LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Va'etchanan B"H LIVING WITH MOSHIACH Weekly Digest About Moshiach PARSHAT VA'ETCHANAN, 5780 10 Menachem-Av, 5780 July 31, 2020 SPECIAL FEATURES: 1. Shabbat Nachamu 2. Tu B'Av ******************************************** * Bring Moshiach now * * by adding in acts of goodness & kindness * ******************************************** ********************************************* * This week's issue of Living With Moshiach * * is dedicated in loving memory of * * Mrs. Aita Leah bas Reb Meir Michel * * Stayer * * Passed away on 29 Nissan, 5774 * * * * * May her Soul Merit Eternal Life * ********************************************* ************************************************* * This week's issue is sponsored in part by: * * Holy Sparks - "http://www.holysparks.com" * * * * * Your premiere site for Jewish spirituality. * * * * * 5,780 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 * * * 5780 **************************************************** * 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 * **************************************************** * 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. * Customs Corner. * The Weekly Torah Portion. * The Rebbe's Prophecy. * Shabbat Nachamu. * Reb Hillel Paritcher. * Tu B'Av. * Increase In Torah Study. * It's All in the Planning. * Winning Numbers. * Moshiach Matters. * Time for Unity; Time for Strength! * 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 1193rd issue of our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach. * In this week's issue we focus on: 1) Shabbat Nachamu. 2) One of the most famous and colorful Chabad Chasidim, Reb Hillel Paritcher, whose yahrtzeit is on the 11th of Menachem-Av, Shabbat Parshat Vaetchanan, Sat., August 1. 3) Tu B'Av, the 15th day of Menachem-Av, Wednesday, August 5. * 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 5 Menachem-Av, 5780 Los Angeles, California P.S.: As we are eagerly awaiting the immediate arrival of Moshiach, at any moment, we have included the five blessings that (according to many opinions) will be applicable when Moshiach comes. ************************************************* * 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 * ************************************************* ****************** * 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". ********************************************* * 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 * ********************************************* *************************************** * THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** PARSHAT VA'ETCHANAN This week's Torah portion, Parshat Va'etchanan, speaks about the mitzvah of learning Torah, and contains the verse "...and you shall teach them to your children, to speak in them." In general, the mitzvah of learning Torah consists of two separate commandments: The obligation each person has to learn Torah himself, and the obligation to teach Torah to others, especially one's children. Although a person might naturally think that the mitzvah of learning Torah oneself takes precedence over that of teaching others, we find that the opposite is true. Both, Maimonides' writings and the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) begin the section on the laws covering the learning of Torah with the duty each parent has to teach his children. Why is this the case? And furthermore, how can a person teach others before he himself is well versed enough in the subject matter? We learn from the emphasis on teaching children, the proper approach we must have when we begin to learn Torah, G-d's Divine wisdom and blueprint for the world. To understand this, let us examine the difference between Torah learning and the performance of mitzvot. When a Jew does a mitzvah he effects a change in the physical world, elevating and making holy the physical objects he uses in the mitzvah's performance. The practical performance of the mitzvah is therefore more important than the intentions and meditations of the person doing the deed, for the action itself serves to bring spiritual illumination into the world. Torah learning, on the other hand, serves to refine and elevate the individual. When a Jew studies Torah his intellect becomes united with the G-dly wisdom contained in the Torah and causes him to be a G-dly person whose thoughts are those of holiness. The essence of learning Torah is therefore the humility and self-nullification one must feel before even approaching it to learn. In order to learn Torah properly one must have the sincere desire to understand G-d's wisdom without seeking self-aggrandizement or having other ulterior motives. Before a Jew learns Torah, he must subjugate his own ego and ask, what does the Torah itself want from