From: Murray Kahl <kahl@cybernet.cse.fau.edu>
Subject: L'Chaim 248
Originator: scj@israel.nysernet.org
Reply-To: <Murray Kahl <kahl@cybernet.cse.fau.edu>>
Organization: Nysernet
Date: Fri, 1 Jan 1993 15:23:25 GMT

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                                L'CHAIM             ISSUE # 248 PART 1 OF 8
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              THE WEEKLY PUBLICATION FOR EVERY JEWISH PERSON
     Dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson  N.E.
****************************************************************************
 Jan. 1, 1992              Parshas - Vayigash                 8 Teves 5753
****************************************************************************
 
   It's early in the morning. The doorbell is ringing incessantly and you're
still in your pajamas. Should you ignore it and miss a possible delivery or
should you... 
 
   Oops! You forgot that Aunt Esther is coming all the way from Florida and
she is due to arrive soon. Could that be her? Hurriedly you throw on a robe,
your slippers and a smile and run to the door. And there she is, Aunt Esther.
 
   There's a moment of confusion. Do you go out, in your pajamas, and help
the taxi-driver with the rest of Aunt Esther's packages or do you let him do
the shlepping himself and tip him a few extra bucks?You choose the latter. 
 
   When everybody and everything is inside, you excuse yourself for a second
to get dressed and make yourself more presentable. By the time Aunt Esther is
settled in and you're chatting over a fresh cup of coffee you don't even
remember the momentary embarrassment. 
 
   Some people are afraid of Moshiach. They've heard that if they weren't
100% observant of all of the mitzvot (and who can claim that they really
are?) they're in for some bad times when Moshiach comes.
 
   But Rabbi Moses Maimonides says about Moshiach, "He will not come to
declare the pure impure or the impure pure, nor to disqualify people presumed
to be of legitimate lineage or to legitimize those presumed to be of
disqualified lineage, only to establish peace in the world."
 
   When Moshiach comes, and his arrival--like Aunt Esther's--is imminent,
we'll all be at various levels and degrees of readiness to greet him.
Mitzvot, according to Chasidic philosophy, are likened to clothing. So, some
people will be fully decked out in their best clothes. Others will be wearing
their work-clothes and still others might be in their pajamas.
 
   But, when that great day comes, Moshiach isn't going to be busy spending
his time reprimanding us for not being dressed properly. He's not going to be
saying who's pure and who's not pure, who's been "good" and who hasn't been
so hot. He'll be doing more important things, like influencing the entire
world toward universal peace. And teaching unique concepts about G-d and
spirituality to a world that is finally able to understand them. 
 
   And we, for our part, aren't going to spend too much time in our pajamas.
We'll hastily excuse ourselves for a moment and get dressed properly. We'll
have to hurry to catch up with some of the others, but that we will be able
to do.
 
   O.K. Now that you're no longer paralyzed by fear over Moshiach's arrival
it's time to rouse yourself from the inertia and inactivity and GET OUT OF
THOSE PAJAMAS even before Moshiach comes. Because, after all, even though
it's nothing to worry about, who doesn't want to be ready?
 
   So, start learning more about Moshiach and the Redemption. Discuss the
subject with friends or family, just to see what they think of the whole
thing. Do a mitzva, any mitzva, to help better prepare yourself. The time to
act is now!
 
 
****************************************************************************
                                 L'CHAIM            ISSUE # 248 PART 2 OF 8
****************************************************************************
                          LIVING WITH THE TIMES
                        THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION
****************************************************************************
 
   The Jewish people, descendents of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are often
referred to by the name of another of our great forebears, Joseph. "Listen, O
Shepherd of Israel, You Who leads Joseph like a flock," sings the Psalmist.
Rashi explains that every Jew is called "Joseph," "because he (Joseph)
sustained and provided for them during the famine," a narrative of which
appears in this week's Torah portion, Vayigash.
 
   At first glance, this seems to be an insufficient explanation. Why call an
entire nation after one individual, no matter how exalted, just because he
was instrumental in aiding the Jewish people during a certain short period in
their history? 
 
