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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 1358
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                           Copyright (c) 2015
                 Lubavitch Youth Organization - L.Y.O.
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             THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FOR EVERY JEWISH PERSON
   Dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson N.E.
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        February 6, 2015         Yisro           17 Shevat, 5775
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                                L'Chaim!

"L'Chaim" is the Jewish way of making a toast, a hearty wish or blessing
to friends.

L'Chaim is spelled with five Hebrew letters: lamed, chet, yud, yud and
mem. The two "yuds" are symbolic of two "Yids" or Jews. Set these two
letters aside, and you are left with the letters of the word "lechem" -
bread.

When two Yids get together in brotherly love and bless each other, they
generate G-d's blessing for each other in the area of "bread" which is
symbolic of livelihood.

According to our Sages, though, bread does not only mean livelihood. It
is symbolic of all one's needs, both material and spiritual. So when two
(or more) Jews get together in a true spirit of love and unity, they
engender G-d's blessings in all areas of life.

Chasidic custom places the saying of "l'chaim" most effectively at
Chasidic gatherings devoted to brotherly (or sisterly) love.

In describing the virtues and benefits of such a gathering, Rabbi Shneur
Zalman (founder of Chabad-Lubavitch) said, "What a Chasidic gathering
can accomplish, even the Angel Michael cannot accomplish!"

The fifth Rebbe of Chabad- Lubavitch, the Rebbe Rashab, explains how it
is possible that a Chasidic gathering can be so powerful:

When a father looks at his children, and sees them living together with
love, unity, peace and contentment - each one worrying about the good of
the other in the same way that he worries about his own good - the
father is filled with pleasure and he hurries to fulfill his children's
requests.

What turns a random gathering into a "Chasidic gathering"? When those
gathered are, or aspire to be, Chasidim.

When someone asked Rabbi Shneur Zalman, "What is a Chasid?" he answered:
"A Chasid is one who foregoes his own good in order to do a favor for
another."

A more detailed description of a Chasid can be garnered from the Rebbe
Maharash.

Among the defining factors: A Chasid should be involved in doing favors
for others; should be joyous; should relate to others good-heartedly;
should know his own faults and the strong points of others; should
consider the simplest person more worthy than himself; should be able to
learn good behavior and positive qualities from every person; should
conduct himself in a manner of peace, love, friendship and fellowship.

This issue of L'Chaim - and all of the L'Chaims published for the past
27 years in every country where they are printed and read - is dedicated
to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, wife of the
Lubavitcher Rebbe. The Rebbe was once asked by a Jew who did not feel
comfortable donning the outward   garments of a Chasid, if he could
still consider himself a Chasid. The Rebbe responded, "When a Jew
endeavors to take a step forward in the service of G-d and the love of
his fellow man every day, I am happy to consider him my Chasid."

So, L'Chaim brothers and sisters! May we gather at only joyous occasions
to bless each other for the fulfillment of all of our needs, especially
the most fundamental need - Moshiach, who will usher in the eternal era
of personal and world peace, health, fulfillment and plenty.


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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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The name of this week's Torah portion is Yitro, despite the fact that
only a small part of the reading is actually devoted to Yitro (Jethro),
Moses' father-in-law. Most of the portion pertains to the preparation
for and giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, which took place seven weeks
after the Children of Israel had left Egypt. Certainly the Giving of the
Torah is much more significant than the story of Yitro, "the priest of
Midian" who "heard all that G-d had done for Moses and for Israel His
people" and decided to become Jewish.

In truth, the Giving of the Torah is the central, most definitive
historical event in Judaism. This week's portion includes many different
narratives, and even contains the Ten Commandments. Nonetheless, the
name of the Torah portion is Yitro.

This may be understood in light of the explanation in the Zohar (the
mystical text authored by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai) that Yitro's
conversion to Judaism and his statement, "Now I know that the L-rd is
greater than all gods," made it possible for the Torah to be given to
the Jewish people.

