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נייעס פון זשעיל פארט דיקס Fort Dix

39 פאסטס אין ארכיוו · אשכול #2926444

קומפוט » 21/11/2011 18:48

BS"D MarCheshvan 5772/November 2011

NEWS FROM FT. DIX AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

Knowing that during MarCheshvan, Chesh refers to still talking about the excitement from the holidays, and so we are still in the momentum of the holidays. And as a result of the momentum from the inspiration of the holidays, we are coming together to keep all Jews here united to become better Jews and more united, and to be able to develop better ways to exercise our religious life. So a general meeting was called by the Rabbi. We invited the entire community that they should be together. At the beginning of the month, there was announced that there would be a meeting on Tues. November 8th (11 MarCheshvan) - the yahrtzeiten of Mame Ruchel and the Meor Einayim. Up until the date, there was talk in the community of being optimistic and preparing for the meeting.

There was a special note posted in the Chapel about the meeting. There was a schedule posted which stated that Yossi was first going to begin with a speech, and that his speech would be based on the reason and goal of the meeting. The reason for the meeting is to be re-united and to fulfill our mission; and in the merit of this, we can gain that the administration will allow and help us to fulfill our obligations as observant Yidden. Then Rabbi Samet was to give a speech about the things that we would be requesting - that the Chapel should be open more often, and that we should get better meals, commissary, visits, Torah lessons with credit (like others get for secular classes for good behavior, etc.) and many more things. As we believe that if we are united, sincerely and honestly, we can achieve all our goals, as this will give siyatta d'Shmaya and strength to fulfill all of the Torah as we are obligated to do. And then after the 2 speeches, we were to have a question/answer session.

So on Tues. November 8th, at 6:30pm, the entire community was gathered, and the chairman of the meeting was Eric Levine - a lawyer who has struggled to become shomer Torah u'mitzvos. So at 6:30pm, we gathered together, and the goal was announced that we are to fulfill our mission of Torah u'mitzvos. And although each member of the kehilla here is at a different level and from different backgrounds, we still can be united in our mission to fulfill our mission as Yidden. And even in this kehilla, in certain aspects it is better than other kehillos. As Rabbi Samet mentioned, when we take the arba minim from the lulav and esrog, we take them all together and unite them - the same we we should do with this kehilla. Because we're from different backgrounds and levels of observance, the merit and strength of a kehilla like this - the greatness in unimaginable. Even more so when taking into consideration the difficult surroundings of our environment.

At 6:40pm, Yosef Shereshevsky was called to give his speech. By the way, since he came here, he's been very active in helping the entire community with strength and spiritually, and with much encouragement. He also helps the Rabbi greatly. And he has a great part in the development of re-uniting the entire community, which is the goal of the meeting - to bring the unity of the community to a higher level.

In summary, Yossi started with a welcome to everyone. He explained that as Yidden, we accept the Torah - both oral and written, which has been passed down from generation to generation. And the only way to succeed as Yidden, is to listen and accept what the Rabbis say, even when we don't understand or agree. He also said that, if only the entire Jewish Community of Ft. Dix would keep 2 Shabbosim according to halacha, it would certainly bring the Redemption (Geulah Shleima). And everyone keeping kosher and being on Common Fare. And if no Yid were to speak evil or hear evil of another Yid - this unity would be extraordinary and show the administration and all those around us how serious we are. It would be a great kiddush Hashem. And there would be nothing to stand in the way of us receiving everything we need and more.

If you're interested in receiving the full speech which Yossi gave, you're free to reply to this and ask for the full speech.

At about 7:15pm, the chairman called up the Rabbi to speak. The Rabbi thanked everyone for being there, and expressed that our goal is to be united, and that the Torah is our Constitution and guidebook to each and every thing, day by day, in every subject. And only the Torah is the final say in every thing, everywhere, under all circumstances. And, in fact, the Torah teaches and gives advice in all areas of what a Yid needs all the time, in every place which he finds himself. And the Rabbi said that being united in honesty, this gives the true tools to succeed in our mission.

As it became late and we were supposed to finish, we postponed the rest of the meeting for the following Tuesday Nov. 15th, at 6:30pm. It was also announced that the following Tuesday, there would be special gifts in honor of the shidduch of the Rabbi's youngest daughter, Chumy. And everyone wished Rabbi Samet mazel tov on the engagement.

During the week, the Rabbi worked to seek to achieve the above things, and to make a plan to announce the things in his second speech.

In the next installment, will include the second speech and developments and results which have occured. The two new kollelim will be opened. One kollel will be called Kollel Maran m'Rottenberg, sponsored by the organization "Dror" - which Rabbi Labin is the introducer of this kollel. The second kollel is sponsored by L'Asurim, and all details will be published in the near future.

Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

P.S. Please forward this to whomever you know and to their friends as well. Whoever is interested in getting these messages, please submit your email addresses.

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Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 21/11/2011 18:49

Shabbes Parshas Chayei Sarah in FD

Shabbes Parshas Chayei Sarah in FD

B'chasdei Hashem, ki lo somni chasudav. We want to share with you the great nes we had this Shabbes. Last erev Shabbes Kodesh, parshas Vayeiru, we got an official notice that we could not any more eat the Friday night and Shabbes morning meals together as we used to over the past 2 years in the Chapel with all Yidden. So for the last erev Shabbes, since it was too late, we argued that they couldn't change this at the last minute; so we were successful for last week, and we had the meals like we always had. But it was clearly announced that the following Shabbes Parshas Chayei Sarah, we wouldn't be able to eat in the Chapel.

During this week, Rabbi Samet tried to connect with the different organizations: L'Asurim with Rabbi Weiss, and Aleph Institute with Rabbi Boyarsky. With great effort, and the connections which we have here, we were successful to re-install, and with this Shabbes, we put a lot of effort in, and there were great difficulties as they didn't want to let us do this, but we succeeded. And we thank Rabbi Weiss and Rabbi Boyarsky of L'Asurim and Aleph respectfully for their great efforts in helping us to achieve this victory b'ezras Hashem. And at this time, we would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to both L'Asurim and Aleph Institute in their great help in which they stand ready to help us and all Yidden at any moment.

A full story of the developments of how this event developed, and how happy this Shabbes was (including the reactions from the Chaplains and our fellow Yidden), will be forthcoming, b'ezras Hashem, in the near future if people are interested.

A gitte voch, besiros tovos.

Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

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Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 21/11/2011 19:05

past Yom Kippur

Dear Friends!

B''h we just past Yom Kippur and soon its already sukkot,

we had a nice yom Kippur here , there were about 40 Jews at the services, and Rabbi MYS davened Kol-Nidrei and maariv,and the new Jew Reb Yossi Shereshevsky Davened shacharis and musaf, and i davened Mincha ,

they davened very very nice, reb yosi came here at the right time, i mean, its really never the right time for a Jew to come here to prison, i would really wish for him to be home with him family , but i don't know who would "aruplaigt" a nice davening like he did,if he was not here. MYS davened Nehilla , and just the "Uvini malkaini" took about twenty min, he was saying it with such a "Kavune" and very loud with tears in his eyes, and pusik by pusik, i noticed a few Jews who are nebach far from Judaism who had tears in there eyes, one of them came to me motzi yomtov, and told me that he never felt so highly in yom Kippur like he did this year, it really touched me , and i feel more and more that hashem wants me and MYS and others just to mechazek the Yiddin here,But Still,MYS is too long here, and he need to go home,

we b''h already build the sukka , we have a big sukka b''h , we got it last year with the Great Help of out brothers at "Lasurim Organization" and when we build that , we all remembered the time when we build our sukka at home ,i saw the excitement in MYS eyes , when he helped build the sukka , he told me "Malkiel ! i just spoke on the phone with my einikle in eretz yisroel , and he ask me , zaidi wen kinsti shon hahaim, and i never even saw him[the einikle] " it really broke my heart, because i could see that he was holding his self from crying, we all need to daven for him and all the other Jews here,

my dear friends, i want to wish everyone a yeshuadige yur a sinchesdige yup and health and naches, and pernuse tovah ,

thank you very much for your support, and i could never survive a day here with out your devoting support,

your friend

קומפוט » 21/11/2011 19:11

under the shadow of the Satmar Rebbe

Ohr l'Yom 25 Tammuz 5771 (almost a month from the day of the Grand Rabbi of Satmar's visit)

The Jewish Community is still under the shadow of the Satmar Rebbe. And we would like to share with you an interesting story resulting from the Grand Rabbi's visit here. As is well known in the Chassidishe history, whenever a person goes to a Rebbe with any problem, he receives a yeshia. Also, the merit of the Rebbe taking his time out of his busy schedule to come here to help, encourage and mechazek zein Yidden certainly creates the merit where the Rebbe's blessings will mashpia zein a yeshia as we can see in this case. The same is known, that in order to be able to gain a yeshia - it doesn't always depend on the Rebbe. The person to receive the yeshia must believe that it will come. The person's belief creates the merit of the yeshia. Therefore, even in today's days when we don't have the great tzaddikim as we had in the past - but whoever is to get the yeshia believes in the blessings - this emunah is mashpia the yeshia - as will be seen in the story we wish to share with you.

As everyone knows, everyone here at Ft. Dix is hoping and looking every day for a yeshia - reaching out for any hope. Of course the great news that the Grand Satmar Rabbi was coming to visit meant that everyone here got the opportunity to get a blessing - and believing that the blessing of the Satmar Rebbe would mashpia zein the person's yeshia. One of our community members whose background comes from Conservative Judaism - but we explain to everyone here, there is no such thing as Conservative or other. Every Jew is the same and obligated to fulfill the entire Torah. Having a different title doesn't change anything, and every Jew is obligated to fulfill the Torah as it was received from Hashem. This Yid is a member and comes every Shabbes, trying to come closer and closer. About a year ago, he started to put on tefillin every day. As we had the news that the Grand Rabbi was coming, we made sure to invite everyone to participate in the event of the Rabbi being here. And he also was here when the Rabbi was here, and when everyone went to the Rabbi in private for a blessing, he didn't want to go. He said, why should I need to go, etc. He thought as a Conservative Jew, maybe the Rabbi wouldn't feel his background was up to par. But we convinced him that he should go, and that it wouldn't hurt. So he went to speak to the Rabbi, and told the Rabbi his problem that he needs to go home and it's not a good place to be, and the Rabbi blessed him that he should receive a yeshia in gichen.

Most people know and are familiar with the system in the U.S. It's very hard to put in an appeal and win. A lot of people don't even appeal - as they don't have the money and don't believe that it'll work. And they try to do the time they received and to go home afterwards. The bottom line is that if people win an appeal, this in itself is a miracle - as in this system, there is no such thing to win anything in America. Any win in a case is "out of the system"; the system is built so everything is denied. The people who unfortunately are in the system see this.

So this gentleman whom we are talking about now - he didn't do any appeal or anything; he simply sat and waited, hoping that the time should go fast until he goes home. Guess what's happened here? It's beyond belief that this could happen in America. The day after this person saw the Grand Satmar Rabbi, when he made his daily phone call to his wife, his wife told him on the phone "you won't believe what's happened". She said she got a phone call from the lawyer, and the lawyer told her nothing less than the judge called the lawyer saying that the judge felt the sentence wasn't fair, and he wanted to change the sentence. She didn't want to discuss more on the phone in detail.

You cannot describe his surprise and happiness. He didn't want to tell anyone the big surprise, as he doesn't know the details, etc. But he was so happy and excited, that he couldn't hold out. During Shabbes in the middle of davening while I was out of the Beis HaMedrash, he stopped me and told me he must tell me what's happened. The gentleman told me that he doesn't want to tell anyone until he sees the outcome - which could take a little time. I argued that we have to tell everyone and share in the happiness, and to see that we can see yeshias even today in such darkness. So he told me that when he has a visit and learns more details, he'd tell me and make a further decision at that time.

He also told me that he truly believes that when he got the blessing from the Rebbe, he was always a believer in yeshias, and he was certain that the miracle was in the merit of the Rebbe's blessing. So last week I told him it was a mitzvah to publish this story so people can learn and see that with emunah one can literally receive a yeshia. So he told me more details that the lawyer needs to prepare the paperwork and this would take a few months. And then he would go to court, and then the outcome will be seen. So we still need much prayer that we should see a full yeshia and that he should be immediately home. And he should be an ehrliche Yid and fulfill his obligation in Torah and mitzvos.

As I convinced this gentleman to agree to publish this story for us, we can learn that we can see a yeshia unexpectedly and suddenly "out of nowhere" - changing the situation from minute to minute (in the blink of an eye), with no clue that this would have happened. And we can also come to believe in the prayers of Yidden, and the blessings of a Yid - especially from a Rebbe - even in today's days. So today I received permission to publish this story, and now we're asking everyone to pray for a full yeshia immediately for "Lev ben Sarah", that we should see the outcome of this story to be even greater a surprise, that this Yid should be home with his family sooner than expected. And we should see for all Yidden in Ft. Dix to be home with their families and loved ones. And all Yidden in all other jails should receive a full yeshia mit gantze Yisroel with yeshias olamim, un b'vias Moshiach tzidkeini bimheiru b'yumeini - Umein.

I'm sure that some people are thinking and asking the following questions:
1) why did the blessings only help one person - what's happened with all other people?
2) if only one person, why this person?

The answer: The truth of the matter, it's a lot deeper to understand why; but to make it simple, we believe that Hashem is doing and leading everything - everything is by Hashgacha Pratis. As we said before, all merit is from the emunah of the giver and receiver together. So to create the merit to receive such blessings, we must increase in emunah and bitachon - especially in such days of darkness. On the other hand, Hashem wants to give us the strength and show us that even in such darkness, He gives us something. So therefore, at least He gave something for us that we should receive the strength and emunah to see that He is doing everything. Therefore it's clear that this thing is from Hashem in the merit of the Rebbe in combination with the entire event (the Rebbe has a koach d'rabbim (strength of the many united for a purpose in the community)) - at least this created the yeshia for one of our members. And why he's the one? The truth is that everyone can be the one; we can't calculate Hashem's calculations; but we know that Hashem is doing the calculations and we don't know what good thing is behind the calculations that made this person worthy. But we must learn that we must do good things, and then our merit will be greater and then everyone can receive their yeshia. Hashem should help, as we said before, all of us and all klal Yisroel that we should see the lechtige yeshia.

Please forward this to anyone you know - to spread the greatness of this miracle b'ezras Hashem.

תוקן על ידי קומפוט ב- 21/11/2011 19:14:28

קומפוט » 21/11/2011 19:15

motzoei Tisha b'Av Kiddush Levanah in Ft. Dix

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Baruch Hashem, Motzoei Tisha B'Av, 5771, Kiddush Levanah in Ft. Dix - a moiredige maase.

We are now after hoben di zchia to make Kiddush Levanah here in Ft. Dix, and we want to share with you the

Chasdei Hashem. B'chasdei Hashem, as we fasted here as all other Yidden in the whole world - we had the

mitzvah to fast here and to thank Hashem that the weather wasn't so hot, and it was relatively easy to do the fast.

After Maariv, it was cloudy and there was no levanah visible. It happened about 10pm that I called my daughter

and I wanted to speak to her husband. And she told me that he's by the kiddush levanah. So I asked if it's a nice

levanah, and she said yes - she'd seen the levanah, and it's nice. I went to check here, and saw a nice levanah -

nice and clear. Nu, I had the desire to make kiddush levanah here too. I went to call the other chaveirim here in

the unit, but what can we do - I went to check the tier, and the tier was farmacht - farshpat. Vus tit men du?

I didn't have the cheishik to ask for the shomrim tzi helfen because in di letzte few months, whenever ich hob

probiert, tzi beten dem shoite, tzi effenen di tier, hot zich nisht oisgearbet in mir hoben gedarft machen kiddush

levanah inaveinig un di tier nisht offen. And I had the debate in my mind - I didn't feel to go this time. After the

debate back and forth, I decided I could not try to make the kiddush levanah before at least I go to ask, as I have

to do my part. And if I do my part, whatever the results will be, I know I did what I had to do.

We went to take the siddurim. And with the siddurim, I was walking down from the 3rd floor to the 1st floor tzi

geien reden mit dem shoite. Azoi vi mir geien, hoben mir gezehen dem shoite in dem driten floor. In ich hob em

gezugt in gebeten. In er hot geentfert zeir geren kimm ich vil effen men di tier. In er freigt "shoin?". Hoben mir

em geentfert - take your time and finish what you're doing. Un mir varten inten by di tier. Un azoi iz gevein. I

was very surprised the way he was talking - so friendly, etc.

Mir hoben gevart apur minute. In er iz gekimmen, un ge'effen di tier, in geshtanden mit ins, in gemacht a

leibidige kiddush levanah mit groisse simcha far zehen di chasdei Hashem that was not expected and surprised

that it worked out this way. We gave him a hatzedige dank, and told him he also benefits from the blessings. He

told us thank you very much, and G-d bless you.

Rabbosai, I can tell you, the way he was so kind and good, I told the people it was a shut, if he was so kind, (we

could freig em er zol effen di tier un ins lozen geien heim). We have to learn from this thing, we always have to

try, and we never know when we have the eis rutzon. Imagine if I didn't ask him - all I had to do was ask, and we

have the chasdei Hashem. This gave us great strength and chizuk that we have to do, in that Hashem gives the

blessing un iberachtichu l'chol asher taaseh. And it means you have to try even when you think it's not going to

happen - as Hashem is doing it. The same thing we try yesterday can be "no", and tomorrow can be opposite.

Same in the opposite direction. The lesson is we have to try every time and not give up.

Also, it could also be as well known the vort from Yismach Moshe of the Gemara "yugatu i'mutzusu tamim". So

asks Yismach Moshe, why does it say i'mutzusu - this is a lashon metzia and a metzia iz b'esech ha'daas. So he

answers, that sometimes yugatu means you struggle to get something, and you don't get it - but another time

when you don't do any struggle and you find it. So today you have yugatu, but another time you have mutzusu -

you achieve easily your goal with no struggle.

So the bottom line - Hashem should help us and gantz klal Yisroel that we should have relief, and all go home,

and we should all zoche zein di nechomos Tzion i'Yerushalayim, un zoche zein tzi di yeshia fin gantze klal Yisroel

with yeshias olamim in gichen, and we should misgalel veren kvod malchuso of the gantze velt. Bimheiru

b'yumeini - umein! A gitte nacht, besiros tovos.

קומפוט » 21/11/2011 19:40

BS"D Sheva Asar l'Tammuz 5771

As regarding to the request of people asking what's happened, we shall write a baricht.

BS"D Sheva Asar l'Tammuz 5771

Ba'lailu ha'hi, in the night of ohr l'yom yid gimmel Tammuz, as well known by the Yiddishe kinder that haluche

yudia she'Eisav sonei l'Yaakov. Every goy, all goyim, all generations since Eisav, the brother of our father

Yaakov, has a desire simply to agen all Yidden. Every time, they're looking for the opportunity, and for good

excuses. You can never rely on any goy, because this goy whom you think is your friend - the bottom line is you

find that he's your biggest enemy. And this is well known; it's not new. As Chazal say also, "achoinov l'rushe sof

noifel l'yudoi".

Living between the goyim all over, every day, different things we're hearing, and Hashem yishmireini, u'matzileini

m'yudom. As we're saying in the Haggadah Pesach " v'hi she'amda l'avoiseini she'loi echad echad umad uleini

l'chaloiseini, elu she'b'chol dor v'dor oimdim uleini l'chaloiseini, v'Hakadosh Burich Hi, matzileini m'yudom". The

truth of the matter, everyone doesn't even know the miracles that Hashem is doing for us each day - the plans

that they have, and we don't even come to know about these. As this is in the street, here in Ft. Dix, it's a 1000

times more. We're living here between murderers, the biggest low-life people, and they're looking with their

plans, and looking for opportunities to hurt us. And this is included for the assirim mit di angeshtelte fin groiss bis

klein. And that's what's happened, and this is what we're going to tell you about - and you will be shocked to hear

what's happened.

To explain the developments, with the excuses of what's going on here - in jail is also like a culture - they're

looking at different cases and different things and judging. They say certain cases - people have the right to

extort or beat-up, or otherwise harm these people. They also look for the weak people to extort, etc. As

everyone knows, against the Jews, they're always looking for a way to get our money or harm us. So, a week

before this past Thursday night, we were sitting in the room at the desk and reading/working. This one individual

(the rasha) came into the room and asked a Yid "where's the things you were supposed to get for me?". So the

Yid responds that he was never given a list (the Yid had agreed to help the other guy out a little in his time of

hardship). So the rasha announces to the room that everyone's paperwork in this room is no good; and someone

better give him $20 of stuff, or he'll take it himself. Another goy in the room speaks up and asks what he's talking

about. So the rasha from outside the room attacks him saying - "you - you're going to give me $20 or I'll take it.

Is this your locker?" And so this rasha goes over to the locker and starts loading his bag with all the commissary

food items this guy has, and ends up taking about $75-$100 worth of stuff.

And then the rasha says to the goy that every month to come, he's going to be back for more. B'chasdei

Hashem, nothing happened to any Yid at this time. We have to explain that there was a warning that no one

should say anything as the rasha left. And the situation is like this - it's not like when outside that when there's

any problem you call the police; as when you call the police in here, a person is considered a snitch. Also to go

amongst fellow inmates can be a problem, as these people that they rob have different cases that they don't like

and feel justified robbing them. To further explain, to tell the readers, the scenario to see what's happened in this

situation is not less than when a murderer comes to a house and says "your money or your life". And this was a

plan by people inside the room to create this situation.

