Hakhel Email Community Awareness Bulletin
JULY 2018 DAILY EMAIL ARCHIVE
19 Menachem Av
A TESHUVA MOMENT:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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:
“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!
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18 Menachem Av
REMINDER--SEVER PANIM YAFOS!
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A TESHUVA MOMENT:
The Chofetz Chaim writes that once one
realizes that he has done something wrong, he should immediately have
charatah and do Teshuvah for it. Through this, the Chofetz Chaim continues,
one will not fall into yeiush--despair, for he recognizes that his
misdeeds can be corrected. One must always remember that Hashem is not
looking to ‘catch’ a person--rather, Hashem is an “Oheiv Chesed V’Rotzeh
L’Zakos L’Briyosav”. Yes, Hashem is All-Knowing. Nevertheless--He wants
us find our Zechusim and perform Chesed on our behalf!
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KAROV HASHEM LECHOL KORE’AV:
Every day, three times a day in Ashrei we
recite the Pasuk “Karov Hashem Lechol Kore’av Lechol Asher
Yikre’uhu B’emes--Hashem is close to all who call upon Him, to all who
call upon Him in truth” (Tehillim 145:18). Yet, in last week’s Parasha, the
Torah records “Ki Me Goy Gadol…KaShem Elokeinu Bechol Kore’einu Eilav--for
which is a great nation that has G-d Who is close to it, as Hashem is
whenever we call to Him” (Devorim 4:7). The Pasuk in last week’s Parasha
appears not to require the ‘calling out in truth’ that the Pasuk in Ashrei
requires. How can we reconcile these Pesukim? The Eitz Yosef on the
Siddur suggests that ‘calling in truth’ simply means that as a prerequisite
to legitimately calling out, our mouths must be truthful. If we want Hashem
to be attentive to our call to Him, we must excel in the Middah of Emes. He
would seem to learn that the Pasuk in Devorim assumes the Middah of Emes as
well. The Radak (on the Pasuk in Ashrei) writes that ‘calling out in
truth’ means that one’s mouth and heart are equal--Hashem will listen to one
who cries out with Kavannah. We can assume that the Pasuk in Devorim also
implies this requirement--after all, why would anyone [certainly, Hashem, as
the One Who Knows all thoughts] pay attention to a creation who is not being
sincere in his pleading to Him. The Malbim (on the Pasuk in Ashrei)
writes that, in fact, there are two different kinds of callers--one calling
out of yirah, and the other out of Ahava, and they receive qualitatively
different responses as well (see there). Truth, Kavannah, and Ahavas Hashem--to
be sure to have Hashem as close as possible to us and our prayers--let us
excel in all three!
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REMINDER--TZION BAMISHPAT TIPADEH:
Yeshayahu HaNavi (1:27) reveals to us:
“Tzion BaMishpat Tipadeh VeShaveha B’Tzedakah--we will be redeemed
through justice and through Tzedakah.” We are all familiar with the
importance of giving Tzedakah for the sake of Geulah. But how does the first
part of the Pasuk relating to ‘judging’ apply to us on a daily basis as
well? Every day, we are engaged in the process of judging other people.
Let us be sure at the outset to judge them favorably. Imagine the Moshiach
telling you that you fulfilled your part--in both parts of the Pasuk!
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INSTEAD OF TALKING POLITICS:
Rabbeinu Yonah in the Sefer Sha’arei Teshuvah (3:54) writes: “VeChayav
Adam Lachshov Machashavos LeHa’alos Eitzos Hagunos U’Mesukanos L’Chaveiro--a
man is obligated to think about how he can give befitting and appropriate
counsel and advice to his friend.” Rabbeinu Yonah continues that this is
one of the “Ikarei Darchei Gemilus Chasodim--this is one of the
essentials of Chesed”. Let us not squander these essential opportunities to
do Chesed with discussions that are not meaningful, and by spending time
giving advice and opinions regarding social order, politics, the economy and
the world--which really don’t count or matter.
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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!
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AVOID ADDICTION:
At a Hakhel Shiur, Rabbi Zechariah
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?
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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!
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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?
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CONCLUDING THOUGHTS ON
TISHA B’AV: FROM DOWNTRODDEN GALUS TO INSPIRED GEULAH!
As it is now a full week since
our observance of Tisha B’Av, we provide some important thoughts regarding
our transition from a downtrodden Galus mode of existence to one of inspired
and everlasting Geulah.
1. The Sefer Chaim Sheyeish
Bahem brings the words of HaRav Baruch Ber Lebowitz, z’tl. “After 120
years I will be asked what I accomplished in this world. I will say that I
learned Torah. But what if they say --you call that Torah? Then I will say
that I had some Yiras Shomayim. But what if they say--you call that Yiras
Shomayim? I will still be able to say that I had some Ahavas Yisrael--for
when another Yid would be near me on the street I would say--”Brachos Ahl
Rosho--may brachos come upon his head!” This will certainly serve as some
kind of limud zechus for me.... Hakhel Note: At least in this
regard--we too can be like Reb Baruch Ber!
2. At the outset of Kinah 24
over the Churban Bais HaMikdash ,we recite that ‘Espod Bechol Shona
VeShona Misped Chadash’--we lament with a new elegy every year. If this
year’s Tisha B’Av is different than last year’s, than this year’s post-Tisha
B’Av has to be different as well. This year, being one step closer to
Geulah puts us in a different position, and we must be up to the task.
3. The Kinos refer to
Chavetzeles HaSharon--the rose of Sharon. Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein,
Shlita, points out that a rose must be attached to the ground to live--in
water it eventually wilts and dies. So too, our life is our connection to
HaKadosh Baruch Hu, and we must strive to keep the connection vibrant and
lasting. One way to do this is by not faltering in Kavannah in our daily
Shemone Esrei--no matter how tired, harried, frazzled, or side-tracked you
really think you are.
4. The damage, death and
destruction perpetrated to us over the years as reflected in the various
Kinos demonstrate how unfulfilling the pursuit of Gashmius, in the long run,
really is. When people’s lives were at stake or even sacrificed, the
earthly possessions turned out to be inconsequential. If an anti-semetic
tyrant would take power in any country even today, our first reaction would
be to flee for our lives to a safer haven. Now take a look at the so-called
great and powerful King Nevuchadnezzar. His temporal grandiose palace is
another old ruin in Iraq, and there is not even a surviving likeness that we
are sure is him. When you feel too involved in gashmius, look at the world
around and realize that life has much more to offer. When stretching to
look for the next bus, or for your luggage on the baggage carousel, think
about the other, more needed and more permanent things we search for as
well. As the Navi in Eicha bemoans--Betzipisiyaseinu Tzipinu--we
longed for the aid of the Egyptians-when we should have been stretching out
our necks--and longing for the Shechina!
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15 Menachem Av
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!
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QUESTION FOR SHABBOS:
Rashi (Kiddushin 29B) brings a
Pasuk from this week’s Parasha which is not in Shema as the source of the
Mitzvah of Talmud Torah. What is the Pasuk?
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AIN OD MILEVADO!
This week’s Parasha (Devorim
4:35) contains these three words--a true essence of Yiddishkeit. By the
following link
http://tinyurl.com/5a6qmy we once again provide the excerpt from the
Sefer Nefesh HaChaim on Ain Od Milevado. This should certainly be an
essential topic at this week’s Shabbos table!
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TESHUVA MOMENT:
Before reciting Shema Yisroel, remember that you about to fulfill the
Mitzvos of Kabalas Ohl Malchus Shomayim, Shema, and Ahavas Hashem (to begin
with!)
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THE ANSWER IS IN THE PARASHA!
How can we break our enemy?
The Pesukim in the Parasha (Devorim 6:18,19) provide a direct response:
“Ve’asisa HaYashar VeHatov B’Einei Hashem LeHadof Es Kol Oyevecha MePanecha”.
What is HaYashar VeHatov? The Ramban (ibid.) explains that it is Peshara
U’lifnim Mishuras Hadin--being compromising and acting in a manner which is
beyond what the law requires. Rabbosai, this is certainly our Avodas Hayom--
Peshara and Lifnim Mishuras Hadin!
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THE ULTIMATE IN CLEANLINESS!:
In this week’s Parasha, we
find that the Beis HaMikdash is referred to as HaLevanon. Rashi explains
that it is referred to in this way because it is “Melabein Es Ha’adam Min
Ha’aveiros--it directly cleanses and purifies a person from the aveiros he
had committed”. Oh, how we should pine for the Beis HaMikdash to cleanse us
again!
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SHABBOS NACHAMU IS UPON US!
We now approach Shabbos
Nachamu, after having just attempted to appreciate the enormity of the
devastation of our Galus. 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
Hamesabel Ahl Yerushalayim--anyone who mourns over Yerushalayim,” is “Zoche
V’roeh--merits and sees”--its rejoicing. HaRav Meir Schuck, Zt’l (whose
Yahrzeit is Tisha B’Av), 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 Beis 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 earlier, 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 arrive.
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 Beis 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 KeNeged 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 and understood enough to anticipate and plan
ahead---he knew how valuable the outcome really was, and succeeded to get
there much faster!
-----------------------------------------------------------
WE CONTINUE 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 to appreciate
your 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?--never!) 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 Seven Weeks of Nechama are all alluded to
in the Lecha Dodi!
• When reciting Av
HaRachamim on Shabbos morning, let us remember 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 the 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!
------------------------------------------------
SHEMA YISRAEL!:
Tomorrow, we will read in the
Torah the first Parasha of Shema, the cornerstone of our faith. 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.
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. Helpful Reminder:
One way to maintain appropriate Kavannah while reciting Shema is to find the
allusions to each one of the Aseres HaDibros in the Shema every time that
one recites it (they are brought by the Mishna Berurah from the Talmud
Yerushalmi, in Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 61 seif katan 2).
As in the past, 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 Mitzvos of Kriyas Shema, and Ahavas
Hashem (please recall our Teshuva Moment above!).
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. See Shulchan Aruch
Orach Chaim 5 and/or ask your Rav.
5. When saying “VeAhavta
(careful--emphasis on last syllable when pronouncing),” one should truly
feel love for Hashem in his heart--at least for all the kindness that He
bestows upon us! See Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 25, Mishna Berurah, seif
katan 14.
6. 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).
7. 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).
8. Rabbi Moshe Goldberger,
Shlita, teaches that there are seven (!) Mitzvos alone referred to in the
first Parasha of Shema.
9. 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!
10. 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!
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!”
----------------------------------------------------
MEZUZAH REMINDER!
The last Pasuk of Shema
contains the Mitzvah of Mezuzah. The Rema (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 285)
writes that when a person enters and leaves his home, he should place his
hand on the Mezuzah, to remind what is written in the Mezuzah, and that
Hashem is watching over him at all times. HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita
notes that he observed that the Chazon Ish (at least in his older years)
would look at the Mezuzah, rather than touch it, as he entered and exited,
because by looking at it his mind was also directed to the Mezuzah, its
content and its meaning.
Hakhel Note:
As we enter a room or leave
it, Let us remember to touch (or at least look at) the Mezuzah that we are
blessed with on our doors--so that the two Parshios of Shema contained
within it are with us not only at Shacharis and Ma'ariv but through the
entire day!
ON THE PARASHA--FROM THE SEFER HACHINUCH!:
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!
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
TESHUVA MOMENT:
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!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
CORRECTION--CONTINUING THIS MOTZA’EI SHABBOS!
Hakhel, in conjunction with
TorahAnytime.com, will be continuing with its free Motza’ei Shabbos Torah
Video Series in Flatbush, this Motza’ei Shabbos, July 28, and continuing
through the summer. This week’s Shiur will be on Practical Guidelines for
Self-Improvement by Rabbi Paysach Krohn and will begin at 10:15P.M. Host
Location: Agudath Israel Bais Binyomin, 2913 Avenue L. Free Admission, for
Men and Women.
--------------------------------------------------------
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
Zechariah Wallerstein, Shlita (Artscroll/Mesorah)
------------------------------------------------------------
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 Yosef Eisen, Shlita
teaches 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.
C. 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!
D. 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!
E. 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
REMINDER--EVEN AFTER TISHA B’AV--STILL
GREET OTHERS WITH SEVER PANIM YAFOS!
------------------------------------------
TESHUVA MOMENT: Recognize that one
should not look at the seeming insignificance (one extra word, being a
little late, development of a passing thought) of the aveira, but of the
greatness of the One who commanded not to do it.
----------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Yoshiyahu HaMelech believed that everything
was perfect in Eretz Yisrael--yet he hid the Aron and the Mahn because of
the impending Churban, how do we reconcile the two?
---------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL LESSONS
FROM TISHA B’AV:
1. The letters (osiyos) of
Kinos are the same letters of Tikun--this is self-explanatory!
2. The term Kina (lament) sounds
dangerously close to Kinah (jealousy)--do we get the message?
