Hakhel Email Community Awareness Bulletin
SEPTEMBER 2013 DAILY EMAIL ARCHIVE
26 Tishrei
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 remember 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 this
one additional second 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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Special Note One: 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
us to highlight our incredible lot--our unparalled relationship with an
infinite gift!
Related Note: 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, traveling to work in
the rain, 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!
Special Note Two: One
of the obvious and transparent results of Sukkos was that no two individual
Sukkah dwellings were at all the same. 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. One may have met all of his goals for
Chol HaMoed, another may have exceeded his expectations for Simchas 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 and unique that it is
incomparable to the 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 go through the year, it will be
our personal tour with Hashem. The more we feel our personal
role in Avodas Hashem, the more real our spiritual lives and the more
profound our relationship with Hashem will be. It is fascinating to
note that we concluded our daily recitation of L’Dovid Hashem Ori (Tehillim
27) on Shemini Atzeres with the words: “Kavei El Hashem Chazal
V’Ameitz Libecha V’Kavei El Hashem--hope to Hashem, strengthen
yourself and He will give you courage; and hope to Hashem.”
This is a tremendous lesson to take away--this is our tzeidah
laderech--with the Yamim Noraim and the Yamim Tovim over, we are left
with the greatest possible result--keeping Hashem close to us throughout the
year!
Special Note Three: Some additional point and pointers on
the post Yomim Noraim/Yom Tov Period:
A. On Yom Kippur
we recited as the Ikar Vidui “Avahl
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
(Anachnu Va’Avoseinu Chatanu) --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. 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 has merited serving the Master of the Universe, learn His Torah and
perform His Mitzvos--all of which provides a person with the true and
absolute fulfillment of his potential and everlasting eternity!
C. We began
the month of Tishrei with the knowledge that on Rosh Hashanah 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. Every so often, when realizing what one
has accomplished or attained, he should express (or at least think to
himself) “Thank you Hashem for this accomplishment. It is not Kochi
VeOtzem Yadi, it is You!!” With this thought or statement alone, one
will demonstrate that he has taken much from Rosh Hashanah…from Yom
Kippur…from Sukkos and from Shemini Atzeres!
D. 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!!
===============================
14 Tishrei
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 in davening that we have the
opportunity this evening, tomorrow evening and throughout Sukkos to fulfill
the Mitzvah thoroughly and BeHiddur
Nifla!
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FOREVER THANKFUL! Please do not forget to have Kavannah
tonight (and tomorrow 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 Yisroel 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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TZEDAKA! The
Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Chapter 135:15) rules that one should give Tzedaka
generously today!
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HILCHOS
SUKKOS: 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 note that one should also study the Halachos Sukkos on Sukkos itself (which
is the final teaching of Mesechta Megillah--Megillah 32A). We
provide by clicking here our review of Halachos of Sukkos beginning
approximately one month ago--to date.
A. We present below several
rulings of HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, relating to Shabbos and Sukkos, as
excerpted from the Sefer Ashrei HaIsh
(Volume
III
):
1.
If a person makes a Sukkah on top of a car, the car has Kedusha, and
one cannot take down the Sukkah and use the car for other purposes--even if
one initially had only intended to use the Sukkah for a short time, no tenai
will help regarding the Sukkah itself (as a tenai
only helps for the Noi Sukkah).
2.
A large Sukkah is not more of a Hidur
than a small Sukkah--if one does not need a large Sukkah.
If a Sukkah is too small, it is a Chiyuv
Gamur to make it larger for one’s family to fit--not a ‘Hidur’.
3.
Although it is not nice (mechu’ar)
to use items created for akum
celebrations as Noi Sukkah, it is
nevertheless permissible to do so Al
Pi Halacha. The Halachos of Noi
Sukkah apply only to something attached to the Sukkah--not to a plant,
flowers or the like, which do not have any restrictions relating to taking
them out of the Sukkah.
4.
If snow falls on the Sukkah, it is batel
to the Schach, and the Sukkah may be used.
5.
One may not nail down the Schach even if he is worried that the
Schach may fly up in a high wind. One
should instead tie boards next to the Schach to weigh it down, or tie the
Schach loosely with something that is not mekabel
tumah. If Schach did fly off
on Shabbos or Yom Tov, one can have an akum
put it back, telling him to do so L’Shem
Tzel--for the sake of shade. Note:
Based upon this ruling, if the Schach flew up and flew back down
itself, a question may be whether it has been placed back on the Sukkah L’Shem
Tzel. One should consult his
Rav in this event.
6.
If a child under Bar Mitzvah put up the Schach, one should preferably
place the Schach down again.
7.
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).
8.
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.
9.
If one is eating meat, fish or cheese as a meal, he must eat it
inside the Sukkah.
10.
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.
11.
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.
12.
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.
13.
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.
14. One can do the na’anuim
in Shul differently than others in Shul may be doing them, as everyone knows
that there are different Minhagim. A
woman does not have to hold the Daled
Minim during Hallel. 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.
15.
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!
B. We present below several
rulings of HaRav Elyashiv, Shlita, 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 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. 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.
7. The restrictions that apply to opening
containers on Shabbos, apply identically on Yom Tov.
8. 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.
9.. One may not make ice cubes on Yom Tov, for it
is similar to Boneh, and Boneh is Assur on Yom Tov
as well.
10. One may take milk or soup out of the freezer,
and the Issur of Nolad is no 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. It
is permissible to fold one’s Tallis on Yom Tov which is Erev Shabbos, even
if one has not made an Eruv Tavshilin. However,
it is not permissible to wash dishes on Yom Tov for the sake of Shabbos,
even if one has made an Eruv Tavshilin. BeSha’as HaDechak HaGadol, it would be permissible.
Married children who will be with their parents for Yom Tov should be
told by his parents that he is being mezakeh them with his Eruv.
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Special Note One: Sukkos
points and pointers:
A. Sukkos is a Chag which
should invigorate us with Emunah. One should 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 Birchas 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 Sefas Emes finds a
clear allusion to this in the Torah’s words that we are to observe Sukkos:
“Shivah Yamim BaShana-- Seven
Days of the Year,”-- the 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.
D. 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 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.
E. 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!
F.
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 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!
Special Note Two:
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.
Special Note Three: 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!
==================
13 Tishrei
IMPORTANT
TEACHING FROM A READER: “It is not happy people who are
thankful; it is thankful people who are happy!”
------------------------------------------------------
SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT FROM A READER: It is definitely not too late to improve--we
received the following suggestions for improvement from a reader:
“1. Please note that it
is forbidden to place one's hat or reading glasses on top of a siddur, sefer,
Chumash, Gemara, etc. Many people are unfortunately not careful with this.
2. The Tefillin Shel Rosh
must be placed above the
hairline. If it's placed below the hairline, you were not mekayem
the mitzvah - and if you made a bracha on the shel rosh, the bracha was said
in vain. Again, many people are unfortunately not careful with this.
3. Do not talk while
wearing Tefillin. If you want to talk, take off your Tefillin first. There
are people who go outside the shul after davening and talk on their cell
phones while still wearing Tefillin. Anyone who fears Hashem and who has
respect for the holy Tefillin will be careful not to engage in idle chatter
while wearing them.
4. If possible, try not to
leave the shul until after the final Kaddish has been said. Many people have
the "minhag" to start walking out during (or even before) Aleinu.
This should be avoided unless there are extenuating circumstances and you
must leave shul early.
5. Many men have the "minhag"
to shake hands with women - and I have seen that there are those who will
even initiate a handshake with a lady. While it's true that some poskim are
lenient on this issue, I understand that HaRav Moshe was against it. Ask
yourself: If HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, were in the room, would I shake
hands with someone of the opposite gender? If you wouldn't shake hands with
a lady in Reb Moshe's presence, then why would you shake hands with a lady
in the presence of Hashem - who is everywhere?!”
------------------------------------------------------
REMINDER FROM A READER!
“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 Hadassim 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 Hadassim
and Aravos must stop four inches BELOW the highest point of the
shedra--which is the point at which the centermost branch last splits.”
------------------------------------------------------
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?
------------------------------------------------------
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!
------------------------------------------------------
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!
------------------------------------------------------
HILCHOS
SUKKOS: We continue 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:
1.. Reminder! 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).
2.
It is a Hidur Mitzvah to use new aravos every day of Chol HaMoed (Kitzur
Shulchan Aruch 137:6).
3..
A Lulav is Muktzah on Shabbos, and one may not
move it l’tzorech gufo u’mekomo--even
if one needs the place that it is in (ibid. 137:7).
4.. We present below
several Shailos asked of HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, as presented in the
Sefer Ma'aseh Rav:
A . Question:
One is permitted to place a sheet within 4-tefachim of his Sechach to
decorate the Sukkah and it does not invalidate his Sechach.
This being the case, one can simply spread a sheet directly under his
Sechach--and he will be able to eat in the Sukkah-even when it is
raining--why don't we all do so?! [See Mishna Berurah to Shulchan Aruch
Orach Chaim, 629, seif katan 58].
Answer: The Torah did not obligate us to do so.
B. Question:
Is it better to stay in the Sukkah longer and not be one of the first 10 in
Shul for Minyan, or should one leave the Sukkah in order to be one of the
first 10?
Answer:
There are two possible responses: The rule of Taishvu Ke'Ain Taduru
which would seem to dictate that it is better to be one of the first
10--as is the case the rest of the year and as brought in Shulchan Aruch
Orach Chaim 90:14. The other possibility is DeOvid
K'Mar Ovid, DeOvid KeMar Ovid--either way would be a responsible
approach.
C. Question:
Is it permissible to give a Shiur on Sukkos if you know people will fall
asleep at the Shiur?
Answer: One can give the Shiur--but must first warn
the people that it is forbidden to sleep outside of the Sukkah!
D. Question:
One wants to fulfill the mitzvah of Yeshivas
Sukkah but does not have anything to make a bracha of Laishaiv
BaSukkah on. Is it better for him to enter and stay in the Sukkah
without making a bracha--or not to enter for he will not be able to make the
bracha?
Answer: One should enter the Sukkah even though he
cannot make a bracha over the Mitzvah at that time.
E. Question:
On Hoshanah Rabba, need one be careful not to step on the broken off
Aravos leaves?
Answer: One should be careful.
------------------------------------------------------
Special Note One:
Project Inspire’s great project this year for Sukkos is “Kol HaEzrach”--inviting an unaffiliated coworker, friend, or
neighbor to your Sukkah. This is the moving Noviminsker Rebbe’s,
Shlita, powerful comment: “By inviting a less affiliated Yid into
your Sukkah you not only fulfill the Mitzvos of Hachnosas Orchim and of
Hatzolas Nefashos, but you are also directing him Tachas
Kanfei HaShechina--the essence of Chag HaSukkos.” Project
Inspire has much wonderful material at www.kiruv.com
to help facilitate and enhance your experience. Hakhel Note: If
one truly appreciates Teshuva, he will most certainly want others to benefit
from and enjoy it as well. Share the Ruchniyus!
Special Note Two:
Sukkos points and pointers:
A.
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 well beyond the seven days of
Sukkos. The ephemeral becomes the everlasting. Complementing the
Sukkah is the taking and shaking of the Four Minim, which symbolizes the
spiritual control over harmful gashmiyus, such as dangerous winds and
dews--also, once again, well beyond Sukkos.
B.
The Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 625, seif katan 1)
reminds us that every time we dwell in the Sukkah we should remind ourselves
that we are doing so both “Zeicher
LeYetzias Mitzrayim and Zecher LeAnanei Hakavod.” Rabbi Shlomo
Pearl, Shlita, incredibly points out that the Mishna Berurah writes that if
one does not have these Kavannos when entering the Sukkah, he is only Yotzei
the Mitzvah of Sukkah--BeDieved!!
Accordingly, one is well advised to have a reminder upon entering the Sukkah
of the proper Kavannos, so that he can fulfill the Mitzvah LeChatchila--in
the first instance. We
provide by clicking here a
reminder sheet that one can keep near his seat in the Sukkah, so that he
can fulfill the Mitzvah of Sukkah LeChatchila each and every time!
Additional Note: We
provide by clicking here a
Kavannah card for the first night (or for the first two nights) of
Sukkos sent to us by a reader based on a Shiur given by Rabbi Boruch
Hirschfeld, Shlita, of Cleveland. We note that items 2, 3, and 5 on
the card apply all seven days of Sukkos!
C.
The Mishna Berurah also 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 Berurah, 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! We
provide by clicking here 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 tenai 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 tenai , please consult with your Rav or
Posek.
D. Since Chag
HaSuccos is such a foundation of our Emunah--may we suggest that one make a
special effort to have Kavannah when reciting Amen--in fact, their
Gematriaos--91-- are the same-- very far from 'coincidence'!
E. 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, that 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 Parsha 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.]
F. 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).
G. It is fascinating to
note that the Ikar Ma'asim which require Sukkah--more than davening
and learning (!) are eating and sleeping--perhaps what one would
consider the most physically required and non-spiritual, the least elevated,
of our daily activities. Yet, this is where the lessons of Rosh
Hashanah and Yom Kippur are housed--in our activities as human beings
for the rest of the Year--and this is the guidance--and the Shemira--that
the proper performance of the Mitzvah of Sukkah will provide for us over the
coming months
H. One should not
assume that a Sukkah put up in a restaurant, amusement park or the like is
automatically kasher because 'it must be under someone's
supervision'. One should try to make his own determination that he can
fulfill the Mitzvah of Sukkah in the structure in front of him!
I. The four letters
comprising the Hebrew word Lulav also comprise the first letters of words we
will recite every day of Sukkos--VeTaher Libeinu LeAvdecha BeEmes--purify
our heart to serve You in truth (Luach
Dovor B’Ito). Hakhel Note: HaRav Dessler, Z'tl, points out that Lulav
is a combination of the words Lo Lev--a demonstration that one is
dedicating his heart to the Ribbono Shel Olam--based upon the Pasuk (Mishlei
23:26) Tenah Bni Libcha Li! Let's take the clear message and
work on purifying our hearts in our very own personal way this Sukkos!
================================
12 Tishrei
PLEASE
DON
’T
FORGET! The monetary matters that you realized on
Yom Kippur have to be cleared up--clear them up now--before Sukkos!
Related Note:
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 Yisroel (as the center of Kedusha)
and in your own locale. Make it a priority--for
the Torah did--during this sanctified time! Remember the Amalei Torah of
Kiryat Sefer where your dollars are matched dollar-for-dollar, buying Yom
Tov food for truly needy families-- please go to yadeliezer.org and mark
Kiryat Sefer in the Comments section.
----------------------------------------------
ERUV TAVSHILIN: Within
the next two weeks, we will be blessed with the opportunity to make an Eruv
Tavshilin two times! To assist in properly performing this wonderful
Mitzvah, once again provide we provide by
clicking here an Eruv Tavshilin Review, as reviewed by HaRav Yisroel Belsky, Shlita.
Please feel free to distribute further!
----------------------------------------------
CARBON MONOXIDE ALERT: We received the following, which has been
widely distributed. We have verified its source: “On the ‘third day’
of Rosh Hashanah [really Shabbos Shuva], I was awakened by the sound of the carbon
monoxide alarm announcing high levels. We
immediately cleared everyone out of the house and summoned the fire
department. When they arrived, they informed me that the cause of the high carbon
monoxide levels was due to leaving the stove and
oven on over Yomtov and Shabbos. The buildup of these dangerous fumes was
not due to a faulty gas line or leaking appliances, but rather to the lack
of adequate ventilation. The constant burning of the gas range and oven -
even on a low flame, will over time emit unhealthy levels of carbon
monoxide. I was told that the fire department
was tending to many such calls over the last few days. The firemen implored
me to please tell the Rabbis and announce to the community that if people
need to leave on the stove or oven over the holidays, then must ensure that
the area is properly ventilated. Turning on an exhaust fan or even opening
the kitchen window a bit is enough to prevent terrible danger. I would also
like to stress the importance of a carbon monoxide
detector. They are not expensive and often come together with the smoke
alarm. I would not want to think what our Shabbos would have been like had
we not had the alarm- especially since the gas travels upward and the levels
upstairs where everyone was sleeping were much higher. I have been told that
in some communities there are public announcements to alert people to take
the necessary precautions.”
----------------------------------------------
YOUR KABBALAH NOTEBOOK--Is
everything in check?
----------------------------------------------
HILCHOS SUKKOS: We continue our two Halachos a day in the 30-day
period before Sukkos:
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’Doraysa. (See also Yesod V’Shoresh HoAvoda for a moving
discussion as to how much one should treasure his moments in the Sukkah.)
2. On Yom Tov, we
will be reciting the Bracha of Shehechiyanu both in the Sukkah and over the
Arba Minim. It is important to once again review the words of the
Sefer Ma’aseh Nisim (Rebbi
Yaakov MiLisa, also known as the Nesivos), who explains the difference
between the three words Shehechiyanu, Kiyemanu, and Higiyanu. The word
“Shehechiyanu” refers to the physical life Hashem is granting us in
spite of the difficulties and dangers of Galus. The word “Kiyemanu”
refers to our eternity--Hashem has given us the opportunity of eternal
existence through the performance of Mitzvos in this world. The word
“Higiyanu” expresses our acute
awareness that we are only here at the moment of the Bracha because of the
true Chesed of Hashem. It is no small wonder then, that we are urged
to recite this very meaningful Bracha with great Simcha and thanks to Hashem
for bringing us to this moment so special in so many ways!
----------------------------------------------
TISHREI!
Some say that the word Tishrei is
rooted in the word Tishri--which means to untie or unravel. In
this month, we untie the leash that the Yetzer Hara had placed upon us--and we
are off on our own to stay as close as we can to the actions of Malochim--rather
than to the actions of animals. The
Ba’alei Mussar give the example of a poor man who collects enough money to
buy a horse--which will save him much time and effort, and will allow him to
make greater profits in any new business endeavor. Upon
purchase of the horse, it will be up to the new owner--will he let the horse
lead him wherever the horse wants to go--to the pasture area, towards other
horses, to destroy those tools or that fence? Or--will
the new owner direct the horse to proceed in a calm and orderly fashion
towards the fair where he can purchase what he needs to take care of himself
and his family? Over the past
year, one may have permitted his body to run his soul awry--but, we now have
committed ourselves to take control of the horse and use it for his true
purpose--to help his master in each and every way possible to succeed!
----------------------------------------------
Special Note One: Our
Yom Kippur Tefillos are over for 5774. 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 note
that there are several highlights of the Yom Kippur Tefilla which we recite
daily. They include Shema Koleinu, Aleinu, Boruch 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!
One other related
point: The Maharsha explains that the absolute requirement to have
Kavannah in the first Brocha of Shemone Esrei can be attributed to the fact
that this one short Brocha 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 Brocha 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 see Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim, 5, and Mishna Berurah there. 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!
Special Note Two: We
provide the following additional Post-Yom Kippur points and pointers:
A. 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 Tefillas Mincha the Eis
Ratzon of the day. Let us appreciate and utilize each and every
Tefillas Mincha for the tremendous opportunity that it is--starting today!
B. There is another way
that we can remain tied in some way to the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah. 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!
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. 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!
Special Note Three: 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. In Kelm, there would be a special tune for
the words: “Al Tivahel 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 second day of Yom Tov, are now available, and can be
purchased. Please feel free to supply us with your additional
suggestions for early preparation to share with us all.
Special Note Four: 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 in to time!
===================================
9 Tishrei
YOM KIPPUR
SHOE
ALERT: All Toms shoes with the
exception of their vegan line are made with leather insoles (Flatbush Jewish
Journal).
