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עלה ראש הפסגה ט"ו אב תשפ"א ISSUE 1429 JULY 24TH '21 ושא עיניך ימה פרשת ואתחנן וצפנה ותימנה PARSHAT VA'ETCHANAN - NACHAMU ומזרחה PIRKEI AVOT 3 דברים ג', פסוק כ"ז

Nachamu, Nachamu Ami Nachman (Neil) Winkler Faculty, OU Center page 20

Torah Tidbits

wishes our readers

Nachamu Nachamu a joyful and & The Sheperd uplifting Shabbat Rakel Berenbaum Nachamu Contributor, Tidbits page 56

This issue of Torah Tidbits is sponsored in memory of on his 1st Yahrtzeit - 17 Av זצ"ל Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz YERUSHALAYIM IN/OUT TIMES FOR SHABBAT PARSHAT VA'ETCHANAN Candles 7:06PM • Earliest 6:15PM • Havdala 8:22PM • Rabbeinu Tam 8:59PM

OU ISRAEL 02-560-9100 | TorahTidbits.com | ADVERTISING 02- 560-9125 This week's Torah Tidbits cover image! Photo By: Hannah Greenberg Meaning: BH, my family made in 5765 (2005) aided by Nefesh b'Nefesh The pictrue was taken a few years ago, when my husband and I were on vacation in Yavne'el. To me it represents the grandeur of Eretz Yisrael. Special thanks to the all those that sent in photos! There were so many wonderful shots to choose from!

TABLE OF CONTENTS Dear Torah Tidbits Family An Eternal Link 04Rabbi Avi Berman 38Menachem Persoff Aliya By Aliya Sedra Summary Flowers during Shemitah 06Rabbi Reuven Tradburks 40Rabbi Friedman What, Me? Worry?! 12Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb The Y- Files 42Weekly Comic for Kids The Fewest of All Peoples 16Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt"l The Soul of the Shema 44Rabbi Goldscheider Probing The 20Rabbi Nachman Winkler Who Can Use the Eggs? Rabbi Gideon Weitzman Love Isn’t Just Emotion 46 Rabbi Shalom Rosner 22 Homeopathic Remedies on Shabbat Multiplicity of Meod 48Rabbi Daniel Mann 24Rebbetzin Shira Smiles Educational & Community Gardens Shabbos Nachamu: From Pain to Hope 50Rabbi Moshe Bloom 26Rabbi Mischel Parenting Column OU Israel Sima Gordon 32Schedule 52 Which Comes First, Redemption or Nachamu Nachamu & The Sheperd 34Repentance? Rabbi Moshe Taragin 56Rakel Berenbaum Simchat Shmuel Torah 4 Teens By Teens 36Rabbi Sam Shor 60Gavriel Novick 2 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 CANDLE LIGHTING OTHER AND HAVDALA TIMES Z'MANIM

