1. contents
TO PLEAD WITH G-D
4 D’var Malchus | Sichos In English
LIVING WITH MOSHIACH: FOR
6 HEAVEN’S SAKE
Thought | Rabbi Zvi Homnick
THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT
10 Feature | Shneur Zalman Berger
HOW GOOD ARE YOU, REALLY?
20 Moshiach & Science | Dr. Aryeh Gotfryd, PhD
MUSIC IN THE MIKDASH
22 Insight | Interview by Mendel Tzfasman USA
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CAMP-SCHOOL TEACHES THAT RAIN IS
28 LIQUID SUNSHINE
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Perspective | Aliza Karp editorH@beismoshiach.org
‘WHO SHOULD BE A RAV? SOMEONE
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2. d’var malchus
TO PLEAD
between them.
For the Sifri sees the concept of
prayer and that of requesting a free
gift as two different interpretations,
WITH G-D
while the Midrash fuses the two
concepts into a single understanding.
To focus on this distinction more
closely:
G-d is “merciful to all His works,”
[9] giving each his sustenance as
required.
Moreover, when a person’s deeds
Sichos In English are worthy, he is assured: [10] “If
you follow My laws... I will provide
you with rain at the appropriate
WHAT IS PRAYER? TWO INTERPRETATIONS time.” [11] Therefore, a person
The Rambam describes prayer as OF MOSHE’S PLEA might have grounds to believe that he
follows: [1] These concepts are reflected in deserves G-d’s assistance.
The obligation [this] the name of this week’s Torah Nevertheless, even in such a
commandment entails is to offer reading VaEschanan. situation, prayer is necessary as
supplication and prayer every day; to VaEschanan means “and he reflected by the verse: [12] “Kindness
praise the Holy One, blessed be He, pleaded,” and refers to Moshe’s is Yours, for You render to every man
and afterwards to petition for all petition to G-d to enter Eretz Yisroel. according to his deeds.”
one’s needs with requests and [5] Although a person’s conduct may
supplications, and then to give praise Our Sages’ interpretation of this be worthy of Divine blessing, since
and thanks to G-d for the goodness term provides each of us with G-d transcends the material realm
that He has bestowed. guidance with regard to the way we entirely, for G-d’s beneficence to be
In particular, the fundamental should approach G-d in prayer. enclothed in a material form requires
dimension of prayer is to ask G-d for The Sifri states: [6] a unique measure of kindness. And
our needs. [Moshe] could have depended... this kindness is evoked by prayer.
The praise and thanksgiving on his good deeds. Instead, [he] Therefore, there is no way a
which precedes and follows these asked G-d for a gift.... How much person can demand favor from G-d.
requests is merely a supplementary more so, [lesser men] should make At all times, he must make requests of
element of the mitzvah. [2] requests [of G-d in this manner]. Him as one asks for a present.
A person must realize that G-d is Alternatively, [va’es’chanan] is This enables us to understand the
the true source for every aspect of one of the ten terms used for prayer. interpretation of the Midrash
sustenance and blessing he receives, The Midrash communicates mentioned previously.
and he must approach G-d sincerely, similar concepts, stating: [7] VaEschanan teaches us the
with heartfelt requests. [3] [This] is one of the ten terms used manner in which we should make
Often, however, we do not for prayer. Of them all, Moshe petitions of G-d.
content ourselves with asking G-d for adopted [this approach], one of When asking for His goodness,
our needs. We desire a measure of supplication. one should plead with humility,
bounty that goes beyond our needs, From this, we can learn that no rather than demand; even when
and indeed, is far more than what we created being can make demands deserving, a person should not rely
deserve. from its Creator, for even Moshe on his merits, but should ask G-d for
We request a boon that reflects [approached G-d] in a tone of generosity and kindness.
G-d’s boundless generosity. supplication, [asking] for a free gift.
For every Jew is as a dear to G-d
NOT ONLY A HUMBLE
as a only son born to parents in their
vintage years. [4] And because of that
EVERYTHING TONE, A HUMBLE HEART
inner closeness, He grants us favor IS KINDNESS The first interpretation cited in
that surpasses our needs and our Although there is a similarity the Sifri asks for a deeper
worth. between the statements of the Sifri commitment.
and the Midrash, in particular, the Not only should humility
commentaries [8] note a distinction characterize the manner in which one
4 12 Menachem Av 5770 B E I S M O S H I A C H

