Hakhel

Hakhel Email Community Awareness Bulletin

OCTOBER 2017 DAILY EMAIL ARCHIVE

11 Marcheshvan

DAILY PREPARATION: Baruch Hashem, Shabbos Kodesh comes at the end of the week! In preparation for Shabbos, we can do a bit more daily than reciting the Shir Shel Yom. May we suggest that one maintain a special Shabbos notebook/pad/paper in which he records Halachos, Divrei Torah, stories that he hears during the week, that he wishes to relate to others on Shabbos, or at the Shabbos table. Each such recording will not only enhance one’s Shabbos--but we suggest is also a Mitzvah Asei D’Oraysa of Zachor Es Yom HaShabbos LeKadsho!

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GREAT IDEA: In one of his Emuna Daily Shiurim, Rabbi David Ashear, Shlita, provided the following important thought: “Someone around you keeps on clicking, and clicking and clicking his pen. After a while, it becomes unnerving, and he really has to be told off. Rather than telling him off, however, you envision that for each additional click you earn $1,000….” One may encounter other, perhaps even more disturbing nisyonos. There is a point to them--they are for you--and the reward for your successfully navigating them is truly much more than $1,000 per click!

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THE FIRST THOUGHT THAT COMES TO MIND: The Sefer Sifsei Chaim (Middos V’Avodas Hashem, Vol. II, p. 262) brings a remarkable teaching from the Alter of Kelm, Zt’l: “When one is in doubt as to what he is to do, and does not know what is the eitzah of the Yetzer Hara and what is the eitzah of the Yetzer Hatov, he should know that the first thought that comes into his mind is that of the Yetzer Hara. Chazal teach that “hedyot kofetz b’rosh--the foolish person jumps at the beginning”--without thought. Accordingly, a person should not take action based upon his initial thought, but instead look further into the matter with follow-up thoughts--for the follow-up thoughts and the weighing of ideas come from the Yetzer HaTov within him.” With this in mind, explains HaRav Friedlander, we can understand why the absolutely first teaching(!) in Pirkei Avos (1:1) is “Hevu Mesunim BaDin--be deliberate in judgment.” This is not merely an enjoinder to judges--but an actual, practical and essential guideline of life--to all!

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REMINDER--LASHON HARA IN-PRINT: News items appear from time-to-time, which draw much human interest, whether because they are sensational, highly unusual, or just out of the ordinary. We must be careful not to be drawn in to read the contents of any of the ‘news stories’ when there is even the possibility that Lashon Hara is involved against a person who is claimed to have said something, done something or not have done or said something. One must be honest with himself--indeed, he may be shocked, he may be curious, he may ‘need-to-know’ in order to be up on what is happening in the world--but none of this detracts at all from reading or possibly even accepting Lashon Hara without any to’eles whatsoever. The Yetzer Hara, as crafty as he may be, would find it hard to provide a truly convincing rationale as to why one should read about the accusations or claims made against another person, when nothing at all is at stake or is truly relevant to the reader. This kind of news item should be particularly categorized as an unnecessary or unwanted news item, and a blog relating thereto should most certainly be categorized as a superfluous and dangerous blog. With the attempted obliteration of Lashon Hara in Torah-based periodicals, some explain that the Yetzer Hara is placing its last gasps upon the internet--looking for some public forum for the great and devastating aveirah of Lashon Hara to spread in our community. Let us think for a moment--is what I am about to read:

1. Truly relevant or at least important;

2. Perhaps as irrelevant as the governor’s race in South Dakota; or

3. Even worse--is it c’v spiritual poison to the reader--and to the rest of K’lal Yisrael.

If the answer is ‘yes’ to numbers 2 or 3 (or both)--SKIP IT--save yourself--and your brothers with you!

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HALACHOS OF BIRCHOS HASHACHAR: The following notes are excerpted from the Mishna Berurah Hilchos Birchos Hashachar (Dirshu Edition):

PART 1

A. When one is still in the courtyard of the Beis Haknesses, he should recite the words: “Beveis Elokim Nehaleich B’Rogesh”, and upon arriving at the door of the Shul itself he should wait for a moment and recite the Pasuk of “Va’ani B’Rov Chasdecha Avo Veisecha Eshtachaveh El Heichal Kadshecha Beyirasecha--and only afterwards enter.” (Mishna Berurah--introduction to Siman 46).

B. The reason we recite Adon Olam in the morning is because Avrohom Avinu was the first to call Hashem by the term Adon, and since Shacharis was instituted by Avrohom Avinu--it is only fitting to begin with Avrohom Avinu’s term. Indeed, the Eliyahu Rabba brings from prior Gedolim that one who has Kavannah at the beginning of Adon Olam will have his Tefillah answered, with the Satan unable to be mekatreig (ibid., Dirshu Note 1)

C. The reason that most of the Birchos HaShachar are written in the present tense is because Hashem is performing these miracles for us in the here and now! (ibid., Dirshu Note 4)

D. When reciting the bracha of Asher Nasan Lasechvi Vinah, one should realize that there are really two meanings to the word sechvi. The first is that it refers to the heart--in this case the power of discernment, which can distinguish between day and night. The rooster also has this power, and it is also known as sechvi in an Arabic language. Moreover, the rooster’s call even alerts us that day is coming! (ibid., Mishna Berurah, seif katan 4)

E. There are two brachos which mention the term “Yisrael”--”Ozer Yisrael B’gevurah” and “Oter Yisrael Besifarah”. The reason that Yisrael is mentioned specifically in these two brachos is because while all of the other brachos can be applied to mankind in general--these two brachos refer to the Tzniyus of K’lal Yisrael--the belt which separates, and the hat which covers (ibid., Mishna Berurah, seif katan 9).

F. In the last of the Birchos Hashachar, we state: “VeSargileinu B’Sorasecha V’Dabekeinu B’Mitzvosecha…” in the plural, in the beautiful Yehi Ratzon which constitutes most of the bracha, which contains many important requests. The reason of the plural is because Tefillos on behalf of the Rabbim in which one includes himself are more effective. (ibid., Dirshu Note 7) Hakhel Note: It always pays to be part of a good tzibbur!

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10 Marcheshvan

FROM A READER: “THE PITFALLS OF MATERIAL WEALTH: The deleterious effect of an overabundance of material possessions can be illustrated by the following pasuk from last week’s Parasha, which contains an unusual word order: “Vayikchu Es Lot V’es Rachusho Ben Achi Avram…--and they took Lot and his possessions, the son of Avram’s brother (Bereishis 14:12).” Could it actually be that Avram’s blood relative was the material wealth of Lot, as the Pasuk appears to read? Rabbi Daniel Glatstein, Shlita (Morah D’asra of Kehilas Ahavas Yisroel, Cedarhurst, and Maggid Shiur, Kollel Agra D’pirka, Kew Gardens Hills), quoting Rav Schwab, Z’tl, explains that Lot’s interest in his wealth actually interfered with his relationship with his uncle. It caused his physical separation from Avram (Bereishis 13:11)--and moreover we see from the special wording in this posuk that Lot’s physical possessions actually stood between the two, as well.”

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UNSCRAMBLE THE FOLLOWING WORD: Mikreh (Mem-Kuf-Resh-Heyh)--which is commonly translated as ‘happenstance’, ‘by chance’, ‘coincidentally’, or ‘as it happened’. HaRav Yaakov Galinsky, Z’tl, teaches that if we unscramble the word--what it really spells is Rak MaiHashem (Resh-Kuf-Mem-Heyh)--it is all only from Hashem! Hakhel Note: In this regard, we provide the following quotation from the Sefer Chovos HaLevavos, Sha’ar HaBitachon, Chapter 3 (translation from the Feldheim Edition--Duties of the Heart, Vol. I, p. 375): “No one can benefit or hurt either himself or anyone else except with the permission of the Creator, may He be exalted. For if a servant has more than one master, and each of them is able to help him, it is impossible that he should come to rely exclusively on anyone of them, because he expects help from each of them. If one of his masters is able to help him more than the others, his reliance upon the former will be greater, in proportion to that person’s power, though he will also rely on the others. If only one of them can benefit or harm him, he must necessarily place his trust exclusively in that person, since he does not expect help from anyone else. So too, if a person realizes that not one of the created things can help him or harm him, except with the permission of the Creator, may He be exalted, he will turn his heart away from fear of them or hope in them, and will trust in the Creator alone, as it says: “Trust not in rulers, in a human being, in whom there is no deliverance…[praiseworthy is one…whose hope is in Hashem, his G-d]” (Tehillim 146:3,5).” Hakhel Note: Let us unscramble what the world has scrambled--and live our lives with the absolute truth--Bitachon in Hashem in everything!

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A PIECE OF CAKE--OR A COOKIE? If one intends to eat both a piece of cake and a cookie--which of the two should he make a Borei Minei Mezonos on? All things being equal, the Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 168, seif katan 1) writes that it is a Hidur Mitzvah to make the bracha on the shaleim (the Mishna Berurah’s ruling there is with respect to different bread items).

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THIRTY DAYS! As incredible as it may sound, it is now 30 days since Yom Kippur, and 40 days since Rosh Hashanah! The halfway mark will be coming sooner than we think…. It behooves each and every one of us at this time to take a few moments out to recall what our goals and aspirations were for the year, to consider what we have accomplished (now that we are in fact, a couple of weeks past Yom Tov), and to determine how we can better put ourselves in the right direction for the future. Without wishing to sound intimidating, we intend to provide a similar awareness notification in another 40 days--so we ask that you plan to meet the challenge.

Additional Point: In order to keep the special spirit of Yom Kippur throughout the year, as we have noted in the past, there are special people who count every ten days from Yom Kippur--and designate the day as ‘Asiri Kodesh’--a tenth day reserved or dedicated to more lofty conduct. Today, as the 10th day of Marcheshvan, is the third Asiri Kodesh since Yom Kippur. A practical and effective way to activate and apply your Asiri Kodesh is by keeping on guard a bit more throughout the day--asking yourself--would I do this, say that, or even consider that, would I conduct myself in this manner, if today was Yom Kippur? The Asiri Kodesh--a special opportunity to elevate yourself --together with others around the world!

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THESE DAYS OF MARCHESHVAN: The Luach Davar BeIto provides the following reminders to us relating to today--the tenth day of Marcheshvan, and tomorrow, the eleventh day of Marcheshvan:

A. The Sefer Mo’ed Lechol Chai brings that Gad ben Yaakov was born today. Gad is a Siman of Mazel (“Bah Gad--Bah Mazel Tov”, see Targum Yonasan)--and accordingly should be a day of Mazel Tov for one attempting to accomplish anything, for the zechus of Gad is with us the entire day. Some have the custom today to read the Pesukim that relate to the birth of Gad, as well as the brachos that Gad received from Yaakov Avinu and Moshe Rabbeinu.

B. Today is the sixth Yahrzeit of HaRav Dov Schwartzman, Z’tl. The following is once again excerpted from In His Ways: The Life and Achievements of HaGaon Reb Dov Schwartzman, Z’tl, by Rabbi Shmuel Wittow, Shlita: “Reb Chaim Yehuda [a student], said that for a period of time he had a chavrusa with the Rosh Yeshiva before davening that began at 5:00 in the morning. The first day he was surprised to see the Rosh Yeshiva close his Gemara at 6:30, as davening did not start until 7:00. When he asked the Rosh Yeshiva to explain, Rav Schwartzman answered that he had a Kabbalah to do a Chesed before davening; so each morning he would take that portion of time to go home and prepare chocolate milk for his children’s breakfast.

C. Tomorrow is, of course, the Yahrzeit of Rochel Imeinu. The Imrei Emes related that when the leader of Nazi Germany yimach shemo vezichro attempted to enter Eretz Yisrael in the summer of 1942, great Tzaddikim went to daven at the Kever of Rochel Imeinu, and that Rochel Imeinu appeared to them and advised that the gezeirah against the Jews living in Eretz Yisrael had been nullified!

Hakhel Note: The Pasuk in Yirmiyahu (31:14) writes that Rochel cried over the exile of her children and that Hashem, in turn, responded to Rochel that she need not cry further.

Most are familiar with the following famous incident: HaRav Chaim Shmuelevitz, Z’tl, while once at Kever Rochel, was overheard to have said that although Hashem had instructed Rochel Imeinu not to cry, he, “Chaim,” was asking her to cry for her children. The question is clear--if Hashem told Rochel Imeinu not to cry, how could HaRav Shmuelevitz--“Chaim”--seemingly go against this order and ask her to cry?

Some say, that HaRav Shmuelevitz himself answered the question by explaining that while a father (Hashem) could tell his daughter to calm down and not cry, a child (such as HaRav Shmuelevitz) could ask his mother to show a special care and concern for her children. A second explanation is given in the name of HaRav Moshe Aharon Stern, Z’tl, who teaches that Hashem, by telling Rochel that she didn’t have to cry, was actually inviting further supplication and tears. HaRav Stern draws the parallel to Hashem’s response to the sin of the Golden Calf, where He tells Moshe Rabbeinu “Leave me alone and I will destroy them,” even though Moshe had not yet asked for mercy from Hashem for the Chait HaEigel (See Shemos 32:10 and Rashi there).

Related Note: We had once received the following moving thoughts from a reader: “When we speak about Rochel Imeinu, we say, ‘Kol B’ramah Nishma...Rochel Mivaka Al Baneha Ki Einenu...--a voice is heard on high...Rochel is crying about her children....’ The question is why is the term ‘mivaka--used?! Should not the Pasuk simply say: ‘Rochel Bocha--Rochel is crying’ because she is constantly crying for us to come out of Galus! The answer could be that mivaka means that Rochel Imeinu is crying intensely hard--because we are not crying! She is trying to get us to cry out of the pain of Galus because we seem to forget where we are. What we have to do now is cry out to Hashem and beg and plead for Him to take us out! Rochel wants us to cry, to feel uncomfortable in Galus. If we don’t feel like we are in Galus and we don’t cry out to Hashem, then why should He take us out altogether?! If we are fine where we are, then why should anything change? The only way to get out is by asking for it! If Rochel is crying for us on High (as we know that Hashem says that her tears are going to bring the Geulah) why not take out your Sefer Tehillim or use your own words to BEG Hashem to bring us out of Galus! And THEN Hashem will be able to tell Rochel Imeinu, ‘Minee Koleich Mibechee V’einayich Midim’ah,’--Rochel, you can stop crying, because ‘V’shavu Banim Ligevulam,’ Bnei Yisrael will return to their boundaries. May we all have the zechus to see these very words come true!”

Final Note: Some have pointed to the fact that terrorists in Eretz Yisrael have attacked at Kever Rochel Imeinu, and at the Kever of her son, Yosef HaTzaddik--indicating an underlying fear among them of the arrival of Moshiach Ben Yosef. In turn, it may be suggested that the name of Yishmael does not mean that Hashem will listen to their cries--but to our cries from their terror. In the Selichos for BeHaB recited this past week, we pleaded: “Kalei Se’ir V’Chosno” (Yishmael)--may our Tefillos be answered, and may we witness it in our day!

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7 Marcheshvan

CONVENIENCE? As we proceed through the day--we see Mitzvah opportunities presented to us constantly. Most of us will not let the opportunity pass--recognizing the Hashgacha Pratis and its performance an everlasting ‘added value’ to oneself and to the world. There is, however, the more advanced question: How will the Mitzvah be performed--in a manner which is most convenient to the performer, or in a way especially intended to give Nachas Ruach to Hashem. We may term this ‘Qualitative Mitzvah Performance’--a part and parcel of our Best Behavior so very much called for in our times.

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A TIME TO SPEAK UP: The Chofetz Chaim severely criticizes those who poke fun at, ridicule or even undermine their Rav’s drasha in Shul. Indeed, Rabbi Aharon Kahn,Shlita points out that even looking into a sefer or reading a parasha newsletter while one’s Rav is speaking is a form of Lashon Hora--for one makes it appear as if it is not worth listening to (even if one is listening ‘with one ear’, and even if one could repeat the gist of the drasha). Based upon the Chofetz Chaim’s words, we can surmise that the converse is also true. If one repeats to others what his Rav has said--or continues to discuss its meaning and ramifications after Shul--he is demonstrating Kavod HaTorah, and assisting the Rav to better assert his guidance and authority with the Kehilla. Mitzvah Goreres Mitzvah!

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WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:

A. If one inadvertently left price tags on a new garment--can he remove them on Shabbos? HaRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Z’tl, rules that one would not violate the Halacha of Makeh B’Patish if one does so, as these tags are placed on a garment after is has been completed. However, if it is not possible to wear the garment with the tags on it, then HaRav Nissim Karelitz, Shlita, rules that one would violate Makeh B’Patish by removing them. (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 302, Dirshu Note 17)

B. HaRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Z’tl, rules that folding papers and napkins in a special manner on Shabbos (such as in the shape of a boat or other decorative form or shape) is prohibited as Tikkun Manah. Although there may be reason to claim that it is not Tikkun Manah because it is for a one-time use, the Shevet HaLevi nevertheless writes that l’ma’aseh he only permits a simple fold. (ibid., Dirshu Note 21)

C. There is a disagreement as to how one can fold his tallis after use on Shabbos. The Mishna Berurah writes that if one does not fold it on its regular folds, it would be permitted to do so. However, continues the Mishna Berurah, it is vadai adif--certainly better for a person to be machmir upon himself and not to fold the tallis at all. (ibid., seif katan 19)

D. HaRav Nissim Karelitz, Shlita, rules that it is permissible to wear rubber gloves on Shabbos while washing the dishes, for one does not intend to wash the gloves, and accordingly one is considered to be washing only the dishes and not the gloves. However, the Minchas Yitzchak is lenient only for a woman whose hands have scabs and the like, and even then she should be careful not to especially clean the gloves after their use (such as by rubbing them together). (SA, OC Dirshu Note 49)

E. With respect to contact lenses, HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, rules that one should not soak them in cleaning solution on Shabbos, as they may have a din of beged, and the prohibition against cleaning a garment would apply to them (this prohibition would include rubbing them clean as well). However, if one had cleaned the lenses on Erev Shabbos and they remained clean, one could place them in a solution which does not clean them but merely keeps their moisture. This is also the opinion of the Shevet HaLevi and R’ Nissim Karelitz. (ibid.)

