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Lubavitcher Rebbe Visit Our Website www.BikurCholimPS.com June 2014/Sivan 5774 VOL. 17 NO. 5

Let My People Know

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Best wishes to everyone for a Happy & Healthy Shavuos!

Gimmel Tamuz 5774 - July 1, 2014

Commemorating the 20th Yahrtzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory (19021994), the seventh leader in the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, is considered to have been the most phenomenal Jewish personality of modern times. To hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of sympathizers and admirers around the world, he was -- and still is, despite his passing -"the Rebbe," undoubtedly, the one individual more than any other singularly responsible for stirring the conscience and spiritual awakening of world Jewry.

The Rebbe was born in 1902, on the 11th day of Nissan, in Nikolaev, Russia, to the renowned kabbalist, talmudic scholar and leader Rabbi Levi Yitzchak and Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson.

Rebbetzin Chana (1880-1964) was known for her erudition, kindness and extraordinary accessibility.

Her courage and ingenuity became legend when during her husband's exile by the Soviets to a remote village in Asian Russia she labored to make inks from herbs she gathered in the fields -- so that Rabbi Levi Yitzchak could continue writing his commentary on kabbalah and other Torahsubjects. The Rebbe was named after his greatgrandfather, the third Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, with whom he later shared many characteristics.

To Save a Life: There is a story told about the Rebbe's early life that seems to be almost symbolic of everything that was to follow. When he was nine years old, the young Menachem Mendel courageously dove into the Black Sea and saved the life of a little boy who had rowed out to sea and lost control of his small craft. That sense of "other lives in danger" seems to have dominated his consciousness; of Jews drowning in assimilation, ignorance or alienation--and no one hearing their cries for help: Jews on campus, in isolated communities, under repressive regimes. From early childhood he displayed a prodigious mental acuity.

By the time he reached his Bar Mitzvah, the Rebbe was considered an illuy, a Torah prodigy. He spent his teen years immersed in the study of Torah.

Marriage in Warsaw: In 1929 Rabbi Menachem Mendel married the sixth Rebbe's daughter, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, in Warsaw. (The Rebbetzin, born in 1901, was chosen by her father, the sixth Rebbe, to accompany him in his forced exile to Kostroma in 1927. For sixty years she was the Rebbe's life partner; she passed away on 22 Sh'vat in 1988.) He later studied in the University of Berlin and then at the Sorbonne in Paris. It may have been in these years that his formidable knowledge of mathematics and the sciences began to blossom.

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Arrival in the U.S.A.: On Monday, Sivan 28, 5701 (June 23, 1941) the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin arrived in the United States, having been miraculously rescued, by the grace of Almighty G‑d, from the European holocaust. The Rebbe's arrival marked the launching of sweeping new efforts in bolstering and disseminating Torah and Judaism in general, and Chassidic teachings in particular, through the establishment of three central Lubavitch organizations under the Rebbe's leadership: Merkos L'Inyonei Chinuch ("Central Organization For Jewish Education"), Kehot Publication Society, and Machne Israel, a social services agency. Shortly after his arrival, per his father-in-law's urging, the Rebbe began publishing his notations to various Chassidic and kabbalistic treatises, as well as a wide range of response on Torah subjects. With publication of these works his genius was soon recognized by scholars throughout the world.

Leadership: After the passing of his father-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, in 1950, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson reluctantly ascended to the leadership of the Lubavitch movement, whose headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York. Soon Lubavitch institutions and activities took on new dimensions. The outreaching philosophy of Chabad-Lubavitch was translated into ever greater action, as Lubavitch centers and Chabad Houses were opened in dozens of cities and university campuses around the world.

Passing: On Monday afternoon (March 2, 1992), while praying at the gravesite of his father-in-law and predecessor, the Rebbe suffered a stroke that paralyzed his right side and, most devastatingly, robbed him of the ability to speak.

Two years and three months later, the Rebbe passed away in the early morning hours of the 3rd of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, in the year 5754 from creation (June, 12 1994), orphaning a generation.

Uniqueness: With the Rebbe's teachings propelling them and his example serving as a beacon to emulate, Lubavitch has rapidly grown to be a worldwide presence, and all its various activities are stamped with his vision. Small wonder then, that many ask, "What is it about his leadership that was -- and, in so many ways, still is -- so unique? Why do leading personalities of the day maintain such profound respect and admiration for him?"

Past, Present and Future: Many leaders recognize the need of the moment and respond with courage and directions. This is their forte -- and an admirable one. Others, though their strength may not lie in "instant response" to current problems, are blessed with the ability of perceptive foresight -- knowing what tomorrow will bring and how to best prepare.

Still other leaders excel in yet a third distinct area,

possessing a keen sense of history and tradition; their advice and leadership is molded by a great sensitivity to the past.

But one who possessed all three qualities was truly unique, standing alone in leadership. Such was the Lubavitcher Rebbe -- the inspiration and driving force behind the success of Lubavitch today.

Radiating a keen sense of urgency, he demanded much from his followers, and even more from himself. The Rebbe led, above else, by example.

Initiation, Not Reaction: He was a rare blend of prophetic visionary and pragmatic leader, synthesizing deep insight into the present needs of the Jewish people with a breadth of vision for its future. In a sense, he charted the course of Jewish history -- initiating, in addition to reacting to, current events. The Rebbe was guided by inspired insight and foresight in combination with encyclopedic scholarship, and all his pronouncements and undertakings were, first and foremost, rooted in our Holy Torah. Time and again, what was clear to him at the outset became obvious to other leaders with hindsight, decades later.

Everyone's Unique Role: From the moment the Rebbe arrived in America in 1941, his brilliance at addressing himself to the following ideal became apparent: He would not acknowledge division or separation. Every Jew -- indeed every human being -- has a unique role to play in the greater scheme of things and is an integral part of the tapestry of G‑d's creation.

For nearly five of the most critical decades in recent history, the Rebbe's goal to reach out to every corner of the world with love and concern has unfolded dramatically. No sector of the community has been excluded -- young and old; men and women; leader and layman; scholar and laborer; student and teacher; children, and even infants.

He had an uncanny ability to meet everyone at their own level -- he advised Heads of State on matters of national and international importance, explored with professionals the complexities in their own fields of expertise, and spoke to small children with warm words and a fatherly smile.

"Actualize Your Potential!" With extraordinary insight, he perceived the wealth of potential in each person. His inspiration, now accessible through his writings and videos, boosts the individual's self-perception, ignites his awareness of that hidden wealth and motivates a desire to fulfill his potential. In the same way, many a community has been transformed by the Rebbe's message, and been given -- directly or indirectly -- a new sense of purpose and confidence. In each case the same strong, if subtle, message is imparted: "You are Divinely gifted with enormous strength and energy -- actualize it!"

‘A Message From the Rabbi’ B’H Dear Friends, We would like to wish all of our readers a very happy and healthy Shavuos. This holiday celebrates the culmination of the exodus from Egypt 3326 years ago, when the Jewish people assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai to receive the Holy Torah. We encourage everyone to be at your local synagogue to hear the reading of the Ten Commandments on the first day of Shavuos, June 4, 2014, and reaffirm the covenant with G-d and his Torah.

Best Wishes for a Happy & Healthy Shavuos!

This year also marks the 20th yahrtzeit (anniversary of the passing) of our beloved Rebbe on Gimmel Tammuz, which coincides with July 1, 2014. The Rebbe has inspired our generation to reach out to all corners of the world and to hasten the coming of Moshiach. In this issue, we recount a number of stories about the Rebbe to help deepen our connection to him at this auspicious time.

In this issue you will find the Shavuos Guide and delicious recipes for Shavuos.

We wish you a Good Yom Tov and a very cool summer.

Rabbi Yankel & Rochel Kreiman

Chag Samayach, Rabbi Yankel & Rochel Kreiman

Dr. Amy Austin

Ruth & Herb Levitsky

Sara Lee Austin

Harriet Lindsay

Judge Jacqueline Drucker

Art & Joan Markovits

Isaac & Selma Friedman

Arlene Morse

Judy Gornbein

Celia & Sandy Norian

Joan & Harold Kramer

Howard Schreiman

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Happy Shavuos LET MY PEOPLE KNOW • JUNE 2014/ Sivan 5774 n 3

Rabbi Zalman I. Posner, O.B.M.

