Shul Bulletin

For all halachos and minhagim, please scroll down to the bottom of this email,
or click here to read them in the “Chabd Chodesh”.

Hoshanah Rabba 
Wednesday, Tishrei 21/September 25

• Tehillim: 1:00 am
• Shacharis: 6:15, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 am
• Light Yom Tov candles: 6:26 pm
• Remember to make an Eruv Tavshilin
• Marriv: 7:20 pm
• Kiddush for men in the sukkah following maariv.
• Seudas yom tov for women upstairs in Moshe Gantz Hall: 7:30 pm
• Atta Horeisa: 8:45 pm
• Seudas yom tov and farbrengen for men in the sukkah following Hakofos.

Shemini Atzeres 
Thursday, Tishrei 22/September 26

• Last Time To Read Shema: 9:44 am
• Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am, Yiskor: 10:45
• Shacharis: 10:15 am, Yizkor: 12:00 pm
• During Mussaf we start saying Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem
• Mincha: 6:25 pm
• Light Yom Tov candles from a pre-existing flame after 7:28 pm
• Family Hakofos - Maariv 7:20 pm, followed by children's seudas yom tov and then Hakofos.
• Kiddush for men in the sukkah starting at 8:30 pm
• Seudas yom tov for women upstairs in Moshe Gantz Hall: 8:30 pm
• Atta Horeisa: 9:30 pm
• Seudas yom tov and farbrengen for men in the sukkah following Hakofos.

Simchas Torah 
Friday, Tishrei 23/September 27

• Last Time To Read Shema: 9:44 am
• Early Minyan Sharachris: 9:00 am 
• Shacharis: 10:30 am
• Kiddush: 11:30-12:30 (for men in the sukka, for women in the tent)
• KYY Hakofos: lerech 12:00 pm. Click here for more info.
• Main Minyan Atta Horeisa: 12:30 pm 
• Seudas yom tov and farbrengen after davining - for men in the sukkah, for women in the Kolell.
• Light Shabbos candles from a pre-existing flame 6:24 pm

Isru Chag - Shabbos Bereishis 
Shabbos Mevarchim Chodesh Mar-Cheshvan 
Tishrei 24/September 28

• Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim: 8:15 am
• Followed by a Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik 
• Thillim Club: 9:00 am 
• Last Time To Read Shema: 9:44 am
• Shacharis: 10:15 am
• Seudas Shabbos and farbrengen after davening - for men in the shul, for women in the Kollel.
• Mincha/Farbrengen: 5:45 pm
• Shabbos Ends: 7:27 pm
• Molad Chodesh Mar-Cheshvan: Friday, Tishrei 30/October 4, 11:30 pm and 3 Chalakim 
• Rosh Chodesh Mar-Cheshvan: Friday-Shabbos, October 4-5

• Rabbi & Mrs. Berel Wilhelm on the birth of their daughter. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs.Yonah Mordechai Weiss.
• Mr. & Mrs. David Kaufman on the birth of their grandson (to Nathan & Malkie Kaufman).
• Mr. Betzalel Fleischman on the engagement of his daughter Rivka Tanya to Yoni Ofek. 

Upcoming Birthdays

• Mr. Yoni Pelman - 24 Tishrei
• Shua Pinson - 24 Tishrei
• Yossi Weiss - 24 Tishrei
• Rabbi Shmuli Raitman - 25 Tishrei
• Sruly Glabman - 26 Tishrei
• Mr. Yehosuah Goldman - 27 Tishrei
• Sholom Dovber Thaler - 28 Tishrei
• Asher Katz - 28 Tishrei
• Levi Yitzchak Allison - 29 Tishrei

Upcoming Anniversaries

• Mr. & Mrs. Jon Engelson - 24 Tishrei
• Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Pinson - 25 Tishrei
• Rabbi & Mrs. Laizer Labkowsky - 26 Tishrei
• Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Niasoff - 26 Tishrei
• Mr. & Mrs. Jon Hambourger - 26 Tishrei
• Rabbi & Mrs. Dovi Gorelik - 28 Tishrei
• Rabbi & Mrs. Zali Munitz - 29 Tishrei
• Mr. & Mrs. Yossi Goldman - 29 Tishrei
• Rabbi & Mrs. Menachem Rubinstein - 30 Tishrei

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

• Tuvya Velvel ben Meir (Mrs. Miriam Fishman’s father) - 27 Tishrei
• Miriam Hinda bas Hershel (Mr. Richard Rosenbloom’s mother) - 28 Tishrei

Reprinted from the "Chabad Chodesh"

HOSHANA RABBA
Tuesday Night - Wednesday, Tishrei 21/September 24-25
The world is judged for water on Sukkos, ending on Hoshana Raba. The Zohar describes it as a Judgment Day like Yom Kippur: The judgment of Yom Kippur is sealed, the parchments with the decrees are handed to the angels to deliver. Thus, it has special importance as a day of Tefillah and Teshuvah.

It’s customary to stay up the night of Hoshana Raba and read Sefer Devarim. After midnight we say Sefer Tehillim with the Yehi Ratzon for Hoshana Raba in back of Tehillim. There’s a custom for the Gabai to distribute apples and honey. We eat them after Tehillim in the Sukkah.

If you’re up all night, wash Netilas Yodayim and say Birchos Hashachar. [Igros Kodesh of the Rebbe, Vol. III: 409]

In the Beis Hamikdash every day of Sukkos, they brought willow branches, standing them with their tops bent over the altar. When they arranged them they blew the Shofar: Tekiah, Teruah, Tekiah. To commemorate this, the Prophets instituted taking a bundle of Aravos on Hoshana Rabah. 

Everyone should get bundles of five Aravos for himself and his family. In the morning, before Hallel, remove the top two rings of the Lulav, leaving only the three binding the Hadasim and Aravos. In Shacharis, we say seven Hoshanos (see Siddur) and circle the Bimah seven times to commemorate the Beis Hamikdash. We don’t hold the Aravos when we circle. After Hoshanos and Kaddish, strike the Aravos on the ground five times and say the Yehi Ratzon. The five strikes sweeten the Five Gevuros.

It’s a custom to wash and eat a festive meal in the Sukkah today. It’s the last day we say “Leisheiv Basukah” and dip Challah in honey. It’s also the last day we say “L'Dovid HaShem Ori”.

Make an Erev Tavshilin

SHEMINI ATZERES
Wednesday Night - Thursday, Tishrei 22, September 25-26
Candle lighting is in the Sukkah.  Say: "L'hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov and Shechehiyanu".

“ . . . The Rebbe RaShaB said “We must treasure the forty-eight hours of Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Torah very much; in every moment we can gather barrels and kegs of physical and spiritual blessings. And this is through the dancing.” [Sefer Hamaamarim, 5711 p. 79]

We do Hakafos at night.

Minhag Chabad is to eat in the Sukkah by night and day. Don’t say “Leisheiv Basukkah”

We dip Challah in salt and not honey.

Yizkor is after Kriyas HaTorah.

Before Musaf the Gabai announces “Morid Hageshem”. If you say “Morid Hatal” instead of “Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem”, don’t repeat the Amidah. We say the Prayer for Rain in the Musaf repetition.

Towards evening we eat in the Sukkah one last time. It’s not our custom to kiss the Sukkah when we leave for the last time, nor do we say a Yehi Ratzon.

In terms of the Ushpizin of the Zohar, and the Chassidic Ushpizin, of the holiday of Sukkos, it follows that Shemini Atzeres is connected with Shlomo Hamelech and the previous Rebbe.  [Maayanei Hayeshua, p. 201]

SIMCHAS TORAH NIGHT
Thursday Night, Tishrei 23, September 26
Candle-lighting is in your house from a pre-existing flame.  Say Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov, and Shehechiyanu.

Since Simchas Torah night is very hectic, one must be extra careful to remember and to remind others to bentch licht!

We make seven Hakafos. We don’t read the Torah at night.

"...The time of Simchas Torah, particularly before Hakofos, was always an auspicious time for my sainted father-in-law, the Rebbe.

As such, also those who have several times asked for a particular brocha, for a need that has yet to be fulfilled, may now obtain its fulfillment.  

Therefore, let them take mashke, and say "L'chaim" to the Rebbe, and take upon themselves a particular commitment to strengthen their ties with him, and through this all matters will be achieved. [From a Sicha of Simchas Torah 5711]

 “ . . . My father (the Rebbe Rashab) said, “On Simchas Torah, every minute is a year.” [Sefer Hasichos 5702,  p. 9]

On Simchas Torah all the gates of heaven are open, the gates of light, blessing, success, and all other gates. And one receives from them through Torah. [Sefer Hasichos 5709, p. 59]

 “ . . . The Alter Rebbe said the first time the Baal Shem Tov spoke with his students about Simchas Torah he said: In general, on Simchas Torah, Jews sleep in a bit, because of the Hakafos and Seudas Yom Tov. The angels, however, don’t have that Avodah, so they get up early, as usual. They want to sing the Shirah, but without Jewish souls they can’t. They go to storm the Gan Eden.

