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בס''ד
SHABBAT SCHEDULE WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Mincha 6:45pm SUNDAY Shir Hashir im: 7:00pm This Shabbat is Shabbat Hagadol. There Shaharit: 7:30am Candle Lighting: 7:24pm will be a Special Shabbat Hagadol Shiur on Minha 6:10pm Shaharit: 8:30am Shabbat afternoon on Hilchot Pesah to Men Followed by Arvit
Youth Minyan: 9:00am & Women at 6:00pm. Zeman Keriat Shema 9:35am MONDAY TO FRIDAY 2nd Zeman Keriat Shema 10:10am Anyone wishing to say a Perek of Pirke Shiur 6:00am Daf Yomi 5:20pm Abot, from after Pesah to Shabuot, should Shaharit 6:20am Shiur: 6:05pm please contact the Rabbi. A few Perakim are Hodu Approx: 6:35am Minha: 7:00pm already reserved. As customary, for those Shiur in Spanish 5:40pm Followed by Seudat Shelishit & that read a Perek it is suggested they Minha 6:10pm Arvit sponsor the Communal Kiddush. Followed By Arbit Shabbat Ends: 8:24pm & Shiurim in English & Rabbenu Tam 8:55pm Spanish Avot Ubanim Recess
We would like to remind our Kahal Kadosh to please Donate wholeheartedly towards our Beautiful Kehila. Anyone interested in donating for any occasion, Avot Ubanim $120, Kiddush $350, Seudat Shelishit $275, Weekly Bulletin $150, Weekly Daf Yomi $180, Daf Yomi Masechet $2500, Yearly Daf Yomi $5000, Weekly Breakfast $150, Weekly Learning $500, Monthly Rent $3500, & Monthly Learning $2000, Please contact the Rabbi. Thanking you in advance for your generous support. Tizke Lemitzvot!
בס''ד Refuah Shelema List Men Women
• Yosef Zvi Ben Sara Yosefia, • Isaac Ben Mesoda, • Simja Bat Esther, • Sara Ledicia Bat Mesoda, • Aviv Ben Luba Miriam, • Haim Ben Marcelle, • Mesoda Bat Esther, • Alegria Simha Bat Esther, • Mordechai Ben Brucha • Yizhak Ben Simja • Rachel Bat Sarah, • Naomie Bat Rarel Adda, Malka Shmalo, • Reuben Ben Eta, • Nina Bat Rachel, • Malka Bat Joyce Simja, • Yizhak Abraham Ben Sheli, • Michael Ben Aliza, • Gitel Rina Bat Yael, • Sivan Simha Bat Yehudit, • Yosef Yizh ak Ben Sara Hana, • Eliel Moshe Ben • Miriam Bat Sofy, • Natalie Rachel Bat Nancy, • Mordechai Ben Miriam, Sarah • Rahma Bat Simha • Abigael Haya Bat Esther • Meir Raymo nd Ben Mathilde • Refael Ben Clara • Esther Bat Fortuna • Madeleine Bat Esther • Salomon Benarroch Ben Alia • Netanel Sayegh Ben • Malka Bat Dina • Nurit Jacqueline Bat Rahel • Mordechai Ben Mercedes Rosa • Camouna Bat Fortuna • Atara Shira Bat Sara Beylla • Raizel Bat Miriam
Torah Teaser s (AISH) 1. What two people in the Torah are inflicted with leprosy? 2. Which three objects involved in the purification of leprosy are also used in the purification process of someone ritually impure through contact with the dead (tameh meis) as described in Numbers 19:6? 3. In this parsha, what inorganic object is described as being alive? What else is described as being alive? 4. What action, usually forbidden, is part of the purification process of the leper? 5. What body part appears in this parsha, and nowhere else in the Torah? 6. a) What three letters comprise a verb and a color that are both mentioned in this parsha? b) What other two places in the Torah is that verb mentioned? 7. What country is mentioned in this parsha?
Answers 1) In parshat Shemot, at the Burning Bush, Moshe's hand is temporarily inflicted with leprosy (Exodus 4:6). In parshat Beha'alotecha, Miriam is inflicted with leprosy for speaking improperly (lashon hara) against her brother Moshe (Numbers 12:10). 2) The purification of the leper involves the use of (1) cedar wood, (2) crimson colored wool, and (3) hyssop (Leviticus 14:4). In parshat Chukat, the purification process of someone ritually impure through contact with the dead, requires these ingredients, in addition to the ashes of the red heifer (Numbers 19:6). 3) a) The water used for the purification of the leper must be mayim chaim - "living waters" from a natural spring (Leviticus 14:5). b) as an offering, the leper must take what is described as "living birds" (14:4). 4) Normally, a person is forbidden to shave the hair off his entire body, which could involve the prohibition of cutting off the corners of the head and the corners of the beard (Leviticus 19:27). [It may also involve the prohibition for a man to adopt the practices of a woman, such as shaving parts of the body (Deut. 22:5 with Rashi).] Despite this, the purification of the leper involves shaving off all the hair on his body (Leviticus 14:8-9). 5) The leper, as part of his purification, must shave off all his hair including his eyebrows (Leviticus 14:9). Eyebrows are not mentioned
anywhere else in the Torah.
6) a) The Torah discusses the consequences if a person with the ritual impurity of a zav were to spit on someone (Leviticus 15:8). The word
for spit is "yarok," also the word for the color green. This color appears as a color of leprosy that may appear on the walls of a house
(Leviticus 14:37). b) Two other places in the Torah mentions spitting: In parshat Beha'alotecha, Miriam is punished with leprosy for seven days - because if a father were to spit in front of his daughter she would be ashamed for seven days; so too Miriam should be isolated for
seven days (Numbers 12:14). In parshat Ki Tetze, the procedure of chalitza requires the widowed sister-in-law to spit in front of the brother of her deceased husband (Deut. 25:9).
7) The land of Canaan appears in this parsha. Leprosy can only appear on the houses in the land of Canaan (Leviticus 14:34).
If anyone would like to contact the Rabbi, please feel free
to call or text 786-879-4951, or email [email protected].
בס''ד Community Announcements
(It is YOUR Community, make the most of it!)
Miscel laneous Announcements:
• is still available for Sponsorship! This We ek’s Congregational Kiddush
• The Kiddush Club Initiative. Anyone interested donating a Kiddush Please kindly contact the Rabbi. Tizke
Lemizvot!
• is still available for Sponsorship! This Week’s Congregational Seudat Shelishit
• This Week’s Breakfast is still available for Sponsorship!
Anyone intere sted in sponsoring Breakfast for this week or on any day please contact the Rabbi.
• This Week’s Daf Yomi is still available for Sponsorship!
• If anyone is interested in creating a weekly class in your house or an individual class with the Rabbi, please do not hesitate to
contact the Rabbi.
• We are tryi ng to update our Congregant’s contact information. We would like to start sending texts about different Events and
Shiurim. We would also like to start emailing the weekly bulletin. We would like to start a list of Nahalot/Azkarot/Yahrzeits.
We would also like to make a Refuah Shelema list. Please send your contact information to the Rabbi at [email protected]
• Please fee l free to contact any of the board members either in person, or via email with suggestions or comments. Our email
addresses are: board member’s first name @oroziel.com
Important Me ssage!!!
Eruv Update: Surfside: The Eruv in Surfside now includes the walking paths along the beach. Pushing strollers and carrying is
permit ted on the paths, but not beyond the path or onto the beach. Bal Harb our: The Eruv in Bal Harbour included the inner (western) walking path only. The pier at Haulover Cut is not included.
• Due to the recent reorganization of seats in the Bet Hakenesset, We are happy to announce the NEW possibility of purchasing seats
in the Bet Hakenesset. For more information, please contact the Board.
• Before hanging up anything anywhere in the Bet Hakenesset, please seek authorization from the Rabbi. This includes flyers etc.
• Please be advised that prior to bringing any food or drinks for any occasion, you must first seek the authorization from the Rabbi.
Spe cial Announ cements
• We are pl eased to announce that Ness 26 is part of the , which would allow our community to Amazon Charity Program
collect 0.5% of all the orders made by any of you on Amazon.com. In order to register you need to log on
smile.amazon.com and select Ness 26, Inc as the Charitable Organization you want to support, and from then shop on
smile.ama zon.com instead of www.amazon.com. It won’t cost anything more, and is an easy way to contribute to our
budget nee ds.
• Anyone wishing to receive the Daily Halacha by the Rabbi please send a whatsapp message to Simon Chocron 786-351- 1573
Community Calendar: • The prog ram for Teenaged Boys ages 13-18 Started again with Great Succes with Shiur by the Rabbi & Supper
on Sund ay Evenings after Arvit at around at 6:00 pm With Supper. New Participants Welcome! Anyone
wishing to sponsor this Shiur Please contact the Rabbi. Tizke Lemitzvot! • We have started the Mishmar Program Every other Thursday evening at 8:00 pm with Chulent, Beer, &
Snacks. Everyone is welcome! Avot Ubanim: This Mosae Shabbat at 7:45pm In Recess
Youth Minyan • We are proud to announce the inauguration of our YOUTH/TEEN MINYAN geared to train and teach our future generations on the different tefillot and parashiot.
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בס''ד
בס''ד
We would like to Whole Heartedly Thank our Dear Friends, Mr. & Mrs. Laurent Becker for generously Donating the TORAH LEARNING of Nisan 5779 In Honor of Rabbi Elmaleh & Leiluy Nishmat Haim Mamou Ben Elyezer z”l We truly appreciate it. In this merit, may Hashem Bless you & your wonderful family with all the Berachot of the Torah. Amen.
Birthdays Nahalot
Happy Birthday To • Dina Hakimi z”l the 9th of Nisan (Grandmother of Mr. Albert Gad) • th • Paloma Esther Zonana – Fri. Apr. 12th, Feivish Felix Ben Malka z”l the 12 of Nisan (Father of Mr. Yaacov Aronovici) • Eden Grace Albergel – Shab. Apr. 13th, Next Shabbat: • Eliyahu Chocron – Sun. Apr. 14th, • Oro Bat Sinuru z”l 18th of Nisan (Mother of Mr. Shabetai Maya) • Mr. Sammy Maya – Sun. Apr. 14th, • Freja Bat Rivka z”l (Aunt of Mrs. Ruby Mouyal) • th Tehila Taieb – Mon. Apr. 15 , • th th Hassiba Bat Djamilah z”l 19 of Nisan (Mother of Mrs. Jeannine • David Gad – Fri. Apr. 19 , Furhmann) th • Dr. Jean Jacques Edderai – Shab. Apr. 20 • Eliyahu Benmergui Ben Luna z”l (Father of Mr. Abraham Benmergui) rd • Deborah Shira Gad – Tues. Apr. 23 , • Moshe Ben Abraham z”l 21st of Nisan (Uncle of Mr. Albert Belecen) rd • Eliyahu Shlomo Michael – Tues. Apr. 23 , • Hadra Benmergui Bat Sara z”l 22nd of Nisan (Aunt of Sr. Mose Benmergui) • Mrs. Camila Benmergui – Wed. Apr. 24th, • Donna Alfon Bat Clara z”l (Mother of Mr. Alberto Alfon) th • Mr. Yigal Cohen – Wed. Apr. 24 , • Simon Chocron Ben Perla z”l (Grandfather of Mr. Simon Chocron) th • Aaron Isaiah Hooge – Thurs. Apr. 25 , • David Ben Luisa Murciano z”l 23rd of Nisan (Uncle of Mr. Saadia Aquinin.) th • Mr. Yizhak Amran – Fri. Apr. 26 , • Luna Chocron Bat Simha z”l 24th of Nisan (Grandmother of Simon Chocron) th • Mr. Shabetai Maya – Fri. Apr. 26 , • Mahluf Rene Bsiri z”l 25th of Nisan (Father of Stephane Bsiri) • Ruben Menachem Zonana – Fri. Apr. 26th, • Nathanel Bsiri z”l (Brother of Stephane Bsiri) th • Lisa Cohen – Mon. Apr. 29 , • Reouven Roger z”l 26th of Nisan (Father of Julia Bsiri)
בס''ד Community Shiurim
Weekday mornings:
• 6:10AM to 6:45AM: Laws of Nidah. New participants welcome! • 7:30AM Shiur on Hok Leyisrael with Breakfast! Everyone Is Welcome to Join. • 7:45AM to 8:30AM: Daf Yomi Masechet Hulin. NEW DAF YOMI MASECHET! New participants are welcome! It is a great time to start learning the Daf and join thousands of Jews across the world in this incredible project.
