Hakhel Email Community Awareness Bulletin
AUGUST 2016 DAILY EMAIL ARCHIVE
27 Menachem Av
FROM THE GUIDELINES CHABURA:
Do you also know that feeling of being caught not knowing/remembering an
important Halacha?
Good news!!!
We managed to get special permission from the authors of the popular
“Guidelines” Halocho Series
(by
Rabbi E. Barclay and Rabbi Y. Jaeger, Shlita) to
send out daily Q&A in Halacha emails relevant to the times of the year-for
free!
Many people are already benefiting from it, so we thought it would be nice
to share it with the public.
This
creates an amazing opportunity to start learning many of those important
Halachos we all wish we would have more time to review!
Wouldn’t you love it if you could just receive those Halachos right here in
your inbox, and all it would take is two minutes a day to read?
You won’t believe what an incredible difference it can make to your quality
of life, feeling confident and prepared with each upcoming Yom Tov!
We’re open for new sign ups now since the new series of Hilchos Elul/Yomim
Noraim is starting very soon, so if you want to join, now is the time!
To subscribe, email
theguidelineschabura@gmail.com.
-------------------------------------
THE
POWER OF TESHUVAH--An Effective Day By Day Guide!
This
is an outstanding absolutely must read Artscroll work by Rabbi Heshy
Kleinman, Shlita, author of the Praying with Fire Series. In 40 excellent
lessons, Rabbi Kleinman provides practical strategies to start and succeed
at the Teshuvah process all in a practical, positive and uplifting way. A
special foreword to the book is provided by HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita,
and it also includes important Halachos of Teshuvah. If you start on Rosh
Chodesh Elul--you will finish this Sefer on Teshuvah on Yom Kippur! What a
demonstration of your sincere, reasoned dedication to Teshuvah!
-------------------------------------
NINETEEN WEEKS:
As we especially dedicate ourselves to the fifteenth Bracha of Shemone Esrei
this week, we provide the following words of instruction from the great
Praying with Passion Series (in order to go through this entire
outstanding series on Tefillah, please visit
http://prayingwithfire.org/archives.html):
“In
this fifteenth blessing of Shemone Esrei, we say “Es Tzemach Dovid
Avdecha Meheirah Satzmiach--the offspring of Your servant Dovid may you
speedily cause to flourish.” Zecharia (Chapter 6, Posuk 12)
teaches that Mashiach’s name will be Tzemach, which means the
sprouting or flourishing of a plant. The Midrash (Tehillim, Mizmor
18) explains that when a “tzomai’ach,” a plant, is first planted,
its seed lies dormant beneath the ground. After a time, when the seed
sprouts and flourishes, its existence finally becomes evident and its hidden
potential is realized. The blessing Es Tzemach Dovid refers to the
sprouting of the geulah, because the process is as gradual as that of
a growing plant. One who continuously watches over a plant will not notice
it growing, yet over time, it becomes obvious that the plant did indeed
grow. Similarly, it is as difficult for us to perceive how each challenging
period of Jewish history contributes to the final redemption as it is for us
to see a plant grow. Nevertheless, the seeds of the geulah are
already present, waiting to be nurtured by Hashem.”
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WORD PERFECT:
The Chofetz Chaim teaches that the average man looks at his actions
and deeds, and if he is a decent person, seeks to improve upon them.
However, he views his words as something without substance, which do
not even have to evaporate into thin air--for they are merely air to begin
with! In fact, however, the Chofetz Chaim continues, the destruction and
ruination that could result from misguided speech is far greater
than that which could result from a misdeed. Amazingly, the Navi (Amos
4:13) teaches “Ki Hinei Yotzer Harim U’Vorei Ruach U’Maggid L’Adam Mah
Seicho--for behold, Hashem forms mountains and creates winds--and
He recounts to a person what he spoke about.” The Pasuk is importantly
teaching us that the Creator looks to see, after 120 years--what the
person spoke about. As the Chofetz Chaim further highlights: “And
there is not even one utterance that is lost. Every word, and even every
letter is evidence against--or evidence for each individual.
It is essential to note that Chazal (Avos 5:1) teach that the world
itself was created B’Asara Ma’amaros--with ten utterances. This is
the way the whole world was created--and this is what shapes our destiny as
well. In just a few days, Rosh Chodesh Elul will be upon us. Elul is a
time of great Rachamim, of great mercy. Hashem will surely extend mercy to
those who have mercy on themselves. Let us now think of a thirty (30) day
plan of speech improvement--even if it is only in how we speak to a certain
individual. When we are judged--whether it be now or in the future--may our
speech not be brought in as proof against us--but instead be proffered as a
great and incredibly powerful zechus for us, for our families, and for K’lal
Yisrael!
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TEFILLAH!
We continue to provide below important words of direction and instruction
on Tefillah provided by HaRav Nosson Wachtfogel, Z’tl, as recorded in
the Sefer Leket Reshimos B’Inyanei Tefillah.
PART TWO
A. HaRav Wachtfogel was once asked how one can work on Emunah. He
responded--by speaking to Hashem as one speaks to his father. He continued:
“One does not have to delve into books about it--one has to find its
expression in one’s heart.” Additionally, just as one gives Tzedakah or does
Chesed on a daily basis, and the more the one does so, the more the Tzedakah
and Chesed is ingrained within him, so too, it is with the Middah of Emunah--one
must work on it and practice it every day.
B. One year, after concluding the first day’s Selichos before Rosh Hashana
on Motza’ei Shabbos at about 2:00AM, HaRav Wachtfogel urged people to stay
in order to recite Tehillim for someone who was ill. Someone advised him
that the person’s conditioned had improved a bit. HaRav Wachtfogel
replied--all the more so to say Tehillim now--for we see that the Tefillos
are helping!
C. HaRav Wachtfogel once visited the Chofetz Chaim, at which time the
Chofetz Chaim emphasized to him the words “Alein, Alein”--by oneself,
by oneself. HaRav Wachtfogel understood the Chofetz Chaim’s lesson to him is
that one should not copy or parrot others, and not get lost in the crowd.
Instead--each person as an individual should daven to Hashem, expressing his
own Neshama’s yearnings and feelings. HaRav Wachtfogel would point to Yaakov
Avinu--whom Hashem did not stop from traveling--when he passed the Makom
HaMikdash on the way to Charan. Instead, Hashem wanted Yaakov Avinu to
realize it himself--and return to the Makom HaMikdash on his own (see
Bereishis 28:17 and Rashi there). Every person must realize who he is and
what he must do--and act accordingly!
D. One must keep the teaching of HaRav Chaim Brisker, Z’tl (on the Rambam
Hilchos Tefillah 4:1) in mind before beginning his Shemone Esrei. HaRav
Chaim writes that when one begins to daven, he must literally view himself
as standing before the Shechina--and this is part of the Ikar Mitzvah of
Tefillah. If a person’s mind is taken up, and he cannot focus on the fact
that he is standing before Hashem--then he is not standing before Hashem,
and his Tefillah cannot therefore be a Tefillah--with the result that his
bracha is r’l a bracha levatalah. Great privileges come with great
responsibilities.
E. HaRav Wachtfogel would say that Gedolei Olam placed their ikar
Kavannah in the first bracha of Shemone Esrei.
F. Before leaving the Beis HaMidrash, HaRav Wachtfogel would stop by the
door and take out a Tehillim and recite a Perek or some Pesukim, and then
only take leave of the Beis Midrash.
G. Once, HaRav Wachtfogel met someone and asked him where he had davened
Shacharis. He responded that he had davened with the Mashgiach--but that he
had arrived a ‘few minutes’ late. HaRav Wachtfogel responded that all of
Tefillah is those ‘few minutes’.
H. Particular Tefillos:
1. Someone asked HaRav Wachtfogel whether there is importance to a birthday.
He answered that there is--in terms of Tefillah. A person should recite
several Kepitelech of Tehillim, daven for an upcoming good year, and daven
for Hatzlacha in Ruchniyus and Kol Tuv. The Mashgiach suggested (at a
minimum) Kepitelech 13 and 103.
2. When asked what one should pray for in respect of an unborn child, he
responded that one should daven that he become an Adam Gadol. This prayer is
true for a girl as well, he said --look at Devorah HaNevi’ah for example.
Moreover--think of the Chofetz Chaim’s mother!
3. HaRav Wachtfogel would urge those who had to interrupt their studies for
a Mitzvah to daven that they ask for the Shechina Who was with them while
learning not to depart--just as Avrohom Avinu asked Hashem before going to
serve the Malochim: “Im Nah Matzasi Chein B’Einecha Ahl Nah Sa’avor
Mei’al Avadecha--Hashem, please have mercy on me and do not leave,
although I am leaving my Torah studies for now.”
I. Someone related his Chidush in Tefillah to HaRav Wachtfogel--which he
apparently very much appreciated: In Mizmor Shir Chanukas HaBayis (Tehillim
30), which we recite every day, Dovid HaMelech exclaims: “Histarta
Fanecha Hayisi Nivhal--when You conceal Your face, I am bewildered”
(ibid. 30:8). Realizing he is perturbed, what does Dovid HaMelech do next?
“Eilecha Hashem Ekra Ve’el Hashem Eschanan--to You Hashem I call
out--to You Hashem do I plead.” Dovid HaMelech is teaching us that if we are
disturbed, confused and/or don’t know what to do, we must daven!
J. Shlomo HaMelech, the wisest of all men, brings in Shir HaShirim (2:14)
that Hashem tells us: “Hashme’ini Es Koleich Ki Koleich Areiv…let
Me hear your supplicating voice, for your voice is sweet!” Daven to Hashem
with your voice, with your strength, with your being!
=================================
26 Menachem Av
A
TREMENDOUS INSIGHT:
The following insight was provided by Torah Tavlin: “The Kotzker
Rebbe, Zt’l, makes a fascinating point. He says that the weekly Parasha
gives us an insight into what we are meant to accomplish that week. Thus,
the week after we bentsch Rosh Chodesh Elul is meant for us to “Re’eh--Look.”
Each Jew must stop and look inside himself or herself and see what needs
improvement, this is how we know where to start.”
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OUTSTANDING INSIGHTS:
We provide the following outstanding insights on last week’s Parashas Eikev,
based upon the Sefer Talelei Oros, an unmatched collection by HaRav
Yissocher Dov Rubin, Z’tl:
A. On
the Pasuk “LeMa’an Anosecha U’Lema’an Nasosecha” (Devarim 8:16), the
Chofetz Chaim writes that when Hashem wants to raise a person to a higher
Madreiga in life, He first tests him with a Nisayon. If the person is able
to succeed at the Nisayon, then he is raised up to the higher Madreiga in
life. Hakhel Note: Perhaps you now understand why this or that
happened.
B.
The Torah warns against a person who is successful--contemplating that it is
because “Kochi V’Otzem Yadi Asah Li Es HeChayil HaZeh--it is my
power and capabilities that have brought me to where I am today.” The
Sefer Meilitz Yosher notes that one of the reasons that we wash
Netilas Yadayim upon rising in the morning is because the tumah that comes
upon us while sleeping takes its last hold on the hands, which we must then
wash in order to remove the tumah’s vestiges. It is the hands that are the
last to forego the tumah, he continues, because a person tends to attribute
his success to “the work of his hands”--and there is no greater tumah than
to believe that in a person’s own prowess and power which is the antithesis
of Ain Od Milevado. Thus, by washing our hands in the morning--we
declare that we want to rid ourselves of the tumah of Kochi V’Otzem Yadi
and instead proclaim Ain Od Milevado! Hakhel Note: Why
not think about this every morning!
C.
The Imrei Emes was asked how a person could be Zoche to Yiras
Shomayim. He answered that from the Posuk of “Mah Hashem Elokecha Sho’el
MeiImach Ki Im L’Yirah--what does Hashem ask of you but to fear
Him” (Devarim 10:12). Chazal also learn that a person should make 100
Brachos a Day. The Imrei Emes therefore concludes that if a person
is careful in his 100 Brachos a Day and has Kavannah when making them, he
will be filled with Yiras Shomayim. On this same topic of how one can
attain Yiras Shomayim, HaRav Itzele Peterburger, Z’tl, has an additional
insight. He was once advised that there were Yeshiva Bachurim who were
sleeping in the Bais Midrash and not in people’s homes (who had agreed to
house them, as was a common practice in many European communities). He was
told that the reason they were so doing was in order to avoid going into a
home and finding newspapers and other potentially harmful reading material
for them. HaRav Itzele responded that while their idea may be a good one,
the Ikar is to study Mussar--for without one studying Mussar Seforim--even
if one would be locked in the Aron Kodesh--he would light a candle there
and read what his heart desired. Hakhel Note: Have we chosen our
Mussar Sefer for Elul yet?
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TEFILLAH! The
Mitzvah of Tefillah is found in last week’s Parasha--in the second Parasha
of Shema--with the words “Ul’Avdo BeChol Levavechem”. HaRav Chaim
Kanievsky, Shlita was asked the following question by friends of a young man
who was seriously ill: They have gotten together several times to recite
Tehillim and daven for him. He is unfortunately still ill. Is there
something else they should do--perhaps take upon themselves a special
Mitzvah together...? If so, what should they do? HaRav Kanievsky answered
that Chazal teach: “Im Ro’eh Adam SheHispallel Velo Ne’eneh, Yachzor
VeYispallel (Brachos 32A)...if a person sees that he prayed and that his
prayers were not seemingly answered, he should pray again.” He thus advised
the friends that, ahead of all else, to make another Kinus of Tefillah on
their friend’s behalf. From this P’sak we should grow in our appreciation of
the utter potency of Tefillah.
One may study the important words of the Sefer HaChinuch on
the Mitzvah of Tefillah (Mitzvah 433). We provide below important words
of direction and instruction on Tefillah provided by HaRav Nosson
Wachtfogel, Z’tl, as recorded in the Sefer Leket Reshimos B’Inyanei
Tefillah.
PART ONE
A. The Sefer HaChinuch (ibid.) writes that this Mitzvah is a
Mitzvah Koleles--a broad and inclusive one: “Because the service of
Hashem includes all of the Mitzvos.” HaRav Wachtfogel explains that the
Chinuch means that the Mitzvah of Tefillah subsumes the entire Torah within
it, for in the end all of the Mitzvos are Avodas Hashem--and Tefillah is
the source of all Avodas Hashem!
B. One who owns a store, and knows that this is his Parnassah, is very
careful in guarding it. If he leaves it open and takes a stroll without
proper safeguards--he will most certainly go bankrupt. To the contrary, one
who is careful exercises his hishtadlus by making sure that the store
opens and closes on time, and that he properly services his customers. What
is our ‘store’ in Ruchniyus? The Pasuk records (Shemos 14:10): “Vayitzaku
Bnei Yisrael Ehl Hashem”--and Bnei Yisrael cried out to Hashem. Chazal
teach that the reason that they did so is because they held onto the
umanus, to the profession of their forefathers--Tefillah! Our
store--the umanus of K’lal Yisrael--is Tefillah.
C. One should remember the words of the Chazon Ish (Kovetz Igros, Igeres
Bais): “HaTefillah Hi Mateh Oz Beyad Kol Adam Vechol Sheyasim Ha’adam
Mivtacho Bo Yisborach Kein Ya’aleh Ve’chein Yatzliach…Chavivin Yisrael
She’ein Tzrichin Shaliach Vechol Bar Nash Bechocho Limtzo Tov Ahl Yedei
Tefillah--Tefillah is a mighty tool in the hand of every person, and one
who places his trust in Hashem will succeed…we are cherished by Hashem for
we do not need any intermediary--each and every one of us can attain all
goodness through Tefillah!”
D. The Ikar of Tefillah is not the in-depth Kavannos or yichudim--rather,
it is one’s attitude in Tefillah. One must show humility and great respect
while davening. Likewise, one should not treat the Shul with disrespect in
any manner--hanging up a coat on a window, not coming dressed properly, or
the like.
E. When davening, one should speak to Hashem as a poor person who is at the
door--pleading for his needs before One Who is concerned for him and can
grant all of his requests--and more!
F. Chazal (Brachos 6B) teach that Tefillah is so important and so lofty that
it stands “BeRumo Shel Olam--at the height of the world.” It is for
this reason that the Yetzer Hara attempts from so many angles to thwart the
efficacy of one’s Tefillos. Know, then, that when you succeed in coming to
Shul on time, recite Pesukei D’Zimra with meaning, and stand Shemone Esrei
knowing that you are standing before Hashem--each and every success is a
separate and distinct victory against the Yetzer Hara.
G. If one feels that he is being disturbed by others davening loudly, he
should realize that whatever other place he moves to, he will probably find
a similar result. Instead, one should focus on his own davening--with Kavana,
with hislahavus, with simcha--so that he is so involved in his
own Tefillah--he will not be disturbed by another’s Tefillah!
H. After 120 years, a person will be asked: “What did you do about the
Churban Beis HaMikdash and the Galus HaShechina?” “What did you do for the
Jews in Eretz Yisrael and in other lands?” If a person responds: “Who am I?
What am I?”, the Beis Din Shel Ma’alah will reject the claim, and reply:
“HaKadosh Baruch Hu listens to the Tefillos of everyone, and in Tefillah one
can ask for anything and achieve anything--you had the ability to use the
greatest power available to anyone!”
I. Dovid HaMelech refers to himself as “Va’ani Sefillah--and I am
prayer” (Tehillim 109:4). HaRav Wachtfogel once quoted this Pasuk in a shmuz
and began to cry, exclaiming: “Dovid does not call himself a king, a navi, a
chochom--rather he defines his essence as Tefillah--and so can we!”
J. Yaakov Avinu describes his Tefillos as Becharbi U’vekashti--my
sword and my bow (Bereishis 48:22 and Targum Unkelus there). HaRav
Wachtfogel explains that this is not a Mashal at all--for in the Olam
HaRuchni in which he lived--the sword and the bow is Tefillah--for it breaks
and destroys our enemies and antagonists from without and from within!
K. Moshe Rabbeinu led us out of Mitzrayim, received the Torah and with
unimaginable self-sacrifice led millions of people in the desert. Yet, these
unfathomable zechusim were insufficient for him--as Chazal (Brachos 32A)
teach that Moshe was only answered in the zechus of his Tefillos.
L. Although withstanding a Nisayon is a great accomplishment--there is an
even greater madreiga, and that is to sincerely daven to Hashem: “Ve’al
Tevieini Liyedei Nisayon--and do not bring me to a Nisayon!”
M. We should appreciate the roles of Shacharis, Mincha and Ma’ariv.
Shacharis gives us the spiritual strength to continue until Mincha, and
Mincha until Ma’ariv. As the Sefer Kuzari (Ma’amar Gimel) puts it:
Shacharis gives us the fortitude for the day just as the morning meal
does--until we ‘eat again’ in the evening. Tefillah is, very literally,
spiritual sustenance.
N. HaRav Wachtfogel would very much object to those whose strength and
intensity in davening or reciting Tehillim for a particular situation would
wane because he heard the person felt better, or the situation had improved.
Our hallmark, he said, is that we are a nation which is “Kelavi Yakum
Vecha’ari Yisnasah--which gets up like a lion cub and raises itself up
like a lion.” We are to daven with strength, sincerity, devotion and feeling
at all times--and in all situations!
=================================
25 Menachem Av
SUMMER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM!
We continue our Summer
Improvement Program, with simple suggestions,
on a weekly basis, in each of the areas of Bein Adam LaMakom, Bein Adam
L’Chaveiro, and Bein Adam L’Atzmo. Of course, these are only
suggestions--but every person has the opportunity to join with others who
will be attempting the same successes. In the alternative, one can chart his
own improvement course on a weekly basis as well.
WEEK 9--PARASHAS RE’EIH
Bli neder, at least one time a day during this week, consciously do
the following:
Bein Adam LaMakom:
Yiras Shomayim was highlighted more than once in last week’s Parasha. As we
noted last week, the ‘Parashas HaYirah’ was found in the Parasha as well.
Recite the Parashas HaYirah (as published in most Siddurim after Shacharis),
together with the short Yehi Ratzon to be recited immediately afterwards. It
is no coincidence that the Torah emphasizes Yiras Shomayim to us in the week
immediately preceding Elul!
Bein Adam L’Chaveiro:
The Mitzvah of Kibud Av
Va’eim is one of the few Mitzvos to which the Torah attributes Arichus
Yomim--special reward in this world and the next. The Mitzvah applies
both during a parent’s lifetime in this world and after. Every day, be sure
to perform some new or different act of Kibud (e.g., an additional phone
call, a gift, a donation of a Sefer to Shul in honor, etc.).
Bein Adam L’Atzmo:
Last week’s Parasha also strongly warned each member of K’lal Yisrael to
avoid the attitude and even the feeling of ‘Kochi V’Otzem Yadi’--it
is my strength, my acumen, my knowledge that brought me to my position in
life, my accomplishments…. Every time one has a feeling of personal
aggrandizement or unjustified pride--even if it is in Torah study or
Ruchniyus, he should exclaim: “It is not Kochi V’Otzem Yadi” or
“Thank You Hashem!”
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NINETEEN
WEEKS!
We are now in the
fifteenth of the
nineteen
week period prior to Rosh Hashana. In past years, we have proceeded weekly, Bracha
by Bracha, through Shemone Esrei with a special emphasis on Kavannah on that
week’s Bracha.
This
week’s Bracha is…Es Tzemach Dovid!
Non-coincidentally, we begin this Bracha as we are about to take leave of
Chodesh Menachem Av. Rabbi Heshy Kleinman, Shlita, reminded us of the
following lesson-for-us-all (originally presented in Reb Shraga Feivel, by
Yonasan Rosenblum (Artscroll p.110)):
“One
day Reb Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz was teaching Tehillim, whose subject is the
Jew’s eternal pining for return to Jerusalem and the Temple that once stood
there, “Nichsefa V’Gam Kalsa Nafshi--My soul yearns, indeed it pines for the
courtyards of Hashem (Tehillim 84:3).” When he reached the next Pasuk, “Gam
Tzippor Matza Vayis…--even the bird finds a home, and the free bird its
nest,” the tears ran down his cheeks, as he lamented, ‘Everything has its
place--except for the Shechina (the Divine Presence), which remains in
exile.’”
We
suggest that while we recite the many brachos in Shemone Esrei three times a
day relating to Galus and Geulah, when we recite the words “Ki
LiShuasecha Kivinu Kol HaYom,” we should at least be moved to think
about how desperately we need this Yeshua! Are we no less Jews than HaRav
Shraga Feivel? Let us move ourselves in the same way he did--by simply
taking a moment of reflection to think about it! As the Mesilas Yesharim
(end of Chapter 19) teaches, our thoughts, our feelings, our prayers and our
yearnings, mean very much in Shomayim, and it is our great obligation and
privilege to bring ourselves, K’lal Yisrael, and the World--to where we are
supposed to be!
Additional Note: This bracha is the only bracha in Shemone Esrei that begins
with the word Es, which is a word that is somewhat difficult to
translate. We may at least suggest that it represents the great importance
of this bracha--as it extends in scope from the aleph to the taf--spanning
through the entire aleph bais to demonstrate the importance of the Moshiach
to us. Why is the word Tzemach used in the bracha? The Eitz
Yosef suggests that the name of Moshiach Ben Dovid is Tzemach
(see Yirmiyah 23:5, and Zechariah 3:8 and 6:12). With the next phrase,
Dovid Avdecha--Dovid Your servant--we convey that we are not
hoping for Moshiach’s arrival so that we, through the Malchus Bais Dovid,
will rule over the world, but rather so that we, as led by Dovid Avdecha,
will better serve You. In fact, HaRav Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, notes that
on the Yomim Noraim we also daven for “Utzemichas Keren L’Dovid Avdecha--for
this is the great purpose of Dovid in his kingship--to lead all of Klal
Yisrael to Ohl Malchus Shomayim in its best and purest form!”
In addition to the above notes,
we provide by the following link
additional notes to the Nineteen Brachos for the
years 5771 and 5772
http://www.hakhel.info/TefillahArchive.html May we highly recommend the
Nineteen Week Program again
this year--either based upon your own study (such as by utilizing the
Praying with Passion Series (available at
www.prayingwithfire.org), the magnificent Rav Schwab on Prayer,
the Tefillah Tapes of Rabbi Berel Wein, Shlita, or other wonderful
resources), or by utilizing the link provided on a daily basis throughout
the week!
-------------------------------------------
TURNABOUT!
In
last week’s Pirkei Avos, Chazal (Avos 4:13) teach that one who fulfills a
Mitzvah gains himself a praklit--an advocate before the Heavenly
Tribunal, whereas one who commits an aveirah acquires for himself a
kateigor--an accuser at the very same place. What happens to the accuser
that a person acquired--when that person does Teshuvah? The Sefer Tomer
Devorah (Chapter 4) writes that when one does Teshuvah--the accusers do
not disappear, but rather are invested with Kedusha and become advocates on
one’s behalf. Accusers turn to advocates! What gain--let’s get going!
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SOME ADDITIONAL NOTES ON LAST WEEK’S PARASHA, PARASHAS EIKEV:
A.
The
Sefas Emes notes that the first word of the second Parasha of Shema is
VeHaya. The Midrash explains that VeHaya is a Lashon Simcha.
This emphasizes to us that our Kiyum HaMitzvos should be B’Simcha, and that
the more Simcha that we have in the performance of Mitzvos-- Tishme’u--the
more we will be zoche to attain Sheleimus in our Mitzvah performance. In a
related vein, HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, writes that we have a separate
Parasha for Kabbalas Ohl Mitzvos --the second Parasha of Shema--after
the first Parasha of Kabbalas Ohl Malchus Shamayim. The Torah is teaching
us that it is not sufficient to perform the Mitzvos just based upon Ohl
Malchus Shomayim alone--for we also need VeHaya-- the Simcha and
longing of the Neshama to do so. Hakhel Note: Perhaps we should say
the word VeHaya with a special feeling and gladness as we begin to
recite the second Parasha of Shema daily!
B.
Both the first and second Parasha of Shema, have the identical Pasuk for the
Mitzvah of Mezuzah--U’Kesavtam Al Mezuzos Beisecha U’Visharecha. The
Mesech Chochma notes that the word U’Kesavtam is in the
singular in both Parashiyos-- even though the primary focus of the
Second Parasha is in lashon rabbim or on the Tzibbur. Why, then, when it
comes to Mezuzah is the singular form maintained? He answers based upon
Chazal who teach that if there was only one Mezuzah in what would otherwise
be an Ir Hanidachas, the whole city would be saved so that the
Mezuzah would not have to be burned. Incredibly, he continues, not only
does the one Mezuzah save the entire city and its inhabitants from
immediate destruction, but that it also saves the city B’Dinei Shomayim--and
that the inhabitants even have a Cheilek in Olam Habbah as well! How
important an individual’s Mitzvah performance is--one person who puts a
Kosher Mezuzah on his door and it can save his entire city--in this
world--and the next! Oh how we should treasure every Mitzvah that we
perform!
C. In the Parasha (Devarim 10:12), the Torah writes “Ve’Atta Yisrael Mah
Hashem Elokecha Sho’el Mai’imach--and now what does Hashem ask of
you...?” The Chofetz Chaim provides an essential insight here: The Torah
emphasizes the word Ve’Atta--and now--to teach that a person must
realize that what is expected of him changes, and that a person must
ask himself from time to time--What Is My Avodah Now? We note
that the word for now--Ve’Atta is (at least in current
Ashkenaz practice) pronounced the same as Ve’Atta--meaning
‘and You’ (the only difference being that the former word has an Ayin, and
the latter, an Aleph). Thus, a person must recognize that he has his own
set of circumstances, his own obligations, his own potential and his own
path--and it is in the here and now!
D. Based upon the words “Kol HaMitzvah--the entire Mitzvah”, Chazal
teach that a Mitzvah is credited to the one who completed it.” The Maharsha
incredibly explains that the last two letters of the word Mitzvah are the
last two letters of the four-letter name of Hashem--Vuv and Heh.
Accordingly, one who completes a Mitzvah is accomplishing something that is
so great--that it is like he is completing the name of Hashem!
E. For all that He does for us, it would be only right that we tried to do
something to make HaKadosh Baruch Hu happy. The Zohar HaKadosh (brought by
the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh in last week’s Parasha) writes that what makes
Hashem happiest is when we study Torah. In a Sefer that was written by a
grandson of HaRav Shmuel Berenbaum, Z’tl, he writes that his zeide told him
that what he should work on most in contemplating Teshuva is the study of
Torah, because with improvement in learning, midos and all else would fall
into place. Less than a week from today is the first day of Elul. Perhaps
an appropriate undertaking might be that prior or even during learning to
have Kavannah that you are studying Torah to give Nachas Ruach—happiness--to
Hashem, and that you are studying in order to understand the Torah and
properly fulfill the Mitzvos!
=================================
22 Menachem Av
FROM A READER: “With
regard to your comments about what Rabbi Rietti said about changing oneself
as opposed to expecting other people to change: In the “Simcha Minute” email
that gets sent out HaRav Avigdor Miller’s writings, just this past Monday,
they sent the following quote from HaRav Miller: (www.SimchasHachaim.com): ’My
generation is my world. It is our opportunity, and to fritter it away is
the greatest of catastrophes. One’s parents, one’s brothers and sisters,
one’s kin, one’s wife, one’s children, one’s neighbors and employer and
employee, all are his opportunities. By his relations with them he
gains the success for which he came into the world.’
I once
heard someone express the following thought- When one goes to university for
an advanced degree, they spend so much money for each credit, hundreds of
dollars. If we would think of the difficult people in our lives, as
teachers (teaching us how NOT to behave,) imagine, they are giving us a FREE
education!! We actually should be thanking them instead of being upset with
them!
Also,
regarding Ain Od Milevado- I have an attractive sign hanging on my
wall as a reminder, with these 3 words. Although I bought mine, it would be
easy to hand print these words on an index card to put on the refrigerator,
or print on the computer.”
-----------------------------------------------
WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
A. Although we are welcoming Shabbos in earlier every week in the Northern
Hemisphere, we should recall the great zechus of Tosefes Shabbos--for
ourselves and for all of Acheinu Bnei Yisrael world-over. Ten minutes of one
person’s or one family’s Tosefes Kedusha can move the heavens and have
world-effecting results!
B. One should recite VaYechulu after Shemone Esrei on Leil Shabbos aloud,
for he is testifying and exclaiming to the world that Hashem created the
heavens and the earth in six days. Although one must stand if at all
possible when doing so, he may lean against a table. If one is towards the
end of Shemone Esrei, having recited Yeheyu L’Ratzon Imrei Phi and
started Elokai Netzor, when the Tzibbur has started VaYechulu, he can recite
VaYechulu with the Tzibbur even though he has not taken three steps back (Shulchan
Aruch Orach Chaim 268, 7 and Dirshu Notes 21, 22 and 23). Note: The Mishna
Berurah brings a Tur in the name of the Sefer Chassidim as follows:
There was one chossid to whom another chossid appeared in a dream after his
death. The deceased’s face was green. When the chossid who saw this asked
the deceased why his countenance appeared so, he replied: “Because I talked
when the Tzibbur was reciting VaYechulu, Magein Avos and Kaddish.”
C. We do not recite Mizmor Lesodah (Tehillim 100) at Shacharis on Shabbos
because we do not bring a Korban Todah on Shabbos. However, if one
mistakenly began Mizmor Lesodah, he can finish the Chapter, because the only
place where the Korban Todah is actually mentioned is the second word of the
Kepitel, which he has already recited. Moreover, one is reciting the Kepitel
in order to praise Hashem (SA OC 281, Dirshu Note 3).
D. The Levush writes that we recite Nishmas on Shabbos because of the
neshama yeseira we have, and the Eliyahu Rabba there adds that when we
recite Nishmas, we attain a chochma yeseirah (SA OC ibid. Note 5).