Suddenly they find things there that they don’t know what they are: shoes and slippers, and they’re very surprised. They’re used to Tzitzis, Tefillin —but not slippers. They go off to ask the Angel Michoel, who answers that this is his merchandise: it’s from Jewish dancing with the Torah. He starts counting slippers: these are from Kaminka, these are from Mezeritch…  And in this the Angel Michoel prides himself over the Angel Metatron, who ties crowns for his Creator from the prayers of Israel, while he, the Angel Michoel, makes a better crown, from the torn slippers of Simchas Torah dancing.” [Sefer Hasichos 5701, p. 31-32, the Rebbe elaborated on this story thirty years later Shabbos Bereishis 2nd Farbrengen 5731]

*********

Simchas Torah 5676 (1815) the Rebbe,  the Tzemach Tzedek danced a lot, the healthiest of the young men couldn’t keep up with him, many fell down, and my great-grandfather kept dancing and as he danced he would announce, “Dance, Yidden, dance, enjoy yourselves with the Simcha of the Torah, and in its merit you will merit life, children and broad sustenance.

The Rebbetzin Chaya Mousia entered the room of her father the Mittler Rebbe and complained that he - the holy Tzemach Tzedek, her husband - was wearing out the Chassidim with his dancing.  You - said she to her father, the Rebbe - should have seen how he is out of himself.  My grandfather - the Alter Rebbe - told me that he has broad senses (chusim) his intellectual powers are broad and great.

The Mitteler Rebbe answered her: By him - the Tzemach Tzedek - is now illuminating the light of the simcha of the Torah like it shone in the Beis Hamikdash…

The night after Simchas Torah the Tzemach Tzedek used to change into another Kapote, because the first one was soaked with sweat and torn.  When the grandfather - the Tzemach Tzedek - would go into his special room, the Mitteler Rebbe’s great Chassidim would get pieces of the torn coat as a Segulah for success in Torah and Avodah.   (Sefer Hasichos 5703 p 11)

Simchas Torah Day
Friday, Tishrei 23, September 27
We do Birchas Kohanim in Shacharis. Before Kriyas HaTorah we circle the Bimah three and a half times and say seven Hakafos. Everyone gets an Aliyah, even boys under Bar Mitzvah.

Before Minchah we say Posach Eliyahu, and Yedid Nefesh (but not Hodu) since it’s Erev Shabbos.

On Simchas Torah we begin ChiTaS, learning Bereishis. 

On Simchas Torah, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, stressed the importance of setting times for learning especially of Rambam and ChiTaS, as we begin a new cycle of Chumash.

We bentch licht for Shabbos from a pre-existing flame, we need to remember to light on time since it is Shabbos.  The Brochah is Lehadlik Ner Shel Shabbos Kodesh.

ISRU CHAG /SHABBOS BEREISHIS
Tishrei 24, September 28
It’s Shabbos Bereishis and Shabbos Mevorchim Marcheshvan. We say Sefer Tehillim before Shacharis and bless the month. .

 “ . . . It’s known the saying of the Rebbeim that the way we set ourselves up on Shabbos Bereishis so goes the whole year” [Likutei Sichos: Vol. 1, p. 1]

Remember to use the food of the Eruv Tavshilin. 

 “ . . . In Lubavitch they used to announce after Simchas Torah: “And Yaakov went on his way”. [Likutei Sichos: Vol. 9, p. 398]

We don’t say Tachnun for the rest of Tishrei.

• Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”. 
• Click here for an IMPORTANT CARBON MONOXIDE ALERT 
• Please make sure to pay up all your kibud pledges and outstanding membership before Yom Tov. Click here. Thank you to all of our supporters!!!
• Young Chevra of Sothern California are proud to present the Grand Community Simchas Beis Hashoaiva, Sunday Tishrei 18/September 22. Click here for more info.
• Congregation Levi Yitzchok invites the entire community to a grand Simchas Bais Hashoaiva - Monday, Tishrei 19/September 23, 7:30 pm at the corner of Beverly and La Brea. Click here for more info.
• Thank you to Mr. Betzalel Fleischman and Mr. Meilech Weiss for the help in putting up the sukkah for the shul.
• Preparations for our world famous Congregation Levi Yitzchak Hakafos is in full swing. As usual, the shul counts on YOU!! Click here for more info.
• Simchas Beis Hashoaiva Farbrengens every night of Sukkos:
  1st Night - ELHARRAR’S Sukkah - 157 N. Fuller. 
  2nd Night - SCHNEERSON’S Sukkah - 364 N. Fuller. 
  3rd Night - RAICHICK ’S Sukkah - 145 S. Mansfield, and WIENER’S Sukkah - 7114 Rosewood
  4th Night - SCHMUKLER’S Sukkah - 601 N. Citrus 
  5th Night - FEINER’S Sukkah - 305 S. Mc Cadden 
  6th Night - WEISS’S Sukkah- 411 N. Martel 
  7th Night - BASTOMSKI’S Sukkah - 115 S. Formosa

Erev Sukkos 
Wednesday, 14 Tishrei/September 18

• Light Yom Tov Candles: 6:36 pm
• Remember to make an Eruv Tavshilin

First Day Sukkos 
Thursday, 15 Tishrei/September 19

• Last Time To Read Shema: 9:42 am
• Shacharis: 10:15 am
• Minchah: 6:35 pm
• Light Yom Tov candles from a pre-existing flame after 7:48 pm

Second Day Sukkos 
Friday, 16 Tishrei/September 20

• Last Time To Read Shema: 9:42 am 
• Shacharis: 10:15 am
• Minchah: 6:35 pm
• Light Shabbos candles from a pre-existing flame at 6:33 pm

Shabbos Chol Hamoed 
17 Tishrei/September 21

• Shiur Chassidus with Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
• Last Time To Read Shema: 9:43 am 
• Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am 
• Shacharis: 10:00 am
• Mincha: 6:30 pm
• Shabbos Ends: 7:36 pm

Note: The 6:30 minyan will start at 6:15 every morning during Chol Hamoed

Simi Raichik
Invites all women to her Shabbos Kalla
Friday night - 1s night of chol hamoed,
at 145 S Mansfiled Ave. 

Upcoming Birthdays

• Meir Shlomo Thaler - 18 Tishrei
• Aryeh Tzvi Schneerson - 18 Tishrei
• Yehuda Munitz - 20 Tishrei
• Rabbi Yonah Mordechai Weiss - 21 Tishrei
• Shlomo Binyomin Feldman - 21 Tishrei
• Zali Raichik - 22 Tishrei
• Chaim Plotkin - 23 Tishrei

Upcoming Anniversaries

• Mr. & Mrs. Yerachmiel Altman - 21 Tishrei

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

• Rivka bas Chaim Reb Yehoshua (Rabbi Sender Munitz’s mother) - 21 Tishrei
• Reb Yaacov Yitzchak ben Reb Avraham (Mr. Jon Hambourger’s father) - 21 Tishrei
• Reb Eliyahu Arye Leib ben Reb Yosef (Rabbi Nootie Gross’s father) - 22 Tishrei

Tishrei at 770 during the Yom Kippur War

By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

This year marks the fortieth year since the Yom Kippur War. I was a bachur at the time and would like to share some memories from the Tishrei and the summer preceding the war.

That year  (5734-1973) 770 was extended all the way to Kingston Avenue to accommodate the large numbers of people who came to see the Rebbe for Tishrei.  Generally, the Rebbe only stood on a platform to daven for Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah.  That year, because of the possibility of people crowding in to see, the Rebbe agreed to let a platform be built and used from Rosh Hashanah on, and specified the dimensions. It was done on the condition that it is dismantled immediately after Simchas Torah. In the later years he agreed to allow it all year long.

That Rosh Hashanah was something extraordinary.  In general the Rebbe didn’t say good Yom Tov until after Yom Kippur. This year, after Musaf the first day, the Rebbe turned to the crowd and said “Gut Yom Tov” three times with a wave of his holy hand, something that was usually reserved for Motzei Yom Kippur, Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Torah.

Anyone who has been by the Rebbe for Rosh Hashanah knows how serious the mood would have been.  The crowd was taken by surprise.  Someone started a nigun and the Rebbe motioned with his hands.  The crowd in 770 started to dance like it was Simchas Torah. It was the same that night after Maariv and the next day after Musaf.

In the letter for 6 Tishrei, the Rebbe added a reference in the footnotes to the song of Chanah, the Haftorah of Rosh Hashanah, to look into the Targum which tells of the wars of the Jewish People and their victories.  The Rebbe insisted that this footnote be publicized in Eretz Yisroel before Yom Kippur.

On the morning of Yom Kippur everyone soon found out that the war had broken out in Eretz Yisroel.  During Napoleon’s march the Rebbe did not stand on a chair as he usually did, or on the steps.  Instead he turned to the crowd in the middle of the nigun, wrapped in his Tallis with his face completely covered, and with his hands and his head he encouraged the crowd.

At the farbrengen of the 13th of Tishrei, the Yahrtzeit of the Rebbe MaHaRash, the Rebbe began with the question of, "How can we farbreng when Jews are fighting for their life?"  The point of his answer was to explain the teachings of the Mezritcher Maggid and the Baal Shem Tov about the verse “HaShem Tzilecho”, that HaShem is “your shadow”, that is, whatever happens below is reflected above.  Since we are with Simcha, Simcha breaks through all barriers; therefore, we are helping the Yidden in Eretz Yisroel to be victorious.  The Rebbe emphasized that if the politicians had had their way and given back land, the price would have been much worse.  Similarly in the spiritual borders of the Jewish People, conversion is only according to Halacha,. Going  against this has  infiltrated  the border that separates the Jew from the gentile and gives power to the physical enemies of Israel. At that fabrengen the Rebbe mentioned that the reason he spoke about the children all summer was because of the impending war. He also explained the reason that he made the siyum on Vav Tishrei specifically on meseches Challah. It is because in the last mishna it speaks about bringing bikurim from Syria. The reason it is acceptable is because it’s on the outskirts of Yerushalayim.

