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Laws & Customs: Sivan & Shavuos

 SHABBOS BAMIDBAR Shavuos and topics related to Matan A potted plant should not be moved due Torah, as well as increasing in Ahavas to two concerns – and aiding Shabbos Bamidbar is both Shabbos Yisroel. plant growth. [In principle, these issues Mevorchim and Erev Rosh Chodesh. The are subject to differing Halachic During the period before Yom Tov, one Haftorah is that of Mochor Chodesh. opinions and other variables.] If the should reach out and do all within his or Notably, Av Harachamim is recited on potted plant accidentally overturns, or her power to ensure that all Jews – men, Shabbos Mevorchim Sivan, in memory of some soil spills out, it should be left women, children and even small babies the tragedies and persecutions that alone. [If doing so will create a hindrance – should attend the Aseres Hadibros on occurred during this month. Tzidkosecha or inconvenience, a Rav should be the first day of Shavuos. is not recited during Mincha, given that consulted.] it is Erev Rosh Chodesh. For practical purposes, a potted plant In 5746, the Rebbe made a “Bakasha  FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE should generally be treated as attached Nafshis (heartfelt request) that, in to the ground. Therefore, one may not Shulchan Oruch mentions the custom of association with Rosh Chodesh Sivan, water it at all or detach any of its leaves decorating the Shule with trees (since when the Jewish people encamped or branches. One may not lean on a Shavuos is the day of judgement for around Har Sinai with unity, every potted tree or shrub, move it with his fruits), and flowers (to commemorate community should focus on the idea of hands even ever so slightly, place the foliage that appeared on barren Har Achdus on Shabbos Mevorchim Sivan. anything in its branches, or remove Sinai). For various reasons, it is not our This Shabbos is often referred to in anything caught in its branches. Chabad circles as Shabbos Achdus. custom to decorate the Shule with trees

and flowers, but this may be done at Flowers, branches or leaves that were home. detached (regardless of the cause) on  SIVAN Shavuos are Muktzeh. The same is true Flowers and decorative leaves or even if there is just a doubt whether it Tachnun is not recited from Rosh branches which were cut and arranged became detached on Shavuos. It goes Chodesh Sivan until after the twelfth day prior to Shavuos are regarded as a without saying that they are Muktzeh of Sivan. One should not undertake a decoration and are not Muktzeh. when still attached to the ground. fast on these days, even for a Yohrtzeit. Therefore, when necessary, they may be [However, a Chosson and Kallah fast on moved on both Yom Tov and Shabbos. One may smell flowers and plants on their wedding day, unless their wedding However, if some of the flowers are not Shavuos – even if still attached to the occurs on the day after Shavuos.] yet in full bloom and exposure to ground (and hence Muktzeh). One Many customs associated with additional moisture will induce them to should remember to make the mourning during Sefirah Haomer no blossom further, the vase must be appropriate Brocho. However, one may longer apply from the first morning of moved very gently so that the water not smell attached fruits. level remains constant. the Shloshes Y’mei Hagboloh (i.e. Tuesday). Music, dancing, and weddings When all flowers are already in full  EREV SHAVUOS are permissible. Nevertheless, one bloom and exposure to additional shouldn’t take a haircut until Erev moisture will not induce them to On Erev Shavuos, one should not donate Shavuos. blossom further, the following further blood, take a blood test, or undergo any leniencies apply: procedures involving blood loss. [Of course, this prohibition does not apply in  YOM TOV PREPARATIONS • One may take flowers out of the vase a case of Pikuach Nefesh.] The of V’Samechta B’Chagecha of water. One may also return the It is appropriate to take a haircut in on Yom Tov entails eating meat, wine flowers to the same vase, as long as honour of Shavuos, but not before Erev and delicacies; providing new clothing or the original water was not changed. Yom Tov (from Tzeis on Wednesday). jewellery for one’s wife according to his • One may place the flowers in a new means; and giving sweets to the It is a Mitzvah to immerse in a Mikvah on vase that was prepared and filled children. These should be arranged in Erev Yom Tov, after midday. with water before Shavuos. One may advance. also add flowers to a vase which Just like on Erev Shabbos, it is