LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Balak

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B"H
LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach

PARSHAT BALAK, 5779
16 Tamuz, 5779
July 19, 2019

SPECIAL FEATURE:
Laws of the Bais HaMikdosh
(The Holy Temple)

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* 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 *
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5779

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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.
* The Seventeenth of Tamuz.
* Eat More And Better!.
* The "Three Weeks".
* A Lesson From the "Three Weeks".
* Some Laws of the "Three Weeks".
* Laws of the Holy Temple.
* 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 1141st issue of our weekly publication, Living With
Moshiach.

*

This week's issue focuses on the "Three Weeks."

*

This week's issue is dedicated in honor of:

1. The 13th yahrtzeit of my dear and loving father, Horav
Schneur Zalman Halevi ben Horav Yitzchok Elchonon Halevi Shagalov,
who passed away on Monday, 21 Tamuz, 5766 (July 17, 2006).

A Tribute will, G-d willing, be published in the next issue of
Living With Moshiach.

2. The 16th yahrtzeit of our dear friend and copy editor, Reb
Mordechai ben Reb Shaul Staiman, who passed away, on Tuesday,
22 Tamuz, 5763 (July 22, 2003).

A Tribute will, G-d willing, be published in the next issue of
Living With Moshiach.

*

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
12-13 Tamuz, 5779
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 BALAK

Of all the prophecies in Scripture that refer to the messianic
era, the one contained in this week's Torah portion, Parshat Balak,
is most unusual in that it came from Bilaam, a gentile prophet.
Bilaam, the foremost prophet of his time, was forced against his
will to foretell the downfall of the nations of the world and the
ultimate ascendancy of the Jewish people.

The very fact that this prophecy is included in our holy Torah
indicates its special significance; indeed, it contains a distinct
advantage precisely because it was said by a non-Jew. For when
Moshiach comes the Jewish people will no longer be subservient to
the nations; on the contrary, the gentile leaders will vie with one
another for the privilege of serving the Jews! Thus, the prophecy
of Bilaam concerning the Final Redemption not only gave the
Children of Israel cause for rejoicing over their future, it
actually afforded them a "taste" of the way things will be in the
messianic era.

As far as prophecy itself is concerned, our Sages foretold its
reoccurrence among the Jewish people before Moshiach's arrival
according to the following chronology: commenting on the verse in
this week's Torah portion, "At the proper time shall it be said to
Jacob and to Israel, what G-d has wrought," Maimonides noted that
prophecy would return to Israel after "the proper time" had elapsed
after Bilaam, i.e., after the same number of years as had passed
since the creation of the world until his prophecy. Bilaam's
prophecy was said in the year 2488; 2488 years after that, in the
year 4976 (we are now in the year 5779), prophecy was destined to
return to the Jewish people.

In fact we find that this was indeed the case, for it was then
that prophetic luminaries began to appear on the Jewish horizon --
Rabbi Shmuel Hanavi, Rabbi Elazar Baal "Harokeach," Nachmanides,
the Ravad (Rabbi Abraham ben David), Rabbi Ezra Hanavi and Rabbi
Yehuda the Chasid, and others.

More generations passed until the birth of Rabbi Israel Baal
Shem Tov, the founder of Chasidus, and his successor, the Maggid of
Mezeritch, about whom it was said that they "could see from one end
of the world to the other." The following generation produced Rabbi
Shneur Zalman, who formulated Chabad Chasidus. Had he lived in the
times of our prophets he would have been on a par with them;
moreover, this chain of prophecy continued from one Chabad leader
to the next, until the present day, when the Rebbe has prophesied
that Moshiach's arrival is imminent.

The return of prophecy to the Jewish people is therefore both a
prerequisite and preparation for the messianic era, which is due to
begin at any moment.