That spring, from Shavuos throughout that entire summer, the Rebbe’s campaign emphasized the importance of children; that children learn Torah in summer camps and do other Jewish activities.  Repeatedly the Rebbe stressed the verse from Tehillim, chapter 8 “From the mouth of infants and sucklings you have found strength on account of your foes, to put an end to enemy and avenger....”

The Rebbe’s campaign was fulfilled. New day camps opened, the bochurim prepared daily study booklets for children, they visited Jewish camps to help teach the children who attended.  Whatever could be done to encourage children to learn and participate in Jewish events was put into action.

In those days the Rebbe did not make a fabrengen every Shabbos.  On the Shabbos of Parshas Devorim - Shabbos Chazon the Rebbe made a fabrengen and gave unusual and special attention to the children by pouring from his cup of wine to all children under Bar and Bas Mitzvah age.  Between each sichah the Rebbe distributed wine from his cup.  Children streamed to the Rebbe’s table.  Parents went home and returned with more children. 

On Shabbos Parshas Ekev - Chof Av - the Rebbe instructed that all the children should say L’chaim and even the girls upstairs should be lifted up so they could be seen through the window of the Mechitza - he wanted to see them.

In Elul, and in Aseres Yemei Teshuvah, the Rebbe requested that children all over the world should participate in rallies, and there should even be a children’s rally at the Kosel Hamaaravi. On Vov Tishrei the Rebbe said that since we have been speaking to children so much, one of the children should start a nigun. One child began singing the nigun Becho HaShem Chosisi...

Four days later, at the shocking outbreak of the Yom Kippur War, everyone realized that the possuk the Rebbe had emphasized all summer and the campaign to encourage children in their study of Torah was in order that the merit of the children learning would protect the Yidden in Eretz Yisroel.

The second night of Sukkos the Rebbe made a surprise fabrengen. (In those years the Rebbe did not speak every night of Sukkos.)  Sure enough, when we got to 770, the place was set up and everyone was waiting for the Rebbe to come in.  The Rebbe went to his place and began to give it to the audience for not rising to the occasion with the Simcha that was demanded.  His demand was for joy.  He complained that people were not B’simcha, they were wandering here and there, looking at the sky, maybe it won’t rain, maybe it will rain...

In those days Simchas Bais Hashoeva consisted of farbrengens in the Sukkos.  As to the question of who would farbreng, who was worthy to farbreng, the Rebbe answered very simply:  If you know Alef (of Chassidus, or of  Yiddishkeit in general) and the next person does not know Alef, so teach him Alef.  If you know Bais and he doesn’t know Bais, then teach him Bais.

The demand was “Mol’oh Ha’aretz farbrengen es Hava’ye.” "The whole world should be encompassed by farbrengens". That night and every night 770 was rolling.  Chassidim farbrenged every night all over Crown Heights. 

Shabbos Chol Hamoed the Rebbe made a farbrengen in the shul, without Kiddush or food, as understood, after the davening.  His directive was that Israel should capture Damascus, not to hold on to it, but to rescue the Jews there and go back.

The Lubavitch Youth Organization sponsors an annual convention during Chol Hamoed Sukkos as a way of greeting the guests from out of town.  That year Rabbi Weinberg suggested writing a general Pidyon on behalf of the safety of Yidden in Eretz Yisroel. 

An entire minyan was chosen to go to the Rebbe with this Pidyon, after they wrote it.  When they told the Rebbe why they had come, the Rebbe said to them, “I am in Simcha and you want to put me in bitterness?  You yourselves should go to the Ohel and read the Pidyon.”

On Shemini Atzeres the fourth Hakafah was for the Israeli soldiers and reservists who were there.  The Rebbe sung the words of the Hakafah to the tune of “Ha’aderes Vehaemunah”.  On Simchas Torah one of the Hakafos was for the visitors from France.  The Rebbe went to the edge of the platform and began singing the words of “Ha’aderes Vehaemunah” to the tune of the Marseillaise.  He filled the entire tune with the words, even the high parts, not like it was done later.

Shabbos Bereishis the Rebbe remarked that just as the Alter Rebbe had converted “Napoleon’s March” to holiness, the same with the Marseillaise.

After the war the Rebbe was asked where were the miracles in this war, as opposed to the 6-day war, when everyone saw open miracles.  The Rebbe answered this question at the Shabbos farbrengens of Noach and Toldos. 

First:  In Jerusalem there are 70,000 Arabs, plus all the Arabs in the West Bank.  While the Israeli Army was at the front they could have started an uprising.  Instead, the Al-Mighty threw a fear into them and they sat and did nothing.

Second:  The Rebbe had been in France during the infamous Blitzkrieg.  Once the Germans broke through the Maginot line there was nothing to stop them.  There was some fighting from city to city, but the war was essentially over on the first day. When the Egyptians broke through the Bar Lev line there weren’t even cities on the way, just open desert.  The miracle was that they went a few kilometers and stopped.  Later, on Yud Tes Kislev, the Rebbe explained that the Al-Mighty is “HaShem Tzvaos”, the G-d of armies, armies plural.  He gave the orders to the Egyptian army that “you’ll break through the line and you’ll stop and you won’t be able to move until My children are ready!”

On the question of Damascus, the Rebbe mentioned he had been given the excuse that there was difficult terrain on the way there.  He said that if he hadn’t heard it he wouldn’t have believed anyone had the chutzpah to say it.  The truth is that even though Washington was outwardly giving signals the other way, the Americans were counting on Israel to take out Damascus and rid them of a major headache.  They were disappointed when the army issued a communiqué and did not go forward.

Later, during “Camp David” the Rebbe brought the Yom Kippur war as a proof that politicians have no right to define Jewish borders.  Only military people, speaking from the perspective of military people, have a right to make decisions that affect the safety of the Jewish People.  Before the war the Army had reliable intelligence that there was going to be an attack.  They begged the government to carry out a pre-emptive strike.  When they were refused they asked at least for a full mobilization.  The government again refused, claiming that they did not want to alienate America.  The truth was, the Rebbe said, that if thay had carried out the strike it would have saved hundreds of lives.  Plus, there would have been no need for American help, because the war could have been won without American weapons.  The lesson was clear.  In these questions, politics and politicians are a danger to life.  The solution is in the clear ruling of the Shulchan Aruch, military preparedness based on the professional wisdom of military people.

B’ezras HaShem, in the next issue we will discuss, v"ht, the Tishrei of 5738 (1977) and the Rebbe’s demand for joy, then and in the eventful months that followed, twenty years ago.

Reprinted from the Chabad Chodesh 

Building the Sukkah
It’s a Mitzvah to build the Sukkah right after Yom Kippur; when you have an opportunity to perform a Mitzvah, don’t let it wait. It’s a Mitzvah to make your Sukkah yourself.

Build it completely under the open sky, not under overhanging tree branches, awnings, etc. Make the walls strong enough that the wind won’t shake them. Chabad custom is to make four complete walls. Canvas walls should be tied down firmly to prevent them from moving (if they do, the Sukkah may not be kosher). Build the walls first, THEN place the S’chach. If you make the roof first and then set up the walls underneath, the Sukkah’s not kosher.

The S’chach must have grown from the ground, be detached and be something that can’t become Tameh (impure). Use enough S’chach to have more shade than sun. S’chach dries out and becomes thinner; Make sure to use enough. You can add more during Chol HaMoed. Minhag Chabad is to use a lot of S’chach.

Chabad custom is not to decorate the Sukkah.

You can build a Sukkah during Chol Hamoed.

It’s forbidden to use the materials of the Sukkah (walls or roof) until after Simchas Torah. When the Sukkah is dismantled and put away after Sukkos, be careful not to step on its parts, or treat them in a degrading way: they’ve been used for a Mitzvah.

The Four Types (Arba Minim)
Lulav, Esrog, Hadasim and Aravos
This is a short basic guide to purchase and use of the four Minim. They all constitute one Mitzvah, if any of the four aren’t kosher, you didn’t fulfill the Mitzvah. Buy them from a reliable dealer a G-D fearing person.

The Torah calls the Esrog “Pri Etz Hadar”, beautiful in appearance and growth. All four Minim are written in the same Pasuk, so all four should be beautiful in appearance and first choice in quality. Generally, the first thing to check is that top f each is intact and not broken off.

Selecting A Lulav
The minimum size for a Lulav is four Tefachim (at least 13 inches, not counting the leaves extending above the spine itself). It should be fresh, green, and perfectly straight, without any bend or curve in any direction. The leaves shouldn’t be separated from each other, but packed tightly together. The top double leaf shouldn’t be split or separated. Minhag Chabad is not to have “Kneplach” (a bent tip). When checking the top leaf, follow the spine up with your finger and don’t separate the leaves.

The Hadasim
The three branches of Hadasim (myrtle) must be minimally three Tefachim (at least 9.6 inches), not counting the top leaves. They should be fresh and green without any dryness or withering. The top of the branch should be whole and even the top leaves should be whole. The top three leaves, especially, should be fresh and green.

The Hadas grows as a woven network of leaves. It has three leaves growing near each other in a circle, no one leaf lower than the others (this is called Mishulash). Many myrtle branches grow with two leaves on the same level and a third above or below. This isn’t a woven network but an unacceptable wild Hadas.

