Hakhel Email Community Awareness Bulletin
APRIL 2017 DAILY EMAIL ARCHIVE
2 Iyar
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
What is another name for Iyar (other than the Second Month of the Year)?
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STARTING THIS SUNDAY!
SPECIAL FOR SEFIRAS HAOMER - TREATING OTHERS WITH RESPECT:
We are now in the weeks of Sefiras HaOmer, a time when we remember the
24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva who died nearly 2,000 years ago. Why did they
deserve to die? The Gemara explains: ”Lo Nahagu Kavod Zeh Lazeh: They
did not treat each other with respect.”
Even though these tragic deaths happened almost 2,000 years ago, if Chazal
still require us to mourn today, then it must be that the message is still
very relevant to us now!
To
help us all gain chizuk in this area, Middos
Challenges will be learning this month about the middah of
Kavod Chaveirim - treating friends with respect. Middos Challenges is a
FREE weekly email that offers tips and deep insights into mastering our
middos.
A new
round of Middos Challenges beings this Sunday.
To sign up for these FREE weekly emails, visit
this link. To see all past emails, click
here.
For more information (or to learn about the Middos contest for schools),
email MiddosChallenges@gmail.com
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WELCOME BACK AMIRAS TACHANUN!
After a month of not reciting Tachanun, let us recite these great words of
supplication--which incredibly include the words of AVINU MALKEINU
CHANEINU VA’ANEINU KI AIN BANU MA’ASIM--ASEH IMANU TZEDAKA
VACHESED V’HOSHIAINU (the last Avinu Malkeinu recited in the Aseres
Yemei teshuva and on Fast Days)--with a renewed intensity and
fervor--pleading with Hashem to shower us with his unlimited mercy--and the
Geulah Sheleima in our day!
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MODIM!
The
outstanding Sefer Praying with Meaning (Artscroll, Rabbi Heshy
Kleinman, Shlita’s latest publication), which proceeds through
Tefillas Shacharis in 89 powerful and practical daily lessons, provides the
teaching of the Avudraham, who writes that the Gematria of Modim is
100--representing the 100 daily brachos in which we should express our daily
thanks to Hashem!
Hakhel
Note: The Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 127: 1), seif katan 5,
writes that “haolam nohagim” when responding to Modim D’Rabbanan in
Shemone Esrei to remain bowed throughout. The Chazon Ish, Z’tl and HaRav
Chaim Kanievsky, y’blcht, however, follow another minhag
mentioned in Shulchan Aruch which is to bow at the outset of Modim
D’Rabbanan, and at its end (Ahl She’anachnu Modim Lach…), but not
during the entire recital (ibid., Dirshu Note 7). Accordingly, one should
follow his Rav’s direction in this area.
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WILL IT BE ACCEPTED?
In a publication containing the teachings of HaRav Moshe Shmuel Shapiro,
Z’tl, it is reported that whenever HaRav Shapiro offered words of rebuke or
mussar, it would only be presented if it could be done in a way ‘Ki
Heichi Delekablu Minei’--so that the words of advice, guidance or
constructive criticism would be accepted by the party it was addressed to.
With this stated goal in mind, there would be no words of admonition or
instruction uttered in annoyance or anger, or containing bites of derision,
cynicism or sarcasm--for although these kinds of expressions could vent
frustration--they certainly would not be accepted by another....What a
simple and shining standard to use for words to help another –’Ki
Heichi Delekablu Minei’-- so that they truly accomplish their
goal!
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REMINDER!
The Sefer Tallelei Oros brings from the following “Eitzah Ne’emana”
(Trustworthy Advice) taught by the HaRav Leib Chasman, Z’tl in the Sefer
Ohr Yahel: “If one finds himself chas veshalom in a tzara,
he should take a neder to not satiate his desire in a particular manner
which is otherwise permissible to him, and with this he will be assured of a
having obtained a ‘zechus gadol’ to be saved ....” Hakhel Note: HaRav
Chasman is not requiring unrelenting abstinence--he is advising to select
something permissible and simply not satiate yourself with it--because
you--and not your Yetzer Hora--are in charge of your life!
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ASEH TORASECHA KEVAH!
We learned this famous phrase in Pirkei Avos (1:15) last week. We
would typically understand it to mean that one should be ‘Kove’a Itim
LaTorah’. Rashi, on this Mishna, however, specifically writes that this
is not the meaning of these words. Rather, continues Rashi, Torah is to be
our keviyus the entire day--it is the keva--and
anything else we do the rest of the day are ‘inserts’ into our keviyus of
the day! What a powerful message!
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MORE ON REFUAH IN IYAR:
Regarding the acronym of the word Iyar as ‘Ani Hashem Rofecha,’ we
received the following from a reader: “I also wanted to add that Rabbi
Zechariah Wallerstein always says that when the rain comes in Iyar, you open
your mouth and let it in, and just feel that Hashem is healing your whole
body. It is an amazing thing to do--I’ve been doing it every year since he
said it.”
Hakhel Note One: If you choose to do this, you should consult with your Rav
as to if and when a Bracha may first be required.
Hakhel Note Two: It is interesting to note that Matzah is referred to as
the healing bread or healing food. One may therefore suggest that the
reason we are not commanded to eat Matzah the whole year (and forbidden to
eat Chometz, as part of our Kashrus observance) is because once we have
taken medication and been healed, there is no need to take the medication
any further. However, we do not then proceed directly into the rest of the
year without anything more--but are then especially treated to the special
healing qualities inherent within the month of Iyar! Ashreinu Mah Tov
Chelkeinu--Oh how great is our lot!
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WE CONTINUE OUR EREV SHABBOS—HILCHOS SHABBOS SERIES: As always, one must consult his
own Rav or Posek regarding his particular facts or circumstances.
A. The Tissue Box. Many tissue boxes, in addition to a perforated
cardboard cover, also have underneath it a perforated plastic protective
cover, which must be opened in order to reach the tissues. Opening the
plastic on the perforation may actually involve three different Melachos: (i)
Korei’ah, (ii) Mechateich; and (iii) Makeh B’Patish (see The 39 Melachos
by Rabbi Dovid Ribiat, Shlita). While the simple act of opening on the
perforation may take a second and can be done by children, it could truly
involve the most serious of transgressions. Accordingly, one should take
note to fully open all tissue boxes before Shabbos. Please assist your Shul,
as necessary, in this regard--and let others know as well!
B. The follow rulings are from HaShabbos BeTifarta by Rav
Avrohom Adas, Shlita of Yerushalayim, (Hebrew, and Volume 2):
a. [In a similar vein to what is
mentioned above,] one may not rip a thin plastic table cloth from a
roll—even if it is not on the perforation, because you have in all events
prepared it for use (Koraya).
b. One may not utilize a one-time
use bib by punching out the plastic of the head area (Koraya).
c. One may not separate a new
pair of socks attached by a string, or remove price tags or cleaners tags
which are sewn or stapled into clothing (Koraya). However, if they are
merely hung from a plastic string, one can remove the tag, because it is not
attached tightly, and its removal does not affect the clothing in the same
way as something stapled or sewn, which is considered more intrinsically
part of the clothing.
d. One may remove a Sefer that is
tightly squeezed in a Seforim shrank, even though it is stuck to its
adjoining Seforim—and one can put it back after use, even though it will
again become stuck to its adjoining Seforim (it is clearly not one’s intent
to attach or detach the Seforim).
e. If a silver polish was left on
a Kiddush cup, it should not be rinsed off (Memachek).
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POINTS AND POINTERS ON THIS WEEK’S PARASHIYOS:
As the focal topic of this week’s Parashiyos is Tzora’as, and Chazal explain
that a primary cause for Tzora’as is Lashon Hara, we provide the following
insights. We must also once again recall that if we are studying the
Parasha now, that there are no coincidences, and that there is great
reason for its study AT THIS TIME. We must accordingly be sure to apply
the lessons to our daily life:
A. We learn of the terrible affliction of Tzora’as. Chazal (Arachin
15B) teach that if one speaks Lashon Hara, he will be punished with this
dreaded ailment. The Sefer Me’am Loez asks why it is that in our
times we see people speak Lashon Hara--and yet they appear whole and
healthy? He provides the following shocking response: “You should know that
the Tzora’as referred to in the Torah could either afflict a person’s
body or soul, and if it does not afflict his body, it will afflict his soul.
Indeed, the Tzora’as of the soul is worse than the Tzora’as of the
body, as the Zohar writes that in the Heavens there is a special place
called ‘Negah Tzara’as’, where the Neshamos who spoke Lashon Hara are
punished.”
B. HaRav Refeol Shain, Z’tl, provides the following insight: Why is it that
a Metzora becomes Tomei only upon the pronouncement of a Kohen who views the
blemish —after all, it may have been days or weeks for which a person was
afflicted with the blemish prior to the Kohen seeing it—and for this entire
period he is Tahor and can be with his family and not be considered ‘defiled
or ‘defiling’ just because a Kohen didn’t utter the word ‘tomeh.’ Rabbi
Shain explains that a key cause of Tzora’as is Lashon Hara. With the
pronouncement of the word “tomeh’, the person is made to understand the
power of just one word. Before the utterance of that word, his entire
world was different one—a happy one, with friends and family, joined
together with his community and able to reach the highest heights. Now, as a
metzora, he is ostracized and alone, ashamed and secluded. That one word of
the Kohen was in response to perhaps that ‘just one word’ he had uttered
against his friend or neighbor, adult or child. Until his utterance of that
one negative word, the world was different for someone else—and with the
word uttered, his reputation has been tarnished, a shidduch ruined, a
business deal suspended, or a friendship ended. We can create and destroy
existential worlds—depending on that one word that we use. So, will it be “Uhh!”
or “Ahh!” The bechira chofshis—that choice—is yours!
C. The purification process of the Metzora involves the shechita of one
bird, and the sending away of its counterpart alive. The birds, of course,
symbolize inappropriate chattering which was the source of the Tzora’as
affliction. HaRav Yerucham Levovitz, Zt’l, asks, however--if the bird
symbolizes chattering, why was one bird sent away alive--why were both
birds not shechted, in order to symbolize the Metzora’s total cessation of
needless speech as part of his Teshuva process? HaRav Yerucham answers
that, indeed, much speech needs to be corrected. Sharp, biting and sarcastic
remarks, words of hurt and derision, Lashon Hara in all its forms, must all
come to a complete halt. However, this does not mean that one should stop
talking completely. Friendly words, words of encouragement, good advice,
compliments and even properly worded constructive criticism, all have an
important, and, indeed, essential place in an individual’s life. We note
that before the live bird is sent away, it is dipped in the shechted bird’s
blood, as if to remind it to always remember to avoid the wrong messages,
the inappropriate comments and the wrong expressions. Then, and only then
can the positive words take charge. They are set free upon the open
field--to use life to its absolute utmost!
D. How can it be that two people study the same Mesechta thoroughly, put in
the same effort and hours and remember it equally well, yet, in Olam Haba,
one is cheerfully greeted by the Bais Din Shel Ma’alah, and the second is
frighteningly frowned upon? The Chofetz Chaim (Chovos HaShemira, Chapter 7)
writes that the disparity may be based solely upon the Lashon Hara
occasionally spoken by the latter person. The Torah of the one who is
careful with his speech, the Chofetz Chaim writes, shines from afar, while
the Lashon Hara speaker smothers the light of his Torah with the Tumah which
leaves his lips. In addition to the profound impact Lashon Hara will have
on one’s Olam Haba, the Chofetz Chaim (Kavod Shomayim 1:20) adds that Lashon
Hara also severely impacts upon one’s actual Torah learning in this world.
He likens the Torah learned by a speaker of Lashon Hara to one who presents
the King with a unique and beautiful gift (the words of Torah), which is
poorly wrapped in a dirty gift box (the foul mouth). Obviously, the more
Lashon Hara ones speaks, the more repulsive the box--and gift
itself--becomes. On the other hand, a beautiful wrapping truly enhances the
gift!
E. Tumah of the lips also includes Nivul Peh (profane language) of any kind
(Shaarei Teshuva 3:229), notwithstanding its “social acceptability” by the
“average person” in the ordinary course of conversation, and its use by
persons who might otherwise consider themselves successful, professional,
sophisticated, or religious. Pass by a city playground and listen to the way
they talk--that should not be any of us--even for an instant!
F. The Chofetz Chaim brings the following remarkable statement from the
Zohar Hakodosh (Parashas Pekudei 264): ”When a person has a hisorerous to
speak Lashon Hara, a ruach ra’ah (evil spirit) by the name of
‘Sichsucha’ is thereby aroused and actually rests upon this hisorerous of
Lashon Hara, causing it to rise heavenward and bring death and destruction
down to the world. Woe to those who arouse themselves to do evil, and do
not guard their mouth and tongue, and are thus not worried about this
terrible result! They do not know the tragic effect of their actions.” Hakhel
Note: Remember Sichsucha --and say no to it!
G. Contrary to popular thinking, Tzora’as as a punishment for Lashon Hara,
among other sins, has not left us. The Chofetz Chaim (Kavod Shomayim 2:15)
brings from the Sefer HaKoneh that anyone who deserves this particular
punishment will receive it in the future, r’l. Observation: The
shame and embarrassment in the future may be that much greater, as others
bask in eternal light and he is instead outside of the camp, isolated in
quarantine, alone and ashamed.
H. In fact, the Chofetz Chaim (Kavod Shomayim 1:17) brings from
Chazal that the ultimate punishment for the Ba’al Lashon Hara is that he
will be speechless for eternity. Can we at all appreciate the pain and
shame one will feel if he stands mute as all around rejoice in the
incomprehensible bliss of Olam Habah? The Chofetz Chaim explains that we
are forewarned of this Midah K’neged Midah punishment by the posuk “Yachres
Hashem Kol Sifsei Chalakos Lashon Medaberes Gedolos (Tehillim 12:4).”
The pasuk means that Hashem will forever cut off (kares) the tongue that
speaks gedolos (a euphemism for Lashon Hara).
I. In this week’s Haftarah, we learn that the official in Shomron who
exclaimed: “If Hashem were to make windows in the sky…[could the famine be
remedied by tomorrow]?!”, was trampled by the people at the gates of the
city and died. With this, the words of Elisha “You will see it with your
own eyes, but you will not eat from it!” were fulfilled. HaRav Chaim
Kanievsky, Shlita, explains that the sin of the official was that he was not
Melamed Zechus on K’lal Yisrael. He should have realized that they
could be capable and deserving of such a great Nes even is such a
short period of time. Our Derech Eretz to others must include our respect
for the Zechusim of each and every person that we encounter--and
the fact that Hashem can and will provide for miracles in light of these
Zechusim alone!
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THE TEN RULES OF SHEMIRAS HALASHON:
The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation had distributed the following Ten
Rules of Shemiras HaLashon:
“Lashon Hara means the making of a derogatory or damaging remark about
someone. The Torah forbids one to denigrate the behavior or character of a
person or to make any remark that might cause physical, psychological or
financial harm.
These are ten basic rules to remember:
1. It is Lashon Hara to convey a derogatory image of someone even if that
image is true and deserved. (False derogatory statements are called motzi
shem ra, slander.)
2. A statement which is not actually derogatory but can ultimately cause
someone physical, financial, or emotional harm is also Lashon Hara.
3. It is Lashon Hara to humorously recount an incident that contains
embarrassing or damaging information about a person even if there is not the
slightest intent that they should suffer any harm or humiliation.
4. Lashon Hara is forbidden even when you incriminate yourself as well.
5. Lashon Hara cannot be communicated in any way, shape, or form (i.e.,
through writing, body language, verbal hints. etc.).
6. To speak against a community as a whole is a particularly severe offense.
Harmful remarks about children are also Lashon Hara.
7. Lashon Hara cannot be related even to close relatives--including one’s
spouse.
8. Even if the listener has previously heard the derogatory account or the
information has become public knowledge and the subject will suffer no
further harm by its repetition, it nevertheless should not be repeated.
9. R’chilus, which is telling one person a derogatory statement that another
person said about them, is forbidden because it causes animosity between
people.
10. It is forbidden to listen to Lashon Hara or r’chilus. If someone
inadvertently hears Lashon Hara, it is forbidden to believe that it is true.
One should give the person the benefit of the doubt--assume the information
is inaccurate or that the person does not realize he is are doing something
wrong.
NOTE: There are times when Lashon Hara is permitted or even required. i.e.,
when warning a person about potential harm, for example, a potential
business or marriage partner. On the other hand, secondhand information and
baseless impressions have momentous implications. The questions of when you
are allowed or even required to speak Lashon Hara are complicated. A
Rabbinic authority with expertise in the field of Shemiras Halashon should
be consulted in any of these cases.”
Hakhel Note: May we suggest doing something--making an advanced
contribution--in the fight against Lashon Hara. How about memorizing the
Seven Prerequisites that must be fulfilled in order to be able to speak
(what may otherwise be considered Lashon Hara) for a constructive purpose?
How about putting to memory some of the Asehs or Lo Sa’asehs that a person
could violate if he speaks Lashon Hara? How about challenging oneself to a
Lashon Hara free day--or to making sure that you compliment at least three
people a day. Let us LIVE the Parashiyos--day after day after day!
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RULINGS FROM HARAV CHAIM KANIEVSKY, SHLITA, ON SEFIRAS HAOMER:
QUESTION:
Is there a Mitzvah of Chinuch on counting Sefira as very often the children
will be asleep at night when you want to count with them?
ANSWER:
For Chinuch purposes, one can count with them during Bein HaShemashos,
before they go to bed.
QUESTION:
Should girls count with a Bracha?
ANSWER:
The Mishna Berura rules they should not, lest they forget counting for a day
(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 489; seif katan 3). However, if there is a real
basis for reminding them nightly it is permitted for them to count with a
Bracha, as in the Steipeler’s home, the girls would make a Bracha, because
the Steipeler himself would remind them every night.
QUESTION:
Can a barber stay open during Sefira for non-religious Jews if their
alternative would be to go to a barber who would use a razor?
ANSWER:
It is not permissible, and it is not the religious barber’s responsibility
if they would violate other Issurim as a result of his not servicing them,
for if he does service them he himself would be violating a ‘lifnei iveir’
kind of aveira relating to Sefiras HaOmer.
Hakhel Note:
The Aruch HaShulchan (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 492) brings from the Zohar
to Parashas Tetzaveh that the primary reason that we stand during Sefiras
HaOmer is because Sefiras HaOmer is comparable to Shemone Esrei itself(!).
We should realize the extraordinary importance of Sefira every night just
from the fact that the one-sentence count is surrounded in the Siddur by
prayers before and after (whether or not you actually recite them).
Reminder!:
To inspire yourself here, do not allow yourself to count the Sefirah by
heart. Instead, read each and every word of the bracha and count from a
Siddur.
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1 Iyar
ANSWERING AMEN OVER THE PHONE:
In a recent Bulletin, we suggested that rather than making a bracha over the
phone in an undertone while the other person is talking, one should instead
advise the other person on the line that he was about to make a bracha and
ask the other person to answer Amen. A reader questioned whether a person
could answer Amen to a bracha heard over the phone (or over a microphone).
The Dirshu Edition of the Mishna Berurah (Orach Chaim 230, Note 15) brings
that HaRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach rules that one should not in fact answer
Amen to such a bracha, as it not heard directly from the one reciting the
bracha, who is located in a distant place. However, the Chazon Ish rules
that because the voice is initially that of a person, and is heard
immediately after being uttered, it is considered as if one heard the bracha
from the one who recited it. HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, also rules that
one should answer Amen to a bracha heard over the telephone or microphone.
Accordingly, one should consult with his Rav or Posek for a definite p’sak
on this point.
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LOOKING UP!
As we begin the eighth month of the year 5777--we should realize that we
still have more than 40% of the year ahead of us for reaching new
heights in our kabbalos and in our personal growth. It’s a great day for
cheshbon hanefesh--after all, the glass is still more than one-third
full!
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QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Very few dates are mentioned in the Chamisha Chumshei Torah--but today is
one of them! Where is today’s date mentioned in the Torah? Why is the date
specifically mentioned in that Parasha and context?
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CONNECTION TO THE BINYAN BEIS HAMIKDASH! Rosh
Chodesh Iyar is very much related to the Binyan Bais Hamikdash. The
Luach Dovor B’Ito brings that Shlomo HaMelech began the building of the
First Bais HaMikdash today, and that construction of the foundation
of the Second Bais HaMikdash also began today as well (See Ezra
3:8-13). Let us now daven that today also prove to serve a role in the
building of the Third and Lasting Bais HaMikdash. Even if we see
nothing immediately around us or in front of us, and even if we hear no
shofar blast at this moment, let our acts of Teshuva today serve as a
cornerstone for its Building. Why leave the building to someone else
when each and every one of us is so eminently capable?! Let’s also begin
building Today--it’s for Eternity!
Hakhel
Note: One of the actions that we will take in the Bais HaMikdash that we
are not very used to doing now is Hishtachava’ah--prostrating oneself
to the ground. Undoubtedly, this Hishtachava’ah will come in direct
response to the intense Kedushah and Ruchniyus experienced upon entering and
viewing the Kohanim and the Avodah. Yet, in the Tefillah of Nishmas we do
recite in the here and now--VeChol Koma Lefonecha Sishtachaveh--and every
person standing up shall prostrate himself before You. How can/do we
fulfill this statement? The Chassidic masters teach the following: Even
when one is ostensibly standing straight, he should feel inwardly
as if he is bowed before Hashem--in recognition of Hashem’s greatness
and mastery and one’s own humility--something that every person should
recognize and appreciate--even without a Bais HaMikdash. We may add that
even when reciting the words VaAnachnu Koriim U’Mishtachavim in
Aleinu three times daily, we should experience the moment--envisioning
ourselves in an aura of submission and sanctity--so that we properly reflect
the words that we are expressing. In this merit--may we live to experience
the ultimate Hishtachava’ah speedily and in our days!
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A TIME
FOR HEALING!
The Sefer Ta’amei HaMinhagim (page 251) writes that our new month of
Iyar is tried and tested as a time for refuah, healing, from the ailments
and pains that may affect a person. Why is this so? The B’nai Yissaschar
teaches that most weakness and illness come from foods which do not comport
with the person’s nature or composition. The Rambam (Hilchos De’os 4:15)
writes likewise. See also Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Chapter 32. Since
the Mon began to fall in this month (on the 16th day of Iyar
2448)--and it was a perfect food from which resulted no sickness, pain or
even waste matter (as Dovid HaMelech refers to it in Sefer Tehillim--”Lechem
Abirim”) and even cured those who were ill--Hashem left the curative
nature of the month in effect even through today. Accordingly, Iyar is a
time of “segulah l’refuah”. In fact, the Ta’amei HaMinhagim notes,
the name “Iyar” is an acronym for Ani Hashem Rofecha--I am Hashem,
Your Healer.
What
can we do to help promote the curative effects of this special time as
initiated by the heavenly Mon? Let us reflect upon the following. The
Baalei Mussar note that one afflicted with Tzora’as does not ask others
directly to pray for him--rather, as we learn in this week’s Parasha “VeTameh
Tameh Yikrah”--he only exclaims that he is “Tameh”, and those who hear
him are expected to pray sincerely for him even without his direct
request--and notwithstanding that he has sinned to such a great extent that
Hashem has actually made him a Metzora. What a great lesson we can learn at
this time of year--which is so special for healing, and, moreover, the Omer
period, in which our “Bein Odom L’Chavero” is to be seriously
improved upon. We should not wait to be asked, or merely be responsive to
the request of others, when we hear that someone is not well. Instead, we
should “hear the cry” and go out of our way during this auspicious time to
daven for those we may not even know, but whom we have heard are in need of
a Refuah. An ounce of Tefillah may mean a kilogram of cure.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTION:
During this special month, recite a daily special, sincere Kepitel (chapter)
of Tehillim for your list of cholim--recognizing that this is a special time
for the potency--and importance--of your heartfelt Tefillah!
ADDITIONAL NOTE:
A reader wrote the following to us: Rabbi Nachman of Breslov writes that
the word IYAR is Roshei Taivos of the words “Oyvai Yoshuvu Yaivoshu Roga,”
thus indicating that the month of IYAR is conducive to see a Mapala for the
enemies of K’lal Yisrael! Hakhel Note: When reciting Tachanun during this
month we should have especial Kavannah when reciting these words--that they
come to immediate reality!
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FROM A
PRAYING WITH FIRE 2 READER:
In a related vein to our concept of refuah, we received the
following: “I just wanted to share with you one of the many, many things I
learned from this incredible Sefer. It taught me that when I have a headache
–my first reaction should not be--where is the Tylenol, so that I can take
two Extra Strengths and it will go away. I really had always thought that
that was the right reaction. No, the RIGHT REACTION is “Hashem you gave me
the headache--I acknowledge that (do teshuva for something, if necessary),
and then daven to Hashem that the headache go away. Then--take the
Tylenol--and remember that it is not the Tylenol taking away the
headache--it is Hashem, and the Tylenol is His shaliach through the teva,
through nature and cures He has provided to us in this world.”