CANDLES EARLIEST VA'ETCHANAN HAVDALA EKEV Ranges 11 days Wed.- Shabbat Candles Earliest Havdala 6:15 Yerushalayim / Maale Adumim July 21-31 / 12-22 Av 7:06 8:22 7:02 6:15 8:17 7:23 6:17 Aza area (Netivot, S’derot, Et al) 8:24 7:19 6:13 8:18 Earliest Tallit and Tefillin 4:51 - 4:58 7:25 6:16 Beit Shemesh / RBS 8:23 7:20 6:12 8:17 Sunrise 5:48 - 5:54 Sof Zman Kriat Shema 9:16 - 9:19 7:21 6:15 Gush Etzion 8:22 7:17 6:12 8:17 Magen Avraham 8:34 - 8:38 7:24 6:17 Raanana/ Tel Mond/ Herzliya/ K. Saba 8:25 7:19 6:13 8:19 Sof Zman Tefila 10:26 - 10:28 6:16 Modi’in / Chashmona’im 7:18 6:12 8:18 (According to the Gra and Baal HaTanya) 7:22 8:23 Chatzot (Halachic Noon) 12:45 6:17 Netanya 7:19 6:14 8:19 7:24 8:25 Mincha Gedola (Earliest Mincha) 1:20 7:22 6:16 Be’ Sheva 8:22 7:17 6:12 8:17 Plag Mincha 6:16 - 6:10 7:23 6:17 Rehovot 8:24 7:18 6:13 8:19 Sunset (Including Elevation) 7:47 - 7:41 7:06 6:17 Petach Tikva 8:24 7:02 6:13 8:19 Seymour J. Abrams • Orthodox 7:23 6:16 Ginot Shomron 8:24 7:18 6:12 8:18 Union Jerusalem World Cen- ter • Avrom Silver Jerusalem 7:15 6:18 Haifa / Zichron 8:26 7:10 6:14 8:20 College for Adults • Wolinetz 6:15 Gush Shiloh 7:17 6:11 8:17 Family Shul • Makom BaLev • 7:22 8:23 Birthright • Yachad • NCSY 6:17 Tel Aviv / Giv’at Shmuel 7:19 6:14 8:19 in Israel • JLIC in Israel • Pearl 7:24 8:25 & Harold M. Jacobs ZULA Out- 6:15 Giv’at Ze’ev 7:17 6:12 8:17 reach Center • The Jack Gindi Oraita Program • OU 7:22 8:23 Israel Kashrut 7:21 6:15 Chevron / Kiryat Arba 8:22 7:17 6:11 8:17 ZVI SAND, PRESIDENT, OU ISRAEL 7:24 6:17 8:24 7:19 6:14 8:19 Yitzchak Fund, Former President, OU Israel Rabbi Emanuel Quint z”l, Senior Vice President | Prof. 7:23 6:17 Yad Binyamin 8:24 7:18 6:13 8:18 Meni Koslowsky, Vice President 7:18 6:16 Tzfat / Bik’at HaYarden 8:24 7:13 6:12 8:18 VAAD MEMBERS: Dr. Elman | Stuart Hershkowitz | Moshe 7:22 6:15 Golan 8:23 7:17 6:11 8:17 Kempinski | Sandy Kestenbaum | Harvey Wolinetz Rabbeinu Tam (J'lem) - 8:59 PM • next week - 8:54pm RABBI AVI BERMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OU ISRAEL Katz, CFO, OU Israel | Chaim Pelzner, Director TImes According to MyZmanim (20 min. before sundown in most cities, of Programs, OU Israel | Rabbi Sam Shor, Director 40 min. in Yerushalyim and Petach Tikva, 30 min. in Tzfat/Haifa) of Programs, OU Israel Center Rabbi Sholom Gold, Dean, Avrom Silver Jerusalem College for Adults 22 Keren HaYesod <> POB 37015 <> Jerusalem 91370 OU Kashrut  NCSY  Jewish Action JLIC NJCD / Yachad / Our Way  OU West Coast phone: (02) 560 9100 | fax: (02) 566-0156  OU Press  /Community Services  OU Advocacy  OU Israel email: [email protected] MOISHE BANE, PRESIDENT OF THE ORTHODOX UNION Mitchel Aeder, Chairman website: www.ouisrael.org of the Board, Orthodox Union | Williams, OU Israel Chair | Gary Torgow, Chair, Founders and initial benefactors of the OU Israel OU Kashrus Commission Center: George and Ilse Falk a"h RABBI MOSHE HAUER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Rabbi M. , Ed.D. Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer | Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Exec. V.P. Emeritus | Shlomo Schwartz, Chief Finan- cial Officer | Lenny Bessler, Chief Human Resources Officer | Rabbi Dave Felsenthal, Chief Innovation Officer Torah Tidbits and many of the OU KOSHER: Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO/Rabbinic Administrator OU Kosher | Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO/ projects of OU Israel are assisted Executive Rabbinic Coordinator ISRAEL: Rabbi Yissachar Dov Krakowski, Rabbinic Administrator | Rabbi Ezra by grants from THE JERUSALEM Friedman, The Gustave & Carol Jacobs Center for Kashrut Education/Rabbinic Field Representative MUNICIPALITY Headquarters: 11 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 212-563-4000  website: www.ou.org

OU Israel, Torah Tidbits does not endorse the political or Editor Emeritus: Phil Chernofsky halachic positions of its editor, columnists or advertisers, nor Editor: Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider | [email protected] guarantee the quality of advertised services or products. Nor Ita Rochel | 02-5609125 or [email protected] Advertising: do we endorse the kashrut of hotels, restaurants, caterers or Website: www.ou.org/torah/tt | www.torahtidbits.com food products that are advertised in TT (except, of course, those under OU-Israel hashgacha). Any "promises" made in Not getting enough TTs? Too many? None at all? ads are the sole responsibility of the advertisers and not that Contact our distribution 050-577-2111 • [email protected] of OU Israel, the OU Israel Center , Torah Tidbits.

OU ISRAEL CENTER 3 DEAR TORAH TIDBITS FAMILY RABBI AVI BERMAN Executive Director, OU Israel