Hakhel Note:
A
reader provided us with the following wonderful thought from the Sefer
Aleinu L’Shabeiach by HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein, Shlita, on the concept
of HaKaras HaTov--which he relates to the Mitzvah of bentsching in this
week’s Parasha: “In the Tefillah of Nishmas which we recite on Shabbos, we
exclaim that: “Ilu Finu Malei Shira KaYam…if our mouths were
full of song as the sea, our tongues as full of joy as its multitude of
waves, our lips as full of praise as the expanse of the heavens, our eyes as
brilliant as the sun and moon, our hands as outspread as eagles of the sky,
and our feet as swift as deer, we could still not sufficiently thank you
Hashem... HaRav Pam, Z’tl, asks: “We can understand how the mouth, the
lips, and even the hands and feet by their motions can express HaKaras HaTov…but
how do the ‘brilliance’ of the eyes express HaKaras HaTov?! HaRav Pam
answers that the eyes, too, can radiate a feeling of closeness and
appreciation. Hashem has blessed us with He’oras Panim--the
ability for our faces to shine and show warmth, feeling and gratitude--and
this too must be part of our expression of Hakaras Hatov! Additional
Note: What a wonderful exercise from HaRav Pam--practicing He’oras Panim
to one’s parents, spouse, children, co-workers and friends--as a living
part of one’s HaKaras HaTov..at the very least on Shabbos Kodesh when we
recite Nishmas--should our face glow with sentiment and affection.
E. The Chayei Adam rules that one cannot skip the pizmonim that we add in
Birkos Kriyas Shema on Shabbos of LaKeil Asher Shavas or HaKol
Yoducha in order to be able to recite the Shemone Esrei together with
the Tzibbur. This is because they are part of the Nusach HaBracha (ibid.
Mishna Berurah seif katan 3). It would appear that the same would be true
for Keil Adon--one could not skip it in order to recite the Shemone
Esrei together with the Tzibbur (SA OC ibid., Dirshu Note 3).
F. On Shabbos we are blessed with more Aliyos than any other day of the
year. What would happen if one called up to the Torah mistakenly first
recited the after bracha of “Asher Nosan Lanu Toras Emes” and
finished the bracha before he could be stopped. Is it a bracha levatala and
does he have to re-start with the bracha of “Asher Bachar Banu”, which is
the appropriate first bracha before laining? The Mishna Berurah (Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 139, seif katan 15) rules that the bracha of Asher Nosan
Lanu will be valid bedieved--and that the order of the brachos should then
be reversed--with Asher Bachar Banu then being recited after the laining of
the aliyah is completed.
G. The Steipeler, Z’tl, whose Yahrzeit is on Shabbos Kodesh (Kryana
D’Igarta I, Letter 304), provides the following fundamental insight: If
one would know for certain that if he violated this Issur D’Oraysa on
Shabbos he would be punished with this kind of infection or that kind of
severe headache, and if he knew that if he sullied that Issur D’Rabanan, he
would be punished with that kind of virus or that kind of writhing backache,
he would be careful to stay away from this Kula or that Kula, and would
distance himself from even the possibility of getting close to the Aveira.
If, the Steipeler says, we are scared of one of these illnesses--a temporary
illness in this passing world --all the more so should we be concerned of a
punishment with much more long lasting and devastating results. Shabbos is
the “Ohs”--the sign of our special, eternal relationship with Hashem--and
if we abuse it, or do not treat it with the respect that it deserves, we are
sadly and regretfully abusing this relationship-- a relationship which is
intended to infuse us not with laxity and superficiality --but with holiness
and depth --as the Torah testifies(Shemos 31:13) the purpose of Shabbos is “Loda’as
Ki Ani Hashem Mikadishchem--to know that Hashem sanctifies us!”
H. The Sefer Toldos Yaakov, brings the following Ma’aseh with the
Steipeler: Once the Steipeler davened Mincha in Yeshivas Beis Meir, and
when he left, he was accompanied by a Talmid Chochom. Suddenly it began to
pour. The Talmid Chochom escorting him asked if it was permissible to run.
The Steipeler responded: “When one leaves a Shul, it is not appropriate to
run.” They walked together a little while longer in the pouring rain, and
the Talmid Chochom once again asked him: “Now is it permissible to run?”
The Steipeler responded: “It is not kedai to run on Shabbos.” They
continued to walk at a regular pace in the storm--not even hurrying their
steps!
-----------------------------------------------
BECAUSE THIS WEEK’S PARASHA PROVIDES THE GREAT MITZVAH OF BIRKAS HAMAZON, WE
REVIEW ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT HALACHOS AND HASHKAFOS RELATING TO IT. AS
ALWAYS, ONE SHOULD CONSULT WITH HIS RAV OR POSEK FOR A FINAL P’SAK:
The following points and pointers are culled from the Dirshu Mishna Berurah:
1. If one finished his meal and washed Mayim Achronim, or picked up a
Kos in order to lead bentsching, he can no longer eat and drink, and
should not even speak (even Divrei Torah) until he has bentsched. If the
Ba’al HaBayis said “Let’s bentsch” and then someone wants to drink,
he must make a new bracha on the drink. If one wants to eat, it is a
Machlokes Rishonim as to whether he must make a new bracha or not.
Accordingly, the Mishna Berurah rules that lechatchila one should be
careful not to eat after the Ba’al HaBayis has said “Let’s bentsch”. If,
however, the Ba’al HaBayis has merely said “Let’s wash our hands”, the Ben
Ish Chai rules that one may continue to eat and drink--as this is not the
equivalent of “Let’s bentsch”. Similarly, the reciting of Shir HaMa’alos
or Al Naharos Bavel do not in and of themselves end the Seudah, and
one can continue to eat afterwards (unless, of course, one had determined
that he no longer intended to eat).
2. One should leave over a piece of bread on the table while bentsching in
order to demonstrate how Hashem provides for everyone’s needs, and so that
the bracha of bentsching has something to rest upon (like the oil of
Elisha). HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, rules, however, that leaving something on the
table is only necessary for bentsching, and need not be done for Al HaMichya.
Related point from a reader: “The Mishna Berurah to Shulchan Aruch Orach
Chaim 180 seif katan 4 (from G’ra) rules that one should only not bring a
whole loaf if there are crumbs, but if there are no crumbs, it might even be
better to bring a whole loaf (Zohar).”
3. If there are crumbs left over at the end of a meal, HaRav Scheinberg,
Z’tl, rules that it is better to give them to an animal than to dispose of
them.
4. Although we are required to take knives off the table for bentsching
(because the table is like a Mizbe’ach and items similar to items of war do
not belong on a Mizbe’ach, and in order to avoid a person stabbing himself
with the knife when thinking about the current status of Yerushalayim as he
recites U’Vnei Yerushalayim), HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, rules that
this is not true of a spreading knife, such as a butter knife. There is a
disagreement as to whether the knife must be taken off the table or can
simply be covered. The Kaf HaChaim (al pi kabbalah) writes
that the knife must be taken off the table, while the Steipeler Gaon, Z’tl,
and HaRav Scheinberg, Z’tl, both rule that the knife can be covered--and
even then only the sharp part of the knife need be covered, and not the
handle. There is also a disagreement among the Poskim as to whether a knife
which is not made of metal such as a plastic knife need be covered. The
Shevet HaLevi, Shlita, rules that it must be covered, while the
Tehillah L’Dovid rules that only metal knives need be covered. [HaRav
Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, also rules that plastic knives need not be
covered.] On Shabbos and Yom Tov, the Shulchan Aruch writes that it is the
Minhag not to remove or cover knives on the table during bentsching.
5. Even though we do not have Melech Sedomis, which is the physical
reason given for which Mayim Achronim is required, the Sefer Peleh Yoetz
writes that we must nevertheless fulfill the Halachos of Mayim Achronim--for
even if the physical salt which blinds the eye no longer exists and need not
be washed away--we must still follow the words of the Chachomim, so that our
Einei Sechel V’Nefesh--the eyes of our intellect and soul remain
intact, for “the words of the Chachomim reach the Heavens--and their essence
is uplifted and exalted!”
6. It is Mitzvah Min HaMuvchar for a zimun of three to
bentsch over a cup of wine/grape juice--and if this is not available--even
chamar medina will do. There is a difference of opinion as to what
chamar medina is. It is reported, for instance, that HaRav Elyashiv,
Z’tl, allowed pure orange juice as chamar medina, but that the Chazon
Ish did not. Accordingly, one should consult with his Rav or Posek as to
what is deemed chamar medina should he wish to use anything other
than wine or grape juice for bentsching (or Havdalah). It is the opinion of
HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, and HaRav Scheinberg, Z’tl, that coffee and tea would
be considered chamar medina.
7. Although a Kos Shel Bracha must be cleaned inside and outside
before use, HaRav Nissim Karelitz, Shlita, rules that if the becher was
cleaned on the previous Motza’ei Shabbos, it need not be cleaned again for
Kiddush on Friday night. Similarly, if the becher was cleaned prior to
being put away last and is now intended to be used for bentsching, one need
not re-wash the cup.
8. The kos being used for bentsching should be lifted a tefach
(3-4 inches above the table), in order to fulfill the Pasuk of “Kos
Yeshuos Esah”. If the kos has a long stem, HaRav Shlomo Zalman
Auerbach, Z’tl, rules that one can hold the kos a tefach from
where the kos is attached to the stem, and not a tefach from
the bottom of the stem (its base). Although the Minhag HaOlam appears to be
to hold the cup only until LeOlam Al Yechasereinu, the Chacham Tzvi,
the Kaf HaChaim, and the Shevet HaLevi rule that the kos should be
held until one makes a Borei Pri HaGafen over it.
9. The person leading the zimun should say at least the entire
first bracha out loud, and one should follow along with him in an
undertone, in order to properly fulfill the Mitzvah of zimun. He
should only go ahead a bit at the end, so that all can answer Amen to
his bracha.
10. One must appreciate how important it is not to disturb his bentsching.
As we have noted in the past, the Yesod V’Shoresh HaAvodah brings in
his tzava’ah to his children that he would daven before he bentsched
that nobody would knock on his door, which would disturb his concentration.
In any event, one is not allowed to talk or to greet someone, and the Kaf
HaChaim writes that one must treat bentsching as Shemone Esrei--and not even
answer to Kaddish, Kedusha, or Barchu, but just listen and be a ‘Shome’ah
K’Oneh’. It follows then HaRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach rules, that one
would not answer Amen to the brachos of another person bentsching
together with him--except for the person leading the zimun. The Ben
Ish Chai rules that once one begins the HaRachamans at the end of bentsching
he can answer Amen, but he cannot speak generally.
Note: As far as what one can answer in the bracha HaTov V’HaMaitiv,
see the Orach HaShulchan 183:8.
11. If a child has eaten to satiation and is unsure whether he bentsched or
not, HaRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach rules that he should bentsch again so that
the child learns that when he reaches of age he should bentsch again.
Similarly, if a child has eaten less the a kezayis, HaRav Shlomo Zalman
Auerbach rules that if he is satiated he should bentsch--for he must learn
that when one is satiated he will have a Mitzvah D’Oryasah to bentsch when
he comes of age. There is a difference of opinion among authorities as to
whether a child should learn and recite only one bracha of bentsching at a
time, or whether the child should say a little bit from each bracha. HaRav
Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, for instance, rules that the child should learn one
bracha at a time. HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, rules that the child can say a
portion of every bracha, and this apparently appears to be the ruling of the
Mishna Berurah as well (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 186, Mishna Berurah
seif katan 4).
12. There is a difference of opinion among authorities as to whether a
woman who ate to satiation and is unsure whether she bentsched, should
nevertheless bentsch. Although the Mishna Berurah rules that the woman can
bentsch, the Kaf HaChaim writes that another eitzah for her would be to make
HaMotzi, eat another kezayis, and bentsch --having in mind her previous
eating as well.
13. When one says Amen after U’Vnei Yerushalayim, it is in order to
distinguish the first three brachos of bentsching from the last bracha--as
the first three is MiD’oraysa--and the last is MiD’rabanan. However, one
should not wait more than 2-3 seconds between the word Yerushalayim and
Amen.
14. The Aruch HaShulchan (189:2) writes that the bracha of HaTov V’HaMaitiv,
which was instituted over the fallen of Beitar being taken to burial in
their complete state years later, is intended to teach us that even when
Hashem is upset with us he does not leave us and still performs miracles and
wonders on our behalf.
15. The Mishna Berurah writes that one should study the Sefer Eliyahu
Rabbah, Siman 187, for additional Halachos relating to Birkas HaMazon.
-----------------------------------------------
WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING VERY BRIEF ADDITIONAL POINTS AND POINTERS ON THIS
WEEK’S PARASHA:
A. The Parasha begins with the words “Vehaya Eikev Tishmiun”. Chazal
teach that the Mitzvos that a person treads upon with his Eikev--with his
heel, i.e., the Mitzvos that a person deems ‘relatively unimportant’ will
surround him after 120 years at the time of judgment. It may be these
Mitzvos that surround him that ultimately determine his fate--and his level
in Gan Eden (or c’v elsewhere). In honor of the Parasha, perhaps we
can select one of these Mitzvos in our daily routine--remove it from under
our heel, and elevate to a high position in our head!
B.
The
Pasuk (Devorim 8:3) reads: “Ki Lo Al HaLechem Levado Yichye HaAdam...--not
by bread alone does man live, rather from that which emanates from the mouth
of Hashem does man live.” HaRav Aharon Kotler, Z’tl sheds the following
elucidating light on this Pasuk. Man believes that he puts something
(hopefully) tasty into his mouth, digests it through a series of miraculous
processes, and is re-energized as a result. The Pasuk, however, teaches
that it is not simply the lechem, the food that has the power to nourish and
satiate--it is, rather the actual “Motza Pi Hashem”--the force put
into the food by Hashem that does so. We may be physically eating the
food--but it is its actual infusion by Hashem that makes it work.
Hakhel Note 1: What an incredible point to remember while eating! Hakhel
Note 2: Why would anyone overeat again--what a waste of time, on top of all
else....!
C. We are also blessed with the second Parasha of Kriyas Shema, within
which we accept the Ohl HaMitzvos, and in which we recognize Hashem’s
perfect reward and punishment. In the first Pasuk we reiterate the Mitzvah
(mentioned in the first Parasha of Shema ) of Ahavas Hashem --Leahava Es
Hashem Elokeichem. The Chofetz Chaim writes that this Mitzvah is
especially significant because it is always done Lishma--for there can be no
ulterior motive to loving Hashem!
Hakhel Note One: Before reciting the Parasha daily, one should understand
that after having been Mekabel Ohl Malchus Shomayim in the first Parasha of
Shema, he is now ready to be Mekabel Ohl Mitzvos. One does not perform
Mitzvos because they are nice, practical or logical--but because of Malchus
Shomayim--Hashem has guided you and directed you to do so.
Hakhel Note Two: Sechar V’Onesh teaches us that what we do right and
what we do wrong is not of a fleeting or temporary nature --its effects are
everlasting, for the good and for the bad. Food is an easy Olam Hazeh
reminder of this--a portion of satiating food can keep you going for many
hours, while a portion of spoiled food can make you feel really sick for the
same amount of time.
D. The second Parasha of Shema once again instructs us in the mitzvah of
Tefillin. HaRav Shmelke of Nikolsburg, Z’tl, notes that if even the
nartik, the outside case holding the Tefillin, falls to the ground, it
is our natural, sincere and almost inborn reaction to quickly pick it up and
to kiss it in many places in order to show our affection for the Tefillin.
If we show our affection in this way to casing, he teaches, then all the
more so should we naturally and sincerely show our unbounding love to the
Tefillin’s wearer!
E. In his commentary to Mesechta Brachos, Rabbeinu Yonah refers to the
mitzvah of Mezuzah, reinforced at the end of the second Parasha of Shema.
He teaches that through the Mitzvah of Mezuzah one demonstrates that the
possessions (in this house, in this room) are dedicated to the service of
Hashem. The Mitzvah serves not just as a protection from harm--but as a
statement-in-deed that you have a deeper understanding of what your worldly
possessions mean and to what purpose they should be dedicated. One thereby
is actually Mekabel Ohl Malchus Shomayim through his earthly possessions
--with the proper intent of the Mezuzah on his doors.
Hakhel
Note: When looking at or kissing a Mezuzah upon entering or leaving the
room, one can momentarily reflect upon the great and famous words of Dovid
HaMelech in Tehillim --’LaShem Ha’Aretz U’Meloah--To Hashem is
the earth and its fullness!’
=================================
21 Menachem Av
PARASHAS HAYIRAH:
This week’s Parasha contains within it what is known by many as the Parashas
HaYirah. The Parashas HaYirah, together with a short and powerful Tefillah,
is found in many Siddurim after daily Shacharis. Even if we may not have
enough time after Shacharis to recite the Parashas HaYirah every day, it
would certainly behoove us to do so at least today. We add that if the
Parashas HaYirah is in THIS WEEK’S PARASHA we should view it, BeHashgacha
Pratis, as a wake-up call for us to elevate ourselves in our personal Yiras
Shomayim. In this regard, we note that the Talmidei Rabbeinu Yonah at the
outset of Mesechta Brachos teach that essential to Yiras Shomayim is
‘Lizaheir MaiHasefeikos Vesheloh La’asos HaMitzvos Ahl Derech
Hahergel--to stay clear of doubtful actions and not to do Mitzvos
out of habit.’ Every day this week --one can apply this definition whenever
he can--and see how he climbs the ladder of Yiras Shomayim!
------------------------------------------------
REMEMBER!
Every day in Ashrei, three times a day, we recite the Pasuk “Zecher Rav
Tuvecha Yabi’u…--a recollection of Your abundant goodness they will
utter.” HaRav Avigdor Miller, Z’tl, notes that by this Pasuk teaches us that
we are not only instructed to remember the Churban (Zecher L’Churban)--but
that we must also remember the abundant goodness that Hashem performs for us
on a daily basis. Perhaps at the very least--as we recite the Pasuk, we
should recall a new and different kindness of Hashem to us.
------------------------------------------------
TWO
CHESED QUESTIONS:
We
present below two Chesed questions from the Sefer Chashukei Chemed
by HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein, Shlita:
A. What is a more preferred merit for someone to achieve an “Iluy
Neshama” for a departed relative(s) —to have a Sefer Torah written in their
zechus-- or establish a Gemach?
Answer: HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, rules that the mitzvah of writing a Sefer
Torah is a great Mitzvah, but is fulfilled with its one-time writing. On the
other hand, one fulfills a Mitzvas Asei every time his Gemach lends out
money. Accordingly, this would appear to be a greater zechus—especially
when the Gemach lends out money to Bnei Torah-- which results in more Torah
being studied as well!
B. Is it a mitzvah to visit a choleh, who is in a coma, especially if
the doctors claim that it is not reversible?
Answer: Yes, for even if you seemingly cannot cheer him up or assist him
with his needs, there is still a mitzvah of Bikur Cholim. With respect to
davening for the choleh, which is otherwise an essential aspect of Bikur
Cholim—one must first consult with the choleh’s family who will know what
to be mispallel for. In all events, the fact that the hospital staff sees
that visitors care , will bring them to treat the choleh with better care.
Moreover, we really don’t know what the choleh understands, how the visit
makes him feel, and what your visit really accomplishes.
Hakhel
Note: It is said that the Chasam Sofer was asked: How could Hashem ‘delay’
reward for the Mitzvos that we do until Olam Haba? Isn’t there a Mitzvah in
the Torah for a Ba’al HaBayis not to delay payment to his workers?! The
Chasam Sofer answered that our Mitzvah may not, in fact, be completed by its
mere physical performance on a particular day or at a given or set time,
because the ramifications and results, the emanations and after-effects
of the Mitzvah can and do very well continue. Accordingly, only when we
finally get to Olam Haba 120 years later can we receive the true, actual
and full payment for our accomplishment!
-------------------------------------------
CHANGE YOURSELF AND YOU WILL CHANGE THE WORLD!
Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, Shlita, makes a great observation: When one person
has a complaint against another person, he wants that person to change. In
his eyes, that person is doing something wrong or inappropriate. In
reality, if you simply complain directly to the person about his attitude or
conduct, in all likelihood he will not modify his conduct, for people resist
challenge and change in a negative or confrontational setting. Indeed, when
was the last time that you told a person to change to meet your ideas about
what was right--and he listened to you simply because of your demand or
request?! Rabbi Rietti therefore suggests a wholly different approach to an
adverse situation or feeling: Rather than being upset with the person,
recognize that Hashem has sent the person or situation into my life--not to
change him or it--but to change you! I have to learn from the experience to
grow personally. If I change...that is the way the other person may change
as well!
------------------------------------------------
AN
ADDITIONAL BEAUTIFUL INSIGHT ON BIRKAS HAMAZON!
Rabbi
Moshe Goldberger, Shlita, asks if Birkas Hamazon is only one mitzvah, why is
it that there are three brachos required by the Torah (the fourth bracha,
according to most, is Rabbinic in origin), one bracha thanking Hashem for
feeding everyone, a second bracha thanking Hashem for many other important
benefits that Hashem has bestowed upon us (as we have previously noted,
HaRav Pam, Z’tl, used to count them on his fingers while reciting them), and
a third bracha asking for the return of Yerushalayim and the Bais HaMikdash?
Rabbi
Goldberger answers that if we would have stopped after one bracha, we may
have thought that the food is actually an end in and of itself. By the two
additional brachos which the Torah requires, we are to remind ourselves that
we are nourished in order to properly serve Hashem in all areas, and to
reach our greatest potential. With that, we ask for the rebuilding of
Yerushalayim and the rebuilding of the Bais HaMikdash, so that we can rise
to the highest spiritual heights.
------------------------------------------------
FROM
THE CHAZON ISH: The following is
excerpted from the Sefer Emunah U’Bitachon of the Chazon Ish, Z’tl, as
meaningfully translated under the title Faith and Trust, by Rabbi Yaakov
Goldstein, Shlita (Am Asefer):
“The Teachers of Morals have declared the
ways of perfecting character traits a chapter in itself in the discipline of
perfecting one’s service of Hashem, and have even worked on breaking up the
traits into separate ones such as anger, pride, craving, love of honor, love
of dispute, vengefulness, spite etc. As this system of thinking has become
common, many people have become convinced that perfection is made up of
different parts. True, this is so when it comes to illness of the spirit,
and when it comes to finding ways to combat corrupting elements, but at
the root of all the character traits there is only one good trait and one
bad one. The bad trait is that of leaving natural life to its
natural processes. If a person makes no efforts to the contrary, he will
become skilled in all the bad traits. He will be irascible, vengeful,
prideful etc. - all to the extreme. He will not lack even one of the bad
traits enumerated by the sages.
The good trait is the absolute
determination to put moral feeling above that of desire, and from that
starting point a person can fight against all the bad traits together. This
determination cannot be partial, for a person whose intellect and high
quality of soul have awakened him and influenced him to choose the good -
when he is feeling elevated he strives for endless good and cannot be
satisfied with the good he does. He sees in front of him an eternal and
infinite world, and hates all the bad traits together.
Indeed, if we sometimes find individuals whose various traits are not on
equal footing, as we have seen that a person might not be led astray by his
desire for delectable foods, but will be influenced by love of honor and so
on, the reason for this does not lie in his essence and is not due to his
original nature being in favor of only one trait, but rather to the fact
that since this war is extremely difficult, complete victory is not
guaranteed. Rather, it is a lifelong struggle. This person has not yet
reached a high level of achievement; all he can do is withstand the easier
tests and not the greater ones. The tests themselves differ from person to
person, though the two people might be of the same age and on the same
general level. One may have a nature tending more towards anger than towards
cravings for food, and therefore his refraining from delicacies precedes his
being able to refrain from anger. In a person who tends more towards
indulging in delicacies than towards getting angry, refraining from anger
will precede refraining from such foods, and so on with other traits.
Usually, these people are not among those who are struggling to achieve
perfection as they should be, but rather are naturally inclined to the
partial good that is convenient to them, leaving the rest to human nature -
which is like that of a wild beast.”
Hakhel Note: What an essential point to reflect upon!
=================================
20 Menachem Av
NINETEEN WEEKS:
As we especially dedicate ourselves to the fourteenth Bracha of Shemone
Esrei this week, we provide the following words of instruction from the
great Praying with Passion Series (in order to go through this
entire outstanding series on Tefillah, please visit
http://prayingwithfire.org/archives.html):
“How
did the name Yerushalayim come about? What is its source? The Midrash (Bereishis
Rabbah 56:10) tells us that the name Yerushalayim is a combination of
two names. After Avraham offered up his son Yitzchok as a Karbon to Hashem,
Avraham built a Mizbeiach and named the place Yeira’eh, suggesting a
place where Hashem’s presence is felt and fear of Him exists.
Malkizedek (another name for Shem, the son of Noach) ruled
over the city and called it Shalem, a place of peace and perfection.
Hashem combined these two names, Yeira’eh and Shalem
and called it Yerushalayim. This is the place where peace and
perfection can be achieved by recognizing Hashem’s presence. It is
the place where righteousness can blossom to its fullest. This helps explain
why this bracha of Shemone Esrei begins with the conjunction “and”--V’Lirushalayim
which connects it to the previous bracha, Al HaTzadikim. The Gemara (Megillah
17b) teaches that the bracha for rebuilding Yerushalayim comes
directly after Al HaTzadikim because Yerushalayim is where the
tzaddikim will reach their full potential.”
------------------------------------------------
BIRKAS HAMAZON:
As
this week’s Parasha contains the Mitzvas Aseh of Birkas Hamazon, we provide
our annual review of several important points relating to the Mitzvah, much
of which has been culled from the Sefer VeZos HaBracha by HaRav
Alexander Mandelbaum, Shlita:
1. The Pasuk which sets forth the Mitzvah is actually recited in the second
bracha of Birkas HaMazon: “VeAchalTA VeSaVAta U’VairachTA...” Hakhel
Note: Just as in Kriyas Shema where the emphasis on the word ‘VeAhavTA’
is on the last syllable--the ‘ta’, and not on the middle syllable of ‘hav’(which
incorrect pronunciation would change the meaning of the word to past tense),
so too the emphasis on the word VeAchalTA is placed on the ‘ta’ and
not on the ‘achal’ (which mispronunciation would likewise alter the meaning
of the word to the past tense).
2. Before commencing Birkas HaMazon, one should have in mind or recite
that he is about to fulfill the Mitzvas Aseh of Birkas HaMazon--with awe and
love. From a reader: “The Sefer Shem Olam by the Chofetz Chaim
reminds us that in the second bracha of Nodeh, we must remember to have
Kavannah and to give thanks to Hashem for Eretz Yisrael, for Food, for our
Bris with Hashem and for the Torah. The Chofetz Chaim even writes “Ba’Avonoseinu
HaRabbim” when we say Nodeh--we give thanks without Kavannah. One’s
Kavannah should be SHTARK--especially in the second bracha!” There is a
well-known story that HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, Z’tl, once repeated the
paragraph of “Nodeh Lecha” (We thank You, Hashem), in which we list many
important things that we thank Hashem for. When he was asked why he
repeated it, he responded that he experienced a momentary lapse of Kavanna,
and that saying “Thank you” without meaning it is not true thanks. As we
have related in the past, Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Shlita, importantly teaches
in the name of HaRav Pam, Z’tl, that one may put out a finger and count each
one of the things that you are thanking Hashem for every time you recite
“Nodeh Lecha”. Example: “Al Yisrael Amecha-one, V’Al Yerushalayim Irecha-two
etc.” If you try this, you will see that it is a great method of focusing
your appreciation, and rejoicing in what Hashem has given you.
3. While bentsching, one should feel ‘Simcha Yeseira’--an extra
measure of joy, just as one would feel after having received a beautiful
gift from another.
4. Lechatchila, in the first instance, one should Bentsch from a Siddur or
Bentscher, and bentsch out loud, or at least loud enough to hear the words
one is saying.
5. One should be sure to be respectably dressed when bentsching.
6. One should bentsch while sitting, to increase Kavannah.
7. If one is thirsty, he should be sure to drink before ending the meal,
for some poskim require drinking if thirsty in order to fulfill the Mitzvas
Aseh D’Oraysa to Bentsch.
8. One should eat a kezayis of bread within a three minute span at some
point during the course of the meal, so that he will have eaten the minimum
shiur required for Birkas HaMazon bichdei achilas peras. If one does
not do so, than according to HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, he should not
bentsch. It is for this reason that many are careful to eat a kezayis of
bread bichdei achilas peras ( once again, three minutes according to
HaRav Feinstein) at the beginning of the meal, rather than nibbling
on bread or challah in between courses of a meal.
9. One must bentsch in the place that he ate. If one left that place, and
it is possible to return within 72 minutes after his meal was completed, he
should return, unless there is real reason that he cannot return, in which
event, a sheas hadechak or bedieved, he is yotzeh bentsching elsewhere.
10. Each guest should bless his host with the Birchas HaOreyach. If the
siddur or bentscher given to him does not have it, he should ask his host
for a siddur that does have it. According to HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita,
it should be recited immediately after the conclusion of the fourth bracha
(‘LeOlam Ahl Yechaserainu’), and before all of the other HaRachamans, as its
nusach is found in the Gemara itself (Brachos 46A). (Sefardim may recite it
before Migdol Yeshuos).
11. One should avoid motioning or signaling with his eyes, hands, and the
like while bentsching, unless it is to stop something that is disturbing
Kavanna. Similarly, one should avoid moving crumbs, adjusting his clothing,
or conducting any other activity while bentsching.
12. The Pele Yoetz writes that, according to Kabbalah, the four
Brachos of bentsching correspond to the four letters of Hashem’s ineffable
name. One should especially try to have Kavanna in the words--and most
certainly when reciting the opening and closing words of the bracha.
13. If we would simply focus on the powerful words of bentsching, and would
take the extra minute or two necessary to recite bentsching in the manner
described above, we would gain a greater appreciation of its hallowed
words. For instance, just look at the paragraph of “BaMorom Yelamdu
Aleyhem V’Oleinu Zechus, Shetehey Lemishmeres Shalom--in Heaven may a
merit be pleaded for them and for us for a safeguard of peace….” If one
properly appreciates bentsching, one will not try to avoid bentsching like
little children do, but rather value it for the great Mitzvah D’Oraysa--the
incredible privilege and opportunity--that it truly is.
14. Finally, the extreme importance of Birkas HaMazon is demonstrated by
the great emphasis that is placed upon it in the Chinuch of children. It is
one of the first subjects taught to children--and in a joyful and singing
manner. We had asked HaRav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg, Z’tl, whether it would
be better for a newcomer to Torah Judaism to recite the bentsching in
English or to listen word-for-word to the bentsching of another in Hebrew.
He responded that the newcomer should recite the bentsching in English.
While a major reason for this may be the difficulty encountered by a
newcomer in following the entire Birkas HaMazon in Hebrew, an ancillary
reason for this P’sak may be so that the person who has just eaten can truly
appreciate the import and meaning of Birkas HaMazon.
May our recitation of Birkas HaMazon be a time that we look forward to and
anticipate--to express our appreciation with joy--and fulfill a Mitzvas Aseh
D’Oryasah on top of it!
------------------------------------------------
MORE ON BENTSCHING:
We
once received the following from a reader: “My father, Z’tl, told me that we
need to concentrate on the 5 things listed in Racheim and I count
them to keep focused. I also heard that it is a mitzvah to mention Eliyahu
Hanavi daily, easily accomplished in bentsching. Lastly, it is a Mitzvah to
bentsch your parents--accomplished right in bentsching!”
