Hakhel Email Community Awareness Bulletin
APRIL 2019 DAILY EMAIL ARCHIVE
25 Nissan
A TESHUVAH MOMENT:
For the last several days, we have once again been 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.
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TOMORROW!
The 26th of Nissan, is the Yahrzeit of Yehoshua Bin Nun. Chazal (Shabbos
105B) teach that the elders of his generation were punished for not properly
eulogizing him. Yehoshua instituted two of our great Tefillos:
1. The first paragraph of Aleinu LeShabeyach, which is a highlight of our
Tefillos on the Yamim Noraim, and is recited three times daily as part of
the important conclusion of each of our Tefillos (the Rema to Shulchan Aruch
[Orach Chaim 132:2] emphasizes that we should be careful to have Kavannah
when reciting Aleinu.
2. The second Bracha of Birkas HaMazon was instituted by Yehoshua upon
entering into Eretz Yisrael (Berachos 48A).
We should be especially careful tomorrow (and every day!) with theses two
special Tefillos, both of which express our great thanks to Hashem for the
blessings he has bestowed upon us. Let us take these opportunities to
properly remember Yehoshua Bin Nun--and keep some part of his great legacy
with us daily (if some want to stay especially close to their Rav or
Talmidei Chachomim--or keep the Shul or Bais Medrash in order--he can take
another part of these legacies as well!).
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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 5779, as the pangs of Ikvasah D’Moshicha beat about
us--is the time for us to be especially passionate--now--Nissan 5779, 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 this week:
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!
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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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TESHUVAH MOMENT:
As we move away from Isru Chag Pesach 5779, Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita,
teaches that we can still be very much bound to Pesach’s enormity on a daily
basis if we bli neder commit to especially reciting with focused Kavannah
the first of the 13 Ani Maamin’s: “…Hu Borei U’Manhig LeChol HaBeruim
V’Hu Levado Asah V’Oseh V’Yaaseh L’Chol Ha’Ma’asim!”
Hakhel Note: Reminder that Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, Shlita, teaches that the
term Ani Ma’amin B’Emunah Sheleima means that I believe with
absolute certainty.
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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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PRACTICAL LESSONS FROM PESACH
1.
Shir HaShirim. 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 Yisrael… 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 Hara muddy the waters with his
earthy parable when you can sing the Song of all Songs--each and every day!
2.
Expressing Oneself to Hashem. 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.
3.
Keeping On The Spiritual Weight Gained. 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:
A.
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.
B.
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 Yisrael 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!
C.
Hashgacha Pratis—Hashem’s care and concern for each individual member of
B’nei Yisrael 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 Yisrael 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.
D.
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
Yisrael, 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!!
E.
Teva—The Makkos, the concomitant freedom of B’nei Yisrael from the
Makkos, the miraculous growth of B’nei Yisrael (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 Yisrael 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!
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14 Nissan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
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!
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SPECIAL EDITION OF HILCHOS SHABBOS:
As part of our Hilchos Shabbos series, this week we provide by the following
link
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/PesachHalachos.pdf special
Hilchos Shabbos relating to Yom Tov, which were distributed by the Hilchos
Yom Tov Initiative, as a zechus for Chaya Malka Bas Bas-sheva. To subscribe
on a weekly basis, email
learnshabbos@gmail.com
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OUR HILCHOS PESACH SERIES:
By the following link
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/HilchosPesach5775.pdf we
provide all of the Hilchos Pesach that we have provided in the thirty day
period before Pesach (including today’s Hilchos Pesach, below). Please print
out for your review and feel free to disseminate further!
Hakhel Note:
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
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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!
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REMINDER! PRE-SEDER TEFILLAH!
By the following link, we present 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!
http://hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/TefillahLeilSeder.pdf
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REMINDER!
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….
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QUESTION OF THE DAY:
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.
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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.
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HILCHOS PESACH:
We concluded our listing of Halachos (currently, Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim
475, et al.) relating to Pesach. 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 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!
B. 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].
C. 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!]
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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.
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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. 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.
G. 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!
H.
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!
I.
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.
J. 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!
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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.
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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.
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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!!
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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!
=====================
13 Nissan
FOR ALL THOSE ABOUT TO TAKE A HAIRCUT! The Kosher Haircut
Guide--http://tinyurl.com/yh2dqy6.
--------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
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.
--------------------------------------------
THE EREV PESACH CHECKLIST:
We provide by the following link our Checklist for Erev Pesach 5779.
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/ErevPesachChecklist5779.pdf
Please feel free to distribute further!
-----------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
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.
--------------------------------------------------------
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:
“The Biur Halacha in the first Siman quotes the Chinuch language in
explaining how one can aspire to acquire Ahavas Hashem. I am not doing
justice to the language of a Rishon but the essence of the advice of the
Chinuch is that through learning Torah and delving into the torah ‘behecrech’
one will automatically come to love Hashem. (The more well known Rambam by
contrast discusses another method of delving into the wonders of the
universe). I have heard from the Bostoner Rebbe in the name of the Baal
HaTanya that the only way to have true Ahavas Yisrael is through Ahavas
Hashem because love of Hashem is the love of spiritual in contrast to love
of this world. As many Seforim discuss, love of this world is basically
mutually exclusive of love of Hashem. Therefore once this is so there is no
longer a physical separation between man and his fellow Jew since we are all
one Neshama--the more spiritual one is the more he will feel less apart from
his fellow Jew ergo the greater Ahavas Hashem the greater Ahavas Yisrael.
The reverse is also true; it will not be possible to truly love another Jew
unless and until one has Ahavas Hashem. I feel very strongly that this
message should be broadcasted and made more well-known. It so basic and so
vital in our society that continues to descend morally at a precipitous
pace. It is the basics of Ahavas Hashem and Ahavas Yisrael--what greater
time is there to work on this than Pesach!”
---------------------------------------------
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!”
---------------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH:
We continue to provide Halachos (currently, Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 475,
et al.) relating to Pesach. 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.
---------------------------------------------
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!
---------------------------------------------
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!
---------------------------------------------
A MASHAL FOR THE SEDER: One must come into the Seder stocked with help to hopefully
enhance and in-trance. To get us started, 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).
=====================
12 Nissan
MORE THAN TWO SODA CANS!
We must be careful to check each and every Pesach product that comes into
our home. A reader sent us a picture, presented by the following link
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/CokeCans.jpg
which shows two seemingly identical cans of Coke
that were found next to one another on the shelf--see if you can tell the
difference. He 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 and every container!
----------------------------------------------------
REMINDER--CHAMETZ GEMACH IN FLATBUSH!
Between Purim and Pesach, donate your non-perishable, closed-package chametz
with reliable hechshers. The Gemach halachically sells all chametz. After
Pesach, everything is distributed to those in need. Please consider a
monetary donation along with your food drop off in order to purchase
supplies, extra food and to distribute to families. For more information,
please call: 718.377.6361 or email
yitzchak@relkin.com
(please write “Chametz Gemach” in subject line). Active between Purim and
Pesach. The Gemach is located at 1101 East 3rd Street (I/J). Please call
first for more details and to arrange drop off times.
All
Chametz must be dropped off by two days before bedikas chametz.
In
nine years, the Gemach gathered and distributed 30,000 pounds of food.
--------------------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
As we
draw closer to Pesach, with its special chumros and customs, 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.”
--------------------------------------------------------------
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!
By
the following link, we present 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! http://hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/TefillahLeilSeder.pdf
--------------------------------------------
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 two masterful Shiurim by Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita
(each approximately 60 minutes):
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vvzy9l3gkt4k5hs/AACDeFoIkRRJTCSwOAOt0Ncza?dl=0
--------------------------------------------------------
A
“HEADS UP” FOR FRIDAY 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!
----------------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH:
At a Shiur on the Halachos of Pesach, Rabbi Shlomo Pearl, Z’tl, taught:
A. It is a Mitzvah to eat Shalosh Seudos this Shabbos--even though the Leil
Seder Sheini will begin a few hours later. It is best if one davens Mincha
on Shabbos early, goes home, washes and eats Shalosh Seudos with Matzah.
Indeed, the Aruch HaShulchan (Orach Chaim 291:12) writes “Chalila LeHakel
Shelo Le’echol Pas LeSeudas Shelishis…” [If one cannot find an early
minyan for Mincha, and in his Shul they will be davening Ma’ariv soon after
Mincha, then one can also eat Shalosh Seudos before Mincha].
B. There are different Minhagim as to which brachos are recited by all
participants in the Seder. The Minhag Sefarad is generally that the Ba’al
HaBayis makes all brachos (even over the four Kosos) and is Motzi everyone
in order to fulfill the Hiddur of Berov Am Hadras Melech. Others
have a Minhag to the contrary, based upon the ruling of the Magein
Avraham, and everyone recites his/her own Kiddush, Al Achilas Matzah
and Al Achilas Marror, etc.. A third opinion attributed to HaRav
Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, is that the Ba’al HaBayis makes Kiddush and HaMotzi,
and everyone makes all of the other brachos on their own. Everyone should,
of course, follow their own Minhag. However, for those whose Minhag it is
for the women to recite their own Kiddush on the Leil HaSeder--will they
also recite Havdalah immediately following Kiddush on the second Seder
Night? The Debriztiner Rav, Z’tl, held that they would; as to whether women
recite the bracha of Borei Meorei HaEish--this is a matter of further
discussion (see Bi’ur Halacha 296, d’h Lo Yavdilu). Hakhel
Note: Accordingly, one should consult with his own Rav or Posek as to how to
properly conduct himself.
--------------------------------------------------------
AS PESACH APPROACHES, WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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!
--------------------------------------------------------
TIMELY PISKEI HALACHOS--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’sakim 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:
PART II
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 a 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 reclining.
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. [Hakhel Note: If one has questions as to how to
properly perform Heseiba--especially if he does not have an armchair--he
should consult with his Rav or Posek.] 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!
=====================
11 Nissan
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT REMINDER--A
WORD OF CAUTION WHEN SHOPPING:
A reader JUST reported that she found not Kosher For Pesach salad dressing
mixed into the “Kosher For Passover” section in her 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!
--------------------------------------------------------
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!
----------------------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
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! 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!
---------------------------------------------------
AN
INVALUABLE AND TIMELY ASSET--SPREAD THE WORD!
In the
approximate 15 minute video available by the following link
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/Tevilaskeilimvideo-1.m4v
(please note that because this is a very large file it might take a minute
or two to download) 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.
----------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
What happened to the mateh of Moshe Rabbeinu?
----------------------------------------------------------
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”!
---------------------------------------------------
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 is 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.
---------------------------------------------------
TIMELY PISKEI HALACHOS--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’sakim 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:
PART I
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].
4. The correct Nusach in the Bracha over fruit trees is “Sheloh
Chisar BaOlamo K’lum” (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 the 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 deposit it in a public area
or receptacle.
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.
-----------------------------------------------
NOT KNOCKING OUT THE TEETH:
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: If this is a key element in defining a Rasha, we should be
especially careful in this regard. Why only end up being a Tzaddik,
if we can start out being one?! Perhaps this is another great lesson of the
Haggadah--using our mouths for hours in a positive, beautiful, thankful, and
inspiring way!
=====================
10 Nissan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
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!
----------------------------------------------------------
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!
-----------------------------------------------
THE SEDER CHECKLIST:
We provide by the following link our Checklist for Erev Pesach 5779.
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/ErevPesachChecklist5779.pdf
Please feel free to distribute further!
-----------------------------------------------
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 Matzos to the pound. An incredible resource!
