LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Mikeitz - Sent from California, hence the time difference. B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT MIKEITZ 5772 Kislev 27, 5772 Dec. 23, 2011 SPECIAL FEATURE: Chanukah Your Chanukah Guide - 5772 "http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5772/754-755.txt" ********************************************* * This week's issue of Living With Moshiach * * is dedicated in loving memory of * * Mrs. Shaina Chaya Bas Reb Yitzchok Izaac * * Stayer * * Passed away on Monday, 24 Adar I, 5771 * * * * May her Soul Merit Eternal Life * * * * * Dedicated by her children * ********************************************* ************************************************* * This week's issue is sponsored in part by: * * Holy Sparks - "http://www.holysparks.org" * * * * * Your premiere site for Jewish spirituality. * * * * * 5,771 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 * * * 5772 **************************************************** * 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. * Customs Corner. * Increasing the Light. * Listen to the Lights. * Moshiach Matters. * Moshiach and Chanukah. * A Lesson from Chanukah. * The Heroines of Chanukah. * The Story of Yehudit. * You Just Scratch the Surface. * Fat Is the Culprit! * Time for Unity; Time for Strength! * A Call To Action. * Happy Chanukah. * 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 756th issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach. * In this week's issue, we once again highlight Chanukah in a special feature presentation. * 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 new copy editor, Reb Benyomin Hoffman, for his tireless efforts,. and, many thanks to our former 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 Kislev, 5772 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 * * * * Reb Yitzchok Moshe (Ian) ben Reb Dovid Asniel * * Ekman (Santiago, Chile) * * Passed away on 24 Shevat, 5769 * * * * May Their Souls Merit Eternal Life * * * * AND IN HONOR OF * * Mrs. Esther Shaindel bas Fraidel Chedva * * Shagalov * * * * * Dedicated by * * Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Yitzchok and Gittel Rochel * * Shagalov * ************************************************* *************************************** * THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** PARSHAT MIKEITZ In this week's portion, Mikeitz, the Torah describes how Joseph carefully amassed a great quantity of grain during Egypt's seven years of plenty, later sustaining the entire nation during its seven years of famine. This grain was stored in a very special way to make sure it did not spoil: "The food of the field, which was roundabout every city, he laid up within it," the Torah relates. Rashi, the great Torah commentator, explains that Joseph took some earth from each place the grain was cultivated and mixed it in together with that grain, preserving it and preventing it from rotting. "The deeds of the Forefathers are a sign for their children." Joseph's actions comprise an eternal lesson for us, his grandchildren, to apply in our lives. For like our illustrious ancestor, every Jew must accumulate "sustenance" in order to satisfy the spiritual "hunger" of his surroundings. How? With the very same admixture of earth that Joseph utilized. The true sustenance of every Jew is the Torah; it constitutes our very lives. The Torah is called sustenance because, like food, it penetrates one's entire being and becomes an actual part of it. The duty of the Jew is to accumulate this vital substance by learning as much Torah as he possibly can. To continue the analogy, we must be careful that the Torah knowledge we accumulate does not "spoil" and decay. Our Sages have said that Torah study, if not done in the proper manner, can lead to negative consequences. In order to prevent this, a Jew needs to add some "earth" to his Torah learning. Earth is symbolic of humility and nullification before G-d, as it states, "May my soul be like dust to all." A truly humble person is assured that the Torah he learns will last forever. Furthermore, as we learn from Joseph, this earth must be from the very "dust of that place"--the Jew's humility must come from the Torah learning itself. Not all humility is positive and productive. A Jew must never feel humbled in the face of the outside world, which scoffs at his beliefs and his Torah lifestyle. The Jew must take pride in his Judaism and hold his head high, never apologizing to those he fears might be offended by the Torah's principles and teachings. Authentic humility, attained when the Jew studies Torah with the realization that he is partaking of G-d's eternal wisdom, is the key to preserving what he has learned. Just as G-d is infinite and eternal, so too is His Torah. The greatest scholar's knowledge is but a drop in the vast ocean of G-d's immeasurable and endless wisdom. Pondering this truth will lead the Jew to true humility, yet instill an enduring pride that enables