Living Jewish Newssheet - Parasha Ki Tavo 5780

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B�H Erev Shabbat Ki Tavo, 15th of Elul, 5780; September 4th, 2020

permission to bring Shneur Zalman to the Baal Shem Tov on his third birthday for the traditional first haircut and the Baal Shem Tov agreed. He told Baruch that Shneur Zalman should be brought by his mother and aunt Devora Leah, on the 18th of Elul, after morning prayers.

The Birth of the Alter Rebbe Baruch and his wife, Rivka, were followers of the Baal Shem Tov. When they had been married for a year and were still not blessed with a child, they went to see the Baal Shem Tov during the month of Elul to ask for his blessing.

At his birthday celebration on the 18th of Elul, the Baal Shem Tov blessed Baruch and Rivka, saying that within the year they would have a son. The young couple remained with the Baal Shem Tov in Miedzibosz for the High Holidays. Before departing for home they were privileged to again have an audience with the Baal Shem Tov. When the Baal Shem Tov repeated his blessing, Rivka fervently promised that she would consecrate her son to the dissemination of Torah and the Chasidic way of life as taught by the Baal Shem Tov. Rivka was quite a learned women and decided to intensify her Torah studies. She asked Devora Leah, her learned sister-in-law for guidance as to prayer and study during her anticipated pregnancy.

Six months later, Baruch went to Miedzibosz again to inform the Baal Shem Tov that his wife was pregnant.

The Baal Shem Tov wished him "mazel tov" and gave him instructions to convey to his wife. Baruch left for home in a blissful frame of mind. On the 18th of Elul, the Baal Shem Tov displayed an extraordinary elation. He led the prayers, which he chanted joyously. It was clear that the Baal Shem Tov was observing the day in an even more festive manner than was customary for his birthday.

During the repast which followed the prayers, the Baal Shem Tov told his disciples: Today, a new soul descended to earth, a soul which will illuminate the world with the revealed and esoteric teachings of the Torah, and will successfully disseminate the Chasidic way with selfless dedication, preparing the way for the arrival of Moshiach.

On the 25th day of Elul the Baal Shem Tov arranged a feast. Three days later, on Shabbat, he again gave a discourse and was in an extremely elated frame of mind. All of this represented a mystery to his disciples. What the Baal Shem Tov's disciples witnessed in those days was nothing less than their Rebbe cele-

Arriving home, Baruch found that his son had made further strides during his absence from home. Little Shneur Zalman could now recite many Psalms by heart, and his memory and mental grasp were astonishing.

brating the birth of Baruch and Rivka's first child, Shneur Zalman, his circumcision, and the critical third day after the circumcision. Moreover, the various discourses which the Baal Shem Tov delivered on those occasions were connected with the newborn's destiny.

For Yom Kippur that year, Baruch came to the Baal Shem Tov. He had been cautioned not to tell anybody about the birth of his son. Again, before leaving for home, he received from the Baal Shem Tov a set of instructions concerning the child, and the careful watch which was to be kept over him at all times. The following year Baruch came, as usual, to the Baal Shem Tov for the High Holidays. The Baal Shem Tov inquired about the little boy in great detail, and repeated his admonition to take special care of the child.

After Sukkot, when Baruch was ready to leave for home, the Baal Shem Tov again counseled him to shelter the boy, and not to boast about his cleverness nor even to repeat ingenious comments he might make. Another year passed. Once again Baruch made his annual pilgrimmage to Miedzibosz. Baruch reported to the Baal Shem Tov that, upon returning home from Miedzibosz after Sukkot the previous year, his wife had told him that there was a noticeable change in Shneur Zalman. His speech and vocabulary, which were already extraordinary, had considerably improved. They had discovered that the young child had an amazing memory, and whatever he heard once, he never forgot. The Baal Shem Tov gave Baruch further instructions concerning the child. Baruch requested

As prearranged, Rivka and Devora Leah brought Shneur Zalman on his third birthday, to the Baal Shem Tov. The Baal Shem Tov cut off a few locks of hair, leaving peyot according to custom, and he blessed him. All the way home, little Shneur Zalman kept asking his mother who the elderly Jew was who had cut his hair. "That was Zaide," was her reply. Little did he then know that some day he would come to regard the Baal Shem Tov as his "grandfather" in a very real sense, namely, as the Rebbe of his Rebbe, the Maggid of Miezricz.