Accordingly, the entire Torah portion (including those chapters which
speak of the Giving of the Torah) is named after Yitro because of the
central role he played in the giving of the Torah.

From this we learn a wonderful lesson to be applied in our day-to-day
service of G-d:

Yitro is symbolic of the body and animal soul, whose only desire is the
pursuit of physical pleasure. Every Jew possess this "Yitro" within him;
it strives constantly to arouse his interest in material things.

When a Jew decides to utilize his "Yitro" for holy and spiritual
purposes (as did the original Yitro), it is that much easier for him to
learn Torah and perform mitzvot, for the animal soul assists him instead
of hindering his actions.

This is within the reach of every Jew, as the Torah was given to each
and every one without exception. Every Jew can actually induce his
animal soul to want the same things his G-dly soul desires: to live a
life of Jewish content and meaning, to perform mitzvot and study the
Torah.

Furthermore, when a Jew successfully affects his animal soul in this
manner, success will be his in all his other endeavors.

                              Adapted from Likutei Sichot, Volume 4

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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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                          Children of the Book
                An Interview with Devorah Leah Rosenfeld

Devorah Leah Rosenfeld is the Editor-in-Chief at Hachai Publishing, a
children's book publishing house founded 26 years ago in memory of
Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson. L'Chaim, also founded in memory of
Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, interviewed her for this issue of L'Chaim that
coincides with the Rebbetzin's anniversary of passing.

When Hachai was founded 26 years ago, most homes didn't even have
computers. Today's simplest phone is more powerful than the PCs of those
days. How if at all has the digital age affected children's books in
general and Hachai in particular?

DLR: My particular vision for Hachai is based on a very old fashioned
love of classic children's books... the kind that children want to hear
over and over again... and the kind that parents don't mind reading!
For that reason, we've resisted turning Hachai titles into interactive
games, cartoons, or recordings that children can use independently;
there are CDs and DVDs for that purpose.  Rather, we imagine that
parents and teachers who value close contact and cozy story time with
the children in their care will still reach for actual books.

In addition, for many families, Shabbat is set aside for reading time
and conversation with their children.  Real, hard copies of books with
Jewish content will always play an important role for theose who
celebrate Shabbat.

Do you see Hachai titles as exclusively for Orthodox children and
families?

DLR: Absolutely not! Although Torah observant families make up the bulk
of our customers, we've always aimed to make the books appealing to a
wider Jewish market. Thousands of Jewish kids of all types have
encountered our books in Hebrew schools, synagogue libraries, Jewish
summer camps and Chabad Houses. There's been tremendous interest in the
material from across a broad spectrum of Jewish educational and literary
organizations. "Nine Spoons," a moving account of a memorable Chanuka in
a Nazi labor camp, won the prestigious Association of Jewish Libraries
Sydney Taylor Award for best picture book the year it was released.
After that, numerous other titles received positive reviews and even
made the AJL Annual Notable List!

The popular PJ Library Program, which sponsors Jewish books for Jewish
families from all affiliations, has chosen five Hachai titles for
distribution to its membership. These organizations have many other
books and publishers to choose from, and it's gratifying to see that the
high quality of Hachai material has opened doors for Torah-true values
in the wider world of Jewish children's literature.

What is your favorite book and why?

DLR: Unfair question! They are all my babies!  However, I do have a
great soft spot for "Is It Shabbos Yet?" as one of my first discoveries
as an editor.

I'm also amazed that "The Invisible Book" encapsulates what spirituality
is all about in such a simple, child-friendly way.  "Hashem is Truly
Everywhere," "Messes of Dresses," and "Shabbos, Shabbos I Love You"
represent the perfect blend of rhyme, rhythm, and illustration.  They
are really fun to read aloud!  (I hope "Labels for Laibel" also makes
the grade.)

