| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 20:53 |
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BOP Showcase: FCI Ft. Dix - West & Otisville Camp
"A BOP SHOWCASE" Jewish Facility
BS"D 12 Kislev 5773 (November 26, 2012)
BOP Showcase: FCI Ft. Dix - West and FPC Otisville Camp
We live in what is considered to be the greatest country in the world, which was founded upon the principles
of democracy and freedom, along with the principle of "universal equality". Not only does this country follow
these principles in regard to their citizens who are free people, but these rights are also guaranteed for those
who are incarcerated in this country. Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion are also among those
freedoms accorded to all citizens - both free and imprisoned.
In order for the BOP to fulfill the accordance of Freedom of Religion to all people under their custody, they
have made a system which accommodates each religion. Basically, the BOP gives certain basics to each
religion, which has been deemed to be appropriate so the practitioners of that religion can fulfill their duties.
The BOP does recognize in accommodating those inmates who are sincere to accommodate them on a higher
level. Therefore, the BOP has chosen a few institutions which will be set aside to accommodate religious
groups in a better manner. For instance, there is a "Life Connections" Program for Christians. There are
some other institutions for Muslims. And for the Orthodox Jews, there are two institutions: FCI Ft. Dix -
West, NJ and FPC Otisville Camp, NY.
By nature, whenever a person achieves something, he is proud of the accomplishment and advertises it. The
same goes with the United States of America as a whole: they are proud to be considered a free country,
based on democratic ideals, and they advertise all over the world - both inside and outside the country - that
this country is the dream of the world. The same goes with this country advertising that we have Freedom of
Religion, even for inmates. And thus the term "showcase prison", where the BOP accommodates the religious
needs of different religions.
Whenever a religious Jew goes to jail, or when a defendant has an argument before the Court that he won't be
able to abide by his religion in jail, the rebuttal by judges and prosecutors is that there are 2 prisons in the
U.S. which will accommodate that person's needs: FCI Ft. Dix - West and FPC Otisville Camp.
(Previously, a defendant wouldn't be able to properly be able to observe his religion if he were to go to prison,
and this would be an extenuating circumstance which could warrant that the judge couldn't send this person to
prison. Thus they provide this "showcase prison" so they can, in fact, send that person to prison. In fact,
according to the Constitution, this government must provide each person with the ability to practice their
religion. If they cannot provide this in the prison environment, legally, they should not be allowed to send that
person to prison. And for this reason, the BOP has created a "showcase prison" to accommodate these needs).
These Jewish "Showcase Prisons" have the ability and facilities to provide for their Jewish inmates communal
prayers with minyan and reading from the Torah every day, as well as numerous seforim (religious books) to
enable Torah classes at all levels to be provided. Many less-religious inmates also wish to take the opportunity
to attend Torah classes given by other inmates who had the benefit of a deeper Torah education. The reality
of Jewish facilities is sadly, at Ft. Dix - West, not as publicly made-out-to-be at this "Showcase Prison".
Regretfully, here at FCI Ft. Dix - West, the status of the prison is not checked. Anyone here can see that the
Religious Services Department does not run smoothly, efficiently or properly. The levels of support are not as
they should be. In fact, people who self-surrender to this prison see the services provided by the Religious
Services Department and are quite surprised and disappointed by what they find. The judges and prosecutors
had assured them that their religious needs would be met at this "showcase prison"; but, regretfully, in reality
this is not so. This is particularly so for the Jews, as this prison was advertised as a "showcase" specifically
for the Jews, to provide all of their religious needs while in the prison system.
As an example, it had been established for people who self-surrender here, that they are allowed to bring in
their tallis/tefillin as they come here. But now, Chaplain Mihyar has unilaterally changed this policy also, and
no longer allows it. This is the first experience a person now receives with being disappointed here, at this
"showcase prison".
It should be pointed out that, in years past, when religious Jews were in Court, they argued that their
religious freedoms and needs would not be able to be met if they were sent to prison. And this was a very
strong argument. In fact, because of this, often times judges would not sentence a religious Jew to prison
for this reason. Or if they were sentenced to prison time, it would be a very short sentence.
But, now the BOP has established certain "showcase prisons" to meet this need of religious Jews, so that the
judges shouldn't have to resort to not sending religious Jews to prison. Now the judges say that they have
these prisons where all of the religious needs and obligations of Jews are met. So now they can send them
to prison for any length of sentence they deem good in their eyes.
But in fact, although the BOP assures the judges this is so: that there are these "showcase prisons" where the
religious needs of Jews are met, this is not the case. Although the BOP Policy sets forth that these needs
must be met, the unilateral actions of the Chaplain have put an end to this.
The purpose of writing this article is to bring this situation to the attention of the Jewish community: to ensure
that this promise of the United States Constitution of Freedom of Religion and BOP Policy be fulfilled. As more
religious Jews, unfortunately, come into the system, and the demand for accommodation increases, the
facilities provided should be increased, rather than what is unfortunately the case at FCI Ft. Dix - West, which
is in serious decline. New Muslim chaplains are now defining BOP Policy in a manner that is diminishing and
endangering Constitutional rights and practices of the Jewish Community established over many years. The
term "showcase prison" should live up to its name.
If, in fact, for whatever reason the BOP can no longer, or no longer wishes to, provide Jewish inmates with their
religious needs, this is a greater punishment than the Court is legally allowed to hand down, and we wish it to be
informed to the judges and those in authority that the BOP no longer provides these rights and accommodations
for religious Jews.
Currently there are two fundamental issues which the Jewish Community here at FCI Ft. Dix - West requests
that the prison accommodate:
1) That the Chapel should be open all day, every day: 7 days/week, 365 days/year (which is, at the minimum,
not less than Recreation and Education facilities here at FCI Ft. Dix - West, as in many ways Chapel is more
important, as it represents Freedom of Religion as is guaranteed under the Constitution. This is essential to
perpetuate and enhance Torah classes and learning for all Jewish inmates, which enhances the rehabilitation
process).
2) That we should be allowed to observe Shabbosos and Festivals as required by Jewish Law and Tradition,
which include the 3 Shabbos/Festival Meals, plus Havdalah and Melava Malka to be held as communal events
for all Jewish inmates who wish to attend.
These 2 above issues are not accommodated well at all. And unfortunately they have become markedly worse
than what had previously been established here over the years.
Whoever can bring this to the attention of the proper authorities, to correct these issues, will be blessed min
HaShamayim. Thank you.
