Are you planning to stay up all night to learn on Shavuos?
Do you usually start to nod off during davening on Shavuos morning? If so, at what point of the davening?
Are you planning to stay up all night to learn on Shavuos?
Do you usually start to nod off during davening on Shavuos morning? If so, at what point of the davening?
Rabbi Shimon Green of Bircas Hatorah in Yerushalayim, will be giving a shiur for men and women
on Wednesday – May 5th, 2010 at 8:30 AM at
at Congregation Ahavas Yisroel 147-02 73rd Avenue
titled “The Essentials Needed for a Lifetime of Learning for You and Your Childrenâ€
Rabbi Green is Rosh Yeshiva and co-founded Bircas Hatorah in 1989. In addition to teaching at the Yeshiva, Rabbi Green travels widely in Israel and abroad, giving seminars, lectures and shabbatonim to audiences that range from the totally secular to very observant. His exciting presentations are famous for their depth, clarity, humor, and inspiration. Rabbi Green strives to help every Jew achieve the ecstatic Torah experience that he believes is their birthright.
Wikipedia points out that:
Yeshivas Bircas HaTorah uses a unique methodology for studying Talmud developed by Rabbi Green.
This methodology is based on a combination of the teachings found in the works “The Ways of the Gemara†by medieval Spanish scholar Rabbi Yitzchak Kanfanton, and “The Way of Understanding” and “The Book of Logic†by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto.
Rabbi Green developed this system at the behest of Rabbi Mordechai Goldstein of Jerusalem. Rabbi Goldstein felt that there was an urgent need for a systematic approach to the teaching of Talmud, and urged Rabbi Green to invest effort into its development.
In this article from Mispacha Magazine Rabbi Green says:
“Most people learn through intuition. However, many of us can make even more progress if we know how to learn consciously, following a consistent method. The Shulchan Aruch says that every Jew must study Torah, whether he is rich or poor, a genius or of minimal intelligence.”
Rabbi Green believes that serious learning doesn’t need to end after two years of yeshivah gedolah, or after a man is married. “It’s terrible that in our day and age, anyone over twenty who isn’t sitting in kollel isn’t taken seriously when it comes to Torah. Can’s such a person go to work every day and still be a ben Torah?”
Come join us on Wednesday to listen to Rabbi Green.
What Are some of the biggest problems facing the Jewish community (both frum and non-frum)?
Let’s continue this thread from last week and highlight some other issues:
Economics of Yeshiva and Family Support?
The Hashkafic Divide Between Israel and America?
Lack of Unity?
Lack of Jewish Knowledge?
Lack of connection to Hashem?
Islamic Fundamentalism?
Have you seen the Sabbath Manifesto and the accompanying blog. Perhaps it’s a good start towards appreciating Shabbos.
From the web site:
The Sabbath Manifesto is a creative project designed to slow down lives in an increasingly hectic world.
We’ve created 10 core principles completely open for your unique interpretation. We welcome you to join us as we carve a weekly timeout into our lives.
1) Avoid technology
2) Connect with loved ones
3) Nurture your health
4) Get outside… See More
5) Avoid commerce
6) Light candles
7) Drink wine
8) Eat bread
9) Find silence
10) Give back
The Rabbinical Seminary of America (Chofetz Chaim) branches across America are learning Yevamos and the Daf Yomi is currently in Sanhedrin so we thought it was appropriate to post the Achrei-Mos/Kedoshim outline upon which much of those two Masechtas are sourced.
Even if you not learning those Gemoras, the Parsha is a must read (in multiple senses of the term) and the outline is a good supplement to navigate through it.
Thanks again to Rabbi Rietti for allowing us to post these outlines. (You can purchase the entire outline of the Chumash from Amazon here).
Achrey-Mos
# 16 The Yom Kippur Service
# 17 Shechita Outside the Temple
# 18 Araiyut – Forbidden Relations
# 16 The Yom Kippur Service
* The Kohen is warned not to enter the Temple area except to serve.
* The Sequence of The Yom Kippur Service.
# 17 Shechita Outside the Temple
* Shechita outside Temple punishable by Karet.
* The Torah warns against consuming blood
* The Shochet must cover blood of the slaughtered animal.