   Chasidic philosophy teaches that every phenomenon in the physical world
exists only because of its spiritual root above. Indeed, the physical
manifestation in this world is only a reflection of the true spiritual
reality. The fact that Joseph sustained the fledgling Jewish people with food
(as well as the rest of the known world at the time), reflects the fact that
it was he who imbued his people with the spiritual nourishment and sustenance
they needed to survive in exile, as well. The lack of food, the famine which
hit Egypt, was accompanied by a spiritual famine, for the exile in Egypt was
a time of great darkness and trouble for the Jewish people. It was Joseph who
gave his descendants the strength to deal with the hardships and adversity of
exile. 
 
   Joseph, in his role as second in command to Pharaoh, broke new ground and
paved an innovative path in the service of G-d. Joseph's brothers were
shepherds, an occupation which gave them plenty of time to pursue a spiritual
life. By contrast, Joseph lived a life of involvement in the world, first as
the manager of Potifar's household, later when he was in charge of his fellow
prisoners in jail, and finally, when he was appointed second in command over
all of Egypt. Although Joseph was always intimately involved in the
day-to-day details of the physical world, as was dictated by his various
positions, his greatness lies in the fact that he never severed his spiritual
connection to G-d, and in fact, emerged even stronger in his service and
commitment.
 
   Much of Joseph's life was spent in exile, in the center of the most
cosmopolitan society of his time. Yet, he remained untouched by the lure of
the material world and unbowed in his religious faith.
 
   Joseph therefore symbolizes, more than any of the Patriarchs or the rest
of the twelves tribes, the essence of the Jewish people. As we stand on the
threshold of the Messianic Era, we look back on the thousands of years of
Jewish exile spent under the dominion of the nations of the world. Although
we have, of necessity, concerned ourselves with the daily, mundane details of
our lives, our relationship with G-d has remained as strong as ever. Indeed,
our goal in life is not to withdraw from the world to concentrate solely on
the spiritual; a Jew's task is to combine the two realms, imbuing the
physical world with holiness. It is in our forefather Joseph's merit that we
have been given the power to withstand any spiritual "famine" which could
possibly threaten our existence as "Joseph's flock."
Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
 
****************************************************************************
                                L'CHAIM             ISSUE # 248 PART 3 OF 8
****************************************************************************
                              SLICE OF LIFE
****************************************************************************
 
The Necklace
by Faige Miller
   My mother, of blessed memory, always wore a golden necklace with a
heart-shaped locket which held pictures of her parents.
 
   When she would open the locket to show us, two truly saintly faces looked
out at us, my grandfather with his beautiful, white beard and my grandmother
with her kerchief covering her whole head down to her beautiful, kind eyes.
 
   My mother told us of all the good that they had done, how my grandmother
always brought meals to needy or sick people, or to women after childbirth.
 
   And how, when a regiment was stationed in the nearby armory, all the
Jewish soldiers would come to their house for a nourishing, wholesome meal,
because they wanted to eat kosher. And everyone was served, day or night, at
no charge.
 
   It is brought down in our holy books that tzadikim are even greater after
their demise, and that they can intercede in heaven for their loved ones on
earth, and bring miracles to pass for them. And such a miracle my
grandparents wrought for me. It happened a long time ago. 
 
   It was Friday night. My family was sitting around the Sabbath table, my
father and mother, my sister and her husband (all of blessed memory), and I,
who was still unmarried.
 
   It was after the Sabbath meal, and I found myself in need of a toothpick.
Too lazy and cozy to leave the table I plucked a bobby-pin from my hair and
began poking at my teeth. 
 
   Suddenly, I realized that the bobby-pin was no longer in my hand. I
started looking for it on my lap, and on the floor, although I did not
remember dropping it, or hearing it fall. I did not find it, and realized
that I had swallowed it. Yet I had not felt the slightest irritation or
scratch in my throat.
 
   When I announced this astounding phenomenon to the assembled, my sister
offered to go with me to a doctor. After wandering around for some time, we
saw a doctor's shingle, and the light was on inside. It was Dr. Lockett on
South Fourth Street and the young doctor was sitting in his study. 
 
   He took me in, and placed me on the fluoroscope and there it was staring
at me, stark black on the white screen, standing upright, right near my
heart. As the doctor explained, between my heart and lungs.
 
   He became very solemn as he explained to me the seriousness of the
situation. Of course, the pin must be taken out. There was only one
specialist doing the Bronchoscopal work, and he was in Philadelphia. As this
should be done without delay, he offered to take me there first thing in the
morning--on the Sabbath!
 