All three branches should be Mishulash the entire required length, or at least a majority of it. If a Hadas was Mishulash and a leaf fell off of each level, (leaving only two leaves on each level), it’s still kosher.

The Aravos
The two branches of Aravos must be minimumally three Tefachim (at least 9.6 inches) not counting the top leaves. The leaves should be long, the edges of the leaves smooth, and the twig red. The top of the twig and top leaf should be intact. All leaves should be fresh, without dryness or wrinkles. All leaves within the full Shiur of three Tefachim should be present, each leaf whole. If the Aravos are too long, you may cut them.  Be careful to cut from the BOTTOM of the branch.  If most leaves of the Aravah fell off within its Shiur of three Tefachim, the Aravah is Pasul.

The Esrog
The Esrog should be free of marks, especially the upper portion. The cleaner an Esrog the more Mehudar. It should have many bumps and not be smooth as a lemon. Its stem should be recessed, the Esrog growing around the stem, rather than the stem growing above the surface. Being round like a ball takes away from its beauty. The stem and Pitum should be on the axis; it shouldn’t be curved or bent. An Esrog which grew without a Pitum is kosher, an Esrog whose Pitum fell off isn’t.

Minhag Chabad is to use “Yanover” (Genovese/Italian) Esrogim (they’re grown in Calabria, and called “Yanover” since they’re sent from the port of Genoa.)

“... (The Alter Rebbe said) “When Hashem said to Moshe, “Take for yourself a Pri Etz Hadar ”, they put messengers on a cloud and sent them to bring Esrogim from Calabria (Italy)”. [Sefer Haminhagim, p. 65]

The Shiurim are those of R. Avraham Chaim Noeh. Try to have all the Minim BIGGER than their minimum Shiurim.

Preparing The Lulav
We use one Esrog, one Lulav, at least three Hadasim and two Aravos. Some add more Hadasim. [In 5752, the Rebbe said to add at least three more Hadasim, as a Hidur Mitzvah]. 

We use 5 rings. The Chabad Minhag is to bind the Lulav, Hadasim and Aravos with rings made from a Lulav, and not use a holder. Bind the Hadasim and Aravos to the Lulav with three rings. All three rings should be together within one Tefach (a handbreadth: about three inches). When binding the Hadasim and Aravos, be careful not to detach any leaves. Make sure the Hadasim and Aravos are right side up, the top of the branch towards the top of the Lulav. 

Put the other two rings on the Lulav itself, covered by the Hadasim and Aravos (even the top ring, at least somewhat). 

Take the Lulav with the spine facing you, place one Hadas and Aravah on the right side, one Hadas and Aravah on the left and one Hadas in the center (leaning slightly to the right). Place the Aravos behind the Hadasim not too conspicuously.

It’s a custom to prepare the Lulav in the Sukah on Erev Yom Tov. It’s best to prepare your own Lulav personally.

Parents should train their children to do the Mitzvah of Lulav (and Na’anuim at Hallel) and if possible, try to buy them a Kosher Lulav and Esrog.

The Sukkah
The Mitzvah to dwell in the Sukkah is unique: it’s the only Mitzvah, which wholly encompasses a person, from the top of his hat to the soles of his shoes.

In the Sukkah you’re Halachically required to reflect on the Sukkah’s meaning: It says “Dwell in Sukkos seven days that your generations know that I had Bnei Yisroel dwell in Sukkahs when I took them out of Eretz Mitzrayim.” [Vayikra 23:42-43] These Sukkahs were the “Clouds of Glory” which surrounded and shaded them from the scorching sun. HaShem commanded us to make Sukkos for shade, to remember His miracles. When sitting in the Sukkah, have in mind to fulfill the Mitzvah of HaShem to commemorate Yitzias Mitzrayim: the awareness is part of the Mitzvah.

We eat, drink and live in the Sukkah all seven days and nights. Generally, consider the Sukkah as your house; whatever you’d normally do in your house, do in the Sukkah. Chabad custom is not to sleep in the Sukkah.

The Sukkah should be kept neat and clean.

Leisheiv Basukkah
We say “Leisheiv Basukkah” only when we eat a minimum of two ounces of bread, cake or foods, which are Mezonos.

If you forget “Leisheiv Basukkah” before eating, say it when you remember, even if you finished the meal. (Just sit a few more minutes in the Sukkah).

If you leave the Sukkah without having in mind to return within an hour or two, you must say the Brachah before you eat again (even if you return immediately). If you go to  another Sukkah, say “Leisheiv Basukkah” again.

Even though only bread or cake must be eaten in the Sukkah, Chabad  custom is to eat and drink (even water) only in the Sukkah, throughout Sukkos and Shemini Atzeres. Even small children should be taught to eat in the Sukkah.

Z’man Simchoseinu
Chasidus explains that “rejoicings” refers to “Yisroel rejoices in their Maker” [Tehillim, 149:2] and “HaShem rejoices in His works” [Tehillim, 104:31]. 

Since Sukkos is “Season of our   Rejoicings” not “Season of Yisroel rejoicing in their Maker” or “HaShem rejoices in His works”, both rejoicings are united together every moment of Sukkos.

Erev Sukkos
Wednesday, Tishrei 14, September 18
It’s customary to give Tzedakah generously on Erev Sukkos. We should see to it that all are provided with the necessities of Yom Tov.

Check your Eruv before Sukkos. If your Sukkah is on shared property, be certain you have an “Eruv Chatzeiros”.

Eruv Tavshilin
Since the second day of Yom Tov will be on Friday.  We make an Eruv Tavshilin on Erev Yom Tov to enable us to prepare food on Friday for Shabbos:

Take Challah [at least a “Kibeya” (2 oz.)], and a food [at least a “Kizayis” (1 oz.)] fish or meat; say the Brachah, “Al Mitzvas Eruv”, and the statement, “BiDein”, (see Siddur) in a language you understand.

The Challah and food must remain until Shabbos.  The custom in to use the Challah for Lechem Mishneh of the first two Shabbos meals and we eat the Challah and food during Shabbos.  Food prepared on Friday for Shabbos must be cooked before candle lighting.

In the late afternoon don’t eat a meal, so you’ll eat the meal in the Sukah at night with a good appetite.

Men go to the Mikveh Erev Yom Tov.

First Night Of Sukkos
Wedneseday, Tishrei 15, September 18
Women and girls light the candles in the Sukkah. It’s important to put the candles in a safe place .  At Candle Lighting we say:  Lihadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov and Shehechiyanu.  

Prepare the table so that as soon as you come home from Shul you can say Kiddush in the Sukkah without delay.

Minhag Chabad is not to say the invitation for the Ushpizin.

We say Kiddush for Yom Tov aloud followed by “Leisheiv Basukkah” and “Shehechiyanu.” Wash and make Hamotzi immediately after Kiddush. (It’s best to wash near the Sukkah.)

To fulfill the Mitzvah of eating in the Sukkah the first two nights, men must eat at least 1 ounce of Challah in the Sukkah (even if it’s raining). This must be done after nightfall, even if you brought Yom Tov in earlier. (Women aren’t obligated to sit in the Sukkah, but many have the custom to do so.)

We dip Challah in honey three times. We use honey on Yom Tov and Hoshana Rabah (some use honey on Chol Hamoed too). We put salt on the table; many dip Challah in salt during the meal.

If you forget Yaaleh V'yavoh in Birchas Hamazon on Yom Tov (night or day) repeat it. If you remember in the middle of Birchas Hamazon , see Siddur.

“...On the first night of Sukkos the Rebbe Rashab would sit in the Sukkah and learn all night.”  (Sichah 5694)

Ushpizin
The Zohar says seven guests, Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, Aharon, Yosef and Dovid, grace every Sukkah. They are our Seven Shepherds; each day they visit every Sukkah. Each day has a main guest (first day Avraham, second day Yitzchak, etc.), whom the others accompany.

The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe explained that there are also the Chassidic Ushpizin, the Baal Shem Tov, Mezritcher Maggid, Alter Rebbe, Mitteler Rebbe, Tzemach Tzedek, Rebbe MaHaRaSh, and the Rebbe RaShaB.

The first day, the Guest is Avraham, the Chassidic Guest is the Baal Shem Tov. The second day, the main guest is Yitzchak; the Chassidic Guest is the Mezeritcher Maggid. Each night of Sukkos, the  Rebbe, would explain the connection between the Ushpizin of the Zohar and those of Chassidus to that day of Sukkos. From each Guest we learn a lesson in serving HaShem the entire year. You can find this in “Sichos in English.”

As we know, every night of Sukkos sees the arrival of the seven ushpizin.  Both the ushpizin of the Zohar, and the Chassidic ushpizin that were revealed by our Rebbe.  And as is known that this was in a (literal) manner so that "he would indicate with his finger" that here sat the Baal Shem Tov, and here sat the Maggid, etc.  The reason for the past tense usage of "sat" is because they told of this after it happened.  But as we are now sitting here on the first night of Sukkos, it is obvious that the ushpizin are presently here.  (From a sicha of the first night of Sukkos, 5752)

Besides these spiritual guests, we should invite many physical guests to the Sukkah, especially people who are needy, or don’t have a Sukkah.

First Day Sukkos
Thursday, Tishrei 15, September 19
Rise early to do the Mitzvah of Lulav and Esrog, especially the first time. Men don’t eat until they Bentch Lulav. We Bentch Lulav daily, except Shabbos. It’s preferable to do it in the Sukkah. The first time, we add “Shehechiyanu”.

