Thursday, January 05, 2006

"TODAY'S DAY": Friday, January 6, 2006

B"H

Tevet 6, 5766 * January 6, 2006

=======================
"T O D A Y ' S D A Y"
=======================

Monday, Tevet 6 5703

Torah lessons: Chumash: Vayigash, Sheini with Rashi.
Tehillim: 35-38.
Tanya: So, too, are all (p. 23)...before it was created
(p. 23).

"Know the G-d of your fathers and serve Him with a whole heart." (1)

Every sort of Torah knowledge and comprehension, even the most
profound, must be expressed in Avoda. (2) I.e. the intellectual
attainment must bring about an actual refinement and improvement of
character traits, and must be translated into a deep-rooted inward
attachment (to G-d) - all of which is what the Chassidic lexicon
calls "Avoda."

Footnotes: (1) Divrei Hayamim I, 28:9.
(2) "Serve Him" in the quotation uses the Hebrew word
Avoda.

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The lesson from Joseph: the strength and ability to be a leader and sustain society not just physically but spiritually as well.

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Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Note: day of week and Torah lessons indicated are from 5703 (1943).

For a glossary of terms used in "Today's Day" please click here:
http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867

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LESSONS IN TANYA: Friday, January 6, 2006

B"H

Tevet 6, 5766 * January 6, 2006

===============================
L E S S O N S I N T A N Y A
===============================

Today's Lesson:

Likutei Amarim
(Conclusion of Chapter Seven)
--------------

However, the vitality in the drops of semen that one issued wastefully, even though it has been degraded and incorporated in the three unclean kelipot, can nevertheless ascend from there by means of true repentance and intense concentration and devotion [kavanah] during the recital of the Shema at bedtime, as is known from the teachings of our master, Rabbi Isaac Luria, of blessed memory.

This is implied in the Talmudic saying: (12) "He who recites the Shema at bedtime is as if he held a double-edged sword ...," [meaning, one edge] wherewith to slay the bodies of the "extraneous forces" [the kelipot] that have become garments for the vitality in the drops [of semen], and [another edge by which] the vitality ascends from them [from the kelipot], as is known to those familiar with the Esoteric Wisdom [the Kabbalah].

Therefore the sin of wasteful emission of semen is not mentioned in the Torah among the list of forbidden coitions, even though [in one respect] it is more heinous than they, and [the individual's] sin is greater with regard to the enormity and abundance of the impurity and of the kelipot; he begets and multiplies them to an exceedingly great extent through wasteful emission of semen, even more so than through forbidden coitions. [I.e., when measured by the "quantity" of kelipot that sin creates, this sin is graver than the forbidden coitions].

It is only that [when measured qualitatively this sin is different. For in] the case of forbidden coitions one contributes additional strength and vitality to a most unclean kelipah, from which he is powerless to raise up the vitality by means of [ordinary] repentance, * unless he repents with such great love that his willful wrongs are transformed into merits.

[Since the sin of wasteful emission of semen can be rectified even without "repentance out of love," the Torah does not include this sin with the related sins of forbidden coition. Concerning this sin, all that is necessary to elevate the degraded vitality to holiness is proper repentance with true intent and devotion, during the recitation of the bedtime Shema.

In the note which follows the Alter Rebbe explains why forbidden coition requires greater repentance than wasteful emission].

* NOTE

The reason is that [through forbidden coitions] this vitality has been absorbed by the level of Yesod in the "female" element of kelipah, which receives and absorbs the vitality from holiness - [just as the physical semen is absorbed within the female, in the case of these sins]. Not so with wasteful emission of semen, where there is no "female" element of kelipah; Only its [the kelipah's] power and forces garb [i.e., encompass] the vitality of the semen, as is known to those familiar with the Esoteric Wisdom.

END OF NOTE

[From the above [explanation, that the vitality of the forbidden coitions can be released through "repentance out of love]," we will understand that which our Sages say: (13) "Which is (14) `a fault that cannot be rectified'? - Having incestuous intercourse and giving birth to a bastard."

For then, [once the bastard is born], though the sinner undertakes such great repentance [as "repentance of great love]," he cannot cause the vitality to ascend to Sanctity, since it has already descended into this world and has been clothed in a body of flesh and blood.

[Even "repentance of great love" cannot rectify this. Still, it is explained elsewhere that if the repentance is powerful enough it can actually effect the death of the bastard; and once it ceases to be a body of flesh and blood its vitality can ascend to holiness. (15)

Footnotes:

12. Berachot 5a.
13. Chagigah 9a.
14. Kohelet 1:15.
15. Cf. Introduction, by Rabbi Joseph I. Schneersohn of Lubavitch, to
Pokeach Ivrim.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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DAILY MITZVAH (Maimonides): Friday, January 6, 2006

B"H

Tevet 6, 5766 * January 6, 2006

==================================================
D A I L Y M I T Z V A H (M A I M O N I D E S )
==================================================

Today's Mitzvot (Day 126 of 339):

Positive Mitzvot 126 and 129
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Positive Mitzvah 126: The Priestly Portion

-Deuteronomy 18:4 "The first portion...you shall give him~

(This Mitzvah applies only in Eretz Yisrael.)

A Jew is commanded to give the priest the first portion of grain,
wine and oil.

Our Sages also included in this Positive Mitzvah the obligation
to give him portions from other produce as well.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Positive Mitzvah 129: The Levite's Priestly Gifts

-Numbers 18:26 "Speak to the Levites...then you shall offer up from
it a gift for the L-rd, a tenth part of the tithe"

(This Mitzvah applies only in Eretz Yisrael.)

Sammy was a young boy who came from a family of eight children.

His allowance was small, compared with that of his friends, and he
could not treat them at the candy store like his other friends often
did.

One Purim, Sammy's class put on a play in a home for the elderly.

Sammy had the main part. The people loved the play and when it
was over, the director of the home presented Sammy with a box of
chocolate.

Sammy was delighted to share the chocolate with his friends,
even though it was intended just for him. He was pleased with the
opportunity to give others from the candy that the director gave him.

The Levites serving HaShem in the Beit HaMikdash are also awarded
an opportunity of fulfilling the Mitzvah of "giving a tithe" that
HaShem commanded the rest of the Jews. Though the Levites do not own
land, they were also granted the chance to give.

They are commanded to separate a tithe from the portion they receive
and give it to the priest (see Positive Mitzvah 127).

Thus, they too, can share with others.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Featured Audio Class on Chabad.org:

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The lesson from Joseph: the strength and ability to be a leader and sustain society not just physically but spiritually as well.

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TODAY IN JUDAISM: Friday, January 6, 2006

B"H

Tevet 6, 5766 * January 6, 2006

=================================
T O D A Y I N J U D A I S M
=================================

* Laws * Customs * Jewish History * Daily Quote * Daily Study *

Today is: Friday, Tevet 6, 5766

===========
Daily Quote
===========

Fear not to go down to Egypt; for there I will make of you a great nation. I will go down with you into Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again.