• 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Mishna Berura Dirshu Cycle! New participants welcome!
Week day afternoons: • Before Minha Monday through Thursday: Shiurim in Spanish on assorted topics. o • After Arvit: o Mondays & Wednesdays: Hoshen Mishpat – Business Halacha o Monday through Thursday: Shiurim in Spanish on assorted topics. o Every Thursday evening after Arvit Hilchot Nida in Depth for Men. Tuesday Assorted Topics o In Recess for the Summer o Monday & Tuesday at 7:00pm Masechet Berachot in French o Every other Monday evening at 8:30pm Shalom Bayit Class to Women.
o Every other Tuesday evening at 8:30pm Shalom Bayit Classes to Men. • SHIUR for Ladies! The Rabbi’s Shiur on Halachot of Kashrut NEW SERIES ON Hilchot Basar Vechalav, (Laws pertaining to Meat & Milk) to Ladies, in the Bet Hakenesset, every Tuesday afternoon at 2:05 pm. New Participants are always Welcome! In Recess Shabbat: • Shabbat night before Arvit: Short lecture on the Parasha of the week. • Shabbat Morning: Lecture on the Parashah of the week. • Shabbat Morning – Daf Yomi at 8:00am. • Shabbat Afternoon – Shiur at 4:40pm • Spanish Shiur – with Simon Chocron One hour before Minha • Seudat Shelishit: Short lecture on the Parasha of the week.
בס''ד WEEKLY INSPIRATION Huna paid the worker, and suddenly the vinegar turned back into wine. According to a different version of the story, the Gemara Sara’at and Confronting relates, the price of vinegar drastically rose, Hardship and Rav Huna earned a large profit. (Rabbi Eli Mansour from Daily Halacha) The Gemara in Masechet Berachot (5) speaks at length about the topic of “Yisurin” – Parashiyot Tazria and Mesora deal mainly suffering and hardship. It teaches us that with the laws of Sara’at – a skin disorder hardships atone for sin in a manner resembling leprosy that would befall people resembling bankruptcy protection. Each sin on account of certain sins. The Torah outlines we commit should, in truth, be met with the various guidelines by which it is severe punishments, but Hashem, in His determined when a person indeed has great mercy and kindness, gives us a Sara’at, the restrictions that apply if he does, “reduction.” We can “pay” our “dues” with just and the process entailed in regaining one’s pennies on the dollar – with a flat tire, a lost status of Tahara (purity) after recovering from client, a broken window, or an insult from a Sara’at. friend. These Yisurin seem harsh or even One of the interesting laws of Sara’at is the devastating when they occur, but in the grand prohibition against surgically removing the scheme of things, they are an expression of infected skin. A person with Sara’at may want Hashem’s great compassion, as He lets us off to spare himself the long, difficult process that easy by allowing us to earn atonement Sara’at imposes, and simply tear off the through these kinds of losses and discolored skin. The Torah strictly forbids inconveniences. such an act, requiring instead that one follow This is one of the lessons of Sara’at. We hope all the procedures entailed in the process of and pray to never suffer any sort of affliction, the Sara’at. but when we are, Heaven forbid, stricken by The Sefer Ha’hinuch (anonymous work “Sara’at,” by any form of hardship, let us commonly attributed to Rav Aharon Ha’levi, respond the right way, by taking a good look Spain, 1235-1303) explains that this law into ourselves and finding mistakes that need reflects the Torah’s general approach to to be corrected and habits that need to be suffering and hardship. When a person is changed. stricken with some malady, or faces some difficult situation, his response must not be to simply cure the illness or resolve the problem. His main response must be to undergo an Correcting the Sin of internal process of change and repentance. Our Sages taught that hardship must trigger Lashon Ha’ra introspection. We cannot just “remove” the (Rabbi Eli Mansour) crisis and then live as if it never happened. We must respond with a process of looking Parashiyot Tazria and Mesora speak at length into ourselves and trying to improve. about the subject of Sara’at, the skin infection that would be suffered by those guilty of the The Gemara tells the story of Rav Huna, sin of Lashon Ha’ra – negative speech about whose cellar was filled with barrels of wine, other people. A person who was determined which one day suddenly turned to vinegar. to have Sara’at would be forced to live Distraught, he approached his colleagues to outside his city until he was cured, at which seek their assistance. They urged him to think point a special ceremony was required for him of something which he might have done to be permitted to reenter his city and resume wrong to cause this misfortune, and it was his life. All this was the result of the grievous discovered that he employed a certain sin of Lashon Ha’ra, which is looked upon by sharecropper whom he had not paid. Rav
בס''ד the Torah as one of the most severe offenses explained this verse to mean that if a person a person can commit. does not profane his speech, and he ensures to use his faculty of speech for only positive There is a very close connection between the and constructive purposes, then Hashem will subject of Lashon Ha’ra and the upcoming fulfill “everything that comes from his mouth” holiday of Pesah, when we celebrate the – meaning, He will answer his prayers. Often Exodus from Egypt. Essentially, the story of our prayers go unanswered because the the Egyptian exile began with a tragic same mouth which uttered the prayers was instance of Lashon Ha’ra. Yosef, as we read contaminated through the utterance of in Sefer Bereshit, brought negative reports Lashon Ha’ra. By guarding our mouths about his brothers to Yaakob. This naturally against improper speech about other people, aroused their hostility and resentment, which and ensuring to use our mouths only for the eventually led them to sell him as a slave to right purposes, we help guarantee that our Egypt. The result was the relocation of prayers will achieve their goal and receive a Yaakob and his entire family in Egypt, setting favorable response from G-d. the stage for Beneh Yisrael’s bitter slavery and persecution at the hands of the Egyptians. And thus the 210 years of suffering all came about as a result of Lashon Ha’ra. “Something Like a Blemish The Haggada alludes to this fact when it says, has Appeared on My House” “Va’yered Misrayma – Annus Al Pi Ha’dibbur.” – Why State it Like That? The plain meaning of this phrase is that (Rabbi Frand from Torah.org) Yaakob and his family moved from Eretz Yisrael to Egypt by force of Divine decree; In Parashat Metzora [Vayikra 14:34], the this process was ordained by G-d in order to Torah introduces the laws of tzara’at carry out the decree of exile. But on a deeper ha’Bayit ["tzara’at of the House”], which level, this means that the exile occurred “Al Pi applies “when you come to the Land of Ha’dibbur,” because of the misuse of speech. Canaan that I am giving you as an It was negative speech about brothers that inheritance.” These halachot are known as triggered the process of the Egyptian “Nigei Batim.” Tzara’at can appear on a bondage. person’s body, it can appear on garments, or it can appear on the walls of one’s house. We correct this sin at the Seder on Pesah night, by sitting around the table and speaking The blemishes that appear on the walls of at length and in depth about G-d’s miracles in one’s house are the “first stage” of tzara’at Egypt and the broader themes of faith and contamination. Chazal say that tzara’at is not providence. In order to rectify the sin of merely a physical ailment. It has a physical negative speech, we indulge in positive manifestation, but it is in fact a spiritual speech. We show how speech can be used disease. Consequently, it is not to be for lofty, sacred purposes, thereby reversing translated as “leprosy,” which is a totally the Lashon Ha’ra – the desecration of speech physical ailment. This is a spiritual ailment – which caused the Egyptian exile. which causes physical symptoms. In many places, Chazal say that tzara’at comes as a The Torah teaches in Sefer Bamidbar (30:3), punishment for something a person is doing “Lo Yahel Debaro Ke’chol Ha’yoseh Mi’piv wrong (for example Eruchin 15b). It is a Ya’aseh” – “He shall not violate his word; he message from the Ribono shel Olam. shall do in accordance with everything that comes from his mouth.” On the level of simple Chazal say that the first time the Ribono shel interpretation, this means that one who takes Olam sends the message, He has Mercy and a pledge must ensure not to violate his word puts the tzara’at on a person’s house (further by failing to fulfill the pledge. However, Rabbi removed from a person than his body or his Levi Yishak of Berditchev (1740-1809) clothing). If the person does not get the
בס''ד message, then the Ribono shel Olam sends Number Two: The Tosafot Yom Tov himself the message “a little closer to home” and the explains that this is a matter of Derech person finds the message on his garments. If Eretz [appropriate etiquette] of how a person he still does not get the message, his very should interact with the Kohen. The body is afflicted with the terrible disease homeowner may be a Talmid Hacham. He of Tzara’at. may know the law. But the halacha is that it is The person who finds such blemishes on his not up to him to pasken such a shaylah. walls goes to the Kohen and tells him When it comes to tzara’at ha’Bayit, only the “something that looks like a blemish (k’negah) Kohen can rule that the house has appeared on my house.” Rashi (alluding is tameh or tahor. It is a simple matter of to a Mishna we will quote in a moment) courtesy that no one should go to the Kohen inquires why the testimony of the homeowner and tell him presumptuously, “It’s a nega!” Protocol is that the Kohen will tell you whether is given in the form of “something that looks it is a nega or not! That is his like a blemish” (k’negah). Why not make a definitive statement: I have a blemish on the jurisdiction. Derech Eretz l’Kohen. walls of my house? Rashi comments: “Even a Number Three: The Tosafot Yom Tov also Torah scholar who knows for sure that it is gives a practical reason for a Talmid a negah should not rule definitively that it is in Hacham homeowner to be tentative in his fact Tzara’at, but rather should use the initial meeting with the Kohen. If he says to tentative form, “it appears to me as the Kohen definitively, “I have a nega in my something like a negah on my home.” house” this may influence the Kohen’s ruling. This is based on a Mishna in Tractate Negaim You might intimidate him — because of your [12:5] Even a Talmid Hacham who knows the reputation as a scholar and Talmid laws of tzara’at thoroughly and has no doubt Hacham — to automatically go along with whatsoever that the blemish on his walls is whatever you say, thus forfeiting the House Tzara’at, may not say those words. possibility that he may justifiably determine Rather, he goes to the Kohen [Priest] and that the blemish on the house is not Tzara’at. says “K’negah nir’ah li ba’bayit” — something It is better to be tentative and say “k’nega (a like a blemish appears to me to be on my blemish-likeappearance) has shown up on house. my house,” rather than paint the Kohen into a corner, such that he has no choice but to Why is this so? Normally, a bona fide Torah declare your house under quarantine scholar may pasken his own shaylos. Why as Tameh. can’t the Talmid Chochim rule in this case? The Tosafot Yom Tov on the Mishnayos in Number Four: Finally, the Tosafot Yom Tov Tractate Negaim [12:5] quotes four reasons suggests that the issue at hand reflects the why a person should not definitively say, principle, “Do not open your mouth (to give “A negah has appeared on my house.” suggestions) to the Satan.” The Talmud advises us not to say things which the Satan Number One: The Tosafot Yom Tov cites may turn into a reality. If you say, “I have Rav Eliyahu Mizrachi (in the name of his a tzara’at blemish in my house,” the Satan teachers), who says that this is an example of can give you what you ask for, so to speak, the Rabbinic saying, “Teach your mouth to and the blemish on your walls will be found to utter the expression, ‘I don’t know.'” Chazal be tzara’at. instruct us that we need to develop habits that will keep us from becoming too confident that After presenting these four reasons, the we are always right. Even if someone is 99% Tosafot Yom Tov asks a basic question: Why sure that he does know something for a fact, is this concept only found by nigei the Rabbis urge him: “Don’t be so sure of batim [House blemishes] Why doesn’t yourself!” the halacha teach that if he has a tzara’at sign on his clothes he should go to the Kohen and say, “A nega-like appearance has shown up
בס''ד on my garment!”? We do not have any tentative terms like “k’nega nir’ah li ba’Bayit” such halacha. Likewise, if a person — something like a blemish appears to me to has tzara’at on his arm, we never find that the be on my house. appropriate protocol is to tell the Kohen, The Tolner Rebbe explains the matter as “Something like a nega has appeared on my follows: body!” Negaim are a message from the Ribono shel The Tosafot Yom Tov feels this is such a Olam. When you have a “nega” on your walls, strong question, that in fact he concedes the the Almighty is trying to tell you that premise of the question. Although the Torah something is wrong with your house. He is not only says this halacha by House Tzara’at, merely trying to tell you that there is indeed the same procedure should be something wrong with your physical domain. followed by anyone struck with either “Bayit,” in Jewish lore, is the place where one Garment Tzara’at or Body Tzara’at as well. raises his children, where he educates his (He admits that this is not how the halacha is family. When someone finds a “nega” in his codified in the Rambam, and he gives a “Bayit,” the Almighty is telling him that lengthy explanation to deal with that issue.) something is wrong with the way he is raising Let’s assume, however, that the Tosafot Yom his children. Nigei Batim are about the Tov’s novel answer is not correct, and that institution of the Jewish home (Bayit). this requirement is only necessary in the case The Bayit is the basic building block of the of House Tzara’at. The question remains: Jewish Nation, as we find in Egypt: “…They Why is that so? should take for themselves every man a lamb The Tolner Rebbe raises this question. for his father’s household, a lamb for Furthermore, the Tolner Rebbe broadens the each Bayit.” [Shemot 12:3] blemish on question: If someone has a ritual question the Bayit means you are building defective involving a mixture of milk and meat food building blocks for the Jewish nation. substances (for example, someone stuck Something is wrong with the chinuch a fleishege spoon into a milchege soup), have [education] going on in this house. The defect we ever heard that proper protocol is to go to may be in one of four areas: the Rov and tell him, “Maybe I have 1. Do not say “a negah has definitively a shayla of basar b’chalav [ritual question appeared in my house” because you should involving meat and milk] If someone has a teach your tongue to utter the expression “I chicken with a broken bone and is not sure if don’t know.” Don’t be so sure of yourself! the bone broke before shechita [ritual Don’t let your children get the impression that slaughtering] and the animal is therefore non- you know all the answers. That is not Kosher) or the bone broke after shechita (and good chinuch. As much as it is necessary to the shechita was thus done on a healthy portray oneself as the head of the household, animal, and it is Kosher), has anyone ever it is not embarrassing for a person to say I questioned the propriety of the shohet’s don’t know or at least I am not sure. When making a definite statement: “I have a your child asks you a question in hashkafa for problematic broken bone in the chicken I just which you don’t know the answer, do not say slaughtered”? Of course not! “We don’t ask such questions.” Don’t tell him The questioner can make a definitive “That’s a silly question.” Under those statement to the Rabbi about the non-Kosher circumstances, you should tell your child “I status of the item he is questioning. If the Rov don’t know.” This is an example of a believes the questioner is in error, he will tell “k’neganir’ah li ba’Bayit” attitude. him he made a mistake. We are not 2. The second thing that may be wrong concerned with matters of protocol, or “don’t with your chinuch is the way you treat people open your mouth to Satan,” and the like. In no that are not as chashuv [important] is you. other area of halachic inquiry does the You are a distinguished Torah scholar. You questioner need to couch his question in