----------------------------------------------------------
FROM A READER:
“I love the idea of being a walking mitzvah. I often will take extra
tissues with me to a shiur, they are easy and light to carry and so much
appreciated by the person who sneezes and is without. Perhaps if one
is a ‘walking mitzvah’ then not only is the ‘chesed item’ he is
carrying a mitzvah, but perhaps he is performing a mitzvah with each step he
takes or each mile he drives while having the chesed item in his possession. Additionally,
one can become a walking mitzvah on Shabbos (or any day of the week) when it
is forbidden to carry, by making it a priority to dispense a smile or kind
word and to have a sever panim yafos.
I would love to hear further suggestions from your readers for ways in which
one can be a walking mitzvah.”
----------------------------------------------------------
A
TIMELY SHIUR:
We
provide by clicking here a practical, extremely timely audio-shiur (thirty
minutes in length), by Rabbi Bentzion Bamberger, Shlita, relating to…Yom
Kippur and Teshuvah!
----------------------------------------------------------
THE AHL CHEIT
LINK
:
We
provide by clicking here for your use today and Yom Kippur a
compiled review of the Ahl Cheits that
we have briefly reviewed in steady steps since Elul. Please feel free to
print-out, and share the link with others!
----------------------------------------------------------
HELP TILT THE SCALE! By
clicking here, we provide the three Kabbalos which Rav Eliezer Ginsburg,
Shlita, urges us to perform in the
year 5774.
Hakhel Note: In
clarification of Kabbalah number 2, HaRav Ginsburg advises that if the child
is given a cell phone--it should belong to the parent, so that the child
knows that it is the parent’s to take back at any time.
----------------------------------------------------------
HAMELECH HAMISHPAT: The Kuntres
Avodas Hatefillah brings that the meaning of the term HaMelech HaMishpat
is HaMelech HaYosheiv Achshav Ahl
HaMishpat--the King who is now
sitting on the throne of justice.
----------------------------------------------------------
LET US START THINKING!: The
Sefer Leket Reshimos brings the
following teachings of HaRav Nosson Wachtfogel, Z’tl, relating to Yom
Kippur and Teshuvah:
1. The entire day
of Yom Kippur is an experience of Lifnei
Hashem--standing in front of the Borei Olam. One should arein
tracht--think deeply into what this opportunity and privilege really is.
To begin with, one must realize that he has an abundance of Siyata Dishmaya, that his heart is pure, and that he should make
great effort to focus on his Tefillos--for hatzlacha
in the coming year!
2. Because Yom
Kippur is a day of Kedusha and Tahara--all that one does becomes Kadosh and
Tahor as well!
3. The reason that
one who is Ma’avir Ahl Middosav
is forgiven for his sins is because an individual cannot stand up to
Din--but as part of community, he is able to. When one is Ma’avir
Ahl Middosav, he demonstrates that he is not only concerned with
himself--but with others as well--and is accordingly part of the community!
----------------------------------------------------------
YOM
KIPPUR INITIATIVE:
By
clicking here we provide the 5774 V’Ani Tefillah Foundation Yom Kippur
Worldwide Initiative Flyer regarding a great opportunity to acquire
incomparable zechusim on the Holiest Day of the Year--when we need them
most!
----------------------------------------------------------
EXTRA SPECIAL VIGILANCE: Although the above form of Ta’anis Dibur
is only for a short period (one can make it longer!), one should be
especially careful and vigilant that he not get angry on Yom Kippur, not be makpid
against another, and be especially Ma’avir
Ahl Middosav(as above)!
----------------------------------------------------------
BORUCH SHEIM KEVOD: On Yom Kippur we will be especially privileged
to recite Boruch Sheim Kevod aloud together in Shema at Ma’ariv and
Shacharis, and at the conclusion of Ne’ilah. Does
one recite Boruch Sheim aloud in Kriyas
Shema Ahl HaMittah on the night of Yom Kippur? HaRav
Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, rules that one does not. The Sefer Piskei
Teshuvos brings that it is minhag Chabad to do so. Accordingly,
every person should follow his Rav or Posek in this area.
----------------------------------------------------------
YIZKOR: The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (133:21) writes that the
reason for Yizkor on Yom Kippur is not only because thinking about the
departed humbles one’s heart, but also because the deceased also need a
Kapparah. It is for this reason that we give Tzedaka in their
merit--Hashem views it as their own giving--as 'if he were
still alive he would have given this as well'. Those who are alive can
also ask that Hashem ease the judgment of the departed, just as Dovid
HaMelech davened for Avshalom. The departed can also be Melitzei
Yosher for us in our judgment--we do not daven to them but we ask them
to daven on our behalf, perhaps in the merit of our following in their ways.
----------------------------------------------------------
HILCHOS SUKKOS: We continue our two Halachos a day in the 30-day
period before Sukkos (please continue on your own until we B'EH resume on
Monday!):
1.
When eating one’s kezayis or preferably more than a kebeiyah of challah in the Sukkah on the first night of Sukkos [or
in Chutz La’aretz on both nights of Sukkos], one should lechatchila have
in mind that he is doing so Zecher
Leyetziyas Mitzrayim and Zecher
Le’ananei Kavod, which surrounded us and protected us from the
elements around us in the desert (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 626, Mishna
Berurah seif katan 1). According to Rebbi Akiva, the Sukkah is actually a
remembrance to the actual physical Sukkos or huts that every family of
K’lal Yisrael possessed in the
Midbar. Rabbi David Ashear, Shlita (Emuna Daily), in the name of HaRav
Yitzchak Scher, Z’tl, asked what is so remarkable about our dwelling in
simply huts, that brings us to commemorate it with the Sukkos holiday. HaRav
Scher answers that the great miracle of the huts is the personal Hashgacha
Pratis that each family experienced in the Midbar--a
miracle which continues through our day! As we sit in the Sukkah on the
first night(s) of Sukkos--let us revel in Hashem’s Hashgacha Pratis over
us!
2.
When one places his esrog back in a nylon or plastic container on Yom Tov,
isn’t he being molid reiach--creating
an esrog odor in the lining and in the box? The Be’er Moshe rules that it is not--for it is not the derech
b’nei adam to benefit from the minimal amount of fragrance that the
temporary containers absorb and emit (see SA OC 658, Mishna Berurah seif
katan 7 and Dirshu Note 7).
---------------------------------------------------
Special Note One:
We provide important points and pointers relating to Erev
Yom Kippur:
A. It
is a Mitzvas Asei from the Torah to eat today, on Erev Yom Kippur.
Rabbi Eliyahu Schneider, Shlita, points out that since one ordinarily eats
during the day, it would not be clear that one is eating L’Sheim Mitzvah ,
unless he so expresses it himself before eating as Mitzvos Tserichos
Kavannah--we require Kavannah in order to fulfill the Torah commandments.
Accordingly, in addition to one’s careful brachos today, it would be
appropriate for him to state in Lashon HaKodesh or in another language: “I
am eating now to fulfill the Mitzvah of eating on the ninth day of
Tishrei.”
B. One of
course should be focusing in on the specific Kabbalos that he will be
making. Here is an insightful Kabbalah from a reader in Bain Adam
LeAtzmo area: “I am going to think twice (or three times), if I find
myself lax before taking out my cell phone in a public area, or in order to
text while walking on the street.” As we have mentioned numerous
times in the past a Kabbalah in the advanced technology area would be
especially appropriate for us, as many have referred to this as the great
Nisayon of our Dor. We note that all of Rav Ginsburg’s suggested Kabbalos
above relate to technology!
C. We will be
reciting Viduy at Mincha. The Chayei Adam (Chapter 143) presents a
tremendous amount of essential ideas, and we once again urge you to review
the Chapter today. Here, we very briefly summarize just a few of
the concepts: (a) The Pasuk states “Lifnei
Hashem Titharu--before Hashem shall you cleanse yourself.’
Accordingly, it is essential that we begin our purification process before
Yom Kippur itself--now!. (b) The sin of Lashon Hara is so horrific
that, it leads to the three cardinal sins of Shefichas Domim, Gilui Arayos
and Avodah Zara. We learn this from the Nachash who spoke Lashon Hara
against Hashem--which the immediate result of these three cardinal sins
occurring. (c) One who causes pain or anguish to an Almanah or Yasom
is liable to Missah B’Yedei Shomayim.
(d) In accordance with one’s increased Torah study will be his increased
service of Hashem. (e) One cannot recite Vidui on a Bain Adam
LeChaveiro sin unless he first appeases his friend. (f) Based upon Tehillim
(51:19), reciting Vidui with proper remorse is as if one brought a Karbon in
the Bais HaMikdash. (g) One way to begin one’s remorse is with the
words “Ma Assisi--oh what have I done!” A person must truly view
himself as a sinner, and be truly sorry for what he has done for the Vidui
to be effective.
D. The
Rambam in Hilchos Teshuva (6:2) provides the following inescapable solution Kesheim
SheHaAdam Chotei Mida’ato U’Veritzono Kach Hu Oseh Teshuva Mida’ato
U’Veritzono--just as one sins by his own knowledge and his own
election so too, can he do Teshuvah by his own knowledge and his own
election.
Special Note Two:
We provide several additional, final notes from the Sefer Kovetz
Halachos: Yomim Noraim by Rabbi Doniel Kleinman, Shlita,
containing the pesokim of HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita. The
following will also include Erev Shabbos Halachos of this special
Shabbos--a Shabbos Shabbason! After studying these pesokim, one
should, of course, in all events consult with his Rav with respect to his
own personal situation, circumstances, or Minhagim:
A. A minor
who eats on Yom Kippur does not make Kiddush, but it would seem that he
should make a bracha of Borei Pri HaGafen on grape juice.
Hakhel Note: In Children in Halacha, Rabbi Simcha Bunim
Cohen, Shlita, writes: “When a child eats on Yom Kippur, Kiddush is
not recited prior to eating. A child should recite Retzeih (for
Shabbos) and Ya’aleh V’Yavo (for Yom Kippur), but does not repeat Birkas
HaMazon if he forgets either one.”[The same would appear to be true for a
Choleh who must eat on Yom Kippur].
B. If a
person arises before Amud HaShachar, one should wash his hands again after
Amud HaShachar even on Yom Kippur, where there is otherwise an issur of
rechitza.
C. Women who
attend Shul should recite Kol Nidrei together with the Shaliach Tzibbur just
as men do, but anyone davening at home does not recite Kol Nidrei.
D. If there
is a break in Shul between Mussaf and Mincha, and one takes off his Talis--he
involves himself in a Machlokes HaPoskim as to whether he should make a new
Bracha when putting the Talis back on again. Accordingly, it is best
for one to have in mind when putting on his Talis in the morning that that
the bracha is only covering his initial wearing--so that any subsequent levisha
will definitely require a new bracha.
E. It is best
to use a Ner SheShovas even though one would make Havdalah on
Motza'ei Shabbos in any event. One does make a Bracha on besomim--because
it is also Havdalah for Motza'ei Shabbos. There is an issue as to
whether one makes an Al HaGefen on the Havdalah wine, as he plans to
eat a meal immediately after Havdalah. If one does not intend
to drink wine in this Seudah, then he does make an Al HaGefen on the
Kos Shel Havdalah before the Seudah.
Additional Notes on
Hilchos Shabbos--as part of our Erev Shabbos--Halachos of Shabbos Series:
A. IMPORTANT!
We once again remind all women who are Madlik
Neiros and recite a Shehechiyanu then that they do NOT recite a second
Shehechiyanu i.e., the Shehechiyanu after Kol Nidrei, which is found in the
Machzorim.
B. HaRav
Yechezkel Levenstein, Z’tl, writes that he remembers that in his first
year in Kelm the “Kabbalah HaRaishis--the
top Kabbalah” was Shemiras Shabbos--“For this is the way of the Yetzer
Hara to seek large profits, and since the Mitzvah of Shabbos is so great,
the Yetzer seeks to up-end you in the proper observance of Shabbos.”
Shabbos Yom Kippur is certainly a day to reflect upon ways in which one
can enhance his own Shemiras Shabbos and the Shemiras Shabbos of others.
Special Note Three:
We provide important points and pointers relating to Yom Kippur:
A. According
to some authorities, Yom Kippur is the Yahrtzeit of Rebbi Akiva, who gave
his life Ahl Kiddush Hashem in such an awe-inspiring way. This may be the reason
that we enumerate the Asara Harugei
Malchus in Musaf on Yom Kippur. Undoubtedly, we mention them as
well so that their merits stand in our stead.
B. EMERGENCY
RECOMMENDATION FOR TESHUVA: Rav Dessler, Z’tl, writes that in
difficult times when one does not know what the day will bring, one should
undertake a shortcut to Teshuva which he literally calls “Ezra Rishona
(first aid)” in difficult times (Michtav
Mei’Eliyahu I, page 30). Rav
Dessler provides the following four emergency recommendations for
Teshuva: Learn Torah – in order to chase away the Yetzer Hara. Learn
Mussar – in order to acquire the true view of life. Accustom
Yourself to Break Your Desire – (according to Rabbeinu Yonah in the
name of the Raavad) this is equivalent to many fasts in one day!
Increase Your Acts of Kindness – both to individuals and to
K’lal Yisroel. This includes practicing Chesed B’Lev – including
davening for others, doing a chesed for the z’chus of others, and having
tza’ar for the suffering of others.
C. Clearly,
Tefillah is a great Avodas HaYom of Yom Kippur. It is absolutely
imperative for us to daven (on Yom Kippur—and everyday) for all our
uneducated brethren who know oh so little of Torah and Judaism. Is it
really possible for us not to shed a tear for them this Yom Kippur?!
D. On
Yom Kippur we should constantly remind ourselves that we are immersing
ourselves in purity (“Titharu”). Just as a person who is
physically ill may go to the hospital or take medication to get better, Yom
Kippur is an ultimate healing process for the ailments of the soul--which
need to be cured for a much, much longer time than the body needs to be
healed. What an Opportunity ! What an Occasion! We should
especially express our thanks to Hashem for the unfathomably infinite gift
that He has given us!
E. HaRav
Zaidel Epstein, Z’tl, was asked why the Ahshamnus
are in the plural--after all doesn’t one have to find forgiveness for his
own sins first. HaRav Epstein responded that every Jew is responsible
for his fellow’s actions, and that, accordingly, every Teshuva that we do
is on behalf of others as well.
F. The great
majority of Masechta Yoma, the Masechta of Yom Kippur, discusses the Avodah
in the Bais HaMikdash. Indeed, we even bow down during the Chazaras
HaShatz of Mussaf, just so that we have a touch of the Avodah that we so
long for. It is said of the Chasam Sofer that when the Avodah was
being recited he would cry so powerfully that the pages of his Machzor would
stick together from their saturation with his tears. Accordingly,
although we may be weary at this point of a Yom Kippur service it very
much behooves us to put our efforts into recitation of the Avodah with
feeling and longing for the great Kapparah and Deveikus that it effected.
Imagine being there as the Kohein Gadol expressed Hashem’s ineffable Name
ten times on Yom Kippur. In describing the Kohein Gadol’s mentioning
of the Name, the Mishna states that the name was Yotzei MePi Kohein Gadol--it
came out of the Kohein Gadol’s mouth. The Tiferes Yisroel on
the Mishna explains that he could not even speak but the Shechina was
reciting the Name out of the Kohein Gadol’s throat. Oh--how we must
long to be there!
Additional Note: In
the Musaf Shemone Esrei, we will recite the words “V’ein
Anachnu Yecholim La’asos Chovoseinu B’vais Bechirasecha--we cannot
perform our obligations in the Beis Hamikdash this Yom Kippur because of the
foreign hand that has been placed there.” We must take these words
deeply to heart. It is our chov--our
current and existing obligation--to bring Karbanos in the Beis HaMikdash and
for the Kohein Gadol to perform the special Avodah on Yom Kippur. This
is not something of the past--nor is it relegated only to the future.
It is something that we must do now, and we are being forced not to do it.
When reciting all of the words relating to Avodas Yom Kippurim we
should bring them to life in our minds, and also sincerely yearn in our
hearts that we see them in reality in our days!
G. One of the
Avodos of the Kohein Gadol was to sprinkle the blood in the Kodesh
HaKedoshim and on the Paroches “Achas
LeMa’alah V’Sheva L’Matta--once in an upward fashion and seven
times in a downward fashion. Some explain that the one upwards
symbolizes our following the Yetzer HaTov--whose instruction elevates us
towards the heavens. On the other hand, as Chazal teach the Yetzer
Hara has seven names--representing that he can ‘take us down’ in several
different ways. Accordingly, it is of the essence that we focus on the
Achas LeMa’alah and with that we can overcome its counterpart--the Shevah
L’Matta.
Special Note Four:
We provide important points and pointers relating to Neilah:
A. The Sefer Otzros
HaTorah writes that the end of Yom Kippur, when the gates close, brings
a Shefa Gadol along with it, for a
climax or a conclusion is always a time of greatest intensity. For
instance, as the Midrash Shochar Tov teaches before Alos HaShachar is the
time when it is darkest. So too, at the end of days will the Yetzer
Hara be at its strongest--for it is about to reach the end of its purpose.
So too, is the Shefa of Kaparas Yom HaKippurim greatest during these
moments. Over the last 40 days, Days of Mercy, we have davened and
pleaded, done Teshuva and given Tzedaka. We have, to use the Mashal of
the Maggid M’Lublin shot all of our arrows but one. There is a lion
on the other side of the grass and there is one arrow left--this is Tefillas
Neilah. Our lives depend upon how powerfully we deliver our final
arrow!
B. From the
‘Flatbush Chabura’: “Rav Avrohom Schorr, Shlita, brings from
the Meshech Chochma that while there usually is no kapara for Chilul
Hashem except at the end of a person's life (though constant Kiddush Hashem
and Limud HaTorah are brought by the seforim as being a kapara) , at the
time of Neilah when Hashem is Don
Yechidi (judges all by Himself) , if one has done proper Teshuva through
charata and bechi (crying)
one can gain mechila EVEN for Chilul Hashem. This gives us some insight into
the amazing power of the time of Neilah!”
C. A
great theme of Tefillas Neilah is LeMa’an Nechdal MeiOshek Yadeinu--
that we have no thievery or taking of another’s possessions left among us
(as we know this is what the Dor HaMabul’s final cause of destruction was.
Accordingly, the Chofetz Chaim warns everyone to seriously consider and
reflect upon whether he has something that really belongs to someone else in
his possession Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, Z’tl (Boston, RIETS)
additionally notes that the thievery we may be referring to is our stealing
from Hashem, our people and ourselves--by our not living up to our purpose
in life. At Neilah, we proclaim that we will no longer follow that
sorry route, and that we fully intend to live up to Hashem’s expectations
of us!
D. We
conclude Neilah with the phrase Hashem Hu HaElokim seven times--as
with these words the Shechina is escorted back up through the Seven Rekiyim. It is essential for us to realize that this is the
phrase that all of the people on Har HaKarmel recited when Eliyahu defeated
the Nevi’ei HaBa’al with Hashem’s acceptance of his sacrifice.
We must realize that we are now in a similar position. The
‘Ba’al’ is behind us--Hashem has accepted our Karbon--and we intend to
forever tread on a new and successful path in His Avodah!
E. One should
also remember that on Motza’ei Yom Kippur he will be enjoying a Seudas
“Yom Tov”, but also a Seudas Melaveh Malka! What a wonderful
accomplishment!
F. May we
suggest that even if one does not have a Yeshiva Mai Chayil El Chayil in his
community that he still demonstrate his new goals and aspirations by setting
aside time for Torah study after the Seudah. This is dedication--this
is rededication!
G’
MAR
CHASIMA TOVA!
=====================================
8 Tishrei
REMINDER: In the physical world, as runners get closer and
closer to the finish line, they do not slow down or sway to the side out of
exhaustion or abandonment--but stay very much on the path, putting in their
extra full strength for the most successful finish possible. We should
apply our knowledge of this fact to the Real
----------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE
DAY
: What is the first word in
Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim? What does that teach us about our approach to
life?