him to effectively spread Torah and Judaism to those who hunger for spiritual sustenance. ******************************************************* * IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND AND COPY EDITOR * * Reb Mordechai ben Reb Shaul * * Staiman * * Passed away on 22 Tamuz, 5763 * * * * May His Soul Merit Eternal Life * ******************************************************* ************************ * 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 682-687: http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5770/682-687.txt ********************************************* * 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 * * * * May Their Souls Merit Eternal Life * * * * Dedicated by their grandchildren * * Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Y. and Gittel Rochel * * Shagalov * ********************************************* ****************** * CUSTOMS CORNER * ****************** Are there special blessings that we will recite when Moshiach comes? According to many opinions there are five blessings that will be applicable when Moshiach comes. [*] #1 BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM GA'AL YISRAEL. Translation: Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, Who redeems Israel. #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 SHE-CHA-LAK M'CHACH-MA-TO L'REI'AV. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, Who has given wisdom to those who fear Him. #4 BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM SHE-CHA-LAK M'KI-VODO L'REI'AV. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, Who has given honor to those who fear Him. #5 BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM CHA-CHAM HA-RA-ZIM. Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, the Wise One of secrets. _______________ *. Adapted from "L'Chaim weekly" publication, Issue #1003, published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, Brooklyn, NY. "www.lchaimweekly.org". ************************************** * INCREASING THE LIGHT * * Adapted from a Letter of the Rebbe * ************************************** Chanukah commemorates the miraculous victory of our people over the forces of darkness and assimilation that had threatened to extinguish the light of the Torah and mitzvot. It also reminds us that this victory was achieved through the efforts of a few, totally dedicated Jews, and that the victory was celebrated by kindling lights in the Sanctuary in Jerusalem with pure, undefiled oil, which gave us the meaningful mitzvah of the Chanukah lights. About the Chanukah lights our Sages of blessed memory declared: "These lights shall endure and shine forever." Unlike the seven-branched Menorah, the lighting of which had to be discontinued when the Sanctuary was destroyed nearly 2,000 years ago, the lighting of the eight-branched Chanukah lamp -- which was inaugurated some 200 years prior to the destruction -- has continued uninterrupted ever since. It continues to be lit not only in the Holy Land, but also in the Diaspora, and not only in the Sanctuary, but in every Jewish home. What are some of the eternal messages of these eternal lights of Chanukah? One basic truth is that the destiny of the Jewish people is not determined by material and physical criteria, but by its spiritual strength derived from our G-d-given Torah and mitzvot. The victory of the greatly outnumbered and physically disadvantaged Jews over the many and mighty forces of the enemy clearly demonstrated that it is our spiritual strength that really counts -- even in areas where physical superiority is usually decisive. A further lesson is that Jewish strength begins at home. A Jewish home is an abode for the Divine Presence, very much as the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was in a collective sense. Both are included in the Divine command, "Make Me a Sanctuary that I may dwell within each one of you." This, too, is reflected in the Chanukah lights, for they must be lit in every Jewish home. The time and location of the Chanukah lights are also significant: "The lights are kindled when the sun sets -- when 'darkness' falls outside." It is then high time to light up our homes with the sacred Chanukah lights that symbolize the eternal lights of Torah and mitzvot. The location -- to be visible also outside -- further indicates that the Torah and mitzvot must not be confined within the walls of the home, but must shine forth outside as well. Yet another important lesson must be mentioned here: namely, that however satisfactory the observance of Torah and mitzvot may be on any given day, a Jew is expected to do better the next day, and still better the day after. There is always room for improvement in matters of goodness and holiness, which are infinite, being derived from the Infinite. This, too, is underscored by the Chanukah lights. For although all that is required to fulfill the mitzvah of candle-lighting on the first night of Chanukah is to light one candle, yet the next night of Chanukah it