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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 1091
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                           Copyright (c) 2009
                 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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        October 16, 2009        Bereshis        28 Tishrei, 5770
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                        Creation's Double Vision

All beginnings are difficult. Starting a job, starting school, starting
a marriage, starting dinner, starting new cleaning help - even starting
the day! We find beginnings difficult because a new beginning requires a
change. What went before wasn't good enough. Whether we're changing from
one thing to another - from one job to another, for example - or from a
"nothing" state to a "something" state - from not being married to being
married - we have to change. And change requires effort; we have to
overcome our inertia. In order to change we have to begin. And beginning
requires an act of will. We resist beginning until we want to begin.
(How many times have we resisted getting out of bed in the morning to
start the day until we simply decided to get up - for no apparent
reason?)

This explains the difficulty of beginning: we not only have to begin, we
have to begin to begin. That is, before we can start something, we have
to envision it as complete, whole, finished. From where we are we have
to see where we will be. We cannot imagine what we want superficially,
not if we want it to be real. We have to see the details. We must
anticipate not only how the thing will work but also how it will get
made and how we will feel about it. We have to have a goal, a business
plan.

So not only must we actually start the project - get the materials,
follow the instructions, do all the little things to open the store or
assemble the bookcase - we must build it virtually, so to speak,
construct it in our minds. Even before we begin, we must have begun.
Even as we build, we must imaginatively have already built.

In a sense, creation requires double vision. We must foresee the final
result, the completed product. We must envision the end of the process,
indeed, what will be after we finish that which we've begun. But the
level of insight never becomes real; we constantly anticipate but never
arrive. In fact, as long we see the end, as long as we live - mentally -
after the fact we not only never get there, we don't ever start. We
"begin to begin" - we have constantly in mind the final moment after;
but we never actually start.

Thus we have to see differently. We have to see beyond the will-be, or
rather, we have to look closer than the yet-to-be. We have to perceive
the process. We have to "just do it," to live in the middle, to
experience the unfolding of the initial point.

The first type of beginning conceals; it's the goal, the thought in
mind, the future already real but never reached. The second type of
beginning reveals; it's the start, the origin, the potential for
progress and the development of details.

But we don't have two eyes to see double. That strains the muscles and
drains the mind. We have two eyes so that we can see holistically,
integrate our vision (of the future) and perception (of the here and
now). When the two become one - when the inner reality becomes outwardly
manifest - then we live in the time of Shabbat, the time of perfect
vision.

That's the goal of Creation, of course, to see G-dliness. And in the era
of Moshiach the whole world will experience it, will be filled with
knowledge of the L-rd.

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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The Midrash recounts the sequence of events that led to Adam and Eve's
eating from the Tree of Knowledge, as narrated in this week's Torah
portion, Bereishit: First the serpent approached Eve, and asked if G-d
had forbidden them to eat all the fruit in the Garden of Eden. She
replied that they were permitted to eat any fruit, except for those
growing on the Tree of Knowledge: "G-d has said, 'You shall not eat of
it, and you shall not touch it, lest you die.' "  When the serpent heard
this reply, he pushed Eve towards the Tree and told her, "Surely you
will not die."

The Midrash explains that Eve's mistake was adding on to G-d's command.
The prohibition was only against eating the fruit of the Tree of
Knowledge, yet Eve added that they weren't allowed to touch it. It was
this initial digression that enabled the serpent to lead her astray, and
later, for her to cause Adam to sin.

Our Sages tell us that the reason Eve made this mistake was that she
didn't hear the command directly from G-d; it was transmitted only
second-hand, through Adam. Had she heard it directly from G-d, not only
would she not have sinned and led her husband to sin, she would have
kept Adam from transgressing.

This is why, at the revelation of the Torah at Mount Sinai, G-d
commanded Moses to give the Torah first to the Jewish women, then to the
men. "Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob," G-d told him, referring
to the Jewish women; "and tell the people of Israel," referring to the
Jewish men. In this manner, G-d ensured that the Jewish women would
always be on the forefront of Torah observance throughout the
generations, and from their perspective, "correct" the sin of the Tree
of Knowledge.

The special advantage of Jewish women - the ability to extend a
protective and positive influence on their husbands - is derived from
the way Eve was created, which was different from Adam. Adam was created
from the earth, from a base substance, whereas Eve was created from
Adam's rib, from the body of a human being.

