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m A family affair The Minkin family reaffirms their belief in Jewish education by contributing a faculty lounge to “The Hebrew Academy of Tomorrow.” David Minkin (left) is vice president of the Academy and general chairman of the Capital Funds Campaign currently under way to finance the new Hebrew Academy building. With him are Shana, class of’85; Sarah Anne, a fifth grade student; Samara, class of’86, and Glenda Minkin, who has also been very active in Hebrew Academy activities. Toroh fhouQhts So long in the desert Rabbi Schneerson Adapted Irom the works of Rabbi Menachem M Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe. by Rabbi Vossi New. Chabad of Georgia Why did Israel have to wander so long in the desert? True, G-d did not lead them in a straight path to Canaan through the land of the Phillistines because “...the people might change their mind when they saw war.” But why 1 feel years? It does not take that long even by their circuitous route through the wilderness; in fact Israel encamped at Kadesh for a period of 19 years. Obviously it was not a question of a certain route. Forty years’ wandering was Is rael’s punishment, “measure for measure,” for the 40 days’journey of the spies in the Holy Land, after which they brought back an evil report. But the punishment was mainly that they should not enter the Holy Land for another 40 years—which they could have spent in an inhabited place; why the desert? But the entire purpose of Israel’s wandering in the desert was to transform it, to turn the desolate wilderness into a human habitation. What does “human habitation" mean? It can be a village of two families, or a town of millions. From the Torah’s perspective the highest, most perfect level of human habitation is achieved when a com munity of 600,000 Jews gathers in one place. This is a mystic number. It is the number of the “general souls” of the Jewish nation. It is the “core-number” of those who left Egypt (i.e., the army of the child ren of Israel, adult males over the age of 20). It is the highest level of community, representing the greatest variety of Jews of different backgrounds, social levels, etc. When 600,000 of Israel gather, a special bracha is recited. Less than 600,000 is not the perfect commu nity; more than that number adds nothing. The 600,000 Israelites, just by virtue of their inhabiting the wil derness, transformed the desola tion into a human habitation—a Jewish community—of the highest order; and the transformation ex tended even to the physical aspects of the desert. The snakes and scor pions were miraculously destroyed by the clouds of glory; the water from Miriam’s well (which miracu lously rolled along with them) gave rise to fruits and vegetation—the antithesis of wilderness. In a spiritual sense, wilderness is “where man does not dwell.” On the highest level this refers to supernal Man—G-d. One who finds himself in such a state must trans form the desert into a place where supernal Man—G-d—dwells. For example, an engaged couple are about to go out into the “desolate wilderness” of the world. In this spiritual desert they must establish a Jewish home, a human habita tion of the highest order, an “Israe lite encampment” that will eventu ally transform the surrounding desert into a habitation for G-d- liness. Served Nightly 5-7 p.m. Selections include: London Broil, mushroom sauce Broiled Filet of Flounder Deep Fried Oysters Chicken Teriaki Chef’s Evening Selection Complete Candlelight Dinners include appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage. Reservations 955-1700 HOLIDAY INN' POWERS FERRY 6345 POWERS FERRY RD NW ATLANTA GA 30339 Casino Junket Trips Vcgav •Atlantic City •Talioc • llalianm* San 'Juan • Aruba All complimentary for qualified players Call today to receive our trip invitations CASINO TOURS, LTD. P.O. Box 922 Macon, Georgia 31202 912-742-7586 or 1-800-282-1281 (Toll-free in GA only) Over 300 Nationally Advertised Lines of Furniture. Carpeting and Accessories Consumers Digest tor Service, integrity and Savings 'tTire m in aona i Poartouiei OFF RETAIL PRICES Featuring The Largest Selection Available in Solid Brass & Iron Beds r Tuxnltuta, Due, HOURS 10-6 WEEKDAYS FRIDAY 10-9, SATURDAY 10-6 6329 Roswell Rd. at Marshall's Plaza Shopping Center 252-3434 Feeling cornered in your closet? We can help! Shown □ 40 feet of adjustable shelving that solves the cluttered corner. Call us for more good ideas and free in-home designer estimate. 231-2232 COMPANY Showroom irl Pharr Plaza, 375 Phair Road. Suite 110 By Appointment Only* The Jewish National Fund, Southern Region proudly announces its first annual FABULOUS LABOR DAY WEEK END For Singles and Couples /August 29-September 1 at CAMP BLUE STAR (Hendersonville, North Carolina) Your cost for a “wonderful return to the past” or a fabulous new experience at the South's premiere private camp is: $300 per person ($200 is tax deductible) or $500 per couple ($300 is tax deductible). A rare opportunity for both singles and couples to meet people from all over the Southeast. Saturday night social highlights a Fabulous Fifties Band. “All you can eat” Jewish cuisine (strictly Kosher) features a delectible Sunday brunch. Complete water, tennis, and land sports facilities, plus optional Excursion trip to the Nantahala Outdoor Center for white-water rafting ($30 surcharge). Limited enrollment/Deadline August 19. □ Please find my check for $ for enrollment of I understand that a complete instruction packet will follow Name(s) Be sure to include wife's first name Address □ Please send me additional information City. State. Zip Phone( Mail to Jewish National Fund 1644 Tullie Circle, #118, Atlanta, GA 30329 (404) 633-1132 PAGE 11 THE SOUTHERN ISRAELITE August 1, 1986