LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach
Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei, 5767
Adar 26, 5767
March 16, 2007
SPECIAL FEATURE:
Celebrate Your Birthday
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Dedicated to educating the public regarding the
current situation in Israel, based on Torah
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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 518th
issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach.
*
In this week's issue, we focus on:
1) Shabbat Parshat HaChodesh, the fourth of four special Torah readings
read in the synagogue on the Sabbaths before the month of Nissan --
Shekolim, Zachor, Parah and HaChodesh.
2) The upcoming Hebrew month of Nissan.
3) In honor of the 106th birthday of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the Rebbe's
wife, on Thursday, the 25th of Adar (March 15), that marks the 106th
year since the birth of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the Rebbe's wife.
Therefore, we also focus in this week's issue, on the Rebbe's innovative
campaign to celebrate birthdays in the traditional Jewish manner, that the
Rebbe initiated on 25 Adar, 5748/1988, in connection with the Rebbetzin's
87th birthday.
*
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
17 Adar, 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
Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei
Following the first of this week's Torah reading, Vayakhel, in which
Moses gathered the Jews together and relayed G-d's command to build the
Sanctuary, this week's second Torah portion, Pekudei, lists Moses'
accounts of the precious metals used to make the Sanctuary's vessels, and
details how the offerings were made. Finally, it relates how these actions
brought G-d's Divine Presence to rest in the Sanctuary.
Usually, when a person builds a new house, he waits until it has been completed
to fill it with furniture and implements. The dedication of the Sanctuary,
however, was done in the exact opposite manner. "And he placed the golden
altar in the Sanctuary before the veil, and he burnt upon it the incense
of spices... and he set up the court around the Sanctuary and the altar."
The Sanctuary was not yet fully erected when Moses offered the incense on
the golden altar.
The Sanctuary, G-d's dwelling place on earth, contained a holiness so great
that it existed above and beyond the laws of nature. Its sanctity (and that
of the Holy Temples that followed) is eternal, not subject to the concept
of time, and continues today, though we no longer have a physical edifice
in which to bring offerings. The unusual manner in which the Sanctuary was
erected, therefore, reflected this.
The Torah's command, "And you shall make Me a dwelling place," applied not
only to the Sanctuary, but includes the obligation to erect the Holy Temple
in Jerusalem. Moses' offering of incense on the golden altar dedicated not
only the Sanctuary that traveled with the Jews in the desert, but the Temples
that were yet to be built, including the Third Holy Temple when Moshiach
comes.
According to Jewish law, offerings may be brought even in the absence of
the Temple's physical structure if one knows the exact location of the altar.
When Moses burnt the incense, before the Sanctuary was completely built,
he caused a measure of holiness to be brought down into the world that is
not dependent on physical limitations. This holiness is eternal and exists
forever.
This holds particular relevance for our generation, as the Rebbe stated many
times that ours is the last generation of exile before the Messianic Era.
No longer may we be satisfied with the measured norms of behavior that sufficed
for previous generations; our times demand an extra measure of self-sacrifice
on our part. Our service of G-d must therefore also breach all limitations,
so that we may merit the ultimate and Final Redemption with the coming of
Moshiach, speedily in our day.
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
57 years ago, on Shabbat Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei, 5710/1950, the
Rebbe said the following:
"In the last series of Chasidic discourses that the [Previous] Rebbe wrote,
he anticipated everything and hinted at everything. [According to the
unauthenticated notes of a listener, the Rebbe said: "I search among the
subjects explained in these discourses for the answers to all the questions
beings asked."]...
"The [Previous] Rebbe says this of our present time -- the final era before
the Redemption, the era in which the task of separating the sparks of G-dliness
in this world and returning them to their source comes to an end. As the
Rebbe wrote, now is the era preceding the Redemption, and the mode of spiritual
service now required is a mode of victory, with an unquestioning acceptance
of the yoke of heaven.
"In order that victory be secured in the current battle, 'secret treasures,
which have been locked away for generations,' have been squandered -- i.e.,
all the teachings and episodes which the Rebbe revealed in recent times,
and which had been hidden and sealed from generation to generation, until
the generation of the Baal Shem Tov and his mentor.
"Because no one adequately took all these treasures to heart, their revelation
is a veritable squandering, all for the sake of victory."
In another of his earliest talks, the Rebbe suggests that we pour over the
latter talks of the Previous Rebbe from his final years in order to find
guidance and our orders on how to proceed.
Jewish teachings explain that when a great Sage makes a statement about another
great teacher he is, in reality, saying the same about himself. Thus, we
must take the Rebbe's advice and pour over his most recent teachings, those
from the years of 5750, 5751 and 5752 (1990-1992). In these most recent talks,
the Rebbe's declaration that "The time of our Redemption has arrived," shows
clearly that we have entered a new stage in the pre-Redemption era. And the
Rebbe's instructions to publicize this and other statements and messages
are also contained in these talks.