Our Sages also interpret the verse "G-d built (vayiven) the rib" as
relating to the "extra measure of wisdom (bina) G-d has given women over
men." Because women are on a higher spiritual level, they possess this
ability to guard them.

This underscores how crucial it is to provide Jewish girls with a
Torah-true education, instilling in them pride and a sense of joy in
their Judaism. For the Jewish woman is the foundation of the home, and
the positive influence she wields is very powerful.

        Adapted from Likutei Sichot vol. 3 of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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                       What it Means to Be a Jew
                        by Dr. Miryam Z. Wahrman

Need a babysitter, a ride to Manhattan, or a kosher used barbecue grill?
TeaneckShuls, a moderated listserv connecting people in the northern New
Jersey area, can help you find what you need. Need a kidney?
TeaneckShuls can help as well. Ruthie Levi, a moderator for the
listserv, reports that "as a result of an e-mail posting on this list
for someone seeking a kidney donation, Rabbi Ephraim Simon of Chabad
Teaneck has successfully donated his own kidney."

"It's not like I woke up one morning and wanted to donate a kidney,"
said Simon, who serves as the Chabad Rabbi in Teaneck. "My own children,
ages 2 to 14, are my first priority." He recounted how a woman named
Chaya Lipshutz had been posting for years on TeaneckShuls about people
who needed kidney donors. "I would read them, and sigh, and go on with
my day. I have nine little children and it was not something I would
envision doing." However, one such posting touched him deeply. "In
August 2008, [Lipshutz] had a post of a 12-year-old girl - how could I
let a 12-year-old girl die? I have a daughter who is 12.

"I spoke to my wife about it. We discussed it intensely; we could not
let a 12-year-old girl die." When he called a few days later to offer to
test for the youngster, the need had already been met. "My wife was very
relieved. But I felt if I could do this for her, I could do it for
someone else in a similar situation." He was tested as a donor for the
next two postings, a 40-year-old mother of two and a 30-year-old male,
but he did not match. "OK," he thought. "I can't give this kidney away."

Then last spring, Simon, 41, learned of a 51-year-old father of 10 who
desperately needed a kidney. "After Purim I was tested. About one hour
before the [Passover] seder I got a call from the hospital: 'Rabbi
Simon, you match.'

"Since I'm a Chabad rabbi, in the summer we have summer camp to run. I
asked if it was OK to wait until after camp ends." Camp ended on Aug. 7,
and the following week the two surgeries were performed at
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical Center.

"Eighty thousand people need kidneys. The amount of people willing to
donate is not that many," said Simon. "Live kidneys from living donors
are healthier, and last longer."

Lipshutz reported that "99 percent of the time there are no
complications for the donor. As for the recipient, there's about a 5
percent chance that the kidney will fail."

Simon explained that he did extensive research. "There are risks," he
said, "but they are minimal. [A donor will go through] life with one
kidney, but you have plenty of kidney function with one kidney to live a
long, healthy life.

"If I put on a scale the risks and rewards, and I can save a human
being, and give a father of 10 back to his children and a husband back
to his wife, that reward outweighs the risk," said Simon. "I can't live
my life afraid of tiny risks. Every time we get in a car we take risks.
It is such a small risk to save a life."

Simon reported that in the process of screening you are asked if you are
getting any money to be a donor. "I responded I wouldn't sell this
mitzvah for anything in the world. My two motivations were to save his
life and be an example for my children," he said.

"My younger ones don't completely understand. The older ones said, 'Wow,
that's amazing.' The real hero in all this is my wife [Nechamy]. She has
been very supportive from the minute I came to her about the 12-year-old
girl. For my wife it's a much bigger sacrifice. When you have nine
children you need both parents hands-on. I live to make life easier for
my wife and this will temporarily not make life easier for her."

A major goal of Simon's was the lesson he could provide for others. He
was disturbed by the recent scandal involving Jews in New Jersey selling
kidneys. "I hope that my operation taking place at the same time will
show that there are good people as well, and it will be a kiddush HaShem
[sanctification of G-d's name].

"I'm a rabbi and I teach my congregation and children how important it
is to give," he continued. "G-d put us here to help others.... My
children should see what it means to be a Jew and to sacrifice for
others. I told my older children, 'You all are one of my main
motivations for doing that, so that you should have an example.'

"The rabbi's greatest sermon is the way he lives his life," said Simon.