By Menachem Posner

Rabbi Zalman I. Posner, the profound and prolific translator and author of popular Chassidic works who served as a largerthan-life rabbi in Nashville, Tenn., for 53 years, passed away on April 23 at the age of 87. He was a pioneer of Jewish outreach on a national and international scale.

The eldest of six children, each of whom was active in Jewish education, Zalman Posner was born in British Mandate Palestine in 1927. His parents, Sholom and Chaya, had recently fled the oppression of the Soviet Union and made their home in Rishon Letzion, where Sholom eked out a living as a shochet (ritual slaughterer).

When the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory, visited in the Holy Land in the summer of 1929, Sholom Posner hired another shochet to take his place and spent every waking moment at his beloved Rebbe’s side from morning to night. During the course of the visit, young Zalman fell ill, and his distraught mother asked the Rebbe to pray for her toddler. On the Rebbe’s last day in the Holy Land, he asked Sholom how his son was feeling. Sholom, who had not been home in days, had no idea what the Rebbe was referring to; seeing Sholom’s blank stare, the Rebbe broke into a broad smile.

At the Rebbe’s urging, the Posners immigrated to the United States, where Sholom took up a position as a shochet in Linden, N.J. When the Rebbe visited America in 1930, Chaya Posner brought Zalman and his younger brother Leibel to the Rebbe in New York for a blessing that they grow to be Torah-observant. The

Rebbe placed his head in his hands, looked up at her and said that her sons would remain unscathed by the secular zeitgeist blowing through the American Jewish community.

When Zalman got a little older, Sholom and a local rabbi put together a parochial school for their children and a few others.

It would eventually become a day school with an enrollment of hundreds. It was a harbinger of the schools that both Sholom and his son Zalman would yet found in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Nashville, Tenn., respectively.

Rabbi Zalman Posner's "Think Jewish" remains a contemporary classic for understanding the role of Judaism in the modern world.

When Zalman was 10, he and Leibel, 8, were sent to New York, where they attended Toras Emes and Torah Vodaath yeshivahs in Brooklyn.

In 1940, the Rebbe arrived in the United States on the heels of the Nazi invasion of Poland.

Immediately, he established the Central Lubavitcher Yeshivah, an institution of Torah learning modeled after those he had led in various countries in Europe.

Zalman Posner was one of its first students—with the distinction of also being the first “out-oftowner.”

The Rebbe took a personal interest in the Posners. Before departing home in 1941 to Chicago, where their parents lived at the time, the boys entered the Rebbe’s room to receive his parting wishes. “You are my children,” he told the two teenagers. “To your mother and father you are physical

4 n LET MY PEOPLE KNOW • JUNE 2014/ Sivan 5774

children, but you are my spiritual children.”

On the Scene in Nashville In 1948, together with fellow student Mendel Baumgarten, Zalman Posner was dispatched to Europe to serve the needs of Holocaust survivors and refugees from Stalinist oppression living in displaced-persons camps in France, Austria, Germany and Holland.

In 1949, he was told by the sixth Rebbe about a rabbinic post at Congregation Sherith Israel in Nashville, Tenn, and was instructed by the Rebbe to apply for the position. Shortly thereafter, he married Risya Kazarnovsky, the daughter of a prominent Chabad activist—Rabbi Shlomo Aharon

Kazarnovsky of Brooklyn.

The two of them made their home in Tennesee’s capital, where the bearded rabbi and his young wife were greeted by people who never expected them to stay more than a few months.

As a scholar, author and congregational rabbi, Rabbi Posner had a profound impact on generations of Jews.

But stay they did. Almost immediately, they began inviting Vanderbilt University students to their home—creating a model that would become the basis for future Chabad on Campus centers all across the world.

One of his first protégés was young Yitzchok Block, who was studying Greek philosophy at Vanderbilt. “My father just gravitated to him,” recalls Block’s son, Rabbi Chaim Block, now a Chabad emissary in San Antonio,

Tex. “In 1952, Rabbi Posner brought my father to the Rebbe [Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory] and served as the conduit that brought him to Torah Judaism and Chabad.

When my father was offered a scholarship to pursue his Ph.D. at Harvard, he wanted to give it up in favor of full-time yeshivah studies. But the Rebbe would not hear of it, saying he would later regret the lost opportunity. Rabbi Posner supported and encouraged my father as he indeed went to Harvard.”

In 1954, the Posners founded Akiva day school with only five first- and second-grade pupils.

At the time, Nashville’s Jewish community was by far the smallest in America to boast a Jewish day school, and the couple had a hard time convincing donors to support their new endeavor.

Sixty years—and many hundreds of students—later, their vision proved auspicious.

From the 1960s to the 1980s, Rabbi Posner began traveling regularly to New York, where he was the featured speaker at the “Encounter with Chabad” weekends held in Brooklyn. With his signature wit and erudition, he not only entertained and educated his audience of curious college students and young adults, but taught an entire generation of Chabad rabbis the mastery of the pulpit by example.

His Friday night address was often followed by an informal discussion led by none other than Dr. Yitzchok Block, professor of philosophy at University of Western Ontario, in London, Ontario.

Rabbi Manis Friedman, a world-renowned author, lecturer and philosopher, recalls that he used to sneak out of yeshivah to attend every one of Posner’s talks. “Rabbi Posner’s ability to present Chassidic concepts

in English was revolutionary” says Friedman, who is himself regarded as one of the foremost teachers of Chassidic thought.

“No one thought it could make sense in English. You needed a specialized language to convey these thoughts. He showed that it could be done. It was like bringing Chassidism to this hemisphere for the first time.”

Friedman says that the most important lessons he learned were to speak softly with confidence, to encourage questions and to never underestimate the intelligence of the audience—if anything speaking slightly above their comfort zones. ”I recall one time when he spoke about the inner meaning of the mitzvah of tefillin, discussing many metaphysical ideas in a wonderful, lucid manner. When he finished speaking, he asked if there were any questions.

There were none; everyone was just sitting with open mouths.

Finally one student asked, ‘Is this what you meditate about every morning?’ He responded, ‘Nah, I just put them on.’ That made

Happy Shavuos

an even bigger impression,” says Friedman.

As Friedman developed into a teacher and lecturer in his own right, he says he learned the tricks of the trade from Posner, adopting his comforting, friendly tone, informal style, and absolute faith in the truth of the Torah ideals he espoused. “There was one time when I was speaking and [Posner’s] sister was in attendance,” he notes with a touch of pride. “When I finished my talk, she told me, ‘I closed my eyes while you were speaking, and it was as if Zalman was in the room.’”

He traveled widely, often speaking in South Africa, Australia and the United Kingdom. As a leading member of the Rabbinical Council of America (the rabbinic arm of the Orthodox Union), and the Central Committee of Chabad Lubavitch Rabbis in the United States and Canada, he would often speak at organizational conventions and contribute to their publications.

Knows ‘Chassidic Thought’ Posner’s literary output was copious. In addition to regular articles (many of which are featured on Chabad.org), he translated many important Chassidic texts, including two sections of the Tanya, the primary guide to spiritual life written by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Lubavitcher Rebbe. Posner would often have long meetings with the Rebbe regarding the translations he was working on. The Rebbe once recommended him for a certain translation job, remarking that Posner “knows Chassidic thought.”

Rabbi Zalman I. Posner, recalling an early encounter with the sixth

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Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, for Jewish Educational Media's "Living Torah" series.

His first book, Reflections on the Sedra, was published in the 1950s and featured succinct thoughts on the weekly Torah portion.

Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson, mother of the Rebbe, once told him that she made sure to study the weekly Torah portion using his commentary.

In response to the Rebbe’s urging, he wrote Think Jewish (1978), a collection of essays that presents Jewish teachings and wisdom in contemporary language that related to the thinking of modern American Jews. Much of it was based on his legendary talks for students at the “Encounters.”

As one of the earliest and bestknown expositors of Chassidism and Judaism in contemporary language, he received prodigious amounts of mail. He would respond to these letters, pecking away with two fingers on his typewriter or dictating the responses as he paced back and forth.

In the 1980s, he and his wife traveled to the Soviet Union, where he performed clandestine weddings and taught Torah there.

Rabbi Zalman I. Posner, right, at the bar mitzvah of his oldest greatgrandchild, Menachem Mendel Deren, center, and from left, his grandson, Rabbi Yossi Deren, and

son-in-law Rabbi Yisrael Deren.