preferable Prior to every Yom Tov, the Rebbe already has flowers from before to refrain from beginning a proper meal emphasized that the Yom Tov Shavuos. once the tenth Halachic hour of the day requirements of the needy be met. Yom begins (2:43pm), in order to properly • On Yom Tov (but not on Shabbos), Tov is also an especially appropriate enjoy the Yom Tov meal at night. one may top up the water in the vase time to host guests. However, one may snack in small if necessary, but the ratio of the new quantities. One should make spiritual preparations water must be less than half of the for Shavuos as well. These include total. One may certainly not replace Tavshilin is performed – see learning Torah – especially the laws of the existing water. separate Halacha Guide. ~ 2 ~ Shavuos is an opportune time to Hashem’s name at Bonei Yerushalayim, thereby fulfils his obligation only if he enhance one’s Torah learning and make he goes back. If one realized after that, neglects to do so at the ideal time. positive resolutions – without hindrance but before starting the next Brocho, he One does not recite Krias Shema She’al from the Satan – to increase recites the extra Brocho as printed in the Hamittah when going to sleep after (quantitatively as well as qualitatively) in Bentcher. If one already began even the dawn. one’s private and public Shiurim of both first word of the next Brocho, one must Nigleh and Chassidus; to spread Torah to begin bentching again. If one chooses to daven before going to others; to enhance one’s adherence to sleep, he should ensure that he recites The Horachamon for Yom Tov is recited. the daily study of Chitas and Rambam; the Brocho of Tzitzis and Shema after the and to accept upon oneself the Ol Shel earliest time (6:28am), and Shmoneh Torah (yoke of Torah). Esrei after sunrise (7:25am).  IKUN EIL HAVUOS The Rebbe’s customary Shavuos T L S The Brocho of Tzitzis is not recited on a greeting: “Kabbolas Hatorah B’Simcha The custom is to stay awake the entire Tallis Koton worn overnight. One who ub’Pnimiyus” means “May you receive first night of Shavuos learning Torah. does not wear a Tallis Gadol should the Torah joyfully and internally”. change his Tallis Koton before reciting Needless to say, the night of Shavuos is the Brocho. not the appropriate time for lectures or  CANDLE-LIGHTING forums about social, economic, political and communal issues. Although One should give Tzedakah on Erev Yom important, they cannot really be  SHACHARIS & HALLEL Tov for the two days of Yom Tov. regarded as a form of – Care must be taken to recite Krias One should arrange a pre-existing flame unless the focus is to learn the Torah’s Shema during the proper time (between from which to light the candles on the perspective. 6:28-9:50am). One who goes to sleep second night of Shavuos. prior to davening should ensure that he The recitation of Tikun Leil Shavuos awakens in time to recite Shema. Candle-lighting is at 4:53pm. The should be prioritized over all other Brochos are Shel Yom Tov and forms of learning and Shiurim. Full Hallel is recited on Shavuos. When Shehecheyanu. [If eating out, one should reciting Hallel, one may not interrupt it ensure that some practical benefit is One should be mindful of the errors that – other than for those things that one derived from the candles after Yom Tov have crept into the text of the Zohar and may respond to during the Brochos of begins.] Sefer Yetzirah in many printed editions. Krias Shema. [I.e. If the Chazzan recites One should recite the text as corrected Kedushah, one responds Kodosh, Boruch Since it is Yom Tov, if one neglected to in Likutei Sichos volume 28, page 315. and Yimloch. When the Chazzan says light at the proper time, one may – and Ha’E-l Hakodosh, one answers Omein. should – light candles on Yom Tov itself, The Tefillos and Yehi Ratzons that When the Chazzan says Modim, one from a pre-existing flame. appear in some editions of Tikun Leil Shavuos are omitted, and Kaddish is not answers the three words Modim When a man is required to light candles, recited. Anachnu Loch. When the Chazzan he does not recite Shehecheyanu, as he recites Kaddish, one answers Omein will be doing so in . [Therefore, If, for whatever reason, one did not Yehei Shmei etc, and Omein to d’amiran on the first night of Shavuos, it is best complete the entire Tikun Leil Shavuos b’olmo. One also answers Borchu and that he lights candles right before on the first night of Shavuos, he should Omein when the Brochos are recited Kiddush, so that his Shehecheyanu is do so at the earliest opportunity. before and after an Aliyah or Haftorah.] linked to