However, the Baal Shem Tov, for reasons best known to himself, kept himself out of direct contact with Shneur Zalman. He did not permit Baruch to take his son with him on subsequent visits to Miedzibosz and he enjoined Shneur Zalman's teacher from telling him anything about the Baal Shem Tov until he was 15 years old. "Shneur Zalman is not destined to be my disciple," the Baal Shem Tov said. "He belongs to my successor."

Shabbat Times Candle Lighting

Motzei Shabbat

Jerusalem Tel Aviv

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Haifa

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Beer Sheva

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New York

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Chabad Of Israel Rabbi Joseph I. Aronov Published by M.L.S. Kfar Chabad (03) 3731777 Editor: Aharon Schmidt livingjewishweekly@gmail.com Please guard the sanctity of this publication

Following His Ways This week’s Torah reading, Ki Tavo, contains the charge: “And you shall follow His ways.” On that verse, our Sages comment: “Just as the Holy One, blessed be He, is called compassionate; so, too, you shall be compassionate. Just as the Holy One, blessed be He, is called merciful; so, too, you shall be merciful. Just as the Holy One, blessed be He, is called generous; so, too, you shall be generous.”

Maimonides develops this idea further, explaining that the reason the Torah informs about a particular Divine quality is so that we can emulate it: “For this reason, the prophets described the A-lmighty with all these different adjectives….To make known that these are good and just paths in which a person should conduct himself to emulate Him according to his potential.”

Choosing How To React The Torah’s purpose in describing G‑d’s qualities is not to tell us Who He is, for in truth He defies definition, but instead, to teach who we should be, what are the qualities we should develop within ourselves.

A more careful look at the wording Maimonides uses indicates that he is not telling us merely to adopt the qualities for which G‑d is praised. He is telling us to emulate the manner in which G‑d manifests these

…I have not transgressed any of Your commandments, nor have I forgotten them (Deut. 26:13) Every year (except the Sabbatical year) a Jew is obligated to set aside a tithe of his produce. Every three years, he must dispose of them and give them to the Levites. A special "confessional" is then recited containing an apparent redundancy. If a person claims to have "not transgressed any of Your commandments," isn't it obvious that he hasn't forgotten them? A person can fulfill a commandment yet "forget" it at the same time - if his mind and thoughts are elsewhere.

(Sefat Emet) Blessed you shall be in the city (Deut.

28:3) According to the Midrash, "the city" means "in the merit of the mitzvot you do among society," - the duty that one's environs are imbued with Torah and mitzvot.

(Divrei Shaarei Chaim) …who will make an engraved or molten image (Deut. 27:15)

qualities. To explain: Usually, a person expresses an emotion as a natural, spontaneous response. He sees something attractive and is roused to love. He sees something menacing and he recoils in fear.

Controlled Thought This cannot be said about G‑d. He is by definition above having “natural reactions” to what happens here on earth. For if our conduct would influence G‑d like it influences our colleagues, He would not be much of a G‑d. Instead, He reacts in a certain way because He chooses to, because He considers this reaction as appropriate.

His emotional attributes are expressed only when they are called for.

This teaches us two things: Firstly, that we should try to react in a similar manner, expressing the qualities that He does in like situations. But secondly, and perhaps more importantly, that we should react as He does, not spontaneously and naturally, but with controlled thought. Often, we become emotionally excited. This prevents us from thinking clearly and knowing which emotion to exercise at a given time.

Just as G‑d exercises His attributes at will and by choice, so, too, we should control our feelings, rather than respond to them.

Leadership In this vein, we can appreciate statements

This is the only curse about which the Torah uses the future tense; all others in the "Reproof" are in the present. The reason is that when it comes to idolatry, thought is considered the same as action.

Planning to make an idol is thus just as contemptible as actually making one.