Yet even as he traveled, Posner remained devoted to his community in Nashville, where he served as community rabbi for more than half-a-century, and principal and Judaic-studies teacher deep into his retirement years.

“I was looking through some school reports from the late ’80s,” says his daughter Vivi Deren, “and the comments he wrote about the students were just amazing. It was so interesting to see how he knew each child so well. Even while pointing out an area where they needed improvement, he would put it in a way that the child and the parents would feel good. He was a very engaging teacher, and everyone felt this.”

"For years he would characteristically stand to the side in the group kinus picture (at the annual conference of ChabadLubavitch emissaries) holding on to the lamppost," noted Mrs. Deren. "Someone pointed out yes, a lamplighter of the highest order, holding on to the lamp in the Rebbe's daled amos."

He is survived by his children: Vivi (Rabbi Yisrael) Deren, Mendel (Jeannie) Posner, Sussie (Rabbi Yonason) Denebeim, Miriam (Rabbi Mendel) Liberow and Rabbi Shimon H. (Chaya) Posner.

His siblings are Rabbi Leibel (Thirza) Posner, Rabbi Zushia (Yehudit) Posner, Bassie (Rabbi Gershon Mendel) Garelik and Sara Rivkah (Rabbi Avremel) Sasonkin, and his sisters-in-law, Mrs. Reba Sharfstein and Addy Kazarnovsky.

His sister, Mrs. Keny Deren, passed away earlier this year.

Rabbi Posner was predeceased by his wife, Risya, in 2007.

Their descendants serve as Chabad emissaries all over the globe.

Happy Shavuos

Dr. Ozer & Yaffa Platt & Family LET MY PEOPLE KNOW • JUNE 2014/ Sivan 5774 n 5

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The Newark Riots and a Match Made in Heaven

By Yossy Gordon

My uncle, Rabbi Sholom Gordon of blessed memory, was a Lubavitch emissary in New Jersey, starting in the early forties. Over the years, he touched thousands of lives.

Sometime around 1960, the mother of a former student of Uncle Sholom approached him with a problem. Her daughter, who had reached marriageable age several years before, was having a hard time finding a shidduch (match).

Aware of the Rebbe's greatness, the desperate mother asked Sholom to arrange a meeting for her with the Rebbe. Sholom complied, and even drove the mother, along with her son who was accompanying her, to meet the Rebbe, of righteous memory.

"When G‑d sends her bashert...

then I will close the store"My uncle waited outside. When the mother emerged from the Rebbe's office, she looked upset. "What happened?" Sholom inquired.

"Well," answered the mother, "I went in to the Rebbe and asked him for a blessing for my daughter's shidduch. I was surprised when the Rebbe began to ask me questions about my life. He asked me what our source of livelihood is. I told him that we have a very successful store in Newark. The Rebbe asked me if the store is open on Shabbat.

I told him that it is.

"Then, and this is what I really do not understand, the Rebbe suggested that since we are financially secure, we should close our store on Shabbat and that G‑d will then send our daughter her

bashert (intended one). I countered that we need the store to provide for our daughter in case something happens to us and she does not get married. When G‑d sends her bashert... then I will close the store.

The Rebbe disagreed.

"Rabbi Gordon," continued the woman, "I am from Europe. I know

chassidic rebbes. I thought they just gave blessings and wanted a donation. I didn't come here for business advice..."

Years went by. 1967 arrived and with it came the Newark Riots and violence and vandalism. The store owned by Sholom's former student's parents was among those destroyed in the melee. Already nearing retirement age, and with her husband having passed away shortly beforehand, the mother decided not to rebuild the store.

The store was finally closed on Shabbat.

Within a few months, the daughter met her bashert. Today, thank G‑d, she is the mother of a well-respected family.

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July 15, 2014 - August 5, 2014

What are the Three Weeks?

The Three Weeks in a Nutshell

The Three Weeks is an annual mourning period that falls out in the summer. This is when we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temple and our launch into a still-ongoing exile.

The period begins on the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, a fast day that marks the day when the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Romans in 69 CE. It reaches its climax and concludes with the fast of the 9th of Av, the date when both Holy Temples were set aflame. This is the saddest day of the Jewish calendar, and it is also the date of other tragedies spanning our nation’s history.

Observances: There are various mourningrelated customs and observances that are followed for the entire three-week period (until midday of the 10th of the Hebrew month of Av, or—if that date falls on Friday—the morning of that day).

We do not cut our hair, purchase new clothes, or listen to music.

No weddings are held.

17 Tammuz is a fast day, on which we refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to nightfall.

Those who mourn the destruction of Jerusalem will merit seeing it rebuilt with the coming of Moshiach. The final Nine Days of the Three Weeks are a time of intensified

mourning. Starting on the first of Av, we refrain from eating meat or drinking wine, and from wearing freshly laundered clothes.

9 Av is a more stringent fast than 17 Tammuz. It begins at sunset of the previous evening, when

we gather in the synagogue to read the Book of Lamentations.

Besides fasting, we abstain from additional pleasures: washing, applying lotions or creams, wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. Until midday, we sit on the floor or on low stools.

There is more to the Three Weeks than fasting and lamentation. Our sages tell us that those who mourn the destruction of Jerusalem will merit seeing it rebuilt with the coming of Moshiach. May that day come soon, and then all the mournful dates on the calendar will be transformed into days of tremendous joy and happiness.

A Tisha b'Av Prank Told by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of Lubavitch

The Holy Ruzhiner (Chassidic master Rabbi Israel of Ruzhin, 1797-1851) rejected all feelings of sadness, even of bitterness.1 So his chassidim would engage in all sorts of practical jokes on the Ninth of Av (in order to mitigate the sadness of the day).

They would throw burrs at each other. Then they conceived of the following prank: they opened a skylight in the roof of the study hall and dropped a snare; when

someone walked into the study hall, they would yank on the rope so that the snare fastened itself around him, and pull him up to the roof.

It happened that the Ruzhiner himself walked in to the study hall. Those who were up on the roof could not see clearly who was coming in, so they pulled him up. To their dismay, they saw that they had pulled up their rebbe! As soon as they

recognized who it was, they let him down.

Cried out the Ruzhiner: "Master of the Universe! If Your children are not properly observing Your 'festival,' take it away from them!"

FOOTNOTES 1. Chassidic teaching differentiates between destructive sadness ("atzvut") which leads to depression and inertia, and a constructive "bitterness" ("merirut") that leads to soul searching and corrective action. The Ruzhiner's approach, however, was that everything should be done with joy, and he rejected all forms of sadness and melancholy.

LET MY PEOPLE KNOW • JUNE 2014/ Sivan 5774 n 9

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Customs of Shavuos Adorning the Home with Greenery & Flowers

sprouted flowers.

Since Shavuos is also called the “Harvest Festival,” it is customary to adorn the home and synagogue with fruits, flowers and greens.

Furthermore, our Sages relate that although Mount Sinai was situated in a desert, when the Torah was given the mountain bloomed and

NOTE: All floral arrangements should be done early on Friday, before the onset of the holiday, to respect the sanctity of Shavuos.

The Ten Commandments

The holiday of Shavuos is the day on which we celebrate the great revelation of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, 3326 years ago, and this year on Wednesday, June 4, 2014. You stood at the foot of the mountain.

Your grandparents and greatgrandparents before them. The souls of all Jews, from all times, came together to hear the Ten Commandments from G‑d Himself.

This year, on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, go to your local synagogue to hear the Ten Commandments and reaffirm the covenant with G‑d and His Torah.

Since we all stood at Mount Sinai, we must all reaffirm our commitment. Babies, young children, the elderly, all that are able should attend.

The Book of Ruth

In many synagogues the Book of Ruth is read on the second day of Shavuos. There are several reasons for this custom: A) Shavuos is the birthday and yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) of King David, and the Book of Ruth records his ancestry. Ruth and her husband Boaz were King David’s great-grandparents.

B) The scenes of harvesting described in the book of Ruth are appropriate to the Festival of Harvest.

C) Ruth was a sincere convert who embraced Judaism with all her heart. On Shavuos all Jews were converts -- having accepted the Torah and all of its precepts.

Learning on Shavuos night

On the first night of Shavuos (this year Tuesday night, June 3, 2014), Jews throughout the world observe the centuries-old custom of conducting an all-night vigil dedicated to Torah learning, and preparation for receiving the Torah anew the next morning. One explanation for this tradition is that the Jewish people did not rise early on the day G‑d gave the Torah, and it was necessary for G‑d Himself to awaken them. To compensate for their behavior, Jews have accepted upon themselves the custom of remaining awake all night.