is required to light two candles. And when another day passes, even the higher standard of the previous day is no longer adequate, and an additional light is called for, and so on, increasing the light from day to day. ************************ * LISTEN TO THE LIGHTS * ************************ "Listen to the Chanukah lights," the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, used to tell his chasidim. Each light has a unique tale and a profound message. * The Hebrew word Chanukah shares the same root as the word Chinuch -- education. During Chanukah we focus our attention on matters affecting the Jewish education of children. For this reason it is also traditional to give Chanukah gelt to children after testing them on Jewish subjects. * Women played an integral role in Chanukah. The heroic stories of Chana and Yehudit are well known. Lesser known is the following tale: If a boy was born to the wife of one who was hiding to avoid the decrees of the Greeks, the mother circumcised the child on the eighth day though the Greeks had forbidden circumcision. Then she went up on the wall of Jerusalem and hurled herself and her child from the wall to certain death. According to our Sages, she was thereby saying to her husband and brothers who had gone into hiding to escape war: "If you will not go out to fight, you will have neither children nor wives, and you will be annihilated. "We will observe what is holy to us, not in hiding, but publicly. "If you intend to save us, emerge from your caves, and fight against the enemy till you destroy him. G-d will be with you!" It was only after some women did this that Mattityahu and his five sons arose like lions. * There are allusions in the Torah to Chanukah, though the events leading up to the festival occurred much later: "In the beginning, G-d created the Heavens and the earth...and G-d said, 'Let there be LIGHT...'." Light -- ohr -- is the 25TH word in the Torah. The rededication of the Holy Temple and the relighting of the Menorah took place on the 25th of the month of Kislev. When the Jews traveled through the Sinai desert, they stopped 42 times. The 25th place where they encamped was Hasmona. Mattityahu, the head of the Hasmonai family, led the revolt against the Greeks. The Sanctuary in the desert was completed on the 25th of Kislev, eight months after the Exodus from Egypt. But it was not dedicated until three months later. Jewish teachings explain that the 25th of Kislev was set aside for the future rededication of the Holy Temple by the Maccabees. * One of the greatest miracles of the oil that lasted for eight and not one day was the miracle of Jewish Faith. That the Jews did not despair from lighting the Menorah even the first day, though knowing that they would be unable the following day to fulfill the mitzvah of keeping a perpetual lamp burning, was in itself a great miracle. * Under the circumstances, it was permissible to use the impure oil found after the war to keep the Menorah lit. But the Jews insisted on using only undefiled oil, which was not obtainable for eight days. They were declaring: "We're not interested in the compromises that the Hellenists have been trying to sell us." For the decrees of the Greeks were intended to reduce the emphasis on the holiness and Divinity of the Torah. * Oil, upon which the miracle of Chanukah is based, is an interesting substance. It is not required for our day-to-day existence and is never served alone as a food. It is used to add flavor and is thus associated with pleasure. Oil is a metaphor for the inner teachings of the Torah -- Chasidus. Study of Chasidus adds pleasure to our observance of mitzvot. Oil, like Chasidus, has the potential to illuminate. When we light a candle in a room, the contents of the room are revealed. Similarly, studying Chasidus serves to reveal not only more of our own personal potential and energy, but also helps to reveal the G-dliness in the world around us. * "In those days at this time." These words, recited on Chanukah, hint at an amazing Jewish mystical concept. The spiritual energy that was evident during a particular event is reinstated in the world on the anniversary of that event. "At this time" we can draw on the energy of "those days." The eight days of Chanukah are an auspicious time to wage spiritual battles against evil, impurity and corruption within and without. And certainly we will be victorious, as in those days. * The light created by G-d on the first day of Creation was not the light of the sun, moon or stars; those heavenly bodies were not created until the fourth day. The light of the first day was a spiritual light, hidden when Adam and Eve sinned and which will be revealed for eternity in the Messianic Era. Within each Jew is a spark of this holy and eternal light that will ultimately be fully revealed within each of us, with the imminent revelation of Moshiach. ******************** * MOSHIACH MATTERS * ******************** Through telling stories about great tzaddikim (sages), we bring the light of Moshiach