LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Teruma
Yosef Shagalov
LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach
PARSHAT TERUMA
Adar 3, 5759 Feb. 19, 1999
*
Published Weekly By
Lubavitch Shluchim Conferences On The Moshiach Campaign,
Committee For The Blind
* * *
5759
*********************************************
* VISIT US ON THE WEB, AT: *
* http://www.moshiach.net/blind *
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* See below *
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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
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* TABLE OF CONTENTS *
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* Introduction
* The Weekly Torah Portion
* The Rebbe's Prophecy
* When Adar begins, we increase in Joy
* The Month of Adar
* Joy - a Chasidic Insight
* Why Be Moshiach-Minded?
* A Call To Action
* The Weekly Shabbat Calendar
* Laws of Shabbat Candle Lighting for the Blind
* Shabbat Candle Lighting Blessing
* Moshiach Information Hotlines
* Moshiach In The Air - Electronic Media
* Jewish Children:
Get Your Own Letter in a Sefer Torah!
Join Tzivos Hashem (The Army of G-D)
* Subscription Information for this Weekly Magazine:
Living With Moshiach
****************
* INTRODUCTION *
****************
We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the
blind, our weekly publication, Living With Moshiach.
*
In this week's issue, we focus on the Hebrew month of Adar.
*
The Jewish year that has recently begun is the year 5759 since
Creation. The Hebrew letters are Hei-Tav-Shin-Nun-Tes. Over a
decade ago, in the year 5742, the Rebbe stated that the Hebrew
letters for that year were an acronym for "This should be the year
of the coming of Moshiach."
Since that time, the Rebbe has publicized a phrase describing
the year according to the acronym of its Hebrew letters. This year
has been designated by the Rebbe's followers as "Hoyo T'hei Shnas
Niflaos Tovoh" meaning "It surely will be a good year of wondrous
miracles."
*
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 copy editor, Reb Mordechai 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
Administrator
Committee for the Blind
E-Mail: y...@virtual.co.il
22 Shevat, 5759
Brooklyn, New York
***************************************
* THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION *
* Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe *
***************************************
PARSHAT TERUMA
This week's Torah portion, Teruma, contains the commandment to
fashion a menorah for the Sanctuary. "And you shall make a menorah
of pure gold."
Maimonides, one of the greatest Torah scholars of all time, drew
a detailed diagram of the menorah that greatly helps us understand
what it looked like. The diagram shows us the shape of the
menorah's branches, the location of its "flowers" and "bowls," and
many other details.
Maimonides depicted the menorah's bowls (which were actually
tiny cups) in the shape of triangles. A cup is similar to a
triangle as it is usually wider on the top and narrower on the
bottom.
Surprisingly, however, Maimonides drew the bowls of the menorah
upside-down! All 22 of the bowls are depicted as inverted
triangles, the wider part on the bottom and the narrower part at
the top.
Thus, according to Maimonides' drawing, the bowls of the menorah
were designed as if to pour their contents out.
What does this teach us? Why were the bowls of the menorah
upside-down?
In truth, the bowls are symbolic of the function of the menorah
and, by extension, the Holy Temple.
A regular menorah or candelabrum is designed to illuminate the
inside of one's home. The menorah in the Sanctuary, by contrast,
was designed to illuminate the outside. Even without the menorah
the Temple was well lit. The reason it was kindled was to
illuminate the world at large and demonstrate that G-d's presence
rested upon Israel.
The windows of the Holy Temple were fashioned according to the
same principle. These unique windows were opaque from within yet
transparent from without. Unlike other windows they did not draw
light inside, but carried the light of the Holy Temple outward.
Similarly, a regular cup is designed to contain liquid. But the
bowls of the menorah were inverted, shaped like cups that pour
their liquid out for those who are thirsty!
The true purpose of the Temple (and the menorah) was to shine
the light of holiness upon the entire world, not to contain it
within its walls. Both its windows and the bowls of the menorah
expressed this concept, reflecting their primary function of
imbuing the world with a holy illumination. For the Holy Temple is
the place that lights up the entire world.
From this we learn an important lesson: The light of Torah and
mitzvot must not be kept to ourselves. Rather, we must always
strive to share it with others, thereby illuminating the world at
large with holiness.
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* 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 139:
http://www.moshiach.net/blind/lwm-5758/139.htm
*********************************************
* IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR GRANDPARENTS, *
* *
* Reb Shmuel Pesach Ben Reb Yaakov Dovid *
* Passed away on 3 Tishrei, 5755 *
* *
* Mrs. Fraidel Chedvah Bas Reb Zev Wolf *
* On the occasion of her fourth yahrtzeit, *
* 4 Adar, 5759 *
* Pais *
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* WHEN ADAR BEGINS, WE INCREASE IN JOY *
****************************************
Our Sages have taught that, just as when the month of Av begins
we lessen our joy, so, too, when the month of Adar begins, we
increase our simcha--joy and happiness.