3. There are two days in the year in which we
do not eat for a 25-hour period, and upon which we undergo the five
afflictions. Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita points out that just as after Yom
Kippur, our life is not supposed to be the same, so too, with Tisha B’Av!
4. After reading from the Torah during the
entire year, we return the Sefer to the Aron, and conclude by reciting the
penultimate Pasuk of Eicha--why?
5. Perhaps a reason the Kinnos are not in
chronological order, jumping back and forth through different parts of our
bitter galus is to emphasize to us that our lives are not currently in
order, despite the mirage of being so.
6. The Navi teaches that we were punished
‘ahl asher azvu es Torasi’--for not properly regarding the Torah.
Perhaps this is another reason that we cannot engage in our regular Torah
study on Tisha B’Av--middah k’neged middah for our inadequate regard.
We then can better understand what we are missing! In fact, the Divrei
Siach reports that HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita teaches that one’s
Teshuva resulting from Tisha B’Av should be in area of Torah study.
7. Many do not realize it, but reciting the
paragraph of the Korban Tomid in Schacharis every morning is a chiyuv, an
obligation in Shulchan Aruch, for both men and women (Shulchan Aruch, Orach
Chayim 47,48). With this, we fulfill “Uneshalma Forim Sefaseinu”--our words
temporarily replacing the great accomplishment of the Karbanos!
8. The Chovas HaLevavos in the Sha’ar
HaBechina writes that the miracle of how we have survived and even thrived
in Galus in ways even greater than our enemies is a miracle at least equal
to Kri’as Yam Suf. Every day, when reciting the Shira--one can indeed truly
consider that he himself is going through the Yam!
9. Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, Shlita
commented that Sinas Chinam very definitely includes--’If I can’t have it,
you shouldn’t have it either.’ Om the other hand, being mevater,
giving in even when you are right goes to the essence of Ahavas
Yisroel.
10. 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.”
11. 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.
12. 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!
13. 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!
14. 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!
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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!
19. Do you recall the four brachos that HaRav
Shlomo Zalman Auerbach Z’tl rules that we will recite when the Mashiach
comes? In the Divrei Siach mentioned earlier, the possibility of
other brachos to be recited when the Mashiach comes, including Birkas
HaGomel, Meshane HaBrios, Baruch She’Petaranu, and Go’al Yisroel, is
discussed. An important lesson--stay around Talmidei Chachomim, and daven
that you will be in a Shul, Beis Midrash or other good place when the
Mashiach comes--so that you will know just exactly what Brachos to make!
20. Why do we celebrate Shabbos Nachamu if
we are still in Galus? Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein, Shlita, teaches that we
celebrate the fact that we have not forgotten the Bais HaMikdash and where
we really belong--and personally strive to get home as soon as possible!
Each one of us is duty-bound to ensure that his celebration on Shabbos
Nachamu will be a true and real one!
==================================
12 Menachem Av
A TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Ponder the fact that the Beis HaMikdash was destroyed through the ma’aseh of
Kamtza and Bar Kamtza--the wrongful interaction of two people, and consider
how you can rebuild it with a positive interaction in a similar or related
situation!
----------------------------------------------------------
CHADASHIM LABEKARIM RABA EMUNASECHA (EICHA
3:23): This Pasuk in Eicha which
we just read on Tisha B’Av, 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.
----------------------------------------------------------
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
------------------------------------------
TODAY--13 YEARS SINCE THE
GUSH
KATIF TRAGEDY: Although 13 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 Yisrael y’s 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 Tehillim 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 5778 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. 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 [will you join our “Less Than Sixty-Day Program”?; 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 BeSorosecha” 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!
--------------------------------------------------
WE PROVIDE BELOW A FEW
ADDITIONAL LESSONS ONE COULD GLEAN 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
TESHUVA MOMENT:
Be mekabel, bli neder, from now until Rosh Hashanah to read the Yehi Ratzon...She’Yiboneh
Bais HaMikdash Bimheyrah V’Yameinu after Shemone Esrei word for word from
the Siddur at least once a day.
------------------------------------------------------
FROM A RAV!
By the following link we provide (in Hebrew)
words of instruction from a Rav as to the lessons to be taken on Tisha B’Av--and
from Tisha B’Av. http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/PostTishaBAvHisorerus.pdf
----------------------------------------------------
WE PROVIDE BELOW SEVERAL POINTS RELATING
TO THE DAY AFTER OUR FASTING ON TISHA B’AV:
A. 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
Irecha, we can picture the sight of a glorified Yerushalayim--and pine
for it.
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. A Rav had once asked us to convey that
we can bring the Geulah even if we are not deserving. How so? In every
Shemone Esrei, in the first bracha of Avos, we state that Hashem will
bring the Go’el to the descendants of the Avos--LeMa’an Shemo
b’Ahava--for the sake of His Name with love. This is our OPPORTUNITY to
daven to Hashem to bring the Geulah even if we are undeserving--so that the
Chilul Hashem of Galus stops and is replaced with the Kiddush Hashem of
Geulah--and all of this with love!
D. 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!
E. 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!
F. We should use the Tisha B’Av period as
a cut-off point. The sour 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!
G. Based on the calculation that it has
been 1,948 years since the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, this amounts
to more than 710,000 days and over 17,050,000 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 international 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!
H. 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, 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!
----------------------------------------------------
WHAT DID I PURSUE TODAY?
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!
----------------------------------------------------
THE INSPIRATION OF KINOS:
As we have noted in the past, in the unparalleled Artscroll Kinos, by Rabbi
Avraham Chaim Feuer, Shlita, Rabbi Feuer writes the following in the course
of his introduction:
“The tears of Kinos are a never-ending
stream. When I began to translate and elucidate the Kinnos on the day after
Succos, I called my Rebbi, HaRav Mordechai Gifter, [Z’tl], and asked, ‘How
can I get into the mood of writing about Kinnos just a day after Simchas
Torah, while all the happy tunes of joy still resonate in my ears and Tisha
B’Av is still so far off in the future? Who can think of Kinos now?’
He replied, ‘You are mistaken. Kinos are not
only for Tisha B’Av, they are for the entire year, except that throughout
the year we recite Kinos in a whisper, while on Tisha B’Av we shout them out
loud! Whoever neglects Kinos all year long and attempts to start reciting
them on Tisha B’Av will not succeed in saying them even then, because he
will recite the verses without any feeling and he will become bored. We
must cry and mourn over the Churban all year long, in every season, and then
our Kinnos will reach their climax of pain on Tisha B’Av.’
This concept of regular mourning over the
Churban is codified in the very first chapter of Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim
1:3). It is proper for every G-d-fearing person to feel pain and anguish
over the destruction of the Holy Temple.
The Sefas Emes was once asked, ‘And what
should someone do if he feels no anguish over the Churban of the Temple?’
The Rebbe replied, ‘Then he should be consumed with pain and anguish over
his own personal Churban. If a Jew doesn’t feel real pain over the Churban,
it shows that his soul is in a wretched, abysmal state!’
True, Kinos are for all year round--but when
does one begin to develop a feeling for them? On Tisha B’Av. If one truly
comprehends and feels the Kinos he recites on this day, he will be inspired
to refer back to them throughout the year….”
Hakhel Note: On a daily basis, we must
remind ourselves of our status of Churban, of Yerushalayim physically and
spiritually not rebuilt in the way it should be. Our lives are not normal,
and we must not forget it. We need the Geulah--so that Ruchniyus can come
back to the world, and the world will finally be as it should be. Both
HaKadosh Baruch Hu and we will cherish the moment of Moshiach’s arrival, for
we will then be--and forever remain--oh, so close. We must keep our
yearning, our striving, our goal with us and make it a part of us--each and
every day.
MAY HASHEM BRING HIS SHECHINA BACK TO
TZION B’RACHAMIM!
==================================
8 Menachem Av
TIMELY QUESTION OF THE DAY:
In this week’s Parasha (always read before Tisha B’Av),
Rashi teaches us an incredible fact. On the words “Ba’eir
Es HaTorah--explaining the Torah” (Devorim
1:5), Rashi brings the Midrash that Moshe Rabbeinu
explained the Torah to the Bnei Yisrael in 70 languages. Why? After all,
the people in the desert knew Lashon Hakodesh and maybe a little Egyptian,
but why teach them in 70 languages?!
-------------------------------------------
WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
1. The following important rulings are excerpted from the
Kuntres Lev Ita, by Rabbi Yisroel Dov Webster, Shlita. Of course, one
should obtain a final ruling on all personal matters from his Rav or Posek:
A. BATHING.
According to many Poskim,
one is not allowed to shower or bathe even with cold water for Shabbos.
However, one is permitted to wash one’s face, hands and feet with hot water
and soap if one is accustomed to do so every Erev Shabbos. According to
some Poskim, since in today’s time we shower or bathe frequently and
many people are sensitive and cannot go into Shabbos without a clean
feeling, one may be lenient Erev Shabbos Chazon for those that shower/bathe
themselves every Erev Shabbos. Therefore, according to these Poskim one may
shower or bathe with hot water, soap and shampoo. According to all
Poskim, one is permitted to bathe children under Bar Mitzvah. If one
bathes the children Thursday evening during the year, one may do so this
week. Hakhel Note: One should consult with his Rav as to the practice he
should follow, as well as whether one should shower before or after Chatzos.
B.
MIKVAH.
It is permitted for a person
to immerse himself in a cold/lukewarm mikvah Erev Shabbos Chazon if he is
accustomed to do so every Erev Shabbos. However, if one omits immersing in
the mikvah on Erev Shabbos occasionally either because he is too busy or due
to cold weather, then one should not immerse himself this week. Whenever one
is permitted to immerse in a mikvah, one may not remain in the water longer
than he needs to. Furthermore, one may not immerse oneself in a hot mikvah.
One is permitted to immerse oneself Shabbos morning in a cold mikvah.
C. CUTTING NAILS. One
is permitted to cut one’s nails in honor of Shabbos on Erev Shabbos.
D. CHANGING INTO SHABBOS
CLOTHING FOR SHABBOS.
There is a dispute
among the Poskim as to whether one may change from his weekday garments into
Shabbos garments for Shabbos Chazon. The Minhag is to follow the ruling of
the G’ra and permit changing to Shabbos clothing. However, there are some
who do follow the Minhag of the Rema and do not change into Shabbos clothing
except for a clean shirt. Some are stringent and do not permit putting on
their Shabbos clothing until after Plag HaMincha. Others are lenient and
permit one to change into Shabbos clothing after midday. Note: One is
permitted to change the hand towels and tablecloths in honor of Shabbos.
E.
WASHING THE FLOOR.
One is permitted to wash
the kitchen floor in honor of Shabbos.
F.
POLISHING SHOES, POLISHING
SILVER. One is
permitted to polish or shine one’s shoes and/or polish silver in honor of
Shabbos. However, one is not permitted to get a shoe shine.
G. EATING OR TASTING MEAT
ITEMS EREV SHABBOS. One is permitted to give meat to small children
after midday Erev Shabbos. Some Poskim are of the opinion that it is
permitted only one to two hours before Shabbos and only if one normally
gives the children to eat at this time. One is permitted to make Shabbos
early and eat meat at the Shabbos meal even though it is not dark yet.
H.
NIGGUNIM.
One is not allowed to show
public mourning on Shabbos Chazon; therefore the Minhag of changing the
niggun for some of the tefillos on Shabbos is a matter of discussion among
the Poskim. Some Poskim are of the opinion that one should sing all the
nigunim that are sung in the davening with their regular tunes and not of
those of Eicha etc. (e.g. Lecha Dodi, Kail Adon, Haftarah). However, other
Poskim permit one to change the niggun for these Piyutim. Hakhel Note: In
all events, it would be very worthwhile for one to study the words of Lecha
Dodi this Shabbos--as he recites them--especially as they relate to Churban
and Binyan Yerushalayim. We add, however, that one is not generally
permitted to engage in stressful or sorrowful thoughts on Shabbos (Shulchan
Aruch Orach Chaim 306:8).
2. This Shabbos, Shabbos Chazon (as we eat meat and drink wine
during the Nine Days), 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! Indeed, even if Tisha B’Av would occur on Shabbos, 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 the Nine Days and 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!
-------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
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!
----------------------------------------------------------
REMINDER--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 Menachem 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 PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING
PESAKIM FROM THE SEFER ASHREI HAISH (PESAKIM OF HARAV ELYASHIV, Z’TL,
BY RABBI YECHEZKEL FEINHANDLER, SHLITA) 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
murders in N’vei Tzuf, 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
· Those who
are victims of terror on an almost daily basis in the area of Gaza
· 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 5777 and 5778, 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
NOW AVAILABLE:
We provide by the following link important
excerpts relating to the Halachos of Erev Shabbos Tisha B’Av, Shabbos Tisha
B’Av, and the Ta’anis as observed on Sunday, as authored by HaRav
Yisroel Dov Webster, Shlita. http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/TishaBAvHalachos2.pdf
For those who want to look into any topic further, Rabbi Webster provides
extensive Hebrew footnotes in the link. We thank HaRav Webster, for making
this extremely important resource available to our readers. Of
course, one should obtain a final ruling on all personal matters from his
Rav or Posek.