- G-d to Jacob, Genesis 46:3-4

===========
Daily Study
===========

Chitas and Rambam for today:

Chumash: Vayigash, 6th Portion Bereishit 46:28-47:10 with Rashi
• English Text:
http://www.chabad.org/parshah/rashi/default.asp?tDate=1/6/2006&src=ds

Tehillim: Chapters 35 - 38
• Hebrew text:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tehillim.asp?tDate=1/6/2006&Lang=HEB
• English text:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tehillim.asp?tDate=1/6/2006

Tanya: Likutei Amarim, end of Chapter 7
• Lesson in Tanya:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tDate=1/6/2006
• RealAudio:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&tDate=1/6/2006&format=rm
• Windows Media:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&tDate=1/6/2006&format=m3u

Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvos:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/seferHamitzvos.asp?tDate=1/6/2006
• 1 Chapter: Mechirah Chap. 18
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/rambam.asp?tDate=1/6/2006&rambamChapters=1
• 3 Chapters: Terumot Chap. 1, 2, 3
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/rambam.asp?tDate=1/6/2006&rambamChapters=3

Hayom Yom:
• English Text:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp?tDate=1/6/2006

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To love a fellow Jew - Ariel Sharon...

Ariel Sharon with the Rebbe-Almighty
By the grace of G-d
Shalom everyone!

Like many of you I used to have and still do have a great admiration for Ariel Sharon after reading about his life, his accomplishments for the benefit the Jewish people and the warm regard the Rebbe-Almighty has had for him all these years arguably more so than for many other Israeli politicians.
At the same time looking at his bahaviour in recent times I couldn't feel sadness after the report of his 1st stroke. I felt it was a Divine punishment a consequence for the man undoing a lifetime of many good deeds in one year: destroying the Jewish settlements on liberated territories in Gush Katif and reportedly ( doing it for selfish reasons see for example The Royal Family, Corruption, and the Expulsion Plan http://www.professors.org.il/corrupt.html ) directly hurting almost 10 thousand of our Jewish brothers and sisters and creating a tremendous chilul Hashem in the process and placing the lives of the rest of the Jews in Israel and worldwide in even greater danger.
I couldn't bring myself to pray for his health, but deep within me I wasn't sure if this is how a Jew in a particular a Lubavitcher should think and behave.
I asked a question of the Rebbe Almighty thru Igrot Koidesh http://www.Igrot.com
the answer was about the need to emulate the example of the Previous Rebbe (Rabbi Yosef Yitzhok Schneerson ) caring for all Jews even those who openly rebel against G-d and his Torah.
I hope that by publishing this I'll help others to also cause themselves to have greater love for our fellow Jews by understanding what the Rebbe-G-d expects of us.
May we all merit the immediate redemption with the rebuilding of the Beis haMikdash and eternal joy for all our people and for all those who love and fear G-d.
Thus I call upon all of you to pray for refua shleima - complete recovery for Ariel Sharon - Ariel ben Devorah and for the immidiate redemption with the complete revelation of G-d's glory to the whole world when all people shal be united to serve G-d in one accord..
With respect and blessing
Rabbi Ariel Sokolovsky
617-372-2312
Moshiach Info Center International
Beis Moshiach Chabad Lubavitch Center of Greater Boston and Portland Oregon
http://www.BostonChabad.com

Yechi Yehovah Tsidkeinu!

ONCE UPON A CHASID: Inseparable Souls (Vayigash)

B"H

Tevet 5, 5766 * January 5, 2006

===================================
O N C E U P O N A C H A S I D
===================================

Parshat Vayigash
----------------

- His soul is bound with his soul (Genesis 44:30)

* * *

Inseparable Souls
- - - - - - - - -

In 1798, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi was imprisoned by the czarist government on charges fabricated against him and the Chassidic movement.

When he was brought before his interrogators, the first question they asked him was: "Are you of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov's people?" Rabbi Schneur Zalman later related that he knew that if answered "no" he would be immediately released; nevertheless, he refused to disassociate himself from the Baal Shem Tov.

His 52 days of imprisonment in the Peter-Paul fortress in Petersburg were the most agonizing days of his life. He was forced to explain the basic tenents of Judaism and Chassidism to the coarse Cossack minds of his questioners. He wept when he was asked "What is a Jew?", "What is G-d?", "What is the relationship of a Jew to G-d? Of G-d to a Jew?" - to hear these questions issuing from their vulgar mouths tore his heart to shreds.

One question in particular caused him great pain. It was Rabbi Schneur Zalman's custom to interject the expression "af" in his prayers, as did the Baal Shem Tov. His enemies misconstrued this to mean that he was beseeching the Almighty to pour His wrath ('af' in Hebrew) upon the czar and his government. To explain to the Russian officials the Baal Shem Tov's customs and his lofty reflections during prayer was torture to Rabbi Schneur Zalman's soul.

Here too, Rabbi Schneur Zalman could have satisfied their queries with all sorts of answers. But his connection with the Baal Shem Tov, whom he called his 'grandfather in spirit', was so dear to him, that he refused to disclaim it in even the slightest detail, even if only for appearances sake.

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GARDEN OF TORAH: Inspiring Change (Vayigash)

B"H

Tevet 5, 5766 * January 5, 2006

===================================================
I N T H E G A R D E N O F T H E T O R A H
===================================================

Parshat Vayigash
----------------

Inspiring Change
- - - - - - - - -

1. Making a Potential Kinetic

In his Siddur, the Alter Rebbe writes: It is proper to say before prayer: I hereby accept upon myself the positive commandment, “Love your fellowman as yourself.”

Showing love for one’s fellowman prepares a person to intensify his relationship with G-d. For a genuine commitment to all of mankind requires true selflessness, and this is the approach which should characterize our relationship with G-d. But why is a verbal declaration required? Why isn’t the emphasis placed on contemplating the concept, rather than making a statement?

It can be explained that on an essential level, oneness exists among our entire people: “They are all complementary, and share one Father. Because of this common root in the One G-d, all Israel are called ‘brothers’ in the full sense of the word.”

All too often, however, that oneness is not manifest in a person’s relations with his fellowmen. By actually making a statement, a person has activated this potential, bringing it into expression within our material world.

The importance of this statement exceeds by far its few measured words. The objective is that one deed lead to another, in a self-reinforcing cycle that will motivate a person to express love for his fellowmen and stir his fellowmen to reciprocate in kind. Making a statement of purpose opens a channel to our inner feelings of love, with the intent that these feelings will become manifest in activity on behalf of others.

2. Bonding Power

A similar paradigm applies to this week’s Torah reading. Vayigash means: “And he approached;” Yehudah approached Yosef. But Yehudah’s approach was intended to establish more than physical closeness. Rashi explains that Yehudah told Yosef: “May my words enter your ears,” i.e., he desired to initiate communication.

Yehudah’s deed had tremendous repercussions. As the narrative continues, “Yosef could no longer restrain himself.” After years of separation, the brothers embraced, kissed each other, and spoke freely. Yaakov’s sons returned to him with the message that Yosef was alive and Yaakov descended to Egypt to join him, establishing oneness and unity between all Jews.

3. From the Inside Out

The spiral touched off by Yehudah’s approach to Yosef had larger ramifications. The Zohar understands their union as symbolizing the approach of the physical world to the spiritual world.

To explain: In essence, the world at large is at one with G-d. This is the meaning of the phrase “G-d is one” in the Shema — not merely that there is one G-d, but that all existence is at one with Him. Nevertheless, the oneness that pervades creation is not openly revealed. On the contrary, the world appears to exist as a collection of discrete entities.

Expressing the inner oneness that exists between people serves as a catalyst to achieve oneness in the world at large, allowing the material world to serve as a medium for the expression of spiritual truth. This was reflected in the conduct of Yaakov and his sons in Egypt. Although settling in Egypt involved a descent into exile, and Egypt was a morally depraved land, Yaakov and his sons established a model of spiritually oriented existence there. Pharaoh granted them the finest portion of the land, promising “the best of Egypt will be yours.”