----------------------------------------------------------
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 5779: A Passover Guide To Cosmetics And
Medications, a detailed list of acceptable products that may be
used on Pesach, which is available by contacting the Kollel at
323-933-7193. 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 in the Advil, Purell,
Gold Bond, Mary Kay, Icy Hot, Previcid, Ultramax, Phisoderm, Cortizone,
Claritin, Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, Vaseline, Prevident, Eucerin, 4Kids,
lines do contain Chometz. Page 3 of the Guide provides a list of ingredients
to be on the lookout for. Page 70-72 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
----------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------
COUNTING THE WORDS:
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!
--------------------------------------
AS WE LEAVE PARASHAS METZORAH:
A.
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 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 Parasha--day after day after day!
B.
The following is excerpted from the excellent work Sefer Chofetz Chaim--with
the Commentary Yad Dovid, by Rabbi Dovid Marchant, Shlita: “The story
is retold by R’ Shalom Schwadron, Z’tl, about one Purim when the home of the
Chofetz Chaim was filled with people. A certain young scholar
insisted that the Chofetz Chaim promise him that he could sit next to
him in the world to come. The Chofetz Chaim replied: “I don’t know
how big a share I have in Gan Eden, but one thing I do know-- I will
probably have some share in Gan Eden, because from the day I was old enough
to reason and understand, I have not listened to nor spoken Lashon Hara.
If you promise me that from now on you will do the same, I can assure
you a place next to me in Gan Eden.” Let us stop and think about this
reply. Even if we have not personally been promised by the Chofetz
Chaim that we may sit next to him in Gan Eden, we see that he made a
clear assumption that probably, for keeping away from listening to or
speaking Lashon Hara, he had some share in Gan Eden. In other
words, a share in Gan Eden is assured to any Jew who observes the laws of
Loshon Hara. What a tremendous revelation this is for us.”
Hakhel Note: We may all be familiar with this famous story--but its lesson
from Rabbi Marchant to us all--should really hit home in a great and
powerful way! As Rabbi Marchant himself puts it: “Any thoughtful joy, upon
learning about this, should immediately repent of having previously listened
to or spoken Lashon Hara, thus wiping his/her slate clean of this sin and
embarking upon a new life of learning and observing these Halachos!”
=====================
7 Nissan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The word Metzora can be viewed as a contraction of two words--Motzi Ra--in
which we are enjoined to rid ourselves of the evil within us--or face the
consequences. As we are busy these days removing so many things from inside
our homes--the Torah in our Parasha reminds us to ALSO MOST DEFINITELY
REMOVE the evil within ourselves.. We need to clean not only our homes--but
ourselves as well! Remember it’s the time of Motzi Ra! For a further
development of this thought, please see WHO IS MASTER OF YOUR HOME? Below.
----------------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH:
We present the following rulings
of HaRav Yisroel Belsky, Z’tl, relating to Hilchos Pesach, as
presented at a 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!
HESEIBAH:
Heseibah 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. If one does not
know how to do Heseibah, or is unsure--he must consult with his Rav as to
how to properly perform the Mitzvah
HAVDALAH ON MOTZA’EI SHABBOS:
Even women who recite Kiddush together on the Leil HaSeder should not recite
the Havdalah portion of Yaknehaz on Motza’ei Shabbos and should
instead answer “Amen” to the brachos over the Ner and Havdalah.
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 products 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------
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!
--------------------------------------------------------
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 (with the last
phrase of Kol HaNeshama being repeated for the thirteenth month of Adar
Sheni). 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].
--------------------------------------------------------
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).
--------------------------------------------------------
FROM RABBI MOSHE GOLDBERGER, SHLITA--Of
the first 23 Mitzvos of the Torah, 20 of them are related to Pesach. It
would appear extremely appropriate to study these 20 before Pesach!
-------------------------------------------------------
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.”
--------------------------------------------
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!
--------------------------------------------
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.:.”
--------------------------------------------
A TIMELY MIDDAH!
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 this juxtaposition, 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. At this time, 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!
--------------------------------------------
POINTS AND POINTERS ON THIS WEEK’S PARASHA:
As the focal topic of this week’s Parasha is Metzorah, 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. 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!
B. 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!
C. 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!
D. 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!
E. 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.
F. In fact, the Chofetz Chaim (Kovod 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).
=====================
6 Nissan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Rabbi Eliyahu Schneider, Shlita points out that Tosfos reconciles the fact
that according to Rebbe Eliezer the world was created in Tishrei, and
according to Rebbe Yehoshua the world was created in Nissan as follows: In
fact, there is no disagreement, Hashem’s ‘Machshava’, His thought to
create the world originated in Tishrei--but the Ma’aseh, the Creation
itself, was actualized in Nissan. Based upon the teaching of HaRav
Yitzchak Hutner, Z’tl, Rabbi Schneider explains that in Tishrei we follow
the lead of Hashem and work upon our Machshavos--our thoughts. We are busy
with Hirhurei Teshuva, with thoughts of self-improvement, and intent to
change over the coming year. Nissan, on the other hand, is the time
that the world was actually created--it is the time of Ma’aseh, of
deed, of action. All of the Chometz removal, all of the pre-Yom Tov
preparation--the Matzah, the shopping, kitchen, the Seder preparation , the
Yom Tov foods--this is exactly the Avodah of this time of year! We are
fulfilling the map and direction established by Hashem at the time of
creation itself. So as you toil, as you work, as you prepare and perform
the Mitzvos--recognize and appreciate--be glad of heart and regale--in your
fulfilling the LeMa’aseh of creation--exactly at the right time of
year!
----------------------------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH: We continue to
provide Halachos (currently, Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 431, et al.)
relating to Pesach in this especially spiritual period! 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 Steipeler would leave pieces of cinnamon which were not ground in
the charoses so that it resembled straw--zecher l’teven.
B.
There is a dispute among authorities as to whether one can combine two
different kinds of maror together to make up the Shiur. The Aruch
HaShulchan brings that some do have the Minhag to do so, whereas HaRav
Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, Z’tl, 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.
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.
D. 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.
E. 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------
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 getting close to
a week before Erev Yom Tov, and we received the following from Yad Eliezer:
Rabbi
Kaufman is a Gabbai Tzedaka in Ramot and has a Kehila of 700 families who
are in great need. Among them are Talmidei Chachamim, Avreichim, single
parents and some with sick children. These families desperately need help
for Pesach and the Ma’os Chittim that they get is what they will use to eat
on Pesach Everything you give will be used as Maos Chittim and will be
matched, dollar for dollar. Please help us feed these families. And may you
all be bentched with a Chag Kasher V’Sameach. This is a letter from Rav
Kaplan of Ramot. He describes the situation he’s facing before Pesach.We
translated part of the letter, but it’s better in Hebrew:
Shalom
U’Vracha,
We are
right before Pesach and I am asking, in the name of the families who are
waiting for help. The basket we send is Matzot, chickens, wine, grape
juice, eggs and other Yom Tov staples.
The
help that we are describing is a huge Hatzalah for large families, single
parent homes, orphaned families, and families dealing with medical
situations. Many of the families are headed by Avreichim.
We
have not succeeded in collecting enough money this year. We have a pledge
of $10,000 if we succeed in bringing in that amount. This will give us
$20,000 which will be a huge help.
May
HKBH bentch you with many more years of giving and may we, along with all of
Beis Yisrael, eat from the Zevachim and Pesachim – amen.
B’Vracha,
Rave
Moshe Tzvi Kaplan
050
414 8122
To
Donate, visit
yadeliezer.org or mail a check to 410 Glenn Road, Jackson, NJ 08527.
Lease. Please write Ramot Match with any donation.
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.
------------------------------------------------------------
GETTING PRACTICAL!
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 by 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!
------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------
BASKING IN THE COMING DAYS!
Rabbi
Yosef Eisen, Shlita (in the name of HaRav Avrohom Schorr, Shlita) brought an
EXTREMELY POWERFUL Kedushas Levi relating to this time of year. The
heilige Kedushas Levi studied Jews scurrying about with so many
Mitzvos before Pesach, and wondered to himself HOW IT COULD REALLY BE that
the Moshiach did not arrive. He was left with one conclusion--it must be
due to our Ungetzoigenkeit--our being too on-edge, too tense, too
irritable, too obviously sleep deprived, too reaction-filled, too
short-fused, to make the Millions of Mitzvos performed at this time of year
as pure and pristine as they needed to be to turn the tide and bring us the
Geulah Sheleima. This week, as our To-Do list gets longer and our time to
accomplish it gets shorter, as there is legitimate basis for concern
that there is so much to get done with the clock ticking, as not everyone
around seems to be ‘pulling their weight’ the way they should, as the food
prices seem to match the gas prices--let us remember that--at least
according to the Kedushas Levi, we can do our part in finally
BRINGING US HOME by not losing ourselves, by keeping a perspective, by
the judicious uses of a Kepitel Tehillim before doing this errand and a
Kepitel Tehillim before speaking to that person, by maintaining a soft tone
and sharing thoughtful and kind words or compliments, by not responding to a
shout or a sarcasm with something in kind, by helping to calm another, all
of which will serve to project our Mitzvos on the very special, direct and
precise course to Geulah. Let’s try to keep a record (or at least a mental
note) over the next week of all our Geulah-bringing actions and reactions
that would make the Kedushas Levi so proud. The time is not next week
or the following one--the Time is now!
=====================
5 Nissan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
“Rav
Zalman Guttman, Shlita, writes that Emunah means knowing that Hashem is the
Creator and Supervisor of every single action in this world, and that
everything He does is for the good! All negative traits, such as anger,
frustration and kefirah, can be traced back to Paroh, the one who
said: “Who is Hashem that I should listen to His voice?” (Shemos 5:2) Hakhel
Note: You may want to reflect upon this teaching and its significance a bit
further from time-to-time in the upcoming 10-day period—and put it into
action! [Excerpted from the Outstanding Torah Tavlin Haggadah]
----------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL RESOURCES:
We provide by the following links wonderful Pesach Handbooks for your
distribution--as made available by Ohr Somayach and Partners in Torah--Mi
KeAmcha Yisrael!!
Ohr Somayach
http://ohr.edu/pesachbook/org.php
Partners in Torah
http://www.partnersintorah.org/jewish-holidays/passover
------------------------------------------------
BIRCHAS HAILANOS REMINDER!
May we suggest that you join with family or others to make this uplifting
annual bracha.. If you have not already made the bracha--don’t delay--and be
mezakeh others with a warm reminder!
----------------------------------------------
SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY:
The opportunities for us to recite “Mashiv HaRuach U’Morid HaGeshem”
and “V’Sein Tal U’Matar L’Vracha” in 5779 are becoming fewer and
fewer. Please remember to make them really count!
------------------------------------------------------
TEFILLAH AHL HAGEULAH:
We remind our readers that as we are in the period between the Geulah of
Purim and the Geulah from Mitzrayim, it is certainly an auspicious time for
the final, everlasting Geulah. Accordingly, we provide by the following
link to the Hakhel website the Tefillah Al HaGeulah, to be recited with
Kavannah--especially during the month of Nissan! The Hebrew version is
available by the following link:
http://tinyurl.com/ncm2ou3 and the English version is available here:
http://tinyurl.com/3ybyxq
------------------------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH:
We continue to provide Halachos relating to Pesach in this especially
spiritual period--less than thirty (30) days before Pesach! 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. At
a Hakhel shiur, HaRav 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!
B. At
the same shiur, HaRav Belsky ruled that one could simply place his stove
top grates into the self-cleaning oven to kasher them, rather than
subjecting them to intense heat via placement of a blech on top of the
stove.
C. 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 10 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 Mitzraim,
and as close by as having the ability to pick up the cup and pour... and
there is a lot--a lot--in between to be thankful for! Then--when it comes to
the Seder--let your thanks reach a crescendo!
------------------------------------------------------
A NISSAN HALLMARK!
