Birchat HaChamah - The Blessing Over the Sun: 8 April 2009

BIRCHAT HACHAMAH
BLESSING OVER THE SUN
8 APRIL 2009

This year we are fortunate to be able to fulfil a unique Mitzvah. While there are those who put tremendous efforts into fulfilling their favourite Mitzvot such as Shabbat, Kashrut, Mezuzot, Tefillin and Tzizit etc. – rare is the person who runs around in absolute excitement each day as he thinks of his opportunity to make a blessing over the sun!

What's the excitement really all about?!

We are taught in Brachot 59b that one who sees the sun at its turning point should say a blessing "Blessed is He who makes the works of creation." The Gemara asks, "When is this?" Abaye answers, "Every 28 years."

Once in 28 years most Jews are privileged to make a blessing over the sun. Some Jews may merit to say this blessing over the sun twice in their lives. The privileged few – may even merit to say it three times in their lives!

The sun returns to its original point that it was at, at the time of creation. How does this work? Although G-d created light and darkness on the first day of creation, it was actually on the fourth day of creation that G-d placed the luminaries into the sky. The original light created on that first day – was not really the sun. It was a light stored away for the Tzaddikim, a powerful light that only those who are truly righteous are able to use. Such a light would have been a danger for those not worthy of it, and so G-d hid this light away. The sun, however, was placed as the main luminary to give light to the world – on the fourth day of the week – Wednesday.

Because there are 365 and one quarter days in a year, this means that every 4 years, an additional day is added in order to make up for the four quarters, giving us an extra day every 4 years. As a result of this, the sun shifts it's position one day ahead from where it began it's original journey at the time of creation. It was created on a Wednesday. Every 4 years, it moves ahead one day, and finds itself therefore on a Thursday – 4 years later! Because there are seven days in the week, we require 7 multiplied by 4 (ie. 28) years to allow for the sun to return back to its exact original position that it was in creation. It will then find itself once again at its position on a Wednesday. Therefore every 28 years we make a blessing over the sun as it returns back to its original position. The blessing will always be said on a Wednesday, because this is the day when the sun was placed in its position in the sky.

Because of the uniqueness of this Mitzvah, people will gather together to say this blessing, praising G-d for His beautiful works of creation – together. Perhaps this is truly one of those totally unique occasions when we will look around us and see just how united the Jewish people are.

So much for the formalities. Let's think upon some of the lessons we can learn from the sun, ideas that will help us realise just what the sun is, what makes it special, and how we can meditate already on some of its deeper significance in our lives. When we make that blessing this year, let us take a deep breath and consider what we can learn from this globe of fire. After all, the sun also shares some of the characteristics of people. She too burns herself out at the best of times.

Because the sun travels a set route over 28 years – below are 28 thoughts to think about.

1. From the moment the sun was placed in her position, it continues to do her job – circling around the world, again and again (see "The Wager" for more info about this.) The sun has never stopped revolving around the earth. She continues to fulfil her duties to the creator. Likewise, each of us should realise that G-d has placed us in this world to do a job. And even when it seems monotonous (Tefillin every day, Tzitzit every day, Davening three times a day, Pesach… again?! Yom Kippur – again?!) – still, this is what we must do faithfully – knowing that the Creator of the world wishes for us to fulfil His commandments.

2. The sun is filled with heat. She bestows of her fire to keep the world just warm enough to continue. Should it come too close to the earth, it will burn us out. Should it be too far, life would expire from the cold. So too should we be filled with warmth to all we come into contact with. Not coming too close so as to burn others out – and not to stay too far from others so as to let them shiver unable to continue life.

3. The sun brings light to the world. So too should each person realise that his duty is to bring light to the world. His duty is not to fight the darkness, because even a little light dispels a lot of darkness. A Jew's duty is to shine to all (and to himself!)

4. The sun brings warmth everywhere, but when it is on one side of the world, the other side sees darkness. We too are finite. We too are truly filled with warmth. We too give of ourselves. Yet, many times we will find that as we give to some, others think we are cold. We should know that just because others disagree with us – when we are truly giving warmth – this is not a rejection, but rather a lack on their part to see the warmth we are actually giving.

5. The sun "limits" itself to one side of the world at a time, and so brings goodness to that side. Because people are finite, they too can only offer their goodness to certain people at certain times. Were the sun to offer her goodness to the entire world at once, the world would be unable to exist. So too, if a person tries to make everyone happy, they will only fail. (To quote the well known comedian – Bill Cosby, "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.")

6. The sun is the cause for all growth in the world. Her warmth and light even attract plants and flowers to turn themselves towards her when she appears to them. So too, should every Jew be a source for helping and causing others to grow. They should be a light – so that all who see them, naturally incline towards them, knowing that being close to them will not inhibit their growth, but rather hasten it!