   He explained that with children and with round objects it is easier, but
with grownups it is more dangerous, as a person cannot breathe during the
whole procedure.
 
   He gave me a sedative and cautioned me not to cough, as this could push
the pin farther down. 
 
   We came home and told a fib, that the doctor had given me a medicine, and
that the pin would come out by itself.
 
   My father did not believe me. He rushed to the doctor and learned the
truth. He walked home, holding his head in both hands, shaking from side to
side, moaning, "My child, my child."
 
   As I took the sedative, my mother took off her necklace with the
heart-shaped locket that held pictures of her departed parents, put it around
my neck, and prayed, "May my dear parents intercede for you in heaven."
 
   Just as she walked out of the room, I started to cough violently. My
mother shouted, "Don't cough, don't cough! The doctor told you not to cough!"
 
   But I had to cough and I coughed up the pin! There it swam up, into my
mouth, and just as I had not felt it going in, I did not feel it coming out.
 
   I shouted, "Mother, mother, I got the pin!"
 
   Everyone came rushing in, standing in awe of our personal miracle.
   When my father went in the morning to inform the doctor that our trip was
not necessary, the doctor just looked at him and said, "Go to your synagogue
and thank your G-d. A miracle like this could happen once in a thousand
years."
 
   My father put the pin in a little empty spice-bottle and carried it with
him at all times. Sometimes, when times were hard, he looked at the pin,
remembering that G-d helps in every situation, no matter how hopeless it
might seem.
 
****************************************************************************
                               L'CHAIM              ISSUE # 248 PART 4 OF 8
****************************************************************************
                             WHAT'S  NEW   
****************************************************************************
 
GETTING READY
   The cover photo on a brochure produced by Chabad Youth Organization of
Israel detailing their recent activities in bringing the message of the
imminence of the Redemption to the world. The photograph, taken in front of a 
replica in Kfar Chabad of Lubavitch World Headquarters, shows cars with
illuminated signs saying, "Get Ready for Moshiach's Arrival." 
 
MARRIED WITH CHILDREN
   The internationally renown Bais Chana Women's Institute in Minnesota will
be holding special session for married women from January 17-24. Childcare
will be available for children up to age 3. For more information call the New
York office at (718) 756-2591 or Bais Chana in Minnesota at (612) 698-3858.
 
BEHOLD
   The Lubavitch Women's Organization 31st International Winter Convention
took place earlier this month in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. "Behold, A World
of Justice and Righteousness" was the theme of the weekend-long gathering. 
 
A FRIEND AMONG US
   Tours of the Lubavitch community in Crown Heights will begin once again
this January under the auspices of the Lubavitch Youth Organization. Every
Sunday, from noon until 2 p.m. you can reserve a spot in a tour of Crown
Heights which includes a visit to the Matza Bakery, mikva, Chasidic Art
Gallery and Lubavitch World Headquarters. The tour ends at the kosher pizza
shop. For reservations call Rabbi Epstein at (718) 953-1000.
 
****************************************************************************
                                L'CHAIM             ISSUE # 248 PART 5 OF 8
****************************************************************************
                               INSIGHTS
****************************************************************************
 
WHEN A HOUSE IS ON FIRE
Excerpted from a letter of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
   Referring to the subject of your letter, in which you mention that I
"admonish" you, it is not my custom to admonish for the sake of admonishment.
However, when I see that a person could live on a higher level, no matter how
satisfactory the present level seems to be, and if I think that I can do
something to encourage that person towards the higher level, I would be
remiss in my duty if I remained silent. 
 
   In your case, I see three areas in which, with all due respect, I feel
that you could do a great deal more: 1. regarding your own opportunities; 2.
in the matter of encouraging your husband to utilize his capacities to the
fullest advantage; 3. in the conduct of your home, and above all, the
education of your children. 
 
   During our conversation we touched upon the subject that, as the Torah has
always been called Torat Chaim, the Law of Life, and has always been both the
source of our life and existence and the guide for our daily life, it is
infinitely more so in the present age. The danger to Jewish life and
existence in the free countries, especially in these United States, is not
the danger of physical extermination, G-d forbid, but there is, nevertheless,
a danger which is no less destructive, the danger of assimilation. Precisely
because there is no external antagonism and discrimination against the Jews
the danger of mass assimilation is a very real one.
 