One of the hallmarks of Chodesh Nissan and Pesach is its call for Zerizus.
Making sure that one’s home is free of Chometz well in advance of the
holiday and making sure that one’s Matzah does not rise well in advance of
the time that it could--are key aspects of our Pesach preparations. Indeed,
and almost symbolically, it is fascinating that the Korban Pesach is brought
during the day--even though it can only be eaten later that night--and once
the time actually comes that we can consume it at nightfall, the short
Mitzvah window is only until dawn or even only Chatzos. It is no small
wonder then that the Halachic principle of Zerizin Makdimin LeMitzvos--those
who are Zerizim, those who view Mitzvos with energy and enthusiasm, make
sure to perform Mitzvos early is actually taught in Mesechta Pesachim
(4A)! Similarly, Chazal teach (in Pesachim 5:7) that although
the Torah mandates that the Korban Pesach is to be brought in the Bais
Hamikdash in Three Groups--during which time the Group recited the Hallel
and repeated it if need be until the entire Group had completed bringing
their Karbanos, the last of the Three Groups was always so small that
they would never even get up to ‘Ahavti’ (near the beginning of Hallel) and
all of the Karbanos were already completed! Yes, there were supposed to be
Three Groups--but the Torah was certainly not requiring YOU to be part of
that Third Group. We may additionally suggest that Chazal especially point
out that the Third Group ‘never reached Ahavti’--perhaps symbolizing
that their love to HaKadosh Baruch Hu may have been somewhat lacking as
demonstrated by their dilatory ways. We must try to use this Month to act
with a true Zerizus standard and yardstick--measuring our Mitzvos by the
zeal and dedication by which they are performed. We note that even though
we are permitted to eat Chometz on all other days of the year besides
Pesach--there is one Chometz Prohibition that does stay with us the
Entire Year. It is--Mitzvah Haba Leyodecha Al Tachmitzenah--A
Mitzvah that Hashem avails you of --don’t let it sit there--don’t let it
wait--don’t let it rise--perform it and immediately enjoy its everlasting
mark! Let us begin now with a rededication to prompt and timely Mitzvah
Performance--and taste the fresh, tasty and crisp Matzah all year round!
------------------------------------------------------
A SPECIAL TEFILLAH!
HaRav Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl (brought in the Sefer Sifsei Chaim)
brings a meaningful Tefillah to be recited before entering the streets
around us which do not honor or at least follow the same principles that we
have been taught. This very same Tefillah can in fact be recited when it
is necessary for us to turn to the Internet--which in many cases is
essentially bringing the streets into your office or home office. This is
the concise and potent Tefillah that he brings: Hineni Holech Begai
Tzalmovess Bemakom Mesukan. Hoshieini MiYetzerHora U’MaiChatoim U’MaiAvonos,
U’Bifrat [specify here any Chait that may be an issue based upon the
circumstances]. HaRav Friedlander then suggests that the following Pasuk
from Tehillim (119:37) be added: Ha’avair Einai Mair’os
Shav--Bidrachecha Chayeini--Avert my eyes from seeing futility; in Your
ways give me life! Hakhel Note: Although we have not yet found anyone who
has composed a Tefillah Before Internet Use, our solution above based upon
HaRav Friedlander may be a good start. One thing is certain--for one who
must use the Internet, Tefillos are definitely in order. There is no
better time to add on this ‘prayer before a search’ than the month of
Nissan--in which Tefillah played such a vital role not only in the salvation
of an individual--but in the salvation of our entire nation!
=====================
4 Nissan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
In the Hagadda, we recite “Yachol Mai’Rosh Chodesh…--I might think
[that the Mitzvah of relating the story of our Exodus from Egypt could be
performed] from Rosh Chodesh Nissan and on.” Why would I think this way?
After all did not the Exodus actually take place on the fifteenth day of
Nissan, which is exactly the first day of Pesach--why would I think the
Mitzvah could be performed earlier? The Netziv (in the Chumash Ha’Amek
Dovor, Shemos 34:18) writes, in fact, that the entire month is mesugal,
is especially opportune, to instill within us true principles of Emuna and
Avodas Hashem. If this is the month which is mesugal --let’s not lose out
on today! As we begin our study of the Haggada and Yetziyas Mitzrayim we
should focus on Emunah-filled lessons, and the Koach HaTefillah in bringing
us to Geulah!
--------------------------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH:
We continue to provide Halachos (currently, Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 431,
et al.) relating to Pesach in this especially spiritual period--less than
thirty (30) days before Pesach! 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 Steipeler would give treats to the children before the Seder
began, so the children would get excited and begin to ask questions as to
what was happening.
B. Before Kiddush, HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, Z’tl, would especially
advise all those at the Seder that they should have in mind that the bracha
of Shehechiyanu covers all of the Mitzvos of the night.
C. The Mishna Berurah rules that when drinking each one of the four kosos,
one should drink a rov revi’is from the kos at one time.
D. The Mishna Berurah rules that if one does not have zero’ah for the
ke’arah, he can take any type of meat. If one does take the zero’ah, it
should have some meat on it, as it is zecher l’korban Pesach.
The Chayei Adam writes that it is a bizuy mitzvah to throw out the zero’ah;
instead, it should be eaten on the morning of the second day (or in Eretz
Yisrael, on the first day) as part of the Seudas Yom Tov.
E. The egg for the ke’arah need not be roasted; it can be cooked as well,
for it is zecher l’korban Chagigah--which could be roasted or cooked.
---------------------------------------------------------------
THIS MONTH ONLY!
The Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh highlights for us how important the Torah
considers this month, the month of Nissan. The Torah uses the words (Shemos
12:2): “HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem Rosh Chadashim”, and then
continues: “Rishon Hu Lachem LeChadshei HaShana”--this month
to you is the first of the months, the first of the months is it to you….
There is, the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh teaches, no redundancy here. The
Torah is emphasizing that the inherent powers of this month are so great
that it was intentionally made the first month of the year. It is up to us,
then--Lachem--to unleash these powers. If we begin to characterize
our Pesach work as a ‘mitch’, or a bother; if we express our
frustration and cynicism at high prices, or complain of other Pesach-related
‘hardships’, then we are defeating the Lachem which the Torah reminds
us about twice in the same Pasuk. It is with a sense of joy and
privilege that we should approach the next eleven days leading us to
Pesach--a Chag upon which our souls became eternally free,
even if our bodies may otherwise be bound in a temporary (hopefully at this
point, very temporary) Galus Edom. There is a related point, as well. This
year, there appear to be so many individuals and organizations in need--many
more than in previous years. There are those who are making a yeoman’s
effort to keep their Ma’os Chitim and Tzedaka donations on par with
previous years. Others, may, however, fall short because of the financial
position they are in. If one finds himself in a better economic position
this year than last, he should realize that Hashem is empowering and
directing him to give more than in previous years--to help make
up the slack of others. Especially in these times in which we look to
HaKadosh Baruch Hu’s Tzedaka and Chesed to save us in Eretz Yisrael and the
world over, we should view the extra Tzedaka collectors and needy
organizations as a means given to us by Hashem for us to exercise Tzedaka
and Chesed. Why? The Pasuk states: “VeNassan Lecha Rachamim
VeRichamcha VeHirbecha.” HaRav Pam, Z’tl, explains that this Pasuk
teaches that Hashem will give us opportunities for Rachamim and that if we
exercise them, He will, Middah K’Neged Middah shower Rachamim upon
us. Let us do what we can-- over the next week and a half--giving of
ourselves and of our money--with Simcha, and with trust! Let us rise to the
occasion!
---------------------------------------------------------------
MAZEL TOV! As
we have noted in the past, the Mazel for the month of Nissan is a ram. The
Egyptians, who were the most professional of astrologers, worshipped this
particular Mazel, because it is the first, the b’chor, of all of the Mazelos.
Accordingly, they believed they could draw the strength and power from this
Mazel which was necessary for them to rule the world.
Hashem therefore specifically took B’nei Yisrael out of Egypt during the
height of this Mazel’s governance--on the 15th day--in the middle of
Nissan. Moreover, the lamb (ram) which was the earthly symbol of this Mazel,
was restrained by being tied to bedposts--and then even shechted during the
Mazel’s very governance. Had B’nei Yisrael been taken out in any other
month, the Mitzri’im could have claimed that its Mazel was simply not ruling
that month, but had it been…
What is Mazel? HaRav Chaim Friedlander Z’TL (Sifsei Chaim 2:268)
explains that it is the method of controlling the creation from heaven to
earth, which is wholly independent of man’s conduct (Mazel is connected with
the word “Nozel”--to flow from heaven to earth). The Egyptians were right--Mazelos
were effective--until Rosh Chodesh Nissan--the day upon which Hashem taught
us that WE, B’nei Yisrael, would now supersede and govern over all
creation by our actions. As the Posuk states: “This month is TO YOU the
first month.” Hashem, in the first mitzvah given to K’lal Yisrael as a
people, teaches them that their actions will simply override all Mazelos.
As Rav Friedlander explains, the term “Ain Mazel L’Yisrael” (Shabbos
156A) means that the Mazelos have no power over us--just the opposite, our
actions now control the creation.
This obviously puts us in a very responsible position. On that first day of
Nissan in the year 2448, we lost the status of commoners, and, in effect,
became ranking high officers, because all of our actions, even the smaller
ones, impact the world in its entirety. In fact, our actions are so
profound, that we can bring the Shechina into this world by building a
Mishkan, and we can, c’v, drive the Shechina away with seemingly
something as trivial as the Sinas Chinam--the senseless hatred--shown in the
Kamtza-Bar Kamtza incident.
So what are we to do--is this simply teaching us about “Jewish guilt”? No,
quite to the contrary. Does a King’s son look to make life simpler and say,
“Forget this, I would rather carry water”?? Or does a Colonel say, “I’m
giving this up for the easier life of guard duty??” No, or at least, they
should not. Instead, they will recognize the importance of their position
and learn how to help themselves--and the many others whose lives they now
affect. How? By taking instruction from the King, and by learning from the
Generals, what to do and how to do it. Indeed, Rav Chaim Volozhiner Z’TL in
the Nefesh HaChaim (Sha’ar 1, Chapter 4) teaches that the acts of
sacrilege of Titus HaRasha in the Holy of Holies were less than meaningless
trifle and had no bearing on this world--but our smallest deeds shake the
cosmos.
As we begin our Pesach preparations, where we spend our valuable time
searching for even crumbs of Chometz, scrubbing walls and turning pockets
inside out, when some men become homemakers--kneading dough, baking matzos,
or perhaps grinding marror, where world class athletes would envy women’s
adrenaline levels, when we spend so much money on potatoes and eggs and
figuring out different ways to prepare them, we should keep in mind--or
least when the going gets rough, remind ourselves--when performing any and
all of our actions that we are the star colonels, we are sons of the
King--whatever we do is truly very, very important and how we do it impacts
not only on our family, friends or neighbors, but actually governs the world
and all of its hosts.
---------------------------------------------------------------
DISCOVERING CHEIRUS!
