LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Shemini

[yysha...@aol.com]

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B"H
LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach

PARSHAT SHEMINI, 5780
23 Nissan, 5780
April 17, 2020

SPECIAL FEATURES:
1. "Mivtzah Kashrut -- The Jewish Dietary Laws"
2. Chof Ches Nissan, 5780
********************************************
* 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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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.
* Moshiach Matters (1).
* Keeping Kosher.
* Kosher Marks.
* Moshiach Matters (2).
* Chof Ches Nissan.
* Getting Ready For Moshiach.
* Is Moshiach A Lubavitcher Concept?
* There Is No Question.
* 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 1179th issue of our weekly publication, Living With
Moshiach.

*

In this week's issue, we focus on:

1) One of the Rebbe's Mitzvah Campaigns, "Mivtzah Kashrut -- The
Jewish Dietary Laws."

Making sure her home and family keep Kosher, is one of the three
special mitzvot entrusted to the Jewish Woman. [*]

2) Chof Ches Nissan.

*

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
23 Nissan, 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.
_______________
*. The other two are: Mivtzah Neshek -- Lighting Shabbat Candles
(http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5780/1159.txt), and Mivtzah
Taharat Hamishpacha -- The Jewish Laws of Family Purity
(http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5773/822.txt).

*************************************************
* 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 SHEMINI

A large part of this week's Torah portion, Shemini, discusses
the Jewish dietary laws, kashrut. We read about the kosher animals
a Jew may eat and the non-kosher ones that are forbidden. The Torah
gives us two signs to distinguish a kosher animal: it must chew its
cud and have split hooves.

Judaism is very concerned about the food one eats, since it
becomes part of our physical bodies, transformed into our flesh and
blood. The Torah prohibits us from ingesting certain foods to
protect our bodies from their negative influence. Keeping kosher
enables a Jew to avoid the spiritually harmful effect of these
non-kosher substances, and to receive the spiritual benefits of
kosher food.

We must also "chew our cud" and have "split hooves."

The hoof is the lowest part of the animal's body, coming in
direct contact with the earth and separating it from the ground.
Even an animal, whose head is closer to the ground than man's, must
maintain a certain distance and separation from the earth to be
considered kosher.

A Jew must also guard this distinction between the "earth" --
his corporeal nature -- and his higher spiritual faculties. Even
the lowest levels of his soul, analogous to the foot, must not come
into direct contact with the ground. We should never become
completely involved in our material affairs, but maintain a certain
detachment in the way we relate to them.

The hoof of a kosher animal is cloven, consisting of two parts.
So too must the Jew's involvement in worldly affairs -- analogous
to the "hoof" that connects him with the ground -- consist of two
simultaneous but opposite thrusts: his "right hand draws near"
while his "left hand pushes [negative influences] away." With the
"right hand" the Jew learns Torah, performs mitzvot and draws his
fellow Jews closer to Judaism. The "left hand" helps him to avoid
negative influences.

The distinction between "right" and "left" is very important.
One cannot hope to obtain goodness without shunning evil. Good and
evil must never be confused, just as the kosher animal's hooves are
split into two distinct halves.

The second characteristic of a kosher animal is that it chews
its cud. Likewise, a Jew must "chew over" his every step and
consider it carefully before acting. When we subject our behavior
to this scrutiny, all our actions will be pure.

The Torah gives us several signs by which we can recognize
kosher birds, but in this instance we are not allowed to rely only
on these characteristics. Only birds explicitly regarded as kosher
by our holy tradition are permissible.

From this we learn that a Jew must never rely solely on his own
intellect, as his guidelines in life must be derived from our holy
tradition. In addition to his own intellectual achievements, the
Jew must connect himself to the leader of the generation in order
for his service to be pure.

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

************************
* MOSHIACH MATTERS (1) *
************************

"And just as the Redemption was brought about in the days of
Mordechai and Esther (through the meticulous observance of
Kashrut), so too, the Redemption will be brought about in our days
through the meticulous observance of Kashrut." (The Midrash)

******************
* KEEPING KOSHER *
******************

In this week's Torah portion, Shemini, we aren't just told what
constitutes a kosher animal -- e.g., split hooves and chewing its
cud -- we also learn that these animals and birds are specifically
mentioned in the Torah.

