Motzei ShabbosErev Shabbos

8:157:14

Gut Shabbos

IMPORTANT PESACH MESSAGESPages 2, 5, 9, 11

Baruch Dayan Hoemes • R. Mordechai HaKohen Rivkin OBM

כאן צוה ה’ את הברכה

Beis Din of Crown Heights390A Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Tel- 718~604~8000 Fax: 718~771~6000Rabbi A. Osdoba: ❖ Monday to Thursday 10:30AM - 11:30AM at 390A Kingston Ave. ☎Tel. 718-604-8000 ext.39 or 718-604-0770 Sunday-Thursday 9:30 PM-11:00PM ~Friday 2:30PM-4:30 PM ☎Tel. (718) - 771-8737

Rabbi Y. Heller is available daily 10:30 to 11:30am ~ 2:00pm to 3:00pm at 788 Eastern Parkway # 210 718~604~8827 ❖ & after 8:00pm 718~756~4632

Rabbi Y. Raitport is available by appointment. ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 Rabbi Y. Zirkind: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39Rabbi S. Segal: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 39 ❖ Sun ~Thu 5:30pm -9:00pm or ☎718 -360-7110

Rabbi S. Bluming is available Sunday--Thursday, 3-4 PM at 472 Malbone St. ☎718-778-1679

Rabbi Y. Osdoba ☎718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 10:0am -11:30am ~ Fri 10:am - 1:00 pm or ☎ 718 -604-0770 Rabbi S. Chirik: ☎ 718~604~8000 ext 38 ❖ Sun~Thu: 5:00pm to 9:00pm

YUD ALEF NISSAN BEIS NISSAN PAGE 13

ONIONS AND HONEY...COUGH SYRUP?

FIND OUT ON PAGE 14

1 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 11, 2008

CommunityNewspaper APRIL 11, 2008 | NISSAN 6, 5768 wEEkLY vOL. I | NO 23 פרשת מצורע | ו ניסן, תשס”ח | בס”ד

The community is bereft over the passing of HaRav HaChossid Mordechai Hakohen Rivkin OBM at the age of 91. HaRav HaChossid Mordechai Hakohen Rivkin was born in Russia and grew up under communist rule. In the Chabad underground, he worked alongside Reb Mendel Futerfas, OBM, raising money for the Yeshivos Tomchei Temimim. This earned him a sentence of death, but with Chasdei Hashem, he managed to flee the country in 5707, escaping to Paris. while in Paris, Reb Mordechai Rivkin merited seeing the Rebbe when the Rebbe came there to greet his mother upon her arrival from Russia. One of the gems that Reb Motel heard from the Rebbe at that time and recorded in writ-ing was from a Farbrengen with Chassidim. The Rebbe spoke to the Chassidim about the obligation to visit the Previous Rebbe in the United States. This obligation was also relevant for those Chassidim who had been

sent by the Previous Rebbe to settle outside the United States. The Rebbe said that they too “need to come and show the Rebbe to their children. Otherwise, the children will eventually complain why the (Previous) Rebbe was not shown to them.”Reb Mordechai was among the first Chas-sidim to arrive in New York from Paris. he merited many kiruvim from the Rebbe, including being the Cohen who received Mishloach Monos from the Rebbe on Purim as well as the “Arev kablan” when the Rebbe sold his chometz.He was a member of the Beis R ivkah administration for over 40 years as well as one of the gabboim in 770.

Reb Mordechai is survived by his wife, Dusya along with his sons and daughters, Mrs. Chana Gurevitch (Crown Heights), Rabbi Yehoshua Zelig Hakohen Rivkin (Shliach to New Orleans, LA), Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Hakohen Rivkin (Shliach to Carmiel, Israel), Mrs. Rochel Leah Brook (Crown Heights) and Mrs. Sima karp (Crown Heights).

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Shemtov

Page 4-5

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2 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 11, 2008

The Vaad Hakohol

By Rabbi Shlomo SegalMember of Crown Heights Bais Din

Question

w h a t a r e t h e special Halachos that one needs to follow when Erev Pesach falls out on Shabbos?

Answer

This year when Erev Pesach will be on Shabbos, there are many halachos that we have to do at different times or in a different format than in other years.

The fast of the first born or eldest son, “Tannis Bchorim”, is performed on Thursday, the 12th of Nissan and not on the 14th of Nissan, as usual. This is because we are not permitted to fast on Shabbos, and we also do not fast on Friday; therefore, it is scheduled for the 12th of Nissan. A first-born needs to participate in the conclusion of a tractate which enables him to eat and the Seudas Mitzva that follows on Thursday, the 12th of Nissan.

Bedikas Chometz - searching for chometz is performed on Thursday night at 8:06 (NY time) followed by the saying of “kol chamiro”, nullifying the chometz. One does not need to turn off the light prior to Bedikas Chometz because candle light is sufficient for searching in holes and cracks where the light does not reach. This is the reason that our sages have said that candlelight is good for the search. In areas where light usually reaches and shines, one can search for chometz with electric light.

Under the bed or in other places where there is a chance that candle light might cause a fire, G-d forbid, a person can use a flashlight. One also needs to search in his car, because this is a place where chometz is brought in. Since candle light could cause a fire, a person should use a flashlight.

On Friday, the 13th of Nissan, there is no need to daven Shacharis earlier in

order finish eating chometz because one may eat chometz all day.

Although one may eat chometz all day and may have chometz in the house, it is customary to burn the chometz before noon time on Friday in order to fulfill the obligation of burning the chometz which cannot be fulfilled on Shabbos.

we usually burn the chometz earlier than noon time (before the sixth hour) as stated in the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch (chapt. 432:12). Regarding a year such as this one (when Erev Pesach is on Shabbos), the Alter Rebbe writes (chapt. 444) that one needs to burn the chometz before noon time which is 12:55 PM. The reason for this, as explained by the poskim, is because this is a decree instituted in order that one should not mistakenly burn the chometz after the z’man (designated time). This refers to a typical Erev Pesach. The early scheduled time for burning the chometz every year is a decree; we do not issue another decree in addition to the first decree.

After the burning of the chometz, we do not recite the “kol chamiro” and do not nullify the chometz because we are still eating chometz, but we nullify the chometz on Shabbos before 11:45 (NY time).

The “Yehi Rotzon” that is recited after burning the chometz, is said on Friday after the burning of the chometz.

There are those who understood from the Shulchan Aruch and from the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch (chapt. 444:2) when he writes, “On Erev Shabbos one needs to burn all the chometz in his property and leave only two meals for Shabbos” that one should not eat any chometz until Shabbos. But the Minchas Elozor (vol. 1 chapt. 29) disagrees with this.

One needs to prepare everything required for the seder needs on Friday, because a person is not permitted to prepare for Yom Tov on Shabbos itself, and one needs to begin the seder immediately when it becomes night (after Shabbos), as cited in the Shulchan Aruch (chapt. 472). Therefore, one should prepare the salt water on Friday as well as roast the “zeroa”- the chicken neck, check the lettuce leaves that will be used for the maror, and do whatever is possible in preparing the table and dishes on Friday in order not to need to do so on Motzoei Shabbos.

The simple advice for the Shabbos meals is as follows: one should buy small chal-las (bulkes) for “Lechem Mishna”, and every one should eat a whole bulka on a napkin and afterwards flush the napkin and crumbs down the bathroom. On Shabbos morning, it should be done before 11:45 AM.

It is worthwhile that the fish and meat should be cooked in Pesach vessels with the full kashrus of Pesach. At the seuda,

MemoriesTraveling for Pesach

the fish and meat should be eaten in disposable dishes. And prior to enter-ing the Pesach kitchen and getting the fish or meat, one should shake off the crumbs from their clothing and wash their hands if they were in contact with chometz.

People who wear dentures (or braces) should kasher the dentures on Friday. This also applies to crowns and fillings. The chometzdike food they eat on Shabbos should not be as hot as “Yad Soledes” (unbearable heat).

On Shabbos morning, one should daven Shacharis earlier, in order to be able to make kiddush after Shacharis and finish

eating chometz by 10:35.

when it gets close to 10:35, one should clean the crumbs from his teeth with a toothpick, rinse his mouth, and remove the chometz that is in the gums. One is not permitted to brush their teeth with toothpaste (this can be done on Friday) or with a toothbrush because it can cause bleeding.

One needs to remember to recite “kol Chamiro” on Shabbos morning before 11:45 AM. Since we do not burn the chometz on Erev Pesach as we do every year, it is possible that one may forget; therefore, it is worthwhile to write a note prior to Shabbos to remind oneself to recite “kol chamiro”.

By Moshe Rubashkin

Th e C r o w n Heights’ com-munity is sad-dened by the loss of Reb Mor-dechai Hako-hen Rivkin. we wish our deep-est condolences

to his wife, children, and grandchildren. I was privileged to have a special relationship with him. I would come to him every year before Pesach for the bochurim. He spent a lot of time with me always with a beautiful smile. It was interesting; he was a man of very few words and mainly talked with his eyes. very strong, positive energy came out of his eyes. I felt there is nothing that I could not discuss with him, and I did. A lot of the answers I got back were only from his eyes. I would sometimes spend Sunday afternoons in the country with him. we would talk for hours, yet it seemed like minutes. He was a very strong person in every way. He didn’t wait to be told to get involved. He got involved knowing something has to be done. This happened with expanding 770, building Beis Rivka, and many other projects. He always put himself on the front lines.

He had a very special relationship with the Rebbe in all ways. He had k’vius itim b’Torah every day because years earlier, the Rebbe told him that k’vius itim b’Torah is a segula for parnassa. (I don’t know the exact words, but Reb Zalman Deitsch told this to me one evening when he saw me learning in 770.) He was the Rebbe’s kohen Gadol.

There are many, many stories of his self sacrifice for Anash in Russia and in America and about his building Beis Rivka together with Reb Shimon Gold-man and my uncle Gavriel Rubashkin. when my uncle Hershel Slavin came to America, Reb Mordechai Rivkin gave him a warehouse and signed blank checks to help him go out and do busi-ness, to put him on his feet.

People remember him as a very bright,

smart person. He loved to hear about the positive things that are going on in the community. He was always encouraging, even when situations seemed negative. He had a noble bear-ing, incredible presence. He was royalty, always immaculately dressed. He was a tremendous Baal Tzedaka and listener. He wasn’t a “holy person” (a Heilige); he adapted to every person, looking at him and relating to him for what he really was.

Behind every great man is a great woman. His wife was a real partner in everything. May she continue to have long, healthy life and only nachas from her family in every which way.

Baruch Hashem, Reb Mordechai Rivkin was and is very successful in everything. Beautiful family, beautiful grandchildren, bli ayin hara. I consider myself very fortunate to have spent time with Reb Mordechai.

The whole community wishes the family only Simcha, health, wealth, great shiduchim, and a kosher and a Freilichen Pesach.

Measles AlertApril 2008

Several people have recently come down with measles in Borough Park, Brooklyn.

Most of these cases have been linked to an ongoing measles outbreak in Israel and Europe, where more than 1,000 people have been stricken.

Measles is a serious, contagious illness, but vaccination can prevent it. Unvaccinated people are at risk if they travel to Israel or host visitors from Israel.

Before traveling abroad, especially to Israel or Europe, make sure that you and your children have had all of your shots.

April 11, 2008 ~ CROWN HEIGHTS 3

From Shedlitz to Safety

By Rabbi Shimon Goldman

Exerpted from the book with the author’s permission

Continued from last week:

Though I enjoyed spending time with the Amshinover Rebbe, the Modzitzer Rebbe, and the students of Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin, I found myself becoming closer to the Chabad way of life. I did not consider myself a full-fledged Chabad Chassid just yet, but I truly appreciated the unique perspective of Chabad, its emphasis on prayer and sincerity, and the warm atmosphere of Tomchei Tmimim. with time, I began associating myself more and more with Chabad, as I slowly became part of this world.

