Yek's Corner

Introducing Chassidic Pearls

With infinite praise to Hashem, Kalcom Publishing and Emuna Outreach are delighted to announce the debut of Chassidic Pearls in an exquisite softcover edition. Kalcom's graphic artist Iris Berkowitz designed the cover, that shows a pearl emanating light in all directions, with a map of the Ukrainian Jewish villages (shetlach) in the background. We certainly hope that Chassidic Pearls will be a welcome addition to your book shelf and to your Shabbat table.

I want to express my deep gratitude to the author Moreno V'rabbenu Rav Lazer Brody shlit'a, Mrs. Debbie Shapiro, editor of BreslovWorld and a superb author and writer in her own right, and to Emuna Outreach's dedicated and talented staffer and proofreader from Chicago, Mrs. Rachel Tzipporah Salkover for all their assistance in making Chassidic Pearls a reality.

Introducing The Worry Worm

With Hashem's everloving grace, Kalcom Publishing and Emuna Outreach are proud to introduce The Worry Worm, the first of an exciting new series of Children's books aimed at children between the ages of 2 to 200. The Worry Worm is a wonderful, non-denominational story by Rabbi Lazer Brody that brings the concept of emuna to a level that 3 and 4 year-olds can understand, as well as strengthen the emuna of adults as well. Rav Lazer's story about two worms in an apple has been beautifully written to rhyme and illustrated by Rebecca Shapiro of Hamilton, Ontario. G-d willing, the book will be released before this coming Rosh Hashana, 5768. Judging from the warm reactions of our test readers, including preschool and elementary teachers and children, The Worry Worm will find its way into many homes and many hearts.

G-d willing, The Worry Worm isn't a one-time flash in the pan, but the first of Kalcom's new "Little Lazer" series. Kalcom is doing its part to help Emuna Outreach further its child-outreach program that's aimed at teaching emuna to children. If there're no lambs, there're no rams.

Keep your eye open for The Worry Worm. Like Rebecca Shapiro says, it's a book for growing kids with growing minds.

HAARI HAKADOSH ZT"L ZTA"A

Today, the 5th of the Hebrew month of Av, is the yahrtzeit (anniversary of the passing) of the holy Rabbi Yitzchak Luria Ashkenazi of Tzfat,a/k/a HAARI HAKADOSH of sacred and blessed memory, the father of Kabbala, the REAL one not the "madona" type...

This is the Mikveh by his TZIOUN! May we all go to TZION(Jerusalem) by cleaning  ourselves from SINAAT KHINAM("free" hate) and love everyone so we can see BEIT HAMIKDASH built in our generation & very very soon AMEN!

p.s.I'm on my way there today and will try to get to HAR MERON to pray by RASHBI(rebi SHIMON BAR YOKHAI) TZIOUN as well.

TEAMWORK!!!

TEAMWORK!One of the most important things in life,business,TEAM sports,and many other things, like this picture i got from a close buddy of mine in the far east (can you guess where ?). If one person is going to not do the "right thing", and listen to the instructions being YELLED from the guys standing on the back, they ALL will FLIP and fall into the water !!!

now we are in BEIN HAMEITZARIM, those 3 weeks or 21 days that are between the fast of 17 of Tamouz to the big FAST of 9th of AV that is the day of destruction of BEIT HAMIKDASH. The second time it happened because of SINAAT KHINAM or no teamwork!!! Lets pray to hashem to let ALL YIDS out there love each other no MATTER WHAT! Be kind and show respect !! If you khasid or litaii,sfaradi or ashkenazi,KIPA SROUGA or KIPA SHKHORA,SATMER or BELZ,CHABAD or LITVAISH,etc etc.

