LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei

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LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei

B"H
LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach

PARSHAT VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI, 5780
Adar 24, 5780
March 20, 2020

SPECIAL FEATURE:
1. The ABC's of Getting Ready for Passover
2. Celebrate Your Birthday

********************************************
* Bring Moshiach now *
* by adding in acts of goodness & kindness *
********************************************

*********************************************
* This week's issue of Living With Moshiach *
* is dedicated in loving memory of *
* Mrs. Aita Leah bas Reb Meir Michel *
* Stayer *
* Passed away on 29 Nissan, 5774 *
* * *
* May her Soul Merit Eternal Life *
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* This week's issue is sponsored in part by: *
* Holy Sparks - "http://www.holysparks.com" *
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5780

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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.
* From a Talk of the Rebbe.
* Time to Start Passover Cleaning.
* The ABC's of Getting Ready for Passover.
* Parshat HaChodesh.
* Shabbat Mevorchim Nissan.
* Birthday Celebrations.
* Birthday Reflections & Celebrations.
* Birthday Customs and Practices.
* Happy Birthday To You.
* Your Birthday - A Day of Good Luck.
* A Birthday Wish.
* Whose Birthday Is It?
* On Lions and Lambs
* Time for Unity; Time for Strength!
* A Call to Action.
* Glossary.
* 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 1175th issue of our weekly publication, Living With
Moshiach.

*

In this week's issue, we focus on:

1) As our Sages have enjoined us to begin preparing for each
holiday thirty days before the holiday begins,

Therefore, we begin in this week's issue, to focus on the
upcoming 8-day festive holiday of Pesach, which begins this year,
on Wednesday night, April 8.

2) Shabbat Parshat HaChodesh, the fourth of four special Torah
readings read in the synagogue on the Sabbaths before the month of
Nissan -- Shekolim, Zachor, Parah and HaChodesh.

3) The upcoming Hebrew month of Nissan.

4) In honor of the 119th birthday of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka,
the Rebbe's wife, on the 25th of Adar, Shabbat Parshat
Vayakhel-Pekudei (Sat., March 21), that marks the 119th year
since the birth of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, the Rebbe's wife.

Therefore, we also focus in this week's issue, on the
Rebbe's innovative campaign to celebrate birthdays in the traditional
Jewish manner, that the Rebbe initiated on 25 Adar, 5748/1988,
in connection with the Rebbetzin's 87th birthday.

*

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
24 Adar, 5780
Los Angeles, California

P.S.: As we are eagerly awaiting the immediate arrival of
Moshiach, at any moment, we have included the five
blessings that (according to many opinions) will be
applicable when Moshiach comes.

*************************************************
* IN LOVING MEMORY OF *
* Horav Schneur Zalman Halevi *
* ben Horav Yitzchok Elchonon Halevi *
* Shagalov *
* Passed away on 21 Tamuz, 5766 *
* *
* Reb Dovid Asniel ben Reb Eliyahu *
* Ekman *
* Passed away on 5 Sivan - Erev Shavuot, 5765 *
* *
* Mrs. Devora Rivka bas Reb Yosef Eliezer *
* Marenburg *
* Passed away on the second day *
* of Rosh Chodesh Adar, 5766 *
* *
* Reb Yitzchok Moshe (Ian) ben Reb Dovid Asniel *
* Ekman (Santiago, Chile) *
* Passed away on 24 Shevat, 5769 *
* *
* May Their Souls Merit Eternal Life *
* *
* AND IN HONOR OF *
* Mrs. Esther Shaindel bas Fraidel Chedva *
* Shagalov *
* * *
* Dedicated by *
* Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Yitzchok and Gittel Rochel *
* Shagalov *
*************************************************

******************
* CUSTOMS CORNER *
******************

Are there special blessings that we will recite when Moshiach
comes?

According to many opinions there are five blessings that will be
applicable when Moshiach comes. [*]

#1

BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM
GA'AL YISRAEL.

Translation:

Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
Who redeems Israel.

#2

BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM
SHE-HECHE-YO-NU VE-KI-YE-MO-NU VE-HIGI-O-NU
LIZ-MAN HA-ZEH.

Translation:

Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
Who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us
to reach this occasion.

#3

BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM
SHE-CHA-LAK M'CHACH-MA-TO L'REI'AV.

Translation:

Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
Who has given wisdom to those who fear Him.

#4

BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM
SHE-CHA-LAK M'KI-VODO L'REI'AV.

Translation:

Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
Who has given honor to those who fear Him.

#5

BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM
CHA-CHAM HA-RA-ZIM.

Translation:

Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
the Wise One of secrets.

_______________
*. Adapted from "L'Chaim weekly" publication, Issue #1003,
published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, Brooklyn,
NY. "www.lchaimweekly.org".

*********************************************
* IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR GRANDPARENTS,*
* *
* Reb Shmuel Pesach Ben Reb Yaakov Dovid *
* Passed away on 3 Tishrei, 5755 *
* *
* Mrs. Fraidel Chedvah Bas Reb Zev Wolf *
* Passed away on 4 Adar II, 5755 *
* Pais *
* *
* May Their Souls Merit Eternal Life *
* * *
* Dedicated by their grandchildren *
* Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Y. and Gittel Rochel *
* Shagalov *
*********************************************

***************************************
* THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION *
* Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe *
***************************************

PARSHAT VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI

Following the first of this week's Torah reading, Vayakhel, in
which Moses gathered the Jews together and relayed G-d's command to
build the Sanctuary, this week's second Torah portion, Pekudei,
lists Moses' accounts of the precious metals used to make the
Sanctuary's vessels, and details how the offerings were made.
Finally, it relates how these actions brought G-d's Divine Presence
to rest in the Sanctuary.

Usually, when a person builds a new house, he waits until it has
been completed to fill it with furniture and implements. The
dedication of the Sanctuary, however, was done in the exact
opposite manner. "And he placed the golden altar in the Sanctuary
before the veil, and he burnt upon it the incense of spices... and
he set up the court around the Sanctuary and the altar." The
Sanctuary was not yet fully erected when Moses offered the incense
on the golden altar.

The Sanctuary, G-d's dwelling place on earth, contained a
holiness so great that it existed above and beyond the laws of
nature. Its sanctity (and that of the Holy Temples that followed)
is eternal, not subject to the concept of time, and continues
today, though we no longer have a physical edifice in which to
bring offerings. The unusual manner in which the Sanctuary was
erected, therefore, reflected this.

The Torah's command, "And you shall make Me a dwelling place,"
applied not only to the Sanctuary, but includes the obligation to
erect the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Moses' offering of incense on
the golden altar dedicated not only the Sanctuary that traveled
with the Jews in the desert, but the Temples that were yet to be
built, including the Third Holy Temple when Moshiach comes.

According to Jewish law, offerings may be brought even in the
absence of the Temple's physical structure if one knows the exact
location of the altar. When Moses burnt the incense, before the
Sanctuary was completely built, he caused a measure of holiness to
be brought down into the world that is not dependent on physical
limitations. This holiness is eternal and exists forever.