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DAF
BAIS:
As we
move closer to Kabbalas HaTorah, we are reminded of the teaching of HaRav
Shimshon Dovid Pincus, z’tl: Why is it that each Mesechta begins on Daf
Bais—what happened to Daf Aleph?! Rabbi Pincus answers that this is to
remind us that we must first ‘open our eyes’ and consider what we are
about to learn—something holy, something special, something passed on for
more than 3,300 years, something eternal, something that is life-giving—both
in this world and in the next. Could there be anything more worthwhile,
more essential, more privileged, more exhilarating—perhaps we should hum or
sing “Ashreinu Ma Tov Chelkeinu” at least once a day before
learning!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM A
READER ON THE ‘ZUGOS’ OF REBBI AKIVA:
“Chazal relate: ‘Shnaim Asar Elef Zugos Talmidim Haya Lo L’Rebbi Akiva
V’lo Nohagu Kavod Zeh Bazeh--Rebbi Akiva had 12,000 pairs of students
who did not conduct themselves respectfully with each other.’ Why do Chazal
say that Rebbe Akiva had 2 times 12,000 talmidim? Why not just say that he
had 24,000 students that were not respectful to each other?? The
answer may be that, of course, when they were all together in the dining
room and one asked the other to pass the Corn Flakes, or when saying “Good
Morning or “Good Night”, they were all very gracious and answered with a
smile. But that’s not where the true test was. The test presents itself
when two chavrusos sit down for hours together and one comes up with a good
“Kashe--question” or a “S’vorah--line of reasoning” that is enlightening--is
it accepted graciously? When one pours out his heart to the other about a
difficult situation that he is going through is the other empathetic--or is
his mind elsewhere? The same is true in relationships between spouses,
siblings etc. Chazal here are not referring to dealings by and among
acquaintances. They are referring to the close relationships between
“Zugos”, people close to each other, those we perhaps take for granted.
That’s the true test of “Noheg Kovod Zeh Bazeh”.”
Hakhel
Note: There are now only approximately five (5) weeks left to the Omer…try
to apply this lesson every day until Shavuos!
----------------------------------------------------------
DERECH ERETZ!:
As we are in the midst of the Sefirah period in which we are careful to
practice important Minhagim relating to the period, we remember that the
students of Rebbi Akiva were Niftar during this period for not according the
proper respect to each other. Accordingly, in order to work on improvement
in this area in this especially propitious period, we provide the second
part below of notes as excerpted from the outstanding and highly recommended
resource Guide To Derech Eretz by Rabbi Shaul Wagschal,
Shlita (Targum/Feldheim). Once again, even if one knows many or most of the
points below, and even feels that he is ‘pretty good’ with them, it is
essential that we not only know them or study them--but conscientiously
work on them as well:
PART 2
11. Benefits of speaking gently:
A) Most individuals value the privilege of making choices and thereby
determine their course of action. For this reason, it is inherently
difficult for people to follow orders. A person who gives orders to others
must remember this fact and act accordingly. By speaking gently and
treating others with respect, one can rest assured that his directions will
be more closely cared for.
B) The need to speak to people in a kind and gentle manner is absolutely
essential when instructing an individual on how to perform a task with which
he is unfamiliar. When confronted with a new experience, most people adopt
a defensive attitude in a feeble attempt to hide their ignorance. If the
instructor’s tone of voice or manner of behavior makes the individual feel
threatened, the lesson has in effect come to a close--the capacity to
internalize information is seriously impaired by the individual’s need to
protect his self-image.
C) It is self-evident that an employee who is satisfied with his working
conditions is more productive than one who is dissatisfied. The
employer-worker relationship is one of the essential components of a
positive working environment. In light of these facts, an employer should
recognize the benefits of treating his employees with respect!
12. One must avoid causing embarrassment to others at all times, even when
learning Torah. The Midrash asks, “Why was his name ‘Doeg HaAdomi’?
Because he reddened Dovid Hamelech’s face during the study of Halacha” (Midrash
Tehillim 52:4). For this reason, the Talmud warns against asking a
rabbi a question if there is reason to suspect he will not know how to
answer. Similarly, the Talmud (Shabbos 3b) says, “When Rebbi is
studying this tractate, do not ask him a question regarding a different
tractate.” The posuk says, “...one who makes his way will see the
salvation of Hashem.” (Tehillim 50:23), that is, one who plans his ways, and
knows when to ask and when not to ask his questions will prosper (Moed
Katan 5b). The Talmud (Tosefta Sanhedrin, ch. 7) also warns
against asking a Sage a question immediately upon his entering the beis
midrash; one must allow him time to settle his thoughts.
13. Chazal (Niddah 16b) bring the following teaching: “I hate three
[types of] individuals, and one of them is a person who enters his friend’s
house unexpectedly”. R. Yochanan’s opinion is that this law even applies to
a person who enters his own house unexpectedly.
14. “A man should not instill a feeling of excessive fear in his home” (Gittin
7a). The Talmud explains that instilling fear in one’s home may
eventually result in the transgression of a Torah precept (see ch. 12). For
this reason, a father should never frighten a child by saying, “I will
punish you by doing so and so to you.”
15. Concerning the mishnah, “Ayin ra’ah ...removes a person from the
world” (Avos 2:1b), Rabbeinu Yonah writes “There exists [the trait
of] ayin ra and [the trait of] ayin ra’ah. Ayin ra’ah refers
to a miserly person, while ayin ra refers to one who envies other
people’s possessions. His wish to own others’ possessions may harm them,
for the vision of the eye is capable of causing damage. Beyond this, he
also hurts himself-- his unfulfilled wishes cause him to burn with envy.”
Avos D’Rebbi Nasan (ch. 16) expands on this theme: As a man looks at his
own house and wishes that it remain standing, so too should he look at his
friend’s house!
============================
30 Nissan
FRUIT
TREE REMINDER!
This is the last day of Nissan--and it is certainly at least preferable to
make your Birkas HaIlanos this month!
----------------------------------------------------------
QUOTABLE
QUOTE:
“The
hyperlink structure of the Internet means that alluring and forbidden
distractions are often linked on the very page on which one is pursuing
appropriate content. One link leads to another. Legitimate page to
questionable page to shaky page to totally inappropriate page. Three to four
clicks and we’re done!” [Excerpted
from The Evolving Digital Challenge by Rabbi Nechemiah Gottlieb,
Shlita].
--------------------------------------------
YOUR PERSONAL SPLITTING OF THE SEA:
Chazal
(Pesachim 118B)
teach that a person’s Parnassah is as
difficult as Kriyas
Yam Suf. Likewise,
Chazal (Sanhedrin 22A) teach
that finding one’s Zivug is as difficult as
Kriyas Yam
Suf. What is the similarity, what is the common denominator between
and among Kriyas Yam
Suf, Parnassa, and a Zivug?
The commentaries explain that when the Bnei Yisrael were in front of the
Yam Suf they looked to their
right and their left, to their front and to their back, and saw no basis for
a Yeshua whatsoever. Most certainly, the sea splitting was not within the
realm of possibility. Similarly, one may look at his
Parnassa and think that it is coming from this direction or that
direction, from this client, that customer, this referral, or that deal--and
then all or part of it may come from somewhere wholly unexpected. With a
Zivug as well, one may believe that the Shadchan who knows him very well,
the family member dedicated to finding him a Shidduch, or the close friend
who has many contacts, will be the source of his Bashert--only to find that
it comes through an unexpected phone call from a friend in another city.
The common denominator, the uniting thread, is that it that it may be
difficult for us to fully fathom that it is
Hashem and only Hashem who will provide the Yeshua--whether at the sea,
in Parnassa, or for the true Zivug, in a manner
which He, and only He deems timely and proper, and through the Shelichim who
He designates and selects. Whatever situation we are in--whether it be
surrounded by Mitzriyim and wild animals with a roaring sea in front of us,
very much needing Parnassa, or looking for our Zivug
to finally come, rather than look to our right or left, to our front and to
our back--instead let us sincerely and earnestly look steadily up--and may
Hashem then send the Yeshua that each of us need as beautifully and
wonderfully as He did at the sea--during this time of year!
----------------------------------------------------------
AS WE
BEGIN THE MONTH OF IYAR TONIGHT:
As we
move towards Kabbalas HaTorah, we provide the following enlightening words
of Chazal (Yalkut Shimoni to Mishlei 4):
“There
are 248 Mitzvos Aseh in the Torah and 248 limbs of the body--for each limb
reminds and cries out to the person ‘Perform the Mitzvah-so that you will
live in its merit, and also merit length of days, There are 365 Mitzvos Lo
Sa’aseh in the Torah corresponding to the 365 days of the solar year--for
each day from the time the sun rises and until it sets, it reminds us and
cries out--I direct you not to do an aveira today, which could tip the
scales against me and the whole world chas veshalom to chovah--in
the wrong direction....”
Let us
take an important moment now to look at our hands, our arms, our legs--they
are Hashem’s messengers to us reminding us to stay focused, do right, and
keep the world going. Every so often we should gaze at these Chofetz Chaim’s
of which we are composed--reminding us to fulfill our mission in
life--raising ourselves, and raising the world with us.
Then,
we can look at the sun for a brief moment or even at the light it sheds—it
is talking to us--communicating essential, life-bearing advice--Please,
Please, no--don’t go there…don’t say that…close your eyes and don’t look…
don’t hurt that person with what you are about to do….If you squint when you
are outside on a sunny day, it is not a coincidence--it is merely a stronger
message.
Hashem
has blessed us with reminders within us and around us--they are like alarm
clocks gently sounding for us throughout the day--and they will only be
ineffective if we turn them off. Incredibly, when we heed their message and
do this Mitzvas Aseh here, and avoid that Lo Sa’aseh there--when we
throughout the day consciously use Hashem’s gifts for Chazal’s stated and
noteworthy purpose, we bring not only life and length of days to ourselves
in this world and the next--but life to the entire world as well--for which
the sun and the rest of Ma’aseh Bereishis will be so thankful!
----------------------------------------------------------
DERECH ERETZ!
As we are in the midst of the Sefira period in which we are careful to
practice important Minhagim relating to the period, we remember that the
students of Rebbi Akiva were Niftar during this period for not according the
proper respect to each other. Accordingly, in order to work on improvement
in this area in this especially propitious period, we provide the notes
below excerpted from the outstanding and highly recommended resource
Guide To Derech Eretz by Rabbi Shaul Wagschal, Shlita (Targum/Feldheim).
Even if one knows many or most of the points below, and even feels that he
is ‘pretty good’ with them, it is essential that we not only know them or
study them--but conscientiously work on them as well:
PART I
1. Derech Eretz
can be defined as a type of behavior that will be acceptable by
one’s society and which is geared towards making people happy, as the
Mishna [in this week’s Perek] states: “Which is the proper path one should
choose? One that is pleasing to the one who performs it and is pleasing to
others” (Avos 2:1)
2. The Maharal writes that one must offer greetings even to a willful
transgressor of sins--otherwise the sinner will wrongly conclude that the
Torah advocates scorning ignorant
people. This in effect profanes the name of Hashem.
3. Mesechta Derech Eretz
describes the degree of humility one should strive to achieve: ‘‘One should
be as the threshold upon which everyone treads, and as the peg which people
use for hanging objects” (Derech Eretz Zuta, ch. 1). This means that
one is obligated to tolerate others--even if they do not consider him worthy
of respect. The Midrash adds, “Be lowly before everyone, especially before
members of your household.... Be as the threshold upon which everyone
treads, for eventually the house will collapse, but the threshold will
remain untouched” (ibid. ch. 3).
4. Tolerance leads to peace and to new friendships, and precludes anger.
“A pious man was once asked, ‘To what do you attribute people’s affection
for you?’ He answered, ‘Because I always consider other people to be better
than I.’ (Orchos Tzaddikim, Shaar Haanavah).
5. It is told that one of R. Yisrael Salanter’s disciples once complained
to him that his efforts to do chessed for his wife were not
appreciated by her. R’ Yisrael responded, “Know that performing an act that
you think is beneficial for your wife, or giving her something that you
think she is lacking, is not yet considered chessed; rather, chessed
is the performance of an act that she considers beneficial, and the
giving of something that she feels she is lacking.”
6. One is obligated to do chessed for a person he dislikes before
doing so for a person he loves. It is questionable whether a person whom one
dislikes takes precedence over one’s relative (Ahavas Chessed, sec.
1,ch. 4).
7. It is stated in Mesechta Derech Eretz Zuta (ch. 5): “A person
should not be awake amongst those who are sleeping, nor sleeping amongst
those who are awake; cry amongst those who laugh, nor laugh amongst those
who cry; sit amongst those who stand, nor stand amongst those who sit. In
general, a person’s behavior should not be at variance with other people’s
behavior.” This idea is derived from Moshe Rabbeinu’s example, as R. Tanchum
Ben Chanilai said: ‘A person should not deviate from the custom--Moshe
ascended to the Heavens and he did not eat bread; the angels descended [to
visit Avraham Avinu] and they did eat bread’ (Bava Metzia 86b). This
concept has halachic ramifications. The Mishnah states: “In a city where the
custom is to work on Erev Pesach until noon, work may be performed.
In a city where the custom is not to work, work may not be performed....But
one should not deviate from the local custom if this will lead to dispute”
(Pesachim 50a). The reason for this ruling, that a visitor is
obligated to preclude dispute by conforming to local custom, is that people
are not able to tolerate ideas and customs different from their own, and
such differences can lead to dispute.
8. Chazal teach:
‘Love
your friend as yourself’ is a general rule throughout Torah”(Yerushalmi
Nedarim 9:4). Through his love for others one will refrain from causing
them physical or emotional pain; in fact he will work for their benefit and
behave towards them with derech eretz. Orchos Tzaddikim writes
that it is possible to train oneself to feel love for people. This can be
achieved by fulfilling the following codes of behavior:
A) Speak gently. If someone embarrasses or misleads you, do not
reciprocate.
B) Share other people’s burdens and refrain from increasing their
suffering. Never conduct heated arguments with others. Welcome everyone
joyously and with a friendly facial expression, since a friendly expression
strengthens bonds of love.
C) Soothe people who feel worried or angry.
D) Honor others, both verbally and through your actions. Never act
in a haughty manner with anyone; instead, yield to the will of others.
E) Refrain from passing judgment on others; instead, look for the
merit in other people’s actions.
F) Conduct all transactions honestly.
G) Strive to benefit others, not to benefit from others.
H) Extend help to others, both physically and monetarily. Refrain
from miserliness.
I) Avoid speaking in a derogatory manner about others, and refrain
from listening to others speak negatively about people.
Hakhel Note: Perhaps one can consider reviewing the above nine pointers
(A-I) at the beginning or end of his day--to motivate him or see how he
fared.
9. Although the obligation to carry on friendly relations with one’s
neighbor is great, one must not visit a neighbor too often, since overly
frequent visits will eventually cause the neighbor to dislike the visitor.
Concerning this idea, the verse says, “Let your foot be seldom in your
neighbor’s house, lest he will be weary of you and dislike you” (Mishlei
25:17). Rashi explains that just as eating an overabundance of honey makes
one feel like vomiting, so, too, frequent visits causes the host to revile
the visitor. Metzudos David writes that love between people increases
when they are absent from each other, whereas overly frequent visits have
the opposite effect.
10.
From Moshe Rabbeinu,
we learn how far Derech Eretz extends. Before accepting upon himself the
commandment to go to Mitzrayim and redeem the Jewish people, Moshe Rabbeinu
said to Hashem, “Master of the Universe! I cannot fulfill Your commandment,
since Yisro welcomed me and opened his door to me, and I am as a son to
him. A person who is shown hospitality is eternally indebted to his host.”
Thus, Moshe refused to embark on his journey without first receiving Yisro’s
permission. From this we learn that one act of derech eretz takes
precedence over the redemption of the entire Jewish People!
============================
29 Nissan
FROM A READER:
“This thought is regarding our currently experiencing Olam Haba in this
world. Often when I say in Shema “Kimei HaShomayim Ahl
Ha’aretz”, I think to myself that if I
indeed follow the mitzvos that are enumerated in the beginning of the second
paragraph, namely to love Hashem and to serve Him with all my heart and
soul, then, the end of the paragraph will be fulfilled, namely that then I
will experience heavenly days (Olam Habah existence) on this earth!”
----------------------------------------------------------
CONCLUDING PRACTICAL LESSONS FROM PESACH 5777:
A. It is interesting to note that while the Korban Pesach in Mitzrayim was
eaten Bechipazon, in haste, the Navi (Yeshaya 52:12) teaches us that
our final Geulah will not be in haste: “Ki Lo VeChipazon Teitseiu
U’Vemnusa Lo Seileichu…you will not leave in chaos, nor will you go in
flight; for Hashem will go before you….” With this, we may understand why
Bechipazon is one of the key differences between the Seder in
Mitzrayim and the Seder of all future generations after Yetzias Mitzrayim--as
the Mishna (Pesachim 9:4) teaches us--the Korban Pesach in Mitzrayim was
eaten in haste (in a ‘ready-to-go’ mode), while the Pesach of all future
generations did not have this requirement. The explanation may be that all
future Pesachim are also attached to the final Geulah which, as the Navi
teaches will not be Bechipazon. Remember--even if we don’t sense any
particular Chipazon now, we don’t have to--Pisom Yavo, our
Geulah can come at any time!
B. We
provide an outstanding observation by Rabban Gamliel Rabinovich, Shlita
regarding the Pesach Seder--which is truly a bold and important lesson for
daily living the rest of the year. The Seder teaches us that there is a
seder, an order, to things. If we follow the Seder as we should, then in
the end everything is Nirzah--accepted.. and we sing into the night.
However, not everything starts out happy--we begin as slaves, and we
experience shame and degradation, physically and spiritually. We even eat a
portion of Maror. But, if we do what we are supposed to--we will be zoche
to a special Yom Tov Shulchan Orech and its joy-filled aftermath. Olam
Hazeh is not meant to be a fountain of delight or a wellspring of
contentment. It is meant to be a place where we learn our lessons and grow
from them--where we shape our lives for eternity. Success begins and is
measured through effort, dedication, commitment and strength of character.
The bitterness may be there in different ways--as pure Maror, sandwiched
with something else (korech), and will have some charoses to take out some
of the sting...but, we must recognize and believe that all of this is only a
purification agent that is needed for only a short period of time--it is as
transitory as a passing thunderstorm in light of the permanent sunshine of
Olam Haba that will succeed it. During the rest of the year we go straight
to Shulchan Orech--but we should not be fooled. It is the order of the
Seder night which puts our lives into perspective. You may have a lot of
questions to ask through the course of Galus night --but if you follow
through the order and succeed to conclusion--you are guaranteed to come out
singing--and with all of the answers!
C. Many of the Mitzvos on the Leil HaSeder come in pairs. For instance,
one of the answers given to the question as to “Why do we drink four cups
tonight” not being part of the Mah Neshtana, is because each one of
the four Kosos is simply associated with another Mitzvah of the
evening. Similarly, the bracha of Borei Pri Ha’adama over Karpas
is also (possibly) the bracha over the Maror. When we recite
Maggid, the Matzah and Maror must also be before us. Motzi Matzah
is a stage in which we fulfill both the Mitzvah of Lechem Mishna and that of
Achilas Matzah. If we carefully focus, we will realize that Hashem, in His
Great Graciousness to us packages and bundles Mitzvos to us together
in order to give us more and more zechusim and more and more opportunities
to develop our relationship with Him within a finite life span in this
world. All we have to do is be careful to recognize and appreciate each and
every one of them--just as the Jews in Mitzrayim were to appreciate that
they were blessed with six babies at once--and not only one. The idea is to
think through the Mitzvos as we perform them--and if we do, we will realize
that what appears to be one Mitzvah may not be just one large treasure
chest--but really a number of individual, perfectly minted gold coins and
shining rubies!
D. The Chasam Sofer (Drashos Chasam Sofer II, p. 536) notes that
every Song, every Shir, that has significance is composed in response
to a particular event. The Shiras HaYam was, of course, composed in
reaction to the miracles at the sea. Likewise, the Shira at the Be’air (Bamidbar
21:17) was sung in appreciation of the well spring that the Bnei Yisrael
were graced with in the Midbar. This being the case, why did Shlomo
HaMelech compose Shir HaShirim? The Chasam Sofer answers that this
Song is an outpouring of expression to Hashem for choosing us as His
nation. Rebbi Akiva describes it is Kodesh Kodashim--holy of holies, and
this may be because it is the ‘anthem’ of the holiest of nations. When we
recite it, it should accordingly be with the greatest of joy! Hakhel Note:
We can now possibly understand why there is a Segulah associated with
reciting Shir HaShirim 40 days in a row--What greater sign can there
be of our appreciating that HaKadosh Baruch Hu has chosen us as His
nation--than bursting out in song in response!
E. As
we come close to concluding this month of Geulah, and move towards the
Geulah of Shavuos (which is the fourth Kos of Velakachti), we recall
the words of Rashi on an essential Pasuk that we may recite several times
daily: “Yimloch Hashem LeOlam Elokaich Tzion LeDor VaDor Haleluka”
(Tehillim 146: 10). There, Rashi comments “Yekayem Es Malchuso
BeShemiras Bonov.” Hashem views His Kingship in terms of us. If
we are guarded and protected, if we are happy, if we are successful, then
His Kingship is also successful and established. When we are downtrodden
and forlorn, Hashem’s Malchus is negatively impacted as well. Thus, when
we exclaim Yimloch Hashem LeOlam, we are asking for our position to be
elevated so that Hashem’s Malchus can be fully and appropriately established.
We should certainly take comfort in the fact that Hashem’s position in the
world works together with ours, and that our roles can improve together!
Additional Note:
In many of our Tefillos, we recite “Elokeinu V’Elokei Avoseinu--our
G-d and G-d of our forefathers.” Chronologically and from a perspective of
honor and respect, it would appear that we should first begin Elokei
Avoseinu -and then--V’Elokeinu. Perhaps the lesson to us is that
without first recognizing and establishing our own personal and close
relationship with Hashem, the relationship Hashem had with the Avos is not
really so relevant. When we recite the Bracha of Go’al Yisrael--Who
redeemed Yisrael (after Kriyas Shema in the morning and evening), we
recognize that Hashem redeemed our forefathers in the past, and can/will
therefore redeem us again in the Ultimate Redemption Bimheyra BeYameinu.
However, when we recite the Bracha of Go’el Yisrael (in Shemone Esrei three
times daily), we proclaim that Hashem can/will and is redeeming us directly
in the here and now. In these last few days of Chodesh Nissan, let
us work on intensifying our personal relationship with Hashem, so that His
Malchus, and His Geulah, is personal to us as well. We can begin by
concentrating on the Pasuk of “Yimloch Hashem LeOlam” when recited in
our Tefillos, as well as by reciting the Bracha of Go’el Yisrael--Hashem
is redeeming me-- with special recognition and intensity--at
least in the month of Iyar--connecting the Geulah of Nissan to the Geulah of
Shavuos!
============================
28 Nissan
IMPORTANT:
Birkas
HaIlanos
Reminder! If you have not already made the bracha--Don’t Delay Any
Further--and be mezakeh others with a sincere reminder!
-------------------------------------
HAGEFEN:
Last week, we reviewed the bracha of Gefen--Gezunt, Parnassah and
Nachas, and according to the Chasam Sofer Geulaseinu U’Pedus
Nafsheinu as well. Readers pointed out that the bracha is a ‘fuller one’
if given as either HaGefen or Gafna--with the additional Hei at the
beginning or end of the word constituting the bracha for Hatzlacha.
Hakhel Note: Let us give the fullest bracha possible!
----------------------------------------------------------
A DAILY REMINDER:
By the following link
http://tinyurl.com/jqvwkuv,
we provide “From the Letters of the Chazon Ish, which one may want to recite
daily at the outset of his day, or perhaps at the outset of his work day.
This is a powerful message which we need to be constantly reminded of.”
----------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Why is
Sefiras HaOmer recited in Ma’ariv between Shemone Esrei and Aleinu
(in most communities)? After all, what does the counting of Sefira have to
do with our structure of Tefillas Ma’ariv?
----------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION AND ANSWER OF THE DAY:
Over Pesach we changed reciting the words “V’Sein Tal U’Matar Levracha”
to the words “V’sein Bracha”. What Kavannah are we to have in mind
when saying the words “V’sein Bracha”? The Kuntres Avodas
HaTefillah explains that we are asking for Ribui Tova V’Hatzlacha--for
Hashem to shower goodness and success upon us. Although we are no longer
asking for the rain--we are still asking for the shower! Picture it as you
recite these words. Remember, it is not just lip service or even simply an
element of belief--Hashem’s bracha in all areas is tangible and real!
----------------------------------------------------------
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
From the remarkable, must-go-through Sefer The Power of Teshuvah,
by Rabbi Heshy Kleinman, Shlita (Artscroll, p. 233): “‘I can’t help
it. That’s just the way I am.’ Everyone has either said these words, heard
them, or both. Nevertheless, Rav Avraham Pam, Z’tl, would often paraphrase
the Rambam’s rebuttal of this justification with the words, ‘It’s not
your nature, it’s your choice!’”
--------------------------------------------------------
TODAY!:
Today, the 28th day of Nissan, marks the day that Yericho fell to
the Hakafos and Shofar blasts (and not to the military prowess) of B’nei
Yisrael. It was none other than Yehoshua Bin Nun who composed Aleinu at
that time in recognition of Hashem’s Omnipotence--and the thanks that we owe
Him for our position in this world! According to the Sefer Chareidim,
as brought in the Siddur Rashban, Aleinu was actually recited forwards and
then backwards by Yehoshua and Bnei Yisrael, and this was the final blow
that caused the walls to fall in. This Tefillah is so crucial to us that we
recite it at the end of each of our daily prayers, and it is the essence of
our Tefillos on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (where we additionally
genuflect). The Rema in Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 132:2) writes that we
should be careful to recite Aleinu with Kavanah each day.