7. The sun disappears to allow for night. So too should every Jew know that sometimes, it is a time to stay away from another – to give them space when they need it. There is no need to have to always feel we have to tell another what to do and how to do it. Give others space too.

8. The sun never complains or shows jealousy. She accepts herself for who she is. When the sun and moon were created, it was the moon who complained to G‑d, "How can You create two luminaries the same size?! Surely one should be greater?!" Said G‑d to the moon, "Then you go and diminish yourself!" Likewise, no matter how great or small you are (whether materially, spiritually or mentally) know that this is just the right size for you. G-d wishes you to fulfil your role in life at just the "size" you are. A complaint against your "size" is really simply showing a lack of appreciation for the warmth you can actually give! If so, it would be better to simply be smaller, and hover around during the night.

9. The sun is patient. She gives herself 24 hours a day to do what she needs to. You too have 24 hours in a day to do everything you'd like.

10. The sun is VERY patient! Even though the sun orbits around the earth over 24 hour periods, and even over the entire year, she knows she will have to wait a full 28 years before she can come back to her original position that she was in when G-d created her at the time of creation. Likewise, every Jew should know that the body is not what counts… it is the soul, which came from G-d above many many years ago that has real value. It was sent into this world to attend to G-d's wishes right here. It will go through a variety of orbits and movements, doing some things again and again, thinking that it is getting nowhere. In truth, when the right time comes for its own complete orbit, it will return back to its original source. Perhaps there will be "others" who will make a blessing for it when it "arrives" back again?!

11. The sun is very patient! (sic) She waits 28 years before reaching her goal of return. It knows that the Jewish people will then say a blessing over her. Some goals take longer than others. There's no hurry… the main thing is to work towards them – even if they take 28 years to get there! There is nothing to worry about, because when that goal is reached, there will be those who will say a blessing for your having achieved it.

12. The sun uses her time well! The sun moves around the earth every 24 hours to complete one cycle. It continues to move, never stopping – even if it seems to be taking it's time getting there. Likewise, every person should see each moment of time as an opportunity of movement, an opportunity to do something new, no matter how long it's taking to get to the final goal.

13. The sun believes in the power of strength. The numerical value of the word "strength" in Hebrew "Koach" is 28. She uses her "Koach" to reach her goal. Each Jew should likewise use the strengths G-d has given them in order to serve Him best!

14. The sun knows what real power is… The first sentence of the Torah contains 28 (Hebrew) letters. "In the beginning G-d created the heavens and the earth." When one reaches a goal, one should likewise know that it is as if one was becoming a partner with G-d – in creating the heavens and the earth.

15. It takes two "hands" to make a full sun cycle. The numerical value of the word "hand" in Hebrew is 14. The sun works by the number 28 – 2x14. When doing something – use both your hands (use all your abilities) as you strive to fulfil whatever you can fulfil.

16. The sun does not quit! After 28 years of hard work and finally returning to her home, she does not simply stop cycling. She continues onwards. Likewise, no matter how great the goal you may have achieved – or how long it has taken you – don't quit. Start your next project – immediately!

17. The sun is not afraid of new beginnings. When the sun begins her new cycle, she does not consider that it will be another 28 years before returning "home". Instead, she is happy to start again, as if she had never done so before. Starting any task can be daunting, especially if one thinks of the many years one may need to invest in it (think of a family which is for life…!) but it all begins with a single step. There is never a need to feel embarrassed just because one is only at the first point of the journey. There's no rush.

18. The sun circles around. It has no points that make it think of itself as being more important, higher or lower. It operates by the "circle" principle – where everything is equal. Likewise, in life, we should view others as moving along their own paths, achieving their own goals. Why the need to make one seem greater than the other?! Why the need to think one is any less than another?! In a circle, everything is equal. And so it will be that in the future, everybody will dance – in a circle – with the final redemption. They will dance in a circle to show that in the eyes of G-d, there are none who are greater and none who are less, all are equal.

19. The new day begins when the sun awakens most people from their sleep. Be a "sun" to others. They may be fast asleep, not even realising it. Wake them up from their deep sleep and show them what daylight really is. And there is no light – except for Torah.

20. The sun gives light to all. The sun does not judge which person or plant in the world should receive her light. She gives liberally to all. Be a "sun" and give to all you come into contact with – even it seems they're simply not deserving of it. If their seed is in need of light – they will grow and mature. If their seed has rotten, you will have lost nothing by trying to restore it to a state of good health.

21. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. It travels in a westerly direction. The Torah teaches that the Shechinah – G-d's indwelling Divine Presence is in the west. The suns entire focus is upon serving G-d and moving towards Him. Likewise, every Jew should begin his day with no other thought – than to strive in all his actions to move towards G-d.

