Gut Shabbos

Mazal Tov to our graduates:

This week we read a story that should not have been told. It is about an evil man called Korach, who turned the entire Jewish nation against Moses and Aaron and almost succeeded in ending Jewish history (G-d forbid).

The Torah is not ashamed to tell us that Korach was an earnest G-d fearing Jew of impeccable credentials who had reached the peak of spiritual achievement. He was beloved by all, had genuine prophetic powers and unmatched charisma.

How and why did he turn everyone against, of all people, Moses?! What did Moses do wrong? And what did he do right?

Rashi (16:1) tells us that one of the arguments Korach used was about the commandment of 'Tzitzis' and 'Tchailes' (before wearing any four cornered garment, adult male Jews are commanded to tie on each of its corners, four specially made strings (Tzitzis) one of which must be dyed a bluish color called 'Tchailes' (today, according to most opinions, this color does not exist).

So Korach publicly challenged Moses and asked; "Does a garment (Talit) that is totally 'Tchailes' legally require an additional blue string?" When Moses answered yes Korach and followers scoffed, "Aha! How can one string of 'Tchailes be required for a garment that is totally Tchailes?"

After this, the people were his!

At first glance this is totally not understood. What was his point? And why was this argument about the Tzitzis so convincing

To understand this here is a story I just read (HaYidion HaKfar #613)

This story takes place some 150 years ago in Poland as Reb Eliahu, a wealthy salesman in Krakow, discovered that he had lost his 18 year old son Itzik.

At first the boy seemed to be a wholesome, enthusiastic observant Jew like all the others but then something happened.

Itzik had been drawn into the snare of the 'enlightenment' movement that was spreading like wildfire throughout Europe and Eastern Russia.

Especially appealing to the youth, groups of 'enlightened' young men preached that faith and trust in G-d were ideas of the past while today intellect and culture were supreme. Philosophy and science, they claimed, proved beyond any reasonable doubt that man was created to have pleasure and there was no such thing as a Creator to limit our deeds or to believe in or pray to.

Itzik ate it up. He was free! Finally he could be 'himself'. He returned home late one day in unusual garments and announced before his mother and father with a far-away look in his eye that the Torah and Judaism are not for him. He found new, truly open-minded friends and was beginning a new life.

After a few seconds his mother began to weep and his father stood stunned and tried meekly to argue with him but to no avail. "Why didn't you talk this over with us?" his father tried to think of something to say. "Do you really think that all these genius Rabbis; Moses, Isaiah, Rabb iAkiva have been wrong all these years??"

But nothing he said helped. Itzik had tasted 'freedom' and nothing would convince him to leave it.

Hoping and praying that he would change his mind his parents said nothing and waited. But, a few months later when Itzik announced that he had proposed marriage to the local druggist's daughter it was the final straw. "The druggist's daughter?! But the druggist isn't Jewish?" both his parents shouted in unison.

His father totally lost his temper and told him to leave the house while his mother began crying even more intensely than the first time. But Itzik was not in the least moved. He just shrugged his shoulders, smiled and said "I knew you wouldn't understand." Went to his room, packed a bag and left.

But his parents did give up. They asked around until someone gave them advice to go to the holy Rebbe Yhoshua of Belz and ask for a blessing.

They took the advice; traveled to Belz, got an audience with the Rebbe, told their pathetic story, the Rebbe asked a few questions, then became silent for a minute or so and finally answered. "Give him love! You must invite him back home. Ask him not to transgress anything in front of you and … just trust in G-d. Don't worry, everything will be alright. But try please to bring him here; I want to give him a present."

Meanwhile, all this time Itzik didn't have an easy time. At first he lived with friends for a week or two but he felt he was intruding so he rented a room. But after a week his money ran out and, ashamed to ask his bride to be for money, he found himself on the streets sleeping on park benches. So when his parents located him and invited him to return home he jumped at the invitation.

It worked just as the Rebbe said; Itzik kept his gentile 'friends' but was so grateful to have a warm bed to sleep on that a few weeks later when his father suggested that he accompany him on his next trip to Belz he actually agreed.

A few days later Itzik found himself entering the Rebbe's room together with his father. His father had been so friendly that he almost forgot the differences between them… but as soon as he stood before the Rebbe he remembered. "Oh oh!" he thought to himself. "For sure this old man is going to threaten me with fire and brimstone if I go through with the wedding!"

