LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Devorim
yysha...@aol.com
LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach
PARSHAT DEVORIM 5768
7 Menachem-Av, 5768
August 8, 2008
SPECIAL FEATURE:
1. Shabbat Chazon
2. Tisha B'Av
*************************************************
* This week's issue is sponsored in part by: *
* Holy Sparks - "http://www.holysparks.org" *
* * *
* Your premiere site for Jewish spirituality. *
* * *
* 5,768 Years of the Most Amazing Jewish Wisdom *
* recorded in calligraphy, especially for you! *
* * *
* Explore your potential: *
* Jewish Books, Art & Wisdom For Our Time. *
* FREE art! *
*************************************************
>> A Jewish Response To Terrorism <<
http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5762/269.htm
***************************************************
* Visit TruePeace.org *
* "http://www.truepeace.org" *
* Dedicated to educating the public regarding the *
* current situation in Israel, based on Torah *
* sources, with special emphasis on the opinion *
* and teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe *
***************************************************
Published Weekly By
Lubavitch Shluchim Conferences On The Moshiach Campaign,
Committee For The Blind
* * *
5768
****************************************************
* VISIT US ON THE WEB, AT: *
* http://www.torah4blind.org *
****************************************************
* TO RECEIVE THIS PUBLICATION VIA INTERNET: *
* E-Mail: in...@torah4blind.org *
* or: *
* http://www.torah4blind.org/subs.htm *
****************************************************
* OPERATION REFUAH: *
* http://www.operationrefuah.org *
****************************************************
* JEWISH CHILDREN: *
* Get your own letter in a Sefer Torah! *
* http://www.kidstorah.org *
****************************************************
* Kids! We Want YOU To Join *
* Tzivos Hashem (The Army of G-d) *
* http://www.torah4blind.org/tzivos-h.htm *
****************************************************
* MOSHIACH - CHILDREN'S PAGE *
* http://www.torah4blind.org/children/index.htm *
****************************************************
* THE SEVEN UNIVERSAL LAWS OF NOAH: *
* http://www.torah4blind.org/noahide.htm *
****************************************************
THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED TO THE REBBE,
RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON
OF LUBAVITCH
"I BELIEVE WITH COMPLETE FAITH IN THE ARRIVAL OF THE MOSHIACH.
"AND THOUGH HE MAY TARRY, I SHALL WAIT EACH DAY, ANTICIPATING
HIS ARRIVAL." Maimonides, Principles of the Faith, No. 12
*********************
* TABLE OF CONTENTS *
*********************
* Introduction.
* The Weekly Torah Portion.
* The Rebbe's Prophecy.
* Shabbat Chazon.
* Moshiach Is Born on Tisha B'Av.
* This Year Tisha B'Av Starts Saturday Night.
* Some Laws of Tisha B'Av.
* The Purpose of a Fast Day.
* Tisha B'Av Has Two Sides to It!
* Thoughts That Count.
* Season of the Bais HaMikdash.
* It Happened Once.
* 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 588-589th issue of our weekly publication, Living With
Moshiach.
*
In this week's issue we focus on:
1. Shabbat Chazon.
2. The fast day of Tisha B'Av, observed this year on Saturday,
August 9, from sundown, until Sunday, August 10, at nightfall.
*
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, 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
21 Tamuz, 5768
Brooklyn, New York
*************************************************
* 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 *
* *
* AND IN HONOR OF *
* Mrs. Esther Shaindel bas Fraidel Chedva *
* Shagalov *
* * *
* Dedicated by their children *
* Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Yitzchok and Gittel Rochel *
* Shagalov *
*************************************************
***************************************
* THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION *
* Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe *
***************************************
PARSHAT DEVORIM
"See, I have set the land before you," Moses relates in this
week's Torah portion, Devorim. "Come and possess the land G-d swore
unto your fathers."
Rashi, the foremost Torah commentator whose explanation on the
text expresses its most literal meaning, explains that the Jewish
people did not have to wage war in order to take possession of the
land of Israel; had they not sent the spies, they would not have
needed any weapons.
"There is no one to contest the matter," Rashi comments. Since
G-d Himself promised the land to the Jews, no one in the whole
world could have prevented this from happening.
