LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Eikev

[yysha...@aol.com]

B"H
LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach

PARSHAT EIKEV, 5782
22 Menachem-Av, 5782
August 19, 2022

SPECIAL FEATURES:
1. Chassidus In Braille:
Lighting Up the Path to the Redemption

2. Chof Menachem-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 *
* of a dear friend, *
* Reb Dovid Reuven ben Reb Yitzchok Issac *
* Stayer, *
* Passed away, on 15 Adar I, *
* - Shushan Purin Katan, 5782 *
* * *
* May his 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. *
* * *
* 5,782 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

* * *

5782

****************************************************
* VISIT US ON THE WEB, AT: *
* http://www.torah4blind.org *
****************************************************
* TO RECEIVE THIS PUBLICATION VIA INTERNET: *
* E-Mail: in...@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.
* The Mitzvah of Mezuzah.
* Chassidus In Braille: Lighting Up the Path to the Redemption.
Spreading the Wellsprings Outward.
Windows for the Soul.
The Ultimate Purpose of Sight.
Making Accounts: Moshiach's Coming is Past Due.
Catalysts for the Redemption.
* The Rebbe's Father.
* Moshiach Matters.
* It Happened Once.
* Time for Unity; Time for Strength!
* A Call to Action.
* 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 1300th issue of our weekly publication, Living With
Moshiach.

*

In this week's issue we focus on Chof Menachem-Av, the 20th of
Menachem-Av, Wednesday, August 17 -- when we commemorate the 78th
yahrtzeit of the Rebbe's father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok.

*

31 years ago, on Shabbat Parshat Eikev, 5751, (Aug. 3, 1991),
the Rebbe spoke about the printing of Chassidus for the blind, in
Braille.

The full text of the Rebbe's sichah (talk) is reprinted in this
issue, with the kind permission of "Sichos In English."
("https://www.sie.org")

*

We take this opportunity to wish you and yours a K'Siva
Vachasima Tova, a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. [*]

*

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:y...@torah4blind.org
18 Menachem-Av, 5782
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.
_______________
*. This year, Rosh HaShanah is celebrated on Monday, Sept. 26,
2022, and Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022.

*************************************************
* 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 EIKEV

In this week's Torah portion, Parshat Eikev, Moses looks back
upon the Jewish people's 40 years in the desert, and mentions twice
the manna they ate for sustenance. Both times, Moses seems to imply
that eating the manna was somehow distressing: "And He afflicted
you and suffered you to hunger, and fed you with manna"; "[He] fed
you in the wilderness with manna...that He might afflict you."

In fact, the Children of Israel complained bitterly over having
to eat it. "But now our soul is dried away; there is nothing at all
except this manna before our eyes." "Our soul loathes this light
bread."

At first glance their complaint is surprising, as the Torah
describes the manna as being delicious -- "and its taste was like
wafers made with honey." Our Sages comment further that the G-dly
manna was unique, in that the person eating it experienced whatever
flavor he wished. Furthermore, the manna was completely digested,
having no waste. How then could such a wonderful food be perceived
as "torment"?

However, the Talmud explains that it was precisely these
qualities that left the Jews with a sense of hunger. It was hard to
get used to this "bread from the heavens" that had no waste and
could taste like anything in the world. The Jews wanted regular
bread, "bread from the earth." They longed for food that looked
like what it was.

But the truth is that the Jews' resentment was motivated by the
Evil Inclination. At first, the Evil Inclination draws a person
into small sins, slowly working its way to more serious ones. So it
was with the Children of Israel: They started by complaining about
the manna, then progressed to "crying among their families,"
implying transgressions in the area of family life.

The dynamics of the Evil Inclination never change, and even
today, the Evil Inclination still chafes against "bread from the
heavens." Symbolically, "bread from the heavens" stands for Torah
and G-dly wisdom, while "bread from the earth" is secular, worldly
knowledge. The Evil Inclination tries to make the Jew dissatisfied
with his "bread from the heavens," and attempts to convince him
that a steady diet of Torah will leave him hungry. "The Torah is
endless," it whispers in his ear. "You can never learn it all; the
more you'll learn, the more you'll see how infinite it is. Why not
turn your mind to worldly matters? At least you'll get a feeling of
fullness and satisfaction."

On an even finer level, the Evil Inclination tries to dissuade a
Jew from studying Chassidus, the innermost part of Torah, which is
also likened to "bread from the heavens." "Bread from the earth,"
the revealed part of Torah, is enough, it claims.