As we come so close to Pesach, it becomes incumbent upon us to begin our
study of the Haggadah. The Vilna Gaon and the Maaseh Nissim Haggadah
teach that the Geulah from Egypt was called “Chairus Olam”--because
the Geulah of Egypt was the root of, and source for, all future
Redemptions. When one does Teshuvah, he must always look back to the
source, to the beginnings, of the aveira in order to uproot and destroy his
connection to it. Similarly, when yearning for our own final Geulah, we
must study and review how our initial Geulah came about and what happened in
order to properly connect to it. This being the case, one can never learn
enough of the Haggadah, its discussions and its teachings. While
intellectually one may know the ten maakos by heart (including details from
the Midrashim), shoot off the four reasons that we were redeemed, or list in
perfect chronological order the Mitzvos we have on the Seder night, this is
simply not enough. Even if we “know it all,” we must come back year after
year to the same concepts, the same lessons, and even to the same words, so
that we continue to emotionally internalize Geulah through continuously
developing a greater spirit of faith and belief in Hashem within us (See
Michtav M’Eliyahu, Volume 4, Page 249). The night of the Seder, with
the uplifting four kosos, the Matzoh, the paradoxical Korech, the amazing
Haggadah, and the unrestrained Hallel, is given to us by Hashem to
continuously expand this spirit of Cheirus Olam within us. Accordingly, it
behooves us to properly prepare!
=====================
3 Nissan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Yesterday, the second day
of Nissan, the Parah Aduma was burned under the auspices of Moshe Rabbeinu
and Aharon HaKohein. Today, the third day of Nissan, is the first day
that the unparalleled and purifying Parah Aduma waters were first sprinkled
on anyone ever! Accordingly, it is a day that holds special tahara
capability, individually and for our nation, and we should be sure to use
that capability by purifying ourselves in some way. The Luach Davar
B’Ito points out that if there is anything that you can think of that
could use some tahara--the time is extremely auspicious, and the
opportunity is very great. For some on-point ideas, we refer you to
Chapters 16 and 17 of the Sefer Mesilas Yeshorim (which is on the
topic of tahara). You may think that if so few know about this, can
it really be that effective? Please consider, on the other hand, that when
there are fewer customers purchasing, there will be much greater selection,
and much better pricing!
--------------------------------------
MORE ABOUT TODAY!
We have already reached the third Nasi today--the Nasi of Zevulun, Eliav
ben Chailon. Although Zevulun was the tenth son of Yaakov Avinu, he
merited to bring the third Korban as Nasi. Chazal (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:17)
teach that the “tenth” son became the “third” son here--a 300% plus
prioritization--for one reason alone: It was because “Shechibav Es
HaTorah VeHirchiv Yodov Lefazer Es Mamono LeYissocher--his cherishing of
Torah caused him to open his hand wide and support his brother Yissocher in
his Torah studies.” With this wise and generous act, he fulfilled the words
of the wisest of all men, Shlomo Hamelech, who teaches in Mishlei (18:16), “Matan
Adam Yarchiv Lo, Velifnei Gedolim Yanchenu--A man’s gift will make room
for him, and it will lead him before the great.” In fact, Chazal (Bamidbar
Rabbah, ibid.) even conclude with respect to Zevulun that “Godol
Hame’aseh Yoser Min Ha’oseh--he was greater than Yissocher because, but
for him, Yissocher would not have been able to study, and would not have
produced 200 leaders of the Sanhedrin. It would appear to be especially
auspicious to write a check to a Kollel member or to a Kollel today.
Additional Note: The Navi teaches that ‘VeShaveha B’Tzedaka--those
who return will be redeemed with the giving of Tzedaka. In this season of
Geulah we should try to give whatever we can!
ACCORDINGLY, Please help Yad
Eliezer:
Rabbi
Kaufman is a Gabbai Tzedaka in Ramot and has a Kehila of 700 families who
are in great need. Among them are Talmidei Chachamim, Avreichim, single
parents and some with sick children. These families desperately need help
for Pesach and the Ma’os Chittim that they get is what they will use to eat
on Pesach Everything you give will be used as Maos Chittim and will be
matched, dollar for dollar. Please help us feed these families. And may you
all be bentched with a Chag Kasher V’Sameach. Please write Ramot Match with
any donation. To Donate, visit
yadeliezer.org or mail a check to 410
Glenn Road, Jackson, NJ 08527.
--------------------------------------
THE TIME IS UPON US!
Now that Nissan is upon us, we must be smart enough to use the Month of
Geulah--for that purpose. Not only is Nissan proven from the-past, Chazal
even teach that “U’BeNissan Asidin LiGa’el--in Nissan we will be
redeemed.” Indeed, the Yotzros for Parashas HaChodesh make it perfectly
clear “Rusham BeChol Dor Shomur Hu LeRochev Al HaChamor--It is
reserved **in every generation** for the one who will come riding on the
donkey.” Far be it from us to allow the Yetzer Hora to razzle and dazzle us
over the next few weeks--when IN FACT we can accomplish so
much towards our own Geulah! Perhaps, if you have not already done so, you
can start daily with the Tefilah Al HaGeulah from now until Pesach--which we
once again provide by the following in Hebrew here http://tinyurl.com/2u3l4e
and in English here http://tinyurl.com/3ybyxq.
May we also suggest that when reciting VeLirushalayim Ircha in
Shemone Esrei that you picture Yerushalayim well--with the millions of
people that were there in the past and will be there again celebrating
Pesach--visualizing the Seder [including yours] on the rooftops, the
palpable Ruach Hakodesh of the Tzaddikim, the Kohanim working in beautiful
harmony, and the incredible Miracles of the Mikdash. Think about the
unadulterated Simchas Yom Tov (not needing Great Adventures to make it
happen), and of the harmony, health and purity of spirit that will abound.
All of this may be only a prayer--your prayer--away!
--------------------------------------
… ON A PERSONAL LEVEL AS WELL!
Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita, provides a touching insight from the Chiddushei
HaRim (the Gerrer Rebbe, Z’tl). Geulah need not take place only on a
communal level, but on an individual level, as well. The Yotzros that some
may have recited last Shabbos teach that Nissan is “HaChodesh Asher
Yeshuos Bo Makifos--the month in which salvations follow quickly one
upon another” (translation of Artscroll Siddur). The Chiddushei HaRim,
however, teaches that the word “Makifos” is also very much related to the
word “hakafa”--an extension of credit (see, for example, Avos 3:20, “Vehachenvani
Makif--and the Merchant [Hashem] extends credit).” The month of
Nissan is an auspicious time during which we can ask Hashem for personal
Yeshuos--on credit. Even if we have not gotten there yet--we can express
our beginning intention to do better and ask Hashem for the “merchandise” we
need now. It is market day, if you will, and the Merchant is
unbelievably making it available on credit! We have ahead a month that is
infused with so much potential and good for us. Let us begin with the
beginnings of an act of Teshuva--whether it be coming to Shul on time, being
more careful with Brachos, refraining from Ona’as Devorim to family and
“close” friends, or anything else that you know you have to get better
at--and then ask Hashem for His unparalleled and incomparable credit on your
continued future actions. May you be zoche to a marvelous credit rating in
this very special month--and may you speedily receive the Yeshua that you
seek. Most certainly you have the Chiddushei HaRim to back you up!
-------------------------------------
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 Mishna Berurah defines heseibah as one’s head leaning to the
left while seated, with a pillow placed underneath the head. HaRav Elyashiv,
Z’tl, explains that in addition to one’s head, most of one’s body should be
leaning as well. However, the leaning should not be to the extent that one
feels uncomfortable in the position he is in. The Ohr LeTzion writes
that the position is one somewhere between lying and sitting--at least at a
45 degree angle. Additionally, one must be leaning on something--if he is
leaning in the air, HaRav Elyashiv rules that this is not heseibah.
B. The Mishna Berurah writes that the Haggadah itself is not recited
b’heseibah, but instead B’Eimah U’V’Yirah--in awe. Likewise,
HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, Z’tl, rules that the brachos over the wine and
the Matzah should not be recited b’heseibah--as a bracha requires awe
as well.
C. Although it is brought that the Yom Tov meal at the Seder be
eaten b’heseibah (see Mishna Berurah, Orach Chaim 472, seif katan
23), the Chazon Ish, Z’tl, the Steipeler, Z’tl, and HaRav Shlomo Zalmen
Auerbach ruled that if one feels uncomfortable eating b’heseibah, he
need not do so, and they in fact did not do so.
D. In a similar vein, HaRav Elyashiv rules that the drinking of wine at the
Seder to demonstrate cheirus should not be overbearing--and that one
could use eitzos to make the drinking more pleasant--for instance
adding grape juice to some extent--as long as the taste of the wine is still
felt, so that derech cheirus remains. The Chazon Ish, the Brisker
Rav, Z’tl, the Chebiner Rav, Z’tl and HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, all rule
that one can be yotzei cheirus with grape juice. HaRav Moshe
Feinstein, Z’tl and Rav Elyashiv require wine. One who follows the latter
p’sak should consult with his Rav or Posek in the event of any health or
other issue regarding the intake of wine.
=====================
29 Adar Sheini
SHA’AR HABECHINA!
By the following
link, we provide a magnificent opportunity to review the Chovos Helevavos
Sha’ar Hebechina in 29 short segments over the month of Nissan. This is
an outstanding opportunity! Spread the word!
http://hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/Sha'arHaBechinahScheduleNissan.pdf
-------------------------------------------------------
TODAY--FOR ALL:
We provide a Tefillah Al HaParnassah Mimamon Kasher, which the
Shelah HaKadosh writes should be recited before Rosh Chodesh Nissan.
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/TefillaAlHaParnassa.pdf
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
In studying the lessons of the Parasha of Tazria, we realize that Shemiras
Halashon must play an essential part in our lives, and that we must always
endeavor and strive for improvement in this area. For all those who study
the daily two Halachos, or any other daily Shemiras Halashon Sefer--may we
once again suggest reading the daily study aloud even to yourself (it can be
softly!) and/or perhaps re-reading the lesson a second time--so that you
demonstrate affirmatively that you want to use your mouth for the right
reasons and in the right way! We welcome any suggestions you may have as to
how to strengthen others in Shemiras HaLashon. We also remind our readers
about the outstanding resource known as the Chofetz Chaim Heritage
Foundation’s Shemiras Halashon Shaila Hotline--718-951-3696 (M-Th
nights and Motzei Shabbos 9-10:30 pm EST, and for emergencies)--where you
can ask expert Poskim your Shemiras Halashon Shailos in the situation
(business, shidduchim, friends) that you find yourself in. What an
opportunity to make sure that you do the right thing for all concerned!
----------------------------------------------
FROM YAD ELIEZER:
Rabbi
Kaufman is a Gabbai Tzedaka in Ramot and has a Kehila of 700 families who
are in great need. Among them are Talmidei Chachamim, Avreichim, single
parents and some with sick children. These families desperately need help
for Pesach and the Ma’os Chittim that they get is what they will use to eat
on Pesach Everything you give will be used as Maos Chittim and will be
matched, dollar for dollar. Please help us feed these families. And may you
all be bentched with a Chag Kasher V’Sameach. Please write Ramot Match with
any donation. To Donate, visit yadeliezer.org or mail a check to 410 Glenn
Road, Jackson, NJ 08527.
Additional Note One: The Chofetz Chaim writes that one who benefits a
Talmid Chochom from his assets is considered as if he is Misdabeik
BeShechina--and fulfills the Pasuk of “VeAtem Hadveikim BaHashem
Elokeichem Chaim Kulchem HaYom(!)”. The Chofetz Chaim also writes that
one who supports those who study Torah merits that he too will know the
Torah that was studied, even if he was ignorant of these Torah topics in
this world. The Chofetz Chaim adds that this is pashut, for Gan Eden
is based on the Ruchniyus of Torah--and when one is zoche to Gan Eden
because of his support, he must be able to benefit from Gan Eden--through
the Ruchniyus HaTorah that he has gained!
Additional Note Two: The Dirshu Edition of the Mishna Berurah provides the
following points and pointers relating to Ma’os Chittim (Shulchan Aruch,
Orach Chaim 429):
A.
HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, Z’tl, rules that one can utilize his
ma’aser money for Ma’os Chittim, and that this is not considered to be
paying one’s debts with ma’aser money. HaRav Nissim Karelitz, Shlita,
rules that it is a hiddur in the Mitzvah if one provides one in need not
only with money for matzos, but for his other needs of the Holiday. In a
similar vein, HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach rules that Gabbaim who collect
for Ma’os Chittim can use the money not only for all food needs--but for
clothing for the Holiday as well.
B.
The Mishnas Ya’avetz (Orach Chaim 7) rules that if one does not have enough
funds of his own, he should borrow money in order to give Ma’os
Chittim--even though he is otherwise exempt from giving Tzedakah. The
reason for this is that in addition to Tzedakah, one fulfills a separate
Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov--causing others to rejoice on Yom Tov. As the
Rambam (Hilchos Yom Tov 6:17-18) emphatically rules: one who does not give
to the destitute and is mesameiach his family does not fulfill the
Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov--but instead “fulfills the Simcha of his
stomach”. Because the Mitzvah of giving Ma’os Chittim is inextricably bound
to Simchas Yom Tov, continues the Mishnas Ya’avetz, the Shulchan Aruch
records it not in Hilchos Tzedakah--but in Hilchos Pesach itself!
-------------------------------------
BITACHON:
As we
proceed through this great Bitachon-filled period of Bein Purim L’Pesach, we
provide the following important two (2) thoughts from the Ohr Avigdor
Sha’ar HaBitachon (a translation and commentary on Sha’ar HaBitachon
by Rabbi Avigdor Miller, Z’tl):
A. It
is important to notice that the man with bitachon does not live any
differently from the man without bitachon. They are both working at their
jobs. Both people are sitting at their desks and both are making a living,
or trying to make a living. So superficially, you see no difference between
them. The only difference is in their minds. Of course, if you know them
well you will know that one of the two men is always cheerful and the other
is not. He replaces a smiling face with a scowling face. The reason for that
is the fundamental difference in attitude between the two men.
B. If
one is a tailor, he is serving the world by supplying its people with
clothing; that is what Hashem wants. If he is a grocer or a baker, he is
supplying the world with food. If he is in real estate, he is supplying
people with apartments and homes. He is doing all this because Hashem
commanded him to do it. So whatever he is doing for his livelihood, he
should consider it a service of Hashem and not because he relies on his work
to support him or help him. Hashem is the One who gives him all of the help
that he needs, but he is doing things out of service to Hashem.
--------------------------------------
PARASHAS HACHODESH:
Tomorrow is one of the most renowned days in the Torah, as we will lein
tomorrow, in Parashas HaChodesh, Hashem taught Moshe Rabbeinu on this day--
“HaChodesh HaZeh Lochem Rosh Chadoshim--this month is the first month
to you of the year…” (Shemos 12:2).
The Gemara (Shabbos 87B) teaches that Rosh Chodesh Nissan took “Eser
Ataros”--ten separate and distinct crowns--for ten unique events that
happened on this day, which include the first day of the Avodah--the
complete service in the Mishkan, with Aharon and his descendents to serve
everlastingly as Kohanim Gedolim and Kohanim. It was also the first day
ever of the Shechina descending into the Mishkan, and of fire coming from
Heaven to consume the Karbanos.
Additionally, not one or two, but eight different Parashios of the Torah
were taught to K’lal Yisrael on this specific day (See Gittin 60A).
The Navi in Yechezkel (45:18) teaches that on ROSH CHODESH NISSAN the “Miluim”--the
consecration of the THIRD BAIS HAMIKDASH will commence. Accordingly, the Siddur
Bais Yaakov writes that all who are “Mitzapim L’Yeshua”--await
the Redemption--should recite the Pesukim related to the dedication of the
Third Beis HaMikdash in Yechezkel, 43:18-27 and 45:18-20.
Indeed, the first 12 days of Nissan, the days of the dedication offerings of
the Nesi’im in the Mishkan, are so powerful that Reb Menachem Mendel of
Rimanov taught that in each of these days are inherent an entire month of
the year. With true clarity of vision, on each of these 12 days, one can
understand what the entire corresponding month will be like. The first day
of Nissan provides the clarity for the entire month of Nissan, the time of
redemption.
Tomorrow’s Nasi, i.e., the first one to bring Karbonos in the Mishkan, was
Nachshon ben Aminadov, who was the same Nasi who jumped into the stormy sea
for Geulah. Perhaps the lesson is not to be ashamed or hesitant--but to
jump in--to give it all that we have, to prepare for--and to bring--the
Geulah!
Finally, Rosh Chodesh Nissan is the Rosh Hashana for Shekalim (Rosh Hashana
7A)--the day new contributions were required to be used to
purchase the daily sacrifices for the Bais Hamikdash (no matter how full the
Temple treasury already was). This teaches us that Rosh Chodesh is the day
to start again, with a fresh and new commitment, to utilize the coming days
to personally spring and blossom. Let us feel the Special Time in the
air--and improve and elevate our actions accordingly. The opportunity is oh
so blatant--grab on and enjoy!
Hakhel Note:
We were alerted to Chazal (Shabbos 147B) who teach that because he spent
some time away from his regular Torah studies, Rebbi Elazar Ben Arach, the
great student of Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakkai, was unable to read “HaChodesh
Hazeh Lachem” (the beginning of Parashas HaChodesh) properly--and
instead read it as “Hachreish Hayah Libam” (their heart was
deafened). The lesson to us is clear: For the next two weeks, our
Torah study will be placed at a great test--we will be tempted on many
occasions to forgo or curtail our regular Keviyus Ittim LaTorah, our
regular Torah accomplishments, our regular chavrusos. Chazal are teaching us
that we must remember that it is HaChodesh Hazeh Lachem--a very
special month coming up--but marked by a dedicated commitment and resilience
to Torah study in the face of difficulties and challenges. We have to prove
that for us--we want to make it HaChodesh Hazeh Lachem! If one needs
guidance, he should speak to his Rav or Posek!
--------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH:
We continue to present pertinent rulings of HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, relating
to Hilchos Pesach, as excerpted from the monumental Sefer Ashrei
HaIsh (Orach Chaim, Volume III). Of course, one must consult with
his own Rav or Posek for a final p’sak as to how he should conduct himself
in a specific situation:
PART 2
1. One
should pay for his Leil Seder Matzos before Yom Tov, so that it is legally
his, both MiD’Oraysah and MiD’Rabanan.
2. On
Shabbos, one should not remove a piece of Matzah which is possibly
Kefulah, because of the Issur of Borer. One must instead remove the
possible Kefulah together with some Kosher Matzah. If the Matzah is
actually (Mitsad HaDin) Kefulah, then it is Muktzah on Pesach
and on Shabbos as well. Hakhel Note: This p’sak is especially pertinent this
year, as the first day of Pesach is Shabbos.
3.
LeChatchila, men and women should use wine for the four Kosos. However, one
may dilute the wine with grape juice, provided that the taste of alcohol
significantly remains. For children, one can be maikil and give them
grape juice. It is better for an adult to drink a smaller shiur of wine
than a large shiur of grape juice. If one is repulsed by wine and cannot
drink it, he is patur from drinking it, as it is ma’us to
him. He should try to mix wine and grape juice in a manner in which the
wine is still tasted. If he cannot tolerate this, he can drink grape juice.
It is also better to drink an entire smaller cup than the majority of a
larger cup.
4.
Heseibah
requires Derech Cheirus--which means in a royal and enjoyable manner,
as kings eat. This includes a person not bending his body towards the food,
but bringing the food to the body. Heseibah involves leaning most of
one’s body and one’s head to the left side, and leaning on the arm rest or a
pillow. One should feel comfortable as royalty would feel. If one leans
without actually leaning on something, this is not considered Heseibah.
[Hakhel Note: If one is unsure how to perform Heseibah, he should
consult with his Rav or Posek.]
5. Although
before performing a Mitzvah, one should state that he is about to perform
it, one should not say “Hineni Muchan U’Mezuman LeKayeim Mitzvas Asei”,
if in fact it is a Mitzvah DeRabanan. HaRav Elyashiv himself recites “Hineni
Muchan U’Mezuman LeKayeim…”, but does not say the “LeSheim Yichud….”
6. The
Sefer Chayei Adam strongly objects to the partition which separates
the Matzos in a Matzah cover. The places that are noheig like the
Chayei Adam should keep their Minhag.
7. The
Yesod of Sippur Yetzias Mitzrayim is to relate the story--it is not
Me’akev for it to be to a son. This is why a son does not necessarily
have to come to his father for the Seder. If a child is only three years
old or so, and could only understand this story on a kindergarten level, the
father should relate it to the child on that level. There is no inyan,
however, for the three year old to relate the story to the father based upon
what he knows from kindergarten.
8. One
should throw the wine from his cup at the designated points in the Haggadah
with his Etzbah (pointer finger as opposed to pinky), because the
Pasuk says “Etzbah Elokim He”.
9. If one
is in the midst of eating Matzah, he can answer “Amen” to another’s
bracha if he has swallowed a bit.
--------------------------------------
WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
The following Halachos are excerpted from the Hilchos Shabbos Initiative
email which provides practical Hilchos Shabbos reviewed by Rabbi Shmuel
Felder, Shlita, as a zechus for a Refuah Shleimah for Chaya Malka Bas
Basheva. To subscribe, email
shabboshalachos@gmail.com.
As always, one should consult with his own
Rav or Posek as to his particular facts or circumstances.
In a situation where the use of candles is
not feasible (e.g. in a hospital), may a woman recite a brocha on electric
lights when lighting Shabbos candles?
Incandescent lights that are powered with
batteries may be used with a brocha (e.g. artificial candles).
Note: Most flashlights in use today are LED
and may not be used.
According to many Poskim, if a woman does
not have access to these lights, she may use hardwired incandescent lights
(e.g. light fixtures); therefore, it is best to consult one's Rav.
If a man is lighting the Shabbos neiros, when should he recite the bracha?
A woman lighting Shabbos neiros recites the
bracha after lighting the neiros, since she is immediately mekabel Shabbos
with the recitation of the bracha. In contrast, a man is not automatically
mekabel Shabbos with the recitation of the bracha; therefore, he should
recite the bracha prior to lighting the neiros.
Is one permitted to move the Shabbos neiros a different location after
hadlakas neiros?
The candles should be lit in the place where
they will remain and should not be moved to another location unless it is a
case of necessity. In all cases, the candles should be lit in a room that
will be in use on Shabbos. It is preferable for the husband to prepare the
Shabbos candles.
Is there a preference to turn off the
electric lights in the room prior to lighting?
In fulfillment of the mitzvah to add light,
it is a hiddur to turn off the electric lights in the room before lighting
candles. The proper time to turn the electric lights back on depends on
whether a woman has the minhag to put out the match after lighting neiros or
not. If her minhag is that she does not put out the match (which means that
she considers it Shabbos after she finishes lighting even before the brocha
is recited), then she should not turn on the electric lights after lighting.
Rather, someone else should do so. If no one is available, the woman should
turn the lights back on for the mitzvah of Neiros Shabbos prior to lighting.
If a woman does not have this minhagand blows out the match after lighting,
then it is not considered Shabbos until after the brocha is recited. In this
case, she should turn the electric lights on after lighting but before
reciting the brocha
--------------------------------------
WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING LESSONS FROM THIS WEEK’S PARASHA, THE POWERFUL
PARASHA OF TAZRIA:
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. HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, was asked whether the Lo
Sa’aseh of Hishamer B’negah Tzara’as, still applies to Lashon Hara in
our times--after all, no Kohen will pronounce any person tamei. HaRav
Kanievsky answered that this negative prohibition does not require a
declaration of tumah for the prohibition to exist. Tza’aras
could exist, but for the fact that we lack the qualified Kohen to pronounce
it. It is for this reason that the Chofetz Chaim counts Hishamer B’negah
Tza’aras as a prohibition applicable to Lashon Hara--even in our day.