It is certainly no coincidence—as it never is—that Aleinu was composed so
soon after Pesach, as it reflects so many of the lessons to be gleaned from
those special days---Thanks to Hashem for choosing us as His People;
Awareness of Hashem not only as Creator but in Hashgacha Pratis on a daily
basis; Ain Od Milevado…and our longing and prayer for the final
Geulah. If you started today to daven Aleinu only from a Siddur, or to be
sure to have special Kavannah when reciting it for all of the essential
yesodos of Emunah it contains (actually found in the plain meaning of the
words), or to make sure that it takes you at least a minute to recite
because you are not swallowing the words and you are paying attention to
them, bowing down more properly or with thought…or any other improvement (if
you have already done any or all of the above)—then you will always remember
the anniversary of your improvement—the anniversary of Aleinu!
----------------------------------------------------------
HAVE
YOU MADE YOUR LIST YET OF LESSONS FROM PESACH—and
how you will implement at least some of them in your daily life? If not
now—when—don’t just go through Pesach—make Pesach go through you!
In
this vein, we provide the following final post-Pesach practical daily
points:
A.
Recite Birchos HaShachar with enthusiasm [Heard from Rabbi Yosef
Eisen, Shlita].
B.
When reciting the word Halelukah in Shacharis--feel the word, and
appreciate all that Hashem does for you--and that you are able to thank Him
for it!
C.
When reciting Borei Nefashos, have in mind not that it is an ‘easy, quick
bracha’--but that it is a bracha which concisely thanks Hashem for the
specific food or drink that you have just partaken of, and recognizes
further that He blesses you with an overabundance--even more than what you
need! (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 207, Mishna Berurah Seif Katan 5)
D.
When reciting Ahl HaMichya--recognize that you are uniquely davening Ahl
Mizbechecha--for the Mizbei’ach to be rebuilt--something that is not
even mentioned in Birchas HaMazon! Focus!
E.
Think about ‘Chatzos HaLailah’--just one moment in time changed the
history of the world, and consider that when this happens again, speedily
and in our day--it will be forever and ever! Will it be this moment--will it
be the next? Be alert, be ready! The Chasam Sofer notes that there are six
Leshonos of Geulah in the Torah at the outset of Parashas Va’eirah. We have
already experienced five--Vehotzeisi, VeHitzalti, VeGa’alti, VeLakachti
and VeHeiveisi, and we accordingly have five cups (including the Kos
Shel Eliyahu) at the Seder. The sixth Lashon--VeNasati Lachem Morasha--and
I will give you Eretz Yisrael as a final and everlasting inheritance--is yet
to come. Oh, how we must yearn for the sixth cup!
F.
Consider a Hashgacha Pratis calendar--where the clear events of how you
found that item, met that person, went there and not there, ate this food
and not that--ranging from the greatly significant to seemingly
insignificant incidents have been clearly guided by Hashem. Of course, one
cannot spend his entire day on this, but can certainly jot down a few times
during the day when he realizes that Hashem is together with him in a clear
and open way!
G.
Finally, Dovid HaMelech teaches in Tehillim (81:11): “Anochi Hashem
Elokecha Hama’alcha Mei’Eretz Mitzrayim Harchev Picha V’amalei’hu--I am
Hashem Who elevated you from the land of Eygpt--open your mouth wide and I
will fill it.” The Targum on this Pasuk explains that we are to open our
mouth wide in prayer to Hashem. We are not limited to the times of Tefillah
to be Marchiv Peh--even in a moment of privacy in one’s home, while
walking somewhere, or in Shul before and after davening--open your
mouth wide--and may Hashem fill it!
============================
25 Nissan
RESIST TEMPTATION: When on the phone (especially on a long phone call), one may be
tempted to take a drink and make a quick bracha in an undertone while the
other person is talking. Upon a second thought, however one should realize
that making this kind of bracha is not necessarily a ‘reiach nechoach’
and one should try his best to avoid a bracha of this kind. In the
alternative, one can tell the listener--’I am going to make a bracha--please
answer Amen!’
--------------------------------------------
WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
A. We are advised that this Shabbos, which is the day that Shlissel Challahs
are served, is the day that some Chassidic masters waited until before they
consumed Chometz after Pesach. The Shlissel Challah would be their first
Chometz! What is the concept of Shlissel Challah? In The Book of Our
Heritage (the excellent English translation of the Sefer HaToda’ah),
Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov, Z’tl, writes as follows: “In some communities, it is
customary for the Shabbos on which we announce the approaching month of Iyar
that sesame seeds are sprinkled on the top of Challahs in the shape of a
key. This serves as a reminder of the Mon that began to fall from heaven in
Iyar, as well as a reminder that the key to our sustenance is in Hashem’s
Hand.” The Sefer Ta’amei Dinim U’Minhagim (p.249) writes about the
Shlissel Challah: “U’Minhag Avoseinu BeVadai Torah Hu”. The Sefer then
explains that the key is symbolic of the Ma’amar Chazal: “Pischu Lee…open up
for me an opening like the point of a needle and I will open up for you an
opening the size of the Ulam.” Additionally, the Sefer continues, our
closeness to Hashem on Pesach opened up heavenly gates which became closed
after Pesach. With the Challah-key, we symbolize that we want to open them
again--and that we begin to succeed with the Mitzvah of Shabbos!
B. As many may use the same special clothing for Shabbos and Yom Tov, we
must be especially careful to check our pockets, as we wore our clothing for
Yom Tov earlier this week. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 252:7) rules
that it is a Mitzvah to check one’s pockets on Erev Shabbos in order to
ensure that he will not carry outside or carry a Muktzah item inside, even
on Shabbos. If one forgot to check his pockets on Erev Shabbos, he must do
so as soon as he remembers on Shabbos itself. The Dirshu Edition of the
Mishna Berurah (ibid.) notes that, although others differ, the G’ra and the
Shulchan Aruch HaRav both rule that one should not place any objects into
his pockets at all on Shabbos itself--but rather should carry them in his
hand--in order not to subject himself to the possible violation of the Issur
Hotza’ah. HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, Z’tl, rules that in places where
there is a Rishus Harabbim Min HaTorah, one should certainly follow the
ruling of the G’ra and the Shulchan Aruch HaRav.
C. Shabbos Kodesh is the Yahrzeit of Yehoshua Bin Nun (this coming Monday
(28 Nissan) is actually the date that the walls of Yericho fell). The
Luach Davar B’Ito recommends that one have especial Kavannah this
Shabbos when reciting Aleinu which Yehoshua composed upon the fall of
Yericho, as well as when reciting the Second Bracha of Birkas HaMazon which
Yehoshua composed upon entering Eretz Yisrael (Brachos 48B). Hakhel Note:
It is fascinating to realize that these two Tefillos--for which Yehoshua is
so well known--both relate to thanks and praise to Hashem--a truly
appropriate aftermath--once again reinforcing the great lesson after Pesach!
D. This Shabbos we will commence the recitation of Mesechta Avos--commonly
known to us as “Pirkei Avos”. HaRav Chaim Volozhiner, Z’tl, at the outset
of the Sefer Ruach Chaim, writes that we begin each Perek with the
words “Kol Yisrael Yesh Lahem Chelek LaOlam Habba--all of K’lal
Yisrael has a share in the World-to-Come”. The Tanna uses the phrase LaOlam
Habba, rather than BaOlam Habba in order to teach us that Olam Habba is not
a future world--but a world that is built in the here and now by the Mitzvos
that a person performs. One really does exist in Olam Haba in this world--it
is just the physical elements of Olam Hazeh that prevent him from realizing
its light. HaRav Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, in fact, brings the words of the
Zohar (1:265A), which explains that Olam Haba means Olam She’kevar Bah--a
world that has already come. Thus, just as a Ben Yeshiva is someone who is
in a particular Yeshiva, a Ben Olam Habba, is someone who is already rooted
in Olam Haba. HaRav Friedlander also explains that the reward for a Mitzvah
is ‘Ruchni Tahor’--total Ruchniyus, and that accordingly we cannot get
reward in a purely Olam Hazeh way for Mitzvos. Whenever the Torah or Chazal
describe the physical reward in this world, what it really means is that we
will be granted additional means to learn more Torah and perform more
Mitzvos in the guise of Mitzvah Goreres Mitzvah--and that the ultimate
rewards for any and all Mitzvos are exclusively in Olam Habba. The Mashal
that may be given is to a very wealthy individual who owns a huge and
profitable factory. He will put on workers clothes in the factory and not
be distinguished from the other workers there as the products are being
produced--but will reap all of the profits when the products are sold.
-------------------------------------------------
POINTS
AND POINTERS ON THIS WEEK’S PARASHA, PARASHAS SHEMINI:
A.
At the beginning of this week’s Parasha,
Shemini, we find that Moshe Rabbeinu first “Called to Aharon...” and
only afterwards “Spoke to Aharon.” HaRav Yechezkel Sarna, Z’tl, notes that
when one wants to speak with a person, he should call him specifically by
his name, and only then continue with a conversation. Mentioning someone’s
name can create a special level of endearment and closeness, a human bond.
Moshe Rabbeinu may very well have learned this very beautiful Middah from
Hashem Himself, Who at the outset of Sefer Vayikrah (1:1) first “calls to
Moshe”, and only afterwards begins “speaking to him.”
May we suggest that over Shabbos (i.e. the
week-end) and Sunday (i.e., the week-beginning), you take the lead of Hashem--and
of Moshe Rabbeinu--and call to a person by name before starting a
conversation. May this serve as a source of bracha in enhancing all of our
personal relationships!
B.
The
Kotzker Rebbe, Z’tl, provides a potent teaching for us in this week’s
Parasha. The Pasuk (Vayikra 9:6) teaches: “VaYomer Moshe Zeh HaDavar
Asher Tzivah Hashem Ta’asu VeYairah Aleichem Kevod Hashem--And Moshe
said--this is what Hashem has commanded you to do--then the Glory of
Hashem will appear to you.” The Kotzker comments that many believe that
they are very much ready to reach ‘Madreigos Gevohos--lofty heights in their
lives.’ Moshe Rabbeinu, however, advises us: Do you truly want to attain
Madreigos, do you truly wish to elevate yourselves--then do what Hashem
wants you to do--work on removing the Yetzer Hora from your heart. How?
Think About, Focus on, What Hashem wants You To Do in the Particular
Situation, Circumstance or Event You are in--and do not focus on the Yetzer
Hora and his myopic, temporary and destructive whims, fancies and
attitudes. If you work at this, if you move towards accomplishment in
giving--not the Yetzer Hora--but Hashem the Nachas of your doing His
Will--then the Glory of Hashem will appear to you, and all of the Madreigos
that you sought will fall gently and everlastingly into place. Let us take
the Kotzker’s words with us in the second half of this year--by making sure
as often and as resolutely as we can to follow the words of the Pasuk--Asher
Tzivah Hashem Ta’asu--so that VeYairah Aleichem Kevod Hashem--the
Glory of Hashem appears TO US--forever, and ever and ever!
C. The Torah records that after Aharon and Moshe did everything they were
supposed to do during the Yemei HaMelu’im, the Shechinah nevertheless did
not descend onto the Mishkan. They did not despair. Instead, they taught us
a lesson forever. The Torah (Vayikrah 9:23) records: “Vayavo Aharon
V’Moshe Ehl Ohel Mo’ed.” Rashi (ibid., in one explanation) explains that
they entered together and asked for Hashem’s mercy--and the Shechinah
descended. We must realize the great importance and in spite of and in
addition to all our actions--of asking Hashem for His mercy!
D. At the outset of the Parasha of Kashrus, Rashi provides us with an
explanation of why we were zoche to receive the laws of Kosher animals: “Zos
HaChaya--this is the animal….” Rashi teaches that the word Chaya is related
to the word Chaim or life. Because we connect ourselves to Hashem, Rashi
continues (11:2) Hashem gave us the laws which separate use from impurity,
which he gave to no other nation. There is a great lesson here: When
observing the lessons of Kashrus and being careful with the Hashgachos and
the products that one utilizes--one should not view this as a burden and a
chore--but as a special and unique privilege given by Hashem to us and to no
other nation for we want a connection to Hashem--we want life--and this is
how we achieve it! The more careful we are--the more we want life!
E. The Chasida, or the “Kind One”, is remarkably the name of a treife bird.
Many of us have heard as the explanation for this anomaly that although the
bird does kindness--it is only with her friends and not with strangers or
those that it does not know. We may, however, suggest another explanation.
The Chasida is treife because she does kindness with her neighbors--after
all, she is known to all as the Chasida--but does not do Chesed with her own
family, as she will win no special appellation in this regard. This
provides a great lesson to us. We can improve ourselves from ‘treife’ to
kasher by making the additional effort to do “unsung Chesed”--helping to
clean up around the house in some additional way than before, doing
something for a family member before being asked, taking the time out to
think about and give a parent, sibling, spouse or child a thoughtful or
creative idea geared just for them. Ahavas Chinam doesn’t have to take
place on the streets, in Shul or in the workplace--it can show its constant
special presence-- beautifully housed--in your very own home. Yehi Ratzon
that in this zechus, we will be zoche to the end of the horrifying effects
of Galus--speedily and in our days--may we make it happen!
F. The
Torah (Vayikrah 11:44) teaches that “Vehiskadishtem Viheyisem Kedoshim”--if
we attach ourselves to holiness we will be holy…and that if we defile
ourselves (or even allow ourselves to be defiled) we contaminate not only
our present physical bodies but our future spiritual existence. In truth,
the kind and degree of holiness and contamination varies from person to
person. The G’ra teaches that a person can determine what his tachlis
is in this world by understanding and studying the situations that: (a)
he most frequently encounters--for they are new G-d given opportunities
to succeed, and (b) the items and events that one has the greatest
‘cheshek’--the greatest desire for--for these are his key life tests to
pass, and if possible, excel at. Just as our faces are different, so
are our roads to Olam Haba--we are all on the same road with the same method
of transportation, but will each get there in different ways, at different
times, and will enjoy different lodgings. The elevated spirit in which we
raised ourselves up from servitude and bondage--from the difficulties and
tribulations of Olam Hazeh--on the Seder night, should be the spirit that
takes us through the year-- as we remind ourselves that if we can stay clear
of the contamination and instead uplift ourselves to holiness through the
process of our Galus, we--as the Chad Gadya-- will be left at the end--with
the One and Only Hakadosh Baruch Hu!
--------------------------------------------------
SHALUACH HAKAN:
As
this week the Parasha taught us about Kosher animals, birds and fish, we
once again provide a brief summary on the kashrus of turkey, as excerpted
from the Sefer Shaleiach Teshalach--A Practical Guide to the
Mitzvah of Shiluach HaKan, by Rabbi Naftali Weinberger, Shlita (Feldheim
Publishers)--which notes that Israel today actually leads the world in
turkey consumption(!):
1. The
Damesek Eliezer, the Knesses Hagedolah and the Shoel
U’Maishiv all rule that the turkey has all of the signs of a Kosher
bird-- a crop; a gizzard that is peelable by hand; an ‘extra toe’; and, even
beyond these three core simanim, the turkey is clearly not a ‘doress’--it
does not have the characteristics of a predatory species. The Arugas
Habosem writes that even the Rema, who requires a Mesorah for birds,
would agree here that no Mesorah is necessary because of all of the turkey’s
clear Simanim.
2. The
Sefer Otzar Yisrael writes that while definitely today we would
follow the Rema’s requirement of a Mesorah for birds --turkey is an
exception because it was discovered approximately 50 years before the Rema
was born, and did not lose its status once it had become accepted.
3.
Other Poskim (See Bach and Magen Avrohom to Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 79)
hold that the Gemara (Yerushalmi Berachos 3:5) refers to a ‘red chicken’
which is really the turkey--which means it had its early sources in Eretz
Yisrael... and somehow made its way to America!
4. A
fourth possibility is that we rely on the Mesora of the Jews of India, who
it is claimed had a Mesorah dating back to the times Moshe Rabbeinu that the
bird was Kosher. This is perhaps why we refer to the turkey as the ‘Tarnigol
Hodu ‘--the Indian chicken, and in Yiddish as well it is referred to as
the ‘Indik’--or the Indian bird.
5. The
Netziv writes that when turkey was originally imported into Europe many
questioned its Mesorah. Nevertheless, it became widely accepted, and this
accepted status need not be Halachically removed unless there would be a
compelling reason to do so--in short, turkey is treated L’Halacha as if it
had a Mesorah! The Netziv actually suggests that if the turkey’s status had
been called into question before it became so widely accepted as kosher, the
poskim definitely would have declared it as non-kosher due to its lack of
Mesorah. Given the current situation, the Netziv favors maintaining the
status quo.
Among
the more contemporary Poskim, HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl discusses the
permissibility of eating turkey on Thanksgiving, thus clearly holding that
it is permissible to otherwise consume it. Similarly, the Chazon Ish, Z’tl
and the Steipeler Gaon, Z’tl ate turkey (Orchos Rabbeinu III, p.72), and
HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita eats it as well. HaRav Yaakov Kamenetsky,
Z’tl did not eat turkey because his Rebbitzen Itta Ettel came from Shavell,
Lithuania, where the minhag of the whole town was not to eat turkey since it
lacked a Mesorah. HaRav Yaakov accepted this upon himself, but did not
require his family to do so. His son, HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita,
accepted his father’s practice and does not eat turkey--but his children and
extended family do--for it was accepted only as a stringency, and not as a
custom.
The
above is of course only a short aspect of this important Sefer on the
Halachos (and Hashkafos) of Shiluach Hakan,. The Sefer is otherwise filled
with unique and fascinating Halachos on how to properly perform the Mitzvah,
contains the Shailos U’Teshuvos of HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita on this
Mitzvah--and a discussion of all of the segulos involved in its proper
performance!
--------------------------------------------------
ON
HARAV MILLER’S YAHRZEIT:
Sunday
is the Yahrzeit of the legendary and incomparable HaRav Avigdor Miller, Z’tl,
so much of whose life was dedicated to helping the lives of others become
accomplished and complete. We provide below three separate examples of his
teachings on personal brachos and tefillos, as originally brought by Rabbi
Simcha Bunim Cohen, Shlita in Rabbi Avigdor Miller Speaks (Volume 1,
pp. 227, 234--Artscroll), and as highlighted in the masterful work
Praying With Fire 2 by Rabbi Heshy Kleinman, Shlita (p.172-3, p.186--Artscroll).
1.When
a customer walks in, say a quick Tefillah that the customer should buy your
merchandise and pay the right price and not complain…HaKadosh Baruch Hu will
say: “I see you trusting in Me, as the Pasuk states “Blessed is the man who
puts his trust in Hashem, and, therefore, Hashem will reward him by becoming
his trust.”
If you
are going to see a customer [at his place of business], before you walk in
say “Yehi Ratzon Milefanecha She’tatzlicheni—Hashem, please make me
successful!”
Hakhel
Note: Of course, one should analogize to his everyday situations relating to
projects, meeting with superiors at work, shopping, eating Kosher,
dating,…everything in life!
2.
Even where Tefillas HaDerech is not required, if you are starting up your
car, ask Hashem without making a bracha for safety and everything else you
need on the way… “Believe me—in town you need a lot of help from Hashem!”
3.
“Good Morning” is not merely a trite phrase or pleasantry. Good morning
means that they should have a good breakfast, that they should earn a good
living, no colds today, no trouble in business. Good Morning means
everything!
Hakhel
Note: Imagine the meaning and power of a sincere “Have a Good Day!”
Thank
you Rabbi Miller for such truly essential daily guidance! May we each be
blessed with the sechel to implement it!
--------------------------------------------
PRACTICAL LESSONS FROM PESACH
A.
The Sefer Sifsei Chaim (Mo’adim II, p.428) teaches
that we can reinforce our feelings for the Geulah Shleimah every day in the
Tefillah of Ezras Avoseinu which contains so many powerfully meaningful
phrases, among them:
-”Ezras
Avoseinu…Magen U’Moshiah Livneihem Achareihem Bechol Dor V’Dor”
-”U’Mibaladecha Ain Lanu Melech Go’el U’Moshiah”
-”VeOneh LeAmo B’Eis Shavam Eilav”
-”Tzur Yisrael Kumah B’Ezras Yisrael U’fdeih Chinumecha Yehudah V’Yisrael”
Taking literally just an extra moment to feel the words as one says them can
strengthen one’s D’veikus to Hashem and deepen one’s yearning for the Geulah
Sheleimah.
B. We
are familiar with the bracha we give another of “Gefen”--Gezunt,
Parnassah and Nachas. The Chasam Sofer finds another
acronym in the term “Gefen”--it is Geulaseinu u’Pedus Nafsheinu--our
physical and spiritual redemption. Have this in mind as well when giving
the bracha of “Gefen”.
C. In
the Haggadah we read that Hashem was “Chisheiv Es HaKeitz”--which
some meforshim teach means that we were released 190 (the Gematria of
Keitz) years early because of the difficulty of the Galus we were
experiencing and/or because of the depths of the tumah we had reached. Let
us think for a moment. The Navi (Micah 7:15) teaches us that Kimei
Tzeisecha MeiEretz Mitzrayim Erenu Niflaos--as in the days when you left
Egypt, I will show wonders.” We are now in the year 5777--if we add on the
190 years in which Hashem was Chishev Es HaKeitz in Mitzrayim (and it
is definitely at least a theoretical possibility that this will happen
again--based on the Pasuk and due to our difficulties in Galus and all of
the tumah around us)--that brings us up to the year 5967, which is just 33
years short of the year 6000 (and we know what that means). This should
provide some additional inspiration for us to do Teshuvah as soon as
possible!
D. At
Kriyas Yam Suf, the Pasuk (Shemos 14:14) states: Hashem Yilacheim Lachem
VeAtem Tacharishun. The Midrash (Mechilta to Beshalach 2:14) teaches
that even when we stand and remain silent Hashem fights for us, then, Kal
V’Chomer--all the more so, will He fight on our behalf when we call out
and praise Him. The lesson is there for all to see--it is better to
communicate with Hashem than to remain silent. Hakhel Note: Let us look
for a moment at the Nusach of the Musaf Shemone Esrei that we recite
everyday of Yom Tov: “Yehi Ratzon Milfanecha…Melech Rachaman
Shetashuv U’Seracheim Aleinu…B’Rachamecha HaRabbim.”
Then a little later we once again recite: “Melech Rachaman
Racheim Aleinu…BaHamon Rachamecha.”
We plead time and time again for Hashem to bring His Rachamim upon us. We
must recognize the value of our not remaining silent and the importance of
connecting to Hashem with Kavannah!
E.
Also at Kriyas Yam Suf, the Pasuk (14:17) states: “VeIkabda BePharoh
U’Vechol Cheilo.” The Midrash teaches us that the reason Paroh is
mentioned first is because since he began to sin against K’lal Yisrael and
the Mitzriyim followed, so too, was he punished first, and then the
Mitzriyim followed in receiving their punishment. The Midrash then goes a
step further: “If in the case of punishment he who sinned first is punished
first, then Kal V’Chomer--all the more so will one who acted
meritoriously and led others in that direction receive his reward at the
outset as well!
F.
The Pasuk that follows at Kriyas Yam Suf (14:18) states: “VeYadu
Mitzrayim Ki Ani Hashem…and the Mitzriyim will know that I am Hashem.”
The question becomes--why at all does it make a difference as to whether the
Mitzriyim will know who Hashem is--they will no longer be alive in seconds,
minutes, or at most a few hours. HaRav Shach, Z’tl, explains that the Pasuk
is teaching us how precious and important even a few seconds, minutes or
hours of recognizing and appreciating Hashem truly are. We should not be
spoiled by the manifold opportunities that we have--but instead should
appreciate and savor each and every bracha opportunity, every Tefillah
opportunity…and each and every realization and actualization of a Teshuvah
opportunity!
G.
Dovid HaMelech teaches in Tehillim (115:14, as recited in Hallel each day of
Pesach), “Yevareich Yirei Hashem Haketanim Im HaGedolim--He will
bless those who fear Hashem, the small as well as the great.” This Pasuk
should give us all encouragement--for it teaches us that Hashem blesses us
all in accordance with our level. We need not be the Rav, the Rosh Yeshiva,
or the one giving the Mussar lecture--we can be a katan and
receive Hashem’s blessing--as long as we try to be Yirei Hashem--sensing
Hashem’s presence throughout the day!
H. Do
not be fooled by its loftiness and sublimity--Shir Hashirim has many
practical lessons for us as well. Chazal (Shir Hashirim Rabbah 8:12) teach
us, based on the Posuk of “Haelef Lecha Shlomo U’mosayim L’notrim
Es Piryo--One thousand for Shlomo and two hundred to those who watch his
fruit”--that the reward for one who learns while traveling (“Lecha”)
is five times (1000 vs. 200) greater than for one who simply learns in the
Beis Medrash (“Notrim Es Piryo”). It is interesting that
the numbers the Posuk uses for a ratio of 5:1 is 1000:200. A possible
explanation may be based upon the Chofetz Chayim (quoted in Item 30,
Volume II, Number 2 (Teves/Shevat 5762) of the Bulletin) who states
that one can learn 200 words of Torah, which is equivalent to 200 separate
Mitzvos, in one minute. If one learns while traveling, Hashem considers it
as if he is learning five times as much, or 1,000 words per minute. While
traveling, one should await and treasure the incredible opportunity to
perform the equivalent of 1,000 Mitzvos per minute.