----------------------------------------------------------
CLOSE YOUR
EYES
: At a recent Shiur on
Teshuvah, Rabbi Eliezer Ginsburg, Shlita, asked everyone to close their eyes
for a few moments and have Hirhurei Teshuvah. After everyone opened their
eyes, he noted that this was only beginning--but who knows what Yeshuos
could come from a few moments of Hirhurei Teshuvah alone! One must start
somewhere--this may be the way to begin!
----------------------------------------------------------
THE RAMBAM’S
POWERFUL LESSON: In Hilchos
Teshuvah (7:3), the Rambam writes: “One should not say that Teshuvah is
only for aveiros which involve a deed, such as immorality and theft. Rather,
just as one must do Teshuvah from these, he must also search through his bad
Middos--whether anger, hatred, jealousy, levity, money-seeking,
honor-seeking, food lusting, and the like and do Teshuvah. In fact,
Teshuvah for Middos Ra’os is
harder than Teshuvah over particular deeds, because a person is so absorbed
and involved in his Middos, that it is difficult for him to become a
different person. Nevertheless this is what is required of us--as the Navi
teaches--”Ya’azov Rasha Darko,
Ve’Ish Aven Machshivosav, VeYashov Ehl Hashem…!”
----------------------------------------------------------
TIMELY ADVICE: The
Mishna Berurah (SA OC) writes that although one must always ask his friend
for mechila immediately after
having hurt or offending him, there is a special chiyuv
to do so before Yom Kippur--as the Torah requires Lifnei
Hashem Titharu on Yom Kippur, and we cannot purify ourselves before
Hashem relating to an aveirah of Bein Adam L’Chaveiro without first
obtaining mechila from the person offended. Indeed, not even the Se’ir
Hamishtalei’ach could effect Kapparah for sins of Bein Adam
L’Chaveiro! At the recent Hakhel Yom Iyun, Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, Shlita,
taught that the way one asks for mechila is simply by saying ‘I was wrong’; ‘I did the wrong
thing’; ‘I made a mistake’; ‘I am sorry’--but that one should be
careful not to hurt a person or embarrass him when asking for mechila.
Additional Note: Rabbi Belsky also commented:
1. No one should ever say: ‘I have a terrible temper’-which justifies
his anger. Instead, he should say: ‘I have a stupid temper’--to indicate
that it is nothing to be proud of, and there is no justification for it.
2. When asked by someone to give him mussar in a very brief way, Rabbi
Belsky told him: “I will give it to you in two words--Grow Up!”
----------------------------------------------------------
SOME
NEW
KABBALOS SUGGESTIONS [Also See Special Note Three Below]:
A. Be a ‘Walking Mitzvah’--carry something with you which can always
be used for the express purpose of a Chesed at any time--some extra stamps,
a pen, a check or two designated for tzedakah use. [Think of the utter joy
you put on a collector’s face when he anticipates receiving a quarter or
dollar in shul--and instead receives a $10 check!]
B. Personalize a Kabbalah relating to a family member or friend--if a
particular habit or method of speech he has constantly annoys you--work on
being ma’avir ahl midosav
relating to it.
C. Once a day, take the second
choice of the food you were going to eat, rather than your first choice,
in order to practice quashing one’s desires.
D. Before starting work every day, begin with a
prayer to HaKadosh Baruch Hu. By the following link, we
once again provide by clicking here a Tefillah formulated by a reader,
which you are of course free to use or adapt.
E. Rebbi Yisroel Reisman, Shlita, teaches that when we recite Shema,
we are accepting upon ourselves both Ohl
Malchus Shomayim and Ohl Mitzvos.
Accordingly, rather than walking out of Shul immediately after having
recited Shema at Ma’ariv--we should spend at least another five minutes in
Shul studying Torah--to demonstrate that we are taking the Ohl Malchus Shomayim and Ohl
Mitzvos seriously!
----------------------------------------------------------
TAKE SOMETHING
OUT OF THE HOUSE: As we had
noted in the name of HaRav Gifter, Z’tl, in the past, it may be a good
idea to look around the house, find something that does not belong--and
remove it!
----------------------------------------------------------
HILCHOS SUKKOS: We continue our two Halachos a day in the 30-day
period before Sukkos:
1.
As we all know, the Rema writes that one should begin building his Sukkah on
Motza’ei Yom Kippur so that he leaves one Mitzvah and enters another. If
one finds it difficult to begin the actual building either because he is
weak from the fast or he needs the help of others, the Kaf
HaChaim writes that he should at least speak with his household members
regarding the Sukkah. In a similar vein, the Aruch
HaShulchan writes that one unable to build a Sukkah should be involved
in learning Mesechta Sukkah or the Halachos of Sukkah. Likewise, the Mateh
Ephraim writes that if one has purchased his Lulav and Esrog prior to
Yom Kippur, he should check them on Motza’ei Yom Kippur to make sure that
everything is in order (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 624; and 625, Dirshu
Notes 3 and 4).
2. One should physically
join together the Lulav and Esrog when reciting the bracha and when shaking
them. The Aruch HaShulchan rules
that one should join them together when reciting Hallel and the Hoshanos as
well. The Kaf HaChaim brings from
the Radvaz that one’s fingers around the Lulav or around the Esrog would
be considered a chatzizah, a
separation between the Lulav and the Esrog, and that accordingly, one’s
fingers should not be totally wrapped around them (SA OC 651:11, Dirshu Note
80).
-----------------------------------------------------
Special
Note One: We conclude our review of the Ahl Cheits before Yom Kippur.
Today, we study both Ahl Cheits under the letter Taf:
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BeSesumes Yad--Not Acting Properly with Money
Money is an item
that most deal with every day. Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat deals with
many situations and how one must handle them according to Halacha--whether
as a partner, employee, lender, or borrower. One also has communal
responsibilities with his money--including an obligation to pay his share to
his shul and to organizations, to lend money to the poor when necessary, and
to repay loans when they are due. One also has an obligation to only do
business and to partner with those who are upright. By not acting properly
in monetary matters, one can be guilty of the most serious of sins. Indeed,
the Mishna Berurah writes that one must do his best to settle his financial
affairs before Yom Kippur as HaMekatreig
HaGadol Ahl Ha’adam involves financial matters (SA OC 606 seif katan
1). The Mishna Berurah adds that one should not rely upon his own
decisions in monetary matters with others, “Ki
HaYetzer Hara, Yesh Lo Heterim Harbey--for the Yetzer Hara finds
many leniencies”! In monetary matters or issues with others, one
should consult his Rav.
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BeSimhon Leivav--Wondering and Confusion
The
Viduy Booklet includes in this Ahl
Cheit a person’s wondering
about why he has problems and worries, and thinking that he has not done
anything bad enough to deserve such punishment. Also included in this Ahl
Cheit is taking action when perturbed and confused which leads to sin
(such as overreaction and anger). Pathway
to Prayer brings from the Alter of Kelm that this is the final Ahl
Cheit in the Aleph Bais series, for after all of the other sins, we
confess that we have acted with confusion--not properly realizing what is
right and what is wrong--and that is the biggest sin, for
one must learn, and one must know!
Hakhel Note: We have now
concluded our review of the Ahl Cheits
by Aleph Bais. The Sefer Tomer Devorah
(Chapter 1), writes that one’s Kavannah in Viduy should be LeKabel Alav Taharah--to
bring purity upon oneself. It is for this reason that Dovid HaMelech in the
Tehillim Kepitel of Teshuvah exclaims (Tehillim 51:4):
“Herev Kabseini Mei’avoni
U’Meichatasi Tahareini--abundantly cleanse me from my iniquity and
from my sin purify me.” When reciting Viduy, one should visualize Hashem
cleansing his soul!
Special Note Two: We
provide the following important links for you to print out and further
distribute for Yom Kippur, as we have done in the past:
A. The extremely
essential words of the Yesod
V’Shoresh HaAvoda relating to Inui on Yom Kippur--and what to think
about if one starts to become hungry or thirsty. It
is available by clicking here.
Please spread the word.
Hakhel
Note: As Rebbi Yisroel Reisman,
Shlita, teaches, it is not your job to watch the clock--it is your job to
make the most out of Yom Kippur for yourself, your family, your community,
and for all of K’lal Yisrael!
B. We received an
important message based upon the words of the Chofetz Chaim, which also
includes extremely valuable words of Chizuk and encouragement. If one does
not have time to read all of the text, we highly recommend that one at least
read the words of Chizuk and encouragement, which are so noge’ah
lema’aseh. The
message is available by clicking here.
C.
A Viduy
Card in Lashon HaKodesh with more detailed specification as to possible
Aveiros. Please click here.
D.
The
Thirteen Middos--The Thirteen Attributes in Lashon HaKodesh. Please
click here.
E.
The
Thirteen Middos--The Thirteen Attributes in English. Please click
here.
Hakhel
Note: HaRav
Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, (Moadim I, p. 214) points out that when reciting
the Thirteen Middos, we should feel HaKaras HaTov to Hashem for acting
towards us in this way--this, in turn, will inspire us to act with similar
middos to others as well(which we should bli
neder be mekabel upon ourselves!).
F.
We once again provide a great
Tefillah for Teshuvah--which you may insert at the end of your Yom Kippur
Shemone Esrei. You
may view it by clicking here.
The
Tefillah is published in the Sefer Kav HaYashar for one’s self,
one’s family members, and one’s friends to do Teshuva--especially
invaluable at this time of year!
Special Note Three:
The following wonderful thought is excerpted from a publication known
as TT #385--Viduy:
“Remember, that Teshuva
is one of the greatest gifts of Hashem to us. It is the expression of His
Divine Mercy and Love. If He did
not want us to straighten ourselves out, He would simply punish us for
transgressions without giving us a second (and third and fourth and
fifth...) chance to repent. Our
motivations for Teshuva should be fear
AND
love of Hashem. The challenge is awesome, but it is always possible for one
to change for the better. Step by step, a bit at a time. Never be
discouraged by what seems to be too formidable a task. Be encouraged by the
fact that this is what Hashem wants of us--not to punish us, but for us to
return to Him in strengthened faith, in better performance of Mitzvos--qualitatively
and quantitatively, and to more carefully avoid the pitfalls of sin--between
Hashem and ourselves and in our interpersonal relationships.”
Special
Note Four: By this time one
should be placing some focus on bli
neder his Kabbalos for the coming year.
May we suggest that there should be at least one Kabbalah in each of
the following areas: Bain Adam LaMakom, Bain Adam L’Chaveiro, and Bain Adam L’Atzmo.
Hakhel Note: It
is well known that Rav Pam Z’TL would urge his talmidim to keep a
‘kabalos card’ which listed the initiatives that each person took upon
himself in his Teshuvah process. The kabalos card could either serve as a
personal diary of success, or at least a written Teshuvah reminder to be
viewed regularly. As in the past, we provide you below with some sample
kabalos, both Bain Adam LaMakom
and Bain Adam L’Chaveiro from
which you may choose. With
respect to Bain Adam L’Atzmo--a
person must look deeply into himself and decide which Middah it is that
needs the most improvement--improving in Sever
Panim Yaffos, the areas of ka’as,
ta’avah, hakpadah…. Here, we leave it up to a person’s literal
soul-searching of his own. Remember, the inescapable reality-that the
ability to do Teshuvah is in your hands alone!
Bain
Adam LaMakom
Have
Kavannah in the first p’sukim of Shema
Bench
slowly from a bencher
Keep
a brief diary of your mitzvos/aveiros at the end of the day
Learn
at least two halachos a day
Have
Kavannah in the first bracha of Shemone Esrei
Avoid
talking politics/sports/business or about people at the Shabbos table
Say
Asher Yatzar with Kavannah at least twice a day
Refrain
from reading secular newspapers or magazines
Say
Modim with Kavannah for all the goodness given by Hashem
Establish
a seder in learning before going to work
Daven
all three tefilos with a minyan
Begin
learning Hilchos Shabbos from any sefer
Bain
Adam L’Chaveiro
Make
a list of cholim and say Tehillim every day for them
Speak
courteously (hello, please, thank you, Good Shabbos) to your family and
strangers
Help
a single person with a shidduch
Especially
guard your tongue from Lashon Hara for at least one designated hour a day
Do
a chesed that nobody knows about once a day
Avoid
making a sharp, angry or witty remark at least one time a day
Stand
up for rabbonim, parents or elders
Compliment
someone at least one time a day
Compromise
with others/ judge others favorably at least one time a day
Give
Tzedaka every time you raise your voice or speak Lashon Hara
Learn
the halachos of bein adam l’chaveiro (bikur cholim, shmiras halashon,
nichum aveilim, etc.)
On
the Bain Adam L’Chaveiro level,
may we remind everyone of the Chofetz Chaim’s teaching that in the future
everyone will be
healed--except
for the Ba’al Lashon Hara!
A
final thought on our Kabalos: Remember, the Torah tells us “U’Vacharta
BaChaim—Choose Life”. Incredibly, Hashem puts our lives in our own
hands.
Special
Note Five: Please remember VeTalmud Torah
K’negged Kulam. We
remind everyone that a person can utilize his own resources to help increase
his joy in Torah learning. For
instance, some have the habit of vigorously (or even gently) shaking their
legs to and fro as they sit and learn. This
may create an aura of nervousness and impatience which is antithesis of
happiness in Torah study. Thus,
may we suggest that a person try to curb his habit in this regard.
Others may have the custom of keeping their Blackberries handy and
examining the cause of its vibration every few minutes.
If one wants to express and appreciate his Torah learning, he may
want to try the exercise of keeping his phone on silent or turned off from
the time he is in Shiur or otherwise occupied with Torah study.
Hakhel Note: The story is
told of how HaRav Aryeh Levin, Z’tl, wanted to visit some Jewish visitors
being held by the British authorities. The
British guard on duty would not let them in that day.
The Jewish guard who was working together with the British guard
advised his colleague that the Rabbi was a righteous person and simply
wanted to visit the prisoners out of the goodness of his heart--and that it
was wrong not to let him in. The
Brit mocked him and said that he was obviously a salaried worker who was
happy to go home while still getting paid.
A few minutes later they noticed HaRav Levin sneaking into the
compound through a different door when he thought no one was looking.
The Brit then remarked: “Now
I see that he is a righteous person--and he is not doing it for the
money!” We must realize that
it is the extra effort that distinguishes between our ‘having to do
something’ and the love of Torah and Mitzvos that should truly be part of
our fiber and being!
Special Note Six:
Some ask why there is no bracha on the Mitzvah of Teshuva. The
wonderful Sefer Otzros HaTorah brings several answers: (a) The Bais
Yitzchak writes that it would be inappropriate to say the words VeTzivanu
Al HaTeshuva--which would indicate
that we would not want to do Teshuva unless we were commanded to do so, (b)
The Divrei Yisrael writes that
this is a Mitzvah that applies to all nations and not only the Jewish
people, and therefore Asher Kideshanu B’Mitzvosav would not be
accurate in this context, (c) The Pardes
Yosef writes that the Ikar Mitzvah of Teshuva is in the heart and
that Chazal did not institute brachos over Mitzvos of the heart, (d) The Pardes Yosef brings as a second approach--we do not make a bracha
over Mitzvos which are related to Aveiros. For instance, when
returning a stolen item and fulfilling a Mitzvas Asei of VeHeishiv Es
HaGezeilah we do not make a bracha. So too does Teshuva originate
from a sin initially committed, and so a bracha would be inappropriate.
Special Note Seven:
The Chofetz Chaim provides an amazing Mashal. A merchant came
to a wholesaler and put together an order of $100,000. When it was
time to pay he explained that he did not have the money, but would like to
purchase all of this on credit. Based upon the wholesaler’s
experience with this merchant’s slow payments in the past, the wholesaler
wholly rejected the request. However, after much prodding and
pleading, he was about to give in. His salesman and workers stopped
him--explaining to him that it would cost him untold aggravation, time and
money. The wholesaler was in a quandary--should he listen to the
merchant with the poor credit record, but who was in dire need of making a
living--or to his loyal workers?! At that moment, a wise man walked in
and the wholesaler immediately asked him what to do. The wise man
turned to the merchant in need of a livelihood and asked him if he had
$5,000. The response was affirmative. He advised the merchant
not to buy anything on credit, but instead to buy $5,000 worth of goods.
When he sold those and made money he could come back and buy $7,500 in
goods. No credit would be necessary. The merchant would buy for
cash and the wholesaler and all of his loyal employees would be happy.
The Nimshal: We ask Hashem for credit, saying we will do better in the
future, but the Malachim vehemently argue against us, pointing to our past
record. Our Rabbanim, the wise men, tell us to do Teshuva in areas
and ways where we can accomplish, in ‘cash’, little by little
building up our business on our own--so that everyone is pleased--and
everyone is happy!
Special Note Eight:
Additional important Pre-Yom Kippur
points and pointers:
1. If one has the
capability, he should most certainly review and study the classic
Chapter 143 of the Sefer Chayei Adam which so beautifully and meaningfully
explains the focused attitude and approach one should have to and on Yom
Kippur. We note that the Chayei Adam provides more detail of specific
Aveiros, and that HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita, views the detail of the
Chayei Adam as being ‘mefaret’--specifying one’s sins.
2. We remind
everyone of the awesome thought related by HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, relating
to why the ten great sons of Rav Pappa are mentioned at every Siyum. Rav
Pappa, in ten places in Shas, resolves a difference of opinion
between Amoraim by demonstrating Kavod for both of them, and ruling that we
should conduct ourselves like both of them. Because of his special
display of Kavod HaTorah, he was zoche to have ten sons who themselves were
unique Talmidei Chachomim--deserving and receiving Kavod HaTorah as well.
At the time of a Siyum, which is a time of true Kavod HaTorah, we recount
their names. We can all improve in some aspect of our Kavod to the
Torah and those who study it--the way we speak, the way we act, the way
we learn together, and the elevated regard we should have for all levels of
Torah students and their studies.
3. ’KeKelev
Shav El Kayo…’--just as a dog returns to that which it has
regurgitated, so too does an unwise person return to the sins that he has
committed in the past. We may want to keep this graphic thought on our
minds as a method for not returning to the foibles of yesteryear.
4. The Chasam
Sofer (Yoreh De’ah 213) brings an amazing question from a ‘Kadmon
Echad’: How is it that if
one enters a Mikvah he becomes Tahor--after all shouldn’t he make the
water tamei upon his touching it? The answer is that since the water
is attached to the ground and never leaves it, it does not become tamei.
So, the Tahara of the Mikvah is based upon the water remaining attached
to its source. So too, is the Tahara that we receive from
Hashem--we must remain attached to our source--Mi Mitaher Eschem Avichem
Shebashamayim. Without our Deveikus to Hashem--we could not become
Tahor!
5. Finally,
in the Yom Kippur davening we emphasize that Hashem is a Salchan
and a Machlan. What does the extra nun at the end
of each of these words come to indicate--why don’t we say that Hashem is
simply a Soleiach and a Mochel? The Sefer Otzros HaTorah
explains that the extra nun indicates a hanhaga temidis--that this is
a constant and recurring Middah of Hashem. Thus, even if a person
falls back to a sin time and again--as long as he was truly sincere,
expressed true remorse, and with a full heart was mekabel not to do it
again--then Hashem will be a Salchan and a Malchan--and continuously grant
new forgiveness! The old aveiros are gone. Any new
aveiros can be wiped out by Hashem with our new Teshuva--for He is
a Salchan and a Machlan!
====================================
7 Tishrei
QUESTION
OF THE
DAY
:
What is the last word of Avinu Malkeinu?
Why do think that it is fitting that we end Avinu Malkeinu with this
word?