But it wasn't so. In fact the Rebbe received him very cordially, blessed him with good news and ended by saying, "I understand that you are about to make a big move and are heavily involved in the world. Well I'd like to give you something to wear that will protect you." And he handed him a small package.

After Itzik and his father left the Rebbe's room they opened the package to reveal a 'Tallit Katan'; a four cornered garment with tzitzis on each of the corners designed to be worn under one's shirt or jacket.

Itzik put the garment in his pocket and was grateful that the Rebbe didn't mention anything about his upcoming wedding.

A few weeks later Itzik's big day arrived. He thought about it for a few seconds and finally decided to take the Rebbe's advice. He wore the 'Talit Katan' under his shirt, dressed up in his tuxedo, put on his high hat and headed for the wedding hall.

His parents were broken, the only thing that comforted them was that the Belzer Rebbe did not seem worried, but they did not sleep that night.

Then, at three in the morning, their door burst open and Itzik staggered in like a wounded deer. His garments were dirty and torn, his face was swollen and bloody and he was obviously drunk.

He went to the sink, rinsed his face repeatedly with cold water, sat down heavily on a chair and began to explain what happened while pressing a towel to his bleeding face.

"After the ceremony we started drinking and dancing, things were pretty wild and suddenly some of them started saying things against the Jews. I thought these people didn't care but I was wrong. I began thinking that it would just die down but it didn't. The women were laughing and well I just kept quiet and pretended to be one of them.

Then someone saw the tzitzis on that present the Rebbe gave me and just came over, called me a dirty Jew and gave me a punch in the face. Then another did the same. Someone knocked me to the ground another called me another name. It was a miracle but somehow I found myself outside the hall. I hid from them for a while and, well, thank G-d, I escaped. Wow! Did I make a mistake! I mean, if the Rebbe hadn't given me that garment I might have become one of them!"

This answers our question.

The purpose of the Tzitzis, especially the blue string, is to show that G-d cares about details.

The Jews were 'chosen' to tell the world about G-d, first, how G-d is 'above' and totally encompasses and 'negates' all being. And second; that He also is very close and cares for and provides for every detail of creation.

The first, 'encompassing' aspect is symbolized by the 'Tallit' garment while the second, 'caring' aspect is symbolized by the 'Tzitzis' strands.

Therefore Korach scoffed at the idea of putting one string on a garment that is totally 'tchailes; he wanted to stress the first aspect: that everyone is equal and Moses has no right to reign supreme.

But he was wrong. The fact is that G-d is involved in and cares for all the details of the world as well and He WANTS Moses (and the Moses of each generation) to be 'above' and guide the Jewish people.

This is especially relevant to us today; we are (as the Lubavitcher Rebbe said many times) the generation of Moshiach. True all men are equal but Moshiach (who will be a great guide like Moses) will bring out the differences in each of us as well.

Moshiach will be the opposite of Korach: he will show how each human is unique and possesses some special quality that is essential to the world.

Then, when we see that each person is precious and necessary for the welfare of all mankind, there will be true appreciation and love between each and all members of the human race. The opposite of the strife and contention caused by Korach (see Avot 5:17).

But it all depends on us! We must learn the ideas of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (see your local Chabad House for details) and do even one more good deed, say one more positive word or even think one more positive thought.

Even this is enough to tile the scales to bring...

Moshiach NOW!

Rabbi Tuvia Bolton

RYYH
ULYOP
In a Rush to bring Moshiach

Fwd: Graduation

RYYH
ULYOP
In a Rush to bring Moshiach

Subject: Re: Graduation

United Lubavitcher Yeshiva of Ocean Parkway merited yet another Graduation on Yud Tes Sivan-21 June. The 41 st Graduation held at 841 Ocean Parkway. The program opened with an extremely inspiring message from the Principal, Rabbi S. Dechter. The student representatives were Baruch Bar-Nir, & Yisroel A.L. Hecht. Both boys have been in our Yeshiva since pre-school.
The boys sat & listened to the messages delivered by their Rebbi Rabbi Eckhaus, & their Teacher Rabbi Harari. Rabbi Baras, who had a personal message to each & every one of the children, & played a major role in the success of each graduate.
The assembly was enthralled with the famous world renowned "Askan" Rabbi Shea Hecht's message to both the parents & the Graduates. He told an amazing story of Mesiras Nefesh of a Chosid of the Baal Shem Tov. His lesson was awe inspiring.
Boruch Hashem another group of truly Chassidishe Bochurim now move on to Mesivta. May they be Bentched with much success & prove to True "Chayolim" Chasidim, Yirei Shomayim, & Lamdonim. Also, to always remember who is the Pilot, & who is the instructor. RYYH
ULYOP
In a Rush to bring Moshiach

