Happy New Year 5770

B"H

Dear Friend:

5770 is the Hebrew numerical equation of the Jewish New Year ה'תש"ע [Hey Tov Shin Ayin]. The traditional way to refer to this year will be תש"ע [Tov Shin Ayin (dropping the Hey)], which leaves us with the numerical equation of 770.

770 is also the numerical equation of the Hebrew word = פרצת [Poratzto = break out, burst forth]. May this year be a year in which you burst forth in growth in all your endeavors. Break out of your box spiritually and materially.

770 = פרצת [Poratzto] refers to Moshiach(יעלה הפורץ לפנינו) who will break us all out of Golus.

770 = פרצת [Poratzto] refers to breaking out of all limitations and living a limitless life of goodness & kindness as we usher in the redemption.

***

תהא שנת עשירות

תהא שנת עוז וחדוה

תהא שנת עזרת ישראל

תהא שנת ענוים הגיע זמן גאולתכם

***

My wishes to you on the eve of the new year 5770:

12 Months of unlimited freedom

50.72 weeks of unlimited joy and satisfaction

355 Days of productivity and unlimited wealth

8560 hours of good health

513600 minutes of nachas from your family

30816000 seconds of unlimited blessings

***

It is written in the code of Jewish Law, that in order to facilitate our prayers on Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to visit the graves of our loved ones and that of Tzadikim to ask them to pray for us for a happy and sweet new year.

***

I will be visiting the holy Ohel of Lubavitch on Friday, Rosh Hashanah eve. I will be glad to pray for you as well.

You can send me a list of the names of all your dear ones via reply email or by faxing 347-402-1424, include their Hebrew names and their mothers Hebrew name so I can include them in my prayers for Rosh Hashanah.

***

We would love to hear from in honor of the New Year. Please send us your most generous contribution via paypal by clicking here:

Or you can donate $54 and receive our gold plated cablejew mug by clicking here:

***

I wish you a very happy and sweet 5770

The Rebbe & The Judge

From the mouths of babes … you anchored strength – (psalms 8,3)

Recently on a Shabbos in 770, I overheard a dialogue between a 12 and 22 year old. It was kind of a big/little brother schmooze, discussing their inspiration from the Rebbe.

The 12 year old who was born three years after Gimmel Tammuz 5754, turns to his mentor who was only seven at that time. Revealing the most powerful sentiments I ever heard describing the power of our most revered Rebbe.

I am paraphrasing the discussion:

“I know that I will grow up to be a Shliach of the Rebbe. I know that the difficulties may include finding an available city in some hick-town behind nowhere in the farthest corner of the world. But that’s ok.

“However, I am worried about my children. When they grow up, what will inspire them to follow in the Rebbe’s footsteps? To them the Rebbe will be like the Rebbe Rashab (the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe who passed away in 1920) is to me. I wonder what will drive their connection to the Rebbe?"

I was astounded and most inspired like I've never been in a long time!

Born three years after Gimmel Tammuz, this 12 year old sees himself as a fully fledged Chasid no less than his father or any of the many thousands who were fully fledged adults long before 1994. He has a Rebbe just like all of us. His life is inspired by, and centers on the teaching and guidance of the Rebbe. He will fill the Rebbe’s Shlichus some 25 years after the Rebbe’s passing as if directed so personally by the Rebbe.

His concern rises when he thinks about his children who will follow him some 25 years later, 50 years after Gimmel Tammuz. He worries that they may feel the absence of the Rebbe in their life. They may feel that they do not have a Rebbe to lead them and guide them.

This is the most wonderful message I could contemplate on this very special day. The children who were born long after Gimmel Tammuz, live and feel the presence of the Rebbe, and they are ready and willing to live by his inspiration in their day to day lives.

Additional comments are extra.

Draw your own conclusions.

* * *

Friends:

I am not worried for the children of this young boy. He has answered all my questions and he displayed the eternity of the Rebbe’s presence amongst us.

