LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Erev Rosh HaShanah B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach EREV ROSH HASHANAH, 5769 29 Elul, 5768 Sept. 29, 2008 SPECIAL FEATURES: 1. Your 'Rosh HaShanah' Guide, 5769 2. Year of Hakhel ************************************************* * 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 * * * 5769 "Year of Hakhel" **************************************************** * 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. * Rosh HaShanah Message from the Rebbe. * The Rebbe's Prophecy. * Make A Pruzbul - Transfer of Debts. How to make a Pruzbul. * In Just One Moment. * Your Rosh HaShanah Guide. * What Is Rosh HaShanah? Birthday of the World. The Book of Life. * Rosh HaShanah Observances. The Shofar. Tashlich. Special Rosh HaShanah Foods. * Ten Days of Teshuvah. A Return to Essence. * The Fast of Gedaliah. * Shabbat Shuvah. * A Lesson from Shabbat Shuvah. * The Rosh HaShanah Calendar. * Candle Lighting Blessings. * Holiday Recipes. Honey Cake. Traditional Challah. * The Shofar's Message. * Year of Hakhel. Hakhel Today. * Time for Unity; Time for Strength! * A Call To Action. * L'Shana Tova. * 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 596th issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach. * In this week's issue we focus on: 1) The laws of the upcoming High Holiday of Rosh HaShanah, which begins on Monday night, Sept. 29. Therefore, we present here "Your Rosh HaShanah Guide," [*] and other related material about Rosh HaShanah. 2) As the upcoming year, 5769, is a Hakhel year, we begin our focus on the "Year of Hakhel." * We take this opportunity to wish you and yours a K'Siva Vachasima Tova, a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. * Our sincere appreciation to L'Chaim weekly publication, published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, for allowing us to use their material. Also, many thanks to our copy editor, Reb Mordechai Staiman, of blessed memory ("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 18 Elul, 5768 Los Angeles, California _______________ * Published by Outreach Publishing Corp. DEDICATED TO THE REBBE, In honor of our daughter CHAYA SARAH on the occasion of her birthday, 25 Elul 5768 **************************************** * ROSH HASHANAH MESSAGE FROM THE REBBE * **************************************** Dear Friend: The month of Tishrei is very colorful. Every possible atmosphere of Jewish life finds expression in this month, in which we have Solemn Days, Fast Days, and Days of Rejoicing. It is not a coincidence that the first month of the year has "samples" of every shade and color of Jewish life, for these "samples" are intended to give us an introduction to, and practical guidance for the rest of the year. By observing the special days of Tishrei in their proper spirit, we are initiated into a truly Jewish life, in accordance with the spirit of the Torah, during the whole year following. What can we learn from the special days of Tishrei? a. To begin with we have Rosh HaShanah, the beginning of the New Year, the day when the first man just created proclaimed G-d's sovereignty over the whole Universe. When we are about to begin anything, we must always remember that G-d is the Creator of Heaven and Earth and the sole Ruler of the Universe, and that our action or venture must have Divine approval. This is further emphasized by -- b. The Ten Days of Repentance, which remind us that since we are the servants of the King of the Universe we must keep a check on our deeds to ensure that they comply with the wishes of the Master. However, since we are only human beings, we are liable to fail on occasion. This is why G-d gives us -- c. Yom Kippur, to impress upon us the realization that it is never too late to turn back to the right path, provided we do it sincerely, completely repenting of, and casting away, our evil habits of the past, and solemnly undertaking to mend our ways in the future. If we make this firm resolution, G-d will forgive us, and "cleanse" us completely of our sins. Difficult though this path may appear to be -- d. Sukkot helps us not to despair in our days of trial, even if we find ourselves in the minority, for G-d is our protector, as He clearly showed us by the Clouds of Glory with which He surrounded us during the forty years' wandering through the desert after the Departure from Egypt. Finally, in order to know how to lead our lives so as to comply with G-d's wishes, we have -- e. Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, for in the Torah G-d has given us Divine laws of justice and righteousness and a true guide in life; by shaping our lives accordingly we are assured of true happiness, both in this world and in the after-life. For the Torah is a "tree of life to them that take fast hold of it, and its supporters are happy." These, briefly, are some of the main lessons of Tishrei and there can be no doubt that by following them faithfully, the New Year will be a happy one, both spiritually and materially, and the blessing that we give each other "L'Shana Tova Tikateiv V'Tichatem" [May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year] will surely be fulfilled. That is what I wish every one of you. Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson ************************************************* * 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'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 593: http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5768/593.txt ********************************************* * IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR GRANDPARENTS,* * * * Reb Shmuel Pesach Ben Reb Yaakov Dovid * * On the occasion of his 14th yahrtzeit, * * 3 Tishrei, 5769 * * * * 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 * ********************************************* ************************************** * MAKE A PRUZBUL - TRANSFER OF DEBTS * ************************************** This past year, 5768, was a Sabbatical or "Seventh" year. It is also known as the Shemittah year -- the year of "Release." Concerning the Shemittah year the Torah states (Deut. 15:1-2): "At the end of seven years, you shall make Shemittah. And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor; because the L-rd's release has been proclaimed." According to the opinion of the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, in his Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law), and others, this passage teaches that it is forbidden to claim one's private debts even during the Seventh year itself, as soon as "the release has been proclaimed." Years ago, because of the release of loans of the Seventh year, many Jews ceased to lend money as the seventh year approached. To encourage the continuation of loans, Hillel, the great scholar and leader, instituted a custom which allows one to demand repayment even after the seventh year. This custom, known as "Pruzbul," consists of the creditor transferring his debt to a rabbinic court before the Sabbatical year (or if not done earlier, during the Sabbatical year), whereupon it ceases to be a private debt and therefore can be collected. The Rebbe has called upon all Jews to make a Pruzbul before the onset of the Shemittah year, even those who do not have outstanding loans. This practice demonstrates how dear we hold a command of our Sages. How to make a Pruzbul: The last time to make a Pruzbul is on the day before Rosh HaShanah, Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, which is the last day of the Shemittah Year. The Pruzbul can be accomplished by means of a legal document or even by verbal agreement. Contact your local Rabbi, or Chabad-Lubavitch Center, to make a Pruzbul. Encourage your friends and relatives to make a Pruzbul as well. ******************************************************* * IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND AND COPY EDITOR * * Reb Mordechai ben Reb Shaul * * Staiman * * Passed away on 22 Tamuz, 5763 * ******************************************************* ************************************************ * IN JUST ONE MOMENT * * Freely translated from a Letter of the Rebbe * ************************************************ There is a unique quality and preeminence of teshuvah [lit., return; colloquially, repentance] in that it enables a person to rectify completely all that should have been achieved throughout the past, in matters of Torah and mitzvot -- "with one 'turn' and in one moment." On reflection, it can easily be seen that, all things added up, the world contains more quantity (materiality) than quality (spirituality), and more by far. Indeed, the more corporeal and gross a thing is, the greater is the quantity in which it is found. Thus, for example, the world of inanimate, (inorganic) matter is much greater in volume than the vegetable kingdom, and the latter is quantitatively greater than the animal kingdom, which, in turn, surpasses by far, in quantity, the highest of the four kingdoms, mankind (the "speaking" creature). Similarly, in the human body: the lowest extremities, the legs, are larger in size than the rest of the body, and the latter is much greater in bulk than the head, wherein are located the organs of speech and the senses of smell, hearing and sight, as well as the intellect, etc., which animate the entire body and direct all its activities. On further reflection, a person might also become disheartened, G-d forbid, wondering how is one to fulfill adequately one's real purpose in life on this earth, which is, to quote our Sages, "I was created to serve my Creator" -- seeing that most of one's time is necessarily taken up with materialistic things, such as eating and drinking, sleeping, earning a livelihood, etc. What with the fact that the earliest years of a human being, before reaching maturity and knowledgeability, are spent in an entirely materialistic mode of living. The answer is, first of all, that even the so-called materialistic preoccupations of the daily life must not become purely materialistic and animal-like, for we have to be always mindful of the imperative, "Let all your doings be for the sake of Heaven," and "Know Him (G-d) in all your ways." This means that also in carrying out the activities that are connected with the physical and material aspects of life (which, as mentioned, take up the greater part of a person's time), a human being must know that those material aspects are not an end in themselves, but they are, and must serve as, the means to attain to the higher, spiritual realm of life, namely, G-dliness. In this