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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 898
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                           Copyright (c) 2005
                 Lubavitch Youth Organization - L.Y.O.
                              Brooklyn, NY
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             THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FOR EVERY JEWISH PERSON
   Dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson N.E.
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        December 9, 2005        Vayetzei          8 Kislev, 5766
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                           Security Blankets

When  you were little, did you have a favorite something that would go
just about everywhere with you? Did you have something that, when you
were nervous or scared or lonely or just confused, gave  you comfort,
strength  - security? Whatever we called them, we had our "security
blankets" growing up.

But why do children need them? Parents naturally do everything they can
to make their child feel safe and secure. Shouldn't a parent's smiles
and hugs, their words and affection, be enough? And the answer is, no.
For psychologists explain that the "security blanket" - whatever form or
shape it takes - is more than a substitute for maternal comfort,
stimulating past sensations of safety and sanctuary. It provides an
anchor against the very real fear of drifting too far too soon into the
world.

By making the blanket the source of their security, even if only in
their imaginations, it gives children a sense of control. They have
"created" their security, and they thus can decide when, and for how
long, they need reassurance and when they feel safe and confident enough
to venture forth.

In other words, a "security blanket" helps us make the transition from a
place of sanctuary but dependence to a place of ambiguity but autonomy.

And as we get older, we don't really outgrow the need for a "security
blanket." It just comes in a different size and color, and probably
costs more.

In any stressful situation, we look to a "security blanket" not to give
us reassurance, but so that we can reassure ourselves, give ourselves
the confidence to deal with the stress.

Whenever we recognize, instinctively or intellectually, that we must
separate from who we were, that we must take control and "go to
ourselves,' we find a "security blanket." It releases us from the
anxiety of transition.

The soul has a "security blanket" spiritually as well. The Sages tell us
that the soul, before it descends into this world, is taught the entire
Torah. And it's given an oath, "be righteous, and be not wicked." We can
say, then, that this oath, and this Torah learning, serve as the
"security blanket" for the soul, easing its separation anxiety - its
desire to remain in the spiritual realms with its impulse, its Divine
mission to enter and transform the physical realm.

And we, our conscious selves, have a "security blanket" as well. It's
called prayer, tefila in Hebrew, meaning, connection. Prayer is also
referred to as a ladder because we use it to connect, to rise from the
comfort of the status quo to a new level of self and spiritual
awareness.

Chasidic teachings talks at length about the effect of devotion in
prayer, how deepening one's awareness of the power of the words gives
one the strength to interact with and transform that which seems
inimical, opposed, to the growth programmed into one's spiritual genes.

"Depend on me," says the world. "I will nourish you and make you feel
secure." And the soul says, "Leave the world behind, be inde-pendent,
spiritually autonomous." And we, our conscious selves, need a "security
blanket" - not a cell phone or a stuffed toy, but tefila,  whose words
anchor us in this world as we venture forth onto the ambiguous sea of
spiritual transformation.

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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This week's Torah portion, Vayeitzei, speaks of Jacob's departure from
Israel to Charan. In Charan he worked for his Uncle Laban for 20 years,
married Rachel and Leah, and established the Twelve Tribes. Vayeitzei
also relates his return from Charan to the Holy Land.

Jewish mysticism explains the difference between Jacob's departure to
Charan and his triumphant return. After setting out on his journey,
Jacob merited a personal revelation from G-d ("And behold, the L-rd
stood above him"). The Torah describes the circumstances: "And he
reached a certain place" - Jacob had to be in a particular place in
order to receive the revelation, and then it was only in the form of a
dream. But we find 20 years later, when Jacob was returning from Charan,
"angels of G-d met him there" - the angels, and G-d Himself (as
explained in the Zohar), actively went out and sought him. Furthermore,
this time Jacob was awake and not dreaming.

We learn from Jacob's 20-year sojourn in Charan how much can be
accomplished by "descent" - by putting one's physical efforts into
bringing holiness into the world. Every Jew must likewise "descend" into
his own "Charan" - where he must wrestle with his own version of "Laban
the Aramean," and emerge victorious, having successfully elevated the
sparks of holiness hidden in the physical world.

This is no easy task, and it requires much study and preparation. Before
setting out into the world, a Jew must first ready himself in "the Holy
Land," which symbolizes the highest level of holiness. Before a Jew can
positively influence his surroundings, he must be sufficiently educated
and knowledgeable in Torah. Before Jacob left Israel for Charan, he
prepared himself by learning in the yeshiva of Eber for 14 years. Every
Jew must likewise prepare himself by dedicating time to Torah study.
This underscores the importance of a good Jewish education, and in
particular, the necessity of beginning a child's Jewish education even
before he is ready for formal schooling.

