LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach
Chodesh Adar, 5767
SPECIAL FEATURES:
1. Joy - A Chasidic Insight
2. Zayin Adar
3. Tes Adar
4. A Tribute to Bobe Mariasha Shagalov (Garelik)
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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 502-514th
issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach.
*
It is with tremendous pain and sorrow that we dedicate this issue of Living
With Moshiach to the loving memory of my dear and loving Grandmother,
Rebbetzin Mariasha bas Horav Ben-Tzion Shagalov (Garelik), who passed away,
at age 106, on Wednesday, 20 Tevet, 5767 (January 10, 2007).
Rebbetzin Mariasha, was an exemplary Chasidah, and a role model for
our children and all of us. May her memory be a blessing for us all.
In her loving memory, we present a story of her bitachon -- trust
and faith in G-d.
*
In this week's issue, we focus on:
1) The Hebrew month of Adar.
2) The Seventh and Ninth of Adar.
*
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
25 Shevat, 5767
Los Angeles, California
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Horav Schneur Zalman Halevi
ben Horav Yitzchok Elchonon Halevi
Shagalov
Passed away on 21 Tamuz, 5766
Reb Dovid Asniel ben Reb Eliyahu
Ekman
Passed away on 5 Sivan - Erev Shavuot, 5765
Mrs. Devora Rivka bas Reb Yosef Eliezer
Marenburg
Passed away on the second day
of Rosh Chodesh Adar, 5766
AND IN HONOR OF
Mrs. Esther Shaindel bas Fraidel Chedva
Shagalov
*
Dedicated by their children
Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Yitzchok and Gittel Rochel
Shagalov
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
Our Sages have taught that, just as when the month of Av begins we
lessen our joy, so, too, when the month of Adar begins, we increase
our simcha -- joy and happiness.
But why should we be so happy just because it is Adar? In Adar
we celebrate the joyous holiday of Purim, commemorating the time when the
unity and prayers of the Jewish people brought about the nullification of
Haman's wicked plan to annihilate the Jews.
Our Sages declared Purim a day of festivity and rejoicing; of sharing our
joy with our fellow-Jews. As Purim is the central holiday of Adar
and the "theme" of the month, the entire month is permeated with our pursuit
of joy and happiness.
The Talmud describes Adar as having "a healthy mazal." It is
a month which brings the Jewish people strength and true health. In the month
of Adar, G-d's blessings for a good and sweet year are renewed,
intensified, and increased. These provide more good reasons to rejoice!
In our day and age we have another reason to rejoice when Adar begins.
Jewish teachings explain that "Joy breaks all boundaries." As we stand literally
on the threshold of the long-awaited Redemption of the Jewish people and
the entire world, the Rebbe has suggested that our every action be permeated
with joy in the hope that this will break through the last boundaries of
exile.
May the joy we experience in these, the last days of exile, hasten the coming
of the ultimate joy, the coming of Moshiach. May we join one Redemption to
another and connect the Redemption of Purim to the Messianic Redemption.
May it take place imminently!
* * *
Concerning the kind of things that should be done to arouse simcha
during the month of Adar, the Rebbe suggested that each person should
proceed according to his level: a child, for instance, should be made happy
by his parents; a wife by her husband, and visa versa.
The bottom line is that the Rebbe did not let up on encouraging an increase
of simcha in all permissible manners during the entire month of
Adar.
We must hearken to the Rebbe's words and utilize simcha, especially
during this month, to turn darkness into light, sadness into joy, and pain
and tears into rejoicing with Moshiach in the Final Redemption; may it take
place, as the Rebbe so fervently prayed, teichef umiyad mamash --
immediately, literally.
As we enter the new Hebrew month of Adar, our thoughts immediately
turn to the holiday of Purim.(1)
Every holiday is a time of rejoicing for the Jewish people. The joy of Purim,
however, exceeds that of all other holidays, even the holiday of
Sukkot, which is referred to in the Torah itself as "Z'man
Simchateinu" -- the Season of Our Rejoicing.
