The General: "The Rebbe Began To Cry"

"Why don't you go to Eretz Yisroel? Such a powerful figure like the Rebbe can definitely influence and have an effect on what's going there–at least spiritually!"

-Ron Pekar

I would like to present a very powerful Yechidus of the Rebbe with a General of the IDF from 1975.This e-mail is dedicated to Chabad of long island city in honor of the opening of their new Chabad house this week.

The General: "Will there be another war in Israel?”

The Rebbe: "The Arabs are just unable to attack right now. But if left to regroup and recuperate, the moment they regain strength, without a moment's hesitation, they will attack. The army should have gone into Damascus and Kahir. Why wasn't it done? The army should have gone–even with out the permission of the government. It was a very critical (and dangerous) time, and we should have kept pressing the main cities.

"Why didn't Arik Sharon continue going into Kahir? He was just one hundred kilometers from there! It's very hard to accept the story that there was no gas on the way, because there was gas for the Egyptian forces and if Sharon wanted to use it there would have been no problem."

Rebbe: "Did you ever fly to Kahir?"

General: "Yes." [Describes the city to the Rebbe].

R: "Why didn't you take planes and fly there and take the city? Why didn't you surprise them? The planes should have flown there and taken the city, even if only for a bit of time. Had they done that, everything would have been different. "

G: [Asks Rebbe how G-d can stand by when Zurik (a friend of his) dies, following the death of his brother Udi by just two years. How could G-d have permitted this? Where is G-d?!]
(The Rebbe began to cry and then said:)

R: "It is indeed a very terrible and frightening incident; but who are we to judge the actions of G-d? I am 73 years old and I study as much Torah as I can, and I keep trying to add in Torah study. I feel that I have acquired a level of wisdom. And yet all that amounts to nothing before the wisdom of G-d. We therefore cannot judge situations a s they present themselves. Because, in retrospect, very often, the meaning and purpose of many mysteries are revealed. Similarly, maybe time will show how the deaths of Udi and Zurik prevented many more Jewish deaths."

G: "Are you scared to live like a Jew here in Brooklyn ?"

R: "When you're fighting during the time of war you fight with courage and sincerity. Similarly, when I do what I need to do, even if outwardly 'dangerous,' I have faith and trust in G-d, because He alone controls what happens here on earth, and he is looking out for the interests of every Jew."

R: "Why don't you go to Eretz Yisroel? Such a powerful figure like the Rebbe can definitely influence and have an effect on what's going there–at least spiritually! I have heard many different answers that the Rebbe has given to people and I also heard that it is a question that bothers many people. "

R: "If I would sit in Eretz Yisroel my influence on world Jewry would be limited. I would not be able to communicate with Jews in Moscow and even this conversation would be impossible in Tel Aviv. I find that this place is the most conducive for my work."

Good Shabbos.

Menachem.

Copyright © Menachem Kirschenbaum 2007

A Yechidus With the Rebbe

"Yechidus (private audience) is a meeting where the Rebbe bestows his blessings and/or clarifies issues within a Chassid"

-Rabbi Jacobs

In honor of Yud Shvat I would like to present a Yechidus of the Rebbe with Rabbi Fishel Jacobs May 1981. Special thanks to Rabbi Yisroel Jacobs and Rabbi Yona Avtzon. Also included is "interesting pictures of the Rebbe" part 53.This e-mail is dedicated to Dr. Refoel Levi ben Chaya Toiba.

Note: Yechidus (private audience) is a meeting where the Rebbe bestows his blessings and/or clarifies issues within a Chassid. The transcript below was taken from an audio recording of yechidus with Rabbi Jacobs and his mother. In this yechidus , the Rebbe directed Rabbi Jacobs to return to Israel, stating that his future wife would be easily found there. Two weeks later, Rabbi Rami Antian o.b.m.'dragged' Rabbi Jacobs out of his yeshiva dorm bed at 3:00 a.m. excitedly notifying him that he had found him his future wife. Rabbi Antian had no knowledge of this yechidus at the time. Finally, it was in this yechidus that Rabbi Jacobs was told to begin learning for Smicha (Rabbinic Ordination).