PLEASE lets have some AHAVAT KHINAM or "free love", or like they say TEAMWORK and help bring & see MASHIAKH BEN DAVID very soon in our generation AMEN , KEN YEHI RATZON !!!(AKY"R)

OR like I say I pray to hashem to let us FAST ONLY ON YOM KIPUR, ANS"V

The Power of a Blessing

Tradition says that when Shimon Peres was 4 years old, his father took him to Radin, the hometown of the great Khafetz Khaim, zatza"l, who blessed little Shimon.

During the course of the years, Mr. Peres had a falling out with the Rebbe of Gur, the "Lev Simcha", zatza'l. After that, he lost 8 elections straight. People then used to joke that Peres couldn't even get elected to his granddaughter's PTA committee or to his own Vaad Bayit.

Shimon Peres then did the smart thing. As a candidate for the presidency this week, he went to the gravesite of the holy Stefanester Rebbe zatza'l in Ramat Gan and took with him a number of leading tzaddikim, who performed a hatarat klalot, removal of curses.

Then, he went to the Gadol of this generation, Rishon L'Tzion Khakham HaShalem Rabbenu Ovadiah Yosef shlit'a, and received a blessing. Rav Ovadiah's blessing is better than money in the bank.

Thanks to Shimon Peres's emunat khakhamim, we call him today "Mister President." Mazal Tov, Mr. President!

P.S. and funny i'm back writing here on 6/13...(TARYAG MITZVOT...) may hashem help us ALL do TSHOUVA and get as close as possible to the 613 and that way see mashiakh ben david in our generation AMEN KY"R !!! ANS"V !!!

above photo courtesy of Jerusalem Post

TRUE or "REAL" KHAVER(Buddy)

ohhh... by the way my answer to some comments is: my REAL! KHAVER TOV (good "buddy"),EREZ BEN MORDEKHAI HY"D (and NOT those in USA,UK, FRANCE,ITALY even in Israel-see RAMBAM, Rabenou YONA,BARTENOURA on PIRKEI AVOT-KHAVERTOV!!) that got nurdered, or shall i say "BUTCHERED" with knifes about 2 weeks ago,on 7 adar (when Moshe rabeinou was BORN & NIFTAR!)

Moses? Erez was killed on 7 Adar, the anniversary of the death of Moses. Erez Levanon is the numerical equivalent of Moshe, Hebrew for Moses. (משה עם הכולל = 346, ארז לבנון = 346). Erez was undoubtedly a spark of Moses' soul.

Here's something even more mindboggling: Erez used to teach lessons in Likutei Moharan at Bat Ayin. The very last lesson he said in his life was - you guessed it - Likutei Moharan, first section, Discourse 38:7! 

check out mori ve rabi HARAV Eliezer Refael BRODY full D"T also for refual shlema of Bluma bat Rivka here:

http://lazerbrody.typepad.com/lazer_beams/2007/03/rebbe_nachmans_.html

so when i asked EVEN BEGED to send checks to M.A.Y.B.E. fund for KEREN EREZ HY"D here:

http://lazerbrody.typepad.com/lazer_beams/2007/02/keren_erez_the_.html

it was open to ALL to be part of this GREAT MITZVAH(and since grew to be bigger as we got a lot more than expected BAROUKH HASHEM! so it also will give to other widows & orphans,hakhnasat kala,FOOD & clothing to the POOR/NEEDY & קימחא דפסחא !!! (which M.A.Y.B.E has been doing ANYWAY since 1999!!!).But now its has certain conditions (after consulting with GDOLEI HADOR Shlit"a),and some checks from "people I know" (can't call them freinds ANYMORE!) for funny amounts like $18 & $52 WERE sent back to them as WE DO NOT WANT THEM part of our MITZVOT with a kind note asking them to donate it to another place they choose !!!!

Please look up the HAFTARAH we shall read B"H on SHABAT HAGADOL and see HOW TO DO TESHOUVA(RAMBAM SAY EIN YISRAEL NIGAALIN ELA BITSHOUBA.hilkhot melakhim),and as how to give TZEDAKA(TATZIL MI MAVET),look TALMOUD BAVLI,Taanit 10a & MEFARSHIM on it.