I. If one had to describe the essence of Pesach in one word, it would be ‘Emunah’.
Even the Matzah is described as the Food of Emunah. The most famous Ramban
in Chumash found at the end of Parashas Bo (which we understand HaRav Wolbe,
Z’tl, should be memorized) affirmatively states: “and from the great and
famous miracles, one must recognize the hidden miracles of everyday life
which are the Yesod HaTorah Kulah--the foundation of the entire
Torah.” One has no part in the Torah unless he believes that all of our
affairs and experiences-- everything that occurs in one’s
life--are miracles, and that there is no nature, nor a ‘minhag haolam’
at all--either on a communal, or a private level. In fact, HaRav Chaim
Friedlander, Z’tl, writes that anything that can be ascribed to Tevah and
Mazal are Nisyonos on life. Based on this most fundamental of Torah
teachings, we present the following essential teachings:
1. The Rabbeinu Bachya (Shemos
14:31) brings from the Rabbeinu Chananel that there are four basic parts to
Emunah: (A) Emunah B’HaKadosh Baruch Hu; (B) Emunah B’Nevi’im; (C) Emunah
B’Olam Habba; and (D) Emunah B’Viyas HaGoel. The Rabbeinu Bachya continues
that one who possesses these four beliefs has great zechuyos. He provides
an essential method for one strengthening his Emunah--and that is to answer
Amen to the brachos of others. Amen, of course, is an acronym for
Kel-Melech-Ne’eman--that Hashem is our G-d and trustworthy King. With
these three words (and consequently in the one word of Amen) we describe
Hashem as the All-Powerful-One Who closely watches over us and Who punishes
and rewards in accordance with our deeds. Hakhel Note: Accordingly, it
would be very much in order for one to commence a personal Amen campaign--in
which he sincerely and dedicatedly answers this sacred word (which should
not be uttered in vein) with Kavannah and feeling.
2. At the outset of Hallel, we
recite the Pesukim: “Rom Ahl Kol Goyim Hashem…” followed by “Me
KaShem Elokeinu…HaMashpili Liros BaShomayim U’Va’aretz”. This
means that while the world believes that Hashem is in the distant Heavens,
gazing upon us far away from humanity--we know that we can feel Hashem’s
Hashgacha Pratis hovering over us and directly upon us. However, there are
different levels of Hashgacha Pratis that one can experience. The Ramban (Iyov
36:7) writes: “Kefi Kirvaso LeHidabeik BeEilokav Yishtamer Shemirah
Me’ulah--in accordance with one’s desire to come close to Hashem, will
Hashem come closer and watch over him.” How can we develop our D’veikus
B’Hashem? The Sifsei Chaim brings the fascinating words of
Yirmiyahu HaNavi (9:22-23): “Ko Amar Hashem Ahl Yishallel Chochom
BeChachmaso…--thus said Hashem: ‘Let not the wise man glorify himself
with his wisdom, and let not the strong man glorify himself with his
strength, let not the rich man glorify himself with his wealth. For only
with this may one glorify himself--contemplating and knowing Me.” The
Sifsei Chaim explains that this means that our importance to Hashem is
not dependent on our wisdom, strength or abilities--but only in how we
exercise our bechirah towards Avodas Hashem. He continues
that when each person recognizes his reward in Olam Habba, it will not be
based on the fact that he was a Rosh Yeshiva, or a Chassidic Rebbe, or a
children’s Rebbi or a businessman or an accountant. Rather, it will be in
accordance with the madreigah that he was supposed to have reached in this
world in his Avodas Hashem--every person Kidrachav U’Kefi Ma’alalav.
It is for this reason that Hashem hides the complete Da’as Hashem from
us in this world--and we will only understand Hashem’s actions in Olam Hazeh
at the Geulah Sheleimah--it is to give us the opportunity to exercise our
Bechirah Chafshis and to realize our potential without being forced or even
easily led to the only true conclusion.
3. At the end, the darkess of
Galus will be exceedingly dark, as the Pasuk (Zechariah 49:7) says: “Le’eis
Erev Yehiyeh Ohr--so that the clarity of the light will be most
appreciated. As things appear dark, darker, darkest (now with our own
people attacking us in Eretz Yisrael, we must strengthen ourselves with the
knowledge that the clarity of true light will soon shine forth.” As Dovid
HaMelech teaches (Tehillim 90: 15): “Samcheinu KeYimos Inisanu--Hashem
will bring us joy to compensate for the previous afflictions”.
4. The Sefer Nefesh HaChaim
(1:9) brings the Pasuk in Shir HaShirim (1:9): “Lesusasi BeRichbei Paroh
Demiseich Rayasi--Hashem, I realize that my relationship with You can be
compared to that of the horses of Paroh’s army in the hands of the chariot
riders. He remarkably explains that the world improperly believes that
Hashem directs us in this way and that, just as chariot riders direct horses
to go here and to go there. However, this is not what happened to Paroh’s
chariot riders--they did not lead the horses, the horse miraculously led
them. With the Geulas Mitzrayim, Hashem put us in a position of the horses
at Kriyas Yam Suf which led the driver. We determine our own fate and the
fate of the world--by our choices, by our actions.
Hashem lets us ‘run the world’ in this way. Will the Geulah come
today--time will not tell--we will!
5. To take a short and potent
Emunah lesson with us daily,
we
highly recommend Emuna Daily. To join and for further information
contact:
emunadaily@gmail.com. The
recording is available via telephone as well: Dial
(605) 475-4799,
access code 840886#.
=============================
24 Nissan
QUESTION OF THE DAY ONE:
If the
Moshiach comes between today and Pesach Sheni (the 14th of Iyar), will each
one of us bring a Korban Pesach on Pesach Sheni, or because we missed
bringing the Korban Pesach on Erev Pesach will we have to wait all the way
until next year to bring the Korban Pesach?
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QUESTION OF THE DAY TWO:
Which two seforim in Tanach do not have Hashem’s name mentioned directly in
them?
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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
HaRav Chaim Pinchas
Scheinberg, Z’tl, would often advise: “Keep on smiling, and keep on going!”
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NON-GEBROKTS
ADVISORY:
There are still many cake and cookie products (many ‘on sale’) left from
Pesach. Please remember that many of these products are non-Gebrokts, and
the appropriate bracha is Shehakol and Borei Nefashos. Even if you know
it--you may be used to making a Mezonos on the cake and Shehakol on the
coffee--so extra special care is required. This will provide you with a
special opportunity to focus and concentrate on your Brachos--one great way
to practice your Emunah in this post-Pesach period.
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MIZMOR LESODAH!
We once again are able to recite Mizmor LeSodah (Tehillim Chapter 100) in
Pesukei D’Zimra. We should not once again settle quickly into habit as we
recite this joyous song which temporarily serves as a daily Todah to Hashem.
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 51:9) rules L’Halacha that when reciting
Mizmor LeSodah in Pesukei D’Zimra “Yeish L’Omra Benegina Shekol HaShiros
Asidos Libatel Chutz MeMizmor LeSodah--we should recite the Mizmor with
a pleasant tune, because this song will uniquely survive forever”. In its
five short Pesukim, the Mizmor conveys a powerfully sweet message which we
should carry--and which should carry us--throughout the day.
--------------------------------------------
PRACTICAL POST-PESACH POINTS:
A. We
are still in the month of Nissan--there is a real reason that we
continue not to utter the Tachanun supplication daily. Chazal remind us that
B’Nissan Nigalu U’V’Nissan Assidin Liga’el--just as we were redeemed
in Nissan in the past--we will be redeemed in Nissan in the future. We must
continue to take a step back to at least appreciate what this means. Each
day in Mussaf over Pesach we exclaimed V’Havi’einu L’Tzion Irecha B’Rina
Velirushalayim Beis Mikdashecha BeSimchas Olam--bring us to Tzion, Your
city, in glad song, and to Yerushalayim, home of Your
sanctuary, in eternal joy. While we cannot fathom the glad
song of millions of people together, nor the eternal joy of even
ourselves personally--we must at least appreciate how we need to yearn and
long for the moment--which will then incredibly become eternal! We must
remind ourselves of the poignant words of the Sefer Mesilas Yesharim
(end of Chapter 19), who teaches that each and every individual
must daven for the Geulas Yisrael, pointedly writing as
follows:
“Im
Yomar Adam Me Ani…She’espalel Ahl Yerushalayim--if a person would say
‘Who am I…to daven for Yerushalayim--will it be because of my prayer that
the Yeshuah will come?....” This is why a person was created individually,
so that each individual should say ‘The world was created for me!’ It is
certainly a Nachas Ruach to Hashem that His children plead and pray
for the Geulah…. Each and every one of us is therefore obligated to do so,
and no one can excuse himself because of his lack of position or power…for
it is not possible for Kevod Shomayim to be increased until the Geulah of
Yisrael comes, as the two are interdependent….”
Now--Nissan 5777, as the pangs of Ikvasah D’Moshicha beat about
us--is the time for us to be especially passionate--now--Nissan 5777, is the
time for each and every one of us to call out in our hearts for the
Geulas Yisrael! Do not lose--and instead very dedicatedly use--the
opportunities in each Shemone Esrei, most certainly over the remainder of
the month: Tekah BeShofar, Velirushalayim Irecha, Es Tzemach,
V’sechezenah Eineinu Beshuvecha L’Tzion, Sheyibaneh Beis HaMikdash
BeMeheirah V’Yameinu, and VeArvah LaShem Minchas Yehudah Virushalayim.
Let us call out from the heart--and may our calls be answered just as our
forefathers’ calls were heard, as testified by the Pasuk (Shemos 2:23, 24):
“Vata’al Shavasam Ehl HaElokim…Vayishmah Elokim Es Na’akasam VaYizkor
Elokim Es Briso….” May it be speedily and in our days!
B.
The Second Hallel. We have concluded our recitation of Hallel HaMitzri
(Tehillim 113-118), and Chazal teach that it would be inappropriate to
continue to recite it daily as Hallel during the rest of the year. There
is, however, a second Hallel, which is known as Hallel HaGadol (Tehillim
136). Hallel HaGadol contains 26 Pesukim each of which ends with the
phrase “Ki Le’olam Chasdo--for His kindness endures forever.” HaRav
Meir Schuck, Z’tl, brings Chazal (Pesachim 118A) who teach that the reason
this Kepitel is known as Hallel HaGadol--the great Hallel, is because of the
conclusion it contains--Nosein Lechem Lechol Basar Ki Le’olam Chasdo,
in which we affirm our unwavering belief that Hashem not only is the
executor of open miracles--splitting the sea, giving us water in the desert,
giving us the Torah from the Heavens among the trembling mountains--but that
He also sustains each and every creature in accordance with his needs.
Hallel HaGadol thanks Hashem for His everyday kindness to us. On a daily
basis, HaRav Schuck, Z’tl, explains, we must express our Ki Le’olam
Chasdo for the miracles within what is to others nature itself. If one
can relate back the world and its common experiences--eating, drinking,
taking care of one’s needs, seeing the things that he sees, meeting the
people that he meets, all back to their Source--then on a daily basis, and
in fact many times on a daily basis he can remember the phrase: “Nosein
Lechem Lechol Basar Ki Le’olam Chasdo!”
C. The
Torah’s Definition of Beauty. Perhaps one of the most famous phrases in
Ahz Yashir is Zeh Keili V’Anveihu--which Chazal (Shabbos 133B)
interpret as teaching us that one should beautify the Mitzvos, by building a
nice Sukkah, buying a beautiful Lulav, wearing nice Tzitzis…. HaRav
Yeruchem Levovitz, Z’tl, teaches that the beautification of Mitzvos are not
limited to Mitzvos which are Bein Adam LaMakom--rather the guideline of Zeh
Keili V’Anveihu applies just as equally to Mitzvos which are Bein Adam
L’Chaveiro as well. Accordingly, when addressing another it should be in a
pleasant and respectful manner, when writing to someone it should be in a
neat and thoughtful way, when giving Tzedakah it should be with the feeling
that I am helping another Tzelem Elokim. When one beautifies any
Mitzvah--whether it is Bein Adam LaMakom or Bein Adam L’Chaveiro--he indeed
most beautifies himself!
D. Daily Improvements.
As we
all know, Chazal teach “Ra’asah Shifcha Al Hayam Mah Shelo Ra’ah…the
maidservant at the Sea saw what the greatest of the Nevi’im were not able to
see in their most sublime of prophesies.” The Ba’alei Mussar point out that
even after everything that the maidservants saw in the heavens, on the
earth, and on the sea--the next day they still remained maidservants. How
could this be?! The explanation is that over time the supernally uplifting
experience that the maidservants had, dissipated because after the
experience they left it and did not seek to remain on the high level they
had attained. We present several brief and practical applications that we
can take with us from the Pesach we have just experienced into the coming
months:
1.
Every morning we make the bracha of Shelo Asani Aved. This bracha
should now come to life for us daily--for we truly could have been lowly,
petrified, servile, decadent slaves with no independent bearing or existence
of our own. Moreover, since we achieved Cheirus Olam when we left
Mitzrayim--the nations of the world have never been able to destroy us or
even enslave us as a people again. Remember--Shelo Asani Aved--say
it with appreciation!
2.
Every morning we make the bracha of Shelo Asani Goy. The Maharal
explains that just as the Six Days of Creation reached their pinnacle with
the creation of man, so too, did mankind reach its pinnacle with the
creation of Bnei Yisrael from the Kur HaBarzel of Mitzrayim. Our
exodus thus enabled mankind to reach its potential, rather than be destroyed
for lack of fulfillment. If the Bnei Yisrael would have remained just
another Goy, not only would we have taken the path of so many other
nations which fell away and disappeared, but the world itself could not have
survived. Thus, the fact that Hashem has not made us like the other nations
is, quite literally, keeping everyone going. Remember--Shelo Asani Goy--not
only being personally privileged--but having creation reach its intent--and
allowing each sunrise to keep coming!
3.
Dovid HaMelech exclaims (Tehillim118:24) “…Zeh Hayom…Nagilah VeNesmicha
Vo--this is the day…let us rejoice and be glad in Him.” The Malbim
provides us here with an extremely fundamental lesson. He writes that Dovid
HaMelech is teaching us that the Ikar Simcha is not in the Yeshua
itself, but in the awareness that Hashem is with us. The miracles we
experience are given to us not as an end, but as a means for us to
recognize Hashem’s closeness to us. Remember--Nagilah VeNesmicha Vo--we
can rejoice that Hashem is with us--each and every day! This is the
Ikar Simcha!
4.
Before performing many of our Mitzvos, we recite the bracha “Asher
Kideshanu BeMitzvosav Vetzivanu--Who sanctified us with His
Mitzvos (plural), and commanded us to perform [the particular Mitzvah
of…eating of Matzah, the taking of the Lulav, enwrapping in Tzitzis]. The
Chasam Sofer asks--should not the Nusach HaBracha on a Mitzvah be Asher
Kideshanu BeMitzvaso Vetzivanu (singular and not plural)--Who
sanctified us in the Mitzvah, i.e., the Mitzvah I am about to perform
[the eating of Matzah, the taking of the Lulav, the enwrapping in Tzitzis]?
Why not be specific and talk about our sanctification with the Mitzvah at
hand? The Chasam Sofer answers that, as the Zohar explains, the 248 Mitzvos
Asei and the 365 Mitzvos Lo Sa’asei are the counterparts of our Eivarim
and Giddim respectively. We cannot sanctify one Eiver or
Gid at a time, for as we know, a Karbon that is missing a limb is Pasul.
It is likewise inappropriate for us to recite that we are being sanctified
only by the one Mitzvah that we are about to perform. Rather, we declare
our Kedusha through our acceptance of the Mitzvos in general, and that we
are now going to perform this Mitzvah in particular. We thus absolutely,
unequivocally and rejoicingly declare that with every Mitzvah that we
perform, we are accepting upon ourselves the privilege, obligation,
wholesomeness and Kedushah of all of the Mitzvos!
5. As
we noted before Pesach, the Chasam Sofer teaches that we know there are
certain things that can bring the Geulah. One of them, as indicated by the
words ‘Kol Dichfin Yesei VeYeichol’ is the giving of Tzedakah. We
are, of course, familiar with the Pasuk in Yeshaya (1:27) as well: “Tzion
BeMishpat Tipadeh V’Shaveha B’Tzedakah”. It very much behooves us,
then, to give Tzedakah--especially for the sake of Geulah. In this
post-Pesach period, many of us may feel that we have given an inordinate
amount of Tzedakah before Pesach, and that there are several weeks until the
next Yom Tov when we will give again. We may suggest, however, that one
overcome this guile of the Yetzer Hara--especially in this month of Geulah--and
give Tzedakah--perhaps even on a regular or periodic basis for the sake of
Geulah! We all believe, and we all know as an absolute truth that the
Geulah is coming. Giving Tzedakah to bring it is truly much more secure
than money in the bank!
==============================
23 Nissan
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
1. Is the Seventh day of Pesach a Yom Tov because the Yam Suf split and Bnei
Yisroel sang the Shira on that day?
2. Have you given tzedaka yet today in thanks to Hashem for a good Yom Tov?
If you need a worthy address--yadeliezer.org
Additional Note: Reminder to also fulfill Yizkor donations)
3. What was your favorite D’var Torah over Yom Tov?
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SHIR HASHIRIM DAILY!:
In the incredible Sefer HaTodaah (translated as The Book of Our
Heritage [Feldheim Publishers]), Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov, Z’tl, writes as
follows:
”Shir HaShirim is unique among all of the Kisvei Kodesh, all of the works
of Scripture, for Hashem’s Name is not mentioned even circumspectly
(although Hashem’s Name is also not recorded in Megilas Esther, it is
clearly alluded to, as Chazal point out). Shir HaShirim is written entirely
in the form of a parable of the exalted love between Hashem and Bnei Yisroel…
Through this metaphor, Shlomo HaMelech teaches us that all earthly desires
are merely a method to enable us to understand the love that we should have
for Hashem. When man immerses himself solely in the parable--in the
material world--he is not able to understand the higher message that the
parable conveys. On Pesach, the spiritual essence that exists in the
material world is revealed before us. Paroh and his army, all creatures,
the sea and its tempest, the earth and the sky, are all subordinate to our
relationship--yes, our relationship with Hashem. On Pesach, we are all
freed from the slavery of Mitzraim and from the slavery to our evil
inclination. At this time, we are most apt to understand the song of love
between Hashem and His People.”
Hakhel Note: As we all know Shir HaShirim is the holiest of all things holy
(Shir HaShirim Rabba 1). Obviously, then, once we better appreciate the
meaning of Shir HaShirim for us, we must be sure not to pack away this
teaching with our Pesach supplies until next year. Instead, we must make
the effort on a daily basis to “sing” the Song of Songs--if not by
physically reciting its sacred words, then by constantly remembering what is
the parable--and what is the reality. Try to see how many times you can
catch yourself during the day, whether you are on the phone, in the store,
walking, or even while studying or davening, and remind yourself that you
live in a world, in a reality, in which its spiritual essence is so clear
that Hashem’s Name need not even be mentioned. So why let the Yetzer Hora
muddy the waters with his earthy parable when you can sing the Song of all
Songs--each and every day!
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FOCUS AND FEEL!
: On this Isru Chag we recall the powerful words of the Rambam (Hilchos
Brachos 10:26):
“The primary rule is that a person should always call out to Hashem for the
future and ask for His mercy; and give thanks for the past and praise
Hashem, each person according to his strength. And the more one thanks
Hashem and constantly praises Him, the more praiseworthy he himself is.”
Rav Chaim Friedlander Z’TL deduces from this, and notes that, the Rambam
does not write that the more one calls out to Hashem and asks for His
mercy, the more praiseworthy he is. Rather, the Rambam writes the more one
thanks and praises Hashem, the greater he is. Indeed, Chazal teach us
that in the future, the Korban Todah--the Thanks Offering--will be the
Korban that continues on and remains with us after the world becomes filled
with the knowledge of Hashem. The Sin Offerings and the Guilt Offerings will
no longer have a place in our lives, but thanks always will.
It is amazing to note that the level of thanks and praise to Hashem on
Pesach is so high that no Korban Todah can be brought because they must be
brought with chometz loaves of bread--which is impossible on Pesach! This is
obviously no coincidence, as the Torah could have either excluded the
chometz loaves from the offering on Pesach, or permitted them for the sake
of the offering only. The message is clear--on Pesach, we have grown even
above this Korban.
Let us start the Spring/Summer season with our right foot forward, by
keeping our Pesach spirit of Thanks and Hallel, so that as we begin to once
again recite Mizmor L’Sodah daily, we will merge and blend our joy over the
redemption of the past into an everlasting thanks continuing into the
future.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTION:
As you go through davening (especially Pesukei D’Zimrah) focus on and feel
the words of thanks--especially considering your being born close to the
time of the Final Redemption and your having the tremendous opportunity to
contribute to the last stages of Zechusim, putting up those last few bricks
on the wall, to bring Moshiach, Bimhera B’yameinu.
------------------------------------------
TAKING MORE OF PESACH’S LESSONS WITH US!: We must recognize that the
physical pounds that we may have gained over Pesach is symbolic of the
spiritual weight which we really should have gained--and not shed--in the
days and weeks after the Holiday. Accordingly, we provide the following
additional clear lessons we all undoubtedly learned over Pesach, and
some practical way to implement each one in our daily lives:
1. Hakaras HaTov—Such as Moshe Rabbeinu recognizing the good that the
earth, the water, and Bisya Bas Paroh did on his behalf. There are also many
examples--what we owe to the dogs, the donkeys--and even the Egyptians for
being our hosts for so long.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTION:
Pick one person in your home or office and show him/her an added level of
thanks or respect daily in recognition of what he/she has done for you, even
if it was only a one-time act or event.
2. Segulas Yisrael—Pesach was a “second creation” for mankind, as it not
only established Hashem as the Creator of the world, but as Ongoing
Supervisor of the world with B’nei Yisroel chosen as the nation to epitomize
the purpose of man’s creation. The commentaries on the Siddur explain “Ata
V’Chartanu MiKol Ha’amim” as specifically referring to Hashem choosing to
redeem us from Mitzrayim and giving us the Torah 49 days later. This
explains why so many Mitzvos are “Zecher L’Yetzias Mitzrayim”--because they
all emanate from this great choice--our eternal selection to be mankind’s
crown jewel.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTION:
Do something daily--even if it is a Mitzvah--only because you recognize the
gift and opportunity that Hashem has presented you with in being unique,
special and different from all that surrounds you--for being that crown
jewel!
3. Hashgacha Pratis—Hashem’s care and concern for each individual member of
B’nei Yisroel evidenced by such examples as thousands of children being
saved from the king’s decree of death, by Moshe Rabbeinu being raised in
Paroh’s palace, and B’nei Yisroel walking through Egyptian houses in
daylight as just a few feet away Egyptians were enwrapped in such tangible
darkness that they could not even move.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTION:
At some time during the day, and really as often as possible, feel the
Hashgacha Pratis, Hashem’s watching over you, in your daily life. There must
be a reason that you saw a loose dog, that you met this particular person,
or that you heard that D’var Torah. Also, of course, remember to say
“Baruch Hashem”, “Thank You, Hashem” or “Please Help Me, Hashem” quietly (or
out loud) as many times as possible during the day.
4. Reward and Punishment—The Egyptians who hid their animals in fear of
Hashem were spared those animals. Similarly, in reward for saying that
“Hashem is righteous”, the Egyptians merited burial after their Yam Suf
debacle. On the other hand, the Egyptians were punished in kind and in
proportion to their level of cruelty and animosity expressed towards Bnei
Yisroel, as is evidenced, for example, by the way each individual Mitzri
died at the Yam Suf--some sinking quickly like lead, others being tossed as
stones, and yet others being thrown about like straw. Even those who were
gleeful over our servitude, such as the bechorim (first born) of other
nations, got their due. May the same exact justice be meted out against
each individual Nazi and each one of our past and present enemies, speedily
in our days.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTION:
Before doing a Mitzvah, and prior to or while contemplating a possible
Aveira, recognize that Hashem’s Justice is exact, accurate, and correct.
When one is rewarded for davening with Kavannah, he will also be rewarded
for coming to Shul in the first place, for arriving there on time, and
indeed for every step of the way (instead of turning over in bed). On the
other hand, when one is punished, every hurtful word will be counted, each
mistruth will be weighed and every degree of Chillul Hashem and Kiddush
Hashem will be accounted for. As the Pasuk teaches (Devorim 32:4) “Hatzur
Tomim Pa’alo…”--perfect is His work, for all His Paths are just. This is
related to the incredible degree of middah k’neged middah (measure for
measure) with which Hashem runs this world (as we learn when studying the
precise nature of each of the ten Makkos). Dovid HaMelech teaches (Tehillim
121:5) “Hashem is your shadow”--Hashem responds to us and it is up to us
whether that shadow will be dark and gloomy--or illustrious and beautiful!!
5. Teva (nature)—The Makkos, the concomitant freedom of B’nei Yisroel from
the Makkos, the miraculous growth of B’nei Yisroel (from seventy to millions
of people) while in desperate servitude, the entire world’s viewing and
experiencing of the miracles at the Yam Suf, all dispel the concept of
nature and natural existence. Pesach occurs in the spring not only because
it made it easier for B’nei Yisroel to leave, but also for us to appreciate
that what the world calls nature, is really the Hand of Hashem. It is
fascinating to note that the Hebrew word for nature, or Teva, consists of
the same letters as “Tava”, which means to drown, referring us back to the
Sea, to teach us how ‘natural’ events really occur. It is not surprising,
then, that we do not eat Chametz on Pesach, which represents nature taking
its course on flour and water, but instead use Matzah, which demonstrates
control over what would otherwise occur. The Ba’alei Mussar explain that we
must take this lesson and exercise control over our own nature, for the more
we do so, the more we will overcome the physical forces of this world, and
raise ourselves from the impurities surrounding us, up and towards the 49
levels of purity that we must begin to strive for.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTION:
When we see something that looks like a beautiful or even frightening
element of nature, recognize that it is really the Yad Hashem, and have it
serve as a reminder to you of Hashem’s control over every aspect of the
world’s existence--and that you, too, must control your nature and elevate
your precious everyday life to the sublime and spiritual!