Time: 2:00 a.m.Present: The Rebbe, Rabbi Jacobs and his mother (both seated facing the Rebbe) Rebbe (addressing Mrs. Jacobs): I would like to bless you and all the members of your family in all things necessary, both spiritually and materially—especially to have much nachos, much pleasure, from all your children in all areas of their lives. You should receive this nachos in good health and good parnosa. You should be able to raise the children to Torah, chupah and to do good deeds.

The Rebbe then faced Rabbi Jacobs and continued: You should continue in learning Torah and performing mitzvahs and accomplish this all with joy and inspiration.

The Rebbe addressed Mrs. Jacobs: Where is your place of living? Where are you from?

Mrs. Jacobs: Vermont. (Transcriber: New England, northeast U.S.)

Rebbe: Uh?

Mrs. Jacobs: Vermont .

Rebbe (addressing Rabbi Jacobs): What is your profession?

Rabbi Jacobs: I study in Kfar Chabad.

Rebbe: Kfar Chabad?!

Rebbe (addressing Mrs. Jacobs): And you live in Vermont?!(All laughing)

Rebbe: We Jews are used to this, that one member of the family is in one corner of the world and a sister, brother or parents are in another corner of the world. However, nowadays this is not a problem, since we have telephones and airplanes and many methods of keeping a connection with one another.

Mrs. Jacobs: Zicher (Yiddish: 'sure'). We keep in contact; we're here all the time.
Rebbe: The main thing is to have much real nachos (pleasure), and to receive this nachos in good health and with a good parnosa (livelihood).

Mrs. Jacobs: And to find a good girl for him, a good shidduch (soul mate)

Rebbe: Uh?

Mrs. Jacobs: A good shidduch is also a good thing.

Rebbe: He...

Mrs. Jacobs: We don't know...

Rebbe: Is he ready, or he is in the middle of his studies? Addressing Rabbi Jacobs): Are you ready for a shidduch ?

Mrs. Jacobs: Yes!

Rabbi Jacobs: I spoke with my Mashpiim (Chasidic mentors).

Rebbe: Yes. What was their opinion?

Rabbi Jacobs: After Pesach, it would be a good idea...

Rebbe: 'After Pesach?!' It is now a full week after Pesach and you are not doing anything about it! It is now a full week after Pesach! What is your age?

Rabbi Jacobs: Twenty-five.

Rebbe: That is a proper time to become a choson (groom) and after that to found a family.

Mrs. Jacobs: Sure!Rebbe (Facing Rabbi Jacobs): How long do you intend on being here?

Rabbi Jacobs: I wrote to the Rebbe shli"ta (blessing for longevity), regarding what would be the best thing thing for me. I learn in Kfar Chabad, and I recently entered shiur aleph (first class of Yeshiva) in Kfar Chabad. Rebbe: Have you received smicha (Rabbinic Ordination)?

Rabbi Jacobs: No.

Rebbe: Have you studied for smicha ?

Rabbi Jacobs: No.

Rebbe: Do you not plan on studying for smicha ?

Rabbi Jacobs: I spoke with Rabbi G... and usually a year after the wedding is a good time to begin.

Rebbe: But to be... to be a year after the wedding, you must first have the wedding! You can't begin now a year after the wedding! (all laughing)

Rebbe (addressing Mrs. Jacobs): Do you have someone for him?

Mrs. Jacobs: No.

Rebbe (addressing Rabbi Jacobs): Have you begun looking around?

Rabbi Jacobs: One in Kfar Chabad, but it was nothing.

Rebbe: What are your plans, to look here, or in Kfar Chabad, eretz Yisroel ?

Rabbi Jacobs: I asked the Rebbe shli"ta what would be the best thing. I spoke with Moshkeh Neparstok (head mashpiah in Kfar Chabad Rabbinical school), and expressed to him that my parents want me to stay in America for a while. I haven't seen them for a few years while I was in Kfar Chabad. I asked the Rebbe shli"ta, to stay here for a few weeks, until Shavuot and maybe study here. However I don't see a good shiur (class) here. The question is whether to look for a shiduch here or return to Kfar Chabad?