The Toddler Experience Series ("I Go to School, Doctor, Dentist,
Farm...") is deceptively simple, yet provides a profound look at the
values we hold dear in the everyday fabric of our lives.  I was
especially touched to hear from the mom of a teenage son with autism.
"I Go to a Wedding" helped her prepare him for a family wedding.  On the
night of the wedding, his behavior was impeccable, because he knew
exactly what to expect. Told you I love them all!

What's the most difficult part about the process of publishing
children's books?

DLR: The biggest hurdle is to be sure that a book or a particular topic
is really Hachai worthy.  We always try to create not only the best
Jewish book on a given subject, but the best book by any standard!

For instance, when we  published a telling time book, "Once Upon a
Time," we didn't just address telling the hour and the half hour, but
the way the minute hand indicates five minute intervals!  I've yet to
see a secular book that goes into that much detail. Then, of course it's
chock full of Torah values about how to best utilize our time.

We faced the same challenge with our new "Bracha, Do You Know?" book.
The topic of blessings is not complete without discussing the
"philosophy" behind reciting blessings, as well.  For example, Who is
the One we are talking to when making a blessing?

In addition to all that, we are very careful with every detail of Jewish
law and custom that impacts the illustrations.  Is the mezuza in the
illustration at the right height?  Is the mom's skirt long enough? Is
the character holding the food in the right hand when making a blessing?
Do we see the tzitzit on men and boys?  Can we get that child off his
knees? Can we illustrate the scene with only kosher animals?

I try not to think of these requirements as difficulties, but necessary
challenges.

How, if at all, has the fact that Hachai was founded in memory of
Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka impacted on the publishing house (or on you)?

DLR: When making certain changes gets tiresome, or makes the illustrator
feel the work would be cuter with less emphasis on Jewish custom and
law, I picture myself handing a copy of each new book to the Rebbe.

It helps remind me and all of us - the managing editor, authors,
illustrators, graphic designers - that we are not in the publishing
business.  We are in chinuch - Jewish education.

Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know about Hachai?

DLR: I'd like everyone to know that we publish and release new books on
a regular basis, so it's a good idea to ask your local Jewish bookseller
for the latest!  However, the tried and tested books from years back are
still in print and still beloved by a new generation of parents and
children... So, ask for those, too!


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                               WHAT'S NEW
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                          Bracha-Do You Know?

It's exciting and interactive for children to guess the rhyming Bracha
(blessing) riddles, then open the flap to reveal the answers in this
lift-the-flap book.  Cleverly designed so the very young can learn and
review all the various food related blessings on different types of
treats... and most importantly, remember Who is the One to thank! Bright
colorful illustrations feature a family of happy children who enjoy and
appreciate every opportunity to make brachos... so your kids will, too!
Bracha - Do You Know? makes a great gift for home or classroom, joining
other books in this valuable "Lift-the-Flap" series from Hachai
Publishing.

Other titles:  Purim Guess Who?  Chanukah Guess Who?  What Do I Say?
What Else Do I Say? Written by Ariella Stern, illustrated by Patti
Argoff

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                     Freely adapted and translated

         Erev Hilulo of Yud Shevat, Parshas Yisro, 5731 [1971]
           To All Participants in the Ninth Annual Mid-Winter
           Conference of Neshei UBnos Chabad, Cleveland, Ohio


Blessing and Greeting:

I was pleased to be informed of your forthcoming Mid-Winter Convention,
taking place during the weekend of Parshas [the Torah portion of] Yisro,
the Sidra [portion] of Mattan Torah [the Giving of the Torah].

You surely know of the teaching of Rabbi Shneur Zalman [founder of
Chabad Chasidism] to seek in the weekly portion directives and
inspiration for the events of that week. Accordingly, you will recall
the special role of Jewish women at the time of Mattan Torah. Our Sages,
commenting on the verse "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and
speak to the children of Israel" declare that the "House of Jacob"
refers to the women.

