LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Korach B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT KORACH, 5768 24 Sivan, 5768 June 27, 2008 SPECIAL FEATURES: 1. A Summer Message From The Rebbe 2. Chof Ches Sivan ************************************************* * This week's issue is sponsored in part by: * * Holy Sparks - "http://www.holysparks.org" * * * * * Your premiere site for Jewish spirituality. * * * * * 5,768 Years of the Most Amazing Jewish Wisdom * * recorded in calligraphy, especially for you! * * * * * Explore your potential: * * Jewish Books, Art & Wisdom For Our Time. * * FREE art! * ************************************************* >> A Jewish Response To Terrorism << http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5762/269.htm *************************************************** * Visit TruePeace.org * * "http://www.truepeace.org" * * Dedicated to educating the public regarding the * * current situation in Israel, based on Torah * * sources, with special emphasis on the opinion * * and teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe * *************************************************** Published Weekly By Lubavitch Shluchim Conferences On The Moshiach Campaign, Committee For The Blind * * * 5768 **************************************************** * VISIT US ON THE WEB, AT: * * http://www.torah4blind.org * **************************************************** * TO RECEIVE THIS PUBLICATION VIA INTERNET: * * E-Mail: info@torah4blind.org * * or: * * http://www.torah4blind.org/subs.htm * **************************************************** * OPERATION REFUAH: * * http://www.operationrefuah.org * **************************************************** * JEWISH CHILDREN: * * Get your own letter in a Sefer Torah! * * http://www.kidstorah.org * **************************************************** * Kids! We Want YOU To Join * * Tzivos Hashem (The Army of G-d) * * http://www.torah4blind.org/tzivos-h.htm * **************************************************** * MOSHIACH - CHILDREN'S PAGE * * http://www.torah4blind.org/children/index.htm * **************************************************** * THE SEVEN UNIVERSAL LAWS OF NOAH: * * http://www.torah4blind.org/noahide.htm * **************************************************** THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED TO THE REBBE, RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON OF LUBAVITCH "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 ********************* * TABLE OF CONTENTS * ********************* * Introduction. * The Weekly Torah Portion. * The Rebbe's Prophecy. * A Summer Message From The Rebbe. * Graduation Time. * Torah Summer Camps. * Some Packing Tips. * Chof Ches Sivan. * Fireworks. * Tofutti: An Almost Divine Dessert. * It Happened Once. * Time for Unity; Time for Strength! * A Call To Action. * The Weekly Shabbat Calendar. * "Let There Be Light" - The Jewish Women's Guide to Lighting Shabbat Candles. * Laws of Shabbat Candle Lighting for the Blind. * Shabbat Candle Lighting Blessing. * Moshiach Information Hotlines. * Moshiach In The Air -- Electronic Media. * Subscription Information for this Weekly Magazine: Living With Moshiach. **************** * INTRODUCTION * **************** We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, the 582-583rd issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach. * In this week's issue we feature a summer message from the Rebbe. Also, we focus on Chof Ches Sivan, the 28th day of Sivan, Tuesday, July 1. * 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 ("http://www.torah4blind.org/staiman"), for his tireless efforts. * It is our fervent hope that our learning about Moshiach and the Redemption will hasten the coming of Moshiach, NOW! Rabbi Yosef Y. Shagalov Executive Director Enlightenment For The Blind, Inc. E-Mail:yys@torah4blind.org 22 Sivan, 5768 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 WEEKLY TORAH PORTION * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** PARSHAT KORACH It states in this week's Torah portion, Korach: "And G-d said to Aaron... All the best (chelev)...the first fruits...which they shall offer to the L-rd, these I have given you." Of all the offerings that were brought by the Jewish people, the kohanim (priests), Aaron's descendants, were to be given only the finest. These contributions consisted of all kinds of commodities and were only of the highest quality. Chelev , generally translated as the "best," is literally the fattiest part of the animal. First fruits are also the most select produce. The Jewish people offered only the best of their harvest and resources to G-d, and as we read in our portion, G-d commanded these be given to the priests. Maimonides writes: "The law, as it pertains to everything that is for the sake of G-d, is that it must come from the finest and the best. For example, when one is feeding a hungry person, he should be served the tastiest and sweetest food on one's table. When one clothes a poor man, he should be given the nicest garment. When one builds a house of prayer, the edifice should be more beautiful than one's private abode, as it states, 'All the best to the L-rd.'" Of all the commodities a person possesses -- food, clothing and shelter -- the finest and best must be dedicated to matters of holiness. There