The theme of preparing oneself before embarking on life's journey is
also expressed in a Jew's daily life. A Jew does not rely solely on his
own power and talents, but rather, begins his day by praying and asking
for G-d's help in carrying out his mission in this world.

By preparing ourselves properly before attending to our daily concerns,
we are assured of success in both the spiritual and physical realms.

                   Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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 Rabbi Bolton performing for a group of children at Chabad of Thailand
                         by Rabbi Tuvia Bolton

On a Friday afternoon, I was driving back home to Kfar Chabad from Tel
Aviv. It was late and, with no time to waste, I took a bit of a
short-cut to save ten minutes. My short-cut put no other drivers in
danger; but it did involve me driving over a solid white line.

Before I knew it, a policeman jumped out into the street and motioned to
me to pull over. I opened my window, admitted my guilt, and requested
that he dispense with me as quickly as possible as Shabbat was
approaching.

He told me to get out of the car as he wanted to check on the computer
if I had other offenses. By the time I got to his car he was already
writing the ticket. He stopped writing for a second and said, "You're
Tuvia Bolton? That name is familiar. Where do I know that name from?"

"From jail?" I replied, as jovially as possible.

"Jail?" he asked me in shock.

"Yes," I replied, "I've been there to read the Scroll of Esther on
Purim, to light the Chanuka candles, and to put tefilin on the
prisoners, not as a prisoner myself, of course," I explained.

He just looked down and continued writing. When he finished writing, he
got out of his car and asked, "You are from Chabad, right?"

"Yes," I admitted, wondering if this revelation would make it more or
less likely that he would tear up the ticket. He handed the paper to me.
Then he said, "I had a big miracle from the Lubavitcher Rebbe. A big
miracle."

"Tell me the story," I said. "At least this way I'll get my money's
worth!"

"It was 20 years ago, 1986," he began. "I was a motorcycle cop on my way
to someone trapped in an overturned car when suddenly an Arab slammed
into me and flipped me and my bike over a guard-rail into a 14 foot-deep
ravine.

"My spine and neck were broken and they thought I'd be paralyzed for
life. The doctors operated and succeeded in returning control to the
left half of my body but my entire right side was totally paralyzed.
Everyone told me I was lucky to be alive. The doctors said there was
nothing more to do. So I began to visit healers and try alternative
medicine. I spent a fortune, but nothing helped.

"Then, after four years our family doctor called to tell me about an
operation that had been developed in Germany. It was still experimental
but he felt that because my situation was deteriorating, I should take
the chance.

"I contacted the doctors and the operation was scheduled in two weeks
time. I was nervous but I kept telling myself that anything would be
better than being half-paralyzed.

"A few days later, on Friday, a friend brought a young Chabad rabbi to
my house. I had never been involved in Judaism and I had a dislike for
religious people. But he had told the rabbi my story and the rabbi
suggested that I write a letter to the Rebbe of Lubavitch. I told my
friend to do me a favor and get the rabbi out of my sight.

"The rabbi explained that he didn't take money so I agreed. All I wrote
in the letter was: 'I want health and livelihood.' I signed my name and
faxed it off from my house. That Saturday night, some nine hours after
Shabbat, my fax rang. It was a letter from the Rebbe's office. My wife
took it and read it aloud, word for word: 'Do not make the operation, it
is not necessary. With G-d's help you will return to work as before.'

"I took the letter and read it myself. 'This is from the great rabbi? I
didn't say anything about any operation! That Chabadnik must have
written and told him! That's how he knew. And he writes that I'll return
to work!' I shouted. I crumpled the fax and threw it angrily in the
trash.

"That was Saturday night. Two days later, at about 6:00 a.m., my phone
rang. Still half asleep I picked it up. 'Who is this?' I mumbled.

"The voice on the other end said, 'This is Eddy from the traffic police.
We're making a new group and we want you to be part of it.'

"'Just what I need,' I said to myself, 'a practical joker first thing in
the morning! I just slammed the phone down and rolled back over to try
to sleep. But suddenly I realized that I had picked up the phone with my
right hand - the one that had been paralyzed! I thought that maybe I
was dreaming, but after a few seconds I held up my right hand in front
of my face and moved it! The phone rang again. I picked it up with my
right hand again.

"'Did you just hang up on me?' asked the voice on the other end. I
explained that I thought it was a prank phone call but before I could
finish he told me that if I was interested I should come to the station
on Wednesday and he hung up.