F. If one needs to wash a child on Shabbos after he dirtied himself, one should take care not to let the clothes which may have been sullied come into contact with water, in order to avoid kibus--cleaning the beged in any manner. (SA OC 302, Mishna Berurah seif katan 25)

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POINTS AND POINTERS ON THIS WEEK’S PARASHA, PARASHAS LECH LECHA:

A. We must always remember the tremendous zechus that the Avos bring us--as we have noted before, Chazal (Pesachim 87A) teach that Hashem told Hosheah that his Tefillah on behalf of K’lal Yisrael should have been: “Banecha Heim B’nei Chanunecha Heim B’nei Avrohom, Yitzchak, V’Yaakov Galgel Rachamecha Aleihen--they are Your sons, the sons of Your loved ones, the sons of Avrohom, Yitzchak and Yaakov, heap Your mercy upon them!” Perhaps this Tefillah--a Tefillah suggested by Hashem Himself--should be kept on our lips. Asking for Hashem’s mercy should not be left to the Yomim Noraim--it is essential that we always plead for Hashem’s mercy--especially asking Him to remember the greatness from which we come!

B. In a related vein, the Sefer Tomer Devorah (1:12) teaches as follows: This is how a person should conduct himself. Even if he meets Jewish people who do not act properly, he should not behave cruelly towards them or abuse them. Rather, he should show them compassion, saying, “Ultimately, they are the children of Avrohom, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. Although they may not behave properly, their fathers were upright and worthy. One who despises the sons despises the fathers, too. I do not wish their fathers to be despised because of me!” Thus, one should not allow them to be disparaged or disgraced, and certainly not disparage them himself--but instead help them improve as much as he can.

C. Hashem is referred to in this week’s Parasha as the Mogein of Avrohom (Bereishis 15:1). The special concept of Mogein Avrohom has, of course, been included as the concluding words of the first Bracha of Shemone Esrei. The Kuntres Avodas HaTefillah points out that Hashem is our Mogein as well in the zechus of His being the Mogein of Avrohom. Chazal teach Becha Chosmin--we end the first Bracha only with Avrohom, although Hashem was also the Mogein of Yitzchak and the Mogein of Yaakov in their various confrontations with the world around them. HaRav Shimon Shkop, Z’tl (whose Yahrzeit was yesterday), explains that the reason we end only with Avrohom is because at the end of days, K’lal Yisrael will be much like in the time of Avrohom Avinu, where there was no Mesorah from generation to generation as there was in the time of Yitzchak Avinu and Yaakov Avinu. Instead new Ba’alei Teshuva (including children who have strayed) will come back to Yiddishkeit and Hashem will protect us through the difficult periods of Chevlei Moshiach and the Milchemes Gog U’Magog. Hakhel Note: Accordingly, it very much behooves us to have Kavannah in the very timely words of Mogein Avrohom!

D. Avrohom Avinu was taught that his descendants would be like the stars of the sky. Rabbi Shimon Amsel, Shlita, points out that the analogy is very appropriate--as the stars above, just as K’lal Yisrael, appear so small in this world--yet their actions make a great and real impact where it counts--in Shomayim!

E. The Mishna in Avos (5:4) teaches that Avrohom Avinu passed ten different tests. Yet, in the previous Mishna which states the number of generations between Noach and Avrohom--our forefather is referred to only as Avrohom and not Avrohom Avinu. The commentaries explain that the term Avinu relating to his tests teaches us that through Avrohom’s succeeding at the tests, he instilled within us, as his children, the makeup, character and nature that has been necessary for us to survive our tests throughout our history. We were and are readily able to move from place to place, deal with foreign governments, sacrifice ourselves for our beliefs, and follow Hashem’s directives whether we understood them or not, because of what Avrohom Avinu has passed down to us. Many people have genes for physical traits, we are blessed with spiritual genes which will bring us through eternity!

F. A Talmid asked the Chofetz Chaim whether he should be Oleh to Eretz Yisrael, in light of the dangers presented by the Bnei Yishmael who resided there. The Chofetz Chaim responded: “The Torah HaKedosha refers to Yishmael with the following phrase from this week’s Parasha: “VeHu Yiheyeh Perah Adam--and he shall be a wild man.” The Torah is eternal--and if the Torah refers to Yishmael in the future tense (will be)--this means that he will remain this way forever. Even if all of the civilized nations attempt to educate Yishmael and civilize him, the Torah teaches that this will not be possible, for he is not capable of being civilized. Even if a descendant of Yishmael is educated and becomes a lawyer, for instance, then he will be an ‘orech din pereh adam’. If he will become a professor, then he will be a ‘professor pereh adam’--for his inability to become civilized will remain with him forever.” The Chofetz Chaim sighed, and exclaimed: “Oy, who knows what this pereh adam will do to Am Yisrael at the end of days?!” The Chofetz Chaim then advised the student that this should not detract him from being Oleh to Eretz Yisrael--and gave him the following bracha: “Aleh L’Shalom, V’Hashem Yatzliach Darkecha!” (Sefer Talelei Oros)

G. It is not because people are impatient, or that they have no time because they must go to work. The reason people stand at a bris, writes HaRav Yaakov Emden, Z’tl, in his Siddur, is because everyone (aside from the sandek) must stand for the sake of the Mitzvah. In fact, one who encounters others on the way to performing a Mitzvah (such as a bris) he continues, should accompany them four amos. Hakhel Note: Based upon the foregoing, it would be an interesting question when one sees the kvater walking the baby in for the milah, as to whether he should escort him for at least four amos!

H. More on Davening at a Bris: HaRav Eliyahu Guttmacher, Z’tl, brings in his notes to the Gemara in Shabbos (130B) from the Sefer Olelos Ephraim that when a person who is not well is in attendance at a bris and davens for the baby, he should also have in mind the phrase “Chaneini Hashem Ki Umlal Ani” (Tehillim 6:3), asking Hashem to have mercy on him as well. Indeed, anyone who has tzaros should be Mispallel when the child is crying from the pain of the Milah, for the child’s cries go up directly (without any disturbance). About this the Pasuk (ibid.) writes “Shema Hashem Techinasi, Hashem Tefillasi Yikach--Hashem hear my supplication, Hashem take my Tefillah.” HaRav Guttmacher concludes regarding this Tefilah at the Bris: “VEHU EITZAH NIFLA’AH--this is a wondrous Eitzah.” (Sefer Talelei Oros)

Hakhel Note: The Rema in his commentary to the Tur (Yoreh Dei’ah 265:4) writes that although he did not see it being practiced, if one concludes the words of the Pasuk that the Mohel had begun [Ashrei Tivchar U’Sekareiv Yishkon Chatzeirecha]--i.e., with the words, “Nisba’ah BeTuv Beisecha Kedosh Heichalecha”--he is zoche to enter through heavenly spheres!

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MORE ON THE FIRST BRACHA: Rashi (Bereishis 12:2) teaches that important words in the first Bracha of Shemone Esrei correspond to Hashem’s words of bracha to Avrohom at the outset of the Parasha. The bracha of V’e’escha LeGoy Gadol (I will make you into a great nation) corresponds to Elokei Avrohom, Va’avarechecha (I will bless you) corresponds to Elokei Yitzchak, and VeAgadlah Shemecha (I will make your name great) corresponds to Elokei Ya’akov. In an audio-visual presentation that was shown on the life of HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, the point was made that HaRav Elyashiv would have special Kavannah when mentioning the Avos in the first bracha of Shemone Esrei. We should take this teaching to heart, and not gloss over our reference to each one of the Avos at the outset of the bracha. Perhaps we can even write into our Siddur the great three brachos mentioned above to which each of Elokei Avrohom, Elokei Yitzchak and Elokei Ya’akov refer. We can also think about the great Middos of the Avos to which we are scions--the Chesed of Avrohom and the Gevurah of Yitzchak--which are brought so to the fore in this week’s Parasha (can we try to visualize it?)…and the Emes of Yaakov in the weeks to come!

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CONCLUDING THOUGHTS ON THE FIRST BRACHA OF SHEMONE ESREI: We conclude our review of the vital first bracha of Shemone Esrei--the bracha of Avos. This bracha is so essential that the Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 101, seif katan 4) brings from the Chayei Adam that if one realized that he did not have kavannah for the meaning of the words in Birchas Avos, and he realizes this before he said Baruch Ata Hashem at the end of the bracha--he should return to the words “Elokei Avrohom “near the beginning of the bracha and start from there--this time with kavannah! Additionally, if one completed the first bracha but did not yet begin the second bracha and realized that he had not been focused, the Chazon Ish and others rule that one should review the words of Birchas Avos in his mind with kavannah, and then begin the next bracha. This is how careful we have to be with these incredible 42 words!

Additional Note A: The Yesod VeShoresh HaAvodah makes it a point to emphasize in this bracha that we should be careful to properly enunciate its words, and avoid the slightest slurs. For instance--it is ‘LeMa-an Shemo’ and not LeMa’an Shemo, and we should be careful to say ‘BeAhava’ and not BeAava....

Additional Note B: In the usual brachos that we make, we refer to Hashem as Elokeinu--our G-d, without reference to Elokei Avoseinu--the G-d of our forefathers. In Avos, we do, however, uniquely refer to Hashem as ‘Elokei Avoseinu’ as well. This being so, shouldn’t the words Elokei Avoseinu precede the word Elokeinu--shouldn’t we say ‘Elokei Avoseinu V’Elokeinu’--after all, isn’t it because Hashem was the G-d of our forefathers that He is our G-d as well--to be sure, we didn’t discover Hashem--Avrohom Avinu did!! We welcome your insights.

Additional Note C: The term “Kel Elyon” uniquely appears four times in this week’s Parasha (Bereishis 14:18-22)--and then reappears in our bracha of Avos. While the basic translation of the term would be “Supreme G-d,” there seems to be something more underlying the phrase, as it is repeated several times after the Torah describes Avrohom Avinu’s war against the superpowers. The Avodas HaTomid, a commentary on Tefillah, writes that the phrase uniquely and especially describes that Hashem is the cause of everything--everything comes from Him. Rav Schwab, Z’tl, in his peirush on the siddur adds that we are to understand from “Kel Elyon” that Hashem’s knowledge is beyond that of any man. He writes, therefore, that he advised people not to think about how something like the Holocaust could have happened because we simply cannot fathom Hashem’s supremacy over us. Can one man defeat the four superpowers of the World? Can a group of Kohanim quash the seemingly invincible Greek army? More recently, could the Six-Day War or the Yom Kippur War...or more recent events.... make sense to the common man? The term “Kel Elyon” is therefore placed in the Birchas Avos, for it is part of the legacy from our Avos, one of the foundations of our faith, which is immutable by time, place, or occurrence. Let us not only recite but feel these words-- every time we recite the first Bracha of Shemone Esrei!

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THE TORAH JEW’S PARNASSAH: What was Avrohom Avinu’s profession? From what did Yitzchak Avinu, Yaakov Avinu, and Moshe Rabbeinu earn a Parnassah? The Torah certainly does not emphasize the answers to these questions, although we study and learn so much about the lives of the Avos, Moshe Rabbeinu and many other great Torah personalities throughout Tanach. Indeed, one of the basic questions raised in the Mussar Seforim (Chovos HaLevavos/Derech Hashem/Mesilas Yesharim) is why one must do Hishtadlus at all to obtain Parnassah, with the knowledge that “A person does not stub his finger here below, without it being decreed by Hashem” (Chulin 7B), and with the further knowledge that: “All of one’s Parnassah for the year is established on Rosh Hashana (except for certain additional expenditures that he makes for certain Mitzvos for which he is ‘reimbursed’ by Hashem)” (Beitzah 16A). Succinctly stated: What purpose does it serve for a person to spend hours at work or even work at all--as everything he receives, to the penny, is exactly designated by Hashem? Going beyond the concept of work being based upon the curse to Adam of “Bezaiyas Apecha Tochal Lechem--by the sweat of your brow shall you eat bread” (Bereishis 3:19), HaRav Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, culls together the following important reasons:

A. Hashem directs us to work in order to test the individual--to see how he will go about attaining his livelihood. Will he be fully honest and Emunah-filled in his pursuit, or will he engage in questionable acts which approach the gray area of geneivah and gezeilah. (Chovos HaLevavos, Sha’ar HaBitachon, Chapter 3)

B. Working also provides a different kind of test--how tied into the Olam Hazeh workings the individual will become, and, to the contrary, the extent to which he can on a day-to-day basis, live the fact that Olam Hazeh is truly only a means to the end--Olam Habah. (Derech Hashem, 4,5,2)

C. For a person who is not disciplined enough to learn or perform Mitzvos on a full-time (day and night) basis, he may come to sin through boredom and lack of something constructive to do. Keeping one’s mind occupied with legitimate matters which relate to helping other people and to ‘building the world’ most certainly combat the Yetzer Hara’s attempts to entice a person to sin. (Chovos HaLevavos, ibid.)

D. Because of a human being’s ability to reason and his chashivus as the pinnacle of creation on earth, Hashem gives him the special dignity to exercise his intellect, rather than to accept everything as a gift without work. (Derech Hashem, ibid.)

E. It is an opportunity for a person to improve in his Tefillah, as one recognizes that whether he is hired or c’v fired, whether the gets a promotion or a raise in salary, whether he does a good job, or whether he makes a mistake, is all truly B’yad Hashem. When one recognizes that his Hishtadlus merely allows him to be zoche to the Birkas Hashem through his Bitachon-based Tefillah--when he realizes that his Hishtadlus is not the source of his Hatzlacha, but the Divinely-decreed requirement to attain it, then he is well on the road to successfully satisfying the Parnassah aspect of his Avodas Hashem. In this regard, we once again provide the personal Tefillah for Parnassah that was composed by a reader, which he recites before he begins his daily work schedule https://tinyurl.com/cqqbomd There are, of course, many more formal Tefillos regarding Parnassah which have been published. We merely add that when one uses his own words, the sincerity is evident in his personal formulation.

Hakhel Note: Remember--Im Ain Kemach Ain Torah; Im Ain Torah Ain Kemach--Chazal teach that our daily Kemach is inextricably bound to--our Avodas Hashem!

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6 Marcheshvan

COMMENCEMENT OF YESHUOS! The Imrei Pinchas writes that: “...until Parashas Lech Lecha when we learn of Avrohom Avinu and his deeds, the world is in a state of confusion and disturbance. With Parashas Lech Lecha, the chesed of Avrohom Avinu is aroused, and Yeshuos begin to occur....” May we experience and see them all around us!

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REMINDER--TOMORROW--7 MARCHESHVAN:

1. Is the Yahrzeit of HaRav Meir Shapiro, Z’tl, R’ Yehuda Meir ben R’Yaakov Shimshon. We therefore once again urge everyone--especially those who are currently studying (or have studied), or who are in any way benefiting from Daf Yom study. We urge you to do any or all of the following on his Yahrzeit l’ilui nishmaso: Learn Torah—especially Mishnayos; Give Tikun; Dedicate your Daf Yomi Shiur or Daf Yomi study, and/or review the Daf one extra time, in his memory.

2. Is the Yahrzeit of R’ Yosef Rosenberger, Z’tl, R’ Yosef ben R’ Moshe Halevi-the founder of the Shatnez labs in the United States. He spread the mitzvah of checking for Shatnez in America. Because he spent so much promoting this Mitzvah, he gave up of his learning time, and he specifically asked that people learn Mishnayos as a zechus for him.

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FROM THINK HASHEM DAILY:

Everything that happens is from Hashem,

and has its reason.

Our job is to turn

what seems like a mess,

into His message.

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BECHOL MAKOM: Chazal (Avos 3:7) teach that when one person sits and engages in Torah study, the Shechinah will rest upon him, as the Pasuk states: “Bechol Makom Asher Azkir Es Shemi Avo Eilecha U’veirachticha--in every place in which I cause My name to be mentioned, I will come to you and bless you.” (Shemos 20:21). When one is studying Torah he should appreciate and revel in the fact that the Shechinah itself especially rests upon him in this zechus alone!

Hakhel Note One: HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein, Shlita writes in his Sefer VeHa’arev Na that people describe the test one had to pass in order to be able to enter the Vilna Gaon’s shiur. The G’ra would ask the applicant which Daf he knew best in all of Shas--which Daf had he learned tens or even hundreds of times. When the applicant answered with a Mesechta and Daf number, the G’ra then asked him to sit in the Bais Medrash and study that very Daf again. The G’ra would then observe the potential student as he studied this Daf that he knew better than any Daf in Shas--to see whether his study was with Mesikus--with sweetness and desire as if he was studying it for the first time--he would be admitted to the Shiur. If, however, it was studied as if one had already studied it without that real first-time enthusiasm--than the Gra’s Shiur would not be his place.

Hakhel Note Two: The Mattersdorfer Rav, Shlita relates in the name of the Chasam Sofer that the Torah is a goldmine. Only those who know how to mine will be able to get out the gold. It takes time, effort and a special love, dedication and desire to learn the skill--but there is no greater gold at the other end!

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ESSENTIAL TO KNOW AND SHARE: At the outset of this week’s Parasha, Hashem advises Avrohom Avinu: “Va’avarecha Mevorechecha (Bereishis 12:3)--and I will bless those who bless you.” Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Shlita in Love Your Neighbor (p.44) explains: “When the Torah states that Hashem will bless “those who bless you” it refers not only to someone who blesses Avraham, but also to one who blesses a descendant of Avraham (Chulin 49A and Tosfos there). Accordingly, Rabbi Yechezkel Levenstein [teaches that] when you bless another person, you merely offer a few words, in return for which Hashem gives you bountiful blessings. Remember-when you greet a fellow Jew with a cheery “Good Morning” or “Good Night” you are blessing him, and you will be blessed. Don’t merely mumble the words. Be sincere and keep in mind that in essence you are saying, “I pray that you have a good morning!”

Hakhel Note: May the beautiful brachos flow--in all ways and in all directions!

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ADDITIONALLY--MORE THAN JUST THANK YOU! A Rav pointed out to us that when one expresses his Hakaras HaTov to another by saying “Yasher Kochachem”--then he is not just saying “thank you”--but also giving an appreciative bracha to the one who has just acted kindly towards him. They may both be just two words--but there is a great difference between them. Of course, using both phrases “Todah Raba/thank you” and “Yasher Kochachem” could really be most appropriate under the circumstances.

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BRACHOS FOR ADDITIONAL NEEDS: One may be required to take care of his bodily needs more often in connection with preparation for a medical examination such as a colonoscopy, so that his body can be examined totally clear of waste. If one knows that after taking medically prescribed laxatives he will have to take care of his needs several times in the coming hours, should he nevertheless recite Asher Yatzar after each occurrence? We posed the question to Rabbi Yisroel Pinchos Bodner, Shlita, author of Halachos of Brachos, who advised that although there is another view, we follow the Mishna Berurah (Orach Chaim 7, seif katan 2), who writes that, unless one feels that he will need to take care of his needs immediately again, the minhag is to follow the opinion that one should recite a bracha after each occurrence. Since there is a minhag to do so, we do not invoke the rule of sofek brochos l’hakel (Birkei Yosef).