me? Without this prerequisite, say our Sages, Torah learning can even be detrimental and become a "poisonous drug." Emphasizing the duty to teach our children before we ourselves learn the Torah, stresses that our goal is not merely the acquisition of knowledge, for the mind of a young child cannot possibly grasp the greatness of what he is learning. Our goal is, however, to cultivate and emulate the child's purity and innocence, with regard to how he learns the Divinely written words. We must likewise approach the Torah in the same way, and not try to "fit" what we have learned into the preconceived, jaded view of the world we sometimes acquire as we grow older. All of us, no matter how old we are, are like young children to our Father in Heaven. ************************ * 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. * * * What makes the Rebbe's declaration -- that Moshiach's arrival is imminent and the time for the Redemption has arrived -- different from those of great leaders of previous generations? The Jewish people have believed in and awaited Moshiach's coming since the beginning of our nation. In numerous instances throughout Jewish history, tzaddikim (righteous people) of various generations pointed to hints in the Torah that the promised Redemption was near at hand. Sensing the special opportunity for Moshiach's coming, they motivated the Jewish people to study more Torah, do more mitzvot and repent in the hope that these actions would be what was needed to make the Redemption happen. In the times of the Previous Rebbe, the anticipation for the Redemption was truly tangible. The Previous Rebbe issued an urgent call to world Jewry: "Immediate repentance brings immediate Redemption." Even when the Rebbe accepted the leadership in 1950, though he said unequivocally that our generation is the last generation to live in exile and the first generation of the Redemption, he did not say that we had yet reached the moment of Redemption. Only forty years later, after sending thousands of emissaries around the world, initiating the Mitzvah Campaigns to reinvigorate Jewish observance, and inspiring millions, did the Rebbe proclaim, "The time of our Redemption has arrived." This is a totally different message that has never before been enunciated in the history of the Jewish people. The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni) tells us that in a time when we will witness an event like the Gulf War, Moshiach will tell the Jewish people that the time of the Redemption has arrived. THIS IS NOT A HOPE, A WISH, OR A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY, BUT A CALL TO PREPARE TO GREET MOSHIACH! The Rebbe has said that the time is now. The question each of us must ask ourselves is not, "When is Moshiach coming?" but rather, "Am I ready for Moshiach's coming today!" ______________ See "Living With Moshiach" Vol. 1148: http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5779/1148.txt ******************************************************* * 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 * ******************************************************* *********************************** * SHABBAT NACHAMU * * Based on the Works of the Rebbe * *********************************** The first Shabbat after Tisha B'Av, is known as Shabbat Nachamu, after the first word of this week's Haftorah, "nachamu nachamu ami" (Console, console yourselves, My people). It is the first of the seven "Sabbaths of Consolation." Our Sages explain the twofold use of the word "console": "[The Jewish people] committed a twofold sin...received a twofold punishment...and are likewise comforted twofold." Elsewhere our Sages comment, "Because its mitzvot are doubled, so too are its consolations doubled." Why this emphasis on the number two? How can a sin be twofold, anyway? Moreover, what is meant by the statement, that the Torah's commandments are "doubled"? The terms "twofold" and "double," refer to two different dimensions. Everything in a Jew's life -- the Torah and its commandants, the destruction of the Holy Temple and our consolation -- reflects this duality, for everything in the world is composed of both, a physical and a spiritual component. A Jew is a mixture of a corporeal body and spiritual soul, which together form a complete being. A Jew is considered whole when both aspects of his nature, body and soul, are working in tandem to serve G-d. Mitzvot, too, are composed of these two dimensions. Every mitzvah contains a spiritual component (the intentions behind it), and a physical component (the way the mitzvah is performed). This is what our Sages referred to when stating that the Torah's mitzvot are "doubled"; similarly, the "twofold sin" committed by the Jewish people, refers to the physical and spiritual aspects of their