both. However, this cannot be Shortly before dawn (6:01am), one Hallel is recited standing (unless one is done on the second night of Shavuos, as should immerse in the Mikvah four feeble or infirm). it is Shabbos.] Similarly, if a woman times. needs to recite her own Kiddush, she It is preferable to recite Hallel with the does not recite Shehecheyanu, as she At dawn, one washes Neggel Vasser and Minyan. If one is not up to the Minyan, already did so at candle-lighting. recites Brochos. One should not begin this creates a dilemma; on the one hand learning Torah after dawn until he it is appropriate to recite Hallel with the concludes Brochos. congregation (if he hasn’t yet begun  FIRST NIGHT OF SHAVUOS Boruch She’omar), and on the other On the first night of Shavuos, Maariv The Brocho of Tzitzis is not recited at this hand, it is appropriate that one davens (and Kiddush) should not begin before time as it is still too early. in the correct order. For this reason, the Tzeis Hakochovim. After staying awake the entire night, it is Rebbeim were punctilious about being generally recommended to sleep for up to Hallel when the Minyan recited it One must drink a cup of wine every day on Yom-Tov. of Yom Tov. This should be paid special several hours and daven at the usual attention by those who do not make time, in order to allow one to focus on If one forgot to recite Hallel, he should their own Kiddush. his davening at the usual unhurried recite it with a Brocho as soon as he pace. remembers, as long as it is not yet

sunset (or without a Brocho until Tzeis). Since B’dieved one fulfils his obligation  YA’ALEH VEYAVO IN BENTCHING when reciting the daytime Shema If one mistakenly recited half-Hallel, he If one forgets to recite Ya’aleh Veyavo in immediately after dawn, it is worthwhile must repeat the entire Hallel (without a bentching, but remembers before to recite it with the intention that he Brocho). ~ 3 ~  KRIAS HATORAH clean and devoid of steam whilst the Rov (even if the baked item remains). In Challos were baking.] any case, one may complete all the It is not our custom to recite Akdomus. stages of preparation for food that one (The Rebbe would recite it quietly.) • Not baking a Milchig or Fleishig loaf of bread lest people mistakenly think already began preparing whilst the Eruv The Aliya containing the Aseres Hadibros it is Parve. If already baked, it may Tavshilin was present. is given to a prominent person. not be eaten. Exceptions: The loaf Preparing for Shabbos is only allowed if The Rebbe instituted that all men, has a distinctive shape, or it is visibly there is still enough time for guests to women, children, and even babies and and obviously noticeable as Milchig theoretically arrive and partake of what newborns (health permitting), attend or Fleishig, or it is small enough to be was prepared before Shabbos begins. Shule to hear the Aseres Hadibros. The consumed within one day. Therefore, the should be fully congregation stands during the reading • Using separate knives (or a Parve cooked some time before Shabbos. of the Aseres Hadibros, facing the Sefer knife) to cut vegetables used with The is effective only for Milchigs and Fleishigs. This is Torah. preparations involving food and food especially true when cutting sharp The first day’s is given to a utensils, or other meal-related matters vegetables (e.g. an onion), since they learned and prominent person, due to such as lighting candles. The Eruv is not assume the status of the knife even the special significance of this Haftorah. effective for non-meal tasks such as if it was completely clean and The congregants read along in an rolling the Sefer Torah or performing an recently unused. undertone, and some have the custom Eruv Chatzeros or Eruv Techumin. to stand up while reading it. • If Parve food was already cooked in a Fleishig pot, and the pot had not One may theoretically eat the Eruv been used for Fleishig in the previous Tavshilin once the Shabbos preparations 24 hours, the Parve food may be are complete. However, it is preferable  FIRST DAY – YOM TOV MEAL eaten with Milchig food. If the pot not to eat it until Shabbos. The Mitzvah of V’Samechta B’Chagecha had been used for Fleishig in the requires one to celebrate Yom Tov with previous 24 hours, the Parve food  FIRST DAY AFTERNOON his family. As such, one should not may be served in Milchig dishes, but As it is Erev Shabbos, Pasach Eliyahu is overly prolong the time he spends at any not eaten directly together with recited before Mincha, but not Hoidu. communal Kiddush or . Milchig food. All the above applies to Parve food already cooked in a