Historically, however, we see that instead of a miraculous entry
into the land, the Jewish people did indeed engage in battle with
their enemies. Their lack of faith and insistence that Moses send
spies to bring back a report spoiled their opportunity to enter the
land unopposed, and made it necessary for them to follow a natural
procedure instead of a miraculous one. In other words, it was their
own negative attitude and conduct that forced them to wage wars in
order to assert their Divine right to the land.
This contains a moral for our own times and present condition:
The Torah tells us that the Final Redemption with Moshiach will
be very much like our first redemption from Egypt, but will be
accompanied by even more wonders and miracles. It follows that if
the entry and settlement of the land of Israel was supposed to be
accomplished in a supernatural manner the first time, how much more
so will it be miraculous in our own times, with the Messianic
Redemption!
Again, just as before, the entire matter depends on us. We must
show absolute faith in G-d and His promise that the ENTIRE land of
Israel belongs to the Jewish people. We must not be afraid to
inform the nations of the world -- unequivocally -- that the land
of Israel is our eternal legacy. [1]
As Rashi explains on the very first verse of the Torah, "The
whole earth belongs to G-d; He created it and gave it to whom He
saw fit. [The land of Israel] was given to [the nations] by His
will, and by His will He took it from them and gave it to us!"
When we will demonstrate this true and absolute faith in G-d, we
will immediately merit that "no one will contest this, and there
will be no more wars nor the need for any weapons."
_______________
1. See "EYES UPON THE LAND" - The Territorial Integrity of
Israel: A Life Threatening Concern. Based on the Public
Statements and Writings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi
Menachem M. Schneerson, Adapted by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger
(1997: Sichos in English). http://www.truepeace.org/book.html
See also: REBBE'S VIEWS http://www.truepeace.org/rebbeview.html
*******************************************************
* IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND AND COPY EDITOR *
* Reb Mordechai ben Reb Shaul *
* Staiman *
* Passed away on 22 Tamuz, 5763 *
*******************************************************
************************
* 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 539:
http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5767/522-539.htm
*********************************************
* 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 *
* *
* Dedicated by their grandchildren *
* Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Y. and Gittel Rochel *
* Shagalov *
*********************************************
***********************************
* SHABBAT CHAZON *
* Based on the Works of the Rebbe *
***********************************
The Shabbat before Tisha B'Av, the Ninth day of the Hebrew month
of Av, is known as Shabbat Chazon, after the first word of this
week's Haftorah, [2] chazon (vision).
Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev used to note that the name
comes from the word machaze, meaning "vision," for "on that day
everyone is shown the future Holy Temple."
According to Rabbi Levi Yitzchok, "every Jew is shown from afar
a vision of the future Holy Temple." This spiritual vision of the
Third Holy Temple, which will be permanent and everlasting, is
experienced by our souls.
Rabbi Levi Yitzchok explains the vision with the parable of a
child who is given a beautiful, new suit, but proceeds to tear it
to pieces. The father has another suit sewn and given to his son.
This, too, the child shreds beyond repair. The father has another
suit sewn for the boy, but this time he leaves it hanging in the
closet. Every once in a while, the father brings the suit out and
shows it to his child. He tells his son lovingly that when his
behavior improves, he will be able to wear the suit. Thus, the
father trains his child to behave in an appropriate manner.
We can grasp from the parable that the purpose of showing the
child the garment (and us a vision of the Third Holy Temple) is to
encourage within the child a longing for the object, a longing so
great that he mends his ways and his upright conduct becomes second
nature.
The purpose of this vision is to inspire and encourage a Jew;
having caught a glimpse of the Third Holy Temple in its heavenly
perfection, all that is left for him to do is to bring it down to
this world.
Although not everyone actually sees the Third Holy Temple,
everyone is intrinsically affected by it. This is similar to the
following episode from the Book of Daniel: "And I Daniel alone saw
the vision; the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a
great trembling fell upon them. . . ."
Our Sages ask why a dread fell upon the men with Daniel if they
had not actually witnessed the vision.
They answer: "Though they did not see it, their heavenly soul
saw it."
In the same way, on Shabbat Chazon, the soul sees the future
Sanctuary. Moreover, this perception leaves an impression on the
individual, even on his body.
Let us hope and pray that our souls will be attuned to the
heavenly vision we are about to be shown. So much so that we will
totally mend our ways, thus meriting to see not just a spiritual
vision of the Temple, but the physical Temple in all its glory. And
that we will all celebrate Tisha B'Av this year in the rebuilt city
of Jerusalem, not as a day of mourning, but as a day of joy and
happiness, with Moshiach, NOW.