Rebbe: If your parents don't have anyone special for you, I believe it will be easy for you to find a shidduch in eretz Yisroel. How many years have you been in eretz Yisroel now?

Rabbi Jacobs: Almost three years.

Rebbe: Three years! Then I assume you have many friends in eretz Yisroel, and friends from your studies who are now married and live in eretz Yisroel. It makes sense, in the natural course of things, that it will be easier for you to find a proper Shidduch in eretz Yisroel than here. It is a custom amongst Jews to give a Jew a shlichus for Tzedakoh (mission for charity), and I would like to give each of you a dollar to which you will give its equal to tzedakoh. I give you my blessings, and all good things necessary.

Good Shabbos.

Menachem,

Copyright © Menachem Kirschenbaum 2007

The Doctor "Rebbe Do You Feel Pain Around your Heart"

"In the middle of the fourth Hakofo the Rebbe didn't feel well and became very pale. The Rebbe asked me to bring his chair closer and sat down caressing his heart."

-Rabbi Groner

Rosh Chodesh Kislev marks the day that the Rebbe left 770 and went home after suffering a severe heart attack on Simchas Torah. In honor of this day, I would like to present part of a diary one of the Rebbe's secretaries wrote describing how they realized the Rebbe has the heart attack. Special thanks to Efraim Levine.

The Heart Attack

"In the middle of the fourth Hakofo the Rebbe didn't feel well and became very pale. The Rebbe asked me to bring his chair closer and sat down caressing his heart. I immediately asked that the doctors who were there to come over but the Rebbe did not let them check him. Meanwhile they brought the Rebbe water but he didn't want to drink it saying that he had not yet made Kiddush.

In the interim between the fifth and sixth Hakofo the Rebbe sat down but during the fifth and sixth Hakofos themselves he stood leaning on his "stender."

The doctor asked the Rebbe if he feels pain around his heart and the Rebbe answered, yes. The doctor asked "does the pain feel like a hammer pounding or like needles pricking? The Rebbe replied "like needles pricking.

I am Not Going To The Hospital

"The Rebbe went out of his room and entered the Succa, but sat down immediately and his face turned yellow from pain. The doctor told the Rebbetzin that such pain comes from a heart attack. A few minutes passed and the Rebbe stood up and made Kiddush. He washed and ate only a "kezayis challa", a small piece of fish and meat. Afterwards, he “bentched” and went back to his room.

When he entered his room he said to me: "Now the doctors can do what ever they want." Meanwhile, a bed was brought down from upstairs and the Rebbe is resting on the bed. The doctors examined the Rebbe and unanimously said that the Rebbe must go to the hospital immediately because to remain here is a matter of life or death. The Rebbe responded by saying that under no circumstances will he go to the hospital.

In the meantime several heart specialists arrived in the Rebbe's room and they also said that the Rebbe must go to the hospital. But the Rebbe told me: "Tell them that I will not budge from 770 and if something has to happen let it happen in 770…"
I won't be there

Towards the evening the Rebbe told me that there certainly will be a farbrengen Simchas Torah as every year, therefore, I should go downstairs in middle of the farbrengen and give over in my name: "Even though now there is a vacant spot this only prepares the way to enable this space to be filled even more than before. As with a syringe first one has to create a vacuum only that can the syringe be later filled. G-d's intention behind his self-concealment is for the sake of future self-revelation." Tell this to Reb Yoel and ask him to expound it at length according to Chassidus."

When I informed the Rebbe that I gave over his words and that Reb Yoel was now elaborating on it to the crowd, he told me: Take the cup of wine that I made Kiddush over it and the bottle of wine – give it to Rabbi Mentlik, and after Birchas Hamazon and the Maariv services he should distribute it among the participants. And tell them that after Maariv there will be another announcement!

Menachem.

Copyright © Menachem Kirschenbaum 2007

Hey Teves: The Rebbe, a Bachur, and Eli Weisel

"Chassidim from Crown Heights began crowding at 770. A bunch of mitzvah tanks were driving around playing 'Didan Notzach'"

-From a Student's Diary

In honor of the twentieth anniversary of Hey Taves, I would like to present some interesting accounts related to the events that led to the Rebbe's library being returned to the Chassidim.and interesting pictures of the Rebbe part 51.