This holds particular relevance for our generation, as the Rebbe
stated many times that ours is the last generation of exile before
the Messianic Era. No longer may we be satisfied with the measured
norms of behavior that sufficed for previous generations; our times
demand an extra measure of self-sacrifice on our part. Our service
of G-d must therefore also breach all limitations, so that we may
merit the ultimate and Final Redemption with the coming of
Moshiach, speedily in our day.

************************
* THE REBBE'S PROPHECY *
************************

The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of Lubavitch, issued
a call that "THE TIME OF OUR REDEMPTION HAS ARRIVED!" and
"MOSHIACH IS ON HIS WAY!"

The Rebbe stressed that he is saying this AS A PROPHECY, and
asks us all to prepare ourselves for the Redemption, through
increasing acts of goodness and kindness.

LET US ALL HEED THE REBBE'S CALL.

* * *

What makes the Rebbe's declaration -- that Moshiach's arrival is
imminent and the time for the Redemption has arrived -- different
from those of great leaders of previous generations?

The Jewish people have believed in and awaited Moshiach's coming
since the beginning of our nation. In numerous instances throughout
Jewish history, tzaddikim (righteous people) of various generations
pointed to hints in the Torah that the promised Redemption was near
at hand. Sensing the special opportunity for Moshiach's coming,
they motivated the Jewish people to study more Torah, do more
mitzvot and repent in the hope that these actions would be what was
needed to make the Redemption happen.

In the times of the Previous Rebbe, the anticipation for the
Redemption was truly tangible. The Previous Rebbe issued an urgent
call to world Jewry: "Immediate repentance brings immediate
Redemption."

Even when the Rebbe accepted the leadership in 1950, though he
said unequivocally that our generation is the last generation to
live in exile and the first generation of the Redemption, he did
not say that we had yet reached the moment of Redemption. Only
forty years later, after sending thousands of emissaries around the
world, initiating the Mitzvah Campaigns to reinvigorate Jewish
observance, and inspiring millions, did the Rebbe proclaim, "The
time of our Redemption has arrived." This is a totally different
message that has never before been enunciated in the history of the
Jewish people.

The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni) tells us that in a time when we
will witness an event like the Gulf War, Moshiach will tell the
Jewish people that the time of the Redemption has arrived. THIS IS
NOT A HOPE, A WISH, OR A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY, BUT A CALL TO PREPARE
TO GREET MOSHIACH!

The Rebbe has said that the time is now. The question each of us
must ask ourselves is not, "When is Moshiach coming?" but rather,
"Am I ready for Moshiach's coming today!"
______________
See "Living With Moshiach" Vol. 1148:
http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5779/1148.txt

*******************************************************
* IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND AND COPY EDITOR *
* Reb Mordechai ben Reb Shaul *
* Staiman *
* Passed away on 22 Tamuz, 5763 *
* *
* May His Soul Merit Eternal Life *
*******************************************************

****************************
* FROM A TALK OF THE REBBE *
****************************

70 years ago, on Shabbat Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei, 5710/1950,
the Rebbe said the following:

"In the last series of Chasidic discourses that the [Previous]
Rebbe wrote, he anticipated everything and hinted at everything.
[According to the unauthenticated notes of a listener, the Rebbe
said: "I search among the subjects explained in these discourses
for the answers to all the questions beings asked."]...

"The [Previous] Rebbe says this of our present time -- the final
era before the Redemption, the era in which the task of separating
the sparks of G-dliness in this world and returning them to their
source comes to an end. As the Rebbe wrote, now is the era
preceding the Redemption, and the mode of spiritual service now
required is a mode of victory, with an unquestioning acceptance of
the yoke of heaven.

"In order that victory be secured in the current battle, 'secret
treasures, which have been locked away for generations,' have been
squandered -- i.e., all the teachings and episodes which the Rebbe
revealed in recent times, and which had been hidden and sealed from
generation to generation, until the generation of the Baal Shem Tov
and his mentor.

"Because no one adequately took all these treasures to heart,
their revelation is a veritable squandering, all for the sake of
victory."

In another of his earliest talks, the Rebbe suggests that we
pour over the latter talks of the Previous Rebbe from his final
years in order to find guidance and our orders on how to proceed.

Jewish teachings explain that when a great Sage makes a
statement about another great teacher he is, in reality, saying the
same about himself. Thus, we must take the Rebbe's advice and pour
over his most recent teachings, those from the years of 5750, 5751
and 5752 (1990-1992). In these most recent talks, the Rebbe's
declaration that "The time of our Redemption has arrived," shows
clearly that we have entered a new stage in the pre-Redemption era.
And the Rebbe's instructions to publicize this and other statements
and messages are also contained in these talks.

May we very soon no longer have to review the Rebbe's talks, but
hear Torah from the Rebbe himself.

***********************************
* TIME TO START PASSOVER CLEANING *
***********************************

Springtime happens to bring with it one of the most colorful,
widely observed, and vividly recalled Jewish holidays -- Passover.
In fact, one of the three names by which Passover is mentioned in
the Bible is "the Holiday of Spring."

Our Sages enjoin us to begin preparing for each holiday thirty
days before the holiday begins. When our Sages made this
suggestion, they had in mind learning the laws pertaining to the
holiday. The holiday of Purim falls thirty days before Passover,
which serves as an easy reminder of when to start preparations.
Many people use Purim, and the thirty-day guideline as a reminder
that it's time to start getting serious about cleaning the house,
and getting the chometz (leavened foods) out of the house, for
Passover.

We've already passed the thirty-day mark. So, certainly, it's
not too soon to make plans for where you'll be spending the seders.
Also, check out your local supermarket or grocery store and see if
they'll be stocking the KOSHER-FOR-PASSOVER food that have a
RELIABLE RABBINICAL SUPERVISION that you will need for the
eight-day holiday. If they don't have everything, find out who
does.

In addition, call your local Rabbi, or Chabad-Lubavitch Center
to order shmurah matzah -- special hand-made matzah just like the
Jews used when they came out of Egypt -- at least for the two
seders.

With the first crocuses starting to peep their heads up, even
through the frost, it's really time to start thinking about
Passover. This year, bring the "Holiday of Spring" into your
thoughts, now.

*********************************************
* THE A B C'S OF GETTING READY FOR PASSOVER *
*********************************************

When it comes to getting ready for Passover; teamwork is
essential to do the job right. If you consider the task of removing
all traces of chometz from your possession as an adventure, it
makes it more fun and rewarding. And when you're having fun,
everyone wants to join in.

Start early enough, and consider cleaning according to the
ABC's.

ATTACK THE ATTIC. Go through all of those storage spaces that
accumulate chometz during the year.

BEWARE OF BEDROOMS, BOOKS AND EVEN BRIEFCASES. Even if your
policy is no food in bedrooms, crumbs wind up there. Chometz also
wedges itself in books if you eat while you read.

CLEAR THE CABINETS, CHAIRS, CAR AND CLOSETS OF CHOMETZ. This is
a perfect time to have the carpets cleaned, too.

DEAL WITH THE DRAWERS AND DESKS.

ELIMINATE YOUR EGO. What does ego have to do with Passover and
chometz? To make a long chasidic discourse short, chometz contains
leaven and rises. Matzah doesn't have any leaven and therefore
remains flat. As we rid our physical surroundings of leaven, we
should try to eradicate our pompous, haughty and self-righteous
aspects, those parts of our personality which grow and rise.