************************
* 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.
______________
See "Living With Moshiach" Vol. 1095:
http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5778/1095.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 *
********************

A star steps out of Jacob and a scepter rises out of Israel
(Num. 24:17)

Although one passage in the Jerusalem Talmud states that this
verse refers to Moshiach, another interprets it as referring to
every Jew.

This seeming contradiction is resolved by the Baal Shem Tov, who
said that every Jew contains within him a spark of the soul of
Moshiach.

Furthermore, this spark is more than just a latent aspect; every
Jew is able to bring that spark out into the open, bringing about
the actual manifestation of Moshiach by means of Torah and mitzvot,
which effect a purification and refinement of the physical world.

This will be achieved in macrocosm with the coming of Moshiach,
who will reveal the world's goodness and holiness.
(The Rebbe, Shabbat Parshat Chukat-Balak, 12 Tamuz 5722)

****************************
* THE SEVENTEENTH OF TAMUZ *
****************************

This Shabbat is the 17th of Tamuz. Because it is also Shabbat,
the fast usually commemorated on this date is postponed until the
next day.

We neither eat nor drink, from approximately 72 minutes before
sunrise on Sunday morning, July 21, until 40 minutes after
sunset.[1]

*

The Rebbe explained that there are two ways of explaining the
fact that the fast is put off: a) It is forbidden to fast on
Shabbat, because no element of sadness should be associated with
this day. In particular, this applies in regard to those fasts that
commemorate national calamities. b) On a deeper level this
postponement serves as a foretaste of the revelation of the true
nature of the date of the fast that will surface in the Era of the
Redemption, when, as Maimonides writes, 'all the fasts will be
nullified ... and will be transformed into festivals and days of
joy and rejoicing.'

"On an overt level, a fast day is obviously undesirable. The
suffering endured on a fast is surely not pleasurable, nor
appreciated. Nevertheless, the inner dimension of a fast is good,
as the prophet states, 'It is a day of will unto G-d.'

"This contrast is openly expressed in regard to the 17th of
Tamuz. On an obvious level it is associated with negative factors,
the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem, which led to the
destruction of the Holy Temple. Nevertheless, its inner, essential
quality is good. This is even alluded to in the date itself, for 17
is numerically equivalent to the word tov. This points to the
intent of the exile, that it should lead the Jews to the Era of the
Redemption.

"The connection to the Redemption also relates to Shabbat, which
is a foretaste of 'the era that is all Shabbat and rest for
eternity.' Moreover, the mitzvah of delighting in the Shabbat by
partaking of material delicacies is also paralleled by 'the feast
that the Holy One, blessed be He, will make for the righteous in
that future era.' That feast will be an actual physical meal. For,
as Chasidus explains, the ultimate reward of the Era of the
Redemption will not be on the spiritual plane. Rather, it will be
experienced within this material world, as the souls are enclothed
within the body."

May this take place immediately!
_______________
1. In New York City, at 8:55 p.m.

***************************************
* EAT MORE AND BETTER! *
* Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe *
***************************************

In general, on Shabbat it is a mitzvah to take pleasure in
material delights. This Shabbat it is an even bigger mitzvah to eat
delicious foods as it is the "fast day" of the 17th of Tamuz; since
it is Shabbat we push off the fast until Sunday.

"The Shabbat meals, and the meal of Melave Malka (eaten Saturday
night) should be held with perhaps more happiness and celebration,
thus emphasizing the connection of Shabbat and the Melave Malka to
the Era of the Redemption when the fast will be transformed into a
day of celebration in a full and complete manner."

*********************
* THE "THREE WEEKS" *
*********************

This summer, during the months of July and August, comes a very
serious time for the Jewish people, when many terrible things
happened throughout history. This period is called the "Three
Weeks," or Bain HaMetzorim, which means "Between the Straits."