_______________
2. The Haftorah is a portion from the Prophets that has a common
theme with the Torah portion of that week. The reading of the
Haftorah was instituted after a decree had been established
forbidding the Jews to read the Torah. When the decree was
later abolished, the custom of reading the Haftorah was
retained.
**********************************
* MOSHIACH IS BORN ON TISHA B'AV *
**********************************
Tisha B'Av is known by our Sages as the birthday of Moshiach. In
simple terms this means that at the moment of the destruction of
the Holy Temple, the potential for the Final Redemption, through
Moshiach, was born.
The Rebbe clarified the exact meaning of this: "Our Sages
explain that this cannot refer to Moshiach's actual birth, because
Moshiach will not be an infant when he redeems our people. But
rather, it refers to a strengthening of his influence. For our
Sages refer to a birthday as a day when mazalo govair, 'the
spiritual source of one's soul shines powerfully.' On the day when
Moshiach's spiritual source is powerfully revealed, there is a
unique potential for the Redemption to come . . . . Each year, for
the past two thousand years, on Tisha B'Av, Moshiach receives new
power and new strength, and from year to year, this influence grows
more powerfully."
Thus, Tisha B'Av is a unique time, when the potential for the
Redemption is at its peak. Through this insight into Tisha B'Av we
are introduced to a basic concept in chasidic philosophy, which
teaches that the greatest ascent comes after the greatest descent.
Let us use the time properly and bring about the greatest
ascent, the revelation of Moshiach and the Final Redemption, NOW.
**********************************************
* THIS YEAR TISHA B'AV STARTS SATURDAY NIGHT *
**********************************************
Since this year Tisha B'Av begins right after Shabbat, on
Saturday night, August 9, we must be especially careful to avoid
any violations of the sanctity of Shabbat.
On Shabbat, Saturday afternoon, one must finish eating before
sunset. [3]
We do not eat the egg and bread dipped in ashes, as on Shabbat
we may not observe mourning customs.
Preparation of the non leather shoes, the Book of Eicha
(Lamentations), [4] etc., or riding to the synagogue, must not
begin until the conclusion of Shabbat, at nightfall. [5]
After this time, we say "Boruch hamavdil bein kodesh lechol"
(Blessed is He who makes a distinction between sacred and profane)
and we may then ride to the synagogue with all the necessary items
for the evening service.
Havdalah is not recited, but one lights a Havdalah candle and
recites the blessing on the creation of fire:
BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM
BO-REI ME'OREI HO-EISH.
TRANSLATION:
Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
who creates the lights of fire.
On Sunday night, the full Havdalah is recited at the conclusion
of the fast, [6] however the blessings on the Besomim (spices) and on
the Havdalah candle, are omitted.
_______________
3. In New York City, the fast begins at 7:57 p.m.
4. Authored by the prophet Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah). He lived at
the time of the destruction of the First Temple in the year
3338. He was born into a family of kohanim, and was the son
of the Prophet and High Priest, Hilkiah. He foresaw the
destruction of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple and exhorted the
Jews to return to G-d. After the destruction he authored the
Book of Lamentations. He supported the Jewish people in their
misery, strengthening them and encouraging them to continue
when it seemed impossible to go on.
5. In New York City, Shabbat ends at 8:46 p.m.
6. In New York City, the fast ends at 8:39 p.m.
***************************
* SOME LAWS OF TISHA B'AV *
***************************
Sunday, the 9th of Av (August 10), is a fast day. We neither eat
nor drink, from Saturday, August 9, at sundown, [7] until Sunday,
August 10, at nightfall. [8] On Tisha B'Av we do not wash, wear
leather shoes, or have marital relations. The Book of Eicha
(Lamentations) is read sitting on a low stool, as used in mourning.
*
To learn more about Tisha B'Av, and the laws pertaining to it,
contact your local rabbi or Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
_______________
7. In New York City, the fast begins at 7:57 p.m.
8. In New York City, the fast ends at 8:39 p.m.
*****************************
* THE PURPOSE OF A FAST DAY *
*****************************
What is the purpose of a fast? Fasting brings one to repentance.
It is also, according to the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Shneur Zalman of
Liadi, the first Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch and the founder of
Chabad Chasidic philosophy and the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, the
path by which we can weaken and even eradicate our desires and
impulses toward that which is not good and proper.
Fasting, however, significantly weakens the body, making it
difficult to do even that which we ARE supposed to do.