FACE THE FREEZER AND ALL FURNITURE. And, if you've contemplated
cleaning your upholstery, now is the time.

GO FOR THE GARAGE, GARBAGE CANS AND WASTEBASKETS.

HIDE THE HIGH CHAIR. Unless you still need to use it. If so,
thoroughly scrub it, and cover the trays.

IGNORE THE IDEA TO QUIT. You're nearly half-way through!

JOYOUSLY DE-CHOMETZ THE JIG-SAW PUZZLES AND ALL OTHER TOYS. It's
easy not to be happy when you have 300 pieces of Lego to clean --
all with Cheerios meshed in. But think of all the quiet playtime
these toys encourage. And think of all the joy that the children
give you when you're playing with them -- the kids, that is, not
the Lego.

KEEP AT THE KITCHEN AND KITCHEN APPLIANCES. The kitchen is "not
within the scope of this article." Ask a rabbi or rebbetzin how to
do it!

LATHER THE LUGGAGE. Go through your suitcases and carry-on bags.

MAKE-OVER THE MEDICINE CABINET. Many non-prescription medicines
contain chometz and should be dealt with properly. If you must take
medicine during Passover, consult your rabbi (probably a nice guy
who would love to hear from you).

NURTURE YOUR NEEDS. Take a break. Sit down with a drink and
relax for a few minutes. While you're relaxing, peruse one of the
many interesting Haggadahs available today and you'll be preparing
yourself mentally for the holiday, as well.

OVERTAKE YOUR OFFICE. Unless you're taking the whole week off,
you have to clean your office for Passover.

PERUSE YOUR POCKETS, PURSE AND PORCH FOR CHOMETZ.

QUARANTINE YOUR QUARTERBACK. Or, for that matter, anyone who
goes running through your ready-for-Passover rooms with chometz.

READY THE REFRIGERATOR. Use up all those open jars and then
clean it well.

SCRUB THE STROLLER. If you don't have one, help someone who
does.

TACKLE THE TELEPHONE. It's probably sticky if you talk while
you're eating.

UNCLUTTER THE UTILITY ROOM.

VALIDATE THE VACUUM CLEANER by throwing out or emptying the bag
after you vacuumed the last chometz.

WASH THE WALL where all the cake batter splatters when you bake.

XEROX YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES which can be used for Passover since
your cookbooks are probably so full of chometz that they are
unsalvageable.

YIELD CHOMETZ FROM YOUR YACHT. Although, if you have a yacht
you're probably not doing most of the cleaning, anyway.

ZEE, IT WASN'T ZO BAD AFTER ALL!

*********************
* PARSHAT HACHODESH *
*********************

This Shabbat is one of the four special Shabbats preceding the
Yom Tov of Pesach. It is called Shabbat Parshat HaChodesh. We read
a special Torah portion from the book of Exodus which states: "This
month shall be the head month for you. It shall be the first month
of the year."

Shabbat Parshat HaChodesh always falls either on the Sabbath
when we bless the month of Nissan or on the first day of Nissan
itself.

The month of Nissan is special in that it is a month of miracles
-- not the everyday miracles of human existence, or hidden miracles
such as those that took place on Purim. But, rather, Nissan
contains revealed miracles that are higher than nature itself.

With the command that the month of Nissan, a month of revealed
miracles, be designated as the first and "head" of the months, the
Torah emphasizes that in all the months of the year, whether we see
open miracles, miracles in the cloak of natural events, unusual
success or a seemingly unchangeable cycle of nature, we must
realize that G-d is the Creator of the Universe, the sole Master of
the world, who directs and cares about even the smallest detail of
the world and each individual person.

If each and everyone of us would sit down for only a brief few
moments and pay close attention to what has happened to us
personally, we will detect minor and major miracles that happen in
our personal lives.

Many times we are just too busy to stop for a moment and take
stock of what has happened. But we shouldn't pass it off as another
"natural" happening. It is a miracle of G-d, whether it has
occurred in the month of miracles, or in an average day.

****************************
* SHABBAT MEVORCHIM NISSAN *
****************************

This Shabbat is Shabbat Mevorchim, the Shabbat before the new
Jewish month. Literally translated, it means a Shabbat in which we
bless the upcoming Jewish month. This Shabbat Mevorchim is special
because it is the Shabbat before the month of Nissan [1] , which is
often referred to as "the month of Redemption."

On the surface, calling Nissan the month of Redemption is
explained by the fact that Nissan is the month in which we
celebrate Passover, [2] the holiday that commemorates the Jews'
redemption from Egyptian slavery. But the month of Nissan is also
connected to the Final Redemption, as our Sages say, "In Nissan,
our people were redeemed, and in Nissan, they will be redeemed in
the future."

This Shabbat represents the transition from the month of Adar to
the month of Nissan. Both months contain within them commemorations
of miraculous events. In Adar we celebrate the downfall of Haman
and the victory of the Jewish people, and in Nissan we celebrate
our freedom from slavery.

The difference between the events is that the miracles of Purim
occurred within the natural order of the world, while the miracles
of Passover transcended the natural order. The story of Purim can
be traced through a natural sequence of events. But by cloaking
miracles in the natural order of the world, we are actually
elevating the natural order.

That is our true purpose on this earth, to elevate the physical
to the spiritual and have G-dliness revealed on this plane.

Another concept that the two months have in common is
redemption. Adar celebrates redemption from Haman's wicked decree,
and Nissan celebrates the redemption from Egypt. Shabbat is also a
kind of redemption, a weekly redemption from mundane cares and
worries to a place of light, joy, song and Torah-study.

May all of these redemption's be stepping-stones to our
complete, final, and ultimate Redemption, the coming of Moshiach.
_______________
1. This year, Rosh Chodesh Nissan is celebrated on Thursday,
March 26. Ed.

2. This year, the 8-day festive holiday of Pesach, begins on
Wednesday night, April 8. Ed.

***************************************
* BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS *
* Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe *
***************************************

The holiday of Passover, commemorating the liberation of the
Jewish people from Egypt, has often been referred to as the
birthday of the Jewish nation. The prophet Ezekiel expressed this
analogy quite graphically: "And as for your birth, on the day you
were born..." Rashi explains that because the Exodus was seen as
the birth of the Jewish people the prophet speaks metaphorically of
the Exodus in the terms of a newborn baby.

For a human being birth is a joyous time. It is a time of
fulfillment for the parents who were blessed with a son or
daughter, for the Jewish people who gained another member, and for
the child himself/herself who came into existence. Therefore, when
a person reaches maturity, each year on his/her birthday, it is
appropriate to express gratitude to G-d, the Giver of Life.

Just as the birthday of a people is celebrated each year with
rites and a ritual, so, too, the birthday of an individual Jew
should be appropriately observed. An individual's birthday can be
utilized to strengthen and increase all aspects of Judaism,
starting with Jewish studies, prayer and charity. These good
practices should be observed on the birthday and good resolutions
for the future should be accepted.