"The kidney started working right on the operating table for him. In 48
hours he had completely normal kidney function," Simon reported. "It was
just an amazing experience, right up there with the birth of my nine
children," said Simon. "Here's a man who was dying and now he's a
healthy man. It's so rewarding to see that and to see the looks on his
and his wife's faces. They said, 'What can we say? What is thank you? It
doesn't begin to touch the surface.'

"I told him, 'Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity,'" said
Simon. "I really feel that way. I don't want him or his wife to feel any
obligation. It's my incredible honor. He shouldn't feel that he owes me
anything ever.G-d could have just as easily made me the recipient."

Lawrence Milstein, a Teaneck resident who attends a class offered by
Simon, said that the rabbi's deed has inspired others in the community.
"We have all in certain situations turned to each other and said, 'If
Rabbi Simon can donate his kidney, I can at least do such and such.' For
some it is stretching to give more time and or money to worthy causes at
a time when we are all feeling the economic pinch, or it is committing
to being a better parent, spouse, or friend...We are certainly taking
other actions in our own lives to make a positive impact."

      Reprinted with permission from The New Jersey Jewish Standard

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                               WHAT'S NEW
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                             New Emissaries

Rabbi Shaya and Rochel Tenenboim moved to Hollywood, Florida where Rabbi
Tenenboim will serve as associate rabbi, and director of Adult Education
and programming, and Mrs. Tenenboim will direct the Hebrew School at
Hollywood Community Synagogue-Chabad Lubavitch. Rabbi Levi and Ella
Potash will be arriving soon in Redwood City, California, to start a new
Chabad House serving the local Jewish community of Redwood City and
Woodside. Rabbi Moshe and Chanie Levin recently opened a new Chabad
House in East Downtown Los Angeles, California, serving the thousands of
Jews working in the Fashion district and East Downtown.

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                     Freely translated and adapted

                 Rosh Chodesh, Marcheshvan, 5743 [1982]
      To the Sons and Daughters of Our People Israel, Everywhere,
                           G-d bless you all!

Greeting and Blessing:

Coming from the month of Tishrei ... and taking into consideration the
familiar saying to the effect that "as one prepares himself for the
journey, so one proceeds," which is associated with the well known
customs of proclaiming as Simchas Torah ends, "and Jacob went his way,"

Meaning that inasmuch as a Jew, every Jew, is, of course, a member of
Kehilas Yaakov (the Community of Jacob), is now about to set out on "his
way," going into the "ordinary" months of the year that are not
"abundant with festivals," but are largely taken up with matters of
earning a livelihood and mundane affairs, this is the time to remind him
that "his way" is the way of Yaakov as it has been designated by G-d,
namely, the way of G-d, the way of "All your actions should be for the
sake of Heaven," as behooves a descendant of Yaakov;

Considering further that although all Jews have the same task and
purpose in life - complete dedication to the service of G-d, as our
Sages expressed it: "I was created to serve my Creator," yet, coming
down to actual conduct they are divided into three categories: men,
women, and children (of pre-Bar-Mitzvah and pre-Bas Mitzvah age). Hence,
this is reflected in the resolutions which have been adopted by them
respectively, during Tishrei for the entire new year.

In light of all above, and also in view of the fact that a resolution
made jointly by several persons, and more so by many people, in
congregation, is more certain to be carried out with greater hatzlocho
[suc-cess] and in the fullest measure by each one, man and woman, I take
the liberty of making the following suggestion and request, hoping that
it will be acted upon:

It would surely be "right and proper and good and fitting" that "the
heads of the people together with the tribes of Israel" everywhere
gather together as soon as possible - men separately, as well as women
and children separately (the children under their respective counselors,
of course) in order to reaffirm and, especially, to decide upon the
proper ways and means of carrying out in actual reality and in the
fullest measure, the good resolutions which each had made during the
auspicious month of Tishrei, beginning with Rosh Hashono and in the
propitious subsequent days, as well as to supple-ment those resolutions,
if necessary,

The resolutions relating to speech, thought (these "too" are known to
G-d), and certainly actions, since action is the essential thing: the
resolutions made for the entire year, may it bring good and blessing to
us and all our Jewish people.