May we very soon no longer have to review the Rebbe's talks, but hear Torah
from the Rebbe himself.
This Shabbat is one of the four special Shabbats preceding
the Yom Tov of Pesach. It is called Shabbat Parshat
HaChodesh. We read a special Torah portion from the book of Exodus which
states: "This month shall be the head month for you. It shall be the first
month of the year."
Shabbat Parshat HaChodesh always falls either on the Sabbath when
we bless the month of Nissan or on the first day of Nissan
itself.
The month of Nissan is special in that it is a month of miracles --
not the everyday miracles of human existence, or hidden miracles such as
those that took place on Purim. But, rather, Nissan contains revealed
miracles that are higher than nature itself.
With the command that the month of Nissan, a month of revealed miracles,
be designated as the first and "head" of the months, the Torah emphasizes
that in all the months of the year, whether we see open miracles, miracles
in the cloak of natural events, unusual success or a seemingly unchangeable
cycle of nature, we must realize that G-d is the Creator of the Universe,
the sole Master of the world, who directs and cares about even the smallest
detail of the world and each individual person.
If each and everyone of us would sit down for only a brief few moments and
pay close attention to what has happened to us personally, we will detect
minor and major miracles that happen in our personal lives.
Many times we are just too busy to stop for a moment and take stock of what
has happened. But we shouldn't pass it off as another "natural" happening.
It is a miracle of G-d, whether it has occurred in the month of miracles,
or in an average day.
This Shabbat is Shabbat Mevorchim, the Shabbat before
the new Jewish month. Literally translated, it means a Shabbat in
which we bless the upcoming Jewish month. This Shabbat Mevorchim is
special because it is the Shabbat before the month of
Nissan(1) , which is often referred to as "the month
of Redemption."
On the surface, calling Nissan the month of Redemption is explained
by the fact that Nissan is the month in which we celebrate
Passover,(2) the holiday that commemorates the Jews' redemption
from Egyptian slavery. But the month of Nissan is also connected to
the Final Redemption, as our Sages say, "In Nissan, our people were
redeemed, and in Nissan, they will be redeemed in the future."
This Shabbat represents the transition from the month of Adar
to the month of Nissan. Both months contain within them commemorations
of miraculous events. In Adar we celebrate the downfall of Haman and
the victory of the Jewish people, and in Nissan we celebrate our freedom
from slavery.
The difference between the events is that the miracles of Purim occurred
within the natural order of the world, while the miracles of Passover transcended
the natural order. The story of Purim can be traced through a natural sequence
of events. But by cloaking miracles in the natural order of the world, we
are actually elevating the natural order.
That is our true purpose on this earth, to elevate the physical to the spiritual
and have G-dliness revealed on this plane.
Another concept that the two months have in common is redemption. Adar
celebrates redemption from Haman's wicked decree, and Nissan celebrates
the redemption from Egypt. Shabbat is also a kind of redemption, a
weekly redemption from mundane cares and worries to a place of light, joy,
song and Torah-study.
May all of these redemption's be stepping-stones to our complete, final,
and ultimate Redemption, the coming of Moshiach.
_______________
1. See below, footnote #6.
2. See below, footnote #4.
Birthdays are for parties!
Gather young and old,
family and friends to
celebrate your birthday.
Emphasize Torah and mitzvot and
make positive resolutions for the future.
All your actions in the coming year
will be greatly enhanced.
Publisher's Foreword
During the months of Adar, Nissan and Iyar of 5748 the
Rebbe, devoted many of his sichot -- talks -- to the potential
religious importance of birthday celebrations. Citing Halachic and
Aggadic sources, as well as traditional Chasidic practices
the Rebbe has urged everyone to make appropriate gatherings on birthdays
and to encourage and emphasize more Torah study, more Tzedakah --
charity, etc.
This essay is based on several discourses, from the 25th of Adar,
Shabbat Mevarchim Nissan, the 11th & 13th of Nissan,
Acharon Shel Pesach, Shabbat Shemini as well as the letter
of Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan [5748/1988].
In this publication we have endeavored to compose a digest of the various
concepts and suggestions presented by the Rebbe, in the hope of providing
the English-speaking world with a clear idea of this important subject. We
have been forced to edit and condense some of the Sichot for the sake
of continuity. We have also abstained from including all of the technical,
halachic references and the copious footnotes which a more detailed translation
should include.
Our goal is to present a clear and concise picture of the Rebbe's ideas on
the importance of birthday observance. We hope this will encourage more and
more people to follow the Rebbe's advice. And in the merit of the increased
Torah and mitzvot -- we will create the ultimate dwelling place for
the Shechinah [Divine Presence] and the ultimate salvation, through
our righteous Moshiach -- Now!