Eating Dairy Foods

It is customary to eat dairy foods on the first day of Shavuos. There are a number of reasons for this custom; here are a few: * On the holiday of Shavuos, a two-loaf bread offering was brought in the Temple. To commemorate this, we eat two meals on Shavuos -- first a dairy meal, and then, after a short interruption, we eat the traditional holiday meat-meal. * With the giving of the Torah the Jews now became obligated to observe the laws of Kosher. As the Torah was given on Shabbat no cattle could be slaughtered nor could utensils be koshered, and thus on that day they ate dairy. * The Torah is likened to nourishing milk. Also, the Hebrew word for milk is “chalav.” When the numerical value of each of the letters in the word chalav are added together - 8, 30, 2 - the total is forty. Forty is the number of days Moses spent on Mount Sinai when receiving the Torah.

LET MY PEOPLE KNOW • JUNE 2014/ Sivan 5774 n 11

The Rebbe Who Saved a Village

For a while, it seemed that all was lost... then came a leader's bold response to the crippling tragedy

Editor's note: The following is a free translation of a story that appeared in the Israeli newspaper Yediot Achronot on Iyar 4, 5717 (May 5, 1957). We have left the article basically as it was originally published despite the fact that it contains some factual inaccuracies, because of its vivid portrayal of the mood of the time and the Israeli reporter's impression of the people and the events he describes.

On the eve of Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day) last year, as the bonfires were being raised on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, the lights were burning also in Tzafrir (Kfar Chabad), the Chabad-Lubavitcher village in the Lod Valley.

For four days the village had been in deep mourning and grievous anguish, the likes of which the Lubavitcher chassidim had not known in many years. On that black and bitter night, a band of fedayeen entered the village.

They made their way to the synagogue of the local agricultural school, where the school's young students were in the midst of the evening maariv prayers, and raked the room with fire from their Karl-Gustav rifles. They reaped a cruel blood-harvest: five children and one teacher were killed and another ten children wounded; their pure, holy blood soaking the siddurim that fell from their hands and splattering the synagogue's white-washed walls.

The village chassidim, brawny, broadshouldered Russian Jews with thick black beards and bushy brows, stood dumbfounded before the terrible scene that met their eyes. A pogrom in Israel!

A pogrom in Chabad! they whispered, and bit their lips in rage. The women stood there too, hefty, handsome Russian matrons, wringing their hands and murmuring to themselves in Russian and Hebrew, their eyes emitting an endless stream of tears.

This was not a common scene for the Lubavitchers. These Chassidim, who had survived the pogroms in Czar Nikolai's Russia and whom the Red Army could not intimidate, who had been banished to the frozen plains of Siberia, whose backs decades in Stalin's prisons and camps could not bow, now stood stooped and despairing. Now, that the blow had hit home in the heart of the Jewish state.

In the center of the village stood Rabbi Avraham Maayor who had been a highranking officer in the Russian Army. Avraham Maayor, of whom legend told that he calmly stood and sang chassidic melodies as a band of soldiers beat him with the butts of their rifles, now stood crying out at the heavens: "Master of the Universe, Why?!

How have the children sinned?!"

Despair and dejection pervaded the village, and began to eat away at its foundations. There were some who saw what happened as a sign that their dream of a peaceful life in the Holy Land was premature. Perhaps we should disband, seek refuge in safer havens? The village was slowly dying.

The Village Waits But it was clear to all that before any decisive move would be made, the Rebbe had to be consulted. Nothing would be done without his knowledge and consent. All awaited the telegram from "there," from New York, but the telegram was inexplicably not forthcoming. Four days had passed since the terror had struck. A lengthy telegram had immediately been dispatched informing the Rebbe of all the details of the tragedy, and an answer was expected that very night. But the Rebbe was silent. What happened, many wondered, why doesn't he respond? Has he not a word of comfort for his stricken followers?

A telegram from the Rebbe, it should be clarified, is an integral part of ChabadChassidic life across the globe. Every problem, every decision pertaining to the communal or private life of the Lubavitcher chassid is referred to the Rebbe's headquarters in Brooklyn, and whatever the reply, that is what is done.

And the answer is always forthcoming, whether by regular post, express mail, or emergency telegram-depending upon the urgency of the matter-and always short, succinct, and to the point.

Why, then, is the Rebbe's answer on such a fateful matter tarrying? The

12 n LET MY PEOPLE KNOW • JUNE 2014/ Sivan 5774

village elders had no explanation, and, as the hours and days went by, the question continued to plague their tormented souls, and their anguish and despair weighed increasingly heavier on their hearts.

The Telegram And then, four days after the tragedy, the telegram arrived. The news spread throughout the village: A telegram from the Rebbe! The telegram has arrived!

The entire village, men, women and children, assembled in the village square to hear the Rebbe's reply.

And the Rebbe was characteristically succinct. The telegram contained a single sentence-three Hebrew wordsbut these three words sufficed to save the village from disintegration and its inhabitants from despair. Behemshech habinyan tinacheimu, wrote the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. "By your continued building will you be comforted."

The Chassidim of Kfar Chabad now had a firm grasp on their future: they knew what they had to do. They must build! The Rebbe said to build! And that by their continued building they will be comforted! That very night the village elders held a meeting to discuss how the Rebbe's directive might be implemented. After a short discussion, a decision was reached: a vocational school will be built where children from disadvantaged backgrounds will be taught the printing trade. On the very spot where the blood was spilled, the building will be raised.

The Rebbe Knew The next morning, all residents of the village gathered at the empty lot adjoining the agricultural school and began clearing and leveling the land in preparation for the building. The joy was back in their eyes.

In the weeks that followed, letters arriving from relatives and friends in New York described what had transpired there in those four endless days in which the village had awaited the Rebbe's reply.

For the entire month of Nissan, the month of the redemption, it is the Rebbe's custom to devote himself entirely to the service of the Creator, reducing his contact with his Chassidim to a minimum. Rare is the individual who is

granted an audience with the Rebbe in this period, and all but the most urgent correspondence is postponed until the close of the auspicious month.

When the month of Nissan ends, a festive farbrengen (Chassidic gathering) is held at the Rebbe's headquarters on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, marking the Rebbe's resumption of his involvement with his thousands of followers across the globe. The Rebbe speaks for hours, his talks interspersed with bouts of song and l'chaims, often until the wee hours of the morning.

That year, the farbrengen marking the close of Nissan was also held. The tragic news from the Holy Land had arrived in New York moments before the farbrengen was scheduled to begin, but the Rebbe's secretaries decided to withhold the news from him until after the gathering. But what his assistants did not tell him, his heart seems to have told him. That night, the Rebbe spoke of Jewish self-sacrifice and martyrdom al kiddush Hashem (for the sanctification of G-d's name), about the rebuilding of the Holy Land, and the redemption of Israel. Tears flowed from his eyes as he spoke. All night he spoke and wept, sang and wept, and wept still more.

Why is the Rebbe weeping? Only a few of those present could guess-those who knew about the telegram from Kfar Chabad.

The farbrengen ended. The chassidim dispersed to their homes, and the Rebbe retired to his room. With great trepidation, two of the Rebbe's closest chassidim knocked on the Rebbe's door and handed him the telegram from Israel. The Rebbe sank into his chair. He locked his door and did not open it for three days. After three days of utter seclusion, he called his secretary and dictated his reply: Behemshech habinyan tinacheimu. By your continued building you will be comforted.

The chassidim of Kfar Chabad have fulfilled their Rebbe's request. Without the aid of philanthropists or foundations, they have raised 50,000 Israeli pounds, and today, one year after the tragedy, the new building of the vocational school is completed.

Tomorrow, as the citizens of Israel celebrate their eighth Independence Day, the chassidim of Kfar Chabad will hold a farbrengen and relate, again and again, the story of the three-word telegram that saved the village.

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Bikur Cholim At Work

A HAPPY and HEALTHY SHAVUOS to everyone from BIKUR CHOLIM of PALM SPRINGS!

We would like to thank the Jewish Federation of the Desert for their generous help and support toward our ongoing activities.

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We invite you to be a partner in Bikur Cholim's programs.

Please use the enclosed envelope to send in your SHAVUOS donation.