3. approaches G-d, it should permeate gift. [18] the Redemption a reality.
one’s being. Parshas VaEschanan is always
A person should genuinely feel REACHING ABOVE read on Shabbos Nachamu, “the
that he is asking for favor which he Shabbos of comfort.”
does not deserve. For regardless of
OUR GRASP The true comfort for the
the virtue of his deeds, there is always Chassidic thought explains destruction of the Beis HaMikdash
a higher standard which could be Moshe’s request for “a free gift” as and the exile is the realization that
demanded of him. Therefore, his follows: these are only phases guiding us to
request is for “a free gift,” unearned Had Moshe been permitted to the ultimate Redemption.
kindness. [13] lead the Jewish people into Eretz Leading us on a course above
This approach was personified by Yisroel, he would have been able to mortal understanding, G-d enables
Moshe, whom the Torah describes draw forth a level of G-dly revelation man to become His partner in
[14] as “more humble than any man which our ordinary Divine service creation, [19] and make the world a
on the face of the earth.” cannot reach. dwelling which they will share.
Moshe realized his own positive For there are limits to the spiritual Adapted from: Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XXII, pgs.
virtues, but he also understood that peaks man can reach through his 115-117; Vol. XXIV p. 28ff
,
these virtues were granted to him by efforts; the highest levels are NOTES:
G-d, and felt that had they been dependent solely on G-d’s initiative. 1. Mishneh Torah, Hilchos T’filla 1:2.
granted to another individual, that These levels cannot be reached by 2. This is reflected in the wording used by the Rambam, and
the interpretation of his position by the Seifer HaChinuch
person might have accomplished the standard approach to prayer. For (mitzvah 233). Note, however, the wording of the Shulchan
more. [15] prayer centers on man’s efforts to Aruch HaRav 185:2 which refers to “the recitation of G-d’s
praise as the fundamental element of prayer.”
refine himself and his environment, 3. In this vein, we can understand the connection to the
and therefore Moshe asked for “a free Rambam’s opening statement in Hilchos T’filla 1:1 that
WHEN CAN A HEAVENLY gift.” prayer is “the service of the heart,” i.e., shaping one’s
feelings. For what affects most people most are their material
DECREE BE CHANGED needs, and appreciating and asking G-d for these matters
requires a re-definition of one’s inner feelings.
There is a deeper dimension to DOING MORE 4. Keser Shem Tov, Hosafos, sec. 133.
the difference in interpretation
between the Midrash and the Sifri.
THAN WE CAN 5. Deuteronomy 3:23.
6. Commenting on the above verse, quoted (with slight
Moshe was praying to enter Eretz G-d did not grant Moshe’s changes) in Rashi’s commentary to the verse.
Yisroel. request, because even the highest 7. D’varim Rabba 2:1; Midrash Tanchuma, VaEschanan, sec.
3.
Although G-d had previously levels of revelation are not given as
8. Chizkuni on Deuteronomy 3:23; Levush on Rashi’s
decreed that he would not enter the “free gifts,” but instead must be commentary to that verse.
Holy Land, after the conquests of the realized by man through his Divine 9. Psalms 85:1. Note K’subos 67b, Bava Metzia 85a.
land of Sichon and Og, Moshe service. 10. In particular, a unique measure of Divine beneficence is
thought that perhaps G-d would The service required to draw assured the Jewish people as reflected by our Sages’
statement (Bava Metzia 83a): Since they are the descendants
relent and therefore, turned to Him in down these levels, however, is not one of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, even the feasts of King
Shlomo at the height of his opulence are not sufficient
heartfelt prayer. [16] that man can conceive or plot out on recompense for them.
There is a difference of opinion his own. It was beyond even Moshe’s 11. Leviticus 26:3. In an expanded sense, rain includes all
our material needs. Geshem, Hebrew for “rain,” shares the
among our Sages [17] whether conception. Instead, it is G-d who same root as Gashmius, “material substance.”
prayer can have an effect after a charts this pattern of service and with 12. Psalms 62:13.
negative decree has been issued from this intent He has led the Jewish 13. In this context, the Sifri’s statement that Moshe could
Above or only beforehand. people on their odyssey through have depended on his good deeds must be interpreted to
mean that, according to the mankind’s prevailing
The Midrash follows the view that history. understanding, Moshe could have depended on the virtue of
his deeds. Moshe himself, however, had deeper knowledge,
prayer can avert a harsh decree even For this reason, Moshe’s prayer and therefore, greater humility, and made his requests as a
after the decree has been issued. was not accepted, and it was petition for a present (Maharik).
Therefore, Moshe was able to Yehoshua and not Moshe who led the 14. Numbers 12:3.
approach G-d through one of the Jews into Eretz Yisroel. 15. See Maamarei Admur HaZakein 5562, p. 51, and the
explanation of this concept in the essay in this series entitled
accepted forms of prayer. Although this brought about the “Pride that Runs Deeper Than Self.”
The first opinion in the Sifri, by possibility of the Jews being driven 16. Rashi, commenting on Deuteronomy 3:23.
contrast, follows the view that into exile, this is part of the Divine 17. Rosh HaShana 17b.
ordinarily, prayer can only help plan to enable mankind to carry out 18. See also Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XVI, p. 277, which
explains that when individuals who possess merit appeal to
before a decree has been issued, but the service necessary to bring about G-d’s kindness without depending on their virtues, they
evoke a measure of Divine favor which surpasses the natural
not afterwards. Therefore, Moshe the Redemption. For it is the Divine order.
had to go beyond the commonplace service of ordinary men, confronting 19. Cf. Shabbos 10a.
approach to prayer and ask for a free everyday experience which will make
B E I S M O S H I A C H Issue 750 5

4. thought
LIVING WITH
MOSHIACH: FOR
HEAVEN S SAKE
By Rabbi Zvi Homnick
having adopted a more measured
The Rebbe speaks to us in terms of the approach in terms of his opposition
highest levels of selflessness, acting only to Chassidus than his mentor, the
Vilna Gaon, was the only respected
for the sake of bringing about the divine leader of his time that attempted to
codify the theological basis for the
revelation of G-d Himself and fulfilling Misnagdic point of view in his
Nefesh HaChayim, beyond the tired
His desire for a dwelling place in this arguments against change or the
libelous accusations fabricated from
world, to the extent that one feels that whole cloth. In that work, he adopts
his entire existence from the moment he the position that since most people
are incapable of achieving the fullest
awakens to his last waking moment of degree of selflessness in the service
of G-d, it is actually preferable to
the day is only “to bring to the days serve G-d for the sake of reward
than to focus one’s energies on
[i.e., revelation] of Moshiach.” trying to “cleave to G-d” so as to
transcend any personal ulterior
IN HEAVEN’S NAME groups did or did not claim purity of motives outside of love for G-d.
I can vividly recall sitting in my motive with any kind of regularity. According to R’ Chaim, the
study sometime in the early nineties In fact, I had long puzzled over closest one can likely get to the idea
and going through the talks of the this phenomenon well before reading of lishma in Torah study is to make
Rebbe Rashab recorded in Toras what the Rebbe Rashab had to say the focus on the desire to know and
Sholom, when I encountered the on the topic. That is because the properly understand what one is
talk where the Rebbe Rashab says, need for purity of motive in the learning one’s primary conscious
“Only a Misnaged would say that he study of Torah and the performance intention. The inability to reach
is acting purely l’sheim Shamayim of Mitzvos was a central issue of beyond that for the overwhelming
(lit. for Heaven’s name).” Having debate in the early years of the majority of people is such a foregone
grown up in a Misnagdic Chassidic movement, with the conclusion that to take precious time
environment, I could readily attest to Misnagdim taking the more lenient away from learning in order to work
the veracity of that statement except approach and legitimating the on one’s inner motives and
for the “only” part, as I had no real service of G-d based on motives of intentions would fall under the
way of knowing whether other reward and punishment. category of bittul Torah (wasting
Reb Chaim of Volozhin, although time from Torah study). This
6 12 Menachem Av 5770 B E I S M O S H I A C H

