| Holidays Shabbat Chabad-houses Chassidism Subscribe Calendar Links | |
| The Weekly Publication for Every Jewish Person |
B"H
-----
L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 1455
*********************************************************************
Copyright (c) 2017
Lubavitch Youth Organization - L.Y.O.
Brooklyn, NY
--------------
Electronic version provided free at:
www.LchaimWeekly.org
--------------------
Palm-Pilot version provided free at:
www.LchaimWeekly.org/lchaim/5777/1455.prc
--------------------
To receive the L'CHAIM by e-mail
write to: listserv@LchaimWeekly.org
Subscribe W1
*********************************************************************
THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FOR EVERY JEWISH PERSON
Dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson N.E.
*********************************************************************
January 13, 2017 Vayechi 15 Tevet, 5777
*********************************************************************
Nothing Is Only
In this week's Torah portion, Vayechi, Joseph bound his brothers with an
oath, that when G-d "raises you out of this," meaning, takes their
descendants out of Egypt, they will take his bones, to be buried in
Israel. The Torah then ends the book of Genesis with this verse: "And
Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten years, and he was embalmed
and placed in a coffin in Egypt."
Why was it the responsibility of all the Children of Israel to take
Joseph's bones, why not only his own children? Why is Joseph focused on
at the end of the portion? When the Torah chooses to finish a book with
a verse, there is a significant message in that verse. What message is
there for us in this verse?
The Jewish people are about to begin a most difficult and horrific exile
in Egypt. Hashem gives them the psychological tools necessary to deal
with it. These are lessons for all future exiles, including the present
one.
First, we need to know that there is an end and a purpose to this exile,
G-d will not only take us out of galus, but he will "raise us out of
this." We will be raised to a higher level, we will see and enjoy the
fruits of all the work, toil and suffering. Knowing this will help us
overcome the difficulties of exile.
Second, we need to be like Joseph. Joseph becomes the ruler of Egypt. He
rises above and rules exile even during the time of exile. We too, like
Joseph, can rise above and rule our present exile. Like Joseph we are in
it, but it doesn't rule us.
Third, Joseph stays with us until we leave exile. This is to be a
reminder and strengthen us to rise above. Every Jew was obligated to
carry Joseph, when things are difficult, think of Joseph, realize that
you to can be like him and overcome and rise above any challenges that
come our way.
Some people, like my family and I, were chosen to endure open and
difficult challenges, which we struggle with every day. It is hard to
rise above, but there is nothing more gratifying then overcoming a
challenge. Even though the challenge still exists, and the hardships
endure, we try to find ways to rise above them. How enjoyable is it that
I can make another Jew happy and I am grateful to Hashem that even in my
present state I have found ways to do it.
Still, this exile has dragged on long enough, may G-d remove the
suffering and challenges and give us revealed good now.
Adapted by Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz from the teachings of the
Rebbe, yitzihurwitz.blogspot.com. Rabbi Hurwitz, who is
battling ALS, and his wife Dina, are emissaries of the Rebbe
in Temecula, Ca.
*********************************************************************
LIVING WITH THE REBBE - THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
*********************************************************************
In this week's Torah portion, Vayechi, Joseph bound his brothers with an
oath, that when G-d "raises you out of this," meaning, takes their
descendants out of Egypt, they will take his bones, to be buried in
Israel. The Torah then ends the book of Genesis with this verse: "And
Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten years, and he was embalmed
and placed in a coffin in Egypt."
Why was it the responsibility of all the Children of Israel to take
Joseph's bones, why not only his own children? Why is Joseph focused on
at the end of the portion? When the Torah chooses to finish a book with
a verse, there is a significant message in that verse. What message is
there for us in this verse?
The Jewish people are about to begin a most difficult and horrific exile
in Egypt. Hashem gives them the psychological tools necessary to deal
with it. These are lessons for all future exiles, including the present
one.