Although thousands of years have passed since the Torah was
given, and many new species of animal have been "discovered" by man
since then, not one animal or bird has been found possessing the
kosher characteristics besides those enumerated in our Torah
portion.

There was a time when people used to brush aside the laws of
keeping kosher as outdated, food storage and production being much
more sanitary than in former years. But the G-d-given commandment
to keep kosher was never dependent upon sanitary conditions. At one
period in history, the extra cleanliness of kosher food might have
been an added BENEFIT of observing this important mitzvah, but it
was never the REASON for keeping kosher.

In fact, keeping kosher is in the category of mitzvot known as
chukim -- decrees. We are given no explanation by the Torah or our
Rabbis as to why we were given these "decrees." But, since our
Creator knows what's best for us -- which oils, fluids, fuels, etc.
make the mechanics of our soul run the smoothest -- it is prudent
and wise to follow His operating instructions assiduously.

Give keeping kosher a chance. You might want to start out
slowly, but once you get your engine revved up, you won't be able
to imagine any other way to keep your soul fine-tuned.

Good luck!

*

To change a non-kosher home to kosher is, admittedly, a major
undertaking. Any worthwhile change is bound to be difficult. In
recognition of this fact, Chabad-Lubavitch has formed a Kashrut
Committee to assist anyone sincerely interested in converting
hers/his to a kosher kitchen.

For more information, please call your local Chabad-Lubavitch
Center.

For a listing of the Centers in your area,
http://www.chabadworld.net

****************
* KOSHER MARKS *
****************

By Michael Medved

A [1] few weeks ago, my six-year-old daughter did something that
greatly upset one of my professional colleagues. At the same time,
it made her father enormously proud.

It happened when I took her to a television taping. While I
answered questions, my daughter chatted with the show's associate
producer, a bright, capable TV veteran I've known for nearly a
decade. This producer seemed specially delighted; she fussed and
cooed over Sarah's hair, ribbons and frilly dress, then brought her
colored pens, blank paper and glasses of orange juice.

When I finished my interview, I saw that my daughter had also
received a large imported chocolate bar in a gold foil wrapping.
"Daddy, look what Cindy gave to me!" she said proudly. "But I
didn't open it because maybe I think it's not kosher. Will you look
and see and check if it's okay?"

Our children have lived all their lives in a kosher home and
they know that unfamiliar products should be checked for the
recognized insignia that certifies that all ingredients conform to
Jewish dietary law.

My daughter was hoping against hope that I'd detect some excuse
in the fine print on the wrapper that she hadn't been able to find,
but the absence of any visible certification created a problem.
"I'm sorry, Sarah," I said, handing it back to her after a careful
search. "I just don't see any kosher mark."

My six-year-old looked crestfallen for just a moment, but
quickly recovered and bravely passed the bar back to the lady who
had given it to her. "Thank you," she said with a shy smile, "I'm
sorry I can't eat it."

The episode might have ended here, except that Cindy felt it
deserved further discussion. "I can't believe what I just saw!" she
exploded and set on to berate me -- and, by implication, my wife --
for destroying Sarah's sense of fun and spontaneity, encouraging
compulsive behavior and contaminating our kid with fearful and
superstitious ideas. She found it "scary" that the kid gave up a
piece of candy she obviously relished "like some zombie follower of
David Koresh."

Worst of all, Cindy believed that this sick, authoritarian
emphasis on kosher minutiae would cripple my child's ability to
reach decisions for herself and would make her grow up feeling
different from other kids.

It's hard to believe that Cindy would have responded in the same
emotional way had Sarah given up the chocolate bar for some other
reason -- because it was too fattening, for example, or too high in
cholesterol. It was precisely the religious basis for the sacrifice
that made it seem so irrational and unwholesome.

This is one aspect of the so-called "culture war" that is seldom
noted: in the same way that traditional believers are occasionally
appalled by what they consider the heedless indulgence of secular
America, secularists are often horrified by what they perceive as
the pointless restraints and rituals of religion.