5. position was hardly anything new, HEAVENLY PURCHASE and in the broadest sense of the
and in fact almost mirrors that of the The Mishna at the end of term is a lifelong labor-intensive
RaMChaL in his classic work Tractate Taanis (4:8, Talmud Bavli process. However, on its most
Mesilas Yesharim, where he actively 26b) says, “...that there were no simple level, Chassidim have always
discourages most people from even celebratory holidays for the Jewish understood this to mean training the
attempting to reach the level of people like the fifteenth day of Av mind to think about loftier, G-dly
“Chassid,” one who serves G-d for and Yom Kippur when the daughters ideas, and not about me and my
His sake, warning that it is not only of Jerusalem would go out and thoughts, feelings and desires, etc.
unattainable for the majority of dance in circles in the vineyards...” For the lofty souls of the Tzaddikim,
people but can also be dangerous The Mishna cites what the girls simply focusing their thoughts and
since it is very easy to fool oneself would say so that the young single feelings towards G-d, especially as
and stray into the arena of self- men would choose them, but the He is revealed in Chassidus, is
delusion. Gemara (31a) goes into more detail, enough for them to become
Stop! Okay, although I could go “The beautiful amongst them, what enraptured by the transcendent
on for many pages, since this is not would they say? Set your eyes on beauty and “glory of the King,” and
meant to be a scholarly treatise, let it beauty, because [as the Sages say] a completely lose themselves in
just suffice to say that the Chassidic woman is only for beauty. Those of “cleaving to G-d.”
view is, as the Rebbe Rayatz puts it good lineage amongst them, what However, for those who are more
in Kuntres Toras HaChassidus, “Our would they say? Set your eyes upon earthbound by their less refined
teacher, the Baal Shem Tov, opened family, because [as the Sages say] a physicality, the first step in this
the pipeline of ability in the service woman is only for children. The direction is alluded to in the first
of Hashem, with instruction and homely amongst them, what would Mitzva in the Torah, to be fruitful
guidance that each and every Jew they say? Acquire your purchase for and multiply through reproduction
can serve G-d with love and fear.” the sake of Heaven, as long as you of the species, as the early
Thus, the position of the Chassidic crown me with golden jewelry.” Chassidim would say, “The first
movement was based not only on the Obviously, there is much that Mitzva is to make another Jew.” By
views of almost every one of the needs explaining regarding this investing my time and energy into
Rishonim (early Talmudic account of the twice yearly courtship putting another person’s material
commentaries and legal codifiers) expo that took place back in the needs and spiritual growth and
and the overwhelming body of Temple era, but listing all the development before my own, I am
Kabbalistic writings (see Yesod questions that come to mind able to transcend my own self-
HaAvoda, Slonim), but also on the (although essential for training the centered orientation and connect to
fact that the “diminishing of the mind in analytical thinking) might G-d and G-dliness.
generations” argument had no induce tedium in those that only Then there are those whose
standing in the face of the new signed on for a brief article. So let’s inability to “see G-dliness” is not
revelation of Chassidus and the take a look at what the Mishna there only due to the concealment of this
“opening of the pipeline” by the Baal cites as the Biblical allusion to this world and of the animal soul and
Shem Tov. practice. body, but is also due to the fact that
In light of all of the above, I The verse is from Shir HaShirim “your sins are separating between
found it more than passing strange (3:11) and begins with the words, you and your G-d.” For such an
the frequency with which I heard “Tze’ena U’re’ena,” “go out and individual (as most of us are), it is
declarations of acting purely for the see.” The Chassidic interpretation of not enough to study Chassidus and
sake of Heaven from self-identifying this expression, quoted in different meditate on G-d and G-dliness, nor
Misnagdim, great and small. versions in the name of the Alter to channel his energies and thoughts
Although this question had bothered Rebbe, is that in order for a soul that into doing for others and putting
me on and off over the years, and has been sent down to inhabit a them before himself, there has to be
even more so after I became more human body (in the verse; B’nos t’shuva – repentance. True penitence
knowledgeable on the subject, when Yerushalayim) to “see G-dliness,” it can only come through the
I encountered the same observation must first “go out” of “self” along realization accompanied by deep
from the Rebbe Rashab, I felt that I with the constraints of the body and regret that the source of all my
had to get to the bottom of the animal soul. iniquities is the focus on self.
matter. “Going out” of one’s self can be Nobody ever committed a sin
understood on many different levels, without first thinking, “I want,” “I
need,” I think,” “I feel,” and so on.
B E I S M O S H I A C H Issue 750 7

6. Misnaged would say that he is acting
For Chassidim the first step in spiritual purely l’sheim Shamayim.”
growth and development in the service And yet, in our generation, the
Rebbe speaks to us in terms of the
of G-d has always been “stop thinking highest levels of selflessness, acting
only for the sake of bringing about
about ‘me.’” the divine revelation of G-d Himself
and fulfilling His desire for a
Through repentance, that same that which was destroyed. dwelling place in this world, to the
person who was so steeped in self- extent that one feels that his entire
interest and self-gratification that he existence from the moment he
HEAVEN IS CALLING awakens to his last waking moment
could actually defy, wittingly or
Theoretical theological disputes of the day is only “to bring to the
unwittingly, a direct commandment
have practical real life implications. days [day = revelation] of
from G-d Himself, becomes so
The Chassid knows that every Moshiach.” How do we reconcile
disgusted with and distrustful of his
thought that he has that begins with that with a two-hundred-plus-year-
own thoughts and desires that all he
“I” is suspect and should either be old tradition that has trained us to
wants is to “go out” of himself, and
rejected out of hand or at the very be suspect of our personal motives
this actually enables him to do so in
least avoided to the extent possible. and to focus on “go out and see?”
ways that his spiritual betters
A Chassid who “works on himself” The answer is that starting with
cannot.
(as opposed to one in name or the Baal Shem Tov, Chassidus has
For Chassidim the first step in
affiliation only) will be deeply not been simply about a different
spiritual growth and development in
ashamed and broken by such tactical approach, but the idea that
the service of G-d has always been
thoughts, feelings and desires, and the Rebbe of each generation gives
“stop thinking about ‘me.’” In
will work tirelessly to focus his the people of his generation the
Judaism, and especially in Chassidic
thoughts “Heavenward.” The notion ability to “go out” of the constraints
teachings, a big part of the spiritual
of claiming for himself absolute and challenges of that time and “to
significance of marriage is that it
purity of motive, even as he totally see” and acquire the spiritual
empowers and enables one to grow
believes that of his Rebbe, is so revelations and powers that he/we
beyond and transcend the pettiness
completely beyond the pale that he is drew down through the very
and self-absorption of the child who
shocked in disbelief or overcome “pipeline” opened by the Baal Shem
has all his material and emotional
with hilarity upon discovering that Tov. And starting with the Baal
needs (hopefully) provided for by his
there actually are people who make Shem Tov, it has always been about
parents, to start thinking about
such claims regarding themselves, let tapping into the divine energies
others and their needs and to stop
alone people who don’t learn and shining forth from the impending
thinking about “me.”
even oppose the teachings of Redemption and using them to make
And the aforementioned account
Chassidus. the final Redemption a reality.
in the Mishna and Gemara lays out
The Misnaged, on the other It is exactly in the Chassidic
the spiritual steps that each type of
hand, has no option but to continue tradition of suspecting one’s own
person needs to take to “go out and
thinking about himself, as he has motives in the face of G-dly truth
see” G-d on “the day of His
been told that according to Torah he that compels us to stop trying to
marriage [Yom Kippur – the day of
is doomed to do so. The best he can analyze our own motives and those
the giving of the Second Tablets]
hope for is to immerse himself in his of others, and focus on fulfilling the
and the day of His rejoicing [the
learning to the extent that he is so Rebbe’s “instruction and guidance”
rebuilding of the Temple in the
caught up in the subject matter that
future time, represented by the 15th in how to “go out” and what we
he forgets himself for a brief need “to see.” This must be done
of Av, the day of the full moon
moment, but even then he will with the complete confidence and
following the destruction].” And it
quickly come back to “I say,” “I belief that we have been given the
also emphasizes that the ultimate
think,” “I hold.” When a person has strengths and abilities and that
celebration of “going out and
no means to step outside of himself Hashem Himself is waiting
seeing” is associated with the
and get any kind of objective sense impatiently for us to bring about the
approach of the Baal T’shuva – the
of who he is and where he is holding rebuilding of the Holy Temple with
penitent – as these celebration take
from a higher perspective, it is the coming of Moshiach,
place on days associated with
almost inevitable that he will delude immediately, NOW!
forgiveness of sins and rebuilding
himself, and that is why, “Only a
8 12 Menachem Av 5770 B E I S M O S H I A C H