----------------------------------------------------------
A TESHUVAH MOMENT: Reflect
upon the time and effort that goes into a Rav’s drasha and resolve, bli
neder, to take at least one action as a result of a drasha. Remember that
words of mussar are words of instruction, and should be viewed as precious
words of Hashgacha directed to you.
----------------------------------------------------------
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”!
----------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
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 requests “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 then
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.
==================================
6 Menachem Av
A TESHUVAH MOMENT:
One should have a
fall-back Pasuk which he comes to when he finds his mind blank, wandering,
or thinking inappropriately. One example would be: “Horeini Hashem
Darkecha Aahaleich Ba’amitecha, Yacheid Levavi Leyirah Shemecha.” We
each obviously have thousands to choose from.
-----------------------------------------------------
START TODAY!
If one starts today, and studies one Perek a
day (with Rashi or another commentary) he will complete Eicha on Sunday, in
observance of the Taanis. In the zechus of one’s dedication of
studying the Churban and its aftermath in Eicha--may he be zoche to see the
Beis HaMikdash HaBenuyah--this Sunday!
-----------------------------------------------------------
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.”
-----------------------------------------------------------
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 Kinos 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. 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!
5. 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!
6. 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!
==================================
5 Menachem Av
A TESHUVAH MOMENT: That one item that you were meaning to get to--improving your
Kavannah in Pesukei D’Zimrah or Shema; 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!
-------------------------------------------
MINDFUL MITZVOS LINK: By the following link, we provide a wonderful tool of inspiration
to perform Mitzvos with proper Kavannah
http://tinyurl.com/ybn8wxky
------------------------------------------
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!
---------------------------------------------------
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, Lamed) 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.
Hakhel Note: 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://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/AlHamichyaElucidated.pdf
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.
----------------------------------------------------
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. . 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!
5. 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!
------------------------------------------
A TEN MINUTE NOTICE! 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?
Hakhel Note: 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!
------------------------------------------
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!
==================================
4 Menachem Av
A TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Before beginning Shemone Esrei,
visualize a malach reminding you that you are about to stand ‘face to
k’veyachol face’ with the Shechina, and try to keep yourself in that
mode for at least the first bracha. What a special ‘Magen Avraham’ it can
be!
-------------------------------------------------
FROM A READER:
“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 Hara
– but what about the flip side??”
-------------------------------------------------
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
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AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LIMUD ZECHUS!
To some, it may seem puzzling that suddenly during the Nine Days there are
so many Siyumim which don’t appear to occur to this extent the rest of the
year. The Luach Davar BeIto, has a beautiful Limud Zechus in this
area. The outward appearance of the lower- level person craving meat during
a time when it is otherwise forbidden should be largely overshadowed in our
minds by two important purposes that are being accomplished simultaneously.
First, there is an increase in pride in Torah study. As we know, after the
Bais HaMikdash was destroyed what remains with Hashem is the “Daled Amos
Shel Halacha--our world of Torah. By studying and accomplishing a Siyum, we
demonstrate to Hashem that we want to do our best with what He and we have
left in these sorry circumstances of Galus. Second, we invite others to
join along with us in friendship and togetherness, thereby demonstrating the
Ahavas Yisrael so necessary to extricate us from our Galus condition. In
most, if not all, events and circumstances, an act is really determined
by the intentions behind it. The turkey platter or corned beef sandwich
can simply serve to satisfy one’s desires--or be a byproduct of Talmud Torah
and Ahavas Yisrael!
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CHESED IN GALUS:
Notwithstanding the current comforts that
we may enjoy in certain countries, we are still very much in Galus--and we
are reminded of it every day. We cannot, and must not, however, ignore the
reality of the relative comforts that we do experience--to the point that,
Baruch Hashem U’Bli Ayin Hara, we cannot even fathom how one could survive
though the Holocaust circumstances that our grandparents and parents
actually lived through. Just as we are reminded that we are in Galus daily,
we must likewise remind ourselves of the Chesed that we are currently
experiencing in this Galus. Shlomo HaMelech, the wisest of all men, teaches
(Koheles 7:14) “Beyom Tova Heyeh Vetov… On a day of good, one should
recognize and be happy with it.” Particularly during this time of year,
when we emphasize our lament over the Galus and take concrete steps to end
it--we should also express our genuine and heartfelt Hakaras HaTov and
thanks to HaKadosh Baruch Hu, for His chesed in easing the pain of Galus for
us. May it get no worse--only better for us--until the Geulah. One should
think about this during Modim, at the end of Shemone Esrei, or in his
personal conversations with Hashem.
Hakhel Note: As we have noted in the past,
the Pasuk “Chasdei Hashem Ki Lo Samnu--Hashem--Your Chassodim
do not cease”--is found in Megilas Eicha!
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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.
HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, makes a wonderful
point in this regard. 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 stark 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. But, 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 Kepital 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
joy. 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, conclusory 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!”
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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
A TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Think about one person
with whom your relationship could be strengthened or improved, and resolve
bli neder to follow Hashem’s path of V’Halachta B’Drachav--and improve that
relationship
------------------------------------------
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.
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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”).
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!
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TODAY--IN THIS WEEK’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.”
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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]
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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 Yisrael 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 Yisrael 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.
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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!
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WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV
SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
. We have been advised that the Halacha
Hotline of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway (under the leadership of Rav
Binyomin Forst, Shlita) is available for those who may be stuck in traffic
on Erev Shabbos, and for other emergencies. The
Hotline also has regular hours. The Hotline’s number is:
516-239-2500.
B. We have referred in the past to the
great zechus one engenders by being mekabel Shabbos early for the
sake of bringing Kedushas Shabbos into one’s life sooner. If at all
possible, consider bringing Shabbos in ten minutes (at least) early this
week--as a zechus for all Acheinu B’nei Yisrael!
C. We remind everyone of the importance of
having Kavannah when reciting Al Naharos Bavel (Tehillim 137), on
weekdays, and Shir HaMa’alos BeShuv Hashem Es Shivas Tzion (Tehillim
126) on Shabbos and Yom Tov, in each case before bentsching. Rabbi Avrohom
Chaim Feuer, Shlita, in his classic Tehillim translation (Artscroll), points
out the great difference between Al Naharos Bavel and Shir
HaMa’alos. Al Naharos Bavel reminds us of our entering into
Galus, as we are exiled into Babylonia. The
Shir HaMa’alos, on the other hand, provides
detail as to how our final redemption will appear to be a dream because the
wonders that will accompany it will exceed our greatest expectations.
Shabbos, which is May’ein Olam Haba, is a perfect time for us, as
exiled Jews, to get a glimpse of our future elevation and glory, as Hashem
returns us to Tzion. Let us appropriately rejoice--as we
sing the words with Kavannah!
D. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 270) writes that on Friday
evenings in Shul it is the custom to recite the Perek of BaMeh Madlikin.
BaMeh Madlikin is the second Perek of Mesechta Shabbos, which
describes the Halachos of Erev Shabbos (mostly of lighting candles), through
the point of the Ba’al HaBayis gently directing that the candles be lit.
There is a stark and obvious question. Of all Chapters of Mishnayos in Shas--this
Chapter seems to be the least practical to be recited--as, after all,
all of the Erev Shabbos preparations including Hadlakas Neiros have just
been completed--and will not be applicable again for seven days hence!
We suggest that the reason it is our Minhag to
recite this particular Chapter is in order to emphasize the importance of
Torah study on Shabbos--not only for the practical aspect of the review of
Hilchos Shabbos, but also as Torah study for its own sake--even if it may
not have any practical and immediate application!
E. If one does
not like hot food during the summer, HaRav Nissim
Karelitz, Shlita, writes that one should nevertheless eat hot food on
Shabbos--unless he would be hurt by it. His ruling is based on the words of
the Mishna Berurah (SA, OC 297 seif katan 48). Additionally, HaRav Karelitz
writes that because the ikar Seudah on Shabbos is by day, hot food must be
eaten at the day meal, and that drinking a hot drink is insufficient. HaRav
Karelitz bases his ruling on the words of the Ba’al HaMa’or in
Mesechta Shabbos(end of Perek Kirah): “HaMashmin Hu HaMa’amin Vezoche
LeKeitz HaYamin”--one demonstrates his Emunah and is zoche to merit
participating in the end of days--through properly partaking of his
Seudos Shabbos! (ibid. 257, Notes 47,49 and 50).
----------------------------------------------
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 he is breaking his 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 this 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
A TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Think of one thing that you know you need to
do Teshuvah in--and ask Hashem for His help and His mercy in guiding you
through it.
------------------------------------
PLEASE NOTE:
As tomorrow is Erev Shabbos, we would
otherwise cut our nails L’Kavod Shabbos. However, as it is also Rosh Chodesh,
many have the custom not to cut their nails on Rosh Chodesh, superseding
their regular Erev Shabbos conduct. Accordingly, we suggest that those with
the custom not to cut their nails on Rosh Chodesh--cut them today!
------------------------------------
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)]
----------------------------------------------------------
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
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The most updated link to sign up is: http://jvalues.ohrsites.com/subscribe.php
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----------------------------------------------------------
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 5778 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!”
----------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR THE THREE WEEKS:
1. Our Halacha teaches us as a people how we
are to conduct ourselves during the Three Weeks, the Nine Days, Erev Tisha
B’Av, and Tisha B’Av itself. The Halacha does not, however, provide the
‘four corners’ of the law, and accordingly, we can each take our own
individual, personal steps to evidence our feelings, and to show our
personal disenchantment/misery with the Galus we are in. As we have noted in
the past, it is a custom among some, for instance, not to eat meat or drink
wine not only during the Nine Days--but even during the Three Weeks (except,
of course, on Shabbos). Others may make their hot shower just a little less
hot. Yet others may attempt to somewhat quash or limit their needs or
desires in some way during this time--not putting on the mustard, ketchup or
extra condiment, or perhaps, as we have noted in the past, by taking the
second choice of food or drink--the roll instead of the bagel, the ginger
ale rather than the coke--simply to demonstrate a recognition of Imo
Anochi B’Tzarah with Hashem at least during this period--as the Shechina
continues in Its tza’ar, exiled from Its home, and awaiting the
return of His children.
2. There is a custom to recite Tikkun
Chatzos at midday on each day of the Three Weeks. If this is something we
cannot do, perhaps we can recite Tehillim Chapters 79, 83 and/or 137, which
are very much related to Tikkun Chatzos, preferably at Chatzos, or at least
at some point during the day.
3. We remind our readers
that at a Hakhel Shiur, HaRav Shmuel Dishon, Shlita, once posed the
following question: “What is the greatest Chilul Hashem in the world
today?! What is the one thing that we should be most ashamed of?!” He
answered that the greatest Chilul Hashem, the greatest shame to us
today, is that we are still in Galus. The Sefer Sha’arei Teshuvah
explains that the great remedy for Chilul Hashem is Kiddush Hashem.
Accordingly, it very much behooves us to focus on acts of Kiddush Hashem--which
is the antitheses of the Chilul Hashem of Galus, and which will, in fact,
constitute the essence of Geulah. Let us each remember the teaching of
Chazal--he who bothers to prepare on Erev Shabbos, will be the one who eats
on Shabbos! Remember our Summer Improvement Program above relating to
Kiddush Hashem--work on it today--and every day!
==================================
28 Tammuz
A TESHUVA MOMENT:
When waking up after reciting Modeh Ani every morning, bli neder, reflect
for a moment on your Hakaras Hatov to Hashem for giving you another day of
opportunity to draw closer to Him with your thoughts, your words and your
actions--and achieve your purpose in life!
-------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
YAHRZEIT OF HARAV CHAIM
FRIEDLANDER, Z’TL:
Today is the 32nd 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 6th 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
START TODAY!
If you start Mishnayos Middos TODAY
and learn just three Mishnayos a day--you will finish learning many
important Inyanim relating to the Beis HaMikdash contained in Mishnayos
Middos--on Erev Tisha B’Av! May they all be practical Halacha L’Ma’aseh for
us very soon! Join today!
----------------------------------------------------------
TESHUVA MOMENT:
To reinforce your Emunah and share it with others, try to make at least one
bracha a day to which another person will answer Amen.
------------------------------------------------------------
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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!
----------------------------------------------------------
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!
----------------------------------------------------------
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 from 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!
----------------------------------------------------------
NOTES ON THE THREE WEEKS:
In an outstanding Hakhel Shiur, Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, Shlita, made the
following extremely important points about what to think about and what to
do during the Three Weeks.
