Menachem Av 29, 5779 - Friday, August 30, 2019 EXPRESS ה" בMontreal Torah Center Bais Menachem Chabad Lubavitch Joanne and Jonathan Gurman Community Center ⬢ Lou Adler Shul ⬢ Marcia Gillman and Michael Flinker Early Childhood Center 28 Cleve Road, Hampstead Quebec H3X 1A6 ⬢ 514. 739.0770 Fax 514.739.5925 [email protected]WWW.THEMTC.COM ⬢ SODIA ICONS TORAH PORTION RE’EH ⬢ ראהCandle Lighting: 7:18 pm Shabbat Ends: 8:21 pm MTC EARLY SHABBOS Mincha 5:50 pm- Light candles after 6:17 pm ROSH CHODESH ELUL SHABBAT AUG 31 & SUN. SEPT 1 ⬢ AVOT CHAPTER 5 BAT MITZVAH CLUB ORIENTATION
Transcript
MOSAIC EXPRESS 1
Menachem Av 29, 5779 - Friday, August 30, 2019
EXPRESS
ב"ה
Montreal Torah Center Bais Menachem Chabad Lubavitch Joanne and Jonathan Gurman Community Center ⬢ Lou Adler Shul ⬢ Marcia Gillman and Michael Flinker Early Childhood Center
THIS WEEK Eli Cytrynbaum Richard Dermer Sara Eldor & Shlomo Simhon Evan & Osnat Feldman (x2) Stephen & Saryl Gross Ariel Mechaly Tzemach & Chana New Dania & Michel Raskin
IVOW Board of Directors in appreciation for the warm welcome to the IVOW program
Caroline & Yahn Benabou in honour of the shloshim of Camille Cohen, Simcha bat Yolande obm
Roselee Sztern Shuster in honour of the Ufruf and upcoming marriage of Aubrey Sztern & Vanessa Cogan
KIDDUSH CO-SPONSORSHIP IS $136
YASHER KOACH TO OUR KIDDUSH CO-SPONSORS!
MTC GRACIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGES THIS WEEK’S SPONSORS OF THE DAY
Ronnie & Debbie Cons in honour of the birthday of Joshu Cons, Elul 3
To become a sponsor of the day, please contact Itchy @ 739.0770 ext 223 ANNOUNCEMENTS
WEEKDAY PRAYER SCHEDULE SHACHARIT Tues-Fri….…Chassidus…...6:15 am Shacharis…...7:00 am Followed by breakfast
CLASSES Chassidus………………..….……..8:45 am Men’s Class..…….……….……......5:50 pm Women’s Class..….…………...…...6:35 pm
MTC EARLY SHABBOS
Friday August 30 Mincha 5:50 pm- Light candles after 6:17 pm
Visit themtc.com/earlyshabbos for full list.
Sztern & Cogan families on the upcoming marriage of Aubrey Sztern & Vanessa Cogan
MTC WISHES A HEARTY MAZAL TOV TO
KOLEL MENACHEM OF HAMPSTEAD
Monday-Thursday, weekly, 7:30-9:00 pm For more info, contact Rabbi Levi New, [email protected]
MTC is pleased to announce that we have engaged the services of ADAM COHEN, a highly regarded professional in the field. Adam was trained in Israel and has set up security systems in countries around the world. He currently resides in Montreal where he heads his owns security consultant firm. Under his tutelage a committee was formed consisting of: HEATHER CHARLAP AMAR, RONNIE CONS, EVAN FELDMAN, CHAYA HARRISON, JEREMY LEVI, VELVEL MINKOWITZ, RABBI NEW, DAVID PUTERMAN, PATRICK ROCHE and RABBI ITCHY.
Adam will, b’ezrat Hashem, be presenting an overview of our security plan to the entire congregation on Shabbat morning, September 7, before the musaf services at approximately 11:30am.
We urge everyone to attend as the success of our security measures involves community-member participation, as will be outlined in the presentation.
MTC SECURITY UPDATE
UPCOMING EVENTS
MONDAY SEP 9 MTA Orientation & Open House 4:30 - 5:30, Ages 5-10 RSVP [email protected]
WEDNESDAY SEP 18 Mini Chefs Open House, 4:00 Ages 3-5, RSVP themtc.com/minichefs
PLEASE NOTE
Monday, September 2 is a legal holiday, Shacharis will be at 9:00 am
MOSAIC EXPRESS 3
ALIYAH SUMMARY to be a prophet who claims to bring instructions from G-d to worship idols must be put to death. This is true even if the individual performs supernatural acts or accurately predicts the future. This section also prescribes the death penalty for one who attempts to entice others to idolatry, and the catastrophic price paid by a city which has completely succumbed to idolatry. Fourth Aliyah: As G-d's children, we are forbidden to deface our bodies with tattoos or via other forms of mutilation. This section then provides a list of kosher animals and un-kosher fowl. We are also given signs to distinguish between kosher animals and fish and their non-kosher counterparts. The section concludes with the prohibitions against eating meat from an animal which was not properly slaughtered, and against cooking meat with milk. Fifth Aliyah: After giving a tenth of one's crops to the Levite, a tenth of the remainder -- the "Second Tithe" -- is to be taken and eaten within the confines of Jerusalem. Provision is made here for people who live far away from Jerusalem for whom it would be unfeasible to transport so much produce. Instead they may exchange the produce for money which is then taken to Jerusalem and spent on food. There is
IMPORTANT SECURITY MEASURES
Please be advised that entry to the shul Shabbos morning is only via the West/Left parking lot, manned by a security guard. Please ensure that your children do not allow anyone to enter through any other door. Thank you for your cooperation.