Consequently, the Torah indicates that the women were approached first,
before the men, when the Torah was about to be given. This emphasizes
the women's primary role in the preservation of the Torah and Mitzvoth
(commandments) in their homes, as well as for the Jewish people as a
whole.

Commenting on another verse, "Charus Al Haluchos" ("engraved on the
Tablets"), our Sages see in the word "Charus" the implication of
"Cheirus" ("liberation"). They go on to explain that true liberation can
only be achieved through the Torah, when it is truly engraved upon the
hearts and minds of the Jewish people. For when a Jew lives his daily
life in accordance with the Torah, he is truly free; free from servitude
to his own natural temptations, free from anxiety, etc.

The Torah concept of freedom is the very opposite of what nowadays
passes for "liberation," which really is nothing but a clamor for
freedom to do as one pleases, in order to gratify the natural appetite
without restrictions and inhibitions. This kind of liberation is nothing
but an attempt to legalize the lowest animal passions, and there is
surely no greater slavery than being a slave to one's own passions.

True liberation from enslavement to the self and to the negative aspects
of the society in which one lives, can be achieved only by submission to
the Will of G-d and the acceptance of the "yoke" of the Torah and
Mitzvoth. Only in this way can the Jew attain the highest degree of
spiritual development in his daily life, and make his life truly worth
living. For it is the Torah, Toras Chaim [the Torah of Life], which
elevates the life of the Jew and gives life true meaning and
fulfillment, so that the Jew can realize his destiny of being created in
the image of G-d. Indeed, it has been explained that the Hebrew word
"Adam" (man) is derived from the expression "Adameh l'Elyon" ("I will
aspire towards the Supreme Being").

The Torah concept of freedom is the very opposite of what nowadays
passes for "liberation," which really is nothing but a clamor for
freedom to do as one pleases, in order to gratify the natural appetite
without restrictions and inhibitions.

I trust the above few lines will lend further substance to the theme of
your Convention, and, what is most important, that it be truly
implemented in the activities of the Neshei uBnos Chabad, collectively
and individually, in accordance with the traditional role of Jewish
womanhood, as indicated above.

With all good wishes for your Hatzlocho [success], and may G-d grant
that you should have good news to report always,

With blessing,

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                              TODAY IS ...
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                               19 Shevat

The first positive mitzva (commandment) is, in the words of Maimonides,
"To know that there is a First Being, who caused the existence of all
beings...The knowledge of this principle is a positive command, as it is
said, I am the Eternal your G-d." This is a Mitzva relating to mind and
intellect. True, every one of Israel believes in G-d with a simple
faith, and his heart is whole with G-d; still it is the duty of the mind
and intellect to bring this faith to a level of knowledge and
comprehension....

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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Many of our Sages make reference to the fact that a person's name
indicates something about the person and can teach us about him or her.

If this is true for each of us, how much more so is it true for someone
like Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson (the wife of the Rebbe), whose
yartzeit is commemorated this week on the 22nd of Shevat (February 11
this year). In fact, the Rebbetzin's name teaches us not only about her
holy life, but about our lives as well.

On the Rebbetzin's first yartzeit, the Rebbe spoke about her name, as
well as the significance to us of the date of her passing:

"Chaya" means "life." The Rebbetzin's life was filled with mitzvot and
acts of goodness and kindness. But her deeds did not remain in the realm
of the spirit and were not for a select few. Her deeds affected even the
lowest points of this world as indicated by her second name, "Mushka" -
a name in a foreign language. This indicates that the Rebbetzin brought
holiness into the world, even into the lowest parts of this world.

The 22nd of Shevat is the day of the Rebbetzin's passing. The number 22
alludes to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Jewish teachings state
that G-d created the world using these letters. These 22 letters, in
their myriad combinations, contain the essence of all bounty and good.
The intent is to reveal in all matters of the universe the letters of
the Torah which are inherent in the created world.