PLEASE READ THE ABOVE CAREFULLY AND SPREAD THIS MESSAGE TO WHOEVER MAY BE ABLE TO HELP. AND
YOU CAN HELP BY ENCOURAGING THOSE WHO CAN HELP, TO HELP.
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:02 |
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BS"D 15 Kislev 5773 (November 29, 2012) MP3 (9) Dear Rabbis and friends, Another week is over. And I am here again to knock on your door, and bring to your attention to think about what a great thing an MP3 can be for those who are locked up anywhere in the United States Federal Prison System. I am sure you know what MP3s are. And I am sure you know the importance. And I believe you know MP3s are available here in the Federal Prison System. But the request is that the authorities should make available that we be allowed to download Jewish/Chassidishe songs (which should be available among the other million+ songs). What should be further available is Sippurei Tzaddikim, Mussar, Chumash Rashi, Divrei Chizuk, Torah shiurim, and so on. Again, whoever makes these available, you cannot imagine how great is his achievement and investment. This achievement is a great achievement for many, many people all over the United States. We here all give you the blessing that you should succeed and achieve this. And we wish you encouragement, brocho v'hatzlocho! Thank you.
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:02 |
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BS"D 28 MarCheshvan 5773 (Nov. 13, 2012)
CHAPEL - FREEDOM OF RELIGION (1)
Dear Rabbis and friends,
We would like to share and explain what the problem is which we have in the Chapel.
We live in a country which gives Freedom of Religion and this Freedom of Religion also applies to people in
jail. Furthermore, this country prides itself in how it gives this right to everyone. There is no question
that, in principle, they are right, and they do follow through with providing this to everyone. But in jail, the
fact is that it is not so easy. There are many challenges each and every day, in everything.
But the truth of the matter is that if we represent the issues, and are supported by our brothers outside,
which means that they should demand, explain, market and educate regarding the issues, it would be a lot
easier for us to obtain all of our rights as stated in the Constitution.
As explained, the BOP has a Religious Services Department which defines what the requirements are for
each religion. And whatever the experts of that religion say is required, that is what the BOP provides.
Every religious issue, if it is not an issue of breach of security, and the BOP recognizes that the issue is a
requirement of the religion, the BOP must provide it; and if they don't provide it, they make it available to
receive in another manner.
The general rule in the BOP is that, even when it is a security issue, they must make all efforts to make
religious requirements available to be fulfilled.
The BOP has experts for each religion, as mentioned before. And they have a book which describes the
requirements and all details. And all chaplains are supposed to follow this book (like we follow a Shulchan
Aruch).
The system in the BOP is that they have Jewish Chaplains in the system and chaplains from many other
religions as well. And if in a certain prison they don't have a representative from that specific religion, they
call a contact in another prison from that religion, and that person tells them what to do.
In the same way, it goes for the Jewish religion. But the problem is the following. Most of the Jewish
inmates are not observant, and those who are, are more modern. There are very few heimishe Yidden.
Therefore, the staff don't know and aren't educated, and are missing much information of the importance of
requirements of Jewish Law.
Unfortunately, lately there have been more heimishe Yidden coming to prison. In order to fix the problems,
we need to establish and bring to the BOP and educate them regarding the importance of all of the issues
which we have. By doing this, most of the problems can be fixed a lot more easily. It's not easy to do, but
this is the way to fix the problems at their foundation.
The bottom line is that the BOP itself has no problem with providing the Jewish obligations as are supposed
to be. The problem is the chaplains. Of course they don't look for more work, so they look for all excuses.
If we establish, since we have more Jews, that we're obligated, and since the things do not make any breach
in security, they have to provide us, and they will provide us, be"H.
Therefore we ask everyone who can, to bring the message for those people who are connected with the BOP
to fix all of these problems at their foundation.
Please take in mind another issue, that we inside have no credibility, and they don't want to listen to what we
tell them, and won't believe us. When we submit a request, they ask their expert. And most of the experts
themselves are not very religious people. So if a religious expert denies something, it's a serious problem.
As the whole system is built, as I've said, on what the experts say.
Some people say we should take a Jewish Chaplain. This in itself is not a solution. We would need a
Chassidishe Jewish Chaplain. And when we take a Chassidishe Jewish Chaplain, it's also not easy, as much
pressure is placed on him. The community has to bring the issue, and it should be written in the Manual
Guide Book, and whatever is written there, they will fulfill, b'ezras Hashem Yisborach.
This above, in short, explains what is the source of problems, and how basically to correct the problems at
their root. May Hashem help us that we be able to overcome all of our challenges, and we should be united
together inside and outside, and everyone should fulfill their mission and purpose for which they were
created. Thank you.
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:03 |
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BS"D A Gitte Voch, Motzoei Shabbos Kodesh, Parshas Va'yeitzei, 10 Kislev 5773, Nov. 24, 2012 A gitte voch, a yeshiadige voch, a voch mit brocho v'hatzlocho mit alle gitte hashpuos! Since this Shabbos we had special Siyatta d'Shmaya: we had a ness for the minyan and kiddush, so I would like to share with you our experiences, be"H. Although wherever we are, every minute we need siyatta d'Shmaya that everything should go as scheduled without disturbances of unexpected things, it is 100 times more so here at Ft. Dix - West. Every second something can pop up - that the compound can be closed because of a lockdown or many other things. As a result of lockdowns or fights or any such things, it affects everyone, and of course the Yidden get it more. A lockdown means it's more difficult to observe minyanim, Torah classes, and all other religious obligations. Today, Shabbos Kodesh, we began services at around 7:30am with Brochos. Arye Yitzhak Goodman started with Pesukei d'Zimra, Yaakov Moshe Mertz from Shochein Ad, Krias HaTorah: Malkiel Amos Krias HaTorah, Kohen: Avraham HaKohen Alkhabbaz, Levi: Nissim ben Nisan Yushuvayev, Yisroel: Yehoshua Yehuda Tesler, Revii: Meir Leib Goldman, Chamishi: Yonasan Cushner, Shishi: Reb Levi Yitzhak Rosenbaum, Shevii: Arye Yitzhak Goodman, Maftir: Malkiel Amos. Everything was quiet and smooth at first. But after "Keser", it was announced "Recall". Recall means that wherever we are, we have to go back to our housing units. So therefore, we had a few minutes to finish davening. This is also siyatta d'Shmaya, as sometimes right at that second we have to leave when they call Recall. This time because of the Recall there would be a lockdown, as a package of contraband came over the fence to the Compound. Therefore everyone in the Chapel was searched as they left. And thus we had time to finish davening as everyone else was searched. And we made a quick Kiddush. And we were all very happy that, baruch Hashem, we finished the davening and Krias HaTorah. So everyone was very happy that, despite everything that happened, we were able to do what we had to do. ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------
We didn't know what would be next. B'chasdei Hashem, the Compound was reopened, and things looked like
normal. But, with another thing not having been due to what happened today, we could no longer make the
Seudas Shabbos as previously. This is the second Shabbos where we weren't allowed to make Seudas Shabbos
together. And because of this, many Yidden could not have Seudas Shabbos at all. But that is another issue.