As an introduction to the essay we are printing the sicha of the 25th
of Adar, 5748/1988, the anniversary of the birth of Rebbetzin Chayah
Mushka Schneerson o.b.m., (5661[1901]-5748[1988]), which marked the initiation
of the Campaign to celebrate birthdays.
Sichos In English
Birthday Reflections
On the 25th of Adar, the anniversary of the birth of Rebbetzin Chaya
Mushka Schneerson, o.b.m. (5661-5748), the Rebbe spoke (after
Shacharit) about the lesson to be drawn from the special day -- the
birthday of the world according to one opinion. He also used the opportunity
to suggest that everyone should celebrate his/her birthday in the manner
taught by the Previous Rebbe, with introspection, Teshuvah -- Repentance
-- and increased Tzedakah -- charity, Torah and prayer.
Adults and small children should also be encouraged to invite their friends
to their birthday gatherings and use the opportunity to encourage others
to increase Torah and mitzvot.
A birthday represents the esoteric force of "ascending fortune." Since the
living must take to heart the lessons of the past, here, too, we can draw
inspiration from this birthday to increase Yiddishkeit -- Judaism,
Torah and mitzvot.
Every Jew is important and indispensable, and must say: "The world was created
for me!" But the 25th of Adar has unique significance.
R. Yehoshua holds that the world was created in the month of Nissan;
man was created on the first of Nissan and the first stages of creation
-- Bereishis -- began on the 25th of Adar. According to this
opinion, this day, the 25th of Adar, is the birthday of the world.
Chasidus explains the rapprochement of the two opinions (Rabbi Eliezer
was of the opinion that the world was created in Elul-Tishrei,) in
the following way. The supernal thought to create the world blossomed
in the Nissan season, while the reality came in Tishrei. The
"creation" of Nissan therefore carries the quality of thought over
action. Years later, when the Tabernacle was first erected on the first day
of Nissan it also brought greater stability to the world (see
Bereishis Rabbah 12:11).
This year [5748/1988], the 25th of Adar falls in the Torah portion
of Vayikra when G-d spoke to Moshe from the Tabernacle; here we see
the function of the Mishkan -- Tabernacle -- and the means by which
the world is supported.
The Previous Rebbe revealed that on a birthday one should review his life
history and seek ways to improve the areas that need improvement through
Teshuvah. It is also customary to increase Tzedakah before
Shacharit and Minchah, and likewise to study more Torah --
revealed and esoteric -- on one's birthday.
It is therefore appropriate on this birthday to publicize all the good customs
of birthdays: to increase Tzedakah on this day, to study more Torah
and to intensify the Divine service of prayer -- these are the three pillars
of the world. Also, good resolutions should be accepted for the rest of the
year.
It would be appropriate that families should gather (with friends) in a joyous
mood, so that the good resolutions will be accepted on this day, with a sense
of happiness and gladness. This will increase the observance of these good
deeds.
Children should be taught the spiritual importance of a birthday and they
should celebrate their birthdays with their friends in a way that they will
increase Torah and mitzvot and good resolutions. Small children will
be even more impressed by this suggestion and will be more enthusiastic in
carrying it out.
This is not a new custom, rather an extension of the responsibility everyone
has to encourage others to increase Torah and mitzvot among friends,
in a happy and friendly way.
To start off in a positive way I will distribute Shliach Mitzvah dollars
to all, so that they may give the money to Tzedakah with their personal
addition.
This acceptance of good resolutions in connection with this birthday should
speed up the "birth" of the Jewish people in the complete redemption.
Tzedakah will bring the redemption closer, may it be soon:
"Today, if you heed My voice" (Tehillim 95:7). May it be truly
"Today," and may "the night [of the galut -- exile] be illuminated
like the day" (Ibid. 139:12).
The Birthday of the World
In discussing the creation of the world the Talmud describes the different
opinions as to the time of creation. R. Yehoshua holds that the world was
created in the Nissan season; man was created on the first of
Nissan and the first stages of creation -- Bereishis -- began
on the 25th of Adar. According to this opinion, the 25th of
Adar, is the birthday of the world.
Rabbi Eliezer was of the opinion that the world was created in
Elul-Tishrei. Chasidus explains the rapprochement of the two
opinions in the following way. The supernal thought to create the
world blossomed in the Nissan season, while the reality came in
Tishrei. The "creation" of Nissan therefore possesses the quality
of thought over action. Years later, when the Tabernacle was first erected
on the first day of Nissan it also brought greater stability to the
world for the thought was combined with the action (see Bereishis Rabbah
12:11).