7. feature
THANK YOU,
MR. PRESIDENT
By Shneur Zalman Berger
Translated By Michoel Leib Dobry
We recently commemorated eighty years
since the Rebbe Rayatz’s visit to
America. The trip concluded with a
White House meeting with the
President of the United States.
THE REBBE AND United States.
President Hoover also dealt with
THE PRESIDENT The connection with the
Russian Jewry, and while the
President of the United States
Throughout his months-long content of this part of the
was extremely important because
visit to the United States eighty meeting was not made public, the
of the numerous opportunities
years ago, the Rebbe Rayatz courteous and diplomatic
available to the President for
stayed in numerous locations, met discussions regarding the nation
pressuring the U.S.S.R. to
with hundred of dignitaries, and of Latvia were disclosed in great
improve the conditions for the
had direct contact with thousands detail. The President told his
Jews living within her borders. At
of American Jews, who despite honored guest that just as he had
the very beginning of the Rebbe’s
the coldness of America, wanted been a friend of Latvia up until
visit, Rabbi Mordechai Dubin –
to see and get an up-close now, he would continue this
member of the Latvian Parliament
impression of the Rebbe, who had friendship in the future. For his
and an outstanding Lubavitcher
come from faraway Europe. part, as a member of the Latvian
chassid – arrived in the United
The Rebbe’s visit to the United Parliament, Rabbi Dubin thanked
States for meetings with
States was reaching its President Hoover for the
government officials, foremost
conclusion, but there was still one tremendous assistance that the
among them President Herbert
very important stop left – United States provided to Latvia.
Clark Hoover, in a meeting that
Washington, D.C. The Rebbe Rabbi Dubin’s meeting with
received considerable coverage
Rayatz left New York en route to the American President was
throughout the print media in
the White House for a meeting scheduled for the start of the
those days.
with the President of the United Rebbe’s visit to the United States,
Rabbi Dubin worked in
States to thank him for his while the Rebbe himself came to
Washington for the benefit of
tremendous help and assistance the nation’s capital towards the
Russian Jews. His primary
to the Jews of the Soviet Union. end of the visit.
achievement was that he arranged
The Rebbe came to Washington The Rebbe boarded a train en
that Soviet Jews should be able to
accompanied by his son-in-law, route to Washington on the night
obtain US visas in Latvia on their
the Rashag, and several of the 14 th of Tammuz, after
way to America. His meeting with
prominent Chabad askanim in the midnight. He was accompanied
10 12 Menachem Av 5770 B E I S M O S H I A C H

8. The Rebbe Rayatz in Washington.
From left to right: Attorney Asher
Rabinowitz, R’ Chaim Elchanan
Fogelman, R’ Chaim Zalman Kramer,
the Rebbe Rayatz, the Rashag
The papers announcing the Rebbe’s
visit to the President: “The
Lubavitcher Rebbe on a visit to the
White House with the President”
The Rashag describes the visit The Hon. Herbert Clark Hoover, 31st President of the United States,
in Der Morgen Journal sitting in the Oval Office of the White House in 1930 (5690)
by his son-in-law, Rabbi afternoon, the Rebbe Rayatz the Government of the United
Shmaryahu Gurary, Agudas came to the White House. States for the need to improve
Chassidei Chabad chairman Rabbi President Herbert Hoover greeted conditions of Jews in Russia and
Chaim Zalman Kramer, and him with great honor and respect. other countries throughout the
Attorney Asher Rabinowitz. The Rebbe thanked the President world.
The Rebbe arrived in for the freedoms that America The visit received much
Washington at seven in the gives to its Jewish citizens and for publicity in the American
morning, and later that Thursday the genuine concern expressed by newspapers and aroused
B E I S M O S H I A C H Issue 750 11

9. widespread attention. Rebbe’s departure from America friends and supporters were
After concluding his visit to and his return to Europe. seated near him.
Washington, the Rebbe returned Chassidim from New York and The Rebbe soon began to
to New York. the surrounding area had been speak in a quiet voice, as
arriving in the hotel lobby for everyone listened attentively to
CHAG HA’GEULA some time prior to the scheduled his holy words. For most of those
start of the farbrengen, and many present, this would be their last
IN NEW YORK had already taken their seats in opportunity to hear the Rebbe
At the start of his visit, the the large hall where the before he departed from the
Rebbe Rayatz stayed in New York farbrengen would be held. country.
for a relatively lengthy period of In the meantime, the Rebbe
time, and only afterwards did he was waiting in his room with
set out on his journey to
BETWEEN THE “OLD
several mekuravim. Chassidim
strengthen Yiddishkait in other crowded near the door to have
HOME” AND THE “NEW
cities throughout the country. the privilege of seeing the Rebbe. HOME”
Towards the end of the visit, he Before going down to the The Rebbe began by
stayed in New York again for a farbrengen, Rabbi Avraham apologizing because he had
few weeks, save for his brief trip Schechter, the chief rabbi of originally thought that there was
to Washington, until his Houston, Texas, who was in New a difference between “der alter
departure on the 22 nd of York at the time, entered the heim” (the old home – referring
Tammuz. During this time, he room accompanied by the author to the life of Torah and mitzvos in
lodged at the Hotel Newton in Alter Yosef Margoshes and several Europe), and “der neier heim”
Manhattan. chassidim. The meeting was (the new home – meaning the
The highlight of this stay came mainly devoted to a conversation United States). However, the
during the Holiday of between the Rebbe and Mr. Rebbe explained, during the
Redemption, Yud-Beis and Yud- Margoshes on ancient s’farim and months he spent in America, he
Gimmel Tammuz. The story of chassidic writings. reached the conclusion that the
the Rebbe’s imprisonment was At nine in the evening, one of old home and the new home are
still fresh in everyone’s mind, as the gabbaim came in and one and the same. The only
it had only been three years since informed the Rebbe that the problem is one of attitude. The
it had all happened. Together with crowd had already davened trouble is not with the new home
the material preparations in Maariv and everyone was waiting itself, but rather its strength and
organizing this great farbrengen, impatiently for the Rebbe. The stability in our minds. “We have
there were spiritual preparations guests left the Rebbe’s room and gotten used to arranging
as well: The Rebbe printed a proceeded to take their places for ‘permission’ for a variety of
special kuntres of maamarim in the farbrengen. matters, and the situation gets
honor of the Chag HaGeula. More than four hundred Jews worse every day,” the Rebbe said.
The kuntres was called crowded into the large hall on the One must know,” the Rebbe
“Drushim For Public Study on the hotel’s first floor. Everyone continued, “that subjugation of
Days of Chag HaGeula, Yud-Beis wanted to see the Rebbe, and the mind to Yiddishkait is not
and Yud-Gimmel Tammuz,” and some even stood on chairs – a enough, there must be
contained three maamarim from most unconventional mode of subjugation of the heart that
the Rebbe Rayatz: “Kol conduct for modern-day America leads to actual mitzvah
HaMaarich B’Echad,” “Karov of the thirties. The feeling of fulfillment. Studying is not
Hashem L’Chol Korav,” and emotion and anticipation engulfed enough, and it’s impossible to
“Rabba Chazyei L’Rav the entire hall in preparation for settle just for putting on t’fillin.
Hamnuna.” the Rebbe’s entrance. As word Mincha, Maariv, and Krias Shma
The Yud-Beis Tammuz came that the Rebbe had arrived, bring greater closeness between
farbrengen was celebrated with an expectant silence reigned. He the entire Jewish People and G-d
great pomp and splendor, as the was escorted into the hall by his Alm-ghty.”
Rebbe presided over a large son-in-law, Rabbi Shmaryahu After sichos of strengthening
assemblage at the Hotel Newton. Gurary, and approached the dais, and encouragement, the Rebbe
In practical terms, this farbrengen which had been placed on an said the maamer beginning with
also constituted a “Tzeischem elevated platform. His closest the words “Kol Hashanah
L’Shalom” gathering prior to the
12 12 Menachem Av 5770 B E I S M O S H I A C H