Candles must not be waxed into place, If possible, one avoids beginning the Fleishig pot. However, one should nor may the wicks be twisted. When meal after the tenth Halachic hour not initially plan to prepare Parve necessary, one may remove the wax begins (approximately 2:43pm), so that food in a Fleishig pot with the from the previous night in a way that it one has an appetite for the Yom-Tov intention of eating it with Milchig falls directly into the bin. meal of the second night. food or utensils; in cases of need, a Candles are lit at the usual eighteen It is customary to eat Milchigs on the Rav should be consulted. minutes before sunset (4:52pm), and first day of Shavuos. By the same token, Needless to say, Chassidim (amongst one may not light candles after sunset Yom Tov must be celebrated with the others) are careful to eat only Chalav (5:10pm). They are kindled with a pre- consumption of meat. Yisroel. Accordingly, one should not eat existing flame, and the Brochos are Shel One of the reasons for eating Milchigs is even Parve or Chalav-Yisroel foods if Shabbos v’Shel Yom Tov and to emphasize that Yidden – unlike the they came into contact with non-Chalav- Shehecheyanu. angels who visited Avraham Avinu – are Yisroel utensils whilst hot. As it is Erev Shabbos, one should not eat careful to separate between milk and The Brocho on cheesecake containing after sunset – even if one washed for meat. As such, special care must be flour is Mezonos, even if the crust is thin. bread. [One may bentch after sunset and taken to adhere to all the Halachos of even after the emergence of three stars. Kashrus. These include: The first day of Shavuos is the Yohrtzeit Yaaleh Veyavo is recited, but not Retzei.] • Waiting one full hour after Milchigs, of the Baal Shem Tov, and is therefore or six hours after eating cheeses an opportune time to mention a The Rebbe instituted the custom of cured for more than six months. [It teaching and story of the Baal Shem Tov. Tahalucha, encouraging all Chassidim to may not be practical to consume Shavuos is also associated with Moshe visit community Shules and enhance aged cheeses on Shavuos, as one Rabbeinu (who received the Torah) and their Simchas Yom Tov by sharing words must also eat meat.] Dovid Hamelech (who compiled of Torah (both Nigleh and Chassidus). Tehillim). Therefore, Shavuos is an The Rebbe attached much importance • Making a Brocho Acharona between opportune time to enhance one’s to Tahalucha. Milchigs and Fleishigs. commitment to learning Chitas. • Not using the same tablecloths and  SECOND NIGHT OF SHAVUOS loaves for Milchigs and Fleishigs. Kabbolas Shabbos begins with Mizmor • Not eating Milchigs together with a  SHABBOS PREPARATIONS L’Dovid, and not with L’chu Neranenah. baked in a Fleishig oven or One may prepare for Shabbos as long as In Lecho Dodi, we say B’Simcha vice versa. [There is grounds to be at least a K’zayis of the cooked Eruv U’vetzahala. lenient if the Challos weren’t Tavshilin item remains edible and physically touching any part of the accessible. If this is not the case, then Since it is Shabbos, all the Shabbos oven, and the oven was absolutely one should discuss his options with a selections are added in the Shmoneh ~ 4 ~ Esrei of Yom Tov. If one did not make any is recited after Maariv. the end of this day, the traveller mention of Shabbos in the middle recites Havdallah in private. Havdallah and V’yiten Lecha are recited, Brocho, or he mistakenly davened the and a Melave Malka meal is prepared, as • Shabbos: This day is also Yom-Tov for regular Shmoneh Esrei of Shabbos: If he per every Motzei Shabbos. the local populace but just Shabbos did not yet finish reciting the second for the traveller. The traveller should Yih’yu L’ratzon (at the end of Elokai daven the regular Shabbos Tefillos. N’tzor), he should return to the  AFTER SHAVUOS For appearances sake, he should act beginning of the middle Brocho (i.e. The day after Yom Tov is known as “Yom as though it is Yom Tov as well Atoh Vechartonu). Otherwise, he must Tovo’ach”. It is also Isru Chag, and One who travelled west (e.g. from USA repeat Shmoneh Esrei. should be celebrated with additional to Australia) observes Shavuos a day Shalom Aleichem and Eishes Chayil (as food items. One may not fast on this day later than the people at his destination well as all the other selections prior to – even a Chosson and Kallah on their (i.e. on Shabbos and Sunday, the Kiddush) are recited in an undertone. wedding day. seventh and eighth of Sivan). These Yom Hashishi is recited aloud, followed In association with the Yom Tov of Halachos are relevant for this