The Baal Shem Tov recognized that our bodies are not as strong
as they were in times of old. He encouraged his followers NOT to
abstain totally from eating or mortify their bodies. Rather, he
broadened the term of "fasting" to include REFRAINING from a
"craving." (This refers ONLY to personal fasts).
By holding ourselves back from gossiping or speaking ill of
another person, for instance, we are "fasting." We are abstaining
from a negative aspect of communication and are also training
ourselves not to continue this bad habit.
If you are one who yells a lot, talking softly may be your form
of "fasting." If you are very impatient by nature, taking the time
to count to ten before blowing up (and then not blowing up) is an
effective fast for you.
When Rabbi Shneur Zalman stated that fasting is the method by
which we can eradicate our bad traits, it was the Baal Shem Tov's
definition of fasting that he encouraged.
This, of course, relates only to times that one wished to take
upon himself a "personal fast." However, the public fast days,
defined by the Torah or our Sages, are fast days in the traditional
sense. They are days when we abstain totally from all forms of food
and drink.
May we be privileged to celebrate the Ninth of Av all together
in the holy city of Jerusalem, may it speedily be rebuilt, NOW.
***********************************
* TISHA B'AV HAS TWO SIDES TO IT! *
***********************************
Tisha B'Av is the darkest day on the Jewish calendar, observed
this year from Saturday, August 9, at sundown, until Sunday, August
10, at nightfall.
Though Tisha B'Av is a day of intense mourning for the
destruction of the Temples and Jerusalem, there are actually five
tragedies that we commemorate on this day: 1) The generation of
Jews who had left Egypt were prohibited from entering the Holy
Land; 2) The First Temple was destroyed; 3) The Second Temple was
destroyed; 4) Betar, the last fortress to hold out against the
Romans, fell; 5) A year after the fall of Betar the Temple area was
plowed under.
Today, the saddest thing about Tisha B'Av is that many people do
not know about it or care to observe it. We don't know what we're
missing. Unfortunately, we are split and divided, suffering from
the same senseless hatred that caused the tragedy of Tisha B'Av.
Tisha B'Av climaxes three weeks of mourning, beginning with the
fast of the Seventeenth of Tamuz.
But there is another side to Tisha B'Av.
The Talmud tells the story [9] of Rabbi Akiva and the Sages
tearing their garments in mourning upon seeing Jerusalem in ruins.
Their anguish increased upon seeing a fox strolling where the Holy
Ark once stood. The Sages burst into tears, but Rabbi Akiva
laughed. The Sages were shocked. "How can you laugh when animals
desecrate our Holy of Holies?" Said Rabbi Akiva: "The Torah
connects the fall and rise of Jerusalem. Zechariah the prophet
predicted that 'Zion will be plowed under,' while Uria the prophet
foresaw 'elderly men and women relaxing in the streets of Jerusalem
with small children happily playing nearby'. . . . Now that the
negative has actually come to pass, the good prophecies will truly
be fulfilled!"
The Sages conceded, saying: "Akiva, you have comforted us!"
Tisha B'Av is negative -- but once we have the negative, it
takes only time and effort to develop it into a positive and see
the full picture in the words of Zechariah (8:19): "These very days
of sorrow and fasting will turn into days of joy and feasting for
the House of Israel."
Tisha B'Av expresses strength rather than weakness. Other
nations celebrate only their red-letter days and triumphs, yet we
have the strength to dedicate a day to our tragedy, and that is the
secret of our long survival that enables Israel to outlive the
greatest empires that have long since vanished. Tisha B'Av directs
us to positive, constructive action of rebuilding through Torah and
charity.
It is a Sephardic custom to rise on Tisha B'Av afternoon and
clean the house, showing our renewed faith and hope.
On the positive side, some sources say that Tisha B'Av is the
birthday of the righteous Moshiach, bringing about the potential
for a most important Jewish principle: "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).
Last but not least, we conclude the Lamentations on a high
positive note as we loudly declare: "Return to us, O G-d, and we
will return to You; renew our days as once before!"
_______________
9. Reprinted below.
***********************
* THOUGHTS THAT COUNT *
***********************
"COME AND SING IN THE NIGHT." Eicha, 2:19.
Chasidic interpretation explains this to mean that during the
"night" of exile one can come and sing; despite the fact that it is
dark.
The beauty and specialness of the Jewish people is that we can
find reasons to "sing" in the night. While the whole world is
enveloped in total darkness, we find a reason to sing.