way, he permeates all those materialistic-physical aspects with spiritual content, and utilizes them for spiritual purposes. Thus, all these mundane, and in themselves trivial matters, are elevated to their proper role, perfection and spirituality. But in addition to the above, there is also the unique effectiveness of teshuvah, which has the power to transform -- "with one 'turn' and in one moment" -- the whole past -- the very materiality of it into spirituality. Time is, of course, not measured simply by duration, but by its content in terms of achievement. Thus, in evaluating time there are vast differences in terms of content, and, hence, in real worth, of a minute, an hour, etc. Suffice it to mention, by way of example, that one cannot compare an hour of prayer and outpouring of the soul before G-d with an hour of sleep. And to use the analogy of coins, there may be coins of identical size and shape, yet differing in their intrinsic value, depending upon whether they are made of copper, silver or gold. With all the opportunities that G-d provides for a person to fill his time with the highest content, there is the most wonderful gift from "G-d who does wonders" of the extraordinary quality of teshuvah, transcending all limitations, including the limitations of time, so that "in one moment" it transforms the whole past, to the degree of absolute perfection in quality and spirituality. The Al-mighty has also ordained especially favorable times for teshuvah, at the end of each year and the beginning of the new year, together with the assurance that everyone, man or woman, who resolves to do teshuvah -- can accomplish it "in one moment." By transforming the quantity of the materiality in the past into meritorious quality, spirituality and holiness; and at the same time preparing for the future, in the coming year and thereafter, in a proper manner, through Torah and mitzvot in the everyday life, a person elevates himself/herself and also the environment at large to the highest possible level of spirituality and holiness. This makes the material world a fitting abode for G-d, blessed be He. **************************** * YOUR ROSH HASHANAH GUIDE * *--------------------------* * Tishrei 1-2, 5769 * * Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2008 * **************************** WHAT IS ROSH HASHANAH? Birthday of the World Rosh HaShanah is the day on which G-d completed the creation of this world, by creating Adam, the original man. Adam's very first act was to proclaim the Al-mighty as King of the Universe. He called upon all creatures: "Come, let us worship, bow down, and kneel before G-d, our maker." Each Rosh HaShanah, we too proclaim the Kingship of G-d, and reaffirm our commitment to serve Him well. Just as on the original Rosh HaShanah, G-d created the world for the first time, so each Rosh HaShanah He reconsiders and re-evaluates the quality of our relationship with Him, and creates our world anew. The Book of Life On the first evening of Rosh HaShanah, after services, we exchange the traditional blessing, "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year." Our Sages explain that on Rosh HaShanah, we all stand in judgment before G-d "like a flock of sheep before the shepherd." If we are worthy, we are inscribed in the Book of Life. Ten days later, on Yom Kippur, the Book is sealed. Through repentance, prayer, and charity, we can sweeten the decree, and merit G-d's blessings for health, well-being, and prosperity for the coming year. ***************************** * ROSH HASHANAH OBSERVANCES * ***************************** The Shofar On both days of Rosh HaShanah, Tuesday, Sept. 30, and Wednesday, Oct. 1, we hear during the daytime the sounding of at least the first thirty of the prescribed blasts of the shofar, the ram's horn. The shofar, the oldest and most soulful of wind instruments, has many meanings. Among them: * It proclaims the coronation of G-d as King of the Universe. * It "awakens" us to repent and return to G-d. * It reminds us of the shofar heard at Mount Sinai, when we accepted G-d's commandments for all time. * It represents the simple, primal outcry from the depth of the soul. * It presages the call of the Great Shofar which G-d will sound with the coming of Moshiach, who will lead us out of exile and into our Holy Land -- speedily, in our days. Call your local synagogue, or Chabad-Lubavitch Center for the approximate time of the shofar service. Tashlich On the first day of Rosh HaShanah, Tuesday, Sept. 30, following the afternoon prayer, we visit a body of water or pond containing live fish and recite the Tashlich prayers, in which we "cast away" our sins. As fish depend upon water, so do we depend upon G-d's providence. Also, a fish's eyes never close, symbolizing G-d's unceasing watchfulness over us. Special Rosh HaShanah Foods It is customary on Rosh HaShanah to eat foods symbolizing sweetness, blessings and abundance. We dip the challah in honey; and afterwards, on the first night, Monday evening, Sept. 29, we eat a piece of apple dipped in honey. After the appropriate blessing on the apple, we add: "May it be Your will to renew for us a good and sweet year." Other customs include eating the head of a fish, pomegranates and carrots. ************************ * TEN DAYS OF TESHUVAH * ************************ A Return to Essence The first ten days of Tishrei -- two days of Rosh HaShanah, the seven days following, and Yom Kippur -- are an auspicious time in which to rectify our shortcomings and draw closer to G-d. They are therefore known as the "Ten days of Teshuvah." Teshuvah -- frequently translated as repentance -- actually means returning. Judaism emphasizes that our essential nature -- the Divine spark of the soul -- is good. True repentance is best achieved not through harsh self-condemnation, but through the realization that our deepest desire is to do good, in accordance with the will of G-d. ************************ * THE FAST OF GEDALIAH * ************************ Thursday, Oct. 2, is a fast day. We neither eat nor drink, from approximately 72 minutes before sunrise until 40 minutes after sunset. [1] It commemorates the tragic assassination of Gedaliah, a great Jewish leader during the Babylonian exile. _______________ 1. In New York City, at 7:08 p.m. ****************** * SHABBAT SHUVAH * ****************** The seven days between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur are an opportunity to do teshuvah with respect to each of the seven days of the week -- i.e., on the Monday, we can make amends for whatever wrongs we may have done on all the Mondays of the previous year... and so forth. Shabbat -- from the evening of Fri., Oct. 3, until nightfall on Sat., Oct. 4 -- is called Shabbat Shuvah, after the Haftorah [prophetic reading] for that day: "Return, O Israel... for you have stumbled..." *************************************** * A LESSON FROM SHABBAT SHUVAH * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** This Shabbat is known by two names: 1) Shabbat Shuvah, derived from the opening words of the Haftorah that is read in synagogue, "Shuvah Yisrael" -- "Return, O Israel," and 2) Shabbat Teshuvah, as it falls out in the middle of the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, the Ten Days of Repentance. This name is also connected to the Haftorah, the theme of which is likewise the return to G-d. The two names of this Shabbat reveal a timely lesson. The word shuvah -- "return" is the command form of the word lashuv -- "to return." G-d commands us to return to Him in teshuvah. Teshuvah, by contrast, is a noun denoting the action itself, the actual return to G-d. The name shuvah relates more to the One Who is issuing the command than the person being addressed. Shuvah alludes to a situation in which the command has already been issued, but not yet carried out. The command itself imparts a measure of strength but does not ensure that it will necessarily be fulfilled in the future. The name teshuvah, on the other hand, implies that the action has already been taken, i.e., teshuvah has already been done. In that case, however, why do we continue to refer to this Shabbat as Shabbat Teshuvah? The answer is that the act of teshuvah consists of both the command to return to G-d and its subsequent implementation. Shuvah teaches us that even after a Jew has done teshuvah, he still needs to work on himself to an even greater degree. No matter how much teshuvah a person has done, it is always possible to rise higher; hence the directive, "Return, O Israel unto the L-rd, your G-d." In fact, our teshuvah must be "unto the L-rd, your G-d." Thus it is understood that there is always room for improvement -- for an even deeper and infinite teshuvah -- as G-d Himself is Infinite. This is the lesson of Shabbat Shuvah: A Jew must never content himself with his previous Divine service and spiritual advancement. He must never think that because he has worked on himself a whole week he is now entitled to rest because it is Shabbat. No, today is Shabbat Shuvah! Even after one has done teshuvah, more work is required! For the service of teshuvah is continual and without end. *************************************** * 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 ROSH HASHANAH CALENDAR 5769/2008 * **************************************** JEWISH WOMEN AND GIRLS LIGHT ROSH HASHANAH AND 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 <<<< MONDAY, SEPT. 29, EREV ROSH HASHANAH: * Light Rosh HaShanah Candles, [2] BY 6:23 p.m. Say blessings #1 & 2. * Eat special Rosh HaShanah foods. TUESDAY, SEPT. 30, FIRST DAY OF ROSH HASHANAH: * Sounding of Shofar. * Tashlich prayers -- see above. * Light Rosh HaShanah candles, [3] AFTER NIGHTFALL, AFTER 7:19 p.m. Say blessings #1 & 2. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1, SECOND DAY OF ROSH HASHANAH: * Sounding of Shofar. * Rosh HaShanah ends at 7:18 p.m. THURSDAY, OCT. 2, FAST OF GEDALIAH: * Fast ends at 7:08 p.m. FRIDAY, OCT. 3, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT VAYEILECH: * Light Shabbat Candles, [4] BY 6:16 p.m. Say blessing #3. SATURDAY, OCT. 4, SHABBAT PARSHAT VAYEILECH: * Shabbat Shuvah -- see above. * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 7:13 p.m. _____________ 2. If lighting *AFTER* sunset, light only from a preexisting flame. A preexisting flame is a flame burning continuously since the onset of Rosh HaShanah, such as a pilot light, gas or candle flame. 3. Do not light *BEFORE* the times indicated. Light only from a preexisting flame. 4. 