Yaakov and his sons made maximum use of this opportunity. Indeed, our Rabbis explain that these were Yaakov’s best years. Throughout his life, he endeavored to express spiritual values within the day-to-day realities of ordinary living. In Egypt, he was given the ability to bring this ideal to fruition.

4. Uncovering Identity

The relevance of the above concepts is not confined to periods when G-dliness is openly apparent. Quite the contrary, the narrative begins in the ultimate of concealment. Yehudah did not know he was speaking to Yosef. He thought he was addressing the Egyptian viceroy, and he had to plead for Binyamin’s freedom after the youth had been discovered in a compromising situation. Despite the weakness of his position, Yehudah advanced in the direction of oneness, and his approach led to the revelation that the Egyptian ruler was Yosef.

Similarly, although today Jews may need the assistance of non-Jewish authorities for their security, they must realize that there is a subtle, inner dynamic at work. It is not an Egyptian who charts our destiny; “The hearts of kings and officers are in the hands of G-d.” He — and not the non-Jewish powers — controls the fate of our people as a whole, and of each individual in particular.

Our conduct and choice of priorities should be structured accordingly. There is no need to accept the standards of the world at large. By emulating Yehudah’s example and striving toward oneness within our present situation, we can initiate a sequence that will lead to the open expression of our world’s G-dly nature.

5. Egypt is not the End of the Journey

During his journey to Egypt, Yaakov had a vision in which G-d reassured him: “Do not fear to descend to Egypt,” and promised “I will descend to Egypt with you and I will surely have you ascend.” Although Yaakov realized what he could achieve in Egypt, he was reluctant to descend there. For prosperity in exile — even prosperity that is used to create a model of spiritually oriented existence — is not the goal of a Jew’s life.

A Jew’s true life is in Eretz Yisrael — and more particularly, Eretz Yisrael as it will exist in the Era of the Redemption. This is the promise Yaakov received from G-d — that his descendants would be redeemed from Egypt and live in Eretz Yisrael together with Mashiach.

Why then did Yaakov descend to Egypt? Because he appreciated that the Redemption must be brought about by the Divine service of man. The establishment of a spiritually oriented society amidst material prosperity provides man with a foretaste of the Redemption, and prepares the world for the time when redemption will become manifest. Yaakov’s life in Egypt was dedicated to this purpose.

The theme of redemption is underscored by the Haftorah, which speaks about the ultimate union of Yosef and Yehudah: “I will take the children of Israel from among the nations... and bring them to their own land. I will make them one nation in the land.... No longer will they be two nations, no longer divided into two kingdoms.” And it promises: “And My servant David will be their prince forever,” for it is in the Era of the Redemption that the selfless striving for unity will receive the prominence it deserves.

(Adapted from Sefer HaSichos 5750, p. 212ff; Sefer HaSichos 5751, p. 206ff)

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FOR FRIDAY NIGHT: The Promise (Vayigash)

B"H

Tevet 5, 5766 * January 5, 2006

===============================
F O R F R I D A Y N I G H T
===============================

Parshat Vayigash
----------------

The Promise
- - - - - -

The Parsha [1] describes the beginning of a new stage in the history of the Jewish people. Jacob and all his children and grandchildren, numbering altogether seventy people, had been living in the land which was going to be the Land of Israel. Due to the harsh famine, and in response to the invitation of the long-lost Joseph, the entire family was now moving to Egypt.

Jacob had good reason to be worried about what might happen there. Would his unique family be able to maintain its identity, or would it simply disappear, swamped by the sophisticated culture of a major power? Further, how would the Egyptians relate to the Hebrews, worshippers of a G-d they could not see? As we ourselves know, the Egyptian ruler later enslaved the Jews and did his best to destroy them.

During the journey to Egypt, one night G-d appeared to Jacob in a vision. "Do not be afraid of going down to Egypt", said G-d. "I will go down with you". Together with this came a promise that eventually the Jewish people would return to the Holy Land.

This promise from G-d gave the family of Jacob a sense of direction. They did not forget who they were and where they were going. After two hundred years of slavery, when G-d sent a great leader to them to set them free, they recognized him as a man of G-d and responded to his leadership. Eventually, the promise was fulfilled: they left Egypt, returned to the Holy Land, took possession of it and built the Temple.

We too, thousands of years later, find ourselves in a situation in which it is very easy to lose one's way. But we too have been given a promise by G-d: by following the path of the Torah we will make a dwelling for G-d in our hearts, our homes and our lives. This will affect not only the entire Jewish people, but all humanity. The promise of Jewish teaching is that in the most positive way imaginable, we will transform the world.

This is the Divine promise. We can rely on it. The rest is up to us!

Division and Unity

Next Tuesday, January 10th, will be the Tenth of Tevet, a fast day commemorating the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem which led to the destruction of the First Temple. It is therefore the first of the four fasts [2] relating directly to the destruction of the Temple and Exile. The Rambam (Maimonides) tells us that in the future, when the Temple is rebuilt, all these fasts will become times of festivity [3].

The fast of the Tenth of Tevet is always close to our Parsha. We can see a relationship between the fast and the events in the Parsha.

Footnotes:

1. Genesis 44:18-47:27.
2. The other three are 17 Tammuz, 9 Av and 3 Tishrei (the Fast of Gedaliah).
3. Yad, end of Laws of Fasts.
4. Based freely on the Lubavitcher Rebbe's Likkutei Sichot, vol. 15, p.412.

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FRIDAY NIGHT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: Just Like Joseph (Vayigash)

B"H

Tevet 5, 5766 * January 5, 2006

=========================================================
F R I D A Y N I G H T F O R Y O U N G P E O P L E
=========================================================

Parshat Vayigash
----------------

Just Like Joseph
- - - - - - - -

Miriam was feeling very nervous. She knew that in two days she was going to have a big test, covering everything they were supposed to have reviewed during the winter vacation. For some reason, she could not stop worrying about it.

She was so nervous that she didn't even realize that she was sitting in a lesson where the teacher was talking about what was going to be on the test. If she would actually listen to what he was saying she might hear about at least some of the material. But she was too worried to notice.

"…And this teaches us a very important lesson…" her teacher, Mr Cohen, was saying. "…The fact that Joseph sent old wine…" Little snippets of the lesson were floating through her head but her mind wasn't working.

On the way home from school she decided to tell her best friend about her nervousness and see if maybe she could calm her down.

"Well the funny thing is" her friend Roberta said, "in the lesson today Mr Cohen was just talking about something very like this. It was part of his revision lesson for the test".

"It was a revision lesson?" asked Miriam. "I didn't even realize! Oh no! I heard little bits but I couldn't follow what he was saying. I was so nervous and worried I couldn't think".

"I'll tell you one of the things, anyway" said Roberta. "You know that over the holidays we had to learn this week's Torah portion with different commentaries. So he told us that it talks about how Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers and sent with them a present of a flask of old wine to his father Jacob."

"I remember Mr Cohen saying something about that," said Miriam. "He said this teaches us something, but I can't remember what. I'll do terribly in that horrible test!"

"Wait a minute," said Roberta, patiently. "It teaches us to have a positive attitude, and always to expect the best, and never to give up hope!"

"How so?" asked Miriam.

"Because all the time Joseph was in Egypt, as a slave and as a prisoner and then as Viceroy, he never drank wine. He felt he would only drink wine when he rejoined his family. In last week's Parsha, he does in fact drink wine with his brothers, and it is the first time he did so for many years. So we can ask, how is it that he had old wine stored away?"

