Parshas Acharei contains the commandment and warning that there should not be a “ratzo – a yearning to cleave to G-d through spirituality” without a “shov – a return to the mission of perfecting the physical world, making it a dwelling place for G-d through Torah and Mitzvos.”
As activists and educators kick into high gear their drive to register more and more children for a Chabad chinuch al taharas ha’kodesh for the upcoming school year, Beis Moshiach gathered a representative group of Anash who nostalgically told of Rabbi Sholom Dovber Wolpo’s house calls to their parents. During these visits, he registered them in Chabad schools in Kiryat Gat. Thanks to him, these children have since established many dozens of beautiful Lubavitcher families. * On this occasion, the participants celebrated their spiritual father’s birthday. Part 1 of 2
The Chassid, R’ Pesach Malastovker, who was known by the name of the city he came from, was a great Chassid. He was an extraordinary amkan (deep thinker) in Chassidus, an oveid (one who toils in prayer and self-correction), and someone with elevated character traits. He used his deep grasp to delve into drushei Chassidus and maamarim that he heard from our Rebbeim.
This week we read a double portion consisting of Tazria and Metzora, both of which discuss the laws relating to a person afflicted with a skin disease called tzaraas.
The attitude of liberalism and the rights of the student, so prevalent in this generation, has tragically seeped into our schools too. * The educational spirit of love between Chassidim and deep closeness has almost disappeared and has been replaced with guidance sessions between parents and teachers, with teachers trying to defend themselves regarding the ever-tougher rules and more rigid regulations, and parents trying to cover over their failures.
We are now in the weeks between Yetzias Mitzrayim and Mattan Torah. We are counting s’fira, counting down to accept the Torah anew from Hashem.
Attributing titles to Rabbanim is halachically acceptable, even when they are a bit excessive. Similarly, we are encouraged to compliment a baal t’filla (cantor), baal tokeia (shofar-blower) and the like, even if we are effusive in our praise and stretch the truth a bit. Beis Hillel is quoted in the Gemara regarding praising a kalla (bride) as na’ah v’chassudah (beautiful and graceful), even if the compliment deviates a bit from the truth—and we are warned against highlighting her shortcomings. Likewise, if someone shows us something they acquired, we are to admire their purchase, and not demean it.
He was an accomplished Chassid, a prodigious Torah scholar, clever, very wealthy and a tremendous baal chesed. Above all else, he considered himself an ordinary person. Once he became involved with Lubavitch, he enjoyed a special relationship with the Rebbe, and on the Rebbe’s behalf, he carried out many secret missions. * Presented to mark his passing on 11 Iyar.
This story took place over 40 years ago. Reb Yitzchok Nemes, of blessed memory, a stamp dealer who lived in Crown Heights, was offered a deal that would earn him a lot of money. R’ Yitzchok went to meet with Tenkel, another stamp dealer. They sat down to discuss the deal but in the end, the idea was dropped.
April 17, 2018