בס''ד wrote a sefer on the Laws of Tzara’at. You contagious inferiority complex to his offspring. know the intricacies of the law backwards and They also grow up thinking of themselves as forwards. Now you have a blemish on your “nothings.” A person is not supposed to walls. Your next-door neighbor is a Kohen consider himself a “nothing.” who is an ignoramus. He does not know the The Chassidic Rebbeim teach that this is why difference between terumah and ma’aser. He man has two pockets (on either side of his knows nothing! “I must go to such an ignorant pants). In one pocket, he must keep a slip of priest and ask him a question — does this paper with the pasuk, “I am dust and ashes.” qualify as a nega or not?” Outrageous! What [Bereshit 18:27] in the other pocket, he must does he know? But the Mishna insists this is keep a slip of paper with the pasuk,” For my what he must say: “Something like a nega sake the world was created” [Mishna has appeared on the walls of my house.” A Sanhedrin 4:5] This is teaching that each person needs to show derech eretz to person must achieve an appropriate balance everyone. The greatest scholar has no right to between haughtiness and humility. Too much lord it over anybody. Teach your children that haughtiness is no good; but if a person is too just because you may be wealthier or smarter modest about himself and thinks of himself as or have more illustrious ancestry, that does a shmateh [rag] and acts like a shmateh — not exempt you from showing common this is also improper and will provide an courtesy and manners towards your humbler improper role model to his children. neighbors and acquaintances. This is why this unique halacha of “k’negah 3. The third reason the Tosafot Yom gave nir’eh li baBayit” is only mentioned in is that if you say definitively “a nega has connection with blemishes in the Bayit (Nigei appeared on my walls,” you may unduly Batim). This is a lesson about the type influence the Kohen. Some people, by virtue of Bayit that every Jew is supposed to have. of their personal charisma, are overwhelming Regarding all other areas — niddah, nevelah, personalities. There is an expression basar b’chalav, Hilchot Pessach, Hilchot regarding such people, “He takes all the Shabbat, and so on — there is no oxygen out of the room.” This is as if to say, such halacha that a person needs to enquire “There is no room to breathe after this guy of the posek with such tentative questions. opens his mouth.” Imagine such a Only where we are talking about correcting a homeowner telling the Kohen, “There is a flaw in the Jewish Bayit (such as education of nega in my house.” The Kohen says to children that begins within the family himself “Am I going to argue with him?” It is unit, Bayit), only here do we have the great to have influence and it is great to have pedagogic requirement to tentatively charisma, but it stifles a person’s children’s approach the Kohen with the statement, own independence of thought. This too can “Something like a blemish has appeared on negatively impact the chinuch in the home. the walls of my house.” The father’s overpowering personality does
not give his children a chance to develop into who they really are, on their own. 4. The fourth reason why a person must Turtle Doves Do Not Have say “k’nega nir’ah li ba’Bayit” is so that he does not “open his mouth to the Satan.” A “Second Marriages” – person who has such a negative view of life Appreciation for Loyalty that everything looks black, and everything is no good, cannot positively influence his (Rabbi Frand from Torah.org) children. A person who has the pervasive The beginning of Parshat Tazria deals with attitude, “I know nothing; I am a rag; I can’t do the laws of purity and impurity associated with anything right, etc.” also provides childbirth. At the end of the 40 day period of poor chinuch. Without at least portraying a impurity and purity following the birth of a modicum of self-confidence, he spreads a male and at the end of the 80 day period of
בס''ד impurity and purity following the birth of a their loyalty each other. This unique quality female, the mother is required to bring “a makes them the optimum choice for spiritual sheep within its first year for an olah-offering elevation sought by the one bringing a bird and a young dove or a turtle dove for a sin- sacrifice. The Ramban adds that even though offering” to complete her purification process bnei-yonah do not share this quality, they [Vayikra 12:6]. have an alternate characteristic, which makes Even though there are many kinds of kosher them appropriate. The young dove (the only birds, the only kinds of birds that may be kind of “ben yonah” which may be brought) brought as sacrifices on the Altar are the has the trait that they always return to their young dove [ben-yonah] and the turtle dov nest. Most birds will never return to their nest [tor]. The Baal HaTurim makes the interesting once a human being touches it. The bnei observation that whenever the Torah provides yonah are an exception. They have such the option of bringing a tor [turtle dove] or a loyalty to their nests that they will return ben-yonah [young dove] as a bird offering, the despite the fact that human hands may have mention of the tor precedes the mention of tampered with the nest. The Ramban writes the ben-yonah. The only exception is here in “So too Israel will not switch from loyalty to the case of the sin-offering following their Creator and His Torah forever.” childbirth, where the Torah first mentions the Therefore, according to the Ramban, torim ben-yonah and only afterward mentions the and bnei Yonah are the bird species used in tor. the Bais HaMikdash because they share the quality of loyalty with the Jewish people. The Baal HaTurim explains that normally the tor or ben-yonah are brought in pairs. Now, we may wonder, where does it ever say However, in this case, we only bring one. The in the Torah that being loyal is a good thing? tor [turtle dove] has a unique quality in that Where do any of the 613 mitzvos instruct us they mate for life. If its partner is taken away to “Be Loyal”? We are used to thinking about from it or killed, it will not seek out another qualities that the Torah appreciates: Chessed mate, but will seemingly mourn – as it were – [kindness]; Emet [truthfulness]; Shalom for the first mate for the rest of its life. [peacefulness]. Where is loyalty in that list? Consequently, rather than cause the break-up There are many values, character traits, and of a pair of turtle doves by taking one of a pair attitudes that the Torah does explicitly for a bird offering, the Torah advises us to mention. However, the Torah has one catchall that it is preferable to seek out a ben-yonah commandment: “V’asita haYashar v’haTov…” (whose mate will presumably be able to find [And you shall do that which is correct and another mate if its first mate is offered as a good in the Eyes of Hashem.] [Devarim 6:18]. sacrifice). How do you know you are not supposed to Rav Simcha Zissel Broide derives two cut someone off in traffic? Where is that insights from this Baal HaTurim. First, when written? We understand that if a person is we see how sensitive the Torah is to the easily recognizable as a religious Jew then feelings of pigeons and doves, we can such behavior is forbidden under the category imagine how sensitive we must be to the of “Chilul Hashem” [desecration of the Name feelings of our fellow human beings. Second, of G-d]. But what if someone is not easily we see that the Torah appreciates loyalty. recognizable as a religious Jew? Why is it still The Torah in effect is rewarding the tor – forbidden according to Torah law for him to urging us to seek the ben-yonah instead for cut someone off in traffic? our sacrifice – because it has that wonderful There are so many things like this. Where is it trait of loyalty to its mate. written that one must mow his lawn? Where The Ramban has a similar teaching in does the Torah forbid us from having our Parshat Vayikra. The Ramban writes that the property become an eye sore? The Ramban Torah singled out torim as an appropriate says it is all forbidden because of the pasuk species for karbanos, precisely because of “V’asisa haYashar v’haTov b’Einei
בס''ד Hashem…” which, liberally translated, means to hate each other. The Torah wants sisters to “be a mentsch”. love each other. Therefore, says the Ramban, The Ramban writes, “Even those things that that commandment does not apply if one of are not explicit, pay attention and try to the sisters has died. So where do we find in deduce from the Torah that which is correct the Torah that siblings should love each and good in His Eyes for He likes that which other? It may be subtle, but we find it right is correct and good. This is a great matter here in the prohibition of marrying two sisters. because it is impossible to record in the Torah Reading between the lines of Torah law gives all the proper interactions of man with his us greater insight into Torah and greater friends and neighbors.” The Torah listed insight into what the Almighty considers many specific actions (do not take revenge, “Correct and good” [yashar v’tov]. do not bear grudges, do not speak slander, etc.) and then the Torah gave one catchall mitzvah to include all the other things that were too numerous to list: V’asita haYashar Selfishness and Narrow v’haTov. Vision It is our mission to discern the qualities that the Almighty likes. This Baal HaTurim and this (Rabbi Zev Leff) Ramban are saying that the Torah When you arrive in the land of Canaan that I appreciates loyalty. The message may be give you as a possession, and I will place a very subtle. We may have to delve into the tzara’at affliction upon a house in the land of reasons behind the commandments and your possession (Vayikra 14:34) figure out why specifically doves and The last of the various forms of tzara’at is that turtledoves are required for the Divine Service affecting homes. That form of tzorz'as was (or why turtledoves are usually mentioned first unknown until Bne Yisrael entered Eretz and why by childbirth the ben-yonah is Yisrael. According to Chazal, the previous mentioned first). Our job is to read between inhabitants hid their valuables in the walls of the lines, pick up all the qualities that the their homes to prevent them from falling into Master of the World appreciates, and emulate the hands of the conquering Jewish army. those qualities in our lives. When the walls of these houses were There is one other example that the Ramban subsequently struck with tzara’at, provides of reading between the lines to necessitating the removal of parts of its walls determine appropriate human behavior based and, in some cases, the destruction of the on explicit Biblical law: Virtually all forbidden entire house, these hidden treasures were sexual relationships are relationships which discovered by the new House owners. are forbidden forever. For example, one’s This is extremely puzzling. We are also told mother-in-law is an ervah [forbidden relation] that tzara’at in the walls of homes was a to him. She remains an ervah even if his wife punishment for selfishness. Why should those dies and her mother is no longer his mother- who displayed the extremely negative in-law. The prohibition of marrying a woman characteristic of selfishness have been and her sister however is unique in that it only rewarded with the discovery of hidden applies during the lifetime of the sister that he treasures? married first. The Torah tells us that before the Kohen The Ramban explains that the reason for this comes to inspect the suspected discoloration prohibition is to promote harmony among the to determine whether there is in fact tzara'at, sisters. Normal sibling rivalry being what it is, all the contents of the house are to be if two sisters were married to the same removed (Vayikra 14:35). That way they do person, it would create intolerable family not become impure if the house is declared to strife. The two sisters would wind up hating have tzara’at. The Midrash, however, adds each other. The Torah does not want sisters