But the truth is the opposite. Because the Jew's essence is
spiritual, he can never be satiated by worldly matters. Only Torah,
and the innermost part of it, can make the soul feel full, for it
is through Torah that the Jew connects to the Infinite.

************************
* 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. 1194-1196:
http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5780/1194-1196.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 *
*******************************************************

**************************
* THE MITZVAH OF MEZUZAH *
**************************

About the mitzvah of mezuzah, which is found in the Torah
portion of Parshat Eikev, the Talmud relates that Rabbi Yehuda
Hanasi once sent a mezuzah as a gift to Artaban, king of Persia,
explaining that the small scroll would protect him from harm.

At first glance, Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi's gesture seems odd. The
commandment to affix a mezuzah upon one's doorposts was given only
to the Jewish nation. A non-Jewish king, therefore, would not be
fulfilling a religious precept by possessing a mezuzah. As such, he
would also be ineligible for any reward resulting from the
performance of a mitzvah. Why then did Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi promise
the gentile king that the mezuzah would guard and protect him?

A similar question may also be asked about the common practice,
dating back to the time of the Mishnah, of inserting a mezuzah
scroll into one's walking stick, also done for the sake of the
protection it afforded. A walking stick is certainly not included
in the commandment of mezuzah. If there is no commandment, there is
certainly no reward. How, then, did the mezuzah afford protection?

A distinction must be made between the reward a person receives
for performing a mitzvah and the intrinsic attribute of the mitzvah
itself. When a person obeys G-d's command by fulfilling a mitzvah,
the reward he earns is a separate and distinct entity, additional
to the essential nature of the mitzvah. For example, the Torah
states that the reward for the mitzvah of mezuzah is long life:
"That your days be increased and the days of your children."

Yet besides the reward promised by the Torah, each mitzvah has
its own special attributes and characteristics that have nothing to
do with reward, but are integral parts of the mitzvah itself. The
mezuzah's attribute is protection. Our Sages explained that when a
kosher mezuzah is affixed to the door post, G-d Himself watches
over the occupants of the house, even when they are not at home. A
mezuzah is written solely for the purpose of protection, and, by
its nature, it protects.

With this in mind, it becomes clear that even when no
fulfillment of a religious precept is involved, a mezuzah still
possesses this attribute of protection, at least to some degree. It
was for this reason that Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi sent the mezuzah as a
gift to the Persian king and that Jews took mezuzot with them
wherever they went inside their walking sticks.

In a similar vein, speaking about and studying the laws of
mezuzah afford similar protection. The Talmud relates that in the
house of one Jewish king a special sign was made on those door
posts that were exempt from having a mezuzah.

From this we learn the crucial importance of having kosher
mezuzot. The Jewish people, likened to "one sheep among seventy
wolves," are always in need of special defense. Every additional
mezuzah affixed to a Jewish home extends G-d's Divine protection to
the entire Jewish nation, for all Jews are ultimately responsible
for one another.

*

For more information about the mitzvah of mezuzah, contact your
local rabbi, or Chabad-Lubavitch Center.

*************************************************
* CHASSIDUS IN BRAILLE: *
* Lighting Up the Path to the Redemption *
* *
* An [1] Adaptation of an Address of the Rebbe, *
* on Shabbat Parshat Eikev, 5751/1991 *
*************************************************

"Publisher's Foreword:"

One of the unique aspects of Chassidus is that it generates the
potential to see any incident in a larger scope. An idea is thus
appreciated not only for its individual message, but also as a part
of a more inclusive whole.

The Rebbe gave expression to this quality in his sichos (talks)
on Shabbat Parshat Eikev. He focused on a unique development: the
publication of the Tanya in [Hebrew] braille, emphasizing the
important breakthrough it represented -- bringing the teachings of
Chassidus to people who had never previously had the opportunity to
taste this spiritual knowledge independently.

Nevertheless, beyond this important dimension, this development
can be seen as part of a process of yet greater scope -- as both a
foretaste of, and a catalyst for, the coming of the Era of the
Redemption. Accordingly, the Rebbe encourages us here to continue
this pattern, to "live with the Redemption," to conduct ourselves
in its spirit, and in this manner, to precipitate its coming even
sooner.

* * *

SPREADING THE WELLSPRINGS OUTWARD

Recently, a new printing of the Tanya was brought to this
building, the Previous Rebbe's shul and House of Study, an event
that is noteworthy in its own right, and of even greater
significance when viewed as part of a cosmic canvas.