But why should we be so happy just because it is Adar? In Adar
we celebrate the joyous holiday of Purim, commemorating the time
when the unity and prayers of the Jewish people brought about the
nullification of Haman's wicked plan to annihilate the Jews.
Our Sages declared Purim a day of festivity and rejoicing; of
sharing our joy with our fellow-Jews. As Purim is the central
holiday of Adar and the "theme" of the month, the entire month is
permeated with our pursuit of joy and happiness.
The Talmud describes Adar as having "a healthy mazal." It is a
month which brings the Jewish people strength and true health. In
the month of Adar, G-d's blessings for a good and sweet year are
renewed, intensified, and increased. These provide more good
reasons to rejoice!
In our day and age we have another reason to rejoice when Adar
begins. Jewish teachings explain that "Joy breaks all boundaries."
As we stand literally on the threshold of the long-awaited
Redemption of the Jewish people and the entire world, the Rebbe has
suggested that our every action be permeated with joy in the hope
that this will break through the last boundaries of exile.
May the joy we experience in these, the last days of exile,
hasten the coming of the ultimate joy, the coming of Moshiach. May
we join one Redemption to another and connect the redemption of
Purim to the Messianic Redemption. May it take place imminently!
* * *
Concerning the kind of things that should be done to arouse
simcha during the month of Adar, the Rebbe suggested that each
person should proceed according to his level: a child, for
instance, should be made happy by his parents; a wife by her
husband, and visa versa.
The bottom line is that the Rebbe did not let up on encouraging
an increase of simcha in all permissible manners during the entire
month of Adar.
We must hearken to the Rebbe's words and utilize simcha,
especially during this month, to turn darkness into light, sadness
into joy, and pain and tears into rejoicing with Moshiach in the
Final Redemption; may it take place, as the Rebbe so fervently
prayed, teichef umiyad mamash--immediately, literally.
*********************
* THE MONTH OF ADAR *
*********************
As we enter the month of Adar, our thoughts immediately turn to
the holiday of Purim.
Every holiday is a time of rejoicing for the Jewish people. The
joy of Purim, however, exceeds that of all other holidays, even the
holiday of Sukkot, which is referred to in the Torah itself as
"Z'man Simchateinu"--the Season of Our Rejoicing.
The joy of Purim is limitless and unbounded. The joy of Purim is
"poretz geder"; it "breaks" through life's day-to-day routines and
the typical way of doing things.
As the joy of Purim is so great, even the preparations for Purim
must be filled with great joy. What preparations do we need to make
for Purim?
On Purim itself we send gifts of food, mishloach manot, to
friends and neighbors. Children dress up in costumes. We listen to
the reading of the Megila of Esther and stamp out Haman's name. We
eat a festive holiday meal and we add the special "V'Al HaNissim"
("And [we thank You] For these miracles") to our prayers.
Our preparations for Purim, then, include studying the laws and
customs of the holiday, purchasing items for mishloach manot,
making costumes, familiarizing ourselves with the Megila, readying
the holiday meal, knowing when to recite V'Al HaNissim. The more
enthusiasm and rejoicing we put into the preparations for Purim,
the greater the happiness of Purim itself will be.
From the rejoicing of the preparations for Purim may we speedily
experience the rejoicing with Moshiach, NOW!
****************************
* JOY - A CHASIDIC INSIGHT *
****************************
At a chasidic gathering nearly 20 years ago, the Rebbe told the
following story:
One of the tzaddikim of Poland, when still a little boy, asked
his father for an apple. His father, however, refused to give it to
him.
The enterprising youngster proceeded to recite a blessing over
the apple: "Baruch atah...borei pri haetz--Blessed are You... Who
created fruit of the trees!"
The father could not possibly allow the blessing to have been
recited in vain. And so, he promptly handed the youngster the
apple.
The Rebbe used this story to illustrate the following point:
In our situation today, if the Jewish people begin now to
rejoice in the Redemption, out of absolute trust that G-d will
speedily send us Moshiach, this joy in itself will (as it were)
compel our Father in heaven to fulfill His children's wish and to
redeem them from exile.
Needless to say, the Rebbe was not suggesting the use of
mystical incantations or the like to "force" the premature advent
of the end of the exile. "We are simply speaking of serving G-d
with exuberant joy," the Rebbe explained.
The month of Adar brings with it not only the injunction to
increase in joy, but with every command we are also given the power
and energy to fulfill that command.
So, right from the start of the month, let us increase in our
happiness, do mitzvot with more enthusiasm, and rejoice NOW in the
imminent Redemption.
* * *
What benefit does joy bring us?
Chasidic teachings use the example of two individuals who are
wrestling, to teach us the advantage of joy.
