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                         L'CHAIM - ISSUE # 923
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                           Copyright (c) 2006
                 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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        June 9, 2006             Nasso            13 Sivan, 5766
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                             Do Me A Favor

When someone says, "Do me a favor," how do you react? Do you jump at the
opportunity or do you think to yourself, "Uh oh, here it comes. I can't
say 'no' but this is going to be a major inconvenience...."?

The next time, before you respond to a request for a favor, consider the
following: The Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chasidic movement, taught
that the whole reason for a person being put in this world just might be
in order to do another Jew a favor!

A favor doesn't have to involve a long-term investment of time, energy
or money. It can and does include any act of kindness one might do for
another.

Doing a favor for someone connects us to that person in a very intrinsic
way. This can be understood by considering how Rabbi Shneur Zalman, the
founder of Chabad Chasidut, expanded on the Baal Shem Tov's teaching. He
said that when one does a favor to an individual, it is a favor to all
those souls that will descend from him until the end of all generations.

Isn't that amazing and mind-boggling! When you lend a friend money, help
someone find a job, go shopping for a shut-in, offer a cold glass of
water to the man who came to collect the old furniture for the local
thrift shop, or even when you do something as simple as helping a little
old lady cross the street, you are doing something that has an effect
not only on the person, but on his children and his children's children.

If this is true with monetary or corporeal favors, how much more so is
it true when it comes to spiritual favors. But what kind of "spiritual
favors" might be within the reach of every person?

Do you know how to read Hebrew? Not necessarily understand it but at
least read it? There are many young people and adults who can't read
Hebrew but want to learn. You can teach someone!

Or you can invite someone who has never experienced Shabbat to celebrate
it with you.

You can schlep someone along to a class at your local Chabad Center.

Or you can tell the new Jewish family on the block about the local
Jewish summer camp for their children.

Do any of these possible suggestions click? If not, here's something
that everyone reading L'Chaim can do. Share this copy of L'Chaim with
one of your friends! We're not trying to toot our own horn, but surely
you know someone who would benefit form reading a few of the articles.

Do yourself a favor! The next time someone asks you to do him a favor -
or even before - give him or her a helping hand materially or
spiritually. That favor might just be the reason why you were born!

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           LIVING WITH THE REBBE  -  THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
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In this week's Torah portion, Nasso, we find the command to count the
Levites - the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari. The actual count
of these people was taken only once, during the second year of their
40-year wanderings. What are we to learn from the Torah's inclusion of
this commandment?

Why did the Jewish people had to wander for 40 years in the wilderness?
When the spies gave a negative report about the land of Israel, the
Jewish people were reluctant to enter the land G-d had promised them.
G-d, therefore, punished the Jews with 40-years of wandering and decreed
that those who had been unwilling to enter Israel would not be allowed
to do so. But why did G-d choose a wilderness for their wandering, as
opposed to another location?

A wilderness is uninhabited by man, and indeed, the desert the Jewish
People wandered through is described as "a great and terrible
wilderness: snakes, poisonous serpents and scorpions, and thirst without
water to quench." The Children of Israel, through their travels, were
charged with transforming that wilderness and purifying the negative
forces that still had their hold on the Jewish People. The cloud that
preceded them as they traveled destroyed the snakes, serpents and
beasts, which threatened their existence. By overcoming the obstacles in
the desert the Jews brought light and G-dliness into the world. The
uninhabited wilderness became the dwelling place, for 40 years, of the
millions of Jews who had just left Egypt, and the "unsown land" was
blessed with water from Miriam's well, causing all kinds of plants and
trees to flourish.

The commandment to count the Levites charged with transporting the
Sanctuary underscored and gave spiritual strength to this higher purpose
- the transformation of a wilderness into an inhabited land. This, too,
is the responsibility of every Jew, in every era, no matter where he may
live, to transform and elevate his surrounding by infusing them with
holiness. If at times it appears that insurmountable forces surround us,
we are to remember the mission with which we have been charged and the
special G-dly powers we are given to accomplish it. Just as the Children
of Israel traveled from place to place by Divine command, so too is
every Jew, by Divine Providence, faced with precisely those obstacles
and challenges he is charged with overcoming. The Torah assures us that
through our actions, we can succeed in turning any wilderness into a
flourishing dwelling place for G-d.