The Birthday of a Nation
The Holiday of Pesach which commemorates the liberation of the Jewish
people from Egypt has often been referred to as the birthday of the Jewish
nation. The prophet Yechezkel expressed this analogy quite graphically:
"And as for your birth, on the day you were born...." Rashi explains
that because the Exodus was seen as the birth of the Jewish people the prophet
speaks metaphorically of the Exodus in the terms of a newborn baby (See
Yechezkel 16:4ff).
Pre-natal Nationhood
A fetus in his mother's womb, near birth, is a complete, growing, living
being, with a completely formed body. It truth, however, it has no independent
existence at all: it is nourished by the food the mother eats, and wherever
the mother goes, there the unborn baby is automatically carried.
From the moment the baby is born, it begins to freely move its limbs, sound
its voice, and generally begins its own development, in an entirely
new manner, both physically and spiritually.
So it was also with the Jews in Egypt before the redemption:
They were a "nation" in many respects, even being "distinguished" and distinct
from the Egyptians in terms of language, dress, etc., even with a territory
of their own, in the Land of Goshen. At the same time, however, they
were enslaved and "swallowed up" by the Egyptians, so that they seemed to
be engulfed "within the Egyptian nation" also in essential aspects, very
much like the Egyptians themselves.
Then came the time when G-d "took unto Himself a nation from within [the
entrails of] another nation" -- drawing the Jews to Himself (also) as a nation,
from a state of the most abject enslavement to the height of freedom, to
become G-d's nation, with the status of "a Kingdom of Kohanim and
a Holy Nation" in their everyday life.
The Birth of Man
For a human being birth is a joyous time. It is a time of fulfillment for
the parents who were blessed with a son or daughter, for the Jewish people
who gained another member, and for the child himself/herself who came into
existence. Therefore, when a person reaches maturity, each year on his/her
birthday, it is appropriate to express gratitude to the Holy One, Blessed
be He, the Giver of life.
Just as the birthday of a people is celebrated each year with rites and a
ritual, so too, the birthday of an individual Jew should be appropriately
observed. An individual's birthday can be utilized to strengthen and increase
all aspects of Yiddishkeit, Torah and mitzvot, starting with
the three pillars which uphold the world: Torah, prayer and charity. These
good practices should be observed on the birthday and good resolutions for
the future should be accepted.
Most importantly, gather your family or friends for a festive gathering (to
celebrate the mitzvah) on your birthday and the joyous party will
encourage others to accept good resolutions -- and the happiness that is
generated will imbue your future observance with enthusiasm and zeal.
Happy Birthday!
What is the celebration all about?
Well, fundamentally one should rejoice on a birthday and give thanks and
praise to G-d for giving him life. The birth of a child brings happiness
to the parents, to the Jewish people and to the individual, and for this
should one give praise.
Ostensibly, birthdays are quite secular affairs, every person (Jew or gentile)
has one once a year, in which his "fortune rises." In fact, in Torah the
only birthday singled out for any mention was Pharaoh's birthday!
Nevertheless, a Jew has the ability to utilize his birthday -- instead of
letting it pass as just another day -- he can make it a holiday with emphasis
on more Torah and mitzvot. One's birthday is a time for reflection,
when one may "remember and think about those aspects of his life which need
improvement and repentance" (HaYom Yom, 11th Nissan). This
should be achieved by increasing Torah and prayer on the birthday, as well
as charity and other mitzvot. Add to this a happy gathering of family
and friends with the goal of accepting good resolutions and the power of
the birthday will guarantee the fulfillment of the good promises in the future.
Birthday Celebrations
The Midrash relates:
Most people cherish the day on which they were born and make a party on that
day. (Midrash Sechel Tov, Bereishis 40:20)
[See also Ginze Yosef ch. 4; Ben Ish Chai Halachos, Year 1,
Re'eh par. 17]
The Zohar relates that on the day of R. Elazar's (Rashbi's
-- Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai -- son's) Bar Mitzvah Rashbi made a great
celebration. The Zohar further explains that the day of a Bar
Mitzvah is analogous to the joyous day of a wedding (See Zohar Chadosh,
Bereishis).
The Previous Rebbe revealed that on a birthday one should review his life
history and seek ways to improve the areas that need improvement through
Teshuvah. [Just as the Exodus was a form of repentance so, too, every
birthday must bring repentance.] It is also customary to increase
Tzedakah before Shacharit and Minchah, and likewise
to study more Torah -- revealed and esoteric -- on one's birthday.
Birthday -- Rebirth -- Resolve
It is therefore appropriate to publicize all the good customs of birthdays:
to increase Tzedakah on this day, to study more Torah and to intensify
the Divine service of prayer -- these are the three pillars of the world.
Also, good resolutions should be accepted for the rest of the year.
It would be appropriate that families should gather (with friends) in a joyous
mood, so that the good resolutions will be accepted on this day, with a sense
of happiness and gladness. This will increase the observance of these good
deeds.
