One of the many themes in this week's parsha of Beha'alotecha is the commandment given to Moses to fashion silver trumpets. One of the functions of the trumpets was to announce that is was time to travel. Rashi states that the journeying of the children of Israel depended on three things: G-d, Moses and the trumpets. The Midrash clarifies the role of these three. G-d, by positioning the special Cloud into a pil- lar above the tribe of Judah, indicated that they were to prepare to travel. Moses then would tell the Jews in the evening to prepare for their journey the next morning. And finally when they heard the sounding of the trumpets they started to travel. What is the significance of these three influences in the journeying of the Jewish people in the desert and how can it be applied to our own journey through life? On one level, our life's journey is mapped out by G-d. The Psalmist declares: "Man's footsteps are determined by G-d." Wherever we go and wherever we end up in life is part of G-d's Divine Providence. There is a well-known story of a famous rabbi who was greeted by a powerful nobleman as he was walking down the street. "Where are you going," the nobleman asked the rabbi. "I have no idea," was the rabbi's curt reply. The nobleman was enraged at the rabbi's evasive answer and had him thrown into prison. However, the nobleman was curious to know why the rabbi refused to divulge where he was going and decided to visit him in prison. "Why didn't you tell me where you were going?" the nobleman asked the rabbi. To which the rabbi replied, "If you would have asked me where I was planning to go, I could have told you. But, when you asked me where, in fact, I was going, I truly had no idea. Did I anticipate that I would end up in jail?" Lest one should think that since G-d determines where we end up, there is no need to seek guidance as to where we should go, the Torah informs us otherwise. We must consult Moses, or the Moses and spiritual leader of each generation, where to go. More precisely, the spiritual guides are there to prepare us for our journey, telling us when and how we should travel. And finally, there are times when the Moses of the generation asks the Kohanim, or his emissaries, to sound the trumpets to inspire them to take the first step in the right direction. In other words, we should realize that our lives are in G-d's hands, and that ultimately, G-d guides our footsteps. Moreover, we must realize that we depend on our spiritual mentors for specific guidance and that we must become the trumpeters that bring their message to the entire world community. From the day we received the Torah at Mount Sinai, over 3,300 years ago, G-d has told us in general terms where we are to go. Our destination is the Land of Israel, where we would implement all of G-d's teachings in our lives. Had we, as a nation, heeded G-d's commands as we made Israel our home, that would have been the final destination; the Messianic Age. But, alas, we were compelled to make that trip to Israel following a circuitous route. First we would go to Babylonia and Persia , as a prelude to our return to the Land of Israel to build the second Temple. And yet again, had we as a nation learned our lesson, the second Temple era could have evolved into the age of utopia. But alas, that was not to be. We were forced to pack our proverbial bags and wan- der through the Diaspora for close to two-thousand years. But we know that our destination has not changed. Our journey in exile is intended to get us to return to the Land of Israel not just in the phys- ical sense, but in the spiritual sense as well. This means that we are to realize what the Land of Israel represents. First, we must recognize that the Land of Israel is G-d's special gift to the Jewish people. It is not ours to give away. Going to Israel for the purpose of giving it away to others is not why we traveled this long arduous journey through history. But Israel is not just a geographic experience. It is also a mindset. A mindset that encourages us to conform to G-d's will. Indeed, the phrase " Land of Israel" can be translated as "the land that express- es its desire to follow G-d's will." We must also recognize that the end of our journey is the complete Redemption of the Jewish people and peace for the entire world. These are the general directions that G-d has set up for us through- out history. G-d has also sent us sensitive spiritual leaders who pick up these signals and tell us what they mean. Throughout the past century the greatest Jewish spiritual leaders have told us that we are living in the Biblically predicted "end days" that are characterized by the Talmud as the "Heels of Moshiach." In the last few decades the tempo has increased with the Lubavitcher Rebbe's declaration that the "time of the Redemption has arrived," meaning that we are in the most fitting time for us to end our journey. But these leaders also tell us how we are to prepare for the last leg of the journey. They sound the "trumpets" to awaken us from our exile-induced reverie. Some of the historical clarion calls heard a lit- tle over a decade ago by the Rebbe include: “Learn Torah,” specifically the teachings of the Torah concerning Moshiach; "Open our eyes" to see the new reality in the world around us and "Prepare ourselves to welcome Moshiach." We pre- pare for Moshiach by doing more acts of goodness and kindness, and more specifically by a more meticulous devotion to all the obli- gations we have as Jews. G-d, Moses and the Trumpets A man is not near so thirsty when in a populated area as he is when in a dry desert. It is likewise in the time of exile, when G-d's presence is obscured, and when materiality is at its coarsest, that a man longs most intensely to serve his Creator. As David HaMelech writes, "My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a parched and weary land without water." Sefer HaMaamarim 5700 [1940], p. 11 Moshiach - It’s a Jewish issue. For more info, visit www.moshiach.com Moshiach Matters... TORAH FAX CHABAD WEEKLY BULLETIN
Transcript
One of the many themes in this week's parsha of Beha'alotecha is the
commandment given to Moses to fashion silver trumpets. One of the
functions of the trumpets was to announce that is was time to travel.