Hakhel
Note: Bentsching your parents would seem to come within Kibbud Av Va’eim
(asking them to give you a bracha also would--and it doesn’t only
have to be once a week!). We are not sure about the reader’s reference to
mentioning Eliyahu HaNavi every day--but it may have to do with the
Achake Lo for Moshiach-as he will herald in the Moshiach!
=================================
19 Menachem Av
DID YOU KNOW?
L’Halacha,
if you sign an agreement, you are bound by its terms even if you do not
fully understand what it says, such as portions written in a different
language or in fine print. For more information, please speak to your Rav,
or you may contact The Business Halacha Institute:
ask@businesshalacha.com or 718-233-3845
x 201.
----------------------------------------------------------
THE
ORDER OF THE DAY:
No one in their right mind would dispute that the order of the day is
Teshuva. The ongoing threat of world terrorism--and, of course, the great
and wonderful Elul on the near-horizon--make us focus on the penetrating
words of Rabbi Yaakov Hillel, Shlita: “It is all about passing the test!”
We
accordingly provide below several important notes from the Sefer Sha’arei
Teshuva, which are intended to begin the process of helping to pass the
test, hopefully with flying colors!
1.
Although one may acknowledge that the path of Teshuva is the correct one,
one must also establish safeguards, i.e., make ‘personal fences’ in those
areas in which the Yetzer Hara has been entrapping him. One must recognize
that sin makes his soul sick, and when a sick person begins to recover he
must take special care to avoid those things that could lead to a relapse of
the sickness. [1:36]
2. If
one does not do Teshuva for a particular sin, then the Yetzer Hara is “LaPessach
Chatas Roveitz” (Bereishis 4:7)--crouches at his door to bring him to
other sins as well. [1:38] Hakhel Note: This is an important insight into
understanding aveira goreres aveira.
3. We
must remember and spend some time working out the “aveiros kalos”--the
so-called lesser transgressions. We should not look at the “smallness of the
transgression” but the Greatness of He Who warned against it.
Additionally, if one persists in a small transgression, the successive
accumulation of sin could be analogized to a delicate and weak strand of
silk which, through constant redoubling, becomes a stout rope. Moreover,
even as to a “small transgression,” a person can be considered, r’l,
a “mumar--an apostate”--in this particular respect (!). Finally,
Rabbeinu Yonah writes, if the Yetzer Hara gains even a “small victory” over
a person today, it can gain a greater victory tomorrow--so you must stop him
today! [1:38]
4.
Chapter 51 of Tehillim is known as the Mizmor HaTeshuva--the song
of Teshuvah! [1:50]
5. In
the Mizmor HaTeshuva (Pasuk 15), Dovid HaMelech teaches that part of
one’s Teshuvah is to bring back others to Teshuva as well. [ibid.]
6.
There are 24 things that impede one from doing Teshuva. The first two listed
by Rabbeinu Yonah are Rechilus and Lashon Hara(!!) [1:52] Hakhel Note: In
another place, Rabbeinu Yonah writes that the sin of Lashon Hara is the
equivalent of other sins whose punishment is misas beis din. [3:39]
7. One
of Hashem’s greatest Chasodim is that He accepts one’s Teshuva even if the
Teshuva results from a tzara r’l. [2:2]
8. One
should expressly acknowledge that the tza’ar or suffering he has is a
punishment from Hashem, so that it will serve as a kapparah for him, as
Dovid HaMelech exclaims (Tehillim 25:18): “Re’eh Anyi Va’amali V’sah
L’chol Chatosai--see my suffering and toil, and forgive my sins”. [2:3]
Hakhel Note: It is said in the name of the Apter Rav, Z’tl, that one should
recite this Pasuk when feeling suffering. Don’t waste the suffering--let it
be a kapparah!
9. A
father will only bother dealing with a son whom he feels will accept his
chastisement, guidance or advice. If Hashem is talking to you--He knows that
there is a purpose in doing so. [2:4]
10.
Chazal teach (last week’s Pirkei Avos 3:12) that “Kol She’Ma’asav Merubin
Meichachmaso…--one whose deeds are greater than his wisdom, will have
his wisdom endure.” What does this mean?! How could one’s deeds be greater
than his wisdom?! The answer is that one who resolves to act in accordance
with what he already knows and what he will learn in the future--is
considered by Hashem as having already performed already that which he
does not yet even know. A person just needs to commit to study
constantly with those who will teach, guide and reprove him. [2:10]
11.
Each person has been sent by Hashem to fulfill a mission in this world--how
could one let himself be distracted from his mission? [2:21]
12. A
person needs to get to a particular city. If he is told that the way to the
city is filled with thorns, thistles and rocks, it will not deter him from
going to his destination. However, if he is told that a lion is on the loose
on that very way--he would never endeavor to go. One should take this to
heart--the Yetzer Hara is not mere thorns and thistles--it is a lion on the
loose! [3:4]
13.
The takanos of our Chachomim are the foundations of Yirah,
and vigilance and distancing oneself from possible prohibitions are
Mai’ikarei HaMorah--of the essence of fear of Hashem. [3:7]
14.
The reward of even an easy Mitzvah is great and wondrous, immeasurably so
and beyond one’s finite imagination. [3:10]
15.
The Mitzvah of Bitachon is codified in the Torah with the Pasuk of Tamim
Tehiyeh Im Hashem Elokecha. When a person sees that a tzara appears
close by--he should reaffirm his belief in Yeshuas Hashem--and trust that he
personally will witness the Yeshua--as Dovid HaMelech teaches (Tehillim
85:10): “Ach Karov Lirei’av Yisho”. [3:32]
16.
The Pasuk (Daniel 2:21) teaches “Yahev Chochmesa L’Chakimin”--Hashem
gives wisdom to the wise. This is because Chachomim honor the Torah and
treat it with Kedusha! [3:44]
[Some
of the above English translations have been excerpted from The Gates of
Repentance, published by Feldheim]
=================================
18 Menachem Av
SUMMER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM!
We continue our Summer Improvement Program, with simple suggestions, on a
weekly basis, in each of the areas of Bein Adam LaMakom, Bein Adam
L’Chaveiro, and Bein Adam L’Atzmo. Of course, these are only
suggestions--but every person has the opportunity to join with others who
will be attempting the same successes. In the alternative, one can chart his
own improvement course on a weekly basis as well.
WEEK 8--PARASHAS EIKEV
Bli neder, at least one time a day during this week, consciously do
the following:
Bein Adam LaMakom:
In last week’s Parasha, we learned what are among the most essential words
in Emunah--Ein Ohd Milevado. It is no coincidence that this lesson is
provided to us by the Parasha at this time of year (and at this time in
history). Try to slowly recite the paragraph from the Sefer Nefesh
HaChaim on Ein Ohd Milevado provided by the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/5a6qmy
Bein Adam L’Chaveiro:
As the Navi describes, what Hashem seeks of us is ‘Ahavas Chesed’--not
only to perform Chesed when the situation arises, but to love Chesed to the
extent that it is incorporated into our character and being. Buy a notebook
or establish a file for Chesed items--people to daven for; names to add to
the Cholim list in Shul; people to help with Shidduchim; people to talk to;
new Chesed ideas; confirmation that you have given daily Tzedaka for the
sake of the Geulah of K’lal Yisrael… [Hakhel Note: Please provide us with
your additional ideas.]
Bein Adam L’Atzmo:
The Sefer Tomer Devorah teaches that we must all be careful that: “Ve’al
Yikaneis Zar U’Mevatel Machshavto”--not to let foreign or inappropriate
thoughts to infiltrate one’s mind. If one recognizes that a thought of
inappropriate jealousy, anger, dislike, desire, or the like has entered
one’s mind--he should quickly banish it, replacing it with the thought of a
Pasuk, a Mitzvah or a good deed!
----------------------------------------------------------
COUNT YOUR WORDS--42!
We may all be familiar with the fact that there is a 42-letter name of
Hashem, as most widely evidenced by the abbreviations of Ana B’choach
contained in most Siddurim. It is certainly no coincidence (as it never is)
that the first Parasha of Shema--beginning with V’Ahavta Es Hashem
Elokecha through the end of the Parasha contains 42 words--and that the
first bracha of Shemone Esrei also contains 42 words! Hakhel Note: The easy
lesson is that each and every word of Tefillah is important and has much
deeper meaning to it--if we can have Kavannah at least for the simple
meaning, then everything else will come along with it! One who davens with
Kavannah, by analogy, thinks he is driving a car--but in actuality is
leading a locomotive (or a 747) filled to capacity!
----------------------------------------------------------
AVOID ADDICTION:
At a
Hakhel Shiur, Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein, Shlita once explained what an
addiction is. “People tell me that they are not addicted because
they can stop the thing they are doing (smoking, drinking, habitual texting)
at any time. When I ask them why, then, that they don’t do so--they respond:
‘Because I just don’t want to now’. That is addiction!”
Hakhel Note: Can we each rid ourselves of at least one addiction
before Elul?
----------------------------------------------------------
DON’T BRING IT IN!
This
week’s Parasha contains the famous phrase “VeLo Savi So’eiva El Baisecha--do
not bring something abominable into your home (Devorim 7:26). The Torah is
of course referring to Avodah Zara related matters. We can take the hint,
though, as to other related various and sundry to’eivos which confront us.
Perhaps THIS IS THE WEEK to go through our homes and see if there is
something there that should not be there. Improper reading or viewing
material is what first comes to mind even if in the guise of children’s
books or educational materials, and even if it is only intended to reflect
the current world environment rather than be overtly obscene. If some of
those magazines or circulars that are dropped at your doorstep never make it
into the house--you may literally be fulfilling the sacred words “do not
bring them into the house”. You may have some other ideas as to what to
purge from your home (even if it is only for the news and sports). The
Sefer HaChinuch adds on this very Mitzvah (Mitzvah 429), that money gained
improperly or inappropriately falls within the definition of to’eiva as
well. We should take a good look around the house--does everything here
really belong to me--and even if it does belong to me --does it really
belong here with me?
----------------------------------------------------------
NINETEEN WEEKS!
We are now in the fourteenth of the nineteen week period prior to
Rosh Hashana. In past years, we have proceeded weekly, Bracha by Bracha,
through Shemone Esrei with a special emphasis on Kavannah on that week’s
Bracha. This week’s Bracha is… V’Lirushalayim Irecha!
In the Bracha, we first ask that V’Lirushalayim Irecha BeRachamim
Tashuv Hashem bring His Shechinah back to Yerushalayim. Only then,
do we continue with the next step of our plea--U’Vnei Osah BeKarov
BeYameinu Binyan Olam. With these words, we ask that it be
Hashem Himself who rebuilds Yerushalayim--so that it stand
permanently (unlike the first and second Bais Hamikdash eras, when
humans were involved in the building and which were only temporary).
Fascinatingly, HaRav Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, points to the words in
Nacheim --Ki Atta Hashem BaAish Hitzata U’VaAish Atta Asid Livnosa…Hashem
You destroyed it in fire and with fire You will build it, as well. We don’t
know very well how to build a city with fire--Hashem does. The
Ramchal actually explains that there is a deeper concept that lies here as
well: It is not only that there will be a Yerushalayim above and a
Yerushalayim below, but that the new ‘rebuilding’ will include Ruchniyus
from above coming down to connect to the Ruchniyus below. Thus, although
there will be a semblance of physical walls around, the Ruchniyus of the
heavens above will actually have a place in this world. We then
specifically ask that this incomparable and eternal rebuilding occur
B’Karov B’Yameinu. HaRav Friedlander notes that there are two
concepts here. First, we would like it to happen B’Karov--in the
immediate future. Even, however, if it does not occur this hour or this day,
we still plea that it happen B’Yameinu--in our days while we are still
in Olam Hazeh!
In addition to the above note,
we provide by the following link additional notes to the Nineteen Brachos
for the years 5771 and 5772
http://www.hakhel.info/TefillahArchive.html
May we highly recommend the Nineteen Week Program again this year--either
based upon your own study (such as by utilizing the Praying with Passion
Series (available at
www.prayingwithfire.org),
the magnificent Rav Schwab on Prayer, the Tefillah Tapes of Rabbi
Berel Wein, Shlita, or other wonderful resources), or by utilizing the link
provided on a daily basis throughout the week!
---------------------------------------------------
TORAH STUDY:
As the Fifteenth of Av has passed, Chazal urge us to spend more time with
Torah study, with the longer nights. A Maggid Shiur pointed out that
ultimately, on the Fifteenth of Av, the day only became a minute shorter (in
the Northern Hemisphere). Chazal are teaching us the importance of one
minute of Torah study--every minute adds up! A few important related notes:
A. It
is said that the Ponovezer Rav, Z’tl, stated that he wanted to build his
Yeshiva in Eretz Yisrael to have 1,000 students. A non-believer asked him:
“What will you do with 1,000 Rabbis?!” He responded: “I am not looking to
produce 1,000 Rabbis, I am looking to produce 1 Rabbi and 999 Ba’alei Batim
who will know what the term ‘Rabbi’ means!” Hakhel Note: Those who study
the Torah and realize how profound and expansive it is, and how privileged
one is to be able to swim even a bit in its sea, can truly understand the
Ponovezer Rav’s comment!
B.
The Chofetz Chaim writes that a ba’al habayis is not obligated to
learn all day and all night, but instead should engage in business and set
specific time aside for Torah study. When he does engage in business,
however, it must be with honesty and trustworthiness--as the first question
that is asked of a person after 120 years is: “Nosata V’Nosota B’Emunah--was
it evident in your business dealings that you believed in a Creator, and did
you follow the Torah’s dictates in monetary matters?” The Chofetz Chaim
continues that the Yetzer Hara will work hard on the person who knows that
as a ba’al habayis his primary obligation is only to establish set
times for Torah study. The Yetzer Hara will gnaw as follows: “You
cannot possibly keep those times (let alone for 7 1/2 years, but even for
the daily study of a Mesechta).” What the Yetzer Hara does not tell the
person, however, is that even when one fails in his daily studies here or
there, Hashem looks at the person who is trying to do His will with
mercy, and allows him to make amends--and most certainly welcomes Teshuvah
in any and every way--whenever necessary!
C.
Chazal teach that while the Beis HaMikdash is not standing what remains for
Hashem is the Daled Amos Shel Halacha--our study as to how to
properly live by and perform the words of the Torah. It is essential that
with whatever we study--whether it be Daf Yomi, Amud Yomi, Parashas
HaShavuah, or any Sefer Mussar, we walk away in some way knowing better what
to do in a practical situation or in a meaningful way. As the Ramban writes
to his son in the Igeres HaRamban: “Tichapeis BaAsher Lamadeta, Im Yeish
Bo Davar Asher Tuchal LeKayemo--when you are about to get up from your
Torah study--look into it to see if you can fulfill something that you did
not know or properly understand before.” Before closing our Gemara, our
Chumash, or other Sefer, spend a few moments thinking about (or even writing
down) something that you have learned during the study session that you can
apply or improve upon in your daily life!
=================================
15 Menachem Av
FROM A READER:
“I don’t know if you’re aware of a phenomenal website, which has an archive
of very real-life and practical shailos posed to HaRav Asher Weiss, Shlita.
There’s also an option to ask your own shaila. While online “ask the rabbi”
forums are not uncommon, it is rare to have an opportunity to pose direct
shailos to one of today’s prominent poskim. The site is
en.tvunah.org.”
--------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE DAY
: Rashi in this week’s Parasha, based on the word Venoshantem,
teaches that the Beis HaMikdash was destroyed 850 years after our entry into
Eretz Yisrael rather than 852 years after our entry into Eretz Yisrael, for,
if Hashem would have waited the additional two years, all of K’lal Yisrael
would have been destroyed. Why did Hashem not allow us an extra year--the
851st year in Eretz Yisrael as well? After all--did not Hashem wait until
the last possible moment in Mitzrayim--before we reached the 50th
level of tumah, and only then did he take us out? Certainly, then--for the
good--couldn’t we have stayed in Eretz Yisrael one year longer?
-----------------------------------------------
V’AHAVTA!
In
this week’s Parasha, we will learn of the fundamental requirement of
V’Ahavta Es Hashem Elokecha (Devorim 6:5) set forth at the outset of
Shema. The Seforno (ibid.) provides a most beautiful and instructive insight
as to how we can demonstrate this love: “Tismach La’asos Davar Sheyitav
B’Einav, Ka’asher Tavin She’ein Tachlis Nichbad Kazeh!--rejoice
in doing that which is good in the eyes of Hashem, with the understanding
that there is no more honorable pursuit!” Let us review this very practical
and meaningful explanation of V’Ahavta--and try to implement it on a
daily basis!
Hakhel
Note: On the same word of V’Ahavta, the Ba’al Haturim (ibid.) writes
that if we transpose the letters--V’Ahavta spells--HaAvos--our
forefathers! The Ba’al Haturim then goes on to show that: (i) Avrohom Avinu
demonstrably fulfilled Bechol Levavecha,
as the Pasuk (Nechemia 9:8) teaches: “U’Matzasa Es Levavo Ne’eman
Lefanecha”; (ii) Yitzchak Avinu demonstrably fulfilled U’Vechol
Nafshecha by being Moser Nefesh at the Akeida; and (iii) Yaakov
Avinu fulfilled U’vechol Me’odecha by declaring (Bereishis 28:22): “Vechol
Asher Titein Li Aser A’asrehnu Lach”. According to the Ba’al Haturim,
then--we unite with the Middos of the Avos--as we recite the Pasuk of
V’Ahavta!
Important Reminder Provided By More Than One Reader:
“One should be careful to pronounce the word as “v’ahavTA” (and you shall
love), rather than “v’aHAVta” (and you did love).”
-------------------------------------------
FIND YOURSELF!
Rabbi Shmuel Dishon, Shlita, points out that the shortest Sefer of Navi and
the longest Sefer of Navi each begin with the same word--Chazon (the
vision). The shortest Sefer is Ovadia which is one perek and relates to the
destruction of Edom (from whom Ovadia had originally descended), and the
largest Sefer is Yeshayahu (whose close relatives were the Kings of Yehudah
at the time) which has 66 Perakim, and which contains many nevuos of
consolation. Everyone has a task and a role in making K’lal Yisrael
succeed--and one should spend the time to determine what it is. Hakhel
Note: HaRav Zundel Salanter, Z’tl, was once seen practicing how he bowed
during Shemone Esrei in the middle of the day. When asked why he was doing
so, he responded that he couldn’t wait until Shemone Esrei--when he was
already standing before the King of Kings--to figure out what to do and how
to do it. In the aftermath of Tisha B’Av and in anticipation of redemption,
we too should not wait very much longer in order to figure out what exactly
it is that we have to do!
-------------------------------------------
THE PREFERRED ROUTE!
The Geulah from Mitzrayim happened miraculously. The Geulah from Galus
Bavel happened in the so-called ‘ordinary course’ as part of the apparent
plan of King Koresh to re-unite us with our homeland. Which will the final
Geulah be? It is said that the Chofetz Chaim did not rejoice at all when he
heard of the Balfour Declaration--for the third and final Geulah could come
either way--and the miraculous route is much preferred. Perhaps with this
we can appreciate the special, double entendre in our daily Shemone Esrei as
we recite the words “VeSa Nes LeKabetz Goluyoseinu--and lift up a
banner [a miracle] to gather together our exiles. If the Chofetz Chaim
preferred a miracle--certainly so too should we! Let us remember at these
words to daven with sincerity that Hashem lift the Nes--high up for all of
us to see--Bekarov Bimeheira Veyameinu!
-------------------------------------------
THE
FIFTEENTH DAY OF AV!
Today, joyously, is the 15th day of Av, Tu B’Av. We are all too familiar
with the five major tragedies that occurred on Tisha B’Av through the fall
of Beitar and the plowing over of Zion (succeeded by other later tragedies,
as well). We may be equally as familiar with the five corresponding great
events of Tu B’Av:
Very
briefly:
1. It
was finally determined that the final group of men aged 20-60 (previously
part of the decree to pass away in the Midbar) were allowed the privilege of
entering Eretz Yisrael.
2.
The shevet of Binyamin was saved from extinction by the shevatim being
permitted to marry their daughters to the few hundred men left---so that
there would be a kiyum of the shevet forever.
3.
The guards posted by the Kings of the Aseres Hashevatim for hundreds of
years, which prevented the ten tribes from freely traveling to the Beis
Hamikdash, were removed--and all were allowed to make their way to the
Mikdash.
4.
The scores of thousands of people of Beitar who were murdered by the Roman
legions, and whose bodies miraculously did not decompose for years, were
finally allowed by the Romans to be buried (and as a result the bracha of
HaTov Vehameitiv was composed).
5.
The people would no longer cut firewood for the Bais HaMikdash commencing
on this date, because the sun’s rays had begun to weaken, and the people
celebrated the completion of the Mitzvah (which also allowed for more time
for the study of Torah, as explained by the commentaries).
There
is, however, an additional significant point about this day mentioned in the
Mishna in Ta’anis (4:5). There were nine days during the year in which
families donated necessary wood to the Bais HaMikdash and celebrated the
privilege by bringing a special sacrifice--a Korban Eitzim along with
it. One of these special nine days of the year was Tu B’Av. However, there
was something more special about the wood brought on Tu B’Av than on the
other eight days--for on the other eight days the wood brought was limited
to one particular family’s gift--but on Tu B’Av, as the Mishna specifically
records it was a particular family --”the children of Zeitu ben Yehuda”--but
together with Kohanim and Leviim; and together with anyone who no longer
knew which shevet he was from, and together with other families who had
demonstrated mesirus nefesh to reach the Beis Hamikdash in the past (see
Bartenura there for details). In other words, there was a unique achdus on
this day which went well beyond the singular family donation, and extended
it to a united gift from various groups together. It was almost as if the
events of Tu B’Av were to be a blatant demonstration as to how the issues of
Tisha B’Av have to be resolved--with togetherness and selflessness. Indeed,
the Bnai Yissoschar explains that it is no coincidence (did you really think
that it was?!) that all of this happened on the fifteenth of AV--and
that the fifteenth letter of the Aleph Vais is a Samech. The
Samech has no top and no bottom, no beginning and no end--indicating unity,
harmony and accord. It is for this reason, as the Mishna teaches, that the
unwed girls would go out on this day in shared clothing (so that there was
equality among rich and poor as well)--and dance in a circle --demonstrating
that although one may be a Kohen, another a Levi, a third may not know which
shevet he was from, another rich, another poor--we are all joined as one,
and will always be one.
The
last Mishna in Ta’anis teaches that there were no greater Yomim Tovim for
K’lal Yisrael than Tu B’Av and Yom Kippur. On the surface, we could explain
that this is because on Yom Kippur we united with Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and on
Tu B’Av we united with each other. The Kopshitzer Rebbe, z’tl teaches,
however, that when we dance with each other on Tu B’Av--holding on to the
next one’s hand and going around in that undefined circle joined together
B’Achdus as one--then HaKadosh Baruch Hu’s hand is very much holding on to
ours as well.
Most
certainly, when we dance together at any simcha, we should feel the
spiritual elevation--the unity and oneness with everyone in our circle, and
with HaKadosh Baruch Hu Who joins with us as well. On this very special
day, Tu B’Av, let us consciously demonstrate that we appreciate and
understand the very special juxtaposition of Tisha B’Av and Tu B’Av. Let us
practice extra-special acts of love and caring for our brothers--holding on
tight and joyously dancing in that broad and meaningful circle with
everyone--whether or not we may actually be on any one plywood floor
together!
-------------------------------------------
WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
1. Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein, Shlita, points out that this Shabbos is not
called Shabbos Nachamu because it is a time of relaxation or comedy--but
because it is a time for one to appreciate his closeness to HaKadosh Baruch
Hu. The notion of laxity associated with this Shabbos, and its related
Motza’ei Shabbos, is immediately dispelled by the words of the Aseres
HaDibros (coincidentally?) in this week’s Parasha!
2. There are some special points of interest this Shabbos:
·
One should study and sing the words of Lecha Dodi in order to better
appreciate and recognize the nexus between the Beis HaMikdash and Shabbos.
One reader advised us that he heard from an Adam Gadol that the Three Weeks
and the Seven Weeks of Nechama are all alluded to in the Lecha Dodi!
·
When reciting Av HaRachamim on Shabbos morning, let us consider that
we are apparently given the permission to do so because we profoundly
combine the Kedusha of the Kedoshim described, together with the Kedusha of
Shabbos.
·
In each Birkas HaMazon we will recall Yerushalayim, Malchus Beis Dovid, and
the Beis HaMikdash--and ask for Hashem’s Mercy in restoring them.
Remarkably, we then inextricably bind the Kedusha of Shabbos to the Kedusha
of the Beis HaMikdash with a special Retzeih recited for Shabbos placed into
this Bracha of Boneh Yerushalayim!
3. In this week’s Parasha, the Aseres HaDibros teaches us: “Shamor
Es Yom HaShabbos LeKadesho--guard the Shabbos Day to keep it holy”. We
should especially be diligent this Shabbos with our deeds and actions in
guarding the Shabbos--especially in the areas of borer and muktzah to which
people seem to fall especially prey. We additionally note that a reader
asked us to warn people that he has seen children tie knots in filled
plastic garbage bags in the same way that they do during the week--and one
should advise his children to be careful against doing so. Hakhel Note:
Every action on Shabbos requires care from the epitome of Kiddush and our
Shabbos Tefillos to…lehavdil how one takes care of the waste from the
Shabbos table!
4. The Chofetz Chaim also brings from HaRav Chaim Vital, Z’tl, that when
making a bracha on a Mitzvah, we recite Asher Kideshanu B’Mitzvosav--but
that the time itself during the performance of the Mitzvah is not
necessarily Kadosh. However, through our Kiyum HaShabbos, the Kedusha of
Shabbos stretches and lasts through our other work days, so that all the
time that a person lives on this earth becomes Kadosh--all because of
Shabbos! Savor the Kedusha!
5. Reality check--seven weeks from Shabbos…is Shabbos Shuva! Let us most
certainly begin putting our treatment and feelings towards Kedushas Shabbos
in good working order!
-------------------------------------------
SHABBOS NACHAMU!
Shabbos Nachamu is intended to enlighten us as to how great the consolation
will be. There is no Pasuk that says “Eichah, Eichah.” There is,
however, a Pasuk which repeats “Nachamu, Nachamu--be consoled, be
consoled...!”
Chazal
teach us that “Kol Hamisabel Ahl Yerushalayim--Anyone who mourns over
Yerushalayim,” is “zoche v’roeh--merits and sees”--its rejoicing.
HaRav Meir Schuck, Zt’l, notes that Chazal do not teach that the person who
mourns over Yerushalayim will merit and see its rejoicing, but
rather, in the present, now merits and sees its rejoicing. How is
this so? After all, do not Arabs still occupy the Temple Mount? Is not the
Bais HaMikdash still in ruins? HaRav Schuck explains that if someone truly
appreciates the loss of a rebuilt Yerushalayim, he takes action, practical
and meaningful steps, towards its rebuilding, just as someone with a
tattered roof on his home, or a car in his driveway that doesn’t start, will
do in order to fix things--to bring them back to normal. How does one “fix”
the situation in this instance? He davens hard when he reaches the places
in Shemone Esrei asking for the rebuilding of Yerushalayim (as noted in
yesterday’s bulletin), and he undertakes special Mitzvos for the sake of the
redemption. His participation in the rebuilding brings him joy, much in the
same way as someone still building a house envisions all of the room and
conveniences it will provide when completed, or as a woman repairs the hem
of a dress hums, realizing that she will be wearing it to a chasunah in just
a few hours.
Let us
begin to rejoice in the ‘building’ now--for there will be much more to
rejoice about when our ultimate House is done, and when our great chasunah
arrives.
Hakhel Note:
In a related vein, Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita, brings an amazing teaching of
the Ritva to Ta’anis 30B. The Ritva explains that there will be a unique
Techiyas HaMeisim that occurs at the time of the rebuilding of the Bais
HaMikdash which will especially occur for those who passed away in Galus but
who were Mechakim LeYeshua--who awaited the redemption. The general
Techiyas HaMeisim for everyone else comes only later at the time of Final
Judgment. The Middah K’Neged Middah is as clear as it is
remarkable. Since you anticipated, you yearned, you pursued, the yeshua--you
attain it far ahead of anyone else. It’s almost like the person who knows
to go quickly through the side streets to avoid the massive traffic jams at
the bridge--turning a one-hour delay into a five minute ride--because he
knew enough to anticipate and plan ahead---he knew how valuable the outcome
really was, and succeeded to get there much faster!
-------------------------------------------
NOTES ON SHEMA:
Tomorrow, we will read in the Torah the first Parasha of Shema, the
cornerstone of our faith. It is, then, no “coincidence” (as it never is)
that we always read it on the Shabbos after Tisha B’Av, for it provides
focus for our lives at all times and in all places. It is certainly an
extremely auspicious time now to review and renew our connection to the
Shema, both as to its proper recitation, and the Halachos and Hashkofos
which are associated with, and emanate from, its holy words. Moreover,
Yeshaya HaNavi (29:13) exhorts us not to perform Mitzvos in a manner which
is “Mitzvas Anashim Melumada--by habit or rote.” Because we recite
Shema so often we could, c’v, fall into this trap--and especially in
light of the Kedusha of Shema we must make special efforts to invigorate our
Shema daily. Indeed, Rashi in this week’s Parasha (Devarim 6:6) writes that
it should be viewed as a new proclamation from the King each and every
day. One can visualize the King’s messenger or royal crier unrolling the
King’s message on parchment each and every time that he reads the Shema.
We provide below several points regarding Shema, which we hope is only a
brief starting point and motivator to improve one’s daily Shema (remember
these words that we are privileged to recite daily are the very same words
with which we conclude Neilah--the Final Service--on the Holiest Day of the
Year!).
1. Before reciting Shema, we should have in mind that we are fulfilling the
Mitzvah of Kabbalas Ol Malchus Shomayim, and the separate Mitzvah of
Kriyas Shema.
2. “Shema” means listen, understand and accept.
3. “Yisrael” means to include you. Rebbi Yisrael Salanter, Z’tl,
used to say that while reciting the word “Echad,” we are to think
about how Hashem, by Himself rules over the seven heavens and the earth, and
all four directions of the world (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 61:4).
However, when thinking about this vast and limitless expanse--we must never
forget that Hashem rules over us, as well, and we should sincerely subjugate
our entire being, including all of our will and desires to Him.
4. When reciting Hashem’s names--especially in the first two pesukim--we
should understand what each name--i.e., “Hashem” and “Elokeinu,” mean and
represent. This can be accomplished quickly once you know the meanings
well.
5. One should recite Shema from a Siddur which aids in the essential
understanding of the words and in their proper pronunciation (the various
Artscroll Siddurim, for instance, provide lines between words which could be
slurred together if a small break is not made, and indicate through
horizontal lines on the top of letters which Shevas are Sheva Na’s and which
are Sheva Nach’s).
6. One should not motion with his eyes or hands, even for the sake of a
Mitzvah, during the first Parasha of Shema (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim
63:6).
7. Rabbi Moshe Goldberger, Shlita, teaches that there are seven (!) Mitzvos
alone referred to in the first Parasha of Shema.
8. The Chofetz Chaim brings Chazal (Sotah 42A) that the words Shema
Yisrael are written in the Torah relating to our gathering before we go
to war, in order to teach that if we properly recite Shema in the morning
and evening, and that is the only Mitzvah that we do--it would be
sufficient to be victorious in war. Moreover, the Chofetz Chaim brings the
Midrash that the entire creation is worthwhile just for the sake of this
Mitzvah!