Most importantly, invite your family and friends for a festive
gathering (to celebrate the mitzvah) on your birthday and the
joyous party will encourage others to accept good resolutions. The
happiness that is generated will imbue your future observance with
enthusiasm and zeal.

What is the celebration all about?

Ostensibly, birthdays are quite secular affairs, every person
has one once a year, a day in which his "fortune rises." In fact,
in Torah the only birthday singled out for any mention was
Pharaoh's birthday!

Nevertheless, a Jew has the ability to utilize his birthday;
instead of letting it pass as just another day he can make it a
holiday with emphasis on more Torah and mitzvot. One's birthday is
a time for reflection, when one should remember and think about
those aspects of his life needing improvement.

Children should be taught the spiritual importance of a birthday
and they should celebrate with their friends in a way that they
will increase Torah, mitzvot, and good resolutions. Small children
will be even more impressed by this suggestion and will be more
enthusiastic in carrying it out.

On one's birthday he can rejoice in the knowledge that on this
day his soul descended to the corporeal existence in order to serve
the Creator through Torah and mitzvot. This commemoration
crystalizes in the fact that at the celebration itself there will
be more Torah and mitzvot and more good resolutions for the future.
This joyous celebration may be observed by young and old -- for as
soon as the child is able to understand and appreciate the
importance of good acts his or her birthday party will become the
focal point for the commemoration of the past and solemnization of
the future.

Such a celebration is also connected to the fact that on his
13th birthday a boy enters the age of maturity and is responsible
for observing the 613 mitzvot. The same is true of a girl on her
12th birthday. The assumption is that this young boy or girl will
certainly grow up to fulfill the dictates of the Torah.
Consequently, there is reason to rejoice at the time that he or she
accepts the yoke of mitzvot.

For this reason men and women above bar/bat mitzvah age should
see in their birthday's additional significance: 1) It is the
anniversary of their physical birth; 2) It is the anniversary of
maturity, or spiritual birth.

With this is mind, whether you are 13, 30, or 83 you have a
reason to celebrate your birthday. And at each age you can find
satisfaction and growth in becoming one year older.

This is not a new custom, rather an extension of the
responsibility everyone has to encourage others to increase Torah
and mitzvot among friends, in a happy and friendly way.

If for some reason this was not so common until now, it is
needed now, and as we have seen, it is based on the practices of
the great Jewish leaders.

Since the "Exile" is seen as the time of incubation and the
"salvation" as the time of birth, may our good actions on birthdays
speedily bring the ultimate birth of the Jewish people, the true
Redemption.

*******************************************
* BIRTHDAY REFLECTIONS & CELEBRATIONS [*] *
*******************************************

Birthdays are for parties!

Gather young and old,
family and friends to
celebrate your birthday.

Emphasize Torah and mitzvot and
make positive resolutions for the future.

All your actions in the coming year
will be greatly enhanced.

Publisher's Foreword

During the months of Adar, Nissan and Iyar of 5748 the Rebbe,
devoted many of his sichot -- talks -- to the potential religious
importance of birthday celebrations. Citing Halachic and Aggadic
sources, as well as traditional Chasidic practices the Rebbe has
urged everyone to make appropriate gatherings on birthdays and to
encourage and emphasize more Torah study, more Tzedakah -- charity,
etc.

This essay is based on several discourses, from the 25th of
Adar, Shabbat Mevarchim Nissan, the 11th & 13th of Nissan, Acharon
Shel Pesach, Shabbat Shemini as well as the letter of Erev Rosh
Chodesh Nissan [5748/1988].

In this publication we have endeavored to compose a digest of
the various concepts and suggestions presented by the Rebbe, in the
hope of providing the English-speaking world with a clear idea of
this important subject. We have been forced to edit and condense
some of the Sichot for the sake of continuity. We have also
abstained from including all of the technical, halachic references
and the copious footnotes which a more detailed translation should
include.

Our goal is to present a clear and concise picture of the
Rebbe's ideas on the importance of birthday observance. We hope
this will encourage more and more people to follow the Rebbe's
advice. And in the merit of the increased Torah and mitzvot -- we
will create the ultimate dwelling place for the Shechinah [Divine
Presence] and the ultimate salvation, through our righteous
Moshiach -- Now!

As an introduction to the essay we are printing the sicha of the
25th of Adar, 5748/1988, the anniversary of the birth of Rebbetzin
Chayah Mushka Schneerson o.b.m., (5661[1901]-5748[1988]), which
marked the initiation of the Campaign to celebrate birthdays.
Sichos In English

Birthday Reflections

On the 25th of Adar, the anniversary of the birth of Rebbetzin
Chaya Mushka Schneerson, o.b.m. (5661-5748), the Rebbe spoke (after
Shacharit) about the lesson to be drawn from the special day -- the
birthday of the world according to one opinion. He also used the
opportunity to suggest that everyone should celebrate his/her
birthday in the manner taught by the Previous Rebbe, with
introspection, Teshuvah -- Repentance -- and increased Tzedakah --
charity, Torah and prayer.

Adults and small children should also be encouraged to invite
their friends to their birthday gatherings and use the opportunity
to encourage others to increase Torah and mitzvot.

A birthday represents the esoteric force of "ascending fortune."
Since the living must take to heart the lessons of the past, here,
too, we can draw inspiration from this birthday to increase
Yiddishkeit -- Judaism, Torah and mitzvot.

Every Jew is important and indispensable, and must say: "The
world was created for me!" But the 25th of Adar has unique
significance.

R. Yehoshua holds that the world was created in the month of
Nissan; man was created on the first of Nissan and the first stages
of creation -- Bereishis -- began on the 25th of Adar. According to
this opinion, this day, the 25th of Adar, is the birthday of the
world.

Chasidus explains the rapprochement of the two opinions (Rabbi
Eliezer was of the opinion that the world was created in
Elul-Tishrei,) in the following way. The supernal thought to create
the world blossomed in the Nissan season, while the reality came in
Tishrei. The "creation" of Nissan therefore carries the quality of
thought over action. Years later, when the Tabernacle was first
erected on the first day of Nissan it also brought greater
stability to the world (see Bereishis Rabbah 12:11).

This year [5748/1988], the 25th of Adar falls in the Torah
portion of Vayikra when G-d spoke to Moshe from the Tabernacle;
here we see the function of the Mishkan -- Tabernacle -- and the
means by which the world is supported.

The Previous Rebbe revealed that on a birthday one should review
his life history and seek ways to improve the areas that need
improvement through Teshuvah. It is also customary to increase
Tzedakah before Shacharit and Minchah, and likewise to study more
Torah -- revealed and esoteric -- on one's birthday.

It is therefore appropriate on this birthday to publicize all
the good customs of birthdays: to increase Tzedakah on this day, to
study more Torah and to intensify the Divine service of prayer --
these are the three pillars of the world. Also, good resolutions
should be accepted for the rest of the year.

It would be appropriate that families should gather (with
friends) in a joyous mood, so that the good resolutions will be
accepted on this day, with a sense of happiness and gladness. This
will increase the observance of these good deeds.

Children should be taught the spiritual importance of a birthday
and they should celebrate their birthdays with their friends in a
way that they will increase Torah and mitzvot and good resolutions.
Small children will be even more impressed by this suggestion and
will be more enthusiastic in carrying it out.