"You know what," exclaimed Miriam, "I can suddenly remember. We first learnt it weeks ago in class. Joseph never gave up hope that he would be reunited with his family, so he had some old, fine wine stored away. He felt confident that he would eventually drink it with his brothers and even with his father. In the same way, we should always have a positive and optimistic attitude!"

"Very good!" said Roberta. "I can see you're going to do very well in the test after all. Keep up your positive attitude, and you'll remember everything we learnt!"

"Well," said Miriam, "a bit of revision tonight will also help. But I'll certainly try to be positive about it…"

"…Just like Joseph!" the two girls said, laughing together.

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CHASSIDIC DIMENSION: Yosef's Gift to the Jewish People (Vayigash)

B"H

Tevet 5, 5766 * January 5, 2006

=============================================
T H E C H A S S I D I C D I M E N S I O N
=============================================

Parshat Vayigash
----------------

Yosef's Gift to the Jewish People
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The verse states: "These are the descendants of Ya'akov - Yosef." This indicates that Yosef was the continuation of Ya'akov, in keeping with the saying of our Sages: "All that transpired with this one [Ya'akov] transpired with this one [Yosef]."

Yosef differed from his brothers in that only he underwent the trials and tribulations of exile. In this sense, he was similar to his father Ya'akov, who was the only Patriarch subjected to exile - during his 20 years in the house of Lavan.

Although these 20 years were exceedingly difficult, Ya'akov remained steadfast in his faith. For this is the particular accomplishment of Ya'akov - who represents the Attribute of Truth - that in all situations and circumstances, he did not change his ways, remaining steadfast in his faith and observance, even while in Lavan's home.

Still and all, a difference did exist between Ya'akov and Yosef with regard to the nature of their exiles, and that's why it is the particular strength of Yosef that enables the Jewish people to endure the difficulties of exile.

Even while Ya'akov was in exile with Lavan, he was not immersed in worldly affairs. His servitude consisted of having to care for Lavan's flocks - a type of labor that enables one to remain far removed from worldly concerns and concentrate on matters of the spirit. This was because Ya'akov was at a level of ultimate sanctity and holiness, completely immune to the darkness of exile.

Herein lay the difference between Ya'akov - and the Patriarchs in general - and the 12 tribes. The tribes, of necessity, had to remove themselves from worldly matters so that the world would not impinge upon their spiritual service - had they not done so, the mundane world would have hindered their service.

The Patriarchs, however, were intrinsically removed from worldly matters, living as they did in total holiness and sanctity. Their shepherding was merely a natural outgrowth of their innate sense of removal from the mundane.

So too with Ya'akov. Even as he found himself in Lavan's house, he remained separate and thus above any true sense of exile. Consequently, like his forbears, he was a shepherd.

The quality that allowed Ya'akov, even while he was in exile, to remain removed from and loftier than that state, also finds expression in the fact that, when he is forced to do battle with Esav's angel - when he must vanquish his opposition - he overwhelms him totally, so that the angel declares: "Your name will no longer be Ya'akov, but Yisrael [a term of mastery], for you have striven with men and with angels and have been successful."

Herein lies the special quality of Yosef, who indeed descended into exile, and was truly under the dominion first of Potiphar and then of Pharaoh. But even under such circumstances, he remained completely united with G-d.

Thus, the strength that all Jews have to withstand exile - for, to all Jews, exile means being under foreign dominion - comes primarily from Yosef, who, as we read in the portion of Vayigash, sustained his brothers - i.e. he granted them his qualities - during the "time of hunger."

This quality was subsequently transmitted to every Jew in all generations.

Because it is Yosef's resilience that sustains us during even the darkest times, all Jews are called Yosef. And similar to our namesake, the darkness and gloom of exile does not prevent us from being totally united with G-d, and we remain completely steady in our Judaism and observance of Torah and mitzvos.

Ultimately, this exalted behavior not only nullifies exile, but transforms it into a state of redemption - an eternal redemption that can never be subject to further exile, with the speedy coming of our righteous Moshiach.

(Based on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XXV, pp. 254-257)

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DAILY DOSE: We Are One

B"H

We Are One
----------

The Jewish people are one.

A Jew putting on tefillin in America affects the safety of a Jewish soldier in Israel.

A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe
-words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman
Tevet 5, 5766 * January 5, 2006

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Parshat Vayigash

Parshat Vayigash

This week's section VaYigash, which means 'And he approached', is the finale
of the traumatic saga of Josef and his brothers.

It begins with Judah approaching Josef to beg for mercy and interestingly
the only one of Josef's brothers that is really highlighted in the entire
section is Judah. The others are barely mentioned.

The Zohar and books of Chassidut explain the reason; Judah represents
Moshiach (who will come from the tribe of Judah) while Josef is a
preparatory stage before Moshiach and this section hints at the future
'Geula' (redemption of the world) through Moshiach.

So we see later (46:4) when G-d encourages Jacob to go down to Egypt and
says, "...and I will take you up and take you up". The first 'taking up'
refers to the redemption from Egypt and the second to the future redemption.

But this is not so understood. Our section depicts Josef as the king and
Judah begging for mercy. If Judah really represents Moshiach then it should
be the other way around. Moshiach will be a king, he's even called 'Melech
HaMoshiach', and all the world will come to him!

We can try to understand this from the following story.

Rabbi Mordechai Liepli was a devoted follower of the second Rebbe of Chabad
Rabbi Dov Ber some two hundred years ago.

In those days it was not common for the Chassidim to go to their Rebbe with
every problem as it is today. The Rebbe was considered a purely spiritual
person for spiritual direction and inspiration and wasn't to be bothered
with mundane problems.

So it wasn't surprising that when Reb Mordechai's son became ill and all the
doctors gave up hope he only considered taking him to better doctors.

He took the boy to the best doctors and professors available in Petersburg
and only after they too gave the same dim prognosis; the boy was affected
with a rare incurable ailment that had even worked it's way into his bones,
did he think of writing the Rebbe.

He couldn't leave the boy alone to travel to the Rebbe himself and the
doctors gave him at least a month to live, so he wrote a letter and prayed.

In the letter he poured out his heart, told the depressing course of events;
how each doctor gave up and begged the Rebbe for a blessing or advice.

He reckoned that it would take five days for the letter to reach the Rebbe
and five more for the answer to arrive so after ten days he spent every
morning near his window on the lookout for the mailman. Then on the third
day he saw the mailman pass by his house in a tremendous hurry.

He yelled to him, but he didn't stop, only motioned with his hand that he
had no time.

But Reb Mordechai wanted to see for himself. He ran after the mailman and
begged him to stop for a moment. "Are you sure there is no letter for me?"
maybe if I gave you a tip?"

The mailman was obviously agitated in no mood for talking, and certainly
none for stopping but when Rav Mordechi gave him a half a ruble he calmed
down.

"The truth is that you do have a letter" The mailman said, "but is it so
urgent? Can't it wait? I'll give it to you tomorrow, I promise. But I have
to go. There is a very important visitor at the Czar's palace and I have to
find him a carriage."

"A carriage?" asked Reb Mordechai, stalling for time as he looked through
the letters. "What kind of carriage?" Aha!! He found the letter! It was from
the city Lubavitch!! From the Rebbe!

"One of the royal family got sick." The postman continued not noticing that
Reb Mordechi wasn't really listening. "I think it was the son of one of the
princes. So they called a doctor from Austria, supposed to be the king of
Austria's personal doctor. Now he has to go back, I guess he finished his
job, and I was given the job of finding horses and a carriage. So I'm going.
Okay?"

Rabbi Mordechai hardly heard what the mailman was talking about. He was busy
opening the envelope and taking out the letter. "Well, good luck!" the
mailman called out as he ran off into the distance in to resume his search.