The practice of drawing distinctions -- which represents such an
important focus of Jewish tradition -- seems arbitrary and
threatening to many non-religious people.

I believe with all my heart that my daughter's childhood
training in making such distinctions will stand her in good stead
as she grows older. It seems to me a beautiful thing -- not a
neurotic distortion -- that a little girl is able to cheerfully
sacrifice the sweet taste of candy for the sake of a set of
external standards.

I can think of no more valuable gift I can give my children than
equipping them to resist the pressure of their peers and to fight
the all-powerful adolescent instinct to go along with the crowd. A
person who examines every bit of food she consumes may learn to
evaluate more important aspects of behavior with similar care.

In short, I'm proud of my Sarah. There's an out-of-fashion,
still useful word that can be applied to the trait she displayed.

They used to call it character.
_______________
1. Reprinted from "L'Chaim" issue #281, Parshat Shoftim,
5752/1992.

************************
* MOSHIACH MATTERS (2) *
************************

"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)

********************
* CHOF CHES NISSAN *
********************

Wednesday, the 28th of Nissan (April 22), is an anniversary of
sort. It is 29 years to the day when, in the course of a rather
unexceptional public gathering, the Rebbe changed his tone and his
topic and emotionally shared the following:

"Because of the unique stress on the Redemption in this time, an
astonishing question arises: How is it possible that despite all
these factors, Moshiach has not yet come? This is beyond all
possible comprehension.

"It is also beyond comprehension that when ten (and many times
ten) Jews gather together at a time that is appropriate for the
Redemption to come, they do not raise a clamor great enough to
cause Moshiach to come immediately. They are, heaven forbid, able
to accept the possibility that Moshiach will not arrive tonight,
and even that he will not arrive tomorrow, or on the day after
tomorrow, heaven forbid.

"Even when people cry out 'Ad mosai -- Until when will we remain
in exile?' they do so only because they were told to. If they had
sincere intent and earnest desire, and cried out in truth, Moshiach
would surely have come already.

"What more can I do to motivate the entire Jewish people to
clamor and cry out, and thus actually bring about the coming of
Moshiach? All that has been done until now has been to no avail,
for we are still in exile; moreover, we are in an inner exile in
regard to our own service of G-d.

"All that I can possibly do is to give the matter over to you.
Now, do everything you can to bring Moshiach, here and now,
immediately.

"May it be G-d's will that ultimately ten Jews will be found who
are stubborn enough to resolve to secure G-d's consent to actually
bring about the true and ultimate Redemption, here and now,
immediately. Their stubborn resolve will surely evoke G-d's favor,
as reflected by the interpretation of the verse, 'For they are a
stiff-necked people; You will pardon our sins and wrongdoings and
make us Your possession.'

"I have done whatever I can; from now on, you must do whatever
you can. May it be G-d's will that there will be one, two, or three
among you who will appreciate what needs to be done and how it
needs to be done, and may you actually be successful and bring
about the true and complete Redemption. May this take place
immediately, in a spirit of happiness and gladness of heart."

* * *

Far from "passing the buck" or throwing up his hands in defeat,
from that day forth, the Rebbe continued, with increased vigor and
enthusiasm, to discuss the imminence of Moshiach's arrival and to
offer suggestions what we could do to get ready for the Redemption.

In fact, the very next Shabbat, the Rebbe said:

"Every Jew, man, woman and child, has an individual
responsibility to add to his service with the intent of bringing
about the actual coming of Moshiach. One should not try to shift
the burden of responsibility to others. Rather, each person should
recognize his individual responsibility.

"This service must involve an increase in the study of the
Torah, both hidden and revealed and an increase in the performance
of mitzvot in a beautiful and conscientious manner . . .

"In addition to making such increases oneself, one should also
influence others to make similar increases. And all of this should
be suffused with yearning for and expectation of Moshiach's coming.

"May our resolutions to involve ourselves be successful and
bring about the coming of the ultimate Redemption."

******************************
* GETTING READY FOR MOSHIACH *
******************************

There has always been one central theme in all of the Rebbe's
talks: the Redemption.