בס''ד another reason for removing all the vessels: it functional part - the inside - and not through is a corrective for the selfishness which contact with the materials of the outside wall. causes tzara’at in the first place. Selfish A tzaddik views his material possessions as people often pretend that they have less than earthenware vessels - i.e., of no intrinsic they do to avoid lending others their value themselves, but rather deriving their possessions or giving tzedakah. Having to importance only from their function. Material remove all his possessions in public causes possessions, in his view, are tools in the him acute embarrassment and helps to atone service of Hashem. They may, for instance, for and correct his selfishness. allow him to do acts of chesed and benefit The Mishnah in Nega'im (12:5), however, others. Both his body and his material gives a totally different explanation of the possessions are means to serve Hashem. removal of the contents from the house: They differ only in that the body is acquired as Divine concern tor the property of a Jew. Only a "birthday present'. The acquisition of relatively inexpensive earthenware vessels material possessions requires effort. Thus his can be easily purified by immersion in a material possessions are more precious to mikveh. Nevertheless, Hashem is concerned the tzaddik than his own body because their with even this small loss, and allows the acquisition required more effort. The tzadik's removal of all vessels before the house is perspective on possessions contrasts with the declared impure. narrow perspective of the one who sees only the presonal benefit his possessions can One might have thought thet if the intention bring him. was to cure selfishness, a lesson on the unimportance of material possessions would When the person whose house was afflicted be more fitting, and not one which conveys with tzara’at was made aware of Hashem's the value of every penny. concern for every Jew's material possessions, his selfish view (tzaras ayin) was challenged The truth is, however, that selfishness - and the corrective process begun. The literally tzorut ayin, a narrow eye - is the result embarrassment of being exposed to the of not appreciating the true value of material neighbors' scrutiny was another aspect of the possesions and viewing them from a very same process. The removal of the vessels to narrow perspective. We are taught that the public domain hints to the fact that their tzaddikim value their material possessions purpose is not just to serve oneself. even more than their lives. Thus Yaakov put his life in danger to retrieve some inexpensive The valuables hidden by the Emorim were earthenware vessels. tainted and contaminated by intense selfishness. The Emorom hid thim to deprive Earthenware is unique in that it contracts the Jews from benefiting from them, even tumah, spiritual impurity, only through though they were doomed to lose them exposure, of the source of impurity, to its anyway. In the hand of people with a inside surface, but not through contact with tendency towards selfishness, this wealth the outside walls of the vessel. Why are would have been terribly detrimental. earthenware vessels singled out in this Therefore, Hashem utilized the tzara’at as a fashion? The value of any vessel can be vehicle to provide the wealth in a manner measured in two ways: in terms of the designed to correct the evil of selfishness. intrinsic value of the material from which it is The victim of tzara’at was forced ro recast his made or in terms of its fuctional value. The attitudes towards marerial possessions prior materials of an earthenware vessel have little to receiving this new bounty. intrinsic value. Their utility alone gives earthenware vessels their value. In order for If one fails to learn the lesson of tzara’at something to contract ritual impurity, it must afflicting the house, his selfishness will grow have a value. Hence, an earthenware vessel into haughtiness. Then his clothes, called by becomes impure only through contact with its Chazal the instruments of honoring a person, will be afflicted as well. If he still does not
בס''ד heed the warning, he will descend yet further 1. Don't take it personally. Your kids are not until he acts with total disregard for anyone ignoring your pleas to help because they don't but himself. That latter attitude is manifested care about you or how hard you work. They as lashon hara and motzi shem ra, speech just really don't like to clean. designed to denigrate others. As a 2. Let your kids complain about all the work punishment the perpetrator's very body will be that they have to do and don't want to do. scourged with tzara’at. They don't have to like it, they just need to do We can now understand what appear to be it. conflicting opinions regarding the deaths of 3. Have your pat phrases handy when your the students of R' Akiva. The Gemara kids start to whine. For example, "In this (Yevamot 62b) says that they did not treat family we all work together." "Sometimes you each other with respect. The Midrash do more and sometimes Sara does more, (Bereshit Rabbah 61:3) says that they that's how it works in families." exhibited tzarus ayin, selfishness, with regard to their Torah and did not share it with one 4. Be kind. Always empathize. Not too many another. Torah is one's most precious people like to clean and that, of course, possession, but it must not become a means includes kids. You can say, "Looks like you of personal aggrandizement. When one truly really aren't in the mood for sweeping. You appreciates his fellow Jew and honors him, are wishing that this broom would work by he desires to share with him his tools for itself..." service of Hashem. In this vein, sharing one's 5. Make a list of all the jobs that you need to Torah is the supreme expression of honor for get done and ask your kids to let you know one's fellow man. Hence the two descriptions what they would like to do and when they will of the faults of the students of R'Akiva are in be available to complete them. Kids don't fact one. want to be at your beck and call all day. Reprinted with permission from Artscroll Mesorah Publications, ltd. This article is provided as part of Shema Yisrael Torah Network 6. Make it fun. For younger kids, Beat the Permission is granted to redistribute electronically or on paper, Clock, pretending to be vacuum cleaners or provided that this notice is included intact. For information on subscriptions, archives, and other Shema Yisrael Classes, send mail to garbage men, can do the trick. For older kids, [email protected] putting on some music or listening to the ball game can help. 7. Don't accuse. Avoid telling your kids they are irresponsible and lazy. It only reinforces a negative image of themselves. "If my parents Food for Thought think I am lazy and irresponsible, why should I even try to help out?" 8. Be positive. Don’t say, “We are never going 12 Tips to Get Your Kids to to be ready for Passover!” Be upbeat: “I know Help Prepare for Passover we are going to get everything that needs to get done, done. Let’s take it one step at a How to gain the cooperation of your time.” family without yelling. (By Adina Soclof) 9. Have mini meetings. On the mornings Passover is right around the corner and we're leading up to Passover, let everyone know wondering how are we going to get everything what needs to be done and what there done. It can feel overwhelming. responsibilities will be. Even better, write it We don't have to do it all ourselves. We can down. encourage our kids and spouses to help out. 10. Respect your child's time. Always ask, "I Here are my top 12 tips to gaining will need help shlepping chairs this afternoon, cooperation from your family this Passover: will that fit into your schedule?", "We are
בס''ד going to clean out the drawers in the kitchen to begin with something positive. You must be this afternoon, how does that work for you?" sincere and not use artificial praise as a form of manipulation. 11. Acknowledge your family's contributions. "I appreciate all your help with the cooking.", People automatically become defensive when Reinforce the ethic of teamwork, "This family they hear someone beginning with negatives, really knows how to work together. We got such as criticism or complaints. But if the this whole garage cleaned up!" same comments were preceded by a compliment, people would be vastly more 12. Be thankful for your family. Not only do you want to acknowledge your family's open to consider what they are being told. So contributions as you are getting ready for if you need to express your dissatisfaction to Passover, at the Seder take a minute to thank your spouse (and who doesn't?!), try to begin everyone and appreciate every ones help. "I speaking by offering a few words of approval. am so looking forward to this Seder and the 3. Do not attack. Attacks are indictments that rest of Yom Tov. We all worked hard to get are leveled like criminal charges in a court of ready for Yom Tov and it shows. Daddy and I law. They are pronounced in a self-righteous appreciate all your efforts." tone which almost always elicits And lastly, spring cleaning is not a Torah defensiveness. Attacks tend to begin with obligation. Dust is not chametz. Stay focused "you" statements, such as "You are?," "You on what you really must do to clean your never?," or, "You always?" house for Passover, and leave the rest of the The best way to avoid attacking your spouse cleaning for another, more opportune time. is to try to frame your comments using "I" statements to express your feelings.
Sarah felt that her husband, Zev, was very Ten Rules for Effective stingy about giving monetary gifts to their married children. She felt he was selfish when Communication he insisted that he wanted to keep his money for himself. How to speak so your spouse will listen. (By Dr. Meir Wikler) Instead of lambasting Zev with unflattering In spite of how effectively you are terms, Sarah learned how to express her communicating with neighbors, co-workers feelings in a less confrontational manner. One and friends, in order to get through to your night, after dinner, Sarah said to Zev, "I would spouse, you will need to adhere to the like to give some money to our children to following rules: help them with their upcoming holiday expenses. Whenever I have brought this up in 1. Be sure your spouse is listening. If you the past and you opposed it, I felt need to speak to your spouse about an disappointed in you. For me, giving to our important or sensitive subject, be sure that children is like giving to myself. And I would (s)he is not too angry or distracted. Generally, like to feel that my husband at least it is advisable to actively check out your understands that position." spouse's readiness by asking, "Can you listen to me now?" Zev did not agree, at first, to Sarah's proposed gift giving. But he did sit still long If your spouse responds, "No," you can ask enough to hear her out. It was the first of when (s)he thinks (s)he will be ready to listen many discussions which they had on that to you. While this may postpone your being subject. Eventually, they worked out a able to speak, it will improve your chances of compromise which resulted in smaller gifts being heard when you do finally get the floor. than Sarah had originally intended but with 2. Begin with something positive. which she was quite satisfied in the end. Whenever you need to have a serious discussion with anyone, it is always advisable
בס''ד 4. Do not exaggerate. Exaggeration is one "Anyone would feel the way I did." It is so way in which we vent our feelings when we obvious to them that their feelings were are upset. This may relieve our inner tension "normal" that they see no need to explain to but it does not do much to promote marital their spouses exactly why they feel the way harmony. they do. Instead, they simply recount the Once your spouse hears any slight disturbing events and let the tale speak for exaggeration on your part, (s)he will feel fully itself. justified in rejecting everything you have to This is a serious mistake. If you do not say. Therefore, words such as "always" and explain, in the most specific language "never" should be eliminated. possible, exactly how you felt, your spouse will not understand what bothered you. 5. Do not mind-read. Many people like to play amateur psychologist and figure out what 8. Clarify your needs. You will not be able to others are thinking. If we assume, however, get what you want from your spouse unless that our estimates of our spouse's motives are you are able to articulate exactly what your completely accurate, we run the risk of needs are. You have to tell your spouse not inflaming tempers at home. only what bothers you, but also what you "You don't really care about me," "You knew would have wanted done differently. that would upset me," and "I know you don't Some people have a very difficult time really mean what you just said," are all spelling out what they want from their examples of provocative mind-reading spouses. "I shouldn't have to ask," they insist. statements. "(S)he should know on his/her own what I want. If I have to ask, then I would rather not 6. Focus on preferences, not principles. So often, spouses pretend that their feelings are have it!" not as important as the "principle" involved. These people harbor the wish that their needs As they argue, they desperately try to will be fulfilled by their spouses knowing convince each other that they are "right." without being told. Certainly it is very In order to "prove" that they are right, spouses gratifying to have your needs met without often cite statistics, books and magazine even asking. But it is unrealistic to expect that articles. They will refer to examples of friends level of service all the time. Mothers can often and neighbors. When all else fails, they will anticipate the needs of their children, assert that their position is "normal" or that especially infant children, without the children "everyone" thinks and acts the way they do. even having to ask. But spouses cannot Only someone, therefore, who is abnormal possibly replicate that maternal level of nurturance. would disagree. While they believe that they are strengthening 9. Limit yourself to one or two topics. their arguments, they are, in fact, weakening Husbands and wives sometimes find that they them. It would be much more productive if have accumulated a long laundry list of they would speak about their feelings. You complaints and grievances. When each one can dispute someone's philosophy much finally gets his or her turn to be the speaker, more easily than you can his/her feelings. (s)he often tries to address too many subjects all at once. I call this common practice, As long as we are discussing our "kitchen sinking," because the speaker is preferences, there is room for compromise piling on everything, as the saying goes, and resolution. But if we are talking about "including the kitchen sink." what is right and wrong, we will be much less likely to come to an agreement. The urge to "kitchen sink" is understandable. For months or years you have felt 7. Explain what made you feel the way you misunderstood or not listened to at all. Now did. People often mistakenly assume that you finally have your spouse's attention. You their feelings are universal. They think,
