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                                  B"H
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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 832
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                           Copyright (c) 2004
                 Lubavitch Youth Organization - L.Y.O.
                              Brooklyn, NY
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             THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FOR EVERY JEWISH PERSON
   Dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson N.E.
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        August 13, 2004          Re'eh               26 Av, 5764
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                             Pay Attention!

It happens to all of us. Those momentary lapses. That concentrated
daydream. It can happen anytime, too. "Would you like salt with your
coffee, dear?" "Yeah, sure, two spoonfuls as  usual."

Inattention, distraction, negligence - these are classic props and
comedic prompts. Think of how many skits depend on distracting the
"straight man" for their humor.

But of course, paying attention is no laughing matter. Serious problems
can result from a lack of concentration. In some circumstances and
professions, concentration is a pre-requisite. A fireman, a policeman, a
surgeon who doesn't pay attention while on the job can't do the job and
endangers lives, G-d forbid.

Most of the time, though, when not faced with immediate, critical life
or death decisions, it seems that concentration can be a luxury. We
don't have to fully engage our minds.

This hold true especially for the routines of life. We've all been
distracted during phone conversations, letting the other person blither
away while our attention is elsewhere. We've all felt free to let our
minds wander while going through the motions. If old habits die hard, as
the cliché goes, it may be because we never stop to examine them.

But of course there are times when it's fine, even desirable, if the
mind disengages from the body's practiced movements. We can brush our
teeth mechanically while plotting a corporate takeover, solving a
mathematical equation or a crossword puzzle, refining a formula or sales
pitch.

Too often, though, we may focus on the secondary, the stimulus, and let
our attention wander from the primary purpose. Speculation replaces
concentration.

A mitzva (commandment) such as prayer, for example, when it becomes
routine and repetitive, may end up being one of those times when our
minds drift off into an idle, endless swirl of speculation. We've said
the words before, over and over; now their power, if any, seems to come
not from their meaning, the reverberating connections between realms of
being, but from the dulling of our senses and the drifting of our
awareness.

But setting our focus adrift doesn't get us where we need to go. We may
think of a rowing crew, repeating the same action over and over. Each
stroke requires attention to detail - precise movements, awareness of
the other rowers, careful timing - and only through focused repetition
do they get where they're going.

And this sports truism - focused repetition, concentrating on the
routine - leads to "victory" in prayer as surely as it leads to victory
in sports.

Thus Rabbi Shimon said (Ethics of the Fathers): "Be meticulous in
reading the Shema and in prayer. When you pray, do not make your prayer
perfunctory, but rather an entreaty for mercy and supplication before
G-d."

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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This week's Torah portion, R'ei, opens with a verse that establishes a
foundation of the Jewish religion - free choice.  G-d says to the Jewish
people, "Look, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse:  the
blessing, that you will hearken to G-d's commandments...; and the curse,
if you will not hearken to G-d's commandments..." (Deut. 11:26-28)

Why did G-d create the world so as to necessitate blessings and curses?
Why did G-d create something to stand in the way of good, to make it
difficult for us to do what is appropriate and right?

Evil alternatives and negative opportunities exist to allow for free
choice.  If there was only good in this world - no chance for a person
to behave in a questionable manner - a person could not freely choose to
do good; he would be forced to do good for lack of alternatives, by
default. In order to have options, there have to be at least two
different routes. Then, a person can use the power of free choice given
to him by G-d to choose the correct path.

Freedom to choose one path of action over another is a fundamental
principle of Judaism. It is at the very core of the advantages of a
human over other created beings.  Other creatures do not have this
option of free choice; their actions are based on natural instincts and
environmental training. Only man has such an advantage.

The concept of reward and punishment revolves around free choice. If
there is no choice, there is no room for reward and punishment. A person
can only receive a reward for his good deeds because he has freedom of
choice.

It is therefore understood that the existence of the opportunity to do
"bad" is not to make a person evil, but the opposite. Wrong exists only
to allow a person to choose right.

The opportunity to do that which is not good, therefore, wasn't created
to prevent a person from accomplishing what he needs to.  In fact, it is
to push the person toward the correct path, a path to be traveled on in
the midst of freedom of choice and desire.

Knowing that "bad" exists only to encourage us toward the good, also
gives us the ability and strength not to be intimidated or overwhelmed
by it.