The Tanya, which has been described as "the Written Torah of
Chassidus," [2] has been reprinted many thousands of times all over
the world. Indeed, the Baal Shem Tov taught that the coming of
Moshiach is dependent on "the spreading of the wellsprings of
Chassidus outward." [3] Ultimately, in the Era of the Redemption,
"the knowledge of G-d will fill the earth as the waters cover the
ocean bed." [4] And to prepare for this revelation, it is necessary
to spread G-dly knowledge, the teachings of Chassidus, throughout
the world at large. When seen in this context, the printing of the
Tanya in so many different cities is significant, for it has
transformed them into "wellsprings," centers and sources for the
spreading of Chassidus. [5]

Windows for the Soul

The new printing of the Tanya mentioned above is unique,
however, for it represents the spreading of the teachings of
Chassidus to a group of people who had previously had no potential
to study these teachings unaided. For this the Tanya was printed in
braille.

In recent generations, Chassidus has been explained in
ever-increasing depth and breadth, and these explanations have been
communicated to people from different backgrounds and walks of life
in many languages. Unfortunately, however, the physical handicap of
the blind prevented them -- until now -- from reading these texts
independently.

The significance of this printing is magnified by the fact
that, as mentioned above, the Tanya is known as "the Written
Torah of Chassidus." Just as the Written Torah includes the entire
Oral Law, for "there is no teaching which is not alluded to in the
Torah," [6] so, too, the Tanya includes in seminal form all the
teachings of Chassidus revealed in later generations. [7] In this
sense, this Tanya makes the totality of the teachings of Chassidus
accessible.

The Ultimate Purpose of Sight

There is an intrinsic connection between the blind and the study
of Chassidus. Chassidus -- the medium in which pnimiyus HaTorah
(the inner dimensions of Torah) is revealed in the present age --
is known as [8] "the Light of the Torah." Similarly, in Lashon
HaKodesh, "The Holy Tongue," it is common to describe the blind by
the euphemism sagi nahor, which means "of great light." And indeed,
historically, there is a connection between the two. One of the
great sages of the kabbalistic tradition, Rabbi Yitzchok Sagi
Nahor, [9] was blind.

There is also a connection between the blind and the Future
Redemption, because in that era the dimension they possess,
which is associated with "great light," will be revealed. At that
time, G-d will heal the entire world and the blind will be healed
first. [10]

(The significance of the blind becoming sighted is also
connected to the revelation of the "knowledge of G-d" in the Era
of Redemption. Moshiach will teach the people, using the power of
sight [11] and thus, this faculty will be necessary to appreciate
the new dimensions of Torah knowledge that will be revealed at that
time.)

Moreover, the study of the Tanya by the blind will hasten the
advent of this era, for this represents the opening of an entirely
new sphere in the spreading of the teachings of Chassidus. And in
this context, we can appreciate the greater significance of this
printing.

Making Accounts:
Moshiach's Coming is Past Due

Moshiach's coming is long overdue; "All the appointed times for
the Redemption have passed." [12] Furthermore, from the perspective
of the Jewish people, we have already completed the spiritual
service demanded of us. To borrow a phrase from the Previous Rebbe,
"We have even polished the buttons," [13] for the teachings of
Chassidus have been presented in a manner in which they are
accessible to every Jew.

The printing of the Tanya in braille thus reflects the nature
of the spiritual service required in the present age -- making the
teachings of Chassidus accessible to others who for various reasons
have not yet been exposed to them. And in doing so, there must be a
consciousness that these teachings are a foretaste of the
revelation of "the knowledge of G-d" in the Era of the Redemption.
Moreover, a study of these teachings will lead to that revelation.
In this manner, studying Chassidus reflects our efforts to "live
with the Redemption," and make the Redemption an active force in
our daily conduct.

The above concepts are particularly relevant in the present
month, the month of Elul, when it is customary to review and take
stock of our spiritual service in the previous year, and in this
manner, prepare for the new year to come. This stocktaking should
also focus on the imminence of the Redemption and on our efforts to
make the Redemption an actual reality.

Catalysts for the Redemption

A Jew has the potential to arouse himself, to arouse others, and
to arouse G-d Himself, as it were. According to all the signs given
by our Sages, [14] and definitely in the light of the miracles
which we have witnessed recently, the ultimate Redemption should
have come already, and in this present year. For the miracles
described in the Yalkut Shimoni [15] are to take place in "the year
in which the King Moshiach will be revealed."