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. ******************************************************* * ROSH HASHANAH AND SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSINGS * ******************************************************* After lighting the candles, recite: #1. 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 YOM HA-ZI-KO-RON. 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 Day of Remembrance. #2. BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM SHE-HECHE-YO-NU VE-KI-YE-MO-NU VE-HIGI-O-NU LIZ-MAN HA-ZEH. TRANSLATION: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion. #3. 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. ******************* * HOLIDAY RECIPES * ******************* Honey Cake Traditionally served on Rosh HaShanah and Erev Yom Kippur, symbolic of our wishes for a sweet year. 3 eggs 1 pound honey (1-1/3 cups) 1-1/3 cups sugar 1 cup strong coffee 2 tsps. baking powder 3 tbsps. margarine 1 tsp. baking soda 4 cups flour 1 tsp. cinnamon Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a 9" x 13" pan. Beat eggs and honey together. Add sugar and mix again. Mix coffee with baking powder, and then add with margarine to the egg mixture. Add baking soda, flour, cinnamon and beat together well. Bake in greased 9" x 13" pan at 325 degrees for 55 minutes to an hour. Traditional Challah For an unusually smooth taste and texture to enhance your Shabbat and High Holiday / Festival meals. 5 pounds flour 2 ounces fresh yeast & 1 package dry yeast 2 cups warm water 1-1/2 sticks margarine 2-1/3 cups boiling water 2 tbsps. salt 1-1/2 cups sugar 5 eggs Glaze: 1 egg, beaten Poppy seeds Dissolve yeast in 2 cups warm water, in a small bowl, until it bubbles. In a large bowl, place margarine and pour boiling water over it and stir until margarine is melted. Add salt and sugar. Let cool for a few minutes and beat in eggs. Add the bubbling yeast. Gradually add flour. Knead for 10 minutes. If dough is too moist add a little more flour. When ready to rise, smear top of dough with oil, cover and let rise 1 hour. When the dough has risen, while still covered, separate -- tear off -- a small portion of dough known as 'challah' from the whole dough. Make the 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-HAF-RISH CHA-LOH. TRANSLATION: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to separate challah. This piece of dough is put in the oven to bake away until it is inedible. Shape and let rise another hour. Brush with beaten egg to glaze. Sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake at 350 degrees, 1 hour for large challahs, 1/2 hour for smaller challahs and rolls. ************************ * THE SHOFAR'S MESSAGE * ************************ "Our Father, Our King -- Avinu Malkeinu." The theme of G-d as Parent and Ruler dominates Rosh HaShanah. The Baal Shem Tov taught that the love G-d has for each one of us is analogous to and surpasses the love a father has for an only child born in his old age. Rosh HaShanah is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve. Thus, it corresponds to the rebirth of humanity and we reestablish our relationship as children of G-d on these days. The sounding of the shofar is connected to this central motif of Rosh HaShanah, that of G-d as our Divine Parent. To better understand this we look to another parable of the Baal Shem Tov: An errant prince, an only son, traveled far from the palace. After many years had passed, the prince yearned to be reunited with his father, the king. However, by the time he returned to his native land, he had forgotten his mother tongue. From deep within his soul a cry emerged, a cry that -- no matter how estranged the child -- a father could understand. This fervent, broken-hearted plea of "Father, it is I, your only son, help me!" broke through the barriers separating father and son more eloquently than any words the prince might have uttered. At this moment, the king embraced the errant son. For thousands of years the Jewish people have wandered in exile. At times, we even seem to have lost our means of communicating with our Father. We are very much like the proverbial prince, who when facing his father the king could only cry. We are in pain not only because our self-created barriers separate us from G-d. But also because even when we wish to return we encounter all sorts of seemingly insurmountable obstacles born of the national and spiritual exile of our people. The shofar represents the wordless cry of the only child within each of us. Chosen because of its simplicity, it symbolizes the incorruptible nature of the soul connected to the essence of G-d, Himself. Transcending the conventional modes of communication, the shofar's shattering wail arouses in us an awareness of the most powerful bond uniting Father and child. No matter how far we may feel we've strayed throughout the year, no matter how muted or inadequate our ability to communicate with G-d, the shofar of Rosh HaShanah enables us to reconnect in a more fundamental and powerful way than previously envisioned. The Great Shofar, sounded by G-d signaling the messianic age, will pierce all barriers and penetrate beneath the surface of our very beings. When G-d sounds the Great Shofar we will be able to express, completely and openly, the fundamental child/parent relationship we intrinsically have with G-d. The shofar of Redemption will usher in a