Unfortunately, as they had success this night, they knew automatically as we didn't stop them, that they could

easily come again and continue their rishus. The entire week we tried to settle this and come to an end to this

thing between the inmates. And we even came to a "so-called" agreement. There were other details, but in the

end, there was an "agreement" that things would be ok, and the rishus wouldn't continue. But the truth is that we

can't trust them, as every night we have to sleep with one eye open, and the other closed. As we said before,

they have their plans.

(Between this time and the following paragraph, there were some continuations of arguments back and forth; but

the "end result" was that things would remain quiet and no more problems would come....or so we agreed

anyways.)

Thursday night, we went to bed, sleeping every night, hoping to have a peaceful sleep and hoping to get up in the

morning for avodas Hashem. So at approximately 3:15am, after 3am count (the officers count us at scheduled

times throughout the night), 10 masked, armed robbers entered our room with knives. They took one Yid who

was sitting up at the table with his book light reading captive at knife point, telling him not to make a sound nor

say anything. So this Yid was held captive with a robber having his hand over this Yid's mouth and a knife at his

throat. And 2 robbers emptied and destroyed his locker - looking for valuables. The same situation for a number

of other people's lockers - 2 robbers to each locker searching for valuables.

There were 3 people in the room who had arranged for this robbery to occur. They pretended to remain asleep

while everyone else was awake, but too scared to say or do anything. So one of these three "organizers" who

were our roommates, was trying his best to keep from laughing during the terrifying experience.

In the end, the robbers waited for the "all clear" signal, and then they left the room like a group performing a pre organized

raid - running through the halls, peaking out of the bathroom and TV rooms, etc. - like a act you see on

TV.

The reader should understand - if this scenario were to occur on the street, it would be breaking news all over the

USA.

We ask all Yidden, they should be mispallel zein for a yeshia, and that we should overcome all other challenges

that arise every day in all other matters. B'vias goiel tzidkeini bimheiru b'yumeini - Umein!

Page 2 of 2 7/25/2011

קומפוט » 21/11/2011 19:41

http://www.ivelt.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=14381

קומפוט » 21/11/2011 19:43

ר' מרדכי יצחק סאמעט שרייבט נייעס פון תפיסה

קודם כל א שטיקעלע הקדמה.

היינטיגע צייטן פארמאגט שוין נישט קיין בריוו א גרויסע מאס חשיבות, קודם כל ווייל מ'שרייבט שוין נישט היינט, אלעס איז דאך אינסטענט, ועוד שרייבעריי בעצם האט פארלוירן זיין אמאליגע חשיבות.

אבער דא האב איך געטראפן א בריוו וואס אפי' ס'איז געשריבן געווארן אפאר טאג צוריק, איז דאס אן היסטארישע, אינטרעסאנטע, און עמאציניאלע בריוו. דאס איז א בריוו געשריבן געווארן פון תפיסה, ווי יעדעס ווארט דארט איז געמאסטן, כמעט פון די איינציגסטע אופנים וואס מ'האט א פארקער מיטן דרויסענדיגן וועלט, געשריבן געווארן אזוי אידישליך און אזוי הארציג, טאקע וועגן דעם האט דאס געכאפט מיין הארץ.

איין זאך וואס מ'זעט אינעם בריוו, ווי פייערליך ס'ווערט אויפגענומען דארט יעדער בשורה, וואס וועט זיי ארויסנעמען פונעם רוטינען סדר, אזש צוויי גאנצע חדשים רעדט מען נאר פון דעם, דאס דארף זיין א מוסר השכל פאר אינץ, אז מ'דארף די אידן גיין באזוכען, און מחזק זיין ווי ווייט ס'איז מעגליך.

און צום סוף, וויל איך פשוט ארויס ברענגען מיין קנאת סופרים, צו דעם רבי'ן, וואס געהאט די זכיה מחיה צו זיין אזויפיל צובראכענע אידן, אויסהערן יעדן איינעם פערזענליך און זיי מחזק זיין אז אזוי ווייט אז ער דריקט זיך אויס אין בריוו:
This day, Chof Zayin Sivan - all of us will remember this for the rest of our lives, and tell our children about this day and the blessings we receive

זאל די אייבירשטער העלפען אינץ זאל מיר אויך האבן די זכיה, צו קענן טון אזעלכע גמילות חסדים, וואס מ'קען אפי' אנרופן חסד של אמת.

איך האב עס פראבירט איבערצוטייטשן אויף אידיש ווי ווייט מעגליך, איך האף ס'האט נישט פארלוירן דעם טעם...........

פון: סאמעט מרדכי

נושא: גאר גיטע נייעס – די גרויסע רבי פון סאטמאר [מהרי"י] היינט אין פארט דיקס (תפיסה ווי ר מרדכי יצחק, און נאך אסאך אידן ווערן געהאלטן, צ.ד.ז.)

בס"ד היינט, יום רביעי – כ"ז סיון תשע"א

פאר בערך צווי חדשים גייט אן די צו'גרייט'ונגן פאר דעם טאג. עסקנים האבן מסדר געווען אלע נויטיגע ענינים פאר די אפיצעילע וויזיט פון די סאטמאר'ע רבי צו קענען וויזיטן די אידישע געמיינדע דא אין פארט דיקס . און ס'איז אויסגעקליבן געווארן דעם היינטיגן טאג פאר דעם וויזיט. די לעצטע שבת, זענען די גאנצע אידישע געמיינדע דא אפיציעל איינגמאלדן געווארן, אז דער גרויסער סאטמאר'ע רבי וועט קומען אויף א וויזיט און געבן חיזוק פאר אלע אידן דא אין פארט דיקס. מיט גרויס שמחה און איבעראשנוג איז אויפגענומען געווארן די גרויסע נייעס (לשונו הזהב של ר' מרדכי יצחק) יעדער איינער איז איבערגענומען געווארן מיט האפענונג און געפרעגט ווען און ווי אזוי דאס וועט זיך אויסשטעלן. פונעם טשאפלעין'ס אפיס, איז געמאלדן געווארן אז יעדער איינער וואס דארף טון ארבייט (צוגעטיילט פון די טורמע איינגעשטעלטע צ.ד.ז.) וועט באקומען א פטור כדי צו קענען קומען צו די טשאפעל און זיין צוגעגרייט מקבל פנים צו זיין די גרויסע רבי פון סאטמאר.

דורך אויס די גאנצע וואך, זענען אלע קופקעס פארנומען געווען מיטן דורך שמועסן ווי אזוי די רבי וועט קומען, מ'האט געמאכט פלענער וועגן די אלע הכנות (וועד המכינה צ.ד.ז.) און וואס מ'זאל טון מ'זאל איהם אויפנעמען כראוי וכיאות. דורך אויס דעם וואך האבן מיר צוגעגרייט ספעיציעלע טאוולען (סיין'ס צ.ד.ז.) צו מקבל פנים זיין די רבי מיט זיינע געסט. די טשאפעל האט מען אויסגערוימט און מסדר געווען, אזוי ווי מ'וואלט ווען געטוהן פאר גרויסע פארשטייערס פון וואשינגטאן זאלן קומען (זעט אויס אז ס'איז דא אזאנס אין תפיסה צ.ד.ז.) (למעשה איז אויסגעקומען אז בשעת'ן אויסרוימען האבן זיי אוועק גענומען אסאך זאכן וואס אינץ האבן מיר געדארפט - וויל בשעתן אויפרוימען האבן זיי געטראפן זאכן און געזאגט אז דאס האט נישט געזאלט דא זיין). דורכן אויס דעם גאנצן וואך האבן זיי געקלינט ביזן היינטיגן צופרי. היינט צופרי נאך תפילת שחרית, וואס אינץ האבן מיר גענדיגט בערך ניין אזייגער, האבן מיר אנגעפאנגן צוצוגרייטן אלע טישן- ברענגענדיג אלע טישן צו דעם גרויסע טשאפל שטוב (וואס היינט האט עס באקומען א נאמען ביי אונץ "היכל השולחנות" (געווענליך האבן די אידישע איינווינער א ספעיצעילע שטוב צום ניצען מיט אן ארון קודש א.ד.ג. אבער וועגן דעם גרויסען אווענט זענען מיר געגאנגן צו דעם גרויסן טשאפל און צוגעגרייט דארט)) אינץ האבן מיר אנגעגרייט אלע טישן און דעם גרויסען (לשון ר' מ.י.) שטוב, און געלייגט טישטיכער, און אויפגעהאנגען דעם סיין, און אויסגעשטעלט א ספעיציעלן "שטוב" פאר די רבי שליט"א אויף צונעמען יעדן יעדן איינעם אלס א יחודית שטוב (לשון ר' מ.י.) און מ'האט אנגעגרייט א פילע טיש פיל מיט סנעקס און גיטע זאכן פאר די גאנצן עולם.

און בערך 12 אזייגער, האט זיך שוין די גאנצע געמיינדע אנגפאנגן זיך צוזאם צוקומען אינעם טשאפל, רענדנדיג וועגן דעם ערווארטענדיגע מעמד, און העלפן צוגרייטן, און סתם אפצוווארטן און זען ווי די רבי קומט צו גיין, אזוי אז מ'זאל קענען כאפן פון איהם ברכות. אזוי ווי די עולם האט זיך אנגעפאנגן צוזאם צוקומען, האט מען געזען אז ס'איז נישט דא גענוג טישן, האט מען געברענג נאך טישן צו מאכן א גרעסערן טיש. און בערך 1 אזייגער האבן אינץ באקומען די ידיעה אז די רבי איז אויפן וועג (עי' ערך כ"א כסליו... צ.ד.ז.) און ביז אפאר מינוט וועט ער דא זיין, און אזוי איז טאקע געווען און בערך 1:10 האט שוין די רבי שפאצירט אונעם קאמפאנד (שטח התפיסה), קומענדינג נענטער צום טשאפל און אונז שטייען מיר און קוק מיר ווי אזוי די רבי קומט אן דורכ'ן פענסטער פונעם טשאפל. אונז זענען געשטאנען ביים פענסטער און געקוקט ביז ער איז אנגעקומען צום טיר פון דעם טשאפעל בילדינוג.

ווי נאר די רבי איז אריין געקומען אינעם בילדינוג, האבן אינץ מקבל פנים געווען די רבי שליט"א און איהם געוויזן אינזער בית המדרש. די רבי שליט"א איז מיטגעקומען מיט געסט – ראביי נידערמאן, רבי שמואל טייטעלבוים (די רבי שליט"א'ס גבאי), רבי אלימלך ווייס, און רעביי קליין. אזוי ווי יעדער איינער איז אנגעקומען, זענען זיי אריין געגאנגן אינעם טשאפלעין'ס אפיס פאר אפאר מינוט.

די רבי שליט"א מיט די געסט זענען אריין אינעם היכל השלחנות. די גאנצע עולם האט מקבל פנים געווען די רבי מיט די געסט. בעפאר די רבי האט זיך אראפ געזעצט האט ער זיכער געמאכט ארומצוגיין און געבן שלום פאר יעדן איינעם, און יעדער איינער האט איהם צוריק געגבן שלום מיט א שמייכעל בסבר פנים יפות. און נאכדעם וואס די רבי האט זיכער געמאכט אז ער האט געגעבן שלום פאר יעדן איינעם, האט ער זיך אראפ געזעצט אויפ'ן אויבן אן טיש צוזאמען מיט די געסט. און דערנאך האט זיך די גאנצע עולם זיך אראפ געזעצט צו די טישן. און אינץ האבן מיר מכבד געווען רבי נידערמאן צו עפענען די מעמד.

רבי נידערמאן האט זיך אויפגעשטעלט, און געגעבן א ווארעמען ברוכים הבאים דרשה פארן גאנצן עולם. ער האט געגעבן ווארימע דברי חיזוק פון וואס די גענצער עולם איז געווארן זייער איבער גענומען הערנדינג זיין דברי חיזוק, אזוי ווי ער האט גענדיגט, האט די גרויסע רבי אנגעוויטשען זיינע ברכות און געזאגט אפאר ווערטער פון דברי חיזוק. די רבי מיט הרב נידערמאן האבן ארויסגעברענגט אז זיי זענען מיט אינץ, און זיי וועלן קיינמאל נישט פארגעסן פון אינץ, און זיי זענען איביג גרייט אינץ ארויס צוהעלפען מיט וואס זיי קענען נאר – ביידע סיי דא און סיי ווען אינץ וועל מיר בעזה"ש זיין אינדרויסן. און זיי האבן געגעבן זייערע ברכות אז אינץ זאלן שוין גאר בקרוב זיין באפרייט מיט א גאנצע ישועה.

אזוי ווי אינץ האבן געפארטיגט, האט דער גרויסער רבי געגעבן לחיים וואס איז מיטגעקומען מיט א כללות'דיגע ברכה, און נאכדעם נאכאמאל געווינטשן יעדן איינעם. און בערך 2 אזייגער, האט זיך גענדיגט די צוזאמקום פארן פובליקום, און די רבי איז אריין אין זיין פרייוואטע "שטוב", אויפצונעמען דעם עולם פאר יחודית אנצווינטשען ברכות. יעדער איינער דא איז איז אריין צום רבי'ן שליט"א פרייוואט, און יעדער איינער איז געווען אויף געלייגט און צופרידן. און יעדער איינער איז געווארן איבערגענומען און וועט קיינמאל נישט פארגעסן דעם מאמענט ווען ווען זיי זענען געזיצן מיט'ן רבי'ן פרייוואט. דאס איז געווען אן היסטארישען פאסירונג פאר יעדן פון אינץ, דא, היינט.

און דער זעלבער צייט וואס דער גרויסער רבי האט אויפגענומען דעם עולם פרייואט, האט הרב נידערמאן אויך זיך דורך גערעדט מיט יעדן איינעם, נעמענדיג זייער אינפארמאציע, זיכענדיג צו העלפען יעדער איינציגער פערזאן מיט וואס אלס ס'מעגליך. אזוי אויך די אנדערע רבנים האבן אויך גערעדט מיט יעדן איינעם, און אויסגעהערט יעדן איינעם'ס קול איבער יעדע אישו וואס זיי האבן געוואלט ארויפברענגן – שטארקענדיג און זייענדיג מחזק יעדן איינעם.

די AW Sutherland (??? צ.ד.ז.) איז אנגעקומען אינמיטן פונעם מעמד, און די רבי האט זיך אינטער געהויבן און איהם באגריסט פאר די אלע גיטע זאכן וואס ער טוט דא פאר די גאנצע אידישע געמיינדע, און אויך באדאנקט די אלע טשאפלעין'ס פאר אלעם וואס זיי טוהן פאר אינץ דורך'ן גאנטצ'ן קלייכדיגן יאר. די גרויסע רבי האט זיי אנגעווינטשן , און צוגעשטיפט זיי זאלן טוהן נאך און נאך פאר אינץ.

דעם טאג, כ"ף זיי"ן סיון- וועלן אלע פון אינץ געדענקען פאר אינזער גאנצער לעבן, און פארציילן פאר אינזערע קינדער איבער דעם טאג און די ברכות וואס אינץ האבן באקומען. יעדער איינער האט זיך באדאנק'ט און געוויטשען די גרויסער רבי פאר זיין גוטסקייט קומענדיג אונץ באזיכען און אינץ אנווינטשן. און אינץ אלע האפן מיר או ווארטן צו זען, אז אלע זיינע ברכות זאלן ערפילט ווערן און אינץ זאל מיר זען די ישועה פאר גאנץ כלל ישראל מיט משיח און גיכען. (לשון ר' מ.י.)

די דארפסט מיך מוחל זיי אז דאס איז דעשריבן געווארן אין א שנעלקייט, ווייל די קאמפיוטער גייט אראפ, און איך וויל היינט פארטיגן, מיט דעם אלעם מער דעטאלן וועלן קומען שפעטער.

די נעשכיזער איז א גוטער איד, מייערן אין צימעס איז א גוט מאכל.

סטראבערי » 22/11/2011 22:26

ייש"כ!

סטראבערי » 22/11/2011 22:27

מ'דארף זעהן נאך רבנים זאלן גיין אפט ס'איז זיי מחי'

קומפוט » 25/11/2011 16:14

BS"D MarCheshvan 5772 (November 2011)

Good Evening Everyone.

In continuation of last week's meeting of Tuesday 11 MarCheshvan, we continue the deion of this meeting of 18 MarCheshvan.

***

MAZEL TOV!!!!!

In Honor of the Engagement of Rabbi Samet's Youngest Daughter, Chumy Samet May Hashem help that the match should be successful, and they should see righteous and blessed generations. And may Hashem help that Rabbi Samet should see nachas from this and all children, and should have a speedy yeshia along with all of us and all Klal Yisroel.
MAZEL TOV!!!!!

At 6:30pm we opened the second meeting. Before we began, the first 20 people who arrived got a special treat as promised. The community was happy and excited to continue the meeting from the previous week. The chairman began the meeting by stating that the goal of the meeting is to be united as Yidden and observe the Torah. So the chairman then invited Rabbi Samet to speak.

It is 6:40pm, and Rabbi Samet begins speaking. He repeats again his assertion that if we are united and honest in fulfilling our promises and keeping our word of what we say we will do, we will be successful in obtaining all of our needs and desires. In every difficulty, we are being tested by Hashem, and if we pass the tests, we receive all that we need and desire. The Rabbi gave a report of the events that have occurred over the past 3 years and our achievements. With Hashem's help, how we got the Aron Kodesh here, and to have minyanim 3 times a day, and eating the Shabbes and holiday seudas in the Chapel. Although we had many difficulties and struggles, more or less we achieved all these many improvements. Again, if we will be united, that every Yid will display that he is a Yid, behaving properly on the compound, following the rules of the BOP, that all Yidden should be an example of behavior and respect to all other inmates - that everyone should know that he is a Yid - this will give us the ability to succeed in fulfilling our obligations as Yidden, and it will make it so that the institution will give us more and more.

The Rabbi gave a report of progress in different areas in regards to the 2 kollelim which were mentioned; it was more optimistic that we would achieve this, and that there would be more details forthcoming in the coming days. One piece of big news that the Rabbi gave in the meeting, was that all the classes that people take in the kollel, and those who come to the shiurim and meetings, and attend tefillos - all of these will be considered for credit as "RPP" (Release Preparation Program" Classes - which people must take to get credit to receive halfway house and more good time, etc. So it's a new thing that the administration will consider classes in Religious Services for these credits as well.

In closing, the Rabbi expressed his thanks to everyone for their contributions. And he also reminded everyone of our gratitude to the outside organizations which have helped us in all matters - Aleph Institute, L'Asurim and Dror.

As I mention L'Asurim, I would like to bring out a point: people think
that L'Asurim was just recently founded approximately 3-4 years ago.
I know that L'Asurim was created/founded back in 2003 when C.
Hollander was still in jail and promised to create this organization.
He was the person who was able to create such an organization as he
himself experienced the pain that we feel in jail. And he fulfilled what
he promised; and Hashem should thus help him and all the other people
who help him, that they should never feel the pain which we feel in here.
And we here all ask that everyone should help him to achieve all the goals
which they aim to achieve in any manner they can help. And the reward
of this is unimaginable.

As it became late, we decided to continue next week, and there would be a continuation each week - with everyone free to ask any questions/make suggestions. So we davened Maariv and gave everyone the packages that were promised l'kvod the engagement of Rabbi Samet's daughter, Chumy. Everyone was excited to receive these and we closed the meeting with the decision to get together every Tuesday for a progress report and questions/answers about religious matters and any technical issues.

So we shall continue with updates, b'ezras Hashem, on the progress that is further achieved.

Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

--
Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 4/12/2011 19:46

BS"D Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5772

Hello teire Yidden in the Free World,

A git Chodesh. I would like to share a Kiddush Hashem which has occurred here at Ft. Dix. It may seem a small thing, but in fact, it was a Kiddush Hashem. And this gives strength and emunah to know that Hashem listens to tefillos. And the outcome was a great Kiddush Hashem.

So this is the event that occurred. As you know, that we are here sleeping in one room with 11 other chayos ru'os - probably when people outside would see such people outside would never speak to them one word. Tziros mashinos. Es chapt a pachad nor tzi trachten fin zei. But, from the other side, we have to live with them in peace, and to deal with them every day. And this is what's happened for us. As we are sitting together, one of them had an ice cooler. For some reason, the lid was stuck, and they couldn't open it. So everyone in the room tried to open it, but were not successful. So this thing occurred in the Rabbi's room.

The Rabbi realized that they had the problem. So he said that he'd tell them what they have to do in order to open it easily. So the Rabbi said to give it to him, and he'd show them. But of course the Rabbi emphasized, and it could be plainly seen, that he had no more physical strength (and in fact less) than the others. So the Rabbi said that he was asking Hashem to please help us. And if we ask Hashem, He will help. So the Rabbi tried to open it, but it wasn't easy in the beginning. So he said "Ribbono shel Olam, please don't embarrass me, and show that when we ask for Your help, You help". So after saying these words, it easily opened, and it was a Kiddush Hashem that Hashem helped.

This gave strength to see, that as a person asks, he receives an immediate response. And this gives a message for us, that Hashem listens to our prayers; even when we don't see this sometimes, we must have faith. Every time, Hashem knows what He is doing for our good. And it was a Kiddush Hashem, to see that a Yid asks Hashem, and He helps.

Besiros tovos.

Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna
(I witnessed this story as it developed).

Any comments are welcome.