(Rabbi Shimshon of Ostropolye)

made by Maimonides with regard to a leader: “There will be times when he will be merciful and compassionate to certain people. [He will act] not merely out of ordinary feeling and generosity, but as is appropriate. And at times, he will seek revenge and bear a grudge against some other people, manifesting anger as is appropriate for them without feelings of anger.... His purpose should be for this activity to produce the greatest possible good for people at large.”

Leadership — and we all are leaders in given situations — involves ruling over one’s feelings, understanding a situation and acting in the way that will lead to the greatest good, not doing what we feel like doing at the moment. This is the emulation of G‑d which the above verse asks of us.

Adapted from the teachings of the Rebbe.

Shabbos Table and Moshiach Now! adapted from Keeping in Touch, Sichos in English. From our Sages reprinted from www.LchaimWeekly.org - LYO / NYC

Shulchan Aruch Regulations Reb Binyomin Zippel relates: As a yeshiva student, my father-in-law, Reb Immanuel Schochet, made a trip to Eretz Yisroel, and the Rebbe instructed him to keep a detailed diary. When he arrived at the airport, he discovered that his suitcase was overweight. With the representative’s consent, he removed his heavy wool coat from the suitcase, thereby making it lighter. When he settled on the plane, he began his diary with this incident.

When a person serves someone he feels close to and loves, his tasks are performed with joy and alacrity. A lack of joy in the service of G-d thus implies that the person serves a distant Master from Whom he is estranged, G-d forbid.

(Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin)

When he returned and entered yechidus, the Rebbe asked to see the diary. Upon reading the first story the Rebbe said, “This is not in accordance with Shulchan Aruch.” The Rebbe instructed him to call El Al and ask how he could rectify it. His request was met with surprise, and they assured him that there was no reason for concern. Reb Immanuel notified the Rebbe of the response but the Rebbe was not satisfied. “Tell them that it’s a serious matter and needs to be corrected.” Hearing that the Lubavitcher Rebbe was behind it, they agreed to officially absolve him on the condition that the Rebbe allows them to quote in his name not to evade weight regulations.

And G-d shall make you plentiful for good, in the fruit of your body (Deut.

28:11)

Indeed, with the Rebbe’s consent, for several years in the 1960’s, there hung a sign at the El Al desk that the Lubavitcher Rebbe says that it is forbidden to evade the weight regulations.

Because you did not serve the L-rd your G-d with joy... (Deut. 28:47)

The Torah promises length of days and good years - even beyond what is truly deserved - in the merit of children who are raised and educated according to Torah.

(Torat Moshe)

As heard from Reb Binyomin; see Igros Kodesh Vol. 15, pg. 451, reprinted from The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash, on-line at TheWeeklyFarbrengen.com

Chai Elul - The 18th of Elul The 18th of Elul is the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov, founder of the chassidic movement, and the Alter Rebbe, founder of the trend within Chassidism known as Chabad. Eighteen is the numerical equivalent of the letters Chai ("alive"). Thus the 18th of Elul is referred to as Chai Elul.

The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe relates there are two versions of a chassidic aphorism: "Chai Elul breathes vitality into Elul," and "Chai Elul breathes vitality into the service of 'I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine.'" The two versions parallel the two dimensions of Chai Elul. The first version reflects the contribution of the Baal Shem Tov, and the second version, the contribution of the Alter Rebbe.

The Baal Shem Tov imparted the vitality of emunah ("faith") to every dimension of our lives, revealing every individual's potential for an ongoing dynamic bond with G-d. He taught a way of life that enables us to express the infinite spiritual power of our beings in our observance of the Torah and in every aspect of our experience. These teachings make faith a vibrant force which encompasses every dimension of our conduct, infusing it with vitality from the soul's essential power.

The unique quality of faith is that it permits a connection with G-d that transcends the bounds of intellect. This advantage is, however, potentially problematic, because the spiritual plane on which a person operates through faith is far higher than his level of personal awareness.

Since faith taps into a dimension of soul that transcends the limits of the individu-

al's identity, a gap is created between the infinite potential made possible by faith and one's finite mind.