You can also visit our Website: BikurCholimPS.com Once again, may G-d bless you and your family.

LET MY PEOPLE KNOW • JUNE 2014/ Sivan 5774 n 15

The Most Precious Gift

By Naftali Silberberg

The question has been asked time and again: what exactly is the significance of the Sinai Event?

Our Patriarchs studied and taught Torah centuries before the Torah was “given” to the Israelites on the holiday of Shavuot, and— according to Talmudic tradition— our forefathers observed all the mitzvot as well. Yet the “giving of the Torah” at Mount Sinai is considered perhaps the most decisive moment in the history of our nation, a nation whose storied history contains many seminal events.

Actually, the key word is the giving of the Torah. Before that fateful sixth of Sivan, we were privy to the wisdom of the Torah, but it did not belong to us. We can compare the Torah to a magnificent palace: before the Sinai Event we were given unlimited access to tour its rooms and enjoy its beautiful architecture and artwork; at Sinai we were handed the deed and keys to the property.

Before the sixth of Sivan, we were privy to the wisdom of the Torah, but it did not belong to usThe Talmud relates a fascinating episode which powerfully illustrates this point.

Rabbi Eliezer the Great disagreed with Rabbi Joshua and the other sages of that generation regarding the susceptibility to impurity of a

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certain type of stove. Rabbi Eliezer vigorously defended his position, but to no avail—the rabbis refused to accept his position. At one point, a Heavenly Voice reverberated in the study hall: “Why do you argue with Rabbi Eliezer? The halachah (final ruling) always follows his opinion!” Rabbi Joshua then arose and exclaimed, “The Torah is not in Heaven!” The Torah was given to us at Sinai, and therein it is clearly stated that “the majority prevails.”

Since the majority of the earthly sages concurred with Rabbi Joshua’s opinion, the opinion of supernal beings – indeed, the opinion of the Almighty Himself!—is immaterial.

Amazingly, the halachah was established according to the majority opinion—and Rabbi Eliezer the Great was excommunicated for refusing to accept the ruling!

This, however, does not completely explain the significance of Shavuot. Does this holiday boil down to bragging rights? Does it really matter who “owns” the title to Torah? As long as we are permitted to study Torah, would it be such a

great cause of consternation if G‑d actually had a say in determining the halachah?!

King Solomon likens the revelation at Sinai to our wedding day—the day G‑d chose us from amongst the nations and wedded us. On the occasion of His marriage, the groom, who was (and remains) madly in love with His bride, could find no greater dowry to give than the Torah, His most precious possession, His crown jewel, His joy and pride. Furthermore, He didn’t suffice with making this treasure available for our use; He lovingly gave this gift completely and unconditionally.

This is why Shavuot is so special.

It commemorates the day when G‑d gave us the most precious jewel in his treasure house. “Fortunate are the people whose lot is thus!”

G‑d’s love for us drove Him to give us his most precious possession.

Now how do we reciprocate?

We have the two days of Shavuot to contemplate the response to this question . . .

Happy Shavuos

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SHAVUOS

Candle Lighting Times

for Palm Springs, California DATE

TIME

Friday, May 30, 2014

7:08 P.M.

1

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

7:11 P.M.

2&3

Wednesday, June 4, 2014 After 8:36 P.M.

2&3

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Yizkor Prayers

Friday, June 6, 2014

Todah Rabah & Mazal Tov

With heart felt appreciation to you, Rabbi Yankel Kreiman.

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Your loving and dedicated Mitzvos touch the Hearts and Souls of everyone you reach out to daily.

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BLESSING

7:13 P.M.

1

1. BA-RUCH A-TAH ADO-NAI E-LO-HE-NU ME-LECH HA-OLAM ASHER KID-E-SHA-NU BE-MITZVO-TAV VETZI-VA-NU LE-HAD-LIK NER SHEL SHABBAT KO-DESH. Blessed are You, Lord 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.

2. BA-RUCH A-TAH ADO-NAI E-LOHE-NU ME-LECH HA-OLAM ASHER KID-E-SHA-NU BE-MITZ-VO-TAV VETZI-VA-NU LE-HAD-LIK NER SHEL YOM TOV. Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Yom Tov light.

3. BA-RUCH A-TAH ADO-NAI E-LOHE-NU ME-LECH HA-OLAM SHEHECHE-YA-NU VE-KI-YE-MA-NU VE-HIGI-A-NU LIZ-MAN HA-ZEH. For Candle Lighting times Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, For Candle Lighting times anywhere in the World, King of the universe,inwho has anywhere the World, Please visit our website granted usPlease life, sustained visit our website www.BikurCholimPS.com us, and enabled us to reach www.BikurCholimPS.com & click on 'Calendar' for this occasion. & click on 'Calendar' for your own times. your own times.

LET MY PEOPLE KNOW • JUNE 2014/ Sivan 5774 n 19

The Rebbe’s Guidance to Presidents of the United States Compiled by Dovid Zaklikowski

Successive American administrations recognized the extraordinary role of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, in providing moral (and religious) direction for Jews and non-Jews worldwide, and sought his sage counsel on issues of global and local import. The Rebbe, in turn, would often emphasize the unique role the United States plays in the world—in general, and particularly the extraordinary influence of the office of the American president.

On the occasion of the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States, we share a brief sampling of some exchanges between the Rebbe and Presidents Carter and Reagan.

Shortly after President Jimmy Carter's inauguration in 1977 he honored the Rebbe by declaring 1977 to be the "Year of Education." At the conclusion of that year the United States of America celebrated the first Education Day U.S.A. on the Rebbe's birthday, according to the date on the Jewish calendar.

A joint resolution, signed by the Congress and the President, stated: …the Congress recognizes a need for the Nation to set aside on the calendar a day devoted to the importance of education to the lives of its citizens and to the general well-being of the Nation; and the Lubavitch Movement, which conducts educational activities at more than sixty centers in twenty-eight States as well as around the world, is especially committed to the advancement of education and has proposed the establishment of an "Education Day, U.S.A."; and world Jewry marked in 1977 the seventy-fifth birthday of the revered and renowned Jewish leader, the head of the worldwide Lubavitch Movement., Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson…

The President then requested in a separate proclamation that: …all Americans observe that day in such a matter as reflects their commitment to education and their recognition of its importance to the welfare of this Nation…

After the Rebbe suffered a massive heart attack in 1977 on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret, the President sent a telegram to the Rebbe: I was sorry to learn of your illness.

I hope that you will be strengthened knowing that the thoughts and prayers of your many followers and admirers, both here and abroad, are with you.

The Rebbe responded: I thank you, dear Mr. President, for your kind telegram in connection with my recent illness. Your warm expression of concern for my health is deeply appreciated. …With prayerful wishes for your continued good health and for success in carrying out in the fullest measure the enormous responsibilities which Divine Providence has bestowed on you…

President Jimmy Carter at the Lubavitch Menorah Lighting in front of the White House together with Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, national director of American Friends of Lubavitch and the Rebbe's ambassador to the White House.

During a chasidic gathering on April 18, 1978, the same day proclaimed as Education Day USA, the Rebbe delivered an address about its significance. Some freely translated excerpts: …Education, in general, should not be limited to the acquisition of knowledge and preparation for a career, or, in common parlance, “to make a better living.” And we must think in terms of a “better living” not only for the individual, but also for the society as a whole. The educational system must, therefore, pay more attention, indeed the main attention, to the building of character,

20 n LET MY PEOPLE KNOW • JUNE 2014/ Sivan 5774

with emphasis on moral and ethical values. (Need one be reminded of what happened in our lifetime in a country that ranked among the foremost in science, technology, philosophy, etc.?)

It is generally recognized, at any rate among the free and democratic nations, that each nation is a member of the Family of nations, and all must live together in "the world" which is like one organism. When any part of an organism ails, it affects the whole body; strengthening any part of the body strengthens the whole.

The record of this Nation's foreign aid is unexcelled in the annals of history, which is as it should be for a Nation so generously blessed by the Al-mighty. One would wish, however, for more affirmative action in the area of cultural, particularly educational, programs.

Economic aid given to a developing country is meant to be used most efficiently and productively. While the conditions attached to such aid must necessarily be limited and circumspect, there are certain conditions which are considered prerequisites. To cite a recent example, President Carter has taken a courageous stand on Human Rights, dismissing the notion that it is an “internal matter,” and he has made it also a condition of Foreign Aid. It is to the President's credit that he has not only raised this issue, but has succeeded in arousing the world's “interest” in behalf of this cause. “Unofficially,” however, there is a great deal more that the U.S. government can do to make foreign aid even more productive.