In one sentence: This boy confirmed to me that the Rebbe lives! So why the difference between 15 years after Gimmel Tammuz or 50 years after Gimmel Tammuz?

Of course as long as we haven't reached the ultimate goal that the Rebbe set for us, to actually bring Moshiach when we will once again see the Rebbe in his full glory, there is much lacking. However, while we continue our mission to attain this goal, the Rebbe is taking good care of us and our children.

* * *

In 1995, I interviewed Judge Jerome Hornblass, then an associate justice on the New York State Supreme Court. Judge Hornblass met the Rebbe personally many times and he shared some of his impressions about the Rebbe’s impact on the children who were not privileged to see the Rebbe as they grow up.

As a civil servant the judge managed to get the Rebbe advice on how to treat the Jewish population from within government. He also picked up on how the Rebbe helped save Crown Heights and by extension help save and rejuvenate urban America.

A fascinating interview with a legal mind who witnessed leadership of a giant who never missed the minutia in any part of life, no matter how big or small, the Rebbe cared and gave guidance.

I share with you this interview, and I hope that as you commemorate the 15th anniversary of Gimmel Tammuz, you will draw some inspiration from the boy and from the judge, who kind of predicted such results some 15 years ago.

* * *

Urban America was doomed. Like a spinning ferris wheel neighborhoods were built and 30 years later abandoned. Entire neighborhoods were in every major city looked like Berlin after WWII. Until....

Crown Heights in Brooklyn better known for the 1991 pogrom actually set the trend for the rejuvenation of urban America thanks to the stand taken by The Lubavitcher Rebbe, so says New York state Supreme Court Justice Jerome Hornblass.

And why would The Rebbe talk about Shofar blowing in middle of March?

And why would a 80 year old scholar spend so many hours with little children?

And what advice did the Rebbe give to an aspiring Jewish civil servant in New York City?

Judge Hornblass served as a civil servant for close to 50 years and he met The Rebbe many times and he gives us some insight to the meaning of true leaders and true leadership.

Gut Shabbos

Wall Street Meets The Rebbe

1987, Wall Street crashes and the financial world is in panic, stocks spiraling down into a bottomless pit, life-savings were wiped out and black Monday dominates the mood in the world financial community.

Steve Eisenberg was one of those who lost his fortunes and was on the way to losing his career.

As the saying goes: "There are no atheists in foxholes" Steve went to get a dollar from The Lubavitcher Rebbe. What did The Rebbe say that changed his life?

Thousands would line up every Sunday in front of 770 Eastern Parkway to get their dollar from The Rebbe and make eye contact for just one second. What drew a mini-United-Nations to the 80 year plus Rabbi just to get a dollar?

Jennifer Schuster and Steve Jacoby were amongst the multitudes, who instead of shopping or going to the beach, spent their Sunday afternoon, waiting in line for many hours, and they claim it was well worth every second. Just so they can enjoy a great rest of the week, and perhaps the rest of their lives.

And wait till you'll hear how The Rebbe responded to a well-to-do-classy-lady when she challenged The Rebbe for spending his Sunday afternoon handing out dollars to all who asked for it.

A most inspiring narrative by three Wall Street executives about the influence The Rebbe had on their personal and business-lives. Presented in honor of the upcoming 15th anniversary of the The Rebbe's passing on Gimmel Tammuz (June 25, 2009), as recorded in 1995.

What a story, what a man.

Israel Today - The Death of Modern Zionism

For more than 60 years Jews are living in Israel under a Jewish Government. They fought 6-7 wars and are under constant threat of terror attacks.

Finally after almost 2000 years of exile and constant prayer and yearning to return to Jerusalem, it happened. Jews are in Israel and they are running their own affairs under a Jewish government.

So what happens when the Israeli government with the Jewish army withdraws from land under their jurisdiction, and they expel thousands of Jews from their homes with nowhere to go to?

Sounds familiar? It happened in Spain! It happened in Portugal! It happened in England! It happened in Iraq! It almost happened in the United States! And it happened in dozens of countries all over the world over the last two millennia.