Throughout the years, the Rebbe suggested various projects to
hasten the coming of Moshiach and to prepare for that eternal era
of peace and tranquility. But, upon declaring that "the time of
your Redemption has arrived" in 5751/1991, the Rebbe repeatedly
stressed a number of practical activities to prepare ourselves and
the world for Moshiach.

One activity is to increase in Torah study about Moshiach and
the Redemption. Concerning this the Rebbe said, "Since Moshiach is
about to come, a final effort is required that will bring Moshiach.
Every individual -- man, woman and child -- should increase his
Torah study in subjects that concern the Redemption. This applies
to the Written Torah and the Oral Torah -- in the Talmud, Midrashim
as well as (and especially) in the mystical dimension of the Torah,
beginning with the Zohar and particularly in Chasidus... This study
is a foretaste and preparation for the study of the Torah of
Moshiach... An increase in Torah study in these areas is the
'direct way' to bring about the revelation and coming of Moshiach
in reality."

Another activity to prepare for Moshiach is to upgrade one's
observance of mitzvot (commandments) particularly charity. Said the
Rebbe, "One should likewise upgrade one's meticulous observance of
the mitzvot, particularly the mitzvah of tzeddakah (charity) which
'brings the Redemption near.' It would be well to make one's
increased contributions with the intent that it hasten the
Redemption. This intention in itself becomes part of one's study of
subjects connected with the Redemption -- for this is a tangible
study of the teaching of our Sages, 'Great is charity, for it
brings the Redemption near.' "

Surely, by implementing these suggestions we will imminently see
the realization of the Jewish people's prayers throughout the
millenia, the coming of Moshiach, NOW!

**************************************
* IS MOSHIACH A LUBAVITCHER CONCEPT? *
**************************************

Is the so-called "Moshiach Campaign" a Lubavitch invention? At a
gathering on Shavuot 5745/1985, the Rebbe spoke about people's
perception of the desire for Moshiach as an "innovation" of
Lubavitch. The Rebbe said (freely translated):

"Someone wrote to me recently that he met a religious Jew... and
[was] asked, 'Why do Lubavitchers cry out and proclaim, "Moshiach
Now!" '

"The person who wrote the letter wasn't sure what to answer the
other Jew and therefore was writing to me for an answer.

"It is mind-boggling that the letter-writer didn't know what to
answer the other Jew! But to answer the question:

"Belief in Moshiach and awaiting his coming -- 'I believe in the
coming of Moshiach... I wait every day that he should come' -- is
one of the 13 fundamental principles of the Jewish faith as
enumerated by Maimonides.

"Every Jew requests in each of the three daily weekday services,
'Speedily cause the scion of David Your servant to flourish... for
we hope for Your salvation every day.' And each day, including
Shabbat and holidays, in the three prayer services, we beg, 'May
our eyes behold Your return to Zion in mercy!'

"After all of this, there are those who say that the request
that we go out of exile to the Redemption -- 'Moshiach Now,' -- is
a 'novel' idea of Lubavitch!"

The Rebbe quoted a verse from Psalms, "As the deer longs for the
springs of water, so does my soul call out in thirst for You G-d."
The Rebbe explained that this verse emphasizes our great pain over
the exile and our desire and longing for the Redemption. This
desire is not just that we want "Moshiach Now," but much more: In
the same way a person who hasn't had water for a long time thirsts
for it in order to revive his soul, so should our thirst for the
Redemption affect our lives literally.

May our cry of "Moshiach Now!" be filled with a true thirst for
the Redemption that will reunite us with the Rebbe and bring the
Redemption NOW!

************************
* THERE IS NO QUESTION *
************************

by Rabbi Avraham Kotlarsky [1]

The fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel (the Rebbe Maharash),
had a chasid who was a successful businessman. Before undertaking
any significant deal, he always consulted the Rebbe and followed
his instructions.

One time, the chasid was offered a fabulous opportunity. If
successful -- and most certainly it would be -- he would make
millions. The deal, however, required that he invest almost his
entire fortune. Before the chasid would make such a major move, he
set off to the city of Lubavitch to seek the Rebbe's advice.

