The People Who Saved My Family
By Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz
To save a life, you go the extra mile.
I saw this firsthand after learning that I had ALS. A group of five rabbis, most of whom didn’t really know me, took on the task of making sure my family was taken care of, and that I got the medical care I needed. Four years later, they are still there for us. And together with them, there are so many who have helped—financially, emotionally, showering us with love, meals and more. It is a lesson we can learn from this week’s Torah reading, Vayeira, where G-d tells Abraham that He is going to destroy Sodom and Gomorra. We read, “ . . . And Abraham was still standing before G-d. And Abraham came forward and said, ‘Would You blot out the righteous along with the wicked?!’ ”
If Abraham was still standing before G-d, why did he come forward?
Rashi explains that he didn’t come forward in a physical sense; he prepared himself emotionally to defend Sodom and Gomorra from annihilation. He approached the case in three ways: to argue harshly with G-d, to appease Him and to pray to Him.
We see that he did all three. First, speaking sternly, he said: “Would you blot out the righteous along with the wicked?!” In appeasement, he said: “It would be profane for You to do such a thing, to bring death upon the righteous along with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are alike, that would be sacrilegious of you! Shall the Judge of the whole world not judge fairly!?” Then, in prayer, he said: “Behold I have begun to speak to my L-rd, and I am dust and ashes.”
We are taught that Abraham manifested the attribute of loving kindness (chesed). In last week’s haftarah, G-d even calls him, “Abraham my lover.” So it seems strange and out of character that Abraham opens his argument with stern words. Why doesn’t he begin with words of appeasement or prayer, and if that doesn’t work, then try stern words? That would be more in character with the Abraham we know.
The difference is that there were lives on the line. The angel tasked with destroying Sodom and Gomorra was already on the way there. Abraham went against his nature and spoke sternly first, not making diplomatic calculations because lives were in the balance. The stories of our forefathers are a lesson to us, his children. Just as we inherit from Abraham the kindness and the love that he had, we must be ready to take action when it is called for, as he did.
When the well-being of another is on the line—whether it is his spiritual or physical well-being—it is not a time for calculations. It is a time for action, throwing yourself into the task with strong and effective action, even if it means going against your nature.
To save a life, we go the extra mile.
To see the work of the children of Abraham in my life and the lives of my family is amazing, and we are so grateful. You have truly saved our lives.
May the merits of the kindness and love that all of the Jewish people give be the mitzvah that tips the scale and sets in motion the coming of Moshiach. May he come soon.
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A Jew Who Never Loses Focus
MESIRUS NEFESH FOR A YARMULKA
HaRav HaTzaddik, Reb Hillel Paritcher would go to shul to daven and from there he would go to immerse in a nearby mikva. One time, the shamash saw that a longer time than usual had elapsed and R’ Hillel had not returned from the mikva. The shamash went to see what happened and when he went inside he saw R’ Hillel’s clothes but not R’ Hillel. Frightened, he went to the actual mikva and saw R’ Hillel in the water.
Afterward, he found out that R’ Hillel would immerse with his yarmulke on. The yarmulke would float as he immersed and after the immersion R’ Hillel would arise from the water into the yarmulka so that there wouldn’t be even a moment without his head being covered.
This time, when he wanted to come out of the water, he did not find his yarmulke and he did not want to exit without it and therefore, he remained with his head under the water until the shamash rescued him.
(Shemuos V’Sippurim p. 240)
ONE POINT IN CHASSIDUS
The mashpia, Rabbi Yechezkel (Chatshe) Feigin once called over one of the tmimim and asked about his learning. The tamim mentioned some maamarim that he had learned but R’ Chatshe said, “I’m not asking about which maamarim you learned but about what you learned!”
In a long conversation he explained that all of Chassidus is the explanation of one point: that
the world does not exist at all. This point is seen in the chiddush of the Alter Rebbe about the reason for the creation of the world. In the Hemshech 5666, the Rebbe Rashab brings the reason of the Arizal which is that the Creation is to reveal G-d’s abilities; then another reason, so people will know there is a Creator, and then he brings the Alter Rebbe’s reason, “G-d desired a dwelling in the lower realm,” and “on a desire one asks no questions.”