into this world and push away much darkness and troubles. (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov) ************************* * MOSHIACH AND CHANUKAH * ************************* Finding ourselves in the festive holiday of Chanukah, let us see what inspiring lessons we can take with us to guide us in these last moments of the darkest exile. In the days of Mattityahu, the Jews took action against the Greeks in the natural manner, but with absolute faith in G-d. Hence, they did not engage in calculations as to how great the odds were against them in terms of physical power and numbers. Rather, with faith and fortitude, they gathered the people together under the rallying cry, "Whoever is for G-d, is with us." This was the basis and raison d'etre of their battle: the glorification of G-d's name, without any thought of personal gain or glorification. Although they were weak and few in number, the Jews of that time were spiritual giants, possessing complete and absolute faith in the Creator of the World. It was this faith that ultimately led to their military victory and the spiritual victory over the repressive decrees of the Hellenists. Similarly, our Sages have taught that in the merit of the Jews' tremendous faith in G-d and in the coming of Moshiach we will be redeemed from this final, dark and bitter exile. The Rebbe, the Mattityahu of our generation, has sounded the clarion call, "The time of our Redemption has arrived!" and "Moshiach is on his way!" Although in comparison to the nations of the world the Jewish people are few and weak physically, we nonetheless reach the highest spiritual heights, for we stand atop the shoulders of the spiritual giants of all generations. Thus, for the glorification of G-d's name and G-d's name alone, let us rally as one behind the Rebbe's call to publicize the message that the Redemption is imminent, to learn more about it, to increase in mitzvot in general and acts of goodness and kindness, and to get ready to welcome Moshiach. ************************** * A LESSON FROM CHANUKAH * ************************** One of the reasons that the festival is referred to as Chanukah is because the Holy Temple was rededicated -- after it had been cleansed and purified from the Greek idolatry -- on the 25th of Kislev. The Hebrew word for "dedication," chinuch, shares the same root as the word Chanukah. But chinuch does not only mean dedication. It also means "education." Chanukah is an appropriate time to think about education: our Jewish education and the education of Jewish children, whether ours or other people's. Jewish education must be like the cruse of oil found in the Holy Temple even after the Holy Temple had been defiled by the Greeks. The cruse of oil used to relight the Menorah was pure and unsullied. Its seal was not broken by the Greek invaders; they were not able to taint it with their cynicism and disdain for that which is holy. Jewish education must be pursued in a similar manner. Whether it's learning to read Hebrew (at the age of five or fifty), finding out the whys and wherefores behind the many beautiful customs and rituals, learning the weekly Torah portion in-depth, or assiduously studying the more esoteric aspects of Jewish teachings, it should be pursued with an open mind, an open heart, and with purity of spirit. What better time than the Festival of Lights to dedicate ourselves to Jewish education at all levels. **************************** * THE HEROINES OF CHANUKAH * **************************** Yehudit, beautiful Yehudit, daughter of Yochanan the High Priest. Her self-sacrifice for her people knew no bounds. She could not stand by quietly as young Jewish girls were forced to spend the night before their wedding with the enemy governor. Quietly, stealthily, gracefully, Yehudit penetrated the enemy camp, endangering her own life, and brought back a prize for those who were not as brave as she -- the grisly head of the Syrian General Holofernes. Chana, brave Chana, mother of seven sons. She taught them to love G-d and the Torah -- more than life itself. "Foolish woman. Tell your sons to bow down to the idol so that they may live," the soldiers told Chana. But Chana knew that her definition of life was different from that of the pagan soldiers. Her sons would die in this world sanctifying G-d's name, but they would live forever in the World to Come. She whispered encouragement to each son. "Remember that the L-rd is one, there is no other." Not one son, from the oldest to the youngest, bowed to the idol. "Abraham, you were ready to sacrifice one son. But I, Chana, a simple, Jewish woman, sacrificed seven," cried out Chana as her youngest child was killed before her eyes. Heroines now? Yes, Jewish women of today can be heroines. Heroines who, in their own way, are as brave as Yehudit and Chana. How? Like Yehudit, Jewish women can stand up to the prevalent morality that has become accepted though it is not at all acceptable. They can say, "This is immoral, not in keeping with true Jewish values. I