Fwd: Graduation

RYYH
ULYOP
In a Rush to bring Moshiach

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rabbi Yitzchak Hecht <ryhecht@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 23, 2011 at 8:12 PM
Subject: Re: Graduation
To: Shmuel Dechter <RSD841@yahoo.com>


United Lubavitcher Yeshiva of Ocean Parkway merited yet another Graduation on Yud Tes Sivan-21 June. The 41 st Graduation held at 841 Ocean Parkway. The program opened with an extremely inspiring message from the Principal, Rabbi S. Dechter. The student representatives were Baruch Bar-Nir, & Yisroel A.L. Hecht. Both boys have been in our Yeshiva since pre-school.
The boys sat & listened to the messages delivered by their Rebbi Rabbi Eckhaus, & their Teacher Rabbi Harari. Rabbi Baras, who had a personal message to each & every one of the children, & played a major role in the success of each graduate.
The assembly was enthralled with the famous world renowned "Askan" Rabbi Shea Hecht's message to both the parents & the Graduates. He told an amazing story of Mesiras Nefesh of a Chosid of the Baal Shem Tov. His lesson was awe inspiring.
Boruch Hashem another group of truly Chassidishe Bochurim now move on to Mesivta. May they be Bentched with much success & prove to True "Chayolim" Chasidim, Yirei Shomayim, & Lamdonim. Also, to always remember who is the Pilot, & who is the instructor.
RYYH
ULYOP
In a Rush to bring Moshiach

On Thu, Jun 23, 2011 at 7:26 PM, Shmuel Dechter <RSD841@yahoo.com> wrote:

Could you pick some pictures of the grads together with an article? Let me see it and Maybe put on line

FW: Free Jewish Dating Project

Everyone,

Just passing this along to everyone in my contact list. Just
discovered a new, Free Jewish Dating Project.

Site has 2 policies: (a) no donations and (b) no member fees ever

http://www.supertova.com
Just thought it was worth sharing.

Here's some interesting facts on their web:

"In less than a year, membership has grown to over 14,000 Active and
is spreading throughout the USA, Israel, Canada, Europe, and South
America.

In less than a year, 3 engagements, 1 official marriage, and countless
dating success stories of relationships evolving that would not have
evolved otherwise."

Lets all help spread the word (friends/family etc), as we can all make
an impact.

If you are not single, please do your friends a favor by letting them
know this is available to them. I think they would be pleased to
know.

ps. if this email reaches you in error, I apologize. I have a lot of
friends in my contact list, so if you want out of my contact list,
just "opt out" here

Thanks!
Dana Cohen

Gut Shabbos

There was once a young Chassid in Russia called Boruch Zalmanovitch who received a draft notice into the Russian army. When his mother saw it, she began crying, and his father burst into tears as well.

A draft notice in Czarist Russia was tantamount to a death warrant for a religious Jew. First, the Czar used the army as a means to his diabolical plot to convert the Jews; secondly, all resistance to conversion was met with torture. And thirdly, the usual duration of service was fifteen years!

So the Chassid traveled to the great and holy Rebbe, Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk to request a blessing that he be exempt from the army.

But when he finally was alone with the Rebbe he got a big surprise. The Rebbe looked at him and said, "Why do you want to evade the army? I think you will make a very good soldier! You will be a credit to the King! Meanwhile go home and learn Torah!"

The young man was destroyed…Soldier? Army!?

He went to the Rebbe to get an exemption not a recommendation!

When he returned home and told his parents, they again began crying and moaning. "Oy! What will be with us!!! If you are taken in the army, it will be the end of you!! Maybe the Rebbe made a mistake? Maybe you didn't hear right? We will ask again."