This is not a new custom, rather an extension of the
responsibility everyone has to encourage others to increase Torah
and mitzvot among friends, in a happy and friendly way.

To start off in a positive way I will distribute Shliach Mitzvah
dollars to all, so that they may give the money to Tzedakah with
their personal addition.

This acceptance of good resolutions in connection with this
birthday should speed up the "birth" of the Jewish people in the
complete redemption. Tzedakah will bring the redemption closer, may
it be soon: "Today, if you heed My voice" (Tehillim 95:7). May it
be truly "Today," and may "the night [of the galut -- exile] be
illuminated like the day" (Ibid. 139:12).

The Birthday of the World

In discussing the creation of the world the Talmud describes the
different opinions as to the time of creation. R. Yehoshua holds
that the world was created in the Nissan season; man was created on
the first of Nissan and the first stages of creation -- Bereishis
-- began on the 25th of Adar. According to this opinion, the 25th
of Adar, is the birthday of the world.

Rabbi Eliezer was of the opinion that the world was created in
Elul-Tishrei. Chasidus explains the rapprochement of the two
opinions in the following way. The supernal thought to create the
world blossomed in the Nissan season, while the reality came in
Tishrei. The "creation" of Nissan therefore possesses the quality
of thought over action. Years later, when the Tabernacle was first
erected on the first day of Nissan it also brought greater
stability to the world for the thought was combined with the action
(see Bereishis Rabbah 12:11).

The Birthday of a Nation

The Holiday of Pesach which commemorates the liberation of the
Jewish people from Egypt has often been referred to as the birthday
of the Jewish nation. The prophet Yechezkel expressed this analogy
quite graphically: "And as for your birth, on the day you were
born...." Rashi explains that because the Exodus was seen as the
birth of the Jewish people the prophet speaks metaphorically of the
Exodus in the terms of a newborn baby (See Yechezkel 16:4ff).

Pre-natal Nationhood

A fetus in his mother's womb, near birth, is a complete,
growing, living being, with a completely formed body. It truth,
however, it has no independent existence at all: it is nourished by
the food the mother eats, and wherever the mother goes, there the
unborn baby is automatically carried.

From the moment the baby is born, it begins to freely move its
limbs, sound its voice, and generally begins its own development,
in an entirely new manner, both physically and spiritually.

So it was also with the Jews in Egypt before the redemption:

They were a "nation" in many respects, even being
"distinguished" and distinct from the Egyptians in terms of
language, dress, etc., even with a territory of their own, in the
Land of Goshen. At the same time, however, they were enslaved and
"swallowed up" by the Egyptians, so that they seemed to be engulfed
"within the Egyptian nation" also in essential aspects, very much
like the Egyptians themselves.

Then came the time when G-d "took unto Himself a nation from
within [the entrails of] another nation" -- drawing the Jews to
Himself (also) as a nation, from a state of the most abject
enslavement to the height of freedom, to become G-d's nation, with
the status of "a Kingdom of Kohanim and a Holy Nation" in their
everyday life.

The Birth of Man

For a human being birth is a joyous time. It is a time of
fulfillment for the parents who were blessed with a son or
daughter, for the Jewish people who gained another member, and for
the child himself/herself who came into existence. Therefore, when
a person reaches maturity, each year on his/her birthday, it is
appropriate to express gratitude to the Holy One, Blessed be He,
the Giver of life.

Just as the birthday of a people is celebrated each year with
rites and a ritual, so too, the birthday of an individual Jew
should be appropriately observed. An individual's birthday can be
utilized to strengthen and increase all aspects of Yiddishkeit,
Torah and mitzvot, starting with the three pillars which uphold the
world: Torah, prayer and charity. These good practices should be
observed on the birthday and good resolutions for the future should
be accepted.

Most importantly, gather your family or friends for a festive
gathering (to celebrate the mitzvah) on your birthday and the
joyous party will encourage others to accept good resolutions --
and the happiness that is generated will imbue your future
observance with enthusiasm and zeal.

Happy Birthday!

What is the celebration all about?

Well, fundamentally one should rejoice on a birthday and give
thanks and praise to G-d for giving him life. The birth of a child
brings happiness to the parents, to the Jewish people and to the
individual, and for this should one give praise.

Ostensibly, birthdays are quite secular affairs, every person
(Jew or gentile) has one once a year, in which his "fortune rises."
In fact, in Torah the only birthday singled out for any mention was
Pharaoh's birthday!

Nevertheless, a Jew has the ability to utilize his birthday --
instead of letting it pass as just another day -- he can make it a
holiday with emphasis on more Torah and mitzvot. One's birthday is
a time for reflection, when one may "remember and think about those
aspects of his life which need improvement and repentance" (HaYom
Yom, 11th Nissan). This should be achieved by increasing Torah and
prayer on the birthday, as well as charity and other mitzvot. Add
to this a happy gathering of family and friends with the goal of
accepting good resolutions and the power of the birthday will
guarantee the fulfillment of the good promises in the future.

Birthday Celebrations

The Midrash relates:

Most people cherish the day on which they were born
and make a party on that day. (Midrash Sechel Tov,
Bereishis 40:20)

[See also Ginze Yosef ch. 4; Ben Ish Chai Halachos,
Year 1, Re'eh par. 17]

The Zohar relates that on the day of R. Elazar's (Rashbi's --
Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai -- son's) Bar Mitzvah Rashbi made a great
celebration. The Zohar further explains that the day of a Bar
Mitzvah is analogous to the joyous day of a wedding (See Zohar
Chadosh, Bereishis).

The Previous Rebbe revealed that on a birthday one should review
his life history and seek ways to improve the areas that need
improvement through Teshuvah. [Just as the Exodus was a form of
repentance so, too, every birthday must bring repentance.] It is
also customary to increase Tzedakah before Shacharit and Minchah,
and likewise to study more Torah -- revealed and esoteric -- on
one's birthday.

Birthday -- Rebirth -- Resolve

It is therefore appropriate to publicize all the good customs of
birthdays: to increase Tzedakah on this day, to study more Torah
and to intensify the Divine service of prayer -- these are the
three pillars of the world. Also, good resolutions should be
accepted for the rest of the year.

It would be appropriate that families should gather (with
friends) in a joyous mood, so that the good resolutions will be
accepted on this day, with a sense of happiness and gladness. This
will increase the observance of these good deeds.

Children should be taught the spiritual importance of a birthday
and they should celebrate their birthdays with their friends in a
way that they will increase Torah and mitzvot and good resolutions.
Small children will be even more impressed by this suggestion and
will be more enthusiastic in carrying it out.

Now on one's birthday one can rejoice in the knowledge that on
this day his soul descended to the corporeal existence in order to
serve the Creator through Torah and mitzvot. This commemoration
crystallizes in the fact that at the celebration itself there will
be more Torah and mitzvot and more good resolutions for the future.
This joyous jubilee may be observed by young and old -- for as soon
as the child is able to understand and appreciate the importance of
good acts his or her birthday party will become the focal point for
commemoration of the past and solemnization of the future.