On the first day, by Torah law, (and the second day by Rabbinic law), the four Minim must belong to you. If you borrow a Lulav and Esrog, the lender should say (or have in mind) he’s giving it as a temporary gift.

Hold the Lulav in your right hand, the spine facing you. Remove any rings from your fingers.

Say the Brachah “Al Netilas Lulav”, then pick up the Esrog in your left hand, stem downwards. (The first time you say it say “Shehechiyanu”.)

Bring your hands together so the Lulav and Esrog touch. (If you’re  left-handed, hold the Lulav in your left hand and pick up the Esrog in your right.) Make sure there’s no separation between your hands and the Lulav and Esrog.

Naanuim (Shaking of the Lulav)
Shake eighteen times, 3 times in six directions. 

Here’s how:

Face east.

Extend your arms to the right (southeast) and shake the Lulav slightly. 

Bring the Lulav and Esrog back to your heart, extend them out and back another two times. Shake the Lulav slightly when you stretch out your arms.

Do this, extending and returning:

3 times to the left (northeast),
3 times forward (east),
3 times up,
3 times down (Lulav stem down) 
3 times back (west).

Keep facing east and not the direction you’re shaking.

Make sure the Lulav doesn’t touch anything as you shake it so you don’t damage it.

The Gemara explains: “We wave them back and forth to He Who is Master of the four directions, up and down, to He Who is Master of heaven and earth . . . back and forth to restrain harmful winds, up and down to restrain harmful dews.”

Hallel
During Hallel hold the Lulav in the right hand (left for lefties). Before the Naanuim, take the Esrog and hold them together. Do the Naanuim while saying:

1. Hodu LaShem Ki Tov . . . 
2. Ana HaShem Hoshia Na
3. Ana HaShem Hoshia Na
4. Hodu LaShem Ki Tov . . . (first one only)

The first and fourth Pesukim have six words, (and HaShem’s name). For each word, (except HaShem’s name) shake the Lulav three times in one direction according to pattern. The second and third Pesukim have three words, (and HaShem’s name). For each word, (exept HaShem’s name) shake the Lulav three times in each of two directions according to pattern.

If you said the Brachah on the Lulav after the Amidah, make only three series of movements in Hallel, omitting the one at the repetition of Ana HaShem Hoshia Na.

Hoshanos
After Hallel we say Hoshanos. The Chazan says them aloud from “Samech” or “Ayin”. We circle the Bimah in a full circle, holding the Lulav and Esrog in both hands so they touch. (A mourner doesn’t circle).  Since the first day was Shabbos we say Hoshanos for two days but circle only for the second day.

In the Beis Hamikdash, each day of Sukkos, they circled the altar once, carrying Lulavim, saying “Please, HaShem, save us. Please, HaShem, grant us success.” [Tehillim 118:25] On the seventh day they circled seven times. We circle the Bimah each day to commemorate the Beis Hamikdash.

At Kiddush by day (see Siddur), say “Leisheiv Basukkah” after Kiddush.

We’re obligated to rejoice on Yom Tov.  We eat meat; men drink an extra cup of wine, besides Kiddush.

No preparations may be made for the Second Day before candle-lighting time

Second Night Sukkos
Thursday, Tishrei 16, September 20
Candle lighting is in the Sukkah, from a pre-existing flame.  Say: L'hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov and Shechechiyanu.

We must eat at least a kazayis (1 ounce) of bread in the Sukkah.

Simchas Beis Hashoevah
“ . . . Though it’s a Mitzvah to rejoice on all the festivals, there was additional celebration in the Temple on the festival of Sukkos . . . On the eve of the first day the festival, they set up a place in the Temple for women [to watch] from above, and men from below, so they wouldn’t intermingle with each other.

The celebration would begin the night after the first day of the festival. Similarly, on each day of Chol Hamoed, after offering the daily afternoon sacrifice, they would begin to celebrate for the rest of the day and throughout the night.

“The flute would be sounded and songs played on the harp, lute, and cymbals . . . Each person would play the instrument he knew. Those who could sing would sing. They would dance and clap their hands, letting loose and whistling, each in the manner he knew. They would say words of song and praise.

It’s a great mitzvah to increase this Simchah. The common people would not perform [in these celebrations]; only the greatest of Israel’s wise men: the Roshei Yeshivos, heads of the Sanhedrin, the pious, the elders, and the men of great deeds, performed. It was they who would dance, clap their hands, sing and rejoice in the Temple on the days of the festival of Sukkos.  However, the entire people, the men and the women, would come to see and hear.” [Rambam Hilchos Shofar, Sukkah V'lulav, 8:12-14]

“Whoever didn’t see Simchas Beis Hashoevah has never seen rejoicing in his life!  . . . There were golden menorahs . . . There wasn’t a courtyard in Jerusalem that wasn’t illuminated with the light of Beis Hashoevah.

The pious and men of good deeds would dance before them with torches of fire in their hands and recite songs of praise. The Levites would play the harps, lutes, cymbals, and all other types of instruments on the steps . . . leading down from the Israelites’ courtyard.” [Mishnah Sukkah, 5:1-2]

"...The custom of the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek was that after Maariv of the second night, he would begin to arrange Fabrengens with nigunim and dancing.  He would dance so hard that even the young men couldn't keep up with him." [Sefer Hasichos, 5703, p. 10]

Our disadvantage becomes our advantage: the complete joy of the Simchas Beis Hashoevah, with the flute, and all the instruments began Motzei Yom Tov of the first day since the flute wasn’t played on Yom Tov. Today, when the Simchas Beis Hashoevah isn’t like in the Beis Hamikdash, with the flute, etc., we can and must begin Simchas Beis Hashoevah immediately on the first night of Sukkos.

Moreover, our disadvantage becomes our advantage, in the participation of all Jews. Since it doesn’t have the stature it had in the Beis Hamikdash, everybody can and must participate. Not only through seeing and hearing, but also with actual Simchah and dancing, every single Jew and even children. [Maayanei Hayeshua, p. 44]

Second Day Sukkos
Friday, Tishrei 16, September 20
Don’t’ say Shehechiyanu on the Lulav.

Before Minchah we say Posach Eliyahu, and Yedid Nefesh (but not Hodu), since it’s Erev Shabbos.

We bentch licht for Shabbos from a pre-existing flame, we need to remember to light on time since it is Shabbos.  The Brochah is Lehadlik Ner Shel Shabbos Kodesh.

Light Shabbos candles in the Sukkah, in a safe place:  they’re muktzah.  If a family lights many candles and they are afraid it may be dangerous in the Sukkah, before sunset someone who did not bench licht may take most of the candles into the house.  However, at least two candles should be left burning in the Sukkah.  

Shabbos Chol Hamoed
Tishrei 17, September 21
Kabolas Shabbos stars with Mizmor L’Dovid.  In the last stanza of Lecha Dodi say B’Simchah.  Say the regular Shabbos Amidah with Ya’aleh Viyavo.  If you forget it repeat the Amidah. (see Siddur)

Say Shalom Aleichem and Eishes Chayil quietly before Kiddush.  Say Leishev Basukah after Kiddush.

We don’t Bentch Lulov on Shabbos.  The Lulav and Esrog are Muktzah.  No Hoshanos in Shachris. Musaf of Shalosh Regalim with Shabbos inserts.

Say Kiddush quietly until Boreh Pri HaGofen.

Remember to use the food of the Eruv Tavshilin.

On Motzei Shabbos don't say Vehi Noam.  We say V’Yitein Lecha quietly.

Havdalah is said in the Sukkah with Leisheiv Basukah.

Chol Hamoed
We change Aravos and Hadasim for fresh ones during Chol Hamoed. Make sure they remain kosher; they can be changed more than once.

We don’t wear Tefillin. We Daven the weekday Amidah, with Yaaleh V'yavoh. We say Hallel and Hoshanos, followed by Kriyas HaTorah.

In the Beis Hamikdash, different Korbonos were brought every day of Sukkos for a total of seventy. Thus, each day’s Musaf has a different insert; follow the Siddur carefully.

We’re obligated to rejoice on Chol Hamoed. We eat meat; men drink an extra cup of wine.

If you forget Yaaleh V'yavoh in Birchas Hamazon, don’t repeat it. If you remember before the fourth Brachah, see Siddur.

Sewing, laundering (except baby clothes), haircuts and nail cutting are forbidden.

During Sukkos it's appropriate to  increase our efforts to reach out to Jews, even those in distant places and share with them the Mitzvos and happiness of Sukkos (Sukkah, Lulav and Estrog, and Simchas Beis Hasho'eivah). [Tishrei 13, 5752]

This was forwarded to us, and we felt it would benefit those who will be staying home over the upcoming three day yomim tovim. 

This past  Shabbos morning (the third day of the “three day Yomtov”) I was awakened by the sound of the carbon monoxide alarm announcing high levels. We immediately cleared everyone out of the house and summoned the fire department. When they arrived, they informed me that the cause of the high carbon monoxide levels was due to leaving the stove and oven on over Yomtov and Shabbos. The buildup of these dangerous fumes was not due to a faulty gas line or leaking appliances, but rather to the lack of adequate ventilation. The constant burning of the gas range and oven - even on a low flame, will over time emit unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide.  I was told that the fire department was tending to many such call over the last few days. The firemen implored me to please tell the Rabbis and announce to the community that if people need to leave on the stove or oven over the holidays, then must ensure that the area is properly ventilated. Turning on an exhaust fan or even opening the kitchen window a bit is enough to prevent terrible danger.