This Nation, with a healthy intuition, indeed, conviction, recognized that its economic system must not be based on crass materialism. Nothing expresses this idea more eloquently and forcefully than the motto on the American Dollar—"In G-d We Trust."

In giving out billions of dollars in foreign aid, many discreet ways can be found to have the beneficiaries take a look and ponder on this inscription, with a view to encouraging them to

recognize the importance of Trust in G-d, of appropriate education, with particular emphasis on moral values and genera, humanitarian principles, as mentioned above. Carrying this train of thought further brings us also to the question of military aid.

Ideally, education should lead to a world state where "Nation shall not lift up sword against Nation, neither shall they train for war" (Isaiah 2:4).

Until such an ideal state is reached, there will be a need—in the Nation's own interest—to provide friendly, democratic nations with military aid for self defense, but not to provide military aid to nations that will use it to start war It would surely be in the best interests of those countries themselves, as well as of the United States and the world at large, if, instead, goodwill and benevolence towards them were expressed in terms of economic and cultural aid, to help them raise a new generation free from hatred and violence and bent on channeling their youthful energies and ambitions towards all that is good, good for them and for their countries, and the common good of humanity both materially and spiritually.

In light of all that has been said above, it is most gratifying indeed that President Carter, Vice-President Mondale, and the eminent members of the United States Congress. G-d bless each and ail of them, have thoughtfully and graciously initiated and associated themselves with the Proclamation of "Education Day, U.S.A." It augurs well for the vital cause of education in the United States. It will, we hope and pray, also have a beneficial impact on education in all countries which look up to the United States of America for leadership and inspiration in all vital matters that transcend national boundaries, and conduce to a better human society and a better world.

The Rebbe's call for an emphasis on education was published in major newspapers by American Friends of Lubavitch. On September 18, 1978, President Carter wrote to the Rebbe

after receiving a copy of the ad: I read with great interest the full page ad [...] portions of your response to the resolution passed by Congress designating April 18, "Education Day - U.S.A." I admire the thoughts which you expressed—and am grateful for your support and prayers.

The Rebbe responded on the eve of the Jewish New Year: Our personal interest in the cause of Education, coupled with the influence of your exalted position, goes a long way in promoting the vital importance of Education…

On February 7, 1979, on the anniversary of the passing of his predecessor, Rabbi Joseph Isaac Schneersohn, of righteous memory, the Rebbe gave a public address.

Here are some excerpts: Since last year, when the U.S. Congress passed the J. H. Res. 770, authorizing and requesting the President to proclaim 18th of April, 1978 (11 Nissan, 5738) as "Education Day, U.S.A.," we have witnessed a growing awareness of the importance of Education as one of the highest priorities of the nation.

No where has this awareness been more evident than in Congress and, especially, in the Executive Branch of the government.

President Carter, in his State of the Union message at the beginning of this year, 1979, gave forceful expression to the urgent need of education reform.

He has proposed an imaginative and sweeping program of restructuring the Federal stand on education through the creation of a Cabinetlevel Department of Education, at the same time requesting Congress to approve a significant increase in federal aid to education. That he has done this at a time when cutting federal expenditure—even in this vital area—would have been more popular in certain sectors, bespeaks his courage and conviction that upgrading the educational system is "the noblest task of government," and in the nation's most vital interests.

The President's proposal is a very real and practical step in the Nation's bicentennial history to give new direction and dimension to its educational system. I hope and pray

that his conviction and concern will be shared by the vast majority of Americans of all walks of life.

The Rebbe wrote to the President following the talk. The Rebbe's letter is dated February 9, 1979: Indeed, the U.S. government, and you Mr. President personally, are in a unique position of influence among the nations of the world, particularly those benefiting from U.S. economic, cultural and other forms of aid, to encourage them to follow your example and to share your "conviction that the noblest task of government is education"—to quote your statement (2/28/78)—a conviction which has been translated into bold, comprehensive action. I am confident that the response will be positive, and I venture to say that it would have a favorable feedback impact on those in this country who, for one reason or another, are not, as yet, enthusiastic about Congress legislation on the submitted project.

President Ronald Reagan When President Ronald Reagan entered office in 1981, he continued the tradition. On April 4, 1982, Reagan’s first Education Day USA proclamation read: ...Amid the distractions and concerns of our daily existence, it is appropriate that Americans pause to reflect upon the ancient ethical principles and moral values which are the foundation of our character as a nation.

We seek, and steadfastly pursue, the benefits of education. But education must be more than factual enlightenment—it must enrich the character as well as the mind.

One shining example for people of all faiths of what education ought to be is that provided by the Lubavitch movement, headed by Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, a worldwide spiritual leader who will celebrate his 80th birthday on April 4, 1982. The Lubavitcher Rebbe's work stands as a reminder that knowledge is an unworthy goal unless it is accompanied by moral and spiritual

wisdom and understanding. He has provided a vivid example of the eternal validity of the Seven Noahide Laws, a moral code for all of us regardless of religious faith. May he go from strength to strength.

On that same day the President wrote to the Rebbe: You have so much of which to be proud. Since your first moments in the United States in 1941, you have shared your personal gift of universal understanding to the benefit of all. Time and again, your love and spiritual guidance have brought hope and inspiration to those confronted with despair. In bringing solace and comfort to the human spirit, you have helped to strengthen the foundation of faith which is mankind's most vital asset. Your life's work has been a response to that special calling few are privileged to hear.

President Ronald Reagan receives a Menorah from a delegation of ChabadLubavitch emissaries.

The Rebbe responded on April 18, 1982: ...By focusing attention on "the ancient ethical principles and moral values which are the foundation of our character as a nation," and on the time-honored truth that "education must be more than factual enlightenment—it must enrich the character as well as the mind," while reaffirming the eternal validity of the G‑d-given Seven Noahide Laws (with all their ramifications) for people of all faiths—you have expressed most forcefully the real spirit of the American nation.

More than ever before the civilized world of today will look up to the United States of America for guidance as behooves the world's foremost Super Power—not merely in the ordinary sense of this term but even more importantly, as a moral and spiritual Super Power, whose real strength must ultimately derive from an unalterable commitment to the universal moral code of the Ten Commandments. Indeed, it is this commitment to the same Divine truths and values that, more than anything

else, unites all Americans in the true sense of E Pluribus Unum.

On May 17, 1987 the Rebbe responded to that year's resolution: ...It is particularly gratifying that you use this occasion to bring to the attention of the Nation and of the International community the need of upgrading education in terms of moral values, without which no true education can be considered complete.

Consistent with your often declared position, that "no true education can leave out the moral and spiritual dimensions of human life and human striving," you, Mr. President, once again remind parents and teachers, in the opening paragraph of your Proclamation, that their sacred trust to children must include "wisdom, love, decency, moral courage and compassion, as part of everyone's education." Indeed, where these values are lacking, education is – to use a classical phrase – "like a body without a soul."

With the summer recess approaching, one cannot help wondering how many juveniles could be encouraged to use their free time productively, rather than getting into mischief—if they were mindful of – to quote your words – a Supreme Being and a Law higher than man's...

On August 25, 1987 the President responded: I was very pleased to receive your message and to have the benefit of your reflections on the important role moral and spiritual values must play in the realm of education. The renewed attention being paid to these questions, not only in debates among public policy makers, but in academic and intellectual circles as well, is encouraging. I believe this trend is virtually certain to continue as the American people look for ways to apply the lessons of tradition to the problems facing our educational system and so many other areas of our national life.

I appreciate your contributions to these welcome developments and all that the Lubavitch movement has done to foster the inculcation of high moral and ethical standards.

LET MY PEOPLE KNOW • JUNE 2014/ Sivan 5774 n 21

Happy Birthday 10 Commandments

By: Rabbi Eli Hecht- Chabad of the South Bay, California On Wednesday & Thursday, June 4th and 5th, Jewish people the world over will be celebrating the time honored holiday called Shavuoth-weeks. This holiday is so called because it takes place seven weeks after the Passover holiday, which marked the Jewish exodus from Egypt. The highlight of this holiday is the gathering of many families at places of worship. They are told the story of G-d giving the Torah, the Hebrew Bible, to the Jewish people. It is read in Hebrew from a hand-written scroll.