--------------------------------------------
SAY “THANK YOU!”: It is said that HaRav Avigdor Miller, Z’tl
was asked for a segula for the Yemei HaDin. He responded that every
morning we recite the following words in Mizmor Shir Chanukas HaBayis:
“Hayodecha Afar HaYagid Amitecha--will
the dust thank You, will it speak of Your truthfulness...?” If one
thanks Hashem properly, he concluded--he can very literally keep himself
alive--for this is very much part of being alive!
Hakhel Note: Rabbi
Ephraim Wachsman, Shlita once said that he knew of an extended family which,
when getting together, would always begin with Tehillim Chapter 111-as an
expression of thanks to HaKadosh Baruch Hu for enabling them to join
together for a Simcha or for a Yom Tov meal. Rabbi Wachsman added that
the word Shevach means praise, and that the closely related word Sh’vach
means to improve--for we improve ourselves and our lot when we express the
proper Shevach to Hashem.
--------------------------------------------
RABBI BELSKY’S THOUGHT: At the recent Hakhel Yom Iyun,
Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, Shlita, elaborated on the concept of being more machmir
in the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah. He explained that the concept is really for a
person to elevate himself a notch above his ‘ordinary life’. One does so
by making an additional exertion, taking an extra effort, perhaps even
undergoing a bit of strain in order to raise himself up during this period.
The example given in Shulchan Aruch (603) is not to eat pas
shel akum. Rabbi Belsky suggests that another example of something one
can do is not to eat his favorite food or the snack that ‘I just love’.
This extra effort, this exertion is to teach one that he does have the ability, he does
have the kochos, to rise above his
present state! Hakhel Note: HaRav
Nosson Wachtfogel, Z’tl, taught that an important avodah of the Aseres
Yemei Teshuvah period is ressen piv--being
more careful with what goes in and out of one’s mouth. You need not say it, you need not have it. Simply stated, a person
can elevate himself above his current situation--but it is not by an
electronic or other device that he does so--it is by the strength of
character that Hashem has blessed him with.
--------------------------------------------
THOUGHTFUL THOUGHTS ON KABBALOS FROM A READER:
I wanted to offer a few
kabbalos suggestions for your readers:
1. For women: Try to light
Shabbos candles at least five minutes before the zman, if possible.
2. For men: Pay attention
during chazaras hashatz. (Do not look into a sefer or space out. Do not
check your email or phone. Do not text. Do not stare at other people. Just
listen to the baal tefilla and follow along in your own siddur.) Other than
saying Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo and
Amein, keep your mouth shut during chazaras hashatz. Talking during davening
(or during leining) is one of the worst aveiras a Yid can do!
3. Say “Baruch Hu Uvaruch Shemo.” Do not only say “Shmoy” or “Baruch
shmoy” (like some people do). Say it correctly. And don’t
start saying ‘Baruch Hu Uvaruch
Shemo’ until the baal tefilla finishes pronouncing Hashem’s name
completely. Also, do not say Amein until the baal tefilla finishes
pronouncing the bracha completely.
4. Talk to Hashem
throughout the day, not just three times a day.
5. Before davening, accept
upon yourself the positive commandment of “You shall love your fellow as
yourself.” [Arizal]
6. Before going to sleep at
night, say (or at least think), “I am going to sleep so that I will have
energy to serve Hashem tomorrow.”
7. Learn Torah out loud if
possible (not merely reading the sefer with your eyes, but actually
verbalizing the words).
-----------------------------------------------------
HILCHOS SUKKOS: We continue our two Halachos a day in the 30-day
period before Sukkos:
1. Although there
is an opinion that one should not pick up his Lulav and Esrog the first
night of Sukkos, as it is not yet time for the Mitzvah to be performed and
they would otherwise be Muktzah, most Poskim rule that the Daled Minim may
be picked up and moved on the first night. In fact, it is known that the
Ba’al Shem Tov, Z’tl and Rebbi Yisroel Salanter, Z’tl, would practice
the na’anuim on the first night
of Sukkos in preparation for the morning. Rebbi Yisroel explained that we
should look at the military which undergoes training and exercises in
preparation for the actual battle, so that when the time comes, their
actions are conducted with care and precision. Most certainly, he continues,
should we do the same for the na’anuim,
which is an “Avodah Gedolah
LeYotzreinu Bechol Tenu’ah U’Tenu’ah--a great service to our
Creator--with each and every movement!” (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 658,
Dirshu Note 4). Hakhel Note: Let us remember that we are performing an Avodah
Gedolah during the na’anium!
2. The Bikkurei Yaakov writes that the Old City of Yerushalayim has,
according to the Rambam, the Halachos of the Beis HaMikdash as to Lulav--which
would mean that on all seven days of Sukkos, even in our time, it is a
Mitzvah D’Oraysa to take the Daled Minim there. HaRav Shlomo Zalmen
Auerbach, Z’tl, when going to the Kosel on Sukkos day [apparently, other
than the first day], would accordingly take the Daled Minim a second
time--for perhaps he was now fulfilling a Mitzvah D’Oraysa of Daled
Minim--in addition to a Mitzvah D’Rabbanan of Daled Minim he had performed
earlier in the day. It is reported that HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl, was nota
lehachmir to the opinion of the Bikkurei
Yaakov. The Chazon Ish, Z’tl, ruled not to enter into the
Old
City
because of this safek, because
perhaps one would have a Mitzvah D’Oraysa to fulfill the Daled Minim, and
his Daled Minim would not be kasher--resulting
in his voidance of the Mitzvah. HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, disagrees
with the premise of the Bikkurei
Yaakov, and writes that even according to the Rambam, the Mitzvah
D’Oraysa is only in the Beis HaMikdash--and not in Yerushalayim--which
would mean that the Old City outside of the Beis HaMikdash has no special
rule in our day with respect to the Mitzvah of Daled Minim (ibid., Dirshu
Note 1).
-----------------------------------------------------
Special
Note One: In order to complete our review of the Ahl Cheits before
Yom Kippur, we will bli neder now review two Ahl Cheits per day, so
that we have the opportunity to briefly review each one of them in steady
steps. Today, we study both Ahl Cheits under the letter Shin:
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BiShvuas Shav--Swearing Falsely or In Vain
HaRav Dessler,
Z’tl, explains that swearing in this manner represents a lack of the true
honor that is due to Hashem. In fact, Pathway
to Prayer brings from the Sha’arei
Teshuvah (
3:45
) that one who swears falsely desecrates the name of Hashem, and the
punishment for desecration of Hashem’s Name is greater than all other
sins. The prohibition of Shvuas Shav is so severe, that it constitutes the third dibrah
of the Aseres HaDibros. One may be faced with situations where he must
‘solemnly swear’, or provide an affidavit which is ‘sworn to’. He
must accordingly consult with his Rav or Posek about the situations and
circumstances which are permitted--and which are prohibited.
Hakhel Note: At the
recent Hakhel Yom Iyun, HaRav Uren Reich, Shlita, explained that each member
of Bnei Yisrael carries Hashem’s Name with him--and that we should not
take our royal bearing in vain as well.
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BeSinas Chinam--Improper Hatred
The
Torah provides for extremely limited
circumstances in which hatred of another Jew is permissible. When it is
not permissible, and one nevertheless feels hatred he has violated an
express Lo Sa’aseh in the Torah of “Lo
Sisnah Es Achicha Bilvavecha”. This
means that, among other matters one cannot dislike another because he does
not like the way he speaks, behaves, conducts his business, or because he
‘rubs him the wrong way’, is more prosperous, or is more honored than
him. Chazal teach that it is because of Sinas Chinam that we have been
in our current Galus for almost 2,000 years. As the Viduy
Booklet succinctly states--we may hate wicked deeds,
or someone’s behavior--but we
are not permitted to hate the person himself. The Viduy
Booklet adds in the name of the G’ra
that because everything that happens to us is decreed in heaven, it is wrong
to hate the person offending you--since he is Hashem’s messenger in doing
so. HaRav Aryeh Finkel, Mashgiach of the Mirrer Yeshiva in Yerushalayim was
once reciting the short paragraph of Avinu Malkeinu near the end of the
Mussaf Shemone Esrei on the Yomim Noraim--in which we ask Hashem to spare us
from sickness, disease and other tzaros--but
broke down crying only when he asked Hashem to spare us of Sinas Chinam.
This is an aveirah that we all can shed something of--and if we do so
together, may it bring the Geulah Shleimah in our time!
Special Note Two:
We provide a few brief notes below from
the Sefer Kovetz Halachos: Yomim Noraim by Rabbi Doniel
Kleinman, Shlita, containing the pesokim of HaRav
Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita:
1.
One performing Kapparos on behalf of another (moving the chicken,
fish or money around his head) and reciting ‘Zeh
Chalifaseich’ should first recite Kapparos for himself--so that one
who already Zakkai can come and help someone else become Zakkai.
2.
If one knows that his friend does not perform Kapparos--it does not
appear that it will help to perform Kapparos on his behalf without his
knowledge.
3.
A child over the age of nine who will at least fast for a portion of
Yom Kippur should also be educated on the importance of eating Erev Yom
Kippur.
4.
If someone drinks water after the Seudas HaMafsekes, and is doing so
not because he is thirsty, but just that he won’t be thirsty on Yom
Kippur, would not make a bracha on the water.
5.
Both the father and the mother should bentsch a child on Erev Yom
Kippur.
6.
It is better for the one being blessed to be in close proximity to
the one giving the blessing, but the bracha may be given at a distance as
well.
7.
If one embarrassed his friend in public, one must ask for his mechila
in public as well. However, it
is enough to ask for mechila in front of ten people even if he embarrassed
him in front of more than ten people.
8.
Not only should spouses ask mechila of each other, but family members
should ask mechila of each other as well, for through the course of the year
they may hurt each other in some way.
9.
One should ask mechila of a child whom he hurt or embarrassed--even
thought he must do so again when he becomes bar/bas mitzvah in order to
obtain forgiveness.
10.
Each time we recite Viduy it is a separate Mitzvah, and one should
have Kavannah that he is being mekayem the Mitzvas Asei Min HaTorah of Viduy.
One Viduy is not me’akev any other.
Children should also be taught to recite Viduy.
In the aggregate, one who recites Viduy in shul will have recited ten
Viduyim which, the Tur (Orach Chaim 620) writes corresponds to the ten times
that the Kohein Gadol mentions the Ineffable Name on Yom Kippur.
If a person is davening at home, he need not make up the Viduyim that
would be otherwise recited in Chazaras HaShatz.
11.
VeAhl Kulam Eloak Selichos
is not part of the Vidui, and need not be recited in a bowed position.
12.
If one recites the details of various sins found in alphabetical
order in the Chayei Adam (Chapter
143), it would be considered as if he is specifically listing his sins.
Of course, one should add any specific sins that he remembers.
When one adds his own specific sins in his own language, he may be
more sincere and embarrassed, and feel greater remorse about his sin.
13.
One beats his chest when reciting the words of Ashamnu as well as
when reciting the words Shechatanu in the Al Chait, and the words Al Chatayim at the end of the Al
Cheit. Additionally, one
should also beat his chest when mentioning any specific sin that he adds on
his own.
14.
Some have the custom not to wear gold objects on Yom Kippur.
This would not include white gold, nor would it include anything
which may look like gold, but is not truly gold.
15.
One who has the custom of washing his hands four times when he wakes
in the morning, should only wash three times on Yom Kippur, and one who has
the custom of washing three times upon leaving the bathroom, should only
wash once. One should not use
deodorant, as it is considered Sicha on Yom Kippur.
16.
Women should also recite Tefillas Zaka, and skip the parts that do
not relate to them. Women
must be careful not to recite Shehechiyanu twice.
17.
One should bring himself to cry in his Tefillos on Yom Kippur and
should make his requests of Hashem--even when Yom Kippur falls out on
Shabbos.
18.
When mentioning Shabbos in the Friday night davening, it would appear
appropriate that one have in mind that he is fulfilling the Mitzvah of
Zechiras Shabbos.
=================================
6 Tishrei
THE RAMBAM’S LANGUAGE: There is no ambiguity. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 3:4) writes exactly what we are to do during the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah: “LeHarbos
BeTzedakah U’VeMa’asim Tovim VeLa’asok BeMitzovs Yoser MeKol Hashana--we
must give more Tzedakah, do more good deeds and be very involved in Mitzvos--to
a greater extent than the rest of the year.” This is what we are supposed
to do--it is up to us to
do so!
-----------------------------------------------------
GRAND OPPORTUNITY--START
YESHIVAS MAICHAYIL EL CHAYIL IN YOUR SHUL OR COMMUNITY:
For the last few years we have seen the great success of Yeshivas Maichayil
El Chayil--where men, boys, and fathers and sons, COME BACK TO SHUL after a
post Yom Kippur Seudah to study Torah for an hour to demonstrate their
true rededication to the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah which is KeNeged Kulam.
To spur the boys on, gifts and raffles for Seforim and Yom Tov prizes can be
offered--and those donating the funds for the prizes, and purchasing them,
certainly have a Chelek in Talmud Torah DeRabbim--on Motzei Yom Kippur!
Please bring this INCOMPARABLE PROGRAM to your shul or community--and
what a sweetening Zechus it will be for you and yours on Yom Kippur! We
have sample flyers and raffle tickets. Please contact us if you have any
questions at all--347-409-5061.
--------------------------------------------
ANOTHER THOUGHT ON KABBALOS: Very often, much precious time during
the year is lost as one walks from place-to-place (such as from home to the
bus) without any focus. The mind is allowed to wander. Sometimes it is good,
and one reminds himself of things to do--but very often it may be more of a
waste of time, and even destructive as one considers ‘why he said this’
or ‘why she did that’? It may be a better idea for one to attempt to bli
neder commit to think about what he is going to think about before he
starts his walk (perhaps keeping items that need to be thought about on a
piece of paper and looking at it before leaving). Of course, the item to be
thought about can most certainly be Divrei Torah--as Chazal (Shir HaShirim
Rabbah) teach that the sechar for learning Torah while traveling is five times greater than
for learning Torah in a regular study position. Imagine the constructive
hours you can gain in just one year!
Hakhel Note: We
welcome your thoughts on Kabbalos!
-----------------------------------------------------
NOT
JUST
CLEAN INSIDE…: Chazal teach
that because we do not eat or drink on Yom Kippur as a matter of course, one
of the ways that we can accord Kavod to the day is by wearing a kesus nekiyah--clean
clothing in honor of the day. As many will be wearing their Shabbos clothing
on Yom Kippur, may we recommend that one take out the clothing now, and make
sure that it is free of spots or stains--so that one becomes clean--both
inside and out!
-----------------------------------------------------
HILCHOS SUKKOS: We continue our two Halachos a day in the 30-day
period before Sukkos:
1. It is forbidden to place
the sechach down before putting up
the walls of the Sukkah, as the placement of the sechach
should be the final act which makes the Sukkah kasher. It is likewise of utmost importance that when placing the sechach
on the Sukkah any shlak or awning
is rolled up. After the sechach
has been fully placed on the Sukkah and the Sukkah is kasher,
one may then roll the shlak or
awning on it (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 134:8). No trees may be directly above
the Sukkah. However, if the branches of trees next to the Sukkah (but not on
top of the Sukkah) block the sunlight from reaching the Sukkah, the Sukkah
is still kasher (Shulchan Aruch,
Orach Chaim 626:1, Bi’ur Halacha d’h Tachas).
2. In order to be yotzei
the Mitzvah of Daled Minim per se, one need merely pick up the Minim and put
them down, without even performing na’anuim.
If one has done so, it is still better to at some point pick them up again
and shake them in accordance with his Minhag. In all event, the more one
holds the Minim because they are precious to him, the more he demonstrates
his Chibuv HaMitzvah (it is for this reason that some do not put the
Minim down immediately after Hallel, but keep holding the Minim until after Kaddish
Shaleim following Hallel). When one holds the Minim in a holder, it is
considered as if he is holding them directly, as he is doing so to
demonstrate honor and respect for the Mitzvah. (SA OC 652:1, Rema; Dirshu
Notes 8 and 11).
-----------------------------------------------------
Special
Note One: In order to complete our review of the Ahl Cheits before
Yom Kippur, we will bli neder now review two Ahl Cheits per day, so
that we have the opportunity to briefly review each one of them in steady
steps. Today, we study both Ahl Cheits under the letter Reish:
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BeRitzas Raglayim Leharah--Running to do Bad
Hashem has given us the
ability to act with zerizus to perform Mitzvos and Ma’asim Tovim.
Today, in the fast-paced society that we live in, we may even have an added
measure and level of zerizus in everything that we do. However, the
Yetzer Hara abuses this usually beautiful trait and persuades us to
anxiously or hurriedly sin. This Ahl Cheit teaches us that the
passion and desire, the joy and the pleasure, one demonstrates in his
pursuit of a sin is in and of itself a sin. One must most certainly avoid
running out of a Shul or Beis Midrash, walking quickly towards someone to
tell him something that he should not be told, or move quickly to hurt
somebody in any way. We may add that when one performs an aveirah with speed
or quickness, he is giving kavod to the aveirah and demonstrating his
dedication and sincerity towards it. The word ‘ratz’ (run) is
related to the word ratzon (will)--as this demonstrates one’s true
feelings towards what he is doing (Kuntres Avodas HaTefillah, quoting
Alei Shur II, p. 257).
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BeRechilus--Tale Bearing
The
Torah specifically proscribes Rechilus with the words “Lo Seileich Rachil Be’amecha--do not tale bear among your
people.” Commentators have pointed out that the term Lo
Seileich (do not go) is used in the Torah in order to show that the very
act of going to tale bear is sinful. Rabbi Aaron Werner, in his commentary
on the Yom Kippur Shemone Esrei notes that the sin of Rechilus also includes
revealing secrets and encouraging contention. We must remember that it is
not only forbidden to speak Rechilus--it is also forbidden to accept the
Rechilus, or even to begin listening to it, unless there is a valid purpose.
We need only look at what happened to Nov Ihr HaKohanim, to the great sage
Do’eg and to the Malchus of Shaul HaMelech because of only a few words
that were uttered by Do’eg to Shaul HaMelech. Death and Destruction. We
should not be guilty of Rechilus--we should shudder at it!
Additional
Note: We
provide the following definitions based upon Guard Your Tongue by
Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Shlita:
Loshon
Hora:
Speaking badly about another Jew, even if true and even if meant in jest.
Rechilus:
Reporting
to someone what others have done or spoken against him in a manner which may
cause resentment. Hakhel Note: Remember, it is Rechilus,
even if it is true!
Motzi
Shem Ra:
Loshon Hora or Rechilus which is not true.
Ba’al
Loshon Hora: Someone
in the habit of speaking Loshon Hora or Rechilus-who loses his chelek in
Olam Haba.
Example:
“Rivka
borrowed your book without permission.” This is both Loshon Hora and
Rechilus. If it is not true, it is also Motzi Shem Ra.
Special Note Two:
ASERES YEMEI TESHUVAH ALERTS:
A.
In
Birchos HaShachar one thanks
Hashem for taking care of all of my
needs--She’asah Li Kol Tzarki.
What
a wonderful inspiration for one to remember daily--Hashem is there to take
care of me!
Is it not my responsibility to spend some time and effort considering
how I can act differently, how I can change for the better--in honor of
Hashem!
B.
“U’Chesov LeChaim Tovim Kol
Bnei Brisecha--inscribe all the children of Your covenant for good
life.” What is a good
life? The Kuntres
Avodas HaTefillah explains that it is life in this world which will be good
for Olam Haba.
C.
The following points are excerpted from Nachpesah
Deracheinu VeNachkora--a
pamphlet issued in
Lakewood
,
which is available (in Hebrew) by clicking here.
1.
The Aseres Yemei Teshuva are different than the other days of the
year, in that during these hallowed days, Hashem actually wakes us up to do
Teshuvah, while throughout the year a person must initiate the process in
some way on his own (Sefer Ya’aros
Devash, 1:1). This is the
meaning of the Pasuk that we recited on Tzom Gedalya and that we have
recited in Selichos: “Dirshu Hashem BeHimatzoh”--Hashem
presents Himself to us without our having to find Him (Yeshaya 55:6). If
a person would take the matter seriously, he would realize that his heart is
yearning for Teshuvah during these days.