A. We should think about
the Beis HaMikdash--the majestic scene of the Kohanim doing the Avodah, the
Leviim singing, every Yisrael present being like a member of the royal
family, welcome in the palace. If we cannot be in the Beis HaMikdash, let
us at least bring the feelings to mind.
B. Chazal teach: “MeiIgra
Rama LiBira Amikta--from the high floor to the bottom of a pit.”
Despite the relative comfort of one’s particular Galus--with modern cars,
modern appliances, modern conveniences, and Glatt Kosher foods from all over
the world--the reality is that we are in the bottom of a pit. Think about
how many Mitzvos we can perform now--as compared to the Mitzvos we can
perform in Eretz Yisrael with K’lal Yisrael together. Think about the
levels of Torah study that we cannot reach because of the cloudiness
generated by Galus. Think about how much higher you personally can go from
a Bira Amikta to a Igra Rama!
C. When eating, whether or
not one is at a meal in which he washed, recite Al Naharos Bavel (Tehillim
137). One should think about what he is saying--reciting it not only while
sitting--but from a Siddur or a Tehillim as well.
D. Trying (perhaps at least
once a day) to recite a bracha at which there will be someone there to
answer “Amen”.
E. In Galus, what Hashem
has is the “Daled Amos Shel Halacha”--and as for us, “Ain Lanu
Shiur Elah HaTorah HaZos.” One should accordingly try learning
more--and especially beretzifus (consecutively)-at least for an hour
a day. If we can demonstrate that we value the opportunities we have
now--then Hashem will give us the opportunity to value even more later!
F. “VeShaveha B’Tzedaka--we
will be redeemed through Tzedaka”--give some Tzedakah every day for the sake
of Geulah.
G. On Motza’ei Shabbos
leading into Tisha B’Av, it is said that the Belzer Rebbe, Z’tl, waited and
kept on his shtreimel, hoping desperately that the Geulah would come
instead. After waiting a long time, he sorrowfully exclaimed: “Oy,
Nach a Mal Tisha B’Av, Oy, Nach a Mal Tisha B’Av--again Tisha B’Av,
again Tisha B’Av!” We should not become complacent, feeling like we are
going through a routine year in and year out. We need to move ourselves to
work on tikun, on repair. You may want to repeat the phrase of the
Belzer Rebbe throughout this period.
Rabbi
Goldwasser noted that the Three Weeks is an auspicious time to not only
take action--but to accomplish Geulah, for as some interpret the Pasuk
in Eicha--Kol Rodefeha Hisiguha Bein HaMetzarim--all those who run
after Tzion--will reach her during this time. Let us take the steps that we
can (perhaps one should read the above thoughts again, or put some of his
own into place)--and may we reach Tzion speedily and in our days--this year!
==================================
26 Tammuz
START TODAY!
If you start Mishnayos Middos TODAY
and learn just three Mishnayos a day--you will finish learning many
important Inyanim relating to the Beis HaMikdash contained in Mishnayos
Middos--on Erev Tisha B’Av! May they all be practical Halacha L’Ma’aseh for
us very soon! Join today!
----------------------------------------------------------
A TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Improve in the Mitzvah of
V’Ahavta L’Reiacha Kamocha. Before taking leave of anyone, rather
than saying ‘Bye’ or ‘Take Care’, make the conscious effort, bli neder, to
give him/her a sincere bracha --’Be Well’, ‘Be Matzliach’, ‘Bracha
V’Hatzlacha’, ‘L’Chaim U’L’Shalom’, or the like.
----------------------------------------------------------
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. We would like to remind you, however, that you
can 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!
----------------------------------------------------------
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!
----------------------------------------------------------
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.
Here is one suggestion:
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!
==================================
23 Tammuz
A TESHUVAH MOMENT:
At this week’s Hakhel
Yarchei Kallah, HaRav Fischel Schachter, Shlita, said in the name of HaRav
Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, that if we recognize and apply the opportunities for
Teshuvah as they present themselves in our lives, then the entire world
becomes a k’li shareis for us.
-------------------------------------------
TODAY--THE YAHRZEIT OF
HARAV MOSHE CORDEVERO:
Today is the Yahrzeit of the unparalleled HaRav Moshe Cordevero, Z’tl,
perhaps most well-known for the Sefer Pardes Rimonim and the Sefer
Tomer Devorah, among his many other works. According to the Arizal’s
testimony, the procession bringing HaRav Cordevero to burial was preceded by
a pillar of fire, and, because he was so pure, his death could only be
attributed to the chait of Adam HaRishon. In Chapter 4 of the Tomer
Devorah, HaRav Cordevero writes: “A person can purify his Yetzer Hara
by leading it towards good, and then even his Yetzer Hara becomes rooted in
holiness.”
-------------------------------------------
TOMORROW--THE YAHRZEIT OF
HARAV YAAKOV YOSEF: For
New York City Metropolitan Area Residents: Tomorrow, Shabbos Kodesh, is
the 115th Yahrzeit of HaRav Yaakov Yosef, the first and only
Chief Rabbi of New York over 100 years ago. His kever in Brooklyn, New York
is known as a remarkable makom of Tefillah. For those who wish to visit his
kever today or on Sunday, the address of the cemetery is Union Field
Cemetery, 8211 Cypress Avenue, Ridgewood, NY.
-------------------------------------------
SUNDAY--THE YAHRZEIT OF
HARAV
MEIR MAI’APTA:
Sunday, 25
Tammuz, is the Yahrzeit of the
HaRav Meir
Mai’Apta, the Ba’al
Ohr LaShamayim. A
reader has
provided us with a beautiful
copy of the Tefillah that
the Ba’al
Ohr LaShamayim composed,
which would most
certainly be appropriate to
recite on his
Yahrtzeit. The tefillah is
available at
http://tinyurl.com/25ngcr7
-------------------------------------------
FROM A READER:
“Pinchos was given a ‘Bris of Shalom’ by Hashem. I
would like to suggest that everyone consider the absolute Pashut P’shat of
these words--in reward for Pinchos acting in such a
self-sacrificing way for the honor of Hashem, Pinchos
was awarded the gift of peace--inner peace; this means tranquility and
calmness in his personal life and his personal decisions. If one acts
with alacrity and unrelenting dedication towards the Torah and Mitzvos, his
closeness to Hashem will build a great Emunah within him. He will thus
be at peace. I think that this is a lesson that we can all internalize and
aspire to.”
-------------------------------------------
HALACHIC PYRAMID:
One of the most successful marketing
concepts in our time is the ‘legal pyramid’, in which sales representatives
find other sales representatives who find other sales representatives to
find clients for different products and industries (from cosmetics to energy
services). Each person in the chain then earns something on the sale of the
product or service to the ultimate consumer. Each sales representative in
the chain also finds his own clients, thereby producing additional revenues
to the sales rep above him. We should take the dugma into our
spiritual lives as well. For instance, if one performs a Chesed to someone
who will then be able to perform a Chesed to another, who in turn will be
able to do a Mitzvah--then the possibly long chain of Mitzvah events started
with the original act of Chesed. A wise person should consider the further
ramifications of his positive deed. Another example would be starting to
learn with a chavrusah a few minutes before davening--another two people, or
perhaps four or six might get the same idea…and perhaps someone will even
start a Shiur for others before the Minyan as well. The possibilities are
precious and boundless--how about asking a person to answer ‘Amen’ to your
bracha over the food that you are about to eat? His ‘Amen’ will be a
beautiful statement of pure Emunah--because he is not even partaking of the
food--and he may in turn ask somebody to do the same when the time comes for
him to eat as well! As we anxiously await the completion of the Third Beis
HaMikdash--we can speed-up the process by doing more than adding one brick
at a time-- instead acting dedicatedly and creatively-- having five or ten
or more people adding bricks as a result of one’s original brick!
-------------------------------------------
WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV
SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
A. In this week’s Parasha, we learn that the
Korban Mussaf of Shabbos consists of two kevasim, both brought as a
Korban Olah, and not as a Korban Chatas. A Korban Olah is typically brought
for the violation of a Mitzvas Asei in some form, or for an improper
thought. The Ba’alei Mussar derive from the fact that the Korban Mussaf of
Shabbos is only Olos--that one must especially focus on having proper
thoughts on Shabbos. Even if we begin to think about financial or business
matters in a positive way which may be technically permissible (the nice
amount of money one made in the previous week, how much money one has in the
bank, or how successful one was in a business meeting or a business
relationship in the previous week)--he should nevertheless try to banish
business and financial thoughts from his mind on Shabbos--as they can easily
move into an area which is not permissible on Shabbos because it causes
distress--such as what one forgot to do on Friday, what one needs to order
on Monday, how that supplier shouldn’t have done that, what new advertising
needs to be done …. Shabbos is a wonderful time for one to work-on
thought purification!
B.
We conclude
our annual
review of Summer Shabbos
Shailos, with the Teshuvos
of Rabbi Yisroel
Belsky, Z’tl,
to us:
DRINKING OVER GRASS
QUESTION: On Shabbos my bungalow
colony makes kiddush after davening. Can we make it on the
grass?
ANSWER:
The Shulchan Aruch says that you
shouldn’t drink water on Shabbos near where there are plants growing,
because it might fall upon and nurture them, thus constituting toldos
of zore’ah and choresh. But, drinking wine is acceptable,
because it doesn’t help the grass or growing plants.
QUESTION: What about other drinks?
ANSWER:
They should be treated as water. Since most
of the drinks that we have fall into that category, one shouldn’t have a
lawn kiddush on Shabbos.
QUESTION: What about drinking over lawns
where one doesn’t care about the grass or the grass is half dead anyway? Or
if it has just rained?
ANSWER:
This is a strange question. As far I know,
in most places, people do pay a lot of attention to ensure that the patches
of ruined grass are re-seeded or patches of sod are put on them. It is the
wish of each individual or bungalow colony committee to see that the place
looks nice. Whenever there is a drought for a period of time and grass
begins to turn yellow, people do worry. Therefore, it is practically never
true that people are not concerned about the condition of the grass. You
will see directly before and after the summer season, large amounts of money
are spent on improving or restoring the grass. If we just had a heavy rain
outside and the grass was soaked, it would be permitted to have a kiddush
on the grass. However, I don’t think that people would really want to
attend such a kiddush on unpleasant, heavily rain-soaked grass.
INSECT REPELLENT
QUESTION: On Shabbos is a person
permitted to spray insect repellent on one’s hands?
ANSWER:
Yes. There is no choleh and the spray
is not remedying an ailment.
RETURNING A WINDOW SCREEN ON SHABBOS
QUESTION: If someone’s window screen fell
out on Shabbos, is a person allowed to put it back on Shabbos?
ANSWER:
I think that if the screen is of the old
simple type that you easily put in and take out, it is not considered a
chelek or part of the actual window. In such a case, you would be
allowed to either insert or remove it. However, the more modern window
screens which are more a chelek of the window would be forbidden to
insert or remove on Shabbos.
ASKING A NON-JEW TO DO CERTAIN
MELACHOS FOR YOU ON SHABBOS
QUESTION: Are you allowed to ask a
non-Jew to turn on the air conditioner on Shabbos?
ANSWER:
I remember when air conditioning was
non-existent. However, today, it has become such a necessity. I imagine that
if the situation was very uncomfortable, one could ask a non-Jew to
turn on the air conditioner, especially as air conditioners work on
electricity. Unlike creating heat, creating electricity that runs the air
conditioner is not a Melacha DeOraysa. It is probably even less
problematic to ask a non-Jew to turn off the air conditioner if the
room is too cold. Just as you can ask a non-Jew to put on the heat in
winter in order to prevent people from becoming sick, you can similarly ask
a non-Jew to turn off the air conditioner if you are trying to
prevent people from getting sick from the extreme cold generated by the air
conditioner.
QUESTION: If the circuit breaker went off
on Shabbos, is one allowed to ask a non-Jew to restore it?
ANSWER:
Simply put, there are times at night when if
you don’t have electricity, it constitutes Sakanos Nefashos. It is
simply dangerous, especially if you have children who are going around at
night without light. In such a dangerous situation, you can
certainly ask a non-Jew to restore the electricity.
QUESTION: Are you allowed to ask a
non-Jew to restore the electricity merely in order to save the food
from spoiling?
ANSWER:
The answer is yes. However, if the food is
not endangered, but it is a question of just keeping the soda colder, you
should not ask a non-Jew to fix the circuit breaker. If you had
cholent in an electric crock pot when the circuit breaker went out, the
cholent is still hot and the electricity, if restored, will stop other food
from spoiling, as before, you may ask a non-Jew to restore the
electricity
TRAPPING A BEE OR WASP ON SHABBOS
QUESTION: If I notice a bee or wasp flew
into my home, can I close the window if that will cause the bee or wasp to
be trapped in between the window and the screen?
ANSWER:
The Klal is that if you have a little
creature that can sting you and you are afraid that it will sting you, then
you are allowed to capture it. The reason is because it is something that
you really don’t want to capture for any use or purpose. Indeed, you would
like it to just go away and escape to the wilds of Australia. Therefore, you
are allowed to trap it on Shabbos, but you should try to avoid
trapping it directly.