The Shavuoth holiday is the birthday of the Hebrew Bible.

According to Jewish tradition it was 3326 years ago that the Jewish nation received the Torah. This Torah is now called the Hebrew Bible and is considered by all religions as the most influential book in human history.

Whether one believes that the special covenant between G-d and the Hebrews was passed on to the church, New Hebrews, or to the Islam religion who believe that Mohammed and his followers became G-D's new messengers, the Hebrew Bible stills stands supreme and respected by all religions.

Have you ever heard of the kingdom of the Khuzaria? If you haven't, then have no fear. You are

part of the 99.9 percent that hasn't.

The country of the Khuzaria was located between old Turkey and Russia. In the year 800 this recorded story took place.

Buland, the king of the Khuzaria was a very spiritual person. However his country was a mix of many religions and pagans. One night the king had a dream and he was told by an angel, "Thy way of thinking is pleasing to G-d, but not thy way of acting."

The dream caused the king to study many religions. After concluding there were three main religions he invited representatives of each religion to his place. To each he told the following. "You must pick a different religion than you now practice." This was made under the threat of death.

The Christian said the Jewish religion is for me; their Bible is pure.

The Moslem said I do not believe in the Christian religion as a way of life for me. I do, however, believe in the Hebrew Bible and it is the mother of religions. The Jew answered that I am ready for death as neither religion is mine. It's the Hebrew Bible that I want.

The king saw that the Hebrew bible was something special. They all agreed on converting to the Jewish religion. Subsequently his

Happy Shavuos Alona & Josh Salama & Family

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entire people embraced the Jewish religion. The kingdom lasted two or three hundred years. Rabbi Judah Halevi wrote a book in the 12th century describing the entire episode, and it is called The Book of the Khuzarai. From this story we see how great the Hebrew Bible is considered.

Our great country has always considered the teaching of the Hebrew Bible as the most influential book of all times.

In our country's infancy we find many people using the Hebrew Bible as the book to establish our foundations. Puritans were the great espouses of the bible. Mosaic law was adopted in the Connecticut code. As early as 1650 the colony of New Haven used the Hebrew Bible for its code. By reviewing the writings in 1658 you will find the leading men of the colonies studied and knew Hebrew well.

Our great liberty bell carries the quote from the bible, "Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all inhabitants thereof." Some knew a lot more about being Jewish in those days than our present day Jewish population.

Recently a mammoth mausoleum was uncovered in Egypt. It's believed that there are over 62 chambers. The period given for the mass Tombs is the same time the Hebrews were in Egypt.

The king was called Ramesses alAkbar- Ramesses the greatest. He is the same king whom Moses spoke to, as recorded in the bible. It is fascinating that one of the tombs is said to hold the first born son of King Pharaoh. The archaeologists place the tomb and death of the first born at 1212 B.C.E. This is the same date the Jewish people give for their Exodus. All the dates are the same in the Hebrew Bible.

This new and exciting discovery brings us to the second event that happened seven weeks after the exodus, called Shavuoth, Weeks or Pentecost 50, marking the 50 days after the Hebrews left Egypt. This holiday is one of the three main holidays practiced by Jews.

Remember, there is no monopoly on the Ten Commandments.

Americans observe and cherish the Hebrew Bible and it's Ten Commandments. We recognize that the Ten Commandments are the most wonderful laws given to all of us by G-d.

Our founding Fathers wanted religion to be part of our great Republic. Keep this distinction in mind. It's freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.

It would be only right that we all celebrate the birthday, holiday of Shavuoth, honoring The Ten Commandments, G-d's present to the world.

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ecipes

Dill Dressing

By Tzirel Chana

This Sour Cream Dill dressing on salad, as a dip for vegetables and crackers, as a sauce for salmon or topping for baked potatoes. With Shavuot coming up, make sure to add this to your dairy repertoire. Yields: 4 servings Ingredients: 1 package or bundle fresh dill, finely chopped 1 cup lite sour cream 1 Tbsp lite mayonnaise 1 tsp vinegar 1 clove fresh garlic, crushed salt and pepper Pour all ingredients except the dill into a blender (or use an immersion blender). After the mixture is smooth stir in the dill.

Refrigerate.

Greek Pasta Salad

By Miriam Szokovski

Cut the zucchini, peppers, onion, mushrooms and tomatoes into approximately 1-inch pieces. Place them on a baking pan, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400° F for approximately 30 minutes.

While the vegetables are roasting, cook and drain the pasta, and make the dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine all the dressing ingredients until the garlic is completely pulverized and incorporated.

If you’re making the salad ahead of time, you’ll need extra dressing, so make one and a half times the recipe. The pasta absorbs a lot of the dressing, so add most and leave some in a container in the fridge to be added immediately before eating.

In a large bowl, combine the roasted vegetables, pasta, dressing, olives and feta cheese. If you can wait, try to let it sit 10–15 minutes before eating. This will help the flavors meld nicely. If you can’t wait, don’t worry—it’s still delicious!

Salad Ingredients: 1 box pasta (1 lb.)

Dressing ingredients: 1 large zucchini, unpeeled ½ cup oil 2 red, yellow or orange peppers ¼ cup red wine vinegar ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 1 large purple onion 4 cloves garlic, crushed 10 mushrooms 1½ tsp. dried oregano 20 grape tomatoes 1½ tsp. dried basil 1/3 cup sliced black olives ½ tsp. black pepper 4 oz. feta cheese, cubed 1 Tbsp. sugar Olive oil ¼ tsp. salt Salt

Shavuos

Directions: Pre-heat the oven to 400° F. Peel and slice the mushrooms. Chop the grape tomatoes in half. Cut the zucchini, peppers and onions into approximately 1-inch pieces. Place vegetables on a greased cookie sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400° F for 30 minutes.

Cook the pasta according to packet instructions. Drain well. Pour all the dressing ingredients into a blender. Blend well. Pour dressing over pasta. Toss. Add in the roasted vegetables, olives and feta cheese. Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature. Serves 8–10.

Cheese Quiche

By Jamie Geller 1 cup half and half 4 eggs 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons flour ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese ½ cup shredded havarti cheese 1 (9-inch) frozen deep-dish piecrust ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, whisk together half and half and eggs. Add salt, nutmeg, pepper, flour, and cheddar and havarti cheeses. Mix well. Pour into piecrust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until firm in center when pressed lightly with finger.

Prep Time: 7 minutes, Cook Time: 1 hour, Chill Time: none Yield: 6 servings Tip: This is a basic light and fluffy cheese quiche recipe.

It lends itself easily to variations. Try sautéing an onion or sliced mushrooms, or adding broccoli, spinach, or even some red peppers for taste and color. Use your imagination and have fun!

Berry Brulée

By Jamie Geller 1 1/2 cups assorted frozen berries, such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, defrosted and drained 4 teaspoons fruit liqueur ¼ cup heavy cram 3 cups vanilla custard or puddng ½ cup turbinado sugar (Sugar in the Raw) Preheat broiler. Divide berries evenly among 4 7-ounce ramekins. In a small bowl mix together liqueur, heavy cream and custard, and spoon over berries.

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar over each serving. Broil 2 to 4 minutes until sugar melts and crystallizes, turning brown and bubbly. Cool slightly, so the sugar top will harden and serve warm.

Prep Time: 7 minutes, Cook Time: 4 to 8 minutes, Chill Time: none, Yield: 4 servings Tip: Since you need only 4 teaspoons of liqueur, just buy one of those cute little airline-sized bottles.

Healthful Variation: The essence of this dessert is the soft creamy fruit center and the crunchy sugar top. So for those watching calories or just looking for a more health conscious dessert choice you can completely omit the heavy cream and fruit liqueur. Even a sugar free and/ or fat free pudding works perfectly as a substitution for the custard or full fat pudding. And then you’ll have a healthful, light, creamy and dare I say “better” option for dessert. Fresh berries are also a delicious alternative to the frozen fruit just remember to wash, clean and check them for any infestation.

Suggested Wine: Hagafen 2001 Napa Valley Brut Cuvée Sparkling Wine The white chocolate and berries in the Brut Cuvee are a superb match for the berries and caramelized vanilla, making this a classy yet simple dessert pairing.