L,L&L (Life,Love & light) from I"H,ERETZ HAKODESH (a/k/a Holyland or The LAND OF MILK & HONEY !!)

so this is number 3 of 10....hashem yaazor halaa...

Injustice

I hate injustice. Our great sages zatza"l teach us that those who are kind to the cruel end up being cruel to the kind. Cruelty to kind people is the work of Amalek. Here are two examples:

Example One: Amona,

On Feb. 1, 2006, the Israel Police were ordered to demolish nine Jewish homes in Amona, near Ofrah, 12 miles north of Jerusalem. In the video documentary below, police were filmed using excessive force against hundreds of youthful protestors, over 200 of whom were injured and taken to hospitals for treatment. Click here to see, courtesy of Israel National News.

Example Two: Suburbia, Great Stiff Neck, NY

In a place called Stiff Neck, there's a kehilla of nouveau-richers that yesterday were selling felafel and pita, and today knock their heads out trying to show people that they've made a few bucks by buying a big house with a swimming pool and flaunting their $300 silk ties. Their wives will spend an easy two grand before a wedding, between the hairdresser (when she should be covering her hair by Torah commandment) and her new shoes and dresses (which are immodest - who's she trying to impress, the gategeeper of Jehennom?). Anyway, the nouveau-richers of Kehilat New Song actually hired a real tzaddik and khakham, Rabbi A.N. They agreed to give him the salary of $48K, which is about what they spend annually on pitzuchim. After Rabbi A.N. shlit'a reported for work, the Council of nouveau-richers "BOARD" decided that $48K is beyond their budget. So, they threw Rabbi A.N. out on the street in disgrace.

My blood boiled. But, when I asked an independant rabbinical authority what the Halakha is in a case like this, he told me that Kehilat New Song should pay Rabbi A.N. $100K (2 years rounded up....) as a kapara for shaming him. The Gemarra says that he who shames a talmid khakham has no refua for whatever ailment he'll be punished with.

I warn the cruel people of the world - you may think you're powerful with the upper hand, but Hashem hasn't dealt with you yet. The last train for tshuva is blowing its horn...

The ANSWER IS .... ASK YOUR "LOCAL RABBI" what to do... (give him/her a "hint") "Tzedaka (charity) TATZIL MI MAVET" I pray soooooo VERY HARD to HASHEM that that will have RAKHAMIM like he has been rather than MIDAT HADIN ...HASHEM YAAZOR...this was number 2 so now there are 8 to go...more on this soon....

Negotiation in Faith

The famous passage in the Gemarra, tractate Shabbat 31a, states that the first question the Heavenly Court asks a person when he or she finishes their tour of duty on this earth is, "Did you negotiate in faith?"

Most people limit themselves to the face-value interpretation that the above Gemarra is talking about honesty in business; it is. Yet, according to our great and holy sage, the father of Kabbala Rabbi Yitzchak Ashkenazi Luria of blessed and holy memory, the Gemarra is speaking about negotiating in faith with Hashem.

What is negotiating in faith with Hashem? Our sages say that it's giving a minimum of 10% to charity (maaser), or better yet 20% (khomesh). Any simpleton should be able to understand that Hashem is more than willing to give a person a million bucks if that person is willing to give $100,000 - $200,000 to charity. That's faith.

The RAMBAM (Maimonides),zchouto taken aleinou,AMEN! says "LEOLAM EIN HA-ADAM ME-ANI MIN HATZEDAKA! (a person can NEVER get poor from giving out LOTS of TZEDAKA (charity). can see this & lots more in HILKHOT matnot aaniim,chapter 10).

The Chafetz Chaim adds that if a person is a really high roller, then he can go as high as 90% to charity. Yet, most people are too greedy to be satisfied with $100 million in their pockets if Hashem would give them a $billion.