I was recently listening to a uplifted through the Torah and good deeds Hebrew radio show which happening in their merit. For example, if encourages people to call in someone wrote a Sefer during their life- and share what’s on their time, the Torah that is learned from that minds. A man called in and Sefer after his/her passing elevates the soul. said that he is bothered by the way some If a person is blessed with children and children of all ages don’t respect their par- grandchildren who do good deeds, those ents properly. He was a religious man and good deeds can add merit to the deceased. cited sources in the Shulchan Aruch that Similarly, if Torah, Chesed, Kiruv, Brachot, explain to what degree a person should go and other Mitzvot are dedicated Leilui in order to respect one’s parents - not sit- Nishmat a loved one, you can elevate the ting in their chair, standing up when they soul of your beloved. enter a room, not contradicting them, not interfering in their work, talking to them Rabbi Steinsaltz ZT”L was a with the utmost respect, and so on. giant in Torah and education. He then shared, and you could hear him choking on his words, that he only realized His scope and impact on Klal how special and valuable the Mizvah of Yisrael is enormous. Kibbud Av V’Em is after his parents passed away. He said that he screams with pain This past Sunday, Tisha B’Av was my Bub- inside when he sees children not show- by’s 16th Yahrtzeit. Bubby was the sweetest ing proper respect to their parents. “Don’t of the sweet, as humble as one could imag- wait until it’s too late,” he said, encouraging ine, and was a true educator and role everyone to learn about the beauty of the model for all of her students and especially of Kibud Horim now because you her children, grandchildren, great grand- never know until when you will be able to children, and great great grandchildren. I fulfil this special Mitzvah. pray that the Torah, Chesed, Tzedaka, and After someone passes, there is a concept Maasim Tovim of all of her descendants are of doing Mitzvot Leilui Nishmat that per- elevating Bubby’s holy Neshama. son (to elevate the soul). The concept of I was extremely touched when Rabbi Adin Leilui Nishmat is deeply rooted in Jewish Even-Israel Steinsaltz ZT”L’s son Rabbi tradition. Our sages teach, after a person Meni Even-Israel approached me about passes from this world their soul can be dedicating Torah Tidbits Leilui Nishmat

4 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 his beloved father on the occasion of his please contact Ita Rochel at 02-560-9125 or first Yahrtzeit on the 17th of Av. I had the [email protected]. Zechut of meeting Rabbi Steinsaltz Z”TL I view each of you dear readers as part many years ago and have many friends and of the OU Israel family, and it would be a relatives who were students of his. Rabbi Zechut to mark your family Smachot and Steinsaltz ZT”L was a giant in Torah and Yahrtzeits through Torah Tidbits, sharing education. His scope and impact on Klal Torah and inspiration with so many each Yisrael is enormous, both in his lifetime week. and after through the Torah and Miztvot being done as a result of his Sefarim and personal example.

In addition to translating the entire Shas Avi, and making attainable for so Executive Director, OU Israel many, Rabbi Steinsaltz ZT”L published [email protected] Seforim on Torah, Shas, Chassidut, and other topics. He established the Mekor The Steinsaltz Center is in the final stages Chaim Yeshiva High School which has a of publishing an annotated edition of the reputation for serious Torah study. His in Hebrew. This is another stage of legacy of learning and spreading Torah the publication of annotated editions of all continues through the Steinsaltz Center the treasures of the Jewish Torah: The Bible, which is currently working on numerous the , , the Tanya. We publications and initiatives (please see invite the public to take part in this import- below to learn how you can involved ant project. In addition, in the two weeks in the learning). between the Rabbi’s birthday (3 Av-July 12) and the Yahrzeit day (17 Av-July 26), I want to take advantage of this opportu- we will be able to study Mishnah , through nity, to encourage you to utilize the Torah the Steinsaltz Center’s new app, “Steinsaltz Tidbits platform in memory of or in honor Daily Study” (the app includes a daily page, of your loved ones or special occasions a weekly Bible page, Mishnah, Rambam and (Bar/Bat , birthdays, Aliyah-ver- more), and together we will finish the Shas saries, weddings). We offer various Mishnayot by the day of the Yahrzeit (17 sponsorship opportunities ranging from Av-July 26). an entire edition to your favorite article. A few weeks ago I wrote about my par- Your participation in the project will allow ents wishing me happy birthday in Torah you to donate and dedicate Mishnayot, chap- Tidbits when I was a child, and it warms ters, and tractates to your loved ones, which my heart to this day. You can surprise will appear in the new edition of the Mish- your child or grandchild by sponsoring nah. Together we will continue the Rav’s our new Torah Tidbits comic the week legacy to Let My People Know. For more of their birthday. For more information, information: www.steinsaltz-center.org