USE OF ELECTRIC WATER COOLERS ON
SHABBOS
QUESTION: I have an electric water
cooler. Is it a problem to use on Shabbos? If not, am I permitted to
change the empty bottle?
ANSWER:
A water cooler is like a refrigerator. In
fact, it is a refrigerator. It contains a chamber with five, six, seven or
eight cups of water. You take a cup of water and another comes into it from
the bottle. The temperature rises by a couple of degrees and after a while,
a mechanism will trigger the thermostat to start the compressor, kicking in
the cooling system again. With a refrigerator, there are many people who
are machmir not to open it in order to take something out (or return
a food item) unless the motor is running. If the motor is running, you will
not trigger the thermostat to turn it on. It is possible that with a water
cooler, there is less stringency involved than with regard to a regular
refrigerator, because the hot air that comes in when you open a
refrigerator, is going to result in the release from the refrigerator itself
of a lot of cold air into the room, because it is a very large appliance.
The release of the cold air from the refrigerator will result in the influx
of warm air from the room into the refrigerator, which will surely trigger
the compressor to start within a very short period of time. The water cooler
on the other hand is a closed system and only that one cup that you take
will be replaced by another cup. Maybe five or six cups are required to
trigger off the system. Regarding replacing an empty bottle of water into a
water cooler on Shabbos, doing so would surely trigger the thermostat
and compressor to initiate the cooling system and should not be done, if you
are machmir about opening refrigerators when the motor is not
running.
REPEATING HAVDALAH FOR LITTLE CHILDREN
ON SUNDAY MORNING
QUESTION: I have small children who
cannot stay up until the end of Shabbos. Do they have to make
Havdalah on Sunday morning?
ANSWER:
Rabbosai,
you have to make Havdalah for little children. I’ll tell you a very
interesting Halacha. If a little child did not hear Havdalah,
but the parent was yotzei Havdalah in shul, the father could make
Havdalah with a brocha and be motzi the little child. I have
always made an effort to have my children listen to Havdalah (on
Motza’ei Shabbos). And if that was not possible, I would have the child
recite Havdalah from a siddur the next morning. If the child
is too young to make Havdalah the next morning, then he is not
considered to have reached the age of chinuch (education in
mitzvos) for Havdalah and can do without hearing it.
-------------------------------------------------
WHY IS HE THE BEST?
HaRav Chaim Shmuelevitz, Z’tl, relates the following now famous story:
When HaRav Chaim was learning as a bochur in the Grodno Yeshiva, he once
went to visit his uncle, HaRav Avraham Yoffen, Z’tl, the Rosh Yeshiva of
Novardok. While there, he asked his uncle who the “best” bochur in the
Yeshiva was. His uncle toured the yeshiva with him. He pointed to one
young man and said “He is the greatest in-depth studier we have.” He
pointed to another bochur and said, “He is our biggest masmid.” About
another bochur he said, “He is the sharpest that we have.” About another,
“He has the greatest body of knowledge.” Rav Chaim pressed his uncle--but in
the end, who is the best bochur in the yeshiva?! The Rosh Yeshiva
pointed to another student whom he had not previously mentioned.
“Why is he the best?!”
“Because he is the greatest ‘mevakesh’--the greatest seeker in his
service of Hashem.” This young man turned out to be the Steipeler Gaon,
Z’tl.
Thus, we see, that even if we may not be blessed with the greatest memory,
the most proficient skills, or even simply the most dedicated hasmada,
each and every one of us still has the ability to be the best, if we would
only excel in the aspect of personal bakasha--in our sincere quest and drive
to fulfill our potential in this world.
When we look around at others in this world, we can see the failed lives of
those like Bilam, in last week’s Parasha, who had such capabilities of
greatness, yet squandered them over temporal and fleeting desires. On the
other hand, there are people like Pinchas who rise above what others, and
perhaps even they, perceive as their limitations, and reach greatness
through their actions.
Now, while there is a concept of “Yesh Koneh Olamo B’Shaah Achas”--one
can acquire greatness in one hour, as Pinchas initially did (and went on
from there), there is a second, more paced road which the mevakesh
can follow. It is the serious and deliberate growth in areas which one has
not previously developed. We find this in this week’s Parasha as well--with
the life of Yehoshua Bin Nun. There are those who may have been stunned
with his selection to be the next leader--were there not other, more
recognized and great personages of the generation? Yehoshua’s bakasha--his
drive to stay associated and learn from Moshe Rabbeinu on a day-in, day-out
basis--his relentless quest--made him the next leader over and above
everyone else.
Indeed, In Parsha Thoughts, Rabbi Aron Moshe Jacobsohn, Shlita
points out that Pinchos was an ‘ordinary citizen’-- NOT a Kohen--and BECAME
a Kohen because of his action!
Each one of us can and should demonstrate to Hashem--and to ourselves--that
we are also a mevakesh. Our measured steps need not necessarily
demonstrate anything superlative, they need only show our desire to grow
bigger and better. ask yourself at the end of the day--was I a mevakesh
today?
We can be like Yehoshua
Bin Nun, we can be like the best bachur in the Yeshiva--no special skills
are necessary--other than to be a mevakesh!
==================================
22 Tammuz
A TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The Orchos Chaim L’Rosh
(Paragraph 100) writes three words: “Ahl Tevahel Ma’asecha”--rather
than acting in a disturbed or impulsive manner--act with calmness and
serenity. When about to do something, stop and think--am I doing this with
aforethought or acting (or reacting) too quickly?
--------------------------------------------
AN AMAZING THOUGHT:
HaRav Yecheskel Levenstein,
Z’tl, brings from HaRav Chaim Vital, Z’tl (Sha’arei Kedusha, Sha’ar Aleph)
that one must be more careful to avoid Middos Ra’os than to
perform Mitzvos Asei and Mitzvos Lo Sa’aseh--for when one is a Ba’al Middos
Tovos it is much easier for him to perform Mitzvos--for one who is a Ba’al
Middos Tovos recognizes the goodness that Hashem bestows him with, and
accordingly wants to give Hashem Nachas Ruach--which he recognizes is
doing His will by the performance of Mitzvos!
----------------------------------------------------------
REMEMBER--IT IS A PERSONAL
COMMUNICATION: In
the Sefer Praying with Fire 2, Rabbi Heshy Kleinman, Shlita, goes
into detail to explain the great significance of personal communication with
Hashem. The Chofetz Chaim, for instance, told one newly inducted soldier
into the Russian army who would be taken far away from Yiddishkeit and its
practice that the one thing that he must continue to do is speak to Hashem
throughout the day. The Chofetz Chaim does not limit this suggestion,
however, to one inducted into an army--but applies it to all. HaRav Avigdor
Miller, Z’tl, similarly teaches that: (i) a businessman should daven to
Hashem when a customer enters or when going to visit a customer; (ii) a
patient should daven to Hashem before and after visiting a health care
professional; and (iii) when entering one’s car, even when it isn’t for a
distance in which Tefillas Haderech would otherwise be warranted--one should
still daven to Hashem to have a safe and successful trip. As the Chernobler
Rebbe, Z’tl, said: “Whom else should I ask?”
-------------------------------------------
TWO IMPORTANT POINTS
RELATING TO THE PERIOD WE ARE IN:
A. HaRav Naftali Kaplan,
Shlita, teaches that in the Three Weeks we must work on feeling the
Tza’ar HaShechina. In order to do so, as an introduction, one should study
the Sefer Nefesh HaChaim (Sha’ar Beis, Perakim 11 and 12). One
should also review the Seder Ha’avodah in the Yom Kippur Machzor
which highlights what we are missing without the Beis HaMikdash and the
Shechina’s special presence in Yerushalayim. We should also consider when
reciting V’Lirushalayim Irecha and related Tefillos what we are
asking for and why. Finally, we should put our special sentiment into the
words Ahl Kein NeKaveh and the remainder of Aleinu.
B. We are in good company. In
Ahl Naharos Bavel (Tehillim 137) the Targum teaches that the Pasuk
Zechor Hashem Livnei Edom was recited by the Malach Michoel, and the
Pasuk of Bas Bavel Hashedudah was recited by the Malach Gavriel. We
must appreciate the enormity of the destruction. We are so out of place in
this Galus that not only do we and our friends weep--but the greatest of
Malochim cry out in agony as well. The difference is--they cannot bring the
Geulah, but we, through our Teshuvah and Tefillah--can. The time to act is
now!
--------------------------------------------------
MODIM AND THE THREE WEEKS:
Except on Shabbos or under certain circumstances, it is an established
custom amongst Ashkenazim that the bracha of Shehechiyanu not be recited
within the Three Weeks. We do have the ability, however, to recite something
very similar to Shehechiyanu three times a day even during the Three Week
period--and even on Tisha B’Av! As a reader pointed out to us, in the Modim
D’Rabbanan we essentially paraphrase the bracha of Shehechiyanu as we thank
Hashem “Ahl Shehecheyisanu V’Kiyamtanu--for giving us life and
sustaining us.” Moreover, we then add a wonderful request--Kein
Techayeinu U’Sekayemeinu V’Se’esof Galuyoseinu Bechatzros Kadshecha…so
may You continue to give us life and sustain us and gather our exiles to the
Beis HaMikdash…!
Hakhel Note One: Practical Suggestion:
Recite Modim D’Rabbanan from a Siddur--with Kavannah!
Hakhel Note Two: Fascinatingly, the Sefer
Ishei Yisrael, which contains the Pesakim of HaRav Chaim Kanievsky,
Shlita, writes that if the Shaliach Tzibbur mistakenly recited Modim
D’Rabbanan in Chazaras HaShatz, rather than the regular Modim--he is Yotzei,
and it is a valid Chazaras HaShatz.
Hakhel Note Three: In this week’s Pirkei
Avos (1:2), Shimon HaTzaddik teaches that the world was created for the
accomplishment of three goals: Torah, Avoda and Gemilas Chasodim.
Rabbeinu Yonah (ibid.) explains that in the time of the Beis HaMikdash,
Avodah means bringing Karbanos. At the current time, when there is no Beis
HaMikdash, Rabbeinu Yonah continues, Tefillah takes the place of Karbanos.
Indeed, Dovid HaMelech exclaims in Tehillim: “Hashem Sefasai Tiftach
U’fi Yagid Tehilasecha--may my Tefillah stand in the place of a Karbon
to effect forgiveness for me for intentional and non-intentional sins.” Oh,
how we must appreciate the importance of our Tefillos--and if we find them
lacking, make efforts to improve them in some way. Sincerely Davening for
Teshuvah, for the Geulah, and having Kavannah in these words of Modim may be
a wonderful place to begin!
---------------------------------------------------------
HAKARAS HATOV APPLIED!
“As a rule, Rabbi Avraham Pam did not accept
gifts and tried to avoid accepting favors from others. He usually made his
own arrangements for traveling to Simchas, saying that he found it easier
this way. If he needed to go somewhere for personal reasons, he preferred
taking the bus or subway rather than asking someone to drive him. When, on
occasion, Rav Pam did accept a favor, he felt indebted to the person. He
therefore had a special notebook in which he would record information which
he could use to “return the favor”. In one entry he wrote, “So-and-so gave
me a ride today. He has a 21 year old daughter in need of a shidduch.” When
the Shuvu organization, founded by Rav Pam, launched a fund-raising campaign
by mail, the return envelopes came to Rav Pam’s house. Rav Pam himself
opened these envelopes, and when he would meet someone who had sent a
donation, he would thank him saying: ‘You’ve done something big!’”
[Excerpted from the The Life and Ideals of Rabbi Avraham Yaakov HaKohen
Pam (Artscroll/Mesorah), as brought in Let There Be Rain by Rabbi
Shimon Finkelman, Shlita, and Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, Shlita (Artsroll/Mesorah)]
-------------------------------------------
VE'ROMAMTANU MIKOL
HALESHONOS--You Exalted us Above All the Tongues:
This important phrase
from the Yom Tov davening is explained in a stunning way by HaRav Shlomo
Mandel, Shlita (in the name, he believes, of the Bnai Yissaschar): One
should understand the term as follows--there is not a single language
in the entire world that can describe the beauty of K'lal Yisrael!
This being the case--we certainly must look within and see the beauty within
ourselves--and the beauty of each other. Even if another has hurt you,
frustrated you, disappointed you, or not performed in a way that was
expected of him--remember that you have probably disappointed others in
similar ways as well--and you would not want to be remembered by these
disappointments either. We are all uplifted and beautiful in a way that
no language on earth can describe--let us be sure not to bring others
down--for we bring ourselves down together with them!
==================================
21 Tammuz
A TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The Sefer Sha’arei
Teshuvah writes that if a servant
tells his master: “I will do everything you say--except for ‘just one
thing’”, in effect he has told him that he is not his master.