We also learn from the fact that the Levites were not counted or
required to carry the Sanctuary until the age of 30, that it is never
too late try to improve oneself. Even if our behavior has been less than
admirable and undisciplined - in the category of "wilderness" - we must
never become dejected and despair of achieving our spiritual goals. Once
the decision to improve is made, G-d gives us the strength to serve Him,
purify ourselves, and uncover the G-dliness concealed within.

                   Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

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                             SLICE OF LIFE
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                           Senior Reflections

    The following essays were culled from dozens by seniors at SUNY
    Binghamton that appeared in The Chai Times, a publication of the
    Chabad House of Binghamton.

               Jeremy Zenilman - Future plans: Law School

How can you sum up four years - an entirely new life built in a new city
- in a couple of words? There is one word that is perfect. Community.
The Chabad House has built a community in the middle of nowhere, an
oasis in the desert. Many graduating seniors, both this year and in
years past or to come, owe everything to Chabad. It's where they meet
their friends, where they learn and where they find peace and comfort.
When we came four years ago, we knew next to nothing and no one. We had
come from the comfort and security of high school and home to a new
place with few, if any, friends.

And then we came to Chabad. The people, both staff and students, opened
their arms to us. In their house we made friends with each other, had a
good meal, and left knowing that Binghamton, that life away from home,
couldn't be that bad. Not when special people and that special
institution was down the road. Since then, our friendships have grown,
with each other and with newer students, whom we met at Chabad.

The story could go for any senior, but it is especially true for me. The
people I met at Chabad and the things I experienced there truly made my
four years in Binghamton University the best they could possibly be. I
also count myself as fortunate in having gotten to know the Slonims, the
Creegers and various rabbinic interns especially well. I have also had a
chance to give something back to the community, by running events like
the 2006 Purim Carnival, and helping out with numerous others. I've
learned about the Rebbe's philosophy of reaching out; and I've found
that this Chabad House is perhaps one of the strongest manifestations of
that philosophy in the country. For that opportunity, and everything
that Chabad has given me, I am truly grateful.

                                *  *  *

                Tanya S. Arditi - Future Plans: Yale Law

If I had never set foot in Chabad House at Binghamton, I would be
graduating religiously empty. As a Conservative, Sephardi, South
American Jew, I could not see myself attending Shabbat services at
Chabad. However, some people had the great idea of dragging me in - and
I haven't stopped attending ever since. That was over a year ago. Then,
I needed to have my friends with me whenever I went because I was afraid
of being alone. Nowadays, I go there to meet my friends, and once there
I am never alone! Had I never gone there I wouldn't have discovered the
pleasure and extreme joy I now get from tapping into my spiritual side -
and I wouldn't have rediscovered and resumed my spiritual journey.

As a Jew, my most memorable and meaningful, as well as enjoyable events
at the Chabad House was, is, and will continue to be the Shabbat
Services: I love the songs, I love the atmosphere, I love the salads,
and last but certainly not least, I LOVE the birthday brownies!

I truly believe that Chabad House plays an extremely large role in the
overall Jewish experience here at Binghamton University. Chabad is the
Jewish safe-haven: When everything else is closed, the doors to the
House are still open. This is the same for Rabbi Slonim and Rivkah
Slonim: When nobody else will listen, you can probably find great
inspiration from them. I don't know what I will do next year without my
Chabad House, but I know I'll attempt to recreate the feeling of Joyful
Jewishness that I get through Chabad in my own home.

After having had such a hard time setting foot into the House, I'm
finding it very hard to leave...

                                *  *  *

             Rebecca Rodbart - Future Plans: Year in Israel

Growing up in Mount Sinai, a small town in Suffolk County, Long Island
(NY) that most people have never heard of, my exposure to a Jewish
community was limited. Sure, at my public school there were some Jewish
kids, but I never had that sense of closeness with people of the same
background as me, aside from home and my small Chabad shul.

When I was looking into colleges, the percentage of Jews attending the
school was not a major part of my decision. I remember when I came to
look at the school, my parents and I stopped by the Chabad House to meet
the Rabbi and Rivky. I am sure they were really busy, but they took time
out to make us feel welcome.