transgression. Accordingly, the punishment that followed -- the destruction of the Holy Temple -- was both spiritual and physical. Had the destruction been limited to the physical stones of the Temple, the G-dly light and revelation it brought into the world would have continued as before. However, the Jewish people "received a twofold punishment," and were chastised with a concealment of G-dliness as well. The Holy Temple itself reflected this duality. The Temple was a physical structure, possessing certain limited dimensions. Yet, the G-dly light with which it was illuminated was infinite in nature. Its destruction was therefore a double blow, as it affected both of these aspects. When the Holy Temple is rebuilt in the messianic era, our consolation will be doubled, because it will encompass both dimensions: not only will the physical structure of the Temple be restored, but its G-dly revelation will also return. This double measure of completion will be brought about by King Moshiach, who possesses a perfect "composite soul" containing all the souls of the Jewish people, and is therefore able to bring perfection to all creation. ************************ * REB HILLEL PARITCHER * ************************ Shabbat Parshat Vaetchanan, Sat., August 1, the 11th of Menachem-Av, is the yahrtzeit of one of the most famous and colorful Chabad Chasidim, Reb Hillel Paritcher. Reb Hillel was born in 5555/1795 and was married before his bar mitzvah (!). As he was still too young to don tefillin and could only wear a tallit, he was called "Chol Hamoed" ("the Intermediate Days of a Festival," when tefillin are not worn). By age 13 he had already mastered the entire Talmud, and was fluent in Poskim [halachic adjudicators] and Kabbalah. By age 15, he was expert in the writings of the holy Arizal. Originally a Chasid of Reb Mordechai of Chernobyl, he became a Chabad Chasid the first time he opened the Tanya. His lifelong dream was to meet the Alter Rebbe, the Tanya's author and the founder of Chabad Chasidism, but this was not to be. For years Reb Hillel trailed the Alter Rebbe across the Pale, but never caught up to him. One time he arrived in the city where the Alter Rebbe was expected and hid under his bed. While waiting, he formulated in his mind the question on Tractate Erachin that he would ask the Alter Rebbe. When the Alter Rebbe entered the room, before Reb Hillel could even emerge from his hiding place, the Alter Rebbe said in his characteristic sing-song: "When a person has a question about Erachin [literally 'assessments'], he must assess himself first..." Reb Hillel fainted, and by the time he woke up the Alter Rebbe was gone. It wasn't until after the Alter Rebbe passed away that Reb Hillel came to Lubavitch, where his son, Rabbi Dov Ber, the second Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, known as the Mitteler Rebbe, enjoined him to "collect materiality [funds for charity] and sow spirituality." His most famous work, published posthumously, was Pelach HaRimon. He is buried in Kherson, Ukraine. May his memory be a blessing for us all. *************************************** * TU B'AV * * Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe * *************************************** Wednesday, August 5, is Tu B'Av, the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Av. "There were no greater festivals in Israel than the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur," the Mishnah tells us. What is so special about the 15th of Av that it is singled out together with Yom Kippur from all the other festivals? A number of special events throughout Jewish history took place on the 15th of Av. They were: 1) The tribe of Benjamin was permitted once again to marry the remainder of the Jewish people; 2) The Generation of the Desert ceased to die; they had previously been condemned to perish in the desert because of the sin of the spies; 3) Hoshea Ben Elah removed the blockades that the rebel Jeroboam had set up to prevent the Jews from going to Jerusalem for the festivals; 4) The cutting of the wood for the Holy Altar was completed; 5) Permission was granted by the Romans to bury the slain of Betar. These five events in themselves do not seem adequate enough reason to make the 15th of Av a festival greater than any other. There is another, all-encompassing reason. There is another occasion of note in the month of Av, the ninth. Tisha B'Av is the day when the two Holy Temples were destroyed, signaling the start of the long and terrible exile we are still enduring -- tragedies which were the result of the Jews' transgressions. Tisha B'Av is the nadir of Jewish physical and spiritual life. But these tragedies are not without purpose. "Descent is for the purpose of ascent," and the deeper the descent, correspondingly greater will be the ascent