The teachings of the Alter Rebbe enable us to bridge this gap, because the Alter Rebbe explained how to bring our spiritual potentials that transcend intellect into the realm of understanding. To borrow from chassidic terminology, the Alter Rebbe showed us how to introduce emunah (which transcends intellectual categories) into the intellectual process called Chabad. (Chochmah, Binah, and Daas; lit., "wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.") Through the teachings of Chabad, the functioning of our minds is shaped by the G-dly power of our soul.

Because the heavenly source of a person's soul radiates powerfully on his birthday, the contributions of the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe to our Divine service are especially potent on Chai Elul. The vitality generated by the Baal Shem Tov's teachings energizes the intensified Divine service which characterizes the whole of Elul. Now unique to Elul is the concept reflected in the verse, "I am my Beloved's" – that man, rather than G-d, takes the initiative in heightening the love relationship we share with Him. This aspect of Elul requires that man be capable of proceeding in his Divine service on his own initiative. And this ability was granted us by the Alter Rebbe's teachings.

Adapted from Timeless Patterns in Time, Adapted from the Published Talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Reprinted from Sichos in English

Thank You! Saying thank you is connected to the coming of Mashiach. Our Sages relate that after the miraculous humiliation of the Assyrian king, Sannecherib, G‑d desired to bring the Redemption, making King Hezekiah the Mashiach. However, Hezekiah did not celebrate with songs of praise. G‑d wants us to appreciate and acknowledge His workings.

This should prompt happiness and joy to the point that we break out in joyous song.

In the era of the Redemption that we will actually realize that this is G‑d’s world.

However, today, most of us lack this awareness. We view the world as following its own rhythm and running on its own. With the coming of Moshiach the veil will be lifted and all mankind will share the awareness of G‑d. By living in the spirit of the Redemption, conducting our lives in recognition of G‑d’s presence, we anticipate and precipitate the coming of the time when this awareness will encompass all existence.

Self Sacrifice The son of the Rizhner Rebbe, R' Avraham Yaacov of Sadigora told this story. One Erev Shabbos the Baal Shem Tov appeared in a town unexpectedly. He chose to remain alone in the shul after Shabbos evening davening. The residents were alarmed when they saw his fervent prayer and Tehillim continue the whole night. Something was surely the matter.

But in the morning the Baal Shem Tov was relaxed and joyful, and he accepted an invitation for the Shabbos meal.

All of the townspeople crowded into the house to see the holy Baal Shem Tov. As they were sitting a local peasant came around looking for a drink of vodka. The Baal Shem Tov called out that he should be brought in, and provided with a generous glass of vodka. He asked what he had seen in the mansion of the Poritz (wealthy Polish estate owner) the previous night.

The peasant's tongue, loosened by the vodka, related that the Poritz, believing that he had been cheated in a business deal by a Jewish merchant, assembled his peasants and armed them with knives and hatchets telling them to be on the ready to avenge themselves on the Jews at his command. They would then all be able to liberate their stolen riches from the Jews.

"The whole night we waited for the command but the Poritz had closeted himself in his office with an unexpected visitor, an old friend that he hadn't seen for 40 years! Finally, he told us all to go home, that the Jews were upright and honest people and nobody should dare lay a hand on them. We all went home.”

"This old friend," explained the Sadigorer Rebbe, "Had been dead for decades. The Baal Shem Tov had dragged him from the grave to influence his friend the Poritz.

“But I always wondered," queried the Rebbe, "why did the Baal Shem Tov have to travel all the way to that town for Shabbos to avert the decree? Couldn't he just as well have remained in his hometown of Medzibuz?"

"But I understand now. The Baal Shem Tov said to himself, if I can succeed in saving the town, fine...but if not, then I will perish together with them!"

Adapted from nishmas.org

Question: When my wife and I got mar-

Quarantine in Connecticut The “Kvutzah” year, in which hundreds of yeshiva students from Eretz Yisroel come to spend a year learning in 770 (Chabad Headquarters), is a longstanding and fundamental concept in Chabad.