But when they went they received the same answer "He will be a good soldier and a credit to the army, meanwhile he should sit and learn"

The entire family was beside themselves, but they had no choice. To run away was impossible, and, who knows, maybe the little bit of learning he would do would make miracles.

So our young hero sat in his Yeshiva and learned until finally the dreaded day of induction arrived.

What to do? To appear at the draft board or not? "No!" he decided, "I'm not going to throw myself in the lion's mouth! I'm going to sit here and learn Talmud. If they come, I'll tell them that I was sick or something, anyway the Rebbe told me to learn and that's what I'll do, HaShem will help me".

So he sat and learned. The days passed, and before he knew it, the days turned into weeks and the weeks became months and still nothing from the army.

"It must be that the Torah is keeping them away" he thought to himself. "Maybe they even forgot totally about me." But even after a year, and then another, he lived in constant fear of being drafted.

Every time the large door of the Bait HaMedrash (learning room) opened suddenly, he shuddered with fear and without looking up, began learning with renewed fervor.

Then, after five years, it happened.

Suddenly the door burst open and two huge Russian soldiers appeared at the entrance of the large Bait HaMidrash. They were dressed in spotless uniforms with large fur hats, shiny high leather boots, huge swords hanging at their sides from their belts. The very sight of them with their massive handlebar mustaches and cruel cold eyes threw trepidation into the hearts of everyone in the room. They stood there menacingly, their arms folded over their chests surveying everyone like a farmer looks at his cows, and then one of them bellowed:

"WE ARE LOOKING FOR BORUCH ZALMANOVITCH!!"

Slowly Boruch, stood up, cleared his throat and said quietly, "I…I a..a..am Boruch Zalmanovitch"

All eyes turned to him as the soldiers ceremoniously approached him, and stood at attention.

One pulled out a small ornate box from his breast pocket, opened it, took out a gold medallion attached to a wide blue ribbon and solemnly hung it around Boruch's neck without saying a word.

The other then produced a medium sized document and began solemnly reading the contents; "His Royal Majesty The Czar hereby presents you with the highest distinction of our Country, The Golden Star, for valorous and devoted service."

The Soldier kept rambling on about bravery and patriotism as Boruch went into a daze; he only heard the last sentence, "His Exalted Majesty The Czar therefore grants you, with the highest praises, complete honorable discharge from further military service"

The soldier facing Boruch put his hands firmly on Boruch's shoulders and kissed him first on one cheek and then on the other, while the second soldier was pumping Boruch's hand in a firm handshake.

They then both saluted, presented him with the document, turned on their heels and left.

Everyone immediately surrounded the bewildered Boruch, shaking his hand, congratulating him, asking to see the document.

But as soon as he came to himself, he immediately ran out the door and down the street to the Rebbe's house with the good news.

"You see, I told you that you would be a good soldier in the army!" Said the Rebbe smiling, "(Of course I was referring to the army of HaShem). In fact, you did so well that even the Czar had to recognize it, although he didn't himself know what he was doing. But then again, how else could the evil Czar possibly recognize G-d. It's something like it says in 'Alenu' 'All the evil people in the earth will turn to You'"

This week's section tells of the commandment of Yovel (Jubilee). Once every fifty years the Shofar (ram's horn) was sounded in the Holy Temple and 'DRORR' (freedom) was proclaimed.

All lands returned to their original owners and all Jewish slaves went free.

This commandment was only actual when the Holy Temple stood, but its true spiritual meaning is timeless and is especially important today.

The Yovel hints at the arrival of Moshiach, namely the 'World to come' when there will be no slavery (to ignorance or hatred) and everything will return to its rightful owner, (HaShem who owns the creation (see Rashi Berashis 1:1)).

Only then will there be true freedom.

The Lubavitch Rebbe assured us that ours is certainly the generation of Moshiach.

Very soon the Moshiach will arrive, G-d's Oneness will be revealed totally, and everyone in the entire world will believe in the Creator and His Torah. As we say three times every day in the beautiful prayer 'Alenu L'Shabaiach': "Everyone will see, every knee will bend etc."

In fact, the revelation of Moshiach is the reason that G-d created the world (Tanya Chapt. 37).

It is the most important thing there is, and THE MAIN THING we all should be thinking about constantly, as we say in prayer 'For Your salvation I wait all the day!'