Aside from supervising our spiritual advancement, the yeshiva cared for our physical needs whenever possible. Other people also tried to ease our living conditions. The Chabad Chassidim in kovno once arranged for large boxes of clothing to be delivered to the yeshiva. The clothing was second-hand, but no one complained. we were thrilled to finally get some “new” clothing in place of our old and frayed garments, and we rummaged through all the boxes until we each found something appropriate.

Similarly, the Joint Distribution Com-mittee of America included us in their international relief efforts. Many Jews throughout the world received direct assistance from the Joint, and the refu-gees living in vilna also benefited from this noble organization. I still remember standing in line outside the local Joint distribution office, waiting with many others to receive new clothing. when my turn came, I was handed a warm coat, compliments of the Joint.

As the days passed, we tried to maintain a semblance of normal life. vilna was peaceful compared to the rampant war and bloodshed in Poland, and we continued our daily routine of study and prayer in yeshiva. we did not know what tomorrow would bring or how we could outwit the advancing enemy, but we tried to focus on our daily schedule and live the present as best we could.

Our Bond With The Rebbe

During this difficult time, we continued receiving letters from the Rebbe Rayatz, infusing us with renewed enthusiasm and energy. The Rebbe had escaped to Riga, and urged us now to contact all our friends still stranded in Poland and encourage them to flee toward vilna. This included the yeshiva students still learning in Tomchei Tmimim of Otwock and other cities in Poland.

In one of his letters to us, the Rebbe wrote the following: “Surely you have all written to your friends — students like yourselves — in whatever place they may be, encouraging them to make haste and join you. May no obstacle or

A Young Jew’s Story of Survivalimpediment block their way.

Strengthen your trust in G d. He will support you, bring success to your ways, and enable you to attain diligence in Torah and prayer. Send me a detailed list of the people you contacted, and continue writing to them — encourag-ing them to come quickly and join you. Make haste, for time is exceedingly precious!” (This letter was later printed in Igrot kodesh vol. 5, pp. 20-21.)

On the third day of Adar 1940, the Rebbe wrote again to one of the stu-dents, reiterating his heartfelt request that we communicate with our friends and convince them to join the yeshiva

in vilna. Among other things, the Rebbe wrote:

“May G d help the students mentioned in your letter, assisting them to arrive soon at the yeshiva, and succeed in study and spiritual service. It is appro-priate that every student correspond with a friend, to try influencing and persuading others to join the yeshiva at the earliest possible opportunity. Each should help his friend locate the students whose whereabouts are pres-ently unknown, to track them down and correspond with them.

“Regarding particular students who, for whatever reason, are still hesitant and face difficulties in journeying to vilna, it is fitting to talk with them and explain that learning in yeshiva is an essential need for their souls. These students should take pity on their souls, overcome all hurdles and obstacles, and join the yeshiva.

“This includes former students of elementary grades and younger classes. They, too, must be encouraged to join the yeshiva once more. This refers also to the younger students learning in Lodz and Chelm. Please keep me informed of all developments in this regard.” (Igrot kodesh vol. 5, p. 25.)

Needless to say, we complied immedi-ately with the Rebbe’s request. Though the ensuing war had made communica-tion with Poland nearly impossible, we managed to use underground methods

of communication, contacting yeshiva students still learning in Otwock and informing them of the Rebbe’s desire that they relocate to vilna.

Meanwhile, we continued learning in yeshiva, trying to remain focused on study and prayer. we utilized the free, democratic rule vilna enjoyed at the time, using its benefits for our personal religious advancement. The study hall was packed with students who learned Nigleh and Chassidus diligently.

As I mentioned earlier, at first the Rebbe Rayatz was stranded in warsaw, and witnessed the horrific Nazi bombing of that great city. His daring escape to Riga

was a great miracle in itself. After arriving safely in Riga, the Rebbe wrote to us — his beloved students learning in vilna — encouraging us to remain steadfast and resolute in all our ways.

In his very first letter to us, the Rebbe even found it necessary to mention our unique mode of clothing. In Poland, the customary mode of dress worn by Chassidic students meant wearing a long jacket (kapota) during the weekdays, and a silk kapota on Shabbos and Yom Tov. In Lithuania however, bochurim only wore short jackets. Our unusual clothing seemed outlandish to many

people, and we sensed their looks of pity and amusement. Hence, among his many other instructions, the Rebbe also wrote: “Do not change your Shabbos or weekday garb.”

A nd, in another letter addressed to us, the Rebbe Rayatz wrote the following:

“I was pleased to receive regards through Rabbi Shmuel Zalmanov and Rabbi Moshe Leib Rotstein regarding your temporary settling in vilna and the ease of relocation you experienced. I therefore turn to each and every one of you who understand the yeshiva’s current situation — a situation marked by transfer and change — to continue your individual advancement in the study of Nigleh and Chassidus, and to do all in your power to guard the unique character of the yeshiva. The yeshiva must continue in its original spirit, as guided and supervised by the esteemed members of its faculty — the head of the mesivta, the mashpia, and the dean.

“I was also pleased to read the letter of the distinguished bochur Yosef wineberg, informing me of various resolutions accepted upon yourselves during the Thursday night farbrengen of this past month. This includes your resolve to walk arm-in-arm along the path forged by my saintly father, founder of the holy yeshiva.

“I am strengthened by the hope that you

will heed the request found in this letter and, strengthened by your strong love and bond, you will hearken to my words, to fulfill my resolute command with holy endearment and warmth. May G d strengthen and assist you to become G d fearing Chassidim and scholars, to lead comfortable, enriched lives within the gates of Torah and Divine service. I am interested in hearing from each of the students personally, and I remain your strong friend who seeks your benefit and success.” (Igrot kodesh vol. 5, p. 15.)

Two weeks later the Rebbe Rayatz wrote us yet another letter, express-ing his thanks for having fulfilled his instructions. “I was gladdened to hear of your resolution to accomplish all that I wrote in my previous letter,” he wrote. “It brings me very great joy to learn that this resolution is being brought into practical deed, and I pray that Hashem assist you all in both physical and spiritual matters.” (Igrot kodesh vol. 5, p. 20.)

These letters made our longing for the Rebbe that much stronger, particularly when we realized that vilna was becom-ing a more dangerous place for Jews. Matters became increasingly difficult when the Russians overtook vilna, placing the city under Communist rule again. As part of the Russian empire, residents of vilna now faced severe Communist restrictions, including the near impossible idea of escape. Not only was it illegal for Russian citizens to leave the country, but even foreign nationals could not hope to escape Communist rule.

Help suddenly came from an unex-pected quarter. Rabbi Laibl kramer — our administrator — contacted one of the many embassies in kovno which, until then, had been the capital city of Lithuania, and discovered a crucial piece of information. During his conversations with the authorities, Rabbi kramer learned that we were eligible for special visas, which enabled the holder to use Russia as a transit stop on the way to another country.

Though salvation seemed so near, we still faced two significant hurdles. As refugees, we possessed neither passports nor any other form of docu-mentation — papers we so desperately needed for the consulate to issue our visas. Secondly, we had nowhere to run. Our families were still trapped in Poland and, though we strongly desired to travel to the United States, we had no idea how to get there.

Precious as they were, the transit visas remained in force for a very limited time. Though we had stumbled upon a unique opportunity to escape from Russia, we still needed the proper documentation. The days passed with maddening speed as we scrambled for solutions. The burning question remained: How could we obtain the necessary visas and reach the United States?

Reb Yosef Wineberg

Our Heroes

4 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 11, 2008

By Rabbi Michoel Seligson

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Shemtov, fondly referred to by Anash as Reb Mendel, was born in Poltova on the 28th of Sivan in 1933 to Horav Hacho-ssid Reb Benzion and his wife Golda. For most of Mendel’s childhood, his father was in exile in Siberia for his self-sacrifice of opening chadorim and spreading Yiddishkeit to children in Russia.

Siberia and all it implied was something Reb Mendel grew up with. To start with, his parents were married in Siberia. Most significantly, his father was the first of ten Chassidim of the Previous Rebbe to give an unbreakable oath,a tekias kaf, that on pain of life or death, Yiddishkeit would continue to flourish in Russia.

Reb Mendel grew up in a time of ram-pant hunger and as the oldest child, at nine years of age, he wanted to help his family. He brought linen to the tailor and proposed that he make bags to sell. The tailor liked the idea and paid Mendel, who bought bread for his fam-ily. In later years, Reb Mendel became a manufacturer of plastic bags.

Sacrificing For Chinuch

when Reb Mendel was growing up, Reb Benzion thought it important enough to spend desperately needed money on a bicycle for his son, an expensive luxury, to keep him from playing with non-Jewish neighborhood friends. when he was six-years old, he began traveling to a yeshiva far from his home in kharkow, because the nearby school was not based on pure Torah ethics.

The Cheder in Russia

His teacher was Reb Eliyohu Chaim Roitblat, and they met in a basement where Reb Mendel studied with his friend, Reb Mordechai kazliner. when he became Bar-Mitzva, his father was in Siberia and to mark this special occasion, his mother sewed him a new suit using a set of slipcovers. The Bar Mitzva bochur did not have Tefillin. On the day of his Bar Mitzva, he walked first to one house, where he received a Tefillin shel yad, and after walking an additional distance, he successfully found a Tefillin shel rosh. This is how he put on Tefillin for the first time in his life.

One Friday, his father was at the mikva when the kGB came to the house. His mother sent Mendel to alert his father, who fled immediately. The family did not see him for another month. In 1949, when Mendel was sixteen years old, the Shemtov family left Russia for France. He began his studies in Brunoy but had a strong yearning to see the Rebbe. On the 20th of Cheshvan 5712 (1951),

Mendel arrived in the United States. That evening a Farbrengen took place among the older Chassidim. On his way home, the Rebbe asked, “Does anyone know if Mendel Shemtov arrived this evening?” The bochurim found Mendel sleeping, woke him and told him that the Rebbe asked that he go to the Farbrengen.

Arrival in the United States

In the summer of 1952, Reb Mendel went on Merkos shlichus to Min-nesota with his friend Rabbi Yehuda krinsky, later a member of the Rebbe’s secretariat. They visited different cities in search of Jews. Rabbi Moshe Feller, currently the Rebbe’s shliach in Min-nesota, lived in Minnesota and studied at Yeshiva Torah vodaas. when he saw two bochurim dressed in Chassidic garb in the blazing summer heat, he was astounded. He began following them, and they were mekarev him to Chabad Chassidus.

As a bochur in 770, Reb Mendel would repeat a Maamor orally for the con-gregants in a Flatbush shul. One of the congregants, a son-in-law of the Stock family, began observing the bochur, and introduced him to his future wife, Miss Sarah Stock.

The wedding took place in 1956, and the Rebbe was Msader kidushin, officiat-ing at the wedding. Many Chassidim rejoiced as if their close relative was getting married.

One of the Sheva Brochos took place at Camp Gan Yisroel on the occasion of the Rebbe’s first visit to the camp. The Rebbe conducted the benching and in honor of the Chosson and kallah added “shehasimcha b’mono”, as is customary.

Reb Mendel entered the business world after his marriage. At that time, couples did not go on shlichus as is common today. Reb Mendel was very active in communal affairs, and assumed numerous responsibilities publicly and behind the scenes.

Rabbi Avrohom Shemtov described his brother’s home. “The house was a center for many activities and was as active as a hot pot. His home was designated not only for Farbrengens but for bochurim to come and discuss any matter. For every mivtza that bochurim involved themselves, they knew that they would find support, assistance and warmth at Reb Mendel’s house.”

R e b M e nd e l onc e recalled his early years in Crow n Heights: “In 1955 there were ver y few Lubav itch yungeleit who were in business and owned a car as I did. Rabbi Hodokov called me and requested that I visit a patient in the hospital. From then on, he would call on me for differ-ent things on behalf of Machne Israel, one of the Rebbe’s mosdos.”

Although he had a large and successful business, Reb Mendel worked tirelessly in serving the institu-tions of the shechuna in order to give the Rebbe a nachas ruach. Every day he would speak with Rabbi Hodokov, the Rebbe’s personal secretary, who would relay the Rebbe’s directives.