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At 1pm, we gathered together to daven Mincha and have a shiur on the Parshas HaShavua by Malkiel Sar Shalom
Amos. This shiur is a part of the classes that we have. And after Shabbos there are Questions/Answers given for
people to fill out regarding the shiur. About 2 minyanim gathered together to listen to the shiur. As the
atmosphere looked like any second there could be another lockdown, we davened Mincha and said the shiur right
away, instead of at 2pm. And right after the shiur, Recall was announced again. Again, we were very happy that
once again, despite everything, we were able to daven Mincha together and have the very special shiur which we
had.
The lockdown continued, and for Maariv we couldn't daven together - only each unit by itself inside each unit. So
right now we did Havdalah and Melava Malka separately. So I want to wish everyone a gitte voch, a refiadige
voch, a yeshiadige voch, a voch mit brocho v'hatzlocho, un a voch mit a sach gelt! We all hope to share with you
always good news with yeshios, and that we can exercise our rights even here, and that they should give us the
opportunity to really rehabilitate ourselves and to do positive things: Torah classes, davening and learning as
Yidden are supposed to do, in this place of darkness. A gitte voch.
P.S. For the past 2 weeks there hasn't been Commissary as a result of a few people cutting the fence or having
packages thrown over the fence. Now we do not know whether there will be Commissary this coming week(s)
either. This makes things here even more difficult. What it means not to have Commissary could be another
whole article, but we shall not continue with this at the moment. But suffice it to say, it causes much tzaaros and
inability in buying kosher food we need (including for Shabbos needs), etc.
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:03 |
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BS"D Erev Shabbos Kodesh, Parshas Va'yeitzei (And he Left), 9 Kislev 5773, November 23, 2012
Shabbos Shalom u'Mevorach,
A good Shabbos, a happy Shabbos with all good influences and with healings and salvations for us and for all
Congregation of Yisroel!
This Portion is "Va'yeitzei Yaakov mi'Be'er Shava va'yeilech Charanah" (And Yaakov left Be'er Sheva and went
towards Charan). As we always say, the Holy Torah shows the way and teaches us everything, everywhere.
These Portions in Bereishis (Genesis) teach us how the Jewish Nation was created and how our grandfathers
behaved and what to do in each situation. Even the names of the Portions teach us. As we read this Portion,
there are many difficulties to understand, as the commentaries ask and explain. I shall try to bring out a
point, be"H.
As Rashi and many others ask, what does the Torah come to teach us here when it says Yaakov left Be'er
Sheva? We already know this from the previous Portion. And also, why does it say "Yaakov left"? It could
just say "he went towards Charan".
Rashi answers and explains that since the Torah takes an aside to speak of Esav taking a third wife from the
daughters of Yishmael, the Torah brings us back here to this point. But it's still questionable why we have to
stop to make a new Portion here. If we are repeating things, why not just continue in the previous Portion
with this? And now the new Portion is named Va'yeitzei.
But we see that by naming the Portion here "Va'yeitzei Yaakov", the Torah is trying to emphasize something
here. Furthermore, as I was thinking of these questions, I was struggling last week as I finished the Portion.
As the Portion repeated a few times that Yitzhak called to Yaakov and blessed him, and told him to go to
Padan Aram. And then later it says Yitzhak sent Yaakov to Padan Aram to the house of Lavan. Then it says
again that Yaakov listened to his father and mother and went to Padan Aram. So it repeats the same thing
again and again. The Torah usually doesn't repeat the same thing. And all the repetitions teach and give us
an important message.
We must think what can be the answer. When Yaakov Avinu went from Be'er Sheva to go to Charan, it wasn't
easy for Yaakov Avinu to leave Be'er Sheva, his father's house, a holy place, and Eretz Yisroel. In his father's
house he only experienced a holy place, a holy atmosphere, he didn't see any bad things, it was only holy and
pure. And now he must go to Charan, in the house of Lavan HaRasha, HaArami (the corrupter). It's no
question that it was a very difficult challenge and test for Yaakov Avinu to leave Be'er Sheva and to go to
another place, especially a place like Charan, as previously mentioned what kind of place it was.
But, Yaakov Avinu is about to arise to build the Jewish Nation - the 12 tribes. And this mission had to start in
Charan, to descend into this place to complete a great mission. The Will of Hashem, His purpose in creating
this Olam HaChoshech (World of Darkness) was to make known that the mission of this world is to make known
that Hashem is everywhere, even in the lowest level of darkness, and to make clear that Hashem is the Creator
and Controller of everything. The same, Yaakov Avinu, as he created the Jewish Nation, was supposed to go to
the house of Lavan to begin this great mission. Therefore Yaakov Avinu needed all blessings and instructions
how to remain there and behave there. Thus he went to the Academy of Shem and Ever, all as preparation for
the great mission that he was about to do. This is called "va'yeitzei" (to leave): to leave Be'er Sheva: the
bastion of holiness - and to go out and do this great mission upon which he was sent.
Similarly, the Portion says in the Portion of Va'yeishev (and he settled), "eileh toldos Yaakov: Yosef ben sheva
esrei shanah..." (these are the descendants of Yaakov: Yosef was 17 years old...). Rashi says here that the
whole purpose of Yaakov was because of Yosef, and because Yosef had to descend to Egypt and to bring about
the exile in Egypt, and become a king, and so on.
So this is how the Portion brings out "va'yeitzei Yaakov" - the whole creation of the 12 tribes - this is what
"va'yeitzei means": to go out on this difficult mission. We know the difficult time and all of the struggles and
challenges that Yaakov had during the 22 years he was in the house of Lavan. It was unimaginable! And yet
Yaakov Avinu overcame all challenges. And this teaches us with our challenges that in order to overcome our
challenges we must hide ourselves in the yeshiva and pray a great deal and prepare ourselves for our missions.
And with all the preparations, Yaakov overcame the great challenges, and built the 12 tribes of the Jewish
Nation, and overcame the problems he had with Lavan and with Esav. And the Jewish Nation has survived as a
Nation up unto today!