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5 Marcheshvan

INSPIRE BY WIRE!

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CHODOSH HOTLINE: As Chodosh becomes more of an issue until Pesach, we provide the Chodosh Hotline phone number for news, questions, literature, and use of the bulletin board system, please call the Chodosh Hotline--718-305-5133.

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who is the first person in the Torah to say the words “Baruch Hashem”? Hint: It is not in this week’s Parasha!

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CARRY IT WITH YOU! In this week’s Parasha, Avrohom Avinu is commanded in the Mitzvah of Bris Milah. It is an Eis Ratzon to daven at the time that the baby cries and B’EH all of the cries go up to Shomayim together. Accordingly, for those who do not have them, we once again provide by the following link http://tinyurl.com/c3kcn6k two printed Tefillos that have been distributed relating to a bris. In addition, one should recite the Chapter of Tehillim which mentions the word Sheminis in it. Some say this is Tehillim Chapter 6, and others Tehillim Chapter 12. If you can--perhaps say both!

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CHOCHMA! Shlomo HaMelech, the wisest of all men, teaches in Koheles (2:12) that HeChochom Einav B’Rosho--the wise man’s eyes are in his head. The Meforshim explain that a wise man thinks about the consequences of his proposed actions--and acts accordingly.

Hakhel Note: Let us learn what wisdom is from the wisest!

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A MOMENT OF PREPARATION! Before partaking of any food item, may we suggest that one should look at the item and think--am I sure about the Bracha Rishona and the Bracha Achrona? With this momentary question always asked--not only will one be sure that he is reciting the proper brachos (and not c’v brachos l’vatalah), but also provides himself with a moment of pause before reciting a bracha, rather than jumping-into the bracha in a hurried fashion.

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HOW DO YOU EAT? As we move further away from the Yomim Noraim, and perhaps treat ourselves in a less restrictive manner, we should be vigilant over how we conduct ourselves when eating--the way our brachos are recited, our manner of eating--and our manners! Remember-Shivisi Hashem L’Negdi Somid applies at the kitchen or dining room table as well!

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GREAT WORDS! From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Shlita: “Once Rabbi Yosef Kahaneman, head of Ponevezh Yeshivah in the city of Ponevezh and later in Bnei Brak, went on a fund-raising trip for his Yeshivah to South Africa, and afterward, paid a visit to the Chofetz Chaim in Radin. Someone present at the visit, was curious about the Chofetz Chaim’s unusual interest in the primitive tribes. The Chofetz Chaim explained, “Not long from now, everyone in the world will sing songs of praise to our Father, our King. So I wanted to know more about the different groups that will extol Hashem’s praises.”

“I met a person who would react with a big smile, whenever he heard someone mention the size of the world’s population: He would say, “Imagine a seven-billion member choir. Each individual will sing new songs of praise to Hashem, and they will do this daily. It gives me joy right now, just thinking about this.”

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THE FLOODWATERS: As seen in the usual Haftarah for Parshas Noach, the floodwaters described in last week’s Parasha are sometimes called “Mei Noach--the waters of Noach”. In some sense, Noach was held accountable for not bringing his generation with him to Teshuva, and so the punishing waters are titled with his name. In order to better understand this concept, we provide the following Mashal adapted from the Chovos HaLevavos (Shaar Ahavas Hashem, Chapter 6), which is brought by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Shlita (Love Your Neighbor, p. 34):

“Two businessmen come to a particular fair at the same time. One has merchandise which cost him $10, marks it up 10 times, and sells it for $100. He makes $90 clear profit! The second businessman has merchandise which cost him $5,000. He marks it up only two times, and sells it for $10, 000, leaving him with a profit of $5,000. Although the second businessman’s percentage of profit was 8 times less than that of the first, he earned $5,000.00, as opposed to $90.”

This parable illustrates that someone’s improvement of only himself will pale in comparison to the one who improves himself and others, for his merits are increased by the merits of everyone else that he has improved. We should try to make an effort to help someone else (even a family member) with a Halacha or Torah thought to benefit from every day--let the new merchandise continue to flow in!

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REFOCUS ON THE FIRST BRACHA! In honor of our new encounters with Avrohom Avinu beginning in this week’s Parasha, we should focus anew on the first bracha of Shemone Esrei--known as Birchas Avos. The Aruch HaShulchan (Orach Chaim 112:2) writes that this bracha actually originated when Avrohom Avinu was saved from the fiery furnace of Ur Kasdim--and was actually then recited by the Malachei HaShareis! The Aruch HaShulchan also brings from the Tur (Orach Chaim 113) that the exact number of words of this bracha is 42 (obviously corresponding to the 42-letter name of Hashem referred to in Kiddushin 71A--which is also strongly alluded to in the 42 words of the “Anah BeChoach” Tefillah recited near the culmination of Karbanos and immediately before greeting Shabbos at Lecha Dodi--in fact, this allusion to the name of Hashem may be the reason that Ana BeChoach concludes with Baruch Shem Kevod). Let us focus--42 words corresponding to the 42 letters--we must appreciate the weightiness of each word, for if one letter is missing, the name is not fully complete!

Several other important points about the first [the ‘Av’] bracha of Shemone Esrei:

1. Why do we bow down as we begin Shemone Esrei? The Anaf Yosef cites the following cogent explanations: (a) the bowing reminds us before Whom we stand; (b) our looking down serves as a reminder as to where a person goes after 120 years; and (c) lowering the body alludes to your goal to bring the brachos from the heavens above down to the world below.

2. This bracha begins with the customary words of Baruch Atta Hashem Elokeinu but then seems to be “missing” the important reference to Malchus--that Hashem is Melech HaOlam--Ruler of the World. After all, did not Avrohom Avinu publicize Hashem’s rulership over the world to everybody? Why is it not here? Your thoughts are welcome.

3. Hashem is referred to in this bracha as “Elokei Yaakov.” However, once Hashem Himself changed Yaakov’s name to Yisrael (Bereishis 35:10 and Rashi there)--and we ourselves are referred to as the B’nai Yisrael and K’lal Yisrael--why does not the bracha also refer to Hashem as Elokei Yisrael? Your thoughts are welcome.

4. HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, was asked why the words “Gomel Chasodim Tovim” are not, so to speak, redundant--after all, is there a Chesed which is not Tov--which is not good? He responded that there, in fact, is, for a chesed could result in something good for one person, but have a detrimental effect on someone else. Only Hashem can micromanage the billions of factors necessary for a chesed to be 100% good --when necessary--for each and every one of His creations!

5. What does the term “Zocher Chasdei Avos” mean--what Chesed is Hashem remembering--is it: (a) the Chesed that Hashem promised that He would do for the Avos and their children--or, (b) to the contrary, is He remembering the “Chesed” not that He performed, but that our Avos performed in making Hashem’s Name [see the reference to 42 letter name of Hashem within the bracha mentioned earlier] known in the world, or (c) perhaps are we simply referring to the great acts of Chesed performed by our Avos to other people in the world--all of which accrues to the merit of their descendants for 2,000 generations (Shemos 34:7--Notzer Chesed La’alaphim is one of the 13 Middos of Hashem). HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, holds that it is referring to Zechus Avos (see Tosfos to Shabbos 55A). The Meshech Chochma writes that it refers to the Chesed that Hashem did to the Avos--and our awareness that for this reason He will do Chesed to their children, as well. From this simple phrase, we can see how multi-faceted, how broad and penetrating, these holy words are--and how careful we must be in their recitation!

6. A reader had once written us: “I get tremendous chizuk every day when, in the first bracha of Shemone Esrei, I recite the words ‘LeMa’an Shemo B’Ahava--that Hashem will redeem us for the sake of His name with love.’ As a parent, I know that I do things for my children even when they are undeserving. I do it out of love. This means that Hashem can redeem us even though we are undeserving--at any moment! I love the word B’Ahava!”

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4 Marcheshvan

Hakhel Note: HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita (Mattisyahu Chaim Ben Ettel L’Refuah Sheleimah) teaches that from the Pasuk Yehi Chevod Hashem L’Olam Yismach Hashem B’Ma’asav which we recite daily (Tehillim 104:31)--we learn that the way you can tell you have given Kavod to Hashem--is by acting in a way in which Hashem will be happy with your actions!

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THE POWER OF OUR PRAYERS: HaRav Shimshon Dovid Pincus, Z’tl, highlights just how powerful our prayers are. In Pesukei DeZimra daily, we recite Tehillim Chapter 148, in which we exclaim “Hallelu Es Hashem Min HaShomayim...Praise Hashem from the Heavens, Praise Hashem all His angels, Praise Hashem sun and moon, and all bright stars, Praise Hashem, the most exalted of heavens and the waters that are above the heavens....” Think for a moment of what we are doing--we are actually ordering the heavens, the angels, the sun and stars all to praise Hashem! We, mere ‘sons of man’, are actually empowered to tell these awesome and incomprehensible creations what to do! Look at and appreciate the control and influence we wield with our prayers--and especially feel the joy and potential and clout of your tefillos when reciting this Kepitel as an extremely important preface to Birchos Kriyas Shema and Shemone Esrei!

Hakhel Note: The Mishna Berura (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 101, seif katan 1) urges everyone to at least regularly have Kavanna in the chasima of each bracha of Shemone Esrei (i.e., Baruch Atta Hashem…). The remarkable Dirshu Edition notes to the Mishna Berura write that the source of his words are the Tur (ibid.). The Tur writes that if one adds up the number of words in the chasimos of the brachos of Shemone Esrei, he will count 113 words--which is the number of words in the Tefillas Chana, and which is also the number of times that the word Lev appears in the Torah. The Bach adds that the chasima of every bracha--even of the middle brachos of bakasha--are all shevach, i.e., that Hashem is the Chonen Da’as, is the Go’el Yisrael, is the Rofeh Cholei Amo Yisrael--and it is better to have Kavannah in praising Hashem than in making requests of Hashem.

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V’CHAI BAHEM! The Torah teaches (Vayikrah 18:5): “U’Shemartem Es Chukosai V’Es Mishpatai Asher Ya’aseh Osam Ha’adam V’Chai Bahem--You shall observe My Chukos and laws which man shall carry out and by which he shall live.” The Chofetz Chaim importantly notes that the Torah does not state V’Chai Avuram--you shall live to perform them, but rather V’Chai Bahem--which means that you will live in Olam HaBah through them. Accordingly, just as a person would do all that he can in order to keep his arms, ears, legs healthy and in good working order in this world, so too should a person realize that his connection to eternal life is through the Mitzvos, and that the more wholesomely and completely the Mitzvos are performed, the more wholesome and complete will be one’s Chiyus, one’s life in Olam HaBa. This should provide us with an extra-special drive to rid ourselves of at least one Mitzvas Anashim Melumadah--Mitzvah done-by-rote, that we perform daily, and replace it with a sincere and inspired performance of that Mitzvah. Examples: In Tefillah--one place to start may be in one’s recitation of Pesukei D’Zimrah. In Torah--in the way one listens and interacts in a shiur he otherwise listens to or attends. In Chesed--in attempting to perform at least one Chesed a day which has not been asked for, and is not expected.

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KEEP IT IN MIND! We all know that Hashem established this world on a Middah K’neged Middah basis--and indeed this is one of the most basic rules of how this world operates. At first glance, it may appear curious then, that the punishment for Lashon Hora is tzora’as --leprosy, a punishment which could affect up to the entire exterior body or any part thereof--but with the mouth itself apparently unaffected! What happened to Middah K’neged Middah here? The answer is obvious--but nevertheless startling. Because a human being is distinguished by his being a Ruach Memalelah--a thinking, speaking being--if he does not properly display that distinction and is careless (not being careful enough in this context is careless) with this power--then he has adversely effected his ENTIRE BEING--and this is why he receives a warning and punishment which effects his whole body. So explains the Chofetz Chaim. The Chofetz Chaim adds that even if in our day when tzora’as is not visible on our physical bodies--it nevertheless can still be inflicted on our souls--and without the proper Teshuva, this tzora’as will be self-evident in Olam Haba--as a world which is only soul without body. Nobody, but nobody would want that--especially when one can then enjoy the eternal blissful results of positive and pleasant speech. In doubt as to whether you can say something and how to say it? The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation Shemiras Halashon Shaila Hotline is the free service that you should keep at your fingertips:718-951-3696, 9pm to 10:30pm New York City time. It is the thought--and the speech--that counts!

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THE REMEDY: A senior Rav provided the following extremely practical teaching:

Our natural tendency is one of self-centeredness. When someone shows you an old class picture--what is the first thing that you look for--most likely, if you are in the picture, and how you look.

Because of this tendency, we also tend to look at the good that we do, and we lean towards finding fault with the words and actions of others, and not with our own. We must take some action to look more favorably upon others--viewing them with the same good eye that we view ourselves. It sounds easier than it is-- but nevertheless can, in fact, be accomplished in a practical and goal-oriented way.

Here is a plan.

Every day, six days a week, write down two things that you saw someone else do that day that was really nice, really thoughtful, admirable, or the like. You don’t even have to know the person-- a courteous driver, a helpful store worker, a family member who acceded to your request, someone davening with fervor, someone who didn’t get angry when you expected it.... Write the two acts down every day--and review all of them every Shabbos. At the end of the month you will have about 50 actions in which you saw the good in others, and after two months--about 100. Share your experiences with others (maybe they can join you in this goal). You will develop a more considerate, see-the good in others, and care-for-others person.

What a warm and special goal as we proceed into the heart of the New Year!

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3 Marcheshvan

FINAL CALL! All of the personal accounts, all of the cheshbonos, that we said we would settle, that we would pay, that we would take care of after the Yomim Tovim, should…now be taken care of!

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MARCHESHVAN: This month has the unique term “Mar” placed in front of the word “Cheshvan”. Some write that this is because there is currently no Yom Tov or public day of celebration during the month of Cheshvan , and that this will be rectified--as when the Bais HaMikdash is rebuilt there will be a Yom Tov of rededication in this month--may it be literally this month! Others write that the term Mar refers to water, and that it indicates the blessing of the month--rainfall for the Parnassah of the world. Indeed, in Eretz Yisrael, the recitation of V’Sein Tal U’Matar Livracha will begin in just a few days. We may suggest another possible meaning to Mar. Hashem told Kayin (Bereishis 4:7): “'''...lapessach chatas rovetz…veattah timshol bo--sin rests at the door, its desire is turned towards you, yet you can conquer it.” Rashi (ibid.) explains: “Im Tirtzeh Tisgaber Alav--if you want to, you will be able to rule over it.” Chazal use the word ‘Mar’ to means master. We are being reminded all month that the ‘theory’ of Tishrei can truly be put into practice in the next month--and that we can truly be the master over the Yetzer Hara--beginning in MarCheshvan--and forever thereafter!

Hakhel Note: The Rebbi of Rozhin, Rebbi Yisroel, Z’tl, teaches that the word Marcheshvan comes from the phrase of Chazal ‘Merachshi Sefasaihu’--their lips are moving, for our lips should still be moving in Tefillah from the Yomim Noraim! The Luach Davar BeIto adds, however, that according to the Nusach Teiman, the correct pronunciation of this month is Merachshevan.

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THE GEMATRIA OF MARCHESHVAN: The gematria of Marcheshvan (with the word), is in fact 611--the gematria of Torah. Cheshvan, when written without nekudos, is spelled with two Vuvs and not one, so that it is not read as Cheshone, but Cheshvan. Check for yourself! One of our innovative readers wrote that if we take the second “Vuv” out of Mar Cheshvan and we don’t include the word as part of the gematria; the gematria becomes 604, which is the gematria of “Shas Gemara.” This teaches us, our reader wrote,” that we must take the increased Torah commitment we made on Simchas Torah as we celebrated the completion of Torah She'Bichsav and also find opportunity to increase our learning of Torah She'Baal Peh!”

Hakhel Note: Here is a basic mathematics question for Torah Jews: If a man studies three Mishnayos, or a man or woman studies three Halachos, after Mincha or Ma'ariv, or perhaps before retiring for the evening, every day in the year 5778, how many Mishnayos or Halachos will he have learned by the end of the Year? A more advanced question--if, instead, one begins this study on the first day of Marcheshvan--one month after 5778 has begun, and undertakes the same study until the first day of Marcheshvan of 5779--how many Mishnayos or Halachos has one studied?

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WINTER CLOTHING! As we move closer to winter across the Northern Hemisphere, many may be purchasing jackets and coats (with linings), sweaters, vests and winter hats. We caution the need to properly check for Shatnez any item whose constitution is in any matter doubtful, and especially one that comes from China, or which has a label which does not appear accurate or complete. Let us feel not only physically warm--but spiritually warm--with the clothes that we are wearing! Hakhel Note: Whenever we provide Shatnez alerts, we ask that you review them seriously, and share them with others.

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FROM A SIMCHA MINUTE: We provide the following few quotations from Simcha Minute, a booklet of inspiriting quotations of HaRav Avigdor Miller, Z’tl, as collected from the SimchaMinute daily email. To subscribe to the SimchaMinute daily email (free), go to: www.bit.ly/smsefer:

1. Is it enough to believe in Hashem with simple faith? HaRav Miller: “The appeal to simple faith (Emunah Peshutah) is usually an excuse to do nothing. Without effort there is no belief, awareness or understanding.” (Awake, My Glory)

2. What role do others play in our quest for greatness? HaRav Miller: “Your generation is your world. It is your sole opportunity. One’s parents, one’s brothers and sisters, one’s kin, one’s wife, one’s children, one’s neighbors and employers and employees: are all his opportunities. To fritter it away is the greatest of catastrophes. By his relations with them he gains the success for which he came into the world.” (Sing, You Righteous)

3. Where do we find an easy opportunity to be blessed? HaRav Miller: “Bless your fellow Jews and you’ll be blessed. It costs you money? It doesn’t cost you a penny. And it’s such a good investment that you’re promised a bracha. It seems so wild, so insane to lose the opportunity to bless your fellow Jew.” (Tape #93, Ten Easy Ways to Gain Real Wealth)

4. Is there an area of power that Hashem has endowed to people? HaRav Miller: “The freedom to choose (bechira) is truly miraculous. It is the one area in the entire universe in which Hashem has given authority to man.” (Ohr Avigdor, Sha’ar Habechinah)

5. Does merely reading the Torah change a person? HaRav Miller: “Torah is a living entity. The letters of the Torah affect our lives, affect history, and affect our character. Merely by reading the Torah from “Bereishis--In the beginning” until the last words, “L’einei Kol Yisrael--before the eyes of all Israel,” we effect change in the atmosphere, in the course of Jewish history, our characters, and our lives.” (Tape # 6, Evil of Confusion)

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A TZELEM ELOKIM REMINDER: The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (2:3) provides a sure method in which we can remember Parashas Bereishis every day--"One should wash his face [in the morning upon rising] in honor of his Maker, as the Pasuk states, 'Ki BeTzelem Elokim Asah Es Ha’adam--for man was made in the image of Hashem." The Kitzur then adds that one should also wash out his mouth, so that he can mention Hashem's name in davening "BiKedusha U'VeTahara." What a great lesson in how and why we rise in the morning--in comparison to the billions of others in the world who may undertake the same physical acts as us--but whose intentions are so, so different. They simply want to feel and smell good--for themselves, and so as not to embarrass themselves among others--and it ends there. We too care about personal hygiene----but with the refined focus that our bodily functions and needs have spiritual goals and loftier intentions to attempt and achieve--a lifetime of accomplishment. The splash of cold water on your cheeks, or the bright and fresh feeling in your mouth in the morning-- is, more importantly, preparing you for a day of spiritual awareness, awakening, aspiration and accomplishment as well!