* Don’t eat any animal that is either Neveila (died without ritual slaughter)
or Tereifa, an animal with an internal defect. If he does eat them, he must immerse himself and his clothes in a Mikveh.
# 18 Araiyut – Forbidden Relations
* The Torah warns against following the lifestyles of Avoda Zara
* The Torah lists forbidden relationships:
* Father or Mother
* Stepmother
* Sister
* Granddaughterï€
* Granddaughter
* Half sister
* Paternal Aunt
* Maternal Aunt
* Uncle’s wife
* Daughter-in-law
* Sister-in-Law
* Mother and daughter
* Nidda
* Adultery
* Do not give your children to the god Molech
* Homosexuality
* Beastiality either for a man or woman
* The Torah warns of the consequence for violation of the above is spiritual excision (Karet) and expulsion from the promised land.
Kedoshim
# 19 Be Kedoshim!
# 20 Consequences of Major Violations
# 19 Be Kedoshim!
* Train yourselves to be in control of your cravings
* Fear Parents
* Observe Shabbat
* Warning against following Avoda Zara. 
* Don’t make a Pessel for others.
* Don’t eat Pigul
* Don’t eat Notar.
* Laws of Peah, Leket, Peret, Ollalot
* Laws of stealing, denial of rightful claims.
* Laws of Oaths:
* Laws of cheating in business & withholding wages.
* Laws against cursing.
* Laws of Justice.
* Laws of interpersonal behavior.
* Forbidden mixtures.ï€
* Forbidden practices.
* Behave with Awe in The Temple.
* Don’t seek mediums to communicate with the dead.
* Don’t seek out a Yidoni (to enter mystical states).
* Honor the elderly and Torah scholars.
* Don’t hurt a stranger or convert
* Love the convert like you love yourself
* Honesty. Don’t miscalculate, own honest measures.
# 20 Consequences of Major Violations
* Molech – Skila
* Inquiring after Ov – Karet
* Inquiring after Yidoni – Karet
* Cursing Parents – Skila.
* Adultery – Strangulation.
* Step Mother – Skila
* Daughter in law – Skila
* Homosexuality – Skila
* Mother & Daughter – Burning.
* Beastiality – Skila
* Step sister from father or mother – Karet
* Nidda – Karet
* Aunt – both die childless
* Sister in law – both die childless
* Don’t go in the ways of other nations.
* I separated you form the other nations to behave in a holy way.
* Act of Ov – Skila
* Act of Yidoni – Skila
Yom Hazikron is the day on which Israel honors its war veterans. National memorial services are held in the presence of Israel’s top leadership and military personnel. The day opens the preceding evening at 20:00 (8:00 pm), given that in the Hebrew calendar system days begin at sunset, with a siren. The siren is heard all over the country and lasts for one minute, during which Israelis stop everything (including driving, which stops highways) and stand in silence, commemorating the fallen and showing respect. Many national-religious Jews say prayers for the souls of the fallen soldiers at this time as well. The official ceremony to mark the opening of the day takes place at the Western Wall, at which time the flag of Israel is lowered to half mast.
A two-minute siren is heard the following morning, at 11:00, which marks the opening of the official memorial ceremonies and private remembrance gathering which are held at each cemetery where soldiers are buried. The day officially draws to a close between 19:00 and 20:00 (7–8:00 p.m.) in the official ceremony of Israel Independence Day on Mount Herzl, when the flag of Israel is returned to full mast.
Scheduling Yom Hazikaron right before Yom Ha-Atzma’ut is intended to remind people of the price paid for independence and of what was achieved with the soldiers’ sacrifice. This transition shows the importance of this day among Israelis, most of whom have served in the armed forces or have a connection with people who were killed during their military service. To families of the fallen, however, this isn’t always a welcomed transition as mourning while most Israelis plan their Yom Ha-Atzma’ut celebrations isn’t simple.
From Wikipedia
Here is a link to a memorial video for two talmidim/soldiers from Bnei David who were killed in Lebanon.
How Was Your Pesach?
What are the basic priorities at the Seder?
1) Strengthing Emunah in Hashem.
2) Expressing thanks to Hashem for giving us freedom, nationhood and the Torah.
3) Carefully performing the mitzvos of the night.
4) Passing on the story of the Jewish People to children and others not familiar with our heritage.
5) An opportunity to spend spiritual quality time with the family and extended family.