May Hashem help all of us that we should overcome all of our challenges and fulfill our missions wherever we are:
to declare and make known that there is a G-d of the world, and He made, makes and will make all things. And
Hashem should give us the merit to really fulfill our mission - each person's mission in his place. As the
forefathers overcame their challenges, we should as well, as is the Will of He Who sent us on the mission, in the
best manner possible. And we should have the merit to see with our own eyes the kindness of Hashem and the
salvation of all Klal Yisroel in gichen! Umein!
Please remember to have us all in mind in your prayers. And we shall have you in mind as well, be"H. Thank you,
and a git Shabbos!
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:04 |
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Hello, One point was missing from our article about "Great News". We would like to point out that from the time that the classes began until now (within this past year), some members have already completed and received 24 certificates! This is hours and hours of Torah and achievement in topics of Torah and Halachah. May Hashem help us, and we should always be able to get good news! Good Shabbos.
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:04 |
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BS"D 7 Kislev 5773 (November 21, 2012) MP3 (8) Dear Rabbis and friends, Another week is over. And as I've mentioned before, I know some people are working on this, and that they know the greatness and importance of it. And we appreciate their efforts greatly. We are here to give them thanks for their efforts that they've done up to today. And we encourage them to continue in achieving this. As it has been explained a few times, achieving this for the MP3 would be an aspect of Pidyon Shvuyim l'rabbim, and would bring light into the deep darkness. So this is an encouragement and thanks. And we pray for the success of all those working on this. And whoever knows and can do, we encourage them. A git Shabbos with all blessings. Whoever can update us with anything, we'd be glad to hear.
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:05 |
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BS"D Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5773 (Nov. 15, 2012)
GREAT NEWS - ACHIEVEMENT OF RECOGNITION OF CLASSES
We would like to share with you some great, exciting news. We have achieved here that the BOP will give
recognition and credit for our Torah classes, just as they give recognition and credit for goyishe classes.
To understand what is the great news, we must explain the following:
- What do classes mean in jail?
- What do Torah classes mean in jail?
- What is the benefit of recognition and credit?
- How much effort was put into this accomplishment to receive recognition and credit, for which we are so
happy? (Which is a lesson to know how a person has siyatta d'Shmaya when they put forth the efforts).
WHAT DO CLASSES MEAN IN JAIL?
One of the goals of prison is to become "rehabilitated". This means that people, hopefully, come out better
than when they entered jail. People can take classes in a large variety of subjects to better themselves.
These classes can be divided into different parts. These classes take place in either Education or Recreation.
And when a person completes a course, they receive a certificate which is placed in the inmate's file. And
every time the inmate has a "Team Meeting" (where they review the inmate's case and what classes they've
taken and how well they've behaved), it helps in reevaluating the person's "points", in terms of going down in
Security Level, whether they get to go to Camp, halfway house, etc.
Also, if a provision of the Second Chance Act or another Act comes through to grant more Good Time, they
will take these classes into serious consideration in granting more good time, be"H.
WHAT DO TORAH CLASSES MEAN IN JAIL?
With Torah Classes, we take courses in Gemara, Shas, Halachah, Mussar (Character Improvement) Seforim.
We have been blessed to receive help and sponsorship by Rabbi Labin from Dror and from Rabbi Krausz
(Apter Ruv) from L'Asurim to give support for different Shiurei Torah/classes on the above topics.
These classes take place in the Chapel. And we seek to learn every day, studying the laws of prayer, how to
pray, how to honor the Holy Torah, etc. Before each holiday, we have special classes to learn about the
holiday, the laws and spirit. And we have special classes on character as well.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF RECOGNITION AND CREDIT?
All of these classes mentioned above, baruch Hashem, have received full recognition now, just like the
goyishe classes. This achievement of recognition and credit at Ft. Dix is a first-time accomplishment at an
institution. We hope that other BOP facilities will follow as well, as we have led the path, be"H.
Now that we have recognition and credit, we can apply this when we are evaluated at our "Team" Meetings.
Now, for Yidden as well, we have secured that we can take classes that will improve ourselves, since we don't
necessarily need the same kinds of classes that the goyim take. And this will now allow us, as well, to receive
"good time" and good behavior, etc. credits which will hopefully help us in the future, be"H.
HOW MUCH EFFORT WAS PUT INTO THIS ACCOMPLISHMENT?
At the end of 2011, when the classes were founded and begun to be sponsored by those mentioned above (Dror
Org. and L'Asurim), we began to put in great effort to arrange the classes: to make them happen, to
encourage people to take the classes, etc. Some people signed up for all classes and some for only part of the
classes.
Chaplain Harden (along with other chaplains and staff) saw the classes each day and expressed excitement that
he saw that day-by-day the new classes were going on. The Chaplain mentioned that he thought the classes
should be recognized for credit like other classes. As we heard this statement, we jumped at the opportunity
(as many times before we had been thinking about this, as in general we believe that the Chapel should be like
Education and Recreation) and thus went to speak with Chaplain Harden, and he told us that "yes, we can do
this", but we must start making curriculums and record the sponsors.
We began by speaking with Dror and L'Asurim to arrange all requirements. After about a month or two of going
back and forth, the Chaplain gave his approval.
But then, after we came with the certificates of completion and the records of the courses, all of a sudden the
Chaplain put a hold on it all, saying it's not so easy. After further discussions and arguing that this was
promised and that we had followed all instructions, he said that it was not dependant upon him and he couldn't
make it. The Chaplain now said that it was agreed that there would be certificates, but not that they would be
entered into the computer for official credit.
This was a great setback, as we had thought that these would be entered into the computer. But without this,
it was nothing in terms of credit. But we decided not to give up.
Since Chaplain Harden said it wasn't in his hands, he said we should go a step higher: to the Head Chaplain -
Chaplain Mihyar. So we had many discussions with Chaplain Mihyar. In the end, he said that it's not dependent
upon him either. But we must go to Mr. Donahue who is the Coordinator of programming and classes.
To keep it short, after months and months of back-and-forth, we met Mr. Donahue and discussed with him the
issue. He said he'd speak with the chaplains. Finally, finally we got the approval, and just last week all of the
classes were entered into the computer of what we've taken up unto today, with credit, baruch Hashem.
This is a tremendous achievement we accomplished, and we wished to share this with you. We see that in the
midst of the darkness, Hashem gives us some light as well.
We hereby would like to encourage Yidden in other institutions to do the same thing. We should always keep
the momentum going and work to establish more and more, be"H.