Rab Mordechi thanked G-d. It was good news. The letter was encouraging. The
Rebbe wrote,

"I received your letter and I paced back and forth in my room. I saw that
your salvation will arrive soon; from afar and from near." And in the margin
was written the words, "Don't spare any money".

He couldn't figure what the Rebbe was getting at. What did he mean by 'far
and near?" Was he supposed to do something or perhaps it would come to him?
If the Rebbe said not to spare money it must mean he had to act. But what?
Where?

He paced back and forth in the street until after a while the postman
returned again. This time he seemed to be more calm. Probably he found the
carriage. Suddenly it dawned on Rab Mordechi that perhaps the doctor from
Austria was the answer from 'afar'! He asked the postman where exactly this
doctor was to be found and when he got the answer he ran there as fast as
possible.

From a distance he could already see that a large group of people were
gathered around the door of the house. As he got closer he understood why;
they all wanted the doctor to treat either them or one of their loved ones.
And despite the fact that the doctor sent word that he had to leave and
would not treat anyone they still were waiting.perhaps he would change his
mind.

But Reb Mordechai was well known and respected and it was also a matter of
life and death. He was determined to get in.

With great difficulty he pushed his way into the house and finally was
standing face to face with the doctor. He begged and pleaded but to no
avail. The doctor was on leave from the king of Austria and was under oath
to return to that country immediately upon finishing his work in Petersburg.
He straightened himself, looked into the distance and, in a tone that was
the paradigm of earnestness and loyalty, declared that he was faithful to
his king, would never betray his orders and firmly requested Rab Mordechi to
leave the premises.

Any normal person would understand that the situation was hopeless, but the
Rebbe's letter gave Rab Mordechi chutzpa beyond reason. He looked the doctor
in the eyes and said calmly. "I'll give you a thousand rubles for one visit
to my son."

Ten thousand rubles was a veritable fortune in those days. perhaps the value
of some one hundred thousand dollars.

The doctor suddenly became a different person, filled with concern. "Where
is the boy. We have no time to waste. Show me the way." The doctor said.

They left the house via a back door and in moments the doctor was examining
the child.

"The disease is severe indeed, it has entered the lad's bones." He said,
"Just as the other doctors said. But not like they said there is a cure. One
medicine that can heal it which, unfortunately, is not found in Russia. Your
only chance is if I happen to have this medicine in my case."

The doctor sent a messenger back to his hotel room to bring the large chest
that held his myriads of pills, ointments, oils and balms and, sure enough.
miracle of miracles. he found the medicine he was looking for!!

It was a jar of ointment which, a few moments after he applied it to the
boy's chest and other places, opened a small aperture in the boy's side from
which began flowing large amounts of puss.

"The disease", he explained as they watched the remarkable effects of the
treatment, "originated in an infection of the teeth and from there it spread
to the rest of the body till it permeated the boy's bones. "Now", he said
assuringly, "I will instruct another doctor, a friend of mine in Petersburg,
how to continue the treatment and I am sure that in a week or so your son
will be completely healed."

The story circulated like wildfire and everyone marveled at the exactness of
the Rebbe's prophesy: The salvation came soon; along with the mailman, from
afar; from the doctor from Austria, and from near; namely the ointment that
just 'happened' to be in his suitcase. And the catalyst to it all was the
money that, at the Rebbe's behest, Rab Mordechi did not spare.

It was obvious to all that the Rebbe had not only the power to tell the
future but perhaps also to change it for the better. (Sipuri Chabad vol. 16
pg 59)

Now we can better understand the significance of Judah approaching Josef in
our section.

Our section is referring to the time before the arrival of Moshiach, when
the work of the Jewish people in exile; loving the Torah, loving and serving
G-d and loving every Jew is essential to preparing the world for redemption.

In these days the main emphasis will be on Josef who is known as 'Josef the
Tzadik'. Without the Tzadikim; true holy Jewish teachers, the Jews (from
the name Judah) are lost, without direction, inspiration or unity. like
sheep without a shepherd.

Like Reb Mordechai needed the Rebbe in our story; just as Judah had to
approach Josef the Tzadik, so the Jews much approach the Tzadik for him to
reveal his goodness, blessing and teachings.

That is why in our section Josef is king.

But in the time of redemption the Moshiach will reveal the Tzadik in EVERY
Jew. All Jews will be holy teachers. In fact this is the main task of
Moshiach; to awaken the Jewish soul in all the Jews so they bring blessing
and meaning to the entire world. just as Tzadikim do today.

Then Moshiach will be an entirely different type of king. He will truly
reveal the 'Kingship of the Creator. And it will be revealed to not just his
Chassidim or to the Jews alone. but to the entire world.

As the Rambam writes; that the world will be filled with the knowledge that
G-d is creating all existence. Then every human will realize that G-d is
infinitely close, good, and caring. The Jews and the gentiles will truly
observe the Torah (i.e. Seven Noahide commandments for the gentiles).
Something like it was in the days of Josef but infinitely more so.

It all depends on us. We just have to follow the directives of the
Lubavitcher Rebbe and do all we can to bring....

Moshiach NOW!!

Rabbi Tuvia Bolton
Yeshiva Ohr Tmimim
Kfar Chabad, Israel

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www.ohrtmimim.org and apply now!!
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A7news: Hospital Director Dispels Rumors: Sharon is Alive, Unconscious

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Hospital Director Dispels Rumors: Sharon is Alive, Unconscious
The Director-General of Hadassah Hospital, Dr. Shlomo Mor-Yosef, spoke to reporters at 2 PM this afternoon and told them that the rumors of Sharon's death are not true.
Full Story Below

Headlines:
 1. Hospital Director Dispels Rumors: Sharon is Alive, Unconscious
 2. Olmert Holds First Cabinet Meeting Next to Sharon’s Empty Chair
 3. Ehud Olmert: Israel´s Acting Prime Minister
 4. Kassams Continue, Egypt-Gaza Border Open
 5. Israel´s Neighbors Warned "Not to Take Advantage"
 6. Prayers for Sharon
 7. Olmert Demands Taxes on Donated Items for Israel’s Needy
 8. Sharon Suffers Massive Stroke
 9. World Waits as Sharon Fights for Life
 10. Sharon in Critical But Stable Condition After 7 Hour Operation

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Editor: Hillel Fendel
Thursday, January 05, 2006
5 Tevet 5766
Beit Orot

 

1. Hospital Director Dispels Rumors: Sharon is Alive, Unconscious
By Hillel Fendel

The Director-General of Hadassah Hospital, Dr. Shlomo Mor-Yosef, spoke to reporters at 2 PM this afternoon and told them that the rumors of Sharon's death are not true.


"The Prime Minister's condition is stable, but still serious," he said. "All the vital signs that we measure are in accordance with what we expect after an operation of this type."

"Part of the required treatment at present," Mor-Yosef said, "is to retain low pressure within the skull, and this requires deep anesthetization for at least the coming 24 hours."

"My purpose in telling you this is, first of all, to keep you informed, and also," Mor-Yosef then added emphatically, "to put to bed the rumors that are sweeping the country. As director of Hadassah, I pledge that any change in the Prime Minister's condition will be reported to you."

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's condition deteriorated critically upon his arrival in the hospital Wednesday night, and he underwent an emergency seven-hour operation to stop the massive bleeding in his brain. Following the surgery, his condition was described as "serious," then "very serious."