will fight it and I won't succumb to it, even if others greater, stronger and braver don't have the courage to resist." How else? Like Chana they can remind their children or others around them, "The way of the world is not our way. We are here to sanctify ourselves, to brings holiness into the mundane, to bear witness to the fact that G-d is one." And, they can get in touch with their true selves, with what it means to be a Jewish woman, with what has characterized Jews in general and Jewish women in particular for millennia -- we are compassionate, modest, kind, believing, giving, loving, caring. The word Chanukah means dedication. What better time than the holiday of Yehudit and Chana for Jewish women the world over to rededicate themselves to exploring the ancient definition of Jewish womanhood! ************************ * THE STORY OF YEHUDIT * ************************ The town of Bethulia, in the land of Judea, came under siege by a huge army with Holofernes, a Syrian-Greek general, at the head. The men of Bethulia fought bravely and desperately. Holofernes cut off the food and water supply and before long the town was on the verge of surrender. Uzzia, the commander of the defense forces, and the Elders of the town pleaded with the townspeople not to surrender: "Give us five more days to find some type of solution." Reluctantly the people agreed. All except one. "Why do you test G-d? If you truly have faith, you must never give up your trust in G-d. Besides, don't you know that surrender to Holofernes is worse than death?" So spoke Yehudit, the daughter of Yochanan the High Priest. She was a young widow blessed with extraordinary grace and beauty. Yehudit's words made a deep impression on Uzzia and the Elders. "What can we do?" they asked her. "Pray for us, Yehudit, and maybe G-d will accept your prayers." "I have thought of a plan. I want to go to Holofernes," said Yehudit. Uzzia and the Elders were shocked. "Would you sacrifice your life on the chance that you might soften Holofernes's heart?" But Yehudit persisted and after much discussion Uzzia and the Elders agreed to let Yehudit try. Yehudit passed through the gates of Bethulia, dressed in her finest clothes. She was accompanied by her faithful maid, who carried a basket filled with rolls, cheese and several bottles of wine. Before they were able to enter the enemy camp they were stopped by sentries, who demanded to know who they were and who sent them. "We have an important message for the brave Holofernes," Yehudit said. "Take us to him at once." "Who are you, and why are you here?" Holofernes asked, his eyes feasting on his unexpected, charming visitor. "I am Yehudit, a plain widow from Bethulia. I have come to tell you how to capture the town, in the hope that you will deal mercifully with its inhabitants." Yehudit told Holofernes what he already knew, that the situation in the besieged town was desperate, that the inhabitants have very little food and water. Yet, she said, their faith in G-d remained strong and so long as they had faith, they would not surrender. Before long, however, in desperation they would begin to eat non-kosher animals. Then G-d's anger would be turned against them and the town would fall. "But how will I know when this takes place?" asked Holofernes. "I have made arrangements with one of the watchmen at the city gates to tell me of the circumstances in the city," answered Yehudit confidently. Holofernes was completely captivated by Yehudit. He gave orders that she and her maid were to have complete freedom to walk through the camp, and anyone attempting to molest them in any way would be put to death immediately. Each evening, Yehudit walked to the city's gates and told the watchman that everything was going as planned. "The people must keep their trust strong in G-d," she told the watchman. By the third day Holofernes and his men were getting restless. When Yehudit entered Holofernes's tent with her ever-present maid, he asked her, "What intelligence do you bring me today?" "I have very good news, General. There is no kosher food left now. In a day or two, famine will drive them to eat the mules and dogs. Then G-d will deliver them into your hands!" "Wonderful," said Holofernes. "This calls for a celebration. Tonight we'll have a party. Just the two of us." That evening, Holofernes welcomed Yehudit into his tent. He offered her some of the delicacies with which the table was laden. "I have brought my own food and wine prepared specially for this occasion," Yehudit said. "My goat cheese is famous in all of Bethulia." Holofernes liked the salty cheese and the strong wine. Before long, he was sprawled on the ground, totally drunk. Yehudit uttered a silent prayer and unsheathed Holofernes's heavy sword. Taking aim, she brought the sword down on his neck with all her might. She concealed the general's head in her basket and then calmly walked to her own tent. "Come quickly," she said to her maid. The two women walked leisurely, as they had done for the past few nights, until