how a young man was prepared to sacrifice family ties for his party. They immediately planned a public trial. The trial was well publicized and when the day arrived the galleries were filled to overflow.

The judge, who was himself Jewish, called the husband first. "Tell me, Comrade, are you a loyal party member?" he asked.

"I am indeed." And the husband described his important post in the governmental hierarchy.

"Until now, have you loved your wife? Have you been on good terms?" asked the judge.

The husband answered in the affirmative.

"What then, Comrade, has happened that you wish to divorce her?" the judge asked.

"Comrade Judge, my wife gave birth to a son. I looked forward to bringing him up as a true Communist. One day, I came home and to my utter consternation found that he had been circumcised! Was I supposed to stand guard all day, neglecting my important work for the advancement of communism? I hold her responsible!" the husband said emotionally.

"Let the wife step forward," the judge ordered. "Comrade, are you guilty of perpetrating this heinous crime?"

"Comrade Judge," she wept, "it isn't true. He won't listen to me. We live in a single, rented room in someone else's house. One day I had to go shopping for food and I left my baby sleeping in his crib. I made sure to lock the door before I left. It took me longer than I expected. Just imagine how frightened I was when I found the door of our room wide open! I looked around and saw that nothing had been touched. But suddenly, I realized that my baby was gone!

"There was no one else in the house, no one to ask, no sign of any theft. I ran out into the street like a madwoman when I suddenly saw my parents and my husband's parents. Imagine my relief when I noticed my mother carrying the baby. She tried to calm me; they had just taken the baby for a walk, she told me.

"I believed them. But when I brought him home and changed his diaper I had a fit. How could my parents do this to me?" she screamed.

"Terrible," the judge shook his head. "Unbelievable that in the modern Soviet Republic these religious practices still exist. Let the child's grandparents come forward."

All four grandparents stood together. Both grandfathers had gray beards and wore long black coats. The grandmothers' heads were covered with kerchiefs. One of the grandmothers, who knew a little more Russian than the others, spoke for them all.

"Honorable Comrade, I admit that I can't see what's wrong with our grandchild having a bris like all Jewish boys. But you should know that we didn't mean to do it. It just happened."

The public galleries reverberated with howls of laughter. The judge called for silence and asked sarcastically. "How, Babushka, does a circumcision just happen?"

"We took our little grandson out for some fresh air. We came to streets where we hardly ever go. Suddenly a young rabbi walked over to us, whom we never saw before and asked, 'Do you want your grandson to have a bris like every Jewish boy?' 'Of course,' we answered. So he quickly took out a knife and before we knew what was happening our grandson had a bris!"

The gales of laughter from the galleries couldn't be contained.

"Babushka, have you finished your ridiculous story?" asked the judge.

"I have told you all," said the grandmother. "But I want you to know that I am very happy."

"Happy?" roared the judge. "About what?"

"Happy that our dear little grandson had a bris. Just like you, your honor! Aren't you proud to be a Jew?"

Try as he might, the judge could do nothing to stop the titters and snickers. Eventually the courtroom was brought to order. The husband was called back to the witness stand.

"Tell me, Comrade, hero of communism, if not for this most unfortunate affair, is there any other reason you have for divorcing your wife?"

"No, Comrade Judge, none whatsoever."

"If I tell you that she is not guilty, will you consider returning to her?"

"Of course, Comrade," said the husband.

"Then, here is the decision. Your wife is innocent. It is entirely the fault of the grandparents who persist in observing these religious practices. They will be fined 50 rubles. This is the decision of the Soviet Court of Gomel."

As the spectators filed out of court, they couldn't help but admire the ingenious plan of the young party-member and his wife to have their son circumcised while still retaining his high-ranking job and party membership.

The bizarre story about the stranger was, of course, to protect the mohel's identity. But, it was no secret to anyone; everyone knew the one mohel left in the city, Rabbi Yitzchok Elchonon Halevi Shagalov, a young rabbi who had studied for ten years in the famous yeshiva in Lubavitch, and was one of the chasidim left in Russia by the Previous Rebbe to continue with Lubavitcher activities at great personal sacrifice.

* * *

In the early hours of the morning, on the 4th of Tishrei, 5698 (September 9, 1937), while still up and learning Chasidus, as was his nightly custom, Rabbi Yitzchok Elchonon Halevi Shagalov was arrested for spreading Yiddishkeit in Russia and shot to death (at the age of forty) in prison less than five months later, on the 25th of Tevet, 5698 (December 29, 1937).

In 1953, his wife Rebbetzin Shagalov, may she live and be well, settled in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York. With the Al-mighty's blessings, she is enjoying the blessings of many descendants (including a number of great-great-grandchildren), all of them Lubavitcher chasidim, and many of them emissaries of the Rebbe on all five continents!

_______________

**. See "A Life of Sacrifice" - The Life and Times of Reb Yitzchok Elchonon Halevi Shagalov, by my cousin Rabbi Elchonon Lesches (2003: Brooklyn, NY).

Rabbi Lesches can be reached at: leshes@juno.com. Ed.

TIME FOR UNITY;
TIME FOR STRENGTH!

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

A CALL TO ACTION

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.

Study the Rambam's works daily:

"In honor of Rambam's yahrtzeit we should reinforce our study of the Rambam's works according to the three-pronged plan of study: three chapters or one chapter a day in the Mishneh Torah, or the parallel portions of Sefer HaMitzvot. Not only should one study these works himself, he should also influence others to do so."

(The Rebbe, 21 Tevet, 5752)

*

One can study the daily 3 or 1 chapters in the Mishneh Torah and/or the daily lesson in Sefer HaMitzvot, via the Internet, except on Shabbat or yom tov, at: http://www.lchaimweekly.org

The daily portion of Sefer HaMitzvot is also available electronically via the Internet.

To subscribe, go to: http://www.lchaimweekly.org/general/subscribe.html

* * *

Study Tanya:

The book Tanya, the basic work of Chabad Chasidic philosophy, is based on the Torah verse, "It [the full scope of Torah] is very close to you."

The yahrtzeit of the Tanya's author, the Alter Rebbe, on the 24th of Tevet, should inspire us to establish fixed programs of study that focus on this fundamental work of Chabad Chasidic philosophy. As it is divided into 53 chapters, corresponding to the 53 Torah portions, chasidim of old customarily studied one chapter each week. The Previous Rebbe divided the Tanya into daily portions and instituted its daily study, and the Rebbe has repeatedly encouraged this study.

*

One can study over the phone via pre-taped classes by calling (718) 953-6100, or via the Internet, at: http://www.lchaimweekly.org (except on Shabbat or Yom Tov), or attend a class at your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center.

The daily portion of Tanya is also available electronically via the Internet.

To subscribe, go to: http://www.lchaimweekly.org/general/subscribe.html

THE WEEKLY SHABBAT CALENDAR

Jewish Women and Girls Light Shabbat Candles

For local candle lighting times:
consult your local Rabbi, Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
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, Jan. 27, Erev Shabbat Parshat Va'eira:

  • Light Shabbat Candles,(2) by 4:50 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28, Shabbat Parshat Va'eira:

  • Blessing of the New Month, Shevat.(3)
  • Shabbat ends at nightfall, at 5:52 p.m.

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2. 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.

3. Rosh Chodesh Shevat is on Monday Jan. 30.

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.


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