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קומפוט » 5/12/2011 21:49

BS"D Erev Shabbes Kodesh Parshes Vayeitze 5772

Hashgacha Pratis

I would like to share with everyone a story of hashgacha pratis, and we must mefarsem zein to publicize and see that Hashem is controlling everything, every second, everywhere. Although the story which I am going to tell you didn't happen today - it happened a few months ago. But because of what happened today, this erev Shabbes, I was reminded of this story again, and I felt that I must mefarsem zein the story of what I saw here by the Rabbi.

It happened that it was Thursday night, and we didn't have any kartofel or any beitzim, and we needed them for Shabbes for the community. And the Rabbi was troubled about not having these for the community. But the Rabbi reminded us of the story that I am about to tell you, which makes us aware that if we need it, Hashem will help. Baruch Hashem that we got it at the last moment - baruch Hashem, alles git. And the following is the story.

Though we cannot eat before davening, they always serve us breakfast at 6am. So some Yidden here, especially the Rabbi, will not eat before davening. So the zman tefilla here is 8am, and we finish at 9am. And then we have shiurei Torah. So the cookies we eat after davening, the Rabbi doesn't eat, as they are not the best hechsher for him. Usually he has an apple or orange - or some fruit. And each day, there are different ways in which he gets this. It happened one day that he didn't have any fruit. And as he was walking to the Chapel on the way, at this moment he was thinking that he didn't have anything to eat. And he was thinking, he used to have a goy who always brought a fruit for the Rabbi just in this place where he was then walking; but he had gone home. So the Rabbi thought, where would he get an apple today? As he was thinking, someone started yelling for the Rabbi; but he didn't hear. But he kept yelling "Rabbi, Rabbi", and came up to the Rabbi. So when the Rabbi realized that he was yelling for him, the Rabbi asked what was wrong. And the guy says, "here, I have an apple for you!". And the guy came running over to deliver it. And the Rabbi was so amazed - he didn't have to worry, when he needs something, Hashem will send someone running after him to deliver it. It was moiredig. He thought about it all the time.

So the same thing happened tonight. Hashem helped at the last minute that we got the kartofel mit di beitzim, l'kvod Shabbes Kodesh. And the same thing we believe, when the time will come, when Hashem will say "dai", we will go home, and be zoche zein to see the full yeshia of Klal Yisroel. And our teachers teach us that Hashem is the provider of all things - big and small. And all things, every time, everywhere are controlled by Him. Hashem should help us that we see this and live with it, and that we should have the zchia to have emesse emunah.

A gitten Shabbes mit alles git.

Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

P.S. Please send any comments, and spread the message to whomever you know.

קומפוט » 8/12/2011 23:29

BS"D

This is a continuation of the series of meetings of the Jewish Community. The meetings we have every Tuesday are updates for the community on progress, along with a question/answer session for the Rabbi on all topics. So this is a report of the meeting we had on the third Tuesday - 25 MarCheshvan 5772 (November 22, 2011).

So at this meeting, it was reported that as of the following Tuesday, our future Tuesday meetings would not only be meetings, but would also be a part of one of the official classes sponsored by L'Asurim on Middos Tovos/Character Traits. So we continued to discuss all the new classes as follows.

There would be classes which involved Torah Shiurim and reinforcing the zmanim for Tefilla. There were 2 nice signs that were posted with a schedule of classes. Baruch Hashem, whenever we need a sign posted, we have a person here with very nice handwriting and a beautiful ability in safrus and drawing - Malkiel Sar Shulom ben Leah Amos. Hashem should help him that he be home quickly with his family speedily.

So the following is a copy of the sign listing the Torah classes:
______________________________

_____________________________________
- Daily Class: Mon-Fri
    1) After Shachris - Halacha Shiur (by: Jacob Mertz)
    2) Talmud Masechta Sanhedrin (by: Rabbi M.Y. Samet shlita)
- Sunday: 9am - Halachos of Tefilla (by Reb Yossi Shereshevsky)
- Tuesday: 6:30pm
    1) Q&A on All Subjects Dealing with Jewish Law in the Community of Ft. Dix (by: Rabbi Samet)
        (This is also the Middos Tovos/Character Traits Shiur sponsored by L'Asurim)
- Wednesday: 6:30pm - Parsha Shiur (by: Guest Volunteer Visitors)
- Shabbes:
     1) 2pm (or after Mincha): 39 Melachos Shiur (by: Reb Yossi Shereshevsky)
     2) 2:30pm: Talmud Sanhedrin Shiur (by: Rabbi M.Y. Samet)

     From time to time there will be special classes in different subjects.
     Reb Yossi is willing to help everyone in any lesson they want to learn.
______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________
The second sign which Amos made for us had the zmanim Tefilla:
Daily Services Schedule
   Weekday:
     - Shachris 8am
     - Mincha* 3pm
     - Maariv** 7:30pm
   Shabbes:
     - Kabbalas Shabbes: follows 5pm Activity Move
     - Shachris & Musaf: 7:45am
     - Mincha: 1:35pm
     - Maariv: Last Call Food Service
   * Mincha - if Chapel is closed, Mincha will be davened outside the Chapel
   ** Maariv - any evening the Chapel is closed, Maariv will be at 8pm in Education Bldg.
____________________________________________________________________________

So the meeting was opened by Eric Levine. He welcomed and encouraged everyone in the greatness of the meetings, with the goal to be united together as a community. And he called up the Rabbi to speak.

As the Rabbi came up, he said that he had gotten approval for the classes from the Chaplain. We prepared applications for the classes. In prison we have to fill out a request (called a "cop-out"). So we had to make sure everyone signed up for the kollelim in these requests. It was announced that the kollelim would begin on December 1st. Although the classes had begun beforehand and would continue, this was the official date that the kollelim would start for credit through the BOP.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
The following are the 4 classes that we have:
1) Shiur on Gemara Sanhedrin (the class being titled "The Appointment of Jewish
      Judges & Court System): sponsored by Dror: Kollel Maharam d'Ruttenberg
2) The Laws of Shabbes: sponsored by Dror: Kollel Maharam d'Ruttenberg
3) The Laws of Prayer: sponsored by Dror: Kollel Maharam d'Ruttenberg
4) Character Traits: sponsored by L'Asurim
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

The people were very enthusiastic. And after the announcements, the Rabbi had a question/answer session. And the night was concluded with words of chizuk. And we again thanked all the people and organizations who have helped us with the kollelim and in all areas. And the Rabbi again repeated that if we fulfill our mission here, we can make things better for everyone, and ultimately all go home to our families as soon as possible.

Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

P.S. Once again, any comments or suggestions are welcome. And if you know anyone interested in receiving these emails, please send their email address, and we will, b'ezras Hashem, add them to the list. And we will, b'ezras Hashem, update everyone in this subject.

Besiros tovos.

--
Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 13/12/2011 22:42

Special Feature: Do Religious Jews Suffer in the American Justice System?

America boasts an unsurpassed justice system. Unlike many Eastern countries,
America presumes the defendant "innocent until proven guilty". The Fourth
Amendment protects all individuals against unreasonable searches and
seizures, and a valid search warrant must be obtained from a magistrate
after proving probable cause. Additionally, in America criminals can be
vindicated if the prosecution fails to prove their criminal guilt "beyond a
reasonable doubt". Furthermore, the Sixth Amendment provides the accused
with a right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury; thus, a hung
jury results in a mistrial. Its purpose is explained in the landmark Supreme
Court decision Apodaca v. Oregon: ". [T]he purpose of trial by jury is to
prevent oppression by the Government by providing a 'safeguard against the
corrupt or overzealous prosecutor and against the compliant, biased, or
eccentric judge.'" It is, thus, for good reason that it is often said that
in the United States the commandment states: "Thou Shalt Not Get Caught."
However, upon examination it truly doesn't seem so. The impartiality surely
doesn't pass the test when it comes to celebrity indictment, and bias surely
finds its way into our fair system. Recent episodes often make us wonder
whether there's prejudice against Orthodox-Jews in the Courts. Despite the
separation of powers which provides checks and balances, the judicial
process has its flaws. Although federal justices are properly vetted by the
president and Congress, the juries can often demonstrate bias for religious
groups. Additionally, the reality that verdicts are often up to a judge's
discretion may be troubling for some religious sectors.
The question lingers: Does America truly boast a better justice system then
the East?
A Tale of Three Boys in Japan
In March of 2008, while throngs of Jews from all walks of life were
preparing for the pilgrimage to the tomb of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech of
Lizensk, three Israeli boys were amongst those delightfully traveling to
pray for a better life and future. The boys, Yossi Bondo, 17, Yaakov Yosef
Grunwald, 19, and Yoel Zev Goldstein, 22; Yeshiva students of Bnei Brak,
Israel; were approached by someone they knew and trusted, and asked them to
transport antiques to the Far East for an upcoming Art Fair. The deal was
that the boys would stop in Amsterdam, where they would receive the
antiques, before taking a connecting flight to Tokyo, Japan where someone
will pick it up. They were to receive a bonus of $1,000 each and a chance to
Daven in Lizensk.
After a long, exhausting flight, the boys arrived to Narita International
Airport. After a custom agent determined that their suitcases had contained
$3.6 million dollars worth of narcotics, the three unsuspecting boys were
immediately arrested and placed in solitary confinement. It followed by
months of grueling interrogation in a foreign country and foreign language.
After Askanim from Israel, Europe and the United States got involved, the
boys were finally able to relate their account and request Kosher meals.
These dedicated Askanim saw that the boys should be vindicated and freed for
once. At last, after three and half years of hard work by the Askanim, after
millions of dollars for defense and thousands, perhaps millions, of chapters
Tehillim recited on their behalf throughout the world, Yossi is on probation
in Israel, Yaakov Yosef is waiting to be transferred to Eretz Yisroel and
Yoel Zev is a free man.
YWN spoke to Rabbi Asher Levin, an activist who traveled to Japan to visit
the boys, to share his reaction to the finale of this unfortunate story.
"Chasdei Hashem Ki Lo Somnu," he began, "the boys' pain was boundless, and
it will never be properly comprehended". "Yet," he cautioned, "although we
heard positive news, the ordeal is not over yet; Yaakov Yosef ben Raizel is
awaiting his imminent extradition to Israel". Nevertheless, the Japan
government proved to be more understanding than often portrayed, and their
sympathy took precedence over their no-nonsense approach for drug
trafficking.
The Rubashkin Saga
On May 12, 2008, the FBI and ICE agents arrested 389 alleged illegal
immigrants in Postville, Iowa, in a raid deemed the largest in US history at
that time. Sholom Rubashkin was charged for harboring illegal immigrants and
for conspiring in identity theft. Those charges have since been dropped, but
he was indicted for bank theft and sentenced by United States District Judge
Linda Reade to 27 years in prison in 2010. The case drew national attention,
and Jews globally took an interest in the case after Rubashkin was denied
bail because of flight risk to Israel. People felt that this case is a
direct attack against Shechita and "Sholom Across America" soon captivated
the nation. Thousands of people gathered around the world in his support and
millions of dollars were contributed in his merit; yet, he is incarnated in
a prison cell away from family and friends.
Elected officials and law experts expressed shock over this excessive
sentence. Forty seven Congressmen and 75 US attorneys and law professors
have written to Attorney General Eric Holder to probe for alleged misconduct
and fairness in this case; yet, the 8th Circuit rejected Rubashkin's appeal
and upheld Reade's decision. Additionally, a petition on the White House
website that called for "an investigation into allegations of prosecutorial
and judicial misconduct in the case of Sholom Rubashkin" garnered more than
52,000 signatures, yet went unanswered by the Executive Branch.
YWN spoke to an attorney, who serves as a counsel to the NYC Law Department
and wished to remain anonymous, to share his analysis regarding the latest
developments. "I'm shocked that the Appeals court upheld the verdict," he
stated, "it is two years more than the prosecutors requested, a shocker." He
also painted a bleak future for Rubashkin confirming that an appeal to the
Supreme Court is unlikely to be granted. "He can request an en banc review -
where all judges from the circuit will review the case - but this too is
unlikely," he told YWN. However, he did dismiss blather of anti-Semitism on
the federal level and said that it is up to the judge's discretion. A
request for a response from Defense Attorney Nathan Lewin was not answered
by the time this article was published.

Mordechai Samet's Chronicle
Mordechai Samet's story is less known but an unfortunate one, as well.
Samet, a Jerusalem native, was convicted in 2002 for money laundering and
fraud totaling a mere three million dollars - all of which has since been
reimbursed. After the jurors couldn't agree to a unanimous verdict, and a
retrial presided by United States District Judge Colleen McMahon sentenced
him for 27 years in federal prison. The Judge cited his conceit and lack of
remorse for this harsh sentence, and an appeal was rejected in 2006. Samet
initially began serving his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution
in Otisville but has since been transferred to Fort Dix.
YWN spoke to an activist from the Dror organization who has been following
the case from the onset. "Mordechai Samet is a changed man," he said. He
related how Samet unofficially serves as the Rabbi and is essentially the
backbone of the other Jewish inmates in Ft. Dix. "About two months ago, at
approximately 3:00AM on a Thursday night, ten masked robbers armed with
knives entered their room and demanded money," he repeated a recent
occurrence. "One Jewish fellow was held hostage with a knife to his neck
while the others ransacked their lockers." He explained that it would not be
wise to file with the police, for such a person is considered a snitch and
will suffer repeatedly. Thus, the inmates turn to Rabbi Samet for emotional
support. He related that Samet stated that "if this scenario were to occur
on the street, it would be breaking news all over the USA".
Another friend that frequents Fort Dix concurred: "Samet serves the role of
spiritual leader to the 40 Jewish inmates in Fort Dix. He assists them in
any way he can, emotionally and financially; he nearly has no time for
himself."
"Mordechai Yitzchok [Samet] needs much Chizuk too," he acknowledged. After
being absent at joyous events within his family, including six of his
children's wedding, Samet is a broken man. Yet, he draws his strength by
supporting others. It was he who arranged a visit by the Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi
Zalman Leib Tetelbaum from Williamsburg, and Rabbi Niederman, to the prison,
rejuvenating himself after seeing the joy in the other inmates' eyes. "It
gave him the strength to continue," he stated, saying "the Rebbe's visit
instilled hope in the inmates." He told of an individual from a
traditional-Conservative home that has begun observing Shabbos and putting
Tefillin every day. This person has given up and did not appeal because he
didn't have the resources; yet, a day after the Rebbe's visit, the lawyer
expressed hope for a successful appeal out of the ordinary.
"Repentance and atonement obviously takes no place in America," his friend
concluded.
Conclusion
There is a common myth that American jails are the equivalent to luxury
rent-free housing funded by the taxpayer. However, it is surely not the
case. The sad accounts of Sholom Mordechai ben Rivka Rubashkin and Mordechai
Yitzchok ben Feige Yehides prove that kindness and compassion don't exist in
jail. The justice system in America, a Medina Shel Chesed, is no less
corrupt than the likes of Japan, and we can only rely on our Father in
heaven. One can take a lesson to be grateful for the kindness of Hashem and
his way of judgment. Our merciful Father adjudicates each of us with
kindness and compassion despite His insightful knowledge; yet, the result of
a human court is far more stringent. Chazal say: "one who prays on behalf of
a friend in need, he is answered first." In the merit of our prayers for
those imprisoned in confinement, may we all see ourselves salvaged from our
troubles.

--
Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 13/12/2011 22:44

BS"D Motzoei Shabbes Parshas Vayishlach

A gitte voch, a hatzlochodike voch, un a yeshiadike voch in alle inyunim. I am here to share with you a story of an event which happened today - Shabbes Kodesh. This story teaches us to never give up, and that we must have faith in Hashem that He will do for us what we ask Him, especially when you do things to honor the Shabbes and help another Yid. As we said in this parsha "v'attah amarta heitev eitev imach" - it's asked, why the double heitev eitev? So this teaches, when you think and say that it'll be good, even when it isn't good, it becomes good. This is the prina of gam zu l'tova. All darkness turns over to light.

In order to understand this story, it needs an introduction. I'm writing here from a different world. We cannot get all that we desire and need. Simple things which people can laugh at that should be an issue, it can be a big issue here to obtain. And when you do get it here, it can be a great thing, and sometimes you see the greatness of the hashgacha pratis. For example, if you need sometime a kosher spoon to eat your food - it can be "krias Yam Suf" to get it. So when you see what happened here today, maybe to you it doesn't look like a big deal, but here it certainly is - especially as we needed this for the Seudos Shabbes Kodesh.

As you know, the Yidden here eat together in the Chapel for Shabbes Kodesh (as we are obligated according to Jewish Law to eat all 3 Shabbes meals together as a family to fulfill kibbud Shabbes and the mitzvah of seudos Shabbes). Though each Shabbes we go through many difficulties in getting and preparing the food - and each issue is a separate issue and a separate discussion which we won't go into now. But especially in the past few weeks, we've had many difficulties where they wanted to cancel us eating together in the Chapel; but b'chasdei Hashem, we partially re-installed it (that we're allowed to eat, but there are difficulties in bringing the food into the Chapel; but b'ezras Hashem this will also be settled). A dank far di askunim - Rabbi Boyarsky fin Aleph and Rabbi Weiss fin L'Asurim. The work very hard to help us here in this area.

Back to the point, there were no plates for Shabbes to eat our meal on. Obviously if someone doesn't have plates to serve food on Shabbes, it's a terrible thing; but in the outside world, it's easy to obtain: you can go to a neighbor or to the store, and obtain it in one second. In this world, however, we cannot get it easily. The only way to get it is to ask if the galuch will be willing to help. But he didn't want to help us in this occasion. So there was one option left - to go to Food Service and ask them to give. But this was a very unlikely thing to be granted - it was a 99% chance that they'd say no. So the Rabbi was thinking whether to go or not. But on the other hand, he had to try, as if we do our part, Hashem will do His part. One of the people - David Arndt - encouraged the Rabbi to go, as we know that if we have no plates, it's impossible to serve people. And so David Arndt and the Rabbi walked together to Food Service. As they were walking, someone stopped the Rabbi to talk to him; and within a few minutes it was announced that Food Service was closed. Now it was even more difficult, as they thought, why knock on the door now as it's already closed? But again, they couldn't give up and had to their hishtadlus. And if the Rabbi didn't try, he couldn't say that he had done what he had to do. So as they knock on the door, they saw an officer nearby. The officer came to the door, and opened it right away, and asked what they needed. And the Rabbi said that we needed plates for the Chapel. It was amazing to see - he was so kind, and opened the door, opened the cabinet with the plates, and said to take what we want. So the Rabbi and David took enough plates, and brought them, and it was an oneg simchas Shabbes that we had them.

But a lot more than the fact that we obtained the plates, this story gave the teaching and chizuk to never give up. Even if you think 100% that you're going to lose, you have to do your part, and Hashem will help. This works with all things - from the smallest to the biggest. As long as we do what we're obligated by the Torah, Hashem will take care of us. Even if you're not successful when you do what you have to, you are still obligated to put in the effort. But more times than not, Hashem will make successful our efforts.

May Hashem help that we should always see the chasdei Hashem, and we should always feel the chasdei Hashem, and see the yeshia here, and the yeshia of klal Yisroel in gichen.

Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

P.S. Any comments are welcome. Forward to any who might be interested.

--
Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 22/12/2011 22:56

Sunday morning Chuf Beis Kislev 5772

Good morning everyone,

As usual we had a great Shabbos here in Ft. Dix. We had a few moments which we would like to share with those that care. On Friday night one of our Mispallilim was stopped and ordered to take a breathalyzer test where you blow into a tube and by digital readout it reads your blood alcohol level. Naturally he refused. He was warned and given a shot. We don't know what will happen. However not only was this person Moser nefesh for Shmiras Shabbos, but he also made a Kiddush Ha-shem. Ashrie Yilidito.

We still have a major problem with the food on Friday night. After the count they make us wait until it clears which now is about 5:30, and only then can the Jews go pick up their food from the dinning room. This causes major problems. Instead of the Olum davening with the Shkia or in the whereabouts, we end up starting to daven about 2 hours after Shkia. And that is Kabolas Shabbos. There are some people that are Makpid to daven with the Shkia so they daven Biyichidus. They don't get their food, because they go straight to the Shul so they can daven. And they Mamish have to rely on others good will to have something to eat or on the food that is prepared by Amos.

BY the way Amos is another story. When we say on Shabbos "Vechol Mee Sheoskin Btzorchie Tzibur Bemunah HKB"H Yishalem Schurum..." I cant help but think about Amos. But we will get to that shortly.

Being that the davening only starts at about 6:30 and it is finished about 7 we have to hurry and eat, sing Zmiros and hear a Dvar Torah, and start bentching at about 7:45. This is so we can clean up and be out by 8pm. This is all because we have to pick up our food, and we Mamish lose an hour from the Shabbos Tish. The problem losing an hour from the Shabbos Tish has the biggest effect on the whole community especially the ones that are trying to find their way back to Yiddishkiet. Because the biggest Achdus that we have on this community takes place on Shabbos, at the Friday night table. I am not Mekaneh the people that caused this when they get to the Olem Haemes on Judgement day Hagadol.

The Divre Torah this Shabbos was tip top. From everyone that gave them. From jacob Mertz who gave a total review of the Parsha and a special insight about the jailing of Yosef, and the concept of Yeshuas Ha-shem Kherf Ayin. And the Dvar Torah by myself on Shabbos afternoon, where it was explained that being in jail is part of the Geulah, just like it was by Yosef. And its just that we dont see it, the same way Yaakov and Yosef didnt see it right away. We need Emunah.