B. In a different vein, 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.”
C. HaRav Refeol Shain, Z’tl, provides the following insight: Why is it that
a metzora becomes tamei 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
‘tamei.’ Rabbi Shain explains that a key cause of Tzora’as is
Lashon Hara. With the pronouncement of the word “tamei’, 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!
D. HaRav Nachman M’Breslov is said to have taught: Children learn how to
speak, while the elderly learn how to remain silent. Who should we better
learn from--the children or the elderly?! Chazal teach: “Yofeh
Shesika Lechachomim Kal Vechomer Letipshim--silence is beautiful for the
wise all the more so for the unwise.” As we take lessons from
the Parasha of Tazria this week, we should do so with an uplifted sense of
our power of speech--oh, how it is important to use in many situations--and
how important it is to refrain from using in many situations. This
is the perfect time to practice circumspection and judiciousness in our
speech, particularly with people who one has fallen prey to forbidden speech
within the past. In our times, we have an additional mode
Moreover, there are certain terms and phrases which may not constitute
Ona’as Devarim against others, but could be hurtful to the individual
himself, simply by virtue of uttering the very words. It is well known
(as we have previously published) that HaRav Pam, Z’tl, objected to use of ‘whatchamacallit’,
because it indicated that a person was not thinking before he spoke. There
are other terms as well which simply do not take into account the
Kedushas HaPeh that we all possess. Here are just a very few. Please
feel free to add on to the list (and send to us, if you would like):
· “I have done this a thousand trillion times.”--Although
exaggeration may be permitted in general, the notion of a gross untruth
could have a significantly negative impact on the person as a
whole--especially if it becomes a habit.
· In order to express frustration or difficulty, uttering a word
which has the first syllable which is identical to that of a curse word.
· “I know someone who is filthy rich”--what, after all, does ‘filthy
rich’ mean--is one also ‘filthy poor’? Isn’t it up to Hashem whether one is
wealthy or poor--for whatever reason (whether it be a reward, test,
etc.)--how could anyone refer to that r’l as filthy?
· “I don’t care”--Even when not uttered to hurt another person, it
can have an impact on a person’s attitude, goals or approach.
HaRav Avigdor Miller, Z’tl, (brought in the Sefer Sha’ari Orah)
teaches that one should practice silence for a few minutes every day--the
result is getting a better handle on one’s speech, and improving Yiras
Shomayim-- through one’s awareness that one’s words are listened to--and do
really mean something and count.
-------------------------------------
A
GOAL FOR SUNDAY:
The Nasi whose portion we read on 2 Nissan, is Nesanel Ben Tzu’ar, the
Nasi of Shevet Yissocher. The Luach Davar B’Ito writes that the
symbol of the Shevet Yissocher is the study of Torah. Accordingly, the
Luach writes that one should especially daven today for hatzlacha
in Torah studies, and for Hashem to remove the impediments (including the
Yetzer Hara’s guile) which distract him in any way from Torah study.
=====================
28 Adar Sheini
SHA’AR
HABECHINA!
By the following link, we provide a
magnificent opportunity to review the Chovos Helevavos
Sha’ar Hebechina in 29 short segments
over the month of Nissan. This is an outstanding opportunity! Spread the
word!
http://hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/Sha’arHaBechinahScheduleNissan.pdf
-------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Which
Mishna in Mesechta Pesachim deals with the very issue which we have this
year--the Leil HaSeder falling out on Leil Shabbos? Hint: Let us hope that
we will witness its implementation for this Pesach!
----------------------------------------------
WOMEN PREPARE! This
Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh Nissan is very, very special—especially for women. The
Daas Zekainim MiBaalei Tosfos (Shemos 35:24) writes that the reason women
were given Rosh Chodesh as a special day for them (to treat it as a Yom Tov--
not to do certain work—see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 417) is because they
were ‘semaichos u’zehiros’—happy and careful –to donate their jewelry
to the Mishkan, whereas their jewelry had to be taken from them against
their will for the Eigel HaZahav. Tosfos notes that the effect of their
donations was noticed on this Rosh Chodesh--Rosh Chodesh Nissan—when the
Mishkan was established, and that all of the other Rosh Chodoshim of the
year are given to women as a Yom Tov because of Rosh Chodesh Nissan. So,
especially this coming Rosh Chodesh—plan on making it a special day!
----------------------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The Chofetz Chaim (Sefer Ahavas Chesed, Chapter 16) teaches that when one
provides money for charity or a gemach as part of a Tzibbur’s pool, then it
is pashut that one is rewarded as if he had put in the entire pool of
money, for without his $10, the $1,000 would not exist. Likewise, the Sedei
Chemed writes that if a person’s Talmud Torah is part of a Tzibbur’s goal
(such as a Chevra Shas or Chevra Mishnayos), then he is credited with the
learning of the entire Tzibbur, because without him there would be no Siyum
Hashas, etc. One must learn from this how important it is to join together
with the community in its efforts in any public setting. We, men and women,
are all part of K’lal Yisrael, and should demonstrate it through our joining
together in Torah, Avodah and Gemilas Chassodim. Even if it requires special
effort, one must think twice before not signing on to a communal effort—and
to the contrary, glory in each and every effort of being part of the Tzibbur!
--------------------------------------------
HILCHOS PESACH:
We once again present pertinent rulings of HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl,
relating to Hilchos Pesach, as excerpted from the monumental Sefer
Ashrei HaIsh (Orach Chaim, Volume III):
PART 1
1. It is
best to recite the Birkas Ha’Ilanos over a minimum of two trees, as the
bracha itself refers to ‘Ilanos’ in the plural. The bracha may be
recited on Shabbos and on Yom Tov.
2. Ma’os
Chittim may be given from Ma’aser money; however, at least a small amount
should not be from Ma’aser funds.
3. When a
Jewish store sells its Chometz, and then continues to sell Chometz on Pesach
it is a chucha u’telula. Accordingly, one should not purchase from a
store like this after Pesach, as it may be Chometz Sheavar Alav HaPesach.
It is better to purchase pre-Pesach Chometz from a store which sold its
Chometz properly before Pesach, than to rely on the other store selling
Chometz from ‘after Pesach’.
4. If one
lives in a building in which the tenants or unit owners are not interested
in selling the Chometz in the common areas, one should be mafkir his
Chelek in the common areas before the time of Issur Chometz sets in. [Hakhel
Note: One should consult with his Rav as to how one is mafkir.]
5.
According to the Ikar HaDin, one need not check his Seforim before
Pesach, as any miniscule crumbs would be batel. However, a Sefer
which was not cleaned page by page, should not in any event be placed on the
table, for a crumb from the Sefer may fall on the food, and all of the food
would become assur, as the Chometz is not batel in the food.
6. If one
checks his pockets well by hand, he need not check them by candle light.
7. On Erev
Pesach, one should LeChatchila complete laundering, pressing, sewing,
haircutting, nail cutting, and shoe shining before Chatzos. However, if one
was not able to do so, he may still cut his nails and shine his shoes after
Chatzos, but a hair cut after Chatzos may only be performed by a non-Jew.
8. One can
measure a Revi’is, a Kezayis and a Kebeitzah on Yom Tov,
for the shiur of the four Kosos, Matzah and Maror, but one may not weigh the
Matzos in this regard.
9. The fact
that one eats food in a Kittel on the Leil HaSeder does not derogate
the Kittel’s status, for the Leil HaSeder is a Layla Shel Mitzvah.
Accordingly, one may not enter the restroom wearing a Kittel.
One should prepare the Kezaiysim of Matzah for all participants in
plastic bags before Yom Tov, so when it comes time to partake of the Matzah,
there is no significant lapse between the bracha and the eating of the
Matzah. [Hakhel Note: The same would seem to apply for Maror.]
=====================
27 Adar Sheini
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Today is the Yahrzeit of HaRav Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg, Z’tl. We
recall how he would urge people to learn just a little more every day...for
time was one’s most valuable possession and must accordingly be used most
wisely. Rav Scheinberg was once asked if he could provide “hadracha”, or
guidance, in how one could better study Torah. He provided a two-word
response: “Learn more.” Rav Scheinberg once told a parent who had requested
that he give his son a bracha that he become a Talmid Chacham--that he would
give him the bracha, provided that the son committed to learn an additional
five minutes per day! We provide more of his life-changing guidance below.
-------------------------------------------------------
MORE ON VOWS:
The following is excerpted from the outstanding work Journey to Virtue
(Artscroll) by Rabbi Avrohom Ehrman, Shlita, a great handbook and guidebook-truly
a necessity for every home:
Any
statement of
intention
to
learn
Torah or perform
a
mitzvah
has
a
force
similar to a vow and one is required
to fulfill what he has stated,
unless he
specifies that his commitment is bli neder.
o
I will learn
this
chapter
of Mishnah.
o I
will
get
up
to
daven
in the
first
minyan.
o
I
will
host
these
guests
for
Shabbos.
o
I
will
attend
your
wedding.
However,
any statement
that is not
a
mitzvah
does
not have
to
be fulfilled.
There are people
who mistakenly
say bli neder
indiscriminately.
o
I will go shopping.
o
I will go on
vacation.
o1
will
cook
this.
However,
the following
statements
do have to be fulfilled:
o
I
will
go
shopping
for you
(a
person
who
needs
the
help).
o
I
will
make
you
a meal
(the
recipient
is
a guest
or is
ill,
or
is
in
need
of help).
If the
mitzvah was intended to help someone,
and that individual waives the favor, one need not take any further action.’
Mrs.
A
to Mrs. B (who is
ill):
I’m
sending
you a meal.
Mrs. B: Thanks.
Later,
Mrs. B calls:
My mother
came
and
cooked
supper,
so I don’t need
your help
today.
Thanks for
the offer!
Mrs.
A
has
no further
obligation.
-------------------------------------------------------
FROM A READER: “A
friend of mine, was doing some early Pesach cooking, when she noticed in
TINY letters the following statement: Kosher for Passover for people who use
Kitniyos. Please remind your readership to be careful what they purchase.”
-------------------------------------------------------
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.
Although one should not interrupt the bedika, if one needs to take care of
his bodily functions during Bedikas Chometz, HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, rules
that he recites an Asher Yatzar. HaRav Wosner, y’blcht, adds that one
can even answer Amen and Baruch Hu U’Varuch Shemo to the brachos of others,
and make brachos over thunder and lightning as well. (Shulchan Aruch, Orach
Chaim 443, Dirshu Note 8)
B. In
the Nusach of Bitul Chometz, we recite the words “Debiyartei U’delah
Biyartei--which I have burned/destroyed and which I have not
burned/destroyed.” If it has been destroyed--why does one need to nullify
it? There are many reasons: (i) perhaps the subject Chometz has not been
completely burned or destroyed; (ii) one intends with these words to include
Chometz upon which something has fallen and which one does not intend to
uncover, but still requires bitul; and (iii) the words also cover
Chometz which has been removed by being sold to a non-Jew, and the
possibility exists that the sale did not properly take place.
C.
The following is from the Sefer Otzros HaTorah on the Haggadah
Shel Pesach: All of the chumros and dikdukim that we
undertake in cleaning our homes and utensils for Pesach are certainly
me’orer great zechuyos for K’lal Yisrael, and are mevatel [as in
bitul Chometz!] the machshavos ra’os of our enemies against
us. It is said that when HaRav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov would see women
cleaning and preparing their homes, rinsing, washing, scrubbing and the like
before Pesach, he recited the following: “Yehi Ratzon She’eilu HaMalochim
HaYotzim Meima’asei Yedeihen Ya’alu Lifnei Kisei Kevodecha VeYamlitzu Tov
Ba’adeinu--may this be an Eis Ratzon before You, Hashem, and may
the Malochim that are created by their holy activities come before Your Holy
Throne and serve as melitzei tov for all of K’lal Yisrael.” Let us
not lose sight of, and remember, that all of our holy activities in these
days are creating Malochim Kedoshim! Rebbi Levi Yitzchak recited a Yehi
Ratzon--so can we!