Shechuna and Communal Affairs

Over the course of the years, Reb Men-del was entrusted with many different projects and tasks. Prominent among these were shlichusen for the Rebbe to the Far East. Reb Mendel would travel there for business and would receive specific instructions to carry out while overseas. Describing them would be an article in itself. His most prominent position for many years was heading the Crown Heights Community Council. In that capacity, his main struggle was to ensure that Crown Heights retained its Jewish presence.

Reb Mendel was also involved in creat-ing and building Yeshiva Oholei Torah. He invested a lot of energy and thought into the yeshiva.

The Rebbe’s Autograph

when the Rebbe published Likutei Torah, the Alter Rebbe’s discourses, he asked that nine people be included in the publication of the sefer, doing so by helping sponsor the costs. Rabbi Mendel was one of the nine people who contributed a large sum of money. Each one of them was called into the Rebbe’s room and handed a Likutei Torah containing the Rebbe’s signature on the first page.

In 1970, the Rebbe initiated the cam-paign to abolish the “Law of Return”.

This law had recently been passed in Israel and did not recognize Halacha in converting non-Jews to Judaism. The Rebbe spoke about this issue on every possible occasion for many years. On Lag B’omer, directly after the Bar Mitzva celebration of his oldest son, Reb Mendel arranged an urgent meeting with a group of Chassidim to develop practical resolutions in the struggle against this law.

C r e a t i n g t h e A l g e m e i n e r Newspaper

In the beginning of the 1970’s, the Yid-dish newspaper “Tog Morgen Journal”, a unique publication containing Torah and Chassidus, closed its doors. The end of the newspaper and the lack of any reaction to its closure caused the Rebbe great aggravation. Reb Mendel met with two yungeleit and that same day decided to open a Yiddish news-paper, “The Algemeiner Journal”, with Reb Gershon Jacobson as editor. Reb Avrohom Shemtov recalled, “He (Reb Mendel) carried the responsibility of the expenses. He did this behind the scenes, received no public acknowledge-ment and that was how he wanted it. As with everything that he did, his main goal was to see that things got done.”

Crown Heights Mosdos

His devotion to the mosdos of Crown Heights knew no limits. At the time, Bais Rivka was located in a changing neighborhood and urgently needed to relocate to Crown Heights. The building that had housed the Yeshiva of Crown Heights was ideal. Reb Mendel discussed the matter with a few Chassidim during Pesach. After a few days, the building was purchased for Bais Rivka.

when Jewish ownership in the shec-huna started to decline, and people began moving away, the Rebbe gave Crown Heights the Halachic classifica-tion of “territories”, which accordingly could not be abandoned. This marked the beginning of a new campaign.

Reb Mendel was the ‘hands and the feet’ of the Rebbe’s campaign. In addition to being the first, as a newly married man, to buy a house, he was the Rebbe’s agent in all of the activities in this huge and important effort.

This was reflected during the elections. All of the Rebbe’s mosdos, Merkos, Machne Israel, and the Librar y, received very clear directives from Rabbi Hodokov to vote for Rabbi Shemtov and for the block that he endorsed. Everything that Reb Mendel did in his function as a council member was guided by directives from Rabbi Hodokov. Demonstrations regarding the future of the shechuna, in which the gaon Rabbi Moshe Feinstein personally participated, were organized by Reb Mendel.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Shemtov (1933-2006)

April 11, 2008 ~ CROWN HEIGHTS 5

Every day brought the grim news of another shul that had closed down and was being sold. Between the shuls and the buildings, every part of the shechuna was swiftly being conquered. It was a war of a minority against a majority. The struggle that the Rebbe conducted was very sensitive. He did not want this to be considered a Chabad struggle as much as a Jewish one; a Jew-ish neighborhood was being deserted. As the point man in this struggle, Reb Mendel was the lightning rod for com-ments and criticism.

Farband & Uforatzto Hall

An additional struggle took place over the “Farband”, later “Uforatzto”, and today the kollel. Reb Mendel invested a lot of effort that this building, originally owned by Yiddishisten and centrally located on kingston Avenue, should remain in Jewish hands. He first pur-chased it himself and then transferred ownership to the Lubavitch Youth Organization.

The same thing took place with the Young Israel shul at 935 Eastern Park-way. Until this point, the Community Council did not purchase houses that were being sold. It only offered sup-port and represented Crown Heights’ residents to government entities. Reb Mendel began the council practice of buying houses and mosdos that were being sold or deserted. This resulted in the purchase of the Young Israel.

Chanuka Gelt

In 1977, there was an attempt to draw wider boundaries for Crown Heights which would be greatly damaging to the Jewish community, who would be less significant and be lost within the much larger population. Acting upon the Rebbe’s directives, the Community Council took a non-negotiable stand against this plan. The Community Council received notice that their oppo-sition was successful, and the Rebbe notified Rabbi Hodokov that he would be distributing Chanuka gelt to all of Anash. when Reb Mendel received his dollar, the Rebbe told him, “There should be a hemshech”- a continuation of his efforts and activities.

The Rebbe’s directives relating to the shechuna and the activities of the Council reflected a dual perspective. On the one hand, the Rebbe was very particular that at all times the Council should function as an independent insti-tution and not be classified a Lubavitch mosad. On different occasions the Rebbe expressed his opinion merely as a “toshav hashechuna”, a member of the neighborhood. However, the person that Rebbe considered trustworthy and relied on to get things done was Reb Mendel, a Lubavitch chossid.

In later years, when Reb Mendel was no longer active in the Community

Council, he participated in the founding and development of numerous mosdos: Hechal Menachem in Jerusalem, the yeshivas in Detroit and Arizona, the Tzierei Hashluchim Yeshiva in Crown Heights, the Shluchim Office, Shluchim Children’s Networking School and more.

In early Nissan 5766 (2006), Reb Mendel came home from work and felt unwell. A short while later, he lost conscious and was taken to the hospital. In the evening of the thirteenth of Nis-san, the Hilulo of the Tzemach Tzedek, for whom Reb Mendel was named, his Neshama returned to its creator at the age of 73. At his levaya the morning of Erev Pesach, the participants mourned the loss of a great person who dedicated himself to the wellbeing of the people in the shechuna, and did everything possible to maintain a safe, Jewish neighborhood.

Reb Mendel left behind his wife, Mrs. Sarah Shemtov; his sons, Horav Yosef Yitzchok, shliach in Tucson, Arizona; Horav kasriel of Crown Heights, the Menahel of the Cheder at the Ohel; Horav Levi, shliach in west Bloomfield, Michigan; his daughters, Mrs. Faige

Duchman of Crown Heights; Mrs. Batya Treitel of Montreal.

Yehi Zichro Boruch! May Reb Mendel’s life as an askan, a communal leader, who selflessly dedicated himself to saving the shechuna and its institutions, serve as the inspiration to concern ourselves

with others in need, and to greet people with warmth and friendliness..

we should speedily witness, “The ones who dwell in the dust will awaken and rejoice”, with Reb Mendel amongst them.

. ח"תשס, ניסן

זמנים ובאזור ברוקלין .D.S.Tהזמנים הם

Times listed are for Brooklyn, N.Y.

כזית ---- אונס2/3 שליש 2 )מדרבנן(מצה בשביל כורך וכן לאפיקומן --- אונס 1 )דאורייתא(כזית מצה - אונס 4.2יש מקום להדר להשתמש , אונס2.9 כוסות' שיעור רביעית יין עבור ד ---- אונס 2/3 שליש 2מרור

. דקות6שיעור כדי אכילת פרס --

KAZAYIS MATZO (MIDEORAYSO) 1 OZ. ---- MATZO FOR KORECH AND AFIKOMEN (MIDERABONON) 2/3 OZ. --- - KAZAYIS MOROR 2/3 OZ. ------- REVI’IS OF WINE 2.9 OZ. THOSE WHO WANT TO BE MEHADER 4.2 OZ. --- K’DEI ACHILAS PRAS 6 MINUTES.

Search for Chometz Thursday April 17 8:06pm יום חמישי בלילה לילג "י

בדיקת חמץ

Burn Chometz (and the saying of Yehi Rotzon)

Friday April 18 12:55pm יום שישי ערב שבתג ניסן "קודש י

שריפת (סוף זמן הביעור )חמץ ואמירת יהי רצון

Candle lighting Friday, April 18 7:20pm ג "ערב שבת קודש י ניסן

ק"הדלקת נש

Latest time for eating Chometz Shabbos morning April 19

10:35am ערב פסח שבת קודש ד ניסן"בבוקר י

סוף זמן אכילת חמץ

Latest time for any benefit of Chometz and second nullification of Chometz

Shabbos morning April 19

11:45pm ערב פסח שבת קודש ד ניסן"בבוקר י

' סוף זמן הנאת חמץ וכוואמירת כל חמירא

השניהNightfall first night of Pesach (April 23) (lighting the candles and preparation for the seder)

April 19 8:25pm מוצאי שבת בכניסת ליל פסח

ט "הדלקת נרות יו ועריכת הסדר

Mid Day & Night April 20-21 12:55 חצות היום והלילה ז ניסן"ט–ו "ט Latest time for shma first and second day of pesach

April 20-21 9:25am סוף זמן קריאת שמע יום ז ניסן"ט–ו "ט דפסח' ב' א

Candle lighting after nightfall second night of pesach

April 20 לאחר After 8:25pm

יום ראשון בלילה ליל ז ניסן"ט

' הדלקת נרות בליל ב דפסח

Yom Tov is over April 21 8:30pm ט"מוצאי יו ז"יום שני בלילה ליל י Candle lighting (shviee shel pesach)

April 25 7:28pm ניסן ' כ יום שישי ערב שביעי של פסח

הדלקת נרות

Candle lighting (achron shel pesach)

April 26 לאחר After 8:35pm

ק ליל אחרון "מוצש של פסח

הדלקת נרות

Pesach is over April 27 8:35pm מוצאי יום אחרון של פסח ב ניסן"יום ראשון כ

Chosson R. Shemtov, on his left R. Bentzion Stock, facing him R. Benzion Shemtov, on right (front) R. Hendel Lieberman

6 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 11, 2008

This week’s parshah, Metzora, describes laws of various plagues that can attack the person’s body, his home or his belongings. There are some people who in lieu of calling the parshah by the name “Metzora” — which connotes plagues, impurity and contamina-tion — call it by the name “Taharah” instead, which accentuates cleanliness and purity. In other words, instead of dwelling on the negative, they prefer to approach things from a positive vantage point, always emphasizing the good. This may also be understood as representing the different attitudes of the pessimist and the optimist.

As frightening as the possibility of plagues may sound, a careful study of the laws dealing with tzara’at can serve as an excellent guide for a couple as to how to avoid unpleasant situations throughout their marriage.

During the weeks preceding the wed-ding, the perspective Chatan and kallah normally see no faults in each other. During this period each is careful to exhibit exemplary behavior and each endeavors to behave with etiquette and courtesy — or perhaps they are blinded by love for each other.

As much as one might hope and pray that this affection will last, a fact of life is that inevitably things change. At times trials and tribulations occur and at times due to difficulty in coping and the realization that married life is not always what they thought it was, the couple experiences confrontation.

It becomes common for one to accuse the other of being at fault for the “nega” — “plague.”

How does Torah advise dealing with these situations?

Permit me to cite a few Biblical details

and the lessons they imply.

when one sees a plague on the walls of his home, the Torah says, “The owner of the house shall come and declare to the kohen, saying kenega — something like a plague — has appeared to me in my house” (14:35).

How strange! He notices something very unusual on his walls, yet he must say to the kohen, “kenega” — “some-thing like a plague.” why doesn’t he say outright “I have a nega in my house?”