Then it finally happens in Israel in the 21st century. A Jewish army expels Jews from a Jewish city in Israel!

How could this happen?

Isn't Israel the fulfillment of our dreams to rid ourselves from being the forever wandering Jew, because there isn't a place in the world he can call home? Is this what happens when you finally come home, you get expelled once again?

Rabbi Simon Jacobson tries to grapple with this issue by declaring the death of modern (secular) Zionism.

Who are the real zionists, and who will keep Israel going as a Jewish country for years to come?

Jews From Arab Countries

Everybody is concerned about the plight of the Palestinian people. Peace process, roadmaps, united nations and Arab leagues. And even some bleeding heart Jews.

For over 60 years a group of Arabs have been held up in refugee camps in various Arab countries. Not allowed to settle down or to acquire citizenship in any Arab country.

At the same time, several million Jews from many Arab countries have been expelled from homes and land they lived in for over two thousand years. 

Penniless and homeless, most have been absorbed in Israel, and they rebuilt their lives in a new world.

What of the billions they left behind in their old country? What of the land and culture they were forced to leave behind? What of their rights? What of compensation for their land and funds robed and confiscated by their old host countries?

Dr. Heskel Haddad, an optolmologist in New York City, was expelled from Iraq in 1951, for the crime of being a Jew. Coming from a well to do family, he was forced to leave it all behind, with just the clothes he had on his back.

Haddad is now asking for his voice to be heard. "When talking about the Palestinians, what about my land and possessions I left behind in Iraq?" asks Haddad.

Listen to a fascinating story of exile and persecution, which has a happy ending, but leaves miriads of questions to the entire world community unanswered.

Why do the Jews have to provide for the Palestinians that which their Arab brothers refuse to grant them?

Jews and Israel have absorbed their penniless brothers from Arab countries who were expelled and robed by the Arab world. Why don't the Arabs have to return that theft?

Who speaks on behalf of the Jews (expelled) from Arab Countries?

A Jew for a Quarter.....

Several years ago, a rabbi from out-of-state accepted a call to a community in Houston , Texas .

Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area.

When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.

As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it'.

Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from G-d' and keep quiet'.

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change'.

The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new rabbi in town?'

'Yes' he replied.

'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you in Shul on Shabbos'.

When the rabbi stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh Rebono Shel Olam (=master of the universe), I almost sold a Yid for a quarter.'

* * *

Our lives are the only thing some people will ever read.

This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as a JEW, and will put us to the test!

Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of HaShem on your shoulders when you call yourself a 'JEW'.

* * *

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

* * *

I'm glad a friend forwarded this to me as a reminder.

So, I choose to forward it to you - my friend.

If you don't pass this on to anybody, nothing bad will happen; but, if you do, you will have reminded someone he/she is being watched.

* * *

May HaShem bless you; I hope you are having a wonderful day!

P.S. This story was sent to me by Sarah Rochelle from Cleveland, OH. In the merit of A shidduch.

* * *

Today is Pesach Sheni (=Passover #2), when Jews who missed Passover on the 15th of Nissan, got another chance to perform the Pascal ritual.

The message is very clear, says the Rebbe: Its never too late! Everybody has the ability to correct anything they ever missed out.

G-d gives everybody another chance.

Shabbat shalom and Happy Pesach Sheni.

Happy Chodesh Iyar

The month of Iyar in Hebrew spells אייר which has the acronym of אני י, י, רופאיך this translates to "I am G-d your healer". This month brings healing to all from the master of healing. May all who need it benefit from this blessing. Gut Chodesh and Gut Shabbos

How to make your kitchen Kosher for Passover

Kosher Kitchen for Passover

How do you Kosher a Kitchen for Passover?

Rabbi Sholtiel Lebovic of "Go Kosher" shows how to make your kitchen Kosher for Passover in an interview with CableJew Rabbi Yosef Katzman host of " A Cable to Jewish Life".

Stovetop, Oven, Pots, Cutlery, Sink, etc.

Have your pen and paper in hand.