22. The sun rules only by day. It lets the moon rule by night – together with the stars. Each person is likewise given a dominion in the world of some kind. There is nobody who has dominion over everything. Share your dominion with others so as to give them warmth in whatever G-d has blessed you with, and then give way to others, so that they may share with you their own blessings. Acknowledge them for their "dominion". Thank them for their "dominion" and deal honestly with them when it comes time for them to provide the "dominion" they have been given to rule over.

23. The sun is only a creation of G-d, and yet it is impossible for anyone to look directly at it. She is a sign for us all to know that if this is just G-d's creation, imagine the awesome splendour, strength, and "brightness" of G-d Himself.

24. The sun has seen everything "under the sun". She knows the hidden secrets of what every person has done, yet she does not announce anything to anyone. She simply continues on her own mission. Although she may be aware of the defects of every human being, she continues her mission without saying a word… Speaking negatively of others is not our business – even when we clearly know what they have done. Our duty is to do what we are required to do. Our duty is still to continue providing warmth and light to others.

25. The sun is filled with self-sacrifice. Although filled with immense heat, she continues to burn herself out for the sake of the existence of the world – and for the sake of her Creator. Every Jew should know that they too are filled with "immense heat" that continues to be spent in the activities he chooses to do in this world. There is never a need to feel exhausted in helping others. It's just that sometimes – a little self-sacrifice is needed.

26. The sun does everything it needs to in the present. Even though she knows that she will surely circle again, she concentrates only on what her task is then. Likewise, although we all have a future, our job is not to constantly think about what will be tomorrow. Our task is to focus on today – as if this is all that counts. Our task is to do what is required of us today so that we will be ready for tomorrow.

27. The sun rises to the highest parts of the sky, but lowers itself to the earth – as it rises and sets every single day. Life is not about the heavens and it is also not about the earth. It is a combination. Although in essence a G-dly soul, every Jew possesses an animal soul too. He is grounded into this world as much as his essence is above. There is no need to live a heavenly life only. There is no need to feel he is confined to earth. There are times to rise to the heavens, and times to "come back to earth."

28. The sun *knows* the future. She knows she will cycle again. There will be more ups, and more downs. But she does not give up. The future will yet be and at times, we may even know what it will be, still, it is not for us to give up. It is for us to continue – no matter if we are rising or if we see ourselves as setting. Another day is still coming, and it is guaranteed that at the start of a new day, the direction is one that only goes upwards!

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If you wish to learn more about this beautiful Mitzvah and take part, here are a couple of links you can click on to find out more:

A bloggers guide to Birkas HaChama
Thank G-d for the Sun. The Once in 28 Years Mitzvah

5 Tevet - Didan Notzach - "Victory is Ours"

5 TEVET

DIDAN NOTZACH

“VICTORY IS OURS!”

LET’S START WITH…. TANACH!

Where would the world be without books? Ever imagined such a world? Sure, there’s television. We have fantastic audio too. A world of pictures and a world of sound. But imagine a world without books?!

The Jewish people are known as “People of the Book”. The reason for this coinage can be found elsewhere. However it is certainly one which states clearly our mission in the world. The world of a Jew encompasses the world of books. Without reading, one will never come to know what everything is all about.

Imagine a new appliance being sold without a manual of how to work it?! Imagine a salesman selling large pieces of wood (to make a bookshelf!) – without including the instructions on how to put it all together?! We could always experiment! There are indeed holes on the boards, and with a bit of ingenuity, we could eventually start putting the boards together. We also run the risk of finding our shelves back to front, with some shelves where they should be, and others in directions which they should not. To add to this, we could even call ourselves geniuses for having being able to put it all together without even so much as having looked at an instruction booklet!

Imagine the patient visiting a doctor to perform micro brain surgery upon him, only to find that the doctor is illiterate [sic]! How did he become a doctor – we would ask. How could he ever come to understand the workings of the body if not for the hundreds of thousands of pages he had studied over tens of years?!

The Jewish people are indeed people of the book, because without the Book, we are nothing. No better than any craftsman ready to fashion his shelves (or the like) without so much as an idea of how he’ll get it all together! Our book is the Torah. It is not ours exactly. It belongs to the Creator of the world. He built this world (and others) and – due to its extreme complexity (far more complex than the workings of the body, an appliance, or even bookshelves,) He also authored a major work. It encompasses everything from the moment creation began, right up until the moment when everything will be as He so wishes it to.

He is the Book itself. The Jewish people are that same Book. And all three are intertwined. Because of it’s complexity however, it takes a lifetime (and more!) to be able to understand just what it’s all about, and just what we are supposed to do as a result of reading it.

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In the 1980’s an event that would take Chabad by storm was about to brew. The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe (1880-1950) had left behind an incredibly large library of books, some of which were the original manuscripts written by the Baal Shem Tov himself! The Rebbe had been blessed with 3 daughters, but no sons. One daughter – the elder – had married a man by the name of Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary. Another daughter married a man by the name of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Horenstein. And the middle daughter married the Lubavitcher Rebbe – Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The Horensteins were killed Al Kiddush Hashem during the holocaust.