The lawyers who represented the Rebbe met with the Rebbe before the actual case. The following is a part of what was discussed in this first meeting:

"The first thing the Rebbe stressed was that the lawyers make it clear that books are not a personal heritage of the previous Rebbe and this should be explained and should be understood according to "human logic." The Rebbe stressed many times that their desire to dedicate themselves to the Rebbe's will should be in line with nature, and the society's system. The Rebbe told them, "I want you to do your work - not as a Chassid, but as a lawyer."

--
When the news came to 770 that we won the court case, everyone was elated. The following is from a diary of a student who was learning in 770:

"When the news came that we won the court case, it was 11:40 in the morning and we were sitting in the upstairs Zal (study hall). For me, to picture what went on in these moments is impossible. We all when outside 770 and began dancing and singing 'Didan Notzach.' Before I knew it, Bachurim got handle of bottles of Mashke and guys were dancing and making flips!

Chassidim from Crown Heights began crowding at 770. A bunch of mitzvah tanks were driving around playing 'Didan Notzach' on the loud speakers. When the Rebbe's secretaries came out of the Rebbe's room, there was tremendous joy on their faces. Piamenta and Eli Lipsker were playing with their bands. In the middle of the dancing, someone got up and made the bracha of Shehechiyanu."

----
During the court case, part of the testimonies involved defining the Rebbe-Chassid relationship (it was important for understanding ownership of the books). There were three people chosen to participate and get the message across that the Rebbe and Chassid are intimately connected. One of the three was Eli Wiesel. The following is an excerpt from his testimony:

"Strangely enough, the choice of (involvement) is made by the Chassid and not the Rebbe. It is not the Rebbe who chooses the Chassid. It is the Chassid who chooses the Rebbe. But once the choice is made, it is boundless. It is total loyalty. And therefore, the Rebbe owes the Chassid total loyalty. So, for the community, the Rebbe must have total generosity and compassion. Also, he has even more responsibility. That's why he is a Rebbe."

Menachem.

Copyright © Menachem Kirschenbaum 2007

The Rebbe "My Brother Passed Away At a Young Age"

"You knew my brother very well; tell me something you remember about him." (After sharing many different memorable things with the Rebbe that I experienced with his brother Reb Yisroel Aryeh Leib.). The Rebbe then told me: "He had a very Good head, and a very good memory. He passed away at a young age, it's a pity"

-Professor Yackov Cohen

In honor of Yud Gimmel Iyar, The Yartzeit of the Rebbe's brother- Reb Yisroel Aryeh Leib, I would like to present memories from Professor Yackov Cohen, who was very close to Reb Yisroel Aryeh Leib. Also included is an interesting pictures of the Rebbe, part 65. I would like to give a Yasher Koach to Rabbi Levi Garelik who took upon himself to write a brief description on every week's picture.

Professor Yackov Cohen Relates:

I am not here to add or say anything new regarding the "Schneerson children" (referring to the Rebbe and his brothers) in regards to how brilliant and talented they are. Besides their knowledge in Torah and Chassidus, they have a tremendous knowledge in mathematics and in other secular studies. I would like to share a conversation that I had with Reb Yisroel Aryeh Leib regarding the Atom bomb. the conversation took place in a Library in Tel Aviv in which he served as one of the Librarian's until he moved to Liverpool, England:

I remember when in Israel all of the newspapers had different write-ups on the Atom bomb. I asked Yisroel Aryeh Leib his opinion on whether or not it was a good thing. His reply was as follows:

"Yackov The fact that the Atom bomb was revealed can bring destruction to humanity. If one time it will end up in the wrong hands, it can bring terrible destruction to the world. Once it goes off - there is absolutely no control over it."

He concluded. "I therefore don't know whether or not the fact that it was revealed is a Bracha to the world, or an extremely dangerous invention."

The picture of the Rebbe:

Lag B'Omer parade 5744 (1984).

Good Shabbos.

Menachem.