בס''ד feel as if you want to pack it all in now while “no present for the afikomen” policy (I know, you still have the chance. wrong holiday!). Although it is quite prevalent, kitchen sinking But those are not the only signs. I also know is extremely counterproductive for a number that Passover is around the corner because of reasons. Firstly, the listener begins to lose spring is in the air, even in California! Actually patience by the third or fourth item on the especially in California where it has been an speaker's list of complaints. More importantly, unusually cold winter. There are buds on the however, by kitchen sinking, the speaker has trees, the flowers are blooming and, since the guaranteed that no one topic can be explored drought is now officially over, the grass is in depth. It is far better, therefore, for the green once again. The world is opening up to speaker to be selective and choose to a fresh start, to a new beginning. address only one, or at the most, two issues It is not a coincidence that Passover occurs at each communication session. simultaneously with the advent of spring. 10. Allow time for questions at the end. It is Rather, it is built into the creation. In order always a good idea to stop speaking before that we would feel this renewed sense of your spouse loses patience and allow him or hope awakening, of our lives unfurling, of new her to ask you questions. It is only through the potential, the Almighty created the holiday of questions of the listener that the speaker's Passover in the springtime. It had to happen words are fully understood. You would not this way. It’s part of the elegant structure of learn very much attending a class if you were the universe where no detail is left to chance. never permitted to ask questions. Similarly, The Almighty is the Interior Designer par you will not communicate effectively with your excellence. spouse if you do not give your spouse the This setup allows our experience of the opportunity to ask you questions to clarify outside world to reinforce our inner spiritual what you have just said. experience. It’s not easy to stop and Excerpted with permission of the author and publisher introspect. It’s not easy to try to examine all from, "Ten Minutes a Day to a Better Marriage: Getting the ways in which we are enslaved, to look Your Spouse to Understand You," by Dr. Meir Wikler with a clear and ruthless eye at the obstacles (Artscroll/Mesorah Publications, 2003) we have created for ourselves, to acknowledge the ways in which our own egos hamper our relationship with the Almighty. Ladies, Don’t Lose Sight of And since it’s not easy, we may try to avoid it. the Essence of Passover We busy ourselves with the shopping and the cooking and the cleaning (all crucial activities I’d rather organize my cupboards than of course) and ignore the thinking (unless it’s look at the ways I still need to grow. about which brisket recipe to try). (By Emuna Braverman) We rationalize that we don’t have time. Or we How do I know if it’s Passover time? My nails don’t even let those niggling concerns are chipped, the skin on my hands is cracked surface. We push them back down, scrubbing and bleeding, the kitchen smells like Easy Off our floors but not our souls. I would personally and my books shelves are weighted down by rather organize my cupboards than look at the about 30 boxes of matzah (18 hand and 12 ways in which I still need to grow, the ways in machine if anyone cares!) The chametz is out which I have not yet achieved full freedom, of my kitchen, my cleaned cabinets are the lacks in my service of the Almighty and covered with notes about freedom, my freezer the weaknesses in my faith. Much easier to is full of meat and new recipes to try scatter bleach my counters and make another batch my counter. Everyone is rushing madly to see of brownies. if their perfume is kosher, my boys are getting I mean, of course, we would like to do the haircuts and I am reiterating my Grinch-like work on our souls, make the spiritual effort,
בס''ד but we’ve having 20, 30, 50 people for our The Sages enacted a provision forbidding deriving Seders. The numbers may not increase in benefit from Hametz that was owned by a Jew inverse proportion to our efforts at spiritual during Pesah. Even after Pesah, it is forbidden to growth but they may certainly be a distraction derive any benefit from Hametz that a Jew had – or even a competition! owned during the holiday. This is a penalty imposed by the Sages upon those who keep This year I don’t want to make that mistake. Hametz in their possession over Pesah. I’m trying to make my meals simpler and my Therefore, if a supermarket is owned by a Jew thoughts deeper. I can’t resist that new baked and he does not sell the Hametz in the store to a apple with charoset ice cream recipe but I gentile before Pesah, it is forbidden to purchase also want to read that new Hagadah that from that store any of the Hametz that it had focuses on faith, on trust, on the missing or owned during Pesah. One must therefore determine which stores are Jewish-owned, and weak elements in my relationship with my which Jewish owners sell the Hametz to a gentile Creator. They say that Passover is the New before Pesah. Year of Our Faith. Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (contemporary) It is an opportunity to take my trust in the addresses the situation of a non-observant Jew Almighty to another level. It’s a chance to who owns a supermarket and formally signs the understand what faith in G-d really means sale document only so that he could retain his and to internalize the concept through the kosher certification. Rav Elyashiv rules (listen to experience of the Seder. I’m sure I’ll still make audio recording for precise citation) that since this my pineapple kugels and cabbage soup but owner does not sincerely intend to sell his Hametz perhaps as I do it (especially these recipes to a gentile, but rather simply goes through the that I know by heart!) I can do more than cook motions, the sale is not valid. Therefore, it is forbidden to purchase Hametz from such a store (I’m not putting down the cooking – the after Pesah. Rav Elyashiv adds that it is forbidden physical preparations are crucial to the day, to buy Hametz from this store even to feed young just not the sum total of the necessary children. He advises in such a situation that a expectations!). clause be added to the sale document stating that This year I want to capitalize on the moment the sale is done in accordance with the country’s and let the sun of the spring shine on my soul, laws. Once the sale is binding according to civil law, the storekeeper clearly intends to transfer warts and all. Then maybe I can really be ownership over the Hametz, and hence the free. Mechirat Hametz is valid. It is preferable when selling the Hametz to either tell the gentile or write in the document where the key to the premises is located. Since the Hametz becomes owned by the gentile, he should have Daily halacha access to it, which requires access to the key. When one sells his Hametz to a gentile through the agency of a Rabbi, as is the customary Halachot of Pesah practice, it is not necessary to make a Kinyan (Daily Halacha) (formal act of affirmation) with the Rabbi. It suffices to verbally or in writing authorize the Laws of Mechirat Hametz Rabbi to sell one’s Hametz on his behalf. This can A person should ensure to sell his Hametz to a be done via telephone, mail, e-mail, and so on. gentile before Pesah even though he thoroughly This Halacha is based upon the ruling of the searches his home, eliminates all Hametz that he Rambam (Rabbi Moshe Maimonides, Spain- finds, and makes the Bittul declaration renouncing Egypt, 1135-1204), who held that a Kinyan is not ownership over any Hametz. The sale is necessary when appointing somebody as one’s necessary in case he owns some medications or agent. cosmetics that contain Hametz, or in case there is One does not have to sell the particles of Hametz some other Hametz in his possession, of which he in the walls of his pots and other utensils. This is unaware. Hametz does not fall under the prohibition against
בס''ד owning Hametz, and therefore it does not have to Reciting the Maggid section of the Haggada at be included in the sale of one’s Hametz. the Seder fulfills the Torah obligation to tell the story of Yetzi'at Mitzrayim (the Exodus), as the Mechirat Hametz is done by selling to the gentile Torah writes, "Ve'higadeta Le'vincha Ba'yom the space where the Hametz is located. The sale Ha'hu" ("You shall tell your children on that day" – document states that the gentile assumes Shemot 13:8). The importance of this Mitzva is ownership over the area where the Hametz is expressed in a passage in the Zohar which situated, and then by extension he acquires the comments that anyone who tells the story of Hametz, as well. In light of this, we might, at first Yetzi'at Mitzrayim on the night of Pesach with glance, question whether one can sell his Hametz sincere joy will one day rejoice together with the to a gentile if he lives in a rented residence. Since Shechina (Divine Presence) in the next world. he is not the owner, he seemingly does not have Moreover, G-d Himself experiences immense joy, the legal power to sell any part of the residence. as it were, upon hearing the Jewish people telling In truth, however, as Rav Elyashiv writes, it is this story, and He summons the Heavenly angels legitimate to sell one’s Hametz to a gentile even if to come and listen to the story. The angels he lives in a rented residence. Since it is obvious assemble to hear the story of the Exodus and that the gentile will not come and move in to the rejoice over the great wonders and miracles property, it can be assumed that the landlord does performed by the Almighty in redeeming Am not object to the sale, and allows the tenant to Yisrael, and they give praise to G-d for His great proceed with the Mechirat Hametz. nation on earth that so joyfully celebrates His It often happens that one will want access during redemption. The Zohar concludes that we thereby Pesah to the room where the sold Hametz is increase G-d's power, so-to-speak, to deal kindly stored. In such a case, it is proper to include in the with Am Yisrael. (Hazon Ovadia page 56.) sale document a stipulation to this effect. Since As mentioned earlier, the Torah introduces this the gentile becomes the owner over the area obligation by instructing, "You shall tell your where the Hametz is kept, it should be made clear children on that day…" Thus, the essential from the outset that the seller will continue to obligation is for parents to tell the story to their enjoy the right to access to the room in question. children. Ironically, in many families the precise Mechirat Hametz affects only the Hametz that one opposite occurs: children are encouraged to share has in his possession at the time when the sale with their parents some ideas and insights that takes effect. If Hametz comes into his possession they learned about the Haggada. Although it is at some point during Pesah, it is not included in admirable for children to share their knowledge, it the sale, and he is therefore in violation of the is the parents who bear the obligation to teach prohibition against owning Hametz on Pesah. their children. Some people order bread from non-Jewish Furthermore, in many homes the children go to bakeries before the final days of Pesah, and the sleep immediately after asking the questions of bakeries deliver the products on the last day of the "Ma Nishtana." It must be emphasized that the Pesah. If this happens, he must not accept the "Ma Nishtana" consists only of the questions; the delivery, because if he does, he violates the parents must then provide the answer, clearly, prohibition of Hametz. Since that bread was not patiently, and in accordance with each child's sold to a gentile, if it comes into his possession he level of understanding. The father must clearly will be in violation of this prohibition. One should explain to the child the paragraph of "Avadim therefore ensure that no Hametz will be delivered Hayinu," as well as the section of "Pesach, Matza until after Pesah. U'marror," where the reasons for these three Rav Moshe Sternbuch (contemporary) records a Mitzvot are explained. If a parent sees that the custom to pay the Rabbi a small amount of money child is falling asleep or losing interest before he when one comes to him for Mechirat Hametz. The reaches the section of "Pesach, Matza U'marror," reason for this custom is that if the Rabbi is paid then he should quickly explain to him that section for the service, he will see himself as the so that the child will hear the explanation of these individual’s “employee,” hired to sell his Hametz Mitzvot. on his behalf. This will ensure that the Rabbi will The obligation to tell the story of Yetzi'at Mitzrayim follow through on this responsibility and properly requires doing just that: to talk about the events of execute the sale as required. Benei Yisrael's subjugation, the plagues, the Halachot of Maggid Exodus, and the splitting of the sea. One should focus on the Midrashim relevant to these events,
בס''ד and not on other topics upon which many people careful in this regard in years when Daylight make the mistake of elaborating during the Seder. Savings Time begins before Pesach, in which One should not only focus his attention on singing case the Seder begins quite late; one may "Dayeinu" or offering insights into the introductory nevertheless not begin reading the Haggada sections of "Ma Nishtana," the four sons, "Ve'hi before nightfall. (Hazon Ovadia page 47.) She'ameda," and so on. Nor is this the time for One should not lean or recline during the reading reconciling contradictory rulings of the Rambam or of Maggid. Instead, it should be read in an upright explaining complex, intricate passages in position, and with a sense of awe and reverence. Masechet Pesachim. The Mitzva of "Sippur Yetzi'at Mitzrayim" requires spending time at the The reading of Maggid should be completed Seder discussing the events of the Exodus, and before Chatzot (midnight as defined by Halacha). this should be the point of our focus at the Seder. This means that one should recite the concluding Indeed, the Haggada tells of the Rabbis in Bnei- Beracha of "Asher Ge'alanu" before Chatzot. Brak who spent the entire night telling about the BeDiavad, if he finished after Chazot, he still may Exodus; this shows that there is enough material make the Beracha of "Asher Ge'alanu". After the relevant to Yetzi'at Mitzrayim itself to occupy a Seder, one should continue learning and person for an entire night. Of course, one who so discussing the Exodus and the laws of Pesach wishes is certainly encouraged to remain awake until he feels the need to go to sleep. after the Seder to discuss the many other aspects
of Pesach; the Seder itself, however, should be devoted to the story of the Exodus. It must also be emphasized that properly fulfilling this Mitzva requires preparation. Just as we Daf yomi prepare for the other Mitzvot of Pesach by cleaning the home, purchasing wine and Matza, cleaning the Marror, and so on, so must we Daf Yomi Masechet Hulin prepare for "Sippur Yetzi'at Mitzrayim" by studying (Daf Notes) commentaries on Maggid before the Seder. What Is Eagerness? The Ritva (Rabbi Yom Tov Ashbili, Spain, 1250- 1330) writes that one person may recite the An acquaintance asked HaGaon Rabbi Chayim Haggada on behalf of the others at the Seder, Shmuelevitz zt”l to do him a favor but he didn’t who fulfill their obligation by carefully listening to do it for different reasons. “You’re lazy”, he the leader's recitation. This ruling is based on the accused. “You’re making a mistake”, replied Halachic principle of "Shomei'a Ke'oneh," which Rabbi Chayim. “You think that zerizus - eagerness allows for fulfilling one's obligation to recite a means always to do something but that’‟s not true. given text by listening to somebody else's recitation. This was indeed the practice of the Chazal said that kohanim are quick, but this Gaon of Vilna (Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna, 1720- statement sometimes means that they are careful 1797). Our practice, however, is for everybody to not to become impure (see Beitzah 18a). We thus recite the Haggada in unison, with the leader see that sometimes zerizus means not to do offering explanations and insights at various something” (Moach Velev). points during the recitation. (Hazon Ovadia page Knowledge 47.) The obligation to read Maggid applies to both men Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmeini says in the name of and women. (Hazon Ovadia page 52.) Although Rabbi Yonasan: How do we know that one should the authorities debate the question of whether not give terumah to a Kohen who is an am ha’aretz women are obligated on the level of Torah (not careful about tumah)? This is as the verse obligation or Rabbinic enactment, all agree that states: And Chizkiah instructed the people, the they, too, must recite or hear the Haggada. inhabitants of Jerusalem, to give the portion of the One must ensure not to begin reading Maggid Kohanim and the Leviim so that the Kohanim and until nightfall on Pesach eve, or 45 minutes after Leviim might be strong in Hashem’s Torah. It can sundown (in the New York City area). If one derived from here that any Kohen who holds began reading Maggid before nightfall, he must strongly to Hashem’s Torah is entitled to a repeat it after that point. One must be particularly terumah portion, whereas one who does not hold