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KAVOD SHOMAYIM: We provide the following additional notes found in the Sefer Leket Reshimos (B’Inyanei Kavod Shomayim) from the teachings of HaRav Nosson Meir Wachtfogel, Z’tl:

A. HaRav Wachtfogel related that before WWII, the President of Poland reached the Town of Mir, and was given a very honorable reception, with the Yeshiva itself going to greet him. When the Bochurim returned, HaRav Yeruchem Levovitz asked them how the greeting was, and the students responded that it was very honorable. HaRav Yeruchem advised them that they did not show true respect. He explained why. Not long ago, the President also visited the nearby Town of Lechvitsch, and there he did not receive a royal welcome--but received true honor. How? Upon his arrival into the town, a few people placed themselves down in front of his entourage, stopping it--advising that their relatives were up for the death penalty, and asked that a message be given to the President to commute the sentences. After some back and forth, the President did, indeed, commute the sentences. HaRav Yeruchem said that this was true honor--not praises, compliments and speeches--but a real demonstration of the President’s powers. With this, we can understand what Kavod Malchus Shomayim is--when we demonstrate that we realize that life and death is in the hands of Hashem Yisborach, and plead with Him. Until such time as we do not realize this and do so with feeling, it is not true Kabbalas Ohl Malchus Shomayim. Hakhel Note: What a message for our times!

B. Rashi (Vayikra 20:26) writes: “Hashem says: If you separate yourselves from the nations, you are Mine and if you do not then you will belong to Nevuchadnezzar and his friends.” Hakhel Note: Once again, let us take this message to heart in these times!

C. HaRav Boruch Ber Lebowitz, Z’tl, would repeat in the name of his Rebbi, HaRav Chaim Brisker, Z’tl, that the ‘smallest Jew’ should aspire to be a gadol in his Torah practice. After all, did we not recite over Yom Tov: “Veshimcha HaGadol V’HaKadosh Aleinu Karasa”. If a person has this aspiration--then he will have a shaychus to Gadlus. One can be a Gadol in Ma’asim Tovim, in Midos Tovos, in Tzedaka…. The opportunity--and the obligation--is ours!

D. Geulah means Gadlus without limits and constraints. Galus by definition imposes constraints upon us. Chazal teach that we will be redeemed through Tzedakah. This is because through Tzedakah one goes beyond his personal boundaries and demonstrates his aspiring to Geulah.

E. The Navi Malachi (3:1) teaches: “U’pisom Yavo Ehl Heichalo Ha’adam Asher Atem Mevakshim--suddenly, Hashem Who you seek will come to His sanctuary”. We all understand that the word ‘Pisom’ means that it will happen suddenly--at any moment. There is, however, a deeper understanding as well. That is, we cannot in any way now fathom the sudden bliss that the entire creation will experience with the Geulah. As the Navi (Yeshaya 35:10 and 55:12) teaches: “Even the trees will joyously clap and the mountains and hills will burst forth with song.” This will certainly happen--B’EH soon--but it will be experienced only by those who are the Mevakshim described by Malachi. If there is no bikush--then the great, ecstatic light will not be truly experienced. It is incumbent upon us to realize that we are currently the Ovdim B’Eretz Ashur and the Nidachim B’Eretz Mitzrayim (Yeshaya 27:13)--lost in Galus and cast aside by the nations of the world--and plead for the Shechina’s return to Tzion--Hashem’s Home where He rightfully belongs.

HaRav Wachtfogel concludes: We are all suffering through these excruciatingly painful throes of Chevlei Moshiach. We must realize that all of this great tza’ar will not last for a long time, and will end. The days of Geulah will be upon us in the near future--let us be mevakshim, so that we are zoche to the great ecstasy and light of U’pisom Yavo Ehl Heichalo!

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30 Tishrei

QUESTION OF THE DAY: In many Siddurim it is brought that as one takes leave of his Shul in the morning after Shacharis, the final Pasuk he should say is “V’Noach Matzah Chein B’Einei Hashem”. Why do you think this is so?

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POINTS AND POINTERS RELATING TO ROSH CHODESH, EXCERPTED FROM THE LUACH DAVAR B’ITO:

1. There are different customs as to the types of work that women do not perform on Rosh Chodesh. Whatever is not performed by day should not be performed at night either, although others permit work at night.

2. According to the Tzava’ah of Rebbi Yehuda HaChassid, we do not cut our hair or our nails on Rosh Chodesh.

3. The special bracha for Mussaf on Rosh Chodesh begins with the words Roshei Chadashim LeAmecha, whose first letters spell ‘Rochel’, who established Tefillas Mussaf (Birkei Yosef 607:4)!

4. Regarding the actual Seudah of Rosh Chodesh, there is a Mitzvah to be marbeh (increase) one’s Seudah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 419). The Mishna Berurah (ibid., seif katan 1) adds that one who eats and drinks in a goodhearted manner is praiseworthy, and that just as one is repaid his expenses for Shabbos and Yom Tov meals, he is also repaid for his Rosh Chodesh repast as well. If one increases his Seudah during the day, he need not do so in the evening. One should try to have a special additional food which is LeKavod Rosh Chodesh. In fact, ‘many Tzadikim’ have the custom of eating gefilte fish (as on Shabbos) on Rosh Chodesh. The Sefer Ateres Tzvi brings that the Seudas Rosh Chodesh is a Segulah ‘Levatel Kol HaMachalos’--to rid oneself of all illnesses.

5. There is an old Minhag on every Rosh Chodesh to learn one Pasuk (with at least the Peirush of Rashi) from the chapter in Tehillim which is the same number as one’s age.

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WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:

A. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 262:3) writes VeYismach BeVias Shabbos KeYotzeh Likras HaMelech U’KeYotzei Likras Chosson VeKallah--let us truly appreciate the happiness anew--each and every Erev Shabbos!

B. This Shabbos we have the special opportunity of reciting one of the zemiros which emanate from the Parasha. “Yom Shabboson Ain Lishkoach”--which contains the words Yonah Matzah Vo Manoach…and concludes with the words “Ka’asher Nishbata Al Mai Noach”. There are three explanations for the term yonah in this zimra. One is that it refers to the Shechina. A second is that it refers to K’lal Yisrael--but a third is that it very much refers to the yonah in this week’s Parasha. Indeed, the outstanding Mesivta Zemiros brings from the Pardes Yosef that the yonah from Noach’s teivah could only find a place to rest in Gan Eden, and that it happened on Shabbos! Hakhel Note: The depths of our Shabbos zemiros is truly brought to the fore by the Mesivta Zemiros. One can take just one zimra a week and study it a bit more on Shabbos to understand how significant and meaningful it truly is!

C. Points and pointers on Hadlakas Neiros:

1. A woman has priority over a man in lighting Shabbos candles, as they are more involved in a home’s needs, and an essential reason for Hadlakas Neiros is Shalom Bayis--a feeling of serenity in the home which the women is eminently capable of. Additionally, as we learn in this week’s Parasha, woman caused man to eat from the Eitz HaDa’as, resulting in man’s light being extinguished (death was introduced into the world), and so the lighting of candles is a form of takana and kapara for women.

2. The Mishna in Shabbos (2:6) teaches that a woman may , r’l, pass away in childbirth because of a failure to be careful with Hadlakas Neiros. The Rashash to this Mishne explains that simply failing to light Shabbos candles would not engender something as serious as the death penalty. Rather, the Mishne is referring to someone who is not careful to light on time--which can/will (chas veshalom) result in Chillul Shabbos--for which the penalty is Misah, death. Hakhel Note: Shabbos Candlelighting times listed on calendars, magnets and the like should not be viewed merely as goals to strive for, or with the attitude of “I really have another fifteen minutes”--but should be taken seriously and stringently--staying far, far away from any danger zone--a time period in which one is literally playing with fire. The zemanim are there for a reason--to avoid Chillul Shabbos, and to fulfill the Mitzvas Aseh of Tosefes Shabbos--adding on to the Kedusha of the Shabbos. Indeed, the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (75:6) writes that one should light in weekday clothes if necessary in order to avoid getting involved in a ‘Sofek Chillul Shabbos’’, and that if a husband sees that his life will be lighting in a Sofek Chillul Shabbos time--he should light himself instead and not be concerned with her anger! The Mishne Berurah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 262, seif katan 11) adds that it is a ‘Mitzvah Gedolah’ to sit in the dark rather than chas veshalom come to Chillul Shabbos. Let us take special note of these words as we approach the shorter Erev Shabbos days of the winter months (in the Northern Hemisphere).

3. When lighting candles, one should not move his/her hand away from the wick until most of the wick has been lit, so that the flame will be burning well--this is the way the Menorah was lit in the Bais HaMikdash, and the way we are to light Neiros Chanukah as well (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 264:8, and Mishne Berurah there).

4. What should one do if it appears that a candle is going to fall on the table? See ibid., 265, Mishne Berurah, seif katan 16--and perhaps ask your Rav for a shiur on the topic! Hakhel Note: To obtain a copy of a Hakhel Shiur given by Rabbi Shlomo Pearl, Z’tl on “Emergency Situations on Shabbos”, please call 718-252-5274.

5. The Neiros must be long enough to burn into the night (so that one has actual benefit from the candlelight-otherwise there is a bracha levatala issue) and continue burning through the end of the meal (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 75:2).

6. ‘The Radiance of Shabbos’ by Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, Shlita (Artscroll) devotes several important chapters to Hadlakas Neiros. Rabbi Cohen brings from the Zohar to this week’s Parasha that one should be sure to light the Neiros Shabbos with great joy

7. Those who are zealous with the Mitzvah of Hadlakas Neiros will merit to greet the Divine Presence (Shabbos 32A)--what an accomplishment--for a little bit of zealousness!

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WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING NOTES ON THE PARASHA, PARASHAS NOACH:

A. The Mabul described in tomorrow’s Parasha is sometimes referred to as the “Mai Noach”--the flood waters of Noach. We could understand that the Teivah would be known as Noach’s Ark, but why would the flood waters be known by Noach’s name? Shouldn’t it instead be attributed to the sinful people at that time? After all--the flood was their fault-not Noach’s! The Maharsha explains that Noach is, in a sense, held responsible for the flood because he did not do everything in his power to save his generation. Obviously, he did a lot--building a Teivah for all those years, and undoubtedly subjecting himself to ridicule, intimidation and threats. The conclusion: Sometimes we don’t realize that we can really--and should--do more. Practical Suggestion: When it comes to the health, safety, and welfare of others, we should try to do something more than we think that we are capable of. In fact, this was the path of Avrohom Avinu who was ill and elderly, yet searched outside in a heat wave in order to help others--and to teach those of us in future generations how to behave!

B. If the three great sins of the generation of the flood were Avoda Zarah, Gilui Arayos and Gezel--why would the seemingly least heinous of the three--Gezel--be the decisive factor to Hashem in bringing the flood? Many have provided important insights here. A particularly practical lesson is that the victim of Gezel will cry out--and, as the Torah records elsewhere: ”...it will be when they cry out to Me, I will surely listen to the cries.” Something to avoid at all costs is someone (even if a parent, spouse or child) who has a ta’anah against you--someone who will cry out or complain--for even if your fault pales in significance to other, ostensibly more serious aveiros, Hashem takes into special account the hurt and cries of others-- just as you would expect Him, as your Father in Heaven, to take your hurt and cries into account as well. Hashem will deal with the inanity of idol worship as He sees fit--but will not allow the pain of others to go unanswered. This lesson is so important--that it is taught even before we get to the Avos!

C. The Chofetz Chaim points to the oreiv being unable to serve as the shaliach on Noach’s mission--and being replaced by the Yonah instead. Not everyone is capable of, or right for, a particular job, and not always should one send a shaliach if the job is best left done by himself. The next time one asks someone to do something for him or sends someone on a mission, he should think about whether the decision not to do it by himself is really warranted (is it laziness?), and whether the other person is the right person for the job (will they be embarrassed, will someone else possibly suffer, is there someone else who should be doing it but for an ulterior motive…). Most certainly when it comes to Mitzvos, a halachic principle that must be considered is Mitzva Bo Yosair MiBeShelucho--it is better for YOU to do the Mitzvah then ‘be mezakeh’--find someone else--to do it. It is said about the Steipeler that he did not ask anyone (even his children) to do anything for him unless he could not do it himself--we may not be on this madreiga, but perhaps we can at least consider it in our decision-making process!

D. After Noach leaves the Teivah, the Posuk records “Vayevareich Elokim Es Noach…--Hashem blessed Noach and his children” (Bereishis 9:1). Promptly thereafter, the Posuk records that Noach began his activities after the Mabul by planting a vineyard. The bracha that he had just received was thus chal, first-placed, on a vine--leading him to become drunk. Oh! If only Noach had taken the bracha and used his first opportunity in a great way for the world’s (or at least his own) benefit--how much better off he and the world would have been! We can take great note of this in our everyday lives. When receiving a bracha from someone--we should not let it go by without immediately letting it be chal--rest upon--something important. For example, after the bracha--open a Sefer and learn, try to make a Shidduch, or try performing a Mitzvah you have had particular Nisyonos within the past--and hope that the bracha will elevate and uplift you to a new and greater height! (HaRav Itzele Volozhiner, Z’tl).

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LANDMARKS CONTINUED: We continue with our “landmarks”.

Tekah B’Shofar--the first in a series of brachos pleading for the Geulah:

In the bracha of “Tekah B’Shofar Gadol”--when reciting the words “Tekah B’Shofar Gadol L’Cheiruseinu”, one can have the Kavannah that HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita, urges him to have here. That is, to think that we want to hear the Shofar heralding the Geulah so that the Yetzer Hara will once and for all be quashed and we will finally be able to serve Hashem and bring Kavod Shomayim with each and every one of our faculties. We will then finally realize our full potential in life!

In the bracha of “Hashiva Shofteinu”--when reciting the words “Vehaser Mimenu Yagon V’Anacha”--reflect for a moment upon all of the pain and suffering--that of each individual and of all of K’lal Yisrael--that will cease when the Geulah in all of its glory comes upon us!

In the bracha of “Velamalshinim”--when reciting the words “VeHazeidim Meheirah Se’aker U’seshaber”--think about our dastardly and ruthless enemies in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, and all of those that seek to harm us worldwide--and realize that it is Hashem and only Hashem Who can humble them, uproot them, and smash them.

In the bracha of “Ahl HaTzadikim”--when reciting the words “V’Ahl Ziknei Amecha Bais Yisrael”--think about our zekeinim--such as HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, HaRav Shmuel Wosner, Z’tl, HaRav Moshe Shternbuch, Shlita, HaRav Dovid Feinstein, Shlita, and your own Rosh Yeshivos, and daven for their good health and continued leadership of K’lal Yisrael.

In the bracha of “V’lirushalayim Irecha”--when reciting the words “U’vnei Osah BeKarov Beyameinu Binyan Olam”--think about how much you want it Beyameinu--in our days!

In the bracha of “Es Tzemach”--when reciting the words “Ki Lishuasecha Kivinu Kol Hayom”--remember the Kavannah that HaRav Avraham Chaim Feuer, Shlita, urges us to have when reciting it--Ani Ma’amin B’Emunah Sheleimah B’viyas HaMoshiach…Achakeh Lo Bechol Yom Sheyavoh!

In the bracha of “Shema Koleinu”--one should stop for a moment each time the word “Racheim” or “Rachamim” is mentioned--mentally pleading with Hashem to grant the requests we have made in our Tefillos with Rachamim. In Nusach Ashkenaz, the Lashon of Rachamim occurs three times, in Nusach Sefard--Rachamim is requested four times within the bracha. This gives us an important indication of how essential it is to ask Hashem for His mercy in listening to our prayers and granting our requests!

In the bracha of “Retzei”--when reciting the words “Vehasheiv Es Ha’avodah LiDvir Veisecha”--remember that the Devir is the Kodesh HaKedoshim itself--how can we live in a world that is devoid of its holiest place?! Hashem--please, please, bring it back to us!

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AFTER SUKKOS--EMUNAH APPLIED! As one Rav commented, perhaps we begin the Torah with Parashas Bereishis to teach us that there is a purpose for everyone’s life--and we are to take it from there. It is fascinating that after Sukkos, in which we left our homes to demonstrate that we are under the shadow and protection of Hashem, we are immediately re-infused with the Emunah-filled Pesukim of Parashas Bereishis and Noach. The following practical points on Emunah are excerpted from the Sefer Sifsei Chaim (Middos LeAvodas Hashem, Volume I):

A. The Chofetz Chaim provides the following essential teaching: “Bechol Davar SheAdam Oseh Tzarich Levakeish MeiHashem Sheyihiyeh Letoeles--in everything that a person does, he should ask Hashem that it serve a good purpose (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 230; Sha’ar HaTzion, seif katan 8).

B. Moreover, when one davens prior to doing something, it is the equivalent of putting the Refuah ahead of the makah--opening wide the proper and appropriate path in which to proceed. When one davens, for example, to Hashem for success before starting his working day, he is demonstrating his awareness that it is not “Kochi V’Otzem Yadi--one’s own intuition, prowess or powers” that will bring about his success today or any other day, but rather it is Hashem Who is the Only Source of all Bracha. It is for this reason that it is forbidden to engage in business activities before davening Shacharis (see Brachos 14A)--for it is futile for one to believe that he actually accomplishes anything on his own before davening--i.e., without Hashem’s guidance and gifts to him!