In the Polish city of Radin there lived the great tzaddik and gaon, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Hakohen, known as the “Chafeitz Chaim.” An individual who had heard many intriguing stories about him decided to visit the city and see him personally. Upon arrival, he met an elderly bearded Jew in the street and asked him, “Could you please guide me to the home of the holy tzaddik and gaon, the Chafeitz Chaim?” Graciously, the man told him to turn right at the corner and look for the first house on the second block. Then he said, “Inci-dentally, he is not such a tzaddik, nor is he a gaon.” The visitor became enraged and slapped the elderly man across the face: “what audacity you have to speak in such a manner!”

when the visitor arrived at the home of the Chafeitz Chaim and was led into his study, he was horrified to learn that the man he had slapped earlier was the Chafeitz Chaim himself. Immediately he broke out in tears, apologized, and begged for forgiveness.

The Chafeitz Chaim smiled warmly and said, “There is no need to apologize; I deserved the admonition. I have dedi-cated my entire life to informing k’lal Yisrael about the terrible sin of lashon hara (slander). Today, I gained a new

Vedibarta Bam ~ Marriage insight: not only is lashon hara about others prohibited, but a Jew should not even speak negatively about himself.”

In light of the above, we can understand why the person says “kenega” — “some-thing like a plague.” when one sees a blemish in his house, he should not jump to the conclusion that it is bad, but he should be patient and say, “It appears that there may be a problem” and seek a solution.

First and foremost, the husband and wife must realize they are not to be impulsive and make rash conclusions. Just as you wouldn’t want to speak negatively about yourself, don’t do it about your spouse: he or she is a part of you. Before a person starts accus-ing, condemning or ridiculing, show some restraint. Only after the kohen, i.e. a professional in the area, tells you definitely that there is a problem should you take steps to deal with it and rectify the situation under his guidance.

Another law that can be explained as a metaphor is that one who can only see with one eye is unqualified to pass judgment on a plague (Negaim 2:3). Now, what is the logic to this? Isn’t it true that one-eyed people have been endowed with extra strength in that eye to equal the person who has sight in both eyes?

when the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, was a young boy he asked his father the following question: “why did Hashem create me with two eyes? One eye would be sufficient because when I close one eye, I can see just as well.”

His father explained that people have two eyes for a reason. There are certain things at which one should “look with the right eye” — i.e. love and concern — and there are things at which one should “look with the left eye” — i.e.

Finding A Needle in A Haystack

apathy and indifference. when one looks at a Jew, one should always look with the “right eye” and find his good qualities. The left eye is for worldly mat-ters and things of minor importance. Sometimes one should even close the “left eye” and not pursue materialistic desires.

The metaphor of this halachah is that before anyone can rule on a plague, he must have two properly functioning eyes. Otherwise he is not qualified. How many quarrels concerning who is to blame can be avoided if “both eyes” are used!

There is one more halachah I would like to cite. One whose vision is blurred is also disqualified to pass judgment (ibid.).

This can be better understood with the following anecdote:

Many people have keen vision in detect-ing the faults of others, but fail to see their own shortcomings. A housewife once complained to her maid that the house was not cleaned and dusted prop-erly. The maid blushed in astonishment, for all looked immaculate. Finally, she turned to the housewife and said, “Madam, I think the dust you see is on your own glasses.” The woman removed her glasses and, sure enough, the lenses were covered with dust.

Dear Chatan and kallah, if you will follow these pointers throughout your life, there is a special reward for you in store. The word nega (נגע) — plague — contains three letters. These three let-ters can be arranged to spell oneg (ענג) — delight. with the proper approach and understanding when dealing with something that may appear unpleasant, ultimately the parties involved will experience oneg — much delight and happiness throughout all the days of their lives.

Shiduchim

By Sarah Junik

About a boy (some questions may not be appropriate in all cases):

where did he go to yeshiva?1.

Besides the obvious, this question helps you know more about the gen-eral approach the boy has in life. For example, in the yeshivish world, if one hears a boy has been to Brisk, or Mir, or Chaim Berlin, one can tell by the yeshiva what approach the boy is comfortable with. In Chabad, if one hears the boy was in Tzfas or in Detroit, it would tell you the same.

what is he doing now?2.

It is useful to know what he is doing now besides waiting for a shidduch to happen. Is he sitting in Yeshiva learning because he is really a lamdan, enjoys learning, and is gaining from it, or is he just wasting time until he finds a shidduch? Is he helping out a shliach while he waits? Is he learning a busi-

ness, a career? Is he working part time and learning part time? Is he teaching? Is the boy who is wasting time before he gets married and can go to work a better choice than the boy who is now working (or studying for a profession) and learning on the side?

Does he have Smicha?3.

what did he do until now? 4.

w h a t d id he do w it h h i s 5. summers?

This might tell you something about his character. If he was often a coun-selor in a camp, it might indicate he is gregarious, outgoing, and likes kids.

Is he a learner, or does he just 6. learn because he is waiting for a shidduch?

As they say, if at first you don’t suc-ceed... If you did not get a satisfactory answer to #2 and you wish to know if he is the kind of boy that is more laid

back rather than pro-active, go ahead and ask straight out.

Can he give over a D’var Torah?7.

This is not a measurement of his learning; many boys know a lot but would rather listen to others than talk themselves. Rather, this will tell you if he is a quieter boy or he is comfort-able to stand up in front of people and expound. It might be important to some girls and not important for others.

For a boy who is now in Yeshiva, 8. you might want to ask if he goes on mivtzoim regularly.

If you are asking a friend or a Rebbi, ask about his learning if he is a masmid and if he is on time for Seder, if he learns Chassidus before Davening, and other such questions. If you are asking a neighbor or another reference they might not know and guess. know what kind of questions to ask, depending on who you are talking to.

Is he enterprising or laid back? 9. Give examples of what you mean (subjective question).

Besides being more direct than ques-tion 7, this answer can tell you more directly if the boy is what you are looking for. Give examples of what you mean, what is important to you. e.g., is he comfortable to go up to strangers for Mivtzoim or does he like to go to people he established a relationship with? Or maybe you want to know if he is the kind of kid who used to sell doughnuts in elementary. Give examples that will be meaningful to you and will reveal a side of his character.

Is he working? 10.

You may or may not know the answer to this already. If he is a boy who’s learning, he may be working some hours a day. He may be tutoring or teaching. Or if he is a “working” boy, he may be studying for a future career but not working, or he may be working part time and studying part time.

April 11, 2008 ~ CROWN HEIGHTS 7

By Rabbi Shea Hecht

Last week I wrote about the impor-tance of CPR - Com-mitment, Purpose, and Respect - in a marriage.

I’ve told many couples of the impor-tance of CPR in their marriage, and quite a few responded by asking me, “what if our marriage doesn’t have those three key ingredients? How can we attain them?”

Believe it or not, the key to gain-ing CPR in a marriage is simple and methodical.

Firstly, we must understand what com-mitment means. Other than in cases where abuse exists, a couple must be committed to reignite their original attraction and work out all their marital snags. If it’s fight or flight, then a couple should stay and fight to work out their marriage.

One good way to strengthen com-mitment is by taking an inventory of the investment, success and blessings within a marriage. A person has to recognize how important their invest-ment is in their children, their home, and their business.

Conversely, a person must recognize that if they don’t work on their mar-riage, the strain will drain their energy, money, and time in all areas - such as family, social life and business. A person who has a house but no home is lacking in important areas of life. He is lacking in things as important as strong family bonds and support, and in things as mundane as a lack of home-made meals. This diminishes self esteem and could lead to failure in all areas of life.

If things go from bad to worse and end in divorce, the picture isn’t necessarily much better. Statistically, second mar-riages are a lot more strained. Aside from the pressure from ex-spouses and children from different families, there is greater financial strain due to increased financial obligations. Due to the greater strain, there is a higher rate of divorce in second marriages.

A couple I know (actually quite a few couples I know) got into an argument shortly after their marriage. For a few days they gave each other the silent treatment. Though they soon forgot what the argument was about, they found no way out of their deadlock. Finally the husband went into the bathroom and wrote on the mirror, with lipstick “I’m sorry! I love you!”

This smart husband took a stalemate in the start of his marriage that has led to divorce in other fledgling marriages, and instead of allowing it to lead down

CPR for Laymen the road of divorce, he used his com-mitment to his marriage to find a way to make peace in his home.

The second way to bring CPR into a marriage is to highlight your common purpose. when a couple meets and gets married there’s an attraction and love, and they share common goals. Couples should communicate that purpose to each other at intervals so they stay on track.

People understand that in business it’s important to communicate purpose and goals. Marriage is the most impor-tant business we are in. If a marriage is faltering, it’s important to go back to drawing board and see what physical, emotional and spiritual things attracted us originally and to work to strengthen those ties.

There are times that a crisis reminds a couple of common purpose. There was a couple that was on the verge of divorce. when they learnt that their child was seriously ill, they once again found the glue that kept them together and stopped the divorce proceedings. Though stress from sickness can break a marriage apart, many times a stressful event can pull a marriage together.

The way to create the R of CPR is by actively looking for things in our spouse that deserve our respect. The Talmud tells a husband, he should love his wife as he loves himself, but regarding respect, he should respect her more than himself.

Most people envision what the perfect spouse and perfect marriage are like. Unfortunately, many of those dreams don’t include the normal ups and downs of marriage or a flesh-and-blood spouse with human foibles. when a real life spouse in a very normal marriage doesn’t measure up to the dreams, it can be difficult to find something positive to say. However, even if your spouse doesn’t fit your dream of what you thought they would be like, there must be something to respect.

One can think, “My wife cares about our finances,” or “my husband cares about his mother,” or “my wife cares about my health,” or “my husband cares about my enjoyment,” or “my wife takes care of our children,” or “my husband brings in money for our family.”

There are times that we may see other couples doing bigger and more glamor-ous things for one another and think that’s because they respect each other more. However, one shouldn’t con-fuse those who go overboard because they are overdrawn in their marriage accounts with those couples who do small everyday things for and with each other.

One man told me, “whenever I come home and my wife cooked a special sup-per, I know it’s because she’s overdrawn in the marriage bank.” An outsider who walks into this man’s house and sees the

glamorous meal might think that this woman respects her husband so much and she went all out for him, when in truth this woman has taught her husband that he’s not worth that special supper unless she’s done something to displease him.

Those that recognize the size of the investment in their marriage and what is at stake should it fail, understand that it shouldn’t be wasted. Despite the effort

needed to perform CPR, it’s worth the time and effort.

Rabbi Hecht, is chairman of the board of the National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE), continuing the tradition of social services management and out-reach. He is a Rabbi and activist in the Jewish community, focusing on family crisis interven-tion, guiding and advising troubled youth and their families, marriage counseling, and drugs and cults counseling and consultations. He can be reached at rabbishea@aol.com.

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8 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 11, 2008

The Rebbe's Sicha 5751

Shabbos Parshas Tazria-Metzora

Published and copyright © by Sichos In English

This is a time when every person is obligated to do all that depends on him to bring about the coming of Moshiach immediately for “All the appointed times for Moshiach’s coming have passed.”

These concepts, the imminence of Moshiach’s coming and every Jew’s responsibility to act to bring that com-ing closer, are connected to the two Torah parshyos, Tazria-Metzora.

To explain: Parshas Tazria begins with the mention of a woman giving birth to a son. This is an allusion to the coming of the future redemption which is often described using the metaphor of birth. In particular, the birth of a son can be interpreted as a reference to the strength and permanence that will characterize the ultimate redemp-tion, for this redemption will not be followed by an exile. In this context, the woman is an allusion to the Jewish people whose service will ultimately bear fruit in the advent of the Era of Redemption.

Parshas Metzora also shares a connec-tion to Moshiach’s coming. Our Sages teach: what is Moshiach’s name? “The leper of the School of Rebbi” as implied by the prophecy, “He has borne our sicknesses and endured our afflictions.” Moshiach will sit among the lepers and be a leper himself.

To explain the above concept: Com-menting on the verse, “when a man will have a blemish on his skin,” the Alter Rebbe explains that Adom (the Hebrew term used for “man”) refers to a person who is completely developed in all aspects of his personality. Therefore, the blemish is only on his skin, i.e., it affects only the lower and more superficial elements of his being which have not been refined as of yet.