It is noteworthy that virtually every interview on public television and radio begins with the interviewee saying that he is "praying for Sharon's full recovery." Most interviewees and their interviewers even add that they "join the entire country" in praying for the Prime Minister. As news of Sharon's operation became known, Army Radio reported that "spontaneous prayer quorums" had sprouted up at the Western Wall to pray for Sharon. This appeared to be a case of wishful thinking, however, as web-photos of the holy site, backed up by eyewitness testimony, showed very sparse attendance at the Wall - except for several press photographers making a rare visit and photographing the worshipers from various angles.

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2. Olmert Holds First Cabinet Meeting Next to Sharon’s Empty Chair
By Hillel Fendel and Scott Shiloh

“This is a difficult time for all of us,” said Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at the emergency cabinet meeting he led Thursday morning.The meeting was unusually short, and no decisions were made.

“Arik is not just a leader, but a close friend to us all," Olmert said. "We all hope that Arik, who has won many battles in his life, will emerge from this one as well, healthy and whole."

Olmert conducted the meeting next to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s empty chair, which was placed as usual at the center of the long cabinet conference table.

Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz clarified today that Sharon is still considered to be only "temporarily" unable to fulfill his duties, meaning that Olmert is still only a "substitute" Prime Minister. The "temporary" period ends automatically after 100 days - but in any event, the national elections are only 82 days away.

Mazuz explained that the "temporary" period could also end based on a clear medical prognosis about Sharon's condition. In any event, Mazuz clarified that the elections will be held on March 28, as scheduled.

An unprecedented amount of power has now been concentrated in the hands of Ehud Olmert. In addition to serving as prime minister, he also holds the powers and portfolios of 12 government ministries. The ministries were recently vacated by the Labor Party ministers, and Sharon had not yet appointed their replacements.

At a meeting of police and security leaders today, it was decided that if the Prime Minister passes away, they will be the first to be informed. This, in order to enable the police and Shabak (General Security Service) to prepare for various situations, ranging from the expected arrival of throngs of citizens to the hospital, up to total preparedness of the security establishment for internal and external threats.

It was further decided that a total curfew would be declared on the Arab-populated areas of Judea and Samaria. Army forces are to be thickened in Judea and Samaria, and specifically around Gaza, from where Kassam rockets are expected to be fired in response to the news.

Likud party leader MK Binyamin Netanyahu has suspended his decision that Likud ministers must leave the government. That decision was supposed to take effect on Sunday, after Prime Minister Sharon’s heart catheterization which had been scheduled for today (Thursday).

“We’re still in [the government]," a senior Likud official said. "We have a responsibility to the country, and this not the time to discuss resignations." Netanyahu himself said that all politicking should be put on hold for a few days.

Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, #2 man in the Likud, said, “This is a painful and difficult time for the Israeli people. The hour is difficult and complicated.”

Education Minister Limor Livnat (Likud) said, “We are praying for the prime minister’s recovery. The Likud is represented at the cabinet meeting and will be here in the future.”

Agriculture Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud), one of the only opponents of the disengagement who remained in Sharon’s Cabinet, said, “The Likud will stay in the government to assist its new head.” He described Sharon as “a great fighter who is now lying powerless, and we are all praying for his welfare.”

Justice Minister Tzippi Livni (Kadima), to whom Sharon was reportedly planning to grant a very high place on the party's Knesset list, said, “The message coming out of today’s cabinet meeting, aside from hoping and praying, is that the government is functioning. I will do everything I can to help the Acting Prime Minister function as leader of this government, and to make the right decisions. I am certain that the other ministers will do the same.”

Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman, Chief Rabbi of the development town of Migdal HaEmek in the lower Galilee, visited Sharon's hospital room this afternoon. Rabbi Grossman, who spoke to Sharon yesterday afternoon, moved from Jerusalem's insulated Meah She'arim quarter over 30 years ago straight to Migdal HaEmek, is the founder and head of the Migdal Or yeshiva institutions, in which over 6,000 students - mostly from underprivileged homes - study.

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3. Ehud Olmert: Israel´s Acting Prime Minister
By Hillel Fendel

Finance Minister Olmert, Israel's Acting Prime Minister, was the first to signal Ariel Sharon's leftward tilt, calling over 2 years ago for a withdrawal from most of Judea, Samaria and Gaza.

Aged 60, Olmert was born in a small town called Nachalat Jabotinsky near Hadera, of which his father was one of the founding members.

Married with four children, Olmert graduated Hebrew University, where he studied psychology, philosophy and law. He was a military correspondent for the IDF magazine BaMachaneh, and served in the 8th through the 14th Knessets (1974-1999) as a Likud MK, and again in the current Knesset, the 16th. He was Health Minister under Prime Minister Yitzchak Shamir in the early 1990s, and served in several Cabinet positions in the current government.

In 1993, then-MK Olmert ran against popular Teddy Kollek for the position of Mayor of Jerusalem, and defeated him. Olmert's campaign slogan was "Olmert - Because the Time Has Come" - a hint to Kollek's advanced age. This slogan was remembered with irony two weeks ago, after Olmert's new party leader - none other than Kadima founder Ariel Sharon - suffered a mini-stroke at the age of 77, prompting questions about Sharon's physical fitness to govern.

Olmert served simultaneously as a Knesset Member and Jerusalem Mayor for five years, until the late 1990s, but by the time his term in office had ended, the law had been changed and such double service was not permitted. He chose to give up his Knesset seat, running for and winning re-election, and continued in the mayor's office until 2003, when he ran again for Knesset.

He did not receive great support from the Likud membership, however, which chose him only to the 32nd slot on the list of Likud candidates; polls taken the week before the elections gave the Likud between 31-33 seats. In the event, the Likud won 38 seats, and Olmert became a Knesset Member once again.

Despite Olmert's poor showing, Prime Minister Sharon appointed him to the position of Minister of Industry and Trade, and more significantly, to that of Deputy Prime Minister - the position that has now made him Israel's Acting Prime Minister.

Ehud Olmert became the Likud's left-wing marker in late 2003, when he preceded Ariel Sharon's announcement of the planned disengagement from Gaza with an about-face of his own. In what was later viewed as the flying of a trial balloon for Sharon's new position, Olmert told the Yediot Acharonot daily that he favored a unilateral withdrawal from nearly all of Judea, Samaria and Gaza, including the uprooting of almost all the Jewish communities there.

Olmert all but agreed that the only differences between his approach and that of the left-wing were that it would "sear his heart" to give up parts of the Land of Israel, and that he would not give up the Temple Mount and the Old City of Jerusalem.

Olmert's positions of the last two years thus contrasted strongly with his previous ideology, as he grew up in an atmosphere of love for the entire Land of Israel. His father Mordechai was an MK of the 3rd and 4th Knessets, a founder of Betar in Harbin China, a founder of two towns in the Land of Israel, and Head of the Settlement Department of the Herut Movement.

Knesset Speaker Ruby Rivlin, who also grew up in a Herut-party home, expressed disgust at Ehud Olmert's new positions. Rivlin said at the time that Olmert reminded him of the absolute turnabout of his hareidi-turned-secular cousins: "When they became not religious, they went all the way - not only driving on the Sabbath, but also eating pig."

In November 2003, Trade Minister Olmert antagonized the nationalist camp with his decision to facilitate the European Union's taxation of Yesha-made goods by ordering the city of manufacture to be listed on every Israeli product.

With the announcement that Olmert had been named Acting Prime Minister, the Shabak (General Security Service) immediately increased security around him. The area around his home in Jerusalem has been declared a "sterile" area.