בס''ד strongly to Hashem’s Torah is not entitled to a treasure of all peoples, for Mine is the entire terumah portion. world. You shall be to Me a kingdom of ministers and a holy nation. These are the words that you The Gemora refers to a Kohen who does not hold shall speak to the Children of Israel. Only if we strongly to Hashem’s Torah; thereby he is not observe the Torah, and toil in its study, can we entitled to a terumah portion. It appears that this merit being a holy nation. idea is equated with the uncertainty of whether the Kohen am ha’aretz will eat terumah in a state of taharah or whether he will eat it in a state of tumah. This is difficult to understand, as it would seem obvious that if a Kohen does not hold strongly to Hashem’s Torah, he certainly will not KID’Z KORNER concern himself with the laws of purity. In order to comprehend the words of the Gemora, we must gain a clear definition of knowledge. The Interesting Midrash Gemora states that one who has knowledge has (from Torah Tots) everything, and if one lacks knowledge, he has nothing. We normally perceive an ignoramus as Here a Spot, There A Spot, Everywhere one who is not learned and has yet to achieve a Spot-Spot scholastic acumen. The Gemora teaches us that this is incorrect. The Mishna states that a mamzer Okay, we all know by now that Tzara’at, (illegitimate) who is a scholar precedes a Kohen trivially translated as "leprosy" isn't quite so. am ha’aretz. The Maharal explains that a Kohen’s Actually, this spiritual disease takes on an sanctity is intertwined with his physical makeup. interesting spirit of it's own. For one thing, it A Kohen bears a son who is a Kohen. Regarding a leaves your social life hanging by a hair. And scholar, however, it is not a given that a scholar where else but in the Torah would a Kohain will bear a son who is a scholar. This is because be better qualified than a doctor to treat a knowledge, intellect, is distinct from the physical. patient. But here's the strange thing: not only A mamzer is invalidated from the physical aspect does he make house calls but sometimes he of birth, but this does not affect him intellectually. calls on houses! Based on the words of the Maharal, we can Houses? Why would Hashem strike an understand our Gemora. A Kohen who does not inanimate object like a house? hold strongly to Hashem’s Torah is not merely an Hashem doesn’t immediately send Nega'im unlearned Kohen. His whole essence is now (Tzara’at spots) to a person’s body. If he physical, and therefore it is uncertain as to how he deserves a punishment, Hashem will strike will eat terumah. Kedushah can only be his house first, If the person does Teshuva, maintained when there is knowledge of Hashem good. If not, his clothing gets it next. If he still and his Torah. This is the meaning of what is said: doesn't get the hint, the leper has truly earned for the lips of the Kohen should safeguard his spots - the Nega'im (Tzara’at spots) finally knowledge, and people should seek teaching from make an appearance on his body. his mouth, for he is an agent of Hashem, Master of But if the order is house, clothing, then body, Legions. It is clear that only a Kohen who has why does the Torah first discuss the Nega’im attained and safeguarded knowledge is comparable on the body, then the spots in clothing, and to an agent of Hashem. Without knowledge, then the spots in the house? sanctity is in jeopardy. The Torah teaches us a good lesson. When a This is a strong lesson for us as we approach the father is punishing his child, he says, "I should day when the Jewish People accepted the Torah. really slap you in the face because you were Torah is the knowledge that predicates a life of a bad kid, but because I love you, I am going sanctity. Hashem instructed the Jewish People: to hit you on your clothing." Then he And now, if you hearken well to Me and observe reconsiders and says, "I wanted to hit you on My covenant, you shall be to Me the most beloved
בס''ד your clothing, but I love you so much that I’m dedicated to Hashem. That is why new wood going to give you another chance, and I’m and stones, and even new dirt, had to be only going to strike the wall." If you get the used to rebuild the home. message, you won’t misbehave again. The forth reason for Nega’im was a happy Hashem did the same thing in the Torah. First reason. While Bne Yisrael was roaming the He told us the laws of the Nega’im on the desert for 40 years, the Canaanites knew that body, saying, "You really deserve to be the Bne Yisrael were headed to take over the stricken on the skin, but I’m willing to give you land and rule over them. So what did they do? another chance, and I'll just send Nega’im on Hide their cash, of course! Many of the your garments." Then Hashem goes even Canaanim built secret rooms in their homes further and says, "I will send the Nega’im on and hollowed out their walls and hid their your house, then maybe you’ll get the treasured posessions. message." Now, eventually the Bne Yisrael stopped Let’s return to the reasons for the house marching in circles, entered Eretz Yisrael and infections. crushed the Canaanim. As they took over the land, they inherited many beautiful homes The most popular reason for Nega’im is that belonged to their enemies. Well, that was Lashon Horah. Another reason for Nega’im is just fine! The Jews just hung a mezuzah on stinginess. Let’s say your neighbor comes to the door and called it home sweet home. borrow a spaghetti strainer. But you lie and tell him that you don’t have one. You think to But Hashem promised their forefathers, that yourself, "Why should I give this guy MY He would give the Bne Yisrael, "Houses filled spaghetti strainer. Let him go down the block with all good" (Devarim 6, 11) and not houses and buy one for himself." Well, that's a no-no. that are empty and cleaned out. That’s why The fact is everything comes from Hashem, Hashem provided a means by which Bne and Hashem gave you property to do Mitzvot Yisrael would find all the hidden treasures. with. You should share that spaghetti strainer One day, Shmelkie the Tzadik, spots 'spots' with a friend in need. on his house. He tries scrubbing the bricks, Well, Hashem doesn't go for that kind of but it becomes all too obvious that his house stingy attitude. He sends a plague on his has a case of Tzara’at! Shmelkie calls the house. The Kohain will be by forthwith for a local kohain. One brick is removed. Then "house call," but first the owner must remove two...then five. It's no use! Kuppie the Kohain everything from the house as fast as he can. calls in the Bait Hamikdosh bulldozers! All Of course, he'll be asking all his neighbors for Shmelkie can think about is how will he a helping hand. rebuild the house he couldn't afford in the first place, and he didn't pay the Nega’im Among his possessions, guess what shows insurance premium because it was too up? The spaghetti strainer! His neighbor sees expensive. (Of course, in his heart, Shmelkie it. "Aha, here’s the spaghetti strainer I asked knows that Hashem will help him). you to lend me awhile ago, and you said you didn’t have one." Suddenly, as the walls come tumbling down, a secret brick panel is revealed! There, before A third reason for Nega’im is to rid Eretz everyone's eyes, is a chest of treasure - gold Yisrael of houses built by the Amorites for idol and silver, trinkets and jewels! Enough for this worship. They would build their homes and poor tzadik to rebuild his home and support dedicate the cornerstone to their pagan G-d his family for a lifetime. Now he can learn and to a demon spirit. Hashem did not want Torah full time! the Shechina to rest in an unclean land. These homes had to go. So Hashem placed See what I'm saying about this Tzara’at? It Nega’im in the walls of these homes. This could also be a disease with a heart of gold! shows that these homes were unclean and had to be torn down and rebuilt as a home
בס''ד was pledged to guarantee that the building Kid’z Korner (Revach) would be repaired and made into a decent place in which to live. Stories Of Pesach - House of the Poor No Smuggling The holiday of Pesach has become synonymous with aiding the poor and the Reb Levi Yitzhak of Berdichev was known as needy. In the city of Kovno where the great Reb the great "defense attorney" for the Jewish Yisroel Salanter was chief rabbi, there was a people. Under any and all circumstances, he special house set aside to house and provide was able to find a good word to say about his food for the very poor. special nation. Unfortunately, the house was dilapidated and in One Pesach eve, after the chametz (bread) had great disrepair. Reb Yisroel tried many times to been searched for and burned, he took his get people to contribute to its upkeep, however, shamash (assistant) with him for a walk through too few people heeded his plea, and the the streets of the town. condition of the build-ing got worse with each Meeting a peasant, he stopped him and asked passing day. quietly, "Tell me, would you perhaps have a One Pesach, before the seder began, Reb little smuggled silk to sell? I need it very badly." Yisroel put on his coat and left his warm and "Indeed, I do," replied the peasant. "I have as comfortable house. The hours flew by and still much as you want" he did not return. His wife was frantic, and rushed out for help in trying to discover what The rabbi thanked him and continued on his had happened to him. way to the amazement of his dumb-founded shamash. Refuses To Leave Any Chametz The people searched every house in the city for Reb Yisroel, and only found him when they Reb Levi Yitzhak continued on his way, and met came to the house set aside for the poor. To a Jew trudging along the street. their horror, he was lying flat on the floor amid "Shalom Alechem," he said. "Tell me my friend, the squalor and dirt sound asleep. Next to him, perhaps you can let me have some chametz?" the poor people also lay. They had no choice, The Jew looked at him in horror and said: for all the beds were broken. "Rebbe, how can you suspect me of such a The people begged Rabbi Yisroel to leave the thing? Do I dare have chametz on the eve of dilapidated building and return home. However, Pesach, G-d forbid!" he adamantly refused. Reb Levi Yitzhak paused and lifted his eyes to "I will not go home," he kept saying over and the heavens and said: over again. "Behold, O L-rd of the Universe, what a great people are our children, Israel. The Russian Soon, word of the incident spread throughout czar is a fierce and mighty ruler. He prohibits the city and it created quite an uproar. Imagine! the smuggling of goods into his land and posts The rabbi of the city, the greatest rabbi of his soldiers and police with deadly weapons to generation, lying in such filth! And on the night watch the frontiers day and night. If anyone is of the seder, too! caught he is brought before a judge and "Please, rabbi," they begged, "Please come immediately sentenced to a severe prison term. home. This is no place for you to be on the "Nevertheless, all kinds of goods are smuggled night of Pesach." in and the peasants defy him almost openly. But Reb Yisroel stood firm. "No, I will not go "You, on the other hand, wrote a few words in home until this house is repaired and made fit your Holy Torah, saying: 'And no leavened for people to live in. Are these people any bread shall be seen with thee, neither shall worse than me?" there be leaven found in all thy borders.' His words made a deep impression on the "There are no soldiers to guard against violating community and within hours, enough money this law and no judges and prisons to punish
בס''ד the violators. Still, as soon as the hour of entendait tout le mal déversé sur cette prohibition arrives, not a crumb is to be found in personne se tourna vers eux et leur dit: a Jewish home!" "Comment pouvez-vous faire si attention à ce qui entre dans votre bouche et être si peu *** vigilants à ce qui en sort?" Peas For Pesach Cette histoire connue exprime le lien entre la paracha de Chémini que nous avons lue la The rabbi of Byalostok, the great Rabbi Shmuel semaine dernière, et qui traitait des animaux Mohliver, used to make sure that Jewish permis et interdits, et les parachiots Tazria et soldiers in the Czar's army who were stationed Metsora qui détaillent les maux et les punitions near his city would be supplied with kosher food qui frappent celui qui fait du Lachon Ara par ses so as not to have to eat from the general army propos médisants. Comme nous le savons, la rations. Torah interdit de nombreuses paroles. La One week before Passover, he was première catégorie se nomme le Lachon Ara. approached by a delegation of wealthy men Ce terme, nous enseigne le Hafetz Haïm, from the city who said: s'applique à tout propos péjoratif mais véridique qui ne possède pas de but constructif. Ainsi, "Rabbi, we have a problem. The price of meat is lorsqu'une personne raconte le comportement very high this year. We shall be unable to pay incorrect ou les traits de caractère un peu for the meals of the Jewish soldiers this year." grossiers d'un tiers, elle transgresse When Rabbi Shmuel heard this, he said: l'interdiction de la Torah de dire du Lachon Ara, "Very well, I will call together the Bet Din (the même si ses propos n'entraînent aucun rabbinical court) and we will allow the use of préjudice à la victime de ses dires et même si peas this Pesach. " elle parle d'une personne qu'elle aime "Excellent," replied the head of the city. "I was beaucoup. La seconde sorte de Lachon Ara est very worried about what the poor soldiers would constituée de toute parole qui cause un eat. Now you have come up with an excellent dommage financier, matériel ou moral, même si solution; they can eat peas." celui-ci n'est pas péjoratif. Il existe aussi dans les propos interdits la Rékhiloute qui consiste à "Who said anything about the soldiers eating dire des choses qui font naître de la haine entre peas?" asked the rabbi. You, I, and the entire deux personnes. Et enfin le Motsi Chem Ra, city will eat peas, but the soldiers will eat our l'interdiction de dire des paroles fausses au meat.” sujet d'un juif.