What happened during this time? On the 17th of Tamuz: 1) Moses
descended from Mt. Sinai and smashed the two Tablets with the Ten
Commandments when he saw the Jews worshipping the Golden Calf; 2)
The Romans breached the walls of Jerusalem in 70 c.e.; 3) During
the siege of Jerusalem the daily sacrifice was interrupted by
Nebuchad-nezzer; 4) Apostomus publicly burned a Torah scroll; and
5) An idol was erected in the courtyard of the Holy Temple. On the
9th of Av, both the First and Second Temple were destroyed,
bringing terrible suffering upon the Jewish people.

*

The "Three Weeks" begin, this year (due to Shabbat) on the 18th
of Tamuz (Sunday, July 21, 2019), and continue until the 10th of Av
(Sunday, August 11, 2019).

Normally these days are fast days. This year, however, they fall
on Shabbat, and the fast days are pushed off until Sunday.

The 17th of Tamuz this year is on Shabbat, the 20th of July, and
Tisha B'Av is three weeks later, on the 10th of August. (If, Heaven
forbid, Moshiach does not come by then, the fast days will be on
Sunday, July 21, and Sunday, August 11).

But, once the fast days are pushed off, we pray they will be
pushed off for good, and instead we will feast with tremendous joy
and happiness, not just because it is Shabbat, but because Moshiach
will have come!

Then we will have the Bais HaMikdosh again, and we will be able
to observe the laws of the Torah in its entirety, as we have not
been able to for almost 2,000 years!

***********************************
* A LESSON FROM THE "THREE WEEKS" *
***********************************

There are two approaches to the present period of the "Three
Weeks."

One approach is to dwell on the awesomeness of those tragedies
and the difficulties suffered by our people in the exile that
followed.

The other approach, while not minimizing the extent of our
nation's loss, puts the emphasis on the purpose of the exile.
Heaven forbid to say that destruction and exile are ends in and of
themselves. Rather, within the ashes of the Temple's destruction
was kindled the spark of the Future Redemption.

In an ultimate sense, this was the purpose of the exile -- to
prepare the Jewish people and the world at large, for the higher
and deeper level of fulfillment, to be reached, in the era of the
Future Redemption.

There is no question that the second approach is the one more
followed in the present age.

Our Sages declared, "All the appointed times for Moshiach's
coming have passed; the matter is only dependent on teshuvah."

We have already turned to G-d with sincere teshuvah. Thus, when
speaking of the readiness of our generation, the Previous Rebbe,
Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn, used the allegory of a garment
that is complete in all respects -- "and all that is needed now is
to polish the buttons."

Surely, the many years of vibrant Torah activity that have
followed since the Previous Rebbe's statement was made, have been
sufficient to accomplish that purpose.

We are standing on the threshold of the Redemption. Moshiach's
coming is no longer a dream of a distant future, but an imminent
reality that will very shortly become fully manifest.

Through living with the concept of Moshiach, we shall hasten his
coming and bring about the era in which these "Three Weeks" will be
transformed from mourning into the celebration of the Redemption.

May this take place in the immediate future.

**********************************
* SOME LAWS OF THE "THREE WEEKS" *
**********************************

We observe some aspects of mourning: weddings do not take place,
and playing musical instruments is prohibited, as is the buying and
wearing of new garments. In addition, we do not cut our hair.

Also, we should try to be extra kind to one another. We should
give extra charity, and learn extra Torah, and pray to G-d to end
the Exile.

*

Jewish teachings explain that when we learn the laws of the Holy
Temple, its structure, the services and sacrifices practiced there,
it is as if we are rebuilding it.

Therefore, the Rebbe stresses that during the "Three Weeks" we
should spend time studying what the Holy Temple will be like, and
to learn all about it.

*******************************************
* LAWS OF THE HOLY TEMPLE *
* Adapted from Rambam's Mishnah Torah [2] *
*******************************************

THE MITZVAH TO BUILD

When the Jews received the Torah at Mt. Sinai, they were
commanded to build a Holy Sanctuary for G-d, called in Hebrew, a
Mikdosh.

