Holidays   Shabbat   Chabad-houses   Chassidism   Subscribe   Calendar   Links B"H
 
 
 
The Weekly Publication for Every Jewish Person
Archives Current Issues Home Current Issue
                                  B"H
                                 -----
                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 1200
*********************************************************************
                           Copyright (c) 2011
                 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/5772/1200.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.
*********************************************************************
        December 16, 2011       Vayeshev         20 Kislev, 5772
*********************************************************************

                            L'Chaim at 1200

Even seemingly insignificant "coincidences" contain profound lessons.
The Baal Shem Tov also said that everything one encounters is a lesson
in Divine Service.

And so it is with L'Chaim, which is publishing its 1200th issue - may it
increase and grow. But the timing of that issue! It occurs in the week
leading up to Chanuka - and what could be more appropriate?

Why, you may ask? What is the connection between Chanuka and the 1200?
And even if we discover a meaningful connection, what does that have to
do with L'Chaim?

Let us begin with Chanuka: The story is well known, but perhaps the
meaning of the word is not. "Chanuka," from the Hebrew word "chinuch"
(dedication)  refers to the dedication of the Temple. And "chinuch" also
means education. Indeed, in a sense the story of Chanuka is a story
about Jewish education - the willingness of the Maccabees and the Jewish
people to fight against assimilation, to insist that holiness be part of
the curriculum, that understanding the meaning of and how to observe
Shabbat and the kosher dietary laws were as important to a person's
character - more - than being able to solve quadratic equations.

Chanuka is a children's holiday not because of the dreidels, but because
of the Torah - the dedication to educate children. And when it comes to
Torah study, whatever our age, we are all children.

But there's another connection between Chanuka and chinuch - between
dedication and education. In order to educate, or be educated, we must
dedicate ourselves. The time devoted must be completely devoted; the
Torah must be given our undivided attention.

Our Sages say that even a chapter in the morning and a chapter in the
evening is sufficient to fulfill the command to study Torah daily. Of
course, if we have more time and energy, we should increase our learning
- going from strength to strength.

But for many, dedicated time is hard to find - work, family, community
responsibilities, etc. And then there's the concentration time.

Studies have shown that the average person can maintain full
concentration for 20 minutes. After that, the mind needs a short break -
perhaps no more than a glance out the window and then back to the text
(task) for another 20 minutes.

Time is precious. Every second is precious. and 20 minutes equals - 1200
seconds!

So here is the first connection: for 20 minutes a day - for 1200 seconds
- we should dedicate ourselves to educate ourselves: 1200 seconds of
Torah a day.

But where does L'Chaim come in? First, L'Chaim is a "mini-Torah" course.
It's a sample of Chasidic teachings, the weekly Torah reading, Midrash,
Jewish Law, and inspiration. Second, "L'Chaim," as is well known, means
"to life" - and Torah is the source of life. So L'Chaim, by providing a
few moments of insight, introspection and inspiration, connects to
Torah.

And finally, it takes about 20 minutes to read L'Chaim - 1200 seconds.
And there's the connection: dedicate - Chanuka - educate - Torah - 1200
seconds - 1200 issues - L'chaim!

*********************************************************************
           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
*********************************************************************
This week's Torah portion, Vayeishev, recounts the birth of Peretz and
Zerach, the twin offspring of Judah and Tamar. The Torah relates that
when Zerach "put out his hand first," the midwife tied a red thread
around it as a sign, saying, "This one came out first." But Zerach drew
back his hand; Peretz "broke forth" and was the first to be born.

The Torah's stories are not merely historical accounts of our
progenitors. Rather, by virtue of their inclusion, they allude to events
occurring later in Jewish history and reveal teachings pertinent to us
in every day and age.

Our Sages teach that, by right, Zerach should have been the firstborn of
the two brothers. His birthright was forfeited, however, because of a
grave sin one of his descendants would commit generations later, during
the time of Joshua. The sin was so great, affecting all Jews, that the
twins' birth order was switched, and Peretz was born first.

The twins' names hint to an even deeper significance. The name "Zerach"
comes from the Hebrew for "shining forth," like the light of the sun
which illuminates the entire world. "Peretz," literally "breaking
forth," was the progenitor of King David, from whom Moshiach will
descend. On a more profound level, "Zerach" and "Peretz" stand for the
two types of service of G-d - the service of tzadikim (righteous), and
the service of baalei teshuva (penitents).