The first Shabbat I went to Chabad I was greeted personally. I was so
amazed that they remembered my name and where I was from! Over the years
I have seen it repeated countless times. The Chabad House is the only
place that can host 300 people and still make every single person feel
welcome.

The first Shabbat I was one of the people who left after the soup was
served. But for the following four years I enjoyed staying until the end
and looked forward to every Shabbat. Looking back on my experience now
that I am about to leave here, I can honestly say that these four years
are irreplaceable, due in large part to Chabad. I have definitely grown
as a person, have met some incredible people, and will really miss this
place. I would like to thank the Chabad House for playing such a major
role in my life for the last four years and for providing so many
enriching opportunities for students like me to enhance our college and
Jewish experience. I am leaving Binghamton University with a new
appreciation of how a connection to a Jewish community can enhance my
life. I just want to wish everyone good luck in whatever path life leads
you, and may we all be blessed with nothing but happiness.

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                            THE REBBE WRITES
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                           Peace in the Home
            Translated and adapted from letters of the Rebbe

The crucial importance of Shalom Bayis [peace and harmony in the
relationship between husband and wife] and the fateful consequences of
the lack of Shalom Bayis is to be understood from the following
statements of our Sages, of blessed memory:

 1. G-d decrees that His (Ineffable) Name be effaced by placing it in
    water [in the instance of a Sotah] so that peace can be brought
    about between husband and wife.

 2. When the opposite occurs [i.e., in the case of a divorce, G-d
    forbid] - the Mizbei'ach, the Altar in the Holy Temple, sheds tears,
    which is to say, that this act of divorce has significant impact
    even on that special place [i.e., the Altar] where atonement is
    granted and prayers are recited for the peace of the entire Jewish
    people. Divorce is thus not merely a personal matter between two
    individuals [it has a cosmic effect as well].

Notwithstanding the above, our Sages of blessed memory have stated, "No
two people think alike." In other words, despite the above natural
differences of opinions between individuals, it is still possible and
indeed necessary that there be true peace between each and every Jew.

This is surely so with regard to peace between husband and wife, whose
conduct, when in accordance with Torah and mitzvos (commandments), is so
meritorious that it is described by our Sages of blessed memory as
bringing about that the "Divine Presence resides in their midst."

                                  Likutei Sichos, Vol. XXIV, p. 467

                                *  *  *


In reply to your notifying me about your upcoming birthday: I hereby
bless you that your mazel increase and that you may be able to make an
ample living in an easy manner, providing sustenance for your wife and
all your children (they should live) in a manner of tranquility -
tranquility of body and tranquility of soul.

May G-d also strengthen your imprisoned divine soul, that it be able to
bring about in actuality Shalom Bayis in your household; it continuously
astonishes me how you fail to see something that is obvious to all,
namely, that your conduct - with regard to failing to work on Shalom
Bayis - is the product of the evil inclination, which continues to gain
strength regarding this matter.

I have already told you numerous times - and I will state it once again
- that it is imperative that you make a supreme effort to achieve Shalom
Bayis between you and your wife, particularly so as my father-in-law,
the (previous) Rebbe, voiced his agreement concerning your shidduch
(match).

Also known are the sayings of our Sages that women are of a more
emotional nature ("Nashim da'atan kalah") and "their tears flow more
easily" [i.e., they have a more sensitive nature], for which reason you
should be the one who gives in, particularly regarding material matters.

Moreover, if at all times during our history our Sages have spoken
glowingly about the magnitude of Shalom Bayis, then it is surely so
during the time of the eve of the holy Shabbos - and the entire Jewish
nation is now in a situation of "the eve of Shabbos after mid-day," as
we draw ever closer to the end of our exile and the arrival of Moshiach.

It is self-understood that nowadays the difficulties and concealments
are parti-cularly severe regarding Shalom Bayis, for - as known - "Peace
is magnificent" and the entire Torah is one whose "ways are the ways of
pleasantness and all its pathways are peace."

These difficulties are particularly acute now, in the final exile, as
exile itself is a result of the lack of shalom, as our Sages state in
Yoma 9b.

Thus, the closer we come to the conclusion of exile, the greater is the
opposition from the "opposing forces" which seek to prevent bringing
about shalom in the world as a whole, and particularly between husband
and wife. For husband and wife below, in this world, are the counterpart
to the supernal aspect of "husband" and "wife."