We had a Hilchos Shabbos Shiur, we had Krias Hatoirah from Jacob, Aryeh Yitzvhok Amos and myself The Rabbi as usual ran the whole tefilla, and all the Seudos. It is very important to note, that since I have been here I have never ever seen the Rabbi sit down to eat until approximately 30 minutes after the Seudah begins. he is totally occupied with making sure everyone has grape juice, a plate, Challah, utensils etc etc. he will wait until the latecomers that staggle in are seated and made to feel part of the Kehilla. And he doesnt usually have left for himself anything to eat excdept a piece of gefilte fish from the commisarry.

Amos doesnt like when we talk about him. So we wont. We will talk about a Malach that comes from the heavens and stays up almost a whole Thursday night to prepare the food. to chop whatever needs chopping. To make salads from the things we buy in commissary. Then this Malach ( not Amos) goes around and makes sure that everyting is stored in a way that it wont spoil. On top of that he is in Shul at the begining of tefilla Friday Morning with red eyes and then proceeds to clean up the shul after daveninng. I am talking about mopping the floors, and putting away the Seforim that are left out, and putting on Shabbos table cloths yada yada . ) Dont forget we are not talking about Amos.

Then we sing and daven, and enjoy all the hard work form this Malach.

Then again we have a problem Motzie Shabbos Maariv. Because once again the Chapel is closed, and we have no where to daven. So people dont come to a Minyan. This Motize Shabbos it took almost 2 hours to find a Minyan after Shabbos, because it was freezing outside, and it takes more than 10 minutes to daven. Since the move is only for about 10 minutes, whomever is Moser Nefesh to come out for mariv knows they will be out for an hour or more in the freezing clod. To all the Askonim out there, the Rabbi is begging in the name of the whole kehilla to have the Chapel open everyday from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm. You have no idea how much damage is being done to the Kehilla, because of this. People dont eat Seudah Shilishi, people dont eat Melava Mmalka, people dont daven at all, people dont put on tefillin. And the reason is. we never know when the Chapel will be open. WE NEED THE CHAPEL OPEN EVERYDAY ALL DAY WITH NO EXCEPTIONS. THE RABBI IS GETTING SICK OVER THIS. PLEASE HELP US. Ok. I have to leave soon to Schacharis. You know why I have time to write you an email right now? because the Chapel is not open and I left my Tikun in the shul yesterday along with my Chmush and Chok. So I ahve nothing better to do than to bother you with my/our problems. If you dont want me to bother you anymore then get the Chapel opened from 7am thru 8:30 pm.

And to all the Askonim out there, I have one request. IF YOU DONT GET US LATKES , THEN BECAUSE OF ANOCHIE IMCHA BETZORA, THEN YOU YOURSELVES SHOULD NOT EAT LATKES AS WELL.

Kol Tuv
A Frielichen Chanukah
Yossi ben Hagaon Mori Ovi Rabienu harav Reb Chaimztz"l

P.S. A comment from the Rabbi: though Yossi says that you shouldn't eat latkes if you
                       can't get them for us, the Rabbi asks that you eat 2; and if you enjoy it so much,
                       eat 4 yourself, and we'll be mekiyem through you. A freilichen Chanukah, tizki
                       l'mitzvos!

                       Please forward this to anyone who might be interested, and ny comments or
                       suggestions are welcome.

קומפוט » 27/12/2011 22:05

BS"D Motzoei Shabbes Kodesh Parshas Mikeitz - 5th Night of Chanukah

I would like to share with you how the holy days of Chanukah and Shabbes Chanukah have gone so far. In jail, it is not like outside. If someone didn't prepare and make the achunus for the holy days of Chanukah, at any moment he can go to the store and buy a menora or oil, etc. Nowadays, a person can get anything even in the Orthodox synagogues - you don't even have to go to the store. In jail, however, months before the occasion, the arrangements have to prepared that it should be secure that when the holiday finally arrives, all the necessary materials and accomodations should be present. This in itself is a lesson to know that before any holiday, a person has to prepare himself. You can't come suddenly into a holiday without being prepared. You must come into the holiday with Torah and mitzvos, accepting the holiday with great achuna (preparation).

At this time, we would like to give a thank you to the organization of L'Asurim. They helped to provide the necessary materials and support that we needed for Chanukah - including the oil, candles, menoras, the arrangements for time to light the candles and how long we can sit there with the lights. Every small thing is a huge deal - every minute of when the room is to be open/closed, etc, how much oil/candles... People outside might be laughing, but whomever is inside, chas v'shulom, knows that it's really so. Right after Sukkos, the Rabbi here started working on this with the help of L'Asurim. Baruch Hashem, we have had the opportunity to light the Chanukah licht. And each night we have this opportunity here in jail, is a miracle in itself.

Erev Chanukah, Amos prepared all the menoros, and made a nice stand, made out of empty soda boxes with cloths covering them and taped up nicely. And thus it was made certain that all the menoros would be lined up on these stands in a nice arrangement, so everyone should have the opportunity to light their own menora and have a beautiful display. I would like to express how impressed I was in seeing the great display. This could not have happened in other places. This was so nice, I wish I could attach a picture of the display - especially as all the menoros were lit - it was beautiful. Unfortunately however, we can't take or send a picture. But you can imagine from our deion.

When it came the time to light the candles for the first night, all the people gathered. Even a number of people who don't normally come, came for this occassion. Everyone was happy to have the merit to light the candles here in jail. All was already prepared by Amos, as mentioned before. We davened Maariv. And after Maariv, we honored the Kohanim that they should light first. And then there was a great scene, everyone rushing to light their menora. Yossi told us about a tradition his family has from his father, that the wick should be made from the string which was used for the matza boxes from Pesach. And the Rabbi was able to provide him with one for this holy purpose. (We regretfully didn't have the olive oil which hung in the sukkah to use to light the menoros. Yossi also mentioned this tradition he had from his father, but we weren't able to provide this). After we made sure everyone was happy, and lit their candles, the Rabbi lit his own menora. In the end, we sang together Maoz Tzur, and Yossi said a Dvar Torah. Unfortunately we were not provided latkes or doughnuts.

Speaking about latkes, there were many pilpulim (debates), as we know that each custom of Klal Yisroel is holy. Eating latkes is a Yiddishe custom; and for some people, the latkes are even more important than lighting the menora - especially for some people here. We were discussing this so much, and here in jail it is a huge difficulty in getting it. In order to explain why we can't get them, we'd have to write pages and pages explaining. The bottom line though, to fulfill this custom here, there is only one way: as we do for the Korbanos which we can no longer bring, we speak about them, and thus it's considered as if they were brought in reality (neshalmu purim sifaseini). So I can tell you, that we fulfilled it 100%, as we discussed it much, even though we didn't get it! Another way we can fulfill it, is that the people outside should be designated as our shlichim in eating it for us.

Erev Shabbes Kodesh, because of Shabbes Chanukah, Amos made special effort in preparing better food l'kvod Shabbes Chanukah. And I would like to take the opportunity to thank him for the wonderful job he does each week. He makes special effort that there should be enough food, and good quality, to make sure that everyone has a simchas Shabbes Kodesh.

We lit the candles in time, and then we davened Kabbalas Shabbes together. We prepared the tables to eat in a group. And we served everyone. There's no question that we all tried to be as happy as we could, despite missing our families. And we sought to accept that Hashem wants us to be here to fulfill our mission here. In the middle of the seuda, Jacob Mertz announced and introduced Yossi to say a Dvar Torah for Shabbes Chanukah. Yossi gave moiredige Divrei Torah and Divrei Chizuk. He spoke regarding this week's parsha, how it happened that Yosef went to Mitzrayim, and in a few hours without expecting to be released from jail, he was as the King of Mitzrayim. And this is a lesson for all of us - that Chanukah with the parsha connected together - nissim can happen at any moment - in the blink of an eye. One of us here, David Arndt, a full Baal Teshuva, is leaving this coming week. And Yossi gave him all best wishes and brochos of hatzlocho. And all of us should go home together with him. Yossi closed his Dvar Torah with blessings for everyone, and a blessing that these days should bring miracles like those days, and these days should bring inspiration and chizuk for everyone. For bentshing, we gave the honor to David Arndt in his honor as he goes home.

Shabbes morning, we asked that the Chapel should be open earlier, as the prayers are longer for Hallel and Shabbes Mevorachim. As we normally start Shabbes morning at 7:45am, we started this Shabbes at 7:30am, as we have to be finished with everything by 9:30am recall. So we davened together. Jacob Mertz had the yahrtzeit of his grandfather, and he led the services, and he was Baal Korei. Yossi and Amos were delighted with the reading of the Torah. By the way, Yossi is an expert Baal Korei, but he puts in hours to prepare, being makpid with each trop and other detail. After davening, Jacob Mertz made a great Kiddush.

After the Shabbes meal, there was a Hilchos Shabbes class which Yossi gives each week. This Shabbes's shiur was so great that we all forgot that we were in jail. We were arguing and debating, feeling like we were in yeshiva rather than jail. Yossi's shiurim are amazing and wonderful. Everyone appreciates them and thanks him for them. The Kol Torah and the enjoyment from this gives much chizuk for us all here. Those people who don't know about the laws, learn what Shabbes means and what melachos mean - what's allowed and what's not allowed. And all of us thank Yossi for the time which he takes to prepare and have the patience to teach each person what he can.

In the merit of Chanukah, we had the Chapel opened for this week on days when it normally isn't. Unfortunately, every other week, the Chapel is closed on Motzoei Shabbes, and we struggle what to do about Havdalah and Melava Malka. But this week for Chanukah, we had the zchis to have the Chapel open during this time, and to be able to do Havdalah, Chanukah licht, and Melava Malka all in the Chapel together. It was a wonderful Melava Malka. May Hashem help that these days should bring miracles like there were in those days, and that we should see with our own eyes the chasdei Hashem, and we should have a full salvation for us and for all Klal Yisroel immediately.

Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

P.S. Any comments are welcome. Please pass on to whomever you think may be interested.

--
Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 29/12/2011 21:59

would like to share with you one of the comments we received about the email of Shabbes Chanukah.

This message was so IMPRESSIVE I read it to my entire family they enjoyed every word of it. We were especially curious about the custom of using the Matzah box string for the wick, my children all said they would love to adopt this tradition. and we all ate some donuts for you. It's so true that we don't know to appreciate all the privileges available, one of my sons was concerned if you had driedel's? Anyway it was so very nice of you to give benchen to R' ARONt for his leaving the community. Have a lechtige and zise channuka and tell amos when he'll be out hopefully sooner rather than later, that i will make sure that he gets a job in a shul.
This is the reply to the comment:

Thank you for your comments. I also never heard of the custom with the string for the menora wicks. But I have heard that anything you've used for one mitzvah has holiness and can be used for another mitzvah. This is in the Shulchan Arukh in a few places.

We all thank you and your family for eating the donuts for us. We all feel the mitzvah through this. This year we didn't have dreidels, but one of us had a dreidel left over from last year. And sorry that I forgot to include in the email that we had one dreidel here.

I will pass the message for Amos. Thank you for this; but I want to tell you, not only do we have Amos here, but we have wonderful Maggidei Shiurim and Baalei Tefilos, etc., such as Yossi and Jacob Mertz, and others. And I'm sure they'll contact you for help if they need it. As you said, Hashem should help that it be soon, shoin mamash.

--
Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 30/12/2011 17:19

ב"ה

ברכת מזל טוב חמה ולבבית

Mazel Tov!

The Jewish Community at Ft. Dix West would like to extend their congratulations and blessings for the ApterRuv who is mefirsemb'maaseihatzedakahu'v'chesed, un osek in the great mitzvah of PidyonShvuyim in coming here and visiting in Ft. Dix from time to time, encouraging us. And before Yom Tov now, he is helping us even with Chanukah gelt. He is also one of the sponsors of one of the Kollelim here.

ה"ה כש"ת הרב רביאהרןמשהישעי' קרויסשליט"א

רב דביהמ"ד אוהב ישראל – אפטא, וויליאמסבורג

Board Member of L'Asurim

On this occasion of his son's engagement, who is a bachurl'shemu'l'tiferes, we all wish him a Mazel Tov, and it should be a binyanadei ad, and they should see dorosyeshurimi'mevorachim. And always ach tov v'chesedkolyemeichayei.

יה"ר שישלם לו ד' כגמולו הטוב והזיווג יעלה יפה יפה כגפן פורחת, ויבנו בית נאמן בישראל על אדני התורה והיראה והחסידות, ויזכה לראות הרבה נחת ורב טוב מכל יוצאי חלציו, ויזכה עוד להרבות פעלים לטובה, מתוך שמחה ונחת, ומתוך הרחבת הדעת, עדי ביאת ינון בב"א

With All Best Wishes

Mordechai Yitzhak ben FeigeYehidisYosef ben ChanaLeebaMalkielSarShulom ben Leah

--
Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 4/1/2012 02:31

BS"D Motzoei Chanukah - 2 Teves 5772 (12/28/11)

    Good Evening. I would like to share with you how Zos Chanukah went by us at Ft. Dix. As it is known, Zos Chanukah is a great day, as this is the last day of the closing of the Yom HaDin which began with Chodesh Elul. Thus Zos Chanukah is a great day and an Eis Ratzon. It is known from the Holy Tzaddikim that Zos Chanukah is a day in which you can have your prayers answered - it's easy to receive all your desires. So even here in Ft. Dix, the atmosphere was such that we could see and feel the greatness of Zos Chanukah, even though there were difficulties where the Satan interfered in the greatness of the day (the count was cleared very late, the Chapel was closed when we arrived there and it was raining very hard (like a mabul)). There's a tradition that most everyone goes to the mikvah for Zos Chanukah, even those who don't go every day. And although we don't have a mikvah here, because of the great rain, it was like we immersed in a kosher mikvah especially for the occasion.

    At Mincha at 3pm, Yossi was asked by the Rabbi to give a speech to encourage people about the great day which was coming - to encourage the olam. Yossi encouraged us to be united to fulfill the mitzvos. And he encouraged us to all be on time. As we left Mincha, all of us were excited with the holy atmosphere, waiting for the candle lighting of that night. All the menoros were ready and prepared by Amos. We had extra menoros ready, more than usual, as we expected a bigger turnout than usual.

    Because of the rain, for one thing, the Chaplain was not in a good mood. And he locked the door downstairs so the people who hadn't already arrived couldn't come in. And he kicked everyone else out who was already there, as he wanted to leave for 10 minutes, and they don't allow us to remain there unsupervised. So we all had to leave the Chapel, and we couldn't yet start the service of Maariv and lighting the Candles. Because of the rain, some people went back to their units, and some people stayed outside of the Chapel. And so the great mabul disturbed the mood with everyone getting soaked.

    Although there were all these difficulties, the Chaplain came back after 10-15 minutes. We all went into the Chapel and started Maariv. Yaakov Mertz was the Baal Tefila. We lit the candles and sang the zmiros. To see all the menoros lit together - it's difficult to explain the beauty of all the menoros burning, and each one fully lit. May the light of this Chanukah bring all good influences for us, in particular and as a Klal, and bring the yeshia immediately be"H.

    After Candle Lighting, we had a special party l'kavod Zos Chanukah, and in honor of David Arndt who was about to leave. This party was sponsored by Noach Saferstein and by Larry Gordon. All gave best wishes for David Arndt. And the Rabbi gave a thank you for both of them, and wished them all blessings that they should be home together with all of us, speedily and soon, with all good things.

    After this, another announcement was made by Yossi that the following morning everyone should come daven Shachris together. It would be the last Hallel. And people should not let the last day pass without doing everything we could to achieve greatness. So the day of Zos Chanukah, Yossi davened Shachris and Hallel with great hisorerus. Yossi also was the Baal Korei for Krias HaTorah.

    There were some leftover candles, and so we decided to light all the menoros again before davening Shachris. It was a lechtige Shachris! After davening, Yaakov Mertz gave the Halacha shiur as always. We said Tehillim and special prayers for a git kvittel.

    We began to clean up after Shachris and the Shiurim. Amos and Sharon Yaakov began to clean all the menoros and pack them away for next year, and yet with hope that no Yidden should be here to need to use them. But this is a mitzvah in itself for preparation for the next year, and which binds each year to the following, with the influences lasting throughout the year. As a part of the cleaning, we collected all the leftover floating wicks and candles which we were going to use for a special fire (as is the custom to make a fire for this purpose after Chanukah). But since this didn't work out, (as the Chaplain wasn't ready to do this), we burned a few of them to fulfill the custom, and saved the rest for sreifas Chametz before Pesach. And this will remain as a shmira for us all to keep in the Chapel until then.

    Also at the time of the cleaning of the Chanukios, Avruhum HaKohen (Albir Alkhabbaz) prepared the esrogim left over from Sukkos. We cut them in pieces, and the Rabbi each year cooks them together in jelly and different flavors, that they should be ready for Tu B'Shvat, be"H.

    As we were working on the cleaning, we had the daily Gemara Shiur on Sanhedrin by the Rabbi and Yossi and Jacob Mertz. A new guy came in, representing himself as a Yid. He didn't look like a Yid, and so we asked him questions about where he was from, etc. Regretfully there are always people who come in, thinking that if they claim to be Jewish, they'll get certain benefits. At this point in the shiur, we were discussing the chakira and drisha and bedikas in which you have to question the eidim. And so we had the experience from the Gemora to ask the new guy who came in; and as a result of our questions, it looks like this new guy is not a Yid. As a result of our studying this Gemora in conjunction with the bedikas with this new guy, it led to an appreciation and simcha in our studies and hands-on experience.

    Before Mincha at 3pm, it was announced that this would be the last Al HaNissim that we would say by davening, and that Hashem should help that this be the last year we be here, and that next year we should be in Yerushalayim with Moshiach to enjoy Chanukah there.

    After Mincha, we got good news about one of us, Dr. Neil Rosenstein, who had gotten a write-up (shot) for his mesirus nefesh in not violating Shabbes. A very terrible punishment had been awaiting him. But we got the very good besira that the shot was expunged.
From time to time, the officers stop people as they're walking on the compound, asking them to do breathalyzers. So this is what happened. Dr. Rosenstein refused to take the breathalyzer, as it was Shabbes, and a Yid is not allowed to do this on Shabbes. And although most officers know about this, this officer didn't know about Shabbes, so he gave him a 100 series "shot", which is very serious. He would have lost his Drug Program time, and perhaps Good Time also. But, baruch Hashem, the shot wasn now overturned.

    So after we got the above news, it was announced that Dr. Rosenstein would make a Kiddush for Shabbes as a seudas hodaah.

    At the closing of Zos Chanukah, David Freelander prepared and served a special treat of wraps. And Noach Saferstein donated soda for everyone. And we made a final farewell for David Arndt. Everyone expressed their blessings and wished him well. And we all believe that the Chanukah lecht will bring light for us year-round - to bring us light in the big chashrus that we should be able to fulfill our duty as a Yid, and we shall fulfill the ratzon Hashem as He requests from us. Umein!

Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

           At this point, the Jewish Community would like to take the opportunity to express our thanks, as it says "mefarsemim oseh mitzvah", for those people who have helped us at any opportunity that has arisen, the same way they help Yidden in other places. We shall begin with the name of one askan who is well-known for many years, and is always the first to help in anything we need.

And this is:

Rabbi Avruhm Billar
Rabbi Yehuda Tabak, shlita
Board Member of Dror
Rabbi Shiya Arye Gross, shlita
the founder of Min HaMeitzer
This organization helps greatly those people who have been incarcerated over many years.
Rabbi Usher Yoel Labin, shlita
Member and Active Mgr. of Dror
Rabbi Meir Eckstein, shlita
for his efforts in helping Yidden in Ft. Dix.
for his part in helping with the holidays and Chanukah

May Hashem help them and their entire families, that they should be blessed with all brochos, and all the desires of their heart should be fulfilled, for them, for their children, and forever. And in the merit of the mitzvos which they are doing, the zchis should megen zein for us and gantz Klal Yisroel.

Sincerely,
The Entire Jewish Community of Ft. Dix

--
Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 10/1/2012 20:24

BS"D This past Shabbes, Shabbes Parshas Vayigash

There were two exciting events which occured over this past
Shabbes - one inside and one outside. So we would like to share
our excitement in regards to these events.

1) NEW STAGE IN THE MIRACLE OF THE SATMAR REBBE, SHLITA

2) ENCOURAGEMENT, STRENGTH AND UNITY FOR OUR FAMILIES OUTSIDE

Details of the above issues will be coming shortly, be"H.

By Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

--
Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 10/1/2012 20:27

BS"D Motzoei Shabbes Parshas Vayigash 5772 (12/31/11)

As is well known, the great Satmar Rebbe, shlita came here to visit the kehilla at Ft. Dix about 6 months ago. And up until this day, we always remember his great visit. After the Rebbe's visit, we published the beginning of a great miracle that occurred for one of our members after receiving the Rebbe's blessing. This member of our community all of a sudden got a call from his lawyer saying that his judge wanted to resentence him.

Immediately after the judge called his lawyer, the motions were prepared for the legal process of being resentenced. By nature, things take time, so people withdraw their attention, thinking it was dreams, etc. But Hashem Yisborach keeps His promises. And when He promises something, He does it. It was a great surprise for everyone, when Lev ben Esther (Larry Gordon), came this Shabbes and brought the news that he was called Erev Shabbes to R&D to pack out, that he's leaving. He was going to Court to be resentenced. Everyone was surprised and happy to see that this miracle came to pass. And with Hashem's help, he's scheduled to be resentenced on Tuesday 15 Teves (January 10th).