First, we need to know that there is an end and a purpose to this exile,
G-d will not only take us out of galus, but he will "raise us out of
this." We will be raised to a higher level, we will see and enjoy the
fruits of all the work, toil and suffering. Knowing this will help us
overcome the difficulties of exile.
Second, we need to be like Joseph. Joseph becomes the ruler of Egypt. He
rises above and rules exile even during the time of exile. We too, like
Joseph, can rise above and rule our present exile. Like Joseph we are in
it, but it doesn't rule us.
Third, Joseph stays with us until we leave exile. This is to be a
reminder and strengthen us to rise above. Every Jew was obligated to
carry Joseph, when things are difficult, think of Joseph, realize that
you to can be like him and overcome and rise above any challenges that
come our way.
Some people, like my family and I, were chosen to endure open and
difficult challenges, which we struggle with every day. It is hard to
rise above, but there is nothing more gratifying then overcoming a
challenge. Even though the challenge still exists, and the hardships
endure, we try to find ways to rise above them. How enjoyable is it that
I can make another Jew happy and I am grateful to Hashem that even in my
present state I have found ways to do it.
Still, this exile has dragged on long enough, may G-d remove the
suffering and challenges and give us revealed good now.
Adapted by Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz from the teachings of the
Rebbe, yitzihurwitz.blogspot.com. Rabbi Hurwitz, who is
battling ALS, and his wife Dina, are emissaries of the Rebbe
in Temecula, Ca.
*********************************************************************
SLICE OF LIFE
*********************************************************************
Nobody Can Do Everything
by Sarah Bendetsky
Each time I walk into the Glick's shop on Carlisle St, I wonder if Mr
Mendel Glick is around. He is.
Dressed in a white shirt and a white yarmulke, he is always busy -
shaping another challah loaf or removing bones from herring - like a
jeweller faceting a diamond.
The iconic Melbourne baker and the founder of the Glick's Cakes & Bagels
chain recently celebrated his 91st birthday.
He left behind six concentration camps including Auschwitz and
Buchenwald. He lost both parents and 9 siblings. He barely survived.
Yet, despite these unbearable personal tragedies, Mr Glick managed to
start a new life in Australia and recreate his own dynasty with his wife
Sara.
A proud father of nine and a grandfather of over 120 grandchildren, he
continues to bake the best bagels in town, while inspiring everyone
around him.
We sit inside Carlisle St Glick's cafe on a warm autumn afternoon. Mr
Glick looks out the window for a minute. He looks at passers-by and
trams, Yeshivah students and young mothers with prams... He
concentrates. And then he starts his story.
"The very fact that we are able to talk in this café today is a pure
miracle," Mr Glick says. "I wasn't meant to survive in Buchenwald.
There, we slept in barracks on the floor, 300 people or more, without
any pillows or blankets... Once, I woke up from terrible pain caused by
a strange insect bite. My leg got very swollen, so I decided to see a
doctor, whose office was located just a few doors away from the double
crematorium, which never stopped working. It didn't scare me. In fact,
it didn't scare anyone at that stage.
"There were quite a few people before me in line to be checked. I begged
G-d to make time go quicker. The pain was getting worse. Suddenly, when
just one patient was in front of me, two German security soldiers
entered the building to pick up the doctor - it was time for lunch.
Before leaving his office, the doctor said that he was going to come
back in half an hour, and therefore, we should wait.
"I decided to stay. The other patient asked me what my issue was. I
showed him my swollen leg. Then he said that there was no point in
wasting my time and I should rather go back and walk more since walking
helps reduce swelling.
"I nodded without the intention to go back. Instead, I decided to walk
around the building while waiting for the doctor to return. I walked and
walked, when suddenly I saw a twenty-centimetre gap in the fence
revealing the doctor's office backyard. A trolley full of corpses stood
next to the backdoor, metres away from the crematorium.