R’ Chatshe explained that according to the first two reasons, one could think that G-d needs the world, either to display His perfection or so that they would know Him. According to the Alter Rebbe’s explanation, the world itself is not an existence and He doesn’t need it. Why then does it exist? The Rebbe answers, on a desire one asks no questions.
This point is in all of the maamarim and even as there are more and more explanations, the point remains the same, the world is not an existence.
(Otzar HaChassidim Eretz HaKodesh p. 46)
A JEW WHO NEVER LOSES FOCUS
Rabbi Yaakov Yeshaya Blau, member of the Badatz Eidah HaChareidis, visited the Rebbe in 5745. He arrived for mincha without being able to personally meet with the Rebbe but one glance at the Rebbe’s holy face was enough to turn him into a staunch admirer. When he was later asked what he saw in the Rebbe he said, “I saw a Jew who does not divert his mind from G-d!”
(Leket U’peret)
Continuing to Serve the Women of Crown Heights and Beyond
UPGRADING THE TIMELY AND EFFICIENT RESPONSE FOR TAHARAS
HAMISHPACHA SHAILOS
Rabbi Kasimov in person
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Available Jobs
(2) Growing pharmacy in williamsburg brooklyn looking to hire a pharmacy technician, Call 646-689-0316
(1) Executive Director –Global Moshiach Initiative. Visionary leader wanted to build global Moshiach movement—seed funding provided. Grow it through passion, creativity, and fundraising. Unite communities, inspire action, and fulfill the Rebbe’s mission. Call: 6462086848
(3) Looking for a mother’s helper. Afternoon hours. 347-533-3588
(4) Looking to rent 2or3 bedroom Apartment In Crown Heights long-term Under $2500 a month Reach me 9178257488
(3) Fully renovated 3 family for sale on Carroll cross Nostrand New York 9177700849
(2) Modern apt for Rent long term
3 Bedroom 2 full bathroom walk-in basement
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Empire & Albany Ave
Dov Ber 347 257 4957
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(3) Bright 1BR Flex corner apartment near 770 and
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(2) A beautiful house for sale in the original inner circle.
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(4) Freshly renovated apartment, President & Kingston. Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi). Private entrance. Suitable for 1–4 people. Air conditioning (Split A/C). Available September 21-28. $140 -$165 per night
(4) 2 Fully renovated 2 family Crown Heights Brownstones For Sale
One of which has parking Please reach out for more info: Dov Ber 347-2574957
(4) shared garage available for storage....Carroll Street between Troy and Schenectady. Please email: sheva.minim@ gmail.com
4) Beautifully Renovated 4000 SF Ground floor
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Asking $2.199m all offers are welcome
Dov Ber Chein 347-257 4957
(1) Looking for a small,
mirrored studio space to rent 1 or 2 days a week $10-$15 an hour Pls text 845-898-1321 with a photo of the space
(1) Full size parking garage for rent in the center of crown heights. available immediately 347-461-3859
For Sale
(1) Looking to sell a second hand electric outdoor/indoor stairlift. For more info please text 3479302475
(4) A dinette set White color 3 chairs 2 bentches $300. Table 30 x 60 Call 347 512-2806
(2) Samsung Galaxy A14 for sale 64GB barely used like new $90 negotiable,please call 718 419 7512
(1) Solid handmade shtende— 46” tall, 21” wide, 14” deep. Built to last. $225. WhatsApp me: 917-6004268
(4) Selling open box doona
car seats /brand new condition
Black, gray & green available $495 Txt only 347-455-1446
(1) GRIT-SET GREEN GLUE
2000" for tile, clean and strong $40.email: 456b@proton.me
Information
(1) The Crown Heights Jewish Community Council is planning a Life Insurance Awareness Drive. If you are a licensed life insurance broker residing in Crown Heights, please email mmarasow@chjcc. org so we can include you in this community initiative.
(1) Looking for a driver for a mitzvah tank for Chanukah $100 night pay all nights if available please text only 347-949-0191
(1) Babysitting group: Located across from 770. Eastern pkwy and Kingston.
Newborn-18 months. 10+ yrs experience. Whatsapp 718 930 8981 for serious inquiries
Advertise your classified here for free, and reach the entire Crown Heights!