I  would also like to  stress the importance of  a carbon monoxide detector. They are not expensive and often come together with the smoke alarm. I would not want to think what our Shabbos would have been like had we not had the alarm- especially since the gas travels upward and the levels upstairs where everyone was sleeping were much higher. 

I have been told that in some communities there are public announcements to alert people to take the necessary precautions.

• Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
• A message from KYY... How many times have you wanted to buy Maftir Yonah, but it was beyond your means? Now is your chance in a community wide cooperative method. What better way than doing it at a kids minyan where the kids have “the direct line” to Hashem. Click here to participate.
• Grand Opening Sale Of Ainyah's Boutique!!! This Sunday the 15th from 10:00am - 5:00pm at 7155 Beverly Blvd. Free gift for every $50 spent while supplies last. Join us again for nighttime shopping 8:00pm - 10:00pm with wine and refreshments!!! Website is ainyahs.com Chanah Ainyah Kaufman 

For all the laws and customs 
Please see the Chabad Chodesh

Erev Yom Kippur 
Friday, 9 Tishrei/September 13

• Minchah: 3:30 pm 
  The Shul upstairs will be open mincha time, so you can bring up whatever you will need for Yom Kippur.
• Light Candles: 6:43 pm

Yom Kippur 
Shabbos, 10 Tishrei/September 14

• Shacharis: 9:30 am
• Children’s program downstairs in shul at 10:30 am
• Yizkor: 12:00 pm
• Fast Ends: 7:45 pm

• Rabbi & Mrs. Berel Cohen on the birth of their son. Mazal Tov to the grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Lerner.

Upcoming Birthdays

• Mr. Ari Brown - 10 Tishrei
• Shmuel Chaim Plotke - 10 Tishrei
• Yosef Yitzchok Habibian - 12 Tishrei
• Rabbi Alon Asefovitz - 13 Tishrei
• Mr. Shmuel Freeman - 13 Tishrei
• Jason Pollard - 15 Tishrei
• Mr. Eli Goldman - 15 Tishrei
• Moishy Rav~Noy - 15 Tishrei
• Yona Simcha Cherman - 16 Tishrei

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

• Reb Shmuel Meir ben Reb Yisroel Dovid (Rabbi Velvel Tsikman’s father) - 11 Tishrei
• Sara Leah bas Reb Yacov (Mrs. Chana Weiss’s mother) - 15 Tishrei
• Reb Ephraim Pinchas ben Reb Yona Halevi (Mrs. Nettie Lerner’s father) - 16 Tishrei

Vechol Ma'aminim' ('And All Believe')
From the Machzor of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur

Some tell the following story as they heard it recounted by Reb Mendel Futerfas, of blessed memory describing his experience of Yom Kippur during his imprisonment in Soviet labor camps. 

Needless to say, when they came and arrested us, we weren't allowed to take sidurim or machzorim along to the prisons and work camps.  Now, during the weekdays this wasn't too much of a problem, as most of us knew the davening by heart and could reconstruct the prayers in our heads.  The Yomim Noraim, however, was another story.  Who could remember an entire machzor full of hymns and special prayers that are only recited one day out of the year?  At best we could only recall certain snippets of the davening and try to substitute our best intentions for the real words.

"Thus we spent the High Holidays in the camp; without a tallis, without a machzor, without a minyan and without a shofar.  Together we tried to squeeze from our memories a few words here an a few words there; between us, we somehow managed to recreate a partial 'machzor,' such as it was.

"Of course, under such circumstances, a person pays more attention to the meaning of the words he is reciting.  Every phrase we could remember was treasured beyond words; every syllable we recalled was lovingly caressed and explored, as it states in Pirkei Avos: 'Learn it and learn it (the Torah), for everything is in it, look deeply into it... for there is nothing more edifying for you than it.'

"In this manner we continued to daven from our 'machzor', till we reached the famous song 'Vechol Ma'aminim' ('And All Believe'), the refrain from which is repeated over and over.

"It was then, right in the middle of singing the special melody that goes with the words, that a heretical thought popped into my head. 'Can it really be true?'  I thought to myself.  'Does absolutely everyone -- the Bolsheviks, the Communists, the members of the Yevsektziya and all the avowed atheists -- believe in G-d?' (It surely didn't seem so from their behavior, from which I suffered daily.)  How could it be possible that these people who took delight in trampling everything that was holy and good, who scorned every notion of religion as the 'opiate of the masses' and who seemed to have no connection whatsoever to Yiddishkeit and G-dliness -- could they, too, believe in Him?  In truth, it seemed too much to accept.

"A split second later I dismissed the thought.  If that's what it says in the siddur, I told myself, then it must be true.  'And All Believe'.  Yes, even those who outwardly disavow and disdain our holy Torah...

"How many times had I been taught in Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim that the doubt itself comes from k'lipah, from the 'Other Side'?  Furthermore, as we learn from the maamar (Sefer Hamaamarim 5701), when a person does ask such a question, and provides the answer himself with the explanation that 'this is the way it's supposed to be', his answer comes 'from the pureness of his heart, which is more often found in simple people than in those who are more learned.'

"Nevertheless, I was still somewhat perturbed by the words that 'all believe'.  After all, day after day I was living with seemingly incontrovertible evidence of it’s very opposite, and was suffering from it greatly."

In the end, however, I decided that I had no choice.  If that's what it says in the Siddur, it has to be true.  Everyone, without exception, must believe in G-d.

One night a few days later I was lying in my bunk (you can imagine the accommodations we were afforded), when a strange thing occurred.  Our 'beds' consisted of three tiers of bunks that protruded from the wall; I occupied one of the lower ones.  It was in the middle of the night when I realized that someone was staring at me intently.  My heart skipped a beat -- I certainly had what to be afraid of, as fights between prisoners and even murders were quite ordinary events in those surroundings.  In the darkness I could barely make out the huge figure that loomed above me:  I saw a rough-looking giant of a man who looked as if he could break me in two without much effort on his part.  Judging by his coarsened face he looked like a common criminal, or even a murderer.

"As he came closer, I assumed that my end was near.  Soon, I told myself, I would be out of my misery and in a far better place, a 'world in which everything is good'...

"Then, to my utter astonishment, he asked me a question.  'Are you a Jew?' he whispered.  When I told him yes, he revealed the most incredible fact. 'So am I!' he stated.

"Well almost fell off my bunk. 'I just want you to know that I fasted on Yom Kippur,' he said. 'I didn't know when Yom Kippur was, and it really wasn't something I had thought about, but the other day while I was out on work detail I happened to overhear a conversation between two Jews.  Placing himself in great danger one Jew had whispered to the other, Morgen is Yom Kippur! (Tomorrow is Yom Kippur).'

" 'As soon as I heard this I decided that I would fast.  Yes here, in this wretched place, I would fast on Yom Kippur!  That day I made believe I was sick and didn't report for work, knowing that no one would suspect my true reason; I know that I don't look Jewish.  I spent the whole day lying on my bunk.

" 'I wanted to daven, but I didn't know how,' the man continued.  'I really don't know anything about that stuff.  I racked my brain; surely there was some prayer I could recite.  Finally I recalled one line that my grandmother had taught me to say when I was a child, as soon as I woke up in the morning:  "Modeh ani lifanecha, Melech chai vekayam, shehechezarta bi nishmasi bechemlah, rabba emunasecha".  I think I repeated this line hundreds of times--no, thousands of times as I lay there on my bed.  Modeh ani lifanechs, Melech chai vekayam, shehechezarta bi nishmasibechemlah, rabbah emunasecha.  And that is how I spent Yom Kippur, right here in this G-d forsaken pit--as a Jew!'

"What can I tell you?"  Reb Mendel concluded his story: "At that moment all my former doubts disappeared.  If this fellow -- whose external appearance bespoke on utter and absolute alienation from all matters of faith -- could believe, why, then it really was true! 'And All Believe!'  Yes, everyone, without exception!"

There was a chosid named R. Yisroel Noach Bilinitsky who was a senior chosid who learned in Lubavitch in 1902. Once as a bachur, the Rebbe Rashab observed him as he participated along with other bachurim in building the Rebbe’s sukkah. The Rebbe commented to the Rebbetzin that this bachur put the schach up differently than anyone else. He was considered a special chosid and lived in the Yeshiva of Brunoy, France in his later years. Eli Silberstein, the Chabad Shliach of Ithaca New York told me that while he was a bachur in Brunoy Reb Yisroel Noach was in his 90’s. He would assist him with his needs. On Yom Kippur when he reached the tefilla of 'Vechol Ma'aminim' ('And All Believe'), he had to hold him steadily because his entire body was trembling.

 Reprinted from the "Chabad Chodesh"

Erev Yom Kippur
Friday, Tishrei 9, September 13

Kapporos
See Siddur, Men use a rooster and women use a hen; pregnant women use preferably a rooster and two hens.  Give the value of the chicken to the poor.  If you can't get a chicken, use money and say "Zeh Hakesef Yeilech L’tzedakah".

Some do Kapporos during Aseres Yimei Teshuvah.

During the Ten Days of Teshuvah we give Tzedakah liberally, on Erev Yom Kippur even more so.