But despite all this, it is hard to seriously believe that it will actually happen.

And even more difficult to believe that such an incredible thing depends on us.

That is the reason this week's Torah Portion tells us about the Commandment of Yovel; to strengthen our belief in Moshiach.

Just as we can be sure that G-d gave us the Yovel, and it was incomparably different than all the 49 years before it (especially spiritually), so also we can begin to imagine how the Moshiach will arrive after all our thousands of years of work and bring a new revelation.

Even more, the word Yoval means Shofar (Rashi 25:10).

Spiritually this is the same Shofar that the prophet Isaiah (27:13), is referring to when he says, "On that day (coming of Moshiach) will be blown a GREAT SHOFAR:"

And the same heavenly shofar that was heard at the Giving of the Torah (Shmot 19:19)

This is to tell us that just as a Shofar blast wakes everyone up, so HaShem will wake EVERYONE from his or her spiritual sleep (see Rambam Hil. Tshuva 3:4) to receive the Moshiach.

And if you ask, "So let G-d do it all, how can I help this to happen?"

The answer is, that the Men of the Great Assembly almost 2500 years ago required US to ask G-d three times a day:

"Sound the GREAT SHOFAR to free us!"

And they wouldn't do that if it didn't help. (If so they would be causing us to take G-d's name in vain when we made the blessing.)

Similarly, the Lubavitch Rebbe pointed out, we pray thrice daily:

"May the Moshiach (Tzemach Dovid) come quickly, BECAUSE we desire your salvation all day".

Implying that BECAUSE we desire his arrival we actually hasten it.

That is also why the arrival of Moshiach is compared to the giving of the Torah (Isaiah 51:4) and to circumcision (Bris) (Dev.30:6), as well as to the Yoval.

This is because all of these are new revelations, higher than nature and incomparable to anything before them.

[Therefore Yoval comes after seven Shmitas (periods of 7 years), Torah after seven weeks, and Bris after seven days because the number seven is related to nature, and above seven is above nature.]

Moshiach will also come after these thousands of impossibly difficult years of suffering and serving G-d.

And what we are doing today every time we do a good deed or refrain from doing a bad one, we are bringing Moshiach a bit closer.

But nonetheless, the revelation he will bring will be totally new and unexpected.

[As the first Rebbe of Chabad once said to some hecklers who asked him if he really thinks Moshiach is coming soon, "The Moshiach that you people want will never arrive, and the Moshiach that will arrive you won't want" because it will be too different.]