that follows. It is specifically after the awesome decline of Tisha B'Av that we can reach the loftiest heights, heights that would otherwise be inaccessible. The five festive events on the 15th of Av, then, are the counterpart to the five tragic events of Tisha B'Av. The 15th of Av transforms the evil of Tisha B'Av to the greatest good -- "there were no greater festivals in Israel than the 15th of Av." The ultimate goal of the tragedies of the month of Av is that they should be transformed into a greater good -- the supreme festival of the 15th of Av. EMPHASIZING LOVE The Second Holy Temple was destroyed because of causeless hatred between Jews. The events of the 15th of Av, which are the counterpart to Tisha B'Av, all express the concept of ahavat Yisrael -- love of a Jew. "The tribe of Benjamin were permitted once again to marry the remainder of the Jewish people" is obviously an expression of ahavat Yisrael. Indeed, the very announcement that all Jewry was now united and allowed to come together is reason enough for a festival. "Permission was granted by the Romans to bury the slain of Betar" and "The Generation of the Desert ceased to die" likewise emphasize the love of Jews -- G-d's love, which was expressed in these acts of kindness to His people. "Hoshea Ben Elah removed the blockades that the rebel Jeroboam had set up to prevent the Jews from going to Jerusalem for the festivals" allowed the Ten Tribes of the kingdom of Israel to unite with the other Two Tribes when they went to Jerusalem; again, the idea of unity and ahavat Yisrael. The wood they finished cutting on the 15th was necessary for the offering of the sacrifices on the altar. And the altar, say our Sages, "removes and feeds, makes beloved, atones"; "removes" means "removes evil decrees from Israel," and "makes beloved" means "makes beloved to their Father" -- again, the idea of fostering love. CHARM AND BEAUTY In addition to the above reasons enumerated by the Talmud for the importance of the 15th of Av -- all of which we have seen are associated with ahavat Yisrael -- the Mishnah itself gives a reason: "For on these days, the daughters of Jerusalem . . . came out and danced in the vineyards, saying, 'Young man, lift up your eyes and see what you are choosing for yourself. Do not set your eyes on beauty, but set your eyes on good family. Charm is deceptive and beauty is naught; a G-d-fearing woman is the one to be praised....'" The Talmud elaborates on this theme, and explains that "the daughters of Jerusalem went out [dressed] in borrowed white garments, so as not to embarrass those who had none." This is clearly the idea of ahavat Yisrael. The common theme behind all the reasons for the 15th of Av, then, is ahavat Yisrael, the practice of which eradicates the cause of the exile, and therefore automatically the exile itself. *************************** * INCREASE IN TORAH STUDY * *************************** - I - On Wednesday, August 5, we will, G-d willing, celebrate the festive day of Tu B'Av. On the 15th of Av the days begin to get shorter. In times gone by, the onset of evening meant that the workday was over. Our Sages, therefore, encourage us to use the longer evenings for increased study of Jewish subjects. The exile is often referred to as "night" and the Redemption, as "dawn." Though, as the Rebbe stated many times, that we are in the last few moments of the long night of exile. It sometimes seems like the "night" is getting longer rather than shorter. Thus, the above teaching of our Sages is certainly appropriate. Maimonides explains that in the era of the Redemption, the sole occupation of the whole world will be to know G-d. The Rebbe suggested, therefore, that as a preparation for that time, we increase in our studies wherever possible. In addition, in 5751/1991, the Rebbe expressed the following thoughts on studying matters specifically concerning Moshiach and the Redemption: "Since Moshiach is about to come, a final effort is required that will bring him. Every man, woman and child should increase his/her Torah study in subjects that concern the Redemption.... One should likewise upgrade one's meticulous observance of mitzvot, particularly charity, 'which brings the Redemption near.' "It would be proper for one to connect his additional charity with his additional study of subjects connected with the Redemption, by giving charity with the intent that it hasten the Redemption. This intention in itself becomes part of learning subjects connected with the Redemption -- for this is a real and tangible study of the teaching of our Sages: 'Great is charity for it brings the Redemption near.' "The above-described study is not only a spiritual means of securing the speedy advent of Moshiach; it is a way of beginning to live one's life in the mood of Moshiach and the