"When I drove to the station it was the first time I had driven a car in
four years. All the police were new there, which probably explains the
confusion of how they called me. Anyway, I had to go through a whole
standard physical exam including x-rays. They told me to return on
Sunday for the results. When I returned on Sunday, I casually showed the
doctor my old x-rays and he asked, 'Wow, who is this poor fellow?' When
I pointed to my name and to myself he almost fell over. He exclaimed, 'I
see it, but what I see is impossible; on this old picture there are
broken bones and scars from your operations. On these new x-rays all
this is gone! It seems that the Rebbe gave you a new body!'

"If anyone asks me," the policeman concluded his story, "I say the
Lubavitcher Rebbe is here with us today, this very moment! If he could
give me a new body for sure he's here!"

We hugged each other and then I stepped back and said, "My friend, I
don't know how much this ticket is but it's worth every shekel just to
have heard that story!"

He replied with a smile, "Ticket? It's a warning!"

                                             From www.OhrTmimim.com

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                               WHAT'S NEW
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                             New Emissaries

The dynamic work of Chabad of Dix Hills, Long Island, is receiving a
boost with the appointment of Rabbi Aryeh and Sasha Henya Kay as the
Rebbe's emissaries in that city. The Kays will be involved primarily in
the educational outreach programs of the existing Chabad-Lubavitch
Center. Rabbi Mordy and Tzirel Andrusier recently moved to Florida where
they have established Chabad of Pembroke Pines in Southwest Broward. The
new Chabad Center will focus primarily on outreach to the rapidly
growing Spanish American Jewish community. The Jewish community of
Mariupol, Ukraine, the second largest community in the Donbass Region,
recently welcomed Rabbi Menachem Mendel and Esther Cohen as the Rebbe's
emissaries in that city.

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                 From a letter of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

With regard to the question of leaving one's eyes to an eye-bank after
120 years, or similar bequests, I am of course reluctant to discuss this
subject, since this whole matter is of no immediate concern to you at
all, inasmuch as you have many, many years to live and to fill them with
productive and joyful activities, etc. However, since you have already
raised this question, and in view of the fact that there are various
misconceptions about it which have gained currency, I cannot pass over
this question without telling you that there is a clear and distinct
Psak-din [legal ruling], which leaves no doubt as to what the position
of our holy Torah and religion is in regard to this matter. It is that
not only is the neshama [soul] - "Verily, a part of G-dliness Above" in
the words of the Tanya, but also the body of a Jew is sacred and is the
property of G-d, while the Jew is no more than a guardian of it.

This position explains also many dinim (laws) relating to the body,
having to do with hygiene and the like, which are also part of our
Torah. Thus, the halacha [Jewish law] rules explicitly that one must not
mutilate, G-d forbid, something which belongs to G-d, and which has been
placed in the care of a person as guardian and keeper. For the same
reason, our Sages of blessed memory have been so strict in the matter of
mutilating dead bodies. In those exceptional cases, which are very rare,
where an exception was made to the rule, it was because of special
reasons, which in no way diminished the sanctity and inviolability of
the body, as G-d's property, but only because under special
circumstances, G-d Himself has permitted, certain isolated ex-ceptions,
in which case it is the Owner's will that is being carried out, namely
G-d's will.

Now to refer to your last question in the order of appearance in your
letter, though in my opinion, it is first and foremost, as well the most
practical one, namely the question of where you should continue your
higher learning.

You have no doubt heard of my position on such a question, which I have
reiterated many times, and is based on the fact that an educational
institution, regardless of its character, and regardless of the
student's purpose, has a twofold influence, namely in the area of
knowledge "accumulation," as well as in influencing the character, views
and beliefs of the students, to the extent of having an impact also on
the observance of mitzvot, etc. Clearly the second aspect of an
educational institution is not less important than the first, and
perhaps much more important, especially in our day and age where the
outside influences are unfor-tunately negative, while the home influence
is no longer as exclusive as it used to be. There is no need to go into
the factors which have brought about the present state of affairs, but
the facts are there.

In light of the above, it is my considered opinion that insofar as the
continuation of your studies is concerned, even if you remain close to
your home under the good influence of your parents and home atmosphere,
it is important that you should study in an institution wherein the
influence in regard to Torah and mitzvos [command-ments] is a positive
one. According to my knowledge, a good institution on this level is...
The other institutions which you mention are, in my opinion, completely
unsuitable for you, especially in the light of the situation as it has
developed lately, and where no improvement seems likely in the near
future, in the natural order of things, but perhaps a deterioration. The
subject is too painful to discuss in detail.