9. HaRav Zalman Sorotzkin, Z’tl, asks why the first Pasuk of Shema must
begin with the words “Shema Yisrael”--Hear [and understand and
accept] Yisrael. After all, the essence of the Pasuk is Kabbalas Ohl Malchus
Shomayim-accepting upon oneself Heavenly Kingship--wouldn’t it have been
sufficient to succinctly convey this very primary message with only the four
words of “Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad”? What do the words ‘Shema
Yisrael’ add? HaRav Sorotzkin answers that if we are to properly accept
upon ourselves Ohl Malchus Shomayim, we must be sure to advise and proclaim
it to others as well; it is insufficient for us to maintain this unwavering
belief without joining in others. After all, if a person knew the secret of
life--would he keep it to himself?! If a soldier knew how to save himself
when surrounded by the enemy--would he not save his comrades as well? If a
person knew the difference between right and wrong--would he smile smugly as
others faltered?! No--we must remember that as a prerequisite to our own
Ohl Malchus Shomayim--we must first begin with Shema Yisrael -- a real
quest for others to know, learn, study, and appreciate as well!
10. The last Pasuk of the first Parasha of Shema contains the Mitzvah of
Mezuza--let us be sure to remember to work on this week’s Summer Improvement
Program relating to Mezuza this Shabbos--and hopefully beyond!
Once again, the above are just a few thoughts to help you get started. May
this week’s Parasha bring with it a reinvigoration of our recitation of
Shema--so that we properly fulfill the words of the Navi--”Yisrael Asher
Becha Espoer--the People of Israel--in Whom I Glory!”
-------------------------------------------
WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING FUNDAMENTAL INSIGHTS FROM THE SEFER HACHINUCH
(ENGLISH TRANSLATION FROM THE FIVE VOLUME MASTERPIECE SEFER HACHINUCH,
FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS):
A. On the Mitzvas Lo Sa’aseh contained in the last of the Aseres HaDibros of
‘Lo Sisaveh’--do not desire what belongs to someone else, the
Sefer Hachinuch writes as follows: “For it is indeed in each man’s power
to restrain himself, his thoughts and his longing desires, from whatever he
wishes. It lies in his free choice and in his decision to repel his
desire--or to draw it near-- in all matters, as he wishes; and his heart is
given over to his control; however he pleases he may move it. Hashem, before
Whom all secrets are revealed, ‘searches all the chambers of the innards’ (Mishlei
20:27
), seeing the organs of understanding and the
heart. Not one, large or small, good or bad, out of all the thoughts of a
man is hidden from Him, or concealed from the range of His sight. For there
is nothing so good for a man as a good, pure thought, since that is the
beginning of all the good deeds and their end....”
Hakhel Note: If you can, please read this again (and again)!
B. On the Mitzvas Aseh of Ahavas Hashem, the Sefer HaChinuch writes
as follows: “It applies in every place, at every time, for both men and
women. If a person transgresses this and fixes his thoughts on the material
interests and vapid vanities of the world, not for the sake of Heaven but
only to pleasure himself in them, or to attain esteem in this [lowly] world,
to make his name great, not with any intention to do good for good people
and to strengthen the hands of the honest--he disobeys this positive
precept, and his punishment will be great. This is one of the constant
precepts for a man [i.e., one of the Shesh Mitzvos Temidios--the six
constant Mitzvos], forever placed upon him to observe.”
Hakhel Note: Once again, if you can, please read this again (and again)!
=================================
14 Menachem Av
ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL LESSONS FROM TISHA B’AV:
A. The
Chofetz Chaim teaches that the aveira of sinas chinam is inescapably
bound to Lashon Hara. If a person at a particular moment does not feel that
he is up to speaking Lashon Tov, he should do his utmost to at least remain
silent. The Chofetz Chaim points out that in the merit of Lot remaining
silent when Avrohom said that Sara was his ‘sister’, he became through his
child Mo’av--an ancestor of the Moshiach!
B.
Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Shlita, once davened in very close proximity to HaRav
Elyashiv, Z’tl, and could hear how beautifully the words of his Shemone
Esrei flowed. However, when he came to the three words of HaMachazir
Shechinaso L’Tzion--HaRav Elyashiv placed special and deliberate
awe-inspiring emphasis on the import of these words.
Hakhel
Note: Can we follow suit?
C.
Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita, in his explanation of Kinos, urged everyone to
remember that the glory of Yerushalayim and the rebuilding of the Beis
HaMikdash is something that Chazal wanted us to sincerely daven for every
day. All we need do is look at the tremendous emphasis of this in the bracha
of Ahl HaMichya--over Mezonos! Of course, the third bracha of bentsching
also accentuates our longing, and no less than eight brachos of Shemone
Esrei, and the Yehi Ratzon at its conclusion also in special detail
emphasize and re-emphasize our yearning for the Geulah Sheleimah!
Hakhel
Note: It really is time for us to get the message!
D.
Rabbi Eisen also remarkably taught that one explanation of the importance of
being ‘Nosei B’Ohl Im Chaveiro’--being genuinely concerned for
another’s needs and well-being--is that the gezeirah against another may be
that he has to undergo a certain degree of suffering or amount of
tribulations, and that when another is Nosei B’Ohl--genuinely feeling
the other’s needs or pain, he actually steps into the shoes of that
person, and is able to alleviate his situation more rapidly--for the
gezeirah has been allocated over the people feeling for him--and need not
only be experienced by himself.
E. The
Mishna Berurah rules that, at a Chasunah, one can use a whole (unbroken) cup
to break under the Chupah, and that there is no prohibition of ba’al
taschis associated with its breakage, for it is for a real purpose--”L’Rameiz
Mussar L’Ma’an Yitnu Lev--so that all in attendance take the lesson to
heart, and realize the importance of Yerushalayim in our lives.” For those
in attendance at a Chasunah, please make sure that the cup’s shattering is
meaningful to you!
F. In
Eicha, Yirmiyahu HaNavi laments “Lamah LaNetzach Tishkacheinu--which
ostensibly means why will You forget us forever?” However, we all know that
Hashem will not forget us forever, and that He will bring Moshiach and an
everlasting Beis Hamikdash back for us. So what does the word “LaNetzach”
mean here? HaRav Yitzchak Ezrachi, Shlita, suggests that it refers to every
minute before the Moshiach comes in which we lose the nitzchiyus--the
true and full potential of that moment. We lament every lost minute of
potential until the final Geulah takes place!
G. In
several places, Chazal give reasons for why we were sent into exile.
However, Chazal (Nedarim 81A) also bring one reason brought by Yirmiyahu
HaNavi in the Name of Hashem--”Al Asher Azvam Es Torasi--for they
forsook My Torah”, which the Meforshim there explain refers to a lack of
proper honor and respect for the Torah…even though it was studied. How
could Chazal have given alternate reasons if the Pasuk itself--in the name
of Hashem--explains why we were exiled? Many explain that Chazal pinpoint
various sins that we were truly guilty of. However, had we shown proper
reverence for the Torah, studying it lishma and honoring it properly,
then the Torah would have protected us from exile even in the wake of all of
the egregious sins, as the Torah is a Magnoh U’Matzlei--a source of
true and ultimate protection. It thus very much behooves us to take a great
lesson away from Tisha B’Av--learning to accord an extra level of respect
and reverence to the Torah and those that study it. This includes standing
for Rabbanim, addressing them with a high level of respect, and learning
Torah with the knowledge that it is Hashem’s gift to us, and that He wants
us to utilize His gift!
Hakhel
Note: HaRav Elchonon Wasserman, Z’tl, H’YD, teaches that even if Hashem
would forgo the sins of murder, avoda zara, and gilui arayos, He will not
forgo the sin of Bitul Torah, of wasting time from Torah study. Why is this
stark statement so? After all, are these not the three cardinal sins that
Hashem would be forgoing versus that of bitul Torah which does not appear to
be anywhere near as heinous a misdeed? The answer, Reb Elchonon teaches, is
that, incredibly, the cardinal sins all are capable of Teshuva. One can
overcome these great failings through the Koach HaTorah, through the study
of Torah. However, if the Torah study itself, a Jew’s weaponry in this
World, is taken away, then he has nothing left with which to fight.
There
is a tremendous lesson here for each and every one of us, as we rapidly
approach the days of reflection and introspection. Do we want to enter Elul
as a soldier without arms? Don’t we want to equip ourselves as much as we
can? Where can we improve in our daily study (even for just a couple of
minutes) after Shacharis? After Mincha? After Ma’ariv? On the bus or
train? Before going to sleep?
Also,
what should we be studying? What area of Torah study have we pushed off
that we really need to know or in which we need improvement? What Sefer
have we never studied before that we really have been meaning to? What
Mussar Sefer will we be preparing for Elul? What Halachos should we learn
daily (especially that apply to us?). How can we improve in our study of
the Parasha? There are so many new Hebrew and English Parasha Seforim.
Have we acquired any of them? After we have made a mistake in Halacha, or
we are not sure whether we said or did the right thing, do we learn what the
proper Halacha or Hashkafa is in order to make sure that it will not happen
again (i.e., Teshuva!). We note that the above is not only true for
men--but for women as well!
As we
all know, “Talmud Torah K’Neged Kulam--the study of Torah is
equivalent to them all” (Shabbos 127A). Let us take heed of the words of
Shema (we will non-coincidentally be reading the first Parasha of Shema this
week!) that we recite at least twice daily --so that we succeed not only in
our daily battle--but in our life’s purpose and goal!
=================================
13 Menachem Av
NINETEEN WEEKS:
As we
especially dedicate ourselves to the twelfth Bracha of Shemone Esrei this
week, we provide the following words of instruction from the great
Praying with Passion Series (in order to go through this entire
outstanding series on Tefillah, please visit
http://prayingwithfire.org/archives.html):
“In
the thirteenth blessing of Shemoneh Esrei we pray for the welfare of
the Tzadikim--righteous and the Chassidim--devout because the good that we
enjoy in this world comes in their merit. As long as there are righteous
people in the world, there is good and blessing (Sefer Yaaros D’Vash,
Volume 1, Drasha 1). This blessing mentions five different groups of
people: Tzadikim--the righteous, Chassidim--the devout,
Ziknei Amecha Bais Yisrael--the elders of Your people the Family of
Israel, Pleitas Sofreihem--the remnant of the scholars, and Gerei
Hatzedek--the righteous converts. The Sefer Avudraham notes that
Tzadikim are those who are meticulous in performing all of Hashem’s
mitzvos, having consistently and continuously fulfilled the mitzvos
of the Torah. The Chassidim are on a higher spiritual level than
Tzadikim as they do ‘lifnim mishuras hadin’--above the call of
duty-- they do more in the area of mitzvos and good deeds than
one is required (Siddur Ha’Yavitz on Al hatzadikim).
Alternatively, Chassidim refer to ba’alei teshuvah who, in
order to avoid sins similar to those that they have committed in the past,
must take on special additional precautions and fences.”
----------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL LESSONS FROM TISHA B’AV:
1. The letters (osiyos) of Kinos are the same letters of
Tikun--this is self explanatory!
2.
HaRav Dovid Luria, Z’tl, carried a pocket Kinos with him throughout the
year. When asked why--he said: “This is how I can fulfill the Pasuk of Im
Eshkacheich Yerushalayim.”
3. We
should appreciate how important it is to remember the Beis HaMikdash every
day. The Kaf HaChaim rules that if one has time to recite either
Tikun Chatzos or Selichos--he should recite Tikun Chatzos.
4. The
Midrash teaches that the day the Beis HaMikdash was destroyed, it was being
decided in Heaven as to whether Bnei Yisrael would be destroyed or the Beis
HaMikdash. In the end, it was the Beis HaMikdash that ‘gave up its life’--so
that we could live!
5. The
bells on the me’il of the Kohen Gadol made a little bit of noise due
to the small movements of the Kohen Gadol. This is to teach us that little
things really do mean a lot. An individual’s Shemiras Einayim, or
Shemiras Aznayim is really very significant. The Teshuvah of one person
can bring the Geulah!
6. The
Meilitzer Rebbe teaches that in order to avoid a pigu’ah r’l
of terrorists we should avoid being pogei’ah in the kavod of others.
It is simply a middah k’neged middah defense!
7.
When Yoshiyahu Hamelech learned that the Sefer Torah discovered after many
years was rolled to Arur Asher Lo Yakim--cursed is the one who does
not fulfill the Torah, he quickly concluded Aleinu L’Hakim--it is
incumbent upon us to fulfill. This should be our mantra whenever we are
faced with a particular situation, event, conflict, or challenge--Aleinu
L’Hakim.
8. One
of the Kinus we recited teaches: “Re’eih Mah Cheit Osa--look at what
sin can cause!” If only one would think about the aftermath when sin
entices--he could literally save himself, and his people.
9. In
the Artscroll introduction to Kinos there is a tremendous Mashal that is
given: A palace burns down. Those who love the king, and the kingdom’s
subjects are all very shocked and disturbed. However, it is only the king
who fully comprehends the tragedy of the event--for he knows all of the
secret treasures that were in his palace. When we feel the tza’ar
HaShechina--it is not only His tza’ar--but our tza’ar--we
just don’t fully comprehend the extent of the tza’ar that we should
be feeling.
10.
Upon reading a Holocaust book or viewing a Holocaust video, one should
really go beyond the horrific actions of the Nazis yemach shemam and
their European and Asian collaborators and recall the cruelty, torture and
death we were subjected to by so many nations throughout the ages. For one
to get comfortable in Galus, it is not just silly--it is very unwise. It is
said in the name of HaRav Chaim Brisker, Z’tl, that he remarked that when a
sonei Yisrael passed him on the street and the sonei Yisrael
did not punch him in the face--it was not because he did not want to, but
because he was too lazy to do so. Perhaps each and every one of us should
make it a point to remember every day: The situation around me is not
normal, I am not supposed to be living in a land of immorality, of decrepit
values, and with those who make light of terrorist threats and murderous
callings against Acheinu Bnei Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael. Even if
one does not recite Tikun Chatzos--he should recite at least one of the
Tehillim Chapters immediately relevant to K’lal Yisrael’s situation
now--such as 79, 83 and137. Let us take the situation as seriously as we
should--and must!
11.
One last point from one of the Shiurim: Four items prevent us from growing:
(1) lack of knowledge; (2) ego; (3) leitzanus--including cynicism,
mockery and lightheadedness; and (4) inappropriate friends. One should
review this list and consider what is preventing him from growing--then
correct the situation--and grow! If not literally now--then when?!
=================================
12 Menachem Av
FROM THINK HASHEM DAILY!
We know that
Hashem takes every good deed we do
and transforms it into the building of the Bais Hamikdosh.
In fact, when Mashiach comes,
each of us will actually see
the individual bricks or stones
that were added because of our Mitzvos.
(Divray Yechezkal - Shiniver Rebbe
To subscribe to Think Hashem Daily, email: thinkhashem@ateresshimon.org
------------------------------------------
11 YEARS SINCE THE GUSH
KATIF TRAGEDY: Although ten years have passed
since the Gush Katif expulsion, we are still numbed by the devastating
consequences wrought on its inhabitants and the surrender of Batei Midrashim
and Batei K’nesios to sonei Yisroel whose first actions upon taking
the land was chilul and zilzul--may Hashem avenge their actions speedily and
in our day. It is a day of shame and of reflection for us--another day where
we hope and daven that the tza’ar will be turned into a Yom Tov in only a
way that HaKadosh Baruch Hu can. Let us recite Tehillem Chapter 83 now as a
zechus for those expelled and the troubles they face as a result even until
today, and as a zechus for K’lal Yisrael that we never witness a brother
against brother action such as this ever, ever again.
Hakhel Note: Although Tisha B’Av 5776 is over, let us bli neder
resolve this year to truly keep the Kedushas Eretz Yisrael, Yerushalayim and
the Beis HaMikdash close to us every day of the year (see more below). It is
very important to note that immediately after teaching us the Halachos of
Tisha B’Av, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 560) provides us with the
Halachos of what we must do Zecher L’Churban, in remembrance of the
Churban--every day. Our lives are not regular; and we once again
emphasize the crucial point that we are not now ‘back to normal’. A normal,
regular life for us is a life with a Yerushalayim as the spiritual, focal
point of the world, and with the Shechina in all of its glory on earth
resting in the Beis HaMikdash. Accordingly, it is not enough to say that we
believe in Moshiach. We must anxiously await Moshiach. The phrase in Ani
Maamin of ‘Achake Lo’ is not a figurative expression but a literal
one. Thus, once again, when we recite the words “Velirushalayim
Irecha”--we are pleading that Hashem finally get back to His Home in His
City [are you working on our “Less Than Sixty-Day Challenge”?]; when we
recite the words “VeSechezena Einainu” we are davening that our
very eyes actually see the Shechina’s return; when we say the words “Vesain
Chelkainu BeSorasecha” we are imploring that the Torah finally return to
its former glory by our reaching levels in Torah Study that we cannot
achieve in Galus. These special times in Shemone Esrei when we daven for our
lives to really return to normal should not be brushed over, c’v.
Instead, truth be told, they should be one of the main areas of our life’s
focus, one of the highlights of our day. Especially after recent events,
when our Rabbonim are teaching us that our Shemone Esrei should be and
remain much improved from what it once was--let us certainly focus on the
areas of Geulah in our prayers!
--------------------------------------------------
TESHUVA and KAPPARAH!
The Sefer Sha’rei Teshuva refers to Teshuva as the term Ohr
HaTeshuva, and Hashem’s forgiveness of our sins as the Chesed
HaKapparah. To have better Kavannah in the brachos in Shemone Esrei of
Teshuva and Kapparah--may we suggest thinking before Hashiveinu of
the words Ohr HaTeshuva!, and before Selach Lanu of the words
Chesed HaKapparah! What opportunity Hashem gives us--daven to Hashem
for a full measure of Teshuva and Kapparah!
---------------------------------------------------
MORE ON ASHER YATZAR:
Reb Elya Roth Z’tl, often stressed the importance of reciting 100 brachos
each day…Regarding the bracha of Asher Yatzar, Reb Elya would say:
“Do you know what Asher Yatzar really is? It is a ‘Thank You’ for 6
wonderful reasons.
1. We don’t need surgery to extricate the wastes from our bodies.
2. The process is not complicated.
3. It is [usually] painless.
4. It does not require anesthesia.
5. It is performed by the universe’s greatest Doctor.
6. It does not cost a cent.
Reb Elya would don his jacket and hat to recite this bracha, He once
remarked with a smile, “Truthfully, this bracha, is such cause for joy that
it would be proper to put on Shabbos clothing in its honor!”
Excerpted from the wondrous work
Let There Be Rain
by Rabbi Shimon Finkelman, Shlita, and Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein, Shlita (Artscroll/Mesorah)
---------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL LESSONS FROM TISHA B’AV:
1. Dovid HaMelech, in perhaps the most renowned chapter of Tehillim (Chapter
130) begins “Shir HaMa’alos Mima’amakim--a Song of Ascents. From the
depths I called You…” HaRav Klonymous Kalman Shapiro, Zt’l, H’yd, (the
Rebbe of Piazeczna) taught the following about the word “Mima’amakim”
to the Jews of the Warsaw Ghetto with him: Sometimes a person is in a
situation from which he cannot extricate himself barring an absolute
miracle. For example, the Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto, especially after the
uprising. Dovid HaMelech, by using the word “Mima’amakim,” refers to
this kind of situation, for he does not refer to only one singular depth
(which would be Emek), but to the depth of the depths (Mima’amakim,
in the plural). The Piazeczner concluded that Dovid HaMelech was teaching
us that we cry out to Hashem whether or not we can reasonably be saved--for
there are two kinds of prayer. The first, basic type of prayer is to make
requests of Hashem, the Omnipotent One. The second, more sublime prayer is
one in which one prays not to achieve a personal request, but only to
connect and cleave to Hashem. This is the “Mima’amakim” in which we
cry out to Hashem--not only because we realize that He is the only source of
our salvation, but also to demonstrate to Him that, when all is said and
done, what we ultimately seek is dveikus with Him.
2. Kinah 29 states “Siman Tov L’Adam…--it is a good sign for a person
if he is not eulogized or buried properly…. let him not fear the day of
wrath.” The Artscroll commentary explains that death in this way serves to
fully purge a person of any stain on his soul caused by sin, and that such a
person will be spared the punishments of the next world (Sanhedrin 46B;
47A). This should serve as a great consolation for all of us who had
relatives that perished in the Holocaust in so many diverse and cruel
ways--although we should certainly daven that Hashem avenge their blood--see
the next paragraph.
3. The Telzer Rav Zt’l, H’yd, before being murdered, was beaten by a
ruthless Nazi with a hammer. “Herr Rabbiner! Where is your G-d now?” he
mocked. The Telzer Rav responded, “He is your G-d, too--and you will find
that out later!” Whenever we recite Av HaRachamim (on Shabbos or
after Yizkor), we should take the few moments necessary to recite it slowly
and thoughtfully (some actually stand, as a symbol of respect, but this is
not required by Halacha). Remember, we are praying not only for the
Kedoshim, but also for the honor of Hashem and His People.
4. The Pasuk in Eichah (1:2) states “Bocho Tivkeh Ba’Layla V’Dimasah…--cry,
cry at night, and its tears….” The Midrash teaches that there are three
words for crying at the outset of Eicha to teach us that there are three
tears--one for the first Beis HaMikdash, a second for the second Beis
HaMikdash, and a third either for the Bitul Torah that the Churban has
caused to this very day (we cannot attain our full potential without a Beis
HaMikdash), or for the Kavod Yisrael, the honor of our People, which has
been disgraced and defiled even by the nations which are friendly to us.
Thus, the last tear referred to in Eichah is being shed for us!
5. It is important to note that Chazal teach that both Nevuzradan (the Chief
General of the Babylonians), and Nero (the first Chief General of the Romans
to besiege Yerushalayim at the time of the Churban) realized that the
destruction of the Beis HaMikdash that they were involved in was only by the
Hand of Hashem. They each fled and converted to Judaism. Perhaps this is
to teach us that, ultimately, all the nations of the world will have the
proper perspective on life. It is up to us now to live each and every
precious day of our life--a day in which we are a step ahead of the rest of
the entire world (!)--staying as close to Hashem as possible in everything
that we do--so that by next year, when Tisha B’Av arrives, we will
experience the greatest joy possible, with the rebuilding of the Beis
HaMikdash and the World in all of its Glory!
=================================
11 Menachem Av
SUMMER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM!
We continue our Summer Improvement Program, with simple suggestions, on a
weekly basis, in each of the areas of Bein Adam LaMakom, Bein Adam
L’Chaveiro, and Bein Adam L’Atzmo. Of course, these are only
suggestions--but every person has the opportunity to join with others who
will be attempting the same successes. In the alternative, one can chart his
own improvement course on a weekly basis as well.
WEEK 7--PARASHAS V’ESCHANAN
Bli neder, at least one time a day during this week, consciously do
the following:
Bein Adam LaMakom:
The Sefer Sha’arei Teshuvah writes that Mezuzuah is a Mitzvah which
brings upon us Kabolas Ohl Malchus Shomayim. The Rambam (in Hilchos
Mezuzah) writes that the Mezuzah reminds us that “Ein Davar Omeid L’Olmei
Olamim Elah Yediyas Tzur Olamim”--there is nothing that lasts forever
except for one’s connection to Hashem! Stop by the Mezuzah, and as many do,
place your hand upon it and either recite one of the famous Pesukim (such as
Hashem Shomri, Hashem Tzili, Ahl Yad Yemini, or Hashem
Yishmor Tzeitsicha U’voecha Mei’ata V’Ahd Olam), or think about Hashem’s
love and protection over you.
Bein Adam L’Chaveiro:
One
easy but important ‘habit’ we can develop is provided to us in the Kitzur
Shulchan Aruch (183:6): “When one sees someone involved in his work, give
him a bracha of ‘Tatzliach B’Ma’asecha--may you have success in your
endeavors!”
Bein Adam L’Atzmo:
When engaged in Torah study, Tefillah, or in any Mitzvah, rather than
leaving two or three minutes before the time you have allotted for it--make
it two or three minutes later. Move in the right direction--elevate
yourself!
----------------------------------------------------------
CHADASHIM LABEKARIM RABA EMUNASECHA (EICHA 3:23):
This
Pasuk in Eicha which we read just yesterday, is the basis for Modeh Ani
which we recite every morning as we open our eyes. Yes, the Pasuk is in
Eicha. For even in this bitter Galus, there is oh so much to thank Hashem
for. As the Targum on this Pasuk explains: “New miracles occur every
morning….” If we open our eyes and can see, move our legs to get out of
bed and can do so, stand up and then walk…the miracles of the day are just
beginning! Let us appreciate this as we exclaim Modeh Ani each and every
morning!
----------------------------------------------------------
WHAT THE CHOFETZ CHAIM DID:
HaRav
Dovid Yosef, Shlita, writes: “The Chofetz Chaim kept his Shabbos clothing
next to his bed every night so that if Moshiach came in the middle of the
night, he would be able to greet him dressed properly, and would not have to
spend time looking for his Shabbos clothing.” (From the Sefer Why
We Weep)
Hakhel
Note: Do you know where your Shabbos clothing is?
----------------------------------------------------------
THE
HAKHEL LESS THAN 60-
DAY CHALLENGE: It is now less than 60 days until Yom Kippur.
Can we recite slowly, and have special Kavannah in, the bracha of
Velirushalayim Irecha in at least one Shemone Esrei a day--until Yom
Kippur? Keep a written record of it!
Hakhel
Note: When we envision Yerushalayim, we should always picture it as a
pe’eir--with a special glory. As the Pasuk in Yeshaya (60:13) teaches:
“Lefa’er M’kom Mikdashi”--to glorify the place of My Mikdash. Every
day, perhaps, as we recite Velirushalayim Ircha, we can picture the
sight of a glorified Yerushalayim--and pine for it.
----------------------------------------------------------
NINETEEN WEEKS!
We are now in the thirteenth of the nineteen week period prior to
Rosh Hashana. In past years, we have proceeded weekly, Bracha by Bracha,
through Shemone Esrei with a special emphasis on Kavannah on that week’s
Bracha. This week’s Bracha is… Ahl HaTzaddikim!
HaRav Yonasan Eibeshutz, Z’tl, writes that this bracha especially reminds us
that we must daven for our Tzaddikim. As HaRav Eibeshutz writes “Vechol
Zeman SheTzaddikim BaOlam, Bracha VeTova BaOlam.” In fact, we mention
five different groupings of great people at the outset of the
Bracha--Tzaddikim, Chassidim, Zikeinim, Pleitas Sofreihem, and Gerei
HaTzeddek. One can definitely think about or visualize the five different
kinds of great people who are encompassed by this bracha. For instance,
when reciting “VeAl Ziknei Amecha Beis Yisrael,” we can think about
our Zekeinim and that we are davening to Hashem that He give them life and
good health. The Seder HaYom writes that we are really moving up in
ascending order through the five groupings, as the Ger Tzeddek represents
the epitome, having raised himself up from being wholly unaffiliated with
the Jewish people, to his current position. HaRav Eibeshutz adds that when
mentioning the term Gerei Tzeddek, we should reflect upon our love for
him/them and be Mekayeim the Mitzvah DeOraysa of VeAhavtem Es HaGer!
After we mention this wonderful list--beginning with the Tzaddikim and
ending with the Gerei Tzeddek--we add ourselves--V’Aleinu for
Hashem’s consideration. What a precious opportunity it is to be able to add
ourselves to this great list!
In addition to the above note,
we provide by the following link additional notes to the Nineteen Brachos
for the years 5771 and 5772
http://www.hakhel.info/TefillahArchive.html
May we highly recommend the Nineteen Week Program again this year--either
based upon your own study (such as by utilizing the Praying with Passion
Series (available at
www.prayingwithfire.org),
the magnificent Rav Schwab on Prayer, the Tefillah Tapes of Rabbi
Berel Wein, Shlita, or other wonderful resources), or by utilizing the link
provided on a daily basis throughout the week!
-------------------------------------------
WE
PROVIDE BELOW SEVERAL POINTS RELATING TO THE DAY AFTER OUR FASTING ON TISHA
B’AV:
A. We
recited the term Tzion many times in the Kinos, perhaps not
understanding the context so well when reciting it then. Every day in our
Tefillos we refer to Tzion as well--perhaps the most famous occasion
being Hamachazir Shechinaso LeTzion--who restores the Shechina to Zion.
The Navi laments: “Tzion He Doresh Ain La--She is Zion, no
one cares about her” (Yirmiyahu 30:17). Chazal explain that the Navi is
teaching us with these words that we must care about her. Let
us try--at least--to focus upon the word Tzion in our davening-and
show that we care about her!
B. As
many may know, the concept of the recitation of Tikun Chatzos is mentioned
in the very first Siman of Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim (1:2,3). Even one
who sincerely believes that he ‘is not holding’ at the level of those who
actually sit on the floor and recite several Kepitelech of Tehillim (which
basically constitutes Tikun Chatzos), should nevertheless know that if he is
up for some reason at Chatzos anyways (currently approximately 1:00 A.M. in
New York City), there is certainly nothing wrong with your occasionally
attempting to recite Tikun Chatzos in the few minutes that it takes. Imagine
sitting by the doorway on the floor (by the Mezuzah)--and meaningfully
reciting a few chapters of Tehillim for the Shechina and K’lal Yisrael to
come home. The Shulchan Aruch itself (ibid.) teaches us that Chatzos is a
unique and outstanding time for this--why not exercise it, at least when you
are up for it?! We note that Tikun Chatzos can be found in many standard
Siddurim, without having to purchase a separate Sefer for it.
C.
After a Tisha B’Av experience, we should try--at least for the rest of
Menachem Av--to recite the 13 Ani Maamin principles with fortitude and
sincerity....I believe in Mashiach...I believe in Techias HaMeisim...Allot
an extra minute or two for the Ani Ma’amin recitation--which is the standard
difference--between failure and success!
D. We
should use the Tisha B’Av period as a breaking point. The soured or souring
relationships, the negative quips, the daily disconnects between husband and
wife and parent and child, between co-workers and employers and employees,
now have a place to come to an end. Many Bain Adam LeChaveiro issues
are the products of bad habits renewed daily--for no good reason other than
‘this is the way we behaved to each other yesterday’. The sorrow-filled day
of tragedy and grief of the ages has sobered us to the realities of the
past, and the ‘day after’ teaches us that there is hope for the future--the
Geulah will come, and it is up to each and every one of us as to
whether he will be a part of it. So too with any past, sad history we may
have in our inter-personal relationships--they too can leave us yesterday as
we begin the day with a view towards personal Geulah as well. Sinas Chinam
and its ilk destroyed the Bais HaMikdash--bringing back Ahavas Yisrael in a
real and meaningful way will rebuild it--for each individual and for all of
K’lal Yisrael. The Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 156; seif
katan 4) brings that the Mitzvah of VeAhavta Lerei’acha Kamocha
requires one to respect his friend as one himself would want to be
respected. What a simple but meaningful yardstick--before making the
gesture, motioning, uttering that word or two, or taking that action,
THINK--’Would I like this done to me?’ If the answer is
no--remember that you have turned a new leaf, and stop. If the answer is
yes--a very special thank you from us all--for helping us move an IMPORTANT
STEP CLOSER towards next year’s Tisha B’Av--being a day of celebration in
the Bais Hamikdash. May we all live to see it!
E.