SHABBOS PROGRAM
Parents, please be aware that we have less staff during the summer months. Please keep your children safe by ensuring they are properly supervised.
General Overview: In this week's reading, Re'eh, Moses continues addressing the Israelites just before he passes away; just before the Israelites cross the Jordan River and enter the land of Israel. Moses commands the Israelites to proclaim certain blessings and curses on Mount Grizzim and Mount Ebal after they enter the land of Israel. He directs them to destroy all vestiges of idolatry from the Promised Land. They must then designate a city where the Divine presence will dwell in the Holy Temple, and they are forbidden from offering sacrifices elsewhere. Other topics discussed in this portion are: tithes, false prophets, the wayward city, tattoos, kashrut, the Sabbatical Year, charity, and the festivals. First Aliyah: Moses informs the Israelites that they can be the recipients of either blessings or curses -- blessings if they obey G-d's commandments, and curses if they do not. He further instructs them to proclaim blessings on Mount Grizzim and curses on Mount Ebal -- the exact procedure of this ceremony will be described in the Ki Tavo Torah reading (Deuteronomy 27:11-16). Moses then commands the Israelites to destroy all idols and their accessories that they will find when they enter Israel. He informs the nation that in the future G-d will designate a specific location (Jerusalem) where He will choose to rest His Presence. All sacrifices must be offered in this location. Second Aliyah: Although it is forbidden to offer sacrifices in any location other than the one designated by G-d, it is permitted to slaughter cattle for consumption purposes, but blood may never be eaten. The consumption of various tithes and sundry sacred foods is also restricted to the designated holy city. Third Aliyah: Moses admonishes the Israelites not to be lured by the heathen abominable practices of the Canaanites, and to remain true to the Torah; neither adding to nor subtracting from its laws. A person professing
THIS WEEK’S CLASS
THE VEIL OF LOVE
Elul the Zodiac of Virgo
The mystical reason for veiling the bride when she is her most alluring and radiant and the secret to a blissful union with both spouse and G-d
a three-year tithing cycle. After the conclusion of each cycle, we are commanded to purge our homes of any overdue tithes, give them to their intended recipients, and recite a brief prayer. Sixth Aliyah: Moses commands the Israelites to designate every seventh year as a Shmitah (Sabbatical) Year. During this year, creditors must forgive outstanding loans. The section then discusses the obligation to give charity to the poor with a happy heart, and to lend them money if necessary, even if the Shmitah Year is looming. A Jewish slave must be freed after six years of service and must be given generous severance gifts as he departs. Seventh Aliyah: The male firstborn of kosher cattle must be consecrated and given to the Kohen to eat. If the animal is blemishless it is first offered as a sacrifice in the Temple. The Torah reading concludes with a discussion regarding the three festivals: Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. In addition to some laws regarding each of these festivals individually, we are commanded to rejoice during the festivals and all males must be in attendance in the Holy Temple during these holidays. ⬢
4 MOSAIC EXPRESS
By Chabad.org Elul is the 12th month on the Jewish calendar. After the Jewish people sinned with the Golden Calf, Moses spent this month (and the following 10 days until Yom Kippur) obtaining a second set of tablets, along with G-d’s full forgiveness. This time period is therefore an especially potent time for us to come closer to G-d, who is ready and waiting to accept us.
It is a time to look back at the year that passed and prepare for the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which are just around the corner.
Here are seven practices unique to this month that put us on the path to a good and sweet new year.
1. HEAR THE SHOFAR EVERY DAY
Every day (besides for Shabbat and the day before Rosh Hashanah), we blow shofar after morning services. The soul-stirring shofar blasts inspire us to come closer to G-d, as we read, “Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid?”
2. SAY IT NOW
Words have power. When signing off letters or ending phone calls and conversations, we wish each other a “ketivah vachatimah tovah,” to be “written and sealed for good [in the Book of Life].”
The 21st century iteration of this practice would probably be to set this as your email signature, your WhatsApp status and your Facebook profile.
3. READ PSALM 27 TWICE A DAY
After morning and afternoon (or in some communities, evening) prayers, we recite Psalm 27, which begins with the words “To David: The L-rd is my light and my salvation.” The Kabbalist Rabbi Binyamin Benish Cohen wrote in 1706 that one who recites this psalm in a state of holiness, purity and great concentration will have his prayers answered, and that it has the power to nullify Divine decrees.