10. Halachos.”
The Jewish newspaper Der Tag
publicized observations from the
farbrengen, and the description
began as follows:
“Chassidim and other Jews
sang chassidic melodies, and
prepared a festive meal with one
of the most important rebbes of
our generation. The Lubavitcher
Rebbe gave over words of Torah,
the assembled crowd listened
attentively, and the chassidim
devoured every word, as those
assembled rejoiced with the
Rebbe on the day marking his
release from imprisonment in
Russia.”
The next day, Yud-Gimmel
Tammuz, the Rebbe Rayatz wrote
a special tzetl for the Lubavitcher
chassidim in the United States,
which read as follows:
“I feel the deep heartfelt
wishes of each and every one,
and I hear his blessing which is
very dear to me, and I wish to
send my blessing to each and
every one in particular that the
Benevolent G-d should bestow
upon you and your family an
abundance of life and much
bracha with children, long life,
and ample sustenance, and may
G-d Alm-ghty give them the
merit to be seen with fullness of davening, they all gathered the 18 th of Tammuz, the Rebbe
joy.” together, made Kiddush on wine, visited the Tzemach Tzedek
As mentioned above, the and then waited for an Synagogue, where he delivered
Rebbe traveled on Motzaei Yud- announcement of an impending the maamer “Gefen M ‘Mitzrayim
Gimmel Tammuz to Washington, farbrengen with the Rebbe. Tasia” before a large
D.C., where he remained for only However, the Rebbe davened congregation.
one day. He returned to New Shacharis until five in the
York on Friday, the 15 th of afternoon, and Mincha followed THE MATERIAL
Tammuz. Lubavitcher chassidim, immediately afterwards. The
who knew that the coming farbrengen began only after
IS ALREADY THERE
Shabbos would be the Rebbe’s Mincha, lasting for about an hour On the eve of his departure
last before departing the United and a half, during which the from the United States,
States, arrived early at the Hotel Rebbe spoke words of rebuke. Wednesday, the 20 th of Tammuz,
Newton where the Rebbe was In the days that followed, the 5690, the Yiddish-language
staying and arranged Rebbe visited the various Jewish newspaper Der Morgen Journal
accommodations there as well. communities throughout New published a special interview with
Chassidim davened the York City to give them support the Rebbe Rayatz, by the
Shabbos t’fillos with the Rebbe, and encouragement. On Monday, journalist Ben Shlomo. During
and at the conclusion of the interview, the Rebbe Rayatz
B E I S M O S H I A C H Issue 750 13

11. to the port to greet him.
A GREAT REVOLUTION On Thursday, the 21 st of
Even towards the end of the visit, the Rebbe did not fail to use Tammuz, 5690, a large crowd
every possible moment to strengthen the Jews of America and save filled the square at the port to bid
the Jews of Russia. farewell to the Rebbe and his
If you browse through the correspondence the Rebbe sent just entourage. Special delegations
prior to his departure, you can see a wide range of letters. One was from various American cities and
dedicated to saving Rabbi Menachem Mendel Yanovsky of many communities throughout
Kremenchug, and others to strengthen Jewish women throughout the New York City arrived to give the
United States, and so on. Rebbe a final send-off. The Rebbe
The following is an excerpt of letter from the 10th of Tammuz, spoke before those assembled,
5690, to a Rabbi Berzan [apparently Rabbi Dov Arye Berzan, who blessing them with warm words
then served as the rav of the Ahavas Yisroel Synagogue in Flatbush]: of encouragement.
“When I arrived here in New York, I found that the articles I At the conclusion of his
had sent about two weeks earlier to various places and parties, address, the Rebbe boarded the
among them even the Reform who are far from religious feeling, German ship SS Bremen, setting
have made a great revolution, and I hope that the Jewish women sail for Berlin.
will read them and that they will have an effect upon them and Upon his arrival in Berlin, he
their pure hearts and emotions, so that they will want to establish was greeted by his younger son-
their homes on the foundation of Judaism, according to the law of in-law, the RaMaSH, and his
Moses and Israel. wife, the Rebbetzin Chaya
“When he speaks to Jewish women, he should please give over Mushka, the Rebbe’s daughter.
my words that I turn to them to fulfill their obligation to our ***
faith, our Torah, and our People, and in this merit, G-d Alm-ghty The visit was over, but by no
will grant them success with healthy children and domestic means was its impact.
harmony.” During the visit, there was talk
about the possibility of the Rebbe
settling in the United States.
expressed his opinion on the great Jewish structure in the Even after the visit had been
status of Judaism in the United United States are already there, completed, the plan remained
States and his lengthy visit there. and now they have to erect it. viable and it periodically came to
The headline for the interview “Those who so desire can make the forefront of discussion.
was: “‘There Is Great Potential their new home in America, as After the Rebbe left the Soviet
For Yiddishkait in America,’ Says was their old home overseas.” Union in Tishrei, 5688, he settled
The Lubavitcher Rebbe Before The reporter noted that the in Riga, Latvia. However, this
His Journey To Europe.” Rebbe is not only asking for the was not on a permanent basis,
In the interview, the Rebbe support of Torah institutions, he and the Rebbe was still a
emphasized the importance of also believes that they will build wanderer, his official place of
activities with young people, and new yeshivos and Jewish centers residence not yet determined. On
how Orthodox Jews must be more in America. In response to the his letters from this period of
organized and work with greater reporter’s question, the Rebbe time, there appear the words
energy. The reporter, Ben Shlomo stated that the Yiddish language “Riga-Temporary.” During the ten
was very excited by the Rebbe’s is the language that unites and months he spent in the United
strong faith in American Jewry. strengthens the Jewish People in States, the possibility of settling
The newspaper reported that the Diaspora, and therefore, it is in America was explored in depth,
during the Rebbe’s stay, he most important to speak Yiddish. and at a certain point, it appeared
visited cities throughout the U.S., to be a most practical option.
strengthening not only adults but DEPARTURE The discussions apparently
young people as well, and began during the Rebbe’s visit to
The visit was over. Ten months
working in a variety of ways to
had passed since the 12 th of Elul, Chicago, where he stayed from
awaken youth organizations. Shevat to Nissan, 5690. The stop
5689, when the Rebbe
During the course of the in Chicago was particularly long,
disembarked from the SS France
interview, the Rebbe added that and being so close to the Rebbe
before the thousands who come
the materials for building the
14 12 Menachem Av 5770 B E I S M O S H I A C H