C. A Nevuah is not simply an experience by which Hashem reveals the future to a Tzaddik. Rather, the Ikar HaNevuah is the Deveikus experienced between the Navi and Hashem! We can all work towards the goal of...a Navi!

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29 Tishrei

PREPARING FOR SHABBOS A DAY EARLY! It is the custom of many not to cut hair or nails on Rosh Chodesh. One Posek advised us that this is the prevalent minhag. To those who follow it, as Rosh Chodesh begins this evening, one may want to cut their hair or nails today L’Kavod Shabbos Kodesh!

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IN HONOR OF ROSH CHODESH: We provide the following points and pointers relating to Hilchos Rosh Chodesh (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 217 et al.), as excerpted from the Dirshu edition of the Mishna Berurah:

A. One should wear better clothing than usual on Rosh Chodesh. The Yesod V’Shoresh Ha’avodah writes that one should wear at least one article of clothing which is more chashuv. The G’ra wore his Shabbos hat on Rosh Chodesh. Hakhel Notes: 1. It is a ma’aleh to have special clothing for Rosh Chodesh/Chol HaMoed, as both have more Kedusha than a regular weekday as evidenced by the four aliyos read on that day, as well as the Korban/Tefillas Mussaf of the day. 2. Fascinatingly, the Karbanos for Musaf on Rosh Chodesh match exactly the actual Karbanos for the Musaf of the Yom Tov of Pesach and of Shavuos [two parim, one ayil, seven kevasim and one seir].

B. The Mitzvah to be Marbeh B’Seudah on Rosh Chodesh applies to women equally as well, and applies to each day of Rosh Chodesh. We add that the Steipeler Gaon, Z’tl, would drink a little wine on Rosh Chodesh, and would give the members of his household (including the women) a little wine to drink, explaining that we must honor the day--and that through drinking wine, we demonstrate that the day is a Yom Tov!

C. The Shelah HaKadosh writes that the reason we recite Hallel on Rosh Chodesh is because Dovid HaMelech instituted it B’Ruach HaKodesh regarding Yetziyas Mitzrayim (see also Pesachim 117A). Accordingly, it is recited on all of the Moadim (all of which are Zecher L’Yetziyas Mitzrayim), and on Rosh Chodesh by and through which the Moadim are established. Hakhel Note: We were also of course taught the Mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh--HaChodesh Hazeh Lachem Rosh Chadashim--already in Mitzrayim itself!

D. Relating to Hallel:

(1) One should not repeat any Pasuk that it is not the Minhag to repeat--so that it does not appear that one is adding on to Hallel.

(2) If one is behind the tzibur, and they are reciting together either Hodu LaShem or Anah Hashem, HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, rules that one should continue where he is and not answer together with the tzibur.

(3) HaRav Kanievsky, Shlita, also rules that although one is not permitted to answer Baruch U’Varuch Shemo while reciting Hallel, he can answer “Amen”; however, if one is in the bracha after Hallel of Yehalelucha and the Shatz or someone else finishes the bracha, one should not answer “Amen”, just as one who is in the middle of the bracha of Yishtabach should not answer “Amen” to the Shatz’s conclusion of the very same bracha (see Bai’ur Halacha to Orach Chaim 51:2, d’h Baruch). However, if one completed the particular bracha of Melech Mehulal Batishbachos together with the Shatz, he does answer “Amen” over the Shatz’s bracha (ibid., Mishna Berurah, seif katan 3).

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REMINDER! As we have noted in the past, there is a Halacha relating to Rosh Chodesh (found in Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, 188:7), which is not well-known. That is, if one is reciting Birchas HaMazon on Rosh Chodesh and realized that he forgot to recite Yaaleh V’Yavo after he has already recited the brocha of Bonei Yerushalayim, but prior to reciting the brocha of HaTov V’Hameitiv, he is entitled to (and should) add a new, complete bracha to his Birkas Hamazon, which is: “Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech Haolam Asher Nosan Roshei Chodoshim L’Amo Yisrael L’Zikaron--Blessed are You Hashem…Who gave New Moons to His People Israel as a remembrance.” This incredible Halacha (based upon Chazal--Brachos 49A), allows for a fifth bracha in Birkas HaMazon if it is timed just right. Of course, it is better not to forget Yaaleh V’Yavo, but Chazal do allow for one to mend the situation in this way. In fact, there are similar instances where an additional, similar brocha is recited at this point in Birkas HaMazon (between the third and fourth brocha)--for example, if one forgot Retzei on Shabbos, Yaaleh V’Yavo on Yom Tov, etc. The exact text of these Brachos are found in most siddurim at the end of Birkas HaMazon, but the page is typically skipped over as we move through the Siddur. For example, see page 196 of the Artscroll English Siddur (Ashkenaz). From this Halacha relating to Rosh Chodesh, we get a sense of the importance of eating a Seudas Rosh Chodesh--a meal on Rosh Chodesh for which Birkas HaMazon is recited--after all, a new brocha is provided for Rosh Chodesh, just as a new brocha is provided in a similar situation on Shabbos and Yom Tov! In honor of this Halacha, may we suggest that you partake of a fine Rosh Chodesh meal tonight--but remember Ya’aleh V’Yavo!

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EMULATING! Although many items in the physical world remind us of spiritual roles and goals as well (e.g., food for the body teaches that we must always feed the soul with Torah and Mitzvos; physical ailments represent spiritual ailments, the beauty of nature provides an inkling of the beauty of Olam Haba, etc.), there appears to be at least one item in which the physical in no way resembles the spiritual.

Here on earth, our streets and our highways are paved with tar, and our sidewalks with tar or cement. Yet, in the spiritual world, our path is paved with precious jewels, silver, and gold. The opportunities for Torah and Mitzvos, Emunah and Chesed, Teshuva and Ma’asim Tovim, impact and abound from all directions as we march through our day. Unfortunately, all too often, we write off the opportunity as a hindrance, annoyance, obligation, or as time that could have otherwise been spent doing something “productive” instead.

Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Shlita, provides a perfect example of this misperception in commenting on last week’s Parasha (Love Your Neighbor, p. 34). Rabbi Pliskin notes that the Torah goes out of its way to teach us that Hashem clothed Adam and Chava. We, by this, are taught to emulate Hashem’s ways in providing clothes to the needy. However, Rabbi Pliskin writes that emulating Hashem in this area goes way beyond giving clothes to the needy when we clean out our closets. It also includes other activities such as helping elderly relatives on with their clothing, making sure that they are warm for winter, and dressing toddlers and little children--even if they may be your students or your children. When viewed in this light, going shopping for the family or for a parent or neighbor on a frigid winter night, or earning the money to pay a family credit card bill become glittering diamonds in place of a banal drudgery, a necessary and seemingly thankless task.

Hashem, in His great and incomparable beneficence, gives us whatever each and every one of us needs every single day in order to build a great eternity for ourselves. We just have to identify, appreciate and cherish each and every opportunity for the special and precious jewel that it is. World economics may be in turmoil, but we remain as spiritually affluent as ever--and these are the riches that last forever!

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IMPORTANT INSIGHTS INTO TZELEM ELOKIM: Also, in Love Your Neighbor, Rabbi Pliskin emphasizes another essential aspect of the concept of Chesed: It is that man is actually created B’Tzelem Elokim--in the image of the Creator of heaven and earth. A human being should accordingly be transformed in our eyes from ‘an inconsequential and insignificant being into one that is without parallel. ‘Although seemingly miniscule, he is the pinnacle of creation’. Man was created in Hashem’s image and must always be viewed accordingly.” Here are two examples that Rabbi Pliskin provides to bring the point home (ibid., p. 23):

1. A Rabbi and his wife came to visit the Chofetz Chaim. The wife complained to the Chofetz Chaim that her husband’s good nature enabled people to take advantage of him. “True,” said the Chofetz Chaim, “if someone is always good to others, he might sometimes suffer. However, if he were insensitive to other people, they would suffer because of him. In the long run, when a man’s good and bad deeds are weighed against each other, he will realize that it is better for him to have suffered as a result of his doing good deeds to others, rather than for others to have suffered because of him.” (Amud Hachesed, p. 17)

2. Once while the Chazon Ish was walking with a disciple, a melancholy woman approached him and insisted that he take money from her to pray for her welfare. She handed the Chazon Ish ten shillings which he readily accepted. He blessed her wholeheartedly and cheered her with pleasant words. When she left them, she was in good spirits. Knowing that the Chazon Ish never accepted presents or donations from others, the disciple was puzzled why he agreed to take this woman’s money. Noticing the puzzled look on that person’s face, the Chazon Ish told him, “Everyone is required to do chesed in every possible way. In this instance, the biggest chesed I could do for this woman was to accept her money.” (P’air Hadar, Vol. 4, p. 22)

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LANDMARKS CONTINUED: We continue with our “landmarks”. Yesterday, we provided landmarks in the initial brachos of Shemone Esrei. Today, we continue with additions, with the hope and intent for each person to develop his own landmarks in the great daily opportunity known as Shemone Esrei. Oh, what people would give to have a personal meeting with the King, and the ability to make requests of Him--and we are so privileged more than once a day!

In the bracha of “Atta Chonein”--when reciting the words “Chaneinu Mei’itecha”--recognize that all of one’s wisdom, intuition, understanding and expertise is not attributable to his personal prowess--but is attributable to only One Source--which each of us have the opportunity to nurture from--for free!

In the bracha of “Hashiveinu”--when reciting the words “Vehachazireinu Bis’shuva Sheleima Lefanecha”--ask Hashem to give you the ability to recognize your faults and sins and to correct them immediately--rather than let them wallow for weeks and months.

In the bracha of “Selach Lanu”--when reciting the words “Mochel V’Solei’ach”--ask Hashem not merely to pardon an aveirah that you realize that you have recently committed (Mochel), but to completely expunge it (Solei’ach).

In the bracha of “Re’eih V’Anyeinu”--when reciting the words “Ki Go’el Chazak Ahta”--believe with a complete belief that there is no burden, task, job or request that is too big for Hashem to fulfill.

In the bracha of “Refaeinu”--when reciting the words “Rofeh Ne’eman V’Rachaman Ahta”--think about how one can be healed immediately and painlessly--if Hashem so wills. Statistics and procedures are overridden by Hashgacha Pratis.

In the bracha of “Bareich Aleinu”--when reciting the words “U’Vareich Shenaseinu Kashanim Hatovos”--think about a good year or a good time--and ask Hashem to bring back times like that again--or even better!

B’Ezras Hashem…to be continued tomorrow--but once again you can certainly start working on it today (and provide us with any insights you may have)!

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28 Tishrei

EXTREMELY SIGNIFICANT INSIGHT! Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita, pointed out in the name of an Adam Gadol that for the last three thousand years Korach’s sons have been positioned at the top of Gehinom and can be heard exclaiming “Moshe Emes VeSoraso Emes…” Imagine if they had done Teshuva not after the ground had opened--but only 10 minutes earlier--how different their position would have been for thousands of years! Teshuva is the last thing in the world that you want to delay…!

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READER REQUEST: A reader requested that we once again provide the four brachos to be recited upon Mashiach’s arrival, as brought in the name of HaRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Zt’l.

1. Shecholak Maichochmoso Lee’rayov (a brocha that is recited over an outstanding Talmid Chochom--HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, recited this bracha when seeing Rav Elyashiv).

2. Shecholak Maikevodo Lee’rayov (over a Jewish king--the Melech HaMashiach).

3. Chacham HaRazim (upon 600,000 or more Jews together)

4. She’hechiyanu (HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, teaches that this She’hechiyanu will be Mai’ikar HaDin)

Hakhel Note: If you have not memorized these Brachos--then please keep this list handy!

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A SOLID SUGGESTION: The theme of this elevated month--as the head, the lead month, of the year has been Deveikus to Hashem--bonding and binding oneself, body and soul, with his Father and King. Permeating this theme has been Teshuva--drawing close to Hashem, demonstrating one’s love and dedication--by rededicating oneself to doing His will, notwithstanding the wiles of the Yetzer Hara, whose raison d’etre is literally to test one’s tenacity and perseverance. The stakes are enormous--Deveikus for eternity. We can and do retain a ‘touch’ of Tishrei throughout the year by keeping our Kabalah or Kabalos with true dedication and zeal. What can we do, however, when the Yetzer opens up new fronts--areas of unexpected confrontation and challenge? We suggest that one resolves, on a daily basis, to do Teshuva immediately for an aveira that he realizes he has committed--immediately completing the three elements of Teshuva: (a) Charata-a feeling of mistake and remorse; (b) Kabala Ahl Ha’Asid-determining not to do the aveira again if and when it presents itself; and (c) Vidui--orally admitting the mistake--how wrong for an elevated being to do such a foolish thing before Hashem Himself. If one finds that the day has passed with no such process being necessary--how happy and joyous he should be! If one has to do Teshuva (perhaps quickly recording the day and what occurred)--how wonderfully he is keeping close--not letting the day pass without his special demonstration of yearning for Deveikus. Every day can bring wonderful gains--forever and ever!

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING? Shabbos Bereishis is always a great experience, as we discover the birth of the world and the creation of man anew every year. Many thoughts may cross through our mind as to how, why and when events happened, but they must be firmly rooted in the Emunah Peshuta that Hashem Was, Is, and Will Be, and that we will only understand some more when the Moshiach comes. As we go on to study the other Parashios in Bereishis, we remind ourselves that the Torah is not, c’v, a history book, reminding us of the events of early Man. To the Torah Jew, history is not an interesting study, something that satisfies our curiosity as to past cultures and civilizations. Rather, it represents the continuing Hashgacha Pratis of Hashem to Whom “one thousand years is like one year” in His guidance and supervision of creation. The Navi teaches that, when the Moshiach comes, there will no longer be wars among people. The commentaries explain that this is so because the Moshiach will resolve all disputes among people, making war obsolete. It appears that we are living in a time of what the world would call “history in the making,” as all kinds of uncertainty stretches 6,000 miles from Eretz Yisrael to the United States. We should not view this as “history in the making,” but should instead utilize it as an advanced opportunity for coming closer to Hashem, and by replacing all of the secular analyses of current world events, or why the Arab terrorism has reached such a horrific stage, with an awareness of Hashem’s pervasive presence. It all brings us back to the first Siman in Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim--Shivisi Hashem LeNegdi Samid--let us keep Hashem before us all the time as we navigate our course through these pages in the history books.

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LET THERE BE RAIN! This outstanding Sefer (Artscroll, 2014) by Rabbi Shimon Finkelman and Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein, provides 178 daily lessons on making gratitude a part of our daily lives. For those who are not yet connected to the brief, but powerful, daily lesson. We once again provide the following moving story, published as part of Lesson 21.

In an airport overseas, a secular president of an Israeli University recognized Rabbi Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman, the Ponovezher Rav. The president introduced himself by saying “K’vod Harav, we are in the same business, I am raising funds for my university and you are raising funds for your yeshivah”.

The Rav responded by embracing the man and exclaiming, “Shalom aleichem, Reb Yid!”

The president replied, “If the Rav would know what a sinner I am, he would not give me such a warm greeting,”

The Ponovezher Rav replied, “If only you knew what a holy spark lies within your neshamah, you would talk differently about yourself.”

In his memoirs, the man wrote that from that day on, “I began to feel like a Jew and act like a Jew. I refrained from certain sins forever, and I accepted upon myself to do certain Mitzvos.

I was reborn because the Ponovezher Rav greeted me and spoke to me!”

Hakhel Note: Once again, we highly recommend this treasured Sefer!

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LANDMARKS: As we begin the post-Yomim Noraim and Sukkos part of the year, having put away our Sukkahs, began the process of making Esrog jelly, and encounter the difficulty or struggle in holding on to our Kaballos, may we suggest one practical eitzah for maintaining one’s greater Kavannah in Tefillah throughout the year.

It is the concept of “landmarks”.

In every bracha of Shemone Esrei, one can find a phrase upon which to focus--and upon which he awaits to focus--so that he remains constantly attuned to his Tefillah on a bracha-by-bracha basis, as he intends to reach the landmark in each bracha.

The first bracha in Shemone Esrei requires Kavannah of the simple meaning in its entirety, and accordingly, is a wonderful inspirational starting point for a Kavannah-filled Shemone Esrei.

We then proceed…

In the bracha of “Mechayeh Hamaysim”-- when reciting the words “Mechalkel Chaim B’chesed”, one can reflect for a moment on the Chesed he receives. Alternatively, one can think about someone who is down, physically, mentally or financially at “Somaych Noflim”. Of course, as we had suggested the other day, one will know whether he has recited the words “Mashiv HaRuach U’Morid HaGeshem” if at that time he thinks about how Hashem makes each drop of rain land at a particular place at a particular time.

In Ata Kodosh, when reciting the words “Ukdoshim B’Chol Yom”, one can think about how he has the privilege of praising Hashem as the Malochim do!

Be’Ezras Hashem…to be continued tomorrow--but you can certainly start working on it today (and provide us with any insights you may have)!

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27 Tishrei

FROM ATERES SHIMON! To sign up and receive a short audio Shiur for the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Daily Program with the link to the text, see the following link http://bit.ly/1FUFQQk

Hakhel Note: What a great accomplishment to complete Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in one year, in short, steady increments!

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OUR ANANEI KAVOD: It is said that each of the Seven Days of Sukkos represents one of the Seven Ananei HaKavod--with each day being an additional Anan. What, then, is Shemini Atzeres? We may suggest that it represents not the protective Anan in each direction, but the Hashgacha Pratis over the individual within the Anan. It is even a greater closeness to Hashem than the Ananei HaKavod around us in all directions represent. With this in mind, we can understand a seemingly difficult juxtaposition in our daily Shemone Esrei Tefillah. After asking Hashem for the Bais HaMikdash to be rebuilt in the Bracha of Retzei and pleading that “our eyes see Hashem’s return to Tzion,” we surprisingly begin the next Bracha with “Modim Anachnu Lach--we thank You Hashem for….” If we have just expressed our sore need for the Bais HaMikdash, how can we so quickly seemingly take about face and immediately express our overflowing thanks, when so much is missing?! We may suggest that just as Shemini Atzeres represents the Simcha of our relationship with Hashem even beyond the protective warmth of the Sukkah, so too, does Modim express our recognition that even without a Bais Hamikdash, we enjoy the incredible benefits of a personal and direct Hashgacha Pratis relationship with Hashem. Just as this is one of the concluding messages of our recent Chagim, so too is it one of the concluding messages of our Shemone Esrei three times a day. The lasting message of Hashgacha Pratis should stay with us throughout the year…and throughout the day!