Ce qui est le plus étonnant, lorsque que l'on étudie les interdictions liées à la parole, c'est la gravité de cette faute. La guémara, dans le traité de Arkhin (15, b) enseigne au nom de POUR LES FRANCOPHONES Rabi Ischmaël que la faute du Lachon Ara est équivalente aux trois fautes les plus graves: le meurtre, l'idolâtrie et l'inceste. Rabi Yohanan apprend que celui qui tient ces propos agit Apprendre à garder sa comme s'il niait la présence de Di-u. Rech langue Lakich, lui, disait que sa faute monte jusqu'au ciel. Rav Hisda affirme que celui qui profère Un jour, deux religieux entrèrent dans une continuellement du Lachon Ara mérite la auberge pour y passer la nuit. A l'heure du lapidation…Nous allons essayer de comprendre souper, ils interrogèrent le propriétaire sur la pourquoi la Torah est aussi sévère avec celui cacheroute du repas, sur le boucher qui avait qui transgresse ces lois. procédé à l'abattage rituel…Après une série de questions, ils acceptèrent de prendre leur dîner. Le rav Pinkous zal explique que les Alors qu'ils attendaient attablés, les deux scientifiques, les philosophes et les penseurs compagnons se mirent à discuter d'une ont toujours eu du mal à définir le statut de connaissance commune. L'aubergiste qui l'homme face au reste de la création. Est-ce un
בס''ד animal qui parle? Ou une bête qui travaille? La "grand" miracle qui se déroula lors de la sortie Torah donne une définition précise dès sa d'Egypte. Quatre jours avant la délivrance, le création: l'homme est un être doué de parole, samedi 10 Nissan, Hachem ordonna à chaque afin de prier et d'étudier la Torah explique le père de famille de prendre un agneau et de Zohar. Ainsi l'homme se différencie-t-il des l'attacher au pied de son lit. Et c'est ainsi que autres créatures dans la mesure où il peut se les dieux des Egyptiens furent ligotés et prêts à lier à Di-u. Cependant, lorsqu'une personne dit être sacrifiés le 14 Nissan, la veille de Pessah. du Lachon Ara, elle salit sa bouche, son outil Lorsque les Egyptiens apprirent le pour se rapprocher d'Hachem. Ses prières ne comportement étrange de leurs esclaves, ils sont plus écoutées et son étude perd de sa s'empressèrent de mettre au clair cette qualité. Cette personne, à cause de ses situation. Quelle ne fut par leur surprise lorsque mauvaises paroles, perd sa chance de s'élever les bné Israel leur avouèrent leur intention et, à l'image du serpent, elle s'éloigne d'égorger et de manger leurs divinités. définitivement du Créateur. Cependant, Hachem les protégea, et malgré l'immense colère des Egyptiens, aucun juif ne Le Hafetz Haïm donne de nombreuses fut agressé. Voilà le miracle que nous célébrons explications sur la gravité de cette faute. L'une tous les Chabat Agadol. d'entre elles est que la Torah exige deux témoins pour punir un acte. Ainsi, lorsque le Le rav Abdallah Somekh zrouto yagen alénou, Satan veut accuser un fauteur, sa parole n'est un des grands sages de Babel du siècle pas prise en compte tant qu'il ne possède pas dernier, s'interroge sur cette ordonnance divine. un autre témoignage. C'est pourquoi tant que Puisque Hachem avait promis à Avraham personne ne révèle la faute de son prochain, avinou de libérer les bné Israël après 400 ans celui-ci ne peut être ni accusé ni puni pour ses d'exil afin de leur donner la Torah et la Terre pêchés. Mais si malheureusement une Sainte, pourquoi infliger une telle épreuve à nos personne raconte ses actes, le Satan s'associe ancêtres? N'avaient-ils pas assez souffert lors à elle pour condamner le fauteur et le lui faire de ces années d'esclavage? payer. Ce rav explique que même si Hachem avait dit Désormais, nous pouvons comprendre à Avaham que sa descendance sortirait pourquoi nos sages nous ont tellement mis en d'Egypte, tout cela n'était valable que si ses garde de ne pas dire du mal d'autrui, car enfants suivaient les traces de leurs ancêtres et chaque parole péjorative représente une flèche méritaient de s'appeler "sa descendance". Mais, tirée vers nos amis. A la lumière de ces comme vous le savez, la situation spirituelle du enseignements, nous pouvons comprendre peuple juif à cette époque était peu glorieuse. pourquoi, depuis quelques années, la liste des La majorité pratiquait l'idolatrie, s'était éloignée malades, des malheurs et des souffrances d'Hachem et du chemin de leurs pères. Afin de spirituelles et matérielles ne cesse de pouvoir accomplir la promesse faite à Avraham, s'allonger. A cause des nouveaux moyens de il fallait désormais que ces gens prouvent qu'ils communication, la parole est devenue presque étaient bel et bien de la lignée d'Avraham, incontrôlable. A chaque minute, une personne Itshak et Yaacov avinou. Or l'une des peut salir sa bouche et condamner son frère. spécificités de nos ancêtres était leur volonté de Notre seule solution pour arrêter ce fléau est de servir Hachem de tout leur cœur et de toute leur faire attention à nos paroles, d'étudier les lois âme. C'est ainsi qu'Avraham n'hésita pas à se concernant ces interdits et de prier Hachem qui jeter dans une fournaise ardente pour sanctifier nous protège des fautes. Alors retenons les le nom divin, qu' Itshak se laissa sacrifier par leçons de cette paracha et essayons de nous son père et que Yaacov partit face à Essav et perfectionner dans cette Mitsva, amen ken yéhi son armée sous l'ordre du Créateur. Au moyen ratson. de cette épreuve, Hachem sonda les coeurs des bné Israël. Nos ancêtres, en acceptant
cette mitsva, prouvèrent qu'ils méritaient leurs noms et l'accomplissement de la promesse faite Chabat Agadol à Avraham avinou. Car malgré les 49 niveaux Le Chabat avant Pessah est appelé Chabat d'impuretés dans lesquels ils résidaient, ils Agadol,"le grand Chabat", en souvenir du surent trouver les forces pour s'écarter de
בס''ד l'idolâtrie au risque de leur vie, afin de suivre le bien soin de nous en débarrasser une fois pour Tout Puissant dans le désert. toutes. Il est écrit dans la Hagada que c'est Hachem A la lumière de cet enseignement, nous lui- même qui nous libéra, et non un ange et pouvons déduire que le Chabat Hagadol n'est non un séraphin. L'admour de Slonim explique pas le simple souvenir d'un miracle qui eut lieu que si nos ancêtres avaient été sauvés par un voilà trois mille ans. Le message de ce Chabat, ange, cet affranchissement aurait été limité à c'est que même si Hachem nous délivre tous cette année car un ange ne peut effectuer les ans par amour, quel que soit notre niveau qu'une seule mission. Mais puisque que cette spirituel, nous devons cependant Lui prouver libération fut l'œuvre d'Hachem, elle est que nous désirons Le suivre et que nous éternelle et se perpétue tout les ans lors de la sommes prêts à sacrifier un peu de nous- nuit du Séder. Cependant, pour mériter la même. Cette année, nous avons une semaine délivrance finale ou individuelle, il faut dans un pour faire ce vrai ménage de Pessah: alors ne premier temps prouver que nous sommes nous perdons pas notre temps... Essayons donc de aussi de La Descendance d'Avraham, Itshak et réfléchir sur cette année qui s'achève, sur l'état Yaacov avinou. C'est pourquoi nous avons de notre service divin et de prendre quelques l'obligation de chercher le Hametz qui est en résolutions qui nous permettront d'avancer. Car nous. Nous devons examiner au fin fond de même si le Temple est détruit, en faisant ce nous-mêmes, dans les recoins de notre être, ce travail d'annulation de nous-même le 14 Nissan, qui n'est pas cacher léPessah. C'est- à- dire nous pouvons chacun apporter un Qorban toutes les mauvaises habitudes, les mauvaises Pessah (sacrifice d'agneau pascal) et mériter pensées et les paroles qui nous empêchent de les délivrances que nous attendons. Nous vous sortir d'Egypte et de suivre Hachem dans le souhaitons de très bonnes préparations pour désert. Après avoir trouvé ce Hametz, nous cette grande fête et un Chabat Agadol devons le brûler la veille de Pessah en prenant Mévorakh.