Anniversary of Physical and Spiritual Birth

Such a celebration in also connected to the fact that on his
13th birthday a boy enters the age of maturity and is responsible
to observe the 613 mitzvot. The same is true of a girl on her 12th
birthday. Since every Jew has the "presumption of righteousness"
the assumption is that this young boy or girl will certainly grow
up to fulfill the dictates of the Torah.

Consequently, there is reason to rejoice at the time he or she
accepts the yoke of mitzvot.

For this reason men and women above Bar/Bat Mitzvah should see
in their birthdays additional significance: It is the anniversary
of physical birth, it is the anniversary of maturity, or Spiritual
birth.

As the Shulchan Aruch -- the Code of Jewish Law -- explains:

The consummate indwelling of the holy soul in a person
takes place on the 13th birthday [lit: 13 years and a
day] for a male and the 12th birthday for a female. For
this reason they become responsible by Biblical law to
fulfill the mitzvot of the Torah. (Shulchan Aruch Harav
end ch. 4)

With this in mind, whether you are 13, 30 or 83 you have a
reason to celebrate your birthday. And at each age you can find
satisfaction and growth when you become one year older.

Why Were You Born? To Make a Sanctuary!

How do we carry out the command "Make Me a sanctuary" in a way
that even the mundane aspects of a Jew's life will be holy? One
suggestion is for every Jew, man, woman or child to carry out the
good custom of celebrating their birthday in a manner that connects
it with Torah and mitzvot.

There is a golden opportunity on a birthday to influence a
person to increased Torah and mitzvot, for it is a time when one's
mazal [spiritual source of influence] is strong.

The suggestion is directed to everyone, even small children, and
their parents should explain to them that on their birthdays there
should be a renewal of all aspects of good and holiness. A happy
celebration should be organized for the child when he and his
friends will joyously accept good resolutions in Torah and mitzvot.

Use the birthday as a time to increase goodness and holiness in
Torah and mitzvot. We are at the close of the diaspora and we must
finish the remaining steps of purification of the mundane. A
birthday is a plain day -- no holiday -- yet it is a day in which
one's "fortune ascends." A Jew's inner spirituality has the power
to eclipse his mundanity and he becomes completely nullified
(attached) to the Holy One, Blessed be He.

May this proposal be accepted among the Jewish people -- young
and old -- to celebrate individual birthdays by making joyous
parties in a manner that will enhance and increase Torah and
mitzvot.

A Custom of Old -- Renewed

This is not a new custom, rather an extension of the
responsibility everyone has to encourage others to increase Torah
and mitzvot among friends, in a happy and friendly way.

If for some reason this was not so common until now, it is
needed now, and as we have seen, it in based on the practices of
the great Jewish leaders. In the darkness of the pre-Messianic
diaspora -- we need more good deeds that will radiate light. And
this activity is tried, tested and true; it will increase good
deeds, Torah and mitzvot.

Since the galut -- exile -- is seen as the time of incubation
and the salvation as the time of birth, may our good actions on
birthdays speedily bring the ultimate birth of the Jewish people --
the true redemption.
_______________
*. Published by Sichos In English, 770 Eastern Parkway,
Brooklyn, NY 11213.

**********************************
* BIRTHDAY CUSTOMS AND PRACTICES *
**********************************

The following are the "Chabad Birthday Customs and
Practices:" [3]

1. It is customary to have an aliya -- be called to the Torah,
on the Shabbat preceding your birthday. When the birthday occurs on
a day that the Torah is read you should also be called to the Torah
on that day.

2. On your Birthday increase your contribution to tzeddakah --
charity before the morning and afternoon services. When the
birthday is on Shabbat or Yom Tov -- give the extra charity before
Shabbat or Yom Tov (preferably -- also after).

3. Put more time and effort into your prayer. Pray with greater
concentration, meditate on the greatness of the Creator and put
more intensity in your recitation of Tehillim -- Psalms as well.
(If possible, read at least one complete book of Psalms.)

4. Study the psalm which corresponds to your new age, and which
you will be saying daily through the coming year. (E.g. when one
reaches the age of 20 he begins reciting Psalm 21.)

5. In addition to your regular, daily Torah study periods -- on
your birthday study an extra lesson in the revealed Torah --
Nigleh, and the esoteric teachings -- Chasidus. This is in addition
to the daily quota of Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya and Rambam.

6. Study a Chasidic discourse by heart (or at least a part
thereof) and review it in the presence of a group of people on the
birthday. This may also be done at another auspicious time in
connection with your birthday; especially at the Shalosh Seudah --
third meal -- of the following Shabbat.

7. Reach out to your fellow Jews and teach them Torah and
Chasidus, with true ahavas Yisroel.

8. Isolate yourself in seclusion for a while on the day of your
birthday and retrospectively review your conduct for the past year
-- see what needs repentance and improvement, and make good
resolutions for the future years.

9. Accept upon yourself some new act of piety or more zealous
observance in some area of action -- all within your grasp.

10. Celebrate a happy party with your family and friends in
honor of your birthday -- give praise and thanks to the Holy One,
Blessed Be He, -- if possible say the blessing of Shehecheyanu on a
new fruit -- with happiness and the joy of a mitzvah.
_______________
3. Adapted from "Sefer Haminhagim" -- The Book of
Chabad-Lubavitch Customs, published by Kehot Publication
Society, 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213.

*************************
* HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU *
*************************

Would you consider turning your yard into a petting zoo complete
with a camel, a draft horse, a bull, ponies, two llamas, a yak, a
goat, a chicken, a turtle and a boa constrictor? One grandmother
did, for the joint first birthday celebration of her two
granddaughters. The $1,200 price tag included entertainment, gifts
and 102 Dalmations decorations. Or maybe your child would prefer a
catered birthday party with a clown, pony rides, a horse and a
fountain spewing apple juice?

These are just two examples of birthday parties that, as one
psychologist notes, "set up lifelong expectations that might be
unrealistic. It is important on birthdays to help a child avoid
valuing materialism over family and friends."

In a drive to reinstate good, old-fashioned values and, at the
same time, keep expenditures down, many parents are opting to get
off the birthday bandwagon while they still can.

So far, so good. But you're probably wondering what birthdays
have to do with Judaism. The notion that there's nothing Jewish
about birthdays is so prevelant that a prominent and knowledgeable
Jewish radio show host and writer recently wrote that there is no
inherent meaning in birthdays within Judaism.

On 25 Adar, 5748/1988, the Rebbe initiated an innovative
campaign to make birthdays meaningful for both children and adults.
The Rebbe encouraged people to celebrate their birthdays in the
traditional Jewish manner.

Jewish teachings explain that a birthday is a time when mazalo
gover -- the particular spiritual source of a person's soul shines
most powerfully. The Divine energy that was present at the time of
your birth is once more present and dynamic on the anniversary of
your birth each year.

Therefore, your birthday is a perfect time to enhance the
quality of your life in the year to come. Things you can do on your
birthday to get the most out of your soul-power include spending
time in self-evaluation, making a positive resolution for the
coming year, giving charity, studying Torah, and organizing a
birthday party with friends and family. At the gathering make sure
to share with friends some of what you learned on your birthday.