Finally, we wish to point out again that this is a lesson. We must never give up. Even when there are
setbacks and when it may look like a person has lost a battle, a person should never give up, and he will find
success, b'siyatta d'Shmaya. And may Hashem help that this light should be so great that it should overcome
all darkness, and we should see a full yeshia, individually as well as the full yeshia of gantz Klal Yisroel.
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:06 |
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BS"D 5 Kislev 5773 (Nov. 19, 2012)
FROM THE MIDDLE EAST TO FCI FT. DIX - WEST, NJ, USA
by: A Member of the FCI Ft. Dix - West Jewish Community
Whilst our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel are fighting a war with Bnei Yishmael, we in Ft. Dix
are also now unfortunately engaged in a conflict. This diverse and Torah seeking kehilla is now in
danger of being destroyed by the rishus of the Bnei Yishmael Chaplaincy of Chaplain Mihyar.
For the last 3 years until this Shabbos, the whole kehilla were allowed to sanctify and honour Shabbos
and festivals by being allowed to eat dinner and lunch [Seudas Leil Shabbos and Seudas Shabbos] in
the Chapel in accordance with Jewish laws and custom. Since Chaplain Mihyar arrived the previous
practice of Food Service delivering our meals in a Food Service cart has been discontinued. The
Jewish Chapel which was previously never locked is now locked and the kehilla denied entry EVEN
when other chapels [rooms] in the building are left open for other faiths.
The practice of having Shabbos lunch as a kehilla together, which is essential to our achdus and
survival, and allows the whole kehilla to listen to and participate in divrei Torah at the Shabbos table,
has been abrogated since this Shabbos by decree of Chaplain Mihyar. The kehilla believes it is only a
matter of a short time when we will be similarly denied to eat together on Friday nights by Bnei Yishmael.
The entire kehilla in Ft. Dix appeal to you, our Rabbis and friends, to extend what influence, persuasion
and diplomacy you can to restore our kehilla to its previous established state and to allow us to be able
to comply with dinim of Shabbos and Yom Tov.
We in Ft. Dix cannot fight for the rescue of our kehilla. You our Rabbis and friends must take it upon
yourself to act as the shliach of rachamim to enable your brethren here to be able to keep the dinim of
Shabbos and Yom Tov and that the precedents and practices of meals as a tzibbur are not arbitrarily
removed for sheer rishus and malevolence of Bnei Yishmael.
In the merit of your help and assistance may all Klal Yisroel have a full yeshua.
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:07 |
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BS"D Motzoei Shabbos, Parshas Toldos, 3 Kislev 5773, Nov. 17, 2012 A gitte voch, a yeshiadige voch, a voch mit brocho v'hatzlocho, a voch mit a sach gelt! Dear Rabbis and friends, This Shabbos we shall remember for a long time. It is very painful to let you know, but we must share with you what is happening with us here in Ft. Dix. You may not believe it, but these are the facts. It is in your hands to correct this terrible thing. And when I say it's in your hands, I really mean this. You may be so humble to think you can't do anything about it; but let me assure you, you easily can do it. And please, please try to help us. In order to help, you need to know what happened. So please read the following. THIS SHABBOS NOON, AS A RESULT OF THE DIRECT ORDER OF THE HEAD CHAPLAIN: CHAPLAIN MIHYAR, WHO IS FROM THE BNEI YISHMAEILIM, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER 3 YEARS, WE WERE NOT ALLOWED TO EAT THE SHABBOS SEUDA IN THE CHAPEL. AS A RESULT OF THIS, MOST PEOPLE WERE NOT ABLE TO FULFILL THEIR OBLIGATIONS OF HAVING A SHABBOS MEAL. In about November of 2009, the Jewish Community in Ft. Dix had a meeting with the goal to establish that we can fulfill the Shabbos Meals in the Chapel and for the Chapel to be open more. We had a meeting with the Head Chaplain at this time: Chaplain Aziz. And after sitting down with him, he understood our request, and we established that the Shabbos meals of Friday night and Shabbos Noon, all of the community could eat together in the Chapel. Since then, every Friday night and Shabbos Noon, Food Service (the kitchen) delivered our meals directly to the Chapel in a Food Service cart. And Food Service was very helpful and accommodating, wishing to provide us with whatever we needed and requested, more or less. Towards the beginning of 2011, a new Head Chaplain took over: Chaplain Mihyar, who took over the position of Chaplain Aziz. As with each person who obtains a new position, it takes a while to get to know him and understand his goals. The bottom line, as it stands today, looking backwards it is clear to see that it has been his clear agenda to cut out everything which we had previously established. The following things had been established here at FCI Ft. Dix - West: - The Chapel was always open, other than Thursday night, Saturday night and Sunday night. And the "Jewish" room in the Chapel was never locked. - We also ate two Shabbos and Holiday meals in the Chapel: Friday night and Saturday Noon, and the night and noon meals for Holidays. Starting at about Shavuos of 2011, there was an attempt to put an end to the delivering of meals to the Chapel for Shabbos and Holidays. It was not known at the time who was behind this. But now, it is clear that Chaplain Mihyar was behind this. As we have mentioned, he is from the Bnei Yishmaeilim. He made it out like he wasn't responsible for anything - but it was supposedly the fault of Food Service, the Warden, the AW, and anyone else he could come up with. At this time, we tried to correct it, but after a few months, they stopped delivering the food. And everyone was supposed to go and pick up their food individually. I will not, at this moment, go into discussing the differences between delivering the food and not, so as to keep it short. This past holiday of Pesach 2012, Chaplain Mihyar made all kinds of efforts to take away all of the previous things we had established to observe the holiday. He blamed everyone else: Food Service, etc, as mentioned before. But after this, we have realized that he has his agenda, and we are confident that he is behind all of this. And the only reason he is doing this is because he wants to fulfill bringing into this institution the conflict which now occupies the Middle East. And he now has this huge opportunity to bring pain and suffering to our community. In about July of this year (2012), as we sought to demand to bring back what we previously had, the response from Chaplain Mihyar was that he had a meeting with the Warden, and that he had arranged that there should be a meeting between the Warden and us. As a result of this meeting, things didn't become better, but in fact they became even worse. THE WARDEN SAID CLEARLY THAT SHE DIDN'T WANT TO BE BOTHERED, AND ANYTHING THE CHAPLAINS WANT TO DO, THEY CAN DO; AND SHE SAID ANYTHING THE CHAPLAIN SAYS "NO", SHE WILL NOT SAY "YES". There's a lot more to say, but I want to keep it short. But everything which was on the Head Chaplain's agenda, he has taken, bit by bit. As a result of the meeting with the Warden, the Head Chaplain cut the time that we (the Jews) were allowed to be in the Chapel each day. A memo was posted on the "Jewish" room's door stating that the times for "Jewish prayer" would be such and such times, and the room would only be open then. So since then, it has become very difficult with the Chaplains with the room being open. Whenever the chaplains are there, all other rooms are open, and all religions are allowed to be there, but not the Jews. However, the few times Chaplain Mihyar is there, to pretend that he's the "good man", he opens the door, allowing us to be there. But the other chaplains