We must cry out "Ad Masai!" - "Until when must we remain in
exile?" And furthermore, this outcry must be coupled with actions
that grant us a foretaste of -- and thus precipitate -- the Era of
the Redemption.

And these efforts will doubtless bear fruit, particularly in the
present time. The month of Elul is a time when G-d accepts the
requests and grants the wishes of the Jewish people. And surely
this is an appropriate time for Him to grant our truest and most
essential wish -- that the Redemption come about immediately.
_______________
1. Adapted from the book, Sound the Great Shofar (Brooklyn, NY:
Kehot Publication Society, 1992).

2. Igros Kodesh (Letters) of the Previous Rebbe, vol. IV, p.
261ff.

3. For the relevant sources see footnotes 12, 13 and 14 to the
above Overview.

4. Yeshayahu 11:9, quoted by the Rambam at the conclusion of
his discussion of the Era of the Redemption in the Mishneh
Torah, Hilchos Melachim 12:5.

5. See sichah of Parshas Bo, 5744, and the essay, "The Printing
of Tanya," in Sichos In English, vol. XIX, pp. 113-119.

6. Zohar III, 221a.

7. Furthermore, the final portion of the Tanya, Kuntres
Acharon, is an explanation of certain passages found in the
previous four portions of the Tanya. In this it resembles the
Oral Law, which is an explanation of the Written Law. Indeed,
there is a close similarity between this fifth portion of the
Tanya and the Book of Devarim, which is called Mishneh Torah,
a restatement of the Torah, and thus shares a connection with
the Oral Law.

8. See Yerushalmi, Chagigah 1:7, and commentary of Korban
HaEdah.

9. See Shmos HaGedolim and also Recanati, Parshas Vayeishev.

10. Midrash Tehillim 146; see also Yeshayahu 35:5 and Bereishis
Rabbah 95:1.

11. See Likkutei Torah, Tzav 17 a, b.

12. Sanhedrin 97b.

13. Sichah of Simchat Torah, 5689/1928.

14. See the conclusion of Tractate Kesubbos.

15. Vol. II, sec. 499, commenting on Yeshayahu 60:1, with
reference to events having worldwide repercussions in the
Persian Gulf.

**********************
* THE REBBE'S FATHER *
**********************

On Chof Menachem-Av, the 20th of Menachem-Av, Wednesday, August 17,
we commemorate the 78th yahrtzeit of the Rebbe's father, Rabbi
Levi Yitzchok Schneerson, known affectionately as Reb Leivik. [16]

A Torah prodigy from his early youth, he was granted rabbinic
ordination by some of the greatest rabbis of his time. A great
scholar, teacher, and community leader, much has been written about
his books, commentaries and letters, which he wrote under most
unusual circumstances. Very little, however, has been written about
his great personality, partly because few who knew him survived the
Russian conditions and the war. Partly, too, because his is an
enigmatic personality whose essence it is difficult to grasp, for
there was a certain simplicity about him that belied his inner
grandeur.

He was an outstanding scholar in Kabbalah, an area that is
"closed" even to most accomplished scholars. His knowledge of
Kabbalah was quite unusual in that it was not just a theoretical or
esoteric scholarship, but had practical application. Not that Reb
Leivik used it to perform miracles, although some earlier great
kabbalists had demonstrated that that was possible. He used it to
better understand various halachic and talmudic passages and
coincidences that are usually not included in ordinary scholarly
discussions.

Reb Leivik was concerned with these minute "abandoned" phenomena
in Torah. He knew the reasons and the explanations so well and so
clearly that the reader of his works cannot help marveling as he
learns the Torah secrets that are revealed on every page of our
sanctified texts.

Reb Leivik was also able to explain various events that
transpired in his life according to Kabbalah, including when he was
imprisoned in 5699/1939, for teaching Judaism in Stalinist Russia,
and was moved from prison to prison and from city to city.

This is only one of the many rare aspects of this great tzaddik.
A man who, suffering great thirst and hunger because of water and
food scarcities, took the small ration of water and used it to wash
and sanctify his hands, a man who, after standing in a breadline
with other prisoners during a famine, came home and cried that he
wasted so much time waiting for a tiny piece of chametz, instead of
preparing for the impending festival of Passover -- this was Reb
Leivik.

Throughout his entire stay in prison, in fact, Reb Leivik's
greatest anxiety was not food, clothing, or shelter, but paper and
ink. His greatest need was to write, to reveal more and more
secrets of Torah so that others might share and draw inspiration
from the depths and beauty of the words of our sages.