==================================
13-14 Nissan
LAST CALL--BE A PART OF IT! It is almost
Erev Yom Tov, and Yad Eliezer
has a three for one match for divorced women. ’For every dollar you
give, Yad Eliezer receives
$3!’ There is also a 2 for 1 match for widows. Avreichim have a 2 for 1
match (up to $300,000). Please, please--fulfill the Mitzvah of Simchas Yom
today--for yourself and for those in need in Eretz Yisrael.
Donate by calling
Yad Eliezer at
718-258-1580 by email
info@yadeliezer.org
visit
www.yadeliezer.org, and in the comment section insert which match you
would like the donation to go towards. Please remember: The Chasam Sofer, in
his explanation to the two Nuscha’os in the Haggadah of Ha Lachma Anya
and K’Ha Lachma Anya explains that there is a fundamental
distinction between the Geulas Mitzrayim and the Geulah of our time--may it
come speedily and in our days. The difference is that our Geulah can be
hastened, the Ba’al Haggadah teaches us, by Kol Dichfin Yeisei V’Yeichol--by
feeding the needy…. Let us hasten our Geulah now!
-----------------------------------------------
KEEPING THE PEACE:
The
Ritva in his Haggadah (on the words “Vayehi Shum L’Goi), writes that
our pe’rud, our lack of unity and friendship, is the “ikar
gezeiras hagalus--the main reason that Galus is decreed” upon us(!).
Today and every day, even with and in spite of with the possible tension and
pressure that one may feel, let us do what we can to abrogate this decree by
keeping our focus on helping our “reyim: in any reasonable way that
we can--whether it be with an offer to get an item for someone else during a
shopping trip or “How can I help you, I know that….?”--you can fill in the
rest, depending on the status and situation of your neighbors and friends. Hashem
wants people who think, and certainly those who think about others.
-----------------------------------------------
FOR ALL THOSE ABOUT TO TAKE A HAIRCUT! The Kosher Haircut
Guide--http://tinyurl.com/yh2dqy6.
--------------------------------------------
VALUED
SERVANTS:
HaRav
Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita, asks why the Shulchan Aruch makes a point of our
taking out our most valuable objects for the Seder table, and in a related
way why it was so important for us to leave Mitzrayim with a ‘rechush
gadol’--to the extent that Hashem assured Avrohom Avinu of this at the
bris bein habesarim. HaRav Salomon answers that there are two types
of avodim: (a) a bedraggled, impoverished and lowly eved who
fulfills the will of his master because he must so for his daily bread and
because he has no choice; (b) an eved with prominence who serves his
master with dedication, zeal and happiness--who recognizes that his master
has granted him riches, elevated status…and, in fact eternity! We must
appropriately demonstrate on the evening of the Seder which kind of eved
we truly are!
--------------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH:
We
asked Rabbi Yisroel Pinchas Bodner, Shlita, if he could provide us with some
guidance on checking Matzos (as he is an expert in this area as well). He
provided the following two basic rules:
1.
With regard to bugs, if the Matzah has been saved from a previous year, one
should check it for bugs by holding the Matzah and observing if there are
any webbing strings hanging from the Matzah. If not, then the Matzah is
fine.
2.
With regard to Kefulos, examine the Matzah to see if there are any folds,
i.e., there is a part which folded and two layers are stuck together. Also
check for a bubble where the inside of the bubble remained not fully baked.
Break off the piece in question and discard. When in doubt, one should
throw out. Hakhel Note: For more detail, one can study the specially
written Pesach books, and can also
see
http://star-k.org/kashrus/kk-passover-matzoh.htm
-----------------------------------------------
REMINDER! PRE-SEDER TEFILLAH!
At the following link,
http://tinyurl.com/7e4pu73 you will find a special Tefillah to be
recited before commencing the Seder from the Siddur Ha’Arizal, which is not
found in many Haggados. May this Tefillah make its way directly to the
Kisey HaKavod, and may it inspire our entire Seder!
-----------------------------------------------
ON THE
HAGGADAH! By
the following link
http://tinyurl.com/lxnmfvv we provide a kuntrus entitled MeiAfar
Kumi, by Rabbi Ronen Shaharbany, Shlita, on Inyanei Pesach and
the Haggadah with all new chiddushim. Please feel free to distribute
further!
-----------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE DAY FOR TODAY:
After
Bedikas Chametz and Biur Chametz, we will recite the words Kol
Chamira. As we refer to Chametz, why don’t we refer to Lechem, bread
directly--but only indirectly with the term “Chamira”?! Hint: See Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim, 434 Ba’air Haitaiv, seif katan 5.
--------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE DAY FOR EREV PESACH:
When is it that on Erev Pesach we blow Tekiah Teruah Tekiah three separate
times i.e., nine Kolos all together, as on Rosh HaShana!? Hint: See
Mesechta Pesachim, Perek 5, Mishna 5.
-----------------------------------------------
IF YOU
LEARN
just
three Mishnayos a day of Mesechta Chagiga over Pesach--you will finish the
entire Mesechta in Mishnayos by the end of the Chag--if you cannot bring a
Korban Chagiga--this could be an important indication of how much you want
to….
---------------------------------------------
FROM A READER: “Years
ago, when speaking with Rebbetzin Kamenetsky, she suggested that every time
I thank Hashem but don’t immediately ask Him for something, I am not ‘doing
my job’--showing my Emunah and Bitachon ... so I took her words to heart,
and since then have been asking for something of HKB”H every time I thank
Him, which is many, many times a day. Usually it is for the Refuah Shleimah
of someone on my lists, sometimes it is to ask Him to fix something that
seems awkward Bein Adam L’chaveiro, or any one of the things I’m
concerned about at the moment. It is so clear that He runs the world and
nothing happens except if He decides so ... and I have found that the more
I thank Hashem and ask for something, far from being greedy or a nuisance to
Him as I had worried, I think He is pleased, because He continues to give me
more and more... so I am left with only these words which I also say often:
Hodu LaHaShem Ki Tov, Ki L’Olam Chasdo!”
---------------------------------------------
FROM A READER:
“When Yaakov first meets Rochel, he is at a well with some shepherds,
waiting for enough to come by to move the stone that protects the well. As
she approaches, he asks the shepherds if all is well with his cousin Lavan,
and they answer, “All peaceful, Vehinei Rochel Bito Ba’ah Im Hatzon —
and here is Rochel his daughter, coming with the flock” (Bereishis 29:6). A
few pesukim later, “When he is still speaking to them, VeRochel Ba’ah Im
Hatzon — and Rochel came with the flock that belongs to her father”
(Ibid v 9). Notice that one time “ba’ah” is used to mean that Rochel
was on her way, the other that she had arrived already. Rashi clarifies with
a grammatical point; it makes a difference which syllable gets the trop mark
and stress. The first usage was “ba’AH”, with the stress on the
second syllable, meaning “she is coming”. The second, “BA’ah”— “she
came”.
Everyone assumes that the line said at the end of Yom Kippur and the Pesach
Seder is “Leshanah haBA’ah biYrushalayim — the coming year in
Jerusalem”. But the Satmar Rav, HaRav Yoel Teitelbaum, Z’tl, said this is a
mistake.
We voice this desire at the close of Yom Kippur, shortly after the year
began on Rosh HaShanah, and on Pesach, shortly after the beginning of the
year of months, the beginning of Nissan. We say it when a year just arrived.
The line should not be said with the stress as “ba’AH” but rather say
“BA’ah” — We are speaking of the year that just came!
Leshanah haBA’ah biYrushalayim habenuyah!”
---------------------------------------------
NOTES ON BEDIKAS CHOMETZ:
A.
By the following
link--http://tinyurl.com/7tljavl
we provide practical guidance from Rabbi Yisroel Dov Webster, Shlita, on the
Mitzvah of Bedikas Chometz. Do it
Right--not only
on Pesach Night--but
on the Night Before,
as well!
B. Bedikas Chometz is truly an activity of the body and soul--as we are to
simultaneously rid ourselves of the leavened products in our homes, and the
“Yetzer Hara B’libeinu”--the leaven that exists within us. The
pre-Pesach toil, sweat, fatigue and enormous costs and expenses indicate our
sincerity and dedication to both of these tasks. At Bedikas Chometz, we are
nearing the epitome of our achievement--can we let it go with a perfunctory
search of our homes because everything “has already been cleaned ten times
anyway?” How could a serious bedika take less than half hour or an
hour--depending on the size of your home? Indeed, if you merely go around
to collect the 10 pieces, your bracha is considered a bracha l’vatala
(Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 111:8). Picture yourself waiting on line for two
hours to get to the observation deck in the Empire State Building --as soon
as you got up, would you ask the attendant where the line was for the down
elevators? Hakhel Note: In a related vein,
at a
Hakhel Shiur, HaRav Yisroel Belsky, Z’tl, suggested that one search for
Chometz as if he were searching for a valuable coin or piece of
jewelry--would you shrug your shoulder and not look here or there, or not
make the extra effort when you realize how much is at stake? Go for the
gold!
C. The Sefer Darchei Mussar likens falling prey to the Chometz of
the Yetzer Hara to a thoughtless individual who elects to warm himself up on
a cold day by rolling in freshly laid hot tar. He certainly will warm
himself up and feel good for the moment--but will most certainly be left
with an awful lot of sticky and smelly tar to contend with, which will
require much time and effort to remove. He also likens a person’s
relationship with his Yetzer Hara to the relationship between a Cossack and
his horse--the Cossack must feed, bathe, and properly take care of his
horse--but, has absolutely no ownership rights over it. That being the
case, who is really in control--the Cossack or the horse? So, too, if we
“feed and support” our Yetzer Hara--who, then, is really in control of our
lives? This is the unique purpose of the time we are in--not only to finish
up the macaroni, and carefully eliminate the challah crumbs from underneath
the radiator--but to ALSO rid ourselves of the wretched Cossack’s
plight--and to ensure that we do not act like the careless fool who jumped
into the tar! Let us complete the cleaning--without--and within!
D. To help with the cleaning, we note that the Sefer Mesilas Yesharim
in the Sha’ar Nekiyus (coming clean!) provides the four major Middos
for one to work on--as all other Middos Ra’os stem from them. Here
is the important List of Four to remove from our lives: (i) Ga’avah, (ii)
Ka’as, (iii) Kinna, and (iv) Ta’avah. Especially at this time of year, one
may theoretically be more jealous than at other times of the year--as others
have money to buy new clothes, better foods, “go-away”, take far-away Chol
HaMoed trips, or because they have a large family or extended family for the
Seder or over Yom Tov. However, the Pasuk goes out of its way to teach us:
“Rekev Atzamos Kinna”--what will cause the bones to rot (after 120
years) is jealousy. The Maharal explains that this is so, Middah
K’Negged Middah, because if a person feels that he is lacking, then his
body in fact is or will be lacking as well. Each of us must recognize that
we have our own role on Pesach (and otherwise!)--whether it be in Eretz
Yisrael, in a hotel, with friends, with children…. Pesach is a time to
enjoy all of the Mitzvos, to rejoice in the fact that Hashem molded us into
His Chosen Nation, and to individually inspire ourselves for the entire
year. Putting ourselves in the proper (true) state of mind is an essential
preparation for a wonderfully successful Pesach!
---------------------------------------------
REMINDER FOR THE MORNING:
For special reasons, Erev Pesach afternoon is unique--we are
generally not permitted to perform any melacha that we would not do on Chol
HaMoed. We must, therefore, cut our nails, shave and take haircuts before
Chatzos (midday) on Erev Pesach. If however, one forgot to do so, he may
cut his nails in the afternoon. If one was not able to take a haircut
before Chatzos, the Halacha permits it to be given by a non-Jew only. It
does not help to be “already waiting” in the Jewish barber shop as Chatzos
arrives. Please plan your morning accordingly!
-----------------------------------------------
REMINDER FOR PESACH!
If you
learn just three Mishnayos a day of Mesechta Chagiga over Pesach--you
will finish the entire Mesechta in Mishnayos by the end of the Chag--if you
cannot bring a Korban Chagiga--this could be an important indication of how
much you want to….
-----------------------------------------------
FROM A
READER!
Rav
Gamliel Rabanovitch, Shlita, teaches that
Erev Pesach is the time to be Misgaber on the Kelipos Paroh
which is represented by the challenges of Anger and Ga’ava.
-----------------------------------------------
SEVERAL POINTS MADE BY RABBI
MOSHE TUVIA LIEFF, SHLITA, WHICH RELATE TO THE SEDER:
A. The
tone of the Seder must be emotional, inspirational, ‘geshmake’, and one of
celebration. One’s language should be the language of the heart, and one
should personalize and connect everyone to Hashem.
B. ‘Ke’ilu
Yatzah MiMitzrayim’ means that one must project to others that he
himself has left Egypt.
C.
According to the Rosh, the Matzos are Lachmei Todah, intended
to express our thanks for our freedom, our family, our friends, our
possessions. With this, we can understand why we do not make a bracha
before we start the Seder--after all, how can we say ‘VeTzivanu--and
He commanded us’ on sincere feelings of pure thanks?!
D. The
Shulchan Orech part of the Seder is like a Seudas Hoda’ah (see Rambam,
Hilchos Chometz U’Matzah 7:8). The ultimate way to serve Hashem is through
Hakaras HaTov and Hoda’ah!
E. The
Birchas HaMazon on the Leil HaSeder is very important--do not ‘gulp it down’
because you may feel momentarily weary or fatigued. Wake up, meet the
challenge, and regal in the experience!
F. The
family and minhagim should be kept--even if there may be nicer or other
‘up-to-date’ tunes.
G. One
should be sure to practice savlanus--to be extremely patient, and not
be angered--during the course of testy moments at the Seder. Fascinatingly,
Rabbi Lieff related that HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, Z’tl, used Halperin
machine Matzas, which he felt were the best choice, while each of his sons
and sons in-law, had their own different kind of Matzas next to him at the
Seder.
H.
Tzafun teaches us that a lot of good things are hidden away for us--we just
have to put the Matzah away…until it is revealed!
---------------------------------------------
LET’S
TALK
HAGGADAH!
Below
are some practical Haggadah notes, which we have culled from Ba’alei Mussar
and Maggidei Shiur:
1.
Since it is of the essence of the Seder to feel that YOU PERSONALLY left
Mitzrayim, you and those around you should consider closing your eyes,
putting yourself there,
·
and
thinking about/describing the “Avodas Perech” and the pain of enslavement--YOU
ARE THERE
·
and
thinking about/describing the Makkos, and its effect on the Mitzri’im and on
B’nei Yisrael--YOU ARE THERE
·
and
talking about the miracles, other than the Makkos, that YOU witnessed in
Egypt --YOU ARE THERE
·
As you
prepare for the Geulah--describe what you took (would take), how you reacted
(would react) to the news that the time had come (as you would for Moshiach)
and picture and discuss the events of the night and day of the Geulah. How
could three million people gather together so quickly? What was the scene
like?
2.
The night should be emotional. Everyone can provide their own personal
reflections of miracles and/or Hashgacha Pratis stories that happened to
them or that they personally know about.
3.
Our focus should be on the salvations commencing with “Arami Oved Avi”
through “Rabban Gamliel Haya Omer”--rather than getting caught up in
nuances. We should focus on the order of the Makkos and the Middah K’Neged
Middah--How all was according to Hashem’s complete design and control.
Remember, we are becoming Avdei Hashem tonight and we should spend time on
recognizing the opportunity of “Cheirus Olam”--the eternal,
incredibly incredible position we have claimed tonight.
4. It
is important not be critical or short-tempered. Remember, the Yetzer Hara
is working overtime (past midnight !) to put a wrench into our precious
Mitzvos D’Oraysa, Mitzvos D’Rabbanim and Minhagim of the Night.
5.
Rav Moshe Feinstein, Z’TL, in the Sefer Kol Ram explains “Pesach,
Matzah and Maror” in a unique way. The Korban Pesach represents how we--in
Goshen , many miles away from the Makkas Bechoros in Mitzrayim Proper--still
appreciated how it was the Hand of Hashem watching over us, notwithstanding
that the danger did not appear to be imminently upon us. In all situations,
we realize that it is Hashem who is watching and protecting us, even if we
sense no immediate danger or concern. Further, explains Rav Feinstein,
Matzah, symbolizes how things can suddenly change. Hashem needs no
preparation time. Therefore, though a person might be in the depths of
despair, his situation can suddenly change, and he can go from the
forty-ninth level of impurity to complete redemption. The reverse may also
be true, and therefore, a person cannot rely on the good by which he is
surrounded and expect that it will be there tomorrow. We must always pray
to, and rely upon, Hashem to be our “Ozer, Moshea and U’Magen”--to come to
our aid, save us and shield us--at all times. Finally, Maror teaches us
that we cannot rely upon any government, notwithstanding that the current
situation may be sweet and good. The Mitzriim turned upon us, as did the
Germans and many others of their predecessors (the Spanish, the English, and
the French to name a few). Once again, we see a great lesson of Leil
HaSeder is that we are now privileged to look to, and pray to, Hashem for
all of our salvations in every step of our lives.
-----------------------------------------------
MORE
SEDER POINTS AND POINTERS:
A. One
important point to remember as we talk about the astounding Makkos is that
they did not occur in one neighborhood or in one city--but across an entire
country, and exactly within the boundaries of that country. If we consider
a flood or Tsunami affecting one city, or earthquakes in a particular city
or area and the devastation they wreaked in seconds--consider a Makka
lasting seven days (168 hours, or 604,800 seconds!) Multiply that by
numerous Makkos and the fact that the Bnei Yisrael living in and among the
people of Mitzrayim were unaffected--and we can begin to fathom the enormity
of the miracles--and the great Emunah we are to imbibe on the Seder night!
B. In
Makkas Choshech--those members of K’lal Yisrael who were not inspired and
actually stayed in the dark--r’l ended their lives there in galus.
The tragic results were that neither they nor the hundreds of generations
that would have succeeded them were zoche to live in this world with the
Torah and bask in the reality of eternity. As we look at our brethren
immediately around us, we must realize that this is Hatzalas Nefashos--not
only for their lives-but for all of their future generations as well. You
don’t have to be in Hatzalah for this--nor do you have to take any special
training--you just have to stretch out your hand with a desire to save--as
did Bisya bas Paroh--and we know the results for her, and for all of K’lal
Yisrael!
C. As we continue our preparations for Pesach, we ONCE AGAIN note that one
aspect which is me’akev--an absolute requirement--for men [and some
women]at the Seder is the act of Heseibah (translated as reclining)
while eating Matzah, drinking the Daled Kosos, and possibly when fulfilling
other Mitzvos during the evening. As we have recently noted, in order to
accomplish Heseibah it is insufficient for one merely to tilt his
body to the left. What should one actually do---besides asking someone to
bring a pillow to put on your chair? May we recommend that you ask your Rav
or Posek for a visual demonstration. Don’t wait until you get home on the
Seder night--realizing that you are not exactly sure how to do this...
Additional Note: As a starting point, we provide
the
following excerpt from the outstanding work Guidelines to Pesach--which
is part of the outstanding Guidelines Halacha Series, by Rabbi Elozor
Barclay, Shlita, and Rabbi Yitzchok Jaeger, Shlita.
“Question 323: How should a person recline? Answer: Ideally, he should
sit on an armchair or on a chair with armrests, and lean to the left side.
Preferably, a pillow or a cushion shall also be placed on the left side of
the chair to support the body while reclining. This adds to the feeling of
comfort and freedom.
Question 324: What if the has only a regular chair? Answer: He should
recline on the table or on a second chair placed to his left.
Alternatively, he may sit sideways and recline on the back of the chair. If
possible, he should use a pillow or a cushion to create a comfortable
position. A person does not fulfill the Mitzvah by leaning to the left in
midair without supporting his body on anything, since this is not the way of
a free man.”
D. At
the Seder, two out of the 15 Simanim (more than 10%) are comprised of
washing of the hands--U’Rchatz and Rachtza. Clearly, this is a meaningful
and significant activity, and should be viewed as much more than a
ministerial or perfunctory act that we do daily. To get ready for the Seder
(if you wash Mayim Achronim you will actually wash a third time), may we
suggest that rather than thinking about nothing too important or letting
your mind wander when washing over the next several days, that with each
pour of water over each hand you think--”Thank you Hashem! Thank You Hashem!”
and think of something else you are thankful to Hashem for with each pour!
Having difficulty starting? You can start as far back as Yetzias Mitzrayim,
and as close by as having the ability to pick up the cup and pour... and
there is much--very much--in between to be thankful for!
E.
The Mitzvah of Chinuch on the Leil HaSeder is perhaps at its peak for the
entire year. For those who have children below the age of Bar/Bas Mitzvah,
one should be careful to review his responsibility and his child’s
responsibility, as to the different aspects of the Seder--eating of the
Matzah, the drinking of each one of the Four Cups, Heseiba (reclining),
Hallel, Marror, and the other Mitzvos, minhagim and halachos of the night.
See The Halachos of Pesach (by Rabbi Shimon Eider, Z’tl) and
Children in Halacha (by Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, Shlita) for further
elaboration in these areas.
F.
All are in agreement that a major theme of the Seder is Hakaras Hatov.
Indeed, we uniquely and especially read from the Parasha of Bikurim at the
Seder--in which a person specifically expresses his thanks to Hashem for
enabling him to fulfill the Mitzvah of Bikurim. HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon,
Shlita, points to the language of the Targum Yonasan Ben Uziel on the key
words “Higadeti HaYom LaHashem Elokecha”, contained in the Parasha of
Bikurim. The Targum explains that the word Higadeti (related to
Haggadah) means to thank and praise Hashem. In our Haggadah too, then, this
must be a main focus. At the Seder, we should especially emphasize words of
Hakaras HaTov--expressing sincere thanks for the hard work and
important thoughts of others, as well as words of praise and compliment
wherever there is even the slightest doubt as to whether they should be
given!
G. An
additional, essential theme of the Leil HaSeder is, of course,
Emunah, and its transmission from generation to generation. One should seek
out stories of Emunah, and should now think about and jot down situations
and events personally and globally over the past year, which clearly
evidenced the Yad Hashem. The relating of these stories on the Leil
HaSeder should be especially mesugal to strengthen the Emunah of
all those present.
H. At
the Seder, we will be reciting the word “Dayeinu” fifteen times,
multiplied by the number of times we sing the word. Dayeinu means
“it would be enough for us”. What “would be enough” for us? Let us look at
the first passage of Dayeinu: “If Hashem had taken us out of
Mitzrayim…it would have been enough…” Clearly, just leaving Egypt , in and
of itself, would not have been enough. We would not have received the Torah,
we would not have entered Eretz Yisrael and we would not have had the Bais
HaMikdash, for starters so what would “have been enough?” The Siach
Yitzchak therefore explains that it would have been enough in and of
itself to thank Hashem from the bottom of our hearts for that one thing he
had done for us. We then go through an additional fourteen items and
realize that it would have been enough to thank Hashem for each and every
one of them because he gave us such great gifts, and we did not deserve that
which we received. Thus, the springboard of all the Dayeinus--of all of the
realization of the enormous and eternal thanks that we owe Hashem is His
taking us out of Egypt --the first of the Dayeinus. This is then the
blastoff on the Seder night for us to express and discuss the great and
unlimited thanks and gratitude that we owe to Hashem for each and every item
that he provides us with. Now, sing along--Day- Dayeinu, Day-, Dayeinu,
Day-Dayeinu, Day-Dayeinu. This is what we ought to be talking--and
singing--about!
I.
One should especially note the words and phrases in the Haggadah with which
he may have difficulty translating--and make sure that he understands them.
For instance, the word ‘Misboseses’ or the term ‘Ba’adi Adayim’,
may not be familiar--and there may be important meanings, translations and
explanations which are lost because one skips over the word. In fact, this
year, perhaps one should make a special effort to explain those precious
words of the Haggadah, which he may have glossed over in the past. As an
example, Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lieff, Shlita, explains that even though the
blood we are referring to with the word Misboseses is the blood of
the Karbon Pesach and the blood of Milah--really not too much blood--the
word Misboseses would seem to indicate a great amount of blood that
is flowing. Why, then, would we use this word here? Rabbi Lieff explains
that if a king or a prince cuts his finger, the people in the palace rush
around, the royal physician is called and there is much more commotion than
there would otherwise be if this was ‘only’ the cut finger of a commoner.
On the night of the Seder, we must appreciate that for us--our blood is
Misboseses--every drop is royal blood!
J.
The
following is excerpted from the Laws of the Seder by Rabbi Dovid
Feinstein, Shlita (Artscroll), and it relates directly to those who wish to
drink a glass of water or a cup of coffee after Kiddush on the Leil
HaSeder:
“It is
permitted to drink anything, including wine, between the first two cups
(Rashbam, based on Pesachim 10:7, Orach Chaim 473:3). To
do so, however, one must be sure to have had these additional drinks in mind
when he recited the bracha of Borei Pri HaGafen over wine during
Kiddush [which would then include these additional drinks as well,
without the need to make a further bracha]. Otherwise, one would
have to recite another bracha before drinking, and this would create the
problem of ‘apparently adding onto the number of cups’, a prohibition
mentioned by Rema (472:7), although we are not aware of a Talmudic
source for this stricture…Nevertheless, the Shulchan Aruch [because of the
opinion of the Kol Bo] rules that one should refrain from drinking
between the first two cups.” Hakhel Note: Accordingly, it would appear
that whether one could drink between the first two cups may be a matter of
difference between Ashkenazim and Sefardim, and accordingly, one should
consult with his Rav or Posek for a final ruling in one’s particular
situation.