----------------------------------------------------------
NOTES FROM READERS:
A. “I wanted to share knowledge of a great
book that I purchased on the Three Weeks called Why We Weep published
by Israel Book Shops. It is a compellation of essays from leading Rabbanim
and Roshei Yeshivas about the Churban and its relevance to us. It doesn’t
say who the melaket is, but is put out by a Machon Alei Zayis
apparently from Lakewood. I just wanted to spread the word.”
B. “On the point you made regarding the dove
leaving the teivah on 17 Tammuz the Da’as Zekeinim (Bereishis,
8:3), explicitly writes that this is a remez to the fast of 17 Tammuz
which would later be commemorated on that day. This is because the Knesses
Yisrael is likened to the dove (Shir HaShirim, 2:14), and the Pasuk (Bereishis,
8:9) states that the dove found nowhere to rest its feet – much like the
Knesses Yisrael on 17 Tammuz when the walls of Yerushalayim were
breached….”
C. “In addition to the suggestions you
provided yesterday regarding overcoming the Middas HaDin, I would like to
add that I have learned that pure Tefillah and sincere Bitachon--even
when one does not have sufficient merit--can also overcome din!”
----------------------------------------------------------
SOME NOTES FOR THE THREE WEEK PERIOD WE
ARE IN:
1. HaRav Avigdor Miller, Z’tl, was asked
what one should think about in the Three Weeks. He responded that one could
focus on three things:
A. KAVOD SHOMAYIM. The honor of
Heaven has been brought so low, as we wallow in the values established by
the lower elements of mortal man. Our everyday experiences would truly be
difficult for us, but for the fact that we have become so accustomed to
them. Imagine, then, the pain of the Shechinah as He sees His children as
low as the dust, and not as high as the stars of the sky.
B. SO MUCH LIFE. Because of the Galus
and persecutions, so many millions of lives have been lost--each and every
one with such potential for growth and for life.
C. A PERSONAL LACK OF SHELEIMUS.
Because we are not in our optimum state, we are simply incomplete. Nobody
wants something that is broken or missing something. Certainly, then, when
it comes to ourselves--we should yearn for the day of full accomplishment!
2. Technology seems to be so foreign to the
world of the Beis Hamikdash as we picture it. Maybe in some way we can
control ourselves during the Three Weeks for an hour a day--separating
ourselves from our connection to the most modern of worlds--either our
computer, our phone, or some other device--as we strive to connect to the
Third Beis Hamikdash and the most modern world--the eternal world!
3. Another important project
is for one to especially look out for how often he makes excuses for his
conduct during the day: “I usually would not eat this, but…”; “I do not
get angry, but…”; “I am doing this now because…”; or “I have the right,
since…”; etc. Rabbi Yissocher Frand, Shlita, teaches that the Shevatim at
the time of their ordeal with Yosef recognized their mistake and exclaimed:
“Aval Asheimim Anachnu--but, we are guilty!” This
means, Rabbi Frand teaches--that the Shevatim recognized that what they had
done to Yosef was full of inappropriate ‘buts’--”but he dreamt
that…”; “but he said that…”; “but he wore that…”. As we realize the ‘buts’
that brought us into Mitzrayim--let us reflect on how our reflection upon
and Teshuvah from the ‘buts’ can bring us out of our current
Galus!
4. The Sefer Bnei Yissaschar (brought
in the Luach Davar B’Ito) writes that the months of Tammuz and Av are
called Dalim, or The Poor Ones. He continues that when reciting the
words before Shemone Esrei V’Ozer Dalim, we should have Kavannah that
Hashem will help these two poor months to be lifted up. Hakhel Note: Once
again, we know that Hashem has established this world on a Middah
K’negged Middah basis--if we help the poor--then Hashem will also help
the poor. Accordingly, especially in these days, when a poor person
approaches us or knocks on the door, one should make the effort to be an
Ozer Dalim--not hoping that the poor person goes away or doesn’t see
him--but rather showing care and concern, and giving them whatever he can!
5. Rabbi Shimon Finkelman, Shlita writes in
The Chofetz Chaim -A Daily Companion that “One can compare Lashon
Hara to toxic waste, and the laws of Shemiras HaLashon to the protective
suit of people who must handle it. Properly protected--one can save others
from harm--and not hurt oneself in the process!” Let us strengthen
ourselves now and be especially vigilant to keep out even the harmful
‘second-hand Lashon Hara’--for if not now--then when?! Hakhel Note:
During the Three Week Period, let us take affirmative action to remedy the
systemic state of Galus that we are in. Our vigilance in the area of
Shemiras HaLashon will certainly be a great and irreplaceable step in our
healing. When we talk about vigilance in Shemiras HaLashon--it is not just
‘words’--it is ACTION!
6. Reminder--Sever Panim Yafos Calendar!
If you haven’t started yet--start today!
|
SUNDAY |
MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
SHABBOS |
|
JULY 1
o
|
JULY 2
o
|
JULY 3
o
|
JULY 4
o
|
JULY 5
o
|
JULY 6
o
|
JULY .7
o
|
|
JULY 8
o
|
JULY 9
o
|
JULY 10
o
|
JULY 11
o
|
JULY 12
o
|
JULY 13
o
|
JULY 14
o
|
|
JULY 15
o
|
JULY 16
o
|
JULY 17
o
|
JULY 18
o
|
JULY 19
o
|
JULY 20
o
|
JULY 21
o
|
|
JULY 22
o
|
|
7. At the Chanukas HaBayis of the Yeshiva in
Radin, the Chofetz Chaim told those gathered that every Jew in every
generation needs to have a part in the Binyan Beis HaMikdash. Indeed, the
Chofetz Chaim continued, Chazal teach that when the Torah records V’Chein
Ta’asu (relating to the construction of the Mishkan), this meant
L’Doros Haba’im--for future generations. Incredibly, Shlomo HaMelech,
with the wealth of the world at his reach, built the Beis HaMikdash out of
wood and not out of stone or metal, in order to give the future generations
an opportunity, from time to time to upkeep, repair and revitalize the
Binyan Beis HaMikdash. Let us utilize our opportunities each day and every
day to bring the final Geulah and Yeshuah--and the everlasting Beis
HaMikdash--in all of its glory!
----------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT HALACHIC OVERVIEW OF THE THREE
WEEKS: We now provide greater
specifics as to Halachos of the Three Week Period from HaRav Yisroel Dov
Webster, Shlita, noted Posek, Dayan--Shaarei Mishpat, and author of The
Halachos of Pregnancy and Childbirth, who gives a Hakhel Halacha Shiur
in Boro Park. As with all Halachos, in case of one’s particular
circumstances, he/she should consult with his/her own Rav or Posek:
PART 2
HAIRCUTS, SHAVING AND NAIL
CUTTING
The custom among the Ashkenazic community is
not to cut one’s hair from the eve of the fast on the seventeenth of Tammuz
until midday on the eleventh of Av (Rama 551-4, MB-82, Chaim Shaul 24, Eshel
Avraham Vol. II 551-3, Igros Moshe OC Vol. 3-100) even for the honor of
Shabbos (MA-14, MB-32, see PM -14, Matai Yehudah-4, R’ Akiva Eiger, CA
133-17).
The Sephardic community is lenient and does
not start this prohibition until the week that Tisha B’Av occurs (SA 551-3 &
12). Others are more stringent and start the prohibition from Rosh Chodesh
Av, while others are not lenient and conduct themselves like the Ashkenazic
community from the seventeenth of Tammuz (Yaskil Avdi Vol. 7-35).]
Although haircutting (the head, beard and
the rest of the body) is forbidden to Ashkenazim for the entire Three Weeks,
one is permitted to cut one’s nails until the week that Tisha B’Av occurs
(MA-11, MB-20, KH-48). A woman before her ritual immersion may cut her nails
the entire Three Weeks. Similarly, it is permissible for a mohel to trim his
nail in preparation for a circumcision (KH-49,182).
If one has a hanging nail or one’s nails are
so long that they are causing one discomfort, one may cut them even during
the week of Tisha B’Av; however, one should bite them and not use a nail
clipper or scissors if possible (Ben Ish Chai-13, KH-49).
One is permitted to trim one’s mustache the
entire Three Weeks if it interferes with one’s eating (SA-13, MB-80). Some
poskim are of the opinion that it is permissible only until Rosh Chodesh
(KSA-4, see Shar Hatzion-90).
One is permitted to tweeze one’s eyebrows (Nitai
Gavriel 8-4 in the name of HaGaon Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach Zt’l and Rav
Shmuel Wozner, Z’tl, Rivevos Ephraim Vol. 5-376(3)).
Combing one’s hair is permissible throughout
the Three Weeks (MB-20, AH-15, see KH-46 & 47).
A married woman may cut her hair around her
temples or in the back of her head for modest reasons the entire Three
Weeks. MB-79, Igros Moshe YD Vol. 2-137 & OC Vol. 4, KH-47, Rivevos Ephraim
Vol. 4-135(8)). A married woman or a girl of marriageable age may shave her
legs the entire Three Weeks (HaGaon Rav Moshe Feinstein ZT”L see Rivevos
Ephraim Vol. 5-376(2) & Vol. 6-291(2) HaGaon Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach ZT”L
see Halichos Baisoy 25- note 70).
A person who shaves daily and by not doing
so may jeopardize his job should refrain from shaving from Rosh Chodesh or
at least during the week that Tisha B’Av occurs (SMB 122-2, Igros Moshe CM
Vol. 1-93 OC Vol. 4-102, Yaskil Avdi Vol. 5-55).
An adult may not even give a haircut to a
child under the age of chinuch during the Three Weeks (SA 551-14, MA-38,
ER-31, CA 133-18, MB-81& 82, KSA -4). Some poskim state that the prohibition
starts only the week that Tisha B’Av occurs (CA). In case of great necessity
one should consult a Rav.
A mourner whose thirty days of mourning over
a relative was completed during the Three Weeks may shave and take a haircut
until Rosh Chodesh Av (SA 551-15, Bach). However, after Rosh Chodesh he may
only trim his hair with a knife or razor and not with scissors unless it is
necessary, but it is permitted only until the week that Tisha B’Av occurs (KSA
122-5, CA 133-20, MB-87).
In honor of a Bris, the Mohel, Sandek and
the father of the infant may take a haircut and shave, but only until the
week that Tisha B’Av occurs (Nodah Biyehudah OC Vol. I 28 & Vol. II YD 213,
KSA 122-15, see Sedai Chemed ). Some poskim permit one to take a haircut and
shave even during the week of Tisha B’Av (Chasam Sofer OH 128). Accordingly,
one should consult a Rav.
There is a dispute among the poskim whether
a child that has his bar mitzvah during the Three Weeks may take a haircut.
One should consult a Rav. (MH Vol. 6-45, Devrei Shalom Vol. 3-6, Bais Avi
Vol. 2-58, SMB Kunt. Ach. 120-8, Rivevos Ephraim Vol. 1-237 Vol. 2-155).
A Sefardic boy who is studying in an
Ashkenazic yeshivah is permitted to take a haircut or shave according to his
minhag. However, if he follows the minhag of the ashkenazim and does not
shave or take a haircut from the seventeenth of Tammuz, he should preferably
state that it is without a neder-vow (YD Vol 3-39 & Vol. 4-36, see Yaskil
Avdi Vol. 7 OC 35).
NEW FRUITS, GARMENTS AND BRACHA OF
SHEHECHIYANU
The minhag is to refrain from wearing new
clothing, eating a new fruit or buying new items during the Three Weeks that
require a bracha of Shehechiyanu, so as not to require the recital of the
bracha of Shehechiyanu which is recited over a joyous event (SA 551-17,
MB-99, KH-207, Igros Moshe OC Vol 3-80). Therefore, one should not buy or
wear a new garment or eat a new fruit that requires a Shehechiyanu (MB-99,
KH-210).
Many poskim are of the opinion that those
that recite the Shehechiyanu at the time of circumcision (as in Eretz
Yisrael), or at a Pidyon Haben , may recite the Shehechiyanu (SA-17, DT
551-17).
Many poskim are of the opinion that one may
recite the bracha of Shehechiyanu on Shabbos (ER-42, CA 133-8, KSA 122-2,
MB-98) until Rosh Chodesh Av (AH 551-38, Toras Chaim 551-35, Kinyan Torah
B’Halacha Vol. 6-32). Therefore, if the new fruit can last until Shabbos,
one should wait until Shabbos, otherwise it may be recited during the week
(Rama, MB-101). Some poskim are of the opinion that one may wear a new suit
or dress on Shabbos if there is a special occasion such as a bar mitzvah or
bris milah, until the week of Tisha B’Av (YD Vol. 1-37). Others are
stringent and permit this only with regard to a fruit but not with regard to
clothing (ER-17, CA-14, KSA).
A pregnant woman or a person who is ill and
desires this new fruit, may eat it even during the week (MB-99, KH-211).