The joy of Purim is limitless and unbounded. The joy of Purim is "poretz
geder;" it "breaks" through life's day-to-day routines and the typical
way of doing things.
As the joy of Purim is so great, even the preparations for Purim must be
filled with great joy. What preparations do we need to make for Purim?
On Purim itself we send gifts of food, mishloach manot, to friends
and neighbors. Children dress up in costumes. We listen to the reading of
the Megillah of Esther and stamp out Haman's name. We eat a festive
holiday meal and we add the special "V'Al HaNissim" ("And [we thank
You] For these miracles") to our prayers, etc.
Our preparations for Purim, then, include studying the laws and customs of
the holiday, purchasing items for mishloach manot, making costumes,
familiarizing ourselves with the Megillah, readying the holiday meal,
knowing when to recite V'Al HaNissim. The more enthusiasm and rejoicing
we put into the preparations for Purim, the greater the happiness of Purim
itself will be.
From the rejoicing of the preparations for Purim may we speedily experience
the rejoicing with Moshiach, NOW!
_______________
1. This year, Purim begins on Saturday night , Mar. 3. Ed.
At a chasidic gathering nearly 20 years ago, the Rebbe told the following
story:
One of the tzaddikim of Poland, when still a little boy, asked his
father for an apple. His father, however, refused to give it to him.
The enterprising youngster proceeded to recite a blessing over the apple:
"Baruch atah...borei pri haetz -- Blessed are You... Who created fruit
of the trees!"
The father could not possibly allow the blessing to have been recited in
vain. And so, he promptly handed the youngster the apple.
The Rebbe used this story to illustrate the following point:
In our situation today, if the Jewish people begin now to rejoice in the
Redemption, out of absolute trust that G-d will speedily send us Moshiach,
this joy in itself will (as it were) compel our Father in heaven to fulfill
His children's wish and to redeem them from exile.
Needless to say, the Rebbe was not suggesting the use of mystical incantations
or the like to "force" the premature advent of the end of the exile. "We
are simply speaking of serving G-d with exuberant joy," the Rebbe explained.
The month of Adar brings with it not only the injunction to increase
in joy, but with every command we are also given the power and energy to
fulfill that command.
So, right from the start of the month, let us increase in our happiness,
do mitzvot with more enthusiasm, and rejoice NOW in the imminent
Redemption.
* * *
What benefit does joy bring us?
Chasidic teachings use the example of two individuals who are wrestling,
to teach us the advantage of joy.
When two individuals are wrestling with each other, each striving to throw
the other, if one is lazy and sluggish he will easily be defeated and thrown,
even though he may be stronger than his opponent. Similarly, when we are
trying to correct our bad habits or encourage spiritual growth, etc., it
is impossible to accomplish any of these goals with a heavy heart or
sluggishness, which originates in sadness. Rather, we are most successful
at "overthrowing" our character flaws when we use alacrity that is derived
from joy.
The third Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, known as
the Tzemach Tzedek, received a letter from one of his followers,
complaining that it was difficult for him to be "joyous." The Tzemach
Tzedek's advice to him was that he think only positive and happy thoughts,
that he be careful not to speak of sad or depressing matters, and to behave
as if his heart was full of joy. "Ultimately," concluded the Tzemach
Tzedek, "this will be the reality."
As we enter the month of Adar, a month when we are enjoined to increase
our joy over and above our regular mitzvot to "serve G-d with joy"
and "to be joyous constantly," may we celebrate the greatest joy of all,
the revelation of Moshiach and the ingathering of all Jews to our Holy Land,
NOW!
Who can repress a smile when seeing the joy of a small child shrieking in
delight as he glides down a slide in a park? Whose gait isn't emboldened
as he passes a newsstand and the headlines report good news? Or what about
when you're at a wedding and the stomp of the foot on the breaking glass
elicits resounding cries of "mazel tov;" the surge of simcha,
or joy, is electric.