OU ISRAEL CENTER 5 should really be in last week’s parsha. I too want to enter the Land, but G-d refused, VA'ETCHANAN allowing me only a glimpse. Then the next theme in Moshe’s speech begins: life in the Land. Perhaps G-d’s refusal to allow Moshe ALIYA-BY-ALIYA into the Land is the perfect preamble to the SEDRA SUMMARY discussion of life in the Land. Know this: living in the Land is a gift, a Divine gift. He Rabbi Reuven gives. And He takes. You have no claim on Tradburks this gift. I know from experience. Live so Director of that you deserve it. RCA Israel Region 2nd aliya (4:5-40) Keep the mitz- 1st aliya (3:23-4:4) I beseeched vot, for they are wise. The nations G-d to allow me to enter the will look at the mitzvot and say: Land. He refused: ascend the what a wise people. And who has a G-d as mountain, gaze at the Land that you will close as ours is to us? Or who has noble not enter. Charge Yehoshua, for he will lead laws as our Torah? Remember the day at the people. Now, Yisrael Shema, listen to Sinai, the mountain on fire and the dark- the commandments so you will remain in ness of the cloud. The Voice emanated but the Land. You saw what occurred with Baal there was no form. Make no images. I Peor: those who followed Baal Peor were taught you the mitzvot; keep them, for they punished while those who did not, are the covenant G-d commanded from survived. you. Your children will make images and be exiled, flung to the ends of the earth, In this aliya, Moshe’s speech pivots. In Par- serving idols there. They will return to G-d, shat he spoke of the march to the seeking Him with all their heart. He will Land: the hiccup of 40 years because of the not forget His covenant. Is there another spies, the resumed march and its victories people who has heard G-d’s voice amidst over Sichon and Og. The march to the Land fire? Or another one Who took His people was the topic. This first part of this aliya with wonders from amidst another? Know Keren Malki empowers and take to heart that there is none other families of children than G-d. with special needs in Israel to choose home Moshe emphasizes 2 unique things we care. Donations are enjoy: our G-d and our Torah. Other nations tax-approved in Israel, US and UK. recognize this. The implied message here Honoring the memory of is: why go running to other gods and other religions when yours is so profound that הי”ד Malka Chana Roth kerenmalki.org 1985-2001, killed in the the other nations recognize it. If they see 02-567-0602 Sbarro bombing. our religion as profound, we to ought too.

6 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 discussing how to continue to operate the 3rd aliya (4:41-49) Moshe sepa- Zula when the teenagers aren’t always rated 3 cities of refuge for those interestedIItt payspay sin tto ocompiling bbuyuy a pproperty rwithope rcoronaty who kill accidentally on the east guidelines, such as not properly wearing side of the Jordan. Moshe taught these laws iinn AAshkelonshkelon – hhere’sere’s wwhy:hy: their masks. Due to Corona, the Zula is on the east side of the Jordan in the Lands REASON #6: ORE UCRATIVE HAN operating outside M its L usual location T on already conquered. These conquered BANKS, SAFER THAN STOCK MARKETS Lands extend from the Dead Sea all the way Yaffo Street since we cannot be inside. to Mt. Hermon. TheIIt’st’ scold ttimeim ine ttoYerushalayimo ttakeake pprofitsrofit swas oonn frigid,ssomeome and myoof fhands yyourour sstocksremainedtocks aandn din iinvest nmyve spocketst iinn a ssolid owhilelid Moshe’s choosing 3 cities of refuge on the I shuffledppropertyroperty iin nmy bbeautiful ebodyaut iftou ltry AAshkelon!s handke lstayon! warm. east side of the Jordan, is his confirmation Yet, a few meters in front of me our Zula of the right of Bnei Gad, Bnei Reuven and Purchasing a home in Ashkelon is the intelligent counselorsoption and atwere this time strumming – a very wise their investment guitars! half of Menashe to dwell there. Rav Yoel Bin andTake sitting advantage calmly and lock as downthey a listenedgreat deal onto the Nun contends that this vast area over the your dream vacation home – and best of all, it’s youthvery affordableunburden – just themselves.15% down payment, They with were Jordan becomes part of the promised Land. seeingmortgages the available potential and bankin guarantees.these kids Rental and st income often in excess of 3.5%. So, act now. Moshe was told in the 1 aliya to ascend the watering them with acceptance and love mountain and look west, north, south and because they know that they will be the east. Well, looking east would be away from futureLIVE blossoming OPPOSITE leaders THEof the SEAJewish the . Why look there? Hence, people. 0544-332621 he maintains that the defeat of Sichon and davidz@A shkelonProperties.com 36 DAY Og was the beginning of the conquering of the Land and that those Lands became part DECLUTTER of Eretz Yisrael. Moshe looks east because CHALLENGE that Land is also part of Eretz Yisrael. Avi Join the 36 day challenge for $1 a Executive Director, OU Israel Moshe himself does participate in at least day + 7 bonus days to get ready the beginning of the conquest of the Land Save a Life - Gain yours for Pesach. Daily challenge email, of Israel. video, how tos, & support group. 4th aliya (5:1-18) Mt. Sinai. Moshe 1 of 78,424 Finally declutter !! called the people: EFRAT AND get organized www.efrat.org.il to the commandments for our 02-5454500 JOIN TODAY! G-d made a covenant at Sinai. He made it www.balaganbegone.com/36 with you, face to face amidst fire. I commu- Hotline option avaliable nicated it because you were afraid. And He said: I am G-d who took you out of Egypt. STARTS Do not make images. Or take My name in FEB 14, 2021 vain. Guard Shabbat as a day of rest to remember that you were slaves in Egypt. Honor your father and mother. Do not רפואה שלמה murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false יהודה מאיר בן יקירה .witness, covet