                   Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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                         Yehoshua's Jewish Blog


    The follows posts are excerpted from "Yehoshua' Jewish Blog" (web
    log) subtitled, "My Experiences Becoming an Orthodox Jew."

                       Monday, February 16, 2004
                      Yarmulke, tzitzis, earrings?

So I've been approached on this issue twice now by 2 completely random
people. I wear a large knit black yarmulke, tzitzis (out) and I still
have my earrings in! I've had them for about 4 years now.

The first time i was approached on this was in one of my classes at the
University. This guy leaned over and said, "I don't want you to think
I'm patronizing you, but what do people say to you, being so outwardly
Jewish and having your ears pierced." I explained to him that I got my
ears pierced years ago and that I wasn't always religious.

The next occasion was when I was at the library. A woman was there with
her young daughter and kept glancing over and looking at me. She finally
said, "I've never seen a Jewish boy with a yarmulke and his ears
pierced." I smiled and explained the same thing to her that I had to the
guy in my class.

I'm still wearing the earrings right now. I don't know why I haven't
taken them out yet. I never really got my ear pierced (twice) for any
particular reason. It was just something I wanted to do. I'll probably
take them out soon. However for me right now it's not the biggest deal.

                                *  *  *

                        Tuesday, March 30, 2004
                           Brother back home


My brother arrived home from Iraq back in Feb. He is now OUT of the army
for good and back in Houston, TX - his home for 6 years before entering
into the military. I don't know yet if he knows I'm becoming frum
[religious]. I've mentioned a few things, maybe my parents have said
something to him too, maybe?

                                *  *  *

                         Sunday, April 04, 2004
                          Ready for Pesach...


I'm pretty excited about the upcoming Yomim Tovim [holidays]. This will
be my first Orthodox Pesach experience!

                                *  *  *

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2004
            We're going to Yeshiva, we're going to Yeshiva!


That's right! I'm going to Yeshiva in Morristown, NJ full-time starting
sometime this summer. I'm so excited!

                                *  *  *

                          Monday, May 03, 2004
               "The words of our religion...Of our G-d."


A few months ago I started calling my grandmother regularly. We hadn't
spoken in a while and I thought it'd be nice and somewhat of a mitzva to
call her every once in a while and chat. When I told her I was going to
Yeshiva she got very excited and told me how beautiful the Torah is and
how great it's going to be for me to be able to learn such beautiful and
inspiring words...I wanted to cry when I got off the phone with her. I
never heard her talk that way before. I can tell that she is sincerely
proud of me and really happy about what I am doing. I told her I would
call and write when possible from Yeshiva and share some words of Torah
- we are both looking forward to it.

                                *  *  *

                        Wednesday, May 05, 2004
                   Being frum and college professors


My experiences this past semester with the professors has been overall
very good. With my English class I've had a couple times where I was
able to write about my experiences, about being Jewish and becoming
frum. When I told the prof I was going to Yeshiva she asked what I would
do, learn, etc. In my Race and Ethnicity class I've often talked with
the prof about being Jewish, Judaism, etc. In that class we had to give
a presentation on anything so as long as it related to race and
ethnicity. Most people talked about their family history, background,
etc. I did the same. I talked about the being Jewish, my family, and
becoming frum. I also talked a little about Chabad and the Rebbe. When
someone asked why I became more religious I said that I saw the beauty
and truth of Torah.

                                *  *  *

                          Friday, May 14, 2004
                             New tefillin!


I got my new tefillin yesterday! Yay! I was so excited when my rabbi
sent me an IM saying they had arrived. Ah, the smell and feel of new
tefillin!

                                *  *  *

                        Wednesday, July 14, 2004
                          Leaving for Yeshiva


I'm leaving for Yeshiva Tiferes Bachurim a Chabad-Lubavitch Ba'al
Teshuva Yeshiva located at the Rabbinical College of America in
Morristown, NJ one week from today.

                                *  *  *

                         Sunday, July 25, 2004
                        First Shabbos at Yeshiva


This past Shabbos was my first at Yeshiva. Friday night
davening [prayers] was just what I was looking for too. The highlight as
always was a very joyous "Lecha Dodi."

For Friday dinner I went to one of the rabbis' houses with two other
bachurim [students]. We got back to the Yeshiva around 1:00 a.m. and
there was a farbrengen (Chasidic gathering) going on. I stayed up 'til 4
a.m. shmoozing [chatting] and farbrenging.