Each type of service has an advantage not present in the other. The
tzadik's worship of G-d - "Zerach" - is steady and dependable. Each day,
the tzadik methodically ascends the spiritual ladder, attaining higher
levels of holiness. The service of "Zerach," however, is that of those
whose yearning toward G-d occurs only after an initial distancing. At
such times, the baal teshuva's thirst for holiness is even greater than
the tzadik's, and his service is even more impassioned. The service of
the baal teshuva contains the power to "break forth" and overcome the
harshest of limitations. "In the place where baalei teshuva stand, even
perfect tzadikim cannot."

G-d desires every Jew to serve Him in righteousness; accordingly,
Zerach's hand was extended first. But because the world was created in
such a way as to accommodate sin, it was necessary for Peretz to be born
first, indicating the value of the service of the baal teshuva.

Furthermore, the Final Redemption is dependent on the service of the
baal teshuva, which is why Moshiach is a descendent of Peretz. The long
Exile served to expiate the sins which led to the destruction of the
Holy Temple, thus placing the Jews in the category of baalei teshuva.
Indeed, Maimonides states that when the Jewish nation sincerely returns
to G-d, "immediately they will be redeemed."

              Adapted from Talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Vol. 30.

*********************************************************************
                             SLICE OF LIFE
*********************************************************************
                           Today's Maccabees

My name is Aron Adler and I'm writing from the Israel/Gaza/Egyptian
border. I am 25 years old, was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in
Efrat, Israel. Though very busy, I don't view my life as unusual. Most
of the time, I am just another Israeli citizen. During the day I work as
a paramedic in Magen David Adom, Israel's national EMS service. At
night, I'm in my first year of law school. I got married in October and
am starting a new chapter of life together with my wonderful wife
Shulamit.

Two to three weeks out of every year, I'm called up to the Israeli army
for reserve duty. I serve as a paramedic in an IDF paratrooper unit. My
squad is made up of others like me. The oldest in my squad is 58, a
father of four girls and grandfather of two; there are two bankers, one
engineer, a holistic healer, and our 24-year-old commander. Most of the
year we are just normal people living our lives, but for 15-20 days each
year we are soldiers on the front lines preparing for a war that we hope
we never have to fight.

This year, our reserve unit was stationed on the border between Israel,
Egypt and Gaza in an area called "Kerem Shalom." Above and beyond the
"typical" things for which we train - war, terrorism, border
infiltration, etc., - this year we were confronted by a new challenge.
Several years ago, a trend started of African refugees crossing the
Egyptian border from Sinai into Israel to seek asylum from the
atrocities in Darfur.

What started out as a small number of men, women and children fleeing
from the machetes of the Janjaweed and violent fundamentalists to seek a
better life elsewhere, turned into an organized industry of human
trafficking. In return for huge sums of money, sometimes entire life
savings paid to Bedouin "guides," these refugees are promised to be
transported from Sudan, Eritrea, and other African countries through
Egypt and the Sinai desert, into the safe haven of Israel.

We increasingly hear horror stories of the atrocities these refugees
suffer on their way to freedom. They are victims of extortion, rape,
murder, and even organ theft, their bodies left to rot in the desert.
Then, if lucky, after surviving this gruesome experience whose prize is
freedom, when only a barbed wire fence separates them from Israel and
their goal, they must go through the final death run and try to evade
the bullets of the Egyptian soldiers stationed along the border. Egypt's
soldiers are ordered to shoot to kill anyone trying to cross the border
OUT of Egypt and into Israel. It's an almost nightly event

For those who finally get across the border, the first people they
encounter are Israeli soldiers, people like me who are tasked with a
primary mission of defending the lives of the Israeli people. On one
side of the border soldiers shoot to kill. On the other side, they know
they will be treated with more respect than in any of the countries they
crossed to get to this point.

The region where it all happens is highly sensitive and risky from a
security point of view, an area stricken with terror at every turn. It's
just a few miles south of the place where Gilad Shalit was kidnapped.
And yet the Israeli soldiers who are confronted with these refugees do
it not with rifles aimed at them, but with a helping hand and an open
heart. The refugees are taken to a nearby IDF base, given clean clothes,
a hot drink, food and medical attention. They are finally safe.

Even though I live in Israel and am aware through media reports of the
events that take place on the Egyptian border, I never understood the
intensity and complexity of the scenario until I experienced it myself.