OU ISRAEL CENTER 7 OU ISRAEL CENTER 5 Moshe describes the giving of the Torah at 5th aliya (5:19-6:3) When you Sinai. In doing so, he emphasizes the brit, heard these words amidst the the covenant. It is this covenant that ani- fire and the cloud you were mates the entire rest of the book. There are afraid. You approached and said: now we 2 covenants: the brit made with Avraham know man can hear G-d’s voice but we are to give his children the Land. And the brit afraid we will die. Moshe, you hear from made at Sinai, which is mitzvot that we are Him, not us. G-d agreed and said to me: to keep. The first brit, to give us the land, you stand with Me and I will tell you all the came with no particular expectations. Not commandments to keep in the Land. so the second brit. And that is what Moshe The word Shema appears 8 times in the is now emphasizing. Don’t stop at brit 1: it first 7 verses of this aliya. The people is bound to brit 2. The giving of the Land heard the Voice at Sinai but were afraid. So is bound up with the mitzvot. Not that it Moshe, you hear it for us. And G-d heard is contingent on it. It sounds from Breishit their suggestion and said it was good. Fine, that the promise of the Land is without Moshe will hear G-d’s voice. But, who expectations. But the success in the Land hears is not the issue. The issue is who is bound up with brit 2, the mitzvot. The hears. I mean, who hears the voice with promise of the Land never wanes; suc- his ear; that can be Moshe. That’s fine. But cess in the Land can. Moshe introduces who hears, I mean, hears, gets it, under- this theme here, at the outset of his long stands it, accepts it; that is you. Hence the speech to the people; and it is this theme last verse in the aliya, 8 verses later comes that will resonate through the entire rest back to Shema: Shemata Yisrael, you heard of his speech. Israel and hence, keep the mitzvot. There is hearing and there is hearing. Moshe is In loving memory of our your hearing aid to hear; but you are the dear father, grandfather ones who need to hear. and great grandfather, 6th aliya (6:4–25) The Shema. Shema Yisrael, G-d is one. You MAX WEIL Z"L shall love G-d, and have that in your heart constantly; teaching of it to your children, speaking of it, at all times and in משה מנחם וייל ז"ל all places. Be bound with love of G-d; let it whose 2nd yahrzeit falls on guide you and your home. When you come into the Land, you will find things .יב מנחם אב that you did not build: large and good cit- ies, homes full of wonderful things, Danny, Judy, and all the cisterns, vineyards, olive groves. But be Weil and Amsel children careful to not forget G-d. Fear Him, serve and grandchildren Him. Do what is moral and good in His

8 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 but you could possibly do them. For when eyes and He will do good for you. When it comes to communications from G-d, you your children ask you about all these com- are unique, irreplaceable, sui generis, one mandments, tell them: we were slaves in “It sounded too good of a kind. Egypt, G-d took us out to give us this land. to be true – a superb sea-view ThisThese exchange commandments presents are a to fundamental cultivate awe apartment in Anglo-populated principleof Him and of bringthe Torah: us merit, that to G-dpreserve speaks us Ashkelon for only 15% down toin Moshe this land. in a way that He does not, nor – is actually a reality.” will He in the future ever do again with While we love the first line of the Shema, said another happy client anyoneit is the else. second When that Moshe is the saysemphasis that people of the comeparagraph. to him seekingLove of G-d,G-d. what All your he means heart, Owning your own apartment does not just allow is:all I yourhave soul,access all to your G-d. might. He speaks We are to usedme. you freedom, but offers monetary savings, and (Speaking to G-d isn’t the trick; the trick is an increase in your investment value. to saying this line so we become numb to Anglo-populated, sunny Ashkelon is the answer! when He answers back.) Similarly, when its power. Moshe is speaking to the people: It’s very affordable – from $500,000 with just a 15% True wholesaler from the diamond Moshepour yourselfsays that intohe teaches this. Let G-d’s it go. law, Put what all down payment, mortgages available as well as bank guarantees.boursa with Rental over income 25 often years in experienceexcess of 3.5%. he means is that G-d communicates those you’ve got in this. No inhibitions. Love of member diamond dealers club lawsG-d tois tohim animate and to allno ofone your else. life: bubbling Engagement Rings ∙ Stud Earrings over to your children, percolating in you in LIVEPendants OPPOSITE Tennis Bracelets THE SEA This could very well be the prime purpose ∙ your travels, your actions, your thoughts, 050-573-9061 0544-332621 [email protected] of this story. For, in the very next davidz@A shkelonProperties.com your home. Wow. Little wonder that this story, the giving of the Torah, the very www.JeffMorDiamondJewelry.com paragraph is the heart of our daily tefila. same theme of Moshe’s uniqueness as the We need to be G-d obsessed. I don’t belit- one to whom G-d speaks is central. tle the complexity of what belief is. But Moshe is3 plainrd aliya as (18:24-27)day here: Moshelove G-d heard. with all your heart,He chose soul judges,and might. with All only in. the MarSea Modest Swim & Casualwear Marci Rapp most difficult cases brought to www.MarSeaModest.net (NIS) 7th aliya (7:1-11) When you come 050-424-8359 him. Moshe sent Yitro home. www.MarSeaModest.com ($USD) into the Land, conquer the seven It takes nations.an honest Do notleader make to any accept cove- suggestionsnant with them.to improve. Do not Moshe marry displays them, hisfor honestythat will and lead humility to idol worship. – if the suggestionYou are G-d’s is good,holy embracepeople. Not it. Justbecause as Yitro you accepted are numer the- newsous but of the because Exodus He and loved affirmed you and madeOne G-d, a THEProperty BEST SalesDESIGN, | New ENGINEERING Projects | Rentals AND PropertyINSTALLATION Management OF | AIRLand Sales covenant with you. Know: He keeps His Commercial | International Sales so too, Moshe admits he could improve his CONDITIONING SYSTEMS. system.covenant. Two You men too of keep honesty the mitzvot.and humility. JUST ASK ANY OF OUR Alex Israel4th makesaliya a(19:1-6) trenchant The comment people THOUSANDS OF HAPPY CLIENTS. by stamelman & partners (in a shiurcamped on the in Virtual the Sinai Beit desert ). oppo- There aresite 2 thedistinct mountain. types ofMoshe idol wor as-- www.israel-properties.com ship. In the 10 Commandments we are Tel/WhatsApp IL +972 50 446 9515 cended the mountain. G-d told him: tell Tel/WhatsApp SA +27 82 608 0168 02-628-8282 I 03-720-8000 told not to make images. In other words, JLEM [email protected] the people. If you will listen to Me, keep My tzviair.com