What exactly is that reason? We view the darkness of night, the
darkness that surrounds us, as if it were a tunnel. At the end of
every tunnel, no matter how long, there is a light shining bright.
And it is because of the fact that we are surrounded by the
darkness of the tunnel that we can see the brightness of the light
at the end. We realize, too, the darker the tunnel, the closer we
are to the light at the end.
When the Redemption and Moshiach will come, these days are going
to be filled with the light of joy and happiness and glory. This is
what we are waiting for, what we are hoping for. This is the reason
we can and must sing and dance in the night. After all, we are
already at the end of the tunnel.
********************************
* SEASON OF THE BAIS HAMIKDOSH *
********************************
When is the "season" of the Bais HaMikdosh? Eating matzah has a
season, blessing the esrog has a season, hearing the megillah,
lighting the menorah, etc. All of these mitzvot have a "season."
When is the season of the Bais HaMikdosh?
The answer is that there is no specific season; every day is the
season. Yet, if we have to pick one day of the year that would be
the closest to the "season" of the Bais HaMikdosh it would be Tisha
B'Av.
Tisha B'Av - is when we pay our fullest attention to the Holy
Temple. That's when we are free from any other occupations; we
dedicate our time solely to remembering the Bais HaMikdosh.
And as we sit on the floor with the kinot -- elegies -- in our
hands it is perhaps the proper moment to reflect not only about the
destruction of the Temple, but also about the rebuilding of the
Temple as well.
Rebuilding the Bais HaMikdosh is up to every person. Suppose for
a moment that every mitzvah is a brick in the Bais HaMikdosh and
that by doing another mitzvah we are adding another brick. How much
would that entice us to do more! And perhaps, indeed, this is more
than a parable; it is a reality.
Over the years, we have laid millions of bricks. We are now, the
Rebbe tells us, laying the very, very last few bricks needed to
build the most beautiful edifice in the heavenly skies. Let us
"chop arein" (seize the moment) before Moshiach comes, and make
sure that we are in on the building of the Bais HaMikdosh. When it
is built, we will be able to point our finger at this great edifice
with pride and deserved joy, and say, "I had a hand in building
it."
********************
* IT HAPPENED ONCE *
********************
The Holy Temple lay in ruins, its resplendent beauty plowed
under by the conquering Roman Legions. The remnants of the
population were in despair. The Talmud relates that four great
rabbis were walking along a road in The Land of Israel. Suddenly
they heard a rumbling sound rising from the distance. One rabbi
inquired of the others, "What is that noise?"
"That is the sound of a multitude of Romans far away in the
distance," replied another.
Three of the rabbis began to weep; the fourth, Rabbi Akiva,
began laughing. The others were surprised by their colleague's
reaction and asked, "Akiva, why are you laughing?"
He countered: "Why are you three crying?"
They said: "Here we see that the Romans, who worship idols and
burn incense to them, are living in safety and prosperity. And we
[who worship the true G-d], the House which is G-d's footstool [the
Holy Temple] lies burned in fire. Why shouldn't we weep?"
Rabbi Akiva replied: "That is precisely why I'm laughing. For,
if this is the lot of those who violate the will of G-d, how much
more joyous will be the future for us Jews who do His will?"
On another occasion the same four Sages were traveling together
to Jerusalem. When they reached the point of the Mount of Olives,
they tore their clothes [in mourning] as is prescribed by Jewish
law. Proceeding further they arrived at the desolate Temple Mount,
and as they gazed toward the Holy of Holies -- where the sacred
incense had been offered to the Al-mighty -- they saw a fox
emerging. Three of the rabbis began to weep at the sight of the
degradation of the holy place. Rabbi Akiva, however, laughed. They
turned to Akiva and asked, "Why are you laughing?"
He asked in return, "Why are you weeping?"
They answered him, "This is place of which it is written, 'And
the stranger who approaches will surely die.' Yet, now we see foxes
strolling about. Why should we not weep."
Replied Akiva, "That is precisely why I am laughing. In the
prophecy of Uria it says, 'Therefore, because of you, Zion will be
plowed like a field, Jerusalem will be desolate and the Temple
Mount will be a forest.' The prophecy of Zecharia says, 'Aged men
and women will yet sit in the streets of Jerusalem.'