LET MY PEOPLE KNOW • JUNE 2014/ Sivan 5774 n 23

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The Rebbe Said Thank You

By Yanki Tauber

When Joseph Cabiliv-today a successful real estate developerregained consciousness in the Rambam Hospital in Haifa, he remembered nothing of the circumstances that had brought him there. He felt an excruciating pain in his legs. The discovery that followed was far more horrendous: glancing under the sheet, he saw that both his legs had been amputated, the right leg at the knee, the left at mid-thigh.

The day before, Joseph, who was serving on reserve duty in Zahal (the Israeli Defense Forces), was patrolling the Golan Heights with several other soldiers when their jeep hit an old Syrian land mine.

Two of his comrades were killed on the spot. Another three suffered serious injury. Joseph's legs were so severely crushed that the doctors had no choice but to amputate them.

Aside from the pain and disability, Joseph was confronted with society's incapacity to deal with the handicapped. "My friends would come to visit," he recalls, "sustain fifteen minutes of artificial cheer, and depart without once meeting my eye. My mother would come and cry, and it was I, who so desperately needed consolation, who had to do the consoling. My father would come and sit by my

bedside in silence-I don't know which was worse, my mother's tears or my father's silence.

"Returning to my civilian profession as a welder was, of course, impossible, and while people were quick to offer charity, no one had a job for a man without legs. When I ventured out in my wheelchair, people kept their distance, so that a large empty space opened up around me on the busiest street corner."

When Joseph met with other disabled veterans he found that they all shared his experience: they had given their very bodies in defense of the nation, but the nation lacked the spiritual strength to confront their sacrifice.

"In the summer of 1976," Joseph tells, "Zahal sponsored a tour of the United States for a large group of disabled veterans. While we were in New York, a Lubavitcher chassid came to our hotel and suggested that we meet with the Lubavitcher

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Rebbe. Most of us did not know what to make of the invitation, but a few members of our group had heard about the Rebbe and convinced the rest of us to accept.

"As soon as they heard we were coming, the Chabadniks sprang into action, organizing the whole thing with the precision of a military campaign. Ten large commercial vans pulled up to our hotel to transport us and our wheelchairs to the Lubavitch headquarters in Brooklyn. Soon we found ourselves in the famous large synagogue in the basement of 770 Eastern Parkway.

"Ten minutes later, a whitebearded man of about 70 entered the room, followed by two secretaries. As if by a common signal, absolute silence pervaded the room. There was no mistaking the authority he radiated. We had all stood in the presence of military commanders and prime ministers, but this was unlike anything we had ever encountered. This must have been what people felt in the presence of royalty. An identical thought passed through all our minds: Here walks a leader, a prince.

"He passed between us, resting his glance on each one of us and lifting his hand in greeting, and then seated himself opposite us.

Again he looked at each of us in turn. From that terrible day on which I had woken without my legs in the Rambam Hospital, I have seen all sorts of things in the eyes of those who looked at me: pain, pity, revulsion, anger. But this was the first time in all those years that I encountered true empathy.

With that glance that scarcely lasted a second and the faint smile on his lips, the Rebbe conveyed to me that he is with me-utterly and exclusively with me.

"The Rebbe then began to speak, after apologizing for his Ashkenazic-accented Hebrew. He

spoke about our 'disability,' saying that he objected to the use of the term. 'If a person has been deprived of a limb or a faculty,' he told, 'this itself indicates that G-d has given him special powers to overcome the limitations this entails, and to surpass the achievements of ordinary people. You are not "disabled" or "handicapped," but special and unique, as you possess potentials that the rest of us do not. " 'I therefore suggest,' he continued, adding with a smile '-of course it is none of my business, but Jews are famous for voicing opinions on matters that do not concern them-that you should no longer be called nechei Yisrael ("the disabled of Israel," our designation in the Zahal bureaucracy) but metzuyanei Yisrael ("the special of Israel").' He spoke for several minutes more, and everything he said-and more importantly, the way in which he said it-addressed what had been churning within me since my injury.

"In parting, he gave each of us a dollar bill, in order-he explainedthat we give it to charity in his behalf, making us partners in the fulfillment of a mitzvah. He walked from wheelchair to wheelchair, shaking our hands, giving each a dollar, and adding a personal word or two. When my turn came, I saw his face up close and I felt like a child. He gazed deeply into my eyes, took my hand between his own, pressed it firmly, and said 'Thank you' with a slight nod of his head.

"I later learned that he had said something different to each one of us. To me he said 'Thank you'somehow he sensed that that was exactly what I needed to hear. With those two words, the Rebbe erased all the bitterness and despair that had accumulated in my heart. I carried the Rebbe's 'Thank you' back to Israel, and I carry it with me to this very day."

LET MY PEOPLE KNOW • JUNE 2014/ Sivan 5774 n 25

An Irish Kid with a Jewish Name

By Tuvia Bolton

I heard this story from the Lubavitcher Rebbe's secretary, Rabbi Laibel Groner.

A woman from the ChabadLubavitch Community in Brooklyn was pulled over by a N.Y.C. traffic cop for some traffic violation.

Standing outside her open car window and watching her search for her license and registration papers, the police officer caught sight of a picture of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in her open purse.

"Excuse me, maam," he asked, "are you one of the followers of this Rabbi?"

"Yes," she replied.

"Well, in that case I'm not giving you a ticket." He closed his ticket book and continued, "Do you know why? Because this Rabbi," he pointed to the picture she was now holding in her hand, "Did a very big miracle for me."

"Well," said the grateful woman, "since you aren't giving me the ticket, I have time to hear the story."

The policeman smiled and said, "It's my favorite story, but I haven't told it to many Jewish people, in fact I think that you are the first."

The cars were whizzing by behind him and he had to raise his voice slightly. "The story goes like this: I used to be in the police escort that once a week escorted the Rabbi to the Montefiore Cemetery (where the Rebbe's father-in-law and predecessor, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, is interred). I got

to know some of the young men who accompanied the Rebbe, and I learned a lot of things. They are very friendly people, which you probably already know, and we talked a lot while the Rabbi was inside praying.

"Well, one day I saw that all the fellows there were really talking excitedly to each other so I asked them what happened. So they told me that the Rabbi does a lot of miracles for people, but today he did a miracle that was really something. I didn't even ask what was the miracle that they were talking about, I just asked them if the Rabbi helps non-Jews also. "'Sure,' they said, 'The Rebbe helps anyone who asks. Why? Do you need something?' So I told him, this young fellow, that me and my wife had been married nine years with no children, and a week ago the doctors told us that we had no chance. We had spent a lot of money on treatments, seen all sorts of big professors, we were running around like crazy for the last six or seven years, and now they told us that they tried everything and there is no chance. You can't imagine how broken we were. My wife cried all the time and I started crying myself.

"So this young man tells me, 'Listen, the next time that you escort the Rebbe to the cemetery stand near the door of his car and when he gets out ask him for a blessing.' So that is just what I did. The next time

I was in the escort I stood by his door and when he got out I said to him: 'Excuse me, Rabbi, do you only bless Jewish people or non-Jews too?'

"So the Rabbi looked at me like a good friend, it was really amazing, and said that he tries to help anyone he can. So I told him what the doctors said, and he said I should write down on a piece of paper my name and my father's name together with my wife's and her father's names and that he would pray for us. So I did it, my hands were shaking so much I almost couldn't write, but I did it and you know what? My wife became pregnant and nine months later she gave birth to a baby boy! The doctors went crazy, they couldn't figure it out, and when I told them that it was all the Rabbi's blessing they just scratched their heads and -- Wow! I felt like the champion of the world!

"But here comes the good part.

Do you know what we called him?

What name we gave our baby boy?

Just guess! We called him Mendel after the Rabbi. At first my wife didn't like the name because its not an American name, but I said,

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No! We're calling him Mendel!

Each time we say his name we'll remember that if it weren't for the Rabbi this boy would not be here.

"But when our parents heard the name they really objected. They said, 'With a name like that, all the kids will think he's a Jew or something and they will call him names and be cruel to him. Why make the kid suffer for no reason?'

'That's just what I want,' I said to them. 'When he comes home and says that the other kids called him names and beat him up because he has a Jewish name, I'll tell him that I want him to learn from those other kids how not to behave.

They hate the Jews for no reason, but you should love the Jews, you should help the Jews. You just tell them that without that Jewish Rabbi called Mendel you wouldn't be here at all, and then maybe they'll start thinking differently too!'

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Let My People Know Annual HIGH HOLIDAY ISSUE

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