So Shabbes morning, the Dvar Torah was only about this issue. Yossi gave a moiredige dvar Torah how Hashem helped Lev ben Esther, tying it in with the story of Yosef HaTzaddik. The Rabbi asked that Lev ben Esther Gordon should say something himself; and so Mr. Gordon, the Baal HaNess himself stood up, and although he was very emotional and happy, said that he believed this was due to the blessing of the Satmar Rebbe. It was unexpected. Two days after the Rebbe was here, the judge unexpectedly called up his lawyer to file a motion. And he himself had never filed any motions, as he knew that nothing could come of it through the natural way this system works.

Yossi gave the blessing in the name of everyone, that as Lev ben Esther is leaving, he should never come back here, and that the judge should declare "time served", and he should go home to his family.

It's difficult to express the atmosphere among the community to see that, in fact, such things happen. As a result of this, people accepted upon themselves resolutions to do better. Especially as they saw that Mr. Gordon was always a quiet guy, trying to be involved in the community, and becoming a better Yid.

This Shabbes was also the Kiddush of Dr. Neil Rosenstein. His shot (write-up) was expunged. So he served a great Kiddush after davening. There was a l'chaim with Yerushalmi kugel and lots of special cakes. Everyone wished each other that we should all have immediate nissim for each and every one of us that we should all go home.

The news of the nes for Mr. Gordon and of the shot being expunged for Dr. Rosenstein, in conjunction with the shiurim and kiddushas Shabbes, led to a holy atmosphere of camaraderie amongst the community. It's hard to describe to anyone who wasn't there. Hashem should help that, in the merit of the Shabbes Kodesh and in the merit of the holy Tzaddikim, that we should all receive a speedy, full salvation. And we should receive all good influences and zoche zein tzi zehen di yeshia fin gantz Klal Yisroel.

We ask that everyone should remember to be mispallel, especially on the day of the 15th of Teves (January 10th) that there should be a full success for Lev ben Esther Gordon, and that he should be immediately released to go home.

By Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

P.S. Any comments are welcome, and please forward this to whomever you think may be interested.

--
Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 10/1/2012 20:28

Encouragement Strength Unity ForFamilies

BS"D Sunday Parshas Vayechi, 6 Teves 5772 (1/1/12)

This Shabbes Parshas Vayigash was a great excitement and encouragement to the families whose head of the family is incarcerated away from them. These families came together in unity, at a completely new event organized by the organization of "Dror".

It's fair to begin to say, that the mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyim is a mitzvah with many branches. Mitzvas Pidyon Shvuyim is the greatest mitzvah according to the Shulchan Arukh. And for this reason, we see many organizations working hard on this mitzvah. Unfortunately, over the past decade, there have been more Orthodox Yidden coming to prison. And for this reason, more organizations have opened to help these people with all their needs, in myriads of manners.

I would like to remind the readers of the great help provided by "Aleph Institute" for Yiddishe prisoners and their families. They have dedicated many years to helping Yidden in such situations. "Reaching Out", under the leadership of Rabbi Spritzer, has also dedicated many years of effort in this area. It is difficult to find a Yid who comes to prison who doesn't know of Rabbi Spritzer of "Reaching Out" and Rabbi Boyarsky and Rabbi Mendel Katz of "Aleph Institute".

As more Orthodox Yidden have come to prison, more organizations have been formed, such as "Shloimas Serayich" under the management of Rav Yisroel Chayim Shtesl. His specialty is trying to help Jewish prisoners while they are in jail.

After this, another great organization was created - "L'Asurim", which works in conjunction with other organizations. "L'Asurim" was founded and is led by Rabbi Hollander along with his Board of Management and many volunteers, including Rabbi Elimelech Weiss and the Apter Ruv, Rabbi Shaya Kraus shlita. They specialize in organizing volunteer visitors to jails and many other things.

Over the past two years, a new organization was founded - "Dror". "Dror" came up with different ideas to help in other ways that hadn't yet been met up until then. They specialize in three things - helping the families of those who are incarcerated and who have limited access to their families; they created Kollelim in the prisons; and they help with legal advice. This organization is under the leadership of the Nasi (President) - Rabbi Stein. Their Board of Directors includes Rabbi Yoel Osher Labin, Rabbi Yoel Mendlowitz, Rabbi Yiddel Tabak and Rabbi Chaim Freund. They arrived with fresh ideas and energy, and looked into areas that other organizations hadn't yet gone into.

It is a Kiddush Hashem to see all of these organizations working together to reach their goal of helping Yidden in prison along with their families.

And thus this past Shabbes, a convention was organized for our families to gather together - united, encouraged and strengthened - at a special event at a Holiday Inn in NJ. From what we've heard from the families who attended, they enjoyed the experience and were strengthened greatly, beyond all expectations. One cannot explain the great strength and unity that came out of this event, helping them to deal together with the nisyonos of having a loved-one in prison. Many programs and enjoyments were prepared for this occasion. There was Torah, chizuk and food for all of Shabbes. There were Shabbes seudos k'yad ha'melech, and many events planned to last throughout the entire Shabbes of inspiration. There's no question that by doing this thing, the mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyim was fulfilled on a high level, as when this comes to the attention of the family member who is in prison, it brings him gladness to see that his family has been strengthened. And when the family outside is strengthened, it brings bigger strength for those who are inside.

The effort in preparing a Shabbes like this is extraordinary. It involved both money and great work to ensure that everyone should be invited and that attention should be paid to each person, and that there should be a staff of entertainers, and people to give Torah inspiration. There was a great spirit of ruchniyus. Of course, whoever helped in this effort, and whoever helps this organization in the future has a great reward.

As the families arrived on Friday morning, there was a warm welcome for everyone. Each person and family felt that all attention was placed on them, as if they were the only ones there. It is difficult to explain, but talking with the families after this, one could see the greatness of this Shabbes. A Shabbes like this will be remembered forever. Each family also got to know each other; and talking to each other, shares the strength and experience that each one has gained. Listening to the speeches also gave much strength. Enjoying the Oneg Shabbes and entertainment and the holy spirit was a great experience. The Oneg Shabbes gave strength for the nefesh and neshomo.

At the closing of the Shabbes, for Melava Malka, there were invited guests/volunteers from other organizations. For instance, the great askan, Rabbi Shua Brook from Aleph Institute who works in Family Affairs was there. His participation was a great chizuk for the families. Volunteers from L'Asurim were also there, including Reb Chezky Kraut. Reb Levi Hirshfield and Reb Eli Brociner also attended. They have organized visits for inmates, especially at Ft. Dix. They also brought much inspiration through their comments. And many other askanim were also there from all organizations. This is Kiddush Hashem to see all of these organizations working together for the mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyim, sharing their help and expertise.

In the merit of this, "Dror" should succeed in their mission and merit to go l'maale maale. And in their merit they should zoche zein that all Yidden should receive a yeshia and go back home speedily to be reunited with their families. And we should all zoche zein to the yeshia shleima bimheiru b'yumeini - Umein!

By: Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna, in the name of all Yidden
in Ft. Dix and all over for their families who were strengthened through this great event

____________________________________________________________________________________
The Jewish Community of Ft. Dix would like to express our "thank you" for the following people who were involved in the preparation of the great event of the Convention this Shabbes Parshas Vayigash by the Dror Organization at the Holiday Inn in NJ.

We shall begin with the Nasi (President) of the organization of "Dror":
Rabbi Efraim Stein, shlita, Faltishaner Rav
He is well known for his many years of dedicated work in Pidyon Shvuyim.

Rabbi Yoel Mendlowitz, shlita
Director of Dror, it is to his credit for the great convention which occurred this Shabbes.

Rabbi Yoel Osher Labin, shlita
Menahel of Dror
It was his effort to organize that all the families came for this Shabbes.

Rabbi Yehuda Tabak, shlita
Member of Board of Directors of Dror
It is beyond words to state how he has helped over the years in the mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyim.

Rabbi Chaim Hersh Freund, shlita and Rabbi Amrom Izrael, shlita
Members of Board of Directors of Dror
They both helped greatly with this event.

Reb Zisha Mermelstein
Arranged the hotel and was a great help.

Reb Nochum Orenstein, Reb Yanky Kish, Reb Shimon Kopershtok and Reb Yisroel Shorr
Friends of Dror who helped prepare the Shabbes.

Reb Chaim Dovid Desser, Reb Aba Winkler, Reb Yoel Hersh Fuks, Reb Levy Folkowitz, Toher Singers, other entertainers
They were involved in singing and entertaining and brought much joy to the event.

Reb Dovid Shick
Helped greatly with food for the event.

Reb Kalman Yonasan Shtarn from Skvere, his daughter - Mrs. Smith, and Menachem Amos
Gave nice speeches.

The Children of Reb Yitzhak Friedlander of Union City
Helped greatly.

Rebbetzin Samet and Family
Were a great help in giving inspiration to the families that they should be willing to come, as well as with other preparations. They made the Shabbes Gilyon (Torah pamphlets), and more.

Finally, all of the other families were very kind and helpful throughout the event.

May Hashem help all the people who were involved in this great event. They should be rewarded elef p'umim. And in the merit of this, we should all have a speedy yeshia. And as we were united over this past Shabbes, may we always be united, home with our families in gichen. And we should have nachas and kiddusha from our children, parnassa and all other inyunim. And Hashem should grant all our desires, and send the Geula Shleima with Moshiach Tzidkeini bimheiru b'yumeini - Umein!

--
Please forward to whomever you can and whomever you know. And if you have any suggestions, send the comments.

Thank You,
The Jewish Community of Fort Dix

קומפוט » 12/1/2012 18:48

Encouragement Strength Unity ForFamilies

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קומפוט » 12/1/2012 18:50

שבת גדול

BS "D יום ראשון פרשת ויחי, 6 טבת 5772 (1/1/12)

זו שבת פרשת ויגש היתה התרגשות רבה ועידוד למשפחות שבהן ראש המשפחה הוא כלוא הרחק מהם. משפחות אלו התאחדו באחדות, באירוע חדש לגמרי מאורגן על ידי ארגון "דרור".

זה הוגן להתחיל לומר, כי מצוות פדיון שבויים היא מצווה עם סניפים רבים. מצווה פדיון שבויים היא המצווה הגדולה ביותר על פי השולחן ערוך. ובדיוק מסיבה זו, אנו רואים ארגונים רבים עובדים קשה על מצווה זו. למרבה הצער, בעשור האחרון, היו יידן האורתודוקסית יותר להגיע לכלא. ובדיוק מסיבה זו, ארגונים יותר פתחו לעזור לאנשים האלה עם כל הצרכים שלהם, רבבות של נימוסים.

אני רוצה להזכיר לקוראים לסייע גדולה מסופק על ידי "מכון אל"ף" יידישע לאסירים ולבני משפחותיהם. הם הקדישו שנים רבות יידן לעזור במצבים כאלה. "Reaching Out", תחת הנהגתו של הרב שפריץ, הקדישה גם שנים רבות של מאמץ בתחום זה. קשה למצוא יהודון שמגיע לכלא שאינו יודע של הרב שפריץ של "Reaching Out", הרב בויארסקי והרב מנדל כץ "מכון אל"ף".

כפי יידן האורתודוקסית יותר הגיעו לבית הסוהר, ארגונים יותר נוצרו, כגון "Shloimas Serayich" בניהולו של הרב ישראל חיים Shtesl. המומחיות שלו היא מנסה לעזור אסירים יהודים בזמן שהם בכלא.

אחרי זה, ארגון גדול אחר נוצר - "L'Asurim", אשר פועלת בשיתוף עם ארגונים אחרים. "L'Asurim" הוקמה בראשות הרב הולנדר יחד עם מועצת המנהלים שלו לניהול מתנדבים רבים, בהם הרב אלימלך וייס ואת Ruv אפטר, הרב שעיה קראוס שליט"א. הם מתמחים בארגון מבקרים להתנדב בבתי הכלא ועוד דברים רבים אחרים.

בשנתיים האחרונות, ארגון חדש הוקם - "דרור". "דרור" בא עם רעיונות שונים כדי לסייע בדרכים אחרות שטרם מולאו עד אז. הם מתמחים שלושה דברים - סיוע למשפחות אלה כלואים ויש להם גישה מוגבלת משפחותיהם; הם יצרו Kollelim בבתי הכלא, והם עוזרים עם ייעוץ משפטי. ארגון זה תחת הנהגתו של הנשיא (נשיא) - הרב שטיין. מועצת המנהלים שלהם כולל הרב יואל אושר Labin, הרב יואל מנדלוביץ, הרב Yiddel טבק הרב חיים פרוינד. הם הגיעו עם רעיונות חדשים ואנרגיה, והביט לתוך אזורים שארגונים אחרים עדיין לא חזר אליו.

זהו קידוש השם כדי לראות את כל הארגונים האלה עובדים יחד כדי להשיג את מטרתם לסייע יידן בכלא יחד עם משפחותיהם.

וכך זה שבת האחרון, בכנס אורגנה למשפחות שלנו כדי לאסוף יחד - הברית, עודדו וחיזקו - באירוע מיוחד במלון הולידיי אין ב NJ. לפי מה ששמענו מן המשפחות שהשתתפו, נהנו ניסיון התחזקו מאוד, מעבר לכל הציפיות. אי אפשר להסביר את כוח האחדות גדולה שיצאה לאירוע הזה, לעזור להם להתמודד יחד עם nisyonos של בעל אהוב אחד בכלא. תוכניות רבות ועל ההנאות הוכנו לכבוד המאורע הזה. היה תורה, חיזוק ומזון לכל שבת. היו שבת seudos k'yad ha'melech, ואירועים רבים מתוכנן להימשך לאורך שבת שלמה של השראה. אין ספק כי בעשותו את הדבר הזה, את מצוות פדיון שבויים קויימה ברמה גבוהה, כאשר זה מגיע לידיעתו של בן משפחה שנמצא בכלא, זה מביא לו שמחה לראות כי משפחתו התחזק. וכאשר מחוץ למשפחה מתחזקת, זה מביא כוח גדול למי בפנים.

המאמץ בהכנת שבת כזה הוא יוצא דופן. הוא מעורב גם כסף וגם עבודה רבה כדי להבטיח כי לכולם יש להזמין וכי יש לשים לב לכל אדם, וזה לא צריך להיות צוות של בדרנים, ואנשים לתת השראה התורה. היתה רוח גדולה של ruchniyus. כמובן, מי סייע במאמץ זה, ומי עוזר הארגון הזה בעתיד יש פרס גדול.

כמו משפחות הגיעו ביום שישי בבוקר, היה קבלת פנים חמה עבור כולם. כל אדם ומשפחה חש כי כל תשומת הושם על אותם, כאילו הם היו היחידים שם. קשה להסביר, אבל מדברים עם המשפחות אחרי זה, אפשר היה לראות את גדולתו של שבת זו. שבת כזה ייזכר לעד. כל משפחה גם להכיר אחד את השני, ולדבר זה, מניות אחרים את הכוח ואת החוויה שכל אחד צבר. האזנה לנאומים גם נתן הרבה כוח. נהנה את עונג שבת ובידור ורוח הקודש הייתה חוויה נהדרת. עונג שבת נתן כוח נפש ו neshomo.

בשעת הסגירה של שבת, כי מלווה מלכה, היו מוזמנים אורחים / מתנדבים מארגונים אחרים. למשל, אסכאן הגדול, הרב שוע ברוק מ א 'מכון שעובד לענייני משפחה היה שם. ההשתתפות שלו היה חיזוק נהדר עבור המשפחות. מתנדבי L'Asurim היו שם, כולל רבי Chezky קראוט. ר 'לוי ור' אלי Hirshfield Brociner גם השתתפו. הם ארגנו ביקורים לאסירים, במיוחד Ft. דיקס. הם גם הביאו הרבה השראה באמצעות הערותיהם. וגם askanim רבים אחרים היו שם גם מארגונים כל. זהו קידוש השם כדי לראות את כל הארגונים הללו עובדים יחד מצוות פדיון שבויים, שיתוף לעזור ואת המומחיות שלהם.

בזכות כך, "דרור" צריך להצליח במשימה שלהם ראויים ללכת ל 'מעלה מעלה. ובכל הכשרון שלהם הם צריכים zoche זיין יידן כי כל צריך לקבל yeshia ולחזור הביתה במהירות כדי להתאחד עם משפחותיהם. וכולנו צריכים zoche זיין אל shleima yeshia bimheiru b'yumeini - Umein!

מאת: יעקב אלתר בן שפרה Tsharna, בשם כל יידן
ב Ft. דיקס בכל רחבי עבור משפחותיהם אשר התחזקו עד האירוע הגדול הזה

____________________________________________________________________________________
הקהילה היהודית Ft. דיקס רוצה להביע שלנו "תודה" עבור האנשים הבאים שהיו מעורבים בהכנת האירוע הגדול של האמנה הזאת שבת פרשת ויגש על ידי ארגון דרור במלון הולידיי אין ב NJ.

נתחיל עם הנשיא (הנשיא) של ארגון "דרור":
הרב אפרים שטיין שליט"א, הרב Faltishaner
הוא ידוע במשך שנים רבות עבודתו מוקדש פדיון שבויים.

הרב יואל מנדלוביץ שליט"א
מנהל דרור, זה לזכותו לכינוס הגדול שחל זה שבת.

הרב יואל אושר Labin שליט"א
Menahel של דרור
זה היה במאמציו לארגן שכל המשפחות הגיעו עבור שבת זו.

הרב יהודה טבק שליט"א
חבר דירקטוריון של דרור
זה מעבר למילים למדינה איך הוא עזר לאורך השנים מצווה של פדיון שבויים.

הרב חיים הרש פרוינד שליט"א והרב Amrom יזרעאל שליט"א
חברי הדירקטוריון של דרור
שניהם עזרו מאוד עם האירוע הזה.

ר 'זישה מרמלשטיין
מסודרים המלון היה לעזר רב.

ר 'נחום אורנשטיין, קיש Yanky רבי, ר' שמעון Kopershtok רבי ישראל שור
החברים של דרור שעזרו להכין את שבת.

ר 'חיים דוד Desser, ר' אבא וינקלר, ר 'יואל הירש פוקס, ר' לוי Folkowitz, Toher זמרים, בדרנים אחרים
הם היו מעורבים שירה משעשע והביא הרבה שמחה לאירוע.

ר 'דוד שיק
סייע רבות עם אוכל עבור האירוע.

ר 'קלמן Yonasan Shtarn מ Skvere, בתו - גב' סמית, מנחם עמוס
נאומים יפים.

ילדי ר 'יצחק פרידלנדר האיחוד סיטי
סייע רבות.

הרבנית סמט ומשפחה
היו לעזר רב במתן השראה למשפחות כי הם צריכים להיות מוכנים לבוא, כמו גם עם תכשירים אחרים. הם עשו את Gilyon שבת (חוברות תורה), ועוד.

לבסוף, כל שאר המשפחות היו חביבים מאוד מועיל לאורך כל האירוע.

ה 'יעזור לכל האנשים שהיו מעורבים באירוע הגדול הזה. הם צריכים להיות מתוגמלים elef p'umim. וגם בזכות זה, כולנו צריכים להיות yeshia מהירה. וכמו שאנחנו מאוחדים על זה שבת האחרון, אנו עלולים תמיד להיות מאוחדים, בבית עם המשפחות שלנו gichen. ואנחנו צריכים נחת ו kiddusha מילדינו, parnassa וכל inyunim אחרים. וה 'צריך לתת את כל הרצונות שלנו, ולשלוח את Shleima עם גאולה משיח Tzidkeini bimheiru b'yumeini - Umein!

קומפוט » 12/1/2012 19:02

Siyum of first class series

Jan. 6th, 2011
Erev Shabbos Kodesh Chazak Parsha Vayichi 5772
By: Yosef ben Hagaon Rabienu Ovi Mori rav Chaim ztz"l

A tremendous Kiddush Ha-shem combined with an out of the ordianry feeling of Simcha was experienced this week in the Jewish Kehilla of Ft. Dix. The first Series of classes on the Laws of the Sanhedrin, Shabbos and Tefilla are being completed. We also finished our 2nd Perek learning together.

Before we even begin to thank those that sponsored this, we must give thanks to those that atttended. I once saw a Masseh from Reb Aron Kotler Ztz"l. They introduced him to a person who gave extra ordianary donations in the support of Limud Hatorah. When they introduced him they told the Rosh Yeshiva Reb Aron Ztz"l that this is a man who loves Torah. And Reb Aron replied that, if he loved Torah he would learn Torah, and not just support it. He may honor Torah but love... If someone likes ice cream he buys it for himself, maybe also for others, but for sure for himself.

I therefore must congratulate those who are here in prison and regardless of the circumstances, come every day to learn an Amud Gemorra. People don't realize what Mesiras Nefesh this entails, and it is not the time to get into it right now. But I will just touch on it . Most of the days when someone decides to go to the BAIS MEDRASH instead of somewhere else, he knows he is giving up any chance to be somewhere else before he gets locked up where he is for a couple of extra hours. Some people are in midst of appeals, others in middle of commissary purchases, others are trying to get into a program where they will get time reduction, and other issues as well; and yet they choose everyday to come learn Gemorra for at least an hour! Ashrie Yiliditom!!! This means that sometimes they will miss thier commissary or other things they have to do, because there was a choice made to learn Gemorra.