The Neshamah Project is a wonderful and meaningful new organization.
You may have seen the book we are distributing: The Neshamah Should Have an Aliyah – What you can do in memory of a departed loved one. This new book stands at the forefront of our mission, which is both simple and profound: To help people perform mitzvos in memory of loved ones or friends who have passed away.
Very often, family and friends wish they could do something, anything, when someone passes away – something that would help keep their memory of that person fresh, something that would keep his legacy alive. Yet all too often these goals are not realized because they simply do not know where to start or what to do. When a loved one passes away, many people are inspired to do good deeds – perhaps more than at any other time in their lives.
But they just don’t know where to turn.
The Neshamah Project was created to fill this void. We help people accomplish personal Mitzvah projects – big or small – l’zecher nishmas those who have passed away.
Read a few pages of this remarkable book and we guarantee that you will be inspired – inspired to do a mitzvah yourself and inspired to give the book to someone else, so they too can start a mitzvah project on behalf of a loved one. As you will see, everyone who reads it is moved to give it to someone they know.
You can help spread this important message by telling anyone you know who may benefit from this valuable resource. Do you have a website or online newsletter? Please post information there as well.
You can see more about us online at www.NeshamahProject.org or email us for further information at info@neshamahproject.org.
What are the issues that you find most difficult personally?
What issues do your non-observant friends and family seem to have?
What are the issues that you have trouble explaining to others?
Some issues:
– Equal Rights vs Segregation of the sexes
– Equal Rights vs Different roles for men and women
– Pluralism vs The Chosen People
– Pluralism vs Differing Halachic Treatment of Jews and Non-Jews
– Animal Rights vs Korbanos
– Human Rights vs Eradication of Amalek
In an effort to encourage others to reduce their internet* usage, Beyond Teshuva** has announced a weekly “Log Off Day”.
Mark Frankel, one of BBT’s Administrators and its resident IT guru explained the endeavor: “Every week, from just before sundown Friday to just after nightfall Saturday evening, we are asking that all of our fellow Jews do not use the internet.” In order to encourage full participation, David Linn, also an Administrator at BBT and its resident Blackberry*** expert, explains “We at BBT will not be posting during the designated “blackout time” and will not be monitoring the site. We encourage all Jewish blogs and websites to follow suit in a show of solidarity.”
Frankel and Linn added that those who have chosen to participate are encouraged to light candles just prior to the blackout period and take advantage of the free time by dining with friends and family.
Dr. I.V. Poll, BBT’s resident medical Resident, explains that the idea is actually healthy and that concerns about going cold turkey are unfounded. “Those who are nervous about going without internet for 25 hours should not be concerned. Those with strong addictions however, are encouraged to print out BBT posts to have at hand in case the need arises.” Dr. Poll does not recommend use of the transdermal patch.
*The internet, invented by former Vice-President Al Gore, is an electronic medium for the transmission of information. Users sit at devices called computers and watch as words magically appear on their screens. (Ed: Wow, those Jetsons writers were prescient!)
** Beyond Teshuva is the internet’s most popular web site with the name Beyond Teshuva.
*** Blackberry is an edible fruit produced by any of several species in the Rubus genus of the Rosaceae family. It is, botanically, an aggregate fruit. The plants typically have biennial canes and perennial roots. Blackberries are also called caneberries or brambles. Many of its over 375 species, are closely related apomictic microspecies native throughout the temperate Northern hemisphere and South America.
However You Say It, We Wish Everybody a Wonderful Purim.
Is “Happy Purim” the traditional Purim greeting ?
Well, yes. “Happy Purim” is the principle anglicized version of a number of transliterated Hebrew variations of “Happy Purim”.
What are the transliterated Hebrew versions of “Happy Purim” ?
There are many traditional Purim greetings in Hebrew. The following are the transliterated versions:
* Chag Purim Sameach [Joyous (or Happy) Festival (of) Purim]
* Chag Sameach Purim [Joyous (or Happy) Purim Festival]
* Hag Purim Sameach [Joyous (or Happy) Festival (of) Purim]
* Hag Sameach Purim [Joyous (or Happy) Purim Festival]
* Purim Sameach [Joyous (or Happy) Purim]
* Purim Chag Sameach [Purim Joyous (or Happy) Festival]
* Purim Hag Sameach [Purim Joyous (or Happy) Festival]
* Chag Purim (Purim Festival)
* Hag Purim (Purim Festival)Happy Purim Transliterations From Hebrew Into English
Chag = Festival
Hag = Festival
Sameach = Joyous, Happy
Samayach = Joyous, Happy
Someach = Joyous, Happy
Somayach = Joyous, Happy
Found here:
They did leave out Freilichin Purim – which also means Happy Purim.