   It is, therefore, the duty of every conscious and conscientious Jew to do
everything possible to stem the tide of assimilation, and it is truly a
matter of saving lives.
 
   It is self-evident that such an effort should not be limited to the older
generation, but especially in regard to the younger generation, and the very
young in particular. And needless to say, a person on whom Divine Providence
has bestowed special capacities for influence, is especially duty-bound to
use these capacities in the direction outlined.
 
   This is not the time to engage in theoretic research as to all the aspects
of the situation, and therefore postpone action pending the results of such
research. For, when a house is on fire, there is no time to study the laws of
combustion and methods of fire extinguishing, but everything must be done to
extinguish the fire before the house is destroyed and there is any possible
loss of life.
 
   Another important point to bear in mind is the following--there can be a
two fold approach to life: a) to consider it as a matter of pleasure, in
which case every effort should be spent towards getting the most out of life,
in terms of pleasure, and in every situation to seek the easiest way out; b)
to consider life as a challenge, and to help make a better world to live in,
especially as the society in which we live is far from perfection. In this
case, every effort must be spent towards this end, even if it means the
sacrifice of certain personal pleasures, and even if it requires a great deal
of continuous physical and mental exertion. But it is this latter approach
that offers the maximum pleasure, real pleasure and gratification.
 
   To return to the subject matter of our discussion. I have no doubt that
you can do a great deal to influence and encourage your husband in the right
direction. Similarly, you have the capacity to extend your influence beyond
your immediate surroundings at home, to the community at large. This you can
do both in a direct way and perhaps even more so in an indirect way, by
raising the standards of your religious and spiritual life. 
 
   This brings me to the third area mentioned earlier, namely, the conduct of
your home and especially the education of your children, whom you surely want
to see growing up to be conscientious Jews and to retain a certain standard
of Jewish practice. It is possible to ensure this only if the children
receive their education while they are still young, in such an atmosphere,
and on such a level, that even when they come under the pressures of life,
mentioned earlier in my letter, they will retain at least that minimum
standard.
 
   I need hardly point out to you that Jewish education is not confined to
the acquisition of a certain level of knowledge and information about Jewish
life. Its essence is rather, that the child be brought up within a Jewish
lifestyle and in an atmosphere which is permeated with Judaism. This is
something that a private teacher cannot replace by simply teaching a set
number of hours a week. Besides, when the Hebrew lesson comes after the child
has spent most of the day in public school, where he is given tests and
homework, the Hebrew lesson cannot have the same importance in the mind of
the child as does the public school (not to mention other factors such as the
effect of classroom, discipline, community with other children, etc.). All of
these factors serve to relegate the Hebrew lesson to a third or fourth place
in importance, so that it often comes to be regarded altogether as an
unnecessary burden.
 
   To reiterate, the purpose of this letter is not to admonish, but only to
point out to you those areas where you can attain a higher level of
accomplishment and efficiency. As I also mentioned at the end of my previous
letter to you, it is not a question of doing something to qualify as a true
Jewish daughter, but, on the contrary, inasmuch as you are a Jewish daughter,
and a member of the Jewish people whom G-d has chosen and singled out, not
for pleasures, but rather for holiness and for bringing light and holiness
into the world, that you owe it to yourself, as well as to your people, to
make the fullest use of the capacities which Divine Providence has generously
bestowed upon you and your husband, along the lines indicated above.
 
****************************************************************************
                                L'CHAIM             ISSUE # 248 PART 6 OF 8
****************************************************************************
                                CUSTOMS
****************************************************************************
 
Why do the bride and groom fast on their wedding day?
 
   Since on the day of one's wedding G-d forgives the bride and groom of all
their previous transgressions, it is seen as a private Yom Kippur for the
couple. They fast until the ceremony, add Yom Kippur confessions to their
afternoon prayers, recite the Book of Psalms, and ask for forgiveness for the
wrongdoings of their youth, committed knowingly or unknowingly, before
starting their new life together.
 
 
****************************************************************************
                        A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
****************************************************************************
 
   This week, last year, the Rebbe spoke once again about the imminence of
the Redemption--an era of peace, prosperity, goodness and G-dliness brought
about through Moshiach.  
 
   The Rebbe explained that living with the concept of the Redemption will
actually help make the redemption a reality.    
 