lock the door, saying they have orders not to open it or allow us to be there. This thing, to discriminate against us in such a blatant manner, is so unimaginable to see this open discrimination, kicking us out and keeping our door locked. It's very painful and discriminatory. Please read in an extra email a DRAMATIC AND TRAGIC EVENT which has occurred this past Friday to one of our members regarding Tefillin. One of the things, after the meeting with the Warden, was that we no longer had permission to take out our meals from the kitchen for Shabbos Noon. But we still continued to make food ourselves that we could buy and prepare, which was sold to us in Commissary. This was difficult, and not all of us have funds to contribute. But to keep short, this past Shabbos, we were told clearly that we could no longer eat there, and we must follow orders. So we couldn't make a Shabbos Seuda in the Chapel together. And as a result of this, many in the community didn't have a Shabbos meal. And those that did have, didn't have it in the way it was supposed to be. Therefore, we come to you, our Rabbis and friends, to explain to the chaplains that we are obligated to eat 3 meals over Shabbos, plus Havdalah and Melava Malka, and this is our religious obligation to eat together in the Chapel, (like all religious events occur in the Chapel). And the best way to fulfill these obligation, with all of their details, is by eating together as a community in the Chapel. And that you, our Rabbis and friend, should not allow someone who is coming to disturb our Shabbos and religious rights to study Torah, etc., to succeed, ch"v. DEAR RABBIS AND FRIENDS, BELIEVE ME, IT'S IN YOUR HANDS THAT YOU CAN HELP US. CALLING THE CHAPLAINS AND AUTHORITIES, EXPLAINING THE OBLIGATIONS, OUR RIGHTS, AND THIS CLEAR, BLATANT DISCRIMINATION, AND THAT YOU ARE STANDING BY US. AND BY TAKING AWAY OUR RIGHTS, IT'S LIKE THEY'RE TAKING FROM YOU AS WELL, AND THAT YOU WILL STAND UP FOR US. THEN WE WILL GET EVERYTHING BACK, AND BETTER, BE"H. In the merit of this great mitzvah, we should all have a full yeshia!
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:07 |
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BS"D 4 Kislev 5773 (Nov. 18, 2012) A Dramatic and Tragic Event Regarding TEFILLIN Dear Rabbis and friends, On 14 MarCheshvan 5773 (Oct. 31, 2012), I was so excited, that I shared with you an exciting event regarding Tefillin. The truth of the matter is, every day when I think of this event, it is a great chizuk: to see that a Yid puts on tefillin and helps others to do so as well. In this place of great darkness, finding such a great light brings great joy. Exciting stories like this happen here from time to time, seeing people who had never put on tefillin doing so now, or doing other mitzvos, and being a part of the community more and more. Unfortunately today, a terrible event happened with the same teire Yid - David Solan. Every day he comes to the Chapel and puts on tefillin. And to see how he does this brings me great chizuk. The way he opens the tefillin bag, washing his hands, doesn't talk when he starts to put on the tefillin... From the time he starts, to the time he finishes the service takes about 5 minutes, but it's very dramatic each day. He doesn't put on tefillin every day at the same time, but whenever he gets a chance to come to the Chapel, he makes sure to do so at some time during the day. This past Friday at about 12:45pm, he had time to come to the Chapel, and he found that the "Jewish" room in the Chapel was open. He was very happy to see this. There was no one there in our room (but there were witnesses on the floor), but he came in and took out the tefillin and began to put it on. Unfortunately, our room is usually locked at this time. But it was open this time because they were going to clean the room. Though David didn't realize this at the time. All other rooms were open at the time, and two chaplains were there, on another part of the floor, including Chaplain Gates. As David Solan was between putting on the Shel Yad and Shel Rosh, Chaplain Gates came into the room, and began to yell and scream, like he found him doing some kind of terrible activity, Hashem forbid! Chaplain Gates yelled, "what are you doing here?! You don't know you're not allowed to be here now? It's not the time for you!". Although David isn't allowed to talk, and doesn't talk while putting on tefillin, because of the screaming he tried to explain to the Chaplain that it only takes a few minutes. But Chaplain Gates shouted "NO!!! Go right now! And leave the Chapel. Don't come back until 2pm when you're allowed to be here for afternoon service!". David didn't have a choice, and followed the orders, took off the Shel Yad, and left. Rabbis, is this not a tragic event??? I can promise you, if we had a video how the scene looked and how they did this, it is sad to think of this. This happened in America! And it was at the same time that all other rooms in the Chapel were open, and other people were allowed to be there. Only the Jews were not allowed to be there. I was speaking with one of the staff in the Chapel, asking if he knew what he did. And he really didn't know what he had done. He was only scared of his boss, who ordered that under no circumstances are they to allow our room to be open, or Jews to be there except at designated times. Usually they only open after 2pm each day, and close before 3pm for our room. It is unjustifiable why he does this, and there is no reason; it can only be because he is one of the Bnei Yishmaeilim (we mean the Head Chaplain: Chaplain Mihyar). I would like to bring one more point. On Fridays, during these winter months, the Jewish Community is on a "call-out" to be at the Chapel beginning at 1pm. Let me explain what a "call-out" is. Every day, there is a list posted in each Unit (building where we live). And on this list are listed those inmates who are supposed to report to a certain place at a certain time - like if the person has an appointment at Medical or Psychology or an Education class or a Religious event in the Chapel, etc. And then the person is excused from any work assignment during that call-out period. So, during these winter months, our community has a call-out to the Chapel at 1pm to excuse us from work, since it gets dark earlier, to make certain we are excused from working from that time onwards. Technically, if we are not at the designated place where we're "called-out" to, then we can get an incident report for being "out of bounds" (not where we're supposed to be). So David Solan told the Chaplain this, but he refused to hear it, and only shouted at him to leave that very moment. David listened to the Chaplain, as a direct order, but David together with the entire Jewish Community is crying to you, our Rabbis and friends in the Jewish Community outside, to make certain that we receive our rights, as we are supposed to receive according to the Constitution and BOP Policy. If you, Rabbis and friends, will let them know that you are with us, they will ensure that this will not happen again, and they will give us our rights, b'ezras Hashem. PLEASE NOTE, until Chaplain Mihyar took over as Head Chaplain, our "Jewish" room had always been open - always! It was NEVER locked. And whenever ANY staff was there (including Medical or Psychology, or sometimes the Compound Officer rather than the Chaplaincy), we were allowed to be there: to study Torah, learn, pray, etc. And now Chaplain Mihyar has taken things away, bit by bit. He did it in a "smart" way, because if he had taken everything at once, it would have been obvious. But now, we have come to realize that we have almost nothing left. Dear Rabbis and friends, I don't have to explain further. These are the facts. Please observe, read, and do what you must. In the merit of this, all of us together should receive our salvation and be removed from galus! Thank you.