The Alter Rebbe continues, explaining that leprous blem-ishes are “Sublime matters. They are not impure until they are determined to be so by a priest.... Until then, they are not impure, but rather sublime lights.”

These two explanations of lep-rous blemishes -- that reflect the superficial aspects of one’s being that have not yet been refined and that they are a reflection of sublime G-dly lights -- are interrelated. Because they are a reflection of such sublime lights, even when there is a descent and nurture is derived by undesirable forces, the effects are only superficial.

characterized by the concealment of G-dly light. This darkness, however, has its source in sublime lights which are too transcendent to be revealed within this material world. Since the source of this darkness is so high, it affects only the lower and more superficial elements of our existence.

Based on the above explanation, we can understand the sequence in the two Torah portions. As a preface to the concept of leprosy described in both parshiyos, the Torah speaks of a woman giving birth which is an analogy of how our service at present can lead to the redemption. In continuation, the Torah reading mentions leprosy the exile, for in truth the exile relates to sublime G-dly heights which ultimately will be revealed in this world in the Era of the Redemption.

Afterwards, Parshas Metzora whose very name alludes to exile begins with the description of the leper’s purifica-tion process, the revelation of the true nature of the exile. This is further emphasized by the fact that Moshiach is called a leper and is described by our Sages as living among lepers.

This teaches us that Moshiach also exists in the world in the midst of the exile. He is also in exile and he waits anxiously to become revealed and to proceed to redeem the Jewish people.

In this context, we can appreciate the purification of a leper’s blemishes in a dif-ferent context. The purification process does not represent the introduction of a new quality, but rather the revelation of the inner, true dimension possessed by these blemishes--their existence as sublime lights. This is reflected by the phrase, “on the day of one’s purifica-tion.” This implies that the purification from leprosy is connected with “day,” i.e., with revelation, revealing the inner nature of these sublime lights.

To focus on this concept: It is precisely the sublime nature of these Divine lights that allows for the derivation of nurture by undesirable forces. These lights are too powerful to be enclothed within vessels and therefore, there is the possibility for descent.

when these powerful lights shine to vessels which cannot enclothe them, they cause the vessels to feel a yearning to rise above their immediate situation and to become included within the light of G-d. This state is described as ratzu. This allows for the possibility for nur-ture to be derived by the external forces because there is no downward influence of holiness directed toward worldly involvement. To give an example of this on the personal level: After a person feels tremendously inspired in prayer, the energy he feels may be expressed in anger directed at another person.

what is necessary? To develop equi-librium with such feelings of ratzu, it is necessary to put a stress on shuv, involvement in the world. This is characterized by bittul. The yearning for G-dliness has an element of yesh, self-concern, for in any love relation-ship, the person expressing love feels his personal identity. Conversely, in the approach of shuv, one must be like

a subject who is totally overwhelmed when in the presence of his master and who feels no self-importance whatsoever.

This bittul will find expression in various efforts to draw Divine light downward, thus fulfilling G-d’s desire for a dwelling within the lower worlds. Thus, this thrust of shuv has the potential to draw down the “sublime lights” that are too transcendent to be enclothed in vessels to be revealed within this world.

The fusion of these two tendencies of ratzu and shuv comes about through the revelation of a light that transcends both qualities. This is reflected in the quality of Tiferes (beauty) which has the power to create a synthesis between Chesed (kindness) and Gevurah (might), because within it, is revealed a light which utterly transcendent in nature.

This process is reflected in the descrip-tion of the purification of a leper as toras hametzora, “the law of the leper.” Seemingly, the verse should have stated taharas hametzora, “the purification process for the leper.” why does it use the word toras? To indicate that, in a spiritual sense, the purification of a leper comes about through the Torah.

Torah study requires bittul, as implied by fusion of the phrases in our prayers, “My soul will be as dust to all. Open my heart in Your Torah.” It is Bittul that makes one an appropriate recipient for the Torah.

Based on the above, we can consider leprosy an analogy for exile and the purification from this impurity as an analogy for the redemption. Exile is

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.)שעברהואין (* PM 12:55ק שורפים את החמץ קודם חצות היום "ביום שישי ערש )ד

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. עבור ברוקלין ניו יורק

April 11, 2008 ~ CROWN HEIGHTS 9

ה''ב 770 ישיבת תומכי תמימים המרכזית –מצות

בשורה משמחת

הננו להודיע שאפשר לקנות מצות מהודרות מהחבורה של הישיבה נשאר כמות מצומצמת וכל הקודם זכה

$ 25.00כל פאונד עולה רק

מי שמעונין בבקשה להתקשר לפלפון

347-330-4537

The audience of over 250 in the auditorium of Public School, MS 61 sat mesmerized this week as “Illumination”, a produc-tion by Beis Chaya Mushka, took center stage. “Illumination” tells the story of a girl who is unsure what to answer when asked about Lubavitch and Moshiach. Should she be spreading the message that Moshiach is on his way and we should all get ready? Yidden seem to be living just fine,and perhaps she’ll be met with ridicule and scorn?She knows what to answer after recalling a mashal learned in class: a local villager in a small shtetle town is given the gift of electricity by the Prince. He is unsure if he should spread it to the rest of the village, as they have been managing just fine with their lanterns and candles until this point. He realizes though that this gift will only enhance and illuminate their lives to a point beyond their wildest expectations. This convinces him that not only is it alright for him to share; it is without a doubt his duty to share such a precious gift. The Nimshal is clear, as the girls themselves sing, “It’s our Achrayus to spread the light.”

Our hero’s inner struggle is portrayed through brilliant songs sung in both Yiddish and English, dances, and drama all performed by the students in 7th, 8th, and high school. The high quality sounds, PowerPoints, and special effects all contributed to a spectacular performance!

If you are interested in purchasing the video of is beautiful production, feel free to contact us at 718-756-0770, ext. 12.

Beis Chaya Mushka is in its ninth year and growing. Located on the corner of Troy and Carroll, the school proudly boasts a preschool, elementary and high school where Yiddish is the chosen language, and subjects are taught על טהרת הקודש to keep our young ones’ bright minds holy and pure.

Beis Chaya Mushka

SMALL WONDER PUPPET THEATERיThursday, April 17, 2008

1:00 PMLubavitcher Yeshivah

570 Crown Street

Parshas Hashavua

Vedibarta Bam ~ Metzora

10 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 11, 2008

By Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky

“והיה ביום השביעי יגלח את כל שערו את ראשו ואת זקנו

ואת גבת עיניו”

“And it shall be on the seventh day, he shall shave off all his hair: his head, and his beard, and

his eyebrows.” (14:9)

QUESTION: Since it says “kol se’aro” — “all his hair” — why are three areas of hair growth singled out?

ANSwER: There are three causes for leprosy:

1) ga’avah — arrogance,2) lashon hara — evil talk,3) tzarat ayin — stinginess, reluctant to share with others or help them.

The shaving of the hair reminds the metzora that he must be extremely careful in specific areas to prevent the recurrence of the spiritual illness that leads to leprosy. Shaving his head reminds him never again to walk around with his head up, looking down at other people. Cutting the hair of his beard reminds him not to open his mouth to utter lashon hara. Removing the hair of his eyebrows, warns him to henceforth use his eyes to look at another Jew with kindness. (כלי יקר)

“כי תבאו אל ארץ כנען אשר אני נתן לכם לאחזה ונתתי נגע צרעת בבית ארץ

אחזתכם”

“w hen you come into the land of Canaan, that I give you for possession, and I will place the plague of leprosy in the house of the land of your posses-sion.” (14:34)

QUESTION: Since it already says, “Eretz Cana’an asher ani notein lachem la’achuzah” — “the land of Canaan which I give you as a possession” — why does it repetitively go on to refer to “eretz achuzatchem” — “the land of your possession”?

ANSwER: The Torah is calling our attention to something that can cause a plague in our homes in Eretz Yisrael. Jews must always remember that Eretz Yisrael was given to us by Hashem and that it is not something that we took with our own strength. Therefore, when you come to Eretz Yisrael, if you will remember that, “Ani notein lachem” — “I (Hashem) give it to you” — “la’achuzah” — “for you to possess” — there will not be any plagues, but “venatati nega tzara’at beveit” — “I will place the plague of leprosy in a house” — if “eretz achuzatchem” — “you consider the land as something that you took for your possession.”

(חומת אנך)

ונתתי נגע צרעת בבית ארץ אחזתכם”

“And I will place the plague of leprosy upon a house in the land of your pos-

session.” (14:34)

QUESTION: Rashi writes that a plague in the walls of a house is propitious for the Jews. The Amorites had hidden treasures of gold in their houses all the 40 years the Jews were in the desert, and on account of the plague, the Jews broke down the walls of the houses and found the gold.

If a plague is a punishment for sinning, why does it seem to be a reward?

ANSwER: The Torah is teaching us a very interesting lesson: Every Jew has treasures hidden deep within. when a person sins, he is neglecting and forsaking the treasures and resources that Hashem has hidden in him.

when a Jew is, G-d forbid, plagued, it awakens him to do teshuvah — to become closer to Hashem and Yid-dishkeit, thereby revealing the valuable treasures hidden within him.

(עי’ לקוטי שיחות חל”ב ע’ 97)

“כנגע נראה לי בבית”

“Something like an affliction has appeared to me in the house.” (14:35)

QUESTION: The Ba’al Haturim writes that there are two pesukim with the words “nirah li.” One is “Meirachok Hashem nirah li” — “G-d appeared to me from the distance” (Jeremiah 31:3) and our pasuk is the other. what is the connection between these two pesukim?

ANSwER: Though the plague affect-ing the house seems superficially very distressing, in reality it contained good tidings. By breaking the walls of their houses, the Jewish owners found treasures which were hidden there by the Amorites during the forty years the Jews were in the desert (Rashi). The link between the two pesukim is that when the human eye of the Jew sees that “kenega nirah li babayit” — “Something like an affliction has appeared to me in the house,” he should know that, “Meirachok Hashem nirah li” — G-d, so to say, is appearing from the distance, and in His merciful way, He is bestowing riches upon the Jew.

(שו”ת תירוש ויצהר סי’ נ”ז)

“ורחץ במים את כל בשרו”

“He shall bathe his entire flesh in water.” (15:16)QUESTION: The Gemara (Eruvin 4b) explains that this refers to a mikveh of at least 40 se’ah of water (approx. 120 gal.).

what rationale can be given for mikveh purification?

ANSwER: A gentile woman consid-ered becoming a giyoret (convert to Judaism). She contacted a Rabbi, who informed her of the requirements and also mentioned immersion in a mikveh. She was ready to do everything except for the mikveh ritual, which she found

difficult to comprehend. He advised her to write her dilemma to the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

She received the following response: According to the Gemara (Yevamot 22a), a person who undergoes conver-sion is considered a newborn. when an embryo is formed in the mother’s womb, it is in a placenta surrounded by water on all sides. Similarly, the convert immerses himself entirely in the waters of the mikveh and emerges a newborn person.

The Rebbe’s reply provides an insight into mikveh purification in general. Every person has a pure neshamah at birth. Afterwards he may do things which defile his soul. Immersion in the mikveh is a form of rebirth and through it he returns to his original state of purity.

The Shelah writes: “when one immerses in the mikveh, he should recite the pasuk, ‘Leiv tahor bera li Elokim’ — ‘A pure heart create for me, O G-d’ (Psalms 51:12), because through immersion he becomes a newly created person.

Also, the first letters of the words — ’pure create for me‘ — ’טהור ברא לי’spell out the word ‘taval’ (טבל) — ‘to immerse.’ ” (שער האותיות ע’ ק”ה)

According to an interpretation of the kesef Mishneh (Avot Hatumah 7:16, see Pardes Yosef 14:8), a person who immerses in a mikveh becomes pure when he first emerges from the water and not while he is actually immersed. This ruling may reflect the spiritual correspondence between immersing in a mikveh and birth, for a child is considered born when his forehead emerges from his mother’s womb.