The purpose of the Temple is to provide G-d with a place to
dwell in this world, a House to which offerings may be brought.

Men and women must help to build the Temple. It is a mitzvah to
build it as beautifully as possible. If money is available, one
should even cover the whole structure with gold! However, children
may not be taken away from learning Torah, even for the sake of
building the Temple. We do not build the Temple on Shabbat or on
Yom Tov.

A person is meant to go to the Temple three times a year, to
celebrate the Festivals of Pesach, Shavuot, and Succot.

A BIT OF HISTORY

The first Sanctuary was built by Moshe and the Jews. It was
movable, and could be transported with the Jewish people from place
to place in the Wilderness.

After nearly 400 years, King David, the ancestor of Moshiach,
designed a permanent Temple for G-d in Jerusalem. It was built by
his son, King Solomon. This was the first Holy Temple. It stood 410
years!

The first Temple was destroyed by the Babylonian King
Nebuchadnezzar, who cast the Jews into exile.

After 70 years, the Jews were at last able to return to Israel,
under the leadership of Ezra the Scribe. He supervised the
construction of the Second Temple. This occurred right after the
story of Purim took place.

The Second Temple was larger than the First, and stood for 420
years! It was destroyed by the Roman armies led by Titus.

The Third Temple will be rebuilt on the same spot that the first
two Temples stood, when Moshiach comes, may it be very soon!

THE STRUCTURE

In building the Temple, large, expensive stones were used. Some
were used in their natural form; others were shaped with tools,
such as the huge stones still standing in the Western Wall.

On the Temple Mount itself, however, no iron tools could be
used. Even to hear the sound of an iron tool was forbidden, because
iron (as used for weapons) shortens the life of man, and the Temple
is meant to prolong it.

THE TEMPLE MOUNT

The entire Temple area was built on a mountain slope, not on
flat ground. When a person entered the Temple, he would have to
climb up Mt. Moriah, mounting the steps from level to level as he
went.

It is no accident that the Temple is built on a mountain. On a
mountainside it is very hard to stand still. You always have to
keep climbing. When it comes to learning Torah and doing mitzvot,
it is the same. We must also keep climbing--by learning and doing
more.

The Temple Mount is called Mount Moriah. The word moriah is from
the word yirah, meaning "fear" and "awe." When the Temple was
standing, the world was filled with fear and awe of G-d. The word
moriah is also from the root ho-r'ah, which means "teaching." This
is because the highest court in all Israel, the Sanhedrin, used to
sit in the Temple, so that teaching and instruction would go out
from there to all the Jewish people.

THE SANHEDRIN, THE SUPREME COURT

The Supreme Court of seventy-one Sages (the Sanhedrin) had its
chambers in the Temple. Here they would judge the people, and teach
them to go higher and higher in Torah and mitzvot.

The room in which the Sanhedrin would meet was called the
Chamber of Hewed Stone. It was called by this name because the
chairs for the judges were carved out of solid stone.

The wisest and most righteous judges in Israel used to meet
there, right by the Temple, so that when they were deciding the
most difficult problems of the Jewish nation they would always
think of G-d, and explain His Torah correctly.

When Moshiach comes, and the Temple will be rebuilt, the great
Sanhedrin will once again meet in the Chamber of Hewed Stones in
the Temple. At that time, peace will reign, and the city of
Jerusalem will expand to include all of the Land of Israel!

TO HOLD THE TEMPLE IN AWE

We are commanded to hold the Temple in awe, and to revere it. Of
course, it is not just the building that we revere, but the One who
commanded us to build it.

How do we revere the Temple? We are not to enter the Temple
Mount holding a staff, or with sandals on our feet, or dressed in
informal clothes, or with dust on our feet, or money in our hands.
Needless to say, we should not spit.

A person should not take a shortcut through the Temple Mount,
entering on one side and going out the other, just to make the way
shorter. Rather one should walk around the outside, and enter only
for the sake of a mitzvah.