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:08 |
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BS"D Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5773 (Nov. 15, 2012) Dear Rabbis and friends, Another month has almost passed, and we would like to bring a great mitzvah to your door once again. There are three members of our community who will be having birthdays coming up in this coming month of Kislev. It is a great chizuk when people receive mail here. Everyone who has so far received birthday cards or notes from our brothers outside have been extremely grateful and appreciative. It has brightened their days beyond imagination. You cannot imagine the great zchis that you will accrue through this mitzvah! Here are the names and addresses of the members of our community who have birthdays coming up. We hope you will take a moment out to send them a little card or note. Levi I. Rosenbaum #30141-050 (Levi Yitzhak ben Chaim v'Leah) 15 Kislev (Dec. 24th) FCI Ft. Dix - West P.O. Box 2000 Ft. Dix, NJ 08640 Alan Goodman #76803-053 (Arye Yitzhak ben Elchanan Dovid v'Leah Rachel) 18 Kislev (Nov. 23rd) FCI Ft. Dix - West P.O. Box 2000 Ft. Dix, NJ 08640
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:08 |
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BS"D Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5773 (Nov. 15, 2012) MP3 (7) Dear Rabbis and friends, Another week has passed by, and we know that you are busy. And we know that you are trying. But the fact is, another week has passed by, and we do not yet have the merit to have shiurim on the MP3s. An MP3 can be a great help in this deep darkness of double galus. An MP3 is a tiny device, yet can, be"H, bring great light to those who experience dark times. Therefore we are here once again to knock on your door and encourage everyone to continue in their efforts to secure this great accomplishment. That the MP3s should have access to Torah talks, shiurim, mussar, etc. It's not necessary to explain more how much this means. We only wish to remind and encourage you. That is the only reason we write again. If anyone has any updates on good news, please let us know, and perhaps we'll merit to be inspired and encouraged ourselves. May everyone have a gitten Chodesh! Chodesh Kislev is a Chodesh of yeshios. Nes Chanukah is in this Chodesh!
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| נשלח ב-29/11/2012 21:09 |
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BS"D Erev Shabbos Kodesh, Parshas Toldos (Generations/Descendants), 2 Kislev 5773, November 16, 2012 Shabbos Shalom u'Mevorach, A good Shabbos, a happy Shabbos, a bright Shabbos, a Shabbos with all good influences for us and all around us! This week's Portion is the Portion of Toldos (Descendants). The Portion begins "eileh toldos Yitzhak ben Avraham; Avraham holid es Yitzhak" (these are the descendants of Yitzhak, son of Avraham; Avraham begat Yitzhak). Rashi asks, why do we need to repeat that Avraham begot Yitzhak, as we already know this? But we can explain that the name of this Portion is Toldos/Descendants. So the Torah teaches in this Portion regarding all three forefathers: Avraham, Yitzhak and Yaakov, the Torah reminds us here that the foundation of Klal (Congregation) of Yisroel is these 3. They are called the "three forefathers". They are the fathers of the entire Klal Yisroel. In this Portion, it teaches us that "maasei Avos siman l'banim" (the actions of our forefathers are a sign for the children). The Torah teaches us to always go in the same path that our fathers and forefathers walked. There is much to discuss, but we will choose one point, be"H. The Verse says, "va'yistom Eisav es Yaakov al ha'brachah asher bei'racho aviv" (Eisav hated Yaakov for the blessing that his father blessed him (Yaakov)). Why does it say "al ha'brachah" (on the blessing) instead of "m'ha'brachah" (from the blessing)? And why "HA'brachah" (THE blessing) rather than just "brachah" (blessing)? We already know that it's the blessing, but the prefix "ha" (the) beforehand is like it's emphasizing it. So why the emphasis? Furthermore, what was the problem for Eisav? He also received a blessing... Rashi explains that Eisav's brocho (blessing) on the physical side is even bigger. Yaakov's blessing is only for when he's righteous and justified in judgment, then he'll get the blessing. But Eisav will always get his blessing. So why the great hate against Yaakov for receiving this blessing? But we can say that the hate for him receiving the blessing is, as we say, "ve'yiten l'cha" - it's a continuation of the blessing which Hashem gave to Avraham Avinu: that "in Yitzhak shall your seed be called". The blessing to Avraham would be continued through Yitzhak, but only through a part of him. And this is the blessing which Yaakov received. The hate came because Yaakov was chosen to be the continuation of the line of Avraham and Yitzhak, rather than through Eisav. This caused the hate for the blessing. This is the foundation of Klal Yisroel - that we must be separate from Eisav. And when we are separate from Eisav, then the blessings are justified for us to receive. All blessings from the Torah come to us when we are separate from Eisav (the goyim). And this is the reason all of the goyim hate us: because we are the chosen ones, the special ones. As we say, "asher bachar banu mi'kol ha'amim" (Who chose us from among all the nations). This is our blessing and the reason we are hated by all others. May Hashem help that we can be separate from them and divided from them without any connection. And it should be recognized that we are the children of the Forefathers. And with this, we should receive all the blessings with which Hashem blessed Avrohom, Yitzhak and Yaakov. These blessings should come to us and our children and grandchildren. And as we enter into the Month of Kislev, a month which is filled with miracles for Klal Yisroel, when we fought and won against Eisav, we should have the merit to defeat all of our enemies, and we should merit to see the ultimate yeshia/salvation of all Klal Yisroel immediately! Umein! Please remember to have us all in mind for a yeshia, be"H. Thank you and git Shabbos!
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| נשלח ב-10/12/2012 20:36 |
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BS"D Motzoei Shabbos, Parshas Vayeishev, First Night of Chanukah, 24 Kislev 5773, Dec. 8, 2012 A gitte Voch un a freilichen Chanukah! A voch mit yeshios un refios, un a voch mit a sach gelt! We wish to share with you our Shabbos Erev Chanukah with the first night of lighting Chanukah candles.