The famous Chassidic Rebbe, Rabbi Shlomo karliner, once said, “Mikveh (for men) is not a mitzvah, and atzvut sadness, melancholy — is not — (עצבות)an aveira. However, atzvut can cause the individual more harm than some of the most serious aveirot, and mikveh can accomplish for the individual more than some of the greatest mitzvot.”

(ר’ שלמה זצ”ל קארלינער)

"זאת תהיה תורת המצרע"

“This shall be the law of the leper.” (14:2)

QUESTION: why is the leper called

a “metzora”?

ANSwER: The Gemara (Arachin 15b) says that one of the ways to become a metzora is through speaking lashon hara. The word “metzora” (מצורע) is a combination of two words: “motzi ra” ”one who brings out evil“ — (מוציא רע)[about another person]. The punish-ment for this is nega tzara’at — plague of leprosy.

The Torah prohibits lashon hara by com-manding: “Lo teileich rachil be’amecha” You shall not be a“ — (לא תלך רכיל בעמיך)talebearer among your people” (19:16). These words have the numerical value of 883, the same as the numerical value of “nega tzara’at” נגע צרעת)). This shows that the sin and punishment are exactly midah keneged midah — measure for measure. (אוצר חיים)

The Midrash relates that Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel sent his servant to the market and said, “Bring me the best thing you can find.” The servant came back with a tongue.

Another time, Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel said to his servant, “Go to the market and bring me the worst thing you can find.” Again, the servant returned with a tongue.

"וצוה הכהן ולקח למטהר שתי צפרים חיות טהרות"

“The kohen shall command and for the person being purified there shall be taken two live clean birds.” (14:4)

QUESTION: why were two birds needed to purify a metzora?

ANSwER: One of the causes of leprosy is lashon hara. when someone conveys lashon hara to a person about his friend or to a husband about his wife, he replaces friendship or marital harmony with enmity and strife. The word "צפור" — “bird” — has the numerical value of 376, the same numerical value as the word "שלום" — “peace.”

The Torah is suggesting that in order for the leper punished for lashon hara to be forgiven, he must first make peace between the friends or the husband and wife. Thus, the two birds correspond to the two estranged people who need to be reconciled. (עיטורי תורה)

The two birds represent the process of making peace between two partners. The numerical value of two times "צפור" is 752. In Hebrew 752 is "זהב" — “gold.” Making peace between people is as valuable as gold.

Vedibarta Bam ~ Hagadah

April 11, 2008 ~ CROWN HEIGHTS 11

Last wednesday, Shalhevet continued its beautiful weekly programming. 52 girls attended a special event hosted by Beis Rivka in the lunchroom at 310 Crown Street.

Esty weinberg led a crafts project where

the girls decorated headbands with beautiful beads, ribbons, and metal-lic wire. Mushky Hazan led a danc-ing workshop and told a story. Rifky Borenstein and Rochy Nash introduced a ga me where

Shalhevet the girls got the opportunity to do improvisational acting. There was singing, a farbrengen, and a raffle with two lucky winners of jewelry

from Bardy’s.

A special thanks to Beis Rivka and Benji Stock for hosting the event and to the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council for sponsoring the event.

Shalhevet is an organiza-tion dedicated to providing creative workshops and events for young teenage girls in a Chassidishe atmo-sphere. For more informa-tion, please call 953-0770 or 953-2452.

Laws and CustomsMONTH OF NISSAN — חודש ניסן

Many have a custom not to eat mat-1. zah from Rosh Chodesh Nissan. The Chabad custom is not to eat matzah from thirty days before Pesach

(באר היטב סי’ תע”א, ה, אגרות כ”ק אדמו”ר ח”ח

ע’ שי”ט, אגרות משה או”ח ח”א סי’ קנ”ה)

This stringency, however, does not 2. apply to chameitz matzot

סעי’ פ”ב ח”א פסח הל’ גבריאל (נטעי

תע”א, סי’ ח”ג יעקב משנת בשם י”א

וכן מוכח משו”ע הרב סי’ תע”א, ז)

Tac h a nu n , “ L a m i n at z e i ’ac h 3. Ya’ancha”, “Av Harachamim,” and “Tzidkatecha Tzedek,” are omitted in prayers throughout the entire month.

(שו”ע הרב סי’ תכ”ט:י”ב וסידור נוסח אר”י-

חב”ד)

Fasting is not permitted during 4. the entire month except in the following cases:

A bad dream (and it is not neces-A. sary to fast an additional day afterward to make up for fasting in Nissan; except if the fast was on Shabbat or Yom-Tov).A fi r stbor n m a le on E re v B. Pesach.A chatan and kallah on the day C. of their wedding even when it is on Rosh Chodesh.

(שו”ע הרב סי’ תכ”ט:ט-י”א)

In the wilderness the altar in the 5. Tabernacle was dedicated on Rosh Chodesh Nissan. During the 12 day period commencing with Rosh Chodesh, the Nesi’im — leaders of the twelve tribes — brought their own personal offering in celebration of the momentous event.

In commemoration of this, from Rosh Chodesh to the 12th of Nissan, every morning after Shacharit, the Nasi is read by each individual. On Rosh Chodesh the first Nasi is read starting with, “vayehi beyom kalot Moshe” (Bamidbar 7:1).

(של”ה דף ק”מ ע”ב שו”ע הרב סי’ תכ”ט:ט”ו)

On the 13th day we read from, “Zot 6. chanukat hamizbei’ach” till “kein asah et hamenorah” (ibid. 7:84 — 8:4) which corresponds to the tribe of Levi. (שו”ע, שם)

After reading the Nassi correspond-7. ing to the day of the month, a “yehi ratzon” (see Nusach Ari siddur) is recited which is also said by koha-nim or Levi’im. (היום יום ר”ח ניסן)

BLESSING ON TR EES — ברכת האילנות

One who goes out during the days of Nissan and sees trees in blossom says the following blessing:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵנוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁלֹא בְּרִיוֹת בוֹ וּבָרָא כְּלוּם בְּעוֹלָמוֹ חִסַּר בָּהֶם לֵיהָנוֹת וְאִילָנוֹת טוֹבוֹת טוֹבוֹת

בְּנֵי אָדָם.

Blessed are You Ad-nai, our God, king of the universe, who has not made His world lacking anything and created in it goodly creatures and goodly trees to give pleasure to mankind.

(סדר ברכת הנהנין פי“ג - הלכה י“ד)

This berachah is said only the first 1. time that one sees [this sight] each year. (שם)

The berachah is recited only over 2. fruit producing trees.

(שו”ע סי’ רכ”ו באר היטב ומ”ב, ועי’ חזון עובדיה

על הגש”פ, ושערי הלכה ומנהג ע’ רי”ט)

Although the kabbalists hold that it 3. should be said only in the month of Nissan, halachically, when the trees blossom early or late, it may be said also in the months of Adar or Iyar.

(קצות השלחן ח”ב סי’ ס”ו, ט, ועי”ש בבדי השלחן,

ועי’ שערי הלכה ומנהג ח”א ע’ ר”כ)

Preferably it should be made when 4. one sees two trees, but halachically it may be recited even over one tree.

(בדי השלחן)

In Australia where the trees blossom 5. around Tishrei, or countries in the Southern Hemisphere where the seasons are “reversed” relative to North America or Eretz Yisrael, the

berachah should be made during the season in which the trees blossom.

(שו”ת מנחת יצחק ח”י סי’ ט”ז)There are halachic opinions that 6. women, too, should make this berachah when seeing trees in blossom.

(שו”ת הר צבי או”ח סי’ רכ”ו ועי’ בחזון עובדיה

על הגש”פ)

MA’OT CHITIM — מעות חטים

A long-standing tradition in all Jewish communities is to make a campaign for ma’ot chitim (Shulchan Aruch 429:1). Though ma’ot chitim literally means “money for wheat,” it is not limited to the expense of matzot only. The inten-tion is to assure that every family in the community have all that it needs for them to have a kosher and freilach Pesach.

Since it is customary to conduct appeals for this purpose, the following are some thoughts on the subject:

One Erev Pesach in the afternoon, a man asked Rabbi Yosef Ber Soloveitchik of Brisk, Poland whether it is permis-sible to use four cups of milk instead of wine at the Seder. The rabbi told him that he had asked a difficult question and that time did not permit him to look into it immediately. He then gave him 100 rubles and wished him a happy Yom Tov. The rabbi’s wife, who observed this, asked, “why did you give him so much money? Couldn’t he buy wine for much less than that?” The Rabbi explained, “If he considered using milk, obviously he also does not have meat for the festive meal, and perhaps he is missing many other things also. Therefore, I gave him enough money to ensure that he and his family will have all their needs.”

It is the custom in many congregations for the Rabbi to deliver a scholarly derashah on Shabbat Hagadol. The learned people of the city look forward to this event and immensely enjoy the Rabbi’s erudition. One year a certain Rabbi stunned his listeners by telling them that he had been unable to sleep

for the past week due to an exception-ally difficult Rambam he had come across.The town scholars were eager to hear what was puzzling their Rabbi. The Rabbi went on to explain that the word is an acronym for (”Rambam“) ”רמבם“ בולבעס ,(matzah) מצה ,(raisins) ראזינקעס(potatoes), and מרור (maror). During Pesach we need raisins for wine, matzah and maror to perform the mitzvot, and potatoes are a staple food on Pesach.He continued, “As Rabbi of this city, I know that we have many needy people and families who are suffering from the recession; I cannot determine how they will deal with this difficult ‘רמבם’ on Pesach. If anyone has an answer, please come forth.”The people were dumbfounded and unable to solve their Rabbi’s dilemma. Finally, the Rabbi said, “Last night I managed to find a solution. when I opened my Rambam I noticed that the most popular commentary is the kesef Mishneh, which literally means ‘double money.’ If the rich will double their contribution of last year, it will be easy for everyone to tackle this difficult Rambam and enjoy a kosher and freilachen Pesach.”

(שמעתי מהרב רפאל ע”ה שטיין)

In 1930 many religious families were unfortunately affected by the depres-sion. The Young Israel of Brooklyn, on Bedford Avenue in williamsburg, was giving out Pesach packages for needy families, and anyone who came and stood in line would receive one. My grandfather, Rabbi Tzvi z”l Hakohen kaplan, was raising money to help a prominent needy family. knowing that they would not stand on line he sent his oldest son, Shimon, to stand in line and get a package which he would give to the family. The line was very long, and after Shimon had stood there a long time, he felt very uncomfortable, and he went home.when my grandfather asked, “where is the package?” he responded, “The line was very long and I felt embarrassed, so I left.” My grandfather said to him, “I do not understand you. You are a yeshiva bachur and you have already learned about a ‘kal vechomer’ (a conclusion inferred from a lenient law to a strict one). If you are embarrassed, know-ing it is not for you, how much more embarrassment would it be for them to stand in line for their own need. Go back and bring home a package so that we can help them for Yom Tov.”

(שמעתי מדודי ר’ שמעון הכהן שי’ קאפלאן)

12 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 11, 2008

By Moshe Nunez

I trust in H-shem that by this article, being the seventh article of this series, we have laid a solid foundation, suffi-cient background, and a good under-

standing of how important and critical it is that we as Jews reach out to our gentile neighbors to teach them the Seven Universal Principles, a.k.a., Sheva Mitzvot Bnei Noach. Our sense of urgency should be in alignment to Rabbi Tarfon’s statement: “The day is short; the work is much; the work-men are lazy; the reward is great, and the Master is pressing”(Pirkei Avot 2:15). we were given a great task when H-shem made us a nation of priests and a light unto the nations. The sooner we start elevating our gentile neighbors, the faster we will see the results that we are all longing for: The Geula Sheleima and Moshiach NOw!

This article will give you the key to teaching Sheva Mitvah # 1: Believe in G-d; do not worship idols.