is, however, another commodity to be dedicated to G-d, and that is time. Time is extremely precious; it is therefore fitting that in addition to one's material blessings, a person dedicate the very best portion of the day to G-d. The morning, the beginning of one's day, is the optimal time of the 24-hour period. In the morning, a person's mind is more at ease. He is not yet concerned by problems that may plague him later in the day. Thus the morning is the most appropriate time to dedicate oneself to holy matters. The Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, explained the verse "From the first of your dough...you shall give an offering to G-d" in the following manner: The Hebrew word for "dough," arisa, also means a cradle or bed. From this we learn that as soon as a person wakes up he should give an "offering" to G-d -- an offering consisting of the first and finest portion of the day. This is accomplished in several ways, one of which is to thank G-d immediately upon arising by declaring "Modeh Ani -- I offer thanks to You..." Another way is by reserving the first part of the day for prayer and Torah study. The very best of whatever we possess -- food, clothing, housing and time -- should be reserved for our Divine service. And in this manner we will merit the fulfillment of the priestly blessing, "May the L-rd bless you and guard you...." ******************************************************* * IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND AND COPY EDITOR * * Reb Mordechai ben Reb Shaul * * Staiman * * Passed away on 22 Tamuz, 5763 * ******************************************************* ************************ * 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. _______________ See "Living With Moshiach" Vol 539: http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5767/522-539.htm ********************************************* * IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR GRANDPARENTS,* * * * Reb Shmuel Pesach Ben Reb Yaakov Dovid * * Passed away on 3 Tishrei, 5755 * * * * Mrs. Fraidel Chedvah Bas Reb Zev Wolf * * Passed away on 4 Adar II, 5755 * * Pais * * * * Dedicated by their grandchildren * * Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Y. and Gittel Rochel * * Shagalov * ********************************************* ************************************** * A SUMMER MESSAGE FROM THE REBBE * * Adapted from a Letter of the Rebbe * ************************************** To Jewish Students and School Children Everywhere G-d Bless You All! Greeting and Blessing: Vacation time is approaching, to release youths and children, boys and girls, from Yeshivahs, Talmud Torahs, Day Schools, etc., for a long summer recess. The importance of a restful vacation is obvious. However, certain aspects of vacation time should be examined carefully. Is vacation time a stoppage of study, or is it a transition from one form of activity to another? In all living forms, there is no such thing as a stoppage of life, followed by a completely new start, for a stoppage of life is death, and cannot serve as a temporary rest period. There can be a transition from one form of activity to another, but not a cessation or stoppage. For example: The two most vital organs in our body are the heart and the brain. The heart is the principal seat of "physical" life; the brain is the principal seat of "intellectual" life. Because the heart and the brain have supreme control of the body, they are called "the Sovereigns of the body." Now, these organs not only do not cease to operate in a living body, but they do not even undergo a radical change in their form of activity. And inasmuch as the actions of the other organs are being led by the activity of the heart and brain, it follows that the other organs of the body, though they may seem to be in a state of inactivity, as in the case of sleep, do not in reality stop working. This is even more obvious in the case of breathing. We find that during sleep, breathing is slowed down considerably, but it never stops, for the "breath of life" must always be there. Similarly in the case of students, boys and girls, studying our Torah, "Torat Chaim" -- The Torah of Life, restful vacation does not mean interruption and stoppage of Torah and Mitzvot, G-d forbid. It means only just another way of furthering their course of study, a period during which they renew their mental abilities and increase their capacities for a more intensive study later on. Therefore, my friends, bring light and holiness into your vacation time, by remembering always that it is the time of preparation in order to improve the quality and quantity of your studies during study-time to follow. But let it not remain so only in your thoughts and intentions; be always united with our holy Torah in your everyday actions and conduct. Let not a single day pass without the "breath of life" provided by the "Torah of Life." Let every one have appointed times for the study of Chumash, Mishnah, Talmud, and so on, each one according to his or her standard of Torah education. At this time, I wish everyone who is resolved to use his or her vacation in this productive "living" way -- much success, as well as on returning to normal study later on. With blessing, ******************* * GRADUATION TIME * ******************* Graduation