This past Friday night was an uplifted atmosphere. We had the
permission to eat in the Chapel together, and we were all excited and
happy from this, baruch Hashem. All of us expressed thanks for those
who made this possible. And not only this, but we feel that we have
advocates outside, our brothers who care and do for us. We thank them
and wish them all blessings.
As Shabbos closed, and there was a 10-Minute Activity Move this
evening at about 5:30pm, we all gathered outside to come to the Chapel
for Chanukah licht. We davened Maariv at about 6:15pm. We made
Havdalah. And we all prepared the candles together. All this past week
we had prepared a nice stand with multiple levels for placing the
menorahs upon. It was made of empty soda boxes, and covered nicely with
paper and plasic wrapping on top. We each took turns lighting the
candles, and saying the blessings, with everyone responding Amen. We
sat together and had some cookies and kugel. Latkes we regretfully
didn't have. We ask anyone who did eat latkes to have us in mind, be"H.
We wish for all Yidden a freilichen Chanukah! And likewise as in
those days there were miracles, it should be likewise for us now. And
Moshiach should come immediately and bring the ultimate yeshia! Umein!
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| נשלח ב-10/12/2012 20:36 |
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BS"D Erev Shabbos Kodesh, Parshas Vayeishev, Shabbos Mevorachim Teves, Shabbos Erev Chanukah, 23 Kislev 5773, Dec. 7, 2012 Shabbos Shalom u'Mevorach, A good Shabbos, a happy Shabbos, a Shabbos with all good influences for us and all around us.
This Shabbos is Shabbos Erev Chanukah. Chanukah is a time of thanksgiving and praising Hashem for those miracles which He did in those times. And the miracles of those times should influence miracles for us likewise in these days, be"H.
Parshas Vayeishev (And He Dwelled) is the Portion of the Week. "Va'yeishev Yaakov b'eretz me'gurei aviv" (And Yaakov dwelled in the land of his fathers). Rashi said, "eleh toldos Yaakov - Yosef ben sheva
esrei shanah" (these are the generations of Yaakov - Yosef was 17 years old). Rashi explains that this shows that the purpose of the Creation was to lead to this situation, that Klal Yisroel should come to exile in Egypt to fulfill the mission which Klal Yisroel had to fulfill in Egypt. To come to this goal, the
Portion shows the entire history of how Yosef came to be put in jail in Egypt. All events and the details of the events, as Hashem can do anything many different ways, and why Hashem chose this way - everything has reasons. Some we may understand and explain, but others we don't understand. But
everything is controlled and made by Hashem for the reasons which only He knows. We don't know the reasons, but we all believe that Hashem did it for the benefit of Klal Yisroel. Even before Yosef went to jail, we see that when Yosef was sold to the merchants, he went in a wagon
bringing pleasant-smelling spices rather than the usual negative smelling merchandise. Rashi explains that usually the merchants didn't sell pleasant smelling spices, but rather bad smelling merchandise. This was organized by Hashem, that although Yosef had to be sold to the Arabs, Yosef the Righteous
shouldn't have to suffer on the way. The Torah teaches us here to know, whatever situation or pain a person is in, he will not suffer any more than needs to be. A person can be in a difficult situation, but on the other hand, if someone isn't meant to have the suffering, he won't receive it. A person will only
receive what Hashem wants. This teaches us one thing: that everything is from Hashem. We likewise see that when Yosef was in jail, he was locked up and couldn't go out. But he had a number of good things while he was in jail to gain favor in people's eyes. So on one hand, he gained the favor of
people, but on the other hand, he was still locked up. Another point we see as Yosef is in jail, a person can be in jail in a deep, deep darkness. To be able to survive this is, as the Verse says, "va'yehi Hashem es Yosef" (and Hashem was with Yosef). Rashi says,
"va'yar adonav ki Hashem itto; Shem Shamayim shagir b'fiv" (and his master saw that Hashem was with him; the Name of Heaven rested upon his lips). Therefore the Verse says "b'chol asher hu oseh, Hashem
matzliach b'yado" (everything that he did, Hashem made successful in his hands). He was always praying, and everything he said was "b'ezras Hashem, baruch Hashem". He believed in his heart that every step
he took was only by Hashem's Will and help, even where he was in jail. Therefore everything which he did, even in this darkness, and even while he was in jail, his actions were still successful in everything.
Although he had to be in jail because of the decree and mission he had to fulfill, nevertheless, all other
things he did, Hashem made successful for him. By being connected to Hashem during this difficult time, he survived all of the challenges in jail. Although Yosef was put in jail, and it was publicized that he had committed the most shameful act (like everything
being broadcast on all media), Yosef accepted everything with love, and thanked Hashem for everything that happened to him. And in the end, Hashem led everything to be turned over, and we see in the next Portion that he becomes as the king of Egypt!
As we always say, the entire Holy Torah teaches us all, each in his situation, wherever he is, what to do and how to do. The Torah tells us the story of Yosef in jail to teach for those people who are in jail, or
whatever other situation they find themselves in, if we use the opportunity to be close to Hashem and fulfill the Torah and mitzvos, and to live with Hashem with faith and trust, everything is in Hashem's Hands to turn over the darkness to great light. And with this Portion, and the great light of Chanukah
and the great Portion discussing Yosef HaTzaddik, combined all together, Hashem should help us who are here to fulfill our mission and take the opportunity to use our time properly: to use our time to make known that Hashem does everything and that we are dependant only upon him, and the salvation only
depends on Him. It has nothing to do with the judge, prosecutor, lawyer, and even not with the askanim. ONLY HASHEM! When Hashem will say that we should be free, then we will be free. And this can be at any moment. And it can come out of nowhere. There doesn't have to be a reason - only that Hashem says
that we're free. As we say by davening: "Hashem mattir assurim" (Hashem releases the captives). As we've said before, this is the time of this Portion and Chanukah. And we should all have the merit and
fulfill the mission like Yosef did. And in the merit of Yosef, as we say "Mi she'ana Yosef mi'beis assurim, Hu ya'aneinu!" (He Who answered Yosef from the house of captives, He should answer us!). Like Yosef
went out from darkness to become a king, may Hashem help us all to be out and free from here with all good influences and with great light and all good things! Umein! Git Shabbos, a lechtigen Chanukah, with many miracles like in those days.
Please remember to keep us all in mind, be"H. Thank you, and git Shabbos, and a happy Chanukah!
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