"I quickly understood what was going on and hobbled back into the
barracks. Later on, I found out that very doctor used one treatment
against all illnesses - a deadly needle killing a person within seconds.
Then I realised how much G-d loves me.
"When the Americans liberated Buchenwald in 1945, I was a living
skeleton, just like everyone else. I still remember an American soldier
picking me up and taking me outside. I couldn't walk on my own.
"While in the hospital, I wasn't allowed food to avoid sudden death from
overeating. Just a tablespoon of warm water every half hour and a lump
of sugar was all I could eat. I still remember its taste in my mouth.
Slowly, as I began to recover, my doctor said that in order to speed up
the process I had to start walking, since the human body requires motion
in order to survive. I listened to him and adapted this attitude to this
day."
Where did you go after the war ended?
"I started to work at the American military base not far away from
Buchenwald. I cleaned their bedrooms, polished their shoes, and then I
was "promoted" to work in the kitchen, which I liked most. In a way, it
reminded me of our home in Poland, where my parents had their own dairy
business and made cheese... (Mr. Glick sighs as he remembers) Memories,
memories... Working at the military kitchen helped me to learn the
basics of the catering business I applied in future. It was a useful
experience."
Why did you decide to move to Australia?
"After the end of the war, every survivor was obliged to publish his
contact details in local newspapers, and I did so, too. Later on, these
details were published worldwide. I had an aunt in Australia, who moved
here before the war and she managed to find me and sent me the entrance
papers. Then I bought the ticket and set out on the journey."
Did you open your bakery straight away?
"Not at all; it was a dream I cherished but I had no money to make it
happen. So, I became a cleaner setting money aside to start my business.
And a few years later I finally opened my first Glick's shop on Carlisle
Street, where we are sitting right now. Other shops followed... My kids
are managing those today. I prefer this shop."
You've been so kind to support Jewish Care's Annual Appeal by
overprinting your brown paper challah bags with the Appeal message and a
quote from you, "Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do
something." Why do you think it's important to assist those less
fortunate?
"I guess, it's in the blood. Back in Poland, my mother always gave her
dairy products to the poor free of charge. I was a baby but I clearly
remember that it was the right thing to do. It stayed with me for the
rest of my life. And today, no matter how advanced the world is, there
are still many people who need assistance, be it money, a piece of
bread, or a kind word. Even if it's impossible to answer every person's
need, we can all still do something to improve someone's life. And this
is the message I wanted to pass on, hence, it's written on Glick's
bags."
Some people say that you never go on holidays (vacation). Is that true?
"Yes, it is," answers Mr Glick with a smile. "Why would I? I have the
job I love. And I have regular time to rest on Shabbos and Yom Tov. What
can I say, I am a happy man!"
From Sarah Mendetsky's blog, Baggage of Thoughts
*********************************************************************
WHAT'S NEW
*********************************************************************
Yahadus
With the publishing of the fifth and final volume, the amazing Yahadus
set is now complete. The Yahadus series contains a comprehensive
treatment of each of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah. The
information includes mitzva details, reasons, practical messages,
history, tidbits, biographies and lots more. The stunning graphics and
relatable language brings every mitzva alive for the entire family.
New Emissaries
Rabbi Sholom and Tammy Glitzenstein of Israel recently moved to Laos
where they are opening a new Chabad House. While the new Chabad
activities will focus on serving the many Israeli back-packers and
tourists who travel to Laos, they will be available to all Jews who are
in the area.
*********************************************************************
THE REBBE WRITES
*********************************************************************
5th of Teves, 5739 [1979]
Blessing and Greeting:
After the interval, I was pleased to receive your letter of the 22nd of
Kislev. I will again remember you in prayer for the fulfillment of your
heart's desires for good, including finding the proper solutions to the
questions about which you write.