In the course of the past few nights, I have witnessed much. At 9:00
p.m. last night, the first reports came in of gunfire heard from the
Egyptian border. Minutes later, IDF scouts spotted small groups of
people trying to get across the fence. In the period of about one hour,
we picked up 13 men - cold, barefoot, dehydrated - some wearing nothing
except underpants. Their bodies were covered with lacerations and other
wounds. We gathered them in a room, gave them blankets, tea and treated
their wounds. I don't speak a word of their language, but the look on
their faces said it all and reminded me once again why I am so proud to
be a Jew and an Israeli. Sadly, it was later determined that the
gunshots we heard were deadly, killing three others fleeing for their
lives.

The refugees flooding into Israel are a heavy burden on our small
country. More than 100,000 refugees have fled this way, and hundreds
more cross the border each month. The economic, social, and humanitarian
issues created by the refugees are immense. There are serious security
consequences for Israel as well. The influx of African refugees poses a
crisis for Israel. Israel has yet to come up with the solutions required
to deal with this crisis effectively, balancing its sensitive social,
economic, and security issues, at the same time striving to care for the
refugees.

I don't have the answers to these complex problems which desperately
need to be resolved. I'm not writing with the intention of taking a
political position or a tactical stand on the issue.

I am writing to tell you and the entire world what's really happening
down here on the Egyptian/Israeli border. And to tell you that despite
all the serious problems created by this national crisis, these refugees
have no reason to fear us. Because they know, as the entire world needs
to know, that Israel has not shut its eyes to their suffering and pain.
Israel has not looked the other way. The State of Israel has put
politics aside to take the ethical and humane path as it has so often
done before, in every instance of human suffering and natural disasters
around the globe. We Jews know only too well about suffering and pain.
The Jewish people have been there. We have been the refugees and the
persecuted so many times, over thousands of years, all over the world.

Today, African refugees flood our borders in search of freedom, better
lives, and some for fear of their lives. It is particularly noteworthy
how Israel deals with them, despite the enormous strain it puts on our
country on so many levels Our young, thriving Jewish country, built from
the ashes of the Holocaust, and the Jewish people do not turn their
backs on humanity. Though I already knew that, this week I again
experienced it firsthand. I am overwhelmed with emotion and immensely
proud to be a member of this nation.

*********************************************************************
                               WHAT'S NEW
*********************************************************************
                             See You There!

Be part of the Chanuka celebrations at the World's Largest Chanuka
Menora at Fifth Ave. and 59th St. in NYC. Tuesday, Dec. 20 - Thursday,
Dec. 22, the menora will be lit at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, the menora
will be lit at 3:40 p.m. Saturday night, Dec. 24, menora lighting will
be at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25 - Wednesday, Dec. 27, the menora will be
lit at 5:30 p.m. On Sunday there will be live music, free hot latkes and
chocolate Chanuka gelt. For more info call the Lubavitch Youth
Organization at (718) 778-6000. For public menora lightings in your area
visit chabad.org

*********************************************************************
                            THE REBBE WRITES
*********************************************************************
         Free Translation of a letter to the Executive Director
                 of the Chabad House, S. Paulo, Brazil


            10 Shevat 5743 [1983] Hilulo [anniversary of the
                 passing] of my saintly father-in-law,


I was pleased to be informed that you are planning shortly to publish
the one hundredth issue of your periodical, after you have been
privileged and successful, thank G-d, in publishing it without
interruption for about a hundred months.

First of all, this fact itself is good news, for it demonstrates the
periodical's beneficial influence on its readership. We have been
assured that "words coming from the heart enter the heart" and have
their intended effect, especially when accompanied by the actual deeds
and living example of the Chabad House activities.

May there be fulfilled in you the saying of our Sages, of blessed memory
which is especially appropriate for this occasion: "He who has one
hundred zuz, wants two hundred..." and may He do the will of those in
awe of Him - may G-d fulfill the desires of your heart for good to reach
the above number.

Of course, it is utterly certain that our righteous Moshiach will come
long, long before then. However, even in the era of Moshiach, the
mitzvah (commandment) "Love your fellow as yourself," the "great
principle of the Torah," will continue to apply with full force,
including beneficial influence on every man and woman who can be
reached, in the most total manner in all their affairs, by living their
daily lives in accordance with our Torah, which is "the Torah of life."

As often mentioned, the service of G-d and preparation most appropriate
for speeding the arrival of Moshiach and the true and total Geula
[Redemption], are through deeds similar in some way to the way of life
which will be then, which is "to perfect the world under the sovereignty
of the Almighty."