From the Rebbetzin's name and from the date of her passing we can take
one combined lesson for ourselves and our lives. We should fill our days
with acts of goodness, kindness, and charity that are not merely surface
or peripheral but that permeate and penetrate even the lowest parts of
this world.

With each individual working toward this end, we will soon see that
G-dliness truly permeates this world with the revelation of Moshiach and
the commencement of the long-awaited Redemption.

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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And Yitro [Jethro], the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law...and
Yitro, father-in-law of Moses (Ex. 18:1, 2)

Why is "father-in-law" mentioned twice in describing Yitro? Yitro was an
important man in his own right. As the "priest of Midian," he already
enjoyed a high status. Yet he chose to be known as "Moses'
father-in-law," for he knew this was his true claim to greatness.

                                                     (Ohr Hachayim)

                                *  *  *


You shall select out of all the people...men of truth, hating bribe
(18:21)

You will have to search hard to find these people, Yitro counseled
Moses, for men possessing these qualities usually run away from
positions of honor and do not sit idle all day, enabling you to find
them easily.

                                                  (Shaar Bat Rabim)

                                *  *  *


And Yitro heard...and he came...to Moses (18:1-5)

What did Yitro hear to cause him to seek out Moses? He heard of the
miracles of the Red Sea and the war against Amalek. These events aroused
in him a strong belief in G-d. Why did he need to see Moses personally?
Yitro knew that to study Torah properly, he had to go to the leader of
the generation and learn from him directly.

                                                  (Sichot Tzadikim)

                                *  *  *


You shall sanctify today and tomorrow, and they shall wash their clothes
(19:10)

Rabbi Shneur Zalman taught, "You shall sanctify today and tomorrow"
refers to the sanctity that is bestowed from Above; "and they shall wash
their clothes" refers to the effort that each person must make on his
own behalf. His grandson, the Tzemach Tzedek, elaborated: "The command
to sanctify 'today and tomorrow' was given to Moses, and indeed, in
every generation, the leader of that generation has the power to elevate
the world and imbue it with more holiness. However, this must be
preceded by the preparation of 'washing the clothes.' Each individual
must first work on himself to cleanse the garments of his soul - his
thoughts, deeds and actions - before asking for help from Above."

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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The first light had barely begun to erase the shadows from the sky. The
young woman rose early today as every morning. She washed and hurriedly
dressed, tossing on her cloak. She proceeded on her way, her attention
taken up by thoughts of the future. Following the sound of melodious
voices, she arrived at the House of Prayer, and took up her usual
position outside. It was here she came every morning, to sit and allow
the sounds to enter her and fill her soul.

From the moment she knew there was life within her, her plan was clear.
She would go every day to the House of Prayer and then to all the Houses
of Study. Her child, though still unborn, would gradually come to know
the sounds of the holy words of Torah.

The chidings of her friends wouldn't stand in her way. "Where are you
going so early, while it is still dark and cold?" When she would reply,
"I am going to the House of Prayer, so that my baby can hear the holy
words," they would look at her in surprise. No one could fathom her
design; but to her it was perfectly clear.

On this particular cold, winter day, she sat immersed in her own prayer
to the One Above to bless her child with wisdom and the ability to toil
in His Torah. She sat until the scholars emerged from their devotions.
Shyly, she approached the first, "Please, bless my child with wisdom."
The old man smiled at the young woman whose presence no longer surprised
him. "May your child shine with the light of Torah," he replied. She
then continued onto the various Houses of Study where she would sit
beneath the open windows, the words of Torah permeating her essence.

By the time the sun had risen to the highest point in the sky, she had
made her way home to begin her day's work. The months passed; the sun
rose later, the mornings were warm and sunny. The young woman still made
her early morning rounds, but now she was accompanied by her small, new
son, the apple of her eye, her precious treasure.

She still visited both the Houses of Prayer and the Houses of Study, but
now she propped up the small baby in his cradle which she carried from
home. And from the early morning until the heat of the day had passed,
the tiny baby sat, dozed, ate, and dozed again while the sacred melodies
of Torah learning filled the air, enveloping him and filtering into his
consciousness. The young mother was joyful with her lot and confident in
the future of her small child, Yehoshua.