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FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH: We are still in the month known as ‘Yerach HaEisanim’--the Month of the Strong, because of all of the Mitzvos and Ma’asim Tovim that are performed in this month, and because of the Zechus of our Avos (known as the ‘Eisanim’) which we draw from (and learn from!) during this month. As we are close to the conclusion of the month (believe it or not, Rosh Hashanah is more than three weeks behind us) we must remember that the winners are those who are still there at the end, not having fallen prey to the cunning and guile of the old and wicked Yetzer Hara who strives so hard for us to drop our Kabbalos, to fall into despair, and to get back to the same old habits and practices. As we finish the month, we must be sure that our brachos are better than they were last year, that we feel elevated by an increased or different learning schedule, and that our mouths are purer because we are dedicated to committing less Ona’as Devarim against our family members and friends. You can fill in your own marked personal improvement or improvements that need to be maintained in other areas as well. If we can get to the end of the month in a more elevated plane, we will be able to start the next month a step up--making us a step closer to the heights we can really and truly reach within our own lives.

There is a fascinating almost unexpected conclusion to the classic Sefer Mesilas Yesharim. After the Sefer reviews in sharp detail the various essential Middos we must strive to incorporate into our daily living and life, HaRav Luzatto, z’tl concludes that if we view our thoughts, our words, and our deeds through one simple but brilliant light, we will have gone a long way to accomplishing our personal mission in life. That special light, that indispensable perspective is—’Is that which I am thinking or about to say, or that which I am about to do, and the manner in which I am going to do it, going to give Nachas Ruach to my Father in Heaven? If we can keep this pleasant and attainable thought in focus throughout the day, we will have elevated ourselves well above the mire of habit and inclination that the Yetzer Hara so constantly and consistently strives to have us caught in. Remember--you are in the Month of the Strong--be strong and take the strength with you for a very rich, gratifying and successful year!

Hakhel Note: If we have that notebook or other means of keeping ourselves in line, we can be all the more successful. Let us remember that we are all teachers--for the good, and for the bad. If others see us steadfastly adhering to our Kabbalos, it will be much easier for them to follow suit. Be strong!

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FROM A READER: “I want to share with your readers a moirodik thought from the Divrei Chaim (Sanzer Rebbe). I heard it around 20 years ago so there may be some minor differences from what he actually said, but overall it’s an accurate rendition (I believe) of his message. After the Yomim Noyro’im he told his Chassidim a moshol of a poor woman with a large family who gathered her children around her and told them: “My children do you see this egg? From this egg we will become rich. From this egg will hatch a chick, who will grow into a hen which will lay many eggs. From these eggs will come more hens who will lay more eggs until we have so many chickens that we will sell them and buy goats. These goats will give birth to more goats until we have so many goats that we will sell them and buy cows. These cows will give birth to more cows until we have so many cows that we will sell them and buy a large farm from which we will be able to support ourselves forever.” Having made her speech the mother carelessly dropped the egg which splattered all over the floor. The Divrei Chaim asked his Chassidim: “Was this woman foolish for thinking that one can become rich from an egg? No, she was correct. However, ‘oib men hott en eih men darf heeten der eih’.” If you have an egg, you must guard that egg. Similarly, he continued, are we silly to think that our small improvements over the Yomim Noyro’im will make us into tzaddikim? No, but we must guard them and not revert back to our old selves.”

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SOME ADDITIONAL POST-YOM TOV POINTS AND POINTERS:

1. On Simchas Torah, we sang Ain Segulah Kato rah--there is no Segulah like the Torah. HaRav Avrohom Schorr, Shlita teaches that this is not merely a beautiful song but is to be taken quite literally. If one improves in some way in his actual Torah study--there is no segulah like it!

2. On the presentation known as Maseches Chaim on the life of HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, one could hear the bracha he gave someone as Bracha VeHatzlacha B’Chol Inyanim. We should think about a meaningful bracha to give to others as a matter of course when we take leave of them--HaRav Elyashiv’s bracha is a wonderful place to start!

3. How careful we were on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to speak the Emes--let us take this deep regard for truth with us throughout the year!

4. Is it too difficult for one to take upon himself to consciously give two compliments a day?

5. Now that we have our hadasim left from the dalel minim, we can fulfill the words of the Rema (SA OC 297: 4) who rules that one should put hadasim leaves into his besamim. The Mishna Berurah explains with this we do a second Mitzvah with a Mitzvah object, which shows a special regard for the first Mitzvah and is accordingly an elevated Mitzvah performance (ibid., 298 seif katan 8).

6. On Shabbos Chol HaMoed, we read Koheles. We should take some life lessons with us from this great Megillah for the rest of the year--after all it has the dual zechus of being both words of Nevuah (see Targum to Koheles 1:1), and words of the wisest of all men. We mention only one example--a small portion of 1 of the 222 pesukim in this Megillah. Shlomo Hamelech (ibid., 7:14) teaches Beyom Tova Heyeh BeTov--remember to be happy when thing are going well.... This is a great teaching in and of itself, but the Targum takes it an important step further--the Targum here translates these words to mean--’when Hashem has done good to you--be sure that you too then do good to other people --sharing and spreading that goodness and good feeling.’ Keep this great teaching in mind for those moments of simcha in your life, and even when you really realize that you have been blessed with something or someone...and make sure others can feel good in some way as well!

7. We began the month of Tishrei with the knowledge that on Rosh Hashana our lives and our livelihood will be determined for the coming year. We concluded the last Chag of Tishrei with the Tefillah for Geshem, asking for sustenance of blessing over the winter and the coming year. An essential lesson, then, that extends throughout the entire month is that Hashem is the Provider, and that “Kochi VeOtzem Yadi--my strength and the power of my hand that accomplished this” is simply not part of the Torah Jew’s lexicon.

8. At a Hakhel Yarchei Kallah, Rabbi David Ashear, Shlita, instructed everyone that they could strengthen their Emunah by simply not second-guessing themselves. One should not approach the situation with “if I had done this or that…”--but rather understand that Hashem is watching over him at all times and in every circumstance. If a person needs chein at a particular moment, and that is what is best for him, Hashem will provide him with the “chein spray” that is necessary!

9. Another Mitzvah which may be easy to perform, but may not be performed properly, is the Mitzvah of standing up for a ‘zaken or ‘zekeina’--a man or woman who is over 70 (according to some opinons 60)--even if he or she may be otherwise unlearned (unless they are wicked). One of the Al Chaits we mentioned on Yom Kippur was “For the sins which we are required to bring a Korban Olah for.” We are required to bring a Korban Olah for failing to perform a Mitzvas Aseh when the opportunity arises--and standing before an elderly person is just such a Mitzvas Aseh! (Source: Kuntres Avodas HaTefillah on the Yom Kippur Shemone Esrei). Standing before a zaken means rising to full height when they are within four amos of you. Additionally, if one is unsure as to the person’s age, one should stand--because of the Halachic principle of “Sofek D’Oraysa LeChumra”--when one is unsure about something relating to a Mitzvah in the Torah he must be stringent about it--and, accordingly, one should stand -- for even if you later learn that the person was 69, you have taken the proper action by rising! Moreover, the Sefer Pele Yoetz writes that if one fulfills this ‘simple’ Mitzvah and stands before the elderly, the Torah advises us that he will be zoche to Yiras Shomayim--for the Pasuk instructing us in this Mitzva specifically reads:”Mipnei Saiva Takum...Veyaraisa Mai’Elokecha (Vayikra 19:32)--rise before the elderly person...and [the result will be] that you will fear Hashem!” This ‘shortcut’ to Yiras Shomayim would appear not only to be an incredible bracha (remember the penultimate Pasuk of Koheles, in which Shlomo HaMelech, the wisest of all men, teaches us that Sof Dovor--in the final analysis--what really matters are two things--Yiras Hashem and observance of the Mitzvos), but would also seem to be a Middah KeNeged Middah-if you show the proper respect of whom I tell you to respect, I will help you to take it to the next step, so that you have proper fear of Heaven as well. Let us make the Mitzvas Aseh of rising for the elderly a priority this year, so that if next year we must recite the Al Chait for a Korban Olah--we will do our best for it not to include the grand Mitzvah of Mipnei Saiva Takum!

10. After Moshiach arrives, we will return to the state of Adam HaRishon before the cheit. We most certainly look forward to this occurring in 5778! Everyone should review and have handy (if not memorized) the four brachos that HaRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Z’tl, has said will be recited when the Moshiach arrives!

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26 Tishrei

KITZUR SHULCHAN ARUCH YOMI! The new cycle of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Yomi began on 24 Tishrei! Students of the incredible One-Year Program actually study and complete the entire Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in one year by studying only several paragraphs a day. As we have noted in the past, the Chofetz Chaim writes that one can fulfill the words “Vehagisa Bo Yomam VaLayla” by learning a Halacha in the morning and a Halacha in the evening. With so many wonderful English translations of the Kitzur, it is truly a great and relatively easy opportunity to review a vast amount of Halachos over the coming year, with an investment of only several minutes per day. Seize the Opportunity! Hakhel Note: Here is a beautiful example of how one’s life can be enriched through this daily study: The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (2:3) brings the Pasuk in last week’s Parasha of Ki Betzelem Elokim Asah Es HaAdam and teaches that when washing our face in the morning we should remember that we are doing so in order to honor Hashem, who created our image. What a wonderful reminder as one washes his face--L’Sheim Shomayim--every morning! For a free daily Shiur, call 718-906-6413. For calendars or more information call 732-905-5124.

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MIDDAH OF THE WEEK! Appreciating what Hashem, and others, do for us may be the ‘Middah of the Coming Week’--as last week we learned that Adam HaRishon was a Kafui Tovah to Hashem for not recognizing the gift that Hashem had given him in a wife--and then in this week’s Parasha (Bereishis 10:5, Rashi d’h Bnei Ha’adam), we will find that the Anshei Dor Haflaga showed no thanks to Hashem for sparing their ancestors, themselves and their descendents from the Mabul. Let us bli neder commit to be most careful to thank, appreciate and compliment all those who deserve or even perhaps deserve Hakaras HaTov for what they have done for him or on his behalf!

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IMPORTANT REMINDER!: Just a few days ago, we began reciting “Mashiv HaRuach U’Morid HaGeshem--He causes the wind to blow and brings down the rain.” The Kuntres Avodas HaTefillah adds a bit more depth to its recitation. Hashem causes the wind to blow--bringing the clouds to where they are needed, and brings each drop down to its proper place at its proper time to fulfill its purpose--be it for punishment, be it for pleasure, or be it to maintain life itself. We must understand that each and every drop of rain has a place and a purpose, and we should reinforce this understanding every time we praise Hashem with these words. The added benefit to these two or three additional seconds of Kavannah at Mashiv HaRuach U’Morid HaGeshem is that you will definitely remember whether you recited Mashiv HaRuach in your Shemone Esrei. Additional Point: One may want to keep his finger on the words of the first bracha of Shemone Esrei and continue doing the same through Mashiv HaRuach--as an additional assurance that one does not miss this very important addition!

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MAN’S HIDDEN POWER: We find in Parashas Bereishis that man is, in fact, distinguished from the animal kingdom in his ‘deah’ and ‘dibbur’--his ability to think and express that thought to others. To bring this powerful point home, we provide the following selection from the outstanding Sefer Positive Word Power (Artscroll--Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation), which is truly a must-read sefer for every ‘thinking and speaking’ individual.

“Speech originates in the brain. Before the word comes the thought; by definition, speech requires thinking. The only question is whether one relies entirely on this involuntary process, or one works toward developing a conscious thought process that remains in gear at all times. To avoid ona’as devarim, a person must dedicate his brain to filtering its output to a finer degree. Motivation is the key. Someone who comes to the realization that ona’as devarim is really a negative factor in his life must then look for a different way, a means to ensure that impulsive, damaging words do not spill out of his mouth. Even something as simple as posting a ‘Think before you speak’ sign at the desk or on the kitchen counter can help. Turning on the word filter and using it every time one speaks is ultimately nothing more than a habit which, like all habits, can be developed through repetition. Where human effort leaves off, Divine Assistance will surely come into play to help all who devote themselves to protecting the dignity of their fellow man.”

Hakhel Note: Please re-read. What a life-long lesson to take with us from the Parasha!!

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APPRECIATING RELATIONSHIPS: Let us now take the point a step further. HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita, teaches that the Torah does not say that Hashem created Chava and brought her to Adam for the purpose of having future generations, but actually simply because “it is not good for man to be alone”(Beraishis 2:18). In fact, what was behind the mistake that Kayin made in killing Hevel was that he believed it would be better for him alone to succeed his father, than to do so jointly with Hevel. This was again Cham’s mistake when he prevented his father from having further children (there were already three brothers to live together, and to him that was more than enough)--and his punishment was--measure for measure--that he would be subservient to his brothers, and not co-exist with them on an equal par. Cham’s sin here was exacerbated not only by his failure to learn from the world shattering sin of Kayin, but also by the fact that the Torah provides conclusive evidence that Kayin himself corrected his error. Where does the Torah show us this? Immediately after he was banished from Aden, the Pasuk (Beraishis 4:17) teaches “He built a city, and he called the city after his son ‘Chanoch’.” Who was Kayin building a city for--for the few people then alive? And why does the Torah tell us that he named it Chanoch? HaRav Salomon, based upon the explanation given by the K’sav V’Hakabala, explains that Kayin was demonstrating to the world forever that camaraderie, companionship, togetherness, and devotedness and dedication to others, is an essential element of mankind. We should not view ourselves as “paying a price for living in society”, but instead as reaping the real benefits of living with others. The reason that the Torah goes out of its way to teach that the name of the city was Chanoch (same root as chinuch--education), is because the Torah is telling us that we must constantly indoctrinate--educate and re-educate ourselves--in this teaching. Secluding ourselves, living separate and apart from others is not good. We must foster and treasure relationships. We need only once again review the Viduy and Al Chait to realize what an important part Bein Odom L’Chaveiro plays in our lives. Indeed, Chazal teach (Avos 1:6) that we must even go to the extent of “kenei lecha chaver--acquiring a friend.” We see the sincere dedication that Avrohom Avinu had to others in the upcoming Parashios--risking his life, for example, even for those who separated themselves from him. We should take all of these lessons seriously, and try to improve, over the next several weeks, upon our relationships with others--especially our own close family members. It is no coincidence (as it never is) that all the relationships described above were with close family. This is a great place to start--less painful words, less sharp criticism, less being annoyed and angry, and more of the love, appreciation, thanks, ...and a showing of true humanity!

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LOOKING AHEAD: As this year’s Days of Awe and Days of Harvesting Joy can now be viewed only by turning around, we look ahead to what we will make of the coming year. The hopes, the aspirations, the dreams... At the end of this year, will we look back and find that we were truly better people, that we accomplished a worthwhile goal, that we fulfilled our potential in life?

In the Western Society (read “Golus”) in which we live, emphasis is placed on the physical and material reality around us, most recently, computers, smart phones, etc. To some it may seem ‘childish’, to others ‘spiritual’, to actually take a minute or two during the day (while taking a shower in the morning or eating lunch, or perhaps when walking to the subway or bus, or before retiring at night) to think, feel and appreciate Hashem’s gifts to us. We can start with reflecting upon our knowledge-filled heads and then work our way down slowly to the toes we can wiggle when necessary. Do not be surprised if the words “Thank You, Hashem” emerge spontaneously from your lips from time to time.

As the Rambam testifies, this is the where and the how our forefather, Avrohom Avinu, started his trek to greatness and how concomitantly K’lal Yisrael began its eternal journey through history and mankind. This is the origin of our legacy and sacred trust. Be a part of it. It only requires some inner reflection. If you feel lost as to how to begin or are in need of some assistance or guidance in this area, the Chovos Halevovos, Sha’ar HaBechina (published by Feldheim Publishers in English as Duties of the Heart (Gate of Reflection)) will certainly be a great tool.

Now, taking a step back, perhaps this is the great lesson of Sukkos as the culmination of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—that we look up from our humble little booth and recognize that a few rain showers during the Yom Tov pale starkly in comparison to the brochos that Hashem showers upon us daily.

Additional Note: One of the obvious points of Sukkos was that no two individual Sukkah dwellings were at all the same (even if they appeared to be of the same materials). One person may have been able to sleep all nights in the Sukkah without hindrance, another may have no mosquito bites to show for the hours he spent there, a third may have been able to eat all meals in the Sukkah without rain because the timing of the minyanim he attended were just right. Some may have met all of their goals for Chol HaMoed, and others may have just managed at a minimum. The key for us all is that each person’s Avodas Hashem is so special that it is incomparable to person sitting next to him in Shul--or even sitting at the same table together with him. We should draw great Chizuk from this thought--as each and every one of us goes through the year, it will be one’s personal tour with Hashem. The more we feel our personal role in Avodas Hashem, the more real our spiritual lives and our relationship to Hashem will be. It is fascinating to note that we concluded our daily recitation of L’Dovid Hashem Ori (Tehillim 27) with the words: “Kavei El Hashem Chazak V’Ameitz Libecha V’Kavei El Hashem--hope to Hashem, strengthen yourself and He will give you courage; and hope to Hashem.” Chazal (Brachos 32B) indeed learn from this Pasuk that if a person davens and sees that he is not answered, he should daven once again--working hard on building the relationship. With the Yamim Noraim and the Yamim Tovim over--we are left with the greatest possible result--Hashem with us!

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SOME ADDITIONAL POINTS AND POINTERS ON THE POST YOMIM NORAIM/YOM TOV PERIOD:

A. On Yom Kippur we recited as the Ikar Vidui “Aval Anachnu Va’Avoseinu Chatanu”. In stark contrast to this, the Mishna in Sukkah (5:4) relates that during the Simchas Bais HaShoeivah, the people in the courtyard who were leaving the Eastern Gate turned to the west, faced the Heichal and exclaimed: “Our fathers who were in this place turned their back to the Heichal, instead facing to the east and bowing to the sun--but our eyes are towards Hashem!” The great transition from Yom Kippur to Sukkos results in our abandoning the previously ill-chosen ways which had been etched in stone--even to the extent of their origin from our fathers and their fathers. To cleanse ourselves--and aid our parents (and their parents) with any previous malfeasance--let us take a good look at an old custom, an ‘established family practice’ and instead turn towards the Heichal-and proclaim we have chosen to abandon that--and that we are now facing towards Hashem! We have learned the lesson, we have made the transition--from Yom Kippur…to Sukkos!