This year, with the outbreak of COVID-19 that hit Crown Heights particularly hard, it was clear that a solution would need to be found that would preserve this tradition while also protecting the health and well-

Cooking Tip of the Week Italian Style Zucchini and Mushrooms : A great side dish (can be doubled for more people). Slice 2 dark green zucchini in half moons and slice one container fresh mushrooms. Heat 2 tbls olive oil and add 2 cloves sliced garlic along with the mushrooms for about 5 minutes. Place the mixture in a bowl and salt. Sauté the sliced zucchini with 2 tbls olive oil for 10 minutes. Add the mushrooms and 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes along with salt and pepper (and Tuscan spice blend). Enjoy!

Alizah Hochstead, alizahh@hotmail.com

being of Crown Heights residents.

This was undertaken by the Iggud Talmidei Hakvutzah, which, with great effort, succeeded in finding a beautiful resort campus in Connecticut which the students would use for their two-week quarantine.

The 20-acre grounds contain an Olympic-sized swimming pool, recreational fields, and lake – all of which will provide the tranquil atmosphere perfect to enable them to properly prepare for this important year. The students, upon their arrival in New York, boarded buses directly for the campus, where they will remain for two weeks, as per medical guidelines.

The students are using their time for in-depth learning, all the while enjoying the accommodations and delicious food provided by the organizers. And, as night falls on the campus, the students from different Israeli yeshivos, gather for a lively Chassidishe Farbrengen.

Adapted from COLlive.com

Halacha Corner – Placement of Mezuzos As part of our teshuvah preparations for the new year to ensure that we are fulfilling mitzvos properly, it’s a common custom to have one’s tefillin and mezuzos checked during the month of Elul. In fact, according to some opinions, tefillin and mezuzos should be checked every twelve months. Checking mezuzos entails not only ensuring that our mezuzos are kosher, but also that the the place where the mezuzos are affixed is in accordance with halachah. If the mezuzos are not in their proper places, it is as if one is not fulfilling the mitzvah at all, chas veshalom. The mezuzah must be affixed to the right doorpost as one enters the doorway.

However, there are complex halachos regarding which is considered the right side if two rooms have a shared doorway; in such a case, one should seek the advice of a Rav to ensure that the mezuzah is placed in accordance with halachah. There are many other details regarding placement of mezuzos that are beyond the scope of this paragraph.

Rav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D’asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights, 1 Minute Halacha, 5775, #402, crownheightsconnect.com

ried 17 years ago we were at the same level of religiosity: keeping Shabbos, eating kosher and more or less leading a religious lifestyle.

However, I want to keep a higher level of kashrus, I want our kids to go to more religious schools, I do not want a television in the house, etc. My wife wants to keep things the way they are. It is upsetting to me that she is holding the family back. It causes a lot of tension. Sometimes I even think we should divorce. What do you think I should do about the situation?

Answer:

People grow and change and what you are experiencing is a common occurrence. However, perhaps you can see this as an opportunity for marital and personal growth. Nothing is coincidence. Hashem could have enabled you to become more religious before you met your wife. Why did it happen in the middle of your marriage? Rather than contemplate divorce, consider how you and your wife can develop your higher potentials together.

In these situations a couple will often engage a third party who helps mediate a compromise solution. At times, this works well. However, it can also be difficult to achieve an outcome that satisfies both sides. The solution may end up being no more than a band aid covering a festering wound.

Marriage is a process and the human element must be cherished. Things are not one way or the other—black or white. Take the time to hear and understand what your wife is feeling.

She may feel hurt that you would consider divorcing her; that your marriage is not as strong as she thought. When a spouse listens non-defensively, with empathy and understanding, closeness and healing is created. It builds an environment where both sides will desire, or at least be more open, to finding workable solutions.

Your desire for increased observance is commendable. However, allow your wife to share with you; empathize with her situation. She should feel that you understand her and are on her side.

The more we feel and understand one another, the more amenable each side will be to finding a workable solution.

Aharon Schmidt - marriage, family & individual coaching. Video and telephone sessions available. For an appointment contact: coachingandcounseling1@gmail.com