Copyright © Menachem Kirschenbaum 2007

The Rebbe "I Want That Two and Half Million Yidden"

"I want that two and half million Yidden which never put on Tefillin to put on -as an outcome of the war, that's the most important message that I am trying to convey to Yiddin in Eretz Yisroel"

-The Rebbe

This Shabbos will mark forty years to Mivtsa Tefillin (the Tefillin campaign). The Rebbe saw the heart of his nation open wide. It was a biblical moment; an opportunity of cosmic proportions, and the Rebbe urged Jewish leaders to respond, and speak about returning to Jewish traditions and they will listen, ask them to don Tefillin and they will roll up their sleeves...The Rebbe wanted the Six Day War to be a Jewish victory. I would like to present a fascinating diary written by a Yeshiva student that went to visit an army base to put on Tefillin with soldiers during the war. Also included is interesting pictures of the Rebbe part 66. With a description.

"I had left my apartment at 10:00 a.m . I was traveling in an armored car. As we got closer and closer to the army base, which were going to put Tefillin on the IDF. Soldiers who were fighting on the front lines, I began to say Tefilat Haderech (special traveler's prayer).

I must be honest, I have said Tefilat Haderech many times before, but the feeling that I had on this trip, seeing around me, buildings blown up, deserted street,etc…especially reading the words "I should be saved from my enemies, I should return in peace", I just could not help, but pray with so much fervor as ever before!

So, why did I decide to undertake such a "risky" trip? Because that is what the Rebbe wants from us, to put Tefillin on with the soldiers on the front lines.

After a couple of hours of driving, we finally got to the base. As we got out of the car, I was holding my Tefillin and Tehilim in my hand when I cheerfully announced "who would like to put on Tefillin? Within minutes, soldiers lined up and patiently waited for their turn. Each soldier had his sleeve rolled up ready to perform this beautiful mitzvah (good deed). As each one of them approached us, they had a great smile on their face and thanked us for giving them the merit of such a grate opportunity.

Words can't describe how powerful the Shema Yisroel is for each individual soldier! I truly witnessed for the first time in my life, how deeply connected all Yidden of all walks of life, are to Hashem. The tears of joy on every soldier's face while reciting the Shema was so moving!

What really touched me the most from this whole experience was that they just performed such a beautiful mitzvah in such a natural and spontaneous way!

Their were a couple of soldiers though, that told us "We heard that the Lubavitcher Rebbe said that every Jew, especially those serving in the IDF., should put on Tefillin and in the merit of doing so, it will guard them and help them succeed in destroying their enemies" Then, they concluded "did you even have a doubt that we would not do so (another words not put on Tefillin)?!!

Picture description: The Rebbe Davening by a Children's Rally during the summer of 1976.

Good Shabbos.

Menachem.

Copyright © Menachem Kirschenbaum 2007

The Rebbetzin "What Exactly did my Husband say to You?"

"Somebody once said to the Rebbetzin that she and the Rebbe should merit to enjoy much N achas from the Chassidim. The Rebbetzin responded by saying, "Our N achas is when we hear that you have Nachas …

-Rabbi Halberstam

I would like to present a conversation that Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka A"H (the Rebbe's wife) had with a librarian at a library in Manhattan. Special thanks to Rabbi Shmuel Lew. Also included is an interesting picture of the Rebbe (part 78 in the series).

"The Rebbetzin often visited a library in Manhattan. Many years ago, she went to the library and presented her card. The librarian saw the name on it and asked,

"Are you related to the famous Rebbe in Brooklyn?"

The Rebbetzin said she was. "How are you related?" "He is my husband," said the Rebbetzin.

The librarian began to complain to her about the Rebbe. She said that she had no children and "with great effort, I went to the Rebbe two years ago and asked him for a Bracha for a child. The Rebbe blessed me and said I needed to commit to some Mitzva, since a blessing is like rain and it needs a vessel to hold it. I told the Rebbe I would light candles Friday night. Two years have gone by and I still haven't had a child!"