Preferably, however, she should wait to eat it on Shabbos and recite the
bracha of Shehechiyanu. Some poskim are of the opinion that she should eat
the fruit without the bracha of Shehechiyanu and after Tisha B’Av eats
another fruit that requires a Shehechiyanu (Birkai Yoseph 551); however, one
may rely on the lenient view (KH-211, Tosfos Chaim on CA 133-13).
One may not purchase clothing etc. that
requires the recitation of Shehechiyanu during the Three Weeks even if one
will wear it after the Three Weeks. However, clothing etc. that does not
require a bracha of Shehechiyanu may be purchased until Rosh Chodesh,
therefore, one may purchase socks, shirt, shoes, ties, dishes or any other
similar item (MB-45).
If there is a big sale, one may purchase the
garment although it would require that one recite a Shehechiyanu when worn
for the first time; however, it may not be worn until after Tisha B’Av
(MB-11, Shar Hatzion-12, KH-21).
If a person wore a suit or dress once, it is
not considered as new anymore and it may be worn during the Three Weeks
(KH-90).
One should refrain from looking at or buying
a house or apartment, during the Three Weeks unless one is in need of it
desperately (MB 551-12, Chazon Ish, Z’tl, see Archos Rabbeinu Vol. 2 Daf
129-15, Rivevos Ephraim Vol. 2-155 & Vol. 3 341, Nitai Gavriel 7-9).
Similarly, one should not move into a new apartment, or house during the
Three Weeks.
One is permitted to recite the bracha of
Shehechiyanu upon the birth of a girl during the Three Weeks (Nitai Gavriel
9-6, Yad L’Yoledes).
According to all poskim one is permitted to
recite the bracha of Hatov V’Hamativ during the Three Weeks (ST 551,
Yavetz).
One should not give a gift that will cause
great rejoicing to the recipient during the Three Weeks (Rivevos Ephraim
Vol. 3-336, Tisha B’Av Sh’chal B’Shabbos (Dibliski) Daf 111, Yad L’Yoledes).
One is permitted to recite Hagomel during
the Three Weeks(Sidai Chemed 2 note 3. Yad L’Yoledes).
BEING MORE CAREFUL THAN USUAL
Since these days are full of tragedies and
misfortune, one must be careful to refrain from doing things that may
be dangerous (Mikor Chaim 551-14).
One should not hit one’s child or student
during the Three Weeks (SA 551-18, MB-102 & 103, KSA 122-12, see Eshel
Avraham (Butshasha)).
Some poskim state that one should not plan a
pleasure trip during the Three Weeks (Sedai Chemed Pas Hasada 1-10 in the
name of Rabbi Chaim Pilagi, Z’tl). Others state that it is only during the
Nine Days (Nitai Gavriel 7-4).
Some Poskim are of the opinion that one
should not go swimming in a pool during the Three Weeks unless they went
swimming prior to the Three Weeks. Most Poskim state that there is no basis
for this and it is permissible to go swimming in a pool (Sedai Chemed Pas
Hasada 1-1, Rivevos Ephraim Vol. 4-135(14) & Vol. 6-285, Avalos Hachurban
Page 133, Hilchos U’Minhagim Bein Hamitzarim Page 34, TV Vol. 2-263).
However, many Poskim agree that one should not go swimming in the deep parts
of a lake or river (Mikor Chaim-16, Steipeler Rav Zt’l Orchos Rabbeinu Vol.
2 Daf 129, Rabbi YS Elyashiv Z’tl see Hilchos U’Minhagim Page 34).
Some Poskim in Eretz Yisrael are of the
opinion that one should not fly by plane during the Three Weeks from Eretz
Yisrael to America (Availus Hachurban Page 134). However, many are lenient.
Although minors are exempt from the
observance of mourning in cases of personal bereavement, some poskim are of
the opinion that children of chinuch age are obligated to observe the laws
of the Three Weeks (MA 551-38, MB-70, 81, AH-31).
MOURNING OVER THE DESTRUCTION OF THE BAIS
HAMIKDASH
The Arizal held that during these days one
mourns the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash more than the rest of the year.
Some have the minhag to recite Tikun Chatzos (MA 550-42, MB-103), others do
not follow this minhag (Aphrikasta D’anya 13, Minhaga Torah Yisrael Vol. 3
551). The Dubno Maggid reminds us that those who mourn most bitterly for our
loss will witness the grief that he had turn into great rejoicing. This is
based on the passage “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all
those who love her, rejoice, receive her in her great rejoicing, all of you
who mourn for her” (Isaiah 66-10).
Written in loving memory
of my Mother in-law Channa Sara Bas R’ Pesach A”h niftera 13th of Tammuz
5756 (1996), and my daughter Ita Tzipporah A”h niftera 23rd of Menachem Av
5753 (1993).
==================================
20 Tammuz
7-ELEVEN SLURPEES:
The COR of Greater Detroit (Vaad Harabbonim) recommends that slurpees be
bought only at stores that have store-level Kashrus supervision of their
slurpees, to be assured that the syrup box that feeds the machine is
actually Kosher and pareve. The flavor cards on the machine cannot be relied
upon, even if they bear a Kosher symbol, because stores sometimes use syrups
that do not correspond with the brand or variety posted on the machine.
[Just recently, due to a syrup shortage, some 7-Elevens brought in
non-certified generic brands of syrups, but still had the brand name flavor
cards posted on the machines.] In addition, when changing flavors, stores
generally do not clean the machine in-between, and during the transition
there can be a significant mixture of flavors, one of which may be
non-Kosher or dairy.
-------------------------------------------------
TISHA B’AV & YOM KIPPUR ALERT:
The COR of Greater Detroit (Vaad
Harabbonim) also reminds us that TOMS SHOES canvas and material styles
contain a suede leather insole, which may not be worn on Tisha B’Av and Yom
Kippur. Only Toms special “Vegan” line of shoes are free of leather.
-------------------------------------------------
A TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The Sefer Sha’arei Teshuvah
writes that when one regrets his sin,
recites vidui and davens to Hashem, it is as if he went to the Mikvah
to purify himself!
-------------------------------------------------
FROM OUR READERS:
1. “Rabbi Munk, Zt’l, founder of Camp Munk,
used to encourage the staff and campers to end their letters written during
the Three Weeks with the notation, “Nechomas Tzion”. We should
undertake this meaningful hanhaga in our correspondence, including emails,
to remind ourselves and others of the import of the period of bain
hametzarim. Nechomas Tzion.”
2. “I think that during the Three Weeks it
would be appropriate, helpful and a chizuk to everyone to especially have
extra Kavanna and have in mind Binyan Beis HaMikdash when Yerushalayim is
mentioned when bentsching and reciting Ahl HaMichya.”
-------------------------------------------------
HAVE A PLAN!
It is essential that we not let the Three Weeks pass without a plan. As to
Bein Adam L’Chaveiro, we presented the Sever Panim Yafos Calendar. In
Bein Adam LaMakom, we had suggested a special emphasis on the final
words of Shemone Esrei--Yehi Ratzon Milefanecha.... One may also
place special emphasis on the bracha of V’Lirushalayim Irecha--thoughtfully
pleading with Hashem to return Yerushalayim to its status of glory. In all
events, we must not allow this crucial period to pass with a ‘summer’
attitude.
-------------------------------------------------
PESAKIM RELATING TO THE THREE WEEK PERIOD:
In order to begin to appreciate the great number of issues that these times
generate, we once again provide below several Halachos from the Sefer
Ashrei HaIsh, written by Rabbi Yechezkel Feinhandler, Shlita, containing
the Pesakim of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, Z’tl, and from the Sefer
Koveitz Halachos which contains the Pesakim of HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky,
Shlita on the Bain HaMetzarim Period, as written by his close Talmid, Rabbi
Doniel Kleinman, Shlita:
Pesakim of HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv,
Z’tl:
A. HaRav Elyashiv rules that one cannot play
an acapella tape during this period, because turning on the recorder is like
turning on a musical instrument. He also rules that it is assur to listen to
Chazanus during this period. One need not change the ‘hold music’ on his
telephone line, however.
B. Until Rosh Chodesh Av, one can buy and
use utensils or clothing, but only if a Shehechiyanu need not be recited.
C. One should avoid any activity which
involves ‘me’at sakana’--which may be a little dangerous. If at all
possible, one should not schedule non-emergency surgery during this period.
Pesakim of Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita:
A. One need not change the ring tone on his
phone to a regular ring.
B. If one has non-Jewish workers in his
home, he need not instruct them to turn off their music.
C. One is permitted to sit in a waiting room
or to enter a store, where music is ‘piped in’.
D. One is permitted to recite Shehechiyanu
on Shabbos. If one was Mekabel Shabbos early, one can recite Shehechiyanu
even if it is still daylight outside.
E. One should not purchase a new Tallis
during the Three Weeks, as it would require a Shehechiyanu. However, it
one’s Tallis was lost, one can buy a new one and make a Shehechiyanu even
during the Three Weeks--he need not bother his friend to borrow his Tallis.
F. One should not begin painting his home
during the Three Weeks.
------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT HALACHIC OVERVIEW OF THE THREE
WEEKS: We now provide greater
specifics as to Halachos of the Three Week Period from HaRav Yisroel Dov
Webster, Shlita, noted Posek, Dayan--Shaarei Mishpat, and author of The
Halachos of Pregnancy and Childbirth, who gives a Hakhel Halacha Shiur
in Boro Park. As with all Halachos, in case of one’s particular
circumstances, he/she should consult with his/her own Rav or Posek:
PART 1
There are four levels of mourning for the
destruction of the Bais Hamikdash.
A) From the Seventeenth of Tammuz
B) From Rosh Chodesh Av
C) The week of Tisha B’Av
D) Tisha B’Av
Some restrictions begin from the Seventeenth
of Tammuz, others from Rosh Chodesh Av, others during the week that Tisha
B’Av occurs and others until the eleventh of Av (since the Bais Hamikdash
continued to burn until then). One should be careful to distinguish properly
the exact period of each restriction.
Why are there so many restrictions such as
not reciting Shehechiyanu on new fruits, buying new clothing or making a
wedding in the weeks preceding Tisha B’Av?
Chazal tells us that Hashem Yisborach
destroyed the Bais Hamikdash because of baseless hatred that existed within
the Jewish nation. In Pirkei Avos we are instructed that jealously, lust and
pride bring the downfall of man. These restrictions such as refraining
from wearing new clothing (symbolic of status of a person) or not eating
meat from the day of Rosh Chodesh Av (want for earthly pleasures) tend to
remove hatred and jealously, often considered sister traits in man and may
bring a spirit of harmony and humility to man. These qualities found through
these restrictions are the proper correction in character of the Jewish
nation that will lead to the third and final rebuilding of the Beis
Hamikdash. B’Ezras Hashem Amen (ER-1).
WEDDINGS AND ENGAGEMENTS
Chazal felt that during this tragic time for
K’lal Yisrael it is not a time for one to be very joyous, therefore holding
a wedding during this time of sadness demonstrates a lack of sensitivity
regarding the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash (Bach 551, MB-14).
It is customary in the Ashkenazic community
not to make a wedding even if they will not serve the wedding meal, from the
seventeenth of Tammuz until midday on the eleventh of Av. In the Sephardic
community there are differences of opinions with regard to this restriction
whether it applies to the whole Three Weeks or from Rosh Chodesh (SA 551-2,
MA-9, MB-15, YO Vol. 6-43, YD Vol. 1-36). Many Sephardic communities have
taken on the minhag not to make a wedding from the seventeenth of Tammuz.
This halacha applies even to someone who has never been married (Sh’vus
Yaakov Vol. 2-35, Sedai Chemed Vol. 6-1:14).
Engagements or Tenaim are permitted
throughout the Three Weeks including the nine days; however, one should
refrain from dancing at the affair (SA 551-2, MA-6, MB-16, KH-44). A festive
meal is permitted only until Rosh Chodesh, during the nine days refreshments
may be served (MA-10, MB-16 & 19, KH-38). Some Poskim are of the opinion
that one should refrain from making an engagement during the nine days (Ben
Ish Chai Parashas Devorim-4, See TE Vol. 13-60).
DANCING AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Dancing and playing musical instruments are
prohibited during the Three Weeks(MA 551-10, MB-16, KH-39), this includes
music tapes (Simlas Chaim 29-1, Halachos Moshe (Mamon) 43, Kapi Aharon 52,
Igros Moshe Vol 6 OC 21-4, YD Vol. 6-32). However, one may sing without any
musical accompaniment (Sedai Chemed 1-10, Yalkut Yosef Daf 561 (5)).
A musician who earns his living by playing
for a non-Jew may play the instrument until Rosh Chodesh (PM Eshel Avraham
551-10, KH-39, Mahram Shick YD 368, Zachar Simcha 67). A music teacher who
earns his living by giving lessons may do so until Rosh Chodesh (PM 551, TE
Vol. 16-19, Rivevos Ephraim Vol. 2-155 & Vol. 6-291(1), Chai Halavi Vol.