As for the Lubavitcher Rebbe, although he was Rebbe, he was “only” the son-in-law of the previous Rebbe. He never had children in the physical sense of the word and therefore there were no grandchildren for the previous Rebbe from him.

Rabbi Shmaryahu Gurary did have one son however, Dov Ber (known as Barry Gurary.) Because he was the only grandson, he believed that the inheritance from his grandfather should go to him. There was however one problem. The library of books that belonged to the previous Rebbe had been given over to Chabad and obviously to the possession of the Lubavitcher Rebbe himself.

Events, not necessary to mention here, eventually lead to a situation coming about where Barry Gurary – the previous Rebbe’s only living grandson – took the Rebbe to court, claiming that the library of books was his. He was rightly entitled to it by inheritance, and as such they were his. What he chose to do with them – was naturally his own decision. Should he wish to read them, he could certainly do this… and if he wished to sell them (they are worth millions of dollars to those who know their true material wealth) – he could do this as well.

The Rebbe on the other hand, while not a direct heir in the literal sense of inheritance, had never contemplated such an idea. To him, the books were his. Who better to make use of these books than the Rebbe himself?!

The court case was a fierce battle – weeks where the Rebbe was literally more than concerned and troubled as to what could possibly happen should these books leave his hands. The story can be found in far greater detail on other Internet sites – and it is by far one of the most tense and worrisome stories that have occurred to the Jewish people in general in many, many years.

On the 5 Tevet in 1986, the court ruled in favour of the Rebbe and the books were returned to their rightful place. One of the most convincing arguments came from the Rebbe’s own wife – daughter of the previous Rebbe – who when questioned, replied to the advocate “The Rebbe and the books of the Rebbe are the property of the Chassidim.” In truth she was not just the wife of the Rebbe, supporting him, she was also the daughter of the previous Rebbe (who may well have deserved the books herself) and the sister of the mother of the man who had brought this case to court!

One daughter of the previous Rebbe supported Chabad – and Chassidus. The other, supported her son – the apparent legitimate heir to books owned by his grandfather. It certainly didn’t make for an easy clear cut decision, and anyone thinking over the possibilities and ramifications of the various things that could have happened, could well find themselves at a loss for words.

But the case was more than a nephew fighting his uncle over an inheritance. As the Torah itself teaches, it was about an argument that had originated from on High! Nothing in this world happens only because human beings make it that way. Rather, that that happens in this world is a sign for what is actually happening in the worlds above. When Eisav comes to fight Yaakov, it is not just because two brothers are about to engage in a physical battle. It is about the angel of Eisav laying a claim against the angel of Yaakov on High. When things begin Above, they continue below and are manifest in this world.

The court case of the books was not just about a physical case in this world, it was about accusations levelled at the Jewish people Above! Apparently, as we can imagine things… the angels above were involved in a heated argument!

Do books belong to one just because of an inheritance? Do books belong to one just because one is a grandchild – just because of birth? The angels were at battle! Wings were flapping, tornadoes of wind blowing the air as the angels fought.

But the dust flying above eventually subsided and the verdict was in. Books are holy – especially when they’re really holy! One doesn’t merit them just because of birth and because of wealth (even if one could afford them.) One merits them because one works towards the goals contained inside them.

Being Jewish means (amongst other things) appreciating what a book is – it’s value. The Book – The Torah is the ultimate book, and all books written afterwards about it are included in it’s same category. We have both a written Torah and an oral one. The oral is infinite – because it is G-d Himself. Yet G-d clothes Himself within the written Torah. It is filled with layers upon layers of garments, far too many for the average person to uncover by a simple casual reading. With it comes the real work of learning the oral Torah, because hidden inside it are the keys for opening the written Torah and understanding what it’s about.

The Rebbe’s court case was a message to the Jewish people. Wake up! Even above there are battles each day, judgments being issued – as to whether we are truly deserving to know the will of G-d Himself. We must pay attention and realise that our duty is to read… read… and read even more, to learn what G-d wants from us – and to actively implement it into real life action. To make this world a dwelling place for G-d.

As infinite as the world of holy books is, so too is the infinite obligation we have to learn the beauty, the supernatural (and “natural”) and the radiance of the infinite G-d Himself.

We cannot excuse ourselves as just being Jews because of birth. Deserving to receive everything of G-d’s infinite kindness just because of birth. We have an obligation that we accepted upon ourselves over 3300 years ago. An obligation to learn and explore the instruction manual – every single day – every single moment of every single day – in whatever free time we can find to do so. When we do this, then the books are ours. The Rebbe is always ours, and we can always be Chassidim. But the books… they come to us from our desire to want to read and follow what is actually inside them.