We continue this practice until Hoshanah Rabbah, the final day of Sukkot.
4. THREE CHAPTERS PER DAY
The Baal Shem Tov instituted the custom of reciting three additional chapters of Psalms each day, from the 1st of Elul until Yom Kippur (on Yom Kippur the remaining 36 chapters are recited, thereby completing the entire book of Psalms).
5. GET THEM CHECKED
Elul is a time to increase and improve our mitzvah observance. Many people have the custom to have a scribe inspect their tefillin and mezuzahs during this month to ensure their kosher status. The Rebbe wrote that this
practice (which is found in classic halachic sources) is “worthwhile and very appropriate for everyone to publicize.”
6. SAY “SORRY”
Selichot (“Forgivenesses”) are special prayers said on fast days and during this season. The highlight of the Selichot is the recitation of the 13 Attributes of Mercy, the formula that G-d gave Moses for securing Divine forgiveness. Ashkenazim begin saying Selichot several days before Rosh Hashanah (always on a Saturday night). Sepharadim begin at the start of the month of Elul and finish 40 days later on Yom Kippur.
7. THINK LONG AND HARD
During this special season, it is appropriate to dedicate time to cheshbon hanefesh (“soul accounting”), taking stock of our activities, thoughts and conversations of the past year. Where have we improved and where do we still need to improve? Think honestly and deeply, and you’ll have a running start when Rosh Hashanah comes around. ⬢
MTC HIGH HOLIDAY MINYAN SEPHARADE MTC is pleased to announce that we have engaged Rabbi Hillel Abergel as the rabbi of the Minyan Sepharade for the High Holidays and Sukkot. Rabbi Abergel, a gifted scholar and teacher, was born in France and currently lives in Jerusalem where he received his rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and earned a degree in family counseling. We are also pleased to welcome back Chazan Michael Edery.
To reserve your seat please contact the office. Email [email protected] or call
514.739.0770
MOSAIC EXPRESS 5
PARSHA INSIGHTS
By Mendel Kalmenson
THE PHILANTHROPIC PAUPER
Here's G-d on the topic of charity:
Be careful lest a reckless thought enter your heart saying, "The seventh year, the year of cancellation [of loans] is approaching," and you look begrudgingly at your destitute brother and do not give him…Rather you should give him repeatedly, and your heart should not feel bad when you give to him. For as a result, G-d, your G-d, will bless all your work and everything you do...—Deuteronomy 15:9-10.
To paraphrase: Even in tough times keep your hearts and pockets open for those who have less than you do.
This excerpt from G-d's public address to our ancestors seems to be reflected in a Jewish teaching recorded in the Code of Jewish Law, which stipulates that: "Everyone is obligated to give charity. Even people supported by charity must contribute from what they receive."
This law seems radical on the one hand, and absurd on the other.
Radical in that it demands of a man so poor as to need handouts himself, to provide assistance for others in need. The pauper is obligated to become a philanthropist even as he himself is the subject of philanthropy!
And absurd in that effectively this law obligates the wealthy to provide the poor with enough money not only to live, but to give! If the pauper donates some of the donations he receives, he's left with less and automatically needs more.
This instance is but one example of Judaism's profound departure from conventional moral thought.
Your typical code of ethics would not only exempt the poor man from giving charity, it would forbid him from doing so, due to the fact that his "generosity" comes at the expense of his benefactor, and additionally because depleting his finances any further solidifies his dependency on support.
Besides, since when does giving charity qualify as one of life's necessities; so why include that in the rich man's moral obligation towards the poor?
It's here that the Torah redefines the thing we call charity.
The kabbalists teach that before creating our world, G-d was looking to exercise and express His kindness. But you can't do charity with yourself; it's like taking money from
(Continued on page 6)
For boys & girls ages 3-5 • Wednesday September 18 • 4:00—5:00 pm RSVP at themtc.com/minichefs • for more info email [email protected]
6 MOSAIC EXPRESS
IS YOUR
CAR LEASE UP?
Do not return it so fast!!!! I’ll take care of your buy-back and put in your pocket.
Call Patrick Roche
514-961-5512
SQUEEZE HARD
by Tzvi Freeman
Carrying a burden of guilt and inadequacy, you’re not going to be too happy. And where did you pick up that load? From a delusion that you are meant to be perfect.
If you were meant to be perfect, your soul would have remained in its heavenly womb. But no, here you are on earth, a divine soul that has infiltrated across the boundary of worlds, compressed itself into a body of meat and blood, wrestling each day with the biochemistry of an upright animal, struggling to bring some light into a cold and dark world, to squeeze even a single moment of pure
DOSE OF INSPIRATION
My sister bet me a $1,000,000 that I couldn’t make a car out of spaghetti. You should have seen her face when I drove pasta.⬢
AND FINALLY...
one pocket and putting it in another.
So He created the world and its inhabitants in order to give, making us beneficiaries of the first known act of charity.
Apparently, then, man is a taker by birth.
