Haftora: Vayichrot Y'hoyada...Add the first and last verses of the Haftora for Machar Chodesh.

• Bless Rosh Chodesh Adar Sheini;
• say the entire Tehillim in the early morning.
• Day of Farbrengen.

Shabbat 29 Adar I, Parshat Shekalim 5703
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: Vayakheil, Shvi'i with Rashi. Tehillim: 140-144. Tanya: Ch. 33. This, also (p. 147)...of this faith. (p. 153).

In responding to L'chayim there are two versions:

1. L'chayim Tovim Ul'Shalom, "for good life, and for peace." The reason for this blessing is that the first time drinking wine is mentioned in the Torah, there were undesirable results. "Noach began etc." [1] also, the Tree of Knowledge was a grapevine. [2] Therefore we extend the blessing that this wine be for a good life.

2. The Maggid of Mezritch used to respond L'Chayim VeLivracha. Once at a Farbrengen, the Alter Rebbe responded L'Chayim VeLivracha. After the Farbrengen Chassidim discussed this expression, which they heard then for the first time.

One chassid proposed: Since "When wine enters, the secret comes out," [3] which in Avoda signifies that the emotions are revealed, we need a B'racha for this; the expression is L'Chayim VeLivracha, and "Livracha" may be read, Leiv Raka, a sensitive heart.

The Tzemach Tzedek commented: Such an interpretation could be proposed only by a Chassid who has Davened and labored in Avoda for thirty years.

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) Also translated as "Noach corrupted himself" or profaned himself" or "degraded himself." Bereishit 9:20.

2. (Back to text) See Tikunei Zohar, Tikun 24.

3. (Back to text) Eiruvin 65a.

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Sunday 30 Adar I, Rosh Chodesh 5703
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: P'kudei, First Parsha with Rashi. Tehillim: 145-150. Tanya: Ch. 34. It is (p. 153)...explained later (p. 153).

My father said: A chassid creates an environment. If he does not, he had better check his own baggage carefully, to see whether his own affairs are in order. The very fact that he fails to create an environment should make him as broken as a splinter. He must demand of himself: What am I doing in this world?

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Monday Adar Sheini 29 5703
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: Tazria, Sheini with Rashi. Tehillim: 140-150. Tanya: It is this (p. 191)...this was their Service. (p. 193).

My father said at a farbrengen: G-d created the universe and all physical objects Yeish Mei'ayin, something from nothing. Jews must transform the "something" into "nothing,"[1] transform the material into spiritual. [1]

The Avoda of turning the physical into spiritual and making the physical into an instrument for the spiritual, is a personal obligation. Every single person, individually, is required to do this.

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) Meaning, "the intangible" in material terms - i.e. the spiritual. See Supplementary Footnotes, p. 127 in the printed version.