That urge to give of what was dearest to himself -- his
kabbalistic Torah insights -- he expressed in the long talks that
he delivered at every occasion. But in prison and in exile he was
in isolation; this exacerbated his suffering and made his need to
write down his thoughts even stronger.

When he was blessed with his Rebbetzin's arrival to share his
exile -- a long and excruciating episode recorded in detail in her
diary -- he was extremely happy with the holy books she was able to
bring with her. Even before, though, he had quoted from them in his
writings, citing exact chapter, page, etc. [17]

His joy at getting his beloved books was doubled, now, for
besides being able to study them, he would use their margins to
write his insights, which poured forth in tremendous volume. But he
lacked ink, which was unavailable in the area. Thanks to his
Rebbetzin's genius and devotion, some ink was manufactured from
local herbs and plants.

Reb Leivik's unpretentiousness is also found in his writings,
where he almost never uses the style common to most scholars.

Reb Leivik made his comments directly, without any remarks or
apologies, without elaborating on the difficulty inherent in the
quoted passage. But what he said in his commentaries and in his
letters is so profound and so brilliant that one can feel
justifiably proud just understanding it. One must be a substantial
scholar to merely comprehend even his simpler remarks, let alone to
question or analyze them.

While Reb Leivik accepted the Divine will that allotted him
suffering Soviet incarceration, he was not depressed or paralyzed
spiritually. On the contrary, he flourished spiritually under the
most adverse conditions. Reb Leivik concentrated on accomplishing
the utmost in Torah learning and interpretation.

Chasidic philosophy teaches that from the nature of the reward
for a mitzvah we may glimpse the meaning of its essence. This is
perhaps true of people; from their reward we may perceive their
greatness. Reb Leivik's reward is his son, the present Rebbe.
_______________
16. He was the great-grandson of the third Chabad-Lubavitch
Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel, known as the Tzemach Tzedek,
and was born on Nissan 18, 5638/1878. He served as Chief
Rabbi of the city of Dnepropetrovsk (Yekatrinislav) in the
difficult years of communistic, anti-Jewish persecution. He
was arrested in 5699/1939, and then exiled to Asiatic
Russia where he endured terrible suffering for his staunch,
uncompromising stand on all matters of Jewish religious
observances. He passed away Menachem-Av 20, 5704/1944,
while still in exile.

17. See "The Rebbe's Mother," Printed in "Living With Moshiach"
Vol. 1201: https://torah4blind.org/lwm-5780/1201.txt

********************
* MOSHIACH MATTERS *
********************

"Some people are apprehensive about having the Redemption arrive
so suddenly. What will come of all the businesses that they have
set up, the property and possessions they have accumulated, the
friendships and the contacts that have been established, and so on?

"They need not worry. The Redemption does not imply the
annulment of the natural order nor the loss of the good things that
came into being (in the spirit of the Torah) during the exile.
Indeed, these very things will be comprised in the Redemption, and
will be elevated to a state of Redemption, to the level of their
true consummation." (The Rebbe, 5751/1991)

********************
* IT HAPPENED ONCE *
********************

"The Holy Temple will be destroyed, and the Jews will be exiled
from their land!" a Heavenly voice decreed. "But the Western Wall
of the Holy Temple will not be destroyed," said G-d, "so that there
should always be a reminder that G-d's Glory resides there!"

The Jews would not forget the Holy Temple. Every year on the
ninth day of the Hebrew month of Menachem-Av, the day on which the
first and second Holy Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed, the Jews
assembled at the Western Wall. There, standing next to the only
visible remains of the Temple, they poured out their hearts over
the destruction and beseeched G-d to rebuild the Holy Temple.

The Romans, the destroyers of the second Temple, could not bear
to see how resolutely the Jews kept to their religion, and how holy
they regarded the Western Wall. The Romans hit upon a plan of how
to remedy the situation; they issued an order that all gentiles who
lived in Jerusalem must dump their garbage daily near the Wall.

Day in, day out, the heap of garbage grew. Bit by bit the entire
Wall was buried under a massive grave of garbage. The Jews mourned
anew.

Many years went by. A very righteous Jew from outside of Israel
came to Jerusalem to pour out his heart to G-d over the
destruction. He walked through the streets of Jerusalem, seeking
the Wall, but he could not find it. Everyone he asked shrugged
their shoulders; they had never in their lives seen the Wall.