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WHERE DO I BEGIN?!!!

Where are we to begin, and how can we begin to find out what it is that G-d wants from us? There is no greater book to begin learning from than the very book that was given to us thousands of years ago. The written Torah. We must educate ourselves into knowing how the world began, world history, how the Jewish people came about. Could there be anything more interesting?

It’s the stuff Hollywood movies are made of! Imagine opening the authoritative book about creation. Learning about the wonders of the stars. The people who began this world making it what it is today. Where did the Jewish people come from?! What were the politics of those days like?! What did G-d want from us – why?! Just who were the forefathers and the foremothers? The twelve tribes, the 70 Jews who went down to Egypt, and the 600 000 souls who came out?! Who was Moses and what role did he really play? Does it make any difference to me today?!

Who lead the Jewish people after Moses? Who was Joshua? Who were the great Judges of the Jewish people, the prophets and the leaders? Who were the Kings of Israel and were they good? Did they follow the teachings of the Torah or rebel? What can *we* learn from them today?! Did those people have the same desires as we experience today? Were they so different? Who were the leading governments in those days and how did they impose their taxes?

What are the sweetest praises to G-d all about? What did the wisest man – King Solomon have to say about life? What of the supernatural stories clothed in nature? Just what is the unique love affair relationship between G-d and the Jewish people all about? Who was to be the ultimate mother of the righteous redeemer destined to come and take us out of our exile?

The Tanach – filled with 24 books, is the ultimate guide in understanding life – as it is TODAY. Every page is filled with stories and advice about how to live life – not then, but TODAY! Its teachings – to anyone who opens their eyes – is as relevant today as it was then. In fact, if we prepare ourselves, we will see that its teachings have become even more relevant to us. It is a book of life to all those who hold on to it, to those who open their eyes, to those who humble themselves to realise the value of truth, of morality, of goodness and kindness.

Its secrets are never ending. The greatness of the souls and people who lived then represent the roots of the world of today, the roots of goodness and its opposite – corruption. The miracles of then… are the same miracles of today and the exiles of then, the same exile of today.

It is the ultimate guide to life and it is the ultimate guide to understanding the deepest secrets of the Creator. Who can turn aside from it for even a moment?

It is the book of all books, and the root book of any Jewish library.

In coming postings, we will be reviewing various books to help guide each of us into understanding more about the Torah. At the end of each review there will be a link to click on. If you don’t have this book in your library, you can purchase it immediately!

Don’t waste another moment. Open your eyes to the beauty of Torah and appreciate the gift which we have been given. The 5 Tevet is the ultimate day to make a new resolution to thirst for a new book, and to desire to drink of its contents immediately, learning it and putting it into practice!

Ready to begin?

Click here and purchase the Artscroll Tanach immediately! Just two chapters a day (excluding the regular weekly reading and the book of Psalms), and you can finish it in just one year!

For more video footage about the Rebbe and the 5^th Tevet see these videos.

12-13 Tammuz: Days of Liberation for the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe - and for All of Us!

RABBI YOSEF YITZCHAK SCHNEERSOHN - 1880-1950

12 – 13 TAMMUZ

BIRTHDAY

&

LIBERATION OF THE PREVIOUS REBBE

FROM PRISON

The 12 and 13^th of Tammuz are the days of liberation from prison of the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn.

The Rebbe was placed in prison because he spread the teachings of Torah and Mitzvos outwards. He didn’t consider the difficulties and disturbances that would impede his mission – but rather continued with his service. At the end of the matter, he was successful and was freed from prison.

This is a teaching for every single one of us. Each of us should strengthen ourselves in the study of Torah. Even if there are disturbances along the way, it is forbidden for us to stop and interrupt our service – and we can be assured that in the end we will be successful!

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The following are a selection of thoughts taught by the previous Rebbe. May they penetrate us and aid us in improving ourselves, bringing the Tzaddik who taught these teachings much Nachas, and may he in return be a Meilitz – an advocate on our behalf that in the merit of our internalising and fulfilling these teachings, that we be taken out of our exile immediately on these days of liberation. As the Rebbe said, these days were not just days of liberation for him, but were days of liberation for us all.

FEAR G-D.

LOVE EVERY JEW

The Rebbe Rayatz spoke about the Baal Shem Tov. When the Baal Shem Tov was 5 years old, his father said to him, “My son, do not fear anybody – only the Holy One Blessed be He. Love every single Jew with all your soul– no matter who he is or however he is.”

The Baal Shem Tov strengthened himself in these two matters: Fear of G-d and love of his fellow Jews. With these teachings he lived during all the days of his life in his holy service.

The Rebbe told this story, and it is a teaching for everybody – even for children – obviously. These two essentials – fear of G-d and love of a fellow Jew – should be the light that leads us and outlines our path during our lives.