RYYH
ULYOP
In a Rush to bring Moshiach

Winners of Chinese Auction 5771- Tentative winners

97: Boytique-Mishulovin
96: Wooden Pushka-Shaina M
95: Easy Barbeque-G&C
94: The Cutting Edge-Z. Silver
93: More than Just the Fax-Skoblo
92: Gutnick Collection-Boruch Ascher
91: Mamaroo Baby Bouncer-Mirel Salek
90: Toys Galore-Mani & Iddy Bercovice
89: Happy Birthday-Levi Borenstein
88: Cool AC-Nechama Zirkind
87: Sofer Check-Y. Putter
86: Vedibarta Bam-Nossin K.
85: Hassle Free Challah-Chaya Popack
84: Crocs-Moshie Vail
83: Agent Emes-Rendler
82: The Midrash Says-Shrulli Feldman
81: Glorious Flowers-Z. Silver
80: Makeup-Tova Green
79: Surprise-Moshie Wiener
78: Clics-F. Topp
77: Dock Around the Clock-David Lazerson
76: Paper Goods-Tova Green
75: Leather Tallis Bags-N.D. Samuels
74: Watch Out-Benzion Cohen
73: Hats Just Great-MMP
72: Glasses-Mishulovin
71: Likutei Sichos-Moshie Vail
70: Park Portrait-Lipa Kosofsky
69: Happy Kitchen-A. New
68: Chabad Classics-Yehudah Lipkind
67: Sterling Silver Vase-Ezra/ Sholom
66: Stainless Steel Flatware-Chani Chanin
65: Silver becher-Adina Krausz
64: Sparkles-Libby B.
63: Soho Grand Hotel-A. L.
62: Dell Mini-Joseph Censor
61: Drivers View-Baruch Kantor
60: Office Chair-Z. Silver
59: Valco Double Stroller-Tovah Nelken
58: Picture Perfect-Shternie Raskin
57: Diamond Bracelet-Sholom Ber Benyominson
56: Bosch Mixer-Sivya Nathan
55: Games Galore-Spielman
54: Wii and Wii Fit-Zachary Palace
53: The Living Torah-C.M.G.
52: Suit and Tallis-Chaim Vail
51: Simcha Music Cds-Steinherz
50: Exceptional Eateries-Uri Klien
49: Ipod Touch-Mimi Rabinowitz
48: Lego $360 gc-Yehudah Eckhaus
47: Mikva Meir-J. J. Katz
46: Toras Menachem-Moshie Vail
45: Custom Made Shirts Plus-Tzvi H.
44: Framed Chabad Art-Zev Laine
43: Kingston Shopping-Rivkah Ellinson
42: Smart Phon-Frances Miller
41: Costco BJs $500 gc-Z. Silver
40: Books on Parade-C. Raskin
39: Empire Kosher $500 gc-Yosef Seigel
38: Linen-Etty Kornblit
37: Kaff Kafe 7 Brachos -Moshie Vail
36: Judy Wig-Henya Laine
35: Ladies Shopping Spree-Yisroel Ben Chemoun
34: Domestic Flight-Chaya Krinsky
33: Miele Vacuum-Y. Putter
32: Ipad 2nd Generation-P.F.
31: Kids Shop-S.F. Mayteles
30: The Yellow Door-Etti Kornblit
29: Relax Recline-P.F.
28: Chandelier-CS
27: Mens Shopping-Shainy Benjaminson
26: Torah Anthology-Tova Green
25: Beauty Sleep Mattresess-YG
24: Day Bed-Y. Flint
23: Stunning Pendant-Ari S.
22: Kitchen Essentials-M. Tzfasman
21: That Dazzling Smile-Chaya Landes
20: Milano Wig - A New You-Yehuda Adelist
19: Raymond Weil Ladies Watch-MR
18: Video Magic-Levi Junic
17: $1000 Appliances Electronics-Friedfertig
16: Camp Emunah-Chaim Vail
15: Simcha Hall-Devorah Leah Salek
14:Car Warranty- Jackpot
13: Luxury Lounging-Rivkah Ellinson
12: Ultimate Simcha Liquor-Mirel Salek
11: On the Money-Moussia Lew
10: Skoblo Wig-Channah Stolik
9: The Light of Torah-Susan Friedman
8: Computer Savvy-Rachel Abayev
7: Eretz Yisroel Europe or Kosherica-Hillel
6: Furniture-Levi Tzfasman
5: Splendid Silver-Meer Vivi
4: Freeda Wig- Levi Borenstien
3: Jewelry by Leah B- Friedfertig
2: Spectacular China Setting- B. Levertov
1: Grand Prize- G & LY Wholesale Inc.
Split the pot- S. Krinsky
Jackpot-Shternie Raskin
Hamesivta STP- Nagar
RYYH
ULYOP
In a Rush to bring Moshiach

Gut Shabbos

Mazal Tov Rabbi & Mrs. Piekarski upon the wedding of their son Sholom Ber.

Maybe you can Learn Torah in Ohr Tmimim! For enrollment  see www.ohrtmimim.org
 

This week's section is called, in Hebrew, 'Names'.

 

It begins with a list of the names of the tribes, and it contains an interesting dialogue about G-d's name between Moses and G-d by the burning bush (3:13).

 

At first glance this is not understood. We already know the names of the tribes from the book of Genesis (for instance 44:8-28) why say them again?

 

It also isn't clear why Moses wants to know G-d's name and even more unclear what G-d answers him.

 

First G-d says His name is 'I will be' Then He says it is 'the L-rd', then 'The G-d of your fathers' then "The G-d of Abraham, the G-d of Issac, the G-d of Jacob". (3:14,15)

 

What is G-d trying to say here? Why so many names?

 

Also is there any connection between G-d's names and the names of the tribes?

 

To answer I would like to tell a story.