Herein lays the novelty of the Biblical verse which tells that "G-d created us in His image."
As He is essentially a giver, so are we.
While the reason we were created was in order to take, the manner in which we were created – in his image – leaves us with an inherent need to give. It's part of our spiritual and moral make-up. It's necessary if we want to keep up our (divine) image.
The moment we stop giving part of us stops living.
Giving then is not a luxury but a necessity of life. This is not about what we do; it's about who we are; it's part of our definition.
Reaching out, then, is really reaching in.
Consequently, since giving charity means providing a poor man's needs, and giving
(Continued from page 5) charity so happens to be one of them, denying him that necessity of life is like denying him life itself.
How wrong it would be to let a pauper lose touch with his inner self, even if only for a short period of time; and how right it is, then, to include in his aid-package the wherewithal to give charity.
In Judaism giving is not just a hobby, repaying a debt to society, or even just the good or right thing to do; it is, rather, part of what makes us tick, like nutrition, energy, and oxygen.
In ways it's even more than those, for they contribute to the physical part of us that comes and goes, while the charity and good deeds we do give birth to the part of us that lives on forever in the memories of our beloved, contributing to the collective human legacy of giving.
So although sometimes we are forced to take in order to live, giving is life itself.⬢
goodness out of the beast - for even one altruistic moment in an entire lifetime makes it all worthwhile.
From your every small victory, the world is transformed. The heavenly angels glow in admiration, for this is a feat even the highest of them could never achieve. G-d Himself laughs and says, “See what my child has done with the world I have made! For this I brought the universe into being!”
Whatever good you’ve managed to squeeze out of your time on earth, discard your worries and cherish that. If the One who made you celebrates, so should you.⬢
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An oral history project dedicated to documenting the life of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. The story is one of thousands recorded in over 1,500 videotaped interviews conducted to date. While we have done our utmost to authenticate these stories, they reflect the listener’s recollection and interpretation of the Rebbe’s words.
An inspiring story for your Shabbos table
HERE’S my
STORY IF IT’S GOOD - DO IT!RABBI CHAIM SHNEUR NISENBAUM
Generouslysponsored
by the
Although I was raised in a traditional Jewish home, I did not become Torah observant until age sixteen. That was in 1968, when Rabbi Shmuel Azimov
came to France as the Rebbe’s emissary and began doing outreach work with the young Jews of Paris. I was one of those who learned chasidic teachings with him and was greatly influenced by him.
In 1972, Rabbi Azimov brought a group of us to New York to meet the Rebbe. All of us had just taken the Baccalauréat examinations to enter university, but we wanted to go to yeshivah instead because we had become Chabad chasidim by then. So Rabbi Azimov asked the Rebbe on our behalf what we should do.
I saw the Rebbe’s response. It contained two lists of names — those who should go into yeshivah and those who should enroll in university. Those who were to attend university were meant to do Jewish outreach on campus and to also learn in yeshivah part-time. I was in the latter group, and I pursued secular studies — in law and political science, as the Rebbe specified to me
— which eventually led to my working for the French government.
During that first visit to New York, each one of us saw the Rebbe in a private audience and was able to ask him our personal questions. These were submitted in advance — in a form of a note called a tzetel. I recall that when I was admitted into his study, the Rebbe had a pile of these notes on his desk, and he plucked mine from out of this pile. I have no idea how he immediately knew which one was the right one among so many, but he did not search for it — he just pulled it out.
And then he answered my every question — at length and in detail — speaking perfect French. At the time I was already doing Jewish outreach and speaking to groups, but I wasn’t sure if I should continue. I told the Rebbe, “I don’t know if I have enough ahavat Yisrael — love of my fellow Jews — to do this work. I find myself looking down at people, and I’m afraid of becoming arrogant. Maybe somebody else should take over.”
Mine was a very earnest dilemma, and I was trying to be perfectly honest. Indeed, I could not even imagine that I could conceal anything from the Rebbe. He answered me as follows: “You have to do all the things that are good.”
I understood this to mean that I shouldn’t ask questions; I should do what is good because that is what matters — not what I feel, but what I do.
He continued: “So when you see something good to do, do not hesitate. Do it … And you will be a living example for others.” The Rebbe wanted me to be active and to be a role model in this regard; he implied that these two things would enhance each other.
From that time, whenever somebody asks me to do something good, I feel I cannot refuse. It doesn’t matter whether it interests me or not. I cannot refuse to do
ערב שבת פרשת ראה, כ‘‘ט אב, תשע״טErev Shabbat Parshat Re’eh, August 30, 2019
Issue 346
something that is good because this is what the Rebbe told me to do.
And then he said, “Regarding loving your fellow Jew, you have to learn the booklet called Kuntres Ahavat Yisrael that has just been published. Study it two or three times, and you will see people in a completely different way.”
I did that. I read it three times, and the Rebbe was right — I came to see people entirely differently. Just meeting and talking with the Rebbe that first time totally changed the way I related to the world around me.