12. for such a lengthy period of time
brought the chassidim to a state
of great spiritual awakening.
Everyone felt that if the Rebbe
would be close to the chassidim
in America, this feeling would
merely intensify, and the
wellsprings of chassidus would
spread to all cities throughout the
country.
The chassidim in Chicago also
understood that it would be
difficult for the Rebbe to settle in
the United States as long as there
was no Lubavitcher yeshiva there,
not to mention a large Chabad
community in the spirit of “der
alter heim”. Despite these
problems, the chassidim in
Chicago wanted the Rebbe to stay
in America and not return to
Europe. Proposals were made to
the Rebbe towards the end of his
visit to the city.
On Motzaei Shabbos, the
night of the 29 th of Nissan, there
was a Tzeischem L’Shalom
gathering in the Chabad Shaarei
T’filla B’nei Reuven Synagogue.
The rav of the shul, Rabbi Chaim
Tzvi Rubenstein, who also served
as a member of the Agudas
Chassidei Chabad administration
in the United States, spoke on
behalf of a large committee that
suggested to the Rebbe that he The Hotel Newton on Manhattan’s Upper West Side,
where the Rebbe Rayatz stayed during his visit in 5690.
remain in America or at least
return to the States in the very
and the Rebbe must go back to Chicago Kroier correspondent
near future:
Europe, his journey should be a M. Indritz wrote about the offer
“Providence has made it
temporary one, and afterwards of the chassidim, the Rebbe’s
necessary for the Rebbe to visit
the Rebbe should come back to response, the subsequent steps,
America, which has such a large
America.” and the overall mood in the 1 st of
ingathering of Jews, kein ayin
In reply to the request, the Iyar, 5690, edition of his paper:
ha’ra, and perhaps this is a sign
Rebbe Rayatz said that he would “This response now leaves the
for the Rebbe’s influence to flow
consider the matter. However, he whole question of the Rebbe
directly to us, without the seas to
immediately explained that he coming to America in the hands
divide us. We have come to ask
could not even begin to think of Chabad chassidim. If they
the Rebbe to stay in America. We
about it, unless it was understood know how to rise to the moment,
are not saying where the Rebbe
that his coming also meant the stand united, and work with great
should establish his residence;
founding of an American branch vigor to realize their aspiration,
this we will leave to the Rebbe
of Yeshivas Tomchei T’mimim, then it is by no means unrealistic
himself. Our desire is that the
for without a Chabad yeshiva, he for America to have the privilege
Rebbe should not return overseas.
would not come. for its distinguished guest to
But if this does not prove possible
B E I S M O S H I A C H Issue 750 15

13. They were also joined by
If they know how to rise to the moment, representatives of the
stand united, and work with great vigor misnagdishe groups, who also
expressed enthusiastic interest…
to realize their aspiration, then it is by Their idea of my coming to
America indicates their great
no means unrealistic for America to excitement, and this from people
who would not be expected to
have the privilege for its distinguished react in this fashion. They
literally spoke with great
guest to become a permanent resident. emotion.”
The Rebbe’s answer to the
become a permanent resident. But America. delegation was short and non-
this movement cannot remain a “However, as we have committal, and they left without
local one; it must take on a mentioned, the matter depends knowing what the future held in
national character. upon the activities that Chabad relation to his eventual settling in
“Local Chabad chassidim must chassidim will implement from the United States.
immediately be in contact with now on. The selected body, The plans for the Rebbe’s
other Chabad chassidim in known as Agudas Anshei Chabad, transfer to the U.S. had their ups
America. There are about two has already taken a step forward and downs. Various letters and
hundred and fifty Chabad shuls in in this direction. Officials have announcements were passed
the country, with very prominent been chosen and members have among Chabad chassidim in the
members. When all these shuls already been registered. If they United States. At a certain stage,
unite and work together, it will be continue their work to include all a special committee was chosen
quite easy to establish a Yeshivas Chabad chassidim here as to accept responsibility for
Tomchei T’mimim in this country, members and bring the movement dealing with the matter. Heading
and maintain it just as easily – to other cities, wherever there are the committee were Rabbi
let’s say through a certain Chabad chassidim, and if they Menachem Lokshin and Rabbi
contribution from each work with vigor, their efforts will Chaim Zalman Kramer, members
synagogue, according to its size be successful and great spiritual of the Agudas Chassidei Chabad
and ability. As for the location of strength will enrich American leadership. They held meetings,
the yeshiva – that’s already a Jewry, strength that will sent letters to chassidim, and
question for a later stage. contribute much, very much, to even began to collect money to
“It’s conceivable that it the development and bring the plan to fruition.
doesn’t necessarily have to be in a strengthening of Orthodoxy in About a month before the end
large city such as New York or American Jewish life.” of the visit, there was talk that
Chicago, rather in a small town, The journalist was present in the Rebbe would go back to Riga
far from the noise and life of the the synagogue, sand put his and then return to the United
city, in a central location between observations in writing. States shortly thereafter for the
the East and the Middle West. At the end of the shul event, at purpose of settling there
“As mentioned, Chabad half past ten in the evening, the permanently. This is based on a
chassidim are in a state of Rebbe Rayatz returned to his letter from the mashpia, Rabbi
yearning. They can’t live with the place of lodging. Half an hour Shlomo Zalman Havlin, who was
idea that the Rebbe will remain in later, a delegation of twenty staying in New York at the time,
Europe, and they want him closer chassidim arrived at the location and wrote to his son that the
to them. This movement also with some surprising news. The Rebbe Rayatz will return to his
exists in Milwaukee and other Rebbe wrote about this in a letter home in Riga within a month.
cities along the way where to his wife, the Rebbetzin: “G-d willing, it is his intention to
Chabad chassidim are found. It’s “They told me openly that the establish his residence in the
not impossible that even those chassidim of Chicago and the United States, and he will come
other cities where the Rebbe surrounding area had become back from there with the
visited and has yet to visit will organized, and they asked that I members of his family.”
join the movement, and the Rebbe give my consent to establish In the end, the Rebbe
will become a resident of permanent residence in America. announced that the plans were
16 12 Menachem Av 5770 B E I S M O S H I A C H