I trust I have already indicated to you the importance of taking the
fullest advantage of the formative years, which lay the foundation for
the whole future life. This means that it is necessary to ensure the
fullest stability to be able to withstand the influences of the external
non-Jewish environment, all the more so since Jews in general, and
religious Jews in particular, are such a small minority in the
surrounding world. And regardless in what country one lives, including
Eretz Yisroel [the land of Israel], it is necessary for every young
person to absorb the maximum of proper Jewish education, especially in
the essential aspect, namely Torah and Mitzvos [commandments], of which
it is said, "They are our life and the length of our days." Indeed, this
is the primary consideration also in regard to other fields, for
whatever the vocation of a Jew, there is always the imperative "All your
works should be for the sake of Heaven" and "Know Him in all your ways."
If the above is true of every young person, it is certainly more so in
regard to a young lady who has to prepare herself for her great and
exalted role in life as the Akeres Habayis [foundation of the home], who
largely determines the conduct and atmosphere of the Jewish home and, in
due course, is a true Jewish mother to whom the raising of the children
is entrusted when they are very young, and who has an important
influence and role also as they grow older. Therefore, every additional
benefit that you gain in strengthening and developing your own
Yiddishkeit [Judiasm] and your own Yiras Hashem and Ahavas Hashem [awe
and love of G-d], etc., will eventually be multiplied many times over in
the atmosphere of the home, and in the children and grandchildren to all
generations.
In light of the above, of what significance are any personal
difficulties by comparison with the great and infinite benefits?
As for the choice of a seminary, your father as well as you, surely have
adequate information about the most suitable ones, and it should not be
difficult to make a choice.
It is necessary for every young person to absorb the maximum of proper
Jewish education, especially in the essential aspect, namely Torah and
commandments...
I trust that you are active in spreading Yiddishkeit in your present
surroundings, and are doing it in the spirit of Chanukah, which we have
just celebrated by steadily increasing the number and brightness of the
Chanukah Lights from day to day, thus doing it not only with Hiddur [in
an enhanced manner], but in a manner of mehadrin min hamehadrin [and
enhancement of the enhancement].
Wishing you Hatzlocho [success] in all above,
With blessing,
*********************************************************************
ALL TOGETHER
*********************************************************************
Why do we give charity before praying on weekdays?
Charity should be given before praying to dispel whatever may hamper the
acceptability of one's prayers. Thus we find that before praying one of
our great Sages would give a pauper a coin, in the spirit of the verse,
"With tzedek - righteousness - (like tzedaka - charity) shall I behold
Your countenance." For accusatory voices On High adjudge whether a
worshipper is indeed worthy of entering the heavenly palace in prayer.
Also, by giving a poor man charity before prayer and thereby giving him
life, one's "prayers come alive."
*********************************************************************
A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
*********************************************************************
This coming Wednesday (January 18) is the 20th of Tevet, the yahrzeit of
Rabbi Moses Maimonides, otherwise known as the Rambam.
The Rambam lived in the 12th century and was a great philosopher,
doctor, and Jewish scholar. But he is probably best remembered for his
encyclopedic codification of all 613 commandants of the Torah in his
magnum opus, the Mishne Torah.
In the Mishne Torah, the Rambam enumerates and details all of the 613
laws of the Torah. He places the laws relating to the Jewish king, and
Moshiach, at the very end of his work. In the introduction to these laws
he states that the Jews were commanded to fulfill three mitzvot upon
conquering and entering the Land of Israel: To appoint a king; to kill
the descendants of Amalek; to build G-d's Chosen House.
It would seem that these mitzvot should have been mentioned much earlier
in his work if they were, in fact, so important! However, the Rambam
chose to organize the Mishne Torah in this fashion to emphasize that the
true and complete performance of all the mitzvot of the Torah will be
attained only when a king rules over Israel. The Rambam then defines
Moshiach as a king, who will not only redeem the Jews from exile, but
also restore the observance of the Torah and the mitzvot to its complete
state.