Nevertheless, these difficulties notwithstanding, we have been assured
that we were granted the strength to overcome these difficulties ("L'fum
gamla shichneh"). Surely, then, we are granted the power and the ability
to withstand this test.

                                      Igros Kodesh, Vol. IV, p. 433

         From Eternal Joy translated by  Rabbi Sholom Ber Wineberg,
                                     published by Sichos in English

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                                CUSTOMS
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From where does the custom of eating a special meal - Melave Malka -
come?

It is customary on Saturday evening to eat a meal in honor of the
departure of Shabbat known as  Melave Malka - literally, "Escorting the
(Shabbat) Queen." As King David was foretold that he would pass away on
Shabbat, each Saturday evening he had a meal celebrating another week of
life. According to our Sages, the luz bone - from which the body will be
formed at the time of the resurrection of the dead - is nourished only
from food eaten at the Melave Malka. The Talmud states that eating
something hot on Saturday evening is medicinal and helps as an antidote
for depression. Another source explains that telling a story about the
Baal Shem Tov [some say any righteous person] is beneficial for
livelihood.



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                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
                         Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman
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This past Shabbat we read the sixth and final chapter of Pirkei Avot. So
this Shabbat afternoon, we begin the cycle one again with the first
chapter of Pirkei Avot.

The second Mishna in Pirkei Avot says: Shimon the Righteous...used to
say: "The world stands on three things - on the study of Torah, the
service of G-d, and deeds of kindness."

In Hebrew, the word for "world" - olam - is similar to the word for
"concealment" - helem - for G-dliness and spirituality are "concealed"
in this world. Only by removing the concealment can we reveal the G-dly
light, which is hidden therein.

Every person has to say to himself and behave in a manner befitting the
phrase, "The world was created for me." Using the above connection
between world and concealment, one can also say, "The concealment of
G-dliness was also created for me." This leads a person to work his
utmost to try and reverse the concealment of G-dliness.

How can this be done? Through the study of Torah, the service of G-d
(prayer), and deeds of kindness.

A person is called a microcosm. Through working in these three
above-mentioned areas one's microcosm also stands and exists.

In Psalms, King David cried out, "Redeem my soul in peace." On this
verse the Talmud comments, "G-d said, 'Anyone who involves himself in
the study of Torah, deeds of kindness and prays with the community, I
count it as if he redeemed me and my children from amongst the nations
of the world.'"

Through engaging ourselves in these three areas of G-dly service every
individual will merit his own personal redemption. And this will
certainly affect the actions and standing of the world at large, for the
entire world functions according to G-d's will.

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                          THOUGHTS THAT COUNT
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You shall take a count (lit. "Lift the heads") of the sons of Gershon
(Num. 4:22)

The "head symbolizes the brain and our higher faculties, which we use to
learn and understand G-d's wisdom. The Torah tells us to "lift our
heads" - to constantly strive to learn more and more, for by doing so we
will simultaneously "lift up" the rest of the "body," those commandments
we perform with our other limbs.

                                            (The Lubavitcher Rebbe)

                                *  *  *


Because the service of the Sanctuary belonged to them; they were to bear
it upon their shoulders (Num. 7:9)

Worshipping G-d properly is hard work, requiring much effort and "elbow
grease." The perfection of G-dly service does not just happen by itself.
"If one says, 'I have not toiled, yet I have succeeded' - do not believe
him."

                                   (Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk)

                                *  *  *


If any man or woman commits a sin against a fellow man, thereby
committing an offense against G-d (Num. 5:6)

For most sins which the Torah demands an offering, a small, inexpensive
one is sufficient for atonement. The exception to this rule is the guilt
offering, which was brought for the sin of stealing. This offering had
to be worth at least two selaim. Why? Other sins are committed only
against G-d; stealing is a double offense, committed against man and G-d
alike. The atonement offering, therefore, had to be more costly.