Dance away a Happy Purim

Get into the spirit of Purim. In this show you can just join us in dancing and singing. Plain and simple Purim joy.

With the help of some Katzman kinderlach, you will be guided into a frenzy of song and dance, which will put you into the right mood for Purim.

Note, Haman thought that since he is viceroy to the King of the superpower of the world, he will determine the fate of the Jews under his rule. Today there are those in this world, actually in the same part of the world as Persia of old, who are plotting Haman's plan once again.

G-d had his own plan, queen Esther and minister, Rabbi Mordechai, spoiled Haman's lot and plot. Today, G-d has his plan to spoil the lot and plot of the Hamans' of our time.

Joy is the key. When you are joyous you elevate yourself above all little neuances that make you nervous and testy. You are a lot more tolerant and forgiving.

The Baal Shem Tov comments; King David says in Psalms 121, "G-d is your shadow", implying that G-d reflects your mood. So when you are in a happy mood, G-d will follow in this mood towards you. You fill in the blanks.

HAPPY PURIM!

Purim Spirit

Purim Spirit from Joseph Katzman on Vimeo.
Purim happened in ancient Persia, present day Iraq and iran. Any connection between todays tensions in that part of the world and Purim of old?

If Yom Kippur (Yom Ha-Ki-Purim) is only similar to Purim, which implies that Purim is holier and greater than yom kippur, how is it that on Yom Kippur we fast and spend the entire day in temple, while on purim we eat, drink, and mostly have a very good time (and that's an understatement).

What brings us closer to g-d and the mission he entrusted us with in this world, Purim or Yom Kippur?

Listen to some answers to these and other questions, in this interview with Rabbi Simon Jacobson, on A Cable to Jewish Life program with show host, Rabbi Yosef Katzman.

If the Purim story was such a great miracle, why is G-d's name never mentioned in the entire recorded story of Purim in the Megila?

And what was so much of a miracle? How does the story of Queen Esther compare to the miracle of the splitting of the red sea?

According to Rabbi Simon Jacobson, the story of purim never ended. He claims that the Baal Shem Tov says that the Purim story replays constantly in your life as well as in mine.

So what's the message of Purim? Spiritualize the material. You have been charged with a mission, says Rabbi Simon Jacobson, in this interview with Rabbi Yosef Katzman on A Cable to Jewish Life.

Art and Spirit

Raphael Nouril painted the Shah of Iran, the Prince, Henry Kissinger and actress Susan Colins. But when he wanted to paint the Lubavitcher rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, whom he never met, he changed his life first.

What is it about art that so much affects the artists life? What was so special about the Rebbe that painting his likeness made Raphael become a new person?

In a fascinating tale of art and spirit, miracles and holiness, Raphael Nouril tells all in an interview with Rabbi Yosef Katzman, host of A Cable to Jewish Life.




CableJew wants to hear from you. Please post your comments.

Inspirational Art

Inspirational Art from Joseph Katzman on Vimeo.

What is art? In the image of G-d He created mankind. So images tell you something about G-d, His world, and perhaps His worlds.

Splashing colors onto canvas, Dov Lederberg and Yael Avi-Yona take you to a world of images and imagination. An inspiring trip into spirituality in world, space and time.

Tell us what you think. We want to hear from you.

Rebbe and Chassid - A unique relationship

A rare glimpse into the hearts and minds of Lubavitcher Chassidim, and into what makes them tick.

What is a Rebbe? What is a Chassid? Why are Chassidim following their Rebbe? How is it that a Rebbe can dictate the life of his Chassid? Why do Chassidim leave all their comforts and familiar surroundings to go to far away places for life, just to follow the Rebbe's wishes?

in 1948 Rabbi Yitzchock Groner, O.B.M, left his home and family in Brooklyn for a 50 hour flight to far away Australia at the wish of his Rebbe, the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchock Schneerson to help the Jewish community there. And ten years later he settled in Australia at the request of the present Lubavitcher Rebbe, never to look back, till his last day in the summer of 2008.