Children should be taught the spiritual importance of a birthday and they
should celebrate their birthdays with their friends in a way that they will
increase Torah and mitzvot and good resolutions. Small children will
be even more impressed by this suggestion and will be more enthusiastic in
carrying it out.
Now on one's birthday one can rejoice in the knowledge that on this day his
soul descended to the corporeal existence in order to serve the Creator through
Torah and mitzvot. This commemoration crystallizes in the fact that
at the celebration itself there will be more Torah and mitzvot and
more good resolutions for the future. This joyous jubilee may be observed
by young and old -- for as soon as the child is able to understand and appreciate
the importance of good acts his or her birthday party will become the focal
point for commemoration of the past and solemnization of the future.
Anniversary of Physical and Spiritual Birth
Such a celebration in also connected to the fact that on his 13th birthday
a boy enters the age of maturity and is responsible to observe the 613
mitzvot. The same is true of a girl on her 12th birthday. Since every
Jew has the "presumption of righteousness" the assumption is that this young
boy or girl will certainly grow up to fulfill the dictates of the Torah.
Consequently, there is reason to rejoice at the time he or she accepts the
yoke of mitzvot.
For this reason men and women above Bar/Bat Mitzvah should see in
their birthdays additional significance: It is the anniversary of physical
birth, it is the anniversary of maturity, or Spiritual birth.
As the Shulchan Aruch -- the Code of Jewish Law -- explains:
The consummate indwelling of the holy soul in a person takes place on the
13th birthday [lit: 13 years and a day] for a male and the 12th birthday
for a female. For this reason they become responsible by Biblical law to
fulfill the mitzvot of the Torah. (Shulchan Aruch Harav end
ch. 4)
With this in mind, whether you are 13, 30 or 83 you have a reason to celebrate
your birthday. And at each age you can find satisfaction and growth when
you become one year older.
Why Were You Born? To Make a Sanctuary!
How do we carry out the command "Make Me a sanctuary" in a way that even
the mundane aspects of a Jew's life will be holy? One suggestion is for every
Jew, man, woman or child to carry out the good custom of celebrating their
birthday in a manner that connects it with Torah and mitzvot.
There is a golden opportunity on a birthday to influence a person to increased
Torah and mitzvot, for it is a time when one's mazal [spiritual
source of influence] is strong.
The suggestion is directed to everyone, even small children, and their parents
should explain to them that on their birthdays there should be a renewal
of all aspects of good and holiness. A happy celebration should be organized
for the child when he and his friends will joyously accept good resolutions
in Torah and mitzvot.
Use the birthday as a time to increase goodness and holiness in Torah and
mitzvot. We are at the close of the diaspora and we must finish the
remaining steps of purification of the mundane. A birthday is a plain day
-- no holiday -- yet it is a day in which one's "fortune ascends." A Jew's
inner spirituality has the power to eclipse his mundanity and he becomes
completely nullified (attached) to the Holy One, Blessed be He.
May this proposal be accepted among the Jewish people -- young and old --
to celebrate individual birthdays by making joyous parties in a manner that
will enhance and increase Torah and mitzvot.
A Custom of Old -- Renewed
This is not a new custom, rather an extension of the responsibility everyone
has to encourage others to increase Torah and mitzvot among friends,
in a happy and friendly way.
If for some reason this was not so common until now, it is needed now, and
as we have seen, it in based on the practices of the great Jewish leaders.
In the darkness of the pre-Messianic diaspora -- we need more good deeds
that will radiate light. And this activity is tried, tested and true; it
will increase good deeds, Torah and mitzvot.
Since the galut -- exile -- is seen as the time of incubation
and the salvation as the time of birth, may our good actions on birthdays
speedily bring the ultimate birth of the Jewish people -- the true redemption.
_______________
*. Published by Sichos In English, 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn,
NY 11213.
The following are the "Chabad Birthday Customs and
Practices:"(3)
1. It is customary to have an aliya -- be called to the Torah, on
the Shabbat preceding your birthday. When the birthday occurs on a
day that the Torah is read you should also be called to the Torah on that
day.
2. On your Birthday increase your contribution to tzeddakah -- charity
before the morning and afternoon services. When the birthday is on
Shabbat or Yom Tov -- give the extra charity before
Shabbat or Yom Tov (preferably -- also after).
3. Put more time and effort into your prayer. Pray with greater concentration,
meditate on the greatness of the Creator and put more intensity in your
recitation of Tehillim -- Psalms as well. (If possible, read at least
one complete book of Psalms.)
4. Study the psalm which corresponds to your new age, and which you will
be saying daily through the coming year. (E.g. when one reaches the age of
20 he begins reciting Psalm 21.)
5. In addition to your regular, daily Torah study periods -- on your birthday
study an extra lesson in the revealed Torah -- Nigleh, and the esoteric
teachings -- Chasidus. This is in addition to the daily quota of
Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya and Rambam.