D. On Erev Pesach, the Chasam Sofer, Z’tl, would himself prepare the Seder
table with a zriyzus nifla’ah and simcha atzumah. The Michtav
Sofer, based upon this, writes that every Yirei Shomayim should begin to set
the Seder table after Chatzos on Erev Pesach, and make sure that everyone’s
kos has a proper shiur and is fit for use
(Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 431, et al.).
-------------------------------------
ON
THE SEVENTH YAHRZEIT OF HARAV SCHEINBERG (CHAIM PINCHOS B’R’ YAAKOV YITZCHOK),
Z’TL:
The magnitude of HaRav Scheinberg, Z’tl’s gadlus is hard for us to
comprehend. His Ahavas Hashem, Ahavas HaTorah and Ahavas Yisrael were
nothing short of awe-inspiring. His being, his essence, was Ahava. Who can
forget how he answered shailos to those lined up waiting to see him as if
each sho’el was his son or grandson? And how he especially urged his
students to ‘give Tzedaka!’ in order to achieve Kapara for chait!
We provide the following excerpts from the The Torah Home, by Rabbi
Shlomo Furst, Shlita, based on the Shiurim of Rav Scheinberg, Z’tl.
To obtain the full, original English version and the Hebrew translation--and
other books in Rabbi Furst’s Torah Way of Life series containing Rav
Scheinberg’s teachings, please call: 972-2-500-4682:
A.
Sechel.
Our
lives are precious. Therefore, people who are concerned train themselves to
follow their sechel. We cannot ignore our emotions--but we can direct
them. The emotions can become submissive to the sechel. Then they
will be manageable, instead of assertive. Individuals who are successful
with their sechel will not become angry or infuriated. They are
settled and calm. Tranquility is the prevailing characteristic of their
personalities.
There
is something more. We have essential and undeniable physical needs. Life
would be impossible without them. We must eat, drink and sleep. People must
populate the world. These things are all true and appropriate. Nevertheless,
thought, control and moderation must govern every physical act we do. The
influence of Torah elevates us beyond the need for pleasure. Indulgence, the
thoughtless pursuit of every whim, will not bring satisfaction. When our
sense of priorities is wrong, an inner conflict will rage between an
unquenchable need for physical gratification and the unfulfilled aspirations
of the neshama.
Most
of us want to be good. Nevertheless, the best of us can fall prey to daily
stresses, fatigue and frustration. The sechel is certainly influenced
by the body and its physical needs. Nevertheless, the more we fortify our
sechel with Torah, the less vulnerable we will be to the influence of
our emotions. Counterproductive emotions, especially anger, flourish best
under stressful conditions.
The
best response to a situation where anger has gained control is to remain
silent. Try not to react. Instead, maintain your own composure. Be tolerant,
for most good-natured people, although temporarily enraged, will surely come
to their senses and snap out of it. We must realize and value the importance
of sechel. We must behave like mature people and control the urge to
vent our anger.
Self-control is vital for creating and maintaining a healthy marriage and
relationships. If our sechel is so undeveloped and therefore weak and
we cannot resist a momentary upset, we will make many mistakes. We will have
many regrets.
Under
the influence of anger or frustration, spouses may make many hurtful
statements. It is difficult to retract such harmful words. We have to be
sensible enough to evaluate our loss against what we gain. Thoughtless
outbursts of anger are destructive. Under all circumstances, whether we are
provoked from within or from without, we must remain silent. To remain
silent is very difficult, but the reward for holding back angry words of
retort and revenge is very great. If we exercise control over ourselves, we
will feel wonderful over our success and our marriage and relationships will
flourish.
B.
Menuchas HaNefesh.
Guided
by sechel--clear and balanced thinking--we will fulfill the purpose
of our lives. We will achieve ‘ashrecha v’tov lach’ (Tehillim 128:2).
We will have menuchas hanefesh. We all desire and value shalom.
Nevertheless, shalom is an elusive reality. We generally think of
peace as being the lack of conflict among people. This definition, however,
does not indicate the need for menuchas hanefesh.
Shalom
is truly the result of personal, inner peace. We must achieve peace between
our inner drives and motivations before shalom can be expected to
flourish among people. We must be happy with ourselves before we can be
happy with others. Shalom begins with us. The more menuchas hanefesh
we have, the more we will be able to be calm in our homes and supportive to
our families. If we have menuchas hanefesh, then even in the fact of
daily challenges and ordeals, the quality of our home lives will be
peaceful. Bickering is an outward expression of the lack of personal
shleimus. It is a lack of menuchas hanefesh that leads to discord
within the home. Our inner, spiritual life affects our behavior. The home is
a place where we think we can be ‘ourselves’. Nothing can be further from
the truth. At home, we have to be better than ourselves. We may be angered
much more easily and lose our control at home. If we lack education and
training about how to manage our emotions, wherever we may be--including the
home, then this battle ranges throughout life. If we are at peace with
ourselves--at all times--we can help bring peace to our families, our
friends--and the world!
=====================
26 Adar Sheini
HILCHOS PESACH:
We continue to provide Halachos relating to Pesach in this especially
spiritual period--less than thirty (30) days before Pesach!
Today,
by the following link--http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/HilchosShabbosInitiativeTevilasKeilim.pdf
we
provide guidelines on tevilas keilim, provided by the Hilchos Shabbos
Initiative, and reviewed by Rabbi Shmuel Felder, Shlita, of Lakewood.
Of course, one should in all events consult
with his own Rav or Posek pertaining to his particular facts or
circumstances:
---------------------------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
As we studied the Parasha of Kashrus in last week’s Parasha, we think of the
animals that serve man in different ways, we recall the words of the Sefer
Tomer Devorah (Chapter 3): “One’s compassion
should extend to all creatures, and he should neither despise nor
destroy them, for the Chochmah HaElyona
extends to all of creation, inanimate objects, plants, animals, and humans.
For
this reason, our sages have warned us against treating food disrespectfully.
Just as the Chochmah HaElyona despises nothing, since everything
is created from there - as the Pasuk states, “You have made them all with
Chochmah” (Tehillim 104:24),
a person should show
compassion
to all the
works of HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
This is why Rebbi Yehudah HaNassi was punished
when he had no pity on a calf that tried
to evade
slaughter by hiding behind him, and he said to
it, “Go! For
this purpose, you were created.”
Had he shown mercy, he would have been protected from suffering, which
emanates from din. Instead. he was forced to undergo suffering. Then,
when he later had mercy on a weasel,
quoting the pasuk: “VeRachamav Ahl Kol Ma’asav…His mercies extend to
all His deeds”
(Tehillim
145:9), he was spared from further suffering.
Similarly, one should not disparage any creature, for all of them were
created with Chochmah. Nor should one uproot plants unless they are
needed or kill animals unless
they are needed. And one should choose a noble
death for them, using a carefully inspected
knife, in order
to maximize his compassion.
This is the general principle: Having
pity on all
beings and not hurting them demonstrates
Chochmah. However, if one intends to
raise them higher and higher from plant to animal, and from animal to human
- then it is permissible to uproot a plant and slaughter an animal, taking
away from them in order to benefit them. “
---------------------------------------------------------------
YOUR TEFILLAH IS NOT TOO SMALL!
The Mesilas Yeshorim (end of Chapter 19) writes that one should never
say about himself “Who am I that my Tefillos should be answered to bring an
end to this Galus?” Instead, one should daven for the Geulah with Kavannah,
for it may be your very Tefillah that brings the Geulah. Rav Shimshon Dovid
Pincus, Z’tl, in Shearim B’Tefilah (p. 94) in fact writes that
Tefillah does not change nature or create miracles. Tefillah is simply the
natural manner of modifying nature, built into creation in the same manner
as grass, trees, fish and animals. Hakhel Note: This is already the time of
Geulah--let’s try to daven to our utmost to make it happen--now!
----------------------------------------------------------
REMINDER REGARDING VOWS:
The following is excerpted from the outstanding work Journey to Virtue
(Artscroll) by Rabbi Avrohom Ehrman, Shlita, a great handbook and
guidebook-truly a necessity for every home:
The
wisest
policy
is never to make vows of any
kind so as not to risk
violating
a serious
transgression
by
failing to fulfill them.
Therefore,
if possible, one should not commit
oneself
to
give;
one should simply
give.
However,
in a public gathering
where
each person
is
asked to pledge a certain
amount,
one
should
join
in
the public
mitzvah.
Nevertheless,
he should
still
be careful
to avoid
vows
by
stating
explicitly
that his
pledge is bli neder
(i.e.,
does not
have
the force
of a
vow).
In
such
a
situation,
even
though one does not actually
verbalize
a commitment, he still receives
a reward
for the
statement
since
he joined the public mitzvah and encouraged others to pledge
as
well.”
Chazal taught: If a person
says he
will
give,
and then he
gives,
he
receives reward
for the
words
and
reward
for
the
deed.
If
he
didn’t
say
he
will
give,
but he
tells
others
to
give,
he
will
be
rewarded
for
those
words. Even
if
he
doesn’t
tell others
to give,
but he mollifies the impoverished
with
words
he
will
be rewarded,
because
the
Pasuk
says
(Devarim
10:15),
“For
because
of
this
davar
(literally
‘thing,’
but also explained
to mean dibbur - words),
Hashem will bless you.”
(We
learn
that Hashem rewards
words
of tzedakah
or
any
mitzvah,
and
it
is
therefore
proper
to
say
“I
will
do
a
mitzvah.”
However,
in order
to avoid a vow one should
say he will do it
“bli
neder”
(without
any force
of
a vow).
----------------------------------------------------------
THOUGHTS ON THE LAST WEEK OF ADAR:
The following thoughts of HaRav Nosson Meir Wachtfogel, Z’tl, are presented
in the Sefer Leket Reshimos, and provide timely lessons for us in
this last week of Adar:
A. HaRav Wachtfogel brings Chazal (Ta’anis 20A) who teach that Nakdimon Ben
Gurion asked Hashem “Hodah Sheyeish Lecha Ahuvim BeOlamecha--Hashem
show that You have beloved ones below and please do not allow daytime to
turn into night--so that I can pay back the debt of water that I owe to the
Roman.” Hashem listened to his Tefillah--and the sun remained standing.
Nakdimon was not Moshe Rabbeinu, nor was he Yehoshua Bin Nun. We do not even
find that he was among the Gedolei HaDor. Rather, he came to Hashem with
Emunah Peshutah and poured out his heart before Him. We may sometimes
wonder--in comparison to previous generations, how will we merit the
Moshiach? The explanation is--when we realize that our relationship is only
with Him, and that no one else can help, we too will cry out: “Hodah
Sheyeish Lecha Ahuvim BeOlamecha--Hashem show that You have beloved
ones below!” Hakhel Note: HaRav Wachtfogel would speak often of the
Moshiach, and urged his students to speak to others about the Moshiach
coming, and to be misbonein in it.
B. On one of his visits to the Chofetz Chaim, HaRav Wachtfogel heard a
Yesod Gadol: “One has to work and toil on his own--and that is what will
help him in life.” HaRav Wachtfogel once instructed a student to go to sleep
reflecting on the Pasuk (Yeshaya 11:2): “VeNacha Alav Ruach Hashem, Ruach
Chochma U’Vina, Ruach Eitzah U’Gevurah, Ruach Da’as V’Yiras Hashem.”