How much Torah do you learn a day on average from Sunday through Thursday?
a) less than 1hour
b) between 1 and 2 hours
c) more than 2 hours
What do you think is a reasonable amount of time to learn each weekday?
a) less than 1hour
b) between 1 and 2 hours
c) more than 2 hours
What keeps you from learning more?
a) too many other obligations.
b) learning is too difficult
c) I don’t have classes to attend or chavrusas to learn with
Join us for a Shiur For Men & Women
Rabbi Yakov Horowitz
“Different Strokes: Learning Profiles and Your Child’s Success in School & Lifeâ€
Friday Night
Parshas Terumah
February 19th, 2010 – 8:30 PM
Congregation Ahavas Yisroel 147-02 73rd Avenue
According to the Torah, all or most of the Jewish people will be moving to Eretz Yisroel in the future.
Do you have current plans to make Aliyah and move to Eretz Yisroel?
If no, why not or when do you plan on moving?
A New Weekly Shiur by Rabbi Bentzion Chait on Integrating Torah into Daily Life as Per Chovos Halevavos begins this Wednesday at 8:30 PM at Congregation Ahavas Yisroel. (Check the website at caykgh.blogspot.com if you can’t make it).
Bava Basra Siyum – R’ Moshe Schwerd, R’ Ruby Ginsberg, R’ Steve Weiss give some nice vorts on the ending of Bava Basra which can be downloaded here.
R’ Moshe Schwerd, a great Maggedie Shiur on the first daf in Sanhedrin – Daf Yoni – 2 can be downloaded here.
R’ Yechezkel Rosenberg – Rabbi Yonason Eibshitz’s understanding of the famous machlokes between Rabban Gamliel and Rabbi Yehoshua in Berachos 29b: Part 1 here and Part 2 here
The Daf Yomi cycle will be finishing Bava Basra on Shabbos (and starting Sanhedrin on Sunday). So it’s certainly no coincidence that this week’s parsha is Mishpatim which is the Torah source for many of the sugyas in Bava Kamma, Bava Metzia and Bava Basra.
A friend said that Mishpatim is a potential Shnayim Mikra breaker because there are so many Rashis. We just want to remind everybody that you can minimally fulfill Shnayim Mikra, by reading a English Translation like the Artscroll Stone Chumash. So don’t let the mitzvah packed parsha of Mishpatim derail your good intentions.
If you’re not currently learning Shnayim Mikra, it’s a great time to start and here is Rabbi Rietti’s outline of Mishpatim. (You can purchase the entire outline of the Chumash here).
Mishpatim
# 21 13 Mitzvot
# 22 19 Mitzvot
# 23 21 Mitzvot
# 24 “We shall do and then understand”
# 21 13 Mitzvot
Laws of a Jewish Servant:
* Works 6 years & is freed in the 7th
* If he was single when he began working, he leaves single
* If he was married, his wife leaves with him
* If his master gives him a gentile maidservant and she then has children, she and the children remain with the master after the Jewish Servant leaves.
* If he refuses to leave his master after six years saying he loves his master, wife & children, he is brought to court where his ear is pierced and he remains in servitude till Jubilee year.
Laws of a Jewish Maidservant:
* Destitute father sells daughter into servitude, her master must marry her, if he refuses] he must help her be redeemed by her family.
* After she was sold once, she cannot be sold ever again, neither by her father or her first master.
* If the master gives her to his son in marriage, she has all equal rights as any other Jewish wife: Food, clothing & relations
* If neither of the three above options are exercised, (redemption, marriage, or marriage to a son) she is automatically released when she reaches puberty.
Laws of Murder & Manslaughter:
* Premeditated murder is punishable by death.
* If he did not plan to kill, G-d brought it about, he runs to a city of refuge
* Hitting a parent is punishable by death.ï€
* Kidnapping and then selling is punishable by death.