I am talking about our Mora Diasra Rabbi Samet Shlit"a our spiritual leader. I am talking about Jacob Mertz. I am talking about Amos. I am talking about all the others that attend the Shiurim. The Rabbi Gives Shiurim, and a Mussar Schmuz on Tuesday nite.. The Shiurie Halacha By Jacob every single day are a Gevald! I am talking about myself. I need to tell everyone, that Rabbi Samet is an incredible human being. Nothing will ever happen here in Ruchniyus without him. When someone wants to know what a real Baal Bitochon from the "Alter Heim" was like they just have to see his Emunah on an every day level. When someone wants to see a Chassidishe Yid with the whole livush, one just has to take one look at him. When someone needs a pick me up all one has to do is talk to the Rabbi who is always Besimcha. How he does it, some people do not know. But I do know. Because whoever is a real Shomer Torah Umitzvoth , and who know of the RBS"O, and that the RBS"O is always Manhig the Olum, then it is totally understandable why someone can be all the time Besimcha. If someone wants to ever see a real old time Yireh Shomaym should come visit the Rabbi here very very soon. Because I can tell you he is going to go home very soon.

I need to tell you, if someone came into the Bais Medrash and heard the Shiur/Chavrusah going on and didn't know where they were, they would perhaps think they were in Lakewood or Brisk. The fighting that goes on for the right Pshat is incredible. We learn for that hour and everyone knows, unless there is an emergency no one is allowed to bother us. The Kol Torah is incredible. One person joined the Shiur just because he was impressed that we were "allowed" to argue with each other, and as soon as a Pshat became acceptable the arguing was over and we went further. He never experienced something like that in the world where he came from. it doesnt matter who is in charge of the Shiur, everyone can argue until the right Pshat is arrived at.

One day the Chaplain came in and told us that we have to quiet down, and why we fight. He even told one person to back off because he felt he was too close to the Rabbi with his fingers. Oy Vey! he should only know. He should only go to a Yeshiva. It was when this happened with the Chaplain that I knew we were for real in Ft. Dix. That I knew we made it, to the Olum Hatorah. This Goy Chaplain will never know what he did for me, when he acted with his usual hate for Jews.

And now that I adressed the learners of the Torah, albeit not adequately because only someone that has been in jail knows what it means to commit to be somewhere every day at a certain time, can I now adress the sponsors. Because the learners of the Torah get more credit than the sponsors. The sponsors should thank the people that come to the Shiurim for giving them this chance at such a Mitzvah.

I have no words to describe a human being by the name of Reb Yoel Laben Shlit"a of Dror. He is also the Rosh Yeshiva of Kollel Maharam M'erutenberg. For those who don't know, Kollel Maharam M'erutenberg was established by Harav Laben to design a program for those people in jail who want to learn Torah just like Yeshiva. It is designed mostly for Bnie Torah. And it is easily understood why the name is Maharam M'erutenberg. We must remember there is no diffrence in being Shomer Torah Umitzvoth whether we are in jail or whether we are not. The Torah is the same, and the obligation to observe it is the same. In the Olem Haemes which is for Netzach Netzochim they arent going to ask if we were in jail. Only some people on this world are concerned with something as trivial as that. Only the yentas and the Loshon Hora websites. When we get up there the first question asked is Kovata Itim Latorah? And with a resounding voice that will be heard in Kol Haolom Kulo the answer by those in jail will be YES!!!YES!!!YES!!!! We were Kovea Itim Latorah.

But then we here in Ft. Dix and perhaps others IN OTHER jails will ask the RBS"O can we continue for one more minute. And when HKB"H says we can, I CAN VISIULIZE MYSELF STEPPING FORWARD AND SAYING. Do YOU know why we were able to be Kovea Itim Latorah in jail? Because of Dror. Because of Kollel Maharam M'erutenberg. Because of its Manhig Reb Yoel Laben. He is the one that has made it easier for us to learn Torah here in jail, because of the things he did for us here. He is a one man crew that can take down walls. I cant describe what this man has done for us here, I can only tell you, I am already Mekaneh his Olum Habo.

I want to mention one story, besides all the other things that I know about Harav Laben Shlit"a. And I only know him for a few months. I made the curriculums for all the Shiurim here. Sometimes I write Divrie Torah and send them to him, and other times I send diffrent Divrie Torah to others as well. Somehow he got hold of as many of these Divrie Torah that he could and called up my mother Shetichy"a to ask to see her. ( I didnt know about this until later). When my mother didnt answer the phone he went over on his own. He rang the bell and someone mistook him for a Meshuluch and didnt treat him the way he should of been treated. He went again the following day and found my mother, and sat with her for over an hour, showing her all the papers and Divrie Torah and Bechinos that I took on the subjects that I learned, and also Bechinos that he sent me that I answered, and he went over them with my mother Shetichy'a one by one.

He spent a lot of time there. I don't have to tell you, but what more Nachas can a parent who only knows the Derech of the RBS"O all her life, have when she sees a person coming like this and telling her about her son who is in jail? I AM MEKANEH HIS OLUM HABO. Dont read further, just sit back and contemplate what he did. Picture YOUR mother getting a report from someone who has nothing to gain, but be the cause of making another Yid feel good. What did he do for others that noone knows about? If my mother didnt tell me I would never know. Whatever he does is totally Lishma. He himself comes every week to visit people here and in other prisons. Since I know he will get this article I will stop here to talk about him to be Mekayem "Ein Mesaprim Lfunuv Ela Miktzas Shivosho"

Then we have Lasurim. Lasurim is an Orginazation that caters to inmates in prison. Whenever we have a problem who do we call? Lasurim. This is the only Organazation that I know of, where if you have a problem, they don't just make promises. They hear you and immediately get to work from the outside. So whom do we call when we have a problem? Lasurim!! Thats who! And I can be Mayid and testify, that almost all the time, they are able to accomplish. They come every week to visit people in jail. Not one or two people, but they come in droves. They are makpid to get lists from those here who have no family or for one reason or another dont have visits. People mamish look forward to Thursday because of this. More people come to davening on Thursday because they want to be able to tell their visitor that they davened in a Minyan that morning!!! This is a GEVALD!!!! They send people every week TO THE INSIDE of the jail and constantly want to know what they can do. And do they!. They have sponsored some of the Torah classes here. Again. For those who have never been to jail, you can never fully comprehend the work of Lasurim.

This Lasurim is run Bekovod Godol, by Reb Eli Wiess Shlit"a. When he comes here he sits with as many people as he can INSIDE the Bais Medrash. He makes everyone feel special, as if he only came here to solve that persons needs. And he doesnt just talk. He is a doer, and a big doer. There are so many problems on a day to day basis, that it is indescribable to go into. And for others reasons, I don't want to go into them. No one should come to jail. But if you do, you better have their number. What did we do for Daled Minim ? What did we do for a tremendous Succah Bravchus? 15x30 if I am not mistaken. What do we do for Seforim? Who does the AW call when he needs to know if certain needs we have are legitimate. The list is long, and I don't want to bore you. But Kimat no one in jail is worth any money. So when these people help us out, they know they are never going to be reciprocated in any way, because it is simply impossible. So this is Chesed Shel Emes at its purest form.

And I need to add one item that may be more important than all the information in this article put together. There is "An Odom Godol VeTzenuah AD Meod" whose name never comes up in the limelight. We know here that many of the problems that need to be solved by Lasurim and Dror end up by one individual. And that person is the one that is the Shliach Elokim to help those in our Matziv. I am speaking about Harav Haodom Hagodol HaRav Tzvi Biyarsky Shlit"a. For those of you who dont know him, if he ever crosses your path, give him Kovod Godol, and give him whatever he needs. He will not want the Kovod, but that doesnt matter. If he needs something from you it is to help another Yid. When we say in davening on Shabbos "Vechol mee Sheoskim Betzrochie Tzibur Bemunah HKB"K Yeshalem Schorom he is the one that comes to my mind.

It says by a Bosor Vedom that Shliach Odom Kmoso. I dont know how it works when someone is a Shliach from the ADON OLOM HImself. Thats how we all look at Harav Biyarsky. The Mishna says on Reb Elazar Ben Azarya " Harie Ani Kben Shivim Shona..." And we all know that "Kben" was because he grew some white hairs so he should look older so people will listen to him. I need to tell you that when a problem comes to Reb Tzvi the Eibershter blessed him with such Midos and finesse and he is "Noseh Chen" that he is able to speak to Wardens, BOP officials, and DOJ officials, and they Poshut like him. HKB"H blesses him with a maturity that on him can be said "Harie Ani Kben Shivim Shonah". ASHRIE YELIDITO.

Rabbi Laben from Dror. Rabbi Wiess from Lasurim. Rabbi Tzvi Biyarsky, You have no idea what you do for us. You may think you do but even you people don't understand. And I hope you never do understand. Ha-shem should bless you with everything.

Let us hope the same way we were Mesayem the 5th Perek of Sanhedrin , which was the 2nd perek that we learned together, that HKB"H will act Midah Kineged Midah and be Mesaym our sentences way ahead of the time. Bimhayra Bkorov Mamish.
_____________________________________________________

On behalf of the whole Jewish Community of Ft. Dix, we thank you Rabbi Wies. We thank you Rabbi Laben. We thank you Rabbi Biyarsky. To all your Organazations. May you contimue to do Chesed and may the RBS"O make all your Organazation go kaput because there will be no need for it anymore. May HKB"H reward you and all your families with Kol Tuv Shebaolom.

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קומפוט » 12/1/2012 19:03

ינואר 6, 2011
שלנו ערב שבת קודש פרשת חזק Vayichi 5772
מאת: יוסף בן הגאון Rabienu Ovi מורי l הרב חיים "ztz

קידוש אדיר הלוי שם בחוץ בשילוב עם התחושה ordianry של שמחה היה מנוסה השבוע קהילה היהודית של Ft. דיקס. הסדרה הראשונה של שיעורים על הלכות סנהדרין, שבת תפילה מתבצע הושלמה. אנחנו גם סיים את פרק 2 שלנו לומדים יחד.

לפני שאנחנו אפילו להתחיל להודות כי אלה ממומנים הזה, עלינו להודות כי אלה atttended. פעם ראיתי Masseh מ ר 'אהרון קוטלר Ztz "l. הם הציגו את אותו אדם שנתן תרומה נוספת ordianary בתמיכה של לימוד התורה. כשאמרו לו שהם הציג את ראש הישיבה רבי אהרון Ztz" אני זה הוא אדם מי שאוהב תורה. וגם ר 'אהרון השיב כי אם הוא אהב את התורה הוא ללמוד תורה, ולא רק לתמוך בו. אולי הוא כבוד התורה אך אהבה ... אם מישהו אוהב גלידה הוא קונה את זה בשביל עצמו, ואולי גם לאחרים, אבל בטוח בעצמו.

אני חייב לברך ולכן מי כאן בכלא ללא קשר לנסיבות, לבוא כל יום ללמוד Gemorra עמוד. אנשים לא מבינים מה Mesiras נפש זה כרוך, וזה לא הזמן להיכנס לזה עכשיו. אבל אני רק לגעת על זה. רוב הימים כשמישהו מחליט ללכת המדרש Bais במקום במקום אחר, הוא יודע שהוא מוותר על כל הזדמנות להיות במקום אחר לפני שהוא מגיע נעול היכן הוא במשך כמה שעות נוספות. חלק מהאנשים נמצאים DST הערעור, אחרים במרכז הקניות קומיסר, אחרים מנסים להיכנס לתוכנית שבה הם יקבלו הפחתה בזמן, נושאים אחרים, כמו גם, ובכל זאת הם בחרו לבוא ללמוד Gemorra כל יום במשך שעה לפחות ! Ashrie Yiliditom! משמעות הדבר היא שלפעמים הם יתגעגעו קומיסר שלהם או דברים אחרים שהם צריכים לעשות, מכיוון שלא היתה ברירה עשוי ללמוד Gemorra.

אני מדבר על מורה שלנו Diasra הרב סמט שליט"א "מנהיג רוחני שלנו. אני מדבר על יעקב שטיף. אני מדבר על עמוס. אני מדבר על כל האחרים להשתתף שיעורים. הרב נותן שיעורים, וכן Schmuz מוסר ביום שלישי Nite .. הלכה Shiurie ידי יעקב מדי יום ביומו הם Gevald! אני מדבר על עצמי. אני צריך לספר לכולם, כי הרב סמט היא בן אדם מדהים. שום דבר לא יקרה כאן Ruchniyus בלעדיו. כשמישהו מכנסיים לדעת מה אמיתי בעל Bitochon מ 'אלתר היים "היה כאילו הם רק צריכים לראות אמונה שלו ברמה כל יום. מכנסיים כאשר מישהו לראות יהודון חסידישע עם livush כולו, רק אחד צריך לקחת מבט אחד אותו. כשמישהו לאסוף אותי עשב אחד את כל מה שיש לעשות הוא לדבר עם הרב שתמיד Besimcha. איך הוא עושה את זה, לקרוא אותו אנשים לא יודעים. אבל אני כן יודע. כי מי הוא אמיתי שומר תורה Umitzvoth, ו מי יודע של RBS: "הו, וכי RBS 'O היא תמיד Manhig אולום, אז זה מובן לחלוטין מדוע מישהו יכול להיות כל הזמן Besimcha. מכנסיים אם מישהו אי פעם לראות זמן הישן אמיתי Yireh Shomaym צריך לבוא לבקר הרב כאן בקרוב מאוד. כי אני יכול להגיד לך שהוא עומד ללכת הביתה בקרוב מאוד.

אני צריך להגיד לך, אם מישהו נכנס המדרש Bais ושמע את השיעור / Chavrusah קורה לא יודע איפה הם היו, הם היו לפעמים חושב שהם היו בלייקווד או בריסק. הלחימה אשר נמשך הפשט הנכון זה לא ייאמן. אנו לומדים במשך שעה וכולם יודעים, אלא אם כן יש מצב חירום אף אחד לא מותר להטריד אותנו. התורה Col זה לא ייאמן. הצטרף האדם שיעור אחד רק כי הוא התרשם שאנחנו "מותר" להתווכח עם זה, וברגע הפשט הפך מקובל להתווכח נגמר והלכנו נוסף. הוא מעולם לא חוויתי משהו כזה בעולם שבו הוא בא. זה לא משנה מי אחראי השיעור, כל אחד יכול לטעון עד הפשט הנכון הוא הגיע.

יום אחד הכומר הגיע ואמר לנו שאנחנו צריכים להירגע, ולמה אנו נלחמים. הוא אפילו סיפר אדם אחד לסגת מפני שחש הוא היה קרוב מדי אל הרב באצבעותיו. אוי ויי! רק הוא צריך לדעת. הוא צריך רק ללכת לישיבה. היה זה כאשר זה קרה עם הכומר כי ידעתי שאנחנו באמת ב Ft. דיקס. ידעתי שעשינו את זה, התורה אולום. זה כומר Ngoy לעולם לא תדע מה הוא עשה לי, כאשר הוא פעל עם שנאתו ליהודים חזותית.

ועכשיו אני adressed לומדי התורה, אם כי לא במידה מספקת כי מישהו רק כי כבר בכלא יודע מה זה אומר להתחייב להיות בטוח איפשהו בכל יום בכל פעם, עכשיו אני יכול להתמודד עם נותני החסות. מכיוון הלומדים תורה להשיג אשראי יותר נותני חסות. ספונסרים צריכים להודות לאנשים שמגיעים השיעורים שנתן להם את ההזדמנות הזאת על מצווה כזו.

אין לי מילים כדי לתאר אדם בשם ר 'יואל Laben שליט"א "של דרור. הוא גם ראש ישיבת כולל חראם M'erutenberg. למי שלא יודע, חראם M'erutenberg כולל הוקמה על ידי הרב Laben לתכנן תוכנית על אנשים בכלא מי שרוצה ללמוד בדיוק כמו ישיבת תורה. היא מיועדת בעיקר Bnie התורה. וזה להבין בקלות מדוע השם הוא חראם M'erutenberg. צריך לזכור שיש לא diffrence להיות שומר תורה Umitzvoth אם אנחנו בכלא או אם אנחנו לא. התורה היא אותו דבר, ואת החובה לקיים זה אותו דבר. ב Haemes Olem וזה עבור נצח Netzochim הם arent הולך לשאול אם היינו כלא. רק לקרוא אנשים בעולם הזה עוסקים משהו טריוויאלי כמו זה. רק yentas לבין הורה אתרים לשון הרע. כשאנחנו מגיעים לשם השאלה הראשונה הנשאלת היא Kovata עתים Latorah? מהדהד ועם בקול תישמע Col Haolom לסנן את התשובה על ידי אלה בכלא יהיה כן, כן! כן! היינו Kovea עתים Latorah.

אבל אז אנחנו כאן Ft. דיקס ואחרים במקומות אחרים בבתי כלא אחרים תבקש RBS "הו, אנחנו יכולים להמשיך עוד דקה. וכאשר HKB" H אומר שאנחנו יכולים, אני מציע את עצמי יכולה לצעוד קדימה אומר. אתה יודע למה היינו יכולים להיות Kovea עתים Latorah בכלא? בגלל דרור. בגלל חרם כולל M'erutenberg. בגלל רבי יואל שלה Manhig Laben. הוא זה אשר עשה את זה קל עבורנו ללמוד תורה כאן בכלא, בגלל הדברים שהוא עשה לנו כאן. הוא איש צוות שיכול לקחת את טחנות. אני לא יכול לתאר מה האיש הזה עשה לנו כאן, אני יכול רק להגיד לך, אני כבר Mekaneh אולום Habo שלו.

אני רוצה להזכיר סיפור אחד, מלבד כל שאר הדברים שאני יודע על הרב Laben שליט"א "א ואני רק הכרתי אותו במשך כמה חודשים. עשיתי תוכניות לימוד עבור כל השיעורים כאן. לפעמים אני כותב Divrie תורה ולשלוח אותם לו, ובפעמים אחרות אני שולח שונים Divrie תורה גם לאחרים. איכשהו הוא השיג כמה שיותר אלה התורה Divrie שיוכל וקרא את אמא שלי Shetichy "לבקש לראות אותה. (לא ידעתי על זה עד מאוחר יותר). כשאמא שלי לא עונה לטלפון, הוא ניגש בעצמו. הוא צלצל בפעמון ומישהו בטעות אותו Meshuluch ולא נהגו בו כפי שהוא אמור של טופלה. הוא הלך שוב למחרת מצאה אמי, וישב איתה במשך יותר משעה, מראה לה את כל ניירות Divrie תורה Bechinos שלקחתי על הנושא כי למדתי על, וגם Bechinos שהוא שלח לי כי עניתי , והוא ניגש אליהם עם אמא שלי Shetichy'a אחד אחד.

הוא בילה הרבה זמן שם. אני לא צריך לספר לכם, אבל מה יותר נחת השכרה רק מי שמכיר את דרך של RBS: "הו כל חייה, יכולה להיות כשהיא רואה אדם כזה בא וסיפר לה על הבן שלה שהוא בכלא? הנני MEKANEH HIS אולום HABO. Dont לקרוא יתר על כן, לא רק לחזור ולהרהר רק מה שהוא עשה. תמונה אמא שלך מקבל דו"ח ממישהו שיש לו דבר מה, אבל להיות הגורם שהופך יהודון אחר להרגיש טוב. מה הוא עשה עבור אחרים כי אף אחד לא יודע עליו? אם אמא שלי לא אמרו לי לא הייתי יודע. מה שהוא עושה זה לשמה לחלוטין. הוא עצמו מגיע כל שבוע לבקר אנשים פה בבתי כלא אחרים. מכיוון שאני יודע שהוא יקבל את המאמר הזה אני אפסיק כאן לדבר עליו להיות Mekayem "עין אילה Mesaprim Lfunuv Miktzas Shivosho"

אז יש לנו Lasurim. Lasurim הוא Orginazation אשר חותרת להגיע אסירים בכלא. בכל פעם יש לנו בעיה שעושים שאנו קוראים? Lasurim. זהו Organazation רק עד כמה שידוע לי, שם אם יש לך בעיה, הם לא רק להבטיח הבטחות. הם שומעים אותך ומיד להתחיל לעבוד מבחוץ. אז למי אנחנו קוראים, כאשר יש לנו בעיה? Lasurim! Thats מי! ואני יכול להיות Mayid ולהעיד, כי כמעט כל הזמן, הם מסוגלים להשיג. הם באים כל שבוע לבקר אנשים בכלא. לא אדם אחד או שניים, אבל הם באים בהמוניהם. הם makpid לקבל רשימות אלה כאן שאין להם משפחה או מסיבה זו או אחרת, אין ביקורים. אנשים מצפים יום חמישי mamish בגלל זה. אנשים נוספים לבוא להתפלל ביום חמישי כי הם רוצים להיות מסוגלים לספר המבקרים שלהם כי הם התפללו במניין הבוקר! זהו GEVALD! הם שולחים אנשים מדי שבוע לחלק הפנימי של הכלא וכל הזמן רוצה לדעת מה הם יכולים לעשות. והם עושים!. ממומנים הם קראו של שיעורי תורה כאן. שוב. עבור אלה שמעולם לא ביקרו לכלא, אתה לא יכול להבין באופן מלא את עבודת Lasurim.

זה לרוץ Bekovod Lasurim Godol, על ידי ר 'אלי א וייס "שליט"א כשהוא מגיע לכאן הוא מבקר עם אנשים רבים ככל שיוכל בתוך המדרש Bais. הוא גורם לכולם להרגיש מיוחד, כאילו הוא רק באתי לכאן כדי לפתור את העשב של השכן אדם . והוא לא רק לדבר. הוא עושה, וגם ביצועיסט גדול. יש בעיה כל כך הרבה ביום על בסיס יום, שזה לא יתואר להיכנס. ומסיבה אחרים, אני לא רוצה להיכנס אותם. אף אחד לא צריך לבוא לכלא. אבל אם אתה עושה, אתה יותר טוב יש את המספר שלהם. מה עשינו למען ד 'בכל זאת? מה עשינו למען עצומה Bravchus סוכה? 15x30 אם אני לא טועה. מה אנחנו עושים עבור ספרי קודש? מי עושה את השיחה כשהוא העשב של השכן AW עשבים מסוימים לדעת אם יש לנו לגיטימיות. הרשימה ארוכה, ואני לא רוצה לשעמם אותך. אבל אף אחד לא במזון כלא שווה כסף. לכן, כאשר האנשים האלה לעזור לנו, הם יודעים שהם לא הולכים להיות הדדית בכל דרך, כי זה לא רובדי בלתי אפשרית. אז זהו חסד אמת Shel ב בצורתו הטהורה ביותר.