"Serve G-d with joy," King David demands. And since we are in the employ
of our Boss 24-7, we must be in a continual state of joyousness.
"That's easier said than done," you might be thinking. Perhaps in the
above-mentioned scenarios joy is intrinsic, but what of other times, those
regular, run-of-the-mill days when there's no particular reason to rejoice?
Or worse yet, those gray periods when we see everything around us through
cheerless lenses? How can we sustain an upbeat feeling, an optimistic outlook?
By not thinking too much about ourselves. When a person focuses on himself,
it's natural that he should start thinking about what he lacks materially,
or his failings in regard to self-growth and actualization. Obviously, these
thoughts aren't conducive to inspiring a cheerful attitude. Also, by not
thinking too much of ourselves. When a person has an inflated sense of self,
he is often hurt or angered by slights, real and imagined.
If a person really wants to be in a joyous frame of mind, he has to rise
above self-concern. He needs to spend time reflecting on the idea that there
is something deeper and greater beyond him -- G-d. When a person thinks more
about G-d and less about himself (especially if those reflections are based
on the Jewish mystical teachings found in Chasidism), he will find it easier
to maintain a positive and even joyous attitude in life.
And there's something in it for us, as well. When a person is joyous, he
generates a new-found energy that he would not otherwise be able to muster.
This doesn't mean that real problems miraculously cease to exist (though
sometimes they do disappear), but rather that we are able to view them and
even solve them from our new, energized positive perspective.
When our joy is more on the level of "bursting" with happiness, it's natural
to want to share it with others. An instinctive part of being happy is wanting
those around us to be happy, as well. And share it we should, especially
now, as we enter the Jewish month of Adar. The Talmud teaches, "From
the beginning of Adar we increase in joyousness." So start being happy
now.
One more thought about simcha: In Hebrew it shares the same root letters
as Moshiach. By working on ourselves to be happy, we actually hasten the
time when the whole world will be happy -- the time of Moshiach.
Zayin Adar, the Seventh day of the Hebrew month of Adar (Sunday,
Feb. 25), is the birthday and yahrtzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu (Moshe
our teacher).
The Rebbe has spoken numerous times about the significance of this date in
our G-dly service. In one of the Rebbe's last public addresses, on 7
Adar I, 5752/1992, the Rebbe delved further into the significance
of this date.
On a person's birthday, "his mazal (source of influence) shines
powerfully." If this concept applies to the birthday of any Jew, surely it
applies with regard to the birthday of a nasi (leader) of the Jewish
people. Nor is this relevant merely as an event in the past. Instead, each
year, the positive influence associated with the Seventh of Adar is
increased, reaching a level immeasurably higher than in previous years.
The birthday of a nasi affects every member of the Jewish people,
for the nasi is the source of influence through whom G-d's blessings
are drawn down for the entire people.
Seven is symbolic of a complete cycle. Thus, the Seventh of Adar should
inspire every Jew to carry out his service in a complete manner. The positive
influence of the month of Adar will facilitate the performance of
this service.
Similarly, these positive influences will hasten the coming of the Redemption.
It is of utmost importance that the Redemption come sooner, even a moment
sooner, for the Divine Presence and the Jewish people are in exile. Therefore,
it is important to hasten the coming of the Redemption; every single moment
its coming can be speeded is significant. The potential for this certainly
exists: the very next moment can be the last moment of the exile, and the
moment that follows, the first moment of Redemption.
* * *
Jewish teachings (Shemos Rabba) state that "Moshe is the first redeemer
and he is also the final redeemer." This does not mean that Moshe himself
will be the "final redeemer." For, Moshe belongs to the tribe of Levi, while
Moshiach is from the tribe of Judah.
However, many traditional sources view the redemption from Egypt as the prototype
of the Final Redemption, based on the verse in our Prophets: "As in the days
of your exodus from the land of Egypt, I will show you wonders."