Olmert spoke briefly with reporters late Wednesday night, saying only that he was "very very sad," and that he would go to his office the next morning to run the affairs of state. Olmert will convene a Cabinet meeting at 9 AM, facing a political situation unprecedented in Israeli history - a minority government run by a member of a party in formation with elections less than 12 weeks away, among other question marks.

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4. Kassams Continue, Egypt-Gaza Border Open
By Ezra HaLevi

Kassam rockets continue to fall, the Gaza-Egyptian border lies open, and armed kidnappers seem to be showing some discretion in Gaza as to who they take into custody.


Six Kassam rockets struck Sderot on Wednesday evening, and two more landed near Ashkelon, injuring two people. This, despite the creation of a security zone on the site of destroyed Jewish towns in northern Gaza.

The Kassams that struck Sderot fell, once again, very close to a gas station on Road #34. Police say a direct hit could have detonated underground gas storage tanks and would have been devastating. Three rockets were also fired Tuesday night, one of them impacting near the same gas station.

Sderot residents ran for cover as the Red Dawn early warning system sounded its sirens several times throughout the night Tuesday and again Wednesday evening. The system alerts residents of an incoming missile, giving them half-a-minute to find cover.

Dozens of rockets have been fired as Sderot in the past week. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz told the Knesset Defense Committee Tuesday that the security zone created in northern Gaza was only designed to protect Ashkelon’s power station, and not the residents of Sderot and the western Negev.

In southern Gaza, armed terrorists used a bulldozer to knock down the concrete walls along the Gaza-Egypt border, opening the previously guarded passage to throngs of local Arabs from both sides that began crossing back and forth unchecked. Two Egyptian soldiers were killed and 37 injured before the 3,000 Egyptian troops stationed at the border chose to retreat rather than fire at the infiltrators. The border has previously been the site of intense IDF anti-smuggling efforts. Since Israel’s unilateral withdrawal, however, the transport of heavy weaponry and drugs over the border goes unhindered.

Elsewhere in Gaza, armed Fatah terrorists tried to kidnap the parents of Rachel Corrie, the American ISM activist who died while protesting IDF activities in Gaza in 2003. Once the terrorists were informed of the Corries’ alliances, they moved on.

Overnight Wednesday, security forces arrested eight wanted terrorists in Judea and Samaria. Three Islamic Jihad terrorists were apprehended in the village of Dir Al-Atzun, near Tul Karem, one PFLP terrorist was caught in the Jenin slums, and four Hamas terrorists were captured near Bethlehem and Ramallah.

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5. Israel´s Neighbors Warned "Not to Take Advantage"
By Hillel Fendel

Raanan Gissin, a close advisor to Prime Minister Sharon, said he would not advise any of Israel's neighbors to take advantage of the emergency situation Israel faces.

"There is no vacuum here," Gissin told reporters at the hospital. "Ehud Olmert is the Acting Prime Minister, and the IDF is ready and strong."

As Mr. Sharon was being operated on, at least eight Kassam rockets were fired by Arab terrorists in Gaza at the Sderot and south-of-Ashkelon areas. No casualties or damage were reported.

With Olmert taking over the Prime Minister's duties as of Thursday morning, much of Israel's political scene has become very unclear. Technically, Olmert can make every decision a regularly elected Prime Minister can make, but the spirit of the law is that he must act with restraint, and not make far-reaching decisions. He is faced with the uncertainty of his new Kadima Party, which was founded by and based almost totally on the personality of Ariel Sharon. National elections are less than 12 weeks away and Kadima has no list of Knesset candidates - nor a mechanism for choosing one.

The only development that may be able to be counted on is that the Likud ministers will not resign from the government this Sunday. They had planned to quit at the behest of Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu himself resigned from the government five months ago, just before the disengagement, but Ministers Naveh, Shalom, Livnat and Katz remain.

Palestinian Authority Vice Chairman Nabil Shaath said, "On a personal level, we express sorrow at that which has happened to Sharon." He warned, however, that "politically, it will increase the uncertainty we face in anticipation of the renewal of the peace process." Most observers had predicted that terrorism against Israel could be expected to be strongly renewed following the PA elections three weeks from now.

Violence directed against PA Chairman Abu Mazen increased in Gaza on Wednesday. Two Egyptian soldiers were shot dead after a mob of Gazan Arabs stormed across the Gaza-Egyptian border, known as the Philadelphi Route. The militants had mounted a show of force throughout Wednesday after one of their leaders was arrested for his involvement of the kidnapping of several foreigners. The PA police have been unable to control the outbreak of violence, and some policemen have initiated some violence themselves.

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6. Prayers for Sharon
By Hillel Fendel

Tzfat's Chief Rabbi says that, after seeing the destruction of Gush Katif, he is not praying for Sharon's welfare - but that Sharon has many merits. A Gush Katif rabbi is more forgiving.


Speaking on Arutz-7's "Preparing for Redemption" internet Hebrew radio program, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu of Tzfat said, "Whoever saw the destruction in Gush Katif and northern Shomron, can't pray for Sharon's recovery. On the other hand, I am not happy about his condition, and we must remember that he has many merits."

Rabbi Yosef Al-Nekaveh, who was expelled from his home in N'vei Dekalim five months ago in the framework of Sharon's disengagement plan, disagrees. He angered some of his former and current neighbors in publicly calling for prayers on behalf of Sharon. "Sharon fought for the Land, and did much for the State," Rabbi Al-Nekaveh told Israel Radio, "and despite our disagreement on the disengagement plan, we should pray for him."

Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef of Shas rushed to call for prayers for Sharon last night. Shas leader MK Eli Yeshai said yesterday afternoon, before the beginning of the current medical emergency, that news of new evidence against Sharon in what is known as the Schlaff-Kern bribery affair should not have been released this week. "Publicizing that news right before his scheduled catheterization [originally set for this morning -ed.] was like puncturing the tires of his ambulance," Yeshai said.

One man who was ripped away from his Gush Katif home this past summer said, "I would like to see how you would act upon hearing that the man who destroyed your home and threw your family - and 1,700 others - into the street had become very ill."

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7. Olmert Demands Taxes on Donated Items for Israel’s Needy
By Debbie Berman

Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ehud Olmert demanded last month that taxes be paid on charity items recently donated by American Jews to help Israel’s needy population prepare for winter.

Olmert's act raised a storm of angry criticism from Israeli and U.S. Jewish leaders, and has also created an unusually tense diplomatic climate sparking claims that trade treaties between Israel and America have been breached.

According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, Olmert made the decision to enforce an old, outdated law demanding a 28.5% tax and an additional airfare tax on U.S. charitable donations to Israel’s poor. The donations, which include medical supplies, clothing and toys, were the result of a charity drive in Jewish communities across the U.S. aimed at delivering the contributions to Israel in time for the holiday of Chanukah. While Olmert's staff refused to grant a reduction in the taxes that would allow the release of the charity items, Olmert himself took part in a press interview at a Tel Aviv soup kitchen, in an apparent move to publicize his concern for Israel's poor and needy.

A spokesperson at Olmert's office in the Ministry of Finance claimed the decision was made to protect Israel's second-hand garment industry:
“The law is explicit and has been in effect for decades. It is designed to protect the Israeli second-hand garment industry. If American donors want to assist Israel’s poor, they should send money and have clothing purchased in Israel for donations. The Ministry has looked into the matter at the very highest level of the Office of the Minister himself. The law to tax charitable donations is explicit, and no reduction of any kind can be considered. The American donors should have considered this consequence prior to engaging in so ambitious an undertaking.”