At Shacharis we don’t say Mizmor Lisodah, Tachanun or Avinu Malkeinu. (Mizmor Lisodah is in place of the Korban Todah, which wasn’t brought Erev Yom Kippur.)

We ask friends for Lekach (honey cake), and eat it. One reason for this custom is that, were it decreed upon us, Chas Vishalom, to depend on the “gifts of flesh and blood”, we discharge our “obligation” with this.

   . . . My father-in-law, the Rebbe told: 'The Baal Shem Tov would say that giving Lekach (honey cake) on Erev Yom Kippur is an ancient custom, and when he gave it he would say, I give you Lekach, and may HaShem give you a good year, and my father [the Rebbe RaShaB] would add, ‘a sweet year’… [Sichah, Erev Yom Kippur, 5711]

It’s a Mitzvah to eat and drink on Erev Yom Kippur as if for two days. It is forbidden to fast. We eat two full meals for which we wash and eat Challah dipped in honey. One meal is before Minchah; Seudah Hamafsekes is after. We eat Kreplach. We don’t eat eggs on Erev Yom Kippur.

It’s an obligation to go to the Mikveh. Go before Minchah, after the first meal. (Some go again after Seudah Hamafsekes before sundown.)

Before Mikveh we have the custom of Malkos: receiving thirty-nine symbolic “lashes” to remember the need for Teshuvah. Both the one giving and getting Malkos say the thirteen words of “VeHu Rachum” three times, for a total of thirty-nine.

Yom Kippur doesn’t atone for sins against a fellow man, unless we appease him. If we’ve sinned against others, even if only in words, we’re obliged to appease them. We must go personally to them. The injured party should forgive willingly and wholeheartedly.

Minchah
We wear Yom Tov clothes to Minchah. We give a lot of Tzedakah before Minchah. At the end of the Amidah, before “Elokai Nitzor” we say Viduy (see Siddur) in the silent Amidah, but not in the Repetition.

We don’t say Tachanun (or Avinu Malkeinu).

After Minchah, we eat the final meal before the fast. We eat only easily digestible food, such as boiled chicken or soup. We don’t eat or drink spicy or salty foods.  Finish the meal while it’s still daytime.

Many refined people use only one hand to eat at their meals. On Erev Yom Kippur, they would eat with both hands, (as I saw by my father). [Erev Yom Kippur, 5745, Likutei Sichos Vol. 29, p. 319]

The previous Rebbe said, The first time I was obligated to fast on Yom Kippur, I ate the Seudah Hamafsekes (the final meal before the fast) with my father. He said I should have some soup with Challah. He told me to pour a second and third spoonful (or three servings of soup). The soup was without salt; I wanted to pour some into my soup and began to reach for the salt but held back. My father saw this. He said there are many reasons we eat without salt on Erev Yom Kippur and the simple reason is we shouldn’t be thirsty, because on Yom Kippur we must not only not eat, but we should not even want to eat or drink. [Sefer Hasichos, Motzei Yom Kippur, 5697]

If you finish quite early, and intend to eat or drink before the fast, make a declaration (or at least have in mind) before Birchas HaMazon, that you’re not yet beginning the fast. 

Parents bless their children before going to Kol Nidrei.

At candle-lighting we say “Lihadlik Ner Shel Shabbos V’Shel Yom Hakippurim” and “Shehechiyanu”. Although the fast begins at sundown, women and girls who light candles start at the proper candle-lighting time.

We must add to Yom Kippur at its beginning and end: don’t delay candle-lighting or going to Mikveh.

Those saying Yizkor light a Yartzeit candle at home. If you plan to say Havdalah at home after Yom Kippur, light a 24-hour candle at home.

Every married man brings a 24-hour candle to Shul, to light before Yom Kippur.

It’s proper to leave a light on in the master bedroom.

We must honor Yom Kippur with Yom Tov clothes, a Yom Tov tablecloth and candles.

Yom Kippur
Friday - Shabbos, Tishrei 10, Sept. 13-14

The fast of Yom Kippur is (in effect) twenty-six hours. The number of hours corresponds to HaShem’s name (gematria twenty six). [Sefer Hasichos, 5705]

(Fasting) part of an hour is considered sufficient. Fasting over twenty-five full hours is adequate. [Likutei Sichos, Vol. 16, p. 522] (The normal schedule of Yom Kippur accomplishes this, since we begin fasting before sunset and continue until over an hour after candle lighting the next evening including Maariv).

Married men after the first year of marriage wear a Kittel. A mourner also wears one. Since it’s a garment for Davening, you should remove it before going into a bathroom.

Put on your Tallis and say its Brachah before sunset. We say Viduy privately before Kol Nidrei. We say nine chapters of Tehillim (115-123).

Three Sifrei Torah should be taken out if possible for Kol Nidre.

During Kol Nidre, the Rebbe would hold the first Sefer Torah.

During Kol Nidre, the Rebbe would wear the gartel of the Tzemach Tzedek.

After Kol Nidrei the Chazan and congregation say Shehechiyanu for Yom Kippur. Begin the Brachah with the Chazan and finish before him, to answer “Amen”. Women and girls, who said Shehechiyanu at candlelighting, don’t say it now.

Maariv begins with “Mizmor L’Dovid” and continues as any Kabolas Shabbos.  (In the last stanza of “Licha Dodi” say “B’Rinah,” not “B’Simchah.”)

After Maariv we say the first four chapters of Tehillim (there’s a custom to say all of Sefer Tehillim).

We don’t say Tachanun or Viduy in Kriyas Shema before sleep. (Don’t forget to say “Baruch Shem” out loud). Say nine chapters of Tehillim (124-132) after Kriyas Shema before “Hamapil”.

Five principal restrictions apply on Yom Kippur:

1. Eating/Drinking:

All men and women (even pregnant and nursing) fast. A person who feels ill or requires medication should consult a Rav. Children under nine may not fast. Children nine and above, in good health, should be trained to fast a few hours beyond their regular eating time. Boys of twelve and girls of eleven in good health should fast the whole day. (Even children under nine should be trained to keep the other abstentions.)

2. Wearing shoes:

We may not wear shoes containing any leather or suede. (And thus, we won’t say the Brachah “Sheasah Li kol Tzorki”, the Brachah on shoes, in the morning.) We may wear leather clothes.

3. Washing:

We may not wash, even with cold water. In the morning, for Negel Vasser, and after using the bathroom, we wash our fingers until the knuckles. If there’s dirt on your hands you may wash it off.

4. Anointing:

We may not soak or anoint any part of the body in oil, lotion, perfume or cologne.

5. Family Relations:

Marital relations are forbidden. A couple should conduct themselves as they would during the Nidah time.

Yom Kippur Day
Shabbos, Tishrei 10, September 14

We wash Negel Vasser up to our knuckles. We don’t say the Brachah “Sheasah Li Kol Tzorki”. Don’t forget to say “Boruch Shem” out loud in the Kriyas Shema before Davening and in Korbanos.

After Kriyas HaTorah is Yizkor. Those whose both parents are living leave the Shul. Someone who is in the first year of mourning stay, but don’t say Yizkor. (The mother’s name is used.)

At Musaf we do Birchas Kohanim. Kohanim may have their hands washed to their wrists; a Levi whose custom is to wash his own hands before washing the Kohen may do so.

After Musaf, after the daily Tehillim portion, say Tehillim: 133-141.

Chabad custom is to have a break of at least forty-five minutes between Musaf and Minchah.

We leave the Aron Kodesh open all of Neilah. After Neilah we say Tehillim 142-150, completing Sefer Tehillim.

Motzei Yom Kippur
Motzei Shabbos, Tishrei 11, September 14

For Maariv we still wear our Tallis and Kittel and put on a hat (instead of a Tallis over our head). Add Atah Chonantanu in the Amidah. If you forget, don’t repeat the Amidah, but say “Baruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh Lichol”. Women who don’t Daven Maariv must say this before they can do any work.

Before Havdalah, wash both hands three times (Negel Vasser) without a Brachah. (Even Kohanim who washed for Birchas Kohanim). Wash your face and rinse your mouth.

At Havdalah we use spices, because it’s Motzei Shabbos.  The flame for Havdalah must have been lit before Yom Kippur (and not used for any other purpose). We may light a candle from a candle lit Erev Yom Kippur. Since it’s Motzei Shabbos we say “VaYitein Lecha.”

After Maariv and Havdalah, Kiddush Levana is said.

On Motzei Yom Kippur we wish each other “Gut Yom Tov”. We eat and rejoice. It’s a partial festival. We dip Challah in honey.

We begin building, or at least discuss building the Sukkah.

The day after Yom Kippur is called “B'shem HaShem”. We rise early to go to Shul.

Shlomoh Hamelech dedicated the Beis Hamikdash between Yom Kippur and Sukkos. These are days of rejoicing; we don’t fast, even on a Yartzeit, or say Tachanun.

La Brea:

Friday Morning, Erev Yom Kippur, September 13, 6-10 am
at Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Yard
7215 Waring Avenue
Parking Available

Discounted Kaparos in memory of Reb Berel Weiss o.b.m.

Friday, Erev Yom Kippur
from 7:30-8:30 am ONLY
Chickens will be sold
at the very affordable price of $10/chicken

 For more information, please call 323-936-4965

Simcha Monica:

Thursday, Sept 12, 5:00 pm-11:00 pm
Friday, Sept 13, 5:00 am-7:00 am (while supplies last)
At Chabad House - 1428 17th St
Simcha Monica (Between Broadway & S. Monica Ave).