It is surely unnecessary to underscore that in regard to good
resolutions and good intentions there is always the assurance that G-d
helps carry them out, and, indeed, even better and sooner than one
expected -

Especially if these gatherings will be associated with, and continuous
to, one of the daily prayers, together with words of Torah at the
opening of the gathering, and with a donation to Tzedoko [charity]
during the proceedings or at the conclusion:

For then will be "brought into" the gathering the "three things on which
the world stands Torah, prayer and acts of benevolence; beginning with
one's self, the so-called "small world," and on to the "world" in the
ordinary sense, the world in which one lives, which is in need of a
very, very strong blessing from the Creator and Master of the world that
it should be a world that stands firmly, and not, G-d forbid, a world
that shakes and stumbles etc., particularly as of recent times.

To conclude with blessings: May G-d grant Hatzlocho that the "writing
and sealing for good" and the "sealing for good" which everyone received
in the month of Tishrei, should materialize in the fullest measure, in
the kind of good that is revealed and obvious, throughout the coming
months and days, bringing good and blessing to us and all our people, to
the extent of "open wide your mouth, (state all your desires), and I
shall fulfill them,"

And soon indeed bring the realization of the main and essential blessing
- the true and complete Geulo (Redemption) through Moshiach Tzidkeinu.

With esteem and blessing for Hatzlocho and for good tidings, in all
above -

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                            A CALL TO ACTION
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                  Eat A Shabbat Meal With Your Family

In 5734 (1974) the Rebbe urged families to unite through eating Shabbat
meals together. Just imagine, no t.v., no computer, no texting - what a
great way to enhance communication skills within your family. Try a
traditional Shabbat menu, exotic recipes or even a one pot meal. The
main point is to do it together as a family.

    In memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg and the other
    kedoshim of Mumbai

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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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The Chabad Rebbes taught that Shabbat Bereishit is a special day that
has an influence on the entire year. In fact, a Jew's conduct on Shabbat
Bereishit determines his conduct throughout the entire year to come.

Why Shabbat Bereishit? Because the foundation of a Jew's service the
whole year long is the perpetual remembrance of "In the beginning G-d
created."

G-d created the world from absolute nothingness, and continues to create
it every second anew. The miracle of creation wasn't a one-time event,
but an ongoing miracle by which each individual creation is constantly
being sustained.

The world doesn't exist by virtue of its own right. The only reason it
continues to exist is that G-d chooses to recreate it every minute.

A Jew may sometimes feel that keeping Torah and mitzvot is difficult. So
many problems and obstacles threaten to hinder his Divine service! But
when he reminds himself that "In the beginning G-d created," that G-d is
perpetually creating the world and preventing it from falling back into
nothingness this very minute, he will come to understand that nothing
can deter him from serving the Creator. As every creature receives its
vitality directly from G-d, nothing has the power to prevent him from
observing G-d's commandments.

When a Jew thinks about "In the beginning G-d created," his personal
concerns will soon be forgotten. He will realize that G-d is the one
true Source of everything, and that only good can come from Him. And in
that way he will merit to receive G-d's blessings in all of his
endeavors.

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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And G-d created the man (Gen. 1:27)

"For this reason was man created alone, to teach you that whosoever
destroys a single soul... scripture imputes cuilt to him as though he
had destroyed a complete world; and whosoever preserves a single
soul..., scripture ascribes [merit] to him as though he had preserved a
complete world."

                                            (Talmud, Sanhedrin 37a)

                                *  *  *


Why doesn't the Torah state after the creation of man, "and it was
good," as it does after all the other things created during the six
days? Every other creature was created complete, with its nature and
instincts ready to be applied to the world. Man, however, was created
incomplete, and it is his purpose in life to perfect himself. Human
beings are given free will and the responsibility for their own
development and improvement. That is why it doesn't immediately state,
"and it was good" - we must wait and see how man behaves before passing
judgement.

                                                       (Klai Yakar)

                                *  *  *


Although the Torah mentions the creation of heaven, its emphasis is
clearly on earth, for that is where man is destined to fulfill his G-dly
role.

                                     (Rabbi Shimshon Refael Hirsch)

                                *  *  *


He put him into the Garden of Eden to till it and to keep it (Gen. 2:15)

In the "Seven Blessings" of the marriage ceremony, the bride and groom
are blessed with the following: "Happy and joyous may you be, O loving
companions, like the joy of your progenitors in the Garden of Eden many
years ago." May the young couple, just embarking on a life together, be
as true and faithful to each other as Adam and Eve were in the Garden of
Eden, when they were as yet the only two people in the world.