Based on the calculation that it has been 1,946 years since the destruction
of the Beis HaMikdash, this amounts to more than 709,000 days and over
17,000,000 hours. This is an extremely, extremely long time. As we heard
in the Haftara read on Tisha B’Av morning (Yirmiyahu 8:13): “Ein Anavim
BaGefen V’ein Te’einim BaTe’einah--there are no grapes on the grape vine
and no figs on the fig tree.” What we live in is an illusory world--not the
world in the state that it is supposed to be, and K’lal Yisrael in an
unnatural habitat wherever its people may be scattered in the world. Even
in a time such as this, in which people can enjoy special comforts including
Glatt Kosher Mexican cuisine, the latest model cars and conveniences, and
all kinds of medicines and therapies which help us feel better, we
truthfully live in a stormy calm. The fear of terrorism and crazed human
beings horrifies us in a way that mankind has never before known. So, with
all the comforts and conveniences, our times are nevertheless fraught with
unrest, turbulence and confusion. Rabbi Yoni Zakutinsky, Shlita, explains
our situation with the following Mashal: One is in attendance at a huge
Chasunah at a prestigious hall, with prominent rabbinic and lay leaders, an
outstanding Chosson, the finest delicacies, a large band--there is just one
thing missing--the Kallah. Without the Kallah, all of the above simply does
not get us to a true wedding. In fact, all of this without a Kallah--could
end in disaster. We really have to recognize that we once and for all need
the Geulah, and take steps to achieve it. Whatever daily act (or two, etc.)
it may be, we should try to do it for thirty days in a row, so that it
‘sticks’. We have to take the Galus out of us--daily--so that we can attain
the Geulah!
F.
Chazal (Brachos 6B) teach that “Igra D’Ta’anisa Tzidkasa--the reward
of a Ta’anis is the Tzedaka that one gives (at least giving to Tzedakah the
money he and his family saved from not eating).” This fact should be no
different regarding the fast of Tisha B’Av. We especially note that the
Haftarah of Shabbos Chazon ended with the words quoted so often, by so many
(Yeshayahu 1:27): “Tzion BaMishpat Tipadeh V’Shaveha BeTzedakah”.
The final word--even before we get to Tisha B’Av is--give Tzedakah!
We add one essential point to giving Tzedakah as made in the Sefer
Sha’arei Teshuvah ( 3:35). There, Rabbeinu Yonah explains that an
essential part of giving is taught to us by the Pasuk (Devarim 15:10): “Nason
Titein Lo VeLo Yeirah Levavecha Besitcha Lo--give to him and your heart
should not feel bad as you give to him.” It is not enough to give with the
hand--for the Pasuk continues that one must not feel bad about
giving, but rather feel a Midas Nedivus--good and happy about being
generous. HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita (Mattisyahu Chaim ben Ettel
L’Refuah Sheleima B’soch Sh’ar Cholei Yisrael), in his explanation of the
Rabbeinu Yonah, actually teaches that if a person feels bad when he gives
Tzedakah, then he violates the Lo Sa’aseh listed in this Pasuk of
Lo Yeirah Levavecha Besitcha Lo(!). We must feel happy and
privileged over the opportunity to give at all times. As a matter of fact,
the ability to give should be included in our thoughts of thanks to Hashem
when we recite the words in Modim of VeHamerachem Ki Lo Samu Chasadecha.
Give every day in the right frame of mind--so that we may all see
V’Shaveha BeTzedakah!
-------------------------------------------
VAYELCHU ACHAREI HAHEVEL VA’YEHBALU:
Yirmiyahu HaNavi (Yirmiyahu 2:5), in the Haftarah we recently read teaches
us that the people severely erred because “VaYelchu Acharei Hahevel
Va’Yehbalu--and they went after nothingness and turned into
nothingness.” There is a great, yet simple and practical lesson here--you
are that which you pursue. For example, if a person pursues Torah, he
becomes a “Ben Torah.” If, on the other hand, he pursues Lashon Hara, he
becomes a “Baal Lashon Hara.” Everybody has to take a good look at what
they really are pursuing. There is an old quip about an uneducated Jew who
came to Shul, and was asked by the Gabbai whether he was a Kohen, Levi or
Yisrael. He responded: “I am none of those. I am a businessman!” We, as
educated Jews, have to make sure that it is clear to us--and to others--who
we really are, and where our primary focus is. It is interesting to note
that HaRav Dovid Kviat, Z’tl, (the “Sukkas Dovid,” who was one of the senior
Rabbonim in America) when asked to make a remark to children (on Torah
Umesorah’s “Shanghai Miracle” audio-visual presentation) asked them one
thing only--to “Learn with Cheshek”--with enthusiasm. Are we any different
than children in this regard? May we suggest that at the end of the day,
one thinks to oneself--what did I pursue today--what did I do with
enthusiasm? It is up to us whether we pursue nothing and become nothing, or
whether we pursue a life of Torah fulfillment--and literally become models
for the entire world!
MAY
HASHEM BRING HIS SHECHINA BACK TO TZION B’RACHAMIM!
=================================
8 Menachem Av
BE
PREPARED!
If you
were given a 10 minute notice that Eliyahu HaNavi was about to arrive-- or
even a one-minute notice--how would you prepare?
----------------------------------------------------------
WHO AM I?
On the night of Tisha B’Av we are instructed to make our sleeping
arrangements somewhat more uncomfortable than usual: One who sleeps with
two pillows should sleep with one, one with one should perhaps not use the
pillow or even use a rock. One who sleeps on a bed can sleep on the floor.
In the words of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (and others): “HaKol Lefi Mah
Shehu Adam--all in accordance with who the person is.” It is easier for
us to claim about ourselves: “I am not holding there.”; “I am not capable
of this”; “Who am I?” or “I can’t do this.” You, however, are left to be
the judge, and far be it from you to shortchange yourself--for eternity. It
is very likely that you can, and even if you can’t--you certainly
can try. Most people will not study you, or be concerned with how you
personally slept on Leil Tisha B’Av, what you may have thought about, what
you resolve to do, or how you resolve to do it. All of this falls into the
realm of HaKol Lefi Mah Shehu Adom. It is up to you to stand up and
be counted--among those who will help bring the world to full and final
fruition!
----------------------------------------------------------
AN
APPRECIATION:
The
Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 554 seif katan 21) rules that on
the Ta’anis it is permissible for one to wash his hands [until his
knuckles] before Mincha “Dehavi Kemekabeil Pnei HaShechina U’cheTevilas
Mitzvah Shehitiru--for washing one’s hands before davening Mincha is
performed in order to greet the Shechina--and can be compared to tevila in a
mikva for the sake of a Mitzvah”. Oh, how we should appreciate Tefillas
Mincha--and most certainly wash our hands prior to davening--each and every
day of the year!
----------------------------------------------------------
IKAR AVODAH: One of our readers once met with HaRav Chaim Kanievksy, Shlita,
and at our request asked him what the Ikar Avodah of the fast of Tisha B’Av
is. He responded: “LeHagid Kinos”. This is HaRav Kanievsky’s
instruction--the sincerity, feeling and meaning that is put into our Kinos
is up to each and every one of us....
----------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION:
A person should reduce the hana’ah (pleasure) he experiences on the
fast of Tisha B’Av as much as possible, true or false?
ANSWER:
The Rema (Orach Chaim 555:2) states that this is true.
----------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION:
If the Moshiach comes on the fast of Tisha B’Av after Chatzos ( midday )
will we continue to fast for the balance of the day?
ANSWER:
HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, in Sefer Derech Sicha, rules that we
will continue to fast if the Moshiach comes after midday because Teshuvah is
an element of the mourning that we are to feel and experience on Tisha B’Av.
Hakhel Note: Let us not forget to do Teshuvah on the fast of Tisha
B’Av--wouldn’t it be so remarkable and special if the Moshiach actually came
while you were doing Teshuvah?
Hakhel Note One:
The Dirshu Edition of the Mishna Berurah brings from the Brisker Rav, Z’tl,
that there are two aspects to Tisha B’Av--that of Ta’anis--and that of
Aveilus. The Shelah HaKadosh explains that the Aveilus over Churban
Yerushalayim is not to cry and bemoan the past as an end in and of
itself--but rather for us to be misbonein--to seriously reflect upon
the fact that the Churban resulted from our sins, and to be me’orer
ourselves to look carefully into our deeds, and to do Teshuvah (Shulchan
Aruch Orach Chaim 549: Dirshu Note 1)
Hakhel Note Two:
We
should especially recognize that this Sunday, which is 10 Av, is two months
to Yom Kippur!
Hakhel Note Three:
A Rav
made the following point to us: Every generation has its own Yetzer Hara. In
the 1800’s--it may have been the Haskala which was ostensibly an
intellectual challenge to Torah Jews. Today, we should be embarrassed that
our challenges appear to be so childish--spending so much time playing
around with instruments--whether or not they are referred to as games--they
are so time consuming, so habit forming, and truthfully so not important for
eternity!
Hakhel Note Four:
The
Sefer Sha’arei Teshuvah (Sha’ar Shelishi:14) writes that just
as the reward for Torah study is greater than all of the other Mitzvos, so
is the punishment for one who is mevatel from Torah study greater
than all of the aveiros. This would mean that the sin of being mevatel
from Torah is even greater than that of Chilul Hashem! Each and every one of
us can do Teshuvah on Sunday in some way, on a going forward basis, in the
Mitzvah of Talmud Torah!
----------------------------------------------------------
NOW, A QUESTION FOR YOU TO ANSWER:
How many different names or titles is the Beis Hamikdash given in Megillas
Eichah alone? What does that teach us?
----------------------------------------------------------
WE
CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
A. On
Shabbos Chazon (as we eat meat and drink wine on Tisha B’Av), we should be
especially aware of the Kedushas Shabbos, with the knowledge that as
great as the Binyan Bais HaMikdash is--and what it would accomplish for the
whole world--it is still not doche, does not push aside, the Shabbos…and
must wait until after Shabbos has concluded! We still celebrate Shabbos--with
the gefilte fish, the cholent…the Oneg Shabbos in its honor! Indeed, this
Shabbos, we should try to be a bit more careful with the greatness of
Shabbos. If we feel that somehow we end up in some way moving Muktzah,
inadvertently doing Borer, or not knowing what to do in a particular
situation and ‘gambling’ with our own Shabbos P’sak, then this is the
Shabbos for us to set out to rectify this kind of act or that kind of
thing. If one is used to playing with his hair and often then finds hairs
pulled out in front of him, or if one is used to biting his nails or peeling
at his skin, then this Shabbos should be the dividing line. The Kedusha of
Shabbos is so great, as is evidenced by its special observance in the face
of Tisha B’Av--let us make sure that we inject Kedusha into our personal
situations and circumstances as well! Our dear readers, Mekadesh
HaShabbos…Kol Mekadesh Shevii...let us especially feel and appreciate it
tomorrow!
B. For
an excellent summary of the Halachos of today, Erev Shabbos Tisha B’Av,
Shabbos Tisha B’Av, and the Ta’anis as observed on Sunday, we urge
our readers to purchase in their local seforim store the kuntres
Lev Ita: The Halachos When Tisha B’Av Occurs on Shabbos or
Sunday, authored by HaRav Yisroel Dov Webster, Shlita. For those who
want to look into any topic further, Rabbi Webster provides extensive Hebrew
footnotes in the kuntres. Of course, one
should obtain a final ruling on all personal matters from his Rav or Posek.
The
important topics contained in the kuntres include Halachos for:
A.
Erev Shabbos Chazon: Bathing, Mikvah, Steam Room, Cutting Nails,
Changing into Shabbos Clothing, Washing Floors, Polishing Shoes, Polishing
Silver, Preparing For Motzoei Shabbos, Learning Torah, Eating or Tasting
Meat Items on Erev Shabbos.
B.
Shabbos Chazon: The
Status of Mourning on Shabbos,
Tefillos,
Maariv,
Seudos, Taking a Leisure Walk on Shabbos,
Torah Learning after Chatzos on Shabbos,
Mincha.,
Seudah Shlishis, Taking A Pill that Will Make Fasting Easier,
Havdalah for One Who is Not Fasting, Which Beverage Should Be Used
For Havdalah, Women’s Obligation in Havdalah, Reciting
Havdalah for One Who is Not Fasting.
C.
Observance of Tisha B’Av:
Preparing For Motzoei Shabbos,
Lighting Candles on Motzoei Shabbos,
Folding Tallis,
Washing Dishes, Havdalah (Sunday Evening),
Which Beverage Should Be Used For Havdalah,
Kiddush Levanah,
Restrictions on Motza’ei Tisha B’av.
----------------------------------------------------------
TIMELY POINTS ON THIS WEEK’S PARASHA, PARASHAS DEVARIM:
1. The
Pasuk (Devorim 1:8) teaches: “Ba’u U’reshu Es Ha’aretz--come and
possess the land that Hashem swore to your forefathers….” Rashi (ibid.)
explains that war would not even have been necessary--we would have simply
entered and possesed--had the Meraglim not spoken Lashon Hara. Thereafter,
we would have remained in the land without the need or use of any kelei
zayin--any weaponry forever! Let us stop Lashon Hara now--so that
we can rid THE WORLD of ugly weaponry once and for all!
2. In
a very much related vein, Rashi (ibid. 2:5) teaches that in the reward of
Lot remaining silent and simply not revealing Sarah Imeinu’s identity
as Avraham Avinu’s wife, he was zoche to become the forefather of two (Amon
and Moav) of the ten nations that would inhabit Eretz Yisrael and the
environs around it. Imagine--for remaining silent, but once!
3.
Hashem tells Moshe Rabbeinu (Devarim 2:31 ): “Re’eih Hachilosi Teis
Lifanecha Es Sichon V’Es Artzo--see I have begun to deliver before you
Sichon and his land.” Hashem clarifies to all that it was not a human battle
with Sichon--it was simply Hashem causing this great power and his people to
melt before K’lal Yisrael. How is this accomplished? Rashi (ibid.) teaches
that Hashem placed the Sar (the angel) of the Emorim under the legs
of Moshe, so that Moshe could trample over the Sar. Although battles
and conquests are fought physically in the world below--they are simply the
actualization of the heavenly decree. We must constantly remind ourselves of
how wars are truly won--as we engage in Talmud Torah, Tefillah, Mitzvos and
Ma’asim Tovim on behalf of K’lal Yisrael the world over.
----------------------------------------------------------
SEVERAL BRIEF NOTES RELATING TO TISHA B’AV:
A. The Gedolim of the previous generation determined that Tisha B’Av
is the day to express our mourning over the Churban Europe. As we cry over
the Six Million Souls that were lost to us and all of the related harm,
injury and destruction to those who survived, we must remember not to get
lost in the numbers of hundreds of thousands and millions, but to remember
each Neshama, and multiply it by millions. We once again remind you of the
Holocaust Survivor who had approximately 13 uncles and brothers who were
murdered, and observed one Yahrzeit for them all on Asara BeTeves, since he
did not know the specific dates upon which each of them was killed (this is
a practice among many, picking a date that a ghetto was liquidated, or that
a transport arrived in a death camp). He approached HaRav Chaim Baruch
Faskowitz, Z’tl, on Asara BeTeves and asked if a Kel Moleh Rachamim could be
made for them. HaRav Faskowitz himself took the Sefer Torah and began to
recite the Kel Moleh. As the man was about to give him the list of all of
the names to be inserted in the one spot, HaRav Faskowitz stopped him and
advised him that he would making each one a separate Kel Moleh, for each of
them had his own life, and that there would be no wholesale prayers or
remembrances. About half way through the Kel Molehs, HaRav Faskowitz could
no longer bear reciting brother after brother, name after name, which
concluded with the same father--”Ben Noach”--and with the Sefer Torah in
hand, sat down crying, as his Kehilla cried with him. Hakhel Note: HaRav
Faskowitz’s Yahrzeit is on Tisha B’Av.
B. The Rambam rules that one could r’l be chayav kares
for entering certain areas of the Har HaBayis even in our day. This is
because “Kedusha Rishona Kidsha L’Sha’ata, V’Kidsha L’Osid Lavo”--the
holiness initially instilled there never left, notwithstanding the
destruction, devastation and defilement of the Makom HaMikdash. This is an
incredible teaching! The area of the Bais HaMikdash is holy now--and we are
missing it! To analogize (lehavdil), in a material sense, imagine if
someone was handed the title and keys to a brand new Lexus (with all
gadgetry) and was told that he could not drive it, or that the most
sumptuous steak and wine dinner was placed before him, with the limitation
that he could look at it as much as he pleased, but that he could not eat
it. This kind of reality is even more painful in the spiritual sense,
because unlike materialism which is fleeting, ruchniyus is, in fact,
eternal--and every moment that we miss is a missed opportunity of eternity.
C. With this understanding, we can appreciate an essential teaching
that we once again provide from the Temeshevarer Rav, HaRav Meir Schuck,
Z’tl. HaRav Schuck poses the following question both with respect to the
brocha in Shemone Esrei relating to the rebuilding of Yerushalayim, and the
third brocha of Birchas HaMazon relating to the rebuilding of Yerushalayim.
Each of these brochos request “U’Venei”--that Hashem rebuild
Yerushalayim for us “B’mheira B’Yameinu--in the near future.” Yet,
each brocha concludes with the words “Boneh Yerushalayim”--which
means that Hashem is building Yerushalayim now. Which is it? Will Hashem
build Yerushalayim soon--or is Hashem building Yerushalayim right now (in
the present tense)? HaRav Schuck answers that if we sincerely look for the
rebuilding of Yerushalayim than Hashem is, in fact, building it now. It
really is dependent on our feeling, our sensitivity, our desire, our will.
How great! When we recite the words “U’venei Yerushalayim”, or “HaMachazir
Shechinaso L’Tzion” with real sincerity, Hashem is building Yerushalayim as
we meaningfully pray for it! This is something for us to remember every
day--three times daily! Hakhel Note: HaRav Schuck’s Yahrtzeit is on Tisha
B’Av.
----------------------------------------------------------
WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING PESAKIM FROM THE SEFER ASHREI HAISH (PESAKIM
OF HARAV ELYASHIV, Z’TL, BY RABBI YECHEZKEL FEINHANDLER) AND FROM THE SEFER
KOVETZ HALACHOS (PESAKIM OF HARAV SHMUEL KAMENETSKY, SHLITA BY RABBI
DONIEL KLEINMAN, SHLITA) RELATING TO TISHA B’AV:
From the Sefer Ashrei HaIsh:
1. There are various degrees as to the extent one should clean/wash his
hands after having touched a covered part of the body, his shoes, or dirtied
part of his hand but not the whole hand. Hakhel Note: One should consult
with his Rav or Posek as to the specific rules.
2. One who rides on a bus on the night of the fast of Tisha B’Av or before
Chatzos can sit on the regular seat (without having to remain standing), as
this is not considered a special act of pleasure or comfort. Of course, the
same would be true for a cab ride, and one would not have to make himself
uncomfortable in some way.
3. One should not fly on the fast of Tisha B’Av, as it constitutes a Hesech
HaDa’as from the Ta’anis.
4. Although one should not say Shalom or Good Morning in the morning,
wishing someone Mazel Tov is permissible.
5. If someone has taken upon himself to go to the Kosel for 40 days in a
row and recite Shir HaShirim as a segulah for a shidduch, he should go to
the Kosel at the same time on the fast of Tisha B’Av but not recite Shir
HaShirim (as it is Tisha B’Av), and then go back later after the fast of
Tisha B’Av and recite Shir HaShirim. With this, he should not lose the
segulah.
From the Sefer Kovetz Halachos:
1. If one is sitting on the ground itself (as opposed to a low chair), he
does not have to put something like an article of clothing or towel between
his body and the ground. While on or close to the ground (until Chatzos),
one does not have to stand up for a zaken or talmid chochom who passes by,
just as an avel is patur from this Mitzvah..
2. Although one cannot greet another, one can say Lehitraot, or Refuah
Shelaima, because these do not involve She’ailas Sholom. One should in any
event not engage in unnecessary conversation, because it removes one’s mind
from what it should be thinking about--Teshuva and aveilus of the
Rabim. Similarly, one should not take a baby unto his lap when not
necessary, for he may come to laughter.
3. Although in Shul the lights are dimmed, they need not be dimmed in the
home.
4. One can complete reciting Kinnos after Chatzos, if necessary.
5.It is permissible to say Tehillim for one who is ill at any time on Tisha
B’Av; one who usually recites a certain number of Kepitelach every day can
recite them after Chatzos.
6. On Tisha B’Av there is an absolute requirement of Talmud
Torah--but only of the sefarim that it is permissible to learn.
7. It is best for men to daven Mincha early on Tisha B’Av, so that they can
put on Tefillin at the earliest possible time.
Hakhel Note:
As we
have related in the past, the mother of Rabbi Mordechai Zuckerman, Z’tl, a
noted Talmud Chochom in Yerushalayim, davened Mincha close to sunset (which
is usually preferred, see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 233:1) every day of
the year, except Tisha B’Av, when she would daven Mincha as early in the day
as was possible. Rabbi Zuckerman asked his mother why her practice on Tisha
B’Av was different than the other days of the year. She responded that the
Mincha of Tisha B’Av is the one time during the year where we add a special
Tefillah, asking Hashem to “Nachem”, to console, the mourners of Zion and
Yerushalayim. She simply could not wait to daven Mincha until later, as
this would mean an extra few hours of delay in begging Hashem to console us.
----------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT REFLECTIONS FOR TISHA B’AV:
1.
On Yom Kippur the Sefer Yesod V’Shoresh HaAvodah teaches us that
whenever one feels pangs of hunger or thirst, he should promptly react
with: “I am fulfilling the Mitzvas Asei of Inuy with this pang!” So
too, we suggest, one can have a related thought on Tisha B’Av. It is said
in the name of Gedolim that “Uff Yom Kippur Ver Ken Essen
, un Uff Tisha B’Av Vir Vill Essen
--on Yom Kippur who can eat, and on Tisha B’Av who
wants to eat?” If one feels the pangs of hunger or thirst--he should look
back, look at the present, and look to the future--and think of what he is
fasting for.
2. On Sinas Chinam. The following is excerpted from the outstanding
Sefer Yearning with Fire--a Sefer which we highly recommend for every
Torah home: “For many years, Yeshivah Middos Tovos prided itself on turning
out graduates who were honest, helpful, and kind-hearted. The boys
developed these traits through their sincere Torah learning and the example
of their rosh yeshivah, Rabbi Goodman. Gradually, however; the students
became less receptive. Each new class was slightly more selfish and
abrasive than the class that had preceded it. The harder the yeshivah tried
to revitalize the spirit of its earlier years, the more the students
scoffed. Finally, Rabbi Goodman decided to close the doors of the
institution. If, ten years later, a group of parents were to approach Rabbi
Goodman and ask him to reopen his school, his first step would be to
ascertain who their sons were. If they were no different from the classes
enrolled a decade earlier, he would undoubtedly decline to reopen. That
reasoning helps to explain the Chofetz Chaim’s teaching that if Hashem
destroyed the Beis HaMikdash because of Sinas Chinam (baseless
hatred) [and Lashon Hara, evil gossip], He won’t permit it to be rebuilt if
we have not cured ourselves of these spiritual maladies.”
The goal, then, is to rid ourselves of Sinas Chinam as quickly and as
completely as possible. What is Sinas Chinam? The Sefer Yearning
with Fire continues: “Surprisingly, the Torah does not regard a string
of hateful insults, nor even a punch in the nose, as a transgression of the
commandment of ‘Lo Sisnah Es Achicha Bilevavecha’!” Rather, when a
person acts or speaks against his fellow Jew, his transgression is defined
by his act, such as hitting, insulting, cursing, bearing a grudge, or taking
revenge, rather than by the hatred motivating his act. It is hateful
thoughts that are prohibited by Lo Sisnah. In the secular legal
system, one cannot be prosecuted solely for his inner feelings, but only for
his express actions. Yet the Torah seems to teach that there is a special
toxicity to unexpressed hatred. The Rambam explains why: When a person
expresses negative feelings to his adversary, there is a potential for
reconciliation. Hiding one’s hatred leaves no possibility to improve
the relationship and foster unity. Besides the damage hatred causes on
its own, many other transgressions sprout from its toxic soil. That
is why Rabbeinu Yonah advises ridding oneself of hatred as a vital part of
Teshuvah. Without attacking this root cause, says Rashi, a person will
inevitably speak Lashon Hara about the subject of his hatred. Baseless
hatred is the tiny splinter of negative feeling that gets under our skin and
makes another person an irritation to us. Getting rid of these sharp shards
of strife and smoothing out the edges of our relationships with our fellow
Jews is a paramount objective for making our world ready for redemption. As
the clock moves forward, minute by minute, day by day, and the struggles and
anguish of the exile continue unabated, it becomes all the more urgent to
dig in and complete this essential task that has eluded us for nearly 2,000
years.”
3.
Chazal (Baba Metziah 30B) teach that another primary cause of the
destruction of Yerushalayim was that people did not conduct themselves
Lifnim Mishuras HaDin--going beyond the exact letter of the law: “I
only have to do this”; “I don’t have to do that”; “I do what I am supposed
to”; “I don’t owe him a dime”; “I am one hundred percent right and he is one
hundred percent wrong”; “I do exactly what it says”--all may be technically
correct, but Chazal teach that we must do better than the letter of
the law. In business, there is a saying that a good businessman ‘leaves a
little bit of money on the table’--not taking the last penny for himself at
the closing of a deal. Nobody wants strict justice--why should we impose
ours on others?! Think about how you can improve in acting Lifnim
Mishuras HaDin with at least one person or in at least one way.
4.
Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Shlita, importantly explains the term She’eiris
Yisrael or She’eiris Hapleitah--i.e., the remnants of K’lal Yisrael,
and most recently the remnants of those that survived the horrors of World
War Two. The term Nishar, according to the Malbim, is
different than the term Nosar, in that Nishar indicates
something that was left over deliberately and with a plan, while Nosar
refers to something left over incidentally or unintentionally. For
instance, the Shirayim of a Rebbe is intentionally left for
his Chassidim, while the meat of a Karbon that is left over past its time
and must be burnt is called Nosar--nobody wanted that to happen. The
Malbim brings many proofs for this distinction from Chumash and Tanach.
What we have to realize is that we are not Nosarim but Nisharim--the
intentional remnants of K’lal Yisrael--not having been left here
incidentally, without a plan, because of unforeseen circumstances or by
mistake. We have a purpose and we must live with that purpose every day.
Rabbi Reisman teaches that one who is a Nishar must know and
understand that he must exert the extra effort to rise above his weaknesses
(and perhaps laziness) and undertake the actions that a survivor would
undertake. One should not necessarily quit on a Shiur, or on doing a Chesed
because he has a headache, feels weak, is in despair or feels like he is
‘falling apart’. Instead, he must rise above the situation to survive and
further survive--for there is a plan and he has a purpose. Each and every
one of us is a part of the She’eiris--let us not only wear the badge
with honor--but with action!
----------------------------------------------------------
HOW
CAN WE NOT SHED A TEAR?!
The
Gemara (Megilla 21A) teaches that Moshe Rabbeinu would learn the more
difficult laws and concepts of the Torah sitting down.
As we
sadly noted last year, if we have to sit down this Tisha B’Av, we should
take the time out to go over in our mind some of the difficult concepts that
we tend to ignore, or at least avoid, during the rest of the year—the
churbonos and the tzaros that have accompanied us through the ages and into
our day.
Can we
not shed a tear over:
·
The pain of the Shechina over the chillul Hashem of the Galus (the Father’s
pain is greater than the child’s)
·
The void left by the Beis Hamikdash that is not with us and the resulting
void of sanctity within us (we could be closer to angels, and not closer to
animals)
·
The honor of K’lal Yisrael that has been cast to the ground and trampled
upon
·
The Cohens and Levys of the world who are not Jewish
·
The Crusades
·
The Pogroms
·
The 1648-1649 Massacres
·
The Holocaust
·
The Yom Kippur War
·
The Lebanon War
·
The Gaza War
·
Terrorism of a kind that the world has never faced before
·
The Har Nof Massacre, the murder of the three-month old
Chaya Zissel (a’h) Bas R’ Shmuel Elimelech.
The kidnapping and murder of Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach,
the Bulgaria murders, the Toulouse murders of Rabbi Sandler and the three
little children, the Fogel massacre, the Mumbai atrocity, the Sbarros
bombing, the bombing of Bus Number 2, the Leil HaSeder attack, the drive-by
murders, the tractor terror, the Merkaz HaRav murders, the knife attacks,
the hundreds of other terrorist attacks, the murders and maimings, the
mortars and bombs, the soldiers and the children all under attack
· The
Sassoon children
·
All of the unnecessary sickness and suffering for 2,000 years (multiplied by
each second of pain)
·
The desolation and ruination of the Har Habayis, Har Hazeisim, Chevron,
Teveria…
·
Low levels of conduct in Galus--smiling at the mishap of another, failing to
properly rejoice at another’s simcha, and finding it hard to accept
another’s honor and success
·
The Jews who do not even know that Tisha B’Av exists
·
The Jews who know that Tisha B’Av exists and do not grow in their resolve to
do something to end this Churban as soon as possible
The
Navi (Yeshaya 1:3, which we read as part of this week’s Haftara) teaches “Ami
Lo Hisbonan--My nation did not consider.” Rashi adds that the people
knew they were acting improperly but “tread with their heels” on this
knowledge, and simply “did not take it to heart.”
We all
know too well the desperate straits we are in at this time, in which we deal
with the Churban of Eretz Yisrael and Yerushalayim--the defiling of a land
and of a people on the one hand; and the turmoil in Eretz Yisrael
today--upon which the nations of the world have heaped additional disgrace
and scorn, on the other.
Oh,
what has befallen us! A nation in ruins, the holiest people on Earth berated
by the lowest nations on Earth. What makes us better today than the captives
of Judea taken by the Romans more than 1940 years ago? We cannot allow
ourselves to be fooled by the amenities, luxuries, or even just the relative
comfort in which we live. We have been in exile far too long, and the longer
we are here, the worse off we are.
L’Ma’aseh, living with reality and practically speaking, we are walking
about badly wounded in this bitter exile.
Yirmiyahu HaNavi cries out (Eicha 2:19 ) “Shifchi Kamayim Libeich--pour
out your heart [to Hashem] like water.”
Let us
take the time on Tisha B’Av to be misbonein over the pain and
mourning over the Chilul Hashem that exists in the world today, over
Hashem’s pain which is infinitely greater than ours, over a world that has
been lowered to the bottom of the bottom-most depths, over all the
individual and communal pain and anguish, over these and much more, we must
cry real, very real, tears.
Yirmiyahu HaNavi further teaches (31:14), “A voice is heard on high,
lamentation, bitter weeping, Rochel weeping for her children, she refuses to
be comforted for her children, for they are not.” On this Pasuk, the Mahari
Kara (in the Mikraos Gedolos) writes that Rochel Imeinu represents K’lal
Yisrael, and that our weeping in exile is heard by Hashem’s ears.
So, as
much as we would not like to, we must cry--really cry. We must realize that
we are in the nadir of our exile. The Tay-Sachs test, when originally
developed, required a person to shed a tear, which was then tested. One had
to think of something sad to shed that tear. Is it such a great challenge to
cry unabashedly over an unfulfilled world, over the world’s most precious
possessions disgraced and derided, over all the unnecessary anguish,
unnecessary suffering, destruction, and death that we are currently
experiencing?
If,
for some reason you cannot cry--at least cry out--as our
forefathers did in Mitzrayim. Remember, the gates of tears--and the gates of
ruchniyus--are never closed. If we have to sit on the Ta’anis, it should do
more than cause us some temporary physical pain. Plead to Hashem as Dovid
HaMelech does: “El Dimosi Al Techerash--do not be silent to my
tears!” (Tehillim 39:13) Hashem, I will not find comfort with the few
pleasures I have when the Heavens and the Earth writhe in pain! Please join
with your brothers this Sunday, as our sincere tears and cries reach the
Heavens. May these tears and cries turn into overflowing sounds of salvation
for each and every one of us, as we join together to witness the comforting
of our people and the ultimate final and glee-filled redemption--speedily
and in our days.