Hakhel Note: Imagine that
HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, or HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, Z’tl, came
into the room to wake you up--wouldn’t you spring out of bed?!
Here we have the Melech Malchei HaMelochim Who has come to wake us
up--let us jump at the opportunity!
2.
We must search our ways--this may be difficult not only because it
involves real thought, but also because people forget what they do, or
repress what they have done--or at least the seriousness of what they have
done. It is for this reason that
the expanded versions of the Vidui (such as that of the Chida or the Chayei
Adam) have been published. On
the above link, one will find an expanded Vidui for one to reflect upon.
One should take specific notes on what he would specifically like to
correct, and how he will do so.
3.
The reason that one recites Vidui even over sins that he believes he
did not commit is threefold: (1)
Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh LaZeh--we
are all responsible for each other, and so we must ask forgiveness for our
mutual aveiros; (2) One may have committed the sin in a previous gilgul; and
(3) One may have committed the sin, and not have focused or remembered it.
4.
The Rambam in Chapter 4 of Hilchos Teshuvah brings 24 items which are
me’akev (hold back, or limit a
person’s ability to do) Teshuvah. One
of them is HaPoresh Min HaTzibbur--someone who separates himself from doing
something together with others, for he lacks the collective merit that they
have engendered. Another is Sonei
Es HaTochachos--one’s failure to listen to and apply the words of
Mussar that are related to him (everyone should grow at least in one way
from the Shabbos Shuvah Drasha that he heard).
A third is somebody who receives honor at the expense of another
person (even if that person is not there, and even if the other person is
not embarrassed). The last item
listed by the Rambam is HaMischaber
LeRasha--one who associates with a person who sins--for they leave a
mark whether or not one realizes it. We
all can stay farther away from one person or another of this sort (see the
Rambam there for the complete listing of items which are me’akev Teshuvah). Hakhel
Note: If one’s car would not
go over 20 miles per hour and he did a lot of highway driving, would he not
take the car in for repair? The
24 items which are me’akev
Teshuvah simply do not let us get up to the speed we need to be at!
D.
The period that we are in is a serious one and should be treated as
such. One should think twice
before joking around or acting with levity in order to ‘lighten the
mood’. As we all know, each
new day during the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah corresponds to one’s intending to
do Teshuvah for all of these days in the prior year.
E.
When preparing for Yom Kippur, and certainly on Yom Kippur itself,
when one recognizes or brings to mind a sin which he has particularly
transgressed, he should certainly stop and feel remorse for it. In the
Yom Kippur davening, we will recite, “K’Dalim
U’Chrashim Dafaknu Delasecha.” This means that we should view
ourselves before Hashem as, rachmana
l’tzlan, a poor person knocking on someone’s door and asking for
funds that he needs to survive. This is what we are doing as we stand
before Hashem. Fortunately, though, we are blessed with Someone Who
will answer the door and receive us warmly and with love.
F.
We must remember and spend some time working out the “Aveiros Kalos”--the
so-called lesser transgressions. The Sha’arei Teshuva (
1:38
)
writes that we should not look at the “smallness of the transgression” but
the Greatness of He Who warned against it. Secondly, if one
persists in a small transgression, the successive accumulation of Sin could
be analogized to a delicate and weak strand of silk which, through constant
redoubling, becomes a stout rope. Moreover, even as to a “small
transgression,” a person can be considered, rachmana
l’tzlan, a “mumar--an apostate”--in this particular respect(!).
Finally, Rabbeinu Yonah writes, if the Yetzer Hora gains even a “small
victory” over a person today, it can gain a greater victory tomorrow--so
you must stop him today!
G.
HaRav Shach, Z’tl, once traveled during the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah
to Tel Aviv to the Admor of Strikov. A student asked him why he was
traveling to Tel Aviv at a time when every minute was being scrupulously
measured. HaRav Shach responded that he had a Kabbala that before Yom
Kippur one should go to get a Bracha from a “Gutter Yid--a Good Jew.”
Let us take this essential lesson from Rav Shach-- and be sure to get
Brachos from our Rabbanim and other “good Jews.”
H.
Rabbeinu Yonah (in the Sha’arei Teshuva, outset of Sha’ar 4)
teaches that Teshuva is to the soul what a panacea is to the body.
This is beautifully reflected in the Avinu Malkeinus we have been reciting
daily, in which we ask Hashem: “HaChazireinu
Be’Seshuva Sheleima Lefanecha”, and then immediately follow this
plea with “Shelach Refuah Sheleima
LeCholeh Amecha.” Once we
have healed our soul, the healing of our body takes on greater meaning.
This is of course, also similar to the Mi Shabeirach for a Choleh in which
we first ask for a “Refuas HaNefesh,” and then for a “Refuas HaGuf.”
Remember, all of this healing is free, and the extent of all of our healing
is directly proportional to the sincerity and effort we invest in its
achievement.
I.
HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, notes that in the second Bracha of
Shemone Esrei which relates to Hashem’s Gevurah, we add the important
phrase “Mi Chamocha Av HaRachamim--who is like You Hashem, the Father of
Mercy?” What, HaRav Moshe asks, does Gevurah have to do at all with
mercy? Doesn’t Gevurah represent Din or justice? HaRav Moshe
answers that with this precise language Chazal are teaching us how we are to
perform acts of mercy--with Gevurah! We should not, for example, wait
for the poor person to come knocking at our door, or for the neighbor to ask
for the favor. Instead, we should strengthen ourselves and look for
the opportunities of Chesed. We should be Giborim in Rachamim.
To do so is to emulate Hashem, and to do so is the mark of the Torah Jew.
Hakhel Note: At the end of the day, you may want to think about where
you were a true Gibor in Rachamim. If you cannot find a shining
example, perhaps you could put it high on your list for the next day!
==========================================
5 Tishrei
WELCOME TO
5774!
MAY
IT
BE A
YEAR
WHICH IS MALEI BIRKAS
HASHEM!
-----------------------------------------------------
YOU
CAN STILL DO
IT! There are ten days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, and ten chapters in Hilchos Teshuva of the Rambam. Do you think that the Rambam
is
suggesting
that
we
learn
one
chapter
a
day
over
the
Aseres
Yemei
Teshuva?
Well,
at
this
point,
we
can
learn
two
chapters
a day
...
and
still
finish
before
Yom
Kippur!
----------------------------------------------
REMEMBER TO GIVE TZEDAKAH
TODAY--PLEASE!
Hakhel
Note: The
Yesod VeShoresh Ha’Avoda writes that one should be “Marbeh
BeTzedakah” because giving Tzedakah is a “Segulah
Neflaha LeKapparas HaAvonos U’Veyichud LaEvyonim MeHuganim Ba’alei Torah--giving
Tzedaka is a wondrous Segulah for forgiveness of sin--especially if it
is to poor Torah Scholars.” Over the next several days, let us
especially remind ourselves: Give! Give! Give! and
then…Give!
--------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE
DAY
: Chazal
teach that during the Aseres Yemei Teshuva we recite HaMelech Hakodosh,
rather than HaKel Hakodosh. Why is it that HaMelech must replace HaKel in
the bracha? Can’t we just add HaMelech before or after HaKel, so that it
IS HaKel HaMelech Hakodosh? After all, as we concluded U’Nesaneh Tokef,
did we not cry out that Hashem is Melech Kel Chai V’Kayam? Moreover, Kel
is even in the Shelosh Esrei Middos that we have been reciting and will
continue to recite so many important times through the end of Yom Kippur.
Why not continue to include it in the bracha, as we do on the other 364 days
of the year?! We look forward to your thoughts!
--------------------------------------------
HILCHOS SUKKOS: We continue our two Halachos a day in the 30-day
period before Sukkos:
1. One typically
makes Kiddush on Yom Tov morning and recites a Leisheiv
BaSukkah. If one will not be washing his hands in the Sukkah, but
instead will be going back into his house, by going inside he has
interrupted between his bracha of Leisheiv
BaSukkah and eating Challah in the
Sukkah, over which the Leisheiv
BaSukkah has been recited. Although this may be acceptable bedi’eved, the Sefer Sukkah
KeHilchasa provides other eitzos--either
eating sufficient cake after Kiddush before one leaves the Sukkah, or
drinking a revi’is of wine at the time of Kiddush (Shulchan Aruch Orach
Chaim 643 Dirshu Note 10). One may want to consult with his Rav based upon
his personal facts and circumstances.
2. On the first
morning of Sukkos, one recites two brachos over the Daled Minim--Ahl Netilas Lulav and Shehechiyanu.
He should not shake the Lulav until after he has recited the Shehechiyanu.
The Bikkurei Yaakov writes that one should make the brachos over the
Daled Minim before davening in the Sukkah ahl
pi kabbalah and also to demonstrate zerizin
makdimin lemitzvos. Certainly, even for those who have the custom to
wait until immediately prior to Hallel in Shul to recite the brachos, it is
best to daven K’Vasikin so that
one can perform the Mitzvah as close to sunrise as possible. However, even
if one is not davening K’Vasikin,
the Seder HaYom writes that if it
is the Minhag of one’s Shul to recite the bracha in Shul together before
Hallel, one should not deviate from the Minhag. The Bikkurei
Yaakov adds that in such an
instance it is best for a person to come home after davening and shake the
Lulav in the Sukkah (SA OC 644, Mishna Berurah seif katan 3 and Dirshu Note
1).
-----------------------------------------------------
Special Note One:
In order to complete our review of the Ahl
Cheits before Yom Kippur, we will bli neder now review two Ahl Cheits per day, so that we have the opportunity to briefly
review each one of them in steady steps. Today, we study both Ahl Cheits
under the letter Kuf:
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BeKalus Rosh--Acting In a Lightheaded Manner
HaRav Dessler,
Z’tl, writes that when one adapts a lightheaded attitude, he makes it
difficult for himself to focus and strengthen himself in Mitzvah
performance. It is difficult to act with sincerity and earnestness when one
treats matters somewhat lackadaisically. Pathway
to Prayer writes that the cheit of Kalus Rosh refers to acting without
the appropriate fear of heaven when doing Mitzvos, or in a holy place (such
as a Shul or Beis Midrash) and notes that specifically included in the
prohibition of Kalus Rosh in a Beis Haknesses is joking, laughter and idle talk (Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 151:1). Furthermore, when one jokes or acts in a
frivolous manner, it can lead to more serious aveiros, as Chazal teach (Avos
3:13
): “Sechok V’Kalus Rosh Margilin
Le’ervah--laughter and lightheadedness lead to licentiousness.” Finally,
concludes Pathway to Prayer, the Mesilas
Yesharim (Chapter 5) writes that laughter and lightheadedness remove
one’s heart from straight thoughts and gradually remove the fear of Hashem
from him. Hakhel Note: The Mesilas
Yesharim also writes that one leitzanus
or one tzechok katan can destroy
the many gains made by a person [as one missile can destroy a building], and
that accordingly a person must act with great discretion and care, even if
he is tired or the Yetzer Hara is convincing him that a ‘good joke’ is
appropriate under the circumstances, in order to ensure that the many gains
one has made in the Teshuvah area are not lost by even a single
inappropriate behavior.
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BeKashyus Oref--Being Stubborn
When one finds himself
thinking ‘this is the way I do
things’; ‘this is just who I
am’; ‘I can’t do better’’--he is using his stubbornness to not
accept constructive criticism or words of rebuke or improvement.
Additionally, when one looks at events that are happening to him as
‘coincidence’ or ‘part of life’, then he is also guilty of Kashyus
Oref because he is refusing to review the events of his life as
personalized to him. HaRav Dessler, writes that stubbornness can come from a
strong desire (ta’avah) implanted in him by the Yetzer Hara which he does not
want to change. After the Cheit HaEgel, Hashem advised Moshe Rabbeinu that
K’lal Yisrael had acted as an ‘Ahm
Keshei Oref’’--stubbornly not allowing themselves to be free of the
passions and desires they had before Kabbalas HaTorah. Succinctly stated, if
one finds himself ‘digging in’ in any area--whether an opinion or in
conduct--and not with an open ear and mind to the words, to the
circumstances, to the situation around him--he is acting with stubbornness,
and must do Teshuvah for doing so.
Special
Note Two: We provide Aseres
Yemei Teshuva Alerts relating to this precious week which holds the
majority of the Aseres Yemei Teshuva within it. We especially note that
there are still six days left-- six days of action--which can help us attain the
Birkas Hashem and the sweet year that we so long for:
A.
Last week at this time we were blowing Shofar. This week, we no
longer hear the wondrous and piercing sound. Why is this really so--if the
Shofar is to move us to Teshuva should we not continue to hear its sublime
message through Yom Kippur-- as we reach the epitome of Teshuva?’ We may
suggest that the Shofar heralds the Days of Judgment--that the King will
soon be arriving to sit in Judgment and will stay close to us (Dirshu Hashem
BeHimatzo) from Rosh Hashana through Yom Kippur. Once the King arrives on
Rosh Hashana, though, it would be superfluous and even perhaps insulting to
the King and even to His subjects that any kind of reminder is needed that
the King is here. We must accordingly be acting in a very special way at
this time--with the knowledge and awareness that the King is here this week
visiting with us. Our learning,
our tefillos, our mitzvos, should be and feel different. It would not hurt
for a person to make a little sign for himself to place on his desk,
refrigerator or other conspicuous place that reads ASERES YEMEI TESHUVA--just
so that the extra caution and precaution, care and vigilance, is exercised
during these precious days.
B.
Next week at this time we will no longer have the privilege of
reciting the incredible and powerful Avinu Malkeinu tefillah. We must
treasure each opportunity this week--and each and every plea for mercy
should be heartfelt. Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita teaches in the name of HaRav
Yitzchok Hutner, Z’tl that Avinu Malkeinu provides a very special
combination: A father sometimes wants to give to his child but is unable--he
doesn’t have the ability, the time, the funds, etc. A king, on the other
hand, has all of the above--but he simply may not have the willingness or
desire to help his subject. Hashem, however, is different. As
a Father--Ich Vill--I want to
give, and as a King--Ich Kenn--I
can give! We therefore approach Hashem as our Father and King who can
certainly actualize our requests! The Father and King needs only to see and
hear that we are His loyal son and subject. Indeed, even if we have gone
astray in the past, he can see the sincerity of our current requests--as we
heartfully plead with Him “Chaneinu
VaAneinu ...Asei Imanu Tzedaka VaChesed VeHoshieinu.” Suggestion:
Perhaps we can stretch out our hand and have a Hirhur Teshuva as we ask for
this Tzedaka VaChesed here to demonstrate our fervent belief in the Dirshu
Hashem BeHimatzo that this week so especially and uniquely houses!
C.
When we recite the words in Selichos and on Yom Kippur of “Aval
Anachnu VoAvoseinu Chatanu--but
we and our forefathers have sinned,” we must remember that they are
actually part of the Viduy itself. In fact, the Rambam in Hilchos Teshuva
(2:8) calls these words the “lkar” of Viduy. Accordingly, it would
appear that one should be slightly bowed over as he recites these words, as
in the remainder of the Viduy.
D.
Everyone must realize that not only is he a judge, as he is
constantly judging other people (hopefully-favorably--for everyone’s
sake), but that he is also a Rebbi--teaching others by his behavior. What
time he arrives in Shul or to learn, how he treats Seforim, how he
demonstrates respect to others when talking to them, how appropriately he
dresses, how careful he is in reciting brachos, how he treats a person
asking for charity or help, are just some of the most daily activities where
are ‘students’ learn from us. We can create daily Kiddush Hashem or c’v
Chilul Hashem which can carry on for years (and maybe even generations) in
and through the conduct and behavior of others who learn from us--our
neighbors, friends and family. Our thoughtful actions not only have
ramifications in the heavenly worlds now--but in the future in this very
world! Let us go for daily Kiddush Shem Shomayim--making it a part of our
daily awareness and our daily goal!
Special Note Three:
Teshuva for a Life of Wrongdoing:
The wonderful Sefer, Journey to Virtue by Rabbi Avrohom Ehrman, Shlita (Artscroll),
provides the following essential guidance for one who feels inundated by
past wrongdoings:
Even if one has regularly offended people (through
Lashon Hara, Rechilus, verbal abuse, etc.) for many years and caused
incalculable damage during that time, one should not despair, for nothing
stands in the way of Teshuvah. No
matter how low a person has stooped, Hashem is ready at all times to accept
his Teshuvah. Furthermore,
Hashem desires and awaits his return. “And
until the day a person dies You wait for him, if he will return to You, You
will immediately accept him” (Tefillah of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur).
The Rambam writes in Hilchos
Teshuva (7:4, 7): Let not a person who has done Teshuvah imagine that he
is far removed from the greatness of Tzadikim because of his sins and
iniquities. It is not so;
rather, he is beloved and desired before the Creator as if he had never
sinned. Furthermore, his reward is great because he ‘tasted sin and then
left it, and overcame his evil inclination….
How great is Teshuvah. Yesterday (before he did Teshuvah) he was
distanced from Hashem…if he cried out to Him he was not answered…when he
performed Mitzvos they were taken away (i.e., they were unwanted)…and
today (after he has decided to return to Hashem)…when he cries out he is
answered immediately…when he does Mitzvos they are accepted with pleasure
and joy…and furthermore, Hashem desired them! (ibid)
Although it may be impossible to recall the
identity of all those who were harmed, one should at least make efforts to
placate the ones whom one does remember having wronged.
A person who wants to do Teshuvah for years of wrongdoing should
engage in four different activities:
(a) He
should rectify whatever he possibly can.
(b) He
should take steps to distance himself as much as possible from repeating his
old patterns of behavior. He should make efforts to avoid situations in
which he will be tempted to repeat those wrongs, and should take active
steps to ensure that his resolution to change his ways are carried out.
For example, he should study Mussar and the laws pertaining to the
wrongs committed. If his
personality led him to abuse others or speak Lashon Hara, he should examine
the sources of the problem and get help to change his behavior patterns.
(c) Torah and acts of
kindness are atonements for wrongdoing.
Thus, if a person wants to atone for previous behavior he should
engage in Torah study and act with kindness to others.
(d)
The righteous find favor doing precisely those activities with which
they had previously sinned. Thus,
someone who wishes to atone for Lashon Hara, verbal abuse, cheating, etc.
should try to teach and spread knowledge of these Mitzvos and prohibitions
and encourage others to observe them. At
the height of the ecstasy of rejoicing on Sukkos, those who repented said,
“Fortunate are our older years that have atoned for our younger years.”
Most important is the need to firmly resolve that from now on these
wrongs will not be repeated.
Hakhel Note:
Hashem has given us unbelievable opportunity to cleanse ourselves of
years of accumulated grime. Let
us make the effort at this special time to come clean!
========================
29 Elul
KESIVA VECHASIMA TOVA--we wish each and every one of you a Kesiva
VeChasima Tova, a Year which is replete with Chayim Tovim and Shalom!...We
would graciously accept your brachos for the coming year!
------------------------------------
ROSH! HaRav Dessler,
Z’tl, explains that Rosh means ‘head’ and just as the
head of a body contains the mind which controls and runs the entire organism
(and if there is a problem in the head, the rest of the body is affected as
well), so too, is Rosh Hashana--the head of the year essential for
the health and well being of the rest of the year. The more that one
is successful in his Avodah of Rosh Hashana--the more successful he will be
the entire year!
------------------------------------
SHIRA!
In last week’s Parsha, we
learned that Moshe was instructed to “Sima
Bifihem--to put the Torah into our mouths.”