they reached the gates of the city. "Take me to Uzzia at once," she said to the sentry. Uzzia could not believe his eyes as he stared at the gruesome prize Yehudit had brought him. "There is no time to lose," she told the commander. "Prepare your men for a surprise attack at dawn. When Holofernes's men run into his tent and find his headless body, they will flee for their lives." That is precisely what happened. The enemy fled in confusion and terror. And it was the brave and G-d-fearing Yehudit who saved the city. We have a tradition on Chanukah to eat dairy foods in remembrance of Yehudit's heroic act. ******************************** * YOU JUST SCRATCH THE SURFACE * ******************************** Just scratch the surface of anything and you find out what it really is. Like furniture, for instance, is it solid wood, or veneer? Are those shoes vinyl or leather? Is the jewelry 14-karat gold or vermeil? Just scratch the surface of Chanukah and you find out what it really is -- Moshiach! "Oh come on, now," you're thinking. "I know the story of Chanukah pretty well and there's no mention of Moshiach in it. You're just so Moshiach-minded that you can't think of anything else." If that's what you're thinking then you're absolutely... RIGHT! Because, in essence, everything is Moshiach. Let's take Chanukah as a prime example. First of all, you're right that Moshiach is not explicitly mentioned in the story of Chanukah or any of the Chanukah customs, blessings or traditional prayers. But, to prove a point, let's recount that story of Chanukah you know so well, in a nutshell. It's the story of the Jewish people when they lived under the domination of the Greeks. The Greeks encouraged the Jews to assimilate, enacted decrees against the Torah, and desecrated the Holy Temple. Many Jews were content to accept the Greek lifestyle. But one proud Jew, Mattityahu, wise and learned, a leader of the people, called upon his brethren to fight G-d's battle, saying, "All who are with G-d, follow me!" Together the small army fought under the holy banner that proclaimed "Who is like You among the mighty ones, O G-d?" -- a phrase whose Hebrew initial letters form the word "Maccabee." The Jewish army managed to miraculously conquer their bitter enemy, purified and rededicated the Temple, relit the menorah and renewed their commitment to G-d and the Torah, etc., etc., etc. So again, you're wondering, what does Moshiach have to do with the story? Maimonides tells us that Moshiach will fight "G-d's battles." Sounds pretty much like what Mattityahu did. He also explains that the only difference between Exile and the times of Moshiach is that we won't be under the yoke of foreign governments: the Maccabees conquered the Greek army and threw off their rulership, at least temporarily. When Moshiach comes, he will rebuild the Holy Temple; when the Jewish army purified and rededicated the Holy Temple it was as if they rebuilt it, since it was not usable in its desecrated state. Also, with the complete Redemption, may it come speedily, we will once again fulfill all the various observances of the Holy Temple, like lighting the menorah as our ancestors did on Chanukah. Lastly, our Sages teach us that when Moshiach comes the world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d and G-dliness and we will pursue this recognition. That is exactly what the Jews did when they renewed their commitment to G-d and the Torah. Just scratch the surface of Chanukah, or anything for that matter, and you find out what it really is -- Moshiach! Why? Because the ultimate reason for the creation of the entire world was the completion of the world which will only be realized when Moshiach comes. *********************** * FAT IS THE CULPRIT! * *********************** Ask any nutritionist, health professional, diet expert, etc., what is the main contributor to overweight and food-related disorders? They will unanimously shout, "FAT!" with as much conviction as they'll yell, "Don't ever start your day by eating a Danish and drinking a cup of coffee!" Despite kugels oozing with grease, chicken soup with fat globules on top, "gribbens and shmaltz," and potato latkes fried in oil, Jews have always known that fat is the culprit. How so? Every war ever waged was basically for power/money, except for one. The war which the Greeks waged against the Jews over 2,000 years ago was waged for oil. Olive oil to be exact. It wasn't Jewish money the Greeks were after. Had they been after our wealth, they would have emptied the Holy Temple. The furnishings of the Holy Temple today would be valued in the tens of billions of dollars. But the Greeks didn't strip the Holy Temple clean. They defiled it. They offered pigs as sacrifices on the altar. They erected statues of their gods and goddesses on the Temple grounds. And they opened the little bottles of pure olive oil that were used daily to kindle the seven-branched menorah. Weren't those Greeks dumb to leave the wealth, but despoil the oil? No, they weren't so stupid. The