K. As in past years,
the
following is the start of a sampling of questions which should perhaps be
addressed as the Seder progresses. Please feel free to add to the list, and
to share your thoughts with us on additional points as well!
1.
Why were we exiled?
2.
If we had to be exiled, why couldn’t it be to Lavan’s area?
3.
Why were we taken out of Mitzrayim--and what can we do today to
achieve a similar result?
4.
How many time is Moshe Rabbeinu’s name mentioned in the Haggadah?
5.
Lehavdil,
how many times is Paroh’s name mentioned in the Haggadah?
6.
What is the Middah K’Neged Middah of each Makkah?
7.
Why did Hashem let the Chartumim mimic the first two Makkos?
8.
You are a witness of Makkas _____________--describe it!
9.
What Nissim happened in Mitzrayim besides for the Makkos?
10.
Give three reasons why Matzah is called Lechem Oni.
11.
Why were the Mitzriim told we would only be leaving for three days?
12.
Why were items only “borrowed” from the Egyptian homes?
13.
Why did we not leave when Paroh told us to--why did the process of
redemption start at night and continue on through the day?
14.
Why is the Seder not in the daytime, if we left in the daytime?
15.
What Pasuk is recited three times in a row in the Haggadah, and why?
16.
Can [each participant] give five things that he has Hakaras Hatov
to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for?
17.
Why does the first of the Aseres Hadibros say that I am Hashem Who
took you out of Egypt , and not I am Hashem Who created the world?
Hakhel
Note: Remember--if you were told that you had won the $640 million lottery,
oh what inspiration and excitement you would feel! You are gaining a lot
more on the Seder Night!
-----------------------------------------------
HISORERUS!
The following is a famous observation of HaRav Yisroel Salanter, Z’tl:
Young non-Jewish farmer boys were drafted into the Russian Army for 20
years. Prior to their induction, they were care-free, not orderly and not
particularly concerned with their cleanliness. During their stay in the
Army, they were drilled with discipline, hygiene and orderliness.
Nevertheless, on their return home many years later, they almost immediately
reverted to their old habits. After 20 years of constant, professionally
supervised drilling and training--how could this happen so easily? He said
that the answer was very simple: The farmer boys had no interest in
internalizing what they were taught--even though they lived it for 20
years. There had to be a yearning, a sincere desire, to change, to improve
their way of life. This was absent. What they accomplished was only a
temporary, external habit.
There
is a great lesson here. When we perform the Mitzvos on the Leil HaSeder we
must overcome our satisfaction with only external performance of the
Mitzvos, and be Me’orer (arouse) ourselves internally to appreciate that
when performing these Mitzvos, we rise to the heights of human existence in
this world. Moshe Rabbeinu (who David HaMelech in Tehillim teaches us was
one step away from being an angel--Tehillim 8:6) was called an “Eved Hashem”
(See Bamidbar 12:7 and Devarim 34:5). And
on the Leil HaSeder we, too, have stepped away from being servants of this
world--Avdei Paroh--and have instead became Avdei Hashem! Your appreciation
and utter exuberance over this new-found incredible, boundless and eternal
gain should run over and flow through to those around you. For additional
elaboration, see Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzva 16.
-----------------------------------------------
THOUGHTS ABOUT MATZAH:
What
can we think about while we are dedicatedly eating our Matzah at the Seder,
and we cannot talk? Of course, we should reflect that we are doing the
Mitzvah as Hashem commanded and to give Him Nachas Ruach. To further
“taste” the Matzah, you may also reflect upon the following teaching of Rav
Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, (Sifsei Chaim 2:342): Chometz represents a
process by which “naturally” (i.e., without the assistance of outside
forces) fermentation will occur--hiding Hashem’s hand in the dough. To the
contrary, the quick preparation of the Matzah--its sudden production and
completion--shows that Hashem’s hand overrides “nature.” We therefore do
not eat Chometz on Pesach in order to distill any notion of “mother nature,”
“the laws of nature,” and the concepts of “coincidental,” “by chance,” “as
luck would have it” and the like, and in order to enrich us with the
appreciation that it is the Yad Hashem, and the Yad Hashem only, that is
conducting and directing--as the Master of all masters--all of our affairs,
every minute of the day--notwithstanding the “chometz” of nature apparently
occurring every day by itself anyway. In turn, Matzah is referred to by the
Zohar as the food of healing, for it cures us of all of these false notions
which are harmful to our existence in this world, and which then perforce
harm our existence in the eternal World-to-Come.
-----------------------------------------------
MEANING OF DAM PESACH AND DAM MILAH: Chazal
teach that we needed the Mitzvos of Dam Pesach and Dam Milah--the blood of
the Korban Pesach and the blood of Bris Milah in order to be redeemed.
HaRav
Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Zt’l (brought in the Haggadas Arzei Halevanon)
asks why it was that these two Mitzvos were chosen specifically by Hashem to
give us that final Zechus that we needed for redemption. He answers that we
know that the entire creation is dependent upon our kiyum hamitzvos, our
fulfillment of mitzvos. If we fulfill a mitzvah in a natural way, such as
walking to Shul, eating kosher food, or lighting candles for Shabbos, then
we keep the world going in an otherwise natural way. However, if we fulfill
a mitzvah by going against our nature, then Hashem in turn will conduct the
world in a manner which is beyond its nature as well.
Since
we needed something beyond nature, something miraculous, for us to leave
Egypt, Hashem gave us two mitzvos which were extremely difficult to perform:
The mitzvah of Milah which involved making a wound in one’s own body, or in
the body of a small child or infant, and the Mitzvah of Korban Pesach which
involved taking the Egyptian god in front of them (at that time, our masters
and tormentors) and slaughtering it, both certainly defy human instinct and
reason. The Torah even records that the Bnei Yisrael wondered, “How can we
take their god from in front of them [for the purpose of slaughtering it]
without their stoning us?!” (Shemos, 8:22 ).
Thus,
through these two mitzvos which we performed with dedication and
perseverance, the miracles that we so desperately needed for Geulah
occurred.
There
is a great lesson to be derived here. We are all looking for Geulah. There
is a time that it will come naturally, by itself, no matter what. However,
if we want to change that nature and bring it closer, we have to try to
perform mitzvos at a time or in a manner which may be considered against our
nature. Hashem’s message here is yet another one in the manner of Middah
K’neged Middah--if you break your nature, I will break the nature of My
World!
Each
one of us can try to do his part in overcoming his teva--natural
inclination--and producing that Dam Milah or Dam Pesach, those very
specially-performed Mitzvos--to bring nachas and Simcha to Hashem, to us
all, and to the world, with that so-yearned after Geulah. Please, please
pick that special Mitzvah right now--and may we be truly zoche to the
Geulah!!
-----------------------------------------------
WE
ONCE AGAIN PROVIDE OUR CHOL HAMOED REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:
Chol
HaMoed are days designated--set aside--for holiness. We can therefore
understand why someone who disgraces these days “has no share” in the World
to Come (Avos 3:15). According to the Bartenura (ibid.), disgracing the
Moados means doing unnecessary work on them, and eating and drinking in the
same manner as one would on a regular weekday.
The
following highlights are from a Hakhel Shiur, given by HaRav Dovid Zucker,
Shlita, author of the Sefer Chol HaMoed (Artscroll 2005), and Rosh
Kollel of the Chicago Community Kollel. This Shiur was broadcast via
satellite to 13 locations in the United States and Canada by the Torah
Conferencing Network.
1. The Avnei Nezer teaches (based upon the Zohar) that the
Kedusha of Chol HaMoed may be likened to the light of the Moon--reflecting
the Kedusha of Yom Tov itself. Chol HaMoed is indeed enveloped by the
Kedusha of the First Days and the Last Days of Yom Tov.
2. One should wear nicer clothes on Chol HaMoed than on a
regular weekday. The mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov applies to Chol HaMoed as
well.
3. Rabbi Zucker stated that he felt that just as Kedushas
Shabbos was the nisayon (the test) of 75 to 100 years ago, Kedushas Chol
HaMoed is the nisayon of Galus Jewry today.
4. The laws of working on Chol HaMoed for a salaried
employee depend upon whether the employee: (a) has vacation coming to him;
(b) has no vacation coming to him, but can take time off without pay; (c)
asking for time off will cause him to lose his job; or (d) asking for time
off will not cause him to lose his job, but will have undesired effects.
Our notes here are intended to highlight these distinctions, but not
provide the halachic parameters, which are detailed and often require
consultation with a Rav. For further information, you may study the Sefer
itself, or obtain a copy of the Shiur on cassette tape or CD by calling
(718) 252-5274.
5. Self-employed individuals and employers must consult
with their Rav as to how/when to remain open on Chol HaMoed. One should not
rely on “everybody does it” or “ignorance is bliss”--remember, we are
talking about the World to Come, and that is true bliss--and infinity. The
story is told of a factory owner who refused, despite the Chofetz Chaim’s
pleadings, to close his factory on Shabbos--he told the Chofetz Chaim,
“Rebbe, you don’t make money from a posuk in the Torah.” When the
Bolsheviks confiscated all of his property a few years later, he wrote a
letter of contrition and apology to the Chofetz Chaim.
6. Unskilled work is permitted for the sake of the Moed or
the Last Days of Yom Tov. Therefore, if necessary, one may sew a button on
in an unskilled manner.
7. A non-Jew cannot do work for you that you yourself
cannot perform. For example, your lawn cannot be mowed or landscaped--and
your gardener must be sent away if he comes to perform work for you.
8. Skilled work is generally prohibited--even for the sake
of the Moed or the Last Days of Yom Tov. Once again, anything prohibited
for a Jew to do is prohibited for a non-Jew to do for you. There are
certain exceptions in which skilled labor is permitted, which relate to
“Tzorchei HaGuf,” such as a serious roof leak or a necessary oven or air
conditioner repair. With respect to car repairs, it would depend on the type
of repair necessary, the need for the repair, and other factors, and a Rav
must be consulted.
9. Laundering clothing can only be done for young children
who have soiled their clothing and have nothing else to wear. You cannot
add other clothing into the washing machine once their clothes are being
washed. Once again, a non-Jewish housekeeper cannot do for you what you
yourself cannot do. Spot cleaning, if necessary, is permitted. Drying
clothing is permitted.
10. Going shopping is only permissible (even if you otherwise
enjoy shopping) if needed for Chol HaMoed or the Last Days of Yom Tov, or if
it would constitute a “davar ha’avad” (See paragraph 13 below). One cannot
“trick” the Halacha (and yourself) by “wearing it on Chol HaMoed too”.
Similarly, one should not push off buying a pair of shoes to Chol HaMoed if
he can do so before Yom Tov (unless he simply ran out of time). Rav Moshe
Feinstein Z’TL once told a Yeshiva bochur to come back to Yeshiva a day
later in order to go shopping for clothing after Yom Tov, rather than shop
on Chol HaMoed.
11. One cannot schedule a “routine” medical or dental checkup
or exam for Chol HaMoed.
12. One cannot put off to Chol HaMoed filling up the car with
gas, going to the bank, etc., when he has time or an opportunity to do so
before Chol HaMoed.
13. In specific “davar ha’avad” situations where an actual loss
will occur, if work (even if skilled) is not performed on Chol HaMoed, it
may very well be permissible, and your Rav should be consulted.
14. Cutting nails/manicure is permitted for Sefardim (if
needed), and prohibited to Ashkenazim (unless needed, and one had previously
cut nails on Erev Yom Tov as well).
15. Rav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, ruled that setting/cutting a
sheitel is considered skilled work and therefore is prohibited even for the
sake of the Mo’ed or the Last Days of Yom Tov.
16. Standard writing (not calligraphy) is considered unskilled
work and is permitted for the sake of the Moed. One can type, send e-mails,
e-faxes and text messages, but not print them out (unless permitted as a
“davar ha’avad”). Similarly, one can utilize a digital camera as long as
the pictures are not printed out, and a standard camera, as long as the
pictures are not developed.
The
above, obviously, only briefly highlights some common Halachos. In fact,
Hilchos Chol HaMoed encompasses 20 chapters in Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim
530-549). We additionally refer you to Rabbi Zucker’s wonderful Sefer. You
may want to ask your Rav to give a Shiur this Yom Tov on the Halachos and
Hashkafos of Chol HaMoed for everyone’s benefit. Remember, with any
question, or difficult or special situation, please consult your Rav--and
have Simchas HaMoed!
HAVE A
HAPPY, KOSHER AND
SWEET PESACH!
==================================
11 Nissan
SHEMIRAS HALASHON--SALVATION FROM SAKANA ATZUMAH!
The Chofetz
Chaim expressly writes that when one is
challenged with the possibility of consciously speaking words of Lashon
Hara, he is in a ‘sakana atzumah’--great danger. The Chofetz
Chaim does not write that it is only a spiritual
danger that he is in. We may suggest that if one
saves himself from the sakana atzumah of Lashon Hara--on a middah
k’neged middah basis, he will be saved from sakanos atzumos in
this world and the next!
----------------------------------------------------------
REMINDER--DAVEN!
This week,
as we B’EH intently prepare for Yom Tov--let us remember to daven to Hashem
that we successfully do so, without any Michsholim in the preparation--or in
the ultimate result--of a Chag Kasher V’Sameiach!
----------------------------------------------------------
ATAH CHONEN:
As we daven for special Siyata Dishmaya this week, we recall the words of
the Mishna Berurah on the bracha of Atah Chonen in Shemone Esrei (Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 115:1, seif katan 1): “Ikar
HaShe’eilah Shetzarich Ha’adam Lishol Mei’eis HaBorei Yisborach Sheyitein Lo
Seichel V’Da’as Yashar Limos B’ra Velivchor BaTov--the ikar
request of a person to Hashem should be that Hashem grant him the wisdom and
clear knowledge to abhor that which is wrong and to choose that which is
good.”
----------------------------------------------------------
YOU CAN’T GO WRONG!
The Pasuk clearly and expressly
teaches that (Shemos 2:23-25): “VaYizaku…Vayishma Elokim Es
Na’akasam…Vayeida Elokim--Bnei Yisrael cried out to Hashem, and Hashem
heard their voices and knew that it was time for the redemption. This is
what took us out of the Galus of Mitzrayim--one
would certainly not go wrong in concluding that our crying out for salvation
can take us out of this bitter Galus as well!
---------------------------------------------------
AMEN! Perhaps
the most concise statement of one’s Emunah is his
recitation of the word “Amen”--an acronym for Keil Melech Ne’eman.
The Sefer Shomer Emunim brings from the Midrash that the Pasuk
states: “Emunim Notzer Hashem” (Tehillim 31:24). That Hakadosh Baruch
Hu saves and guards over each and every “Amen” that we answer, and that this
special Shemirah will serve in a person’s stead in this world and in the
next. One must be careful, then, to answer “Amen”
properly at the end of a bracha--not too early before the bracha is
completed, nor too late after the bracha is well over, and
one must be sure that he has answered the full word of
“Amen”--sincerely and enthusiastically expressing its acronym!
Hakhel Note: Especially in this time of Nissan, we
can bolster our Emunah in a very significant way by demonstrating
greater care and earnestness with our recital of “Amen”!
---------------------------------------------------
MORE THAN TWO SODA CANS!
We must be careful to check each and every Pesach product that comes into
our home. A reader had sent us a picture, presented by the following link
http://tinyurl.com/jmhttgp
which shows two seemingly identical cans of coke--see if you can tell the
difference. He had found the same issue with Mayim Chaim seltzer on the same
shelf. A Rav reported a similar experience of members of his Kehillah with
cooking oil. The lesson reverberates time and time again--each and every
year--one must
check each product!
----------------------------------------------------
FROM A
READER: “With
regard to your note on the 1,820 in Maggid of the Haggadah,
I remember HaRav Avrohom Schorr, Shlita,
mentioning the above once, at his Pesach shiurim. He told us afterwards that
the Avoda of Yom kippur, (I think Nusach Sefard) of Ata Konanta has 1,820
words as well. Hakhel Note: For further information on this
topic, please see the following link:
http://www.hebrewbooks.org/5635“
----------------------------------------------------
PRE-SEDER TEFILLAH!
Click here for a special Tefillah to be recited before commencing the
Seder from the Siddur Ha’Arizal, which is not found in many Haggados. May
this Tefillah make its way directly to the Kisey HaKavod, and may it inspire
our entire Seder!
--------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE DAY ONE:
When did the Geulah take place--on the night of the fifteenth, or the day of
the fifteenth? Hint: See Ramban on Ibn Ezra to Shemos 12:31,
--------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE DAY TWO:
Who was the first person to say “Halleluka Hallelu Avdei Hashem”?
--------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE DAY THREE:
If a
majority of the Tzibbur was not Tamei Mais, and if the Kohanim were
not Tamei--but the K’li Shareis were Tamei--would the Korban
Pesach be brought? Hint-see Rambam, Hilchos Korban Pesach 7:1.
----------------------------------------------
THE
LEIL HASEDER:
For
practical and meaningful Shiurim on how one should conduct his Seder, we
provide an audio link to masterful Shiurim by Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita
(each approximately 60 minutes):
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vvzy9l3gkt4k5hs/AACDeFoIkRRJTCSwOAOt0Ncza?dl=0
--------------------------------------------------------
WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
We focus on this week’s special Shabbos--Shabbos HaGadol:
A. In Kiddush on Leil Shabbos we recite the words “Zecher LeYetzias
Mitzrayim.”--a remembrance of our leaving Egypt. What does Kiddush
on Leil Shabbos have to do with leaving Egypt. HaRav Yonasan Eibeshitz,
Z’tl, in Sefer Ya’aros Devash 2:8 provides an incredible
explanation-- see there. Tosfos (Pesachim 117B) writes that in Mitzrayim
the Jews were forced to perform the 39 prohibited Melachos on Shabbos, as
the term “Bepharech” is equal to the 39 Melachos based upon the
Att-Bash formulation. We thus celebrate our freedom from Bepharech
by not performing these Melachos on Shabbos.
B. One beautiful thought from Rabban Gamliel Rabanovitch, Shlita,
in his Sefer on the Haggadah: The Shabbos before Pesach is not just another
day before Pesach --it is still Shabbos. It should not be put into a back
position merely because it comes two days before Pesach. In fact--this may
be one reason that it is called Shabbos HaGadol--to remind us that
notwithstanding its position in the year--it must be given the great respect
that it deserves, and we should not take away from its kavod or oneg with
any inferior meals or zemiros, by missing usual Shabbos guests, or in any
way be lacking Divrei Torah relating to the Parasha.
C. On Shabbos HaGadol in Mitzrayim, the Bnei Yisrael took the Egyptian
gods--the sheep--and tied them to their bedposts. The Pri Chadash
(to Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 230) writes that the reason it is known as
Shabbos HaGadol, it because it is when we began to perform Mitzvos-with the
first Mitzvah being the taking of the Korban Pesach.
D. The Mabit teaches that after this Shabbos, Bnei Yisrael no longer
returned to work for the Mitzriyim.
E. In Nishmas that we will recite tomorrow, we state that there are “Rivei
Revavos--tens of thousands” of things to thank Hashem for. We then begin
with a short and poignant list. What is the first one listed there....from
this we see how foundational and fundamental Pesach is to our lives!
F. The Sefer HaToda’a writes that it is referred to as Shabbos
HaGadol because it is on this day that the Shabbos which is an odd number
day that has no partner finally obtained its partner--Bnei Yisrael!
G. The Bnei Yissaschar writes that the reason the Rav gives a special
Drasha on Shabbos HaGadol is because Moshe Rabbeinu also gave a Drasha on
Hilchos Pesach to Bnei Yisrael on the Shabbos before their leaving Egypt.
H.
The last Pasuk in Shemone Esrei is also the first Pasuk of the Haftara for
Shabbos HaGadol--VeArva LeHashem Minchas Yehuda VeYerushalyim Kiymei Olam
U’Cheshanim Kadmonios--then the offering of Yehuda and Yerushalayim will
be pleasing to Hashem as in days of old and former years (Malachi 3:4). Why
is the Karbon Mincha used as the ultimate example of Nachas to Hashem?
HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, answers that when a person brings an animal as
a Karbon, he may be essentially bringing something that he put little effort
into. The animal can feed itself, clean itself, and otherwise take care of
its needs. However, in order to make something into bread or Matzah, ten to
fifteen Melachos may be involved, and a person may perceive that it his own
efforts and skills that are producing the end result. By bringing this
object as a Mincha to Hashem, he acknowledges that it is not Kochi
VeOtzem Yadi--his own power and prowess--that produce this result but
that Hashem is the true source of anything and everything--including all of
what is otherwise perceived to be human effort. Perhaps we can go into
Pesach with a goal to recite this final Pasuk of Shemone Esrei three times a
day with a special yearning to bring a Karbon Mincha in the Beis HaMikdash--fully
and finally demonstrating one’s closeness and recognition of Hashem as the
source of life and all of the blessing that comes with it!
Additional Note One: The Gematria of Yeiush--despair is 317.
The Gematria of Eliezer--Hashem helps me is 318. Let us always
remember that in any and all events Yeiush should be overridden by the
realization of Eliezer!
Additional Note Two: The Levush writes that the reason we read the Haftara
of “VeArva” on Shabbos HaGadol is because it relates to the future
Geulah, just as Moshe Rabbeinu advised the Bnei Yisrael of their imminent
Geulah. May this year’s Shabbos HaGadol Drasha lead directly to our Geulah
Shleima as well!
----------------------------------------------------------
A REMINDER FROM THE PARASHA TO ENERGIZE
DAILY!: In this
week’s Parasha, Parashas
Tzav, we learn of the Korban Minchas Chavitin--a
Korban that the Kohen Gadol brought every day. Rabbi Moshe Scheinerman,
Shlita, explains (based upon a teaching of HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl) why
the Kohen Gadol brought this Korban every day--while all other Kohanim
brought this Korban Mincha only once in their lifetime--on the day that they
were inaugurated into the Avodas Bais HaMikdash. The Kohen Gadol’s bringing
it every day--one half in the morning and one half on the
afternoon especially symbolized the need for a person of spirit and
aspiration to be constantly renewing his energies, being aware and alert
that each new morning and each new afternoon was OPPORTUNITY, NEW
OPPORTUNITY that was presenting itself especially to him, and would not be
available again on the morrow. Each one of us, without actually having to
bring the Minchas Chavitin, can alert ourselves to the invaluable and
irreplaceable treasures that await us each morning and each afternoon in
Torah, Tefillah, Chesed, and Middos Development. Every day, we have our own
OPPORTUNITIES, NEW OPPORTUNITIES--and we too can come before Hashem as a
Kohen Gadol in his loyal, sincere and elevated service!
--------------------------------------------------------
WHO IS
THE MASTER OF YOUR HOME?:
It is said that a person can live for seven days without eating. The Yetzer
Hara lives on haughtiness and desire, symbolized by Chometz. We accordingly
‘starve him’ over the seven days of Pesach--with the hope that he will never
return! In this regard, we provide an outstanding and moving story provided
in the wonderful work Commentator’s Haggadah, by Rabbi Yitzchok
Sender, Shlita (Sh’or Yoshuv Institute):
“Rav
Menachem Mendel of Kotzk said that people make a mistake if they believe
that Eliyahu HaNavi comes in through the door. In truth, he must enter
through our hearts and souls. A story is told of a man who came to the
Maggid of Mezeritch and complained that evil thoughts entered his mind and
he had no control over them. The Maggid advised him to go on a journey to
visit the Tzaddik, Rav Zev Wolf of Zhitmor. The man followed his advice and
embarked on his journey. He arrived in Zhitmor late one winter’s night and
knocked on Rav Wolf’s door. Nobody answered, and even though he continued
knocking and shouted and begged to be let in, nobody answered. Suffering
from the bitter cold, he had no choice but to seek out the local Shul and
sleep on a bench there until morning. Early the next morning, he made his
way once more to Rav Wolf’s door. This time the great Rav himself answered
his knock and welcomed him, saying nothing about the previous night. After
some hesitation, the man told Rav Wolf that the Maggid of Mezeritch had sent
him. “It is well that you have come,” answered the Rav; “For you have now
learned the lesson that one is master of his home, and whomever he does not
want to let in, cannot enter.:.”
--------------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH: We continue to
provide Halachos (currently, Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 431, et al.)
relating to Pesach. The following is culled from the Notes of the Dirshu
Edition of the Mishna Berurah. Of course, one should in all events consult
with his own Rav or Posek pertaining to his particular facts or
circumstances:
A. HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach rules that if parents and
grandparents are present at the Seder, a father can rely on the
grandfather’s teachings, for the Mitzvah of Vehigadeta Levincha
simply requires the son to hear the Sippur Yetziyas Mitzrayim on the
Leil HaSeder--not that the father specifically be the one to relate it. If
one has no children present, one nevertheless has a duty to himself to
review in detail the Sippur Yetziyas Mitzrayim. The Kaf HaChaim adds
that when one reviews the Sippur to himself, he should do so in a loud
voice.
Hakhel Note: At a Hakhel Pre-Pesach gathering, HaRav Moshe Tuvia
Lieff, Shlita, emphasized that one must experience the Leil HaSeder as a
Derhobiner Nacht--personally feeling a level of Kedusha, together
with a Simcha Atzumah--the personal euphoria of Yetziyas Mitzrayim.
We may add that one who truly feels and is elevated and uplifted by the
experience of our previous Geulah--will be well trained and ready to
experience the Kedusha and Simcha of our Geulah Sheleimah--BeMiHeirah
V’Yameinu!