In the years that followed, I made it a point of coming to New York as often as I could — almost every year, sometimes twice a year. Once, I recall asking the Rebbe how to be more b’simchah — how to lead my life in a more joyful way. I told him that it was not in my character to be “happy go lucky” and it was especially hard since I was never satisfied with my accomplishments.
The Rebbe answered simply: “When you find yourself being unhappy, remind yourself that you are just a little creature to whom the Creator gave the ability and the privilege to connect to him via the mitzvot of the Torah.”
Until today, whenever I am not happy, I think about the Rebbe’s words and that changes my attitude.
On another occasion, after I was already married, I came specifically to see the Rebbe to discuss my livelihood. I had been offered a better job — an administrative position in the French government — and I asked the Rebbe if it would be wise to take it.
The Rebbe answered me in a surprising way. “It’s not a bad idea for you to change jobs,” he said, “but you have to be careful with keeping Shabbat — especially Shabbat eve.”
I was puzzled by this because I had been keeping Shabbat for quite a while, and it was not something I was going to stop doing.
But little did I know that I was about to be tested.
My superior in the government was an antisemite who wanted to force me to stay late in my office on Friday in the winter when the days are short and Shabbat begins early. When I told him I needed to leave, he said, “Absolutely not, you are not allowed.”
So I went back to my office and decided to sneak out anyway. But he anticipated this and was standing by my door when I tried to leave. I did not know what to do. I was newly married, and I needed this job. But what
options did I have? So I just took my things and left. When this man saw me leaving, he could not believe I had the nerve to disobey him. He began to shout, “Why are you going?” to which I answered, “I told you I cannot stay, it is not negotiable.”
He threatened me with repercussions, but on Monday, when I expected to be fired, I was instead called in by the director who said, “From now on, you will have no problems and you can have Friday afternoons off.”
Where this came from, I don’t know. All I can say is that the Rebbe anticipated it and his blessing saw me through.
From that day forward, with all the different positions I’ve held, I never had any difficulty leaving early on Fridays when I needed to. And I have worked in government ever since.______________For many years, Rabbi Chaim Shneur Nisenbaum has worked for the French government as chargé de mission. He is a writer who translates, among other things, the videos of the Rebbe to French and has served as the spiritual leader of the Beis Chaya Mushka Shul in Paris. He was interviewed in June of 2015.
Generously printed by
continued from reverse
You can help us record more testimonies by dedicating future editions of Here’s My Story
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ואתה תצוה… להעלות נר תמיד
This week in….
לע“נ ר‘ ישראל יעקב וזוגתו מרת קריינא ע“ה לאקשיןע“י בניהם ר‘ נחמן ור‘ אברהם ומשפחתם שיחיו
> 5723 — 1963, in a letter to Shalom Levin, who had just become president of the International Federation of Teachers’ Associations, the Rebbe pointed out that while elementary schools, in general, are relatively successful in equipping their students with knowledge and interpersonal skills, they fall short in one critical area: teaching how to contend with and control one’s instincts and desires. The only true solution for this challenge is to teach a child, from a young age, belief in the Creator. After acknowledging that it might seem peculiar that he is addressing this suggestion to a socialist, the Rebbe concluded that “the present situation is different than when socialism sprouted up. And even back then, the assumption that socialism was at odds with religion was without merit.” 1 2 Elul
1. Igrot Kodesh vol. 22 page 494
In honor of Rabbi Levi and Chanie Wolff of Sydney, Australia
By the Mael Family
MOSAIC EXPRESS 9
CHABBAT PARCHAT EKEV SAMEDI 24 AOÛT 2019 23 MENA’HEM AV 5779
LA SIDRA DE LA SEMAINE
REÉH
Moché prévient les Enfants d’Israël de la bénédiction qu’ils recevront s’ils vont dans le chemin de D.ieu et de la malédiction, dans le cas inverse.
Puis il leur adresse le commandement d’ériger le Temple et d’y offrir des sacrifices.
Il indique les punitions qu’encourront les faux prophètes et les pratiques idolâtres.
Les signes pour identifier les animaux et les poissons Cachers sont rappelés ainsi que la liste des oiseaux Cachers.
Suivent la Mitsva du prélèvement de la dîme et du premier-né animal, celle de la charité, de l’année chabbatique.
La Paracha s’achève sur l’évocation des pèlerinages à Jérusalem qui doivent avoir lieu à Pessa’h, Chavouot et Souccot.
Ce qui nous interpelle d’emblée, à propos de la Paracha Reéh, est son nom qui signifie : « vois … » Comme cela est apparu dans les deux Parachiot précédentes, Moché demanda à D.ieu de laisser le Peuple juif percevoir la Divinité comme lui-même en était capable, avec cette même clarté, associée au sens de la vue. Mais D.ieu n’accéda pas à sa requête. La génération de la conquête de la Terre Sainte (et toutes les
générations futures jusqu’à la Rédemption ultime) ne serait capable de ne percevoir la Divinité qu’indirectement, grâce au sens de l’ouïe.