Greeks were content to let the Jewish people live. They knew from looking at our first 2,000 years of miraculous existence that we could not be destroyed. And they were wise, so they accepted this fact. What they could not accept was that there is something higher than the mind, something more sublime than human wisdom, something greater than their gods and goddesses who were no better than people save for their immortality. All of this was symbolized by the purity of the olive oil. The Greeks did not totally destroy the oil, for doing so would not have allowed them to realize their ultimate goal. They defiled the oil by breaking the seals. And their message to the Jews was loud and clear: "Go ahead, use your menorah. For we don't believe that there is such a thing as purity. There is no such thing as spirituality. There is no such thing as an all-knowing, all-powerful G-d. Man is the apex, man's understanding is the utmost, man's physical prowess and power are the peak." But the Jews refused to give in to the Greeks, physically or spiritually. When the Holy Temple was recaptured by the famed Maccabees, they searched for a bottle of oil that still had the High Priest's seal. Having no other option, they were allowed to use the tainted oil. But this they would not do, for then they would have won the war but lost the battle. Just as the Greeks made a statement by defiling the oil, the Jews made just as strong of a statement by refusing to use that oil. They cried out, "We believe that there is something higher than our own intellect, we believe in the all-powerful, all-knowing G-d, we believe that eventually good will prevail and that G-d will ultimately bring the time when everything will be totally pure, forever more." The main custom of Chanukah -- lighting the menorah -- revolves around oil, thus commemorating the miracle of the small bottle which lasted not one but eight days. Commemorating, too, the strength of the Jewish spirit. But oil is significant for another reason, a reason which gives us additional insight into oil's message in our lives in general and the Chanukah miracle in particular. Oil, like wine, symbolizes the secrets of Torah, the mystical aspects of Judaism. These formerly hidden concepts are becoming more revealed as we come closer to Moshiach's imminent arrival. For the Messianic Era will be a time when all of the Torah's secrets will be revealed for everyone to understand and grasp. Until the moment comes when Moshiach is anointed with the sacred oil, however, it is imperative that each of us learns as much of the "oil" of Torah as possible, thus preparing ourselves for Moshiach's imminent arrival. ************************************** * 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 *************************************** * 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) * * * * May His Soul Merit Eternal Life * *************************************** ******************** * 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. Awaken Your Core This Month: "Awakening the core of our being must be reflected in a concern for the fundamental existence of every Jew. This should be expressed in efforts to provide our fellow Jews with the necessities required to celebrate the holidays of the month of Kislev [the 'chasidic New Year' on the 19th of Kislev and Chanukah] with happiness and joy. Similarly, they should have the means to fulfill the custom that the Rebbes followed of giving Chanukah gelt to the members of their household." (1 Kislev, 5752/1991) Simply stated, this means that as we think about our own family's holiday celebrations this month, we should make sure to help provide for other, less fortunate people in the greater Jewish family. ****************** * HAPPY CHANUKAH * ****************** . . . and May this Festival of Lights bring Blessings upon You and All Your Loved Ones for Happiness, for Health, and for Spiritual and Material Wealth, and May the Lights of Chanukah Usher in the Light of Moshiach and a Better World for All of Humankind. ******************************* * 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, DEC. 23, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT MIKEITZ: * Light Shabbat Candles, [1] *AFTER* the 4th Chanukah candle is lit, by 4:15 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 24, SHABBAT PARSHAT MIKEITZ: * Blessing of the New Hebrew Month, Tevet. [2] * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 5:19 p.m. * Light the 5th Chanukah candle, *AFTER* Shabbat ends and Havdalah [3] is recited, *AFTER* 5:19 p.m. _______________ 1. 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. 2. Rosh Chodesh Tevet is on Monday, Dec. 26, and Tuesday, Dec. 27. 3. The SHORT Havdalah prayer is: "BORUCH HAMAVDIL BEIN KODESH L'CHOL." -- For the LONG Havdalah prayer, consult your Siddur, Prayer book. ********************************************* * 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 Mikeitz, 5772 = ============================================================