6. Study a Chasidic discourse by heart (or at least a part thereof) and review
it in the presence of a group of people on the birthday. This may also be
done at another auspicious time in connection with your birthday; especially
at the Shalosh Seudah -- third meal -- of the following
Shabbat.
7. Reach out to your fellow Jews and teach them Torah and Chasidus,
with true ahavas Yisroel.
8. Isolate yourself in seclusion for a while on the day of your birthday
and retrospectively review your conduct for the past year -- see what needs
repentance and improvement, and make good resolutions for the future years.
9. Accept upon yourself some new act of piety or more zealous observance
in some area of action -- all within your grasp.
10. Celebrate a happy party with your family and friends in honor of your
birthday -- give praise and thanks to the Holy One, Blessed Be He, -- if
possible say the blessing of Shehecheyanu on a new fruit -- with happiness
and the joy of a mitzvah.
_______________
3. Adapted from "Sefer Haminhagim" -- The Book of Chabad-Lubavitch
Customs, published by Kehot Publication Society, 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn,
NY 11213.
Would you consider turning your yard into a petting zoo complete with a camel,
a draft horse, a bull, ponies, two llamas, a yak, a goat, a chicken, a turtle
and a boa constrictor? One grandmother did, for the joint first birthday
celebration of her two granddaughters. The $1,200 price tag included
entertainment, gifts and 102 Dalmations decorations. Or maybe your child
would prefer a catered birthday party with a clown, pony rides, a horse and
a fountain spewing apple juice?
These are just two examples of birthday parties that, as one psychologist
notes, "set up lifelong expectations that might be unrealistic. It is important
on birthdays to help a child avoid valuing materialism over family and friends."
In a drive to reinstate good, old-fashioned values and, at the same time,
keep expenditures down, many parents are opting to get off the birthday bandwagon
while they still can.
So far, so good. But you're probably wondering what birthdays have to do
with Judaism. The notion that there's nothing Jewish about birthdays is so
prevelant that a prominent and knowledgeable Jewish radio show host and writer
recently wrote that there is no inherent meaning in birthdays within Judaism.
On 25 Adar, 5748/1988, the Rebbe initiated an innovative campaign
to make birthdays meaningful for both children and adults. The Rebbe encouraged
people to celebrate their birthdays in the traditional Jewish manner.
Jewish teachings explain that a birthday is a time when mazalo gover
-- the particular spiritual source of a person's soul shines most powerfully.
The Divine energy that was present at the time of your birth is once more
present and dynamic on the anniversary of your birth each year.
Therefore, your birthday is a perfect time to enhance the quality of your
life in the year to come. Things you can do on your birthday to get the most
out of your soul-power include spending time in self-evaluation, making a
positive resolution for the coming year, giving charity, studying Torah,
and organizing a birthday party with friends and family. At the gathering
make sure to share with friends some of what you learned on your birthday.
After hearing about the Rebbe's suggestions for birthdays, one public school
teacher was so taken with this meaningful way to celebrate that she incorporated
some of these recommendations into her students' classroom birthday parties.
She asked each child to make a positive resolution and to share with the
other students something meaningful and valuable they had recently learned.
All of us look forward eagerly to the times when we have "good luck." You
might be surprised to know, however, that in fact we have such a day. Our
Sages tell us that on our birthday our luck is dominant.
In 5748/1988, the Rebbe called upon all of us to utilize this special day
in our lives by making a gathering of family and friends. The Rebbe's call
is in accordance with the Midrash that says, "And we rejoice on that
day and make a celebration." At this celebration -- gathering, the Rebbe
suggests we make good decisions, resolutions and commitments for our New
Year.
As to those of us who may be afraid to make new commitments, we can only
offer the following story that the Rebbe once told:
"A man made a commitment to give a sum of money to charity that he simply
could not afford. Yet, after he made the pledge, he found that he was given
new sources of business that hadn't been available to him before. He was
then able to make good on his promise, and, much, much more."
The Rebbe explained that "this man was given new sources because he made
the commitment."
Birthdays are most definitely a proper time to make these new resolutions
and commitments. For, certainly if we make new commitments to increase in
time given to a particular mitzvah, project, or charity, the Al-mighty
will in turn, give us the time, energy, or money needed to fulfill that
commitment.
And, what's more, the Al-mighty will do so "His way," in His bountiful measure
of goodness and kindness.
Our birthday will indeed be our luckiest day of the year!
Mr. D. is a highly successful businessman. Like many others, he always thought
birthday parties were only for children.
When he heard, however, that the Rebbe has been encouraging people to make
birthday celebrations, he said to himself, "I'm going to have one. After
all, if I tell my friends the Rebbe is requesting it, they will realize I'm
not expecting presents."