Israel Textile Union Chairman Ramsi Gabai denied the above claim:
“There has not even been a second-hand garment industry in Israel for 30 years. It is an absurdity to suggest that taxing American charity in any way defends the Israeli garment industry, or that such protection is at all desired by the Israeli textile industry. There is a Free Trade Agreement with the United States on all garments, which certainly covers charity if it covers items sold for profit. We ourselves at the Textile Union have a very large and successful program for the member firms to donate excess clothing inventory to charity. Are we to be taxed on our charity to the needy next?"

A spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy expressed frustration at the audacity of being taxed on charitable donations:
“There is no exemption from the Free Trade Agreement ratified with the State of Israel that would permit taxation of American citizens donating charity. The contention seems more bizarre than weak. The United States need not specifically include in its Free Trade treaties the self-evident inclusion of charitable donations for emergency relief in addition to commercially sold goods for profit. Did the Indonesians charge taxes on American charitable relief from the tsunami? Did India tax American charity donated after the killer monsoons? Did the Chileans tax American donations after the earthquake?”

Due to the unresolved crisis, more than 30 tons of donated clothing, toys, and medical supplies intended for Israel’s needy have been stranded for three weeks in warehouses at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport. The California-based donors who organized the charitable drive are not willing to pay the heavy tax imposed by Olmert's office.

Labor Party Economic Advisor and Knesset candidate Prof. Avishai Braverman attacked Olmert's decision and the entire Sharon Administration for its continued "callous and heartless" policies:
“We have become a truly heartless people during the Sharon Administration, to my deep regret. How blatant can the present government be in its mistreatment of the poorest citizens? ... This is much more than simple stupidity; it is a basic lack of humanity."

MK Effie Eitam (National Union) attempted to reassure American supporters of Israel that the Knesset would never allow Olmert's decision to stand:
“There has never been a Knesset – Likud or Labor, right or left, capitalist or communist - that has ever contemplated taxing American charity to Israel’s neediest. There never will be such a Knesset. Please do not let this temporary madness stop your wonderful efforts in assisting our neediest citizens. They should not be left to suffer for the stupidity of the present administration."

Many American Jewish leaders, who have traditionally been among Israel’s greatest supporters, voiced their anger at the situation. These included Rabbi Norman Lamm, the Chancellor Emeritus of Yeshiva University, as well as Rabbi Pesach Lerner, the Executive Vice-President, National Council of Young Israel Synagogues.

"It is the obligation of the American Jewish community," Rabbi Lamm stated, "not to remain silent to this outrage but to openly confront the Israeli government with the loud message: this is completely unacceptable. It is unacceptable in terms of all common decency. It is unacceptable in terms of all Western culture, and it is particularly unacceptable in its violation of every tenet of Judaism."

Rabbi Lerner said, “It is unheard of that donations of anything, especially clothing for children and adults who need such clothing to keep warm, should be held up by a government for customs taxes when that government and its agencies should themselves be supplying such assistance. The Jewish people are known for their concern for others. This government action is shameful."

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8. Sharon Suffers Massive Stroke
A7 Radio's "The Tovia Singer Show"
What does the end of the Sharon era mean to the future of the Jewish State? Also, Dr. Damon Salzman, a leading US neurologist, explains the seriousness of Sharon's cerebral hemorrhaging and organ failure.

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Also on Tovia Singer:

Busting Anti-Israel Myths
David Meir-Levi, author of "Big Lies: Demolishing the Myths of the Propaganda War Against Israel," exposes how anti-Israel forces fabricate history.

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9. World Waits as Sharon Fights for Life
By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu and Hillel Fendel

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has been on the operating table for over 5.5 hours. Reporters from around the world are awaiting word outside the emergency room of Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem.

The Prime Minister is on a respirator and has been anesthetized, undergoing an emergency operation for what doctors term "significant cerebral bleeding." Information on his condition is sparse, as only the operating team - three of the most senior surgeons in the country - has first-hand knowledge of the current situation. Aides close to Sharon and the hospital staff say, and their body language implies, that the situation is quite serious.

In general, the outcome of an operation of the type being performed on the Prime Minister is greatly in doubt. One website medical encylopedia states, "The outcome varies highly. Death may occur rapidly despite prompt medical treatment. Recovery may occur completely or with a permanent loss of some brain functions."

Dr. Yonatan HaLevy, the Director of Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, said shortly after 2 AM - over two and a half hours after the beginning of the operation - that the longer the operation continues, the more serious the situation appears to be.

Sharon complained earlier Wednesday evening of a headache and pains in the chest and hand. He was then taken by ambulance from his home at the Shikmim Farm near Sderot to Hadassah Ein Karem in Jerusalem, arriving fully conscious at around 11 PM. However, his condition deteriorated almost as soon as he arrived, and he was quickly taken to the operating room.

The operation could take up to several hours and "is not simple," doctors said.

Sharon's personal physician, Dr. Shlomo Segev, accompanied him to the hospital. Doctors announced at around 11:30 PM that the Prime Minister had suffered a "significant" stroke, and later said that there was "significant" bleeding in his brain.

Aides said that after consultations with the office of Attorney General Menachem Mazuz, the Prime Minister's powers were transferred to his deputy, Finance Minister Ehud Olmert.

The Prime Minister, who is to turn 78 in February, suffered a mild stroke on December 18, and was to undergo surgery Thursday morning for a procedure to close a small hole in his heart. The planned procedure is considered routine, with only a small measure of risk. The small hole in his heart of about one-eighth of an inch, a common birth defect, was discovered after the mild stroke, which left him unconscious for several minutes.

The assumption has been raised that the medicines prescribed for Sharon after the stroke, including blood-thinners, may have led to the hemorrhaging. It was emphasized, however, that the prescription of such medicines was totally indicated by accepted medical practice.

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10. Sharon in Critical But Stable Condition After 7 Hour Operation
By Scott Shiloh

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is in critical but stable condition after undergoing brain surgery for more than seven hours following a cerebral hemorrhage.

After the surgery, Sharon was transferred to the intensive care unit in Hadassah Ein-Karem hospital.

The director-general of Hadassah, Prof. Shlomo Mor-Yosef, said that Sharon’s vital signs were stable. A CT scan showed that extensive hemorrhaging, which had caused the prime minister’s situation to deteriorate shortly before arriving at the hospital Wednesday night, had stopped.

Mor-Yosef refused to comment on the extent the bleeding might have damaged Sharon's brain. Persons close to the prime minister have reported that it is unlikely that he will be able to return to his position as Prime Minister of Israel.

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said at a cabinet meeting convened Thursday morning that he hoped the prime minister would be able to recover from surgery and return to work.

The bleeding in Sharon’s brain may have been caused by blood thinning medication he was taking after suffering a minor stroke three weeks ago.

Sharon was rushed to Hadassah hospital after feeling ill at his Negev ranch. According to early reports, it appeared that Sharon had suffered another minor stroke. Some reports said the prime minister was talking on the phone on his way to the hospital.

Upon arriving at the hospital at approximately 11:00 P.M., Sharon, who was already unconscious, was diagnosed with a cerebral hemorrhage. At about midnight, doctors began a seven hour operation to stop the bleeding.

At 4:45 A.M., another CT scan was performed to observe the results of the operation. When additional hemorrhaging was located, doctors resumed the operation, which ended Thursday morning.

Sharon, who will be 78 next month, was scheduled to undergo a catheterization to close a hole in his heart on Thursday. Doctors attributed Sharon’s recent stroke to complications from that hole, a birth defect which had previously gone undetected.

Prime Minister Sharon is not expected to fully recover from last night’s stroke.

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