Many people ask, how is it possible not to fear anything and anyone? Surely we are so small and weak – how can we work on ourselves not to be afraid?

The Maggid of Mezritch – the pupil of the Baal Shem Tov – answered: “When a father loves his young child, then even though he is far greater than the child, much wiser and more learned, he goes down to the level of the small child. He makes himself like a small child – occupying himself with his matters, and conducting himself like the small child. This is how the father shows his love to his son – and through this the son knows that the father loves him.”

We are Jews – children of G-d. The Holy One Blessed be He comes down to his children, satisfying their needs, even in material matters, even in small matters. G-d comes down to the Jewish people, even in small matters. He protects them and helps them. Therefore there is nothing at all in the world to fear! Our Father – Hashem – protects us.

ON THE OTHER HAND…

Sometimes a Jew thinks to himself: “I am a child of G-d, of a Father so great, I can do whatever I desire, and in the end G-d will forgive me!” A Jew is liable to make a mistake and to think of himself as a great person because he is a son of G-d, and to permit himself to conduct himself in a non-fitting manner.

HUMILITY

The grandson of the Alter Rebbe asked him when he was 3 years old: “Why is the word ‘Vayikra – ויקרא” written with a small letter (in the Sefer Torah)?”

His grandfather the Rebbe, answered him: “Every Jew has many good points, and especially – Moshe Rabbeinu had many good points. However, Moshe Rabbeinu held himself to be humble and small like a small ‘Aleph’ – he did not become proud or haughty. Specifically therefore, Moshe Rabbeinu merited to reach the highest levels. He received the Torah, and he brought the children of Israel out of Egypt.”

The teaching from here to all Jews is to do everything that Hashem commands – without thinking if one has a reason for something or not – ‘if it is nice for me or if I desire it.’ Since G-d commanded this, there is no doubt that this is something good!

VICTORY OVER THE YETZER HARA –

THE EVIL INCLINATION

And what can one do against the evil-inclination – that it comes to disturb us from fulfilling the commandments as is necessary? How can one be victorious over the evil-inclination?

The son of the Alter Rebbe gave advice: “When one is fighting against the Yetzer HaRa, one needs to speak about this with another Jew. It is possible to speak with a friend or with a guide or with a teacher that is teaching us. Then there will be two good inclinations against one evil-inclination! At the time of war, when two are at war against one, the two will be victorious! So too do we strengthen ourselves over the evil-inclination!

(Adapted from Likutei Sichos 2 pp 593-597. As translated from Maayan Chai)

Contemplations for Gimmel Tammuz - 3 Tammuz 5754

CONTEMPLATIONS

FOR GIMMEL TAMMUZ

Today marks the day in the year 5754 / 1994 that the 7^th Lubavitcher Rebbe was concealed from the world. It is difficult to understand the concept of a Tzaddik dying, since as the Zohar points out that a Tzaddik – when he “leaves” this world, is to be found more in all the worlds. He no longer has the burden of a human body, and is therefore in a state of existence that allows him to be present more so in this world, than he ever was able to be before.

The Torah also teaches, that a wicked person, even while alive is dead, and a righteous person, even when “dead” is actually alive!

One may wonder of what benefit there may be in a Tzaddik departing this world.

When the Rebbe took over the Nesius of Chabad, he related to every single Chassid and Jew – as well as every single person - in the same way (and perhaps even more so!) as he did 44 and more years later. If, however, one follows the leadership process, it is interesting to note his actual physical involvement with people. In the beginning, the Rebbe would engage in one-on-one Yechidus with those who would come to see him. Certainly it may have been difficult to book an appointment to see the Rebbe, but it was possible. As time went on, it became more and more difficult to speak to the Rebbe in person. One might have to wait months before being able to get an appointment. Later, when there were simply too many people for the Rebbe to spend time with one-on-one as lengthy as he used to, the Rebbe would give public audiences, where he would address a number of people in a Yechidus session, although speaking to each one – and apparently, each person hearing only what was necessary for him to hear!

But this too became difficult, as even here, there were eventually too many people wanting the Rebbe’s personal attention, and the Rebbe – already in his eighties, arranged for something he became most famous for – the giving of Dollars. The Rebbe would be able to relate to thousands of people in a relatively short period of time – just hours! Amazingly, whereas in the beginning, he would relate to individuals one-on-one often spending hours with a person at a time – this process evolved into relating to thousands – each one for seconds at a time. However, even here, the Rebbe was able to interact completely with this person – so to speak – as if he were engaged in an hour long Yechidus! And although the person passing by may not have been able to know it or sense the “hour” one-on-one session, the Rebbe, being the comprehensive soul of the Jewish people – and the Moses of our generation – was certainly relating to each one within that time frame! While the Rebbe’s gentle “Blessing and Success,” or, “Much Success” might have seemed to simply indicate some nice words, the truth is that as he said these words, he literally brought total blessing to another.