 

The fourth Rebbe of Chabad, Rebbe Shmuel (1834-1882) would speak very highly of the Cantonists.  The Cantonists were Jews that had been 'snatched' as children from their homes to serve in the Czar's army as part of a cruel plan to 'persuade' them to change their religion and eventually thereby destroy Judaism. But it didn't work; despite the years of tortures and brainwashing few children left their Jewish identities and the sadistic program, as did Czarist Russia, totally failed.

 

On the Rosh HaShanna of 5639 (1879) Rebbe Shmuel told the following awesome story.

 

The Rebbe's father (third Rebbe of Chabad the 'Tzemach Tzedik') often visited groups of these brave Jewish soldiers and in one of his speeches he included the words, "A Jew must sacrifice his life rather than his Judaism. Even if the Czar himself personally tells you to change your religion you must sacrifice yourself rather than obey him."

 

These words, spoken from the soul, had a deep effect on one sailor by the name of Shimon Levin.

 

Shimon was an excellent and devoted soldier of the Czar. He loved his job and was one of the best, perhaps the very best sailor in the Czar's royal navy to the point that he was called by his compatriots called him Semion Bodri (Shimon the brave).

 

He had been promoted to the rank of officer and served at the naval base in Svastopol on the Black sea until, one glorious day, the base received notice that the Czar was to personally make a visit.

 

It is hard for us to imagine the fear and awe that the very mention of the Czar's name inspired in every Russian citizen no less an actual personal visit by his Royal Highness! The very thought filled the sailors with trepidation and trembling.

 

When the auspicious day arrived the base had been scrubbed and polished for the visit and the sailors had a grand reception prepared. The Czar's royal entourage appeared, the band played, everyone was dressed in immaculately clean and pressed uniforms, even the decks of the ships gleamed. The Czar stepped out of his royal carriage and began reviewing the troops, strolling majestically down their ranks. But the highlight of the day was something very special.

 

The commander of the base climbed to a platform, stood to his full height and saluted. The music stopped, everyone was silent, and he announced before the Czar that in honor of his royal Majesty, one of the officers would to perform an act of unmatched skill and unequaled bravery. The commander swung his finger majestically up pointing to the highest ship mast in the harbor some twenty meters high.

 

Again the drums began to roll and suddenly stopped.

 

Shimon Levin, in full battle gear, stood at the foot of the mast, saluted and bowed to the Czar and then, without hesitating climbed briskly up the mast, stood erect on its very point and, as the crowd gasped in amazement, jumped into thin air, arched his back and dived gracefully into the sea.

 

The crowd broke into applause as Shimon swam to shore, walked up to the Czar and bowed deeply.

 

The Czar was ecstatic. "Who is this man!?" he asked excitedly.

 

"His name is Semion Bodri the commander proudly replied.

 

"The Czar called out "Semion Bodri! I want you reward you. We will have another celebration at this same time here tomorrow! I will be here and you will be rewarded." And everyone once again applauded.

 

The next day the parade and pompous ceremony was repeated, but this time there were tens of new officials that the Czar wanted to impress and Shimon was standing at attention, this time wearing dry garments, awaiting him.

 

The Czar again arrived, exited his carriage, approached Shimon and was to the point. He stood proudly and announced "Semion Bodri, you are a true soldier, a credit to the Royal Navy, and a Jewel in the crown of Mother Russia.  "Because of your act of power and splendor that you demonstrated yesterday I hereby promote you to the rank of General! Congratulations!" The crowd broke into wild applause, the sailors began singing a patriotic song and the band played along.

 

But when it all ended Shimon just stood there without a smile on his face. "Your majesty" he replied. "I am truly grateful but according to the laws of Mother Russia; the law which your highness has made, it is forbidden for me to accept your magnificent gift." Silence reigned; only the wind could be heard whistling through the masts.

 

"I am a Jew, your majesty and it is forbidden for a Jew to rise above the rank of petty officer."

 

The Czar was surprised and embarrassed. He had planned to brag before his generals and ministers and this Jew had made him look foolish.

 

"Then you will change your religion!" He announced angrily. "Do you hear me officer Bodri?! You will change your religion and become a general! NOW! "

 

"Your majesty!" answered Shimon. "With your majesty's permission, first I would like to repeat the feat that I performed yesterday for your royal highness."