The Rebbetzin calmed her down and said, "I don't have children either." The librarian burst into tears and said, "I'm sorry, but I'm a Holocaust survivor and I was in concentration camps, and I am the sole survivor of my family. That's why it's so important to me to have children, so that the family will live on."

The Rebbetzin asked, "What exactly did my husband say to you?" The librarian answered, "He said I should light Shabbos candles." "Are you doing so?" "Yes!" "How do you do it?" inquired

the Rebbetzin. "Every Friday I light candles when my husband comes home from work, around seven-eight o'clock." The Rebbetzin explained that Shabbos candles must be lit before sunset. "Commit to lighting the Shabbos candles properly," she suggested. The librarian agreed to do so and ten months later she had a son. She stayed in touch with the Rebbetzin and even visited her.

Good Shabbos

Menachem.

Copyright © Menachem Kirschenbaum 2007

"The Rebbe's Face Shone with Tremendous Joy"

"Later that evening Rabbi's Cunin and Aharonov farbrenged upstairs in 770. During the farbrengen they revealed some details that the Rebbe had spoken to them in Yechidus."

-From a students diary, August, 1991.

In 1991, the Russian government began to open up many archives that had been kept secret from the time of the communists. Several Chabad rabbis engaged in vigorous efforts to obtain documents which related to Chabad and its leaders. Among the things they managed to obtain were the files describing the treatment and interrogation of the Rebbe's father, Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson. On the 4th of Elul 5751 Rabbi Shlomo Cunin and Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Aharonov presented to the Rebbe the protocols of the sessions that the K.G.B had held with the Rebbe's father.

The two were called into a surprise Yechidus by the Rebbe (which lasted 6 minutes!). Following the Yechidus they spent the rest of the evening farbrenging in the small study hall upstairs in 770. They related some of what they were told in the private audience with the Rebbe. I would like to present a part of what the Rebbe discussed with them in the Yechidus, along with parts of the interrogations from the protocols.

Rabbis Cunin and Aharonov relate what the Rebbe had spoken to them in Yechidus after they presented to the Rebbe his father files:

"The Rebbe's face shone with tremendous joy. We gave the Rebbe the file and he began looking through it. He then began a discussion on Pidyon Shvuyim (the redemption of captives), and said regarding Pidyon Shvuyim (the books) - we must return them at once… this is of great importance! The Rebbe then asked about Mrs. Veronica, the lawyer who was active in returning the books. Concluding the Yechidus, the Rebbe then said that the next file will come with Moshiach Tzsidkenu! (Amen!)"

Excerpts from the fie of Reb Levik's Testimony to the K.G.B:

Interrogator: Where is your family relative Joseph Schneerson?

Reb Levik: He is in Poland.

Interrogator: What is his business there?

Reb Levik: I don't know.

Interrogator: Do you have correspondence with Joseph Schneerson?

Reb Levik: From time to time (mostly before the high holidays) I would bless him and he would bless me. But the correspondence stopped six years ago.

Interrogator: From which countries did you receive letters of blessings from him?

Reb Levik: I don't remember; Poland or Riga.

Interrogator: Why are you avoiding from answering the truth?

Reb Levik: I am not trying to avoid anything, I will repeat myself again: I do not remember from were these letters came.

Interrogator: Did you ever get a visa to leave Soviet Union?

Reb Levik: In the year of 1924 or 1925 I got an invitation from Palestine with a request to serve as the Rabbi of Jerusalem; I refused the offer.

Picture description: a Chanukah Rally in early 1970's

Good Shabbos.
Menachem.

Copyright © Menachem Kirschenbaum 2007

The Rebbe "When Tragedy Strikes"

"Rabbi Klein (one of the Rebbe's secretaries) called me and my wife the next morning and told us that the Rebbe wants us to publicize the answer that was given to us the day before, in regards to our daughter's passing"

-Dr. Gearman

In regards with the terrible tragedy this week where the life of 32 students where taken from this world, amongst them a very special Yiddishe Neshama Professor Liviu Librescu. I would like to present an answer the Rebbe gave to parents of a young girl Miriam, who at six years old was killed in a car accident in Berkley , California (Erev Pesach 1989). Following the death, the parents wrote a long letter to the Rebbe with many different questions regarding the nature of these types of tragedies. The Rebbe's response did more than comfort – it provided a new focus to the mourning family. also included is interesting pictures of the Rebbe part 64.