Mr. D. called his friends; they all came, and had a wonderful time. During
the height of the reception, he spoke. He thanked his friends for coming
and then said, "It is customary to bring gifts to a birthday party. I know
that you're all good friends. I know, too, that if I asked you for a birthday
gift, you'd give me whatever I wanted. So, I'm going to take this opportunity
to ask you all for a present."
A heavy silence fell on the room until he began to speak again. "I will ask
each of you to do something good in honor of this day. I will not tell you
what to do; I depend on your good judgment and friendship. I am sure you
will pick something appropriate."
As the guests were leaving, one of them came over to him and said, "This
was the best birthday party I ever attended. It was such a pleasure."
Let us all try to instill the same type of enthusiasm into our birthday
celebrations as Mr. D. did, and certainly then our guests will react in a
similar manner.
By Rabbi Yossi Tewel
It was 5731/1971. My grandmother was in Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn.
At the time we had no experience with hospitals and doctors.
At our annual yechidut -- private audience -- with the Rebbe, my father
(o.b.m.) handed the Rebbe a note asking, amongst other things, what we could
do for my grandmother. The Rebbe looked at us with a big smile and asked,
"Whose birthday is it today?" No one responded; as far as we knew it wasn't
any family member's birthday. The Rebbe glanced at the note and once more
he asked with a smile, "Whose birthday is it?" Again, no one responded.
The Rebbe then said to my father, "In connection with your mother, there
is a precious young man named Yudel Keller. His father has connections at
Maimonides Hospital. Call him when you leave my office (it was about 2:45
a.m.) and ask him in my name to do the maximum he can."
When we left the yechidut my father did as the Rebbe had said. Then
he thought about the Rebbe's question as to whose birthday it was. What with
the hardships of life in Poland and the Holocaust, he did not know the date
of his Jewish birthday.
The next day, at the hospital, my father asked his mother when he was born.
She said his birthday was the 18th of Av. It should come as no surprise
that that very day was the 18th of Av! My father quickly went back
to "770" (World Lubavitch Headquarters). Before the afternoon prayers, when
the Rebbe saw my father, he smiled broadly. My father said, "Rebbe! I know
whose birthday it is today, mine!" The Rebbe again blessed my father and
encouraged him to fulfill the customs of a Jewish birthday, including having
an aliya, studying extra Torah, giving extra charity, etc.
In 5748/1988 I became involved with various Bikur Cholim organizations
(for the welfare of the sick). I became acquainted with a number of doctors,
including a Jewish doctor who is an authority on radiation oncology. Whenever
we met, Dr. R. always asked me questions about Lubavitch and the Rebbe.
A few years passed. When the Rebbe had a stroke on the 27th of Adar
I, 5752 (March 2, 1992), Dr. R. asked me what would become of the Rebbe's
prophecies. I assured him that whatever the Rebbe said would come true.
Near the end of the summer, I came to Dr. R.'s office to show him an MRI.
I had planned on leaving the test with the secretary and phoning later for
the busy doctor's opinion. I was shocked when the doctor called out, "Tewel,
you're here! I need you!" Dr. R. told his secretaries to hold all calls as
he ushered me into his office. "Tell me about Rabbi Schneerson," he said.
"Is he really as big as they make him out to be?"
"Whatever you've heard about the Rebbe," I told Dr. R., "is just the tip
of the iceberg. But the Rebbe's greatness doesn't come from the fact that
he is a prophet or does miracles. It is much more than that. The word
'Rebbe' stands for 'Rosh B'nei Yisrael' -- the head of the
Jewish people...".
Dr. R. asked me to tell him a few miracles of the Rebbe that "defy gravity,"
as the doctor put it. I told him a few stories but I emphasized to Dr. R.
that the Rebbe concerns himself with every Jew. Then I told the doctor about
my father and his birthday.
I explained to Dr. R. that a number of years ago (in 5748/1988), the Rebbe
came out with a campaign to celebrate one's Jewish birthday. I told him that
a birthday is a personal Rosh HaShanah. He asked me if I could tell him when
his Jewish birthday is. "Sure," I said, promptly dialing the number of a
computer program for just that purpose. Moments later I turned to Dr. R.
and said, "Happy birthday. Today, the 13th of Elul, is your Jewish
birthday!"
The doctor was flabbergasted. But he was even more surprised when I abruptly
told him that I had to run to another appointment but would return later.
I called my brother Pinye (Pinchos) and we put together a mini-birthday
farbrengen (gathering). Fifteen minutes later we returned to Dr. R.'s
office. He was delighted and touched when we told him we were going to celebrate
his birthday. The doctor took a yarmulka -- skullcap -- out of his
drawer, made a blessing on the birthday cake, and we shared Torah thoughts.