A Rav once explained that just as with a person who can be fed by
others, but must swallow on his own, so too can the Torah (with all of the
modern technological advancements and publications which assist us) be put
into our mouth--but we still must ingest it on
our own! Additional
Note: HaRav Dessler, Z’tl,
explains why the Torah is suddenly referred to as
Shira in last week’s Parsha, especially when it comes to the Mitzvah
of writing a Sefer Torah. If we
were to simply view Torah study as a requirement, an obligation, the right
thing to do, or the like--then it is not
a Shira, a song to us, and it will be difficult for it to be
‘written’--to have a Kiyum
within us, and for the next generation.
We should reflect upon and appreciate the beauty and sweetness of
Torah--the Shira of Torah! For
this is Torah study that is ‘written down’--that lasts and is
everlasting!
Hakhel Note: Here is Shira in practice--FOUND
YESHIVAS MAICHAYIL EL CHAYIL IN YOUR SHUL OR COMMUNITY:
For the last several years we have seen the great success of Yeshivas
Maichayil El Chayil--where men, boys, and fathers and son, COME BACK TO SHUL
after a post Yom Kippur Seudah to study Torah for 45 minutes or an hour to
show their rededication for the new year to the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah
which is KeNeged Kulam. To spur the boys on, gifts and a raffles for Seforim
and Yom Tov prizes can be offered--and those donating the funds for the
prizes, and purchasing them certainly have a Chelek in Talmud Torah DeRabbim--on
Motzei Yom Kippur! Please bring
in your shul or community--and what a sweetening Zechus it will be for you
and yours in the Yemei HaDin! Please
contact us if you have any questions.
------------------------------------
SHOFAR ALERT:
Some of the custom of reciting or looking at Yehi Ratzons after the initial
blowing of the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah morning.
These Yehi Ratzons mention the names of Malochim.
Rabbi Ezra Rotkin, Shlita has brought to the community’s attention
a Teshuva from the Minchas Elazar who
teaches that in some Machzorim--censors or other meshumadim were able to r’l
implant oso ha’ish in the first
Yehi Ratzon! The Artscroll and other more recent Machzor publications of the
Machzor have removed this blight--but if you are using an older Machzor or
know someone that is--and you recite or look at these Yehi Ratzons--please
beware!
------------------------------------
SPECIAL
MESSAGE!
The three Tefillos of Malchiyos, Zichronos and Shofros are parallel to the
three Yesodos HaEmunah of Mitziyus Hashem (Malchiyos), Sechar VeOnesh (Zichronos),
Torah MiSinai (Shofros). As we
recite these very special Brachos, let us do so slowly and
meaningfully--every word, every Pasuk is important!
Our careful following of the Chazzan’s repetition of each of the ten
Pesukim of Malchiyos, Zechronos and Shofros is as if we recited them again!
Remember--This is a great part of the essence of Rosh Hashanah, and
we will discuss it a bit further below
------------------------------------
A
NEW
KABBALA
OPPORTUNITY
! The Chofetz Chaim writes that when a person
recites the words VeAhavta Es Hashem
Elokecha, he should think about the Greatness of Hashem and how He gives
life to all worlds, in comparison to one’s own smallness--and by this a
person will recognize the goodnesses and gifts that Hashem constantly
bestows upon him from the time he was born and through eternity.
If a person cannot focus on
this during the Shema, the Chofetz Chaim continues, then at least he should
try to think about it one time a day, and he suggests that this time may be
after davening before one eats--just as other Mitzvos like Tefillin or
Luvav, which one does not eat prior to their performance. What a wonderful
pre-breakfast thought!
------------------------------------
HILCHOS SUKKOS: We continue our two Halachos a day in the 30-day
period before Sukkos (please continue on your own until we B’EH resume on
Monday!):
1. 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 Hadassim 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 Hadassim and Aravos must stop four
inches below the highest point of the shedra--which is the point at which
the centermost branch last splits.
2. All of the Daled
Minim must be properly acquired--from the most expensive Esrog through the
most reasonably priced Aravah. This means that when one ‘is left with’
purchasing fresh Aravos on Erev Sukkos, he must be sure that the person
selling them has the authority to sell them and is of an age who can legally
transfer ownership of an article that he has acquired. If one is not careful
with his Aravos in this regard, he will not be Yotzei the Mitzvah of the
Daled Minim--notwithstanding
that the other three minim may be perfect(!) (SA, OC 649)
-----------------------------------------------------
Special Note One:
In order to complete our review of the Ahl
Cheits before Yom Kippur, we will bli neder now review two Ahl Cheits per day, so that we have the opportunity to briefly
review each one of them in steady steps. Today, we study both Ahl Cheits
under the letter Tzaddi:
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BiTzediyas Reiah-- Secretly Hurting Others
This Ahl Cheit
includes going behind other people’s backs in ways which causes their
dignity or respect to be lowered, and in ways which can cause them financial
harm. The term Tzediyas includes
the ‘lying in wait’ or stalking--even
if no harm is actually caused. HaRav Dessler, Z’tl, writes that this
Ahl Chait includes attempting to trap a friend’s heart, which will allow
his judgment to be improperly tainted. The Dover
Shalom writes that this Ahl Cheit also includes causing one to err in
judgment, pretending to be one’s friend for personal purposes, and
preventing others from doing Mitzvos.
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BeTzaros Ayin--Small Mindedness
The Sefer Viduy writes that small mindedness goes beyond miserliness--and
includes envy over the possessions of others, feeling bad about someone
else’s success, and not dealing with people in a friendly manner or with a
cheerful countenance. Pathway to
Prayer adds that it also refers to one who does not want to do good for
others. The Dover Shalom writes
that it also includes complaining about the cost of Shabbos, Yom Tov and
other Mitzvos.
Special Note Two:
NOTES FOR EREV ROSH HASHANA:
A. Shlomo HaMelech, the
wisest of all men, teaches us in Mishlei that “Yiras
Hashem Tosif Yamim--the fear of Hashem provides us with additional
life.” It would be totally appropriate for us now to feel some real
nervousness, some real fear before the Yom HaDin. Of course, as we
have pointed out, the fear should be coupled with a joy of knowing that our
Teshuvah, Tefilla and Tzedakah can extricate us from a Din that we might chas
veshalom otherwise deserve.
B. Specifically with
respect to Tzedakah, Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, Shlita, points out that the
words ‘miser’ and ‘misery’ are too closely related for comfort.
On the other hand, HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, rules that post-dated
checks when given to a Tzedakah are counted for your immediate Zechus now
before the Yom HaDin. Let us take the time now to give additional
Tzedakah, so that Hashem will, Middah K’Neged Middah treat us with
additional Tzedakah on the Yom HaDin.
C. If one asks for
forgiveness now, and does not wait until Erev Yom Kippur, he has most
certainly increased his merits prior to the Yom HaDin. May we
additionally suggest that one make a special effort not to annoy others with
his conduct or speech, for if one treats others with courtesy, pleasantness
and caring, there is a Middah KeNeged Middah for him to be blessed with the
same. Hakhel Note:
The Chofetz Chaim (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 606, Sha’ar HaTziyun 8)
provides us with a truly amazing teaching.
He rules that if someone forgives his friend for something his friend
did against him b’meizid u’bimered--maliciously
or intentionally--then Hashem will forgive him even for the Mezidin--the
intentional acts that he commits.
D. Please remember to have
all clothing that will be worn on Rosh Hashana checked for Shatnez.
Shatnez clothing inhibits Tefillos from rising to the Shomayim (as discussed
in detail in Praying with Fire II). If there is any doubt
whatsoever as to any item of clothing for men, women, or children, it is
urgent that they be checked before being worn on Rosh Hashana.
E. There is the story of a
Russian citizen walking in the dark in the middle of the night.
The Russian army soldier ordered him to stop once, twice, and three
times, but he did not. Finally,
the soldier said: “In the name
of Nikolai the Great I order you to stop!” but the citizen did not stop.
The soldier shot him in the leg and then simply learned that the
gentlemen was no terrorist or criminal, but a person who did not want to be
bossed around for nothing. When
the citizen sued the soldier for hurting him--the soldier’s
answer--accepted by the court--was: “If
all else failed, when I ordered him to stop in the name of Nikolai he should
have.” We must recognize that
the time has now come for us to stop and realize the importance of the
moment. As HaRav Dessler
advises, if one would only take a look back at the events of the prior
year--he must realize that they all emanated from the several days ahead of
us. Let us use them wisely--and
to their utmost!
F.
The Poskim remind us that we dare
not get angry on Rosh Hashanah--and Hashem will hopefully act in a
similar manner towards us--Middah
K’Neged Middah...and may it be a Siman Tov for the year! Let us begin practicing today--on Erev Rosh Hashanah!
G
The Maharal (Gevuras Hashem Chapter 51) writes that the word “Shana”
(year) comes from the word “Shinui” (different, change) because each
year is (or, at least, should be) different than the previous one.
Following this concept, Rosh Hashanah is, then, the beginning of
the time of change. Yet, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 603)
brings a conduct change that it is customary to undertake during the Aseres
Yemei Teshuva (eating only Pas Yisrael breads, cakes, pretzels, etc.).
Why is this conduct change limited to the Aseres Yemei Teshuva and not
extended for the whole year? We know of two
possible responses:
Response One:
The changes, while limited, demonstrate to the person the he can break
previous “hergel”, day-in, day-out habits and practices. Yes, it
is hard to get out of a rut (coming late to shul, hurting others with words,
tossing brochos out of the mouth), but one can and one must do so. The
real bottom line is – If I am not for myself, who is for me--and if not
now when?
Response Two:
When a new employee starts to work, he is sure to go well above and beyond
the call of duty the first few days (arriving early, doing extra jobs,
etc.). Certainly, at this time of year, when you now realize you are
working for the King of the entire World and Universe, you will do your
absolute UTMOST. By undertaking the specific Aseres Yemei Teshuva
changes, and by doing additional mitzvos-by going above and beyond the call
of duty-we demonstrate that we are working for the King anew, which is a
nice step in the right direction. If we can keep the awareness
going…we will even “Keep the Change”!
H. From HaRav
Dessler in a letter to his son in 5695: “…My dear son, please
remember what is before you, the Day of Judgment, which requires great
preparation. You must daven from the depths of the heart to arouse
Rachamei Shomayim (Mercy from Heaven) that we merit Heavenly Assistance,
and that Hashem gives us success in attaining Teshuvah from the depths of
the heart, for this is the ikar (essence) through which we can emerge
innocent in justice B’Ezras Hashem. (Michtav M’Eliyahu Volume 4, page
313).”
Additional Note
One: The following is a brief summary of a powerful, meaningful, and
practical Shiur given by HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita, relating to our
Rosh Hashana Tefillah: Dovid
HaMelech teaches in Tehillim (102:18) “Panah
El Tefillas Ha’Arar Velo Vaza Es Tefillasam--Hashem turns to the
Tefillos of one who is aroused and does not disregard their prayers.”
Chazal (in the Yalkut Shemoni to this Pasuk) teach that this Pasuk
refers specifically to the generations “which do not have a Kohen, a Navi,
or a Beis HaMikdash to achieve Kappara for them, but rather what is left for
them is the Tefillos that they supplicate on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.”
Thus, according to Chazal, our
Tefillos over the next several days are our Kohen, our Navi, our Beis
HaMikdash to achieve Kappara, atonement. HaRav Salomon points out that
our Tefillos on Rosh Hashana seem to be especially marked with the Malchus
of Hashem, and do not appear to leave room to incorporate our personal needs
or requests. HaRav Salomon said
that “we asked the Steipeler, Z’tl, whether one can make his own private
Bakashos, his personal requests on Rosh Hashana.”
The Steipeler responded that generally speaking this is a Machlokes
between the Poskim who allow it, and the Mekubalim who teach that one should
drive away his own needs on behalf of the Malchus of Hashem, and not act
like dogs who bark out, “Hav, Hav--give, give.” The
Steipeler continues that according to all opinions--even according to the
Mekubalim--a person can make his personal appeals, his personal requests to
Hashem on Rosh Hashana if they relate to Kavod Shomayim, to Kiddush Hashem.
If one just wants to be given this, or given that, he should not make
the request. However,
if, for example, he wants to learn or daven better to enhance his
relationship with Hashem, for Hashem’s honor; or if, for example, he wants
to earn a Parnassah, so that he can fulfill the Mitzvos in a more beautiful
way--then he is showing an appreciation of life which is a life LeKavod
Shomayim. This is a request
which is befitting for Rosh Hashana. Based upon this great teaching of the
Steipler, HaRav Salomon implores us all to compose our own personal Tefillos
for Rosh Hashana, relaying to Hashem what we need and how it will bring
Kavod Shomayim. We should then
recite our self-composed Tefillah (which can be in English) in Elokai Netzor
at the end of Shemone Esrei--preferably before “Asei
LeMa’an Shemecha--do it for the sake of Your Name”--which
demonstrates that your request truly is for the sake of Hashem’s name.
HaRav Salomon concludes and urges:
“Don’t lose this priceless opportunity!
Write down on a piece of paper what requests you will make from
Hakadosh Baruch Hu at the end of Shemone Esrei.
Discuss it with your spouse, what do you really need, Parnassah,
shidduchim for a child, more Kedusha in the house, more respect from a
child, health etc. Fine tune
that request list. Anything that
is important to you should be put on the list, just keep in mind that the
end of the Tefillah is, Asei LeMa’an Shemecha…Asei Lema’an Kedushasecha…you are
assured if the requests are for the Kavod of Hashem, for increased Kedusha,
they will certainly be granted!”
Additional Note
Two: Chazal teach us that the
Navi Hoshea was taught that he should have pleaded to Hashem on behalf of
K’lal Yisrael with the words Bonecha Haim, B’nei Chanunecha, B’nei Avraham Yitzchok
VeYa’akov--Galgeil Rachamecha Aleihem!”
We too must plead on behalf of Hashem’s children--who are the children
of the Avos and our brothers as well! A
Rav asked us to focus our readers’ attention on the beginning words of our
Selichos daily--KeDalim U’cheRoshim
Dofaknu Delasecha--we are all impoverished as we seem Hashem’s
compassion. We should recognize
that every person has his own pekele
of issues and difficulties--
AND
DAVEN NOT ONLY FOR OURSELVES BUT FOR
EVERY MEMBER OF K’LAL YISRAEL. There
are those with physical problems, mental problems, Shalom Bayis problems,
Parnassah problems, Shidduch problems--there are so many issues--we must
expand our “me” our “I” to encompass those who are one with us.
During the Selichos Period and over the Yomim Noraim we are not only
davening for ourselves! Let us make the effort to open our hearts far and
wide--and may Hashem open the door even farther and wider!
Please
click here for the link--it is extremely important!
Remember, there
are no limits to what we can accomplish with Siyata D’Shmaya, and just one
sincere Tefillah can get us there!
Special Note Three:
NOTES FOR ROSH HASHANA:
A. There are
several reasons why challos on Rosh Hashana are round (ibid., p. 206):
(a) It
is a Siman Tov, because round objects don’t have an end, symbolizing
Arichus Yomim--life where there is no end in sight!
(b) The
round shape symbolizes unity among us--a King needs a unified nation!
(c)
The round shape is the shape of a crown. This serves to remind us that
even while eating our meal, we are involved in the Malchus of Rosh Hashana.
B.
FROM A READER: “Rabbi David Ordman recently told an audience of women
at Um Ani Homa in Bnai Brak that the best preparation for Rosh
Hashanah is gratitude. When we feel hakaros hatov for all that
Hashem gives us, it brings us closer to Him and our awe of His greatness
increases. Rav Ordman recalled that Rav Elyashiv, Z’tl, once
asked his son to teach him the correct English words to thank his American
surgeon. When his son responded that he would be happy to thank the
doctor in his father’s name, Rav Elyashiv informed him that hakaros
hatov may not be delivered by a shaliach and cited as proof our davening
Shemonah Esray. The congregation can be yotzei with every
bracha along with the shaliach tzibur except for one—Modim!”
C. Chazal
teach that one who answers Amen
properly is granted length of days and length of years.
Over Rosh Hashana, perhaps we can try to improve our Amen response.
With Amen, you affirm that
Hashem is your ‘Kel Melech Ne’eman.’
There are additional Kavanos as well, depending on what you are
responding to, regarding which you can consult your Rav or teacher.
D. The Zohar (Parshas
Noach) teaches that when we answer “Amen,
Yehei Shemai Rabba” with all our strength, Hashem “becomes
full of mercy” for us. May we therefore suggest that, especially
over the Yomim Noraim, when answering “Amen,
Yehei Shemai Rabba” in Shul you look into the Siddur and
concentrate on the words.
E. Especially
when davening on Rosh Hashanah, starting with Adon Olam, and throughout the
davening, search for the word “Melech” and reflect from
time-to-time on Hashem’s Malchus relationship with you. One should
also realize that with Hashem’s Malchus comes the awareness that despite
one’s apparent wealth, one has nothing and owns nothing but for the
beneficence of the King, and should humble himself in Prayer. For
further elucidation of this concept see Sefer Tomer Devorah Chapter 9
(Malchus).
F. HaRav
Shlomo Wolbe, Z’tl, reports that Rebbi Yisrael Salanter, Z’tl, would be
“Ma’arich Meod--spend considerable time” with the words in Shemone
Esrei of “Kasveinu BeSefer HaChayim LeMa’ancha Elokim Chayim”--for
this is the hope of a human being that his life be imbued with LeMa’anecha--with
fulfilling true purpose and meaning in life. We do not want to only
live--we want to live life to its real fullest. Additional Note:
HaRav Wolbe asked HaRav Yechezkel Levenstein, Z’tl, what to tell his
students on Rosh Hashana. After many minutes of silence HaRav
Levenstein told him “Zug Der Bnei Yeshiva Uss Iz A Ribbono Shel Olam in
Der Velt--tell them that there is a Ribbono Shel Olam in the world.”
If one keeps this life-guiding thought on his mind, he will be focused and
he will succeed.
G. HaRav
Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, explains that when we ask Hashem to remember the
Akeidas Yitzchok, we are not asking Hashem to recall a gigantic event of the
past--but rather, a metziyus in Ruchniyus that was created by Avrohom
Avinu at that time and continues through our day--it is a metziyus of
Mesiras Nefesh of Avrohom Avinu and Yitzchok Avinu to do the will of Hashem.
By referring to it, we connect ourselves to the Mesiras Nefesh of the Avos
which still exists in the world.
H. In truth, the
Ruchniyus of our deeds--for the good and for the bad--also continue on in
the world and do not dissipate after the Mitzvah, or r’l aveirah
has been performed. When one does Teshuvah then, explains HaRav
Friedlander, he is not erasing an event of the past--he is eliminating the
current metziyus of negative Ruchniyus that exists as a result of the
sin. Teshuvah transforms any inappropriate Ruchniyus that was created and
exists into a Ruchniyus that gives Nachas Ruach to Hashem.
It is essential that we realize and act on this on Rosh Hashana
I. In our
Rosh Hashana Tefillos, we recite that Rosh Hashana is a Yom Teruah Mikrah
Kodesh Zecher L’Yetzias Mitzrayim. At a Shiur, HaRav Mattisyahu
Salomon, Shlita, posed a straightforward but fundamental question: We
understand how the Shalosh Regalim are rooted in Yetzias Mitzrayim.
What, however, does Rosh Hashana have to do with Yetzias Mitzrayim--how
is a Zecher L’Yetzias Mitzrayim?! HaRav Salomon explained
that, in truth, our experience at the Seder and over Pesach is supposed to
leave a great and lasting impression upon us--to effect a change in our
attitude. However, after the Seder, although one may feel uplifted, he
does not really know what effect, what mark, the experience has made on his
life. It is on Rosh Hashana that the mark will be felt. The
degree, the extent to which one feels that Hashem is omnipotent, and knows
and sees all of one’s thoughts, words, and deeds, is the extent to which
one has internalized the Yesodos HaEmunah that Yetzias Mitzrayim represents.