* Cursing parents is punishable be death. (sefer HaChinuch does not count cursing parents here)
Laws of Personal Injury, harming slaves:
* If one knocks another out with a stone or fist but he does not die, he must pay for his loss of work & medical bills.
* If one kills his male or female servant, he is punishable by death.
* Two men fighting accidentally hit a pregnant woman causing her to miscarry, her husband sues in court. Full monetary compensation is paid for losing an eye, tooth, hand or foot.
* If a master blinds his slave or knocks out a tooth, the slave is set free.
Laws of a Killer Ox:
* Ox kills a man or woman, ox is stoned, no benefit from it.
* If the ox killed twice after the owner was warned & now it killed a third time, the ox is stoned & the owner is liable to death by the hands of heaven.
* The owner pays a monetary penalty fixed by the courts as an atonement
* If the ox kills a child, boy or girl, the ox is stoned
* If the ox kills a male or female slave, ox is stoned & its owner pays 30 shekel of silver to the master of the victim.
Laws of a Pit:
* One digs a pit or uncovers it, an ox or donkey falls in, the one who made the pit pays full cost of damage, dead animal belongs to its owner.
Laws of a Damaging Ox:
* An ox gores another ox, later it dies from the injury, the live ox is sold & the money is divided, they also divide the money from the dead animal.
* If the goring ox gored before and the owner did not protect it after being warned, then the owner pays the full value of the dead ox.
Laws of Stealing:
* One steals an ox or sheep, slaughters it and sells it, pays 5 oxen for the ox and 4 sheep for the sheep.
# 22 19 Mitzvot
Laws of Stealing continued
* A burgler is hit and killed while in the act of breaking into a house, this is
not murder.ï€ ï€¬
* If he was killed in daylight (it is clear he did not intend to kill) it is murder
* A thief pays in full for what he stole. If he does not have the money, he is sold as a servant.
* If the stolen item is found in his possession, whether an ox, donkey or sheep, the thief has to pay double its price.
Damage caused by your animal grazing:
* If an animal grazes on private property, the owner of the animal must pay from the best of his field & vineyard.
Damage by Fire:
* A fire gets out of control and burns crops, the one who began the fire pays in full.
The Unpaid Guard:
* Items placed with an unpaid guard and stolen, the guard swears he did not touch the missing item.
* All claims of liability, negligence or denied guilt, where one side says it was stolen and the other claims it was lost, both parties come to Bet Din for litigation. The party found guilty by witnesses pays doubleï€
(This law is one of the 7 Mitzvot instructed to all mankind)
The Paid Guard:
* A paid guard swears he did not make use of the item that was killed, maimed or raided without witnesses, the owner must accept the oath and the paid guard is not penalized.
* If the guarded item was stolen, then the guard must pay the owner.
* If the guarded animal was killed by a wild beast and the guard can prove it, he does not pay for the attacked animal.
Borrowing & Rentals:
* If a borrowed item is broken or stolen, & the owner was not around at the time, the borrower pays in full.
* If the owner was there at the time the item was broken or stolen, then the borrower is exempt.
* If one hires an item that is then lost or stolen, the loss is covered by the rental price. (a renter has same status as a paid guard, so he is responsible for losses unless it was beyond his control). ï€ (HaChinuch does not count Sachir here)
Laws of Seduction:
* If a man seduces an unbetrothed virgin, he must pay a dowry & marry her.
* If she or her father refuses to marry her to him, he must pay the father 50 Silver Shekel.
* Don’t allow a witch to live.
* One who sleeps with an animal is punishable by death.
* Bringing offerings to other gods other than HaShem is punishable by death.
Laws of Oppression:
* Don’t hurt the feelings of a Ger, righteous convert.
* Don’t oppress a Ger in monetary matters.
* Don’t hurt the feelings of a widow or orphan.
* If you mistreat a widow or orphan & they cry to me, My anger will be focused on you till your wives will be widows and your children orphans.
Laws of Lending:
* Lend money to the poor.
* Don’t pressure him to repay you if he does not have the money.
* Don’t charge or participate in charging interest.
* If you take his garment as security against the loan, return it to him before sunset, it might be his only covering he sleeps in. *
* Don’t curse judges.
* Don’t curse a leader / King.
* Don’t give agricultural taxes out of sequence.