----------------------------------------------------------
ONE
FINAL, VERY IMPORTANT POINT: The experience of Tisha B’Av should not
be one of Yei’ush--despair, combined with a feeling of
hypocrisy--knowing that one will eat on Sunday night and have Shabbos
Nachamu in a week. No, Tisha B’Av is quite to the contrary a time for us to
revitalize our Achakeh Lo--our anticipation, our outstretched
hope, our true yearning that the Moshiach really finally does come, and
mankind reaches its final goal. It is one of the most basic tenets of Torah
belief, as told and retold by our Nevi’im, that the Geulah will come.
As to why the Moshiach did not come in the times of Rav and Shmuel, in the
times of Ravina and Rav Ashi, or those of Rashi, the Rambam, the Ramban, the
Bais Yosef, the G’ra, Rebbi Akiva Eiger, the Belzer Rebbe, the Ben Ish Chai
or any of the outstandingly great Gedolei HaDor we have had in the past, it
is simply not something we can understand at this moment. Furthermore, for
all of those who thought that it would be the Chofetz Chaim, the Chazon Ish,
the Baba Sali, the Steipeler, HaRav Shach, or HaRav Elyashiv that would lead
us to Moshiach, this is also, devastatingly, not the reality now.
Nevertheless, we must intensely believe, and intensely demonstrate, that
we know that the Geulah will come. We must bring home to ourselves that
it is not another Tisha B’Av because it was so last year, the year before,
or a hundred years before. It is another Tisha B’Av because in the stretch
between Tisha B’Av 5775 and 5776, we simply did not put enough bricks on the
wall. The absolute truth is that it may literally be his one extra hour
of Torah study, or her one act of Chesed that brings us over the top.
The Alter of Kelm teaches that one of the greatest lessons of Tisha B’Av is
rooted in the Sefer Nefesh HaChaim: The stabbing of the Paroches
by Titus after he and his soldiers had come into the Beis HaMikdash and
defiled it in any way they thought possible was, in fact, deemed by Hashem
to be a meaningless act, with no effect in the Heavens whatsoever. Indeed,
as Chazal teach, the Heavens cried out at the time of the destruction:
“[What have you done--nothing!] You have burned a burnt building.” Each one
of us, on the other hand, can make the Heavens shake with a deed of
kindness, an act of goodness, a sincere prayer, and meaningful Teshuvah. It
is up to us, each and every day until the Geulah arrives. There is hope,
there is a future, there is an end. All of the sad Tisha B’Av’s will vanish
into past history, hopefully sooner than later. We all chant together at
the end of Megillas Eicha (5:21): “Hashiveinu Hashem Eilecha
VeNashuva Chadeish Yameinu KiKedem--bring us back to You Hashem, and we
shall return, renew our days as of old.” When we can achieve this
point--not only will Eicha be at an end--but so will this bitter Galus, and
the sweet Geulah will begin!
MAY
WE BE ZOCHE TO NECHOMAS TZION V’YERUSHALAYIM THIS YEAR. ALL WHO
MOURN OVER YERUSHALAYIM WILL BE ZOCHE TO SEE ITS REBUILDING!
=================================
7 Menachem Av
THREE IMPORTANT TIMELY REMINDERS:
*SEVER PONIM YAFOS!
**TEHILLIM CHAPTERS 79, 83 AND/OR 137 AT MIDDAY OR AT LEAST AT SOME POINT
DURING THE DAY.
***STUDY A PEREK OF EICHA TODAY!
-------------------------------------------------
PRACTICAL FEAR OF HEAVEN:
“R’Shaul Kosovsky-Shachor, a religious lawyer, told me the following ruling
that he heard from the Chazon Ish. After Shacharis, R’ Shaul would
learn Torah for several hours before going to work. Once, he told the Chazon
Ish that although he tries not to interrupt his learning, it occasionally
happens that a person will ask him to help him with the wording of a
contract. On those occasions, he removes his Tefillin and helps the
person with the contract. ‘The Chazon Ish told me,’ R’ Shaul related, ‘that
I do not have to remove my Tefillin when I interrupt my learning to
help people.’ ’Even if you were not wearing Tefillin,’ the Chazon Ish
told me, ‘you would be allowed to put them on in order to write the
contract. According to the basic halachah, a person should wear Tefillin
the whole day, even while he is working. You should certainly work on
the contract while wearing your Tefillin, out of fear of Heaven,’
the Chazon Ish said’.” Hakhel Note: Let us contemplate what can add to our
fear of Heaven! [Excerpted
from The Sefer Aleinu L’Shabeiach by HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein,
Shlita, and written by Rabbi Moshe Zoren (Artscroll)]
----------------------------------------------------------
LIFE ON PLANET EARTH!
Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, Shlita, points out that after the first Pasuk in the
Torah which describes that Hashem created the Heavens and the Earth--which
includes billions of galaxies with billions of celestial bodies within them,
the Torah immediately begins to focus on Ha’aretz--the earth. The
earth in comparison to all Hashem created is almost infinitely smaller than
even the Jewish population in proportion to the whole world’s population.
Yet, the Torah teaches us that Hashem’s focus is here, with us, in this
world, on earth. If life on planet earth is so important--how can we waste
it on vanities, trifles, excesses, and the unimportant?! Especially in this
precious time before Tisha B’Av, one of the highlights of which is Teshuvah--we
must consider and reconsider how we can make our lives more valued and
valuable!
Additional Note: Chazal teach that in a place where a Ba’al Teshuvah
stands--even a Tzaddik Gamur cannot stand. Each and every one of us
has the opportunity to be greater than even those who are looked to as
Tzaddikim. Such is the power of Teshuvah. We must remember that Chazal
teach: “V’HaKol Lefi HaCheshbon--everything is counted, and not
overlooked by Hashem”. We have the capability to successfully overcome each
challenge and each trial we face, and do Hashem’s will in each and every
life situation and event. We suggest both of the following phrases are true:
“We can--because we must”, and “We must--because we can”!
----------------------------------------------------------
PURITY!
We understand that some have difficulty contemplating what life will be like
after the Third Beis HaMikdash arrives. One person suggested to us that he
thinks of his greatest end of Yom Kippur experience--the feeling of extreme
cleanliness and purity--a feeling that each and every one of us has
experienced to some extent and in some way. With the Geulah, this feeling of
purity is what we will experience every day, he suggests--a thousand fold,
or more!
----------------------------------------------------------
PISKEI HALACHA OF HARAV CHAIM KANIEVSKY, SHLITA:
The following are Piskei Halacha from HaRav Chaim Kanievksy, Shlita, as
published in the Divrei Si’ach relating to Tisha B’Av, and the
Churban:
A. For
Kriyas Shema Ahl HaMita on Leil Tisha B’Av, HaRav Kanievsky recites only the
Parasha of Shema, the Pasuk of BeYadecha Afkid Ruchi, and the bracha
of HaMapil.
B. The
Minhag to stand when reciting Ali Tzion is out of respect for the
Kinah, and is not a chiyuv.
C.
When putting on Tefillin in the afternoon, one may recite the Pesukim which
he normally says when putting on Tefillin.
D.
HaRav Kanievsky reports that the Chazon Ish permitted women to recite
Tehillim on Tisha B’Av.
E.
Halachos which are Zecher LeChurban:
1. A
Simcha Hall which is owned by an individual requires an amah by an
amah which is unfinished.
2.
When traveling to the Kosel, the Steipeler would close his eyes upon
entering the Old City until the Kosel, so that he would not have to tear his
clothing twice--once for the walls of Yerushalayim--and the other for the
Kosel.
3. One
cannot be mafkir his clothing in order to avoid tearing it when
seeing the Kosel. After tearing, one need not continue to wear it and one
can replace it immediately.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT REFLECTIONS FOR THE DAYS BEFORE TISHA B’AV:
PART 3
1. Lashon Hara--we need say nothing more than these two words, which the
Chofetz Chaim teaches is the Sinas Chinam which brought about the
destruction of the Second Bais Hamikdash. We have to know that a slip even
one time a day has horrific results. Picture five packs of cigarettes in
front of you ready to be smoked--five words of Lashon Hara are infinitely
worse than smoking all five packs! Hakhel Note: The Sefer Yearning with
Fire points out that the current Galus is now more than 27 times
longer than Galus Bavel. Think about it--27 times longer--and the Galus
Bavel was a result of the three major sins of Gilui Arayos, Shefichas Damim
and Avodah Zara! We have to get the message--and stop once and for all!
2. As this week’s Haftarah concludes, Yeshayahu HaNavi (1:27) reveals to
us: “Tzion BaMishpat Tipadeh V’Shaveha B’Tzedakah--we will be
redeemed through justice and through Tzedakah.” This does not apply only to
judges and to the wealthy. It applies to each and every Jew. We know that
being Dan L’Chaf Zechus is part of Tzion BaMishpat Tipadeh.
What are the ways that one can be Dan L’Chaf Zechus? The Chofetz
Chaim suggests several, which include one’s thinking that the person does
not realize that what he is doing is wrong, or realizing that he does not
understand the full context of the event (which is almost always the case),
and yet another is that even if one feels that he understands the context
and knows the person to be culpable, it may be that the person must act in
this manner or in order to save someone else. If one does not consciously
realize, at least once a day, that he is judging another L’Chaf Zechus--then
perhaps he is not being Dan L’Chaf Zechus often enough!
3. Now let us turn to V’Shaveha B’Tzedakah--if we give Tzedakah
daily--especially when doing so for the sake of the Geulah--we demonstrate
that we are personally trying to fulfill the Navi’s words!
4. Tzefanayah HaNavi (3:13) teaches us that “She’eiris Yisrael Lo Ya’asu
Avlah VeLo Yedabru Chazav VeLo YeMatzei BiPhihem Leshon Tarmis--those
who remain at the time of the Moshiach…will be those that did not speak
falsely or deceitfully.” How important is honesty in one’s life! It is
literally the difference as to whether one will be present at the end of
days, says the Navi. What an important ambition in life!
=================================
6 Menachem Av
FROM READERS:
We received the following important communications from readers:
A. “In an Irgun Shiurei Torah shiur, I heard Rabbi Saperstein say (I
forget in whose name) that with the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash, our
siddur is like a portable Bais Hamikdash. In our Bein Adam Lamakom
focus these days, keeping this thought in mind might engender more Kavannah.
This morning, Rabbi Saperstein’s teaching made me so grateful just to have a
siddur, a machzor, etc., all within easy reach. I thought of people during
the Holocaust, who davened from memory, or of stories of people who gave
from their meager rations, just to have a chance to daven from a lone siddur
or pages of a siddur that had been smuggled into the camps….
Also, I read that HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita, may he be well and
strong, in comments on Chovos Halevovos, translated the word bitachon
not as trust, but as certainty. Namely, we are certain that Hashem will
take care of us, send the geulah, etc. When I pointed this out to a friend,
she reminded me of the following mashal: ‘Why does a baby laugh when
its father throws him up in the air? Shouldn’t the baby be fearful and
cry? But the baby laughs because he is certain that his father will
catch him!’ The nimshal is clear. May we merit the Geulah Sheleimah,
and may it be Geulah B’Rachamim.”
B. “One of the primary avodos of this period is not being mesiach
da’as from the churban. Speaking for myself and presumably others, this
is an extremely difficult avoda and especially so for those of us working in
a secular environment completely antithetical to all things religious. So
the question becomes: How do we go about our day and do all our normal
activities but at the same time keep an awareness that we, personally and as
a nation, are in a period of mourning? I heard an eitza once. It
might sound silly or trite but it has worked for me and hopefully would work
for others. Take a small item, could be a paper clip or a folded up small
piece of paper and put in your shoe such that as you walk around you notice
it. The item should not be too small that you cannot feel it and not too
large to impede normal walking habits. As you walk around, to the office,
on an errand or running to catch the train, you will notice the object and
the object will remind you that it is the Nine Days and a period of
mourning. Simple, but very effective.”
C. The Imrei Emes
[one of the great Gerrer Rebbes] describes the scenario of a person who is
suspected of having tzara’as. If the Kohen is not sure – the person must be
secluded away for a week to be checked again to see if it is in fact
tzara’as or not. Let’s say that in the end it wasn’t tzara’as. So the Imrei
Emes asks, what is going on? There is no happenstance or coincidence and
this person went through a lot of inui – a lot of pain, being by themselves
for the week, basically in solitary confinement. and in the end, it wasn’t
tzara’as – so why did all of that happen?
His answer is
astounding! He says that he had all of that affliction for words not
spoken. Things that he should have said to someone ……..and
didn’t. Words of encouragement and care, a compliment, a thank you,
something that could help a person, give them some kavod, build them up in
some way, or something that would be meaningful for them. These things went
unsaid.
For this he was
meant to sit for a week by himself and contemplate life and what could have
happened and what he could have said.
We are talking
about the concept of Lashon Tov. We always speak about the
seriousness of lashon harah – but what about the flip side??
----------------------------------------------------------
NINETEEN WEEKS:
As we especially dedicate ourselves to the twelfth Bracha of Shemone Esrei
this week, we provide the following words of instruction from the great
Praying with Passion Series (in order to go through this entire
outstanding series on Tefillah, please visit
http://prayingwithfire.org/archives.html):
“Who are the
Zeidim?
They are evil doers, the habitual and intentional sinners, who attempt to
draw Jews away from their service of Hashem. We request that Hashem punish
the
Zeidim
in no fewer than four different ways: He should “uproot, smash, cast down,
and humble them,”
Se’aker, Seshaber, Semageir, Sachniyah. Rav Schwab (Rav Schwab
on Prayer, Artscroll, p. 479) explains that these four verbs were chosen
very carefully and represent four different types of punishment:
Se’aker--we
pray that Hashem uproot the evil doers, to prevent any future growth. It is
our prayer that any ideology that attempts to take Jews away from
Judaism—either by force or persuasion—shall be uprooted and thereby shall
cease to grow and develop.
Seshaber--we
pray that evil-doers should be smashed into various factions, thus rendering
them ineffective in reaching their evil objective.
Semageir--we
pray that even the factions of evil-doers be broken up—that they be further
divided into individuals. Nevertheless, even without the strength of the
group, these individuals are still dangerous.
Sachniyah–we
pray that Hashem humble the remaining individual evil-doers, so that
individual
Zeidim
are rendered harmless.”
----------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT REFLECTIONS FOR THE DAYS BEFORE TISHA B’AV:
PART 2
1.
With all of the problems of Galus, we must see the Yad Hashem leading us
from place to place, from trial and tribulation to respite, and from another
trial and tribulation to another respite. HaRav Yisroel Reisman, Shlita,
teaches that the Kinus are presented in a seeming disorder or disarray in
order for us to understand that the trials and tribulations we experienced
in the 1500’s were not in essence different than the trials and tribulations
of the 1800’s, and that the respite in the 1700’s was not in essence
different than the respite in the 2000’s. It is all Yad Hashem
walking with us, staying with us, leading us in a Derech Hanistar
until that time that we are zoche for His glory to be revealed to us in all
its splendor--and this time to the entire world!
2. We
must read and re-read the last few paragraphs of Chapter 19 of the
Mesilas Yesharim, in which the Ramchal teaches us how each and every one
of us is personally important and responsible to bring the Geulah. We must
teach this lesson to our friends, to our neighbors and to our children.
When pleading to Hashem for the Geulah, can we not be contrite enough to
stick out our hand as a pauper does when we say: “Yehi Ratzon…Sheyibaneh
Bais Hamikdash BeMiheirah V’Yameinu Visein Chelkeinu BiSorasecha…”? We
do not have to limit this request to the end of Shemone Esrei--we can make
it additional times during the day as well!
3.
Supplementing our reader’s suggestion above, we should take upon ourselves
certain simple daily practices (everything, bli neder, of course), which
indicate our discomfort and displeasure with our remaining in Galus. Every
person knows what he can do--skipping one’s first choice of dessert, not
eating a particular food (ketchup, mustard, popcorn--you choose it), not
speaking one time a day when you could--all in order to remember where you
are and where you have to go.
4.
The Arizal teaches that in order to be zoche to Ruach HaKodesh, one should
recite Birkas HaNehenin properly. We provide by the following link
http://tinyurl.com/cdtm2j9 a simple translation of Al HaMichya and Borei
Nefashos in Hebrew. By using these translations (at least once a day), one
may demonstrate that he aspires to the days when Ruach HaKodesh will once
again be prevalent among us, and that he too aspires to that very same Ruach
HaKodesh.
----------------------------------------------------
WHAT
WILL ELIYAHU HANAVI ACCOMPLISH:
What will Eliyahu HaNavi accomplish upon his arrival? The last Mishna in
Edios (8:7) brings different opinions as to Eliyahu’s actual role, and
concludes with the words of the Chachamim: “Eliyahu will not come to make
distant those who are currently close, or to make close those who are
currently distant. Rather, his purpose it to make peace in the world.”
Oh, how we need this now! The world and all its inhabitants, including
parents and children, students and teachers, all of the estranged, and the
erstwhile enemies, will no longer have a shred of Machlokes between them.
Peace and only peace will be the common thread of all humanity. With this
realization--that the singular task of Eliyahu HaNavi is to bring peace to
the world--perhaps we should realize what an important goal peace really is
even now--and place especially important focus and attention on the last
Bracha of Shemone Esrei, and the other areas of Davening in which we plead
for peace. If we conclude Shemone Esrei with this plea, conclude Birkas
Kohanim with this plea, conclude Bentsching with this plea…and Eliyahu
HaNavi’s sole role will bring its ultimate realization, then we must do our
part to realize its essential and unparalleled place in our lives, and in
the lives of our family, community, and the world at large. The next time
(and every time!) you say Sim Shalom, Shalom Rav, Hashem Yivarech Es Amo
BaShalom... or even Shalom Aleichem--especially during these
perilous times--give it the special meaning and inspired intent that it
actually, realistically and so very truly deserves!
=================================
5 Menachem Av
EVEN
IN OUR GENERATION!
In a
Shiur related to Tisha B’Av, Rabbi Zev Leff, Shlita, explained that
in the Haggada Shel Pesach there are two times the phrase “Bechol Dor
V’Dor” appears: (1) Bechol Dor V’Dor Chayav Adam Liros Es Atzmo--in
every generation a person is obligated to view himself as having been
redeemed from Egypt; and (2) Bechol Dor V’Dor Omdim Aleinu Lechaloseinu--
in every generation our enemies attempt to destroy us (whether blatantly or
not). Chazal, by putting both phrases of Bechol Dor V’Dor into the
Haggada are teaching us that just as each generation in Galus deserves to be
in Galus--each and every generation--including ours--has the potential for
redemption. It is up to us not to look this way or that way, backwards,
frontwards or sideways--but into ourselves--so that we can experience the
very much preferred Bechol Dor V’Dor!
-------------------------------------------
ACTUALLY--MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO!
Rabbeinu Sa’adia Gaon teaches as follows: Hashem related to Avraham Avinu
just two words about what would happen to the Mitzriyim when the time for
Geulas Mitzrayim would come--’Dun Anochi--I will judge them’. Yet, we
all know the fantastic miracles and wonders that subsequently occurred.
Imagine, then, continues Rabbeinu Sa’adia Gaon about the future Geulah--think
of the [perhaps thousands of] words of nechama in the Seforim of
Yirmiyahu, Yeshayahu, Yecheskel and Trei Asar--how great and wondrous will
the Geulah Sheleimah be! Hakhel Note: All we have to do is take it
seriously--and properly ready ourselves!
-------------------------------------------
PERHAPS YOU CAN START HERE…!
That
one item that you were meaning to get to--improving your Kavannah in Pesukei
D’Zimrah, Shema or Shemone Esrei; making sure to be on time for davening in
Shul or to the Shiur; starting the new Gemach; making a daily Chesed call….
Whatever it may be that you have intended to begin but have not yet done
so--now during this very important period in which we strive to
increase our levels of Avodah--to show that we are ready for more--is truly
the time to get started!
-------------------------------------------
APPRECIATING ALL OF HIS WONDERS:
The following two extremely practical and meaningful points are excerpted
from
Let There Be Rain
by Rabbi Shimon Finkelman, Shlita, and Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, Shlita (Artscroll/Mesorah)
1. Rav
Shimon Schwab, Z’tl, teaches: “My Rebbi, Rav Yeruchom Levovitz, Z’tl, the
Mirrer Mashgiach, would say that just as one is impressed by a very loud,
crashing clap of thunder, and consequently trembles when saying the bracha
of Shekocho U’Gevuraso Maleih Olam, so should one also tremble and be
awe-inspired when saying the bracha of Shehakol Nehiyeh Bidvaro
before drinking a glass of water. The creation of water is just as much a
result of the strength and power of Hashem as is thunder and lightning.”
2. Rav
Zev Smith, Shlita, writes: “If a person wants to acquire love of Hashem,
says Rambam, he should look at the miracles of the natural world. [In summer
camp] Rav Nesanel Quinn, Z’tl, often took us on walks, and would point to a
tree, a patch of grass. Each was in his eyes a Mitzvah object from which to
learn. In our daily prayers we say that this world is filled with
Kinyanecha which literally means “Your [Hashem’s] possessions”. Rav
Quinn would quote [his mentor] HaRav Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz, Z’tl, who
said that the word Kinyan is a method by which to acquire something.
By pondering the wonders of creation, we acquire love of Hashem.
Accordingly, the intent of the prayer is, ‘How manifold are Your works,
Hashem…the earth is filled with ways by which to acquire love of You,
Who has created this amazing world’.”
-------------------------------------------
ON THE YAHRZEIT OF THE ARIZAL:
As many may know, today is the Yahrzeit of the Arizal. It is particularly
noteworthy during this time of year that the Arizal is known for instructing
us to be mekabel the Mitzvas Aseh of VeAhavta LeRayacha Kamocha
before davening. What greater Mitzvah can we be involved in on his Yahrzeit--knowing
that our lack of brotherhood (Sinas Chinam) drove us away from meriting the
Bais Hamikdash--and how its repair --through VeAhavta LeRayacha Kamocha
-can bring us back home. There is a fascinating Maharal at the outset of
Sefer Gevuras Hashem, in which the Maharal explains that the word for
exile (Golah--Gimel, Lamed, Heh), and the word for redemption (Goel--Gimel,
Aleph, Heh) are different in that the word for exile contains a Heh, and the
word for redemption contains an Aleph. He explains as follows: A Heh has the
numerical equivalent of five--and this symbolizes the four corners of an
object (such as the earth), together with its fifth point-- its center. The
letter Aleph has a numerical equivalent of one--symbolizing the center point
which unites all else around. In the Galus we are in, we are spread to the
four corners of the world--but we have not lost the center--the power of
unity that brings us all together. We must always remember that our Galus
is not marked by a Daled--with only four corners--but instead is made up of
a Heh -- a fifth point at the center at which the four points can unite. We
have not lost this bond in thousands of years--as Jews from such diverse
Galus-countries as Afghanistan,
Argentina,
Russia,
France
and the United States
will all get together in camaraderie and to help each other. This link has
never been, and will never be, broken. Our role in Galus is to bring the
four corners closer and closer towards the middle point--bonding closer and
closer to achieve an Aleph. When we have made sufficient gains with each
other-- we will be zoche to bond with Hashem in the Bais HaMikdash again.
When this happens and the Geulah Sheleimah comes--the Aleph will be
permanent--and our bonds with Hashem will be unshakable, unbreakable,
eternal and everlasting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIZMOR
SHIR CHANUKAS HABAYIS!:
HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, makes an essential point. Chazal teach that when
adding on to the Mikdash, one of the chapters of Tehillim that was recited
was Tehillim Chapter 30, appropriately entitled “Mizmor Shir Chanukas
HaBayis LeDovid--a song for the inauguration of the Bais HaMikdash by
Dovid HaMelech.” We are all very familiar with this Kepitel, for we recite
it in Shacharis every morning, and daily on Chanukah when we also
commemorate the rededication of the Bais HaMikdash. HaRav Elyashiv asks a
pointed question--after we recite the first Pasuk of Mizmor Shir Chanukas
HaBayis--what does the rest of the Kepitel have to do at all with the Bais
HaMikdash? Take a look at the rest of the Pesukim, such as “Shivati
Eilecha Vetirpa’eini--I cried out to You, and You healed me.” “Histarta
Phanecha Hayisi Nivhal--You conceal Yourself, and I am confounded.” “Hashem
Heyei Ozer Li--Hashem be my Helper.” In looking at the Kepitel, it
appears to be a moving and personalized plea for Hashem’s help. So, once
again, what does it have to do with the Bais HaMikdash?! HaRav Elyashiv
answers that Dovid HaMelech truly felt that as long as the Bais HaMikdash
was not in a position of great prominence--he himself was suffering, he
himself was in anguish and incomplete. However, with a built Mikdash, he
exclaims “He’elisa Min Sheol Nafshi--You have raised up my soul from
the lower world!” This, then is Dovid HaMelech’s lesson to us from Tehillim
Chapter 30. Because we lack the Bais HaMikdash in all of its splendor--we
must inwardly feel the full measure of the Yiddish expression: “Se Gait
Mir In Laiben--it troubles me terribly, it troubles me personally.”
Please look at the Kepitel again and envisage how your need for the Chanukas
HaBayis bothers you as much as your own predicaments and circumstances, your
own troubles and difficulties--and how the Chanukas HaBayis itself will
usher in the utmost personal joy and joy for the world at large. Every time
we recite this Chapter (for Nussach Ashkenaz it actually inaugurates the
Pisukei DeZimra)--we should have in mind not only our own trials and
tribulations, but also how much the absence of a Bais HaMikdash personally
means--after all it is the Mizmor Shir Chanukas HaBayis. With this
zechus of a true and proper recital of this Kepitel daily, we come to its
last, concluding and climactic Pasuk--”LeMa’an Yezamercha Chavod VeLo
Yidom, Hashem Elokai LeOlam Odeka--so that my soul might sing to You and
not be still-- Hashem I will thank You forever!”
-----------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT REFLECTIONS FOR THE DAYS BEFORE TISHA B’AV:
PART 1
1.
What does the lack of a Bais Hamikdash mean? We are taught (see for example
Divrei HaYamim 1:25 and Rashi there) that the Chapters of Tehillim were so
inspirational that their recitation by the Levi’im in the Bais Hamikdash
brought them to Ruach HaKodesh. How can we live with such a stark void?
How can we live without Nevi’im to guide us and Kohanim to teach us? How
can we live without Korbanos which by its very meaning teaches us
that our bringing them is a guaranteed means of coming closer to Hashem?
The holiest place in the world is the Kodesh HaKedashim--how can we allow
the world to continue to exist--without its holiest place?
2.
How deadened have my senses become in Galus? How can I be content with what
my eyes see around me? How can I be used to the words that my ears hear?
What parts of Western civilization are emblazoned in my home, on my clothing
(even glasses and sneakers!), and worse yet--in my heart?!
3.
The Shechina is out of its home. It is in Galus! Dovid HaMelech cried out
to Hashem that he could not live like that--without the Shechina in its
resting place. How could we then be complacent, and look away at the
Tza’ar HaShechina? Shouldn’t we at least feel the Tza’ar three
times a day, every day when reciting the bracha of V’Lirushalayim Irecha
BeRachamim Tashuv?
4. Do
I realize what the world will be like when the Geulah finally comes? As we
have noted in the past, HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, Z’tl, taught that
there will even be four brachos that are recited when the Moshiach comes.
The Mishna (Brachos 9:2) itself teaches that when we see Avodah Zara
uprooted from Eretz Yisrael we will be able to recite the bracha of: “Baruch
She’akar Avodah Zara MeiArtzeinu”! Oh, how we must await the Geulah!
Chazal teach that the Ananei Kavod--the cloud of glory will even
return to transport us, that the sick will be healed, that the agony and
groans of this world will be no more--and that we will live in eternal
happiness. Moreover, if one truly mourns the destruction of the Mikdash,
HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita, [Mattisyahu Chaim Ben Ettel] adds that he
will be zoche to a Techiyas HaMeisim which precedes the general Techiyas
HaMeisim--so that he can truly see the Bais Hamikdash being rebuilt with his
own eyes!
=================================
4 Menachem Av
REMEMBER TO LOOK AT THE LABEL!
In this important time, as we bolster our zehirus in Mitzvos, let us
act with resolve to carefully review labels in order to make the proper
brachos on products--thanking HaKadosh Baruch Hu in the appropriate way
for His beneficence. By the following link
http://tinyurl.com/jc8nh4xwe provide as
an example the label of Popinsanity--a new popular gourmet popcorn
product--which the label testifies is…Pas Yisrael! Of course, if one has
any doubts as to the appropriate bracha rishona or acharona, he should
consult with the Kashrus agency and/or his Rav regarding the particular
product.
----------------------------------------------------------
SUMMER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM!
We continue our Summer Improvement Program, with simple suggestions, on a
weekly basis, in each of the areas of Bein Adam LaMakom, Bein Adam
L’Chaveiro, and Bein Adam L’Atzmo. Of course, these are only
suggestions--but every person has the opportunity to join with others who
will be attempting the same successes. In the alternative, one can chart his
own improvement course on a weekly basis as well.
WEEK 6--PARASHAS DEVARIM
Bli neder, at least one time a day during this week, consciously do
the following:
Bein Adam LaMakom:
Change your siddur, or your seat, or some other aspect of the way you daven
in order to gain a freshness in your Tefillah.
Bein Adam L’Chaveiro:
The story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza teaches us that every single
interpersonal relationship is important, and that we can never, ever go
beyond Halacha and hurt another--for this constitutes sinas chinam.
Especially in this week before Tisha B’Av, we must be extra vigilant to
avoid any taint of undue or unjust sinah. Remember that the
Halacha is very, very limiting in permitting sinah of any kind. If
you must act with emotion--act with ahava.
Bein Adam L’Atzmo:
Every day, for at least a minute, think about what life will be like in the
times of the Third Beis HaMikdash, with Moshiach--picture yourself there,
and think about the spirituality--what an elevated existence! Long for the
Geulah!
----------------------------------------------------------
NINETEEN WEEKS!
We are now in the twelfth of the nineteen week period prior to Rosh
Hashana. In past years, we have proceeded weekly, Bracha by Bracha, through
Shemone Esrei with a special emphasis on Kavannah on that week’s Bracha.
This week’s Bracha is… Velamalshinim!
Birkas HaMinim
is really the 19th Bracha of Shemone Esrei, as it was instituted
after the Churban, in Yavneh (Brachos 28B). Thus, it seems to directly
relate to our condition post-Churban, during which we are inundated by
heretical thoughts and philosophies, and face enemies from within and
without. HaRav Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, explains that we accordingly first
begin with Velamalshinim Al Tehi Sikva--may all of those who are
antagonistic to Torah, who falsify reports against us and who antagonize or
act with hatred towards us, have no success or hope in their endeavors.
Furthermore, Vechol HaRisha KeRegah Toveid--we do not daven
necessarily that the evildoers be eradicated, but that the evil itself will
be eliminated not over time--but K’Rega--immediately. Our plea for
the immediate destruction of evil, HaRav Friedlander writes, exactly
parallels our Tefilla on the Yomim Noraim of ‘Vechol HaRisha Kula KeAshan
Tichleh’--i.e., that Risha be destroyed immediately--going up in smoke
so that the world at large will acknowledge its fallacy. We have needed
this Bracha over the last 2,000 years--and we most certainly need it now.
Think of our current enemies all across the globe. Perhaps when the
Beis HaMikdash is rebuilt…we will revert back to 18 Brachos. May we find
out in our day. In the interim, let us be sure we impart all of the
Kavannah that we can into this timely Bracha!