REFLEXION SEMANAL positivamente, motivando a la persona a evitar ese pecado en el futuro. Sin embargo, a menudo (Rav Yonatan Gefen) tiene un efecto indeseable que causa que la persona caiga en un espiral descendiente de Comenzar de Nuevo fracaso espiritual. La parashá Metzorá describe el proceso de Cuando una persona se siente mal por algo que purificación para una persona afectada por ha hecho, puede desconcertarse y perder la tzaraat (1). Una de las etapas esenciales de este fortaleza para continuar en su avodat Hashem proceso es la tevilá (inmersión) en una mikve. El (servicio Divino); en este aspecto, las secuelas Sefer Hajinuj sugiere una razón para explicar la de un pecado pueden ser mucho más nocivas importancia de la tevilá y porqué juega un rol que el pecado mismo. La inmersión en una fundamental en el proceso de arrepentimiento mikve después de un pecado simboliza que la que el metzorá debe atravesar; él explica que el persona afirma no estar atada a sus errores mundo estaba lleno de agua antes de que el pasados y que no dejará que estos la hagan caer hombre fuera creado y que, por lo tanto, aún más. sumergirse en la mikve simboliza un retorno al Rav Jaim Shmulevitz zt”l nota que hay muchos comienzo de la creación. Es un gesto que ejemplos en el Tanaj (Torá, Profetas y Escritos) demuestra la intención de dejar atrás los errores en los que una persona pecó en un área y, como pasados para comenzar de nuevo (2). resultado, sufrió un gran declive que destruyó su Cuando alguien peca y luego reconoce su falta, nivel espiritual. hay una tendencia natural a sentirse culpable y Un caso sorprendente es el de Orpá, la nuera de abatido. Esta tendencia puede ser canalizada Naomi. Cuando Naomi estaba volviendo a la
בס''ד tierra de Israel, tanto Rut como Orpá estaban su descontento con Shaúl, consintió a su pedido decididas a quedarse con ella y convertirse al porque reconoció la importancia del mismo. judaísmo. En este punto, Orpá estaba en el También aprendemos de las acciones de Shaúl mismo nivel elevado de la grandiosa Rut, y una estrategia para evitar que el fracaso tenga estaba igualmente deseosa que ella de dejar su un efecto desastroso. Cuando una persona cae, tierra patria para unirse al pueblo judío. lo normal es que se sienta mal consigo mismo y Sin embargo, después de las súplicas de Naomí que pierda el respeto por sí mismo. Cuando una para que volvieran, ella no pudo superar la persona siente que es un fracaso puede terminar prueba y volvió a Moav. Lo lógico hubiese sido dándose por vencida y dejándose caer que después de este lapso, Orpá hubiera libremente; para evitarlo, debe conservar su continuado en un nivel espiritual alto, casi en el dignidad después de la caída y reconocer que, a mismo nivel espiritual de Rut. No obstante, el pesar de haberse equivocado, puede Midrash nos dice que, en la misma noche en que arrepentirse y comenzar de nuevo. se separó de Naomí, Orpá se hundió en los El Rey Shlomó explica esta idea en Mishlei peores niveles de depravación (3). cuando escribe: “Un hombre recto (tzadik) cae ¿Cómo puede ser que ella haya caído tan siete veces y se levanta” (7). dramáticamente en tan sólo una noche? Rav El Malbim y Metsudat David explican que, a Shmulevitz explica que cuando ella vio que había pesar de las caídas, un tzadik se vuelve a fallado en la gran prueba de unirse al pueblo levantar. De hecho, gran parte de lo que judío, entonces, no pudo dejar su pecado atrás y convierte a la persona en tzadik es su capacidad comenzar de nuevo. Se vio sumamente afectada para recuperarse de sus fracasos o errores. La por su incapacidad para ponerse a la altura de tevilá del metzorá nos enseña la misma lección: los desafíos y en consecuencia, perdió todo a pesar de haber pecado, él no está destinado a sentido de balance y cayó ante los poderes del una caída eterna; si puede dejar atrás el pecado, iétzer hará (inclinación negativa) (4). entonces podrá comenzar de nuevo. Rav Shmulevitz cita otro incidente del Tanaj en el cual un grandioso hombre falló en un desafío, Notas: (1) Esta es una afección espiritual descrita equivocadamente como lepra; Rav Shimshon Rafael Hirsh pero logró advertir que estaba en peligro de caer prueba extensamente que tzaraat y lepra no son lo mismo. (2) en la trampa y de ser embaucado por el iétzer Sefer Hajinuj, Mitzvá 173. Parece que el simbolismo de un hará. El profeta Shmuel le instruyó al Rey Shaúl nuevo comienzo aplica a otros procesos que requieren tevilá. que destruyera a Amalek, pero Shaúl dejó vivos Un ejemplo es la conversión, en donde se considera que una persona nace de nuevo. (3) Rut Rabá 2:20. (4) Sijot Musar, a algunos animales y a Agag, el rey de Amalek. Maamar 55, p. 236. (5) Shmuel 1, 15:28-30. (6) Ibíd. p. 237- Shmuel lo confrontó y le dijo que, con su pecado, 8. (7) Mishlei 24:16. había perdido el derecho al reinado. Después de no lograr exculparse, Shaúl admitió su culpa e inmediatamente le hizo un pedido muy extraño a Shmuel. “Por favor hónrame ahora frente a los Purificando el Habla sabios de mi pueblo y al pueblo de Israel…” (5). La parashá de esta semana habla extensamente ¿Cuál era el objetivo de esta petición? sobre el malestar espiritual llamado tzaraat, el Claramente no era sólo un intento de Shaúl para cual causa manchas blancas en la piel de la sentirse mejor consigo mismo. Es más, Shmuel persona. Para superar esta aflicción, la persona hizo lo que le pidió, lo cual prueba la validez de debe someterse a un período de aislamiento y dicha petición. luego a uno de purificación. Rav Shmulevitz explica que Shaúl no buscaba El Talmud nos dice que tzaraat viene a causa de meramente recibir honor, sino que dado que los pecados de la persona, particularmente por el sabía que estaba en riesgo de sufrir una gran pecado de hablar lashón hará (habla negativa) caída advirtió que necesitaba fortalecerse de (1). El proceso de recuperación tiene como inmediato para que su pecado no lo afectase objetivo demostrarle al metzorá el poder negativamente. Entonces, en medio de esta gran destructivo de su pecado y enseñarle cómo caída espiritual, Shaúl le pidió a Shmuel que lo mejorar en el futuro para evitar volver a pecar de honrase, ayudándolo así a mantener el equilibrio esa manera. y a comenzar de nuevo (6). Shmuel, a pesar de
בס''ד Pareciera que hay dos lecciones que la persona continuamente para rectificar el pecado de que habló lashón hará debe aprender durante su lashón hará: el Jafetz Jaim (Rav Israel Meir período de tzaraat. Primero, el Talmud nos dice Kagan), cuyos libros sobre el tema (6) son la que esta persona “causó separación entre el autoridad suprema en cuanto a las leyes y a la hombre y su amigo [por medio de su lashón perspectiva de la Torá sobre el cuidado del hará] y por lo tanto, la Torá dice que debe estar habla. Sus libros le enseñan a la persona sobre solo” (2). Hablar mal sobre otras personas el daño que causa en los demás el hablar lashón genera inevitablemente que se disuelvan hará y le describen detalladamente el daño que amistades y que las personas se distancien unas se hace a sí misma. de otras. Consecuentemente, medida por El Jafetz Jaim escribe en nombre del Maharshá medida, la Torá obliga a quien habla lashón hará que cuando la Guemará dice: todos [tropiezan] a vivir en soledad durante un lapso de tiempo, en avak lashón hará, se refiere a todos los que completamente separado del resto. Esto le no hacen un esfuerzo consciente para enseña el dolor que causó al romper relaciones. mejorar su habla (7). Sin embargo, si una Segundo, las manchas mismas sirven como una persona aprende las leyes y la filosofía sobre poderosa demostración del daño que el lashón cuidar el habla, podrá evitar este pernicioso hará causó en su neshamá (alma). pecado. Tzaraat no es una enfermedad física normal, Pese a que nadie en esta generación se ve sino que es la manifestación física de un afligido por la enfermedad de tzaraat, es obvio malestar espiritual que le otorga al pecador que quien no se esfuerza en esta área evidencia irrefutable del daño que se ha causado inevitablemente terminará hablando, al menos, a sí mismo en el plano espiritual, y de que avak lashón hará. El consejo del Dibrei Emet nos necesita desesperadamente una mejora (3). enseña que es muy importante que una persona Hoy en día no hay tzaraat, y esto podría estudie las leyes de lashón hará de los libros del considerarse superficialmente como algo bueno. Jafetz Jaim para disminuir su habla negativa. Sin embargo, los comentaristas señalan que lo Uno todavía podría preguntar por qué es opuesto es cierto: tzaraat era un acto de bondad necesario estudiar las leyes de lashón hará, ¿no de Di-s, por medio del cual le comunicaba bastaría con estudiar los aspectos filosóficos del claramente al pecador sobre su transgresión y la daño que provoca para desarrollar de esta necesidad de teshuvá (arrepentimiento). Sin este manera un nivel suficiente de temor al Cielo regalo, es mucho más difícil para la persona como para evitar hablar lashón hará? reconocer cuándo ha pecado. El Jafetz Jaim se refiere a esta idea en la Sin embargo, el pecado de lashón hará sigue introducción de su libro de musar (8), Shemirat siendo claramente uno de los más difíciles de halashón, donde dice que no alcanza con evitar. De hecho el Talmud establece que sólo estudiar este libro, sino que uno también tiene una minoría de las personas tropieza en áreas que estudiar su libro de leyes, Jafetz Jaim: "De relacionadas a la inmoralidad y una mayoría en qué sirve todo el musar del mundo que habla ciertas formas de robo, sin embargo, todos sobre la severidad de las prohibiciones de lashón [tropiezan] en avak lashón hará (4). Dada la hará y rejilut (9), si la persona se ha permitido a aparentemente generalizada transgresión de sí misma decir que tal cosa no está incluida en lashón hará, ¿qué reemplazo hay para el lashón hará o que la Torá no prohibió hablar tzaraat? ¿Cómo puede reconocer la persona el lashón hará sobre cierto tipo de gente. Por lo daño espiritual que se causa a sí misma cuando tanto, uno debe saber qué cosas caen en la habla lashón hará y cuál es el alcance del daño categoría de lashón hará y qué cosas no" (10). que pueden tener las palabras negativas en los Así, el Jafetz Jaim enseña que sin saber las demás? leyes de lashón hará una persona tropezará Rav Alexander Moshé Lapidus responde esta inevitablemente ya que no sabrá qué constituye pregunta en su trabajo Dibrei Emet (5). Él señala un habla prohibida. que una persona afectada por tzaraat debía Dada la constante prueba que enfrentamos acudir donde un kohén (sacerdote), quien lo respecto al tema de lashón hará y dada la guiaría en el proceso de teshuvá. Hoy en día afirmación de la Guemará sobre que nadie está continúa habiendo un kohén que nos guía libre de este pecado, pareciera que la única
בס''ד forma de mejorar en esta área es por medio del estudio constante de las leyes y la filosofía Notas: (1) Arajín 15b, 16a. (2) Arajín 16b. (3) Ver Rav Shimshon Rafael Hirsh zt"l, quien prueba extensamente que (hashkafá) del cuidado del habla. Con este tzaraat no es lo mismo que la enfermedad física lepra. (4) objetivo, Rav Yehuda Zev Segal, Rosh Yeshivá Baba Batra 165a. Avak significa literalmente polvo. Avak de Manchester, desarrolló un calendario diario lashón hará es conocido como el polvo de lashón hará porque no constituye el tipo de lashón hará prohibido por la Torá pero para el estudio de estos dos libros y, poco antes representa muchas formas de habla que están prohibidas por de su muerte, le pidió a la Fundación Jafetz Jaim nuestros sabios ya sea por su parecido a lashón hará o por la que publicaran el libro Un compañero diario, el probabilidad de que lleven a alguien a hablar el tipo de lashón cual incluye una breve sección diaria de halajá y hará que sí está prohibido por la Torá. Ver Jafetz Jaim, Hiljot Lashón Hará, Clal 9 para una explicación profunda de avak hashkafá (11). lashón hará. (5) Citado en Lékaj Tov, Parashat Tazría, p.107. En el pasado, quien hablaba lashón hará sufría (6) El libro Jafetz Jaim discute las leyes de lashón hará y el libro Shemirat halashón explica la perspectiva de la Torá sobre de tzaraat y el kohén lo guiaba en su proceso de lashón hará. (7) Shemirat halashón Cap. 15. (8) La palabra teshuvá. Hoy en día no tenemos la bendición de musar usualmente es traducida como ‘crecimiento’, a pesar de recibir un mensaje tan claro y, por lo tanto, que su raíz viene de la misma raíz que isurim, que significa debemos recurrir a las palabras del gran kohén, sufrimiento. Esto enseña que el proceso de crecimiento personal puede ser doloroso. (9) Rejilut es otra forma de el Jafetz Jaim, para guiarnos sobre cómo habla negativa, en la que Reubén le informa a Shimón que mejorar en esta área a través del estudio Leví habló mal de Shimón, causando así un gran daño a su constante de sus grandiosos trabajos. Les deseo relación. (10) Introducción a Shemirat halashón, p.17. (11) que todos seamos bendecidos con la capacidad Como se puede ver en el comienzo de Un compañero diario.
de evitar todas las formas de habla negativa.
Nahalot
Nahala of Ribi Shalom Messas Nahala of The “Ramban” This th Tuesday the 11th of Nisan This Monday the 10 of Nisan Rav Moshe ben Nachman, the Ramban, (1194- Rav Shalom Mashash, Sephardic Rav of 1270). Born in Gerona, he remained there most of Yerushalayim (1909-2003). Born the Moroccan city his life. He was a student of the Ramah (Rabbenu of Meknes, a city of Torah known as the Meir ha'Levi Abulefia). He authored the Milchamos Yerushalayim of Morocco. Rav Shalom learned Hashem on the Rif Alfasi against the critique of under Rav Meir Toledano until the age of 14. His Baal HaMaor and Ravad. He also wrote a work father then sent him to learn under the great sage defending the Bahag against the Rambam’s Rav Yitzchak Sabag. Writing in his sefer, Tevu'as criticisms of his classification of mitzvot. He wrote Shemesh, Rav Shalom declares, "The fact that I an account of his public disputation in Barcelona was able to grow in Torah may be credited to my with the convert Pablo Christiani in 1263. The father, who did not yield to the pressures and offers Ramban’s commentary on Chumash is multi- that I pursue lucrative positions in banks….Thus, all dimensional including all methods of interpretation the credit for my Torah learning is his, too.” His from simple pshat to esoteric Kabbala. The other main mentor was his relative from both his Ramban held that the mitzva of settling Eretz paternal and maternal sides, Rav Yehoshua Yisrael applies even today and ultimately settled Birdugo, the raavad of Meknes. In 1960 with the there himself during the last years of his life. petirah of the chief rav and dayan of Casablanca, Rav Dovid Ibn Sussan, Rav Shalom became its raavad and chief rav, serving there for thirty years. In 1978, he moved to Eretz Yisrael to take the position as Chief Sepharic Rav of Yerushalayim.