OU ISRAEL CENTER 97 even if you believe in G-d, but you want an Marrying the non-Jew begins the process image, don’t do it. Right G-d, but no rep- of idol worship. Hence, no intermarriage. resentation. Here we are told to be wary of serving other gods. Wrong gods. This HAFTORAH is the allure of a group belonging. Marry a woman, join her faith group, enjoy the YESHAYAHU 40:1-26 fellowship, camaraderie, belonging that a This week’s haftorah is the first of a series faith community brings. There are a lot of of seven “haftarot of Consolation.” These wonderful and satisfying elements to any seven haftarot start on the Shabbat fol- faith community. But. That is a complete lowing Tisha B’Av and continue until Rosh violation of your unique relationship with Hashanah. G-d (in addition to the folly of these gods). It is not the mind that attracts you; it is This section of Yeshayahu begins with G‑d’s the community that comes with the wife. conveying to the : “Console, O con- sole My people . . . Announce to Jerusalem לעלוי נשמת May the learning in this issue be that her period of exile has been fulfilled רחל בת שבתי יהושע יצחק חיים ונעכא ז"ל Ruth Miller z"l and that her sins have been forgiven.” Yeshayahu’s prophecy describes some of ט'ו באב ,on her 16th yahrzeit The Miller/Kalish/Kram families the remarkable events that will unfold

BY RABBI CHANOCH YERES A SHORT VORT Rav, Beit Knesset Beit Yisrael, Yemin Moshe

Immediately preceding the well known Pasuk of “Shema Yisrael”, the Pasuk says (6:2) “To keep all His statutes and His commandments…. you and your son, and your son’s son, all the days of your life.” Why is this an introduction to “Shema”? Furthermore, should not the order of the Pasuk be reversed like “All the days of your life, you and your son, and your son’s son”? This question is asked by Meshech Chochmah, Simcha Hacohen M’Divinsk in the late 19th century. It can be related to the Mishna in Pirkei Avot (2:5) “Do not be sure of yourself until the day of one’s death.” The Pasuk is to be understood that even though you may be at an age where you have children and grandchildren and you might think the impulse to sin is too faint, you still must guard and hold vigilant in keeping the Mitzvot. The Pasuk tells us “You shall fear Hashem and devise safeguards for the commandments of the Torah, to keep yourself from transgressing its precepts…you and your son, and your son’s son.” Even at that period of life, which I may think any evil impulse has passed its time, even then, you still must not be sure of your immunity to sin. As it says, “all the days of your life”, as long as life is within us, we should only double our efforts keeping our strong covenant with Hashem. Now, we can understand this introduction to the “Shema”. Shema Yisrael are the words stated by the Jewish people, evoking belief and trust in G-d at all ages, from childhood to senior life. The Pasuk of watching all His Statutes precedes by emphasizing our side of the commitment. No matter what stage of our life we are, we still guard the Commandments because He is our One, forever. Shabbat Shalom