Comment se fait-il donc que Moché entame la Paracha suivante par son adresse au peuple qui commence par « vois » ?
La raison pour laquelle D.ieu refusa la demande de Moché, mais maintint plutôt le peuple au niveau d’une perception transmise par l’ouïe, tient aux avantages qu’il y a au fait d’entendre sur celui de voir.
Quand une personne doit établir et préserver la conscience Divine, en se battant contre « la loi » du monde matériel, sa perception s’en trouve infiniment plus profonde qu’elle ne l’aurait été si elle avait été basée sur une révélation directe mais extérieure (par le don Divin de la vue).
Étant donné que le dessein de la création est d’imprégner toutes les strates de la réalité, il est clair que ce but ne peut être atteint que si notre conscience Divine commande toutes nos autres facultés mentales et émotionnelles. Cela ne peut bien évidemment se produire que si nous raffinons ces facultés et les détournons de leur perspective matérialiste initiale.
En revanche, à un niveau subtil et subliminal, D.ieu accepta malgré tout la requête de
Moché. Nous possédons tous la conviction absolue de « voir » la Divinité, enfouie profondément dans notre psychisme.
Et c’est grâce à cela que nous pouvons surmonter les appels du matérialisme qui menacent de nous désorienter.
Mais outre tout cela, le fait d’avoir « entendu », avec succès, la Divinité, de méditer et de contempler la réalité Divine suffisamment profondément pour nous affecter et nous raffiner, a pour conséquence de permettre à cette « vue » subliminale de faire surface.
Notre perception brouillée de la réalité est éclaircie par nos efforts laborieux si bien que notre esprit et notre cœur renvoient cette lumière Divine. Nous « voyons » la Divinité avec la même clarté que la génération du désert qui vécut une révélation Divine directe.
Mais notre avantage tient au fait que cette « vue » s’est ancrée suite à notre travail personnel méthodique pour nous améliorer. C’est pourquoi, après nous avoir enjoints d’« écouter », Moché nous demande ici de « voir».
Reéh comporte une très grande variété de sujets. Moché y commence sa répétition des
(Continued on page 11)
VIVRE AVEC LA PARACHA
10 MOSAIC EXPRESS
Certains opposants du Baal Chem Tov décidèrent de mettre un terme une fois pour toutes à ses activités et à la diffusion de ses enseignements ‘hassidiques. Pour cela, ils n’hésitèrent pas à prendre des mesures drastiques : 250 Rabbanim se réuniraient dans un endroit tenu secret et prononceraient un ‘Hérem, l’excommunication (une mesure d’une extrême gravité au regard de la loi juive). Chacun d’entre eux jura de ne révéler à personne ni le lieu, ni la date ni l’objet de cette réunion. Le jour-dit, deux cent cinquante participants arrivèrent discrètement, annoncèrent le mot de passe convenu et se faufilèrent dans la salle.
Alors que la réunion allait commencer, un des gardes annonça : « Messieurs les honorables rabbins ! J’ai le regret de vous prévenir qu’il est arrivé une terrible erreur : Vous n’étiez supposés être que 250, or il y a ici 251 personnes qui ont bien donné le mot de passe correct ! Quelqu’un parmi vous n’a pas été invité ! ».
Abasourdis, les participants se regardèrent mutuellement en se demandant qui était l’intrus. De plus, puisque chacun avait juré de garder le secret, comment l’intrus avait-il eu connaissance de la réunion ?
Visiblement choqué, l’un des organisateurs se leva et frappa du poing sur la table : « Avec la puissance de la Torah, le Beth Din (tribunal rabbinique) exige que l’intrus se fasse connaitre et nous révèle la raison de sa présence ! ».
Un silence glacial suivit cette annonce mais un homme déterminé s’avança : « Je m’appelle Israël ben Éliézer. Je suis celui que vous
cherchez à excommunier. Cependant, vous devez savoir que la manière dont vous agissez est contraire à la Torah ! ».
Le bref soulagement qui avait suivi ses premières paroles fit place à de la curiosité et la tension montait. Il poursuivit :
« La Torah affirme que nul n’a le droit de juger son prochain en son absence ! Elle exige aussi que les juges se livrent à une enquête approfondie, interrogent des témoins, s’assurent de la véracité des faits reprochés et demandent à l’accusé de s’expliquer. Or vous êtes ici 250 Rabbanim prêts à me juger avec la plus extrême sévérité en mon absence et sans avoir vérifié les allégations de mes accusateurs ! ».
Qui peut décrire la gêne et l’embarras des Rabbanim ? Le Baal Chem Tov avait clairement raison ! L’un d’entre eux prit la parole :
- Comment avez-vous su que nous étions réunis à votre propos ? Lequel d’entre nous a brisé le secret ?