For many, this would seem a rather novel approach. Yet, the Torah states
that "the world was created solely for Moshiach." This being the case,
we certainly must do everything in our power to prepare ourselves for
Moshiach's imminent arrival. What is within the power and reach of each
individual, great and small? Good deeds, charity, studying concepts
associated with Moshiach and the Redemption, fostering peace among
family and friends, and actively anticipating his arrival each and every
day.
*********************************************************************
THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
*********************************************************************
And let my name be called on them, and the name of my fathers (Gen.
48:16)
With these words Jacob blessed his grandsons Menashe and Ephraim that
they grow up to be a credit to the family. When children do not follow
the right path, G-d forbid, the parents and grandparents are embarrassed
that their offspring carry their name. Jacob's blessing was for his
grandchildren to be worthy of perpetuating the name of their holy
progenitors.
(Our Sages)
* * *
Which I took out of the hand of the Emorite with my sword and with my
bow (Gen. 48:22)
As Rashi notes, the sword and bow Jacob was referring to were his
"wisdom" and "prayer," for allegorically, the Emorite is identified with
the Evil Inclination. This battle takes place in every Jew's soul. The
Emorite, from the Hebrew word meaning speech, becomes powerful when we
speak inappropriately or entertain extraneous thoughts. The way to
conquer him is with "wisdom" and "prayer," uttering words of Torah and
praying to G-d.
(Torah Ohr)
* * *
For in their anger (literally "with their nose") they slew a man (Gen.
49:6)
A great rabbi was once talking to someone when the name of certain
individual came up in the conversation. The man immediately wrinkled his
nose in distaste but said nothing. "What, you think you're allowed to
speak lashon hara (slander) with your nose, as long as you don't move
your lips?" the Rabbi admonished him. "The Torah states, 'For with their
nose they slew a man' - with a wrinkle of the nose you can also murder
someone's reputation!"
* * *
And when he saw that the resting place was good...he bent his shoulder
to bear (Gen. 49:15)
Issachar recognized that although leisure is a good and pleasant thing,
it can also be dangerous. In times of peace and tranquility the Evil
Inclination intensifies its efforts to lead a person astray, which can
lead to disaster. Issachar therefore "bent his shoulder to bear" the
yoke of Torah, for Torah study is the antidote to this pitfall.
(Likutei Diburim)
*********************************************************************
IT ONCE HAPPENED
*********************************************************************
Rabbi Moses Maimonides, know also as the Rambam, was one of the greatest
Jews of all times. During his life, he wrote numerous books in which he
explained the laws and philosophy of the Torah. He was not only esteemed
in the Jewish world, though. He was also known and well respected as a
physician, philosopher and scientist.
The Rambam was born in Cordova, Spain, and moved as a young man with his
family to Egypt. Because he did not believe in accepting monetary
remuneration for his work as a Jewish scholar, he devoted himself to
medicine in order to support himself and his family.
The Rambam reached the peak of his professional reputation as a doctor
when he was appointed to the staff of the court of Saladin as royal
physician. His reputation spread to such an extent that King Richard the
Lionhearted offered him the position of his personal physician.
When the Rambam felt his end approaching, he instructed his family to
bury him in the Holy Land. On 20 Tevet, at the age of 69, the Rambam
passed away. In Egypt, where he had been the chief rabbi, the Rambam was
mourned by Jew and Moslem alike. In the Holy Land and the rest of the
world, where the Rambam had acted as guide and mentor to world Jewry, he
was memorialized with special services and fasts. The following story is
told about how it was "decided" where the Rambam's final resting place
should be:
People from all over gathered in Egypt to attend the Rambam's funeral.
When the procession was over, a discussion erupted as to where to bury
him. The Rambam's request had only been to bury him in the Holy Land;
no mention was made as to which city or site.
Representatives of different cities in the Holy Land came forward. From
Jerusalem came the request that he be buried on the Mount of Olives.