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 11 OU ISRAEL CENTER 55 BY RABBI DR. TZVI HERSH WEINREB THE PERSON OU Executive Vice President, Emeritus IN THE PARSHA

seem obsessive, is far from an indication of What, Me? mental illness. Many people worry. It is only very recently that I came to con- Worry?! sider the possibility that, although my worrying was not a sign of a psychological am a worrier. My friends and family disorder, it might be a sign of a theological tease me about it. disorder, a spiritual fault. I I sometimes worry about personal What prompted that consideration was matters, and sometimes about professional a passage in the writings of Rabbi Naftali concerns. More often, I worry about things Tzvi Yehuda , the late 19th century that are going on in the community or in head of the Yeshiva of Volozhin, in Eastern the world. Europe. In the introduction to his commen- I worry about the economy, and I worry tary on Deuteronomy, Rabbi Berlin, or the about Iran’s development of nuclear Netziv, as he is known, makes a remarkable weapons. statement:

Because of my background in psychol- “Reading carefully the words of instruc- ogy, I sometimes compare my worrying to tion contained in this book, Deuteronomy, the thoughts of patients who suffer from words which were divinely inspired and obsessive compulsive disorder. Like them, uttered by our teacher, each person I sometimes have one worry on my mind will find ‘milk and honey’ in accordance and can think of nothing else. But I long ago with his spiritual level... Therefore, each decided that my worrying, though it may person should read it contemplatively, according to his ability, and he will find a straight path upon which to walk… So let Religious this book be a source of illumination for Caregiver one’s life journey…” I decided to heed the Netziv’s counsel in Car owner reading this week’s Torah portion, Par- shat Va’etchanan, (Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11). But I immediately found myself facing a dilemma. Among the many themes and

12 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 topics in this week’s Torah portion are some strong words prohibiting idolatry. “Do not act wickedly and make yourself a sculptured image in any likeness what- e ever... You must not be lured into bowing ce is lik a work r fa of down to them or serving them.” (Deuteron- u ar Yo t omy 4:15, 19)

How does this apply to me? What “milk and honey” can I find in proscriptions against idol worship? When was I last tempted to make for myself a graven image, or to bow It deserves a beautiful frame down to the sun or moon or stars? Professional Optometrists The only answer I can find to resolve this Eye exams/ Contact lens ttings dilemma is to profoundly redefine the Multifocal specialists -- your satisfaction guaranteed meaning of the prohibition against idolatry for our day and age. ARNONA/TALPIOT - Beit Hanatziv, Derech Hevron 101A Idolatry in ancient times was a process RAMAT ESHKOL Shopping Center (Above Waffle Bar) by which primitive men identified a sin- gle object to worship. They turned away from the vastness of the universe and its complexity and isolated either a heavenly body or some artifact of their own making, and came to believe that it, and only it, was worthy of their adulation. They became fix- ated upon a small fraction of reality. They became obsessed with one thing, and that thing was far from representative of the whole picture.

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 13 In more modern times, the process of idola- of idolatry, but it is one that fits our mod- try took a different turn. Instead of fixating ern circumstances much better than sun upon an object, human beings fixated upon worship or offering animal sacrifices to a an ideology. They came to believe that the totem. vastness of the universe could be reduced This redefinition allows for a deeper under- to a set of ideas. Those ideas included the standing of another passage in this week’s Enlightenment, nationalism, scientism, Torah portion, the Shema. “Hear, O Israel, socialism, fascism, and communism. Those the Lord our God, the Lord is One”. Only are but several of the idolatries of more the Lord is One, because only He is all-en- recent history. compassing. Nothing else is One in that What they all have in common is a fixation sense – not the sun or moon, and not the or obsession with one set of ideas, as if currently popular ideology. They are all but that is all there is to life. That is where my parts of the greater whole. nasty habit of worrying comes into play. Only of God is it said, “He is the place of The worrier becomes consumed with one the world, and the world is not His place.” fear, which may be trivial or may be mon- He contains the world; the world does umental, but which is only a small part of not contain Him. This is the real mean- the totality of existence. ing of monotheism. Not that there is one When worrying is conceived of in this God, but that God is One. Only He is big manner, it becomes apparent that worry- enough, complete enough, total enough, to ing itself may be a form of idolatry. When be worshipped. Everything else is partial, one is consumed by worry, the person is fragmentary, and fractional. Everything limiting his or her attention to one idea, else, including our worries, are mere idols or fear, or concern. Such individuals are which do not deserve the devotion we give ignoring the fact that there is a big world them. out there with a lot going on. They are cer- Perhaps the cynical Alfred E. Neumann of tainly forgetting all the positive blessings the comic books of my childhood was mak- that probably surround them. ing a profound theological statement when Admittedly, this is a novel interpretation he said, “What, me? Worry?!” US BROKERAGE SERVICES IN ISRAEL Get the Best of Both Worlds Keep your money in the US and receive local expert investment advice CALL 02-624-0995 054-599-9530 [email protected] www.aaronkatsman.com Securities offered through Portfolio Resources Group. Inc., member of FINRA, SIPC, MSRB, SIFMA

14 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 ANNOUNCING: ISRAEL VETERANS WEEKEND FRIDAY, JULY 23 – MONDAY, JULY 26