After hearing about the Rebbe's suggestions for birthdays, one
public school teacher was so taken with this meaningful way to
celebrate that she incorporated some of these recommendations into
her students' classroom birthday parties. She asked each child to
make a positive resolution and to share with the other students
something meaningful and valuable they had recently learned.

**************************************
* YOUR BIRTHDAY - A DAY OF GOOD LUCK *
**************************************

All of us look forward eagerly to the times when we have "good
luck." You might be surprised to know, however, that in fact we
have such a day. Our Sages tell us that on our birthday our luck is
dominant.

In 5748/1988, the Rebbe called upon all of us to utilize this
special day in our lives by making a gathering of family and
friends. The Rebbe's call is in accordance with the Midrash that
says, "And we rejoice on that day and make a celebration." At this
celebration -- gathering, the Rebbe suggests we make good
decisions, resolutions and commitments for our New Year.

As to those of us who may be afraid to make new commitments, we
can only offer the following story that the Rebbe once told:

"A man made a commitment to give a sum of money to charity that
he simply could not afford. Yet, after he made the pledge, he found
that he was given new sources of business that hadn't been
available to him before. He was then able to make good on his
promise, and, much, much more."

The Rebbe explained that "this man was given new sources because
he made the commitment."

Birthdays are most definitely a proper time to make these new
resolutions and commitments. For, certainly if we make new
commitments to increase in time given to a particular mitzvah,
project, or charity, the Al-mighty will in turn, give us the time,
energy, or money needed to fulfill that commitment.

And, what's more, the Al-mighty will do so "His way," in His
bountiful measure of goodness and kindness.

Our birthday will indeed be our luckiest day of the year!

*******************
* A BIRTHDAY WISH *
*******************

Mr. D. is a highly successful businessman. Like many others, he
always thought birthday parties were only for children.

When he heard, however, that the Rebbe has been encouraging
people to make birthday celebrations, he said to himself, "I'm
going to have one. After all, if I tell my friends the Rebbe is
requesting it, they will realize I'm not expecting presents."

Mr. D. called his friends; they all came, and had a wonderful
time. During the height of the reception, he spoke. He thanked his
friends for coming and then said, "It is customary to bring gifts
to a birthday party. I know that you're all good friends. I know,
too, that if I asked you for a birthday gift, you'd give me
whatever I wanted. So, I'm going to take this opportunity to ask
you all for a present."

A heavy silence fell on the room until he began to speak again.
"I will ask each of you to do something good in honor of this day.
I will not tell you what to do; I depend on your good judgment and
friendship. I am sure you will pick something appropriate."

As the guests were leaving, one of them came over to him and
said, "This was the best birthday party I ever attended. It was
such a pleasure."

Let us all try to instill the same type of enthusiasm into our
birthday celebrations as Mr. D. did, and certainly then our guests
will react in a similar manner.

*************************
* WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS IT? *
*************************

By Rabbi Yossi Tewel O B M

It was 5731/1971. My grandmother was in Maimonides Hospital in
Brooklyn. At the time we had no experience with hospitals and
doctors.

At our annual yechidut -- private audience -- with the Rebbe, my
father (o.b.m.) handed the Rebbe a note asking, amongst other
things, what we could do for my grandmother. The Rebbe looked at us
with a big smile and asked, "Whose birthday is it today?" No one
responded; as far as we knew it wasn't any family member's
birthday. The Rebbe glanced at the note and once more he asked with
a smile, "Whose birthday is it?" Again, no one responded.

The Rebbe then said to my father, "In connection with your
mother, there is a precious young man named Yudel Keller. His
father has connections at Maimonides Hospital. Call him when you
leave my office (it was about 2:45 a.m.) and ask him in my name to
do the maximum he can."

When we left the yechidut my father did as the Rebbe had said.
Then he thought about the Rebbe's question as to whose birthday it
was. What with the hardships of life in Poland and the Holocaust,
he did not know the date of his Jewish birthday.

The next day, at the hospital, my father asked his mother when
he was born. She said his birthday was the 18th of Av. It should
come as no surprise that that very day was the 18th of Av! My
father quickly went back to "770" (World Lubavitch Headquarters).
Before the afternoon prayers, when the Rebbe saw my father, he
smiled broadly. My father said, "Rebbe! I know whose birthday it is
today, mine!" The Rebbe again blessed my father and encouraged him
to fulfill the customs of a Jewish birthday, including having an
aliya, studying extra Torah, giving extra charity, etc.

In 5748/1988 I became involved with various Bikur Cholim
organizations (for the welfare of the sick). I became acquainted
with a number of doctors, including a Jewish doctor who is an
authority on radiation oncology. Whenever we met, Dr. R. always
asked me questions about Lubavitch and the Rebbe.

A few years passed. When the Rebbe had a stroke on the 27th of
Adar I, 5752 (March 2, 1992), Dr. R. asked me what would become of
the Rebbe's prophecies. I assured him that whatever the Rebbe said
would come true.

Near the end of the summer, I came to Dr. R.'s office to show
him an MRI. I had planned on leaving the test with the secretary
and phoning later for the busy doctor's opinion. I was shocked when
the doctor called out, "Tewel, you're here! I need you!" Dr. R.
told his secretaries to hold all calls as he ushered me into his
office. "Tell me about Rabbi Schneerson," he said. "Is he really as
big as they make him out to be?"

"Whatever you've heard about the Rebbe," I told Dr. R., "is just
the tip of the iceberg. But the Rebbe's greatness doesn't come from
the fact that he is a prophet or does miracles. It is much more
than that. The word 'Rebbe' stands for 'Rosh B'nei Yisrael' -- the
head of the Jewish people...".

Dr. R. asked me to tell him a few miracles of the Rebbe that
"defy gravity," as the doctor put it. I told him a few stories but
I emphasized to Dr. R. that the Rebbe concerns himself with every
Jew. Then I told the doctor about my father and his birthday.

I explained to Dr. R. that a number of years ago (in 5748/1988),
the Rebbe came out with a campaign to celebrate one's Jewish
birthday. I told him that a birthday is a personal Rosh HaShanah.
He asked me if I could tell him when his Jewish birthday is.
"Sure," I said, promptly dialing the number of a computer program
for just that purpose. Moments later I turned to Dr. R. and said,
"Happy birthday. Today, the 13th of Elul, is your Jewish birthday!"

The doctor was flabbergasted. But he was even more surprised
when I abruptly told him that I had to run to another appointment
but would return later.

I called my brother Pinye (Pinchos) and we put together a
mini-birthday farbrengen (gathering). Fifteen minutes later we
returned to Dr. R.'s office. He was delighted and touched when we
told him we were going to celebrate his birthday. The doctor took a
yarmulka -- skullcap -- out of his drawer, made a blessing on the
birthday cake, and we shared Torah thoughts.

Finally, Dr. R. said, "I'll tell you why I asked so many
questions about Rabbi Schneerson. I have a non-Jewish colleague. He
called me this morning at 4 a.m. 'Rabbi Schneerson came to me in a
dream,' he told me excitedly. He related that he had happened upon
one of the Rebbe's televised talks. 'I don't understand Yiddish but
I was mesmerized by Rabbi Schneerson. I always watched his
televised talks. When I heard that he had a stroke,' my colleague
said, 'I called the Rabbi's office and offered my services.'