In an open hearted conversation, Rabbi Groner tells his tale and answers all of the above questions as it pertains to him personally and how it affects all the Chassidim. What drives them and what makes them do all those things that bring them to Mumbai India, or Vladivostok Russia.

A Letter to Moishele

As the Jewish people have adopted Moishele from Mumbai, our hearts are overcome with love, concern and hope.

The following song, was introducedd by Lipa, the chasidic star singer at the most recent Soul to Soul concert in Crown Heights.

A very emotional letter written to Moishele in three languages, Yiddish, Hebrew and English express some of the sentiments we all feel towards Moishele, our newly adopted son.


Moishe'le Neshama'le from COLlive.com on Vimeo.

5 Hours Left to help A Cable to Jewish Life

There are only a few hours left for you to take advantage of getting a tax deduction for your donations to “A Cable to Jewish Life.”

Please help us cover our satellite bills in time before the New Year comes in. The situation is very urgent. We need your support now more than ever so we can continue broadcasting on satellite.

Do this good deed of charity to support the largest Jewish classroom in the world, in the honor and in memory of the martyrs of Mumbai and their child Dovber.

Please click here to go directly to PayPal to donate by credit card. Don’t hesitate to call me at 718-221-2539 to find out how you can help even more.

Dovber Holtzberg

The Grandparents at the fresh grave of Dovber Holtzbaerg

Over the last month, Rabbi Gavriel and Rebbetzin Rivki Holtzberg and their family from Mumbai India, became part of our own family. We were devastated by their untimely cruel death, and we gasped at the incredible miracle of the rescue of little Moishele.

Today in Israel, many thousands gathered to commemorate the Shloshim (end of 30 day mourning period) for Gabi and Rivki, may G-d avenge their blood. May it be G-d’s will that Moishele’s parents from Gan Eden (paradise) guard over him, so he grows to fill their shoes in happiness and good health.

While we grieve for the Holtzbergs and we pray for the bright future of Moishele. We may have not noticed that the Holtzbergs had another child who unfortunately was suffering from a Jewish genetic disease. At the time of his parents’ death, Dovber was very advanced in his debilitating condition without much hope for survival.


Rabbi Nachman Holtzberg (left)

Sadly, only yesterday 4 and a half year old Dovber passed away in a home for children in Israel. As a member of our family, we all renew our grieving as our hearts go out to his brother Moishele, and his grandparents Rabbi and Mrs. Nachman Holtzberg and Rabbi and Mrs. Shimon Rosenberg. May they live good, happy and healthy long years.


Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg

Yesterday, after the funeral Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg said: It is very difficult to keep strong in times like this when on tragedy follows another. But G-d gives and G-d takes. May His name be blessed. This is the time when G-d gives us extra strength to bear the pain, and He gives courage to all not to collapse.

~~~

I am at a loss for words in times like this. I have nothing to say, but shed a tear and another and another.

The Rebbe taught us that in times like this, there is inappropriate to look for explanations and of course not to look for justifications. G-d doesn’t need our defense. All we must do is, to be silent over the tragedy. Then we cry to G-d, our father in heaven, to invoke the powers of mercy, because we have suffered too much pain, and it’s time for Hashem to send us the righteous Moshiach.

This is also a time that we must give each other support and strength and direct our energy to do more Mitzvos and good deeds to help hasten the coming of Moshiach. Then we’ll be relieved of all pain and suffering forever. Amein.

G-d counts when the nations write

The great lover of the Jewish people, Reb Levi Yitzchock of Berditchev, would wish his neighbors a happy new year on January first, of the secular calendar. He based this custom on a verse in Tehilim (Psalms) 87,6, where it says: ה' יספר בכתוב עמים (G-d counts when the nations write). He explained that this refers to the counting of the secular year.

The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, the sixth Rebbe, and his successor our Rebbe, the seventh Rebbe, also practiced this greeting on new years day. And they would refer to the Berditchever Tzadik as the source for this custom.

So, Happy New Year to you in all your material needs and activities.

Only two days left

Only two days left.

For us to honor our obligation to keep our satellite contract.

Only two days left.

For you to give your 2008 tax deductible donation.

Only two days left.

"A Cable to Jewish Life" is in danger of losing satellite time. If we don't raise $50,000 by December 31, 2008.

Please help keep the flame of Judaism burning on television. Don't allow darkness to extinguish this beacon of light for 250,000 viewers.

For only $2950 you can be the sponsor for an entire week of satellite broadcasting coast to coast.
For $7000 you can help sponsor a brand new redesigned website to help share Jewish educational discussions with millions worldwide.

If we don't get help now, parts of the outreach of “A Cable to Jewish Life" may go dark.
Failure is not an option. we really need your help now. Click here to donate now.

Only two days left.

You can take advantage of our monthly automatic credit card billing option to become a pillar of A Cable to Jewish Life.

“A Cable to Jewish Life” is a bona fide 501(c)3 tax deductible organization.

I apologize for blogging this message. No message! Just asking for money.

I hope never to have to do this again, because you will help us honor this promise.

Please Donate NOW!

Click here to become a pillar.

Click here for a one time donation.

In the merit of your charity may G-d protect the Jews in Israel and the Israeli Defense Forces, who are fighting now for the survival of Israel.

Chanukah Menorah Parade

Happy Chanukah around the world!


Chanukah Menorah Parade from Joseph Katzman on Vimeo.

Why Oil? Why Parades? Why Giant Menorah's in State Capitals?

Mordy Simons interviews Rabbis Mordechai Hirsch and Moishe Schmukler, organizers of the largest Chanukah Menorah Parades in New York City. Over 300 cars and mobile homes take part in these parades.

But why not keep the holiday in your home for your family? Rabbi Chaim Miller, author of the Kol Menachem Chumash and many other works, tells us all about Chanukah, the street and much much more.

Relax watch and enjoy, to hear the rest of the story.

Let us know what you think. Share your comments on our blog. www.cablejew.blogspot.com.

Happy Chanukah.

Little Moishele Lights his fathers Menorah

Miracle boy, little Moishele Holtzberg, is seen here lighting the Chanukah Menorah with his maternal grandfather Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg. With his nanny the heroine of Mumbai, Sandra, looking on.

Although Moishele stopped crying out for EEMA an ABBA, he is still very weary of strangers. And is constantly reassured by the presence of his only familiar face, nanny Sandra. And when Moishele sees pictures of his martyred parents, he is overtly saddened at their sight.

This heart wrenching scene takes place in Afula Israel, where Sandra has moved to, in order to be with little Moishele whom she saved while risking her own life. She found him standing all bloodied up, right over the motionless bodies of both his parents. Who were butchered in the Chabad House in Mumbai India, three weeks ago.

This Menorah was rescued from the ruins of the Chabad House, and it belonged to Rabbi Gabi Holtzberg, Moishele's father. The grandfather Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg, Rivkah Holtzberg's father, asks Moishele to come and kindle the Menorah that his father used last year.

A scene that breaks your heart. But at the same time it reminds us of the miracle that unfolded in front of our eyes in the midst of this senseless massacre. The miraculous rescue of Moishele by a selfless Sandra, who showed us how high a person can rise to save another human being.

This is the message of Chanukah.
One small flask of oil.
One small lady Sandra.
With enough oil to burn one day.
With enough courage to risk her life for five minutes.
Lasted to burn for eight days.
Gave Moishele a lifetime to live.
And the light keeps burning for thousands of years since.
And Moishele will grow up to fill his fathers shoes for many years to come.

Remember, one little candle can dispel a room full of darkness. Light your Chanukah candles, add one candle each day, and ultimately darkness will be overrun, and the whole world will be illuminated with pure light initiated by a tiny flask of oil.

And when all the candles come together, they form this enormous flame that will consume the walls of this miserable bitter Golus, and will usher in the grand era of light and happiness with our righteous Moshiach NOW!

This video was taken by Israeli television channel 2.

Click here to watch Moishele kindle his fathers Menorah.