For Shabbos lunch I went to one of the guys in Kollel [advanced yeshiva
for married men]. He invited four bachurim and a Kollel couple. We sat
around at lunch singing, discussing concepts in Chasidus - especially
Ahavas Yisrael [love of a fellow Jew]. The meal was excellent too! After
we got back to the Yeshiva I learned for a little bit then after Mincha
there was a farbrengen led by the head of the Yeshiva. It was quite
inspiring. The emphasis was on our ability to do Torah and mitzvos in
this world and how it will be when Moshiach comes.

It was a great Shabbos all in all. This coming week I'm going to see
what other guys will be doing. I'm considering either going to Crown
Heights or staying and eating with a family who has graciously given me
an open-ended invitation.

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                               WHAT'S NEW
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                       New Shluchim - Emissaries

Three young couples will be establishing new Chabad-Lubavitch Centers in
the next few weeks.  Rabbi Yehuda and Nechama Andrusier have established
Chabad of Pembroke Pines, Florida, and are offering educational
programs, outreach services and community wide special events to the
Jewish families in the area. Rabbi and Mrs. Yisroel Goldberg will serve
as directors of Community Outreach and Education for Chabad-Lubavitch of
Rockland County in New City, New York. Rabbi Motti and Chaya Wilhelm
will be arriving soon in Miami, Florida, where they will be involved in
the crucial area of Jewish education for youth. May all of these new
emissaries of the Rebbe have much success in all of their important
endeavors.

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                     Rosh Chodesh Elul, 5732 {1972]

Greeting and Blessing:

I am in receipt of your letter of the 27th of Av and the preceding
correspondence.

May G-d grant that you should have good news to report in all the
matters about which you write.

Now that we have entered the auspicious month of Elul, you surely know
the explanation of the Alter Rebbe about the auspiciousness of this
month, by means of the parable of the King in the Field. Before entering
the city, the king's loyal subjects go out to welcome the king in the
field, when everyone has an opportunity to greet the king, and the king,
on his part, welcomes everyone graciously and with a smiling face, and
grants their petitions (Likutei Torah, Re'eh 32). Similarly, the month
of Elul is the time when the King of Kings is in the field, as it were,
and offers an extraordinary opportunity to everyone to get closer to
Him, and thus ensure that the New Year will be a better and happier one
materially and spiritually.

Wishing you and all yours a Kesivo v'Chasimo Tovo [that you be written
and sealed for good],

With blessing,

                                *  *  *

                         24 Tammuz, 5739 [1979]


Greeting and Blessing:

I was pleased to see from the report in "Maariv," supplemented by the
report from your Uncle, our esteemed friend R' Schneur Zalman Jaffe,
that the concert you conducted in London was a great success, not only
from the musical viewpoint, but also in having impressed the audience
with your personal conduct - in fulfillment of the imperative, "Know Him
in all your ways."

I have in mind, of course the fact that you appeared with your Tzitzis
showing and with head covered, with dignified Jewish pride.

Since Tzitzis is a reminder of all G-d's Mitzvos [commandments], and
head-covering symbolizes Yiras Shomayim [awe of Heaven], as our Sages
declare, the impact on the audience, and subsequently on the readers who
read about it, could not have been more fitting.

All the more so, as it was linked with music, which touches most deeply
the heartstrings of human beings in general, and of Jews in particular.
Or, as my father-in-law of saintly memory expressed it, that Neginah
[melody] is that medium which puts a person in direct communication, by
way of the heart, with the inner soul - much more readily than the
spoken or written word, since the latter involve attributes of the cool
intellect, and certain things can be better perceived emotionally than
intellectually.

May G-d grant that the above mentioned influence on your Jewish audience
will be translated into practical effects, in terms of strengthening
their commitment to Torah and Mitzvos in the everyday life, and that you
should continue to enjoy Hatzlocho [success] in all above, and in a
growing measure.

As for the non-Jewish audience, there is the well known instruction of
the Torah (= meaning, "teaching") that a Jew is also obligated to
encourage gentiles in their observance of the Seven Laws given to the
children of Noach (i.e. to all humanity) in respect of justice,
morality, kindness etc., which - with all their ramifications -
constitute the very basis of any human society.

Thus, your personal conduct at these public appearances helps to promote
also the above.

Knowing of your family background no further elaboration is necessary.