   In the Talmud, our Sages explain that, in contrast to other living
creatures who were created in pairs, man was created alone. Because of this
each and every individual should feel, believe, and act on the idea that "The
world was created for me." 
 
   Rather than this statement being an egocentric cliche of the "me"
generation, it is an acknowledgment and appreciation of the fact that every
person's conduct can affect the totality of existence, that an individual's
single act can change the world. 
 
   This, then, puts the responsibility for bringing about the Redemption on
every single individual. Thus, if everyone of us would simply open our eyes
to the miracles around us, the readiness of the world for Moshiach, the
fulfillment of the preliminary signs of the Redemption, "the door would open
and Moshiach would enter." 
 
   Today and everyday, this moment and every moment, live with the Redemption
and Moshiach's arrival as a reality--and then it will be.
 
****************************************************************************
                                L'CHAIM             ISSUE # 248 PART 7 OF 8
****************************************************************************
                            IT HAPPENED ONCE
****************************************************************************
 
   In about the year 1501, a Spanish Jew named Joseph Jospa arrived in
Cracow. He become known as a great scholar and a veritable saint. For 30
years, until the age of 50, he kept himself completely apart from everyone. 
 
   At that same time, a wealthy businessman named Levi, who had numerous
dealings with the nobility, also lived in Cracow. He was a great
philanthropist whose house was open to all. His married son, Joseph, was a
brilliant young man. He was well versed in several languages and became very
active in his father's business. He was liked by all and valued for his
outstanding personal qualities.
 
   Tragedy struck when, on a business trip, Joseph was attacked and murdered
by robbers. His childless widow was left to carry out the ancient custom of
chalitza, the ceremony which allowed her to remarry. A few months after this
took place, Joseph Jospa, or as he was called "the Spanish Jew," came to the
Jewish court and announced his intention to marry the widow. For reasons he
did not wish to divulge, he had decided to marry in spite of his advanced
age.
 
   When the court summoned the widow to present the proposal to her, she
began to weep and recounted the following strange tale:
 
   "I have a terrible secret weighing me down, yet I cannot make up my mind
whether to tell you about it or not," she replied in a choked voice. She then
proceeded to relate the recurring dream which had burdened her so much. Her
deceased father had appeared to her in the same dream already several times,
and she had completely lost her peace of mind on account of it. The
rabbinical court decided that she had best tell them the dream, and this is
what she related:
 
   "My father appeared to me in my first dream, dressed in his Shabbat
clothes. Stretching his hands over my head, he blessed me and wished me a
'mazal-tov,' saying, it had been decreed that I marry 'the Spanish Jew.'
 
   "When I awoke from this dream I was very upset, but I didn't attach any
importance to it, as our Sages tell us that dreams contain much nonsense. But
a few days later, my father appeared to me again and repeated the same
message, that I must marry 'the Spanish Jew.' Still, I didn't think much
about it until it occurred yet again.
 
   "The third time he appeared, my father looked very serious. He told me to
have someone speak to Joseph Jospa and arrange the marriage, for it had been
decided in Heaven. 'If you will do my bidding,' he said, 'you will be blessed
with a son, but if you disobey me, you will come to a bad end.'
 
   "The dream appeared to me altogether six times, and I had just concluded
that I must go to the rabbinical court, when I received a summons from you."
 
   This story astonished the members of the court, and the marriage was
arranged immediately. The celebration was attended by all of Cracow, and it
was felt that this match had an inner significance beyond human
comprehension.  
 
   In the second year of their marriage the couple had a son who was named
Eliahu, after the prophet. The child received a very special education. The
little boy was told he must not indulge in mundane talk nor discuss Torah
matters with anyone. About two weeks before Eliahu's bar-mitzva, Joseph Jospa
informed his wife that he felt his end drawing near. He enjoined his wife to
allow their son to leave home in order to perfect his study of Torah, for his
soul had been sent into the world in order to uplift and inspire the people.
He was destined to be the first in a long chain who
would play a great role leading up to the coming of the Moshiach.
 
   It was only now that Joseph Jospa told his wife that he had received a
Divine command to marry her, having been promised that they would have a son
who would be endowed with an exceptionally high soul and a special mission to
fulfill. Before he passed away Joseph Jospa summoned the rabbinical court,
thanked them for their help and asked that they care for his widow and
orphan. 
 