                                                (Otzarenu Hayashan)

                                *  *  *


The L-rd G-d called to Adam and said to him, Where are you? (Gen. 3:9)

From this we learn that one should never burst into another person's
home unannounced. Indeed, we derive proper manners from G-d Himself, Who
"stood" at the entrance to the Garden of Eden and initiated a
conversation with Adam before entering.

                                                     (Derech Eretz)

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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Once there lived a wealthy Jewish butcher in a town on the seaside. In
his youth he had been quite poor, and had worked very hard to amass his
wealth. Unfortunately, he had never had the opportunity to learn Torah,
but he took great pleasure in praying and saying Psalms. He never forgot
what it meant to be needy, and he constantly went out of his way to help
his fellow Jews. Every Friday afternoon before Shabbat he would
distribute meat and money to all the poor families in the town.

His good nature made him a favorite among not only the Jews, but also
the gentiles of the town. His reputation even spread to the governor who
favored him with an important appointment as the chief customs officer
of the port. As such, he would collect taxes on imports and also collect
a fee for his services. As one of the benefits of his job, he was also
permitted to take any one item from amongst the goods. It was in the
capacity of customs collector that he amassed an even greater fortune.

One day a ship arrived in port, and he went to inspect the goods on
board. After he performed his duties, the captain approached him saying,
"I have some especially good merchandise on board today. Something
totally unique, but I am not at liberty to divulge to you the nature of
this merchandise unless you want to buy it."

The butcher was very curious and asked what it was, but he always
received the same reply: "I will tell you only if you agree to buy it."

"How much do you want for it?" he inquired.

"Ten thousand gold coins!" was the astonishing answer.

"You expect me to make the purchase without knowing what I'm buying?"

"That's the stipulation. I assure you, you won't be disappointed."

The butcher was all but hooked, but the captain was enjoying his power
over the butcher. He was no longer satisfied with ten thousand; he
raised the price to twenty thousand coins, and then forty thousand gold
coins!

Finally the butcher agreed. "I will pay your price. Just show me the
merchandise!

"Only after you have brought all the money," the captain answered with a
grin, and off went the butcher to fetch the treasure of coins.

Even as he went to collect the coins, the butcher was doubting his
sanity. He returned and laid the money on the table. The captain turned
on his heel and in a few minutes he returned with the "merchandise" -
Jewish men, women and children in tow - bound hand and foot.

The evil captain couldn't restrain himself, and broke out into laughter:
"Aren't you happy now? What a bargain you got yourself! If you hadn't
bought them, they would have been food for sharks - I certainly have no
use for them!"

The butcher took the hapless people with him and left the ship as fast
as his feet could carry him, lest the wicked captain have a change of
heart. He kept thinking over and over again how G-d had inspired him to
spend a fortune on unknown goods in order to save these Jews.

The butcher fed and clothed the former prisoners and treated them with
the utmost kindness. One day he noticed a young girl from among them and
thought, "This girl would be perfect for my son." The two young people
agreed and preparations were made for the wedding.

On the eve of the great affair, the butcher circulated among the guests,
offering a drink here, a dainty there, when he saw a young man sitting
in a corner weeping.

"What is wrong? Everyone is rejoicing, why are you so sad?"

The poor boy replied, "The girl who is about to marry your son was
betrothed to me before we were abducted by the pirates."

"Why did no one tell me?" the butcher asked.

"We are all so grateful to you, that no one dared disturb your
happiness," the boy responded.

The butcher thought for a while, and then called his son to him. After
recounting the entire story to the groom, he asked, "What do you want to
do about it?"

"There is no question. Let the couple be married today as they had
planned so many months ago. I will not stand in their way."

And so it was, that the entire village celebrated the marriage that very
day. The butcher not only made them the wedding, but furnished them with
a house and furnishing and enough money to begin a new life.

The Sages said of this man that with his forty thousand gold coins he
purchased a place in the World to Come equaled only to that of the most
righteous.

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
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The birth of a Jewish child brings joy not only to his parents and
extended family but to the entire Jewish people, for it signifies a step
closer to the coming of Moshiach. The Talmud states that Moshiach will
not arrive until "all the souls in guf" (the storehouse in which they
await their descent into the physical world) have been born. The birth
of a Jewish baby therefore hastens the Redemption and brings closer the
blessings of the Messianic Era.

                        (The Lubavitcher Rebbe, 25 Iyar, 5743-1983)

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               END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 1091 - Bereshis 5770
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