Rashi states that the journeying of the children of Israel depended on
three things: G-d, Moses and the trumpets. The Midrash clarifies the
role of these three. G-d, by positioning the special Cloud into a pil-
lar above the tribe of Judah, indicated that they were to prepare to
travel. Moses then would tell the Jews in the evening to prepare for
their journey the next morning. And finally when they heard the
sounding of the trumpets they started to travel.
What is the significance of these three influences in the journeying
of the Jewish people in the desert and how can it be applied to our
own journey through life?
On one level, our life's journey is mapped out by G-d. The Psalmist
declares: "Man's footsteps are determined by G-d." Wherever we go
and wherever we end up in life is part of G-d's Divine Providence.
There is a well-known story of a famous rabbi who was greeted by
a powerful nobleman as he was walking down the street. "Where are
you going," the nobleman asked the rabbi. "I have no idea," was the
rabbi's curt reply. The nobleman was enraged at the rabbi's evasive
answer and had him thrown into prison. However, the nobleman was
curious to know why the rabbi refused to divulge where he was
going and decided to visit him in prison. "Why didn't you tell me
where you were going?" the nobleman asked the rabbi. To which the
rabbi replied, "If you would have asked me where I was planning to
go, I could have told you. But, when you asked me where, in fact, I
was going, I truly had no idea. Did I anticipate that I would end up
in jail?"
Lest one should think that since G-d determines where we end up,
there is no need to seek guidance as to where we should go, the
Torah informs us otherwise. We must consult Moses, or the Moses
and spiritual leader of each generation, where to go. More precisely,
the spiritual guides are there to prepare us for our journey, telling us
when and how we should travel.
And finally, there are times when the Moses of the generation asks
the Kohanim, or his emissaries, to sound the trumpets to inspire
them to take the first step in the right direction.
In other words, we should realize that our lives are in G-d's hands,
and that ultimately, G-d guides our footsteps. Moreover, we must
realize that we depend on our spiritual mentors for specific guidance
and that we must become the trumpeters that bring their message to
the entire world community.
From the day we received the Torah at Mount Sinai, over 3,300
years ago, G-d has told us in general terms where we are to go. Our
destination is the Land of Israel, where we would implement all of
G-d's teachings in our lives.
Had we, as a nation, heeded G-d's commands as we made Israel our
home, that would have been the final destination; the Messianic Age.
But, alas, we were compelled to make that trip to Israel following a
circuitous route. First we would go to Babylonia and Persia , as a
prelude to our return to the Land of Israel to build the second
Temple.
And yet again, had we as a nation learned our lesson, the second
Temple era could have evolved into the age of utopia. But alas, that
was not to be. We were forced to pack our proverbial bags and wan-
der through the Diaspora for close to two-thousand years. But we
know that our destination has not changed. Our journey in exile is
intended to get us to return to the Land of Israel not just in the phys-
ical sense, but in the spiritual sense as well. This means that we are
to realize what the Land of Israel represents.
First, we must recognize that the Land of Israel is G-d's special gift
to the Jewish people. It is not ours to give away. Going to Israel for
the purpose of giving it away to others is not why we traveled this
long arduous journey through history.
But Israel is not just a geographic experience. It is also a mindset. A
mindset that encourages us to conform to G-d's will. Indeed, the
phrase " Land of Israel" can be translated as "the land that express-
es its desire to follow G-d's will."