Time exists differently for a Tzaddik than it does for the rest of us! What a Tzaddik can achieve with the words of his mouth within seconds – may never be able to be achieved in lifetimes by the average person. Balak and Bilaam are certainly proof of these things – both being the greatest magicians and sorcerers of the non-Jewish world and being able to destroy everything in their way in just moments – just from the power of their mouths! (See Zohar on this blog related to their ways of magic!) As a point of fact, 3 Tammuz 5754 was the Motzaei Shabbos of Parshat Balak! The previous Parsha just read was Parshat Chukat, where we are taught of the death of Miriam and that the death of a Tzaddik brings atonement for the entire generation – and that Moses… is the whole of Israel and all of Israel are Moses for he is a composite of all of them.

And as the Rebbe would comment many times to those wishing a Brocha “Azkir Al HaTzion” – I will mention it at the grave (of his father-in-law, the previous Rebbe). Many people were frustrated with such a response which seemed to indicate nothing more than a gesture of good manners! Yet once again, this statement was a guarantee that the Rebbe would do everything possible to see to it that the message was “delivered on time” and “to the Right People” in order to elicit blessing from Above!

Dollars were handed out – and blessings – almost at the speed of light itself. Yet, everything was still in a realm of physicality, being limited by material bodies and words.

Let us go back in time to the days that people would write to the Rebbe. Way back then decades ago, before the world of email – things took a little longer, and presumably, not everyone was as keen to continue asking the Rebbe for help - *all the time.* And so, people would write the Rebbe, wait for the postman to deliver, and then wait for an answer. Of course, as far as the Rebbe is concerned, the letter was received while it was being written, but practically speaking, it only actually reached its destination days or possibly weeks later! Now, the Rebbe had parcels of letters that he would read, standing by the previous Rebbe’s Ohel for the entire time that he went through them. Could there have been more though?

Then the fax machine was invented – and it became far easier to send letters to the Rebbe. Why the bother of waiting for days when a message could be delivered immediately?! Although I myself do not know how much the letters increased, I am certain that the fax machines worked over time and many more letters reached the Rebbe than would be by ordinary mail.

And while it is that theoretically the Internet was already around in the late 1960’s… this was only so for the military – and later the educational institutions. In fact, it was only around the time 1994 – that the Internet really began making headway for the average person! I can just imagine it now. The Rebbe would make use of all technology to bring the redemption. Everything is G-dly – and should be used for G-dly purposes! From the postman delivering the letters to fax machines transferring messages of pain, immediately to a Rebbe who was able to deal with huge volumes of paper with letters and words of help crying out on them.

What would the Rebbe have said of the opportunity of having an email account and computer in his office?! It would be ideal! Imagine for a moment, no more fax machines and no more letters. Any Jew wishing to send a message simply sits behind his computer, types away his inner most thoughts, hits “send” and voila the message is there printed out immediately. In fact, typing today is considered such a norm, that it’s a pleasure to be able to express one’s inner most feelings to another – within seconds – and send them off! Of course much damage has been done to people through all this – but the amount of good that has resulted is without estimate!

I can imagine the Rebbe today, sitting behind his desk in his office, as his secretaries enter his room with the latest requests from Jews all around the world. They’d hardly be a few pages of paper. Reams of paper… maybe! Trees-worth of paper – definitely!

Would the Rebbe truly be able to deal with the volume of requests coming through? The Rebbe was not one to turn away from reading even one letter. As is known the famous story regarding an occasion when one of the secretaries wished to purchase a machine envelope opener to help the Rebbe open his mail – saving hours of time. The Rebbe’s response? How can I open envelopes with a machine – when these envelopes were sealed with the tears of these Jews?! Only hands can open up such envelopes! If this applies to envelopes, how much more so would it apply to reading the letters themselves.

If so, is it possible for us to imagine the Rebbe reading the mail of today – while sitting at his desk – or even at the previous Rebbe’s Ohel?!

One need only take a look at the abundance of people visiting the Ohel today – and the letters that are sent there – from email alone – to know just how many Jews are in pain – and are crying to the Rebbe to help them NOW!

While back in the fifities, life seemed to have been moving at a slower pace. People wrote slower, mail moved slower, and time seemed to even move slower… today life is moving at such a pace, that email is reaching its destination… too late!

We’re in need of the redemption. The pains which we experience on both an individual as well as communal level are so great that there’s just no more time to wait to express it all – and wait for answers. We need things to happen NOW!

I don’t know if this is the reason why, but I often think to myself, that when the Rebbe was concealed – it was just about that time that life seemed to move into a new realm of speed. One which, had the Rebbe been sitting behind his desk reading the mail, he simply may not have been able to get through it all. Of course, this is only bodily – where a Tzaddik is confined – even if his confinement is like freedom to others – to a degree that he cannot attend to every single request. It would take… freedom from the body to be able to deal with matters of the soul.