"Before I saw the prophecy of Uria fulfilled I worried that the
prophecy of Zecharia would not be realized. But now that I have
witnessed the fulfillment of the first, I know surely that the
second will come to pass as well."
They turned to him and said, "Akiva, you have comforted us!
Akiva you have comforted us!"
*******************************************
* LAWS OF THE HOLY TEMPLE *
* Adapted from Rambam's Mishnah Torah [*] *
*******************************************
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.
_______________
*. 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.
Make Torah Celebrations:
As a further preparation for the messianic era, to reveal the
positive qualities and joy that are latent in these Three Weeks,
conclusions of Torah works (siyyumim) should be held on each of the
Nine Days (August 2-10), including Shabbat.
"These activities will hasten the transformation of these days
into days of celebration, when with true and complete joy we shall
proceed together with Moshiach, to the Holy Land, in the true and
ultimate Redemption."
The Rebbe, 18 Tamuz, 5751/1991
*
For a siyyum in your area, contact your local rabbi or
Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
***************************************
* 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) *
***************************************
*******************************
* 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, AUG. 8, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT DEVORIM:
* Light Shabbat Candles, [10] by 7:44 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 9, SHABBAT PARSHAT DEVORIM:
* Shabbat Chazon - see above.
* Fast of Tisha B'Av begins [11] at 7:57 p.m.
* Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 8:46 p.m.
_______________
10. 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.
11. See above, "This Year Tisha B'Av Starts Saturday Night".
*********************************************
* May the Shabbat candles, of the millions *
* of Jewish women and girls around the *
* world, illuminate our way, until we very *
* soon see the fulfillment of G-d's promise *
* (as it is written in the Midrash *
* (Yalkut Shimoni, Beha'alotecha)): *
* "If you will observe the kindling of the *
* Shabbat lights, you will merit to see *
* the lights of the redemption of the *
* Jewish people," speedily in our days, *
* NOW! *
*********************************************
***************************************
* "LET THERE BE LIGHT" *
* - The Jewish Women's Guide *
* to Lighting Shabbat Candles *
* http://www.torah4blind.org/ltbl.htm *
***************************************
***********************************
* LAWS OF SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING *
* FOR THE BLIND *
***********************************
Edited by Rabbi Y. K. Marlow O.B.M.*
* A blind woman who lives alone should light her Shabbat
candle(s) with a blessing.
* If she is married to a non-visually impaired person, HER
HUSBAND SHOULD LIGHT THE SHABBAT CANDLES WITH THE BLESSING.
* If she is eating and lighting in the company of others who
are non-visually impaired, and they lit the Shabbat candles,
she should light her own Shabbat candle(s), BUT WITHOUT SAYING THE
BLESSING.
* (If at all possible, she should not be the last one to light
the Shabbat candle(s), so that she can be absolved by the latter's
blessing.)
_______________
*. Head of Bet-Din (Rabbinical Court) of Crown Heights.
************************************
* SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSING *
************************************
* First light the candles. Then spread your hands out around the
candles, drawing your hands inward in a circular motion three times
to indicate the acceptance of the sanctity of Shabbat. You then
cover your eyes and recite the following blessing:
BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM
A-SHER KI-DE-SHO-NU BE-MITZ-VO-SOV VE-TZI-VO-NU
LE-HAD-LIK NER SHEL SHA-BOS KO-DESH.
Translation:
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments, and
commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.
* Uncover your eyes and behold the Shabbat lights.
* The time of lighting is considered especially propitious for
praying to G-d for health and happiness. The prayer is readily
acceptable because it is offered during the performance of this
great mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles.
CAUTION:
The candles must be lit 18 minutes *BEFORE* sunset. IT IS
PROHIBITED AND IS A DESECRATION OF THE SHABBAT TO LIGHT THE
CANDLES *AFTER* SUNSET.
*******************************************
* MOSHIACH INFORMATION HOTLINES *
* http://www.torah4blind.org/hotlines.htm *
*******************************************
******************************************
* MOSHIACH IN THE AIR - ELECTRONIC MEDIA *
* http://www.torah4blind.org/e-media.htm *
******************************************
********************************
* LIVING WITH MOSHIACH *
* Weekly Digest About Moshiach *
********************************
Annual subscription
(for the 18-point, large type edition)
$18.00.