Lots of people make big bucks, but lose 'em to. The people that see blessings from big bucks are the people that give big bucks.(LIKE Harav Moshe Yosef Ben RIVKA Shlit"a,may hashem send him REFUAH SHLEMA,and out of the Toronto hospital!),not the little dimwitted nouveau-richers that complain that they can't afford the rabbi's salary,great sfarim or cd's,but can buy a tie for $250.

more about that later...

Perek Shira

I was driving west from Jerusalem, and when I stopped the car in the hills surrounding Neve Ilan, I heard a serenade of jackals reverberating from all over the place - there must have been hundreds of them. Our sages teach us that all of creation sings Hashem's praise. The above clip, a gorgeous production by Mori V'Rabi HaGaon Brody shlit'a, is something that should encourage all of us to stop running after greenback dollars all day long and to take a look at the blue sky every once in a while and take a few minutes to praise Hashem too. It's pretty embarrassing to think that the frogs are more spiritual than we are.

The Kalcom Film Festival

Welcome to the Kalcom film festival! I have three inspiring video clips to share with you; the first is entitled "Footprints". If it doesn't put a tear in your eye and a warm feeling in your heart, you had better have your pulse and blood pressure checked immediately. When you're finished, scroll down to meet Jordan Chaviv and Yisroel Chaim. Have a great day!

Jordan Chaviv - Rockin' with Kedusha

Fasten your seat belts, because Jordan Chaviv is going to take off. You all know that YEK picks only winners - Jordan is no exception. Hear for yourself, in this moving clip entitled We Will Survive. I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do.

A true hero

You have to see this!!! Rabbi Lazer Brody sent me this unbelievable clip of Yisroel Chaim, a courageous 12-year old boy fighting for his life, who's a lesson in emuna for all of us. Between chemo sessions, he recorded his moving song, "There is a God". May Hashem send him a complete recovery, together with all the afflicted, amen.

USA Trip delayed

For a number of reasons, I've decided to postpone my planned USA (+UK?) trip with Rav Lazer Brody for 2 weeks or so. G-d willing, I'll keep you posted when the new travel plans gel.

Surprise, Great Neck!

After a long recess, the war in Lebanon, and a few health nuisances, I'm back, thank G-d, with renewed energy and big surprises!

I may not be able to pull a rabbit out of my hat, but I can do a heck of lot better: I can pull a 5'10", 178 pound rabbi out of my hat - Great Neck will soon see.

On Sunday night, Nov. 5, 2006 (the eve of 15 Cheshvan, 5767), the very special grand opening of the new Shira Chadasha synagogue and community center under the spiritual leadership of mori ve'rabi hamuvhak HaRav HaGaon Shoub shlit'a, will be held in Great Neck, NY.

Not only do I plan to be there for the occasion, G-d willing, but I plan to bring Rav Lazer Brody shlit'a with me. So am I pulling a rabbi out of my hat or not, Great Neck?

If you'd like to see Rav Brody or have him speak at your community, please contact me at my office at 011-972-77-50-99990 or at my cell phone, 011-972-52-844-3126.

For Shabbat Parshat Lech Lecha, I'm auctioning the privilege of hosting Rav Brody to the highest bidder, and am holding the auction at the above phone number rather than paying 4% to EBay. The money will be used to distribute more Lazer Brody books and CDs to those who can't afford them. I already have an opening bid of $1000 from someone (who at this point prefers to remain anonymous) from the Great Neck community.

See you soon, G-d willing.

Back to work!

Now that Pesach is over, I'm rolling up my sleeves and putting all my weight (you heard me - all my weight!) into getting Kalcom Publishing down the runway and taking off. Our pilot project is the new edition of Rabbi Lazer Brody's The Trail to Tranquility, that with G-d's help is going to leave a lasting impression on the world. Here's a sneak peek at its exquisite new cover, designed by our superbly talented graphic artist, Iris Berkowitz:

TTTT's new front cover

TTTT's new back cover

If you need me, drop me an email. Yek's corner will probably be quiet for the next few days, since most of my time will be occupied in production. Take care and G-d bless!