Laws of First born:
* Give Me your first born sons, oxen, sheep.
* Every first born animal remains with its mother for 7 days
* On its eighth day, you shall dedicate the first born animal to Me.
* Don’t eat flesh torn from a living animal, give it to the dog.
# 23 21 Mitzvot
Laws of Justice:
* Don’t believe Lashon Hara, derogatory speech.
* Don’t accept testimony if the opposing party is not present.
* Don’t join a wicked person to be a witness with him.
* Don’t accept a wicked person’s testimony.
* Don’t follow a majority of one to impose the death penalty.
* Don’t switch from a favorable verdict to one of guilty.
* All cases are decided on a majority opinion.
* Don’t favor a poor person in court because he is poor.
* If you see your enemy’s ox or donkey astray, return him.
* If you see the donkey of someone you hate collapsing under its load, & you would rather refrain from assisting, you must help unload it.
* When a wicked person appears in court, judge the case on its merits, don’t pervert justice because he is wicked.
* Keep yourself distant from anything false. *
* Do not kill one who is not proven guilty or one who has already been acquitted. I will not let anyone guilty escape punishment.
* Don’t accept a bribe to pervert justice.
* A Judge must not oppress a Ger, foreigner / convert. * sefer HaChinuch does not count this here
* Every seventh year, leave your produce alone.
* Stop working on Shabbos.
* Don’t say the name of Avoda Zara or swear in its name. *ï€
* Don’t try to persuade others to follow other gods.
* Celebrate three festivals each year with Korban Chagiga.
* Observe the Passover festival
* Don’t slaughter the Pascal Lamb while you still own Chametz.
* Don’t leave over till the morning any fat of the Korban Pesach meant for burning on the altar.
* Bring your first-fruits to the Temple.
* Don’t eat Milk and Meat together.
* Sefer HaChinuch does not count not saying names of Avoda Zara here
Warning of obedience:
* I Am sending an angel to guide you, listen to him & don’t disobey him.
* Destroy the idols in the land you occupy
* Only serve Me!, then I will bless your bread & water & banish sickness from you. ï€ (sefer HaChinuch does not count Tefila here)
* I will send a deadly hornet to drive out your enemies from the land.
* I will drive them out gradually
* Don’t make any treaty with the seven nations.
* Don’t let them settle in your land.
# 24 “We shall do and then understand”
* G-d tells Moshe to ascend Mt. Sinai with Aron, Arons’ sons & 70 elders.
* Only Moshe ascended to the top.
* Moshe descended and shared all G-ds’ instructions, we answered in one voice, we will do everything HaShem spoke.
* Moshe wrote everything.
* Moshe awoke early and built an altar at bottom of Mt. Sinai & 12 pillars.
* Moshe sent first born lads to offer offerings.
* Moshe put half the blood in basins, the other half he sprinkled on the Altar.
* Moshe read out loud the Sefer HaBrit and they replied: “We shall do & then understand.”
* The blood in the basins, Moshe now sprinkled on the people.
* “With this blood you have entered a contract with all these words of G-d.
* Moshe, Aron & sons with 70 elders ascend the mountain.
* They had a vision of HaShem nourishing them like food.
* G-d tells Moshe to ascend & receive the Tablets, The Torah & the Mitzva.
* Moshe on Mt. Sinai 40 days and 40 nights
Lisa writes:
I have a younger brother who is not observant. Recently, he has been showing interest in Yiddishkeit. I’m concerned about being pushy or not supportive enough. Do I refer him to classes, a book, a Rabbi, something else? Any advice would be appreciated.
People involved in Communal and Chesed projects know that it is not unusual for the recipients to not show adequate (or sometimes any) appreciation. Although at the higher levels of Chesed we should not care about the appreciation shown, it can be troublesome sometimes.
How have people dealt with this situation either internally or through verbal expression to the recipients?
Pirkei Avos says that you should aseh lecha rav – make for yourself a Rav.
What do you think is the most important aspect of a Rav:
– Answering Halachic Questions
– Teaching you Gemora and other aspects of Torah
– Giving you Hashkafic Guidance
Do you have a Rav for all these categories? What categories have you seen others lacking in?
Would you be willing to pay a small fee to a Rav to guide you in these areas?
Do you think others with a Rav would be willing to pay a small fee?