14. canceled, and on the 21 st of
Tammuz, he sailed from America
back to Europe.
Some time later, it turned out
the plans had not been canceled
completely, and there were
various attempts to bring about
the actual transfer of the court of
Lubavitch to the United States.
Evidence of this can be found in
a letter written by the Rebbe’s
secretary, Rabbi Yechezkel Feigin,
about a month after the Rebbe’s
departure. In this letter, he
inquires to Rabbi Yisroel
Jacobson from the United States
on the subject of the “move”:
“Please inform me if something The SS Bremen, the ship upon which the Rebbe sailed from the United States to
Europe. This picture was taken several months after the Rebbe’s journey.
has been done in relation to the
move.”
Discussions and proposals “I cannot consider the notion
began to go into high gear again, that this is the Will of G-d, and
and during the month of it is the holy thinking of my
MarCheshvan, 5691, the saintly and revered father,
committee began to hold teacher, and Rebbe, of holy and
meetings on the issue. However, righteous memory for a blessing
at this same time, it received a of life in the World to Come, his
letter from the Rebbe soul rests in the hidden
categorically rejecting the plan: treasures of Heaven, may his
“In reply to their suggestion merit protect us, that ch”v
of settling in their country… material necessity will influence
according to the present the process of soul-related
situation, nothing basic and matters that must be determined
organized has been done yet to only from a spiritual viewpoint
enable a spiritual and material and outlook.” (ibid., Letter
foundation for this purpose… #497).
As of today, I cannot tell you my Yet, even after the
decision on the matter of your explanations, the precise motives
caring and kind proposal to for the emigration plan and its
settle permanently in your cancellation remained shrouded Kuntres Drushim, published for Yud-
country.” (Igros Kodesh, Vol. 2, and uncertain to the chassidim. Beis Tammuz, 5690, for those who
One aspect to this matter was visited the Rebbe.
Letter #495).
At the same time, the Rebbe revealed only twelve years later,
sent personal letters to chassidic two years after the Rebbe arrived staying in America back in 5690?
leaders in the United States, in the United States with the The Rebbe specifies this in the
clarifying in greater detail the outbreak of the Second World following sentences:
reasons for canceling the plans. War. During those days, he wrote “As I have seen in the
In a detailed correspondence to that it was clear to him that had customs of the country that even
Rabbi Eliyahu Yachil Simpson, he he remained in America for those innocent people perceive some
explained that the spiritual ten years, he wouldn’t have necessity to being drawn after
considerations are stronger than suffered, but he couldn’t emigrate the assertions of the world”, and
the material ones, and therefore, to the U.S. until the time came as a result, everyone is drawn
he had decided to remain in when it was absolutely necessary. after the conduct of the world:
Europe: And why did he refrain from “What influence can a rav and
B E I S M O S H I A C H Issue 750 17

15. shochet exert without a beard and peios upon his its Jewish population. However, due to a variety of
flock – men, women, and children?” (Igros reasons, including the harsh economic effects of the
Kodesh Admur HaRayatz, Vol. 6, Letter #1616). Great Depression, the contributions did not come
through as anticipated, and large sums of money
THE RESULTS OF THE VISIT were not raised. While there were some nice
donations, they were not as the Rebbe had hoped.
In the articles connected with the Rebbe Rayatz’s
At the conclusion of the visit, the Rebbe took an
historic ten-month visit to America, there were
assortment of steps to maintain the spirit of re-
descriptions of festive greetings with thousands of
awakening that started to develop in American
participants, throngs of people going in for
cities. Letters were sent to
yechidus, farbrengens,
chassidim and rabbinical
enlisting assistance on
figures with whom the
behalf of American Jewry,
Rebbe met during his stay.
and meetings with high
Not settling just for that,
government officials,
the Rebbe sent his
foremost among them, the
personal emissaries to the
President of the United
United States in order to
States.
continue the activities that
The visit centered on
began with the visit. The
attaining three primary
emissaries chosen were
objectives:
among the Rebbe’s
Meeting with and
greatest and most
strengthening
prominent chassidim:
Lubavitcher chassidim in
Rabbi Yitzchak Horowitz,
the United States – This
may G-d avenge his blood
objective was achieved in
(R’ Itche der Masmid),
the best possible way.
Rabbi Mordechai Chefetz,
Strengthening
may G-d avenge his blood,
American Jewry – The
and Rabbi Shmuel Levitin,
Rebbe succeeded in
of blessed memory. They
causing American Jews,
were sent to take action in
their rabbinical leaders,
a wide range of areas,
and Jewish public officials
including the
to start taking action in
strengthening of Lubavitch
various areas for the
institutions, and raising
strengthening of Judaism,
money for the Rebbe’s
besides the direct
activities in Europe. The
enthusiasm caused by the
The Rebbe Rayatz’s letter to Rabbi Eliyahu Yachil three emissaries toiled
Rebbe’s appearance before
Simpson, explaining the cancellation of plans to settle with great success and
tens of thousands of Jews
in the United States: “I don’t yet see the possibility…to with much encouragement
in the United States. This make this great step.” from the Rebbe Rayatz.
objective was also attained
Sources: Igros Admur
with great success.
HaRayatz, Seifer HaSichos 5689-5690, Toldos
Raising money for the Jews of the Soviet
Chabad B’Artzos HaBris, Zichron L’Bnei Yisroel,
Union – This objective was achieved in part, but
Chassid Ne’eman, HaMashpia (Havlin), Morgen
only in small measure. The hope was to raise large
Journal, Forward, Chicago Kroier, Beis Moshiach,
sums of money that the Rebbe could use to help
White House website, Hotel Newton website.
provide those downcast Jews living behind the Iron
“Drushim L’Yud Beis Tammuz” provided by the
Curtain with matzos and various holy items, and to
archives of Rabbi Bentzion Grossman.
arouse world Jewry and various influential people to
pressure the U.S.S.R. to improve the conditions of
18 12 Menachem Av 5770 B E I S M O S H I A C H