B. HaRav Nissim Karelitz, Shlita, writes that the Sippur Yetzias Mitzrayim
should be related on the Leil HaSeder in the manner in which all gathered
understand, feel and are moved by what happened to us in Egypt--bringing
them to give hoda’ah to Hashem for what has occurred. Any other
pilpulim, drashos and kushiyos are unrelated to Sippur Yetziyas Mitzrayim
and to the reading of the Haggadah.
C. Women are obligated to recite Hallel just as men are at the Seder.
D. The use of the term ‘stealing’ the Afikomen may be objectionable--as
Jewish children do not steal. In fact, HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, Z’tl,
did not allow the children to take the Afikomen, for it is colloquially
known as stealing--and how can we allow children to steal and get rewarded
for it? Accordingly, HaRav Shlomo Zalmen rules that if one does have the
Minhag in his family, he should not use the negative verb of ‘stealing’ but
rather ‘chatifa’--or grabbing, which is more palatable (forgive the
pun). HaRav Chaim Soloveitchik, Z’tl, objected to the practice as well,
because the Afikomen needed to be guarded--as all Matzos Mitzvah, based upon
the Pasuk “U’Shemartem Es HaMatzos”. It was also not a custom in the
Steipeler’s home for the child to take the Afikomen.
E. The Brisker Rav writes that everyone at the Seder should eat their first
kezayis from Matzos that were on the table when the Haggadah was being
recited--properly fulfilling the term Lechem Oni--bread over which
the Haggadah was recited.
F. When using ground chrain for Maror, HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, rules
that because it is difficult to dip into Charoses, one can simply place a
little bit of Charoses on top of the Maror.
G. The Tur writes that reason that we do not make a bracha over Charoses,
is because it is tafel to the Maror.
H. Although we do not eat the Maror B’heseiba because it is zecher
l’avdus, the Mishna Berurah rules that one may nevertheless eat it
B’heseiba.
I. One should be sure to drink a revi’is of the fourth cup--as he is making
a bracha achrona of Al Hagefen after this cup.
---------------------------------------------------
AS PESACH APPROACHES, WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. We once again recall the story of the man who looked around for
“Kulos”, for leniencies, his whole life. After 120 years, the Heavenly
Court reviewed his records, noted that he followed the laws, and advised him
that he would be going to “Gan Eden.” The angels escorted him to his final
place, which turned out to be a dark, dingy and rather damp cell. “This is
Gan Eden?!” “Yes,” they replied, “according to some opinions.”
2. Pesach is a time when we are machmir, where we follow
stringencies because of the force the Torah puts into Pesach itself, with 8
Mitzvos D’Oraisa in our time (and 24 in the times of the Bais Hamikdash--may
it be rebuilt for this Pesach). Its tremendous significance is underscored
by Yetzias Mitzraim being referred to 50 times in the Torah. For further
elaboration on its relevance to our daily lives, please review the famous
last Ramban in Parashas Bo.
3. The word “Mah” is traditionally translated simply as “what.”
However, Rabbi Meir Schuck, Z’tl, offers a more penetrating and insightful
definition of the word. Rabbi Schuck cites three well-known uses of the
word “Mah.” Yaakov Avinu, upon reaching the place of the future Beis
Hamikdash exclaimed: ”Mah Nora Hamakom Hazeh--What an awesome place
this is!” Similarly, on the night of the Seder the young child calls out “Mah
Nishtana Halayla Hazeh--what is so different about this night?” Indeed,
Bilam himself, who initially recited the Pasuk of “Mah Tovu,” also did so
because he was stunned by the difference between the homes of the Bnei
Yisrael and those of the world at large. The word “Mah,” then, indicates
something strikingly new--a remarkable realization, an awareness and
appreciation of a place or event that did not previously exist. There are
other moments at the Seder where you will use the word “Mah”--make a mental
note to try and find them and see how wonderfully this new definition of the
word can be applied in each instance.
Additional Note:
The word “Mah” itself is indicative of how refreshed we should be, no matter
how tired we are, when we participate in the Seder. Rabbi Moshe Tuvia
Lieff, Shlita, at a Hakhel Shiur, mentioned the story of the man whose torn
Haggadah was repaired on Erev Pesach by someone who could not read Hebrew.
Regrettably, he mixed in pages from a Machzor as well, and finished his job
right before Pesach. As the newly-bound Haggadah was read that night,
without reflection and with hunger, the head of the household hurriedly read
“Dam, Tzefardeiah, Kinnim, Ashamnu, Bagadnu, Gazalnu…” For no reason or at
any time should one lose his appreciation of the heightened sense of the
evening--and of the great importance of every word of the Haggadah.
4. There is one positive commandment that pervades and invigorates
every day of Yom Tov--the Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov. Every day--including
each day of Chol HaMoed--is a separate Mitzvas Aseh! Let us now
consider how to actually best fulfill this daily Mitzvah for ourselves and
for others--and act upon it. Pesach is a Chag in which the preparation far
surpasses the length of the Chag itself--providing a great lesson for us in
the importance of aforethought and planning--the need for “hachana” in
Mitzvah observance. It may be a pair of shoes, rainbow ices, different
kinds of wine or a silver brooch...but please remember that we should take
the lesson from the Nesi’im and not wait until the last moment--diving into
Yom Tov with cherry ices because the mango was sold out!
5. It could never, ever hurt--and may help in ways we will never
know about--to sincerely daven over the next few days that we have a “Chag
Kasher V’Sameach”. Each one of these requests--Kasher and Sameach--is a
mouthful (once again, pun intended). People have reported, for instance,
that they have found non-Kosher L’Pesach items on Kosher L’Pesach shelves in
supermarkets. Others may be fooled by a lot of Hebrew lettering on a label
which is not meaningful, or perhaps, not even true. The word “Sameach” is
also loaded, as it is such an essential element of the Yom Tov, and may be
challenged at any moment by any number of situations or events. In addition
to our earnest prayers for ourselves in this regard, when extending this
wish to someone else over the next several days, we should likewise express
it with sincerity and feeling.
6. At the Seder, we will be reciting the word “Dayenu” fifteen
times, multiplied by the number of times we sing the word. Dayenu means “it
would be enough for us”. What “would be enough” for us? Let us look at the
first passage of Dayenu: “If Hashem had taken us out of Mitzrayim…it would
have been enough…” Clearly, just leaving Egypt , in and of itself, would
not have been enough. We would not have received the Torah, we would not
have entered Eretz Yisrael and we would not have had the Bais HaMikdash, for
starters so what would “have been enough?” The Siach Yitzchak
therefore explains that it would have been enough in and of itself to thank
Hashem from the bottom of our hearts for that one thing He had done for us.
We then go through an additional fourteen items and realize that it would
have been enough to thank Hashem for each and every one of them because He
gave us such great gifts, and we did not deserve that which we received.
Thus, the springboard of all the Dayenus--of all of the realization of the
enormous and eternal thanks that we owe Hashem is His taking us out of Egypt
--the first of the Dayenus. This is then the blastoff on the Seder night
for us to express and discuss the great and unlimited thanks and gratitude
that we owe to Hashem for each and every item that he provides us with.
Now, sing along--Day- Dayenu, Day-Dayenu, Day-Dayenu, Day-Dayenu. This is
what we ought to be talking--and singing--about!
7. Finally, on the matter of speech, it is important to note that
after having thanked Hashem, and recited Hallel with true sentiment and
emotion, we conclude the Hallel with the words “Ana Hashem Hoshea Nah--please
Hashem save us.” The Haggadas Seder HaAruch points out that after
thanking Hashem, which demonstrates our recognition for what He has done, we
must, as a matter of faith, immediately thereafter plead with Hashem to do
more, which demonstrates our continuing faith in Him. Thus, as we
conclude the Haggadah, we verbally affirm that our Emunah is complete!
==================================
10 Nissan
IMPORTANT--BE A PART OF IT! It is just
five days until Erev Yom Tov, and Yad
Eliezer has a three for one match for divorced
women. ’For every dollar you give, Yad
Eliezer receives $3!’ There is also a 2 for 1
match for widows. Avreichim have a 2 for 1 match (up to $300,000). Please,
please--fulfill the Mitzvah of Simchas Yom today--for yourself and
for those in need in Eretz Yisrael.
Donate by calling
Yad Eliezer at
718-258-1580 by email
info@yadeliezer.org
visit
www.yadeliezer.org, and in the comment section insert which match you
would like the donation to go towards. Please remember: The Chasam Sofer, in
his explanation to the two Nuscha’os in the Haggadah of Ha Lachma Anya
and K’Ha Lachma Anya explains that there is a fundamental
distinction between the Geulas Mitzrayim and the Geulah of our time--may it
come speedily and in our days. The difference is that our Geulah can be
hastened, the Ba’al Haggadah teaches us, by Kol Dichfin Yeisei V’Yeichol--by
feeding the needy…. Let us hasten our Geulah now!
----------------------------------------------------------
AN
INVALUABLE AND TIMELY ASSET--SPREAD THE WORD!
In the
approximate 15 minute video available by the following link
http://tinyurl.com/go2slw2, Rabbi Moshe Hillel Kaufman, Shlita, presents
the mistakes a person can make when toiveling keilim--and how easy they are
to rectify. Many misunderstand Tevilas Keilim as a “chumra”--whereas in
many/most cases it is a Mitzvah D’Oraysa. Please view this video for
yourself--and spread as far and wide as possible, as the biggest Tevilas
Keilim season of the year has begun
----------------------------------------------------------
REMEMBER!
There are only a few more opportunities for us to recite “Mashiv HaRuach
U’Morid HaGeshem” and “V’Sein Tal U’Matar LiVracha” in 5777. Please
remember to make them really count!
--------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL CHOMETZ REMOVAL:
As we
rush to rid ourselves of our last-minute Chometz items, let us not forget
that this is an appropriate time of year to rid ourselves of other ‘kinds of
Chometz’-- e.g., videos, DVD’s, CD’s, periodicals and papers which are
simply not befitting the home of a people that experience Geulas Mitzrayim,
and separated and distinguished themselves from the Umos HaOlam. A
Jewish Home should be sure to have only Jewish content!
-----------------------------------------------
NON-GEBROKTS ALERT:
Please remember that many cake-like products now available--(yes even the
week before Pesach!) are non-Gebrokts, and that the appropriate brachos on
them are Shehakol and Borei Nefashos. Even if you know it--you may be used
to making a Mezonos on the cake and Shehakol on the coffee--so extra special
care is required. Pesach is a time for enriching our Emunah--a wonderful
place to begin is with enriched and carefully-made brachos. Start Today!
-----------------------------------------------
REMEMBER--A TIMELY ASSET--THE 5777 EREV PESACH CHECKLIST: We provide by the following
link http://tinyurl.com/m8m6soy
our Checklist for Erev Pesach 5777. Please feel free to distribute further!
------------------------------------------
THE TENTH OF NISSAN:
Today is the tenth day of Nissan, which is marked by at least three great
milestones:
A. It is the day that the Bnei Yisrael took the Egyptian gods--their
sheep--away and tied them to bedposts in order to inspect them for blemishes
before Shechita four days later. This was an act of tremendous faith by
Bnei Yisrael, not only in taking them for slaughter, but also in holding
them this way for four days. In fact, the Egyptians ended up being
powerless to stop Bnei Yisrael or harm them.
B. Towards the end of our stay in the desert, Miriam HaNevia passed away.
Miriam was so great that even as a young girl, her suggestion to her father
Amram, the Gadol HaDor, was accepted and the decree he had made to have the
husbands and wives of Bnei Yisrael separate was annulled.
C. Just one year after Miriam’s passing on this date, Yehoshua Bin Nun and
Bnei Yisrael crossed over the Yarden River which had dried up through a
miracle. Some recommend reading from Sefer Yehoshua, Chapters 3 and 4, and
reciting Tehillim Chapter 114 in honor of the occasion.
--------------------------------------
LESHONOM:
One of the highlights of the Seder is relating the Zechusim we had to leave
Mitzrayim. A central reason provided by Chazal is that Shimru Es
Leshonom--we as a people did not speak Lashon Hora (see Pirkei
D’Rebbi Eliezer 48, Otsar Meforshei Hagaddah). As many of us know, the
Ramban teaches that the Geulas Mitzrayim was the predecessor for the Geulah
we hopefully will soon experience. As we approach the Seder night(s), let
us come clean now--this week-- with an especial
diligence and vigilance in Shemiras Halashon--so that we can reflect at the
Seder and think--with this zechus--I am ready!
-----------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH:
The
Dirshu Edition of the Mishna Berurah provides the following important points
and pointers relating to Hilchos Pesach (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 431, et
al.):
.
A. There is a dispute among authorities as to whether one can combine two
different kinds of maror together to make up the Shiur. The Orach
HaShulchan brings that some do have the Minhag to do so, whereas HaRav
Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach and the Minchas Yitzchak are concerned that one may
take away from the taste of the other. In all events, if one expels the
Maror without swallowing it, he is not yotzei the Mitzvah.
B. The Steipeler would leave pieces of cinnamon which were not ground in
the charoses so that it resembled straw--zecher l’teven.
C. When dipping must be done, such as the karpas in salt water, HaRav Chaim
Kanievsky, Shlita, rules that the dipping should be done before the bracha
is recited. There is a Machlokes Haposkim as to whether one should eat the
karpas b’heseibah. HaRav Chaim Kanievsky and HaRav Nissim Karelitz,
Shlita, for instance, rule that it is not eaten b’heseibah. On the
other hand, the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, as well as the Brisker Rav and
others, require heseibah.
D. The Maharil writes that when the Mah Nishtanah is recited, it should be
done in a beautiful tune, with the intent of praising Hashem. The one
asking the Mah Nishtanah need not be a child--it can be an adult as well.
HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach rules that the person leading the Seder is
obligated to specifically explain the answer to each one of the four
questions of the Mah Nishtanah--and how through the Parasha of Avadim Hayinu
all of the questions are resolved. One should not simply rely upon the
“Rabban Gamliel Omer” at the end of the Haggadah.
--------------------------------------
GREAT WEALTH--STEP ONE:
One must come into
the Seder stocked with stories and mesholim, which hopefully will help to
enhance and in-trance. To help along, we provide the following Mashal of
the Dubno Maggid as presented in The Maggid of Dubno and his Parables
by Benno Heinemann (Feldheim):
“Hashem had given Avraham Avinu a glimpse of the future of the nation which
would be descended from him. He told Avraham that Bnei Yisrael would be
enslaved and know great suffering, but that, in the end, they would “go
forth with great abundance” as free men. Now what was this great
abundance? Chazal tell us that it was the Torah that the Bnei Yisrael
received in the wilderness on Har Sinai. But, if this is indeed true, why
were we, before leaving Mitzrayim, actually commanded to ask the Mitzriyim
for money and goods? The Maggid of Dubno would reconcile this contradiction
with one of his famous Mesholim: A young man had hired himself out to a
wealthy merchant to serve him for six years, for which he would be paid with
a bag of silver coins. When the six years were over and the time came for
the servant to leave, it occurred to the master that a bag of silver was
much too small a reward for the splendid services the boy had rendered him.
He therefore put the silver aside and instead wrote out a check in an amount
many times that of the total value of the silver coins. But the servant,
instead of thanking his master for his generosity, sullenly stuffed the
piece of paper into his pocket and went home weeping. The next day his
father called at the merchant’s house and said to the wealthy man, “You have
been most generous to my son and I want to thank you. But the boy is still
a child and does not comprehend the value of a check. All he knew was that
he expected to receive a bag filled with shiny new coins and that instead he
got a plain sheet of paper. I should be most grateful, therefore, if you
would let him have at least part of his wages in solid silver.”
In the same manner did Avraham Avinu come to Hashem, saying, “You have been
generous indeed in promising the Torah to my descendants. But the nation
will be young and not mature enough to understand the value of the Torah,
and if they will have to leave the slavery of Mitzrayim with empty hands
they will say ‘Indeed, Hashem has fulfilled part of His promise. We did
become slaves. But what about the great abundance which we were to receive
at the hour of our deliverance?’ “It is for this reason, that Bnei Yisrael
were clearly commanded to take gold and silver vessels from the Mitzriyim.
This would be tangible wealth which they could appreciate at that time. In
this manner, the Bnei Yisrael would see immediately that the promise given
by Hashem to their righteous forbearer had retained its validity. It was
only as Bnei Yisrael grew in wisdom that it came to understand that its true
wealth lay not in the coins and trinkets gathered in Mitzrayim but in the
Divine gift of the Torah, which has stood by our side to this very day.”
Hakhel Note: In addition to this outstanding work on the Dubno Maggid,
there is also a Haggadah which is comprised entirely of Mesholim related by
different Gedolim (including the Dubno Maggid), entitled The Palace Gates
Haggadah (translated from the Hebrew--Feldheim).
--------------------------------------
ZEH HADECHAK:
We will recite the words Ve’es Lachatzeinu--Zeh Hadechak:
words in the Haggadah very shortly. The commentators explain that the
Mitzriyim kept us oppressed and pressured so that we would not have time to
think, and to daven to Hashem. We must keep in mind over the coming week
that we cannot let the tremendous amount that needs to be done adversely
impact upon our state of mind, our davening (which, if anything, should be
enhanced!), or our learning, to the greatest extent possible. We should not
impose upon ourselves that which the Mitzriyim consciously inflicted
upon us. The words of the Rosh that we have noted in the past--Ahl
Tevahel Ma’asecha should be kept in mind and on one’s lips, in order to
avoid any feelings of anxiety, consternation or perturbance--which are in
all events counterproductive. Let us do our utmost to greet Pesach with a
joy it so richly deserves!
==================================
9 Nissan
REMINDER--LOOK OUT FOR IT!
May we suggest that you take the time as you are davening over the next
several days to look for the mention of Yetzias Mitzrayim in the regular
weekday davening (see the Yesod V’Shoresh HaAvodah for further
elucidation).
------------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH:
We continue to provide Halachos relating to Pesach in this especially
spiritual period--less than thirty (30) days before Pesach! Of course, one
should in all events consult with his own Rav or Posek pertaining to his
particular facts or circumstances:
A. The Kollel Los Angeles, under the leadership of Rabbi Gershon Bess,
Shlita, has once again prepared 5777: A Passover Guide To Cosmetics And
Medications, a detailed list of acceptable products that may be
used on Pesach. Rabbi Bess writes that HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, and HaRav
Wosner, Z’tl, urged his continued publication of this listing--both for
reasons in Halacha and in Minhag Yisrael. At the outset of the Guide, Rabbi
Bess warns “no one should refrain from taking any required medication, even
if it contains Chometz, without first consulting his/her physician and Rav.”
The list does not address whether a particular product is Kosher--but only
its Chometz-free status. Something can, of course, be non-Kosher and
Chometz-free.
B. Of particular note is that, among others, items containing hydrolized
vegetable protein, and items in the Advil, Purell, Herbal Essence, Gold
Bond, Ultramax, Cortizone, Claritin, Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, Orabase,
Prevident, Eucerin, Shaklee, 4Kids, and women’s make-up lines do contain
Chometz. Page 3 of the Guide provides a list of ingredients to be on the
lookout for. Page 58-60 of the Guide provides a list of products to be on
the lookout for.
C. For questions to Rabbi Bess regarding the Guide, one may email
rgbess@hotmail.com.
For the latest updates to the Guide, we refer you to
www.kehilasyaakov.org
------------------------------------------
P’SAKIM OF HARAV SHMUEL KAMENETSKY, SHLITA:
The Sefer Kovetz Halachos of Pesach contains the Piskei Halachos of
HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita, as wonderfully compiled (with extensive
footnotes) by a close Talmid, Rabbi Doniel Kleinman, Shlita. We once again
provide below a sampling of the important P’sokim relating to Pesach
contained in this exceptional Sefer. We note, of course, that with respect
to any particular p’sak or circumstance, one should consult with his
own Rav for guidance:
1. Every person is obligated to study the Halachos of Pesach within the
thirty day time period before Pesach. Some even say that it is an
obligation Min HaTorah. It is, in any event, an obligation--and not only a
meritorious act.
2. Being involved in the baking of Matzah is a Mitzvah in and of
itself, and not only a Hechsher Mitzvah. One can appoint a Shaliach to bake
Matzos for him, and this is why “Chaburah Matzos” are preferred.
3. A person who checks to see whether the Matzos are Kefulos fulfills
the separate Mitzvah of “U’Shemartem Es HaMatzos” [Hakhel Note: We
must be sure that our Matzos are checked against being Kefulos or Nefuchos.
Many of the contemporary Pesach Seforim and publications provide clear
guidelines as to what to look out for when inspecting your Matzos before
Pesach. See our Erev Pesach Checklist above].
4. The correct Nusach in the Bracha over fruit trees is “Sheloh
Chisar BaOlamo Kelum” (not Davar). Women should also make the Bracha.
Rabbi Kleinman brings in his footnote that the Aruch HaShulchan writes that
Yirei Hashem are careful to make this Bracha, and that HaRav Shlomo Zalmen
Auerbach, Z’tl, was very careful with this Bracha and remarked that from the
time he became Bar Mitzvah, he never once missed making the Bracha.
5. Women’s rings do not require Haga’ala, but they should be cleaned
very well, and preferably not be worn for 24 hours prior to the time of
Issur Chametz.
6. One need not Kasher braces, but should be careful not to eat hot or
sharp Chametz for 24 hours prior to time of Issur Chametz.
7. If one did not Kasher the expensive utensils in his breakfront, one
should cover the glass on the breakfront, rather than leave them exposed to
view over Pesach.
8. When performing Bedikas Chometz, one need not turn off the electric
light in the room.
9. If one will not be able to perform Bedikas Chometz on the night of
the fourteenth, it appears to be better to check on the night of the
thirteenth than the fourteenth by day.
10.
If one must take care of his bodily needs during the Bedika, he should make
an Asher Yatzar immediately. Similarly, if he heard a Bracha from
someone else, he should answer Amen.
11.
Pockets of clothing need not be checked by candle light; it is enough if
they are shaken out. One may check his pockets at any time, and one need
not necessarily check them the night of the fourteenth. However, even if
one did check his pockets on the night of the fourteenth, one should shake
out the pockets of the clothing he is wearing when burning the Chametz on
Erev Pesach in the morning. When checking clothing, one should also check
cuffs.
12.
One need not check suitcases, as one does not typically put food in them,
and even if one does, he usually empties out a suitcase upon arriving home.
Accordingly, it has a Chazaka of being checked.
13.
One is obligated to check Seforim that he brought to the table while eating
during the year, if he will use them on Pesach, for even if the Seforim
contain only crumbs, the crumbs could get stuck to his hands, and he can
inadvertently touch Pesach food with them. When checking Seforim, it need
not be by candle light, and one need not check every page, but only shake
out the Sefer and its pages. Even after checking, it is still best not to
bring back any Sefer to the table, as there still may be crumbs stuck in the
Sefer.
14.
On the night of the Bedika, one should check areas even though he will still
be eating Chametz there in the morning--and he should then check the area
again in the morning.
15.
If one has already put his Pesach items into the refrigerator and cabinets,
he need not check them on the night of the Bedika, as they are no longer
considered a place in which Chametz would enter.
16.
When searching for Chametz, one need not move any item which is difficult to
move [such as underneath a refrigerator]; however, if it has wheels, one
should move it and check underneath it and in back of it.
17.
One must check an open porch or patio, and cannot rely on the fact that
birds or squirrels would eat any leftover Chametz.
18.
In an apartment building or multi-family dwelling, all of the residents have
a joint obligation to check the stairwell and the laundry room.
19.
One should check his car on the night of the Bedika with a flashlight.
20. A
garbage can belongs to its owner, and one is not permitted to put Chametz
directly into a garbage can, as it will remain it his possession. One
should put any leftover Chametz into a bag and leave it in the street.
21.
If one finds Chametz in his home after the Bedika--even if he knows that
this Chametz was not there at the time of the Bedika--he need not check his
whole dwelling again based upon the notion that Chametz was brought into
other areas, as well.
22.
If one will be selling an area of his home to a non-Jew on the day of the
fourteenth, one should still check it on the night of the fourteenth, as the
area is still in his possession at the time of the Bedika. One may enter
the area that was sold on Pesach even though it has been sold, for a
purchaser would not be makpid if one did so.
23.
Even if one’s custom is not to sell Chametz Gamur to a non-Jew, one may
Lechatchila purchase Chametz after Pesach from a grocery or supermarket
which properly sold its Chametz Gamur to a non-Jew before Pesach.
24.
One need not burn the Chametz on his own property, but it is best that one
burn his Chametz on his own, and not give it to someone else to burn for
him.
25.
It is permissible to pass by a non-Jewish bakery on Pesach even though a
smell emanates from the store. However, it is forbidden to intentionally
inhale the smell of the Chametz.
26.
The prohibition to do work on Erev Pesach after Chatzos is less stringent
than to do work on Chol HaMoed, and therefore any work that can be done on
Chol HaMoed (such as a Dovor Ha’Aved) is permissible on Erev Pesach after
Chatzos.
27.
If it is one’s custom not to recite Hallel in shul on the Leil Seder and he
is davening at a Shul which is reciting Hallel, he should not recite Hallel
with them (even without a Bracha), but rather leave the Shul in a manner
which is not evident that he is being poresh from the rest of the Tzibbur.
28.
One should strive to set the table for the Leil HaSeder with nice utensils.
Even though one could fulfill the 4 Kosos with a plastic cup, one should
nevertheless use a nice cup. It is preferable to use a silver becher over a
glass [the Sefer Kaf HaChaim writes that silver alludes to the Middah of
Chessed.]
29.
When one makes the Shehechiyanu at Kiddush, he should have in mind
all of the Mitzvos of the evening.