After hearing the details of the proposition the Rebbe Maharash
told him that he should not go through with the deal.

The chasid was stunned. He tried to convince the Rebbe that this
was a sound proposal; he described all of the great profits to be
made, but to no avail. The Rebbe's answer was final: NO!

A few days later, the would-be business partners came to the
chasid. When they heard that he was not interested, based upon the
Rebbe's answer, they began to laugh at him. "Certainly you didn't
understand the Rebbe's words," they told him. "And anyway, maybe
there were some important details you left out that would solicit a
different answer. After all," they said, "isn't there a saying that
'according to how you ask, that is how you're answered'? Go back to
the Rebbe and make sure to tell him all the details. You'll see,
the answer will be different this time."

Back to Lubavitch the chasid went. "Rebbe," he pleaded,
"obviously I did not explain myself well enough last time. We're
talking about tremendous sums of money. I can become rich overnight
and give much tzeddakah [charity] as well..."

The Rebbe listened patiently once again, and at the end of the
presentation his answer was simple and direct: "No. It's not
worthwhile."

The chasid made his way home, thinking about all the money he
could have made, if only the Rebbe would have agreed. "The Rebbe
doesn't even explain his reasons," thought the chasid.

But his friends and family wouldn't let up. "It's forbidden to
lose such an opportunity," they cried. "Go back to the Rebbe again
and certainly the answer will be different."

In his third attempt, the chasid tried everything, even begging
the Rebbe to let him make the deal, but the Rebbe answered once
again: "No."

When the chasid came home, he couldn't stand up to the pressure
of family and friends, and contrary to the Rebbe's advice, he
signed the deal. He quieted his conscience by telling himself that
he would now really give a lot of tzeddakah.

Unfortunately, things did not go well. In a short while, the
chasid lost all his money.

The chasid realized how wrong it was to not follow the Rebbe's
instruction. Full of regret, he made his way back a fourth time to
see the Rebbe.

The chasid spent a long time in private with the Rebbe. When he
came out, he revealed only one thing the Rebbe had told him.

"There are people," said the Rebbe, "big businessmen among them,
who come to ask my advice concerning important matters. Sometimes
the issues are quite complex; matters which I have never engaged
in, nor did my ancestors. So then why do they ask me my advice, and
follow my instructions and counsel?

"There are three answers, each one matching a different type of
Jew who comes to me.

"One person thinks, 'It's very simple. The Rebbe has Ruach
HaKodesh -- Divine Inspiration! The Rebbe is a G-dly man, a
prophet. It is G-d's words coming from his mouth and therefore we
must follow him, no questions asked!'

"Another type," continued the Rebbe, "is a person who operates
on a different level, somewhat more down to earth. 'The Rebbe
studies Torah all the time and serves G-d with his entire being.
His intellect is totally nullified to G-d's Will. Therefore,
everything he says stems from Torah and certainly his words
will be fulfilled.'

"The third type," explained the Rebbe, "says, 'The Rebbe meets
so many people, from all over the world and from all walks of life.
He has acquired an incredibly broad knowledge of worldly matters.
With this knowledge and his ability to see things from many
different angles, the Rebbe sees what others cannot. Therefore, we
must listen to him.'

"Whichever group you might belong to," the Rebbe Maharash
concluded, "you should never have gone through with the deal after
hearing from me not once, not twice, but three times clearly 'no!'"

* * *

I remember the morning of Gimmel Tammuz 5754/1994, when I walked
into the Chabad House for Sunday morning services. One of the
people who had come to pray asked me, "What do we do now?"

What do we do now? The Rebbe told us that the Redemption is at
the door; that we must prepare ourselves and the whole world for
the revelation of Moshiach. It was true that even while the Rebbe
was critically ill we believed that G-d would heal the Rebbe; that
the Redemption we so eagerly awaited and anticipated would be
heralded in with the revelation of the Rebbe as Moshiach, and
that he would miraculously lead us to the Holy Land.

What now? Who will lead us on? Was the Rebbe wrong? Is the
Redemption, after all, a beautiful dream to take place in another
time, another place, but not in this "real" world of sorrow and
pain?