time when the love between G-d and the Jewish people -- concealed throughout our trial-ridden exile -- will be fully revealed. May we all be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet year. But even before the New Year may we all find ourselves in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem with the revelation of our righteous Moshiach, and he will redeem us. ****************** * Year of Hakhel * ****************** The upcoming year, 5769, is a Hakhel year -- the first year in the land of Israel's seven-year agricultural cycle (the seventh year being the Sabbatical or Shemittah year). Hakhel means literally "assembly." During the Hakhel year in Temple times, the entire Jewish nation, from youngest to oldest, assembled in the Holy Temple to hear the king read from the Torah on the holiday of Sukkot. The occasion was unforgettable. The ceremony itself was announced dramatically by trumpet blasts. The king sat on a specially erected high wooden platform placed in the women's court, where he would be visible and audible to the vast throng below. The king read several passages of the Torah, including the Shema and passages containing the blessings of the Jewish people. The Jewish king was not only meant to be a political and military leader, but his role was also essentially that of G-d's delegate to promote the spiritual dimension of the national life of the people. His reading of the Torah following the observance of the Shemittah year strengthened the people's adherence to G-d through keeping His commandments and studying His Torah. * It is significant that the Torah was read by the King rather than the Sanhedrin, the supreme rabbinical court. For the Hakhel gathering -- and, in fact, the entire Hakhel experience -- was to engender awe and reverence for G-d. This response is more readily aroused by the Jewish monarch than the Sanhedrin. The awakening of awe in the nation fosters Jewish unity. In the area of knowledge and comprehension of the Torah -- that which would be imparted by the Sanhedrin -- there can be many levels among Jews. But, when we speak of awe, all Jews are on the same level. During the Hakhel in the Holy Temple, the goal was not to reach deeper understanding; rather, to find awe and reverence, as was the case when the Torah was given. Thus, in Temple times, Hakhel was an opportunity to re-experience the revelation of the Torah at Sinai. And just as at Sinai, their unity led them to bring together all levels and all types of Jews. Hakhel Today Though we do not yet have the actual mitzvah of Hakhel, as we have not yet merited the rebuilding of the Third Holy Temple, the opportunity beckons for everyone to be involved in the spiritual mitzvah of Hakhel at all times, in all places. We have the opportunity and even the obligation to spread Jewish awareness by gathering Jews in the true spirit of Jewish unity. As the Rebbe suggested repeatedly during previous Hakhel years and reemphasized during the Hakhel year of 5748 (1987-8), "These gatherings are most appropriate this year of Hakhel when the potential for success in this matter is very great and we are given extraordinary powers from Above. For, 'when the days of old are remembered in their season, they also come into being' and we can effect the true Hakhel which will take place with the ingathering of the exiles in the Third Holy Temple." The Rebbe has always emphasized the teaching of our Sages that "Action is the essential thing." This means that we must attempt, on a regular basis, to have gatherings with friends, family, colleagues, whose intent is to enhance Jewish unity and Jewish awareness. Men, women and even little children were charged with this mitzvah. These gatherings, large or small, enable us to focus on the unity of the Jewish people, and the love of each Jew for every other Jew. Incorporate into the gathering the "three pillars upon which the world stands" -- Torah study, prayer and charity. Share a thought from the Rebbe, say a prayer for the Redemption, and give charity, even a few coins, to a worthy cause. May we merit very soon to fulfill the mitzvah of Hakhel to hear the Torah taught by King Moshiach, G-d's Messenger, with joy and gladness, truly now. ************************************** * 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. Preparations for the High Holidays: "Our Sages state that thirty days before a holiday, we should learn the laws pertaining to it. It is already less then thirty days before the holidays of Tishrei begin and in this context, it is necessary to mention the importance of providing Jews with their holiday needs so that they will be able to celebrate Rosh HaShanah and the holidays that follow in the manner stated in the Bible, 'Eat sumptuous foods and drink sweet beverages and send portions to those who do not have them prepared.'" The Rebbe, Elul, 5750/1990 **************** * L'SHANA TOVA * **************** ...May the Festivals of Tishrei Bring Blessings for You and All Your Loved Ones, for a Good and Sweet Year, Spiritually and Materially, and Bring for All of Us the Greatest of All Blessings, the Final Redemption Through Our Righteous Moshiach. ******************************************* * 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. 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