When leaving the Temple, a person should not turn around and
walk away. He should go backwards slowly, and then turn to his side
until he is out of the courtyard.

A person should not act frivolously or joke around opposite the
eastern gate of the Temple, for it is directly opposite the Holy of
Holies.

Even though the Temple is now in ruins because of our sins, a
person must hold it in awe and behave in a dignified manner at all
times, just as when it was standing.

THE MITZVAH TO GUARD THE TEMPLE

It is a mitzvah to station guards around the Temple, just as a
king would have guards around his palace. Not that we have to
protect G-d, for He is mightier than any army, rather we station
guards to show Him honor.

Every night, 24 guards would take up their positions around the
Temple. The kohanim (Temple priests) stood guard inside, and 21
Levites stood guard on the outside.

In the time of Moshiach, when the Temple will be rebuilt, even
non-Jewish nations will send their armies to protect the Holy
Temple, so that the Jews can perform their service there, in peace,
to the benefit of the whole world.

THE VESSELS

The following vessels must be in the outer courtyard:

1. The Great Altar

The Great Altar was made of stone. It was for burnt offerings,
such as animals, birds, flour baked into matzos, and libations
(pourings) of wine. On top of the Great Altar three fires were kept
burning: one was for the daily offerings, one to provide coals for
burning the incense on the Golden Altar, and one just to fulfill
the commandment of always having a fire burning on the Altar of
G-d.

The kohanim (Temple priests) were not allowed to go up on the
Altar by means of steps, nor was it permissible to build steps for
the Altar. Only a ramp was allowed.

The Great Altar of the Temple was in a very precise place, which
may never be changed. This place is so holy that even non-Jews
recognize its holiness and have never worshipped idols on the spot.

The Great Altar was built on very holy ground. It is the same
place where our forefather Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son
Isaac (Yitzchok). Noah had made offerings to G-d there after the
flood. Even Adam had made his offering to G-d there. In fact from
that very spot G-d had taken the earth with which He created man!
The Altar of our Third Temple will also be built exactly in this
same place.

Large amounts of wood were used for the fire on the Great Altar.
Kohanim who could not serve in the Temple, either because of age or
some other reason, would check all the wood for worms before it
went to the outer Altar. They did this in a chamber called the Wood
Room.

2. The Kiyor, Wash-basin

The Kiyor (Wash-basin) was a large vessel full of water, used by
the kohanim to wash their hands and feet, before beginning their
service in the Temple.

The Kiyor, originally had only two taps, but later it was
redesigned by one of the High Priests called Ben Katin, to have
twelve taps. This enabled all the twelve priests who participated
in the daily offering to wash their hands and feet at once, before
they began the Temple service.

* * *

In the inner Holy Chamber, there are three vessels:

1. The Small Golden Altar

The small Altar was made of pure gold, and was for offerings of
sweet smelling incense.

2. The Menorah

The menorah was made of pure gold. It had three feet, and seven
straight branches. On each branch there were three upside-down
cups. Near the base was another cup, bringing the total to 22
cups--exactly equal to the number of letters in the aleph bais, the
Hebrew alphabet.

There were also 9 flowers and 11 egg-shaped bulbs decorating the
menorah. The flowers were a symbol of the world's potential for
growth and development. The bulbs were a symbol of limitless
spiritual pleasure.

The menorah was lit by the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest, every
day toward evening.

All the flames in the menorah faced the central lamp. This lamp
was called the nair ma'aravi--the western lamp--because it faced
the Holy of Holies. This lamp was the first one kindled every day
toward evening, and it would burn miraculously long after the
others had burned out, until it was time to rekindle the menorah
the next day. This was a sign to the entire world that G-d dwelt
with the Jewish people.