In simple terms, this means spreading Yiddishkeit [Judaism], studying
Torah and observing its mitzvot in a manner of constantly increasing
illumination, based on the rule that "action is most essential" -
observing mitzvot in actual deed.

Although this is a laborious task, yet it is also a beloved task, and
its success is guaranteed when it has a lasting effect on others,
including influencing the readers that they too try to become lamps that
illuminate, casting light upon every man and woman in their location and
environment with "the lamp of mitzvoth and the Torah of light."

                                *  *  *

                         Chanukah, 5715 [1954]


...In this connection, and apropos of Chanukah, it would be timely to
reflect on the significance of the Chanukah Lights. Although all
Mitzvoth issue from One G-d, the perfect Unity, there are many aspects
to every Mitzvah, just as the complexity of our physical world is
likewise created from His Mitzvah. Nevertheless, the performance of the
Mitzvah, accompanied by an appreciation of its significance, is
definitely beneficial.

With this in mind, I wish to point out what I consider very significant
in connection with the significance of Chanukah, as it is emphasized by
the Chanukah Lights, specifically by the two conditions attending the
performance of this Mitzvah: (a) The light is to shine forth "outside"
and (b) the light is to grow every night by the addition of one more
candle each night of Chanukah. Thus, the message of Chanukah is to bring
home to every Jew his duty to spread the "light" of the Torah and the
"candles" of the Mitzvoth, especially in times of darkness, and to do so
with ever growing effort.

A man's influence is generally limited, either to his immediate
environment, his family and friends, or if he is a teacher or lecturer,
to a wider circle. The journalist, however, whose words and thoughts
enjoy wide currency through the printed word, enjoys a much greater
influence; he is less limited in space, since the printed word travels
far, and in time, since it endures on record.

Thus you are privileged to have far greater opportunities in exercising
influence than the average person, to help illuminate the darkness of
the night with, I trust, ever growing effect. These are not mere
opportunities, for as everything in Nature strives to transform itself
form a state of potentiality to actuality, so all human potentialities
must be actualized for the general good, the true good. The way of
Providence is inscrutable. Although logically, as the Chanukah candles
indicate, one should begin by lighting up his home first, and then
seeing to it that its light dispels the darkness outside as far as
possible, the process is sometimes reversed; bringing light to others
far away, brings success in carrying the light closer home.

I send you my prayerful wishes for success in your personal affairs,
which is closely associated with your public work and your influence,
all the more so, since in addition to being a son of the "kingdom of
priest and a holy nation," you are actually a kohen among Jews.

With blessing,

*********************************************************************
                            WHAT'S IN A NAME
*********************************************************************
MESHULAM means "complete, whole." Meshulam (Nehemiah 8:4) returned with
Ezra and Nechemya to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile. According to
the Midrash, Meshulam was another name for Zecharya, whose deeds were
"whole." Another Meshulam was a sixth century b.c.e. scribe (II Kings
22:3) during the time  of King Josiah.


MILKA means "queen." Milka (Gen. 11:29) was the wife of Nachor
(Abraham's brother) and grandmother of Rebecca. Another Milka was one of
the five righteous daughters of Tzelafchad (Num. 26:33).

*********************************************************************
                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
*********************************************************************
The very first issue of L'Chaim, nearly 24 years ago, rolled off the
press in time to mark the end of the shloshim (30 days after the
passing) of our beloved Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka of righteous memory.
L'Chaim was established upon the Rebbe's request that institutions be
founded in the Rebbetzin's name. L'Chaim is an acronym "Lzecher Chaya
Mushka."

Since then, L'Chaim has grown from a modest weekly newsletter read by a
few thousand New Yorkers to a unique international Jewish educational
publication that has filled a much needed void. But, more importantly,
L'Chaim is a unifying factor amongst Jews, for it is read and
appreciated by Jews from all walks of life, at all levels of Jewish
education and commitment, throughout the US and around the world.

L'Chaim's subscribers hail from nearly every state in the United States.
Our international subscribers hail from France, Italy, South Africa,
Holland, Israel, England, Peru, Brazil, Hungary, and Australia. Enjoying
the electronic version of L'Chaim via the internet are readers in
countries as diverse as: Jordon, China, Bosnia, Congo, Poland, Russia,
Japan, Czech, Sweden, Germany, Scotland... the list goes on.

We've all heard the saying that nothing of value comes easily. As the
publisher of this imminent publication it gives me great pleasure to
thank the able staff of L'Chaim for their devotion, dedication and hard
work. In 1,200 issues they've never missed a deadline!