In this way, Moshe -- who was the leader of the Jewish people in his generation
-- is the prototype of every Jewish leader and ultimately, of Moshiach.
Thus, for example, in Egypt, first G-d appointed the redeemer -- Moshe. He
spoke to the Children of Israel, telling them that G-d had remembered them
and that the time had come for them to leave Egypt. Only afterward did Moshe
redeem the Children of Israel and take them out of Egypt. Similarly, first
Moshiach informs us that the time of the Redemption has arrived, and only
afterward does the actual Redemption take place (Sfas Emes).
In one of his kabbalistic works, Rabbi Chaim Vital describes Moshiach as
a tzaddik, a human being born of human parents, and writes that he
will receive the soul of Moshiach that has been stored in the Garden of Eden.
Rabbi Chaim Vital then explains how this may be compared to Moshe and his
progression to self-perfection.
The Chatam Sofer, as well, describes Moshe, the first redeemer, and
then compares him to the final redeemer, "And when the time comes, G-d will
reveal Himself to him, and the spirit of Moshiach, which has been hidden
in the higher worlds until his coming, will light upon him."
The Month of Adar 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, (Tuesday, Feb. 27). On this day, 67
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, 5700/1940, 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.
When people comment that Lubavitchers may be going a little overboard, as
it seems that every other word is about Moshiach or Redemption or the Messianic
era, our only response is that we are emulating the Rebbe.
An example (and this is not an exception, but the rule) may be found in a
talk of the Rebbe's 17 years ago (in 5750/1990) at just about this time of
year. At that time the Rebbe spoke of the 50th anniversary of the previous
Rebbe's arrival in America.
In the course of just 5 minutes the Rebbe said:
"May the completion of these 50 years of service bring about the complete
and ultimate redemption -- the eternal Redemption led by Moshiach.
"The Messianic Redemption is also connected to the present month, the month
of Adar. Adar is a month of celebration as our Sages commented,
'When Adar commences, happiness should be increased.' This happiness,
in contrast to the happiness of the other months of the year, is unlimited
in nature. Thus, we find that though the festivals of Passover,
Shavuot, and Sukkot are described as 'festivals of rejoicing,'
the court would send emissaries to ensure that the celebrations were kept
within certain limits. In contrast, the celebrations of Purim are unlimited
in nature. This relates to the Messianic Redemption, for the ultimate expression
of happiness will come in the Messianic age.
"This unbounded happiness is not restricted to Purim alone. The Megillah
describes Adar as 'the month that was transformed,' implying that
the month as a whole is one of celebration. In particular, this is true now
that eight days of the month have passed. The number "eight" shares a connection
to the Messianic Redemption.
"The present day, Tuesday, is also connected to the Messianic Redemption,
for Tuesday is associated with the repetition of the phrase, 'And G-d saw
that it was good,' interpreted by our Sages as a reference to a twofold good:
'good to the heavens' and 'good to the creatures.' This twofold service relates
to Moshiach's coming, since, as our Sages explain, all terms that are repeated
in Torah are allusions to the concept of redemption.
"A connection to the Messianic Redemption can also be found in this week's
Torah portion..."
So you see, if the Rebbe's chasidim and admirers are known to be
Moshiach-minded, it is the greatest compliment possible!
At(2) the time of this particular incident in the life
of Rebbetzin Mariasha Shagalov (Garelik), of blessed memory, the family lived
in a synagogue gallery in the town of Gomel in Russia.
Years before, they had lived in rented accommodations belonging to a wealthy
man. However, when private property was nationalized in Russia every family
was given a room, including the previous home owners.
To qualify for these accommodations, the family had to work, which meant
working on Shabbat.
Reb Yitzchok Elchonon HaLevi Shagalov, however, would not work on
Shabbat, no matter what!!! They were warned by the bailiff that unless
Rabbi Shagalov took a job they would be thrown out of their meager
accommodations.