B. Shlomo HaMelech, the wisest of all men, teaches in Mishlei (29:22): U’Baal Chaima Rav Posha--a man of anger abounds in transgression. Succinctly stated, if we can avoid anger, we are avoiding an abundance of sin. In order for us to demonstrate our real dedication and desire to be sinful no longer--let us undertake a special program--to avoid the Rav Posha of anger!

C. After seeing his Chassidim in a down mood on Motza’ei Sukkos as they were about to daven Ma’ariv, it is reported that Rebbe Moshe Sassover, Z’tl, gave them wonderful Chizuk by exclaiming “My brothers, please remember that it is the very same Hashem who is the Atta Vechartanu and the Atta Chonantanu. Hashem demonstrates to us His midda of Atta Vechartanu with the special feeling that we experience on Yom Tov…and shows us His midda of Atta Chonantanu--by giving us the wisdom, insight and understanding to get through and even succeed during all of the weekdays of the year”! As Chag Simchaseinu has just passed, we should study how we can bring Simcha with us through the rest of the year. The Mesilas Yesharim (Chapter 19) writes as follows: “Simcha Hu Ikar Gadol B’Avoda--Simcha is an essential part of our Avodas Hashem, as Dovid HaMelech teaches (Tehillim 100:2) Ivdu Es Hashem BeSimcha Ba’u Lefanav Birnana--serve Hashem with joy, come before Him with joyous song! The Mesilas Yesharim then explains (from the Midrash) that when one rises to daven he should feel elation in his heart that he has the ability to pray before One to Whom there is no comparison. In fact, the Mesilas Yesharim writes that this is THE SIMCHA AMITIS--the true Simcha--that a person rejoices over the fact that he has merited serving the Master of the Universe, learning His Torah and performing His Mitzvos--all of which provides a person with the true and absolute fulfillment of his potential and everlasting eternity!

D. Rabbi Avrohom Schorr, Shlita, gives a wonderful explanation as to why there are three Hadassim (Hadassim being symbolic of the eyes). One Hadas teaches us of the ‘Tov Ayin’--the good eye that we should have towards others, the second Hadas represents the ‘Ayin Ra’ah’--the bad eye that we must avoid in all circumstances. The third Hadas reminds us of Hashem’s watchful and loving eye over us--every day of the year, and every moment of the day!

E. HaRav Yechezkel Abramsky, Z’tl, provides a beautiful teaching relating to the Na’anuim--the shaking of the Daled Minim during Hallel. He explains that the Na’anuim are intended to indicate that we thank Hashem for all that He does for us in this direction, in that direction, that direction, etc. If we thoughtfully demonstrate our thanks of Hashem with our Na’anuim, Hashem in turn will provide us with more blessing--and prevent harm and difficulties (symbolized by “bad winds”) from coming to us from these very directions. We can take this thought another step and reflect upon how important it is to have Kavannah and/or positive thoughts when undertaking activities which could be Mitzvos, but instead are undertaken mindlessly or because one feels required to do so (just as the Na’anuim can be thoughtlessly performed). Cleaning the home and dishes, doing homework with a child, running an errand in which others will benefit, all can bring greater bracha to you if performed with thought and purpose. Furthermore, just as with the Na’anuim we may not even fully understand all that we are achieving, so too when helping others or performing another Mitzvah we can never fully fathom what we are really accomplishing. At the very least, the Sefer Yesod VeShoresh Ha’avodah writes, with the performance of this task or that act we should have in mind that by doing it we want to give Nachas Ruach to Hashem.

F. Our singing on Simchas Torah should remind us to revert back to the constant and eternal Simcha that we as a nation are especially blessed with because the Torah is such a part and parcel of our very essence and being. Every time we say “Oy” or sigh, or the like, perhaps we should try to follow it with a brief rendition of Ashreinu Mah Tov Chelkeinu, Toras Hashem Temima, or other unique or words which move you and which highlight your special relationship with your infinite gift.

G. As we often note, the Sefer Tomer Devorah urges the following three words: “Teshuvah Bechol Yom--Teshuvah every day!” By looking at your Kabbalah list every day, and reflecting/acting upon it just a little bit, you not only be performing Teshuvah for one day, ten days, thirty or forty days, but for seven days a week, 365 days a year. What Nachas Ruach to Hashem-- What Nachas Ruach to yourself!!

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14 Tishrei

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Hakhel Note: Please re-read. What a life-long lesson to take with us from the Parasha!!

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SOME ADDITIONAL POINTS AND POINTERS ON THE POST YOMIM NORAIM/YOM TOV PERIOD:

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WE PRESENT BELOW SEVERAL IMPORTANT POINTS WHICH RELATE TO PROPERLY CELEBRATING THE CHAG:

1. The Elef HaMogen (in the Sefer Mateh Ephraim (626:18) writes that every minute that one spends in the Sukkah is a separate Mitzvas Asei M’Dioraisa. (See also Yesod V’Shoresh HoAvoda for a moving discussion as to how much one should treasure his moments in the Sukkah.)

2. Chazal (Yalkut Shimoni to VaYikrah 23:42) teach that one who fulfills the Mitzvah of Sukkah in Olam HaZeh will be protected by the Sukkah of Hashem in Olam Haba. Even in this world, the Shem M’Shmuel writes in the name of his father, the Avnei Nezer, because of the protective power of the Sukkah, one need not recite the entire Krias Shema Al HaMitah when sleeping in the Sukkah, but only the first Parasha of Shema and HaMapil. [This ruling of the Avnei Nezer is not brought in Shulchan Aruch, but gives us a better appreciation of what we may not necessarily see with our eyes in the Sukkah.]

3. A boy above the age of five or six is required to eat all those foods in the Sukkah that his father would be required to eat in the Sukkah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, 640:2).

4. When one enters the Sukkah to eat a Seudah, he should invite the Ushpizin verbally--for if he does not invite them, they do not come. The Ushpizin will also not come if money is not set aside for the poor for Sukkos (Yesod V’Shoresh HaAvodah 11:13; see also the Shelah HaKadosh, Mesechtas Sukkah). We note that the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch writes that it is a special Mitzvah to give Tzedaka on Erev Sukkos.

5. The Mishna Berura writes that because of the great Kedusha of the Sukkah, one must be especially careful not to engage in forbidden talk, and try not to engage in mundane chatter (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, 639, Mishna Berura, Seif Katan 2). One should look around the Sukkah from time to time and remind himself that he is engulfed in a Mitzvah like no other time during the year!

6. The four letters comprising the Hebrew word Lulav also comprise the first letters of words we will recite every day of Sukkos--VeTaher Lebainu LeAvdecha BeEmes--purify our heart to serve You in truth (Luach Dovor BeIto). Let’s take the clear message and work on purifying our hearts in our very own personal way this Sukkos!

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ADDITIONAL SUKKOS POINTS AND POINTERS:

A. Sukkos is a Chag which should invigorate us with Emunah. We remind you to purchase, or put aside, a Sefer on Emunah to study over every day of the Yom Tov. Many Mussar seforim have sections on both Emunah and Bitachon, and many new Sefarim (in different languages) have been published on this topic, as it is obviously an essential Avodah of our day. Let us imbibe as much Emunah as we can over this especially auspicious time!

B. We will once again be benefitting from Birkas Kohanim on the days of Yom Tov. We remind everyone that the Chofetz Chaim (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 128 at the outset of the Bi’ur Halacha) writes that even non-Kohanim (yes, you!) can fulfill the Mitzvas Asei DeOraysa of Birchas Kohanim by having in mind to receive the Bracha from the Kohanim, as Hashem commanded!

C. The Siddur HaGra notes that the 4 Minim are k’neged a letter of the 4-letter Ineffable Name of Hashem. The last Heh is represented by the Esrog. Accordingly, we should be careful to keep the Esrog from touching the Minim in the other hand--so that the letters stay complete. It is brought from HaRav Chaim Vital, Z’tl, ahl pi sod, that the Esrog should be touching at the bottom of the Lulav--where the bottom of the Hadassim and Aravos are--and not near the middle of the Haddasim and Aravos.

D. How should a lefty hold the 4 Minim? This is an apparent Machlokes between the Mechaber and the Rema--and it is accordingly suggested that whatever opinion you initially follow--you also hold them the other way, as well (this is what the Steipeler, Z’tl did, as reported in the Sefer Piskei Teshuvos (VI: p.423)). Lefty’s get a second opportunity!

E. On Chag HaSukkos, we spend much time and effort in order to properly perform the Mitzvos of Sukkah and the Four Minim. Many people may forget that there is another great Mitzvah on Sukkos, which is the Mitzvah to be b’Simcha--in a state of happiness. In fact, Sukkos is known as “Z’man Simchasenu--a time of our bliss.” The Sefer Pele Yoetz writes in the name of the Arizal that one who is truly joyful on Sukkos, and does not allow himself to be pained, is assured that he will have a good year and will merit constant joy. The Pele Yoetz writes that one can attain this level of joy by reflecting upon how fortunate he is to be so different from all other creations in the universe, by having the opportunity to be close to Hashem through the study of Torah and the performance of Mitzvos. The Rambam at the end of Hilchos Lulav (8:15), explains that the euphoria we should experience on Sukkos is an inner joy which is rooted in the depths of the heart:

”The joy that a person should experience in doing a Mitzvah and in his love of Hashem who so commanded is a great Avodah; and one who does not allow himself to feel this joy [does not follow the Torah’s directive] to be joyful and good of heart…and the only true greatness and honor is to rejoice before Hashem, as Dovid HaMelech did in dancing before the Aron HaKodesh…”

The Simcha we experience on Sukkos is an anomaly to the rest of the world, which equates joy with fun. Our happiness is “Yismechu B’Malchusecha”--the joy of our soul in its closeness to Hashem and in our ruchniyus--tangibly experiencing a sublime, inspiring, spiritual purpose in life!

Additional Note: HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, notes that Chazal uniquely refer to Sukkos simply as ‘Chag’, for the word Chag is a special indication of Simcha, symbolizing the dancing in a circle that was and is typically celebrated at a Simchas Beis HaShoeivah. Indeed, the Torah specifically reiterates the Simcha that we are to feel on Chag HaSukkos with the Pasuk (Devarim 16:14,15): “VeSamachta BeChagecha…VeHayisa Ach Samei’ach.” HaRav Chaim understands this special reiteration in the Pasuk to mean that there is a second Mitzvah --a Simcha Yeseirah on Sukkos over and above that of the other Chagim! HaRav Chaim adds that, based upon this elevated, additional concept of Simcha on Sukkos, we must understand and internalize that Hashem is telling us to be happy because there is much to be happy about with the great Mitzvos over the Yom Tov of Sukkos!

F. HaRav Dessler, Z’tl, (Michtav Me’Eliyahu 1:268) explicitly writes that the reason for the close proximity between Yom Kippur and Sukkos is the “Shemira”, or protection, that the Mitzvah of Sukkah provides. On Yom Kippur the Yetzer Hara is quashed, but is revived so quickly after Yom Kippur that we are required to promptly recite “Selach Lanu Avinu Ki Chatanu” in the Ma’ariv Shemone Esrei just 7 to 8 minutes after we have concluded Ne’ilah. How can we be protected for the rest of the Year? It is by surrounding ourselves with the Sukkah and inculcating ourselves with its holiness. In fact, the Zohar writes that the Sukkah can be compared to the Teivah of Noach, Noach’s Ark, which protected and eternally preserved the remnants of all life on earth. The Sukkah takes all of our physical and human drives and activities such as eating, drinking, sitting, walking, and sleeping, and houses them in the spiritual. The ephemeral becomes the everlasting. Complementing the Sukkah on this Holiday is the taking and shaking of the Four Minim, which symbolizes the spiritual control over harmful gashmiyus, such as dangerous winds and dews.

G. The Sefas Emes writes that we are to observe Sukkos “Seven Days of the Year”, which is meant to remarkably indicate to us that these Seven Days are sufficient to infuse us with all that we need for the coming Year. It is for this reason that Hoshana Rabbah, the seventh day of Sukkos, is the date when the final ‘notes’ relating to our judgment are delivered. By then, we have indicated to Hashem whether we have, or have not, availed ourselves of the opportunity to protect the Ruchniyus that we acquired on Yom Kippur and bring it into our homes and our workplaces.

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HILCHOS SUKKAH: We conclude our two Halachos a day in the 30-day period before Sukkos. Because of the close proximity to Sukkos, we will provide a greater number of Halachos. We present below more rulings of HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, relating to Sukkos, as excerpted from the Sefer Ashrei HaIsh (Volume III). We note that one should also study the Halachos of Sukkos on Sukkos itself (which is the final teaching of Mesechta Megillah--Megillah 32A).

1. If one is eating meat, fish or cheese as a meal, he must eat it inside the Sukkah.

2. If one takes a drink in the Sukkah, drank a little bit and then went into his house for something, when he comes back to the Sukkah, he must make a new bracha--for this would be considered akira mibayis l’bayis.

3. In Kiddush, one makes a bracha of Borei Pri HaGafen and then Leisheiv BaSukkah, for he will surely continue to eat immediately, as one must eat immediately after Kiddush.

4. If one has a Sukkah in his kitchen, he must have a Mechitzah between the area of the pots and pans, and the area of the Sukkah. Even in a public Sukkah, one should be careful to take out dirty dishes right away, so as not to leave the Sukkah in a mevuzeh (disgraceful) state.

5. Outside of the Sukkah, if a person feels that he is going to fall asleep if he sits down on a certain chair, then it is not considered an ‘accident’ that he fell asleep outside the Sukkah; accordingly, it is not permissible--and one should wake him up. If one did not realize that he would fall asleep outside of the Sukkah and he does, then he has not done an issur.

6. If one had used palm tree leaves for Lulav knots (it being clear that they were used for the Lulav), one should not throw them out in a disrespectful way.

7. The basis for the Minhag of bringing instruments into Shul for a Simchas Beis Hashoeivah is Zecher L’Mikdash. Hakhel Note: Let us treat a Simchas Bais Hoshoeivah accordingly!

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WE PRESENT BELOW SEVERAL RULINGS OF HARAV ELYASHIV, Z’TL, RELATING TO HILCHOS YOM TOV, ALSO AS EXCERPTED FROM SEFER ASHREI HAISH (ORACH CHAIM, VOLUME III):

1. Since there is no equivalent of Lecha Dodi or Mizmor Shir LeYom HaShabbos, one should fulfill the Mitzvah of Tosefes Yom Tov by accepting Yom Tov upon himself before Shekiyah. Women should light candles before Yom Tov begins, and not after.

2. One can place a wick into its floating holder on Yom Tov, provided that the hole is fully open before putting the wick in.

3. The Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov requires a husband to buy his wife new Yom Tov clothing, even if she already has Yom Tov attire. A woman can be Mocheles a new article of clothing, and it is not then considered as if the husband has not fulfilled the Mitzvah. If one cannot afford it, he should at least buy new shoes for her. In our time, one may buy jewelry which may be less expensive than shoes, if his wife attains Simcha through the new jewelry item.

4. A man should fulfill the Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov by having a Revi’is of wine every day. If one truly dislikes wine, he need not drink it, because he will not be Besimcha as a result. One can, however, mix grape juice with the wine so that he does not taste the alcohol.

5. One may take bones out of fish and meat on Yom Tov, check rice, and wash fruits and vegetables which are dirty (even if they were inedible without washing), and there is no issur of Borer. However, with respect to utensils, clothing and Seforim, the laws of Borer are similar to those of Shabbos, and the Heter of Borer on Yom Tov is only with respect to food items.

6. One should only carry on Yom Tov items which will still be needed for that day, not simply for the purpose of protecting one’s article, or preventing a loss.

7. It is forbidden to squeeze on Yom Tov; accordingly, one cannot squeeze fruits for their juice, even if one wants to drink the juice on Yom Tov.

8. The restrictions that apply to opening containers on Shabbos, apply identically on Yom Tov.

9. LeChatchila, opening a refrigerator on Yom Tov, has the same Halachos as on Shabbos. However, BeSha’as HaDechak, one can me Maikil on Yom Tov and open the refrigerator even if the motor is not on.

10. One may not make ice cubes on Yom Tov, for it is similar to Boneh, and Boneh is Assur on Yom Tov as well.

11. One may take milk or soup out of the freezer, and the Issur of Nolad is not violated on Yom Tov. Similarly, one can bake a cake even though the mixture of ingredients was originally liquid and will turn into a solid, and it is not considered Nolad for Yom Tov purposes.

12. One can take something frozen out of the freezer to defrost for Yom Tov Sheini if it is not a Tircha, but one cannot heat something up from Yom Tov Rishon to Yom Tov Sheini.

13. One can put something into the refrigerator or freezer even for the next day, for it is being done for orderliness (like putting it into its proper cabinet) and not considered a preparation for the next day.

14. If one forgot to put on the lights on Erev Yom Tov, and it reduces his Simchas Yom Tov, he can ask an akum to turn on the lights, because it is a Shvus D’Shvus BeMakom for the Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov.

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AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, WE REVIEW WITH YOU:

CHOL HAMOED 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.

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, “Rebbi, 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 Mo’ed 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 Mo’ed 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.

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THE PROTECTION OF THE SUKKAH THROUGHOUT THE YEAR: As we sit in the Sukkah in the upcoming sunny days, we should think about our own personal ways in which we can instill the Sukkah’s Shemira into our homes after the Seven Days have passed. Will it be by remembering to picture Hashem in front of us when we say the word “Ata” in each one of our Brachos? Will it be in the manner that we eat--sitting down and eating respectfully? Will it be with the voice level used in our home? Will it be by not purchasing the extra luxury or overindulgence because it looks so nice, is so “balabatish,” or tastes so good? Will it be by the emphasis of mind over matter? The list goes on…

May we inculcate these thoughts into our being, and may this Sukkos bring with it the protection--and the consequent guidance--to make this year especially great and successful!

CHAG SAMEACH!

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13 Tishrei

TODAY IS THE DAY! The Luach Davar B’Ito brings that today (13 Tishrei) is the day that Sedom and its neighboring cities were turned over. Perhaps the lesson is that this reflects the period we are in--uprooting evil and bringing good to the world!

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DAVEN! We DO NOT want it to rain on our treasured Mitzvah of Sukkah. We have one tool--our TEFILLOS --which are more powerful than any forecasts--let us do our part today and tomorrow in davening that we have the opportunity on the first night of Sukkos and throughout Sukkos to fulfill the Mitzvah thoroughly and BeHiddur Nifla!