- Aucun d’entre vous ne m’a rien révélé ! répliqua le Baal Chem Tov. Votre projet m’a été révélé du Ciel afin que je puisse venir en personne et empêcher des Rabbanim aussi distingués que vous de transgresser une loi de la Torah. De plus, vous devez savoir que vous êtes en fait les Guilgoulim (réincarnations) des 250 chefs de tribu qui ont rejoint les rangs de Kora’h quand celui-ci s’est révolté dans le désert contre la direction de Moché (Moïse). Si je ne vous arrête pas avant que vous ne concrétisiez votre sinistre projet, le résultat risque d’être aussi terrible que le sort qui a frappé Kora’h et ses acolytes !
En entendant ces paroles, tous les Rabbanim tremblèrent et, honteux d’avoir été ainsi démasqués, annulèrent bien vite la réunion. Ils avaient compris que tout ceci n’était pas à traiter à la légère et que le fondateur du mouvement ‘hassidique était vraiment un homme saint.
Impressionné, un des Rabbanim présents, Rav Eliézer Chlomo Shick s’approcha respectueusement du Baal Chem Tov :
- Je vois que vous êtes un homme exceptionnel, un homme proche de D.ieu. Je voudrais vous demander votre appréciation à propos d’un livre que j’ai écrit, un commentaire du Cantique des Cantiques que je suis sur le point de faire relier…
Le Baal Chem Tov prit le livre, le feuilleta quelques secondes puis déclara :
- Votre commentaire est excellent ! Vous avez expliqué tous les versets sauf celui qui évoque Arougat Habossem (« Parterre du Parfum »)…
L’auteur du livre était doublement stupéfait : Comment le Baal Chem Tov pouvait-il prétendre avoir lu la centaine de pages en moins d’une minute ? De plus, il était certain d’avoir fourni une explication de ces mots ! Il protesta et le Baal Chem Tov lui demanda alors de le lui montrer : il reprit le livre, trouva la page précédente et la suivante mais, à son grand étonnement, son explication manquait ! Certainement l’imprimeur l’avait oubliée ! Oui, il n’avait plus de doute, le Baal Chem Tov était bien doué de pouvoirs surnaturels.
Inutile de préciser que l’auteur d’Arougat Habossem devint un fervent partisan du mouvement ‘hassidique naissant.⬢
Rav Sholom DovBer Avtzon Traduit par Feiga Lubecki
LE RECIT DE LA SEMAINE
MOSAIC EXPRESS 11
A partir du 1er jour de Roch ‘Hodech Elloul (cette année Chabbat 31 août 2019) on ajoute après la prière du matin et de l’après-midi le Psaume 27, et ce jusqu’à Hochana Rabba (cette année dimanche 20 octobre 2019) inclus.
Le Baal Chem Tov a instauré la coutume de dire chaque jour du mois d’Elloul – cette année, à partir du dimanche 1er septembre 2019 – 3 Tehilim (Psaumes), et ce jusqu’à la veille de Kippour. Puis le jour de Kippour, on en dit 9 avant la prière de « Kol Nidré », 9 avant de dormir, 9 après la prière de « Moussaf » et 9 à la fin de Kippour, de façon à terminer les 150 Psaumes.
A partir du second jour de Roch ‘Hodech Elloul (cette année dimanche 1er septembre 2019), on sonne chaque jour du Choffar,
LE COIN DE LA HALACHA
excepté Chabbat et la veille de Roch Hachana.
Dans un discours ‘hassidique, Rabbi Chnéour Zalman de Lyadi explique que, durant tout le mois d’Elloul, « le Roi est dans les champs », c’est-à-dire que D.ieu est encore plus proche de chacun d’entre nous, accueille chacun avec un visage bienveillant et nous pouvons tout Lui demander. C’est pourquoi il est plus facile d’opérer un retour sincère à D.ieu en augmentant les dons à la Tsedaka (charité) et la ferveur dans la prière.
On a l’habitude de faire vérifier par un Sofer (scribe) expérimenté les Mezouzot et les Téfilines.
On écrit à ses amis et connaissances pour leur souhaiter d’être inscrits et scellés pour une bonne et douce année.⬢
QUELLES SONT LES COUTUMES DU MOIS D’ELLOUL ?
LA PLACE DES PORTES
A propos du verset « ses portes s’enfoncèrent dans la terre » (Lamentations 2 : 9), les Sages enseignent (Midrach Ei’ha Rabba sur ce verset) que les portes s’enfoncèrent et furent ainsi cachées. Ainsi, quand Machia’h viendra et que le troisième Temple « descendra du ciel », les portes réapparaîtront et seront remises à leur place. L’idée est surprenante : comme le Temple lui-même descendra du ciel, des portes auraient pu déjà s’y trouver ?
Mais, comme l’enseigne le Talmud (Baba Métsia 53b), « L’homme préfère un ‘Kav’ en propre (de son travail) plutôt que neuf ‘Kav’ appartenant à son prochain ». Aussi, dans Sa grande bonté, D.ieu laisse à l’homme une part dans l’œuvre d’édification du troisième Temple : les portes qu’il aura à mettre en place.⬢
ETINCELLES DE MACHIAH
questions législatives évoquées dans les trois précédents livres de la Torah, couvrant les lois des sacrifices, de l’idolâtrie, de la cacherout, de la charité, de l’année chabbatique, de l’esclavage et des fêtes. C’est ainsi que l’objet de cette Paracha évolue des tenants de base du Judaïsme, comme ils sont discutés dans les premières parties du livre de Devarim (Deutéronome) jusqu’aux devoirs
(Continuer de la page 9) spécifiques de Juif. Ce sujet restera d’ailleurs celui des trois Parachiot suivantes.