The Jew, however, did not give up hope. Day and night he looked
for the Wall. Once, he came upon a huge hill of rubbish and
wondered how so much garbage came to be accumulated at this place.
He noticed a very old woman carrying a heavy sack on her back.

"Old woman, what are you carrying?" the Jew asked her.

"I am carrying a sack of garbage to throw on the hill."

The Jew inquired, "Do you have no place closer to home for
garbage, that you are forced to bring it here?"

"It is an ancient custom for us to bring the garbage here. Once,
in this place, there stood a huge, magnificent stone wall. The Jews
regarded the wall as holy. Their conquerers, the Romans, ordered
all of the city's non-Jewish inhabitants to dump their garbage. So
generations ago, we were ordered to cover the wall." She emptied
her bundle and returned home.

The Jew wept and pledged to himself: "I will not move from here
until I figure out how to remove the garbage and reveal the Western
Wall."

Suddenly an idea came to him. He began walking in the streets of
Jerusalem and whispered to everyone he met, "They say that a
treasure lies buried beneath the hill of garbage over there."

The man himself took a shovel and began digging in the dirt. A
short while later people began arriving. The whole city of
Jerusalem was abuzz with the announcement of a treasure lying
beneath the hill of garbage. People streamed to the hill with
shovels and buckets. They dug for a whole day until the upper
stones of the Wall came into view. The sun set and people left,
eagerly anticipating the dawning of a new day. The Jew then took
some gold coins from his pocket, covered them with dirt and left.

Early the next morning, soon after dawn, there was an uproar at
the hill. Someone had found a gold coin. A second person found a
golden coin and then a third.

The people started to dig with even more enthusiasm. Every day
they dug deeper and deeper. Every day a few golden coins were
found. But, they were certain the real treasure lay at the bottom.
The Jew spent his entire fortune on his mission to uncover the
Western Wall.

For forty days the people dug near the Wall, seeking to unearth
the buried treasure. Finally the entire Wall was cleared of
garbage. They did not find the treasure, but in front of their eyes
a big stone wall loomed.

Suddenly a great storm broke out and a torrent of rain came
down. It rained for three days, washing the Wall clean of any
traces of dirt. When the people came out to see what they had
unearthed, they saw a handsome wall with huge stones, some as tall
as ten feet high.

On the spot where the earth from which Adam was formed was
gathered by G-d's "hand," where Abraham brought Isaac to be
sacrificed, where the first Holy Temple built by King Solomon
stood, and the second Holy Temple built by Ezra and Nechemiah stood
-- on this very spot the third and final Temple will be built, when
Moshiach comes.

**************************************
* 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

********************
* A CALL TO ACTION *
********************

The Rebbe's slogan is: "The main thing is the deed." We
therefore present from the Rebbe's talks, suggestions of what we
can do to complete his work of bringing the Redemption.

Study Ethics of the Fathers

We read one chapter of Ethics of the Fathers (Pirkei Avot) each
Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, because these are the days
leading up to the Giving of the Torah and Pirkei Avot contain
ethics and moral exhortations to help us improve ourselves so that
we are worthy of the Torah.

The Rebbe emphasized the importance of not only reciting the
chapters, but also actually studying them.

FACILITATE AN INCREASE IN JEWISH EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN

A few years ago, near the end of the month of Menachem-Av, the
Rebbe explained:

"We are nearing the close of the month of Menachem-Av, a month
associated with the destruction of the Holy Temple. Removing the
cause of the Holy Temple's destruction -- 'Jerusalem was destroyed
solely because the Torah study of the children was nullified' --
will cause the effect, the destruction and the exile, also to
cease, and bring about the revelation of the Third Holy Temple. One
should assure an increase in the area of the education of Jewish
children."

You can start by enrolling your child in a Jewish day school or
afternoon school program or giving a donation to an institution
dedicated to Jewish education.

***************************************
* 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, AUGUST 19, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT EIKEV:
* Light Shabbat Candles, [18] by 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, SHABBAT PARSHAT EIKEV:
* Blessing of the New Hebrew Month, Elul. [19]
* On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read
Chapter 4 of Pirkei Avot -- Ethics of the Fathers.
* Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 8:30 p.m.
_______________
18. 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.

19. Rosh Chodesh Elul is celebrated on Shabbat Parshat Re’eh,
Sat., August 27, and Sunday, August 28.

*********************************************
* 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: in...@torah4blind.org *
* or: *
* http://www.torah4blind.org/subs.htm *
****************************************************

==========================================================
= End of Text: Living With Moshiach, Parshat Eikev, 5782 =
==========================================================