To believe in G-d, a person must first have faith (emunah). True faith is essential in order for the believer to be empowered to accept the yoke of Heaven. This is why this first mitzvah is the appropriate starting point, for if a person does not properly believe in H-shem, how can he accept His king-ship? without believing, why should anyone be committed to follow G-d’s commandments?

How do we believe in H-shem? Is Jew-ish faith contingent on intellect or on circumstances? Do we do mitzvoth because they all make a lot of sense? Our dedication to do mitzvoth is based on a simple and pure trust in H-shem which leads to a complete surrender to H-shem and an unwavering com-mitment to accept the Yoke of Heaven (kabbalat Ol). The insight that I will now share with you is one of many that I have learned while teaching Sheva Mizvot to gentiles in an informal class setting every week during the course of this past year. The first lesson we must give our gentile neighbors is sum-marized in the words “na’ase v’nishma” (we will do and we will listen).

“Na’ase v’nishman” is the most true, sin-cere, and eternal expression of having faith and trust in H-shem. You might be thinking: “wait a second…we were the ones that said ‘na’ase v’nishma’, not the goyim”, as is explained in the Midrash when Hakadosh Baruch-Hu offered the Torah to the nations of the world before giving it to us on Har Sinai. This is true; we were the only ones that said it. For this very reason, we were blessed to become H-shem’s chosen nation, His beloved kallah. For us, this faith came as an inheritance from the Avot, for we are believers and the children of

We Will Do and We Will Listen believers. The fact that this came to us in an almost natural and spontaneous way does not mean that we are the only ones that can obtain this type of faith. The nations must obtain it through their own efforts and commitment. Gentiles can and must learn this simple and pure faith in H-shem, but they need us as their guides and examples.

Actually, proper faith is the key pre-requisite to go any further. If a person does not believe in H-shem sufficiently to accept H-shem’s Malchut, then why should he/she care what G-d requires from them? If we try to convince people to follow the Sheva Mitzvot Bnei Noach based on intellect, we are building on a very weak foundation. we all know how fickle the human mind is. If a person’s commitment to do mitzvoth is based on “seichel”, then the first time a new idea is introduced to convince otherwise, it will dissolve the commitment to fulfill-ing the mitzvah! we don’t have to go too far to find examples of the ill effects of basing our faith and commitment to H-shem on intellect. Unfortunately, we can see this in the doctrines of the Conservative, Traditional, and Reform Jewish movements. Based on “seichel”, these corrupted forms of Yiddishkeit start to “pick and choose” which mitz-voth they will fulfill and the manner in which they will “observe” them.

By teaching our gentiles friends the phrase “na’ase v’nishma” in Lashon kodesh, it elevates and transforms their inner psyche. This complete and full surrender to trust in H-shem is the key to find one’s place in the plan of

The Abishter. This will give goyim the proper perspective on how to serve to H-shem, on our role as His people (the Yidden), and how to interact with the world at large. This knowledge will lead people to comply with H-shem’s Seven Universal Principles which will result in helping them to have truly fulfilled and holy lives.

It is quite clear why Sheva Mitvah # 1 which is “Believe in G-d; do not worship idols” is listed always as the top of the list of Sheva Mitvoth. The goal is to enable people to have the proper faith in H-shem that will lead them to (1) not worship idols by believing in

H-shem the proper way and (2) accept His kingship over their individual life so that they will be willing and able to learn and to practice the other six of the Seven Universal Principles.

A story: As many of you know, when I’m not davening at 770 or writing articles, I work as a Consultant specializing in ERP Software implementations and Business Transformation. Recently, while at a client meeting with a senior vice president who frequently uses foul language to try to get his point across, an opportunity arose to explain to share with him the concept of “Hashgacha Pratit”. I explained to him what this expression in Hebrew means. I pointed out how it was no coincidence that we had a mutual interest in a certain oppor-tunity. To help him better understand the essence of “Hashgacha Pratit”, I gave him the well-known story of the Baal Shem Tov about how the leaf falls from a tree at a precise moment, then falls either on its back or its belly, and is picked up to a nearby tree to serve as a little worm’s breakfast. Shortly after sharing this story, every time this individual would say a “curse” word, even the mildest ones, he would catch himself and apologize for cursing. I had mentioned nothing about speaking with foul language, cursing, or about refinement of character. All I did was expose him to an expression in Lashon Hakodesh in the light of Chassidus. As a result of this exposure, the refine-ment process started in his life with a new realization that G-d is listening to everyone and everything. Even to date, this individual has almost completely stopped using vulgar language around me and others.

what would have happened had this person had not been exposed to a Jew that speaks in a refined or G-dly man-ner? would this person have felt shame for speaking in an unrefined way not having an example to emulate? How-ever, when having a real live person just on the other side of his desk, he learned a Chassidic concept as an explanation of an expression in Lashon kodesh. He felt shame for not speaking like a mentsch, and most importantly, he began to improve the way he speaks.

Every time a Jew acknowledges H-shem and shares a little Torah knowledge with those around him, they are immediately transformed. Like the Rebbe explained many times, when we say words of Torah while on the subway or walking on the street, we purify the air around us. when we share a Torah concept, a Chassidic story, and we are behaving like a Jew should, this elevates and purifies the people around us too.

There is no middle ground. As Yidden, we are either make a kiddush H-shem by the way we think, speak, and act, or chas v’shalom, we bring shame to the Holy One, Blessed be He. The Abishter has spread us throughout the world and mixed us into every type of business

FELLOW JEW, IT’S UP TO YOU

and industry sector so that there would be no place not exposed to His Truth through us His chosen people.

Note that the Rebbe instructed many times in letters and in Sichos that our responsibility is to teach the Sheva Mitzvoth Bnei Noach “with all their ramifications”. These mitzvoth are universal principles and have countless ramifications that answer all life’s situ-ations. As it is known, these Universal Principles were given to Adam and Chava; however, it is through the Torah that the ramifications are defined. Because the Torah is the Torah of Truth, it is perfect, enlightening the eyes and making the simple wise. The Torah is eternal and unlimited as it is a reflection of the will of the Abishter.

Undoubtedly, the Sheva Mitzvoth as defined in the Torah have all the answers to every imaginable life situa-tion. we are to teach them to our gentile neighbors in the light of Chassidus so that they too can grasp the essence of the overall objective which is to make a dwelling place for H-shem here in the lowest of the lowest worlds, the material plane.

when we elevate a goy by teaching him/her to believe only in H-shem, to only pray to Him, to know there is no one other than Him, we elevate the entire world. Yes, by elevating the humans, we elevate minerals, plants and animals. For sure, on our Shabbos table we have salt (minerals), challah (plants), fish and meat (animals), so we are elevating all these kinds (sugim), but during the week, in addition to these, we must elevate humans as they are the top level of creation, made in the image and likeness of the Creator.

It is time to use the key that will unlock the final phase of entering into the long-awaited Redemption. Teach someone this week how we as Jews believe in G-d as expressed in “na’ase v’nishma”. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed--they have been waiting for 3,320 years (from when we received the Torah) to know how to fulfill their part in G-d’s plan. we are a nation of kohanim. Just like within B’nei Israel, the function of the kohen is to elevate his coreligionists, so too every Yid must elevate his gentile neighbors, friends, colleagues, employees, clients, etc.

Let’s follow the footsteps of Avraham Avinu who would not rest unless he got everyone around him to acknowledge and believe in H-shem. It’s clearly up to us, and no one else. The world needs leaders. A leader is one who believes in what is true, lives according to it, and inspires others to follow his example. we live in a world that greatly lacks true examples and leaders. So where there are no leaders, be a leader. Fellow Jew. no one else will do it…It’s simply up to You.

The Rebbe: A brief biography

In honor of Yud Aleph Nissan

(Adapted from Chabad.org and addi-tional sources)

The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Men-achem Mendel Schneerson, the sev-enth leader in the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, is considered to have been the most phenomenal Jewish personality of modern times. To hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of sympathizers and admirers around the world, he was -- and still is-- “the Rebbe,” undoubtedly, the one individual more than any other singularly responsible for stirring the conscience and spiritual awakening of world Jewry.

The Rebbe was born in 1902, on the 11th day of Nissan, in Nikolaev, Russia, to the renowned kabbalist, Talmudic scholar and leader, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, and Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson. Rebbetzin Chana (1880-1964) was known for her erudition, kindness and extraordinary accessibility. Her courage and ingenuity became legend when dur-ing her husband’s exile by the Soviets to a remote village in Asian Russia, she labored to make inks from herbs she gathered in the fields -- so that Rabbi Levi Yitzchak could continue writing his commentary on kabbalah and other Torah-subjects. The Rebbe was named after his great-grandfather, the third Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, with whom he later shared many characteristics.

To Save a Life: There is a story told about the Rebbe’s early life that seems to be almost symbolic of everything that was to follow. when he was nine years old, the young Menachem Mendel courageously dove into the Black Sea and saved the life of a little boy who had fallen from the deck of a moored ship. That sense of “other lives in danger” seems to have dominated his conscious-ness; of Jews drowning in assimilation, ignorance or alienation--and no one hearing their cries for help: Jews on campus, in isolated communities, under repressive regimes. From early child-hood he displayed a prodigious mental acuity. By the time he reached his Bar Mitzvah, the Rebbe was considered an illuy, a Torah prodigy. He spent his teen years immersed in the study of Torah.

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

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

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

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

Past, Present and Future: Many leaders recognize the need of the moment and respond with courage and directions. This is their forte -- and an admirable one. Others, though their strength may not lie in “instant response” to current problems, are blessed with the ability of perceptive foresight -- knowing what tomorrow will bring and how to best prepare. Still other leaders excel in yet a third distinct area, possessing a keen sense of history and tradition; their advice and leadership is molded by a great sensitivity to the past.

But one who possessed all three quali-ties was truly unique, standing alone in leadership. Such was the Lubavitcher Rebbe -- the inspiration and driving force behind the success of Lubavitch today. Radiating a keen sense of urgency, he demanded much from his followers,

and even more from himself. The Rebbe led, above else, by example.

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

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

For nearly five of the most critical decades in recent history, the Rebbe’s goal to reach out to every corner of the world with love and concern has unfolded dramatically. No sector of the community has been excluded

-- young and old; men and women; leader and layman; scholar and laborer; student and teacher; children, and even infants.

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

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

To conclude with the Rebbe’e words in his Maamor Bosi L’Gani, “May we be privileged to see and meet with the Rebbe here is this world, in a physical body, in this earthy domain -- and he will redeem us.”

Rabbi Sholom DovBer Schneerson

( 1 8 6 0 - 1 9 2 0 ) Th e 5 t h R e b b e o f C h a b a d - L u b a v i t c h In honor of Bais Nissan, the Hilulo of the Rebbe Rashab, which was this past Monday, we reprint this brief biography from Chabad.Org

The fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Sho-lom DovBer Schneersohn (“Rashab”), was born in the white Russian town of Lubavitch in 1860. After the passing of his father, Rabbi Shmuel in 1882, he assumed the leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch.

Famed for his phenomenal mind and analytical treatment of Chabad Chas-sidism, Rabbi Sholom DovBer wrote and delivered some 2,000 maamarim (discourses of Chassidic teaching), over the 38 years of his leadership. In 1897, he established the Tomchei Temimim ye s h i v a h , t he first institution of Jewish learn-ing to combine the study of the “body” of Torah (Talmudic and lega l s t ud ies) with its mystical “soul” (the teach-ings of Chassid-ism); it was this unique yeshivah

that produced the army of learned, inspired and devoted Chassidim who, in the decades to come, would literally give their lives to keep Judaism alive under Soviet rule.

In 1915, Rabbi Sholom DovBer was forced to flee Lubavitch from the advancing world war I front and relocated to the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. In his final years, he began the heroic battle against the new Com-munist regime’s efforts to destroy the Jewish faith throughout the Soviet Union.

Rabbi Sholom DovBer passed away in Rostov on the 2nd of Nissan, 1920. His last words were: “I’m going to heaven; I leave you the writings.”