Some people see in the Rebbe a great charismatic leader. Others
see a Torah genius. Others emphasize the Rebbe's knack for finding
the right button to push in the hearts of his followers, his
admirers, or any stranger who approached him at Sunday dollars. [2]
Others speak of the Rebbe's organizational skills and his foresight
that has put him light-years ahead of prevailing thought.

The final word is that the Rebbe is a G-dly man. The Rebbe is
not "us-plus," so to speak, a person who is merely MORE brilliant,
MORE sensitive, MORE insightful, MORE spiritual, and capable of
leadership than we. Rather, his teachings and personal life reveal
him to be carved from a different substance altogether. His every
word -- carefully chosen and full of meaning; his every move --
calculated, corresponding to Divine Emanations in a world concealed
from our sight; someone transplanted from another world, to bring
light to a darkened world, to lead the final generation of exile to
Redemption.

The Rebbe is revealed to each person as he perceives the Rebbe.
Like the three types of Jews who came to the Rebbe Maharash, every
individual relates to the Rebbe on a different level.

Not once, not twice, nor three times, but literally hundreds of
times -- publicly and privately, in writing and verbally -- the
Rebbe has told all Jews of this generation what we must do in these
last moments before the Redemption:

"Do everything you can to bring Moshiach, here and now."
(28 Nisan, 5751/1991)

"...Publicize to all people that we have merited that G-d has
chosen and appointed an individual incomparably greater than all
other people in this generation as the judge, adviser and prophet
of the generation to give instructions and advice in both the
Divine service and daily activities of all Jews ... up to and
including the main prophecy, "Redemption is imminent" and "Moshiach
is coming." (Shabbat Shoftim, 5751/1991)

"All the service that was expected of the Jewish people in exile
has been completed and perfected and we are now ready to receive
Moshiach ... Moshiach not only exists, but is also revealed. All
that remains is for us to receive and greet Moshiach in actual
fact." (Shabbat Vayeira, 5752/1991)

"Every sheliach [emissary of the Rebbe] must prepare himself and
all the Jews of his neighborhood, city, etc., to greet Moshiach
through explaining the concept of Moshiach, as discussed in the
Written and Oral Torah, in a way that each and every individual can
relate to .... Since this is the necessary service of the time, it
is self-understood that this is incumbent upon every single Jew,
without any exception." (Shabbat Chayei Sarah, 5752/1991)

The Rebbe has told us to learn more about Moshiach and the
Redemption; to start "living with Moshiach" by increasing our acts
of kindness and mitzvot; to share this message with others.

Whatever group we belong to, regardless of how we define
ourselves and at what level of faith we may operate, we should
listen to the Rebbe.

There is no question that all that the Rebbe said will be
fulfilled. There is no question that what the Rebbe said is not
open now to reinterpretation. There is no question that we will see
the Redemption very soon unfold before our eyes, precisely as the
Rebbe said. There is no question what we must do now, for
everything the Rebbe has said to us, all of the directions that he
has given to this generation, must continue on and with greater
strength, with more vigor and vitality.

We are the generation of the Redemption. And we will make it
happen. Let us commit ourselves to fulfilling the Rebbe's
directives, and then we will be able to see the realization of the
Rebbe's most important prophecy, the revelation of Moshiach in the
true and complete Redemption.
_______________
1. Executive Director, Chabad Lubavitch of Rockland, NY.

2. In the years 1986-1992, the Rebbe, every Sunday, personally
distributed to each of the thousands of visitors who came to
receive his blessings a dollar to give to charity.

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

***************************************
* 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, APRIL 17, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT SHEMINI:
* Light Shabbat Candles, [3] by 7:20 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, SHABBAT PARSHAT SHEMINI:
* Blessing of the New Hebrew Month, Iyar. [4]
* On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapter 1
of Pirkei Avot -- Ethics of the Fathers.
* Shabbat ends at nightfall, at 8:22 p.m.
_______________
3. 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.

4. Rosh Chodesh Iyar is on Friday, April 24, and Shabbat
Parshat Tazria-Metzora, Sat., April 25.

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

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