I wish to add a further point, which I think is also essential. Our
Sages of blessed memory have emphasized the fact that all Jews are like
one big family, and consequently the private life of every member, as
well as the career or profession one chooses, and how one utilizes one's
capacities, etc., are not the private concern of the individual, since
they affect, more or less, every member of this family, and the Jewish
people as a whole. If this has always been true, it is especially true
in our time, particularly in regard to the Jewish youth, and more
particularly those, like yourself, whom G-d has endowed with a special
gift and capacity to work in the field of chinuch [Jewish education],
that is to say, to influence other youngsters by instruction and
education, in addition to being a living example. Moreover, good
influence on a youngster, as I have emphasized this many times before,
is like doing something beneficial to a seed or seedling, where even a
slight benefit at that early stage is eventually compounded into great
benefits....

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                            RAMBAM THIS WEEK
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9 Cheshvan, 5766 - November 11, 2005

Positive Mitzva 213: Marriage

This mitzva is based on the verse (Deut. 24:1) "When a man takes a wife
and marries her"  The groom is commanded to marry and live with his wife
according to the law of the Torah.

15 Cheshvan, 5766 - November 17, 2005

Positive Mitzva 212: To Be Fruitful and Multiply

This mitzva is based on the verse (Gen. 1:28) "Be fruitful and multiply"
G-d created the world for people to live in. This mitzva commands us to
have children.

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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This coming Shabbat, the ninth of Kislev, is the birthday and
anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Dovber, the second Rebbe of Chabad.

A story is told of Reb Dovber when he was a young boy of four or five.
At that time, the boy's father, Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founder of the
Chabad movement, was the Rebbe. After cheder one day, little Dovber ran
into the room where many of his father's chasidim sat. He sat next to
one elderly chasid. The chasid was asking his two fellow-chasidim who
were wealthy businessmen why they were so sad. The two men answered
together, "Times are bad, and business is slow."

Dovber sat up straight and, in pun, said to the first chasid, "Why do
you need to ask them about their sadness (atzvut in Hebrew)? Does it not
say in Psalms, 'Their idols (atzabeihem) are silver and gold...' Their
sadness comes from money."

Later that day, when the three chasidim had the opportunity to speak
privately with the Rebbe, they asked him how Dovber, at this tender age,
had such a keen understanding of Torah and Chasidic philosophy.

Rabbi Shneur Zalman explained, "I have had to make great sacrifices in
my life for Torah and Chasidism. They therefore automatically became my
legacy to my children."

As illustrated by this story, when we make sacrifices for our children
in matters of Judaism and Torah, we are automatically insuring that our
children will inherit an extra measure of strength and commitment in
those areas. G-d sees our sacrifice, He sees the extra effort we put in,
and rewards us with true Yiddishe nachas, Jewish pleasure - our children
and grandchildren will follow in our footsteps.

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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And your seed shall be as the dust of the earth (Gen. 28:14)

G-d promised Jacob that the Jewish nation will be like the humble dust:
Everyone treads upon it, but in the end, the dust has the last word and
covers all. The Jewish people, after suffering at the hands of the
nations of the world, will eventually be victorious and prevail.

                                                      (Tzror Hamor)

                                *  *  *


Surely G-d is present in this place and I did not know it (Gen. 28:16)

When does man feel the presence of G-d? When "I did not know it" - when
the I is ignored and the person works on negating his own ego.

                                                      (Panim Yafot)

                                *  *  *


Then Jacob rose up and set his sons and wives upon the camels (Gen.
31:17)

When Jacob finally left Charan to return to Israel, he was a rich man
with many possessions, though he had arrived there with neither silver,
gold, nor cattle. Although at first glance it appears that Jacob's
living amongst the idolators of Charan was a step backward, it was in
this merit that he acquired his great wealth and established his family.
So too, is it with this final exile. Although the trials and
tribulations have been many, when Moshiach comes and brings the Final
Redemption, we will first realize the great advantage and good that came
from it.

                                                (Lubavitcher Rebbe)

                                *  *  *


And he lay down in that place (Gen. 28:11)

Our Sages teach that this was the first time Jacob lay his head down to
sleep, having spent the previous 20 years working in Laban's house,
saying the entire book of Psalms each night. We learn from Jacob's
behavior that even as we go about our daily lives and attend to our jobs
and responsibilities, our "heads" should be concerned with Torah and our
thoughts directed toward holy matters.

                                                   (Likutei Sichot)

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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Chasidim thronged the roads to Zhlobin, Ukraine, making their way to the
wedding of the daughter of Rabbi Dovber (the second Rebbe of
Chabad-Lubavitch) and the grandson of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev.
This wedding became known as "the Great Wedding in Zhlobin."
Anticipation ran high, and as the wedding day approached, the feverish
preparations intensified.