HaRav Wachtfogel would do so himself and relates that the next morning upon
awakening there were times that he would find himself reciting the Pasuk.
C. According to Hashem’s laws of nature, only thorns and thistles and the
like grow by themselves with no nurture and care. Likewise, no act of Torah
Lishma or Mitzvah Lishma comes by itself, without toil and effort. No person
becomes a Tzaddik without recognizing that he has a shelichus in
life--personal directions and goals, which he must work on to achieve. One
can get distracted by the many needs and events of life and constantly
mix-up the ikar and the tafel. One must stay focused--his
purpose in life is the ikar, and everything else is tafel.
Accordingly, one must be clear as to what his purpose in life truly is.
D. If a person does not seek out the Hashgacha Pratis in his life--he will
not find it, but if he does seek it--he will see it quickly, and
continuously.
E. Chazal (Shabbos 31A) teach that the first question that a person is asked
after 120 years is if he set aside set times for Torah study. HaRav
Wachtfogel points out that a person is not asked--Did you become a lamdan?
Did you become great...? He is asked whether he recognized the importance of
Torah--by acknowledging that he dedicatedly kept designated times for its
study. This is the key--to hold high the honor of the Torah and the honor of
Who gave it to us.
F. As we continue through the period of Simcha in Adar, we must realize that
the Kavannah of Simchas Adar is not to drink a ‘Lechaim’ every day--but to
increase our Simcha in our learning and in our davening--even in the
reciting of our Tehillim. HaRav Wachtfogel would say: “BeTefillah Mitoch
Simcha Efshar Lishbor Es Kol HaGezeiros--with joyful Tefillah one can
break all the decrees!”
G. The great lesson we are to bring with us from Purim through the rest of
the year is our unity with the rest of K’lal Yisrael--as is evidenced by the
Mitzvos of Purim day. Purim teaches us that when we give to a brother it is
not just ‘Tzedakah’, but is Matanos L’evyonim--gifts to
our brothers. We may think of the Mashal of a king with two sons--one who
becomes the king in a neighboring country--and the other who becomes a
working man. When the king makes a Simcha--they both come back, and both sit
at the king’s table--for after all, they are brothers! Hakhel Note:
Likewise, the monies that we give before Pesach are not called Tzedakah--but
Ma’os Chitim--money for wheat--this time not even gifts
to our brother--but simply handing over money (from our Father) to him!
=====================
25 Adar Sheini
SHATNEZ ALERT:
The
Flabtush Shatnez lab has advised us that Garments that are tweeds or that
have tweeds are of high suspicion of having shatnez, even on all synthetic
(such as polyester) garments.
--------------------------------------------
DON’T LET IT SLIP BY-- THE NECESSARY MISHNAYOS:
As we have noted in the past, HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, teaches that
in order to complete Shas, one also has to study the Mishnayos in Seder
Zeraim and Taharos, which have no Gemara and which were left out of the Daf
Yom cycle because ‘they were not on the Daf’. HaRav Chaim accordingly
suggests that one simply learn a Mishna-a-Day, and that he would finish all
of Shas within the Daf Yomi cycle. We received the following listing from a
Daf Yomi Maggid Shiur--there is still plenty of time to learn before the
next Siyum HaShas--start today!
Mishnayos:
598 Zeraim without Berachos
74 Eduyos
108 Avos
916 Taharos without Nidah
1,696
Total Mishnayos to be studied
Hakhel Note: There are 240 days left until the celebration of the Siyum
Hashas. This essentially means that if you have not yet begun the review of
the above Mishnayos, you would need to learn approximately 7 Mishnayos a day
in order to complete the Mishnayos in time for the Siyum. Hatzlacha!
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TESHUVAH MOMENT!
The
following extremely meaningful quote is excerpted from Questions You
Thought We Were Afraid You’d Ask, by R’ Moshe Speiser (Targum Press):
“The concept of forever is amazing, if one thinks about it. If one would
receive a penny a day, forever, there would not be enough money in the world
to cover it. If every win and loss [against the Yetzer] affects us for
eternity, it sounds like there is an awful lot at stake here!”
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ARE
YOUR NON-COMPETE AND LOAN DOCUMENTS HALACHICALLY VALID? WILL THEY BE UPHELD
IN BAIS DIN?
For
more information please speak to your Rav, or you may contact our Business
Services Division at 718-233-3845 or email ask@businesshalacha.com .
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SPENDING PERSONAL MOMENTS TO DAVEN FOR THE GEULAH SHELEIMAH:
Seven years ago today (in a Shana Peshuta), the horrific massacre in
Toulouse in which Rabbi Yonasan Refoel Sandler, Z’tl, his two sons, and a
young girl, Miriam
Monsonego were murdered, H’YD. The pain of galus moves on and on--time
passes, but the searing pain is remembered and we beg Hashem to avenge each
and every suffering. The Sefer Sifsei Chachomim on Mesechta Megillah
brings a comforting Pasuk (Yeshayahu 65:16): Ki Nishkechu HaTzaros
Harishonos Ki Nistaru Mai’ainai--for the earlier travails will have been
forgotten.... Remembrance of all of the tzaros we experienced in galus will
be expunged in the bliss of the final Geulah. With this thought in mind,
how can we not daven with special zeal every day for the Geulah Sheleima to
come once and for all--today?! When it does come--and it will--perhaps your
Tefillos that day will be instrumental in its coming--with all the tzaros
gone, and all the joy to begin, and you as an important part in its coming!
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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:
Almost
everyone purchases some kind of new utensil before Pesach. Accordingly, in
order to give you plenty of time, we once again provide the Hakhel
Tevilas Keilim Guidelines (reviewed By HaRav
Yisroel Belsky Z’tl). Please note that
Tevilas Keilim is an obligation (chiyuv), and if not done properly, a k’li
may not be used until toveled correctly.
General Tevila Reminders:
A. All chatzitzos (i.e., dirt, glue and stickers or other items or markings
not part of the k’li which neither the owner nor most people would use with
this item on the k’li) must be removed prior to submersion.
B. The entire k’li (even if oversized) must be fully submerged all at once
(not one-half first, then the other half immediately thereafter).
C. Do not hold the k’li tightly, so that the mikva water can reach
everywhere. You can tovel the k’li by moving your hand to another part of
the k’li while holding it below the water level; or you can dip your hand in
the mikva first, and then take hold of the k’li and submerge it in the
mikva.
D. All keilim should be submerged right side up or on a slant, but not
upside down, so that no air is trapped in the utensil.
E. Submersion must be supervised only by an individual over bar/bas mitzvah.
A child may be tovel keilim if an adult sees him do it.
F. Using baskets:
1. Items should be placed in the basket side by side and not on top of each
other.
2. The basket may be submerged in water, and then you may drop utensils into
the basket, so that each utensil is surrounded by water as it falls in.
G. The Bracha:
1. Brachos are made for metal and glass utensils only.
2. “Al Tevilas Keli” for one item, “Al Tevilas Keilim” for
more than one item.
3. Hold the k’li in your hand (or basket) and be ready to tovel
immediately after making the bracha.
4. When toveling storage utensils or utensils which come into contact with
the food while it is not yet edible, no bracha is made.
Hakhel
Note: Tevilas Keilim is such a basic, beautiful and simple Mitzvah to
perform--let us take a moment out to make sure that we, and those around us,
are performing it properly! Please distribute further--and if you can, post
these guidelines near your Keilim Mikveh!
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THE WORLD’S CREATION AND US!
There is a disagreement between Rebbi Yehoshua and Rebbi Eliezer as to the
date on the calendar upon which man was created. Tosfos explains that
according to Rebbi Yehoshua, who holds that man was created on Rosh Chodesh
Nissan, it would mean that the first day of Ma’aseh Bereishis--the day
the world began--is today, the 25th of Adar! What a great
day it is to start something new. A new Mitzvah, a new project, a new goal,
a new accomplishment. Each and every one of us has the ability to--and
should strive to do so. In this regard, we provide the following
insights--from Dovid HaMelech himself in the extremely poignant and
instructive Chapter 119 of Tehillim:
A. Dovid exclaims (Tehillim 119:164): ’Sheva Bayom Hillalticha Ahl
Mishpetei Tzidkecha...Seven Times a Day I have praised You for Your
righteous ordinances’. Rashi (ibid.) explains that these seven times
are in fact the seven Brachos that we recite every day which
relate directly to Kriyas Shema--three Brachos in Shacharis (two
before Kriyas Shema and one after), and four Brachos in Ma’ariv (two
before Kriyas Shema and two after). What a great new goal it would be if we
would especially recognize the tremendous importance and significance of
these Brachos--rather than viewing them only as portals to Kriyas Shema or
Shemone Esrei--and put some real Kavannah into their recitation. Seven
focused Brachos a day--revolving around our fundamental daily Kriyas Shema--truly
a phenomenal accomplishment. Dovid Hamelech expressed it clearly--Sheva
BaYom Hillalticha--and this is what he meant!
B. Dovid pleads (Tehillim 119:18) ‘Gal Ainai Ve’Abita Niflaos
MiTorasecha--unveil my eyes that I may perceive wonders from Your Torah.’
The Torah is so deep and there is so much for us to know. One may
dejectedly ask: Is the task really possible? This is definitely not the
appropriate question--a more telling query for oneself is--how am I really
doing to gain as much Divine Knowledge as I can? Beyond my set or daily
Torah study, am I steadfastly and actively seeking Hashem’s guidance--am I
asking Hashem for help daily--for eye-opening understanding in what to
study, how to study--and in the study itself? When stuck or stymied on a
point, when tired or unclear, when unsure how to next proceed--do I ‘turn
off’--or instead do I recite this very Pasuk that Dovid Hamelech recited
when he was in his own similar situation (on his level)?! Hashem as the
Source of all Torah can most certainly assist you to acquire more and more
of it. Commit the Pasuk to memory--and use it very sincerely--and very
freely!
C. Dovid teaches (Tehillim 119:129) Pela’os Eidvosecha Al Kain
Netzarasam Nafshi--Your testimonies are wonders, therefore my soul has
guarded them. Rashi (ibid.) comments that the enormity of Mitzvah
accomplishment is hidden from us--as an example, he cites the Mitzvah of
Shi’luach HaKan--which appears so simple, quick and costless--yet has
Arichus Yomim attached to it in and of itself. With this in mind, no
Mitzvah should be downplayed, underrated, skipped, or skimped upon. Chazal
teach that HaYom La’Asosam--our Mitzvah performance is limited to our
time in this world, and so no G-d given opportunity should be forsaken.
Moreover, one should actively seek to perform Mitzvos that he has not had
the opportunity to perform before. Dovid (Tehillim 119:19) actually
expresses it clearly with the words: ‘Ger Anochi Va’Aretz Al Taster
Mimeni Mitzvosecha--I am a sojourner in the world, hide not Your Mitzvos
from me’. If one views each day as a fountainhead of burgeoning
opportunities--if he sees the events in his life as true occasions for
eternity, if one actively looks to uncover and achieve new sources for his
soul’s satisfaction--then he is taking the teachings of Dovid HaMelech to
heart. The Chayei Odom devotes an entire Chapter (Chapter 68) to
appreciating and accomplishing Mitzvos. If possible, one should study it,
and even review it again from time to time. Hashem has given and
continues to give us gifts of immense proportions daily--let us try hard to
appreciate, to rejoice in, and make the most of these Heavenly gifts. We
can then ask for more and more--which He will be happy to give--and
which will give Him nachas! A new, devoted effort to appreciate and
strive for Mitzvos daily--what opportunity! Thank you--25 Adar!
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