ALL of our chickens are ALWAYS Kashered
and distributed for Tzedokah.

For more information, please call 310-420-2431 

• Click here for this week’s JEM “Here’s My Story”.
• Click here to pay for seats and membership right away!
• The Schapiro Bris will iy"h take place Sunday, Tishrei 4/September 8, in the Yeshiva - 7215 Waring Ave. Mincha ay 6:00 pm and Bris at 6:30 pm Mazal Tov and may we always share only good news.
• Close out sale on hats! Click here for more info.

The Berger Family
is sitting shiva for the passing of
Reb Mordechai Yosef Shimon ben Reb Yerachmiel Menachem ob"m

The family is sitting Shiva in Ottawa, Canada
until Wednesday afternoon

Phone: (613) 422-4905
Email: [email protected]

Those who wish to contact Nota 
can send a text to (818) 916-3400

Hamokom Yenachem eschem Besoch Shaar Avaylay Tzion VeYerushalayim. Vehukeetzu Veranenu Shochnay Ufur vehu besochom!

Mrs. Tzirel Goldman
is sitting shiva for the passing of her father
Yisroel Issar (Irving) ben Dovber Pozepoff ob"m

She is sitting shiva until Wednesday 4:00 pm at 612 N Alta Vista

Hamokom Yenachem eschem Besoch Shaar Avaylay Tzion VeYerushalayim. Vehukeetzu Veranenu Shochnay Ufur vehu besochom!

For all the laws and customs 
Please see the Chabad Chodesh

Erev Rosh Hashanah 
Wednesday, Elul 29/September 4

• Selichos: 5:45, 6:15 and 6:50 am and 7:30 am
• Hatoras nedarim - Annulment of Vows following Shacharis
• Remember to make an Eruv Tavshilin
• Light Yom Tov Candles: 6:56 pm

First Day Rosh Hashanah
Thursday, Tishrei 1/September 5

• Shacharis: 9:00 am
• Children’s program downstairs in shul at 9:30 am 
  Please leave all strollers downstairs
• Tekias Shofar: 11:30 am
• Tehillim: 5:00 pm
• Minchah/Tashlich: 6:30 pm
• Light Yom Tov candles from a pre-existing flame after 7:58 pm

Second Day Rosh Hashanah 
Friday, Tishrei 2/September 6

• Shacharis: 9:00 am
• Children’s program downstairs in shul at 9:30 am 
  Please leave all strollers downstairs
• Tekias Shofar: 11:30 am
• Minchah/Farbrengen DOWNSTAIRS: 6:15 pm
• Light Shabbos candles from a pre-existing flame at 6:53 pm

Shabbos Parshas Ha'azinu/Shabbos Shuva 
Tishrei 3/ September 7

• Shiur Chassidus by Rabbi Raichik: 9:00 am
• Last Time To Read Shema: 9:40 am
• Early Minyan Shacharis: 9:30 am
• Shacharis: 10:00 am
• Minchah/Farbrengen: 6:15 pm
• Shabbos Ends: 7:56 pm

Tzom Gedaliah (Nidche) 
Sunday, Tishrei 4/ September 8

• Fast Begins: 5:16 am
• Minchah: 6:40 pm
• Fast Ends: 7:45 pm

• Rabbi & Mrs. Michy Rav-Noy for the Bar-Mitzvah of their son Mendel. May he give them much nachas and may he grow up to be a true chossid yirei shomaim and lamdan.

• Mrs. Miriam Diller for the yahrtzeit of her father ob"m. May the neshomo have an aliya.

At Maayon Yisroel
140 N La Brea Ave.
6:00 pm
Speaker: Rabbi Reuven Wolf

• Rabbi & Mrs. Boruch Schneur Krinsky on the birth of their daughter. Mazal tov to the grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Meir Schmukler. Mazal tov to the great-grandparents Rabbi & Mrs. Zalmen Schmukler.
• Rabbi & Mrs. Michy Rav-Noy on the bar-mitzvah of their son Mendel. Mazal tov to the grandparents Dr. & Mrs. Ze’ev Rav-Noy and Mr. & Mrs. Shimon Benarroch. 

Upcoming Birthdays

• Yosef Yitzchok Wolowik - 4 Tishrei
• Shmuel Winograd - 6 Tishrei
• Chaim Eliyahu Hoch - 7 Tishrei
• Shneur Lerman - 9 Tishrei

Upcoming Yahrtzeits

• Mrs. Miriam Diller’s father - 5 Tishrei
• Binyamin ben Hersch (Dr. Penina Rivka Watstein’s father) - 6 Tishrei
• Beryl Leib ben Tzvi Hersh Halevi (Mrs. Sarah Goldstein’s father) - 7 Tishrei
• Chaya Sara Rochel bas Chaim Yosef Shlomo (Mrs. Ruchama Thaler’s mother) - 7 Tishrei

On Rosh Hashana Everyone is needed to Complete the Coronation

By Rabbi Shimon Raichik

First I would like to wish everyone a Ksiva v'Chasima Tovah l'Shana Tovah u'Mesuka. Hashem should fulfill every ones requests both spiritually and physically amongst Klal Yisroel. Most of all we should all merit the complete and ultimate redemption this year.

In Hayom Yom it’s written in the name of the Baal Shem Tov that Hashem blesses Rosh Hashana and the month of Tishrei. From that bracha we take the strength to bless the other eleven months. What is the nusach of Hashem’s bracha? It is the opening verse of parshas Nitzavim; “Atem nitzavim hayom kulchem- you are standing today (on Rosh Hashana) all of you”. We are all standing together as one unit before the King. It is because we stand together that we are meritorious in judgment.

Why does the Torah enumerate 10 types of people, heads of tribes, judges, water carriers etc.? Isn’t the important thing that we are together as one? Also why does the pasuk say kulchem, all of you, isn’t that obvious?

The explanation brought in Likutei Torah and Sichos is that we are one unit from the vantage point of the neshama. Therefore it is necessary to emphasize that we are all one unit with regard to coronating Hashem as the King of all of us, kulchem. The reason that the 10 different groups are mentioned, the heads, hands, feet, men women and children until water carriers and wood choppers is to show that we are like one big body.

Just as a body has different parts yet they all work together in complete harmony so too the Jewish people. Every part of the body has a discreet function necessary to complete the body. All the body’s systems and limbs need one other and come together as one. It is specifically because the body is one that each part can serve and be helpful to the rest of the body. So too with Klal Yisroel; we are all one essence. Therefore whatever unique quality each person has, it can be of use to another Jew. We can help each other like feet can help a head get to where it needs to go.

Therefore unity is both general and personal. I am both a servant of Hashem in general as well as an individual with a unique mission. By each one of us doing our best automatically serves the Klal. This is an explanation as to why the Rebbe gave his entire attention to each person he met. The Rebbe always brings out the special characteristic meant for that individual. Very often he then puts that characteristic to work for the sake of the individual and the Klal.

By each of us recognizing and then best utilizing what we do best for the Klal, we stand as one, meritorious in judgment before Rosh Hashana.

On Rosh Hashana each one of us realizes that we are accepting Hashem as King together as one. At the same time we should also recognize that each one of us is accepting Hashem as our personal King. By doing so do we reveal Hashem's sovereignty in all aspects. This extends beyond our performance of Torah and mitzvos into every detail of our personal lives and daily activities. 

While at the Ohel this week I noticed, as the hours went by, all different types of people were coming and going. Each person that came brought a pan and davened for a  Ksiva v'Chasima Tovah for the new year. They all came from different walks of life with different needs, requests, attitudes and points of view. Yet there was one thing that united them. They all came to connect to the Rebbe, and in this way we are all united; this is how we are one.

There was a Jew named Chaim Dov that lived in Crown Heights and davened by the Jewish Center on Eastern Parkway across from 770, a conservative synagogue at the time. (Once in his youth Zalmen Roth wandered in there.  Chaim Dov said to him you don't belong here you belong in 770, and he took him over to 770 where Zalmen became introduced to Chabad) On Rosh Hashana 5731-1970 in the afternoon Chaim Dov approached the Rebbe as he was walking on from his home to 770 near Brooklyn Ave. He asked him if they could talk. Although the Rebbe barely spoke at all on Rosh Hashana, the Rebbe agreed. Chaim Dov went over the Rabbi's drasha that he had heard in shul with the Rebbe. We can learn a lesson in ahavas Yisroel from this story. Although the Rebbe barely spoke on Rosh Hashana and one could only imagine the preciousness of every moment of Rosh Hashana to the Rebbe, nonetheless the Rebbe took the time and spoke to Chaim Dov on Rosh Hashana and made a Jew feel special and important. 

So as we enter the time of Rosh Hashana and accept Hashem as the true and sovereign King we do so with two things in mind. We remember that Hashem is King over all of Klal Yisroel and all of creation. We accept Hashem as our King equally no matter who we are. We also accept Hashem's sovereignty personally, He is my King and I am His servant. We then relate it to all that we do in our lives and for others. By not just recognizing Hashem in general but by living with Hashem as our King in every detail of our daily lives in what we do for others, do we reveal Hashem's Kingship the most, and have the greatest effect on the entire world. 

Wishing everyone a Ksiva v'Chasima Tovah l'Shana Tovah u'Mesuka and to be with the Rebbe in the Beis HaMikdash hearing Shofar Shel Moshiach