The bride and her family arrived in Zhlobin a few days before the
wedding, led by the founder of Chabad Chasidism, Rabbi Shneur Zalman,
and his son, Rabbi Dovber, later to become the Mitteler Rebbe. Rabbi
Levi Yitzchok and the groom's family arrived in Zhlobin on the eve of
the wedding.

Rabbi Shneur Zalman told his son to go and greet Rabbi Levi Yitzchok.
Rabbi Dovber blanched and said, "Father, you know how the tzadik is
upset with me because I teach Chasidism at length and in public! I am
afraid to go to him alone."

"Please go, my son, and don't be afraid," said Rabbi Shneur Zalman.

Rabbi Dovber put on his coat, took his walking stick and went to see
Rabbi Levi Yitzchok. He fearfully entered the room and his fears were
immediately realized. As soon as Rabbi Levi Yitzchok saw him, his face
crinkled in surprise and displeasure. He got right to the point without
greeting him, and without hiding his annoyance, as though talking to a
crowd rather than to a guest.

"Are you allowed to reveal this great and wondrous wisdom? It is
forbidden to speak about these secrets to people who never saw the face
of our teacher, the holy Baal Shem Tov!" He pointed at Rabbi Dovber and
said, "And he reveals them openly, before the masses!"

Rabbi Dovber rushed out of the room and returned to his father in great
dismay. "Father, the tzadik's displeasure stands, and I am afraid."

Rabbi Shneur Zalman understood that it was important to resolve this
issue before the wedding festivities began, and he went along with his
son to to straighten things out. The two tzadikim met and warmly greeted
one another, then sat down to talk.

"Why are you so upset with my son, Berel?" asked Rabbi Shneur Zalman.

Rabbi Levi Yitzchok thought for a moment and then replied, "You know
that this is not my prohibition, but an instruction from our Rebbe (the
Maggid of Mezritch), not to teach Chasidism in public unless the speaker
saw the face of the Baal Shem Tov. How could your son say such deep
thoughts?!"

Rabbi Shneur Zalman replied, "My son, Berel, only says what he heard
from me, and I saw our master, the Baal Shem Tov."

"In a vision or literally?" Rabbi Levi Yitzchok pressed.

"When awake, of course!"

"If so, then let us hear what he has to say."

Rabbi Dovber trembled. He was being asking to do the most difficult
thing of all: to say Chasidut in front of the two tzadikim.

Having no choice, Rabbi Dovber began saying deep Chasidic discourses,
and the two tzadikim sat and listened closely to everything he uttered.

Rabbi Dovber was completely immersed in what he was saying, and was
removed from his surroundings as he climbed the lofty and pure spiritual
heights. Rabbi Levi Yitzchok perceived the secrets of razin d'razin (the
most secret of secrets of Torah) in what Rabbi Dovber was saying, words
that shone forth from their very source, and saw with his divine
inspiration that their source was in the first set of Tablets that Moses
received on behalf of the Jewish people at Mount Sinai, on the level
before they were broken!

Rabbi Levi Yitzchok's spirit exploded with holiness until he couldn't
restrain himself anymore, and he got up and wrapped Rabbi Dovber's face
with a talit, saying, "Oy, G-d forbid that the fiery angels should be
envious of you. Beware of an evil eye."

He then turned to Rabbi Shneur Zalman and said, "Even the great Rabbi
Shimon Bar-Yochai, the Rashbi, didn't reach such a high and lofty
source. How did your son?"

Rabbi Shneur Zalman thought deeply and it was apparent that his holy
spirit was in another world, but after a while he responded: "When this
son of mine was born, I planned on naming him Hamnuna, after Rav Hamnuna
Sava, whose soul-source was in the most exalted hidden worlds. This name
was appropriate for the level of my son's soul, but our Rebbe, the
Maggid appeared to me in a dream and told me to name him Dovber (the
Maggid's name). So you should know that my son reached such concealed
and lofty secrets, because the source of his soul is with Rav Hamnuna
Sava."

As they stood near the door, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok insisted that Rabbi
Dovber have the honor of exiting first. "You have taught me," he said
humbly. Rabbi Dovber deferred to his father and to Rabbi Levi Yitzchok.
Each tzadik gave the other the honor, and there was no solution. So the
Chasidim broke the walls of the doorway and the three tzadikim left
together.

As told by Menachem Zeigelbaum, adapted from Beis Moshiach Magazine

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
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Rabbi Dovber, the second Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch (known as the
Mitteler Rebbe) said that we have already endured the birth pangs of
Moshiach. Moshiach can come already.

                                      (The Lubavitcher Rebbe, 1970)

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               END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 898 - Vayetzei 5766
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