Redemption by having one's mind permeated with an understanding of the concepts of Moshiach and Redemption. From the mind, these concepts will then find their way into the emotions. Ultimately, they will find expression in one's actual conduct -- in thought, word and deed -- in a way befitting this unique era when we stand on the threshold of the Redemption." - II - It states in the Talmud that starting from the Fifteenth of Av, a Jew should increase the time he devotes to nighttime Torah study. As a reward for our additional learning, G-d extends our lives and grants us additional years. Our Sages explained that the Fifteenth of Av is the date on which the nights begin to be slightly longer and the days shorter. Generally speaking, the daylight hours are reserved for work; at night, people have more free time to spend as they please. The shorter the day, the more hours are left over at night -- and nighttime is especially conducive to learning Torah. The length of the days and nights on earth is a variable; it changes in accordance with the movement of the sun. The days grow shorter and the nights longer on the Fifteenth of Av when the sun's orbit begins to change. The Talmud, however, provides us with the true reason for this planetary phenomenon: to enable the Jew to spend more time learning Torah! For the sake of the Jew, G-d alters the course of the sun in the sky, a cosmological change of fantastic proportions! How important it must be to G-d that we increase our study of His Torah, to the point that He moves heaven and earth on our behalf! Consider the immense size of the earth, and the sun, which is about 170 times as large. Ponder the sun's tremendous power and energy, and the vast treasures that are hidden in the depths of the earth. How many billions of people populate our planet? How many animals, plants and inanimate objects? Just try to estimate the volume of water that covers the earth, or the number of stones and rocks that form its crust. In comparison with G-d, of course, all these things are insignificant. When we are mindful that the entire universe is orchestrated by G-d for our sake, we will learn His Torah with eagerness and enthusiasm, and express it in actual deed. **************************** * IT'S ALL IN THE PLANNING * **************************** You find the recipe, read it over, and scan your pantry to make sure you have all of the ingredients you'll need. Then you glance at your watch to see if there's enough time to complete the baking project. You've done the preliminary preparations. Now it's time to gather the mixing bowl, measuring spoons and cups and other supplies and start the actual process of creating a culinary delight. But, imagine baking a cake without those preliminary preparations. You take out the mixer, spatula, measuring spoons and cup. You start reading the recipe. One by one you add the ingredients. Oh no! There's only one egg left in the carton and you need three. What can you substitute? You decide to borrow eggs from a neighbor and hope that the half-mixed batter with the baking powder already added will survive. When you're finished, you get ready to spoon the batter into the cupcake tins. Oops! There aren't any cupcake liners. Scrap the idea of cupcakes; you'll make a cake instead. You look at your watch skeptically, knowing that cakes require more baking time than cupcakes. If you've been there and done that, you certainly know that a little bit of preparation and thoughtful planning can save time and aggravation in the long run. There is a Jewish custom to wish each other in correspondence and in conversations: "Ktiva vachatima tova" -- may you be written and sealed for a good year -- starting from the fifteenth day of the Hebrew month Av (Wednesday, August 5). You may well be wondering, "Isn't the 15th of Av a little early to start preparing for Rosh HaShanah? After all, it's over 6 weeks until the New Year!" (This year, Rosh HaShanah is celebrated on Sat., Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20. In answer, the upcoming Jewish month of Elul, which begins in just a little over two weeks [Rosh Chodesh Elul is on Thursday, Aug. 20, and Friday, Aug. 21], is the month when we prepare ourselves spiritually for Rosh HaShanah and the entire year to follow. By the middle of the current month, the month preceding Elul, we need to prepare ourselves for Elul! From the fifteenth day of Av we do the preliminary preparations and beginning in Elul we do the actual preparations for the new year. So, far from being way too early, now is a good time to begin making sure we have all of the right ingredients for the new year! When Jewish people bless each other (for the upcoming year), it is an expression of "ahavat Yisrael" -- love and concern of one Jew for another. When wishing another