"My friend," continued Dr. R., "sent the Rebbe a get-well card
and in the card asked the Rebbe ten questions, both personal and
work related. He also wrote that he hoped that very soon the Rebbe
would recover and would be able to answer the questions. One week
passed, two weeks passed, and there was no response, not even an
acknowledgement from the Rebbe's office. My colleague became very
upset.

" 'I was sleeping,' my colleague continued, 'and I dreamt that I
saw Rabbi Schneerson! When he saw me he broke into a beautiful
smile. 'Thank you for your good wishes,' the Rabbi told me. 'There
is no reason to be upset.' Then he started answering my questions
one by one. I woke up in a cold sweat. I remembered every word he
said and everything made perfect sense. I couldn't fall back
asleep,' my colleague concluded, 'so I called you.'

"That is why I wanted to speak with you today to find out what
you think about this," Dr. R. told us.

I told the doctor that if his friend had the privilege of
communicating with the Rebbe and of recognizing the Rebbe's
greatness, then he had a responsibility to share his experience
with others.

A month later I ran into Dr. R. at a Sukkot fair during the
intermediate days of the holiday. "Yossi, since you told me about
the Rebbe I haven't been the same. Before Rosh HaShanah I bought
myself a talit -- prayer shawl -- and went to shul on both days. I
fasted on Yom Kippur. I bought a lulav and etrog for Sukkot. And
now I've brought my grandchildren here so they can see thousands of
Jews enjoying the festival."

On the 13th of Elul, 5761/2001, my brother and I called Dr. R.'s
office to wish him a happy birthday. "Thank you so much for your
good wishes, how did you remember?" he asked. "How could I forget?"
was my response.

In 5731/1971, with a simple question to a simple chosid, the
Rebbe started a chain of events that continues bearing fruit to
this day.

**********************
* ON LIONS AND LAMBS *
**********************

Shabbat Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei, Saturday, the 25th of Adar,
is the 21st day of March.

Hey, wait a minute. In a Jewish publication, shouldn't we
reserve our discussions for Jewish months and not secular months?

A famous teachings of the Baal Shem Tov is that from everything
a person sees or hears -- whether in the realm of holiness or the
seemingly secular -- he can learn a lesson in his G-dly service.

So, what can we learn from March?

Most of us know the saying, "March comes in like a lion and goes
out like a lamb." And the juxtaposition of the lion and the lamb
brings to mind a time of world-peace. So powerful is this image of
lion and lamb connoting world-peace that a grass-roots group of
parents who promote non-violent toys for children call themselves
the Lion and the Lamb.

In truth, when our prophets speak of the ultimate world peace in
the Messianic Era, they state, "The wolf will dwell with the lamb,
and the leopard will lie down with the kid..." The prophet
continues, "...And the lion will eat straw as the ox."

One might ask, "Is this allegorical, or will animals that were
previously adversaries actually co-exist peacefully?" That's a good
question! (Every sincere question is a good question, actually.)

According to the opinions of many of our great Sages, these
prophecies should be taken literally. Nachmanides documents this
stand profusely, although he maintains that their fulfillment will
not necessitate great changes in Creation because, "Initially when
the world was created, prior to the sin of Adam, animals were not
predatory. Only after Adam's sin did their natures change...."

Similarly, Rabbi Dovid Kimchi, the Radak declares that animals
were not originally predators, as G-d created only one male and one
female of each species. If either one would have been killed, the
species would have become extinct.

However, there are other great Sages whose opinions differ. No
less a giant than Maimonides declares: "Do not presume that in the
days of Moshiach the nature of the world will change, or there will
be innovations in the work of Creation. Rather, the world will
continue according to its pattern."

How are we to understand Maimonides' words, knowing that he
established as one of the 13 principles of Judaism the belief in
the resurrection of the dead, an act that is certainly a change in
the nature of the world?

The Rebbe explains that there are two stages to the Messianic
Era. In the first stage, "the coming of Moshiach," everything will
go according to its natural pattern. In the second stage, the
actual Redemption, we will experience supernatural and miraculous
occurrences.

However, it is possible, according to the Rebbe, that we could
by-pass the first stage and go straight to the miracles -- if we
are meritorious.

Differing opinions aside, whichever way it's going to happen,
let it just happen already!

**************************************
* 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.

Thirty Days:

"Purim is thirty days before Passover. [4] As Rabbi Shneur
Zalman of Liadi writes in his Code of Jewish Law, thirty days
before Passover, we should begin studying the laws of the holiday.

"Similarly, since the celebration of the Passover holiday
involves many expenses, it is proper that efforts be made to
provide everyone who lacks with their Passover needs.

"Although there are organizations involved with these activities
throughout the entire year, there must be an increase in these
efforts in connection with the Passover holidays, providing them
with both food and clothing so that they can celebrate the holiday
in an ample manner, as befits 'free people.'"
(The Rebbe, 16 Adar, 5751/1991)

Celebrate Your Birthday

On the 25th of Adar, 5748/1988, in connection with Rebbetzin
Chaya Mushka's, 87th birthday (about a month after her passing, on
22 Shevat), the Rebbe spoke about the significance of birthdays and
the importance of celebrating them by gathering together with
friends and relatives. The Rebbe said:

"A Jew has the ability to utilize his birthday, instead of
letting it pass as just another day, he can make it a holiday with
emphasis on more Torah and mitzvot. One's birthday is a time for
reflection, when one may remember and think about those aspects of
his life, which need improvement and repentance. This should be
achieved by increasing Torah and prayer on the birthday, as well as
charity and other mitzvot. Add to this a happy gathering of family
and friends with the goal of accepting good resolutions, and the
power of the birthday will guarantee the fulfillment of the good
promises in the future.

"A birthday is a day in which one's mazal or fortune is
strongest. On one's birthday one can rejoice in the knowledge that
on this day his soul descended to this world in order to serve G-d
through Torah and mitzvot."

*

To find out when your birthday falls on the Jewish calendar,
call your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center.

Children can join the "The Jewish Birthday Club."

Celebrate your birthday in a traditional Jewish manner,
de-emphasizing the materialism and concentrating instead on family,
friends and spiritual growth.
_______________
4. This year, the 8-day festive holiday of Pesach, begins on
Wednesday night, April 8. Ed.

************
* GLOSSARY *
************

Minchah: Afternoon prayer service.

Shacharit: Morning prayer service.

***************************************
* 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.chabadworld.net *
*******************************************************

>>>> Times Shown Are for Metro NY - NJ <<<<

FRIDAY, MAR. 20, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI:
* Light Shabbat Candles, [5] by 6:51 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAR. 21, SHABBAT PARSHAT VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI:
* Parshat HaChodesh -- see above.
* Blessing of the new Hebrew month, Nissan. [6]
* Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 7:50 p.m.
_______________
5. 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.

6. Rosh Chodesh Nissan is celebrated on Thursday, March 26. Ed.

*********************************************
* 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 *
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******************************************
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* http://www.torah4blind.org/e-media.htm *
******************************************

********************************
* LIVING WITH MOSHIACH *
* Weekly Digest About Moshiach *
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