Recognition goes, as well, to the Lubavitcher students in NY, New
Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, Toronto, London, Manchester,
Paris, Johannesburg and Sydney, who spend their "free time" on Friday
afternoons visiting people in their work places, encouraging them to put
on Tefilin or light Shabbat candles, and leaving them with the much
enjoyed and appreciated L'Chaim.

Additional thank yous go to all of the subscribers to Chabad-Lubavitch
in Cyberspace who work so hard to print out the electronic version and
get it distributed in their respective communities. To all of you a big
Yasher Koach.

It is my most fervent wish, and surely that of the entire L'Chaim staff
and readership, that even before we reach the 24 year anniversary of
L'Chaim, all Jews will be reunited with each other and Moshiach in the
final Redemption.

*********************************************************************
                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
*********************************************************************
Go now and see if it is well with your brothers (Gen. 37:14)

When Jacob sent Joseph to look for his brothers, he enjoined him to see
only that which was "well" - the goodness and positive qualities they
had. In such a way would the brothers maintain their unity.

                                   (Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Pshischa)

                                *  *  *


There has been no harlot here (Gen. 38:21)

No element of impropriety surrounded the birth of Peretz and Zerach; the
entire incident was all part of the Divine plan that would lead to the
birth of Moshiach, who will be a descendant of Judah. The reason for the
circuitous and concealed manner in which this came about was solely to
divert the attention of the Satan.

                                         (Rabbi Meir of Premishlan)

                                *  *  *


How then can I do this great evil and sin against G-d? (Gen. 39:9)

As Rashi explains, gentiles as well as Jews were forbidden by G-d to
commit licentious acts. Being that the prohibition thus applied to
Potiphar's wife as well as to Joseph, would it not have been more
correct for Joseph to say "we" instead of "I"? In truth, however, Joseph
was referring to himself. His piety was such that he refused to speak
directly to her; even one word alluding to something they shared in
common was abhorrent.

                                                        (Reb Bunim)

*********************************************************************
                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
*********************************************************************
The good news spread throughout town. Rebbe Mordechai of Chernobyl would
be visiting to celebrate the first days of Chanuka! In addition to the
usual excitement that a Chasid feels upon being in his Rebbe's presence,
there were others things to be excited about, as well.

The Rebbe would honor one of his Chasidim with hosting him for the
evening tea. At this "tea party," which all of the chasidim would
attend, the Rebbe share words of Torah that would delight the souls of
his followers.

In addition, the Rebbe would bless the host at the end of the evening
with material and spiritual bounty. Lastly, everyone knew that the 18
rubles that the Rebbe "charged" for the honor of hosting him would be
given to charity. Thus, the host would give charity through the Rebbe's
own holy hand.

Itche the Miser went with all of the other Chasidim to greet the Rebbe
when he arrived in town. Itche's father had been a prominent
businessman. Like his father, Itche was also a Chasid. Unlike his
father, Itche's main focus in life was his business, his luxurious home
and all of its exquisite furnishings. Also unlike his father, Itche
found it hard to part with even a copper for charity. So, one can only
imagine how Itche felt when the Rebbe arrived and suggested, "Itche,
would you like to host me for tea?"

Of course, Itche said, "It would be my honor Rebbe." Inwardly, though,
Itche panicked. Tea with the Rebbe and all of his Chasidim! They would
destroy his home! Then an idea came to him; he would stand at his front
door and allow only the Rebbe in. A marvelous plan! Itche was relieved.
It would cost him 18 gold rubles but at least his expensive carpets and
antiques would remain intact. Itche was sure his idea would work until
the Rebbe said, "Itche, could you please personally transport me to your
home?"

Now Itche's mind worked feverishly. If he drove the Rebbe in his
carriage and they travelled quickly to Itche's home, they would arrive
long before the Chasidim who were walking and he would still have time
to bolt the front door so that no one else could enter. Ahhh, Itche
sighed in relief.

Finally it was the first night of Chanuka. Itche lit the Chanuka menora
with his family. He sat by the Chanuka lights for a little while. He
took one last look at his beautiful home and then went to pick up the
Rebbe. When Itche arrived, the Rebbe lit the Menora and recited the
blessings after which the Chasidim all answered "Amen." Then they began
to sing nigunim, wordless soul melodies, as the Rebbe meditated on the
light of the small flame. An air of tranquility permeated the room,
except in Itche's corner.