2-40).
A child may practice playing a musical
instrument until Rosh Chodesh (S.B. 122-2, Igros Moshe OC Vol. 4-21, Rivevos
Ephraim Vol. 2-155:2,Vol 3-334, Am Kilavi Vol. 1 OC 305 not like Bitzel
Hachachma Vol 6-61). Some are lenient and permit the child to practice until
the week of Tisha B’Av (Zacher Simcha 67). Accordingly, one should consult a
Rav.
A couple that was married before the Three
Weeks may celebrate their sheva brachos. There is a dispute among the Poskim
whether one is permitted to play music and dance at the sheva brachos (See
MH Vol. 7-109 & 2nd ED. Vol 1-443, Igros Moshe EH Vol. 1-97, Binyan Tzion,
Shraga Hameir Vol. 2-13, MU Vol. 8-338, Kovets Or Yisrael Tammuz 1996,
Archos Rabbeinu Vol. 2 Daf 128, KH-40). Accordingly, one should consult a
Rav.
One is permitted to sing without a musical
accompaniment, only if it does not bring one to an over joyous mood (Sedei
Chemed Vol. 6 Pas Hasaday 1-10). One is permitted to sing zemiros songs on
Shabbos during the entire Three Weeks (Igros Moshe OH Vol. 4-112:1, KH-41,
Rivevos Ephraim Vol. 6-291(1)).
One is permitted to teach new songs to
others, however, they should not be overly joyous tunes (KH 551-41).
It is permissible for one to play music in
one’s office for their non-Jewish workers until midday on erev Tisha B’Av
(Eshel Avraham (Butshasha) 554, Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 15-33 & appendix).
One is permitted to play a musical tape for
small children until Rosh Chodesh e.g., Uncle Moshie etc. (See Marshag Vol.
2-125, Kol Sinai Daf 146, S.B. 122 Kunt. Ach. 2).
It is permissible for one to exercise to a
music beat.
One is permitted to sing
a tune while learning (YD Vol. 6-32, Shevet Hakahati Vol. 1-189).
==================================
19 Tammuz
A TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The Sefer Sha’arei Teshuvah writes
that if someone breaks a permitted physical desire, it will serve in his
great stead when an impermissible desire arises--for he will say: “If I have
not fulfilled my desire when permitted--how could I partake of that which is
forbidden?!”
------------------------------------------------
HOW TO OVERRIDE DIN:
Bila’am himself exclaimed, “Oi-Mi Yichyeh
M’Sumo Kel-- OH! Who will survive when He imposes these?” (Bamidbar
24:23). It would seem appropriate, especially as we enter the period of the
Three Weeks, for each one of us to do what we can to avoid din, strict
justice, upon us individually and upon our families. After all, Hillel
teaches in Avos, “Im ain ani li mi li--If I am not for myself who
will be for me?” (Avos 1:14) The following are three recommendations--life
vests supplied in turbulent waters:
1. The Gemara (Rosh HaShana 17A) teaches
“For one who passes over his Middos (e.g., does not anger, does not take
vengeance, and does not react--Hashem will, in turn, pass over his sins.
The cheshbon is simple-Middah K’Neged Middah at its finest!
2. The Gemara (Sotah 21A) teaches that the
study of Torah does not only save one from punishment once punishment has
commenced--but actually even shields and protects one before the onset of
any new punishment, as well. The Gemara explains (based upon the Posuk in
Mishlei (6:23)), that Torah is compared to the light of the sun, which
unlike the light of a candle that eventually is extinguished, successfully
provides light for a person day after day. In the summertime, when the
Tinokos Shel Beis Rabban--the schoolchildren--study less than when in
school, we should try to make up the slack by learning a little more
ourselves.
3. It is said in the name of Gedolim, that
one should make Brachos aloud in order to cause others to answer “Amen.”
This special level of gratitude and faith serves as an affirmation and
reaffirmation of Hashem’s control over the world, obviating the need for
Hashem to remind us personally in other ways. For an excellent review of
this concept, you can order the tape “Attitude of Gratitude” (Rabbi Jonathan
Rietti and Rabbi Yechiel Spero) from the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation
at 845-352-3505.
As is evident from all of the above, Hashem
is not asking that we stand on our hands, stretch or shrivel, or do 180
degree flips! Some nicely-made Brachos, some additional Torah study, some
self-control in situations which last only a fleeting moment anyway, can be
literally life-saving--as we light up the darkness long enough and strong
enough for us to survive until daybreak.
------------------------------------------------
A THREE WEEKS THOUGHT:
Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, Shlita, noted that
we refer to the 21 day period between Shivah Asar B’Tammuz and Tisha B’Av
more readily by the term the “Three Weeks” than by the term
“The 21 Days”. He explained that this may be to remind us that we must
focus on seeking the Third Bais HaMikdash! Hakhel Note: It
is well known that the Chofetz Chaim (in the beginning of the Sefer
Chofetz Chaim) teaches that the Sinas Chinam that brought about
the destruction of the Second Bais HaMikdash and keeps us in exile
essentially refers to the Lashon Hara that is spoken. The Chofetz Chaim (in
the Sefer Shemiras HaLashon) writes that Yosef received twelve years
in jail, which was comprised of one year for the Lashon Hara that he spoke
against each of his ten brothers (Binyomin was not included), and two years
for his apparent expression of non-Bitachon (on his level), by reliance on
the Sar HaMashkim. One year in jail per person--for the
Lashon Hara spoken. This important picture may be something to
visualize--as you are about to speak what may be Lashon Hara--picture
the Third Bais HaMikdash to your right side--and r’l prison bars to
the left. The choice is ours!
-------------------------------------------
THE COMPARISON:
HaRav Shlomo Mandel, Shlita, brings a Maharsha (to Bechoros 8), who compares
the three week period between Rosh Hashanah and Hoshana Rabbah to the Three
Weeks between Shivah Asar B’Tammuz and Tisha B’Av. It is a twinship of
process, and a twinship of culmination. These are days of examination,
thinking, repairing, changing one’s mindset and ways, a time in which one
must put himself into his best working order. HaRav Mandel teaches that
much of what we must do during this period is to re-forge our relationship
with Hashem. Why? Let us look at the words of the Navi. In the Haftarah
of Shabbos Chazon, Yeshayahu HaNavi (Yeshaya 1:3) laments: “Yadah Shor
Koneihu V’Chamor Eivus Ba’alav…--the ox knows its owner, and a donkey
his master’s trough, Yisrael does not know, My nation does not perceive….”
If the animals recognize who provides them with their sustenance and enables
them to live, function and achieve that which they are supposed to--then we,
all the more so, must apply the lessons ‘a million times over’ and recognize
HaKadosh Baruch Hu in all that we do. HaRav Mandel brings an incredible
Maharal (in Parashas Bereishis) who teaches that if a person is not a
Makir Tovah, then it is forbidden to do him a Tovah. HaRav
Mandel explains that it appears a bit like Lifnei Iver for a
person to do a good deed to someone who will not recognize it--for he will
then be punished for being a Kafui Tovah--for denying the good(!).
In a similar vein, Rabbi
Yaakov Salomon, Shlita, points out that it is not by coincidence that we are
to recite the Birkos HaShachar--every day--at the top of the day.
These brachos should definitely reintroduce us to a Hakarah, to a
recognition of what Hashem does for us on a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week
basis. It is also no coincidence, Rabbi Salomon adds, that the first bracha
is Asher Nasan Lasechvi Vinah. According to one interpretation, this
refers to Hashem giving the rooster the understanding to distinguish between
day and night. What is the great understanding here? After all, this is
something that the rooster does day in and day out, when it senses the same
thing that it sensed the day before?! Rabbi Salomon answers that a true
appreciation is one in which we thank Hashem for the daily abilities
of our legs to walk together in the same direction, for our bodies to be
able to be lifted out of bed, and for all of the senses, intellect and gifts
that we are blessed with today. It is not because we had them yesterday
that we by any means or ‘automatically’ get them again today. Will we eat
good food today--or dog food? Will we be able to articulate the words of
our brachos and tefillos, the Torah thought and the compliment--or will the
words not come out properly, or in disarray? Will we be able to pass by
aisles and aisles of over-the-counter medications in the pharmacy as we go
to purchase a tube of toothpaste, without having to purchase any of them?
Will we be able to check “no” to the scores of health and illness related
questions on the doctor’s questionnaire when seeing him for the first time?
Remember--when the Beis HaMikdash comes the foremost result will be that
we will have an extremely direct and personal relationship with Hashem--if
we work on that now, to the extent that we can--how the more ready we will
be for the day when our Ruchniyus will be lifted further and our lives fully
fulfilled! Hakaras HaTov--let us work on it over the Three Weeks with
focused Birkos HaShachar, an understanding in our brachos throughout the
day--and by recognizing throughout the day how Hashem allows us, guides us
and moves us through the circumstances, situations and events of each and
every day!
---------------------------------------------------------
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS TO BRING THE
WORLD’S ETERNAL DAYTIME EARLIER:
1. At the end of Shemone Esrei every day,
and at the end of each Kaddish, “Oseh Shalom Bimromav Hu Ya’aseh
Shalom Aleinu V’Ahl Kol Yisrael V’Imru Amein” is recited. [The
Meforshim on the Siddur explain that the V’Imru Amein in our silent
Shemone Esrei is addressed to the Malochim who accompany us.] What a
powerful phrase--especially at this time--to have Kavannah in, and to which
to respond Amein (in Kaddish) with great Kavannah and fervor.
2. The Sefer Mesilas Yesharim teaches
that a person’s ultimate and true goal should be to give Nachas Ruach to
HaKadosh Baruch Hu. Focus on what you are about to say or do several times a
day--do I think that this is going to give Hashem true Nachas Ruach?
3. If K’lal Yisrael is in this desperate
situation because Hashem is upset or angry with us, then we must act to
others in a manner in which we are not upset or angry with them. Likewise,
if it is Din that K’lal Yisrael is experiencing, then we are looking for
Rachamim B’Din--which we can receive on a middah k’neged middah basis
by our acting with mercy towards others. Remember--Hashem
Tzilecha--Hashem is our shadow! It is all very
much related!
4. The Gedolim have suggested that one
should try to study more Torah. The Steipeler Gaon would urge those seeking
Kapparah to relearn things that they already knew--as this would bring about
Kapparah, for a person wants to by nature learn something new--and that
reviewing over again what one already knows can serve as ‘yissurin’
and bring about Kapparah!
5. Towards the end of Mesechta Ta’anis, we
learn that Abba Umna was given Shalom by the Mesivta D’Rakiyah every
day. The Gemara explains that this was largely because in treating his
patients while bloodletting, he kept the men and women separate and gave the
women modest garments to wear during the procedure. The Gemara then
continues that Eliyahu Hanavi showed Rav Bruna a prison warden who would be
a Ben Olam Haba because he kept the male and female prisoners separate, and
did not let them co-mingle. In last week’s Parasha, we find that Bilam
praised K’lal Yisrael with the words Mah Tovu Ohalecha Yaakov--how
beautiful is our modesty and privacy. In turn, last week’s Haftarah (Micha
6:8) concludes with the question: What does Hashem seek of you?: “…V’Hatznei’ah
Leches Im Elokecha--walking modestly with Hashem.” We emphasize that
both men and women must demonstrate their own unique and royal status
and privilege by dressing themselves (and their children) appropriately when
going out into the world, when in Shul, and when in the confines of one’s
own home. Remember--V’Hatznei’ah Leches Im Elokecha--we must
walk modestly with Hashem--that is what Hashem expects of us!
---------------------------------------------------------
REMEMBER--SEVER PANIM YAFOS!
Over the Three Week period, one of a
person’s great accomplishments would be true improvement in Bein Adam
L’Chaveiro. As the Chofetz Chaim outlines at the outset of the Sefer
Chofetz Chaim, the Second Beis HaMikdash was destroyed because of the
aveira of Sinas Chinam/Lashon Hara. HaRav Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, in the
Sefer Sifsei Chaim, writes that Sever Panim Yafos--meeting and
reacting to a person with thought, care and pleasantness would be a great
accomplishment resulting from the Three Week period. Even when not meeting
someone in person, HaRav Friedlander continues, one should talk over the
phone in a way in which the person on the other end feels the smile. To aid
in the sometimes difficult task, no matter how busy or preoccupied you may
be, we once again provide a check-off calendar for the Three Weeks, which
started yesterday. If you feel that the constant obligation to do so is too
difficult, may we suggest that you undertake this goal consciously, one or
two or three times a day, or perhaps with one or two or three specific
people a day (could be family members or difficult people to work or deal
with!). We wish everyone Hatzlacha in this endeavor, and may the Geulah
Sheleimah be before us all!
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