(3) Experienced electrician, available for only small residential jobs in crown heights area —outlet replacements, lighting fixtures, and more— Text 413-320-0160 with inquiries
(1) Flight delayed or cancelled? Let CPAssist handle your claim no win, no fee! It’s not too late to claim what you’re owed. Email: cpassistgroup@ gmail.com
(2) Drum Lessons for Boys – in Crown Heights Private drum lessons with a professional teacher! Fun, energetic, and personalized learning for every level. Call 718-360-0360
(1) If anyone is interested or looking to sublease a 2024 mazda cx5 carbon edition, 12 months left. Pls message me at 347-6978501
(1) Need help moving? Whatsapp 347-613-0295. MAHEIR MOVING where we make it hassle - free.
(Free quote)
(3) Candle making workshop for kids. Ages 10-14 Mondays and Thursdays. Message 917-332-6399
(4) One man band available for all your simchas, parties and events. Also available for simchas bais hashoavo. Great prices available. Message Shifi on 718-249-3467 for prices
(3) Looking for music for your simchas, party's or events look no further. One man band available for a great price. Mention this ad for a discount.
Contact Baruch Niasoff on 718-249-3467
(3) Do you have empty frosted glass Mashke bottles from Yom tov? (Grey goose, Belvedere, Gallant, Pravda, etc).
Collecting for a DIY project. Text Sholom to arrange a pickup. 412-7261183. Thank you.
(2) Professional Video for Interview or Podcast Available.
Up to 3 Camera angles for only $1299
Basic Editing Included! Book Before Nov 19 (reg.
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(4) Warm and caring playgroup for ages 2-3. Safe, nurturing environment focused on early childhood development. Experienced Morah of over 10 years. Located on Union St between Albany & Troy. Limited spots availale. Call or text (347) 874-8230
(3) Music and Baking Lessons by Malka Edery: Guitar, Ukelele and voice in person or over Zoom. Specialty healthy Baking and Cooking lessons for women and girls. HCBS and self direct accepted. Private or small groups
(3) We pay cash 4 Seforim! Send pictures of Seforim/ library old/new to 347770-0733 for a quote!
(2) Certified Personal Trainer - helping women get fit, strong, reach their goals and enjoy a healthy life! Contact Mussi 4245585715
(1) is your Shul's Keser Sefer Torah tarnished. I can fix that. If you want
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(2) Adept graphic designer: Invitations, Save-the-Date, Event Flyers, Program Posters. Discounted rates. Contact 917-239-7562
(4) Lebedik and heartwarming Chassidishe music "one man band" for your simcha at affordable prices. For booking, please call Mendel at 718 813-2696.
(4) Give your son the gift of expert chess lessons by an experienced coach: Dani Springer has taught dozens of kids the love for the game that has defied time - and he can come to you. References available. Book now: 917-251-6619 Lessons are $90/hour. Standard session 40mins.
(4) New Playgroup - Ac-
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(2) Facials for all skin types. Body massage & reflexology, for a woman and teenagers. To set an appointment please contact Esther / +1 646 897 7087
(4) Airport service and beyond. 15/18 passenger sprinter and minibus service airport local and long distance we specialize in 18 passenger vans and 25 passenger minibuses also full size (56 seater) coach busses for wedding trips and more. 718 756 5656
Lost & Found
(1) Diamond earring found on Albany ave . Sunday November 2 . Please message for more details. 3474153871
(2) Found wedding band on Kingston Avenue before sukkos. Please call or text 9176644356.
(3) Lost blue MagSafe wallet on or near (crown /carroll) Kingston ave on Tuesday the 21st with cash inside.
Phone: 9177431578
Email: cgstein09@gmail. com
(3) I lost a grey bugaboo basinnet cover, between empire and crown, troy and Brooklyn. If found please text 7185024787
(3) I lost Galaxy buds 3 pro case by simchas bais if found please contact me at 646-618-9155
(3) Found a hardrive on crown st. between Kingston and Brooklyn on 29 tishrei, if its yours please text 516-610-8743
(4) Lost ladies pin, silver with pink stone in center. Oval. Gift from a dear departed friend. On Shabbos September 27. please text to 646 382 4099. .