person well is done with warmth and sincerity, out of a deep feeling of love, it is an even stronger demonstration of the mitzvah to "love one's neighbor as oneself." And the love and concern for another Jew, expressed in our wishes for a "Ktiva vachatima tova," hasten the realization of G-d's blessings, for the coming year. To get the "recipe" just right for the coming year, plan ahead. If we start now with preliminary preparations, we'll be surprised at how smoothly and efficiently we'll be able to approach the New Year. ******************* * WINNING NUMBERS * ******************* Nothing happens by chance. Whether you choose your own number for your lottery ticket or let the computer do it for you, the fact that you won (or most likely didn't win!) didn't happen by chance. It's all part of G-d's Divine plan. The idea that nothing happens by chance is a primary teaching of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chasidism. He goes even further and says that everything that happens in the world is for a purpose. The Baal Shem Tov's most famous example of this precept, is a leaf that falls from a tree, in order to shade an ant from the beating sun. If this is true of a leaf falling from a tree, a blade of grass swaying in the wind, a bird flying through the air, how much more so is it true of the movement of the planets and stars in the constellations that affect the lives of hundreds of billions of people and an almost unlimited number of creatures on earth? The Jewish calendar is reckoned according to the lunar cycle. It is not by chance that 15 is a "winning number" in the Jewish calendar, i.e., the day on which many of our Jewish holidays fall. On the fifteenth day of the month, the moon is whole. It "shines" at its fullest potential. And for the Jewish people, who are likened to the moon, that waxes and wanes, the wholeness of the moon is very significant: G-d has implanted a soul within each one of us. Chasidic philosophy defines the soul as "an actual part of G-d." We are expected to help our souls shine brightly, to their fullest potential, thereby lighting up our surroundings. The full moon on the fifteenth of the month teaches us, that it's not enough if only a part of us, half or three-quarters, shines. We must illuminate fully and perfectly. And the light we give off, must shine in every way possible -- through luminous thoughts, with bright words, and by way of shining actions. Our "moonshine" should light up our homes, offices, communities, until we light up the whole world. We are now in the Hebrew month of Av. From the fifteenth day of Av on, the nights become longer. Jewish teachings explain that the longer evenings should be used to delve into Torah. G-d even gives us an incentive to study more Torah beginning on the fifteenth of Av, saying that if we pursue Torah studies at night, G-d will "add on to our lives"; He will give us more energy and enthusiasm than we had before. Nothing happens by chance. The seasons change and the nights become longer for a reason: so that we can become more involved in Jewish pursuits; so that we can learn how to help our soul shine; so that we can get closer to G-d. Pick a winning number this month, by participating in an evening Torah study class or lecture. ******************** * MOSHIACH MATTERS * ******************** "The teachings of Chasidus," someone might argue, "are indeed likened to gems and pearls, but I'm not one to chase after pearls; I'm satisfied if my clothes aren't torn." There is an answer to this argument: "We are on the threshold of the Redemption, so we have to get ready for the coming of Moshiach, when we will be privileged to enter the marriage canopy together with the King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He. So we will need pearls, too." (The Rebbe) ************************************** * 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, 6084000, 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 * *************************************** ******************************* * 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.chabad.org * ******************************************************* >>>> Times Shown Are for Metro NY - NJ <<<< FRIDAY, JULY 31, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT VA'ETCHANAN: * Light Shabbat Candles, [1] by 7:54 p.m. SATURDAY, AUG. 1, SHABBAT PARSHAT DEVORIM: * Shabbat Nachamu - see above. * On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapter 3 of Pirkei Avot -- Ethics of the Fathers. * Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 8:56 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. ********************************************* * 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 Va'etchanan, 5780 = ================================================================