30.
If someone is strict to eat only hand Shemura Matzah, he may nevertheless
Lechatchila be Yotzei with Machine Shemura if there is a reason for it, and
he does not need to be Matir Neder.
31.
Lechatchila guests who are using their host’s Matzah should have Kavanna to
be zoche to the Matzah (or the Ba’al HaBayis should have Kavannah to give
the Matzah to them)--so there is no issue of it not belonging to them (‘Lachem’).
32.
The Ke’ara does not have to remain complete until the end of the Seder;
rather, one can take all of the Karpas at the time of Karpas without leaving
anything in the Ke’ara...and the same is true for Maror and the other items
on the Ke’ara.
33.
One is permitted to eat the roasted egg at the Seudah, but one should not
eat the roasted zero’ah at night. One should also be careful not to throw
the zero’ah into the garbage in a derech bizayon (as this is bizuy
Mitzvah). Instead, it is a Mitzvah to eat the zero’ah at the seudah during
the day.
34.
If one uses a large Kos which holds more than Revi’is, one is only required
to drink a Rov Revi’is. Some, however, rule that one must drink a Rov Kos,
a majority of the cup--whatever its size. Therefore, if one only wants to
drink a Rov Revi’is, it is best that he use a cup which only holds a
Revi’is.
35.
The Ba’al HaBayis should not pour the Kosos for himself. Instead, another
should pour for him as this is Derech Cheirus.
36.
The age at which a child is “Hig’ia LeChinuch” for the Daled Kosos is
when he understands the concept of servitude and freedom. There is no set
age, as it depends on each child’s understanding and awareness.
37.
Although males must eat Matzah and drink the Kosos BeHeseiba, one need not
make the Bracha on the Kos BeHeseiba.
38.
The Mitzvah of Heseiba is to move one’s body to the left; it is not enough
that one tilt his head to the left. It is likewise not Heseiba if one is
merely leaning into the air, rather than leaning on something. One can, for
instance, move his chair so that the back of the chair is to his left and
lean on that. Boys who have reached the age of Chinuch for eating Matzah or
drinking the Kosos should also be taught to eat and drink BeHeseiba.
39.
With respect to Karpas, one should wash his hands with all the stringencies
he uses for washing his hands for Matzah, without making the bracha. One
should dip the Karpas into the salt water with his hands and not with a
fork, because if one dips the Karpas with a fork, he does not really require
Netilas Yadayim.
40.
Lechatchila a woman should read or listen to the entire Haggada and recite
the entire Hallel at the Seder. If, however, she is busy with her children
or other matters, she should at least read or listen to ‘Avadim Hayinu’ and
‘Rabban Gamliel Haya Omer’ through the drinking of the second cup.
41.
It is a Mitzvah to tell over the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim to children who
can understand the exodus. The Mitzvah does not only apply to boys and
girls who are Ketanim, but also to children who are gedolim--even if they
are married.
42.
Children who have reached the age of Chinuch should be taught to recite the
Haggadah as well.
43.
When asking the Ma Nishtana, the youngest child should ask the questions
first.
44. If
one forgot to remind everyone to have Kavannah to fulfill the Mitzvah of
Achilas Matzah before washing--then bedieved he may do so even after making
the bracha of Al Netilas Yodaim, and it is not considered a hefsek.
45.
With respect to placing Charoses on Maror, the minhag is not to dip the
entire piece of Maror into Charoses, but only a small portion of Maror into
the Charoses, and then to shake it off so that the taste of the Maror is not
lost.
46.
After eating the Afikoman and for the rest of the evening, one should not
rinse his mouth out with mouthwash so as not to lose the Ta’am Matzah.
47. If
there is a mezuman at the Seder, then at the first Seder the Ba’al Habayis
should lead the mezuman, and on the second night, he may invite a guest to
do so.
48.
One should recite Parashas Shema and Birchas Hamapil before going to sleep,
but need not recite the other Pesukim of Kriyas Shema Al Hamittah, as it is
a Leil Shimurim.
49.
Shir HaShirim is recited BeSimcha at the conclusion of the Seder, until
sleep overcomes him. This does not mean that one must fall asleep at the
table--but that one is at the point of tiredness that would otherwise cause
him to go to sleep.
50.
For the 50th level--May we all be zoche to Chasal Siddur Pesach
Kehilchaso!
------------------------------------------
BLUNTING TEETH--THE TORAH WAY!:
Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Shlita, provides the following insight into our
response to the Rasha in the Haggadah. We are instructed by the Ba’al
Haggadah to “Hakheh Es Shinav.” This is often
misinterpreted/translated as knock out the Rasha’s teeth. In truth, it
means to blunt his teeth. Hakheh is spelled with a Kuf not a Kaf.
The difference is explained by Rabbi Reisman with the following famous
story:
HaRav
Aharon Kotler, Z’tl, together with another Gadol went to collect for Chinuch
Atzmai--and there was a stingy G’vir who did not contribute. So they went
to his office--without an appointment--and asked his secretary if they could
see him. The secretary said he was not in. They knew what that meant. So
they said they would wait for him. So they waited. And waited. And waited
him out. Finally, the G’vir burst out of his office and gave it to them.
He was furious. “You come here without an appointment and you harass me for
money. I have no Menucha.” He continued his harangue without Derech Eretz
to these Gedolim. After the fury of the G’vir was put to rest, the Gadol
accompanying Rav Aharon said to the G’vir, “Now that you gave us what we
deserve, could you give Chinuch Atzmai what it deserves?” Quieted, the
G’vir cut them a handsome check.
That
is P’shat in blunting the Rasha’s teeth. Further, Chazal say that in
Gematria if you subtract Shinav (teeth) from the word Rasha, you get Tzaddik…there
lies a Tzaddik in every Rasha once his sharp teeth are removed!
Hakhel
Note: Perhaps this is another great lesson of the Haggadah--using our
mouths for hours in a positive, beautiful, thankful, and inspiring way!
====================================
8 Nissan
A
TIMELY ASSET--THE
5777 EREV PESACH CHECKLIST: We provide
by the following link http://tinyurl.com/m8m6soy
our Checklist for Erev Pesach 5777. Please feel
free to distribute further!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
TREASURE THE HAGGADAH!
The Sefer Otzar Pelaos HaTorah brings from the Sefer Ahavas Torah
that there are 1,820 words in the Haggadah--corresponding to the 1,820 times
that Yud-Kay-Vuv-Kay is found in the Torah! Oh, how we should treasure each
and every word in the Haggadah!
----------------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
What happened to the mateh of Moshe Rabbeinu?
----------------------------------------------------------
FROM A READER:
“When I clean for Pesach, I can’t help but realize how incredibly blessed I
am. I don’t just have one coat’s pockets to check, but a weekday, and rain
and Shabbos coats. How fortunate am I who Hashem has showered with
abundance plus! The more I have to prepare, the greater is my lot!”
-----------------------------------------------------------
GIVE BRACHOS!
At this critical time of year, when we are very busy and must work within a
timeframe, we should be especially conscious to give brachos to others for
success--V’Ahavta L’Reiacha Komocha is a hallmark of our nation!
------------------------------------------------------------
PROPER MEASURES!
Rabbi Dovid Braunfeld’s highly researched and masterful Sefer on weights and
measures in Mitzvos, known as Moznei Tzedek (Israel Bookshop)
provides an in-depth explanation and listing of amounts required for the
Mitzvos of the Pesach Seder and other Mitzvos throughout the year. The Sefer
includes charts for Shiurim of Matzah depending upon whether one purchases
6, 8 or 10 Matzahs to the pound. An incredible resource!
----------------------------------------------------------
FROM EMUNA DAILY:
The Chasam Sofer teaches that every brick that we laid in Egypt as
slaves, each and every bitter event that occurred--all added up to the
Cheshbon of our redemption! Hakhel Note: HaRav Gedaliah Schorr, Z’tl, in
the Sefer Ohr Gedalyahu teaches that the Galus we are in is very much
in and of itself a part of our Geulah. Based upon this, he explains that
Hashem had to redeem us when we had sunk to the 49th level of
tumah--and before we sank to the 50th level--because at the
50th level we would have reached a nadir from which Geulah would
not have been possible--Hashem of course could have redeemed us even
then--but we literally would simply have been a different people. The
brilliant Mashal he gives is to a seed planted in the ground which, while in
the process of dissolving becomes a growth and bears fruit. If the seed had
totally disintegrated, no fruit could be attributed to that seed. The
lesson to us is as we feel the pangs of Galus--even within the trying period
that Torah Jewry is now experiencing in Eretz Yisrael--we must recognize
that if we act and react properly, the last brick we had to place will have
been laid--and the Geulah will have come sooner, instead of later. Let us
feel for the Roshei Yeshiva and the Yeshiva students, let us do good deeds
for them…and let us daven to Hashem with fervor, remembering: “Shelo
Echad Bilvad…VeHakadosh Baruch Hu Matzileinu Miyadam!”
--------------------------------------------
HARAV BELSKY, Z’TL, ON PESACH:
We present the following rulings
of HaRav Yisroel Belsky, Z’tl, relating to Hilchos Pesach, as
presented at the OU/Hakhel Shiur as well as from Piskei
Halacha of Rav Belsky, as compiled by
Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits, Shlita. We urge everyone to consult with his
own Rav or Posek, as to his particular facts and circumstances.
BEDIKAS CHOMETZ:
Even if one goes away for Pesach, he should be sure to designate an agent to
be bodek Chometz and to be mevatel and sell his Chometz as
well. Going away does not create ‘an exemption’ from Chometz.
LIBUN: One should
not make his own determination as to how to Kasher his stove--which is
perhaps the most important item to properly Kasher for Pesach. One should
consult with his Rav as to just exactly what to do and how to do it.
SIYUM BECHORIM--One
must eat some food at the siyum in order to be able to eat later.
SEDER:
The Seder is intended to be a time of enthusiastic renewal--what does it
mean to be an eved to anything--and what does it mean to be free? A
person can be a slave to a potato chip--if he must eat the next one and the
next one. On the Leil HaSeder, every person should bring himself to internal
and external cheirus. Hakhel Note: We likewise refer to freedom from the
servitude to a Smartphone.... As HaRav Eliyahu Lopian, Z’tl, teaches--a
truly free person is not one who does what he wants--but one who does not do
what he wants!
TOOTHPASTE:
Toothpaste is made to be palatable, and certainly made to be able to be
swallowed accidentally. Very often, the glycerin product in the toothpaste
is not Kosher. No one should fool themselves by purchasing a non-Kosher
toothpaste. There is adequate Kosher toothpaste on the market.
DEODORANT--Some
say that liquid deodorant is nifsal me’achilas kelev and may be kept
in one’s house on Pesach. Thus far no one has demonstrated that this is so;
no test as to whether this substance is potable has been conducted. Others
argue that this is similar to kufas se’or l’yeshiva (Shulchan Aruch,
Orach Chaim 452:9), meaning that once it is permanently designated for a
non-food use it is considered to be batel, and is no longer a Chametz
item. This opinion has appeared in some recent halachic works and it is a
total misconception. Kufas se’or loses its status as Chametz because
the Chametz does not contribute to its functionality. In the case of the
deodorant, the alcohol contributes to its functionality. Whether it is
designated as a food or non-food is irrelevant.
SHAMPOO--The
alcohol that shampoo in America contains is almost certainly not Chametz
since most of the alcohol in the United States is derived from corn. Wheat
extract in the shampoo is batel in more than 1/60. However, it is
still better not to use any product on Pesach without checking to see
whether it is permitted.
STARCHED SHIRTS--According
to the basic premise of the law, one may wear
starched shirts on Pesach as long as the starch was applied before
Pesach. It is customary to refrain from wearing them in case the starch
might fall into the food during meals.
LICKING ENVELOPES--Glue
which is on the back of envelopes should not be licked on Pesach because the
glue might contain wheat starch which would be Chametz.
.
TUMS--When
there are no Tums
available, the best remedy for
treating
heartburn is to consume a combination of baking soda
and
water. The baking soda eliminates the heartburn immediately.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH:
We continue to provide Halachos (currently, Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 475,
et al.) of the Seder. The following are culled from the Notes of the Dirshu
Edition of the Mishna Berurah. Of course, one should in all events consult
with his own Rav or Posek pertaining to his particular facts or
circumstances:
A.
The Bach rules that with each achilah of a kezayis of Matzah on the Leil
HaSeder, we accomplish a separate Mitzvas Asei Min HaTorah.
B.
For the Afikoman, Lechatchila one should eat two kezaysim--one Zecher
LePesach, and the second Zecher to the Matzah that was eaten
together with the Pesach. HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, Z’tl, writes that
based upon the Bach’s opinion that every kezayis of Matzah is a Mitzvah, it
is certainly befitting that we eat Matzah (and not another food) Zecher
LePesach.
C.
The Shelah HaKadosh writes that he has seen bnei aliyah who would
kiss the Matzos and the Marror (just as they would kiss the Sukkah upon
entry and upon exit) to show affection for the Mitzvah. The Shelah HaKadosh
concludes: “VeAshrei Me She’oved Hashem BeSimcha--fortunate is the
one who serves Hashem with joy!”
D.
Some have the custom of only dipping twice at the Seder--with no additional
dippings during the meal--in order to show that the dippings of the evening
are L’Sheim Mitzvah.
E. It
is proper to wash the kos before pouring wine into it for the kos
on Birkas HaMazon, so that it is fresh and clean.
F. If
some at the table only eat hand Matzah and some only eat machine Matzah,
they should consult with a Rav as to whether they can recite zimun before
bentsching together.
G.
The Pasuk in Shir HaShirim of “Hashme’ini Es Koleich”--in which
Hashem says to Bnei Yisrael “Let Me hear your voice”--refers to us reciting
Hallel in a beautiful niggun!
H.
There are different minhagim as to when the Kos Shel Eliyahu is poured.
Some pour it when pouring the fourth cup. From the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch
(119:1), it would appear that it is already poured when pouring the wine for
the first kos at Kadeish [some have the custom of then adding a little bit
of wine to the kos Shel Eliyahu every time an additional kos is poured for
the participants].
I.
The Chok Yaakov teaches that we open the door at Shefoch Chamosecha
so that if Eliyahu is coming--he will find an open door--and we will be able
to run out to greet him.
Hakhel
Note: The Otzar Meforshei Haggadah presents the following insights
regarding the Shefoch Chamosecha:
1.
When opening the door for Eliyahu HaNavi, some have the custom of reciting
“Baruch HaBa!”
2.
There are four Pesukim which comprise this Tefillah, three of which are from
Tehillim, and the last is from Eicha. These four Pesukim represent the
“Four Cups of Punishment” that will be meted out against the Four Nations
which subjugated us in the Four Galios.
3. The
opening of the door signifies that unlike the redemption from Egypt in which
we could not leave our houses during Makas Bechoros, and which was only
immediately realized in its entirety by Bnei Yisrael and not by the other
nations of the World, at the time of our final Geulah we will witness the
punishment of the wicked, and all the nations of the world will openly and
immediately appreciate our redemption. Additionally, our opening of the
door reminds us of the opening of the gate of the Bais HaMikdash exactly at
Chatzos on the Seder night. [Even when we open doors, it has great
significance!]
=====================================
7 Nissan
SHATNEZ ALERT:
Hakhel received a notice from the Vaad L’Mishmeres Shatnez regarding linen
blend women’s sweaters, which have been the subject of many discoveries of
Shatnez. Sadly, many people have rarely been to a qualified Shatnez
laboratory, instead relying primarily on religious storeowners or
salespersons. The Vaad informs us that this method has been found to be
unreliable, with many becoming victim to the prohibition of wearing Shatnez.
For the actual Alert and a photograph of a sweater in questions, please see
the following link
http://tinyurl.com/ka5f28j
The Vaad L’Mishmeres Shatnez certifies Shatnez laboratories in the
Tri-State area, and can be reached at 1.877.4.SHATNEZ
----------------------------------------------------------
THE
HESEIBA VIDEO!
HaRav
Yisroel Belsky, Z’tl, explains that Heseiba is not intended to be an act of contortion, but a comfortable way to
eat in a reclined fashion, as if one is on a short bed.
By the
following video link we provide HaRav Yisroel Belsky, Z’tl, demonstrating
how Heseiba should be done--
http://tinyurl.com/k6ks6gf
Hakhel
Note: If one is unsure as to what is to be done, he should promptly consult
with his Rav or Posek.
----------------------------------------------------------
LOOK
OUT FOR IT!
May we suggest that you take the time as you are davening over the next
several days to look for the mention of Yetzias Mitzrayim (see the Yesod
V’Shoresh HaAvodah for further elucidation).
--------------------------------------------------------
SIMCHAS YOM TOV--A WEEK IN ADVANCE!
When
one provides ma’os chittim, he is not only giving tzedakah, but
fulfilling the Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov--for himself and others. One’s
own Simcha is no longer relegated to his Simchas Krayso (or, if
applicable, to that of his family)--but is extended to those in his
community, and to those thousands of miles away. It is a week to Erev
Yom Tov!
Yad
Eliezer has a three for one match for divorced
women. ’For every dollar you give, Yad Eliezer receives $3!’ There
is also a 2 for 1 match for widows. Avreichim have a 2 for 1 match (up to
$300,000). .
Please, please--fulfill the Mitzvah of Simchas Yom today--for
yourself and for those in need in Eretz Yisrael.
Donate by calling Yad Eliezer at
718-258-1580 by email
info@yadeliezer.org
visit
www.yadeliezer.org, and in the comment section insert:
Hakhel--Divorcee, Widow , or Avreichim match, or
mail a check to 1102 East 26th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11210.
Hakhel Note One: Even if you have already given--now is the time to give
again when your funds are so desperately needed!
Hakhel Note Two: By the following link
http://tinyurl.com/q3lyrog
we provide the powerful words of the Yesod V’Shoresh Ha’avodah in
this area, which we urge you to print out, and make known to others.
------------------------------------------------------------
AS THE CHAG APPROACHES,
we once again provide an important link to The Kosher
Haircut Guide Poster
(available at
http://tinyurl.com/yh2dqy6 ). We urge you to distribute this link, in
order to help many others in your community as well. To obtain a free large
and laminated poster for placement in a barber shop,
or permanent placement in Shul, Yeshiva, or other institution, please call:
718-253-5497.
------------------------------------------------
PRACTICAL STUDY!
The
Rambam provides eight chapters in Hilchos Chometz U’Matzah. If one
begins today and studies one Chapter a day, he will have completed all of
Hilchos Chometz U’Matzah in the Rambam on Erev Pesach! There is
another way for us to get practical as well--the Rambam also provides
Hilchos Korban Pesach, which is 10 Chapters. We all still have the
opportunity to bring the Korban Pesach this year, as a Tzibbur Betumah. To
study these Halachos before Pesach (a bit more than a Chapter a day)
demonstrates our Emunah that the Geulah Sheleimah can come at any time--even
at any moment! We recall the words of Chazal--B’Nissan Nigalu U’V’Nissan
Asidin Liga’el--as we have noted in the past, Geulah is a reality to us
at all times, and most certainly in Chodesh Nissan!
------------------------------------------------------------
SHEDDING THE SHIBUD!
One
Rav remarked to us that every person should go into Pesach with one
less complete shibud upon him--and that a prime area for tikun
should be in the cell phone area. Many cannot go for more than a few
minutes--and certainly a few hours without looking at the cell phone for
calls, emails or texts. Many are seen typing on the streets; others read or
type as family members talk to them; others walk into shul and other public
places with gadgets affixed to their ears; and some talk in stores and on
elevators. In truth, every person who owns a cell phone has at least one
aspect of a shibud that he can release and relieve himself of. Now,
in the week before Pesach would be a wonderful time to drop at least that
shibud--to more properly celebrate the Zeman Cheiruseinu!
------------------------------------------------
THE
PHRASE FOR NISSAN:
As we
have noted in the past, the last Chapter (150) of Tehillim has twelve
phrases, corresponding to the twelve months of the year. The first phrase of
the Kepitel is for the month of Nissan as the first month of the year--it is
“HalleluKa--Praise Hashem!” The Artscroll Siddur, in its usual
manner, has a wonderful and succinct commentary on this phrase, this time
quoting HaRav Avigdor Miller, Z’tl. “HalleluKa is a contraction of
two words. ‘Hallelu’ denotes crying out in happy excitement, while
the unique meaning implied by the name ‘Ka’ means ‘the One who is forever’.
The Psalmist addresses everyone, saying: Use your energy to be excited over
Hashem...[for that is the ultimate purpose of life, and all else pales in
significance].”
--------------------------------------------------------
FROM A
READER: “While
at the Seder, think of those who for health reasons cannot drink wine, eat
Matzah, or partake of a regular Yom Tov meal. Also think of those who do
not know how to drink the wine, eat the Matzah or enjoy Yom Tov. In addition
to thinking about them--thank Hashem then and there for all that you have!”
--------------------------------------------
AN
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE OUTSTANDING TORAH TAVLIN HAGGADAH:
“Unfortunately, in many homes, after the second Seder night, the Haggadah
becomes nothing more than a bentscher even though the eight days of Pesach
are supposed to be an eight day course in Haggadah Shel Pesach. It is
therefore very advisable that those who can should prepare Divrei Torah on
the Haggadah for every meal until the end of Yom Tov. Also, each time one
eats Matzah, he should internalize the many lessons in Emunah that the
Matzah represents.”
--------------------------------------------
A WORD OF CAUTION WHEN SHOPPING:
A reader once reported that he found not Kosher For Pesach Chrain mixed into
the “Kosher For Passover” section in his supermarket--this could innocently
happen when a product is reshelved by a worker not so familiar with the
English language. Every label should be checked when putting it in your
basket--at this time of year it not only has to be Kosher, it has to be....
We also caution about brands that you are not familiar with during the
year--that is not to say they are not fine--it is to say that if you want to
use an unfamiliar brand, even if it may have an ostensibly good hashgacha
for you--just check to make sure that the product is in fact certified by
checking with the certifying agency. “Ushemartem Es Hamatzos---be
careful about the Matzos”--and everything else you will bring into your
home--and into your body (to sustain your soul) during these uplifting and
uplifted days!
--------------------------------------------------------
HOW
ELIYAHU ENTERS:
The Yetzer Hara lives on haughtiness and desire, symbolized by Chometz. We
accordingly ‘starve him’ over the seven days of Pesach--with the hope that
he will never return! In this regard, we provide an outstanding and moving
story provided in the wonderful work Commentator’s Haggadah, by Rabbi
Yitzchok Sender, Shlita (Sh’or Yoshuv Institute):
“Rav
Menachem Mendel of Kotzk said that people make a mistake if they believe
that Eliyahu HaNavi comes in through the door. In truth, he must enter
through our hearts and souls. A story is told of a man who came to the
Maggid of Mezeritch and complained that evil thoughts entered his mind and
he had no control over them. The Maggid advised him to go on a journey to
visit the Tzaddik, Rav Zev Wolf of Zhitmor. The man followed his advice and
embarked on his journey. He arrived in Zhitmor late one winter’s night and
knocked on Rav Wolf’s door. Nobody answered, and even though he continued
knocking and shouted and begged to be let in, nobody answered. Suffering
from the bitter cold, he had no choice but to seek out the local Shul and
sleep on a bench there until morning. Early the next morning, he made his
way once more to Rav Wolf’s door. This time the great Rav himself answered
his knock and welcomed him, saying nothing about the previous night. After
some hesitation, the man told Rav Wolf that the Maggid of Mezeritch had sent
him. “It is well that you have come,” answered the Rav; “For you have now
learned the lesson that one is master of his home, and whomever he does not
want to let in, cannot enter.:.”
--------------------------------------------------------
EMUNAH TODAY!
HaRav Ezriel Erlanger, Shlita, points out that Emunah is an extremely
important Middah to work on at this time of year. He continues that it is
very telling that the Ani Ma’amin in which we assert that we know that
Hashem knows everything is juxtaposed with the Ani Ma’amin for the Biyas
Hamoshiach, which is then further juxtaposed with the Ani Ma’amin for
Techiyas Hameisim. From these juxtapositions, we must understand that
our deeds have a destination. What we do in the here-and-now is not
simply a concept of ‘do good, and do not do bad’--but is instead life with
an end-goal, with a purpose. What would you say is the ‘most important’
Mitzvah in this world? Based upon punishments, it would clearly be Chilul
Hashem--as the Rambam brings in Hilchos Teshuvah that one cannot
generally obtain forgiveness for the sin of Chilul Hashem with Teshuvah,
with Yom Kippur or even with suffering--but must wait until death to obtain
complete forgiveness. At the time of Moshiach, life will be a flowing
Kiddush Hashem--we will have attained the fulfillment of our deeds--and all
of our actions will be truly L’Sheim Shomayim. This is our exit
strategy. It is to this time that we long and yearn. We must recognize that
Geulah is the destination of the world--it is the direction the world is
going in--and that with our deeds we can bring it closer, or r’l,
make it further. Chazal teach how important it is to be someich geulah
l’tefillah--recite the bracha of Ga’ahl Yisrael and then
immediately begin to recite Shemone Esrei. In Shemone Esrei itself, we then
express that Hashem was not just the Ga’ahl Yisrael of the past, but
is our Go’el Yisrael in the here and now. We look to the
accomplishments of the past--with our full bitachon of our Geulah Sheleimah…in
the forthcoming future. An important step for us is to at least recognize
that not only was Hashem the Ga’ahl Yisrael--but, as we say in each
and every Shemone Esrei--is also the Go’el Yisrael--the One Who will
redeem us once and for all, so that we can fully and finally attain the
purpose of creation!
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