Iranian Jewish Haggada

I love the oldtime Haggadot, like the Hungarian masterpiece pictured above. If you have in your possession - or know about - any antique illustrated Persian Haggada, let me know. For next year, I'd love to publish an Iranian Jewish Haggada. Probably, the biggest reward for me would be seeing Mama's smile when I give her the first copy. Happy Passover everybody - I'll be talking to you again next week, G-d willing, after the holiday's over.

The Kalati name

Nostalgia. This is the beautiful Caspian Sea coast outside of the Persian (Iranian if you prefer) town of Kalat. That's where the Kalati family gets its name. Too bad such a terrible regime is botching up what could have been a marvelous country.

First Chassidic US President?

It's amazing to see the ridiculous things that come out of some politicians mouths. If you've never met a "talmid chacham", a Torah scholar, then you don't know the meaning of clear and cogent thinking. Furthermore, a true "Chacham" is also modest - he casts his ego aside because it gets in the way of serving G-d. So, he doesn't have an ego problem (because if he did, he wouldn't be a true "Chacham").

Anyway, chances are that you'll see my face back in the USA within the coming weeks. I have quite a few letters from people who want to meet and hear Rav Lazer Brody, so if Hashem so desires, I might just bring "Rabbi Rambo" with me. By the way, don't you think Kalcom Publishing's Rav Lazer would make a great candidate for US President? He's got dual citizenship (USA-Israel) and he was born in Washington, DC. I even have a good campaign poster picture to use; check this out:

Its common knowledge that the US President dictates to Israel; would I love to see Olmert taking orders from Rav Lazer. Wouldn't that be a fiction best-seller... Now, all I need is somebody talented enough to write it!

The real deal

Take a good luck at the above logo. No, we're not going to limit ourselves to the kugel-eating public. Moshiach is fast on the way, and with Hashem's help, we at Kalcom Publishing are going to make Torah books (the food for the soul) more popular than Coca Cola.

You see what I mean?

Those of you that know me also know that I'm not messin' around.

Hey, don't laugh - I might be the size of a locomotive, but once a locomotive gains momentum, look out...

Torah's the real thing, and Kalcom Publishing is the real deal.

Who's reading TTTT nowadays?

The Trail to Tranquility is making quite a buzz around cybertown lately. The beautiful new English website of the Breslevers is running a TTTT excerpt here.

So, you think that's small change? Would you like to see a picture of someone taller that's now reading The Trail to Tranquility?

You're right! That's Rick Barry, an old buddy of mine from way back. Last night, I spoke to Rick on the phone from my Israeli residence here at Ramat HaSharon, and he mentioned his old basketball buddy that became Israel's hoop icon, Tal Brody, former European champion forward from Maccabee Tel Aviv. "Wow, strange coincidence," I said, "Tal is a distant cousin of Rabbi Rambo, my good friend Lazer Brody, one of Israel's favorite folk-rabbis and a popular author."

Distant cousins and distant paths, but Tal Brody (left) and Lazer Brody (right) are both stars in their respective fields.

"Rabbi Rambo?" Rick asked. "What's his latest book?"

"The Trail to Tranquility - you gotta see this!" I said, and I flashed him an ebook. "Wanna talk to Rabbi Rambo?"

"Sure," Rick said, and I arranged a conference call between Colorado, Ramat HaSharon, and Ashdod.

So, Rick Barry and Rabbi Lazer spoke on the phone last night, and they have a lot of admiration for each other. Nice to hang out with good people.

In case I forgot to mention, The Trail to Tranquility is my favorite book in English; that's why I'm making it Kalcom Publishing's premier publication on the American market, but more on that in the coming days... Wait and see - Ophra's going to be begging me on her hands and knees for this book.