To learn more about the Rebbe Rashab, see Chabad.Org

April 11, 2008 ~ CROWN HEIGHTS 13

Money Matters

14 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 11, 2008

Do You Need a Will?By Mordy Schachter,

AgentNew York Life Insurance Company

A will is one of the most important documents you can create in your l i fetime. Think of a

will as the financial blueprint of the distribution of your assets after your passing. Your will clearly states who will inherit your assets, when they will inherit your assets, and any conditions that must be met for them to receive your assets. If you pass away without a valid will, the court does not have your financial blueprint to follow. Therefore, it has no way of knowing how you may have wanted to distribute your assets. The state where you lived steps in and makes the decisions for you, according to the distribution schedule set forth in its intestacy statutes. The state’s deci-sions may or may not conform to your wishes or to what is best for the people closest to you.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: “My assets are so small that a will is not necessary.”

Fact: Think again. You are generally

worth more than you give yourself credit. Even if some possessions do not hold great monetary value, they could hold an enormous amount of sentimen-tal value — and that’s something you can’t put a price on. Failing to indicate who receives these treasures in your will can cause friction between family members that lasts for decades.

Myth: “When I pass away, my spouse will get all of my assets.”

Fact: If you and your spouse own assets jointly, at death your share of the assets will automatically go to your surviving spouse. w hat happens when your surviving spouse passes away? what will your children receive? Does your spouse have the financial skill to man-age the family wealth?

Myth: “I can create a will on my own and save the legal costs.”

Fact: “Do-it-yourself ” wills often do not contain all of the necessary com-ponents as required by law. Anyone who might benefit from an invalidation of your will can contest it, and if the courts decide in his or her favor, your estate may have to pay for all legal costs. Remember, the few dollars you

save now can cost your loved ones thousands of dollars later.

Myth: “I don’t want my final wishes to be set in stone. I’ll create a will later in my life.”

Fact: The terms of a will can change as often as needed. Legal experts agree that you should reexamine your will periodically to make sure it is up-to-date. A will should receive a “checkup” whenever there is a substantial change

in your life.

How Do You Create a Will?

Drafting a will is difficult and is not an endeavor you want to tackle single-handedly. It’s important that you call on the services of an estate-planning lawyer. A lawyer might help you:

Avoid the possible problems of “do-it-yourself ” willsSave on estate taxes

Take advantage of estate planning opportunities people often overlookChange the terms of your existing will

Life Insurance and Wills

How does life insurance fit into the picture? Life insurance is a vehicle you can use to help make sure your estate is not depleted at death by potential estate taxes and other costs. In most instances, life insurance proceeds are paid income tax-free to your beneficiaries. without life insurance proceeds, a portion of your estate may have to be sold to meet “final” expenses, like estate taxes, outstanding debts, etc.

Don’t Procrastinate!

Despite the importance of an estate plan, which includes a will, 80% of Americans still do not have one. why? Creating a will forces each of us to come face to face with our own mor-tality – something which isn’t easy to do. But, it will be much more difficult for your loved ones if you don’t have a will. Remember, you should seek the services of a qualified attorney to draft your will.

For more information, please contact Mordy Schachter, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company, at 718.915.3438.

by Sara Chana Silverstein, IBCLC.

“Cough, cough, cough”, goes your 4 year old. “Please stop coughing!” you say to your adorable child (like he can really stop coughing on his own). “I won’t be able to hear your brother recite the Ma-Nishtana that he worked so hard on tonight!” you say with frustration. “And, I can’t take you to the doctor now because Pesach is coming; I’m not done cooking”. Don’t despair; take action!

Go cut up some onions. Next, you must cover the onions with either sugar (if you use sugar), or honey (if you use honey). Cover the mixture with some kind of cover other than foil, and let it stand out on the counter for 2 hours (even better overnight). You will notice that a layer of liquid will form on top of the onions. Ta da! There is your cough syrup for Pesach (you can jar it and keep it in your refrigerator all Yom Tov). You should give this mixture by the teaspoon four times per day for kids over age one, and by the tablespoon for teens and adults four times a day.

Oh, no! Your teenager just twisted his ankle. He can hobble on it, so you do not feel it is broken, but he is in pain, and it is Erev Pesach. Don’t panic, you know what to do to help your son. You are knowledgeable; you are a “super-mom”. First elevate the leg, and ice the ankle for 10-20 minutes. Next, take out your handy grater and grate up a potato. Yes, a potato. Take the grated potato and put it into a piece of cheesecloth or old knee-hi, and you have just made a

potato poultice (see how talented you are?). Squeeze out the excess liquid and place the poultice over the swollen ankle. keep the poultice over the ankle for 10 minutes to 1 hour, four times a day. You will be amazed at how the potato reduces inflammation and helps the pain go away. You can use a grated potato over any inflamed area. They work wonders for breast infections and painful inflammation from injections, bug bites, swollen glands, and swollen fingers. Just watch out for the potato juice; it does stain permanently!

Did your husband just sneeze (that’s all you need now is for your husband to get sick and not help you with the last minute Pesach preparations!!!)? Don’t despair! Boil him up some water and squeeze in ½ of a lemon (you can of course add honey if you use it on Pesach). He needs to drink this hot drink 3-8 times per day. The vitamin C in the lemon will help him fight the infection (and, keep him feeling good enough to help with the children in Shul). For children not feeling well, squeeze some lemon in some water, add sugar or honey and make them yummy lemon-aid. Lemons will build immunity and helps fight infection.

w hat now? Your eight year old is complaining of a sore throat! Not now, doesn’t he realize that it is Erev Pesach? Teach him quickly to gargle with warm salt water. warm salt water is a phenomenal cure! It is something our bubbies used for generations, and it is as good now at healing as it was then (you

cannot make salt water on Shabbos, so please make it before and keep it in a jar). Salt water is also good for your two-year-old’s stuffy nose. Buy an ear and eyedropper at your local pharmacy (or use a clean Tylenol dropper) and put 2-3 drops in children’s (and adults) nostrils 2-5 times per day for stuffy noses or at the start of a cold.

It’s Chol HaMoed and you, the mother/bubby, are exhausted. You worked so hard to make a fabulous Yom Tov, but you are pooped, wiped out, beyond tired! Pull out your juicer and please make yourself some carrot juice. You can also add some beets, apples, pears or any other yummy fruit or vegetable and drink to your health. Juicing invigorates the body more then almost anything on

the planet, and Pesach is a great time to begin juicing. The body does not have to break down the juice, so the vitamins and nutrients immediately give your body vitality and strength!

You see the greatness of Hashem! As difficult and limiting Pesach is, Hashem still gives us women the ability to heal our families and ourselves. knowledge is power!

Sara Chana is a licensed Lactation Con-sultant, Herbalist, and lifetime student of Homeopathy. She has a private practice in Brooklyn and helps teach people how they can heal themselves and their children with ear infections, chronic sore throats, indigestion, PMS, depression, ADD/ADHD, phobias, and life’s stresses.

Home Treatments for Pesach Colds and Flus and Pains

Nissan Yahrzeits April 11, 2008 ~ CROWN HEIGHTS 15

This week we continue with the Yahrzeiten of people who lived in our shechuna. By mentioning them, we come to “v’Hachai yiten el Libo”. we learn lessons from their lives that we can incorporate into our own. This column includes the Yahrzeiten of the7th of Nissan through the 13th of Nissan.

Men

10th of Nissan Horav Hachossid Hamashpia Hato-mim Reb Avorhom Drizin (Mayor)

The son of Horav H a c h o s s i d R e b Dober Drizin, he was mekushar to three

Rebbe’im: the Rebbe Rashab, the Previous Rebbe, and to the Rebbe, Nosi Doreinu. He was 29 years old when he became the menahel (dean) of all the underground yeshivos in Russia. He was among the founders of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim in Lod, Israel. He was born in Mayor, white Russia, on the 1st of Cheshvan, 5661 (1900) and was nifter in 1991. His resting place is near the Holy Ohel.

Hatomim Yosef Yitzchok Gorodetsky HY”D

The son of Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Mordechai, he was nifter in 1991. His resting place is near the Holy Ohel.

Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Yaakov Moshe Hakohen Friedman

The son of Horav Hachossid Reb Meir Yisroel Iser Hakohen, he was imprisoned and brutally interrogated in Prague after wwII for his activities on behalf of thousands of Jewish refugees, including hundreds of orphans. He was born in krenitz, Galicia in 1924 and was nifter in 2004. His resting place is near the Holy Ohel.

Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Yitzchok Nemes

The son of Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Aharon Meir, he was very com-

mitted to the Mivtzoim and merited many kiruvim and shlichusen from the Rebbe on his business trips abroad. He

was born in Finland and was nifter in 2006. His resting place is near the Holy Ohel.

12th of NissanH o r a v H a c h o -

ssid Hatomim Reb Chaim Yosef Fogelman

The son of Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Yehuda Tzvi, he was nifter in 2001. His resting place is near the Holy Ohel.

Horav Hachossid Hato-mim Reb Shraga Faivel Raksin

The son of Horav Hachossid Reb Rafael Eliezer, he tried to the utmost to live in a Jewish environment and close to other Anash in Russia, despite practical difficulties. He was a chas-

sidishe Yid with great kabbolas Ohl. Nifter in 2001, his resting place is near the Holy Ohel.

13th of NissanHorav Hachossid

Hatomim Reb Menachem Mendel Shemtov

The son of Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Benzion, he was a person of chesed and tzedoko, founded the Yeshiva Chabad at the Ohel, was a member of Agudas Chassidei Chabad, and sup-ported tens of shluchim and Chabad mosdos. He was nifter in 2006, and his resting place is near the Holy Ohel.

For more, see this week’s “Our Heroes” column.

Women

7th of NissanM r s . E s t h e r Mendelowitz

The daughter of Horav Hachossid Reb Nechemia, she did a lot of charity

work and chesed on behalf of Chabad Mosdos with unique devotion, espe-

cially for Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim. She was nifter in 2003, and her rest-

ing place is near the Holy Ohel

Mrs. Gute Barkahan

The daughter of Horav Hacho-ssid Reb Avrohom, she was nifter in 1997. Her resting place is near the Holy Ohel.

8th of NissanMrs. Martha Stock

The daughter of Horav Hachossid Hatomim, Reb Benzion Sokolik, she assisted her husband Reb Shimshon for thirty years with the charity organiza-tion, “Simchas Shabbos v’yom Tov”, supplying necessities to needy families. She was nifter in 2007, and her resting place is near the Holy Ohel.

11th of Nissan Mrs. Pesha Rumanoff

The daughter of Horav Hachossid Reb Moshe, and the wife of Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb kadish, she was nifter in 1966. Her resting place is near the Holy Ohel.

Mrs. Freida Kazarnovsky

The daughter of Horav Hachossid Reb Osher Grossman (Nikolayev) and wife of Horav Hachossid Hatomim Reb Shlomo Aharon kazarnovsky, she worked vigorously on behalf of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim and Bais Rivka over the course of tens of years. She was amongst the founders of Agudas Nshei Chabad in the United States and did a lot of chesed all her life. She was nifter in 1987, and her resting place is near the Holy Ohel.

13th of NissanMrs. Chava Shklar

The daughter of Horav Hachossid Reb Motel, she was nifter in 1982. Her rest-ing place is near the Holy Ohel.

Dear Readers:

Those who would like to have any of their relatives mentioned in the yahrzeit column, please email the name, father’s name, date of the petira and some details to chp5768@gmail.com. A picture may be included.

ALERTS

There is a towing blitz in Crown Heights. If you do not find your car, check with the pound and the 71st. Precinct.

Do not let your children ride their bikes without helmets. Safety Pays!

vIN ETCHING—A DISCOUNT ON YOUR CAR INSURANCEP.O. Charles Ryan will be at the CHJCC this Friday to do vIN etching on cars. vIN Etching can earn you a discount on your car insurance.

The whole process takes only a few minutes. Please bring your car registration. Stop by for more information about this helpful service!

Friday, April 11 • 11 AM to 2:30 PM • 387 kingston Ave.

16 CROWN HEIGHTS ~April 11, 2008