SEPARATION

Dear Family,

I hope everyone is keeping well.

There are 2 very important Rahels to mention today:

• Today is the Yohrtzeit of Rachel Imeinu, and traditionally 1000's of people go to pray at Kever Rachel, in Israel, that Hashem should have mercy on us in her merit.
• And next week is the birthday of Rahel our personal imeinu. Wishing Mommy Mazal Tov for a beautiful year, with much nachas from all of our children, and in good health!

Mazal Tov to Shmuly on his birthday which is also next week. Wishing you much success in both gashmius and ruchnius Shmuly, and continued success in the chinuch of your children together with Devorah Leah.

In this weeks Sedra Lech Lecha, we discuss Lot who is related to Avraham.

They were travelling together but Lot had evil tendencies, and so at some point that had to SEPARATE TEMPORARILY from each other (13:9)

Later Avraham fought a war to save him, and separated again thereafter, but if we look further down the line over many generations, we see that the holy sparks that were hidden deep inside of Lot, became revealed. Ie his descendants were Ruth the Moabite (who became the ancestor of David Hamelech, and thereby Mashiach himself!), and Naamah the Ammonite (a wife of King Solomon), who now re-joined the 'tent' of Avraham.

We learn therefore that sometimes, despite our best efforts to befriend 'toxic' people, it may be necessary to SEPARATE TEMPORARILY, and with prayers and Hashems help, they will one day realize their Divine potential. - Rabbi Wisnefsky - Based on works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

In connection with the above, I also read a very interesting story this week, about someone who was working against missionaries (Rabbi Kravitz from LA)

In one case there was a Jewish boy from a family, who got involved with a Christian group, and he became completely uncommunicative and SEPARATED from his family, and from anyone seeking to help him.

Rabbi Kravitz advised the parents to write to the Rebbe for advice.

Part of the Rebbe's reply was very powerful, as follows:

'..For when it comes to a Jewish heart, one never knows what and how, will come the moment of truth, and proper response.

It is my duty to call your attention to the following which I trust you will accept in the spirit that it is offered - All of the members of a Jewish family constitute one organism.

And when one part of it needs special treatment it can be done in one of 2 ways

• Directly trying to help or treat that part
• Indirectly by strengthening the other parts of the 'body', particularly those parts that govern the functions of the entire organism.

Applying the illustration to the present case, it is well to bear in mind that the father of the family is called the baal habayis - the head, and the wife is called akeres habayis (the mainstay) - the heart.

Thus, strengthening the commitment of the parents to Torah and Mitzvos, has a beneficial effect upon all the members of the family in the same direction.

Of course this may sometimes entail certain difficulties by having to make some changes, perhaps even radical changes in regard to habits and lifestyle etc. But on the other hand, considering the far reaching benefits, and especially the fact that parents truly would not consider anything too difficult if it can be beneficial to their children, of what significance can any difficulty be..'

Rabbi Kravits has used this advice many times over and over to the many cases he deals with, and with many success stories.

This has made families realise that there is something they can do, which will be beneficial to them as well.

Even before they see an effect on their children, they can derive comfort from their renewed involvement with Judaism.

Gut Shabbos to all