 

Without waiting for an answer and before anyone knew what was happening, Shimon ran in the direction of the ship, swooped up his gear and, without stopping, put it on as he was running. He ran up the plank to the ship's deck and then, even more swiftly than yesterday, he climbed to the peak of the mast, stood there proudly, the wind blowing through his hair and announced in a voice that rang out loudly enough for all to hear.

 

"Your majesty, Twelve years I have been serving in the Russian navy and I love my service with all my soul. But know, my King, that above all I am a Jew. Through my entire service I have kept the Sabbath and never eaten forbidden foods. I will never leave the G-d of Israel. 'Shma Yisroel HaShem Elokenu HaShem Echaud!!"

 

Again he gracefully dived from the mast arching in the air like a javelin before plunging down into the blue sea. But this time ……………. he did not come up.

 

Shimon the brave had conquered the Czar of Russia.

 

Three days later his body washed up on shore. The Czar was asked what to do and ordered that the body should be kept in a coffin under military guard for three days and then buried in the State cemetery.

 

But in Shimon's camp were two other Cantonists that had different plans. They could not bear the idea that a fellow Jew, especially their friend Shimon, should not have a Jewish burial.

 

They came up with a bold plan. Late the next night they stole into the cemetery, dug up a recently buried body, returned to Shimon's guarded body, left their corpse some distance away and managed to convince the guards to have a few drinks. When the guards were dead drunk, they switched corpses and whisked Shimon to his rest in grave they had dug earlier in a distant part of the forest.

 

But somehow their daring feat was discovered, perhaps it was one of the guards or maybe someone saw them in the forest. In any case they were arrested and tortured to make them reveal the grave but their lips remained sealed.

 

One died under torture and the other was killed by firing squad but to this day the location of Shimon's grave is unknown.

 

 

This answers our questions. A name is a connector.

 

When one has a name he can be called; connected to; his identity can be felt in the world.

 

Like Shimon in our story; the name 'JEW' brought out an identity in him than was more real than his very life.  Semion became Shimon (to hear G-d) again.

 

That is what is so special about the Jews not changing their 'names' in Egypt.  Despite the difficult two hundred year exile they did not change their identities, their connection to one another, to life and to Judaism.

 

And that is why Moses wanted to know G-d's 'name'.

 

G-d's 'Names' are the ways that He 'connects' to the world ….. and how we can connect to Him. That is what Moses meant when he asked at the Burning bush, "The Jewish people will ask me what is Your name, what will I tell them?"

 

In other words, 'the Jews will want to know how to connect to You. Are You so distant that You are unapproachable? If not, then what is Your name? How can You be approached?

 

That is why G-d answered in several different ways: First He said "I will be", then He said 'L-rd', then "G-d of your fathers' and finally "The G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."

 

According to Kabballa the name "I will be" is the mystery of mysteries and the concealed of concealed totally unapproachable and above even the spiritual.

 

The name "L-rd" however is closer; it implies that G-d is the Creator of all being, past, present and future at once.

 

Even closer is "the G-d of your fathers" A personal and intimate G-d that hears all prayers and forgives all sins.

 

But finally G-d reveals the true answer to the question. The way to approach Him is as "Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did; 'M'sirut Nefesh' (self sacrifice).

 

True, each person is different, therefore it enumerates; the G-d of Abraham, the G-d of Issac etc. but, as we saw from our story, the common theme and essence of their service (and ours) is self-sacrifice.  And the result of such service is 'Kiddush HaShem' literally 'Revealing G-d's NAME' just like Shimon the Brave did.

 

This is why Abraham, Issac and Jacob are called the fathers of Judaism; they were the first to do it and they inherited it to all the Jews after them. (Therefore we say in the prayers of Shabbat and Holidays "Kol Yisroel M'kadshey Shemechaw' All Jews sanctify G-d's name.)

 

That is why Rebbe Shmuel praised the Cantonists.

 

But today the Lubavitcher Rebbe assures us that this self-sacrifice can be done in a happier way. And Moshiach will reveal this power; the essence of the soul, in each of us.

 

This is because we are standing on the shoulders of the millions of Jews, like Shimon Bodri, that have sacrificed themselves through the ages. Today even one good deed, word or even thought done with self-sacrifice joy, and brotherly love can tilt the scale and bring.....

 

Moshiach NOW!!

Rabbi Tuvia Bolton
RYYH
ULYOP
In a Rush to bring Moshiach