This e-mail is dedicated to my brother and Sister-In-Law in honor of honor of their new born baby.

1. A person cannot say with certainty that he clearly knows Hashem's intentions, (except for a prophet who was instructed by Hashem to reveal it).

2. For everything that happens in today's day in age, we can find its example in the past. ( In Midrashim of Chazal, with additional different interpretations for different events), At times, the specifics of an incident today, we can explain with an event or an explanation of an event in the past.

4 .With regards to Miriam, it stands out that she passed away on a high note, in a manner that Torah Emes commands that is forbidden to mourn her in a Shiva, except for a few moments and similarly with regards to the Shloshim [due to the fact that it was Erev yom tov].

5 .All Neshamos (Souls) of the present come down as a continuation of a previous Gilgul ( Reincarnation) in order to complete what was missing before it came down, (in totality or partially).

6 .Those who are Nistalek (pass on) before their obligation to do Mitzvos, it is because they are here in this world to complete the number of years that they needed to be in this world. (Even though this is an exception, in general everyone needs to live 70-80, up to 120 years)

7 .If Miriam needed to complete the number of years she needed to be in this world, and then go immediately into Gan Eden, its understood that the parents should not be saddened that this Pesach that she parted she was in Gan Eden and according to this, its also understood that they needed according to Torah Emes to be in true Simcha on Pesach.

8. Especially since she (Mrs. Gearman) and her husband, gave their child a childhood that was mostly filled with Good, materially and spiritually all her years.

Good Shabbos.

Menachem.

Copyright © Menachem Kirschenbaum 2007

The Rebbe "If You Ask Me What’s Considered a Big Thing"

The Donor: "I am very pleased with the Rebbe's suggestion, but as I mentioned I would like to donate the money for a "big cause!"

-A Supporter of Chabad

I would like to present a very interesting conversation that a Donor which wanted to donate a large some of money to Chabad had with the Rebbe. Also included is interesting pictures of the Rebbe part 63. Special thanks to Rabbi Y. Heller and Rabbi Seligson.

The Donor: "I have a large some of money that I would like to give to Tzedaka but I would like to give it for a big cause."

The Rebbe: "You should give it to Yiddin (Shluchim) in Eretz Yisroel who are distributing Shmura Matzah to other Yiddin who live in Eretz Yisroel."

The Donor: "I am very pleased with the Rebbe's suggestion, but as I mentioned I would like to donate the money for a "big cause!" The Rebbe then repeated a second time that it should go for Yiddin giving out Shmura Matzah in Eretz Yisroel."

The Donor: my intention to make something big means a big building -something that will last.

The Rebbe: "if you would like to build big buildings, in communities they build big buildings. But if you ask me what's considered a big thing? The answer is when you give another Yid Shmura matza, which is the bread of belief and the bread which heals"

Good Shabbos.

Menachem.

Copyright © Menachem Kirschenbaum 2007

“But what About the Jewish Soldiers Around the Corner?”

"Yes," said Chaim. "I would like to conduct religious services for the Jewish personnel."

- Rabbi Chaim Jacobs

The following is In Connection with the forty years of the Rebbe's Mivtza Tefillin. Also included is an interesting picture of the Rebbe. Part 66 of the series. This is a tale about a gentle lad named Chaim Jacobs who came from England in the early '60's to study in 770 as told to Rabbi Ari Kirschenbaum - Shliach of the Rebbe to Prospect Heights Brooklyn by Rabbi Elkanah Schwartz, Rav Cong. Kol Israel of Prospect Heights.

"One Shabbos afternoon, he entered a storefront Shul on Rogers Ave corner Crown Street, engaged a discussion with one of its congregants named Elkanah Schwartz and asked to speak at the Seudas Shlishis. He did, and continued to do so for many months. Two blocks over on Rogers Ave between President and Carroll Streets was the Young Israel of Botanic Gardens, which later appointed Rabbi Schwartz as its Rav.