While on this subject, I would like to add that I trust you have regular
daily Shiurim [lessons] in Torah. I mention it only in compliance with
the principle, "Encourage the energetic," for there is always room for
advancement, either in quantity or quality, or both.

This would also be in keeping with the spirit of the Chag Hageuloh
[holiday of liberation] of my saintly father-in-law on the 12-13th of
this month. The history of this anniversary is surely known to you, as
also its significance for all of us, in terms of increased activity in
all matters of Torah and Mitzvos, both in the personal life as well as
in promoting Yiddishkeit [Judaism] without compromise in one's
surroundings, by example and precept.

Wishing you continued Hatzlocho in all above, with blessing.

                      Reprinted with permission from Mr. Manchester

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                            RAMBAM THIS WEEK
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28 Av, 5764 - August 15, 2004

Positive Mitzvah 197: Lending Money

This mitzva is based on the verse (Ex. 22:24) "If you lend money to any
of My people that is poor among you"

Lending money to a needy person is a greater act of chairty than
actually giving it as charity. Giving money to a person who has fallen
to the point where he must beg for help is important. However, by giving
a fellow Jew a loan, you prevent him from begging for help. We are
commanded to lend money to people who need it. By doing so, we are
assisting them to stand on their own two feet and help them pull out of
their difficulties.

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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As we are about to enter the month of Elul, the month of preparation for
the High Holidays that commence with Rosh Hashana, it is appropriate to
discuss customs of the month.

It is customary during Elul to have our mezuza parchments (the actual
mezuzot) examined by a knowledgeable person or scribe to ascertain that
they have not become unfit.

The Zohar, which contains the more esoteric aspects of Judaism, explains
that the effect of having mezuzot on one's doors is to provide
protection by G-d from the time a person leaves his home until he
returns.

This aspect of "protection" is hinted to by the Hebrew letter "shin"
that appears on most mezuza covers. The shin is the first of three
letters, shin -- dalet -- yud, that spell out one of G-d's names. Those
letters are also an acronym for Shomer Daltot Yisrael - Guardian of the
Doors of Israel.

We must keep in mind, though, that the mezuza is not a charm or amulet;
it is also not just a symbol or quaint ritual, to tell the outside world
that this is a Jewish home.

A mezuza can be compared to a helmet. A soldier wears a helmet to
protect him from enemy bullets and a mezuza, too, protects us, our
family and our possessions from harm.

Yet, "bad" things do sometimes happen to someone with mezuzot on his
doors. How is this possible? If, while wearing a helmet, an enemy bullet
does manage to wound a soldier, it is the enemy bullet, and the enemy
bullet alone which has pierced him. The helmet provides added
protection, but is not the only factor involved in the soldier's safety.

Have your mezuzot checked soon. If you don't have mezuzot or you need
more, purchase them from a reputable Judaica store or certified scribe.
Or call your local Chabad-Lubavitch center for more info.

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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And G-d will allow you rest from all your enemies around and you will
dwell in security (Deut. 12:10)

The usual precision in the wording of the Torah gives way here to an
apparent redundancy. Obviously rest from our enemies will result in
security.  However this verse may in fact be giving us instruction on
how to achieve "rest from our enemies."  If "you shall dwell in
security" between one Jew and the next, without infighting and
fragmentation, we will have no reason to fear from our enemies around
us.  (Glilei Zahav).

                                *  *  *


From when the sickle begins to cut the upright corn (Deut. 16:9)

Once a group of chasidim complained to the Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel of
Lubavitch, that their spiritual mentor was being unduly harsh. The Rebbe
told the mentor later in a private audience, "True one must attack all
wanton pride in accordance with the verse 'when the sickle begins to cut
the upright [corn].' However that is only with regard to one's own
character.  Otherwise apply the verse, 'You shall not wave a sickle on
the upright [corn] of your neighbor.'"

                                *  *  *


But be strong not to eat the blood...in order that He do good for you,
and for your children after you. (Deut. 12:23-25)

The Sages learn from this that if G-d specifies a reward for refraining
from eating blood, a thing which a person has no desire for because it
is disgusting, how much greater a reward is there for refraining from
that which one desires but is not permitted.

                                                     (Tzena U'rena)

                                *  *  *


You are children to the L-rd, your G-d; do not tear yourselves (Deut.
14:1)

The heathens used to tear their hair and their bodies, over the dead.
They believed that this world is the most important and so they mourned
the dead excessively. Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk said, "Death is
nothing. It is similar to when a person moves from one dwelling place to
another. But the shrewd person picks himself a better dwelling  place
than the first.