16. moshiach & science
HOW GOOD
on it, millions of dollars have
poured into developing it, and
because of it, Candes himself has
won the $500,000 Waterman
Prize, the National Science
ARE YOU,
Foundation’s highest honor.
The practical implications are
immense. For instance, medical
imaging can be done with just
10% of the radiation, saving 90%
REALLY?
of the time, cost and most
importantly health risks. Now,
instead of creating huge audio or
video files and then compressing
and storing those, you can record
a very low-definition file, apply
the CS algorithm, and voila.
By Aryeh Gotfryd, PhD So what is the trick? How
does the algorithm work? The
simple answer is… simplicity.
Even when a person’s conduct we know, Some One we don’t, or
To explain, let’s say you have
does not seem worthy of even ourselves. But where there is
two pictures of a scene - one is
favorable judgment, one should forgiveness, there can be a new
sharp with a million pixels and
endeavor to find redeeming beginning. The magic of
the other is grainy with just
virtue within him. forgiveness lies in positive
100,000. There are nearly an
--The Rebbe, Shabbos perception, focusing on the
infinite number of ways to fill in
B’Haalos’cha, 5741 hidden good, but how does that
the latter to become a million-
Who doesn’t mess up? work practically?
pixel image, nearly all of them
Obviously we all do. And when Love is blind. If I love myself I
wrong. The right way to
we do, the thought of someone will cover my faults. If I love you,
reconstruct the rich realm of
(or Someone) constantly I will overlook yours. But what
reality from a motley muddle of
watching and keeping score can about the Omniscient One?
maybes turns out to be the
be very intimidating. Think about Surely He is not blind. How does
simplest.
the kid who covers his eyes and infinite awareness square up with
The heart of the CS algorithm
says “You can’t see me!” Our forgive and forget? Does He pull
is what the mathematicians call
inner child wants to wish away out an err-brush to cover up our
sparsity. It assumes that the most
those critical eyes, too. faults? In a way, yes.
accurate guesses are also the
But then there are new To understand this a little
simplest. First the program
beginnings. It may not be easy better, let’s explore a recent
inserts the biggest blocks of color
but we can all get there. The advance in image-enhancement
that fit between similar pixels.
process is, basically, deal with it: (and after all, whose image does
When the program is done with
Reflect, regret, restore, and not need enhancing?). It’s called
big blocks, it then moves on to
poof… we are good to go with a Compressed Sampling (CS) and
fill in with progressively smaller
nice clean slate. Then we retry, it’s an algorithm (mathematical
blocks. The final solution, and
but oops. Error! And the cycle process) that excels at
the one that most accurately
starts again. Refail, reflect. transforming very incomplete and
mirrors reality every time, is the
Regret, restore. Renew, retry. messy data sets into crisp and
one with the smallest number of
Then oops – Error! R-r-r-r-r-r… accurate representations of
blocks. Billions of alternatives will
Error! R-r-r-r-r-r… Error! It can reality.
always be wrong, but the simplest
get pretty discouraging but CS was first stumbled upon in
one wins every time.
fortunately there is another 2004 by CalTech Professor
Now we can return to our
ingredient – Forgiveness. Emmanuel Candes and in the
original question. How can
True there are watchful eyes, short time since, over one
Justice and Forgiveness coexist?
whether they belong to someone thousand papers have expanded
To resolve the paradox maybe we
20 12 Menachem Av 5770 B E I S M O S H I A C H

17. can apply some lessons from the
CS algorithm.
Let’s picture, for a moment,
the One Above gazing down at
one of his hapless humans and
determines that 90% of his deeds
are folly and 10% are purposeful.
The overall picture is a mess. It
seems that Justice wants to
condemn while Forgiveness wants
to exonerate. How can we get the
two working together to yield an
accurate yet positive picture?
Let’s make one simple
assumption – that the bloke
means well, that between his good
deeds, deep down, the fellow
really is good and wants to do
good. All that other nonsense he
does is just static, error, glitches.
They don’t form a coherent
picture – it’s only the good deeds
that do. But since he has so few
of them, there’s just a trace of
that.
Like CS, we follow our
simplicity assumption and start
with the biggest consistent area
The effect of Compressed Sampling on an image. Below is the “before” image. that’s good, and fill that in with
the biggest block of goodness that
fits. Once the biggest goodness blocks are
mapped, we move on to slightly smaller
stretches of goodness and fit goodness blocks
in there wherever we can. By the time we
work our way down to the splotches, most of
the space is already filled with good. A nice
picture indeed.
But, you may ask, why doesn’t the ugly
side sometimes form an even more consistent
picture? Because rottenness tends to
randomness. There is an infinity of angles at
which one falls, but only one at which one
stands. All the mess-ups are noisy and
scattered, but all the goodness is consistent
and harmonious.
Things aren’t always the way they seem.
Our sages teach that no matter how messy
things may appear, the true picture of man in
the world is a positive one. It may sound
simplistic, but then again, sometimes the best
solutions are indeed the simplest. Think good
and it will be good.
Moshiach NOW!
B E I S M O S H I A C H Issue 750 21

18. insight
MUSIC IN THE
numerous jobs, as it says, “the
Kohanim in their avoda, the
Leviyim on their duchan (the
platform they stood on to sing)
and Yisroel in their maamud
MIKDASH
(representatives of the nation to
stand over the daily offerings).”
The joint goal of the Kohanim
and Leviyim was the raising up of
the sacrifice so that it be pleasing
to Hashem. While the Kohanim
were in charge of the process of
sacrificing the korban, which
Interview by Mendel Tzfasman
Many people are unaware of the extent
that music played a role in the avoda in
the Mikdash. What instruments were
used? How many years of preparation
were needed before a Levi could play
and sing in the Mikdash? Who was the
first Levi to sing? What niggunim did
they sing? Is there truth to the claim
that we have some niggunim that were
sung in the Mikdash? * For answers to
these and other questions we spoke with
Rabbi Lev Liebman, editor of “Negina
L’Ohr HaChassidus.”
Most lectures on the Mikdash information with you. included many steps including
are about its structure (as having the proper intentions, the
explained in the tractate Middos) LEVIYIM WHO SANG AND Leviyim were responsible for the
and the avoda that was performed spiritual “raising up” of the korban
there (as explained in the tractate
PLAYED INSTRUMENTS through their singing and music.
Tamid etc.). The music and The Beis HaMikdash, that When did the Leviyim sing?
singing in the Mikdash is a subject magnificent G-dly structure. They sang and played while an
that is not often addressed. Whoever entered its portals found obligatory communal korban ola
Sources about it are scattered in himself in a place wholly devoted was brought, though not for the
various places, which is why most to the service of Hashem and the korbanos of individuals. Therefore,
remain in the dark on the subject. revelation of G-dliness. The main at least twice a day a full choir
In speaking with Rabbi Lev avoda in the Mikdash was the and orchestra sang and played in
Liebman we became more avoda of the animal sacrifices the Beis HaMikdash when the
informed and we now share this brought on the altar in the Azara. Korban Tamid was brought in the
This avoda was comprised of morning and in the evening.
22 12 Menachem Av 5770 B E I S M O S H I A C H