                                                      (M'lo Haomer)

                                *  *  *


And every man's holy things shall be his. Whatever he gives the priest
shall belong to him (Num. 5:10)

Someone once asked the fabulously wealthy Rothschild from Frankfurt
exactly how much he was worth. Rothschild responded by quoting the
verse, "And every man's holy things shall be his." "The only riches a
person can count as truly belonging to him," he said, "are those he has
used for good and holy purposes, such as giving charity and supporting
Torah institutions. No one can take these away. The same cannot be said,
however, for the rest of one's fortune..." (Fun Unzer Alten Otzar)

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                            IT ONCE HAPPENED
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The great scholar, Rabbi Yehoshua ben Chananya, was honored and loved by
all. He was often invited to the Caesar's palace, for the ruler and his
staff delighted in listening to this great sage's wisdom.

Despite his wisdom and knowledge, Rabbi Yehoshua was often the object of
ridicule by those who didn't know him; he was hunchbacked and crippled.
But, even for those who were disgusted by his appearance, once he began
to speak, they were amazed with his sharp mind and great understanding.

The Roman Caesar had a beautiful young daughter who was quite conceited
and spoiled. She ridiculed and abused her servants, and was accustomed
to treating important guests to her father's palace in the same manner.

One day, she entered the hall where her father, some dignitaries and
Rabbi Yehoshua were debating. She watched in amazement at the honor
accorded Rabbi Yehoshua. Arrogantly, she called out, "Such glorious
wisdom in such a disgusting vessel."

Rabbi Yehoshua, who was not surprised by her words, answered in a joking
manner, "Tell me, please. In what kind of container does your father
keep his wine? Not in earthen vessels?"

The Caesar's daughter was undoubtedly beautiful, but she wasn't very
bright. She didn't understand what Rabbi Yehoshua was hinting, and
answered, "What else should the wine be kept in?"

Said Rabbi Yehoshua, "Everyone keeps their wine in clay. If you are so
important, shouldn't your wine be kept in silver and gold?" Rabbi
Yehoshua was certain the foolish girl would understand he was joking.

But the girl, in all her cockiness, assumed she understood the rabbi's
point and decided to broach the subject with her father. She convinced
the Caesar that their wine shouldn't be kept in ordinary vessels, and
against his better judgement he ordered the servants to transfer the
wine to gold and silver urns.

At first, no one noticed a change in the wine. But after a while, the
wine spoiled. The servants, who were in charge of the wine, approached
the Caesar. "Our master, all the wine has become vinegar! The whole time
that it was stored in clay, there was never such a problem!"

The Caesar was annoyed that his good wine was ruined, but he was further
distressed that he had listened to his daughter. He called her in and
asked where she had gotten this idea.

"Who?" she answered, "Rabbi Yehoshua. You all think he's so smart. He
said we shouldn't store the wine in such simple containers."

The Caesar contemplated. Didn't the wise Rabbi Yehoshua know what would
happened to the wine in such containers? Maybe be was trying to hurt the
Caesar? But didn't he know he'd be punished?

The Caesar called for Rabbi Yehoshua and sternly asked, "Why did you
advise my daughter to put the wine in gold and silver vessels?"

"Just as she spoke to me, I spoke to her," Rabbi Yehoshua explained.
"She told me it was a pity that such glorious wisdom was in such an ugly
vessel. I answered her, that good wine, even that belonging to the
Caesar, is kept in simple vessels. How was I to know that she wouldn't
understand the simple meaning of my words?"

The Caesar understood that he had been foolish to listen to his
daughter, but he didn't want to admit that his daughter had been wrong.
He thought, then said, "Surely there are wise people who are also
attractive."

Answered Rabbi Yehoshua, "If they weren't attractive, they would be even
wiser. They would use all their energy and time for studying and
increasing their wisdom. Some who are attractive become conceited with
their beauty, and they never become wise."

The Caesar wasn't stupid. He understood what Rabbi Yehoshua was hinting
about his daughter. He decided it was better not to discuss the matter
any more, and bid Rabbi Yehoshua good-bye.

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                            MOSHIACH MATTERS
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All the nations on the face of the earth must know: Our bodies alone
have been handed over into exile to be ruled by the nations of the
world, but not our souls... we must openly declare for all to hear, that
with regard to everything involving our religion - the Torah of the
people of Israel, with its commandments and customs - no one is going to
impose his views on us, and no force has the right to subjugate us.

 (Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe)

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                 END OF TEXT - L'CHAIM 923 - Nasso 5766
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