Finally, the Rebbe motioned to Itche that they would go now. Itche
pressed his coachman to drive as quickly as possible, certain that with
G-d's help he could put a fair distance between his carriage and the
Chasidim.

But, halfway through the journey, the Rebbe ordered the carriage to
stop. He turned to Itche and said, "I didn't realize your house is so
far. Such a long journey was not included in my original price. If you
want me to come any further you must pay me another 18 gold rubles."
With the Chasidim nearly catching up, Itche had no choice but to agree.
Eighteen gold rubles was still less than it would cost to replace his
precious carpets and furniture!

Within a few moments, they arrived at Itche's home. The Rebbe stared
intently at the 15 steps that led up to the door. "I had no idea you had
so many steps, dear Itche. That was not included in my original price.
If you want me to go inside your home, you must pay me 18 gold rubles
for each step!"

Itche nearly fainted. Before he had a chance to respond, the Chasidim -
who had caught up - accompanied the Rebbe up the stairs and inside.

The scene that unfolded before Itche's eyes was just as he had imagined.
He was not able to concentrate on even one holy word that the Rebbe
taught about Chanuka. The evening finally came to an end and Itche
breathed a sigh of relief. As the Rebbe was about to leave, Itche
suddenly remembered to ask the Rebbe to bless his family. Surely this
would make up for everything.

Quickly Itche gathered together his children and grandchildren and
requested, "Rebbe, please bless my family."

"Bless your family?" the Rebbe looked at Itche in surprise. "I have no
blessing for them," he said, and sadly turned away.

Itche felt as if the earth had opened beneath his feet. "Rebbe," Itche
cried out, in a voice filled with desperation. The Rebbe looked at Itche
long and hard. "In order for me to bless your family, you will have to
sign over your entire fortune to me," the Rebbe said seriously.

How could he sign over everything to the Rebbe? He would be penniless!
Moments of eternity passed. But then, he looked into the Rebbe's eyes
and saw within them compassion. With his last ounce of strength he said,
"If that is what I must do, then I will do it." And then he fainted.

In a haze, Itche heard the Rebbe saying, "Mazel tov, Itche!" The Rebbe
began to bless Itche and his entire family. "May you and your family
know only joy and health and prosperity from now on." For many moments,
blessings flowed from the Rebbe, each one greater than the previous one.

"Know, Itche, that you have just fought a great battle with your evil
inclination. Until a few moments ago, you did not own your wealth, your
evil inclination owned it! When you agreed to give me all of your
possessions, I was able to wrest your wealth from your evil inclination.
I now return it to you as Chanuka gelt (money). Use it well, dear
Itche."

Itche thanked the Rebbe and began to take hundreds of gold ruble notes
from his wallet. But the Rebbe declined. "I only accept 18 rubles for
tea."

Henceforth, Itche was a changed man. Itche generously shared his
"Chanuka gelt" throughout the entire year.

*********************************************************************
                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
*********************************************************************
In the spiritual realms, the Holy Temple is already in its place. Soon
it will descend to the material world in the ultimate Redemption, led by
Moshiach. This will be made possible by the preparations of "the Era of
Moshiach," the time period in which we are presently found. "All the
appointed times for Moshiach's coming have already passed" and all the
service necessary has been completed. All that is necessary to do is
open our eyes and we can see that the Redemption is already here.

                      (The Lubavitcher Rebbe, 21 Kislev, 5752-1991)

*********************************************************************
               END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 1200 - Vayeshev 5772
*********************************************************************

Current
  • Daily Lessons
  • Weekly Texts & Audio
  • Candle-Lighting times

    613 Commandments
  • 248 Positive
  • 365 Negative

    PDA
  • iPhone
  • Java Phones
  • BlackBerry
  • Moshiach
  • Resurrection
  • For children - part 1
  • For children - part 2

    General
  • Jewish Women
  • Holiday guides
  • About Holidays
  • The Hebrew Alphabet
  • Hebrew/English Calendar
  • Glossary

    Books
  • by SIE
  • About
  • Chabad
  • The Baal Shem Tov
  • The Alter Rebbe
  • The Rebbe Maharash
  • The Previous Rebbe
  • The Rebbe
  • Mitzvah Campaign

    Children's Corner
  • Rabbi Riddle
  • Rebbetzin Riddle
  • Tzivos Hashem

  • © Copyright 1988-2009
    All Rights Reserved
    L'Chaim Weekly