ואני צריך להוסיף פריט אחד שעשוי להיות חשוב יותר מאשר כל המידע במאמר זה יחד. יש "אודום לספירה Godol VeTzenuah EOD" שם צינור לא עולה באור הזרקורים. אנחנו יודעים כאן רבים של הבעיה, כי צריך להיפתר על ידי דרור Lasurim בסופו של דבר על ידי אדם אחד. והאדם הזה הוא אחד כי הוא אלוקים השליח לעזור לאלה ב Matziv שלנו. אני מדבר על הרב Haodom Hagodol הרב צבי Biyarsky שליט"א "א עבור אלה מכם לא יודע אותו, אם הוא אי פעם צלבים PATH שלך, לתת לו Kovod Godol, ולתת לו כל מה שהוא עשבים שוטים. הוא לא ירצה Kovod, אבל זה לא משנה. אם הוא עשבים שוטים משהו ממך היא לעזור עוד יהודון. כשאנו אומרים התפילה בשבת "Vechol Mee Sheoskim Betzrochie ציבור Bemunah HKB" K Yeshalem Schorom הוא זה שעולה על הדעת שלי.

זה אומר כי על ידי Vedom Bosor השליח Kmoso אודום. אני לא יודע איך זה עובד כשמישהו הוא שליח מן OLOM אדון לעצמו. Thats איך כולנו מסתכלים על הרב Biyarsky. המשנה אומרת על ר 'אלעזר בן עזריה "Ani Harie Kben Shivim שפתם ..." וכולנו יודעים כי "Kben" כי הוא היה לקרוא שיער לבן גדל אז הוא צריך להיראות מבוגר יותר, כך שאנשים יקשיבו לו. אני צריך להגיד לך את זה כאשר בעיה מגיעה ר 'צבי ויברכהו עם Eibershter דוס כאלה עדינות והוא "Oseh חן," כי הוא מסוגל לדבר עם הממונים, פקידי BOP, ואנשי משרד המשפטים, והם אוהבים אותו Poshut . HKB "H מברך אותו עם בגרות שניתן לו אמר" Ani Harie Kben Shivim Shonah ". ASHRIE YELIDITO.

Laben מהרב דרור. הרב וייס מ Lasurim. הרב צבי Biyarsky, אין לך מושג מה אתה עושה לנו. אולי אתם חושבים שאתם עושים אבל אפילו, אתם לא מבינים. ואני מקווה שאתה לא מבין. Ha-שם צריך לברך אותך עם הכל.

נקווה באותו אופן שאנחנו Mesayem פרק 5 של הסנהדרין, שהיה בפרק 2 למדנו על יחד, כי HKB "H תפעל Dah Dah Kineged משפטים ולהיות Mesaym דרכנו לקראת הזמן. Bimhayra Bkorov Mamish.
_____________________________________________________
על נציג שלמים של הקהילה היהודית Ft. דיקס, אנו מודים לך הרב IES. אנו מודים לך הרב Laben. אנו מודים לך הרב Biyarsky. לכל Organazations שלך. אתה במאי contimue לעשות חסד ואת RBS עשוי "הו את כל Organazation שלך ללכת קאפוט כי לא יהיה צורך יותר. מאי HKB" H זכתה לך ולכל משפחות Shebaolom שלך עם אל"מ TUV.

קומפוט » 15/1/2012 21:23

אלה שמות בני ישראל הבאים מצרימה

די וואכעדיגע פרשה איז "ואלה שמות בני ישראל הבאים מצרימה". דאס זענען די אידישע קינדער וואס זענען אין מצרים- די גלות דגלות, און די חשכות פון די גלות. מיר אלע דא אינטערגעשריבן די נאמען, בעטן פון יעדן צי בעטן דעם בורא כל העולמים, אז ער זאל זיך מרחם זיין אויף אינז, און שיקן די ישועה בכלל ופרט, און עס זאל שוין גענוג זיין...

די וואכעדיגע פרשה שטייט "ותאל שוועתם מן העבודה". די ספרים זאגן, די פסוק זאגט מן העבודה, און עבודה נישט פון תפילה. קען מען זאגן, אז דער אייבערשטער האט געזאגט ויעודה אלקים , און עס שטייט " כי ידעתי את מכאוביו". דער רבונו של עולם זעהט יעדן צער פון יעדן איד, און די טיפקייט פין די גלות. און ער זאגט וידע, איך ווייס אלע וואס ענק טוען. און ער העלפט . און אזוי ווי ער האט ארויסגענומען די אידן פון מצרים, פון די שטארקע מצרים, וואס קיין שום עבד האט נישט געקענט אנטלויפן פון דארטן, האט ער ארויסגענומען בעצם היום הזה, און מיט אלע גוטע השפעות, אלע גוטע ברכות ברכוש גדול. און דאס לערנט פאר אונז בכלל ובפרט, אז וואס מען דארף און ווי מען איז, דארף מען זיך בעטן פון די באשעפער. בעטן אז מען זאל אלע מתפלל זיין פאר אונזער ישועה. און אין דעם זכות וועט זיין א ישועה פאר גאנץ כלל ישראל מיט ישועת עולמים

א גוטן שבת, א לעכטיגן שבת, א פרייליכן שבת, דאס שבת זאל משפיע זיין אלע גיטע השפעות מיט א גרויסע ישועה פאר אונז אלע, און אלע ארום אינז, און פאר גאנץ כלל ישראל. א גוט שבת!

A peaceful and blessed Shabbes,

This weekly Torah Portion is "And these are the names of the Children of Yisroel who came to Egypt". These are the Jewish children who were in Egypt [today Ft. Dix] - the exile of exiles, in the darkness of exile. We all here have written our names below, pleading for all to plead from the Creator of All Worlds, as He should have mercy upon us, and send the salvation generally and individually, and it should be enough already... In the weekly Torah Portion, it states "their cry arose and was accepted from the [difficult] work". The Sforno (commentator) said, the verse says from the work, (work - not from prayer). This means to say, as the Creator saw the difficulties and tortures of the Jews, and the Creator had said "and G-d knew", and it says "because I saw their pain". The Master of the World sees each trouble/difficulty of every Jew, and the deepness of the exile. And He says "and He knew, I know all which you do". And He helps. And just as He took out the Jews from Egypt, from the powerful Egypt, from which no slave can escape, so should He take us out from here this very day, and with all good influences, in all good influences in great wealth. And this teaches for us as a whole and particularly, as what we need and when we need and where a person is, we need to plead from the Creator. We plead as everyone should pray for our salvation. And in the merit of this, there should be a salvation for all Congregation of Yisroel with an eternal salvation.

A good Shabbes, a bright Shabbes, a happy Shabbes. This Shabbes should bring forth all good influences with a great salvation for all of us, and all around us, and for all Congregation of Yisroel. A good Shabbes!

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תוקן על ידי קומפוט ב- 15/01/2012 21:25:03

קומפוט » 15/1/2012 21:24

Alkhabbaz Albir	Avraham ben Esther	אברהם בן אסתר
Amos Malkiel	Malkiel Sar Shalom ben Leah	מלכיא-ל שר שלום בן לאה
Betensky Jason	Shoham ben Nina	שלום בן נינא
Benun Mark	Mordechai ben Simcha	מרדכי בן שמחה
Cohan Barry	Baruch ben Esther	ברוך בן אסתר
Dozortsev Nikolai	Nachum ben Leya	נחום בן לאה
Frankel Martin	Melech ben Tilly	מלך בן טילא
Freelander David	Dovid ben Rivka	דוד בן רבקה
Gabayzadeh Mehdi	Meir ben Miryam	מאיר בן מרים
Goldman Mark	Meir ben Mashie	מאיר בן מאשא
Goodman Alan	Arye Yitzhak ben Leah Rachel	ארי-ה יצחק בן לאה ראכל
Gordon Larry	Lev ben Esther	לב בן אסתר
Graff Anthony	Anthony ben Joan	אנתני בן דשאן
Hamilton Randy	Yerachmiel ben Rivka	ירחמיא-ל בן רבקה
Juravel Shmuel	Shmuel Zev ben Shulamis	שלום זאב בן שולימות
Kain Sharon	Sharon Yaakov ben Miryam	שעראן יעקב בן מרים
Kalbers Yaniv	Yaniv ben Miryam	יניב בן מרים
Kats Alan	Yosef ben Galina	יוסף בן גלינא
Kucher Gregory	Hershul Zalmen ben Brucha	הערשל זלמן בן ברכה
Leignor John	Yonatan ben Doris	יונתן בן דורס
Levine Eric	Yisrael ben Sheisl	ישראל בן שייסל
Levy Michael	Moshe ben Klara	משה בן קלארא
Lisyansky Roman	Ruvain ben Larisa	ראובן בן לאריסא
Mammadov Azgar	Adam ben Bella	אדם בן ביילא
Mayer Steven	Shimon ben Chava	שמעון בן חווה
Mertz Jacob	Yaakov Moshe ben Rus Tsherna	יעקב משה בן רות טשארנא
Rosenstein Neil	Nachum ben Chana	נחום בן חנה
Saferstein Neal	Noach Dovid ben Tzipporah	נח דוד בן צפורא
Samet Mordechai	Mordechai Yitzhak ben Feige Yehidis	מרדכי יצחק בן פיגא י-הודות
Schwartz Charles	Kaddish ben Leah	קדיש בן לאה
Shereshevsky Joseph	Yosef ben Chana Leeba	יוסף בן חנה ליבא
Shub Jonathan	Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna	יעקב אלתר בן שפרא טשארנא
Smolka Thomas	Thomas ben Anna	טאמאס בן אנא
Solan David	Dovid ben Betty	דוד בן בעטי
Yushuvayev Nisim	Nisim ben Estat	ניסים בן אסטעט
Zachs Fredrick	Shraga Dov ben Necha Gela	שרגא דוב בן נעכא געלא

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בס"ד

Whoever can be mispallel for us for a yeshia for all names listed, we would be exceedingly grateful.

מיר בעטן פון יעדן וואס קען מתפלל זיין פאר אונז, פאר אונזער ישועה פאר אלע נעמען וואס זענען אונטער.

תוקן על ידי קומפוט ב- 15/01/2012 21:25:58

קומפוט » 19/1/2012 20:44

Struggling with the Satan

BS"D Erev Shabbes L'Seder "Vayonchi Yisroel min ha'avodah kasha" Parshas Shmos 5772
By: Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

Every Jew, as he awakens in the morning, gets ready for his Avodas HaKodesh, knowing that the Beis Medrash will be open. He has no worries that it'll be closed. He goes to the mikvah, has another minyan starting every 10 minutes. If he misses the minyan at one Beis Medrash, he can always go to another.

Here at Ft. Dix, things are different. Every day when we get up, we worry whether the Chaplain will be there, and if the Chapel will be open or closed. We worry whether the compound will even be open or closed. And if both are open, we have to worry that nothing should happen in the middle - that there shouldn't be a recall or emergency that they kick us out. We have to worry whether there will be enough people who show up for the minyan. Each day when we can have Shachris, along with Torah reading and Shiurei Torah is a miracle. Each day, we can write an entire article on how the day has passed. I wish to write about one day that has passed - yesterday morning. And from this, you can see how our days go.

The community awoke as every day, with hope that this day would be a good day. People rushed before 8am, so as not to miss the 10-minute move, and to be in the Chapel. If a person, chas v'shalom, misses the move, then he's missed the minyan and everything following it. So he has to rush to make sure he doesn't miss it. It was a cold day, and with Hashem's help, there was over a minyan who showed up. But as we arrived at the Chapel, it was closed. It should be noted, that any time when we arrive and find the Chapel closed when it is supposed to be open, it makes people very frustrated. Some of the people, when they see this, if the move is still on, they go back to their buildings. And it frustrates people more in case we can eventually get the Chapel open, whether there still will be enough people left for the minyan. Also, when the Chapel is closed, some people don't put on tefillin that day because they leave and have no patience for this. So every time something happens, less people show up for the minyans and people become frustrated.

As we were standing and waiting in front of the Chapel for it to be open, and baruch Hashem, there were about 15 people, the time was about 8:10am. One of the staff members from the Chapel came down at that time and locked the door behind him and wouldn't let us into the Chapel. As a result of this, people were very frustrated to see that the Chaplain was here, and yet we couldn't go to daven, and a few people left. And those people who left probably didn't put on tefillin that day, which is a terribly painful thing to witness.

Baruch Hashem, the people who were still there had a minyan and strenghtened themselves to daven in the hallway despite the uncomfortable conditions. Although not everyone had tefillin, as the Jewish room in the Chapel was locked (and some of the members of our community keep their tefillin there), we started to daven anyways. Yossi was successful to go back to his building and bring an extra set of tefillin, and we davenened together. Arye Yitzhak Goodman led the davening, and we hoped that our Chapel room would be open soon, so we could do Krias HaTorah along with the Shiurei Torah.

As we were in the middle of davening by Yishtabach, someone said that the door had been opened to the stairway to go upstairs, and the Psychologist was upstairs (they are usually there even when the Chaplain is not). So we went upstairs excitedly and Amos asked the Psychologist if he would open the door to our room so we could daven. This psychologist was a different one than usual, and didn't know if he was allowed to do so; so he said he couldn't until he checked to see if he had permission. Since we didn't know how long he would take to ask, we continued davening in the hallway upstairs. A few minutes later, he came back and said he had gotten permission, and so he opened the door for us.

We were happy for this, baruch Hashem, and we were able to continue the service in our room, lighting the candles, etc. And we said Shema Yisroel in the presence of the Aron Kodesh. As we started Shmone Esrei, the lights went out - there was a power failure. Sometimes when the lights go out, they kick everyone out of the building. So in the middle of the Shmone Esrei, we didn't know what would be. But, b'chasdei Hashem, we had the opportunity to finish the davening without light (except for the candles). Although it was difficult, we finished the Krias haTorah and davening in the dark without being interrupted. After the davening, we said Tehillim and had the daily Halachah Shiur by Jacob Mertz. As we finished these, it was already time for recall at 10:30am, and regretfully we didn't have time for the regular daily Shiur by the Rabbi on Masechtas Sanhedrin. And we also gave out tiken/cookies after davening; but we regretfully can't have a l'chaim here (so we ate an extra cookie to cover the l'chaim). By the way, both the Halachah and Gemora Sanhedrin Shiurim are programs of Kollel Maharam M'Rutenberg, sponsored by Dror. Other shiurim are sponsored by L'Asurim.

After all this, everyone was happy that we had prevailed through all these struggles and had a minyan along with Krias HaTorah and a Shiur Torah. Baruch Hashem. B'chasdei Hashem, we all believe that days like this and struggles like this bring the merit for us that we should succeed in our mission being here at Ft. Dix, and all these struggles are koshi ha'shibud and mekarev the yeshia. And this is what the Rabbi always says, that when the struggles are most difficult, this is what brings the most merit. May Hashem help us all that we should fulfill our mission here and go back home to our families.

It should be noted, that we often struggle with the Chapel being closed. On many days, the Chapel is officially closed; and even on days when it is supposed to be open, often the Chaplain doesn't show up. But according to the Constitution's guarantee of Freedom of Religion and even BOP Policy, it's clear that the Chapel is required to be open 7 days/week, all day. Based on BOP policy according to the population at this institution, there are supposed to be 10 chaplains, but there are only 2 1/2. (Though even if they weren't short on staff, they are still required to be open 7 days/week). Unfortunately the BOP doesn't fulfill this requirement and obligation, and thus we struggle and suffer often. The Chapel is certainly no less important than Recreation (the gym, basketball court, weight room, game room, etc.) and Education or other activities which are open 7 days/week. And of course the Chapel being open all the time is not only for the Jews, but for all religions. Though of course, we all know, as we are taught, the Creation of the world and everything that occurs therein is for the sake of the Jews and for our benefit that we can fulfill our purpose in Hashem's Creation.

The above issue is a fundamental problem; and if this issue were solved, it would make things much more easy for us to fulfill our religious obligations as Yidden. When the Chapel is closed, a number of people don't put on tefillin, there's bittul Torah, and many other problems. This issue can and should be fixed.

קומפוט » 5/2/2012 19:07

שבת שלום ומבורך

דאס שבת איז פרשת בשלח. און די פרשה איז פיל מיט גוטע השפעות. דאס שבת איז שבת שירה, און שבת שבת, און שבת רפואה, און שבת פרשת המן, און פרשת מלחמת עמלק. די קריאה איז מעורר הזמן. השי"ת זאל העלפן אז דאס אלעס זאל נתעורר ווערן פאר אונז און פאר גאנץ כלל ישראל.

מיר זאגן אין די שירה, "וירא ישראל את מצרים מת אל שפת הים", און נאכדעם שטייט "וירא ישראל את היד הגדולה אשר עשה השם במצרים, וירא העם את השם". איז שווער, וואס שטייט צוויי מאל וירא? נאך איז שווער, נאכדעם שטייט "ויראו השם את השם". וואס איז די שייכות "וירא, וירא" צו "ויראו העם את השם"? די זאך איז אזוי: וועגן אידן האבן געזונגען אז דער אייבערשטער רעכנט די גוטע זאכן און די שלעכטע זאכן. און יעדע זאך האט א חשבון פאר זיך אליין. די אידן האבן געזונגען אז די מצריים האבן זוכה געווען צו קבורה, ווי עס שטייט "תבלאימו הארץ". און עס שטייט "וירא ישראל את היד הגדולה, אשר עשה במצרים"- מען זעהט דא דער אייבערשטער האט באצאלט די מצריים פאר די שלעכטע זאכן וואס זיי האבן געטוהן, און פון די אנדערע זייט, זעהן מיר אז דער באשעפער האט זיי די מצריים באצאלט פאר די גוטע זאכן. דאס וואס זיי האבן געזאגט "אצבע אלקים הוא" האבן זיי זוכה געווען צו קבורה. דעריבער, אז די אידן האבן געזונגען אז יעדע זאך האט א חשבון, האבן זיי באקומען מורא פון השי"ת.

די שבת זאל משפיע זיין פאר אונז און אלע ארום אונז אלע גוטע השפעות, בשפע רב גדול, און מיר זאלן זוכה זיין צו זעהן די ישעוה ווע עס שטייט אין די פסוק די וואכעדיגע פרשה - "התיצבו וראו את ישועת השם". מיר זאלן אלע זעהן מיט אונזער אויגן די גרויסע ישועה אינגיכן. מ'בעטן יעדען איינעם וואס קען אינז אינזינען האבן פאר א ישועה אינגיכן, דאנקען אים מיר זייער.

א גוטן שבת, א לעכטיגן שבת!

A Peaceful and Blessed Shabbes,

This Shabbes is the Torah Portion of Beshallach (sent out). And this Portion is full of good influences. This Shabbes is Shabbes of Song, and Shabbes of Shabbes, and Shabbes of Healing, and Shabbes of the Portion of the Manna (bread from Heaven), and Portion of the War with Amalek. The Reading influences the time. Hashem should help that all the above should bring good influence for us and for all Congregation of Yisroel.

We say in the Song, "And Yisroel saw Egypt dead on the banks of the sea", and after that it says "and Yisroel saw the great Hand which Hashem wrought against Egypt, and they feared Hashem". There is a difficulty why it says twice "and saw"? And also it's difficult to reason why it says after that "and the people feared Hashem". What is the connection between twice "and saw" with "and the people feared Hashem"? The reason is as follows: The Jews had seen that the Egyptians had merited to burial, like it says "the Earth swallowed them". And it says "and Yisroel saw the great Hand, which was wrought upon Egypt" - we see here that the Creator had punished the Egyptians for the bad things which they had done, and from the other side, we see that the Creator has rewarded the Egyptians for the good things. Thus when they said "this is the Finger of Hashem" - from this they merited to burial. Therefore as the Jews had seen as each thing has an accounting, fear came upon them of Hashem.

The Shabbes should bring forth for us and all around us all good influences, in great measure, and we should merit to see the salvation as it says in the verse in the Weekly Portion - "stay and see the Salvation of Hashem". We should all see with our own eyes the great salvation immediately. We plead with each person who can have us in mind for a salvation immediately, we thank them greatly. A good Shabbes, a bright Shabbes

קומפוט » 5/2/2012 19:09

שבת שלום ומבורך

א גוטן שבת, א לעכטיגן שבת!

קומפוט » 9/2/2012 21:55

BS"D Tu B'Shvat 5772 (Feb. 8, 2012) FCI Ft. Dix, NJ
By: Mordechai Yitzhak ben Feige Yehidis

Today is Tu B'Shvat. Tu B'Shvat is Rosh Hashanah for the Trees. As we think about Rosh Hashanah, it reminds us to make a cheshbon ha'nefesh. To begin to make a cheshbon ha'nefesh, it has come to my mind of mefarseming oseh mitzvah - I feel we're obligated to fulfill this mitzvah now.