We must also recognize that the end of our journey is the complete
Redemption of the Jewish people and peace for the entire world.
These are the general directions that G-d has set up for us through-
out history. G-d has also sent us sensitive spiritual leaders who pick
up these signals and tell us what they mean. Throughout the past
century the greatest Jewish spiritual leaders have told us that we are
living in the Biblically predicted "end days" that are characterized
by the Talmud as the "Heels of Moshiach." In the last few decades
the tempo has increased with the Lubavitcher Rebbe's declaration
that the "time of the Redemption has arrived," meaning that we are
in the most fitting time for us to end our journey.
But these leaders also tell us how we are to prepare for the last leg
of the journey. They sound the "trumpets" to awaken us from our
exile-induced reverie. Some of the historical clarion calls heard a lit-
tle over a decade ago by the Rebbe include:
“Learn Torah,” specifically the teachings of the Torah concerningMoshiach; "Open our eyes" to see the new reality in the worldaround us and "Prepare ourselves to welcome Moshiach." We pre-pare for Moshiach by doing more acts of goodness and kindness,and more specifically by a more meticulous devotion to all the obli-gations we have as Jews.
G-d, Moses and the Trumpets
A man is not near so thirsty when in a populated area as he is when in a dry desert. It is likewise in the time of exile, when G-d's
presence is obscured, and when materiality is at its coarsest, that a man longs most intensely to serve his Creator. As David
HaMelech writes, "My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a parched and weary land without water."
Sefer HaMaamarim 5700 [1940], p. 11Moshiach - It’s a Jewish issue. For more info, visit www.moshiach.com
Moshiach Matters...
TORAH FAX CHABAD WEEKLY BULLETIN
KIDDUSH SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Sponsoring a Kiddush is a great way to share youSimchah or special family event with the community!
Kiddushim can be sponsored to celebrate a birthday,graduation or to commemorate the Yahrzeit of a lovedone. Kiddush sponsors are encouraged to share some
words of Torah at their Kiddush. Kiddushim cost $300,$400 or $500.
To sponsor a kiddush, please email Rabbi Fried [email protected], or call at 212-864-5010 x 14.
Kiddush Schedule:
Shabbat BeHa’alotecha - June 2 ................................
Kiddush is sponsored by Abe & Emmi Goldstein in
honor of the first Yahrzeit of his mother, Perel Bas
Yaakov, 17 Sivan
Shabbat Shelach- June 9 ............................................
Kiddush is sponsored by Menachem and Jordana Ross
in honor of the birth of their daughter, Beriah Aliza.
Mazel Tov also upon the birth of thier son.
Shabbat Korach - June 16 ..........................................
Kiddush is available
Shabbat Chukat - June 23 ..........................................
Kiddush is available
Important dates on the Chabad calendar
Friday, June 1, 15 Sivan - The Sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe,
Rabbi Yosef Y. Schneersohn was arrested in 1927 for
leading the underground network of rabbis, teachers and
emissaries working to preserve and disseminate Jewish
learning and observance throughout the Soviet Empire. he
would ultimately be released weeks later on the 12th of
Tammuz.
From the Previous Rebbe’s diary: Tuesday night, the 14th
of Sivan, 5687 (June 14, 1927). It was already twelve
o'clock at night, shortly after I had concluded receiving
people for private audiences. It was my custom to receive
people for these audiences three times a week -- Sunday,
Tuesday and Thursday. The meetings were scheduled for
the hours of seven until ten at night, but usually extended
for an hour or two more, particularly during the summer
months, due to the many visitors. This particular night
these sessions extended until half past eleven.
Thus weary, I washed my hands in the traditional manner
for the evening meal with the members of my household a
few moments after twelve oclock. About twenty minutes
had passed when the doorbell rang forcefully. The door
was opened, and two men burst into the dining room
shouting: "We are representatives of the G.P.U. Who is
Schneersohn? And where is he?" As they spoke, a contin-
gent of armed men entered after them and stood in a line
awaiting their commands.
I answered calmly and clearly: "I do not know which
Schneersohn you seek. If you enter into someone's home,
surely you know in advance who dwells there, and this
drama is pointless. Deliver your message and clearly state
your wishes. The building superintendent, who knows the
identity of all the people in this house, is here with you.