ceremonies are taking place all over. From kindergarten students to those receiving their doctorates, commencement ceremonies are usually a high-point of the school year. These ceremonies are called "commencement" because, truly, the person is now beginning a new stage in his or her life. And, as the word commencement or even graduation implies, the person is hopefully going to proceed on to a newer and higher level. The above certainly applies to Jewish students in particular and all Jews in general. Each year we should be striving to graduate to a new and higher level of Jewish observance. Whatever level we have currently reached is adequate for today, but for tomorrow it is not enough. For, as we all must certainly know, if we stay in one place we stagnate; if we are not going up, inevitably we are going down. For those who have not had the opportunity to graduate even from the "kindergarten" of Judaism, one must never think that it is too late to start. As we learn from one of our greatest sages and teachers, Rabbi Akiva (who did not even learn the Hebrew alphabet until the age of 40), it is never too late to start. Though long overdue, it is incumbent upon each of us to start the educational process that will undoubtedly keep us growing and reaching up, for all our days. ********************** * TORAH SUMMER CAMPS * ********************** Summer is a great time for kids. Without the pressures of school, children have the opportunity to spend their summer vacation in enjoyable and educational pursuits. The summer schedule is particularly suitable for children to grow spiritually, by attending a day or overnight camp with a vibrant, exciting and Torah-true Jewish atmosphere. Each year, without exception, as the summer approached, the Rebbe emphasized the importance of Jewish children attending Jewish camps. The amount that a child can learn in the summer, unencumbered by the pursuit of reading, writing and arithmetic, goes far beyond what he can accomplish at any other time of year. And, as this knowledge is being imparted in an atmosphere of fun and excitement, in an environment totally saturated with Jewish pride, it remains with a child long after the summer months are over. It's still not too late to enroll your child in a Jewish camp. And it's certainly not too late to facilitate other children attending a Jewish camp if you do not have camp-age kids. By calling your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center, you can find out about a summer camp experience for someone you know whose benefit will last a lifetime. By the way, adults, too, should take advantage of the more relaxed atmosphere of summer to revitalize and nourish themselves Jewishly. Try a Jewish retreat or even just a weekly Torah class to enhance your Jewish pride and knowledge. And may this summer be our last one in exile and our first in the Era of the Redemption. ********************* * SOME PACKING TIPS * ********************* Have you made your summer plans yet? If you're intending to go away, you might already have started packing or thinking about what you'll take along with you. Usually, before we go anywhere -- even if it's just a day trip to the country -- we need to know what the weather is going to be like, what kind of activities we're going to be involved in and how long we'll be staying. This information makes our packing easier and the trip more pleasant. Imagine the ordeal of packing for a surprise, mystery trip. You'd have to take your whole wardrobe along -- not knowing whether you're going to a hot or cold climate, to casual or elegant affairs, or taking walking tours or sightseeing buses. Each and every mitzvah we do is a journey -- an excursion to self-betterment, an adventure to a heightened relationship with G-d, our fellowman, and ourselves. Mitzvot are not many people's typical idea of a vacation, though, certainly not the kind of lazy, laid back, relaxing vacation many of us envision when we're at the height of a frenzied, hectic day. They are a different kind of vacation, however, a kind of vacation you can go on every day of your life, every minute of your day. Because who doesn't want to take a vacation where you can visit new sights, reconnect to your past, carve out for yourself a place in history, experience something eternal. One of the greatest things about vacation via Torah and mitzvot is that because of the diversity of each mitzvah, you can experience the whole spectrum of vacations each and every day that you do different mitzvot. Relax by communicating with G-d (praying in the vernacular), putting on tefillin, lighting Shabbat candles. Bathe in the vast sea of Torah that is available through attending classes, reading books, or listening to pre-taped lessons in the privacy of your home. Be dazzled by the bright lights of the Infinite Light (Ohr Ein Sof) when you contemplate G-d's greatness and the purposefulness of the world and its every creation. Wine and dine at sumptuous banquets on Shabbat and holidays. Exercise your conscience and workout on your self-control by fulfilling the mitzvot between one person and another: not being jealous; loving your fellowman; judging everyone favorably; honoring your parents. The list goes on. But, what kind of packing should you do for a vacation of mitzvot? The rule of thumb that the better you've