3. The Shulchan, The Table

Twelve specially baked "loaves" were placed on this golden table
every Friday before Shabbat. They stood in two rows. Between each
tray was an air-space; the "loaves" were called the lechem hapanim,
because they were shaped like a barge, facing in 2 directions at
once.

THE KODESH HAKODOSHIM

The holiest part of the Temple was in the west. It was called
the Holy of Holies.

In it stood the Ark, in which the Ten Commandments were kept.
This box was made of wood, with a layer of gold inside and a layer
of gold outside. There were really three boxes, one within the
other.

The cover of the Ark was solid gold more than 6" thick.

On top of the Ark-cover were two golden figures, a boy and a
girl. Like soldiers they stood guard over the Torah. G-d spoke to
Moshe through their wings.

When G-d was pleased with the Jewish people, these figures would
face towards each other with love.

Beside the Ark was the legendary staff of Moshe's brother,
Aaron, the first high priest, which once miraculously sprouted
almond blossoms overnight, and a flask containing manna, a memorial
from the time of Moshe and from the time the Jews were in the
wilderness. This was to remind Jews how G-d sustained our ancestors
for forty years in the desert, and how surely, He can sustain us
now and at all times!

No one was ever allowed into this Holiest Chamber except the
Kohen Gadol, and he could only enter once a year, on Yom Kippur, to
pray for the welfare of the Jewish people.

To clean the Holy of Holies, men were lowered from above in
baskets. The baskets faced the wall, so that the men could do their
job without looking into the room itself.

When King Solomon built the Temple, he knew that it would
ultimately be destroyed. He built secret underground rooms in which
to hide The Ark with the Ten Commandments, as well as Aaron's
staff, the small vessel with manna, and the oil for anointing.

Before the First Temple was destroyed, King Yeshiyahu commanded
that the Ark be placed in these secret passageways. He also hid the
staff of Aaron, the bottle of manna, and the oil for anointing.

None of these things was found again, not even in the time of
the Second Temple, but they will all be returned in the time of
Moshiach, when the Third Temple will be rebuilt, speedily NOW.
_______________
2. Adapted from the "Tzivos Hashem Newsletter," edited by Dr.
Dovid S. Pape.

**************************************
* 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, 72915, 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 About the Holy Temple:

Jewish teachings explain that when we learn the laws of the Holy
Temple, its structure, the services and sacrifices practiced there,
it is as if we are rebuilding it.

Therefore, the Rebbe stresses that during the "Three Weeks" we
should spend time studying what the Holy Temple will be like, and
to learn all about it.

"This study should be carried out in anxious anticipation of the
Holy Temple being rebuilt. We should study about the Holy Temple
with the awareness that in the very near future we will see what we
are studying about in actual reality."
The Rebbe, 24 Tamuz, 5751/1991

*

"G-d told the prophet Yechezkel that through studying the laws
of the structure of the Holy Temple it is considered as if we have
been involved in its actual construction.

"As we are so close to the Redemption, the subject must be
approached as a present reality; at any moment the Third Holy
Temple which is already built in the heavens will descend and be
revealed on earth." The Rebbe, 17 Tamuz, 5751/1991


References

The text of the book: "Seek Out The Welfare Of Jerusalem"
[Analytical Studies by the Rebbe, of Rambam's rulings concerning
the construction and design of the Holy Temple], published by
Sichos in English -- is available on-line at:
"http://www.torah4blind.org/temple"
and is divided into a special study program.

Also, for a Virtual Tour of the Bais Hamikdosh (Holy Temple),
go to: "http://www.torah4blind.org/temple"

***************************************
* 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, JULY 19, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT BALAK:
* Light Shabbat Candles, [3] by 8:05 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 20, SHABBAT PARSHAT BALAK:
* On Shabbat following the afternoon prayer, we read Chapter 6 of
Pirkei Avot -- Ethics of the Fathers.
* Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 9:10 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.

*********************************************
* 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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= End of Text: Living With Moshiach, Parshat Balak, 5779 =
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