What need is there for this clamor and disruption?"
"I am not shouting," said the spokesman, "This is my nor-
mal manner of speech. It seems that you are not familiar
with the methods of G.P.U. representatives. Show us
through your apartment so that we can place an appropri-
ate legal guard, and as master of the household, come with
us to observe the search."
"True," I replied. "I am not fully aware of your methods,
Light Refreshments ~ Great Company ~ Rain or Shine ~
Join us for the final event of the year!
CHABAD ELC
Shavuot Recap Moms and Morahs of Pre Nursery 97 got together right at school for an evening of socializing and cheesecake baking. Thanks to all the participants who joined and made the evening as lovely as it was.
Rabbi Kugel, together with Morah Suri, treated some moms to a well-rounded afternoon of Shavuot preps. After learning what the holiday is really all about, the group whipped up a few delicious cheesecakes to share with their families on the Chag.
The children were all so excited to see their familiar mountain characters feature in the Shavuot puppet show we enjoyed before the holiday.
After the show, Mr. Horowitz played lots of fun and familiar songs on his guitar. The children were all up on their feet singing and dancing to the beat and having an all-around wonderful time.
Shavuot commemorates the day Hashem gave the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. Each year we celebrate this momentous occasion by hearing the Torah read in shul. One of the Rabbis brought a real Torah into the classrooms for the children to touch and kiss. Then, the Torah was opened so the children could see the Aleph Bet letters inside.
Shavuot Preps
Puppet Show
Puppet Show
Shavuot Preps
Rabbi Kugel and PN97
PN97 Cheesecake Baking
CHABAD ELC
Dinner Volunteers Your help is needed for the setup of our Gala Dinner table centerpieces on Monday, June 4.
If you are available during the day and can help us out, please
contact Debbie Rudt for more information at 212-501-8834 or [email protected].
Planning a Birthday Party? Check out the great selection and prices of all things “birthday” at OrientalTrading.com! And if you enter from the Boxtops Marketplace, 2.5% of the money you spend will be directed towards Chabad ELC.
While you’re at it, review the list of vendors and you’ll be surprised by how many of your favorite online shopping destinations offer to donate a
percentage of your purchase to your favorite school.
Become a member today! It takes less than a minute to register at:
https://www.boxtops4education.com/login.aspx
Good News from Huggies! When you buy your Swimmers or other Huggies products, keep an eye out
for the Boxtop. All Huggies products will now have Boxtops.
Remember - we’ll be collecting Boxtops all summer long!
Mazal Tov!
Morah Yael (Pre-K) and Ilan Meyers upon giving birth to a baby boy. Best wishes to the entire family!
Morah Fraida (T2) and Zecharia Steinmetz upon the engagement of their son Yitzchok to Chana Jacobson. Best wishes to the Steinmetz and Jacobson families!
Pre–K Graduation Ceremony
Monday, June 11, 2007 1:00 pm
Young Israel of the West Side
210 West 91st Street
Judaica Shopping?
When shopping at West Side Judaica (2412 Broadway) tell them you’re a CELC parent and 10% of your purchase will be sent directly to our school!
Mabel’s Labels offers a wide selection of stick-ons, iron-ons, allergy alerts and even shoe labels. Mabel’s Labels are tough, cute and easy to use. You can personalize labels with names, initials and even fun icons for non-readers. The labels are
dishwasher, microwave, laundry & kid tested.
Don’t Lose It! Summer Camp Season is Almost Here!
Hang on to all your great stuff this summer. With Mabel’s Labels stick-ons, your children will come home with their sports equipment, towels, swim bags and even their water shoes!
Support the PA while getting your family organized! Ensure that 15-20% of your order goes directly to the PA by logging on to:
www.chabadelc.mabel.ca
If you have any questions or would like more information about this program, please contact Chaviva Kaplan (Einav, PN1) at 212-724-3430.
The Nursery classes have been learning about their five senses so Felix played the violin for
everyone to hear and enjoy.
Shabbat Setup Help Can you pitch in and help us set up for the Oneg Shabbat? We are looking for volunteers.
If you are available, please let us know by calling Sarah at (212) 799-3099.