I’m no expert in understanding how bodies and souls work. I’m neither a physician, nor a surgeon of the soul. I do imagine, however, that when souls are hidden away from others (even if they are connected to their “bodies” elsewhere), it allows them the freedom to deal with much more than can be done when the laws of physical nature force them to act and behave like everyone else in a physical body – attending to only those things that most people can attend to (even when they can do so much more!)

Did Yaakov die? No… he was a Tzaddik. Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi (the author of the Mishna) would recite Kiddush for his family every Shabbos and fulfil their obligation for them – even after he had “died”! Rabbi Elazar, the son of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was hidden from everyone after he “died” and continued answering Halachic questions – for some time!!! I’ve even heard the crazy idea that Elijah the Prophet never died either – and in fact walks around the earth to this very day doing all sorts of acts of goodness and kindness – and even teaching great righteous people. He does with this soul fully enclothed in his body!

Did Moshe die? Rashi says he buried himself!!! (I’ve often wondered what kind of a death that was then!) And while we’re talking of the death of the righteous, I’ve heard some interesting stories of those who tried entering the Caves of Machpela where Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca – and Jacob and Leah are buried. Actually there is quite a lot regarding the mysteries of those who have apparently died.

But Tzaddikim do not die. None of them do. Every one of them is as present in this world as they were at the time they left it. A Tzaddik lives on a different level to the souls of those who are not Tzaddikim. Much like a child cannot understand the tricks performed by a magician (although he uses sleight of hand!) so too can the child-soul not understand how certain things can actually be when they really seem not to be at all!

How do we know the truth? Can we claim it ourselves? What does the Torah say? Do Tzaddikim die? Who is Moshiach? There are a host of questions to get through! But then again, there’s a Torah to get through as well. There are 5 books of Moses… there’s the 24 complete books of the Tanach. There are the six orders of the Mishna, with the Babylonian Talmud and the Jerusalem Talmud. There’s also the Midrashim, the Zohar, the kabbalistic writings of the Arizal. There’s the teachings of the Rambam, the Rosh, the Rif and the Ran… there’s the Tur and the Shulchan Aruch! There are also the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov – founder of Chassidus, his pupil the Maggid of Mezritch, the Alter Rebbe and the six other Rebbe’s of Chabad. There are the teachings of Rabbi Nachman – the Breslov Rebbe, and the dozens of other Rebbes to learn from as well, as the entire corpus of Chassidut which is practically infinite! There are the teachings of the earlier generations and the later, the commentaries of all these books… and this… this is just the surface!

Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai was the least of the students of Hillel. The greatest was Yonatan ben Uziel, who when he would learn Torah, the birds above would be singed by his learning… but for the “small” Rabbi Yochanan, who knew all the teachings above (although many would only be published many years later) not only understood all these teachings, but could even speak the language of the birds, the trees, the angels and various other languages!

Do we know the truth? There is much to learn before we are too quick to know just where the Rebbe is right now, what he is doing, how he is aware of our every desire and need – even when we merely think about these things in the corner of our home.

On Gimmel Tammuz the sun did not set for Joshua – it continued to shine.

When Moses went onto Mount Sinai and never returned, the Satan showed the Jewish people the coffin of Moses claiming he had died – and they believed him. There was the coffin and Moses was inside it! (Are we any different today and have we learned our lesson yet?!) When Jacob was being buried, the embalmers embalmed him and yet this too was an illusion, for he wasn’t there at all.

Today we are faced with the same dilemma. Any good (and honest) magician will tell you – it’s really all just an illusion, a trick by the magician. And according to the wisdom and greatness of the Magician, so are the tricks even better, and the illusion more real.

But the Tzaddikim know the truth, for their very existence is different from our own. There is no death for them. This world is only an illusion, for G-d is everywhere and is everything, filling and surrounding everything – yet we feel ourselves as existing independently – just as Pharaoh did – perhaps even feeling that we have “created ourselves!” Our task is to connect with G-d, to become totally consumed by Him, to become one with Him, to realise that everything is an illusion. There is nothing that has real life, and there is nothing that dies. Everything is an illusion.

Our task is to do what is necessary for us to do – to serve G-d, to fulfil His commandments each day, until eventually we will all connect to such a degree, that we will see how indeed Ain Od Milvado. There is nothing but G-d Himself. This will be revealed when Moshiach comes and awakens us from our slumbers, to know and to see clearly that He is One and His Name is One.

May this take place immediately, that there no longer be debates of what is right and what is wrong, what we can see and what we can’t, and who is right and who is wrong, but rather that the revelation of Moshiach overwhelm us in order that we clearly see the truth with our own two eyes – each of us – as we welcome Moshiach immediately and he redeem us NOW!