situation: by Hagofen and the Yom Tov Kiddush Shavuos, the Rebbe encouraged all to (including the Shabbos additions). • Friday: This day is Yom-Tov for the attend a Kinus Torah. [The Kinus Torah in local populace but weekday for the It is customary to use the Challah of the Melbourne will take place on Sunday traveller. The traveller should don Eiruv Tavshilin as part of the Lechem after Shavuos, from 3:30-7:00pm.] Tefillin and daven the weekday Minshna of both the night and day The days after Shavuos until the twelfth Tefillos. Other than that, he should meals, and to eat it during the final meal of Sivan (inclusive) are known as “Y’mei not perform any Melocho, even in of the day. Tashlumin”, during which Tachnun is not private. Likewise, for appearances

recited. The Alter Rebbe once remarked sake, he should act as though it is  SECOND DAY OF SHAVUOS that these are the days to “pack” all the Yom Tov, such as wearing Yom Tov As it is Shabbos, the selections normally treasures and revelations of Shavuos. clothing and attending Shule. He does not need to perform Eruv added for Yom Tov when opening the ⬧ Aron Hakoidesh are omitted. Tavshilin at all.  INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE Some have the custom of reading Rus in • Shabbos: This is the first day of Yom- One should not cross the International Shule on the second day of Yom Tov. Tov for the traveller but the second Date Line during Sefirah Haomer, unless Although that is not our custom, the link day for the local populace. The it is absolutely unavoidable. between Rus and Shavuos is observed by traveller observes Yom-Tov as usual; the fact that we read the entire Sefer as Polar flight routes can be problematic. If however, he must omit the three part of Tikun Leil Shavuos. it is absolutely necessary to fly such a words “Zman Matan Toraseinu” in route, or after the fact, one should seek his Tefillos. Yizkor is recited before Musaf. Those guidance from a Rav familiar with these who leave the Shule for Yizkor may • Sunday: This day is Yom-Tov for the matters. recite “Av Harachamim” after Yizkor if traveller but not for the local they wish to. If one crossed the International Date populace. The traveller should daven Line, he observes Shavuos in accordance the Yom Tov Tefillos, but omit the The paragraph Vlakachta Soiles is with his personal count of Sefiras three words “Zman Matan recited before the Shesh Zechiros. Haomer. Thus, his first day of Shavuos Toraseinu”. He also needs to recite As it is Shabbos, all the selections will not coincide with the sixth of Sivan; Vatodienu during Maariv, Yaknehaz associated with the Shabbos daytime the day of Matan Torah. at the night meal, Kiddush at the Kiddush – from Mizmor L’Dovid until Al One who travelled east (e.g. from daytime meal, and Havdallah at the Kein (inclusive) are recited in an Australia to USA) observes Shavuos a end of the day. Even though it is undertone, followed by Eileh Moadei in day earlier than the people at his weekday for the local populace, the a loud voice. destination (i.e. on Thursday and Friday, traveller may not instruct another After Mincha of the second day of Yom the fifth and sixth of Sivan). These Jew to perform Melocho on his Tov, we wash for Hamotzi and partake in Halachos are relevant for this situation: behalf. In fact, if the traveller notices a Farbrengen at which the Nigunim of someone doing Melocho on his • Thursday: This day is Yom-Tov for the the Rebbeim (and the Daled Bavos) are behalf, he must object. However, if traveller but not for the local sung. At these , the Rebbe the Melocho was not performed on populace. The traveller should recite would frequently speak about learning the traveller’s behalf, or he didn’t the Yom Tov Tefillos and Kiddush, but Chitas; about the importance of know about it until after it was omit the three words “Zman Matan Chinuch; and encourage everyone’s completed, he may benefit from the Toraseinu”. He should perform Eruv participation in the Kinus Torah. Melocho. Tavshilin on Wednesday. Ya’aleh Veyavo (and Horachamon) is Whenever the traveller’s Tefillos are at • Friday: This is the second day of Yom- recited during Bentching, even if it is variance with those of the local Tov for the traveller but the first day already after Tzeis Hakochavim populace, he should daven discreetly for the local populace. The traveller (5:53pm). and not call attention to the fact. observes Yom-Tov as usual, and he Vihi Noam and V’atah Kaddosh are may include the three words “Zman Yizkor is recited together with the local recited on Motzei Shabbos. Matan Toraseinu” in his Tefillos. At community.