   True to his father's prediction, Eliahu left home to pursue his studies.
He disappeared from sight for forty years, until 1590, when he appeared in
the city of Worms. He became known far and wide as "Rabbi Eliahu Baal Shem,"
a scholar, holy person, miracle-worker and healer. His healing was often
accomplished without the aid of medicine, rather by encouraging his patients
to raise their spiritual level. He also established a yeshiva and was himself
responsible for its support.
 
   Most of his patients were poor people who came to him from everywhere,
staying in his house for weeks and even months. His fame increased with every
year and his "wonders" were talked about for hundreds of miles around.
Adapted from the Lubavitcher Rebbe's Memoirs.
 
****************************************************************************
                                  L'CHAIM           ISSUE # 248 PART 8 OF 8
****************************************************************************
                            THOUGHTS THAT COUNT 
****************************************************************************
 
Then Judah drew near and said, "My lord--bi adoni..." (Gen. 44:18)
 
   The Hebrew words "bi adoni" may also be rendered "the L-rd is within me."A
Jew must always remember when he prepares himself to pray that he has an
actual part of G-d inside him, his Jewish soul, on whose behalf he is
communing with his Maker. (Ohr Torah)
 
---
 
G-d has made me--samani--lord of all Egypt (Gen. 45:9)
 
   What was this message to Jacob from his long-lost son Joseph supposed to
impart? Was this news meant to be reassuring? The Hebrew word "samani" may
also be read "sam ani"--"I have caused G-d to be lord of all Egypt." It is
through my public prominence that G-d has become known, Joseph implied. This
indeed was a comforting thought to Jacob when he at last heard from his
beloved son. (Rabbi Yisrael of Rizhin)
 
---
 
Laden with the best things of Egypt (Gen. 45:23)
 
   Rashi explains that among the gifts Joseph sent to his father Jacob was
wine--something which is especially pleasing to elderly people. But wine only
improves with age if of superior quality to begin with; if the vintage was
sour and the grapes of poor quality, the passage of time will only make the
wine even more disagreeable.The same can be said for people. A person who was
substantive in his youth will only become more so as he ages. Unfortunately,
the opposite holds true as well. (Rabbi Shlomo Alter)
 
---
 
I will go down with you into Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up (Gen.
46:4)
 
   G-d has cast his lot with that of the Jewish people: When Jews enjoy
elevated status, G-d Himself is elevated; when the wheel of fate spins
downward for the Jews, G-d shares their degradation. (Midrash Rabba)n
 
****************************************************************************
                      A THOUGHT ABOUT MOSHIACH
****************************************************************************
 
A chasid once observed, "We see the forces of evil in the world insistently
gaining strength. The reason is that we are now so close to the Redemption.
When a wrestler is thrown to the ground and realizes that his opponent is
about to overpower him, he summons every last shred of strength in a
desperate bid to rally himself. The very fact that evil in the world is
putting up a desperate struggle, in itself testifies that its end is near
[for when Moshiach comes, according to the Prophets, evil will no longer
exist]. (From From Exile to Redemption)
 
***************************************************************************
 
Published by Lubavitch Youth Organization 770 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn NY
11213  (718) 953-1000, 778-6000 Rabbi Dovid Raskin - Chairman Rabbi Shmuel
Butman - Director Rabbi Kasriel Kastel - Program Director Rabbi Shlomo
Friedman - Administrator Yehudis Cohen - Editor Esther Altmann, Mordechai
Staiman - Copy Editors Rabbi B. Bell, Basha Majerczyk - Contributing Editor
Rabbi Nissen Mangel - Chairman Editorial Committee Rabbi Zalman I. Posner -
Consultant All contents (c) 1991 by L.Y.O. ISSN 1050-0480 Permission is
granted for BBS distribution, provided no changes are made and that it be
complete with all credits to L.Y.O. and L'Chaim BBS. The name of this
publication is an acronym for L'zecher Chaya Mushka 
***************************************************************************
This BBS version of the L'Chaim publication, was prepared for BBS
distribution by Reuven Blau, Sysop of L'Chaim BBS, KESHERnet N.Y.
718-756-7201. Please address all questions or comments via the Chassidus echo
on any world wide KESHERnet BBS or netmail directly to the Sysop of L'chaim
BBS (Fido net. 278/610).