In addition to the above note,
we
provide by the following link additional notes to the Nineteen Brachos for
the years 5771 and 5772
http://www.hakhel.info/TefillahArchive.html
May we highly recommend the Nineteen Week Program again this year--either
based upon your own study (such as by utilizing the Praying with Passion
Series (available at
www.prayingwithfire.org), the
magnificent Rav Schwab on Prayer, the Tefillah Tapes of Rabbi Berel
Wein, Shlita, or other wonderful resources), or by utilizing the link
provided on a daily basis throughout the week!
-------------------------------------------
80,000!
The
Chofetz Chaim provides the following stark words: “If someone is not as
careful as he should be and speaks ‘only four or five words’ of
Lashon Hara in a day--then over the week that will be 30 words of Lashon
Hara. Over the year, the Chofetz Chaim continues, this will aggregate 1,500
words of Lashon Hara. Over 60 years, this will result in 80,000 words of
Lashon Hara. Since Chazal (Avos 4:13) teach that one who does an aveirah
creates an accompanying kateigor (prosecuting Malach)--one will have
r’l created an astounding legion of 80,000 mekatregim against
him. This would occur if r’l one is not careful with four or five
words every day. Imagine, then, if one is not careful with 15 or 20! On the
other hand--if those very same words were used as words of Torah, Tefillah
or Chesed--in their place there would be 80,000 malochim who are
saneigorim--who will eternally benefit the one who created them. A
little laxity could be a terrible thing--while just a small amount of
Mitzvos in their place can bring everlasting gain!”
-------------------------------------------------
THE
FOURTH DAY OF AV:
Today is marked on the Jewish calendar in an incredible way. On the Fourth
Day of Av, Nechemiah, the leader of the Jewish people who had returned from
Galus Bavel, began to repair the broken walls of Yerushalayim. Indeed,
portions of this rebuilt wall can still be seen today. The repair process
took 52 days, and was completed on the 25th of Elul. Thus, the
‘repair’ of Yerushalayim began during the very Nine Day Period in which we
commemorate and commiserate over its destruction and loss. There is no doubt
that the time period we are in reverberates with our relationship to
Yerushalayim and the Bais HaMikdash. It is up to us to steer it away from
the direction of destruction and ruin and towards the course of an
everlasting rebuilding and rededication.
-------------------------------------------------
THE
YAHRZEIT OF THE MAHARAM MIPANU:
Today is the Yahrzeit of the Maharam MiPanu (R’Menachem Azarya ben
R’Yitzchak Berechia), Z’tl. The Maharam taught that the word Tzedaka in “Aat
Bash” (equating the first letter and the last letter of the Aleph Bais,
the second letter with the second to last letter, the third letter with the
third to last letter, through the whole Aleph Bais ) also spells Tzedaka
--with the tzadik (the fifth letter from the end of the Aleph Bais) being
the equivalent of the hey (the fifth letter from the beginning of the Aleph
Bais), and the daled (fourth letter from beginning)being the equivalent of
the kuf (fourth letter from end), and the same analysis continuing for the
final two letters of Tzedaka--the kuf and the heh. Tzedaka is thus
Tzedaka--no matter which end of the Aleph Bais you start from! The
great lesson is that one who gives Tzedaka in the beginning (represented by
counting from the beginning of the Aleph Bais)--loses nothing, for Hashem
ensures that in one way or another he receives it all back (represented by
the counting from the end of the Aleph Bais). Let us remember these words
as we prepare to give Tzedaka over the next several days in order to fulfill
the words of the Navi Yeshaya--”VeShaveha BiTzedaka--and those who
return…with acts of charity!” If you need an important Tzedaka address
to help feed the poor in Eretz Yisrael--we refer you to
yadeliezer.org
-------------------------------------------------
TODAY’S REALITY CHECK:
If we take a moment to engage in a Reality Check we will note that two
months from today’s date will be the fourth day of Tishrei--almost the
middle of the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah! Of course, another aspect of
the Reality Check is that we are in the Nine Days. Rather than being
depressed or gloomy, we should recognize the current daily situation as a
series of opportunities--opportunity after opportunity for growth and
advancement. In last week’s Haftarah, the Navi exhorted us with the words “Vayeilchu
Acharei HaHevel Vayehebalu--they went after nothingness, and they
became nothing.” (Yirmiyahu 2:5) If we can make the effort to recognize and
act upon opportunity after opportunity, we can convert nothingness into
something very, very huge and important. At a Hakhel Shiur, HaRav Avraham
Davis, Shlita, (of Metsudah Publications) said in the name of HaRav Yitzchak
Hutner, Z’tl, that if an adult would play ball like a child, he would be
unfortunately viewed as an adult playing like a child. However, if he would
have continuously developed his talents since childhood, he could even
become a professional. Lehavdil, the same is also true in everything
that we do. It is up to us to determine whether, as adults, we are just
playing like children in the way we learn, the way we daven, the way we
speak, and the way we behave towards others. In which direction are we
moving--are we moving away from nothingness, are we using our
opportunities--are we trying to grow (up)? Let us learn from the Navi--and
make something of ourselves. HaRav Avrohom Chaim Feuer, Shlita, in a Shiur
on the Three Weeks, taught that Hashem leaves His palace during the Three
Weeks looking for us--may He find us and be happy with His find!
Hakhel
Note One: It may be right for us to buy a small notebook, and write on the
outside “Sefer HaTeshuva.” In there, one can jot down the items he
senses that he is doing wrong either on a consistent basis or whenever he
gets into this kind of situation or that kind of discussion--and ultimately
(after thinking about it, and trial and error) how he can fix what he writes
about. Similarly, he could write down where he may have not acted honorably
or befittingly (how did he show honor to the elderly person, how did he eat
that food or drink that drink). Writing this down is the indication that
one feels that it is important enough for him to deal with, and is an
important step in the improvement process. Each and every one of us is far,
far from nothingness, as Yirmiyahu teaches--for one has to travel (Vayeilchu
Acharei HaHevel) to get there. Our own personal Sefer
HaTeshuva will lead us farther and farther away from that nothingness,
and closer and closer to the highroad to greatness!
Hakhel
Note Two: HaRav Chaim Volozhiner’s teaching in the Sefer Nefesh HaChaim
regarding Titus HaRasha should especially reverberate within us during this
time of year. As many know, HaRav Chaim teaches that, unlike Titus’ action
of stabbing the Paroches, which was limited to Olam HaZeh and had no effects
in Shomayim--when a Jew sins in this world, it not only creates
after-effects and after-shocks in the person’s self and in the world in
general, but it creates reverberations in the upper worlds as well. This is
not meant to be allegorical. Although we cannot see it with our naked eye,
it is real, very real. We have the power to literally shake worlds for the
bad--or for the good. Let us wisely utilize our daily opportunities! It is
up to us to make this day--and every day--a successful one!
=================================
1 Menachem Av
STARTS TODAY!
In our Sha’arei Teshuvah pre-Rosh Hashana calendar, Sha’ar Gimel
starts today! If you have not yet begun the Sefer--you may begin today with
Sha’ar Gimel, which contains the main body of the Sefer. We provide by the
following link
http://tinyurl.com/qcnq3u6
the calendar for you for the next two months--from Rosh Chodesh Av to
completion of the Sefer on Rosh Hashana.
----------------------------------------------------------
IT IS
WAR AGAINST THE YETZER HARA:
Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss, Shlita, makes the following very significant points
about the Yetzer Hara and how to most effectively deal with it:
1.
Chazal teach that a person should be margiz his Yetzer HaTov over his
Yetzer Hara. The term margiz is intended to emphasize that we must
excite ourselves, and act passionately against the Yetzer Hara. We cannot
live on cruise control, nor rely on our ‘good instincts’.
2.
Just as a nurse in a hospital, dealing with all kinds of illnesses, must be
extremely careful to protect her own health--and cannot say: “No, nothing
will happen to me”--so too, must a person be so careful to protect his
spiritual health by using recognized protective measures. These include the
study of Torah, and sincere Tefillos to Hashem to save you from the Yetzer
Hara’s deceit and trickery (‘V’Hatzileini HaYom U’vechol Yom MeYetzer
Hara’).
3. A
person must realize that the war is a life-long one--and it is a person’s
job to win the battles--which take place in different situations and
events--on a daily basis.
4. Why
is the Yetzer Hara compared to a zevuv--a fly, and not a hornet,
scorpion or rattlesnake? It may be because it is only the fly that keeps on
coming back--no matter how many times you brush it away!
Hakhel
Note: Some add that the fly has no real power to hurt the person--it only
annoys and distracts, if the person allows himself to be annoyed and
distracted. This too is true of the Yetzer Hara.
5. Of
special importance to the Torah Jew is that Chazal teach that if a person
repeats an aveirah, it becomes like a heter to him. What does this
mean? It means that it doesn’t overly bother a person if he can go through
an entire davening without thinking much about Hashem, if he recites a
bracha as a formula by rote before being allowed to put something in his
mouth, if he gets angry ‘once in a while’, if he misses a Seder ‘only once
every few weeks’, or if he is not overly concerned about negative facial
expressions, disturbing someone’s sleep, or saying something that is hurtful
in a discreet way.
6.
Hashem created the Yetzer Hara with only one purpose in mind--for us to
defeat it--at each and every turn!
----------------------------------------------------------
THE
MONTH OF AV:
The
Ben Ish Chai explains that one of the reasons that our month is called “Av”
is because it will be the Av, the Father, of a new joyous period which will
commence in Av, and continue for a long period thereafter. May it commence
this Av!
----------------------------------------------------------
TODAY-- IN TOMORROW’S PARASHA!
:
One of
the rare dates mentioned in the Torah is today’s date, the first day of Av
(in this week’s Parasha of Masei!) What happened on this date? It is the
day of the petira, the passing of Aharon HaKohen. Chazal teach that the
Ananei Kovod, the protective clouds of Glory, which surrounded us in the
desert (and will once again surround us in the future) were in the Zechus of
Aharon HaKohen (see Rashi on Bamidbar 33:40). Once the Ananei Kavod left
us, the initial reaction of the outside world was to attack us, as is
described in the Torah there (Bamidbar 33:40). What did Aharon HaKohen do
for which he merited the protective clouds both for himself and for the rest
of Bnei Yisrael? We may suggest the following: The Mishna in Avos (1:12)
teaches that he was an Oheiv Shalom V’Rodef Shalom- that he loved
peace and pursued it. The midah k’neged midah--the measure for
measure reward becomes very evident. Because Aharon made peace among
people, he merited peace being brought upon all of Klal Yisrael with the
Clouds of Glory.
Indeed, Hillel in the aforementioned Mishna, enjoins us all to “Be among
Aharon’s students” in this regard--to learn the value of peace among
brothers.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTION:
It is essential that we take the lessons of Aharon HaKohen very much to
heart. We may even posit that the petira of Aharon HaKohen comes out at the
beginning of the Nine Days to remind us that if we could rid ourselves of
machlokes, of causing pain to others, and of the need quite to the contrary
to love and pursue peace between and among ourselves, we can go a long way
to bring immediate and long lasting Yeshuos. Let us at the very least focus
on one or two people over the next few days and try to promote a peaceful or
more peaceful relationship with them. Peace brings peace, for as Dovid
HaMelech teaches in Tehillim (121:5)--”Hashem is your Shadow.”
-------------------------------------------------------------
PESAKIM OF RAV SHMUEL KAMENETSKY, SHLITA ON THE NINE DAYS:
A. One
should not have ‘body work’ done on his car during the Nine Days, if its
purpose is to enhance the car’s appearance.
B. It
is permissible for a woman to wear her regular, everyday jewelry during the
Nine Days.
C. It
is best to be mechanech children to be ‘me’ma’ait BeSimcha’
during the Nine Days. For instance, they should not go to an amusement park
or build a clubhouse. Generally, one should also not make a ‘birthday party’
during the Nine Days--but if there is a specific situation one should ask a
Shaila. One should not plant flowers for beauty’s sake during the Nine
Days.
[Sefer Koveitz Halachos, by Rabbi Doniel Kleinman, Shlita]
----------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR THE SHABBOS LEINING:
The Sefer Talelei Oros relates that on Parashas Masei in the last
year of his life, a Minyan was convened for the Brisker Rav in his
apartment, and he stayed in his bedroom. During the leining of the
boundaries of Eretz Yisrael, the Ba’al Kriyah read the location of ‘Tzeena’
(Bamidbar 34:4) with the accent on the second syllable as ‘TzeeNAH’.
Suddenly a loud voice was heard calling from the Rav’s room exclaiming ‘TZEEna’--with
emphasis on the ‘Tzee’. He explained that when one places the emphasis on
the first syllable of ‘Tzee’, the meaning of the word is ‘L’Tzeen’, to Tzeen,
which is what the Torah means. The Ba’al Kriyah though, by putting the
emphasis on the last syllable, changed its meaning to TzeeNAH, which may or
may not have been the name of a place at all, and has its own meaning
related to the word shield (as in the Pasuk “Tzeena VeSocheira Amito”).
----------------------------------------------
HAPPY
OF HEART:
Chazal teach us that once Av enters, we are to reduce the amount of our
joy. Many have pointed out that the context Chazal use, even in Av, is one
of joy. We are not instructed to “increase our mourning,” but to “decrease
our joy.” This thought fits in beautifully with the commentary of the
Tiferes Yisroel to this week’s Perek, Chapter 2 of Pirkei Avos: Rabban
Yochanan Ben Zakkai asks his five primary talmidim, “What is the proper way
to which a man should be “Yidbak”--to which he should cling?” The
first four primary talmidim each responded in his own way. Rebbi Elazar
then responded that one should cling to “a Lev Tov--a good heart.”
Rabban Yochanan then said to his students, “I prefer the words of Elazar to
your words, for your words are included in his words.” What is so
all-encompassing about the words “Lev Tov” that it per se includes
the other responses of Rabban Yochanan’s other four top students?! The
Tiferes Yisroel explains that the phrase “Lev Tov” means “Leebo
Tomid Sameach, U’mezuman L’Heitiv Lakol--that one’s frame of mind is a
happy one, and that he is ready to help everyone.” It is this middah that
Rabban Yochanan and Rabbi Elazar instruct us is so primary and
all-encompassing. Accordingly, even in these days of Av, and even as we
approach Tisha B’Av, we should not forget these six Hebrew words as the
attitude and approach to life that our Sages teach us to cling to. We
especially note that the Hebrew word “Yidbak” (cling) is utilized by
Chazal--it is not simply a nice approach or a good thing, but something we
should not deviate from--but practice sticking to--as if it were with glue
or honey. “Leebo Tomid Sameach U’Mezuman L’Heitiv Lakol” let us live
with these precious by-words, even in these difficult times.
---------------------------------------------------
WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF
SHABBOS SERIES:
The
following Halachos are P’sakim of HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, whose Yahrzeit was
this past week, which are excerpted from the monumental work, Sefer Ashrei
HaIsh (Hebrew) recently published by HaRav Yechezkel Feinhandler:
A. If
one must search for an article of clothing among articles of clothing, and
one picks out the wrong article, he should put it back into the mixture--for
when it comes to Borer in clothing, one can rely on the Maharshag, who rules
that you can be lenient in this area.
B.
One may walk on a wet mat in front of the house, and it is not considered
Sechita. Similarly, one may walk with socks which are wet from rain--for it
is a Pesik Reisha Delo Neicha Lai, not the Derech of Sechita, and for other
reasons as well.
C.
One should not drink water that has melted from ice, unless one has no other
water. However, if one has a cup of water and ice inside it, one may shake
the cup so that the ice will melt more quickly, because it is already mixed
with water.
D.
One who follows the opinion that it is forbidden to open bottle caps on
Shabbos cannot ask a person who does open caps to open the bottle for him.
If the bottle was already opened, it would be permissible to drink from
it--for the one who opened it relied on his Rav who permits it, and so there
is no reason to penalize anyone. Additionally, since one could have opened
the bottle in a permissible manner, this is not considered as if one is
obtaining benefit from a Ma’aseh Shabbos.
E. An
Uvdah DeChol may be defined as either something that appears to be a Melacha,
or something that involves a Tircha MeRubah--excess effort.
F. A
Ba’al Teshuva had a son, and the Bris was scheduled for Shabbos. The Ba’al
Teshuva’s father told him that if he would make him Sandek, he would observe
Shabbos that week. The Ba’al Teshuva wanted a Gadol to be the Sandek.
HaRav Elyashiv ruled that it was “Poshut” that the grandfather should be the
Sandek, in order to prevent him from Chilul Shabbos for one week.
G.
If one finds something on Shabbos which is not Muktzah, he can be zoche in
the metzia on Shabbos, because it is Hefker and so there is no prohibition
of Maseh Umatan, since it belongs to no one.
H.
One may forgive a debt on Shabbos, because it is not considered a Ma’aseh
Kinyan. Similarly, one can be Mafkir an object on Shabbos if there is a
purpose in doing so (such as using a Kli which has not been Toiveled).
I.
When crossing the street on Shabbos, one may encounter a car which must stop
or beep because of you. One need not consciously avoid this, such as by
crossing only when there are no cars. However, one should not intentionally
stand in the street with a car coming, which will result in the driver doing
a Melacha DeOraysa.
J.
If a person is Mechalel Shabbos BeShogeig, he must bring a Korban Chatas.
Until the Bais HaMikdash is rebuilt, one should read the Parashas Chatas (Vayikrah
4:27-35 and 6:17-23) and should make an effort to understand the way in
which the Korban was brought. If one was Mechalel Shabbos BeShogeig more
than once, he should recite the Parasha separately for each time that he is
aware of.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
POINTS
AND POINTERS ON THIS WEEK’S PARASHIOS OF MATOS AND MASEI:
A. In
this week’s Parasha of Matos, we learn about the importance of making
promises and the dangers involved in breaking them. Indeed, the Torah goes
out of its way to add that if a person merely thinks they are breaking their
promise, even if he is not in fact doing so, he still requires a “V’Hashem
Yislach Lah”--Hashem’s direct forgiveness--a phrase not often mentioned
in the Torah. Accordingly, while we learn from many instances in last
week’s large Parasha how careful we have to be about our speech in general,
we learn in particular how vigilant one must be about using words like
“promise,” “commit,” “swear,” or “guarantee,” all of which indicate an
absolute commitment to act in a particular way. In the Sefer Derech
Sicha, HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, rules that it is not sufficient to
respond on a wedding or bar mitzvah invitation that you are coming “Im
Yirtze Hashem”--one must specifically add the words “Bli Neder”. He
adds that if one stated that he was coming to a simcha (without saying bli
neder) and could not attend, he should ask mechila from the baal hasimcha.
Remember--Hashem holds us to a gold standard--because we are his gold!
B. From a reader: “Regarding the Parasha of Nedarim--where the
Parasha provides that one can take something otherwise permissible to him,
and promise not to eat it or use it--how could it be that a mortal being can
have the power to actually change or convert something that is Muttar
(permissible) from the Torah’s (Hashem’s) perspective to become Assur
(forbidden)? The Sefer Nesivos Sholom explains (based upon Rabbeinu
Yonah in Avos) that a mouth is a Kli Sharais--a holy utensil. Just as a Kli
Sharais in the Beis HaMikdash is Mekadesh--sanctifies--what you put into it
and, accordingly, everything that is taken out of it is Kadosh, so, too, are
the words that come out of your mouth Kadosh!” Hakhel Note: Defiling a Kli
Sharais is a horrible act--while bringing more and more Kedusha to it so
beautifully fulfills its purpose!
C. The
Torah records that “Elef LeMateh, Elef LeMateh--or “1,000 soldiers,
1,000 soldiers” were to be taken from each Shevet to do battle with Midyan.
Why does the Torah phrase it as “1,000 soldiers, 1,000 soldiers”--and not
simply as “2,000 soldiers”? It is because 1,000 soldiers actually went to
war, and the other 1,000 were enlisted to daven for victory. HaRav
Yechezkel Levenstein, Z’tl, teaches that the 1,000
who were davening did not stay behind--but actually accompanied the fighting
soldiers to battle, so that the soldiers would understand that it was not
their military prowess (‘Kochi VeOtzem Yadi’) that was the basis of
their victory--but rather it was Hashem Who was the Source of
victory--through our Tefillos.
Hakhel Note:
We emphasize that it is not only the soldiers and generals who should be
aware of the singular power of our Tefillos, but it is we ourselves
who must know and understand that when we pray tefillos such as “Re’eih
VeAnyeinu”, “VeLirushalayim Irecha”, “Es Tzemach”, “Shema
Koleinu”, and the like, with sincerity of heart, we are fighting--and
defeating-- those who mean us harm from Kuwait to North Korea, and from Iran
to the United States. Incredibly, Chazal teach that Nevuchadnezzar did not
allow the Jewish people to rest upon exiling them, until they got to Bavel
(“Al Naharos Bavel Sham Yashavnu…”) because he was fearful of their
ability to wholly reverse the entire earth-shattering decree against them by
simply turning and returning to Hashem. Let us not lose the opportunities
that the soldiers in battle were made aware of, that Nevuchadnezzar knew
about, and that has been a recurrent theme of our existence since the days
of Yetzias Mitzrayim. Let us take out the time in these days to cry out to
Hashem--as HaRav Leib Chasman, Z’tl, teaches “KeSheko’eiv Zoakim--when
one is in pain, he cries out.” Together we can turn this period from a time
of nuclear armament to nuclear disarmament, from a time of swords into a
time of plowshares, from a time of terror to a time of love and peace, from
a time of mourning over the Galus to celebrating the Geulah! This is
Hashem’s World and no one else’s--we all know it--now is the time to feel
it--and to meaningfully express it!
D.
When Moshe Rabbeinu becomes upset at the officers who returned from the
battle with Midyan, Chazal teach that he was “Bah LiChlal Ka’as--he
came within the boundaries of Ka’as” and lost out as a result (See Rashi,
Bamidar 31:21). HaRav Yecheskel Levenstein, Z’tl, explains that he did not
need to actually get angry. It was simply allowing himself to come within
the boundaries of Ka’as that prevented Moshe from becoming the one who would
teach the army the laws of Kashering Kaylim as set forth in the Parasha.
From this, HaRav Levenstein teaches, we learn that it is insufficient that
one prevent his anger from exploding when he feels that it is about to
erupt. Rather, one must not allow himself those initial thoughts and the
knee-jerk first reactions which egg-on the upset feelings and the anger--for
even those initial thoughts and reactions--even without the anger spell
following--mean real trouble down the line. We must not only
avoid “Bah L’Ka’as”, we must also avoid the “Bah LiChlal Ka’as.” As we
work on improving ourselves and our relationships with others during this
important period--let us be sure to catch ourselves early and on time-- to
avoid the “LiChlal Ka’as”--so important to our character and to our
life!
E.
Perhaps the most famous words in this week’s Parasha of Matos (32:22) are “V’Heyisem
Nekiyim MeiHashem U’MeiYisrael--and you shall be clean in that which you
do both to Hashem and to K’lal Yisrael. Especially in these dangerous and
trying times--let us be above all suspicion and question in all of our
thoughts and all of our deeds!
F.
HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, notes that the word ‘Rotzeiach’ is
mentioned exactly 17 times in the Parasha of Ir Miklat--corresponding
exactly to the 17 times in Tanach in which a murder was
committed--commencing with the murder of Hevel by Kayin, and ending with the
murder of Gedaliah Ben Achikam by Yishmael Ben Nesanya. The lesson: We must
really appreciate how exact and exacting the Torah is with each and every
one of its words.
G.
At the
beginning of Parashas Masei, Rashi teaches us that all of the travels of
Bnei Yisrael are listed in the Parasha to show us the great Chesed of Hashem,
in that the Bnei Yisrael had to travel only 20 times in 38 years, and not
twice every month or even twice a year. The Luach Bnei Yaakov
provides a fascinating insight here: What does Rashi mean by the “Chesed”
provided in moving only 20 times in 38 years? Would anyone like to move his
home 20 times in 38 years? If one has to move every four or five years, it
is considered burdensome. People don’t like to move even once in ten years.
The Luach answers that Rashi is providing us with a great lesson. We
have to keep things in perspective. In truth, it could have been so much
worse--we could have been required to move in the Midbar 60, 70, or even 100
times during the 40-year period. Yes, it could have been much, much worse.
A person has to look at the positive, and not focus on the negative. Look
at all of our daily Chasodim which you receive, not at the Chasodim that you
want to receive (which may or may not be best for the tachlis of your
neshama in this world). When saying the words in Modim “V’haMerachem Ki
Lo Samu Chasodecha--and the Compassionate One for Your kindnesses never
end” think of several kindnesses you recently experienced, and several
kindnesses that you receive “as a matter of course” every day, day-in and
day-out. Hakhel Note: HaRav Dessler, Z’tl, adds an additional note with
respect to the Mas’aos themselves. The travels at that time very much
relate to the travels in the length of our Galus today. Ultimately, they
served their purpose, for they got us to our ultimate destination. We, too,
in our exile after exile, in our move after move after move should also
recognize that they will all lead to a great--and this time,
permanent--dwelling place with the Shechinah!
=================================
29 Tammuz
IT IS YOM KIPPUR KATAN TODAY! The
Chofetz Chaim was once speaking to someone about the importance of Yom
Kippur Katan and the prayer service of that day. But the person replied
that he was a chassid of a well-known Rebbe, who did not place much emphasis
on Yom Kippur Katan. “Let me tell you a story that I saw with my own eyes,”
the Chofetz Chaim then told him. “Some time ago, I was traveling by train
from Russia
to Warsaw . Near
me was an empty seat, and when I saw another Jew board the train, I invited
him to sit near me in that seat. When he sat down, I asked him where he was
heading, and he replied that he was heading to Warsaw
. Several stops later, I noticed that he was
preparing to get off the train, even though it was still a long way to
Warsaw . ‘Why are you getting off now?’ I
asked him.”The man answered, ‘I am a pauper, and 1did not have enough money
to buy a ticket to Warsaw . I therefore
bought a ticket that is valid until this station. 1will leave the train here
and collect charity, until I have enough money to buy a ticket to take me a
few more stops. I will continue to do this until I arrive at my
destination.” The Chofetz Chaim then turned to the chassid and said, “Your
Rebbe is a wealthy man, in the spiritual sense, and he can therefore afford
to ‘travel’ the entire distance from one Yom Kippur until the next in one
journey. His spiritual reservoirs are so full of holiness and fear of Heaven
that he does not need to ‘stop’ on the way. Other people, however, have to
get off the train at the stops along the way, and observe a Yom Kippur Katan
every Erev Rosh Chodesh.” Hakhel Note: It is Yom Kippur Katan today --let
us do what we can to prepare--as the Chofetz Chaim did! [Excerpted from The
Sefer Aleinu L’Shabeiach by HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein, Shlita, and
written by Rabbi Moshe Zoren (Artscroll)]
----------------------------------------------------------
A
RAV’S SUGGESTION:
At
this crucial point in world history, we must carefully study and implement
the words of Chazal who teach that in order to be saved from the Chevlei
Moshiach one must be oseik in Torah and Gemilas Chasodim. One
wonders, however: “I am really oseik in Torah and Gemilas Chasodim
every day on my own--what more can I do? What did Chazal mean--were they
talking to the more low-level person?” A Rav advised us that each person
should view Chazal as talking to each and every person individually-- and
suggested that each person should do something more daily in Torah and
Chesed--for the express purpose of being saved from Chevlei
Moshiach. He explained that with regard to Torah--it could be a few
more minutes of something that you had been previously learning, or a new
Sefer, or a new Chavrusah--once again, for the express purpose for you to be
saved from the Chevlei Moshiach. Similarly, with respect to Chesed, the Rav
recommended that one consciously do a particular act of Chesed for the
express purpose of being saved. “Doing so is not a selfish or a
‘prize-seeking’ act” he continued. “It is quite to the contrary, recognizing
and fulfilling the words of Chazal.” The Rav urged each person to write
down on a daily basis in a special Chevlei Moshiach Notebook (or
file) what his extra Torah study and extra Chesed was. May the person who
does so see with his own eyes how he is saved--and HaKadosh Baruch Hu’s
return to Tzion and Yerushalayim--speedily and in our day!
----------------------------------------------------------
PRE
-WEARING CLOTHING TODAY: With regarding to ‘pre-using’ articles
before the Nine Days so that they may be worn during the Nine Days, HaRav
Elyashiv, Z’tl, held that one should wear them to the extent that it is
clear that they have been used, which should be approximately for one-half
hour. Children above the age of 9 should likewise wear pre-used clothing.
----------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE FROM THE CENTER FOR JEWISH VALUES:
“We
understand that some of your readers would like to sign up for our daily
Bein Adam L’Chaveiro email.
The
most updated link to sign up is: http://jvalues.ohrsites.com/subscribe.php
”
----------------------------------------------------------
AIR
CONDITIONERS AND
YOU: In the
Northern Hemisphere, we approach the hottest point of the summer. Many
become accustomed to use of air conditioning, and in many situations outside
the home people may be left with the air conditioning vents open directly
over them or blowing directly on them. Chazal teach “HaKol Bidei Shomayim
Chutz MeTzinim U’Pachim--everything is in the hands of Heaven, except
for colds…”. We should avoid any unnecessary illness, and should help others
by directing them to move-away from and avoid any unnecessary illness.
Remember--love yourself….and V’Ahavta L’Reiacha Kamocha!
----------------------------------------------------------
AS WE APPROACH ROSH CHODESH:
We approach Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av tomorrow, with a little more than two
months left to the year. Taking a momentary, just a momentary, look back we
realize that there have been painful and pain-filled moments, times of
difficulty and tribulation, of tzaros and tza’ar. Indeed, the Three
Weeks and Nine Days--until such time as they are reversed to days of great
joy, may it occur today--are days of consternation and unease. The year,
however, has also brought some successes and joys, some smiles and some
cheer. There has also been a measure of expected and unexpected simchas and
news of nachas from family and friends, of new friends and special
accomplishments. On top of the special events, many have been blessed with
the ability to continue their daily activities for weeks and months at a
time--going to Minyan and starting Shemone Esrei together with the Shatz,
getting to work and keeping a job, helping someone in need (including one’s
own parents or children) day-in and day-out. Then there is having food and
being able to eat, having clothing and being able to put it on by yourself,
taking a hot shower or a cold shower depending on the need, taking care of
bodily needs in the comfort of one’s own home, seeing a hospital, ambulance
or rows of medications (over the counter and not over the counter) and not
needing any or many of them, benefiting from all sorts of appliances, and
other technology and machines to help make things easier and more pleasant
throughout the day, pocket-sized Seforim and CD’s for the road, a free live
video or audio Shiur available in the neighborhood or any daf or almost any
subject online at any time--you know, in the end, it is going to be
incredible to finally discover what more Gan Eden has to offer. Certainly,
the English term ‘paradise’ can apply to many of the pleasures and benefits
we have been blessed with. Obviously, everyone experiences different kinds
of benefits -- more or less, and qualitatively different, than his next door
neighbor, or even his sibling or spouse. But it is all measured, and all
with discreet and exact purpose in mind. What we can begin to do about all
of this is to recognize the benefits and blessings--and renew our awareness
and thanks daily. In the Chazaras Hashatz, there are two highlights which
involve the entire Tzibbur (aside from properly responding to each bracha)--they
are Kedusha in which we sanctify the name of Hashem in public,-and Modim in
which we reiterate and, if one carefully notes the words, actually amplify
and extend the thanks we express to Hashem for all He does for us.