That year, Hoshanah Rabbah came on a Sunday, and when Rabbi Schwartz arrived at the Young Israel that morning, he was greeted by a pleasant surprise: six handsome Jewish young men in military fatigues. Around the corner from the Shul, on Bedford Ave between President and Union Streets, stood an armory, used on weekends by the National Guard. Mr. Don Hairenson, a schoolteacher, who was a member of the Young Israel, had gone earlier into the armory, approached the commanding officer telling him it was a Jewish holiday and that a synagogue around the corner was holding services, and asked if Jewish personnel can be excused to join him. The CO announced that Jewish personnel were free to go the synagogue.

The six young men were naturally treated royally. They were given seats of honor and benched over the Arba Minim. One was called to the Torah, and after services, all six joined the Rabbi in the Succah.

Some time later, Chaim Jacobs met Rabbi Schwartz and greeted him with a special smile. "You know," said Chaim, "some bochurim from 770 went this week to Fort Benning, Georgia, to put teffillin on Jewish soldiers."

"That's very nice," said Rabbi Schwartz, "but what about the Jewish soldiers around the corner?"

Some time later came the Six Day War, and in its wake the Rebbe's Teffillin campaign. Chaim was one of the many stalwart soldiers who grabbed Tifillin and fanned out across bus and train terminals, airports, shopping malls, campuses, and other population centers. However, Chaim was a gentle lad, forever jostled out of the way by others with elbows. He turned to 770, eager to serve but finding no available target/outlet.

Then, a thought: he remembered the story Rabbi Schwartz told him. He tucked his Tifillin under his arm, and trekked the five blocks to Bedford Avenue , making a left and going the block-and-a-half to the huge doors of the armory. He entered, and was immediately interrogated and asked: "Can I help you, sir?"

"Yes," said Chaim to the uniformed officer. "I would like to speak with the commanding officer."
"Come this way," the other, said, and Chaim followed. Soon he was facing the CO, who asked, "Can I help you, sir?"

"Yes," said Chaim. "I would like to conduct religious services for the Jewish personnel."

"Follow me," the CO, said, and Chaim followed him into the cavernous room where hundreds of men in uniform were doing all kinds of activities. The CO announced over the booming PA system: "There is a Rabbi here to conduct religious services. Any Jewish personnel who want to join him are free to do so." Immediately, a sizeable group of men dropped what they were doing, and walked over to Chaim. The CO graciously gave them a large room for the services.

A week later, Chaim was back. Each week of the month, there were different guardsmen, and each week he found many willing Jews to join him. Chaim had no choice: he recruited other bachurim. Gentle Chaim, shoved aside in the quest to fulfill the Rebbe's mivtzah, now found himself not only with his own targets, but also with needing help!

Summer arrived, and the guardsmen went to boot camp for two weeks. By arrangement Chaim and nine other bachurim stood in front of 770 one morning at 5:00am when two military hummers stopped for them. For two hours they drove, arriving at 7:00am at the camp just as the CO was ready to dismiss the men. The CO announced that ten Rabbis just arrived to conduct religious services, and whoever wanted, could join them. A few hundred young men came forward.

Back at the armory some weeks later, the CO approached Chaim. "Rabbi," he said, "there's another armory a few blocks away, on Bedford and Atlantic Ave, that has more Jewish personnel then we do."

So the following Sunday, Chaim sent a crew of bochurim to look after the armory near Union Street, while he took another crew with him to the new armory. Indeed, there were more Jews there then in the first place.

And so it went. Eventually, the commanding officer of the National Guard for the State of New York sent a memorandum to the CO's of every unit throughout the state, advising them they could arrange for religious services for their Jewish personnel by contacting Rabbi Chaim Jacobs at 770! Indeed, "the stone that was despised by the builders became the chief cornerstone."

Some years later, Rabbi Chaim Jacobs became the Rebbe's Shliach to Glasgow, Scotland, where he still carries on, now ably assisted by his son, Rabbi Mendel Jacobs.

Picture description: The picture was taken by a New York Times Photographer during the winter of 1992.

Good Shabbos.

Menachem.

Copyright © Menachem Kirschenbaum 2007