The name of Rabbi Tabak - the name speaks for itself. Rabbi Tabak has dedicated his entire life for tzedakah v'chesed. I have known him for about 30 years; and the reason I know him is for the kindnesses that he has done in unbelievable ways. Over 30 years ago, my father and mother came to America for the first time. As they arrived, they found hospitality in Rabbi Tabak's home. When my parents came back to Eretz Yisroel, all my father could talk about was the wonderful hospitality (in all manners) that they received from Rabbi Tabak and his family.

The passuk says "chacham lev u'kach mitzvah". Rabbi Tabak is a smart man, and has chosen the greatest mitzvos. When he saw what was going on in regards to the mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyim - that his Yiddishe brothers began to be locked up in American jails - he recognized that Pidyon Shvuyim is the greatest mitzvah, and took upon himself to be dedicated to this mitzvah of helping our Yiddishe brothers in this regard. He realized that Pidyon Shvuyim is not only the greatest mitzvah according to Jewish Law, but he saw another thing which is also the greatest mitzvah - meis mitzvah. He recognized that Pidyon Shvuyim is the greatest mitzvah, but it also like a meis mitzvah - not many people deal with this mitzvah; they like to stay away from it. So Rabbi Tabak made a calculation that this is the greatest mitzvah and also a meis mitzvah, and decided to dedicate his life to this. And that is what he now does, 24/7/365. He works to help every Yid and his family in this difficult time, calling him up, researching, and ready to help in absolutely any manner possible. He never says "no" for anything. And besides what he does, he does it b'sever punim - he makes the person feel good. The value of his help is a thousand times more, as he not only helps a person in such a difficult time, but Rabbi Tabak also makes the person happy and it shows that Rabbi Tabak does this with joy - such joy that the receiver feels like he is helping the giver through the privilege of performing this mitzvah.

I myself can tell many, many stories over the years which I have been witness to what Rabbi Tabak has been doing. And I am certain that there are many stories which I do not know about. Any time when we ask Rabbi Tabak for help, he himself sends emails and letters, reminding and asking us what more he can do to help.

It should be mentioned, when the Dror Organization was created, it was realized that, in order to have success, they must take Rabbi Tabak to be a member of the Board of Directors. His experience and knowledge in this mitzvah was necessary. They invited him to join their organization, and of course Rabbi Tabak accepted this upon himself as well with joy - to help Dror with all that was necessary to help Yiddishe sheviim.

The reason why I write this, is to mefarsem oseh mitzvah. There are 2 reasons to mefarsem oseh mitzvah: 1) that other people should become encouraged, to learn from this and do the same. That Rabbi Tabak has dedicated his life to do this greatest mitzvah - which is a meis mitzvah; 2) that it should be published and known that this man is helping us and all other Yidden. And whoever can help him to fulfill his mission should help him; as whoever helps him, helps many other people with the greatest mitzvah.

I close my words, saying that Rabbi Tabak should be blessed, along with his entire family, with all blessings in full measure. And all others who help him and encourage him with his work, should be included within his blessing. In the merit of Rabbi Tabak's great deeds (which the entire reason why Hashem has made a shevi is so that the Yiddishe kinder have the opportunity to fulfill this mitzvah (and as Rabbi Tabak is fulfilling Hashem's Will in this mitzvah, there should no longer be a reason to have sheviim)), we should see our yeshia pruti, as well as the yeshias gantz Klal Yisroel in gichen - Umein!

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קומפוט » 9/2/2012 21:59

BS "D ט"ו בשבט 5772 (8 פבואר 2012) FCI Ft. דיקס, ניו ג'רזי
מאת: מרדכי יצחק בן פייגה Yehidis

היום הוא ט"ו בשבט. ט"ו בשבט הוא ראש השנה מרוב עצים. כאשר אנו חושבים על ראש השנה, זה מזכיר לנו לבצע ha'nefesh חשבון. להתחיל לעשות ha'nefesh חשבון, הגיע לדעתי של mefarseming oseh מצווה - אני מרגיש שאנחנו חייבים לקיים את המצווה עכשיו.

שמו של הרב טבק - השם מדבר בעד עצמו. הרב טבק הקדיש את כל חייו למען צדקה v'chesed. אני מכיר אותו במשך כ 30 שנים, והסיבה שאני מכיר אותו הוא על החסדים שהוא עשה בדרכים לא יאומן. במשך 30 שנה, אבא ואמא שלי באה לאמריקה בפעם הראשונה. כשהם הגיעו, הם מצאו הכנסת אורחים בבית הרב של טבק. כשההורים שלי חזרו לארץ ישראל, כל אבא שלי יכול היה לדבר על האירוח הנפלא (באופנים שונים) שקיבלו מהרב טבק ובני משפחתו.

Passuk אומר "חכם לב u'kach מצווה". הרב טבק הוא איש חכם, והוא בחר את המצוות הגדולות ביותר. כשהוא ראה מה קורה לגבי מצוות פדיון שבויים - כי האחים יידישע שלו החל להיות כלוא בכלא האמריקני - הוא הכיר בכך בפדיון שבויים היא מצווה רבה, ולקח על עצמו להיות מוקדש מצווה זו של עוזר האחים יידישע שלנו בעניין זה. הוא הבין כי בפדיון שבויים היא לא רק מצווה הגדול ביותר על פי ההלכה היהודית, אבל הוא ראה דבר נוסף שהוא גם המצווה הגדולה ביותר - meis מצווה. הוא זיהה כי בפדיון שבויים היא מצווה הגדול ביותר, אבל זה גם כמו מצווה meis - לא הרבה אנשים עם את המצווה, הם רוצים להתרחק ממנו. אז הרב טבק עשה חישוב שזה מצווה הגדול ביותר וגם מצווה meis, והחליט להקדיש את חייו זה. וזה מה שהוא עושה עכשיו, 24/7/365. הוא עובד כדי לעזור בכל יהודון ומשפחתו בזמן הקשה הזה, קוראים אותו, במחקר, ומוכן לעזור בכל דרך אפשרית לחלוטין. הוא אף פעם לא אומר "לא" לכל דבר. וחוץ מזה מה שהוא עושה, הוא עושה זאת b'sever punim - הוא גורם לאדם להרגיש טוב. הערך של עזרה שלו הוא פי אלף יותר, כפי שהוא לא רק מסייע לאדם בזמן כה קשה, אבל הרב טבק גם עושה את האדם מאושר, וזה מראה כי הרב טבק עושה זאת בשמחה - שמחה כזו שהמקבל מרגיש כמו הוא עוזר הנותן את הזכות לבצע את המצווה.

אני עצמי יכול להגיד הרבה, הרבה סיפורים על השנים בהם הייתי עד למה הרב טבק כבר עושה. ואני בטוח שיש הרבה סיפורים שאני לא יודע עליו. בכל פעם כאשר אנו שואלים הרב טבק לעזרה, הוא עצמו שולח מיילים ומכתבים, מזכיר ושואל אותנו מה עוד הוא יכול לעשות כדי לעזור.

יש לציין, כאשר ארגון דרור נוצר, הוא הבין כי על מנת להצליח, הם חייבים לקחת את הרב טבק להיות חבר דירקטוריון. ניסיונו והידע מצווה זה היה הכרחי. הם הזמינו אותו להצטרף הארגון שלהם, וכמובן הרב טבק קיבל על עצמו גם כן בשמחה - כדי לעזור דרור עם כל הדרוש כדי לסייע יידישע sheviim.

הסיבה שאני כותב את זה, היא mefarsem oseh מצווה. יש 2 סיבות mefarsem oseh המצווה: 1) שאנשים אחרים צריכים להיות מעודדים, כדי ללמוד מזה ולעשות את אותו הדבר. הרב טבק הקדיש את חייו לעשות את המצווה הגדולה ביותר - שהיא מצווה meis, 2) שהוא היה אמור להתפרסם וידוע שהאיש הזה עוזר לנו וכל יידן אחר. ומי יכול לעזור לו למלא את שליחותו צריך לעזור לו, כמו מי עוזר לו, מסייע לאנשים רבים אחרים עם המצווה הגדולה ביותר.

אני עוצם את המילים שלי, ואמר כי הרב טבק יש ברוך, יחד עם כל משפחתו, עם כל הברכות במידה מלאה. ואחרים את כל המסייעים לו ולעודד אותו בעבודתו, יש לכלול בתוך ברכתו. בזכות מעשיו הגדולים הרב של טבק (שהוא הסיבה כולו למה ה 'עשה לנו שבי היא כל כך נחמדה יידישע יש את האפשרות לקיים את המצווה (וכן הרב טבק ממלא את הרצון של הקב"ה במצווה זו, צריך כבר לא להיות סיבה יש sheviim)), אנו צריכים לראות pruti yeshia שלנו, כמו גם גנץ yeshias כלל ישראל ב gichen - Umein!

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קומפוט » 9/2/2012 22:01

בס "ד טו ב'שוואַט 5772 (פעברואר 8, 2012) פסי פט. דיקס, נדזש
דורך: מאָרדעטשאַי ייטזשאַק בן פעיגע יעהידיס

הייַנט איז טו ב'שוואַט. טו ב'שוואַט איז ראש השנה פֿאַר די ביימער. ווי מיר טראַכטן וועגן ראש השנה, עס דערמאנט אונדז צו מאַכן אַ טשעשבאָן האַ'נעפעש. צו אָנהייבן צו מאַכן אַ טשעשבאָן האַ'נעפעש, עס האט קומען צו מיין מיינונג פון מעפאַרסעמינג אָסעה מיצוואַ - איך פילן מיר ניטאָ אַבלאַגייטיד צו מקיים דעם מיצוואַ איצט.

דער נאָמען פון רבי טאַבאַק - דער נאָמען רעדט פֿאַר זיך. רבי טאַבאַק האט דעדאַקייטאַד זיין גאַנץ לעבן פֿאַר טזעדאַקאַה וו'טשעסעד. איך האָבן געקענט אים פֿאַר וועגן 30 יאר, און די סיבה איך וויסן אים איז פֿאַר די חסדים אַז ער האט געטאן אין אַנבאַליוואַבאַל וועגן. איבער 30 יאר צוריק, מיין פאטער און מוטער געקומען צו אַמעריקע פֿאַר די ערשטער מאָל. ווי זיי אנגעקומען, זיי געפונען האָספּיטאַליטי אין רבי טאַבאַק ס היים. ווען מיין עלטערן געקומען צוריק צו ארץ ישראל, אַלע מיין טאַטע געקענט רעדן וועגן איז געווען דער ווונדערלעך האָספּיטאַליטי (אין אַלע מאַנירן) אַז זיי באקומען פון רבי טאַבאַק און זיין משפּחה.

די פּאַססוק זאגט "טשאַטשאַם לעוו ו'קאַטש מיצוואַ". רבי טאַבאַק איז אַ קלוג מענטש, און האט אויסדערוויילט די גרעסטע מצוות. ווען ער געזען וואָס איז געגאנגען אויף אין גרוס צו די מיצוואַ פון פּידיאָן שווויים - אַז זיין יידדישע ברידער אנגעהויבן צו זיין פארשפארט אַרויף אין אמעריקאנער דזשיילז - ער אנערקענט אַז פּידיאָן שווויים איז די גרעסטע מיצוואַ, און גענומען אויף זיך צו זיין דעדאַקייטאַד צו דעם מיצוואַ פון העלפּינג אונדזער יידדישע ברידער אין דעם אַכטונג. ער איינגעזען אַז פּידיאָן שווויים איז ניט בלויז די גרעסטע מיצוואַ לויט צו ייִדיש תורה, אָבער ער געזען אן אנדערן זאַך וואָס איז אויך די גרעסטע מיצוואַ - מיז מיצוואַ. ער אנערקענט אַז פּידיאָן שווויים איז די גרעסטע מיצוואַ, אָבער עס אויך ווי אַ מיז מיצוואַ - ניט פילע מענטשן האַנדלען מיט דעם מיצוואַ, זיי ווי צו בלייַבן אַוועק פון עס. אזוי רבי טאַבאַק געמאכט אַ חשבון אַז דאָס איז די גרעסטע מיצוואַ און אויך אַ מיז מיצוואַ, און באַשלאָסן צו ווידמען זיין לעבן צו דעם. און אַז איז וואָס ער איצט טוט, 24/7/365. ער אַרבעט צו העלפן יעדער ייד און זיין משפּחה אין דעם שווער צייַט, פאַך אים אַרויף, ריסערטשינג, און גרייט צו העלפן אין לעגאַמרע קיין שטייגער מעגלעך. ער קיינמאָל זאגט "קיין" פֿאַר עפּעס. און אויסערדעם וואָס ער טוט, ער טוט עס ב'סעווער פּונים - ער מאכט דעם מענטש פילן גוט. די ווערט פון זיין הילף איז אַ טויזנט מאל מער, ווי ער ניט נאָר העלפט אַ מענטש אין אַזאַ אַ שווער צייַט, אָבער רבי טאַבאַק אויך מאכט דעם מענטש גליקלעך און עס ווייזט אַז רבי טאַבאַק טוט דעם מיט פרייד - אַזאַ פרייד אַז דער ופנעמער פילז ווי ער איז העלפּינג די גיווער דורך די פּריווילעגיע פון פּערפאָרמינג דעם מיצוואַ.

איך זיך קענען דערציילן פילע, פילע מעשיות איבער די יאָרן וואָס איך האָבן געווען עדות צו וואָס רבי טאַבאַק האט שוין טאן. און איך בין זיכער אַז עס זענען פילע מעשיות וואָס איך טאָן ניט וויסן וועגן. קיין צייַט ווען מיר פרעגן רבי טאַבאַק פֿאַר הילף, ער זיך סענדז ימיילז און אותיות, רימיינדינג און אַסקינג אונדז וואָס מער ער קענען טאָן צו העלפן.

עס זאָל זיין דערמאנט, ווען די דראָר ארגאניזאציע איז געווען באשאפן, עס איז געווען איינגעזען אַז, אין סדר צו האָבן הצלחה, זיי מוזן נעמען רבי טאַבאַק צו זיין אַ מיטגליד פון דער באָרד פון דירעקטאָרס. זיין דערפאַרונג און וויסן אין דעם מיצוואַ איז נייטיק. זיי פארבעטן אים צו פאַרבינדן זייער אָרגאַניזירונג, און פון לויף רבי טאַבאַק אנגענומען דעם אויף זיך ווי געזונט מיט פרייד - צו העלפן דראָר מיט אַלע וואס איז נייטיק צו העלפן יידדישע שעוויים.

די סיבה וואָס איך שרייַבן דעם, איז צו מעפאַרסעם אָסעה מיצוואַ. עס זענען 2 סיבות צו מעפאַרסעם אָסעה מיצוואַ: 1) אַז אנדערע מענטשן זאָל ווערן ינקעראַדזשד, צו לערנען פון דעם און טאָן די זעלבע. אַז רבי טאַבאַק האט דעדאַקייטאַד זיין לעבן צו טאָן דעם גרעסטע מיצוואַ - וואָס איז אַ מיז מיצוואַ, 2) אַז עס זאָל זיין באקאנט און וויסן אַז דעם מענטש איז העלפּינג אונדז און אַלע אנדערע יידדען. און ווער נאָר קענען העלפן אים צו מקיים זיין מיסיע זאָל העלפן אים, ווי ווער נאָר העלפט אים, העלפט פילע אנדערע מענטשן מיט די גרעסטע מיצוואַ.

איך שליסן מיינע רייד, געזאגט אַז רבי טאַבאַק זאָל זיין ברוך, צוזאמען מיט זיין גאנצע משפּחה, מיט אַלע בלעסינגז אין פול מאָס. און אַלע אנדערע וואס העלפן אים און באַגייַסטערן אים מיט זיין אַרבעט, זאָל זיין אַרייַנגערעכנט אין זיין ברכה. אין דער זכות פון רבי טאַבאַק ס גרויס מעשים (וואָס די גאנצע סיבה וואָס ה האט געמאכט אַ שעווי איז אַזוי אַז די יידדישע קינדער האָבן די געלעגנהייט צו מקיים דעם מיצוואַ (און ווי רבי טאַבאַק איז פולפילינג ה ס וועט אין דעם מיצוואַ, עס זאָל ניט מער זיין אַ סיבה צו האָבן שעוויים)), מיר זאלן זען אונדזער יעשיאַ פּרוטי, ווי געזונט ווי די יעשיאַס גאַנץ קלאַל ישראל אין גיטשען - ומעין!

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קומפוט » 10/2/2012 17:47

קומפוט » 13/2/2012 22:26

17 Shevat 5772

Feb 9th 2012

BY: Yossi Shereshevsky

I went to sleep Tuesday night and had a dream. When I woke up, we had, thanks to Askunim, the most beautiful display of all kinds of fruits, that were spread out in the Bais Medrash, so we could make Shehecheyanu. The fruits were tantalizingly delicious. The past 3 years at the other institution I was at, the jail made sure we had Shehecheyanu, but not to the quality of this years.

This was Mamish a Kiddush Ha-shem as all the non frum Jews who never even heard of Tu Beshvat were able now to participate in learning the Minhagim of Klal Yisroel which are "KULO KODOSH" and what Rosh Hashono Lueilonos is, and what Birkas Shehecheyanu is. And we saw the pictures of previous years of the "Tischen" that Askunim provided, so we can at least be there in our minds. Mamish "Veuhavta Lerayacho Komocho was Mekuyim. What a Kiddush Ha-shem.

It was awesome. Even the people who never come to Mincha, came, because they heard about the fruit platter. We had Parmagerants, and star fruit, dates and figs, sabras, and other specialties. People that never put on Tefillin before, came and saw the display, and while they were there they put on Tefillin. And then I was asked to get up to speak and to give a short deion of the holiday and to give Hakoras Hatov to Askunim for supplying and working toward this event.

And then. And then. And then.

And then, as I got up to speak and I started to say the first word, I got up again. And I realized that I dreamt what should of been. And as the day went on and they DIDN'T called us to the Chapel, I realized that they weren't going to, I realized that at least in my dreams I made a Shehecheyanu. And I dreamt about the Kiddush Ha-shem that could of been. And then I started to pray that G-D should forgive all those who knew for themselves to go to the Big Rebbes, and their Tischen and get Shehecheyanu for themselves and their families, but forgot about their brothers in Ft. Dix and their families.

And I called a meeting of all the Jews in Ft. Dix, and together we forgave all these Jews that forgot about us. And together we made a Shehecheyanu on the Brocho of forgiveness. And the Rabbi found some dates in the Moslem Community so we could at least be a shtikel Yotzeh with that. And we each had between 1/2 a date and a whole one.

Yes my brothers. We forgive you. Hearty appetite.

And I will say one other thing. That the Birkas Shehecheyanu that we made with the dates that Rabbi Samet miracously found had more Holiness to it, than any of the beautiful displays of all the big Tischen put together. And all of you should be eating from our Shirayim. But like I said we forgive you.

Yossi Shereshevsky

Rosh Kolel Maharam M'rutenberg

Commentary by: Yaakov Alter ben Shifra Tsharna

It should be noted, in regard to the issue of Tu B'Shvat celebrations in jail, we all know that we live in a supposed "Malchus Shel Chesed", where we have Freedom of Religion, even in jail. More or less, any tradition from any religion, which is recognized by their religion, is recognized by the BOP - at least to a minimum extent. The only reason why Tu B'Shvat isn't recognized by the BOP, is because the Askanim haven't done anything for this. If the askanim would bring this to the BOP and Washington DC, that Tu B'Shvat is a holiday and tradition which is necessary for us, there is no question we'd have it. Maybe the askanim don't see this holiday as so important, or maybe they don't feel they can be successful with it.

I'm 100% certain that no Shomrei Torah u'mitzvos will dispute this. Here in the BOP they have about 16-17 different recognized religious groups. Each of the groups has their customs and traditions which they follow. The BOP to some degree, more or less, gives to each religion their basic needs. But everyone can agree that all of the Jewish traditions are 1000 times more important to us than all the other religions. Because all of their traditions and customs have been made by human beings in the past 2000 years and most have been derived from ours; but ours are commanded directly by Hashem. So every tradition we have, we're obligated to fulfill, and the BOP will provide them if the right advocates will lobby for this.

So basically, I don't think we have to blame the BOP for this, but rather we must make certain that our Askanim take care of this for us. There's no question that providing for us to have the opportunity to have the fruits and make shehechiyanu is a great mitzvah, and part of Pidyon Shvuyim.

Please take in mind the following mitzvos that we would fulfill:

1) to fulfill the custom/tradition of making shehechiyanu on a pri ha'etz

2) to feed hungry people who have no other opportunity to have the fruits, and now they have this opportunity to have this kind of food, and bring them simchas Yom Tov in addition. Some people are in prison here for many years (even decades), and haven't had the opportunity to eat most of these fruits in so long which other people on the street take for granted.

3) if this opportunity were available, more people would come to fulfill the mitzvah, daven, put on tefillin, etc.

4) people who wouldn't know about the custom, would now have the opportunity to learn

5) during the time of being in the Chapel, the people wouldn't need be in the atmosphere of tumah of the compound

6) many other reasons

Each of the reasons mentioned above is enough reason for the askanim to establish at BOP Headquarters that Tu B'Shvat is a Jewish Custom to fulfill, and to establish that it be provided for in jails and prisons throughout the nation.

I hope that someone will pay attention and advocate for this, among many other needs we need here. As I've mentioned before, I believe everyone would agree with the above; if anyone disagrees, please explain why not. In the meantime, we have fulfilled Tu B'Shvat this year as the Rosh HaKollel shlita has explained. Hashem should send a full yeshia for us and alle Yidden in gichen.