When two individuals are wrestling with each other, each
striving to throw the other, if one is lazy and sluggish he will
easily be defeated and thrown, even though he may be stronger than
his opponent. Similarly, when we are trying to correct our bad
habits or encourage spiritual growth, etc., it is impossible to
accomplish any of these goals with a heavy heart or sluggishness,
which originates in sadness. Rather, we are most successful at
"overthrowing" our character flaws when we use alacrity that is
derived from joy.
The Tzemach Tzedek, the third Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbe, received a
letter from one of his followers, complaining that it was difficult
for him to be "joyous." The Tzemach Tzedek's advice to him was that
he think only positive and happy thoughts, that he be careful not
to speak of sad or depressing matters, and to behave as if his
heart was full of joy. "Ultimately," concluded the Tzemach
Tzedek, "this will be the reality."
As we enter the month of Adar, a month when we are enjoined to
increase our joy over and above our regular mitzvot to "serve G-d
with joy" and "to be joyous constantly," may we celebrate the
greatest joy of all, the revelation of Moshiach and the ingathering
of all Jews to our Holy Land, NOW!
***************************
* WHY BE MOSHIACH-MINDED? *
***************************
When people comment that Lubavitchers may be going a little
overboard, as it seems that every other word is about Moshiach or
Redemption or the Messianic era, our only response is that we are
emulating the Rebbe.
An example (and this is not an exception, but the rule) may be
found in a talk of the Rebbe's a few years ago (in 5750/1990) at
just about this time of year. At that time the Rebbe spoke of the
50th anniversary of the previous Rebbe's arrival in America.
In the course of just 5 minutes the Rebbe said:
"May the completion of these 50 years of service bring about the
complete and ultimate redemption -- the eternal Redemption led by
Moshiach.
"The Messianic Redemption is also connected to the present
month, the month of Adar. Adar is a month of celebration as our
Sages commented, 'When Adar commences, happiness should be
increased.' This happiness, in contrast to the happiness of the
other months of the year, is unlimited in nature. Thus, we find
that though the festivals of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot are
described as 'festivals of rejoicing,' the court would send
emissaries to ensure that the celebrations were kept within certain
limits. In contrast, the celebrations of Purim are unlimited in
nature. This relates to the Messianic Redemption, for the ultimate
expression of happiness will come in the Messianic age.
"This unbounded happiness is not restricted to Purim alone. The
Megillah describes Adar as 'the month that was transformed,'
implying that the month as a whole is one of celebration. In
particular, this is true now that eight days of the month have
passed. The number "eight" shares a connection to the Messianic
Redemption.
"The present day, Tuesday, is also connected to the Messianic
Redemption, for Tuesday is associated with the repetition of the
phrase, 'And G-d saw that it was good,' interpreted by our Sages as
a reference to a twofold good: 'good to the heavens' and 'good to
the creatures.' This twofold service relates to Moshiach's coming,
since, as our Sages explain, all terms that are repeated in Torah
are allusions to the concept of redemption.
"A connection to the Messianic Redemption can also be found in
this week's Torah portion..."
So you see, if the Rebbe's chasidim and admirers are known to be
Moshiach-minded, it is the greatest compliment possible!
********************
* A CALL TO ACTION *
********************
The Rebbe's slogan is: "The main thing is the deed." We
therefore present from the Rebbe's talks suggestions what we
can do to complete his work of bringing the Redemption.
Increase In Joy!:
This joy will be increased by our fulfillment of the special
directives for the month of Adar, to help our fellow Jews in both
spiritual and material affairs: to teach a new Torah concept that
they had not previously known (or to reveal additional depth in a
concept with which they were already familiar), and to afford them
material assistance. Fulfilling these directives will increase
their happiness and thus, increase G-d's happiness, as it were.
********************************
* In loving memory of *
* RABBI ELYE GROSS, *
* our Developmental Consultant *
********************************
*******************************
* THE WEEKLY SHABBAT CALENDAR *
*******************************
** JEWISH WOMEN AND GIRLS LIGHT SHABBAT CANDLES **
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* FOR LOCAL CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES: *
* consult your local Rabbi, Chabad-Lubavitch *
* Center, or call: (718) 774-3000. *
* or: *
http://www.knowledgengineers.com/Havienu/html/vestibule/hebcal.html
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* In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848). *
*********************************************************
>>>> Times Shown Are for Metro NY - NJ <<<<
FRIDAY, FEB. 19, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT TERUMA:
* Light Shabbat Candles, [1] by 5:16 p.m.
SATURDAY, FEB. 20, SHABBAT PARSHAT TERUMA:
* Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 6:18 p.m.
_______________
1. 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.
***********************************
* LAWS OF SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING *
* FOR THE BLIND *
***********************************
Edited by Rabbi Y. K. Marlow*
* 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.
******************************************************
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= End of Text: Living With Moshiach, Parshat Teruma, 5759 =
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