While there is something in between, much of life can be categorized either
r’l in the trials and tribulations category, and, on the other hand,
much can be placed into the tangible benefits section. The entire range of
life’s experience comes directly from Hashem--as Chazal demonstrate with
both the bracha of Shehechiyanu and the bracha of Dayan HaEmes. To most,
experiencing the benefits and having and maintaining the ‘ordinary’ and
‘extraordinary’ abilities and benefits that we are given is much more
appealing than experiencing suffering, pain, or anguish. How can we better
recognize these pleasures--and show Hashem our appreciation of them? May we
suggest that, from now until the end of the year, one keep a daily log, if
you will, of some of the things you really feel thankful about on that
day--the mazel tov event, the successful encounter, the good food, the
particularly meaningful Devar Torah you thought of or heard, the good or
improved health, the good friend, the way you saved a lot of money, or that
unbelievable Hashgacha Pratis story you just experienced. There is really
plenty in each and every day. As the year 5776 draws to its close, many of
those who took us up on our suggestion last year to count the number of
Asher Yatzars they recite a day--thanking Hashem for the unfathomable
miracles of the body -- are now at over 1,000 brachos of thanks for this
renewing daily (hourly) miracle alone.
If we can appreciate what we have--if we record and thank Hashem for those
things we perceive as good (although everything is good because it comes
from the Source of all Goodness), we will most certainly be zoche, middah
k’neged middah, to more of the very same kind of good--the good that is
tangible and palpable--and ultimately to the everlasting and supernal good
that will come with an end to the Three Weeks as a time of travail --and its
commencement as a time of Shiros and Tishbachos in a rebuilt
and eternal Mikdash where we all can jointly exclaim --“Tov LeHodos
LaShem!”
=================================
28 Tammuz
NINETEEN WEEKS:
As we
especially dedicate ourselves to the eleventh Bracha of Shemone Esrei this
week, we provide the following words of instruction from the great
Praying with Passion Series (in order to go through this entire
outstanding series on Tefillah, please visit
http://prayingwithfire.org/archives.html):
“In
this bracha, we ask Hashem, “Hashiva Shofteinu Kevarishona V’Yoatzeinu
Kevatechila--restore our judges as in earliest times and our counselors
as at first” [to their prior levels of
greatness]. Immediately thereafter we request “Vehaser
Mimenu Yagon V’Anacha--and
[Hashem] remove from us sorrow and groaning.” Yagon, sorrow results
from actual want or pain, arising from difficulties like
poverty, hunger or destruction. Anacha, groaning, refers to inner turmoil
such as
worry,
depression or fear (Vilna Gaon, cited in The Complete Artscroll Siddur).
The
Sefer Abudraham writes that the juxtaposition between
Hashiva Shofteinu Kevarishona,
restoring our judges as in earlier times, and ,
Vehaser Mimenu Yagon V’Anacha--removing
from us sorrow and groaning, teaches that with the return of the Judges of
former eras, our “sorrow and groaning” will end.” Hakhel Note: Oh, how we
should look forward to this day!
----------------------------------------------------------
YAHRZEIT OF
HARAV SHLOMO GANZFRIED, Z’TL:
Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Yomi is one
of the many daily Torah learning programs in the world today. The Kitzur
Shulchan Aruch, by Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, Z’tl (whose
Yahrzeit is today), is the classic compendium of Halacha, and it
covers all areas of Halacha, not just the Orach Chaim section. Through this
easy system of studying for 5 - 10 minutes a day, as provided on the
www.kitzuryomi.org website, you will complete the entire sefer in only
one year. In addition, you will learn the laws of each Yom Tov or season in
its proper time.
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YAHRZEIT OF HARAV CHAIM FRIEDLANDER, Z’TL:
Today is the 30th Yahrzeit of HaRav Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, the Mashgiach
of Ponovezh, known as the Sifsei Chaim, whose pure and potent lessons
in all areas of Torah have influenced thousands upon thousands throughout
the world. We provide below several points and pointers of HaRav
Friedlander, Z’tl, relating to the Bain HaMetzarim period we are in, from
the Sefer Sifsei Chaim (Middos V’Avodas Hashem I, p. 167 and Mo’adim
3, p.247-395):
A. The Galus is not our constant natural state. Every day that we
remain in Galus, we face a new day of unnatural living. We are like
a people on medicine. If we must stay on medication for a long time, the
longer the stay, the more potentially detrimental it is. Chazal teach that
what brought us into this unnatural state is Sinas Chinam. One must
therefore strive daily to battle Sinas Chinam in every way that he
can. It is important for one daily to show a pleasant countenance to one’s
fellow, greet another with a smile and with warmth, and show love and
concern. Hakhel Note: This is the source of our Sever Panim Yafos
project!
B. How can we further promote Ahavas Chinam? HaRav Friedlander
suggests that when meeting a person for the first time [or for the first
time in a long time] the only thing one look for when meeting a person is
the positive-- Dan LeChaf Zechus--judging the person in front of
us only in a favorable light. In this way, the first questions--Why does he
look like this? Why does he speak like that? Why does he act in that
way?--are all answered! Furthermore, with this initial instinct, the
Sifsei Chaim writes, we will personally grow immeasurably--for we will
not only fulfill the Mitzvos of V’Ahavta L’Reiacha Kamocha and
B’Tzedek Tishpot Amisecha, but we will grow in the most essential Middos
of not being haughty and looking down at other people, and concomitantly
being humble--recognizing that every man is simply the product of his
Hashgacha Pratis and the specific and particular tests, challenges, wisdom,
expertise and skill granted to him by Hashem. If one can seriously master
the skill to be Dan LeChaf Zechus--every time one encounters another
person--he will be improving himself immeasurably!
C. Chazal (Sanhedrin 96B) say about Titus HaRasha that “Heichla Kalyah
Kalis--you burned a burnt building.” This means that the sins of K’lal
Yisrael destroyed the Beis Hamikdash in Shomayim. Because the upper Beis
HaMikdash was destroyed, the Hashra’as HaShechina--Hashem’s Hashgacha
could no longer be present in the Beis HaMikdash below. When the inner Beis
HaMikdash is destroyed, then there is no place for the Beis HaMikdash in the
outside world below.
D. With the removal of the Shechinah and the Churban HaMikdash, Hashem
became largely concealed in this world. Even though we all have flashes of
a sense of Hashgacha Pratis here and there--the clear and constant presence
of the Shechinah being permanently with us is lacking to an unfathomable
degree. Hakhel Note: It is said that HaRav Mordechai Gifter, Z’tl, asked
some students who visited Eretz Yisrael where they felt more emotional--at
the Kosel or at Kever Rochel. The students said that truthfully they felt a
greater connection at Kever Rochel. HaRav Gifter told them: “Let me
explain why. You do not know what Churban is--so you feel closer to your
Mama Rochel. I was in Telz, so I know what Churban is--the Churban of
Telz. When I go to the Kosel I feel a greater connection--I feel the
powerful emptiness and agony of spiritual and physical destruction.”
E. Chazal (Chagiga 13B) teach that before the Churban the Malochim in
Shomayim had six wings, and that after the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash
the two middle wings were removed, and they were left with four. The G’ra
explains that the six wings correspond to the six words of “Baruch Shem
Kevod Malchuso LeOlam Va’ed”. The two wings that were thus removed were
Kevod Malchuso--as Hashem’s revealed presence in the world has been
covered. This is why we daven that: “Galei Kevod Malchusecha
Aleinu--please reveal the Kevod Malchuso once again!”
Hakhel Note: When reciting Boruch Shem at least twice daily, let us put
particular feeling into the words of Kevod Malchuso!
F. The Beis HaMikdash was also the point that united all of K’lal Yisrael
in an Avodas HaTzibbur. The daily Karbanos, the special Mussafim--even the
Avodah on Yom Kippur which brought a Kapparah for every individual--were all
based on our unity as one whole. In Galus, much of what we do is ‘on our
own’. Let us look at the difference: When a person opens up a store by
himself, his profits result only from those customers that come in. On the
other hand, if one invests his money in a large consortium of stores, his
profits have the potential to multiply many times over. The Beis Hamikdash
was our spiritual consortium. Moreover, because of our achdus, we
all joined together as one--sharing the profits of each other together as
well!
G. One significant way in which one can demonstrate his true desire for
Kevod Shomayim to return to the world is to recite with focus and Kavannah:
“Amen, Yehei Shemei Rabba Mevarach LeAlam U’LeAlmei Olmayah--may
Hashem’s Great Name be blessed forever and ever.” Indeed, we have so many
opportunities during the day such as these moments to re-set our
perspectives and realize what is important--we just have to think clearly
and exercise the opportunities!”
H. The Three Week period is especially designated for K’lal Yisrael to be
Misabel on Yerushalayim. This is because during this period we can
move to rectify that which we have lost in a more direct way than the rest
of the year. Now is the time when we can sense to a greater extent that
Hashem is out of His palace--in Galus. When a person senses this--he, in
his Galus draws closer to Hashem in His Galus.
I. The Aveilus that we to feel is not only a Tza’ar on what we had
and lost--but a desire to re-instill within us the ties and connections to
the Beis Hamikdash and the Hashra’as HaShechina that we once had. It is a
feeling of emptiness and loneliness, recognizing that the daily miracles
that inspired us in the Beis HaMikdash, the Kadshim that we ate
which was absorbed into our very being and fiber as man, our daily
association with men of Ruach HaKodesh are all lacking--and that, in fact,
we are not ‘big people’, but only shadows of the people that once lived--and
who will be reborn with the Third Beis HaMikdash.
J. In one’s davening for Geulah, he can accomplish what his neighbor
standing literally right next to him cannot. We each are like separate
bricks building the same building. If one brick is left out, then it has to
be made up in some other way, which could take longer or different
planning. In all events, one should strive to daven for the incredible
Tza’ar HaShechina as it resides in such a troubled and such an
incomplete world.
K. It may very well be that, because we are so far removed from the
Kedusha and Tahara of 1,000 years ago, and certainly that of
2,000 years ago and 3,000 years ago--it becomes easier and easier for
us to truly bring the Geulah. Indeed, in the low level of the world around
us may rest the secret of our Yeshuah--we need not reach the heights of the
previous generations. Instead, we simply need to use this time to once and
for all recognize the emptiness and void of our surroundings--no matter how
rich and complete they may appear--and look to a repaired, rebuilt and
renewed world--a world that will exist forever Lifnei Hashem--with
each man’s potential realized, and each person’s life full and complete!
----------------------------------------------------------
YAHRZEIT OF HARAV YOSEF SHALOM ELYASHIV, Z’TL:
Today is the fourth Yahrzeit of HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, Z’tl. We
provide below a brief excerpt of his rulings with regard to the Nine Days,
as excerpted from the Sefer Ashrei HaIsh. Of course, one must consult
with his own Rav or Posek and receive a definitive p’sak with respect to his
own personal Shailos, circumstances and situations:
A. It
is permissible to make reservations for a vacation after the Nine Days from
Rosh Chodesh until Erev Tisha B’Av--the reason is that there may not be
space available after then. On Tisha B’Av itself, it is, of course, not
permissible.
B. If
a Bar Mitzvah occurs during the Nine Days, the Bar Mitzvah Bachur and his
parents can wear Bigdei Shabbos. Only a limited number of those
invited to partake in the Seudas Bar Mitzvah (when occurring on the actual
day of the Bar Mitzvah) may eat meat. All others may eat fish and the
like.
C. It
is permissible to make a Vort and to have refreshments available.
D. A
Siyum made by a child under Bar Mitzvah does not permit one to eat meat.
E. It
is not appropriate to sing during the Nine Days--even in order to put a
child to sleep.
F.
One should not purchase a home or enter a new home--or even sign a contract
to purchase a home, for all of these involve Simcha (unless one may lose the
home to another as a result). One should not make improvements in his home,
unless he started before the Nine Days and the improvements do not bring him
joy. One should not paint or perform any type of all-inclusive clean up of
his home. One should also not plant flowers or beautify his garden.
G.
One should not buy any type of new clothing--even if they do not require a
Shehechiyanu such as shoes--even for children. If one ordered a new
bookcase or sofa and it is scheduled to be delivered during the Nine
Days--it should be pushed off until after the Nine Days. If it must be
delivered, one should have in mind not to be zoche in it until after Tisha
B’Av, and cover it up or put it away. One may buy Tzitzis and put it into a
garment. Although it is permissible to purchase new Seforim if necessary,
it is better to do so before the Nine Days. One is permitted to purchase
very small or insignificant objects, such as pens and pencils. One is
permitted to buy shoes for Tisha B’Av if he does not have any.
H. It
is inappropriate to take group pictures or engage in similar activities of
Kalus Da’as during the Nine Days.
I.
With respect to eating meat, one should eat meat on Shabbos and should not
be machmir not to. For health purposes, one may eat meat, and a weak child
may do so for health reasons even if he is not sick.
J.
Nails of adults should be cut only for Shabbos; but the nails of children
may be cut during the week.
K.
Not only grape juice, but grape juice concentrate is prohibited. Therefore,
soft drinks which have grape juice concentrate in them are not permitted.
When making Havdalah, it is best to give the wine/grape juice to a child who
can make a bracha but has not reached the age of understanding the aveilus
on Yerushalayim. If the katan is older than this age, it is still
better to give the wine or grape juice to him than for the adult to drink it
himself. If there is only a young girl present at Havdalah, then the man
making Havdalah should drink the wine himself. When drinking by himself, he
should be careful to drink a Revi’is--so that he is sure that he can make a
Bracha Achrona.
L.
The prohibition against freshly laundered items also applies to towels,
tablecloths, sheets (unless one is a guest in someone else’s home or a
hotel, in which case the freshly laundered sheets placed down for him may be
used), and applies even if the clothing is only washed and not ironed.
Undergarments and socks that are not clean may be changed. For shidduch
purposes, freshly laundered garments or Bigdei Shabbos may be worn,
if necessary. If one needs to wash the frequently soiled clothes of
children, it should only be done for children up to the age of 5/6. One does
not have to buy new clothing for these children, if one can wash clothes
instead. If there is a stain on one’s garment, one can wipe the stain
clean, but if one has something else to wear and one will need water to
remove the stain--it is better to wear something else. One can wash
clothing that will become moldy unless washed. One may dry clothing in a
dryer.
M. On
Erev Shabbos, it is permissible to shine one’s shoes. If one regularly
shines his shoes even during the week, he may continue to do so.
N.
One may wash floors, unless one is not usually accustomed to doing so--but
for Shabbos it is permissible in all events. One should not have a carwash
done, unless he otherwise does so every few days.
O.
One can brush the dust out of a hat, but one should not set a shaitel (which
typically involves washing it).
P. On
Erev Shabbos it is permissible to put on Shabbos clothes after Chatzos.
Q.
One who is accustomed to washing his hands four times each upon arising or
taking care of his needs may do so on Tisha B’Av itself, but should wash the
fingers only. However, if a person entered the bathroom but did not take
care of his needs, he does not wash his hands. One who touched a covered
area of his body should wash only the part of the hand that touched the
covered area.
R. It
is proper to wear shoes which are not so comfortable and which one feels
that he is walking on the street. There is no prohibition against wearing
shoes that look like leather, if they are not leather. One should not wear
leather inserts in his shoes.
S. One
may sit on a low stool even if it may be more than three tefachim above the
ground, as long as it is clear that it is close to the ground. If one is
traveling in a car or in a bus, he may sit in the regular seat, even though
he could otherwise stand on the bus.
T.
Although one cannot say “Good Morning” or “Shalom” on Tisha B’Av, one may
wish another “Mazal Tov”.
U.
One may read Seforim which will bring him to do Teshuvah and to correct his
ways such as Sifrei Mussar and the Agados of Chazal.
V.
Remembering The Churban: The immediate Kosel Ma’aravi area has the Din of
Kedushas Beis Haknesses in all aspects. However, the upper Plaza does not,
and one should not daven there unless the Kosel area is filled. As far as
washing the stones of the Kosel so that the dirt is removed and they appear
clean, HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, said that it is better to leave the Kosel the
way it is--for the aged stones and the grass sprouting out brings agmas
nefesh to those who see it, and through this they will remember that
there was once a glorious Bais HaMikdash built in this place--and sincerely
daven for mercy that it be rebuilt Ad Sheyikshav Hashem V’Yishmah--until
the time that Hashem listens to our prayers…Bimheirah Veyameinu!
=================================
27 Tammuz
SUMMER ABOVE THE EQUATOR!
Summer
is a time when one leaves at some time and in some way his regular routine
and course of events and travels to new places, does new things, meets new
people, and may even eat new foods, and ‘try this’ or ‘try that’. However,
it is extremely urgent for one to recognize that summer is not intended to
be a time of laxity, or a time ‘when Hashem understands’ that we are more
prone to sin or to acting in a lighter manner than we would the rest of the
year. The Yetzer Hara, is, of course, happy to see when one picks up a
kula here and does an unexpected aveirah there in the
summer--because he can then argue that the individual really is generally
not so good--and it is just because he is in the habit of doing all
of those Mitzvos during the rest of the year that he does them. The Yetzer
Hatov therefore beckons us--please strengthen yourselves, so that you rise
to the occasion of the summer months. It is, in fact, in the Three Weeks
of summer that we pine spiritually for the Third Beis HaMikdash to
come--from nowhere else other than to drop Shomayim itself--and for it to
rest among us. Let us be realistic, let us be clear. In two months from now
it will be only a few days before Rosh Hashana. We will be looking back at
our accomplishments, or r’l our failings over the summer. Two months
is a very short time. We all know that Chacham Ainav B’Rosho--the
wise person’s eyes are not directed at this desire or that one--but look
into the future and realize that in one’s decisions it is literally eternity
at stake. Let us bli neder make the commitment not to fall, even
‘just here’ or ‘just there’--but to remain true and steadfast to who we
are--whether it be winter, summer, spring--or summer. In two months let us
look back at the successes of our summer and kvell--not only in what
we accomplished for ourselves--but even more so at the great Simcha that we
have brought to our Father and Maker--fulfilling our purpose in creation!
------------------------------------------------
ONE’S OWN LITTLE CHASUNA!
During
the Three Weeks, we do not make or attend chasunas, may this be soon
reversed and the Bais HaMikdash rebuilt speedily and in our days. In the
interim, we can, however, experience some aspect of a wedding while eating a
regular weekday meal in our own home. The Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch,
Orach Chaim 170, Seif Katan 45) brings from the Shelah HaKadosh that one
should be glad of heart at all of his meals, whether large or small, and eat
“b’simcha” in happiness [reflecting upon all of the goodness from Hashem,
that the simple meal involves]. Moreover, the Mishna Berurah continues, if
one eats and drinks in a healthy manner, with the purpose of energizing his
body for the sake of his soul, then his Seudah, his meal, is actually
L’Halacha, deemed a “Seudas Mitzvah.” Thus, just as at a wedding one is
happy and partakes in a Seudas Mitzvah, one can make his own little
“chasunah” at home at every meal!
-------------------------------------------
ROMEMOS KEIL BIGRONAM!
Every
day in Shacharis, we recite the Pasuk near the end of Tehillim (Tehillim
149:6) “Romemos Keil Bigronam V’Cherev Pifiyos B’Yadam--the praises
of Hashem are in their throats and a double-edged sword is in their hand”.
Rashi (ibid.) remarkably writes that the Pashut P’shat in the Pasuk is that
the praises of Hashem in their Tefillos become the double-edged sword
in our hands. Simply stated--our victories, whatever the ‘battlefield’ may
be--are based on the Romemos Keil Bigronam! As we have noted in the
past--”Hodu Lashem Ki Tov Ki L’Olam Chasdo” is the Pasuk that appears
not only in Tehillim but even in Divrei HaYamim as well. Let us keep this
Pasuk constantly in our hearts and on our lips!
----------------------------------------------------------
WANTING TO HONOR THE KING:
The following wonderful Mashal is provided by Rabbi Hillel Litwack, Shlita
in his work The Amen Response: “A great and joyous event! The king
actually visits the city, and everyone lining the streets is shouting in
unison “Yechi HaMelech”, “Yechi HaMelech”--Long live the king, as the king
and his entourage pass through the streets .There was one person, though,
who threw a small rock at the king’s carriage, and it actually landed near
the king’s feet. The Secret Service immediately investigated, and without
much effort found a young Jewish boy to be the culprit. The audacity! They
wanted to execute the boy right then and there on the spot, but the
witnesses standing there said that the boy had been shouting “Yechi HaMelech”
in sincerity, together with everyone else. “He must have thrown the stone
because that is what boys like to do when they are happy and playful. He
obviously meant to hurt no one.” The Secret Service explained what had
happened to the king, and he was exonerated, with a stern warning to ask
adults how one should behave in the king’s presence. That is the Mashal. The
Nimshal is that one who answers: “Ámen, Yehei Shemai Rabbah” with
sincerity--with his Koach--Kavana and/or forcefully, demonstrates that he
very much wants to honor the King, and the acts he may have done which
appeared to dishonor the King were simply childish acts--like the child
throwing the stone. For this, he will be exonerated--but he must remember
that he is an adult and endeavor to behave accordingly!”
-------------------------------------------
ONE
PERSON CAN’T FIGHT!
The Chofetz Chaim notes that if one is subjected
to yelling, screaming, put-down and the like, and does not answer back but
instead keeps his mouth closed--he has created an extremely effective method
of reversing the entire situation. The person who is yelling or otherwise
engaging in derisive behavior will be forced to stop--because at some point
he simply cannot go on and on and on. A few words of retort or explanation
here or there could keep the matter going for a very long time--but with no
response at all, the one person--simply can’t fight on his own!
----------------------------------------------------------
AN IMPORTANT STUDY! A
student of human nature will notice that a clothier will look first at a
person’s clothes, an optician will look first at a person’s glasses, a
hatter will look first at a person’s hat, a shoemaker will look first at a
person’s shoes…. What should the Torah Jew look for when first meeting a
person? The Sefer Sifsei Chaim (Middos V’Avodas Hashem I, p. 167)
suggests that the first thing we look for is the positive only--
Dan LeChaf Zechus--judging the person in front of us only in a favorable
light. In this way, the first questions--Why does he look like this? Why
does he speak like that? Why does he act in that way?--are all answered!
Furthermore, with this initial instinct, the Sifsei Chaim writes, we
will personally grow immeasurably--for we will not only fulfill the Mitzvos
of V’Ahavta L’Reiacha Kamocha and B’Tzedek Tishpot Amisecha,
but we will grow in the most essential Middos of not being haughty and
looking down at other people, and concomitantly being humble--recognizing
that every man is simply the product of his Hashgacha Pratis and the
specific and particular tests, challenges, wisdom, expertise and skill
granted to him by Hashem. If one can seriously master the skill to be
Dan LeChaf Zechus--he will be greater than the clothier, the optician,
the hatter, the shoemaker…because every time one encounters another
person--he will be improving himself immeasurably!
-------------------------------------------
A
GREAT CHESED--ESPECIALLY AT THIS TIME! Shlomo
HaMelech, the wisest of all men, teaches in Mishlei (15:30) that “Shmuah
Tovah Tidashein Atzem--good news fattens the bone.” One would think
that only the ear, or perhaps the brain, would rejoice with good news--but
in truth, Shlomo HaMelech advises us--the good news has a much greater
impact on one’s body--even to the extent of fattening the bone. As many may
know, this teaching is not allegory--but was used by Rebbi Yochanan Ben
Zakkai in explaining to Aspasyanus why he could not put on his shoe--for his
foot had swelled after he learned that he had become emperor of Rome! (Gitten
56B). Shlomo HaMelech is thus teaching us all a very practical lesson:
One should try his best to relay good news to others when one hears of
it. By doing so, one does not only demonstrate a refined level of
V’Ahavta L’Reiacha Kamocha--feeling so good about someone else’s tiding
that he relates it to others--but one also performs a tremendous Chesed--as
he can very well make the person whom he is relating it to feel good--not
only in mind--but in body as well! A Chesed many times over!
=================================
26 Tammuz
SUMMER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM!
We continue our Summer Improvement Program, with simple suggestions, on a
weekly basis, in each of the areas of Bein Adam LaMakom, Bein Adam
L’Chaveiro, and Bein Adam L’Atzmo. Of course, these are only
suggestions--but every person has the opportunity to join with others who
will be attempting the same successes. In the alternative, one can chart his
own improvement course on a weekly basis as well.
WEEK 5--PARASHAS MATOS-MASEI
Bli neder, at least one time a day during this week, consciously do
the following:
Bein Adam LaMakom:
Among the first words of the Rema in Shulchan Aruch are Shivisi Hashem
L’negdi Samid…for one’s actions and business when he is ‘alone’ are not
the same as one who conducts himself in front of a great king…most certainly
when one is in the presence of the Great King HaKadosh Baruch Whose Presence
fills the earth and Who stands and watches him. When sitting down at one’s
table or desk one should try to conduct himself for a few moments, feeling
that he is in the Presence of the Great King with the thought of Shivisi
Hashem L’negdi Samid.
Bein Adam L’Chaveiro:
Make a conscious effort not to ‘steal’ one’s sleep or time, by being
especially quiet, or by not engaging in needless conversation with him.
Bein Adam L’Atzmo:
Make an effort to treat your clothing with special respect--not throwing any
article down or across the table or room, if disposing of it--wrapping it
up, and in any event making sure that it is not stained or dirty.
----------------------------------------------------------
NINETEEN WEEKS!
We are now in the eleventh of the nineteen week period prior to Rosh
Hashana. In past years, we have proceeded weekly, Bracha by Bracha, through
Shemone Esrei with a special emphasis on Kavannah on that week’s Bracha.
This week’s Bracha is… Hoshiva Shofteinu!
In
this bracha, we ask Hashem to return judges and our yoatzim to the
prior levels of greatness, and immediately continue with the phrase “Vehaser
Mimenu Yagon Va’Anacha--and remove from us sorrow and groaning.” The
Sefer Avudraham writes that the juxtaposition here teaches that with
the return of the Shoftim and the Yoatzim, our Yagon and Anacha
will immediately depart. What is Yagon and what is Anacha?
The Kuntres Avodas HaTefillah brings that Yagon refers to
De’agah B’Lev--sadness, or a troubled or worry-filled heart. Anacha,
on the other hand, refers to sadness that comes from physical strain and
tzaros that actually occur. When justice returns to the world, and the
Shechina then has an ultimate place to reside, the world’s difficulties, and
each and every person’s strains and worries along with it, will be no more.
The suffering vanishes--for it has no further place. We should remember that
we are davening to Hashem here not only for removing one person’s pain
and woes (even if it may be yours), but each and every person’s--and
not only for a minute or a day or a year--but for eternity! Let’s Daven
Well!
In addition to the above note,
we
provide by the following link additional notes to the Nineteen Brachos for
the years 5771 and 5772
http://www.hakhel.info/TefillahArchive.html
May we highly recommend the Nineteen Week Program again this year--either
based upon your own study (such as by utilizing the Praying with Passion
Series (available at
www.prayingwithfire.org),
the magnificent Rav Schwab on Prayer, the Tefillah Tapes of Rabbi
Berel Wein, Shlita, or other wonderful resources), or by utilizing the link
provided on a daily basis throughout the week!
----------------------------------------------------------
SECOND OF THE THREE WEEKS:
As we commence the second week of the Three Week period, we must address a
fundamental question. Every year, for almost 2,000 years, we have been
observing the very same Three Week period, beginning with the calamities
that befell us on Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, and ending with the catastrophes that
occurred on Tisha B’Av. There may be differences of Minhagim among the
different communities, but the sullenness and solemnity of the days are
common to them all. True, one may ask his Rav whether it is permitted to
eat a particular food or go to a particular place during the Nine Days, and
even receive a definitive response that it is not prohibited. However, a
question of this sort emphasizes the ‘tofel, and disregards the ‘ikar’
of the period that we are in.
So
here is the fundamental question: Do we simply continue observing the
period that we are now in the same way as we did last year--10 years ago and
20 years ago--or do we do something different? After all, on the one hand,
we have been and are doing everything that we thought was, and is, right
according to Halacha during this time--to the point that when we are
doubtful, we ask a Rav (as above). On the other hand, it does not appear
that we have succeeded, for the Beis Hamikdash is still in ruins and we find
ourselves in a world pervaded by terrorism [and now almost sympathizing with
it!] on the one hand, and materialism on the other, and with a value system
so thoroughly incongruous to Torah that the supreme court of the greatest
‘world power’ has legalized the Sodom code of conduct. So perhaps we should
try something different, something else, and something we have not done
before. Perhaps we should approach the Churban and exile from a different
angle. After all, in the business and professional world, if something does
not work one way, you try another way, before giving up.
In
order to deal with this dilemma, in order to determine whether we should
continue doing the same (proper) things we have always been doing, and that
our fathers and forefathers have been doing for hundreds upon hundreds of
years--or whether we should do something else--we look to the analogy of our
Galus existence, as taught to school children. You may recall being taught
that while in exile, we rebuild the Beis Hamikdash brick by brick, with
every Mitzvah that we perform being at least one brick in the new,
magnificent, everlasting, Third Beis HaMikdash.
Thus,
as we continue to do what we are supposed to do, and as our ancestors have
done over all these years, we are continuously building and building and
building an edifice that we can simply not currently fathom. However, to
continue the analogy, sometimes one can build faster if he has the right
plans, the right equipment, and the right skill. Yet at other times, the
construction process may be quickened simply by pure effort, toil and
exertion.
It is
no secret that Tisha B’Av always falls on the same day of the week as the
Night of the Seder [although this year the fast itself is pushed from Leil
Shabbos to Motza’ei Shabbos] (which is the reason, some explain, that we
have the egg symbolizing mourning on the Seder Plate, and that some actually
eat the egg at the beginning of the otherwise festive Seder Meal).
Obviously, we are to learn from the exodus from Egypt how we are to
accomplish the Exodus from our current exile as well. In Egypt, for example,
Chazal teach that the bitterness of our toil significantly curtailed the
decreed term of our exile (the “quality” of the labor making up for the
additional time that had to be spent there). It is for this reason, many
teach, that Maror, the bitter herbs, are eaten after the Matzah on
the night of the Seder--for through the Maror the redemption was hastened.
We may
therefore suggest that while we can and should continue to build the third
and final Beis Hamikdash in the same manner as we have done in the past;
there is room for us to perhaps further hasten the redemption by taking some
new and different action so that those bricks are put up faster and faster.
Picture the difference between viewing a bricklayer building a wall in
regular motion, and watching him build that very same wall in
“fast-forward.” It will most certainly take a much shorter time for the
wall to be completed.
There
are two items that we may readily suggest:
1.
Chazal (Nedarim 81A) teach that at least one reason we lost Eretz Yisrael
was because: “They did not make the Bracha before studying Torah”. Many
find it difficult to learn that this means that the appropriate Bracha was
not actually recited by the masses prior to Torah study. Rather, it is
suggested that the Bracha was not recited with the sufficient feeling and
thought, as is befitting Torah and all that it is and that it represents.
After all, what makes me different from all of the nations, all other
peoples, all of the beings around me? It is the Torah--with its Divine
source, and the Mitzvos and Ma’asim Tovim that emanate directly and
unabatedly from it. If we do not appreciate this, if we recite the brachos
hastily and/or sleepily, while walking in the home or to Shul, and not from
a Siddur, then perhaps we ought to go out to (or stay in) Exile--among the
nations--to study and finally appreciate what makes us different.
Accordingly, one tikun, one improvement that we can undertake over the next
two weeks is to recite Birchos HaTorah a little more properly--from a Siddur,
slowly, understanding the meaning of the words, and with an appreciation for
what the Torah means to each one of us individually, and to us as a people.
If we do, we may be laying some of those last rows of bricks--at a
“fast-forward” pace!
2. As
Chazal teach that the Second Beis Hamikdash was destroyed because of Sinas
Chinam, and related Bain Adam LeChaveiro aveiros, it would seem appropriate
for us to DO SOMETHING--to make a discrete effort in improving in this
area. Even for the “almost perfect” person, there is room to improve. The
Center for Jewish Values, under the auspices of Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits,
Shlita, delivers a daily portion of Kitzur Mishpatei HaShalom--a
guide to Hilchos Bain Adam LeChaveiro--into your email box free daily, in
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