Pesach is a time when we learn about Hashem’s power, Sechar
V’Onesh and Hashgacha Pratis. Rosh Hashana is a time when we live
our belief. We must tremble in awe and be overjoyed (Gilu
BiReAdda) at the realization of the Malchus of the day. This
is an Ikar of Living our Emunah! We must then take
Hashem’s Power and Presence with us every single day and in every single
situation. Incredibly, HaRav Salomon brought that HaRav Chaim
Brisker, Z’tl, taught that if a person does not learn parts of the Torah
he is not an apikores--but if he does not know the Thirteen Ikarim--the
Thirteen Ani Ma’amins, then he is! It is therefore of
utmost importance that we review and understand the Thirteen Ikarim--and put
them into practice in our daily life. The extent of our awe and joy
over Hashem’s Malchus on Rosh Hashana is indeed a direct result and
outcome of the lessons of Yetzias Mitzrayim. This is what we take
with us and demonstrate on Rosh Hashana--and this is what we must take with
us in the coming year! Regarding the concept of crying during one’s
Tefilos on Rosh Hashana, one should be sure to consult with his Rav.
One thing, however, is certain--whether or not one cries tears, one should
certainly cry out.
J. Regarding
the concept of crying during one’s Tefilos on Rosh Hashana, one should be
sure to consult with his Rav. One thing, however, is certain--whether
or not one cries tears, one should certainly cry out.
K. HaRav Leib
Chasman, Z’tl, asks why it is that of all of the possible Chapters of
Tehillim to recite before Tekias Shofar do we recite Chapter 47, which is LamNatzeiach
Livnei Korach. He importantly answers that this Chapter reminds us
of the Bnei Korach who were saved at the last possible moment from going to
the depths of Gehennim. Thus, with an earnest Hirhur Teshuva one can
still now, a very short time before Din, save himself as the Tekios are
blown!
L. Reb
Yisrael Salanter, Z’tl, in the Sefer Ohr Yisrael writes that the
time of Tekias Shofar, when one is judged on his deeds, is like the time
that the Kohein Gadol entered the Kodesh HaKodashim. Accordingly,
during the time of Tekias Shofar, one should consider himself-- and feel--as
if he in the innermost chambers of the Bais HaMikdash. One must, of
course, have Hirhurei Teshuva before entering.
M. The Yesod
V’Shoresh HoAvoda (Sha’ar 11, Chapter 3) writes: “And with each
and every Tekiah that a person hears from the Tokea, he should with great
joy think--’With my listening to this Tekiah, I am fulfilling a Mitzvas
Asei of Hashem, and I want to give Hashem Nachas Ruach with this.’
N. Rabbi
Shlomo Pearl, Shlita, reminds us that even slight daydreaming may lead a
person, who is otherwise listening to the Tekias Shofar, to not realize
which blast is actually being blown. This may result in his losing a
Mitzvas Asei DeOraysa on this great day. Accordingly, he urges each
one of us to keep his finger in the Machzor on the Shofar blast that is then
being blown. Additional Note: LeHalacha if one steps out after
the initial 30 blasts to use the facilities, he does make an Asher Yatzar,
notwithstanding that the 100 blasts have not yet been completed.
O. As we hear
the order of Tekiah, Shevarim, Teruah, Tekiah, we realize that the first
sound may represent us in our current state--solid--believing that we are
doing pretty well as a Shomer Torah U’Mitzvos in a spoiled, degenerate and
perhaps even decadent environment and world--and that our behavior is really
a Tekiah. However, upon a little thought, reflection and analysis
represented by the Teshuva process--we arrive at Shevarim, we break
ourselves down a little bit and realize that there really is something to
correct. Once we have opened up the thought process enough, we get to
Teruah, in which we thoroughly break through, shattering our self-contained
aggrandizements and illusions--and realize that much work is to be done for
us to reach our true and great potential. If we go through the process
of Tekiah, Shevarim, Teruah--then we will be able to complete it with
another Tekiah--a new and different Tekiah of advancement in Avodas Hashem.
If one repeats the process enough--he can complete it in its entirety--
resulting in a Tekiah Gedolah!
P. We briefly
noted above the tremendous significance of Malchiyos,
Zichronos, and Shofros We must remember that the most essential part of
Tefillas Mussaf both for the individual in his recitation of Mussaf
silently, and in the Chazaras HaShatz, are the 10 Pesukim of Malchiyos,
the 10 Pesukim of Zichronos, and
the 10 Pesukim of Shofros.
One should very much endeavor to understand the meaning of the words of each
of the Pesukim as he is reciting them. It takes time. One must
also be very careful to follow the Shatz as he recites these Pesukim--as
although they follow many Piyutim, and one may be tired, they are actually
the most essential part of the Chazoras HaShatz. These Pesukim are
extraordinary, for through them one accepts upon himself Ohl Malchus
Shomayim, and through them Hashem remembers us for the good.
Remember--Hashem in His abundant kindness, gives us the opportunity to
recite theses Pesukim on our own, and then to carefully listen to the Shatz
recite them again. If you are a Shaliach Tzibbur, who has already put
great Kochos into the meaningful Piyutim, please remember that when the
Mishna in Maseches Rosh Hashana talks about Tefillas Mussaf it talks about
these Pesukim as the essence of Mussaf--so please recite them meaningfully,
with deep feeling and intent.
Q. We present
below the essential words of the Sefer HaChinuch teaching his son
both about Rosh Hashanah, and about the meaning of the blowing of the Shofar.
The following is excerpted from the masterful translation of the Sefer
HaChinuch by Rabbi Charles Wengrov (Feldheim Publishers).
First, with respect
to Rosh Hashanah (Mitzvah 311):
“… on this day
all human beings in the world are judged for their deeds. Chazal said
by way of imagery--to make it clear that His providential regard extends
over the activity of every single individual, and not over the species in a
general way--that all human beings pass before Him like sheep in single
file--in other words, one by one, and not mingled together.
“Well, at the
root of the precept of this holy season lies the theme that it is of God’s
kindnesses toward His human beings to recall them and regard their deeds one
day in every single year, so that the iniquities should not become a great
many, and there should be room for atonement. Abundant in His kindness
(Exodus 32:6), He tips [the scales of justice] toward loving-kindness, and
if they [the sins] are few, He pardons and clears them away. And if
there are wrong deeds among them that require cleansing, He exacts payment
for them bit by bit, in keeping with what Chazal taught (Avoda Zara 4A):
’From his friend, a man will collect his debt bit by bit.’ But
if He would not call the sins to account for a long time, then they [the
sins] would become so very many, until the world would almost incur
destruction, Heaven forbid.
“Consequently,
this distinguished day ensures the endurance of the world. It is
therefore fitting to make it a festival day that it should be in the list of
the precious holy times of the year. However, since it is the ordained
time for everyone alive to be judged, it is proper to behave then with
reverent fear and awe, more than on all other holy times of the year. This
is the reason for the theme of the ‘memorial of the Shofar—sound’
(Leviticus 23:24) mentioned with it: for the teruah (Shofar--sound) is
a broken call, to intimate that everyone should break the force of his evil
inclination and have remorse for his bad deeds.”
As the Sefer
HaChinuch continues his instructions to his son with respect to the Mitzvah
of Shofar (Mitzvah 405):
“At the root of
the precept lies the reason that since man is a creature of physical matter,
he is not aroused to things except by something stirring, in the way that
people at the time of battle will sound horns and even shriek, in order to
be well aroused to war. Then so, too, on the day of Rosh Hashanah, the
beginning of the year, which is the day determined of old for all those who
came into the world to be judged on it... For this reason everyone
needs to arouse his nature to entreat mercy for his sins from the Master of
mercies; for Hashem is gracious and compassionate, forgives iniquity,
wrongdoing and sin, and absolves those who turn back to Him with all their
heart. Now, the sound of the Shofar greatly stirs the heart of all who
hear it, and all the more certainly the sound of the teruah, which means the
broken (quavering) peal.
“Apart from the
arousal that is inherent in it, there is a reminder for man to break the
impulse of his heart that is evil with the cravings and sinful matters of
the world, as he hears the broken (quavering) sounds. For every
person, according to what he sees with his eyes and hears with his ears,
will prepare his heart…This is why R. Yehudah said: ’On Rosh
Hashanah, a shofar [horn] from male animals is to be blown’--in other
words, the bent (curved) horn of rams, so that a man should remember when he
sees it that he is to bend his heart in subservience to Heaven...”
Hakhel Note: It is
clear from the Sefer HaChinuch that it is our mission at this time of year
to experience feelings, true feelings. Feelings of love, feelings of
fear, feelings of awe, feelings of reconciliation, and feelings of
happiness. We must take a few moments to close our eyes and come to
ourselves, perhaps with a few tears to show for it. It is interesting
to note that there may be both tears of sadness and tears of joy, but they
are both tears--for they both represent what lies within us being brought
forth.
Let us properly
prepare for Hashem’s Kingship over the world, by first experiencing
kingship over ourselves!
We must remember
how precious the moments on Rosh Hashana are, and when we feel we are
tiring, refresh ourselves--as we pray for our lives, the lives of Klal
Yisrael and the lives of the world!
Special Note Four:
A NOTE FOR SHABBOS SHUVA:
A. This Shabbos is known as
‘Shabbos Shuva’ with the word Shabbos coming before the word ‘Shuva’
in order to teach us the preeminence of Shabbos even over matters which
could otherwise help us with our Teshuva process.
B. The Mishna Berurah (Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 423, seif katan 2) writes that on each one of the days of
the Aseres Yemei Teshuva a person should look into his ways relating to his
activities over the year on that particular day of the week. Perhaps
this is easiest to do for Shabbos, in which a person’s schedule and
activities are usually fixed. A person should reflect: What
mistakes did I make in Hilchos Shabbos last year? What improvement
will I make to my Shabbos table? Will I start to sing some additional
zemiros? Will I try to have more guests over? How can I improve
my Shabbos Tefillos? What special Parshas Hashavua commentary will I
bli neder undertake this year? Will I be careful to eat Melave Malka on
Motza’ei Shabbos? This Shabbos is the time to have these special
thoughts and make some Shabbos decisions! Hakhel
Note: As this is the first
Shabbos of the year--let us make sure bli neder that we are mekabel Shabbos
on-time--or even a few minutes before the time.
May it be a Siman Tov for one’s Kabbalas Shabbos for the rest of
the year!
C. In this week’s Haftara,
the Navi Hoshea (14:2,3), after urging us to do Teshuva (Shuva Yisroel!)
immediately instructs us on how to do Teshuva with the words “Kechu
Imachem Devorim Veshuvu El Hashem--take words with you and return to Hashem.
We must take our words with us--we must realize (as the Vidui Booklet
points out) that a GREAT NUMBER of the sins we mention in the Vidui of Yom
Kippur have to do with misuse and abuse of that great power that
distinguishes us from animal--our power of speech. The Chofetz Chaim
teaches that if we are more circumspect with our speech, we can be free
of the following Issurim:
1. Lashon Hara--brings many, many other aveiros along with it and can
destroy relationships, families and lives
2. Rechilus--as above, and perhaps even more hurtful to the person
3. Sheker-while Hashem’s seal is Emes!
4. Chanufa--including egging on...’you’re right!’
5. Laitzanus--mockery, poking fun, ridicule
6. Ona’as Devorim--hurtful or insulting words
7. Halbanas Panim--one reader pointed out that embarrassing another in
public causes
one
to forfeit his share in Olam Haba--and then asked if this is so --is this
the greatest aveira--even greater than Chillul Hashem....
8. Divrei Ga’avah--words of arrogance--even though the sign of
greatness is humility (Iggeres Haramban)
9. Divrei Machlokes--fighting, argumentative words
10. Divrei Ka’as--words of anger that you won’t be able to take
back.
Perhaps we can keep this
list around near a place(s) where we can look at it before we are about to
make a statement or comment, or have a conversation, that is not within our
usual manner of speech. Remember the VERY FIRST words of instruction
of the Navi--Kechu Imachem Devorim--VeShuvu el Hashem! May you
hear your success--with your very own ears!
Hakhel Note: As noted
above, if you can free yourself of an Aveira--you will then be reciting the
Vidui exclusively on behalf of someone else (as Kol
Yisrael Areivim Zeh LaZeh)--so you will be fulfilling an additional
mitzvah of VeAhavta LeRayacha Kamocha!
================================
28 Elul
NOTE
ON
SELICHOS: The Elef Hamagein
notes that Selichos is structured as an additional Tefillah during the
day--beginning with Ashrei, continuing with Selichos (whose supplications
parallel Shemone Esrei) and concluding with Tachanun. What a special
privilege it is to recite this special Tefillah every day until Yom Kippur--with
especially detailed requests on Erev Rosh Hashana when we need them so much!
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TEFILLAH FOR
TESHUVA: We provide by
clicking here the Tefillah, as published in the Sefer Kav HaYashar for one’s self,
one’s family members, and one’s friends to do Teshuva--especially
invaluable at this time of year.
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PARSHAS HA’OLAH: Chazal teach that a Karbon Olah is brought for not
fulfilling a Mitzvas Asei, and for improper thoughts. In
our current time, when we have no actual Korban Olah, Chazal teach (Menachos
110A) that being osek in the Parshas Ha'Olah stands in its place and stead (see Sefer
Sha’arei Teshuvah, Sha’ar
Daled). In the outstanding
Siddur Tefillah L’Moshe, which contains notes by Rabbi Tzvi Yavrav,
Shlita, of the teachings of HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, the Parshas
Ha'Olah and relevant Tefillos are provided, and we
provide them by clicking here. One should attempt to
obtain the Siddur, for in it he will find much more wealth!
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REMEMBER--THEY
CARE! Over
the next two weeks, we will be hearing many drashos from our Rabbanim and
teachers asking us to improve. One of the famous teachings of the Rosh is
that “one should be happy when hearing words of Mussar, as if having found
a great treasure.” HaRav Aharon Kotler, Z’tl, explains this
passage with the following analogy: A young soldier is suddenly
surrounded by the enemy. Out of nowhere, a senior officer appears and
shows the soldier exactly how he can extricate himself from the
situation--and even defeat the enemy. Our Rabbanim, our Maggidei Shiur,
our teachers are our senior officers who are extending a life-line to us
with their guidance and teachings. Should we not rejoice with, and
should we not implement, their heartfelt words of direction and assistance?!
Listen carefully and closely--and seriously ponder and think about-- how to
thrive and grow from their words!
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ERUV TAVSHILIN: Within
the next month, we will be blessed with the opportunity to make an Eruv
Tavshilin three times. To assist in properly performing this wonderful
Mitzvah, we provide by
clicking here an Eruv Tavshilin Review, as reviewed by HaRav Yisroel Belsky, Shlita:
Please feel free to
distribute further!
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PAS
YISROEL LIST: We
provide the following link to the OU’s Pas Yisroel list for the coming
year, for those who are particularly careful on Pas Yisroel during the
Aseres Yemei Teshuvah -- http://oukosher.org/blog/consumer-news/pas-yisroel-list-5774/
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HILCHOS SUKKOS! We
continue our two Halachos a day in the 30-day period before Sukkos:
1. Why does the
bracha of Leishev BaSukkah not
have to be made while standing, as many other Birkos HaMitzvos? The Pri Megadim writes that just like the bracha over Hafrashas
Challah can be made sitting because through doing so it is going to
permit one to eat (which is done sitting), so too, the bracha of Leishev
BaSukkah permits one to eat his meal in the Sukkah--and therefore it can
be said sitting. The Pnei Yehoshua writes
that only for a Mitzvah which is to be performed standing need the bracha be
recited standing, but for a Mitzvah which can be performed sitting, the
bracha over the Mitzvah can be recited sitting as well. It does not appear
that the Mishna Berurah would
agree with the explanation of the Pnei
Yehoshua, as he rules that Megillas Esther can be read sitting, although
the brachos must be recited while standing. Note: The Rambam rules that the
bracha of Leishev BaSukkah should
be recited after Kiddush, both of which are said standing, and the person
should then proceed to sit down (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 643:2, Dirshu
Note 3)
2. If one had
already eaten Mezonos and made a Leishev
BaSukkah, and now wants to be Motzi others with the bracha of Leishev
BaSukkah as they are about to make Kiddush and start a Seudah, HaRav
Aharon Leib Shteineman, Shlita, rules that he may do so (ibid., Dirshu Note
7).
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Special Note One:
As our approach to the Yomim Noraim becomes more intense, in order to
complete our review of the Ahl Cheits
before Yom Kippur, we will bli neder now review two Ahl
Cheits per day. Today, we study both Ahl Cheits under the letter
Peih:
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BiPhrikas Ohl--Casting Off Responsibility
HaRav Dessler,
Z’tl, learns that this Cheit refers to not just downright insubordination,
but to not approaching one’s responsibilities with the proper seriousness,
sometimes acting with negligence, sometimes in a nonchalant manner, and
sometimes with laziness. Our responsibilities include accepting Ohl
Malchus Shomayim, Ohl Yiras Shomayim, as well as the Ohl Torah and Ohl Mitzvos.
One's Cheit in this area becomes compounded when, because he shirks a
responsibility, someone else is forced to step in when he should not nor
need not do so. Pathway to Prayer
brings the Rabbeinu Yonah (Sha’arei
Teshuvah 3:169), who describes one
lacking in Ohl Yiras Shomayim as
‘one who fulfills Mitzvos by rote, and when they succumb to sin they do
not sigh or worry about it’. Included in one who shirks his Ohl Torah is one who does not use the limited time he has to learn
wisely, considering it as part of his ‘recreation’ or ‘free time’,
and not as the precious time that he has with Hashem’s heavenly gift to
us.
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BiPhlilus--Improperly Judging
HaRav Dessler,
explains that this Aveirah includes questioning a Torah law, or the
teachings of Rabbanim. It also includes questioning the Hanhaga
HaElyona, such as why reshaim
seem to be successful and at peace in this world. There is a third area
which this Cheit covers: When one judges another unfavorably or improperly
passes judgment on another, he has sinned BiPhlilus.
If one can think of instances where he has not given someone (including a
close family member) the benefit of the doubt, then-- after asking him for
forgiveness, here is where he should sincerely sigh--and ask forgiveness
from Hashem as well.
Hakhel
Note: We once again provide by
clicking here a Tefillah to Hashem that you judge others L’Chaf
Zechus.
Special
Note Two: As we focus on Teshuvah, we recall the following additional
teachings of the Rabbeinu Yonah in the Sha’arei
Teshuvah:
A.
Lashon Hara is weighted against several chayavei misos.
Hakhel Note: As the
Chofetz Chaim points out, the act of murder kills one person, while the act
of Lashon Hara can kill three--which is evidenced with the Ma’aseh of Nov
Ir HaKohanim in which the speaker (Doeig), the recipient (Shaul HaMelech),
and the one spoken about (Achimelech and the people of Nov) were all killed.
B.
The sin of embarrassing another person is so great because shame
could be more bitter than death. One
who is Motzi Sheim Rah against a person or a family can effect a permanent p’gam
upon him or them, and so the speaker can never attain a Kapparah.
Moreover, one who shames another person in public is among the people
who go to Gehenom and do not leave.
C.
If one is unsure whether the road or path he is on has unclean matter, he
should not mention Hashem’s name, nor speak Divrei Torah.
D.
The reason that Hashem ‘gives wisdom to the wise’ is because they
honor the Torah and study it with a spirit of kedusha.
E.
It is forbidden to join together with the person who is a Rasha not
only in worldly matters--but even for the purpose of a Mitzvah.
F.
A person is obligated to think about ways in which he could provide
good Eitzos to his friend--and this is one of the Ikarei
Darchei Gemilas Chassodim.
G.