Finally, Dr. R. said, "I'll tell you why I asked so many questions about
Rabbi Schneerson. I have a non-Jewish colleague. He called me this morning
at 4 a.m. 'Rabbi Schneerson came to me in a dream,' he told me excitedly.
He related that he had happened upon one of the Rebbe's televised talks.
'I don't understand Yiddish but I was mesmerized by Rabbi Schneerson.
I always watched his televised talks. When I heard that he had a stroke,'
my colleague said, 'I called the Rabbi's office and offered my services.'
"My friend," continued Dr. R., "sent the Rebbe a get-well card and in the
card asked the Rebbe ten questions, both personal and work related. He also
wrote that he hoped that very soon the Rebbe would recover and would be able
to answer the questions. One week passed, two weeks passed, and there was
no response, not even an acknowledgement from the Rebbe's office. My colleague
became very upset.
" 'I was sleeping,' my colleague continued, 'and I dreamt that I saw Rabbi
Schneerson! When he saw me he broke into a beautiful smile. 'Thank you for
your good wishes,' the Rabbi told me. 'There is no reason to be upset.' Then
he started answering my questions one by one. I woke up in a cold sweat.
I remembered every word he said and everything made perfect sense. I couldn't
fall back asleep,' my colleague concluded, 'so I called you.'
"That is why I wanted to speak with you today to find out what you think
about this," Dr. R. told us.
I told the doctor that if his friend had the privilege of communicating with
the Rebbe and of recognizing the Rebbe's greatness, then he had a responsibility
to share his experience with others.
A month later I ran into Dr. R. at a Sukkot fair during the intermediate
days of the holiday. "Yossi, since you told me about the Rebbe I haven't
been the same. Before Rosh HaShanah I bought myself a talit -- prayer
shawl -- and went to shul on both days. I fasted on Yom Kippur. I
bought a lulav and etrog for Sukkot. And now I've brought
my grandchildren here so they can see thousands of Jews enjoying the festival."
On the 13th of Elul, 5761/2001, my brother and I called Dr. R.'s office
to wish him a happy birthday. "Thank you so much for your good wishes, how
did you remember?" he asked. "How could I forget?" was my response.
In 5731/1971, with a simple question to a simple chosid, the Rebbe
started a chain of events that continues bearing fruit to this day.
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
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.
Thirty Days:
"Purim is thirty days before Passover.(4) As Rabbi Shneur
Zalman of Liadi writes in his Code of Jewish Law, thirty days before Passover,
we should begin studying the laws of the holiday.
"Similarly, since the celebration of the Passover holiday involves many expenses,
it is proper that efforts be made to provide everyone who lacks with their
Passover needs.
"Although there are organizations involved with these activities throughout
the entire year, there must be an increase in these efforts in connection
with the Passover holidays, providing them with both food and clothing so
that they can celebrate the holiday in an ample manner, as befits 'free people.'"
(The Rebbe, 16 Adar, 5751/1991)
Celebrate Your Birthday
On the 25th of Adar, 5748/1988, in connection with Rebbetzin Chaya
Mushka's, 87th birthday (about a month after her passing, on 22
Shevat), the Rebbe spoke about the significance of birthdays and the
importance of celebrating them by gathering together with friends and relatives.
The Rebbe said:
"A Jew has the ability to utilize his birthday, instead of letting it pass
as just another day, he can make it a holiday with emphasis on more Torah
and mitzvot. One's birthday is a time for reflection, when one may
remember and think about those aspects of his life, which need improvement
and repentance. This should be achieved by increasing Torah and prayer on
the birthday, as well as charity and other mitzvot. Add to this a
happy gathering of family and friends with the goal of accepting good
resolutions, and the power of the birthday will guarantee the fulfillment
of the good promises in the future.
"A birthday is a day in which one's mazal or fortune is strongest.
On one's birthday one can rejoice in the knowledge that on this day his soul
descended to this world in order to serve G-d through Torah and
mitzvot."
*
To find out when your birthday falls on the Jewish calendar, call your local
Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
Children can join the "The Jewish Birthday Club."
Celebrate your birthday in a traditional Jewish manner, de-emphasizing the
materialism and concentrating instead on family, friends and spiritual growth.
_______________
4. This year, Passover begins on Monday night, April 2. Ed.
Minchah: Afternoon prayer service.
Shacharit: Morning prayer service.
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.chabadworld.org
Times shown are for Metro NY - NJ
Friday, Mar. 16, Erev Shabbat Parshat
Vayakhel-Pekudei:
-
Light Shabbat Candles,(5) by 6:45 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 17, Shabbat Parshat
Vayakhel-Pekudei:
-
Parshat HaChodesh
-
Blessing of the new Hebrew month, Nissan.(6)
-
Shabbat ends at nightfall, at 7:45 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 Nissan is celebrated on Tuesday, March 20.
Ed.
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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