Representatives from Hebron said that the Rambam should be buried in the
same city as the Patriarches and Matriarches. A representative from
Meron claimed that since the mystic Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai was buried
in their city, it was a fitting place for the Rambam. Representatives
from other cities in the Holy Land brought their claims forward, too.
Because no solution to the problem at hand was in sight, everyone agreed
to begin taking the coffin toward the borders of Israel, hoping that
along the way they might come upon a solution for this problem.
The coffin was perched atop a sturdy camel and made its way toward the
Holy Land. One of the most difficult and dangerous parts of desert
travel was not necessarily the lack of water, nor sand storms. It was
the constant fear of being overtaken by one of the many bands of highway
robbers who attacked the innocent travelers, taking away all of their
belongings.
As it began to get dark, the pace of the caravan quickened. Everyone
hoped that they would be able to find a relatively safe place to camp
for the evening. Their fears were well founded though, for within a
short while, the sound of hoof beats could be heard, coming closer and
closer. "We're being attacked," cried out the leader of the caravan.
Many of the people panicked and scattered in different directions. A few
of braver people remained with the coffin to guard it. But, they, too,
were frightened away as the gang of vicious bandits came charging toward
them.
The bandits approached the camel with the large box enthusiastically. It
was obvious to them that this box must contain a huge treasure if so
many people were guarding it. As much as they tried, though, the box
could not be taken down from the camel.
"Grab the camel's reins," shouted the leader of the bandits. "We'll take
it with us." Their efforts met with no success, though. They tried as
much as possible to get the huge animal to move, but it would not budge.
"Open the box," commanded the leader to his underlings. One of the
gangsters began to pry off the lid. "There's a body in this box," he
shrieked, as he ran away. The other bandits, too, became frightened at
the thought of a dead body and quickly made their exit.
Upon seeing that the bandits had left, the people from the caravan who
had been accompanying the coffin slowly made their way back toward the
camel. But, to their surprise, the camel began moving determinedly, as
if it had a specific destination in mind. The caravan leader cautioned
the other people not to go near the camel. "Let us see what direction it
takes." After a little while, it was obvious that the camel was heading
for Israel.
No one dared to go close to the camel. Instead, they followed from a
distance behind. The people were amazed to observe how the camel kept on
its course heading straight for Israel. Now, everyone was certain that
there would no longer be a problem of where to bury the Rambam.
After reaching the border of Israel, the camel continued to travel
steadily. It came to Tiberias in the northern part of the country. It
continued on through the narrow streets of the city until it suddenly
stopped and began to kneel down on the ground.
The people understood that this was the place where they should bury the
Rambam. They removed the coffin from the camel's back and placed it on
the ground. Immediately, the people began digging the grave. All who
witnessed this strange event were amazed to see the wonderful miracle
take place right before their own eyes.
The people of Tiberias built a beautiful structure over the spot where
the Rambam was buried. Every year, on the anniversary of his passing,
thousands of people from all parts of the world visit his grave. People
cherish praying at the tomb of Maimonides for the Talmud tell us that
"He who prays at the grave of a righteous person is equal to one who
has prayed in the Holy Temple."
*********************************************************************
MOSHIACH MATTERS
*********************************************************************
The Talmud relates that Jacob wished to reveal the end of the exile to
his children before his passing but it was concealed from him. "Gather
together and I will tell you what will happen to you at the end of days
"(Gen. 49:1) The literal meaning, however, is that Jacob wished to
"reveal, i.e., manifest and bring about, the end." In this context there
is an important moral for every Jew. We are to follow in the footsteps
of Jacob, and wish and pray for the manifestation of the ultimate end -
the final Redemption. Seeking and contemplating this will of itself
assist our service of G-d, inspiring us to attain our ultimate goal of
Moshiach.
(Likutei Sichot, Vol. 20)
*********************************************************************
END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 1455 - Vayechi 5777
*********************************************************************
| Current 613 Commandments PDA | Moshiach General Books | About Children's Corner |