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FOREVER THANKFUL! Please do not forget to have Kavannah Wednesday night (and Thursday night if you are in Chutz LaAretz) --before eating the Kezayis/KeBeitzah-plus of Challah, that you are doing so because Ki BaSukkos Hoshavti Es Bnai Yisrael BeHotze’e Osam MaiEretz Mitzrayim --Hashem set us in Ananei Kavod and gave us Sukkas to dwell in as we left Mitzrayim and traveled through the otherwise torturous desert conditions--something that each generation thereafter MUST REMEMBER and be forever thankful for!

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OFF! We asked Rabbi Yisroel Pinchos Bodner, Shlita, whether on Shabbos or Yom Tov one is permitted only to spray his body with “Off” anti-mosquito spray, or whether he can use “Off” anti-mosquito lotion as well. He advised that one could use the lotion on Shabbos or Yom Tov, but not rub it on or smooth it out--just pour it on and let it spread by itself.

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YOUR KABBALAH NOTEBOOK--Is everything in check?

Hakhel Note: It is said that a special Kabbalah of HaRav Yisroel Salanter, Z’tl, was to do something to make his Kabbalah last!

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PLEASE DON’T FORGET! The monetary matters that you realized on Yom Kippur have to be cleared up--clear them up now--before Sukkos!

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NOT MITZVOS ANASHIM: It is said that HaRav Chatzkel Levenstein, Z’tl, would emphasize in his Shmuessen before Yom Kippur how important it was to rid oneself of Mitzvos performed by rote without sincerity or feeling. What an important way to start the day after Yom Kippur with a greater dedication and zeal to do at least one Mitzvah per day with specially dedicated Kavannah!

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A TIMELY REMINDER: During the very short period between Yom Kippur and Sukkos in the year that we left Mitzrayim, the Bnei Yisrael were busy donating all the materials that were necessary to build the Mishkan. The grand generosity of our ancestors during this period brought together all of the great wealth necessary to build the Mishkan before Sukkos even began (see Ba’al HaTurim, Shemos 36:6)! We must take a lesson, based upon the principle of Ma’aseh Avos Siman L’Bonim, and use this specially endowed time to give Tzedaka to worthy causes-- both in Eretz Yisrael (as the center of Kedusha) and in your own locale. Make it a priority--for the Torah did--during this sanctified time! Remember the needy of Eretz Yisrael for Yom Tov (and to redeem your Yizkor pledges in a worthy way at yadeliezer.org. Hakhel Note: The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Chapter 135) writes of the great importance of giving Tzedaka on Erev Sukkos. In our day, this may extend to giving it to the Ani or the organization which will help the Ani the day before--so that he can buy, or they can give, the necessary food BEFORE Yom Tov.

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TAP INTO TIME! The period between Yom Kippur and Sukkos is so spiritually elevated, it is reported that the Chasam Sofer composed Shiros V’Sishbachos to Hashem during this particular time--let us keep up our spirits elevated-- tap into time!

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QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Look around to see what you can do to be nice to people!” (Rabbi Yaakov Bender, Shlita)

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POST-YOM KIPPUR POINTS: Our Yom Kippur Tefillos are over for 5778. It is our responsibility for the fervor, passion, or feeling that we experienced (at least at some point!) during the Tefillos to continue on with us through the year. We accordingly provide the following points:

A. We note that there are several highlights of the Yom Kippur Tefilla which we recite daily. They include Shema Koleinu, Aleinu, Baruch Sheim Kevod, and the ‘Mah Anu-Meh Chayeinu’ climax of our personal Neilah prayers. At least when reciting these daily Tefillos we should remind ourselves of the feelings we had on Yom Kippur as we pled for our lives, and for the salvation of a shaky and nervous world. There is no doubt about it, your Tefilla makes a difference—and you better believe it!

B. The Maharsha explains that the absolute requirement to have Kavannah in the first Bracha of Shemone Esrei can be attributed to the fact that this one short Bracha contains so many Names of Hashem. On Yom Kippur, we experienced a great awe of Hashem, and gained a more sublime appreciation of the Sanctity of His Name. May we suggest that for the coming year (or at least for the coming month) one especially focus on the Names of Hashem in the first Bracha of Shemone Esrei (if you have not counted at least nine, you have counted incorrectly). Indeed, the Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 98, seif katan 3) writes that before beginning Shemone Esrei, one should picture himself as if he is in the Kodesh Hakodoshim (as the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur!)--don’t give up the incredible and tangible opportunity as you recite the Names of Hashem with their proper meaning. For further detail on the Kavanos in these Names, please consult with your Rav or Posek. The Kohen Gadol may recite the name of Hashem in his particular way—but you are empowered and charged to recite them in your way as well!

C. We conclude Neilah on Yom Kippur with Kabalas Ol Malchus Shomayim. We accept Hashem’s Kingship over us--now and forever. While this may be a difficult concept for those who have been raised in Western Society, and for those of us who are impressed by their own wisdom, prowess or strength, the fact is that it is as absolute as the truth gets. It is interesting to note that the penultimate Pasuk of the Shiras HaYam (Shemos 15:18) is “Hashem Yimloch Le’olam Voed--Hashem’s Malchus will last forever.” The teaching is so fundamental to our daily life-that this Pasuk is actually repeated ten (!) times daily during the course of our three daily Tefillos (Nusach Ashkenaz), and even once in Kriyas Shema Al HaMita! We will leave it to you to double-check our count in your next three tefillos. If someone could give us the Nusach Sefard/Sefaradi/Ari counts, it would be most appreciated. In all events, as we go through events in the day in which we sense that there is more to what happened than meets the eye--that there had to be a reason why you met up with him, or for why that certain unexpected thing happened, or even why you just missed the light--bring to mind and state this Pasuk--and you can touch daily that most sublime moment of Neilah on Yom Kippur!

D. We remind everyone of the Responsa of the Rashba (Teshuvas HaRashba 5:1), who states that just as the Aseres Yemei Teshuva is the Eis Ratzon of the year, so too, is Tefillah Mincha the Eis Ratzon of the day. Let us appreciate and utilize each and every Tefillah Mincha for the tremendous opportunity that it is--starting today! [This was one of our suggested Kabbalos.]

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WE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL POST-YOM KIPPUR POINTS AND POINTERS:

A. As we have noted many times in the past, The Sefer Tomer Devorah by Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, Z’tl, teaches us that each and every one of us, at least in some small way should do “Teshuvah BeChol Yom--Teshuvah every day.” What a wonderful way to remain elevated--staying in touch with Teshuvah daily--coming closer and closer to the Ikar of your Neshama--to the Neshama at its source!

B. In Neilah, we placed great emphasis on the 13 Attributes of Hashem’s Mercy. The first Chapter of the Tomer Devorah describes in practical terms how we ourselves--in a very human way can practice these VERY 13 Attributes in our everyday lives. ...We can then be zoche to Hashem’s showering His 13 Attributes upon us--Middah K’Neged Middah for our pursuit and following of these attributes in our own lives. We strongly urge a careful and thoughtful study of the first chapter over Sukkos!

C. The Rabbeinu Yonah, in the Igeres HaTeshuva (1:22) writes that it is a “Takanah Gedola”, it is of great assistance, to a person to find a friend or even a Rav or other mentor to discuss more heavenly matters with, and give, take, or exchange advice on maintaining and raising our Ruchniyus now and even throughout the year.

D. It may be a good idea for one to review his activities from this past Erev Yom Kippur and Yom Kippur, and make some notes as to items he forgot to do, or items that he should have done, so that he will have them Be’Ezras Hashem, for next year:

· Did everyone ask Mechilah from each other at the Seudas HaMafsekes?

· Were the Halachos of Teshuvah and Vidui, and the Halachos of Yom Kippur itself (such as washing) clear to all?

· Were all the candles that were necessary to be lit actually lit?

· Were there any Sefarim needed to be purchased that could have further enhanced the davening or the day?

· Are there any notes, thoughts, choices of Kabbalos, or personal Prayers that I should put into writing?

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HILCHOS SUKKOS: We continue our two Halachos a day in the 30-day period before Sukkos. The following notes are excerpted from the Sefer Nesivei HaMinhagim (Chag HaSukkos):

1. One should contemplate the awesome fact that we have many practical reminders of the Beis HaMikdash on Sukkos--taking the Lulav all seven days as was done in the Mikdash, HaKafos around the Bima symbolizing Hakafos around the Mizbeiach, Aravos on Hoshana Rabba, Simchas Beis HaSho’eiva, in addition to Tahara before the Regel by going to the Mikvah, and Kabbalas Pnei HaRav representing Kabbalas Pnei Hashechina. Hakhel Note: When we recite the words HaRachaman Hu Yakim Lanu Es Sukkas Dovid HaNofales (referring to the Beis HaMikdash)--we should recite it with very special meaning!

2. If one has an esrog that he received as a gift, and one that he purchased, the Sheilos U’Teshuvos Torah Lishma rules that it is better to make the bracha on the one that he purchased, and then take the one he received as a gift--even if the gift esrog is more mehudar. Others may disagree. However, in general, see Chayei Adam 68:16 on the importance of paying for a Mitzvah. In any event, one should avoid buying the Daled Minim on credit so that it is certainly deemed to be fully and unconditionally one’s own property.

Two important reminders, among all others, when purchasing your Daled Minim:

1. One should not purchase any of the Four Minim (including the Aravos on Erev Yom Tov) from a child under Bar Mitzvah, as he is not capable of effecting a halachically-valid transaction.

2. The spine of the Lulav (the shedra), and not the Lulav itself, must be at least sixteen inches, and must be one tefach (four inches) more than the Hadasim and Aravos when tied together (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 650:2). Many people think that only the Lulav need be taller, but actually it is the spine of the Lulav that must extend so that the Hadasim and Aravos must stop four inches BELOW the lowermost point of the shedra--which is the point at which the centermost branch last splits.

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THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND: During this very busy time, we must remember that a prime order of the day is for our intellect to rule over our emotions, and control the situation, rather than be controlled by it. As the Orchos Chaim L’Rosh urges: “Al Tevahel Ma’asecha” -- do not react with confusion or overreact; rather, be calm and collected. There is much to do in the next several days, and much of it has to do with Mitzvos and their proper performance. Let us have the presence to keep ourselves in the right frame of mind. If we are supposed to be happy on Yom Tov--shouldn’t we be happy when preparing to be happy?! In this regard, may we suggest preparing a checklist now so that important items and activities are not left for Erev Yom Tov! Family members should have their Yom Tov clothing purchased or cleaned; children should receive the treats that will make them happy; 72-hour candles--which help tremendously if one is in need of fire on the third day of Yom Tov, are now available, and can be purchased.

To reiterate, rather than falling prey to the Yetzer Hara, we should consider how every little step, how every little act--cleaning this or that, buying this or that, are all precious and irreplaceable Mitzvos which will stay with us forever and ever.

Additional Note One: There is another fascinating point about the continuum that we are passing through from Yom Kippur until Sukkos. On Yom Kippur, we try as best as we can to serve Hashem as Malachim, as angels--no eating, or drinking, the Kittel and dress in white, reciting Boruch Sheim Kevod aloud... The Sefer Kav HaYashar points out that the Gematria of Sukkah (91) is actually equal to that of Malach. We were like a Malach just yesterday, and we will be like a Malach again in a few days from now. We dare not lose this very special semblance over the next couple of days, as we maintain our more enthused and elevated level of Mitzvah performance and conduct--as we had hoped and strove for on Yom Kippur.

Additional Note Two: In a Teshuva Drasha, Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman, Shlita, provided an incredible di’yuk and insight from Sefer Yonah (1:12). Yonah Hanavi, after advising the shipmen that he was the only one responsible for the storm, tells them, “Sa’Uni Va’Hatiluni El HaYam--pick me up and heave me into the sea…” Why did he tell the shipmen to “pick me up”--wouldn’t it have been sufficient to simply say “heave me into the sea”?! The answer is that Yonah is teaching us the value of one additional second of life--he would live for another moment if he were first picked up and then heaved into the sea, rather than being heaved directly into the stormy waters. Life is so precious, so irreplaceable, and if used properly, so everlasting, that we must value every single moment. It simply makes no sense whatsoever to consciously waste it on an aveira, or for there to be time when there is simply “nothing to do.” Perhaps it is for this reason that we have so much--so many good things--to do in this short period between Yom Kippur and Sukkos, so that we take Yonah’s lesson to heart--and train ourselves to appreciate the moments and use them wisely!

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REBUILDING THE BAIS HAMIKDASH: One of the reasons given for which we do not recite Tachanun in the period between Yom Kippur and Sukkos is because the first Beis HaMikdash was being dedicated during these very days in the times of Shlomo HaMelech. Remember--history repeats itself--in these very days we can still celebrate the building of the Third Bais HaMikdash! Let us do our utmost to make it happen!

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12 Tishrei

FOUND ON A KRIYAS SHEMA AHL HAMITA CARD GIVEN BY A TEACHER TO HER STUDENTS: Please see the nightly questions on the following link http://tinyurl.com/y8kkfq2k--are they only for students? See the next note and link as well…

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AS WE PROCEED THROUGH THE NEW YEAR, SOME IMPORTANT GUIDELINES:

1. By the following link, we provide HaRav Avigdor Miller’s Ten Steps to Greatness

http://tinyurl.com/y9s3jlm9

2. Rabbi Moshe Scheinerman, Shlita, teaches that Torah is different than oxygen--for oxygen is what helps us live by breathing it in--while Torah is life itself! We should remember this when we open a Sefer to learn or when a shiur begins…it is life itself, and not only life in this world, but life for eternity!

3. The Targum Yonasan on the Pasuk “Ki Bishrirus Libi Eileich” (Devorim 29:18) writes that the reason a person would do as his heart sees fit, is only because he is depressed (yei’ush) by having sinned. The Torah obviously is severely reprimanding anyone guilty of this attitude and behavior. Indeed, Rabbi Naftali Jaeger, Shilta, teaches that if one made a mistake he must do the proper Teshuvah--and be sure to keep going!

4. After Man is created, the Torah calls the Sixth Day of Creation, “Tov Meod”--very good. Chazal teach that what is “very good” is the Yetzer Hara. This is because the Yetzer Hara provides us with two great opportunities--one to use its strength and capacities for good, and the second to overcome and defeat its urgings to commit an aveira--giving us the ability to exercise our free will--our purpose in life (and great reward!)”

Hakhel Note: We should constantly remind ourselves of the very first word of the entire Shulchan Aruch--YISGABER!!

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QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:

1. Is it a greater hiddur to build a larger Sukkah even if one does not require so much space?

2. If one has two Sukkahs to enter--and one is more beautifully decorated than the other--is it a greater Mitzvah to dwell in the more beautifully decorated Sukkah?

3. Although we make the bracha of Shehechiyanu both on the first and second nights of Sukkos, we only make the bracha of Shehechiyanu over the Daled Minim on the first day and not on the second day--why?

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PLEASE DON’T’ FORGET! Help to be mesameach others for Yom Tov by providing them with necessary food items. Tzedakah is certainly one of the most primary preparations for Yom Tov (See Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Chapter 135:15). We once again provide the www.yadeliezer.org for Aniyei Eretz Yisrael. Yasher Koach!

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KAVOD CHAVEIRO! We have spent the first ten (10) days of the month trying to increase our Kavod Shomayim. HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita, reminds us that in the same measure that one is mechuyav in Kavod Shomayim--so too is he mechuyav in Kavod HaBriyos--for Kavod HaBriyos is also Kavod Shomayim!

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IMPORTANT TEACHING PROVIDED BY A READER: “It is not happy people who are thankful; it is thankful people who are happy!”

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TEHILLIM CHAPTER 150: As we have noted in the past, the last HalleluKah--the last Kepitel in Tehillim (Chapter 150), has 12 phrases--each corresponding to a month of the year. This month’s corresponding phrase is Halleluhu BeNeivel V’Chinor--let’s get the message!

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HILCHOS SUKKAH: We continue our two Halachos a day in the 30-day period before Sukkos. We present below more rulings of HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, relating to Sukkos, as excerpted from the Sefer Ashrei HaIsh (Volume III):

1. If a woman made a Shehechiyanu on Hadlakas Neiros, she can still answer “Amen” to the Shehechiyanu in Kiddush, because the Shehechiyanu in Kiddush applies to other Mitzvos as well (such as building the Sukkah and dwelling in it).

2. If one in the past had been makpid not to even eat Achilas Ar’aee out of the Sukkah, and wants to stop this practice, it would be better for him to be Matir Neder.

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SUKKAH REMINDER SHEET! We provide a wonderful reminder sheet by the following links (each link provides the reminder sheet in a different choice of color) Blue - https://tinyurl.com/ybodqafc Green - https://tinyurl.com/ya8ymhky Gold - https://tinyurl.com/yd4lf8d5 that one can keep near his seat in the Sukkah, so that he can fulfill the Mitzvah of Sukkah LeChatchila each and every time!

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N’OI SUKKAH!: We provide by the following link - http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/SukkahPoster.pdf - a treasure-filled message from the Mishna Berurah to post in your Sukkah or to keep close-by. Special thanks to Rabbi Hillel Litwack, Shlita, who printed beautiful color posters, and allowed us to copy and distribute. Hakhel Note: One’s Sukkah Decorations become Muktzah over Yom Tov, unless he makes a t’nai that he intends to get benefit from them (use them, eat them, etc.) over Yom Tov and/or Chol HaMoed. For the specifics of the appropriate t’nai, please consult with your Rav or Posek.

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DOVID HAMELECH: On Sukkos, we will be reciting “HaRachaman Hu Yakim Lanu Es Sukas Dovid HaNofoles.” At a Hakhel Yom Iyun, Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen, Shlita, asked: “If you had an audience with Dovid HaMelech, what do you think he would say to you…?”

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A SUKKOS OPPORTUNITY! As we dwell in our Sukkos and realize how close we really are to HaKadosh Baruch Hu, it may be a wonderful time during the course of each meal to speak about or reflect upon an aspect of Shivisi Hashem Linegdi Somid. Success in Shivisi in the Sukkah can produce special results for the coming year as well!

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ANOTHER SUKKOS OPPORTUNITY! If you have the opportunity to be among family or friends at the Sukkos table—perhaps the idea of a family or friends Kaballah for the coming year could be discussed. Endeavoring to make Brachos loud enough for a person to answer Amen, Brachos while sitting down…an hour during the day in which everyone is careful in Shemiras HaLashon, everyone doing a private Chesed once a day….The possibilities are almost endless, and could achieve truly great—and almost endless--results. Please consider!

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