                                *  *  *


Take tithes, you shall take tithes (Deut. 14:22)

Rabbi Yochanan said, "Give a tenth so that you will become wealthy." In
general, we are not permitted to test G-d, but with the giving of tithes
and charity we are allowed to test G-d as the prophet Malachi says,
"Bring the tithes...and test Me in this...to see if I will not open for
you the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing for you..."

                                *  *  *


In the Hebrew, this verse is written, "Aser t'aser." Our Sages explain
it can also be read, "Aser sheh-t'ta-asher - give a tenth so that you
will become rich." Concerning other mitzvot (commandments), we are told
not to perform them in anticipation of the reward. However, for the
mitzva of charity (specifically the required amount of one tenth of
one's earnings) the Torah itself tells us of the reward we will receive
in this world - riches.

                                 (Milei D'Chasiduta on Pirkei Avot)

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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Many years ago, when the Roman Empire reached the land of Israel,
decrees against the Jews abounded. One such decree forbad the
circumcision of Jewish boys. The punishment was severe for those who
disobeyed.

Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel was the Nasi - the "prince" - at this time. He
was known and respected by Jew and non-Jew alike, including the Emperor.
When his wife had a baby boy, their desire to obey G-d's commandment was
greater than their fear of punishment. In secret, they performed the
circumcision.

Before long, the government found out. Rabbi Shimon was ordered to
appear before the governor of his town. "What do you have to say for
yourself?" asked the governor angrily.

"I have obeyed the King of Kings, Who has ordered us to circumcise our
sons on the eighth day after birth," answered Rabbi Shimon confidently.

"I am sending you, your wife, and the baby to the Imperial Court. For if
other Jews see that you have circumcised your son and are not severely
punished, then they will do the same," roared the governor.

Rabbi Shimon and his wife set out on the long journey to the Imperial
Court. They stopped often along the way, and were warmly received in the
homes of Jews and non-Jews alike, for Rabbi Gamliel was respected by
all. At one home, Rabbi Gamliel's wife and the non-Jewish hostess soon
realized that they had both given birth on the same day to sons. The
hostess immediately offered to exchange her son, Antoninus, for Rabbi
Shimon's baby, Yehuda. Rabbi Gamliel and his wife gratefully accepted
the offer.

With renewed hope, they  continued on to the palace. Upon their arrival
they were shown into the emperor's court who, upon hearing the charges,
ordered the baby examined. To everyone's astonishment, there were no
sign that a circumcision had been performed. "It's a miracle," whispered
the people of the court. As soon as possible, the babies were
re-exchanged, with no one the wiser.

Numerous stores are told of the intimate friendship between the Roman
prince and the young Jewish child whose life he saved; a friendship that
never ceased, even when the former became the Emperor of Rome and the
latter the Patriarch of the Jews.

During one of their many discussions, Antoninus asked Rabbi Yehuda: How
is it possible for the soul to be punished in the "World of Truth"? The
soul will cry out, "How am I guilty? I am a part of G-d! It is the body
that committed the sin, without him I wouldn't be able to transgress."
Then the body will complain, "Without the soul I can't exist, I am but
dust and ashes. I can't sin without him!"

Rabbi Yehuda answered the Emperor's question with a parable:

A man had a beautiful garden. He hired two men to guard it; one was a
cripple and the other blind. When the cripple saw the delicious fruits
in the garden he called out to the blind man, "Let me get on your back.
I will direct you where to go, and together we will be able to get the
fruit and eat to our hearts' content. And that is what they did.

When the owner cam back and saw his fruit missing, he immediately
apprehended the guards. Said the cripple, "I am not guilty, without the
other man I could not have reached the fruit." The blind man objected,
"I can not even see the fruit. Without the cripple I could not have
gotten the fruit." The owner put the cripple on the blind man's
shoulders and punished them as one entity.

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
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Yehudah ben Tema said: Be bold as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as
a deer, and strong as a lion, to carry out the will of your Father in
Heaven... May it be Your will, L-rd our G-d and the G-d of our
ancestors, that the Holy Temple be rebuilt, speedily in our days, and
grant us our share in Your Torah.

                                                      (Ethics 5:20)

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                 END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 832 - Re'eh 5764
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