A la lumière de ce qui précède, l’on comprend que la brève introduction de Moché, déclarant qu’en effet l’on peut parvenir à une perception visuelle de la Divinité, constitue la transition qui réunit les trois premières Parachiot de Devarim et les quatre suivantes, qui mettent l’accent sur l’aspect législatif.
Il nous a été promis que nous pouvons en fin de compte recevoir le don d’une perception directe de D.ieu et d’une relation directe avec Lui. Il nous est alors enjoint de répondre avec des efforts continus et renouvelés pour raffiner et élever le monde (par le respect des lois citées) jusqu’à ce que lui aussi soit capable d’être un réceptacle pour la Divinité, directement, « et la gloire de D.ieu se révélera et toute chair la contemplera. »⬢
12 MOSAIC EXPRESS
Il est revenu le temps du retour… Mais de quel « retour » s’agit-il au fait ? Si c’est celui, saisonnier, de la rentrée, l’époque où, tous congés épuisés, chacun reprend son rythme d’activité régulier, on peut le constater avec assurance : ce retour-là est bien achevé. Et la période des vacances va se ranger peu à peu, immanquablement, parmi les souvenirs. Cependant, le calendrier juif a de ces secrets : voici que, justement à présent, il nous ouvre la porte d’un « retour » d’une autre sorte. C’est du mois d’Elloul, le dernier de l’année juive, qu’il s’agit. Certes, il n’est pas encore parmi nous. Cependant il s’approche si rapidement que sa lumière particulière doit nous éclairer déjà, car c’est de retour à Dieu – et, d’une certaine façon, à soi – qu’il est question. Ce sont bien deux retours mais presque aux antipodes l’un de l’autre. Quand le premier évoque le tumulte du monde et le tourbillon des soucis du quotidien, le second donne à celui qui le désire une respiration d’éternité. Il n’invite pas à fuir ou à ignorer le monde mais à lui donner sens.
Il existe une interrogation traditionnelle : le mois d’Elloul aurait dû être un mois de fête, littéralement. En d’autres termes, il aurait dû être constitué de jours prescrits comme interdits de tout travail par la Loi juive à l’instar de tous les temps forts de célébration du judaïsme. La raison en est claire : ce dernier mois de l’année est celui où l’aspiration au spirituel se fait plus intense pour chacun, comme neuve. Il est celui où ce
que les textes kabbalistiques dénomment les Treize Attributs de la Miséricorde Divine éclairent avec puissance toute la création. D.ieu y est, pour ainsi dire, plus proche de nous et Il y attend que nous allions à Lui, prêt à nous accueillir avec bienveillance. Tout cela est essentiel : c’est la préparation des jours hors du commun de Roch Hachana et Yom Kippour qui est en jeu. Cette préparation réclame, à n’en pas douter, temps et effort. Un mois de lien privilégié avec D.ieu n’aurait sans doute pas été de trop… Pourtant, la Loi juive fixe le mois d’Elloul comme une période apparemment habituelle. Décidément, le monde, son activité, avec tous ses soucis et ses espoirs, y ont leur pleine place.
C’est ici que se tient le secret du « retour ». Dans ces quelques semaines essentielles qui nous séparent encore du début de la nouvelle année, où tout est ouvert et tout est possible, continuer l’œuvre, non en se renfermant en soi-même et en se cantonnant à un spirituel désincarné mais en vivant ce nouveau temps parmi les hommes et au cœur de la vie. Etre dans le monde et penser à ce qui le dépasse. Y travailler tout en le spiritualisant par notre présence consciente quotidienne. Un chemin nous est ici indiqué : celui de notre propre dépassement et de notre propre spiritualisation. Comme une décision de vivre pleinement. Pour une année bonne et douce.⬢
ET SI L’ON PARLAIT DE « RETOUR » ?
EDITORIAL
MINYAN SÉPHARADE DU MTC POUR LES GRANDES FÊTES
MTC est heureux d'annoncer que nous avons engagé le rabbin Hillel Abergel en tant que rabbin du Minyan Sépharade pour les GRANDES FÊTES et pour Soukkot. Rabbi Abergel, à la fois érudit et excellent enseignant, est né en France et vit actuellement à Jérusalem, où il a reçu son ordination rabbinique du grand rabbinate d'Israël, et obtenu un diplôme en services de conseil familial. Nous avons également le plaisir de souhaiter de nouveau la bienvenue au Hazan Michael Edery. Pour réserver vos places, veuillez contacter le bureau. Envoyez un courriel à [email protected] ou appelez le 514.739.0770