                                *  *  *


Rabbi Yehoshua was tired. The road to Rome was long and difficult,
especially in the dry season. But, praised be the Alm-ghty, his mission
had met with success. His nerve-wracking debates with the vicious
Hadrian had yielded the hoped for result - the severe decrees against
the Jews had been rescinded. He could return home to Yavne in peace,
with good news for his colleagues in the Sanhedrin and all his fellow
Jews. Who could say what the evil Roman would come up with next time;
now, at least, the Jews could breathe more easily, for a while. Rabbi
Yehoshua was enjoying his repose. He had stopped to rest at an inn. He
longed to return to the Holy Land, to resume learning Torah with his
beloved comrades.

He was thus immersed in reverie when he was interrupted by a young Roman
gentlewoman who stood  before him with a saucy look on her face.  "So,
you are the famous Rabbi Yehoshua ben Chanania," she said with a look of
disdain.

"So, I am," answered Rabbi Yehoshua, for even in his humility he was
aware that his fame extended even here, to Rome. His wisdom, though, was
equalled by his penetrating insight and deep-felt love for his
fellowman. His response to her was gentle, almost diffident: "What it is
that troubles you, my daughter?"

"I have heard many tales recounting your wisdom," she replied, "but
never would I have imagined that G-d would pick such an ugly vessel for
his wisdom!"

Rabbi Yehoshua smiled at the woman's easy insolence and rude, but honest
description of his appearance; she was obviously a person of great
wealth and position to possess such a haughty confidence at such a young
age. "Tell me," he said, "does your father have old wine?"

"Of course. We have extensive cellars," the girl answered, a bit
surprised at the question.

"Well," he continued, "how does your father store the wine?"

"In clay jugs, of course."

"Why is that? Can't he afford to buy silver casks?" asked Rabbi
Yehoshua, feigning surprise.

"Everyone knows that wine will spoil if it is stored in silver. Clay is
the proper material for preserving wine."

"You have your answer! The Creator of the World knows the proper
receptacle for His wisdom, and thus has He created me! If you have a
complaint, you must make it to my Creator!"

The Roman woman was both embarrassed and impressed by Rabbi Yehoshua.
She took her leave, murmuring apologies. But Rabbi Yehoshua was
unperturbed by the encounter. He stood up to resume his journey home.

                                *  *  *


The years accumulated greatness and honor, but Rabbi Yehoshua's aim
never changed. One day, already an old man, he sat with his students
exploring a question in the law. Was it incumbent upon the parents to
bring their small children to hear the reading of the law? Rabbi
Yehoshua related the story of how his mother would rise before dawn to
sit beneath the open windows and allow her child to absorb the essence
of the holy words. All his life, Rabbi Yehoshua continued, he recalled
his mother with blessing, for it was she who instilled in him the
holiness to which his soul became attached. Rabbi Yehoshua's comment
sealed the halachic conclusion with his own beautiful truth.

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
*********************************************************************
The Prophet Isaiah states that in the Messianic Era, "Gd will wipe away
tears from every face..." Tears, "dima" in Hebrew,  is numerically
equivalent to 119. Gd's positive activity of wiping away tears
represents an increase causing the sum to reach 120, the years of a
complete human life. Thus, when Moses reached 120 years, he said, "Today
my days and my years are completed." This relates to every Jew, for
every Jew possesses a spark of Moses. It also shares a connection to the
portion of Yitro. Our Sages relate that after each of the Ten
Commandments, "the souls of the Jews departed," a phenomenon parallel to
death, and Gd revived them with the dew which He will use to resurrect
the dead in the Era of the Redemption.

                                (The Rebbe, eve of 22 Shevat, 1992)

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                END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 1358 - Yisro 5775
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