packed the more you'll enjoy your vacation applies to mitzvot as well. Ask questions! Find out why, when, and how to do each mitzvah. Learn the significance and the inner meaning behind the customs. Pack in all of the knowledge you can as you go along. But, don't hesitate to do a mitzvah just because you think you might not be properly prepared. After all, would you pass up a surprise, mystery trip just because preparing is a hassle or you didn't have a chance to pack? Enjoy your vacation! ******************* * CHOF CHES SIVAN * ******************* The 28th day of the Hebrew month of Sivan (Tuesday, July 1), is the 67th anniversary of the arrival in the United States of the Rebbe and Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka. The Rebbe and the Rebbetzin were in France during the early years of World War II. In 5701/1941, after tremendous effort on the part of the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn -- who was already in the United States -- the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin were able to travel to Portugal, from where they boarded a ship to the United States. The trip itself was quite dangerous, with the ship being stopped numerous times en route by the Nazis. On the 28th of Sivan 5701 (June 23 1941), the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin arrived in New York. The Previous Rebbe, because of ill health, was unable to greet his daughter and son-in-law personally. Instead, he sent four of his most eminent Chasidim to greet them. The Previous Rebbe informed them, "I am selecting you as my representatives to welcome my son-in-law, who is arriving tomorrow. I will reveal to you who he is: Every night he says the Tikkun Chatzot prayer over the destruction of the Holy Temple. He knows by heart both the entire Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds with their commentaries, and Maimonides' great Mishne Torah (code of Jewish law), and is expert in the works of Chabad philosophy. . .!" The 28th of Sivan became established as a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the rescue of the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin from the fires that raged in Europe. It also marks the beginning of a new era in Chabad outreach with the establishment by the Previous Rebbe of the central Lubavitch educational and publishing departments, which he placed under the directorship of the Rebbe. May the 28th of Sivan this year be the ultimate day of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the rescue of the Rebbe and the entire Jewish people from these last moments of exile, may G-d send the redemption NOW! ************* * FIREWORKS * ************* Looking up toward the stars on the Fourth of July, one can hardly miss the breathtaking sight of fireworks exploding all over the summer sky. Eyes darting here and there, exclamations of "oohs" and "ahhs" escaping the lips, fireworks are a special treat for young and old. Did you ever wonder why we are supposed to say a blessing over every piece of food we eat? Or why the Shema is written on a piece of animal skin (parchment) and stuck up on the doorpost? Or did you ever think it a bit strange that the Torah spends so much time discussing the sacrifices or exactly which part of one's fields must be left available for the poor? The answer is, spiritual fireworks! Chasidic philosophy explains that G-d created everything with a spark of holiness. The holiness started out as one entity that "exploded." The sparks of the explosion scattered everywhere and were buried within every part of Creation. This explosion was no cosmic accident, though. It was part of G-d's master-plan for the world and His creations. When we say a blessing over a piece of food, we are elevating the spark of holiness within the food. By using the energy that we derive from the food to do a mitzvah -- like helping old lady carry her bags, we are further elevating the spark. That we are ultimately elevating holy sparks by doing mitzvos does not negate the fact that we are also gaining from performing the mitzvos. Saying a blessing is good manners; it teaches us to be thankful to the One who has given us the food. Helping a little old lady can further refine our character and encourages us not to take for granted our good health and strength. Like real fireworks, we can't see with the "naked eye" exactly where the spiritual sparks go once they've been released. But, when we do mitzvos, we can be assured that the sparks have been elevated. And, can you imagine what a beautiful sight it must be Above when those sparks are released? ************************************* * TOFUTTI: AN ALMOST DIVINE DESSERT * ************************************* by Yehudis Cohen Speak to Mr. David Mintz, CEO and founder of Tofutti Brands, Inc. and you know that you are talking to one who is connected to the Rebbe, heart and soul. When asked about the Rebbe's involvement and guidance during the early years of creating Tofutti, Mr. Mintz takes the question very seriously. He closes his office door so as not to be interrupted. This is very important to him. The Rebbe is very important to him. Recalling that first yechidut, Mr. Mintz begins, "I was all of 23 years old then, but I was already successful as a furrier. I was making good money and giving a lot of tzeddakah (charity). During that first yechidut, the Rebbe told me things about my life that no one else in the whole world knew. "I couldn't look at the Rebbe's face. His eyes were like looking directly into the sun. The way the Rebbe spoke to me, I was mesmerized. When I left the Rebbe's room, I was transformed. I waited anxiously to be able to meet with the Rebbe again. "My second yechidut came a few months later. This time, too, I was captivated by the Rebbe, but the feeling was even stronger than the first time. I began to correspond with the Rebbe and ask his advice regarding business and personal matters." The bottom dropped out of the fur business and Mr. Mintz got involved in the food industry. He bought a small grocery store in the Catskill Mountains and decided to serve fresh Jewish delicacies. His immediate success encouraged him to branch out. Eventually, his success brought him to Manhattan where he operated a restaurant called "Mintz's Buffet." The people who dined in the restaurant liked good food and excellent desserts. When Mr. Mintz heard about tofu in the early 1970s he began experimenting with it and incorporating it into his dishes as a dairy substitute, causing some of his patrons to accuse him of foregoing the kosher laws by mixing milk and meat in his kosher restaurant. Eventually he began making desserts with tofu as well, but he just couldn't lick the non-dairy frozen dessert problem as it did not have a pleasant consistency once frozen. "Whenever I asked the Rebbe for advice, he always answered me and I always did what he said. Everything the Rebbe advised me about was always so right and I became very successful. The Rebbe gave me the 'blueprint' of how to run my business and I followed it meticulously." For nearly a decade, Mr. Mintz experimented with tofu. At the end of the day, he would tell everyone at work, "It's tofu time." Workers would join him in the kitchen, trying different ingredients mixed with tofu to make non-dairy recipes. "A pivotal moment in my business career came when the building housing our restaurant was purchased. I found a new, ideal location. I wrote to the Rebbe and immediately received the answer, 'Absolutely not.' I was shocked. The Rebbe continued, 'What you should do instead is to continue doing your experiments with your tofu projects.' I can't deny that I enjoyed experimenting with tofu, sometimes until 1-2-3 o'clock in the morning. But to make that my emphasis? "The Rebbe warned me that the beginning would be difficult but that eventually I would overcome the difficulties. 'You will be successful and your products will be sold all over, even abroad.' I was amazed at what the Rebbe said to me but I listened. I rented a place in Brooklyn and started working day and night. My family and business associates thought I was crazy. When months passed and I was still no closer to my goal, they told me to go back to what I know, restaurants. I ignored them because this is what the Rebbe said I should do. "I began to draw on my savings in order to continue my experiments. I continued to write to the Rebbe asking for brachot (blessings) for success. The Rebbe would answer me, 'You must have faith. With faith you can accomplish miracles.' The Rebbe gave me the energy and the mental capacity to go on even though I was continuously failing. The Rebbe also told me many times to give tzeddakah generously. "I rented space in an ice cream plant. After a few months they told me, 'Even though you are paying rent, we can't let you continue. You are wasting your time and money.' I begged them to give me one last chance. I wrote to the Rebbe again. 'You will be successful,' the Rebbe blessed me. And I was! We went into production and finally marketed it. Tofutti was big news. It was picked up by major TV networks and newspapers. People wanted to know more about this religious Jew who had invented a new kind of healthy, reduced calorie, low-cholesterol frozen dessert." In the midst of all of the excitement, one incident from about 10 years ago stands out in Mr. Mintz's mind. "When the company that was distributing Tofutti saw how popular it was, they were afraid it would affect sales of their own product. So they started to play around with orders for Tofutti. I decided to leave them and they made things difficult. Things were very rough. I wrote to the Rebbe, 'I need a blessing, a miracle, all the help the Rebbe can give me.' The Rebbe answered that by supporting my local Chabad House I would be making a channel for all the blessings I needed. By giving charity you create a receptacle and G-d can send a blessing into your receptacle. The more you help the local Chabad House, the more you will succeed." Mr. Mintz immediately increased his donations to Lubavitch of the Palisades. "As soon as I started helping more, I got an order from Brazil and then Mexico. The Rebbe's secret to success is to give charity above and beyond what you think you should, with your whole heart." Rabbi Mordechai Shain, director of Lubavitch of the Palisades, speaks warmly about David Mintz, the president of the congregation. "Mr. Mintz has been actively involved with our work since its inception. The Rebbe had told Mr. Mintz one Sunday when he went to receive a dollar and blessings that a Chabad House would soon be opening in his neighborhood and that Mr. Mintz