The day soon came, in the winter of 1932, when the family -- there were five
small children and Rebbetzin Shagalov was expecting a sixth -- was put out
onto the street, in the middle of a freezing snowstorm. Having no other choice,
the Shagalovs took all their meager belongings and found refuge in the unheated
women's section of a shul (synagogue) in the outskirts of town.
In 1937, Rabbi Shagalov was arrested(3) for his Jewish
activities. Rebbetzin Shagalov never saw her husband again. He was one of
the Chasidim left in Russia by the previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok
Schneersohn, to carry on with Lubavitch activities of spreading
Yiddishkeit -- Judaism -- in the Soviet Union. Now the family was
truly destitute, but not without hope.
The upkeep of the building had come out of the proceeds of a large potato
patch at the back of the shul. Rebbetzin Shagalov suggested to the
widow who lived in a room downstairs in the shul that they sow the
patch and from the potatoes and the proceeds they would be able to live.
The two women eventually found someone who was willing to do the work for
50 rubles -- a tremendous sum even in the best of times. The widow was shocked
at the exorbitant sum, but Rebbetzin Shagalov exclaimed with certainty, "G-d
will surely help." She hired the man, though she did not yet have the funds
to pay him.
On the third day, when the work was nearly finished and the worker had to
be paid, a stranger walked into the shul and said to Rebbetzin Shagalov,
"I am a friend of a friend of your husband's. When my friend heard that your
husband had been imprisoned, he gave me 50 rubles to give to you."
Rebbetzin Shagalov thanked the man and asked for the address of the friend
so she could personally thank him. The man gave her the address and Rebbetzin
Shagalov went there. No one in the building knew of anyone by the name she
had been given.
When the potato patch began to sprout it had to be watched carefully, for
if anyone walked on the young potato shoots the potatoes would surely be
ruined.
Just at that time, the government wanted to close the synagogue, and Rebbetzin
Shagalov decided to save as many holy books as she could. Since taking the
holy books out the front door and storing them somewhere else would be too
conspicuous, she decided to take them out through a window in the back, right
near the potato patch.
Since the widow was adamant that no one should walk on her half of the patch,
Rebbetzin Shagalov suggested that they should exchange patches, so that the
area they would have to walk on, in order to save the holy books, would only
be in her patch.
When the widow asked Rebbetzin Shagalov with what she would feed her children,
The Rebbetzin once again replied, "G-d will surely help us."
Night after night, the Shagalov children would sneak into the shul,
and pass the holy books out to safe hands on the other side of the window,
whereupon they were carried across the potato patch, to a side door in an
old man's house, from where they were distributed to other safe houses.
Because of all this activity, a path had been trodden on the patch. When
the time came to dig up the potatoes, they were normal size everywhere except
where the path was. Under the path they were gigantic!
_______________
2. Based on an article written by Ms. June Goldsobel, printed in the N'Shei
Newsletter of London, and reprinted in L'Chaim.
3. 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.
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 urges that:
Every Jewish man, woman and child should have a letter written for them in
a Sefer Torah.*
Every person should study either the Rambam's Yad Hachazakah -- Code
of Jewish Law -- or the Sefer HaMitzvos.
Concerning Moshiach, the Rebbe stated, "The time for our redemption has arrived!"
Everyone should prepare themselves for Moshiach's coming by doing random
acts of goodness and kindness, and by studying about what the future redemption
will be like. May we merit to see the fulfillment of the Rebbe's prophecy
now!
_______________
*. 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 of what we can do to complete his work
of bringing the Redemption.
Increase In Joy!
This joy will be increased by our fulfillment of the special directives for
the month of Adar, to help our fellow Jews in both spiritual and material
affairs: to teach a new Torah concept that they had not previously known
(or to reveal additional depth in a concept with which they were already
familiar), and to afford them material assistance. Fulfilling these directives
will increase their happiness and thus, increase G-d's happiness, as it were.
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."
_______________
*. This year, Purim begins on Saturday night , Mar. 3. Ed.
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