For a one-year subscription,
make your check payable to:
"Enlightenment For The Blind"
and mail it to:
602 N. Orange Drive.
Los Angeles, CA 90036 USA
Name:__________________________________
Address:_______________________________
City:__________________________________
State:___________ Zip:_________________
Telephone: ( )____________________
Due to the generosity of our donors, we offer free subscriptions
to all blind and handicapped people, public service libraries and
non-profit organizations.
****************************************************
* TO RECEIVE THIS PUBLICATION VIA INTERNET: *
* E-Mail: in...@torah4blind.org *
* or: *
* http://www.torah4blind.org/subs.htm *
****************************************************
============================================================
= End of Text: Living With Moshiach, Parshat Devorim, 5768 =
============================================================
Eli Grubman
<yysha...@aol.com> wrote:
>B"H
B"SHIT
> LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
> Weekly Digest About Moshiach
>
> PARSHAT DEVORIM 5768
> 7 Menachem-Av, 5768
> August 8, 2008
>
> SPECIAL FEATURE:
> 1. Shabbat Chazon
> 2. Tisha B'Av
> "COME AND SING IN THE NIGHT." Eicha, 2:19.
Ain't gonna be no moshiach, a"h!
Eli
mpsur...@gmail.com
Poor Eli Grabmen is a Real Psychopath! LOL
and psychopath, aka dumb Rever'nerd, aka stalking fake Susan, etc., etc. in
various newsgroups, wrote:
<BG> We'll be watching you making an ass of yourself again from early in the
morning till late at night, you poor, handicapped, psychopathic sod!
--
Rev. Richard Skull about Eli Grabmen: "Any sex act involving YOU is
bestiality."
Eli Grubman
>What are you mumbling again, dumb Eli Grubman?
Why don't you go greek yourself, dumb mpsurveys35.
Eli
Eli Grubman
inept stalker & Psychopath! LOL <grabmen....@andfound.invalid>
wrote:
>Eli Grabmen, the notorious rabid racist anti-Semite, Grik-hater, pervert
>and psychopath, aka dumb Rever'nerd, aka stalking fake Susan, aka Panta Rhei etc., etc. in
>various newsgroups, wrote:
<snip the babbling Grik idiot's rant>
Kalimera, Pants! Ready to get heavily greeked in various newsgroups
on THE Usenet again? You bet! Of course you are! LOL
<EGBVGEGVBVCCVBGGVBCEVCVBGVCBG>
Eli
Poor Eli Grabmen is a Real Psychopath! LOL
and psychopath, aka dumb Rever'nerd, aka stalking fake Susan, etc., etc. in
various newsgroups, wrote:
> On Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:12:09 -0700 (PDT), mpsur...@gmail.com wrote:
>
>>What are you mumbling again, dumb Eli Grubman?
>
> Why don't you go greek yourself, dumb mpsurveys35.
>
> Eli
>
LOL Poor psycho Grabmen glued to his computer today as from 6:45 a.m. AGAIN!
What the psychopathic pig unable to leave the house till about midnight,
AGAIN! ROTFLOL!
Eli Grubman
inept stalker & Psychopath! LOL <grabmen....@andfound.invalid>
wrote:
>Eli Grabmen, the notorious rabid racist anti-Semite, Grik-hater, pervert
>and psychopath, aka dumb Rever'nerd, aka stalking fake Susan, aka Panta Rhei etc., etc. in
>various newsgroups, wrote:
<snip the babbling Grik idiot's rant>
Kalimera, Pants! Ready to get heavily greeked in various newsgroups
on THE Usenet again today? You bet! Of course you are! LOL
<EGBVGEGVBVCCVBGGVBCEVCVBGVCBG>
Eli
Panta Rhei
Psychopath! LOL <grabmen....@andfound.invalid> wrote:
>Eli Grabmen, the notorious rabid racist anti-Semite, Greek-hater, pervert
>and psychopath, aka dumb Rever'nerd, aka stalking fake Susan, etc., etc. in
>various newsgroups, wrote:
>
>> On Sun, 17 Aug 2008 02:12:09 -0700 (PDT), mpsur...@gmail.com wrote:
>>
>>>What are you mumbling again, dumb Eli Grubman?
>>
>> Why don't you go greek yourself, dumb mpsurveys35.
>>
>> Eli
>>
>
>
>LOL Poor psycho Grabmen glued to his computer today as from 6:45 a.m. AGAIN!
>
>What the psychopathic pig unable to leave the house till about midnight,
>AGAIN! ROTFLOL!
Did I really write that? What a dumb little Grik I am!
I should go greek myself now!
<EBG>