Although one is permitted to show respect to a powerful person even
if he is wicked, one should not praise them or speak well about them to
others.
H. “Tzedakah Tatzil MiMaves--Charity saves from death”, and that
it also therefore must save from yisurin as well. Remember--Tzedaka
Today--Please! Hakhel
Note: You can still help support the Bnei Torah in Kiryat Sefer--whatever
dollar you give will be matched, dollar-for-dollar. Please go to www.yadeliezer.org
and write Kiryat Sefer in the comment section.
Special
Note Three: Significant Elul Alerts:
A. Something
easy to correct: In the coming year, one can take upon himself, bli
neder, not to ‘leave for a short while’ or ‘make a phone call’
before making any Bracha Achrona--whether it be bentsching, Ahl HaMichya or
Borei Nefashos. One can also take upon himself, bli neder, to
be careful about not saying: “I will bentsch now and eat/drink this
after I bentsch--one should be cognizant to avoid any bracha she’aynah
tzricha--any bracha that is not necessary at any point during the day.
B. Something
easy to remember: At this time of year we especially focus on the
gift of life. Shlomo HaMelech, the wisest of all men, teaches us that
“Eitz Chaim He LaMachazikim Bah--the Torah is a tree of life for
those who hold onto it.” The Sefer Tomer Devorah
(Chapter 8) explains what holding onto the Torah includes:
“One must help those who study Torah not only with money, but with deeds.
One should honor them and encourage them in their studies, strengthening
their desire and ability to study. One can honor the Torah and those
who study it through words, through the actions of his body, through his
monetary possessions, and by stirring others to honor Talmidei Chachomim as
well...." Let us all grasp on to this tree of life--in the many
valuable ways that we can!
C. Kepitel 51
of Tehillim is sometimes known as the “Chapter of Teshuva”. It
would be a worthwhile investment to read this Chapter slowly and with
feeling. Dovid HaMelech there teaches (ibid, Pasuk 10) Tashmieini
Sason V’Simcha--advise me of joy and happiness. Rashi and
the Radak there explain that the joy and happiness being referred to is
Selichas HaCheit. With this, we can understand the Kol Sason
VeKol Simcha that we sing about at a Chasunah--it is the forgiveness
that that Chassan and Kallah attain on their wedding day! Indeed the
Sefer Peleh Yoeitz writes that one should be MeSame’ach the Chassan
and Kallah by reminding them that they are now free of sin. By
undertaking the Teshuva process, we are effectively preparing ourselves for
great joy-- actually the joy shared by a Chassan and Kallah!
D. The story
is told of a man who brought his son to the Chofetz Chaim, and asked the
Chofetz Chaim for a bracha that his son become a Talmid Chochom. The
Chofetz Chaim looked at the young man in front of him, and then looked at
the father and said to him: “Un Vus Vet Zahn Mit Dem Tateh?!--And
what about the father?!” Now is the time to focus on expanding
our own potential, in order to maximize our lives. It is
very important for us to realize that everything that we will be doing over
the next crucial days does make a difference and will
make a difference.
E. If one
asks for forgiveness now, and does not wait until Erev Yom Kippur, he has
most certainly increased his merits prior to the Yom HaDin. May we
additionally suggest that you make a special effort not to annoy others with
your conduct or speech, for if you treat others with courtesy, pleasantness
and caring, there is a Middah KeNeged Middah for you to be blessed with the
same. By
clicking here you will find related
teachings of Chazal as to how one can be Zoche BeDin, as provided in
previous years. If someone would merely provide you with his reasoned
thoughts on how you could win the lottery, wouldn’t you lend a listening
ear? Well, here we have (lehavdil) none other than Chazal--teaching
us how we can win--our lives!
F. As we have noted
in the past, when making a brocha, is it “Melechaolam” (what does this
mean?), or is it “Melech HaOlam”? The difference, quite literally,
is rulership over the world!
G. Each one of us
is really very wealthy in many ways. Among those ways is that
commencing on Rosh Hashana we can begin many different
programs which are broken down into daily segments, including: Positive
Word Power; Praying with Fire; Praying with Fire II; and The
Chofetz Chaim a Lesson a Day. Which treasure will you choose?
Truth be told, you can choose more than one!
H. We provide the
following words from HaRav Shimon Schwab, Zt’l, (as found in Day 83 of
Praying with Fire): “For Hashem’s sake, let us be quiet in the Beis
Haknesses. Our reverent silence during the Tefillah will speak very
loudly to Him, Who holds our fate in His hands. Communicating with
Hashem is our only recourse in this era of trial and tribulations.
There is too much ugly noise in our world today. Let us find peace and
tranquility while we stand before Hashem in prayer!”
I. We
received the following insight from a reader relating to Teshuva in personal
relationships: “As people interact, they can ask themselves, ‘How would
I react if my mother/father did/said this to me?’ This puts a person
in a different mindset and can really help a person treat his fellow man
with kavod.” Hakhel Note on this insight: The Chayei
Odom (67:1,3), notes that true Kibud Av V’Eim which is a source of Arichus
Yomim (we all need a special grant of that at this time of year!) is
fulfilled not only in action and in speech, but also in thought. If
one is blessed with parent(s) who are alive, the Chayei Odom continues, he
should view them as “Gedolim
V’Nichbedei Aretz--great and honored people in the land,” even if he
knows that other people do not treat them with special respect or importance
at all. In fact, the Chayei Odom concludes, honoring parents in
one’s thought is the “Ikar Kibud--the most important way of respecting a
parent”--perhaps because this demonstrates that you really mean it.
Our reader, with the thought above, has fulfilled the mitzvah beautifully!
J. HaRav
Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, in Sifsei Chaim (Moadim 1), writes that
Noach lived through three different periods in his life--first in the world
before the flood, then in the Teiva, and finally in the postdiluvian New
World. In a remarkable sense, each and every one of us is like
Noach. We experience three different times each and every year. During
the year we may have committed misdeeds which must be rectified (like the
world before the flood), followed by the period of Elul and the Aseres Yemei
Teshuva--being the time in the Teiva to rectify them, and the new
post-Teshuva world open for us to utilize to its utmost. It is our
role now to use our time in the Teiva to its utmost!
=====================================
27 Elul
WELCOME TO THE LAST THREE DAYS OF THE
YEAR--May we especially excel and stand out in our honesty, integrity
and Kiddush Hashem as we enter and continue this practice into the New
Year. Ask yourself: Will this be one of my primary Kabballos?
Additional Note: Because of the great importance of these last three
days, the Yetzer Hara will undoubtedly work overtime to make one feel upset,
depressed, angry, and even strangely to “get in” those last Aveiros of
the year before the awesome day of Rosh Hashana begins. These days are
the days in which we can show our Gevurah, and end the year on a most
positive note by not falling prey to his tactics and guile, and instead
filling the days with Mitzvos and Ma’asim Tovim, in a good temperament and
in positive preparation…for the first day of the New Year 5774!
TOMORROW! THE WORLDWIDE HASHAVAS AVEIDAH INITIATIVE! Hakhel
and
KEY
invite all to participate in The Worldwide
Hashavas Aveida initiative, tomorrow, 28 Elul, all are encouraged to return
any lost or unreturned items that might be in their possession, or to pay
back any money that is owed.
To
participate, please review the
list below and see if you can return any of these, or any other unreturned
or found items that you have or are aware of:
*
Sefarim that have been borrowed (from an individual, or Beis Midrash or shul)
*
Money loaned to you (including when you ran short of cash and someone loaned
cash to you at the checkout counter or otherwise)
*
Keys you found
* Items
children left in your home (jackets, tzitzis, yarmulkes, hats,
gloves...)
*
Items brought home from camp, but that belong to someone else
*
Items which adult guests have left in your home
*
Raincoats or umbrellas -- or jewelry for a simcha that you borrowed from
someone
*
Misdelivered mail
This
is a very important mitzvah for any day, but especially before Rosh Hashana!
Join us this tomorrow, by doing this special mizvah.
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THE ROSH PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING POINTED TEACHINGS
IN THE ORCHOS CHAIM LAROSH:
(1)
In the week of Rosh Hashana, one should study the Igeres HaTeshuvah of the
Rabbeinu Yonah (found in the back of many editions of the Sefer Sha’arei
Teshuvah).
(2)
Always remember MiD’var
Sheker Tirchak.
As we continue in the last few days of the year, perhaps we can
be especially careful to make sure that even the whitest of untruths does
not leave our mouths.
(3)
Chaver Tov HaYeh LiYireih Hashem--be a good friend to those who
fear Hashem. It may be a
wonderful suggestion at this time of year to decide to befriend or get
closer to someone who you feel is more lofty or elevated in his actions and
pursuits.
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EITZOS
FOR THE YOM HADIN:
We provide by clicking
here a wonderful summary (in Hebrew) of Eitzos
to be zoche on Yom HaDin.
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HILCHOS SUKKOS! We
continue our two Halachos a day in the 30-day period before Sukkos:
1. The Rema rules that one should commence building the Sukkah immediately
after Yom Kippur, for he fulfills a Mitzvah in building the Sukkah as well.
The Bi’ur Halacha writes that
according to the Yerushalmi the building of the Sukkah is a separate Mitzvah
(i.e., separate and apart from sitting in the Sukkah), and one would
actually make the bracha of Asher
Kideshanu BeMitzvosav…La’asos
Sukkah; however, the Bavli disagrees, and holds that it is not the ikar
Mitzvah. There is a Machlokes Achronim as to whether according to the Bavli
it is still a Mitzvah to build to the Sukkah (and a person should preferably
perform the Mitzvah on his own), or whether it is a hechsher Mitzvah--which
prepares one to dwell in the Sukkah over Sukkos (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim
641, Dirshu Note 1).
2. A child who
becomes Bar Mitzvah over Sukkos would not recite a Shehechiyanu over the
Mitzvah of Sukkah, as he already recited (or was Yotzei) the Shehechiyanu prior to his bar mitzvah. With respect to a Ger who converts to
Yiddishkeit over Sukkos, the Bikurei
Yaakov is unsure whether he would make a Shehechiyanu at that time, as
the chiyuv came upon him together with all Mitzvos, and not as a special
Mitzvah that only comes MeZman LeZman--at
designated times during the year for which the Shehechiyanu would be recited
(SA, OC 641, Dirshu Note 8).
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Special Note One:
As our approach to the Yomim Noraim becomes more intense, in order to
complete our review of the Ahl Cheits
before Yom Kippur, we will bli neder now review two Ahl
Cheits per day, so that we have the opportunity to briefly review each
one of them in steady steps. Today, we study both Ahl Cheits under
the letter Ayin:
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BeEinayim Ramos--Lofty Eyes
HaRav Dessler,
Z’tl, explains that lofty eyes refers to inner ga’avah, in which a
person puts down or disregards others in his heart, feeling greater than
them, and that this leads to many other sins Bein
Adam L’Chaveiro. Hashem says about someone who has this attitude: “Osah
Lo Uchal--him I cannot bear.” (Tehillim 101:6) The Kuntres Avodas HaTefillah brings from the Sha’arei Teshuvah that
the tikun for lofty eyes is for a person to actually lower his eyes. We may
suggest that this is so because one’s outward actions affect one’s
inward nature. Additionally, when a person senses that he is feeling an air
of superiority about him, or looks down at another--he must also ‘look
down’ at himself--to understand who he really is. Rabbi Tovalsky’s
guidelines in LeAnavyim Yitein Chein
presented over the last several days should prove extremely helpful to one
who feels that he is superior to this one or that one, or who finds himself
looking down at other people.
Ahl
Cheit Shechatanu Lefanecha BeAzus Metzach--Demonstrating Brazenness
It is said over in
the name of the Chofetz Chaim that the one and only basis for sending a
student away from Yeshiva is an attitude of brazenness. The middah of Azus
is reserved for us only to be strong in the performance of Mitzvos when
faced with challenges, and for no other purpose. Pathway
to Prayer writes that for one to use it by responding to his Rebbi or
Rav or anyone with an undeserved level of disrespect is severe enough for
Chazal to term such a person a Rasha. Moreover, it is about such a person to
whom Chazal referred when they stated “Az
Panim LeGehenom” (Avos 520). Finally, Pathway
to Prayer concludes: “A brazen person is also lacking one of the primary characteristics of a Jew, as the Gemara (Yevamos
79A) teaches, these are the signs of a Jew, they are merciful, shamefaced
[the opposite of this characteristic] and benevolent.”
Special Note Two:
ELUL ALERTS:
A. It is said that a
Chassidishe Rebbe once came to an inn in Elul and heard two gentiles
talking. One said to another--”It’s planting time now--if you don’t do
a good job planting now--what will you have to eat for the rest of the
year?!” The Rebbe understood
the message.
B.
As we are now reciting Selichos, we must remind ourselves that Chazal
teach us that our supplication of the essential 13 Midos of Rachamim--does
not return empty-handed. We
accordingly provide by the following links the “plain meaning of the
words” [in
Hebrew by clicking here] and [in
English by clicking here] of the 13 Midos. We
should study these words and their meanings (made available in the links,
and from other sources such as the Artscroll and Metsudah Selichos) so that
our supplications have more powerful and effective force.
Additional Note
One: It is important that we
note that the Elef HaMagen (in the
name of the Birkei Yosef and Maharik), writes that while reciting the Thirteen Midos (Hashem,
Hashem), one should be in a slightly
bowed position--to indicate humility and regard for the hallowed words
that one is reciting.
Additional Note
Two: A Gadol once observed that
people say: “I am going to ‘say’ or ‘recite’ Selichos.”
In fact, however, one is really going to be “Mevakeish
Selichos--one is going to plead with Hashem for His mercy and
forgiveness.” Let us keep this
in mind for the days of Selichos that follow.
C. We provide by
clicking here
a wonderful Malchus Card,
based
upon an incredible Shiur given by HaRav Shlomo Brevda, Z’tl. The
card is supplied on a ‘four pages per sheet’ format, so that you can
print-out on harder stock, and distribute in Shul. Let
us excel this Rosh Hashanah in Kabbalas Ohl Malchus Shomayim!
D.
As we continue to contemplate Hashem’s Malchus in preparation for
the Yomim Noraim, may we suggest that one consider why we mention the word
“Melech” in the bracha of Refaeinu in Shemone Esrei, and why we refer to
Hashem’s “Kisei Kevodecha--Throne
of Glory” in the bracha of Asher Yatzar. Indeed, it may be a good
idea to reflect upon this very important notion for a moment every
time we recite Melech in Refaeinu and Kisei Kvodecha in Asher
Yatzar!
E.
At this time of year, in which we seek a nullification of any
difficult decrees against us, we note the primacy of answering “Amen;
Yehei Shemei Rabba” with Kavannah as a special means for assisting us with
our goals. We provide
by clicking
here
the words of HaRav Chaim Volozhiner, Z’tl, in the Sefer Nefesh HaChaim
regarding this Kavannah and its potency. Now is the time to improve
your “Amen; Yehei Shemei Rabba”
by looking at the words in your Siddur/Machzor as you say them, reciting
them aloud, and understanding each word as you recite it--with the intention
of ever-increasing Kavod Shomayim the world. In addition to the Kovod
Shomayim coming through your Tefillos being answered, you could very
literally be bringing Yeshuos to yourself, your family, and all of K’lal
Yisrael--and there are a lot of things that we need Yeshuos from both
individually and collectively.
F.
Chazal teach that if one says “Echta
V’Ashuv, Echta V’Ashuv”--I will sin and repent, sin and repent--he
will not be able to do Teshuva. Why
not--as long as the Teshuva is the final step?!
One answer may be because he will continue to do the aveira “just
one more time and just one more time”--and he will not be able to end
at the Teshuva stage. A reader
advised us of the story of a smoker who because of blood clots r’l
had a leg amputated. The doctor
sternly warned him to stop smoking entirely, so that he would not have the
same fate happen to his other leg. However,
the smoker continued to smoke from time-to-time daily--based upon the
‘logic’ of ‘what could one
cigarette do?’ We must
realize that each aveira does damage, and that because one aveira leads
to the next (aveira goreres aveira), the damage is multiplied many times
over. Accordingly, one can never
be in the mode of sinning and doing Teshuva and then sinning and doing
Teshuva again--because if he permissibly allows the
‘first cigarette’--which is inherently destructive, and which leads
to the next ‘just one more
cigarette’.
Hakhel Note: The opposite, is, of
course, true of Mitzvah performance. Each
Mitzvah has incomparable inherent riches associated with it--and then leads
to further Mitzvos multiplying the wealth many times over.
G. We are all
searching for ways which will help us be Ma’arich
Yamim--gain length of days. Chazal
provide us with many different instructions which can help in this regard.
See, for example, Megillah 27B-28A.
The Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 79, seif katan 5),
provides one instruction which we can all follow:
“for one who is careful not to mention Divrei Kedusha in an unclean place--it is said about
him U’Vadar HaZeh Ta’arichu Yomim--and
through this, one’s days will be lengthened!
Let us remember this throughout the day--and gain life--simply by
properly revering that which is holy!
Special Note
Three: We provide a few brief
notes below from the Sefer Kovetz Halachos: Yomim
Noraim by Rabbi Doniel
Kleinman, Shlita, containing the pesokim of HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlita
:
A.
One must recite Birkas HaTorah before reciting Selichos.
B.
It is better to recite less Selichos with Kavannah, than more without
Kavannah--however one should always be careful to recite the 13 Midos
together with the Tzibbur.
C.
We wash and take haircuts on Erev Rosh Hashana to demonstrate our
faith that Hashem will perform a miracle for us and find us innocent on Rosh
Hashana. Even though one may
take a haircut a day or two before Rosh Hashana, it is still a greater Kavod
Yom Tov to take it Erev Rosh Hashana itself.
D.
One need not recite Hataras Nedarim on Erev Rosh Hashana in the
morning--one may recite it the night before as well.
E. Yehi Ratzon.
As a matter of fact, even if one does not have the different
species--he can still recite the Yehi Ratzon because the ikar
is the Tefillah and Bakashas Rachamim. Note:
Rabbi Kleinman adds in his notes that since the Simanim are all for a
Siman Tov, the Mishna Berurah emphasizes that all
the more so should we be careful not to anger in these days--so that
this too will be a Siman Tov for the coming year!
F.
There are different customs as to whether one recites the Yehi Ratzon
with Hashem’s name (i.e., Hashem Elokeinu Vailokei Avoseinu) or not.
If one has made a Bracha on the food item, he should eat a little bit
before reciting the Yehi Ratzon.
Otherwise, he should recite the Yehi
Ratzon before partaking of the food.
G.
It is the custom not to eat Egozim on Rosh Hashana. Egozim may
include other types of nuts as well such as almonds and peanuts.
However, if a food is baked or cooked with any nut items, it is not
an issue. With respect to peanut
butter, HaRav Kamenetsky, Shlita, distinguishes between creamy peanut butter
(with no peanut pieces), which is permitted, and chunky peanut butter, which
is not permitted. --
H.
One can and should daven for Inyanim Ruchaniyim--fulfillment of his
spiritual needs on Rosh Hashana.
I.
As
the Mishna Berurah states: “When
reciting Avinu Malkeinu the words Ro’ah
Gezar should be recited together.”
J.
When hearing the Tekios DeMe’umad, one should not be leaning on anything.
Special Note Four: Rabban
Gamliel Rabanovitch, Shlita, explains part of the symbolism of honey on Rosh
Hashana. Why do we need honey--after all, everything that Hashem gives
to us is sweet, for no one cares about us and knows what is best for us in
all circumstances more than Hashem. The truth however is that we do
not always recognize, we do not always “taste,” this sweetness.
With our honey, honey cake, tzimmes, and other honey products during the
Yemei HaDin, we ask Hashem to shower us with those kinds of sweet things
during the coming year in which we ourselves can actually taste, and savor
the incredibly powerful and delectably delicious sweetness!
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