should help out. I knew nothing of this conversation when I approached Mr. Mintz some time later, to move to Tenafly, New Jersey and open Lubavitch of the Palisades. The Rebbe told him many times that he is a partner with the Rebbe in the Rebbe's work; he is a partner with Chabad." Mr. Mintz takes his partnership with the Chabad House as seriously as he takes his business. Says Rabbi Shain, "We make decisions together. He has a heart of gold but he's not a pushover. He has strong business acumen. He has been at the forefront of our growth, our beautiful center and our recently completed million dollar mikvah." Says Mr. Mintz, "Once, when I thanked the Rebbe for all of his blessings, he told me, 'You don't have to thank me because we are partners.' The Rebbe gave me a special blessing, 'You should never have any daigas, worries. It could be that once in a while you may have a question or a doubt. If that happens, study a portion of the Torah and then you won't have any more doubts. You will be very successful and sell products to the point that you will have difficulty keeping records of all the products you sell.' Thank G-d the company keeps growing; thank G-d I don't have any daigas. "When people who are having a hard time in business because of the economy or have lost their jobs ask me for advice, I tell them the following: Here is my business strategy. It's very simple and it's guaranteed if you follow it. Give charity with your whole heart and more than you can afford. Nowhere in the Torah except concerning the mitzvah (commandment) of tzeddakah does G-d tell us we can test Him. I told that to a man in our shul who was down on his luck. A little while later he came into shul and started hugging and kissing me. 'I started giving charity even before I could afford to, with my whole heart, until it hurt. I got a call from a big company and it was my break,' he told me. G-d willing and with the Rebbe's brachot, Mr. Mintz will continue to delight people with his non-dairy tofu products and inspire them with his faith in G-d and the Rebbe until the coming of Moshiach, and even after! ******************** * IT HAPPENED ONCE * ******************** By Rabbi Arye Preger It was right before Purim, 5753/1993, when we received a phone call asking if we could accommodate a couple from Borough Park -- Gerrer chasidim -- for Shabbat in Crown Heights. The couple with their young child arrived Friday afternoon, but it wasn't until during the Friday night meal that we had a chance to chat. Mr. B. told me in a whisper, "My wife does not know that the Lubavitcher Rebbe was our shadchan [matchmaker]." My guest continued, "A few years ago, my brother-in-law came to the Rebbe during 'Sunday dollars.' [1] He asked the Rebbe for a blessing for his sister, who had been married for quite a few years without being blessed with children. The Rebbe gave him three dollars and a blessing. Exactly nine months later triplets were born. "About two years ago, my wife and I were having problems in our marriage. Conditions worsened to the point that we divorced. I remained in New York and my ex-wife moved to Israel. "I went to the Rebbe one Sunday and asked for a blessing to find the right match. The Rebbe gave me a blessing as well as a dollar. "A little over a week later, soon after the Rebbe had his first stroke, the Rebbe appeared to me in a dream and told me, 'Do not search for another wife; return to your first one. If you have any doubts about the matter, wait until Purim and you will have a yeshua [salvation].' "I was a bit confused by this dream, so I discussed it with several Lubavitcher chasidim, who advised me to wait until Purim to see what happens before I decide. "On Purim a rabbi from Bnei Brak in Israel contacted me and informed me that my wife was interested in getting back together. We worked out our differences and our family was reunited once again. Since tonight is the first anniversary of our remarriage, I thought we should celebrate it here in Crown Heights and be together with the Rebbe." Not long after this occurrence I attended a wedding in Borough Park, and I recounted the story to a group of chasidim, most of whom were Satmar. One of the men who happened to be sitting next to me told me that when his wife was hospitalized in Rochester, Minnesota, the only ones who came to visit her and raise her morale were Lubavitcher chasidim. "A Rebbe who has such emissaries as dedicated as these in such far-flung places, even without performing miracles, is definitely worthy of redeeming the Jewish people from this dark exile and bringing us to the Redemption," he said. _______________ 1. In the years 1986-1992, the Rebbe, every Sunday, personally distributed to each of the thousands of visitors who came to receive his blessings a dollar to give to charity. ************************************** * 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 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. Enroll your child in a Torah Summer Camp The Rebbe spoke many times about the unique learning opportunity for Jewish children afforded by the months of summer vacation. Without the pressures of tests, homework, etc., children enrolled in camps permeated with a Torah atmosphere eagerly learn about their heritage and are instilled with pride in being Jewish. Creative methods