Although leaving the exile and entering the redemption can only be according to G-d’s directive, nevertheless, when G-d sees Jews yearning for the redemption to come immediately – “we want Moshiach now!” – this itself quickens the commandment to be issued forth from G-d to “leave the ark,” to leave the exile for the true and complete redemption.
The Midrash, the source of Rashi’s comment, provides an enigmatic answer: Even the earth was corrupted and “unfaithful.” When its inhabitants planted wheat it would produce “zunin” [some translate this as darnel, a grain that is poisonous for humans but fit for some birds.] Thus, G-d punished the earth for its unfaithfulness.
Forty years have passed since the first group of shluchim was sent by the Rebbe to Eretz Yisroel, so we spoke with Rabbi Shmuel Greisman who was in that group. * He describes that unique shlichus and their influence on the residents of Eretz Yisroel. * He told us about being appointed director of the committee to write a Torah scroll for Jewish children and calls upon every Chassid to join the efforts to complete the sixth such Torah. * He spoke about hiskashrus and warns against the phenomenon of disconnecting the wellspring from its source, i.e., spreading Chassidus without a Rebbe, and urged preparing the world to greet Moshiach whose identity is known – the Rebbe, Nasi Doreinu.
Not long ago, in honor of the twenty fifth anniversary of the Rebbe’s sicha about prophecy, we asked a media polling group to conduct a survey among religious Jews in Eretz Yisroel. It was a phone survey in which questions were asked about prophecy. An amazing 42% had heard about the Rebbe’s prophecy in a general sense, but only 20% knew that the Rebbe prophesied about the coming of Moshiach. 31% of respondents said this information inspired their anticipation of Moshiach’s coming. * Also, how many of those asked, who categorized themselves as connected to Chabad and the Rebbe’s shluchim, heard about the prophecy
On the 26th of Tammuz, Mr. Andre (Mordechai) Hajdu, one of the world’s leading composers, a man who lived and breathed music, passed away at the age of eighty-four. His familiarity with and knowledge of old Chabad melodies began shortly after his emigration to Eretz Yisroel, when he heard the Alter Rebbe’s Niggun “Arba Bavos” for the first time. The life story of a conductor who was privileged to direct some of the greatest performances of Chabad music.
It is a minhag (custom) to sell the various kibbudim (honors) and aliyos (being called up to the Torah)—even the right to pay for maintenance and utilities—to the congregants of a shul. In many shuls this takes the form of an auction, with bidders vying for the privilege of buying these mitzvos. When executed properly, the bidding can foster many positive results: it prevents machlokes (disputes) as to who receives the honors, supports the shul financially, and also promotes kavod ha’Torah (respect for the Torah) indicating that mitzvos are valuable and not dispensed freely.
Throughout the years, recordings of the Rebbe’s sichos played in his house. But R’ Shlomo wasn’t satisfied with the recordings that he had and every time there was a broadcast of the Rebbe’s farbrengen, he would go with a hidden tape recorder and he would secretly record the broadcast. In the days that followed, you would see him bent over the tape, listening closely to the Rebbe’s voice.” * The life story of the Chassid, Rabbi Shlomo Galperin a”h, who was a tremendous gaon, was gifted with an exceptional ability to explain things, and was mekushar heart and soul to the Rebbe MH”M. * Presented as an introduction to several chapters of his memoirs.
The weather matched Simcha’s mood. That morning the weather required gloves, a scarf, boots and a warm coat. The clouds were thick and gray and large drops of rain began to fall on the empty street.
November 2, 2016