are used to make Judaism come alive. The soul is nourished as the body and mind are strengthened through sports, crafts, etc. If you don't have camp-age children, help sponsor a child in a Torah camp. Call your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center for more information. *************************************** * In loving memory of * * HORAV CHAIM YEHUDA KALMAN * * Ben Horav Avrohom Yehoshua Marlow, * * head of the Bet-Din (Rabbinical * * Court) of Crown Heights, * * Passed away, on Friday Morning, * * 20 Sivan, 5760 (June 23, 2000) * *************************************** ******************************* * 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.chabadworld.net * ******************************************************* >>>> Times Shown Are for Metro NY - NJ <<<< FRIDAY, JUNE 27, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT KORACH: * Light Shabbat Candles, [2] by 8:13 p.m. SATURDAY, JUNE 28, SHABBAT PARSHAT KORACH: * Blessing of the New Month, Tamuz. [3] * On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapter 3 of Pirkei Avot -- Ethics of the Fathers. * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 9:21 p.m. _______________ 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 Tamuz is on Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4. ********************************************* * May the Shabbat candles, of the millions * * of Jewish women and girls around the * * world, illuminate our way, until we very * * soon see the fulfillment of G-d's promise * * (as it is written in the Midrash * * (Yalkut Shimoni, Beha'alotecha)): * * "If you will observe the kindling of the * * Shabbat lights, you will merit to see * * the lights of the redemption of the * * Jewish people," speedily in our days, * * NOW! * ********************************************* *************************************** * "LET THERE BE LIGHT" * * - The Jewish Women's Guide * * to Lighting Shabbat Candles * * http://www.torah4blind.org/ltbl.htm * *************************************** *********************************** * LAWS OF SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING * * FOR THE BLIND * *********************************** Edited by Rabbi Y. K. Marlow O.B.M.* * A blind woman who lives alone should light her Shabbat candle(s) with a blessing. * If she is married to a non-visually impaired person, HER HUSBAND SHOULD LIGHT THE SHABBAT CANDLES WITH THE BLESSING. * If she is eating and lighting in the company of others who are non-visually impaired, and they lit the Shabbat candles, she should light her own Shabbat candle(s), BUT WITHOUT SAYING THE BLESSING. * (If at all possible, she should not be the last one to light the Shabbat candle(s), so that she can be absolved by the latter's blessing.) _______________ *. Head of Bet-Din (Rabbinical Court) of Crown Heights. ************************************ * SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSING * ************************************ * First light the candles. Then spread your hands out around the candles, drawing your hands inward in a circular motion three times to indicate the acceptance of the sanctity of Shabbat. You then cover your eyes and recite the following blessing: BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM A-SHER KI-DE-SHO-NU BE-MITZ-VO-SOV VE-TZI-VO-NU LE-HAD-LIK NER SHEL SHA-BOS KO-DESH. Translation: Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat. * Uncover your eyes and behold the Shabbat lights. * The time of lighting is considered especially propitious for praying to G-d for health and happiness. The prayer is readily acceptable because it is offered during the performance of this great mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles. CAUTION: The candles must be lit 18 minutes *BEFORE* sunset. IT IS PROHIBITED AND IS A DESECRATION OF THE SHABBAT TO LIGHT THE CANDLES *AFTER* SUNSET. ******************************************* * MOSHIACH INFORMATION HOTLINES * * http://www.torah4blind.org/hotlines.htm * ******************************************* ****************************************** * MOSHIACH IN THE AIR - ELECTRONIC MEDIA * * http://www.torah4blind.org/e-media.htm * ****************************************** ******************************** * LIVING WITH MOSHIACH * * Weekly Digest About Moshiach * ******************************** Annual subscription (for the 18-point, large type edition) $18.00. For a one-year subscription, make your check payable to: "Enlightenment For The Blind" and mail it to: 602 N. Orange Drive. Los Angeles, CA 90036 USA Name:__________________________________ Address:_______________________________ City:__________________________________ State:___________ Zip:_________________ Telephone: ( )____________________ Due to the generosity of our donors, we offer free subscriptions to all blind and handicapped people, public service libraries and non-profit organizations. **************************************************** * TO RECEIVE THIS PUBLICATION VIA INTERNET: * * E-Mail: info@torah4blind.org * * or: * * http://www.torah4blind.org/subs.htm * **************************************************** =========================================================== = End of Text: Living With Moshiach, Parshat Korach, 5768 = ===========================================================