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 15 Thoughts on the Weekly Parsha from COVENANT & RABBI LORD JONATHAN SACKS ZT"L Former Chief Rabbi of the CONVERSATION United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth

לעילוי נשמת May the learning of these Divrei Torah be HaRav Ya'akov Zvi ben David Arieh zt"l

have, and lived? Has any god ever tried to לעילוי נשמות take for himself one nation out of another פנחס בן יעקב אשר וגולדה בת ישראל דוד אייז ע״ה ,nation, by testings, by signs and wonders עזריאל בן אריה לייב ומעניה בת יצחק שרטר ע״ה by war, by a mighty hand and an out- Dedicated by stretched arm, or by great and awesome Dr. Robert Sreter DDS., M.S. deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? (Deut. 4:32-34)

The Fewest of The have not yet crossed the Jor- dan. They have not yet begun their life as All Peoples a sovereign nation in their own land. Yet Moses is sure, with a certainty that could uried inconspicuously in this only be prophetic, that they were a people week’s parsha is a short sentence like no other. What has happened to them with explosive potential, causing B is unique. They were and are a nation sum- us to think again about both the nature of moned to greatness. Jewish history and the Jewish task in the present. Moses reminds them of the great Reve- lation at . He recalls the Ten Moses had been reminding the new gener- Commandments. He delivers the most ation, the children of those who left Egypt, famous of all summaries of Jewish faith: of the extraordinary story of which they “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord are the heirs: is one.” (Deut. 6:4) He issues the most Has anything so great as this ever hap- majestic of all commands: “Love the Lord pened, or has anything like it ever been your God withMazel all your Tov heart to and with heard of? Has any other people heard the allDr. your Robin soul Zeiger and with & Dr. all Jonathan your strength.” BenEzra voice of God speaking out of fire, as you (Deut. 6:5)on theTwice marriage he tells of theirthe people son to Mazal Tov to Mazal Tov to David & Ilana Goodman and family Devra & Gidon Ariel and family on the marriage of their daughter on the birth of a grandson

16 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 ISRAEL VETERANS DAY SALE! SherlockS Hat store is celebrating Israel Veterans Day All Weekend with a – 10% SALE FRIDAY TO MONDAY JULY 23-26 An additional 10% of all sales will go to the NATAL Veterans Trauma Center. Support those who helped make our country safe!

Want to donate directly to NATAL? Go to www.natal.org.il 31 King George, Jerusalem | 02-563-7155 | Web: SherlockSHats.com teach these things to their children. He that Abraham’s children would be gives them their eternal mission state- numerous, uncountable, as many as the ment as a nation: “You are a people holy stars of the sky, the dust of the earth, and to the Lord your God. The Lord your God the grains of sand on a seashore? What of has chosen you out of all the peoples on Moses’ own statement at the beginning of the face of the earth to be His people, His Devarim: “The Lord your God has increased treasured possession.” (Deut. 7:6) your numbers so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky” (Deut. Then he says this: 1:10)? The Lord did not set His affection on you The simple answer is this. The Israelites and choose you because you were more were indeed numerous compared to what numerous than other peoples, for you are they once were. Moses himself puts it this the fewest of all peoples. (Deut. 7:7) way in next week’s parsha: “Your ancestors The fewest of all peoples? What has who went down into Egypt were seventy happened to all the promises of Bereishit, in all, and now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the SHABBAT AFTERNOON PARSHA SHIUR sky” (Deut. 10:22). They were once a single with Rabbi Chanoch Yeres will RESUME on Shabbat Nachamu, family, Abraham, Sarah and their descen- July 24th- Parshat Va’etchanan at 5:00pm dants, and now they have become a nation

OU ISRAEL CENTER 17 of twelve tribes. unique history will show that, in the words of the Prophet Zechariah (4:6), “‘Not by But – and this is Moses’ point here – com- might nor by power, but by My spirit,’ says pared to other nations, they were still small. the Lord Almighty.” “When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and In itself, Israel would be witness to some- drives out before you many nations—the thing greater than itself. As former Marxist Hittites, Girgashites, , - philosopher Nicolay Berdyaev put it: ites, Perizzites, Hivites and , I remember how the materialist interpre- seven nations larger and stronger than tation of history, when I attempted in my you …” (Deut. 7:1). In other words, not only youth to verify it by applying it to the des- were the Israelites smaller than the great tinies of peoples, broke down in the case of empires of the ancient world. They were the , where destiny seemed absolutely smaller even than the other nations in the inexplicable from the materialistic stand- region. Compared to their origins they had point . . . Its survival is a mysterious and grown exponentially but compared to their wonderful phenomenon demonstrating neighbours they remained tiny. that the life of this people is governed by Moses then tells them what this means: a special predetermination, transcending the processes of adaptation expounded by You may say to yourselves, “These nations the materialistic interpretation of history. are stronger than we are. How can we drive The survival of the Jews, their resistance to them out?” But do not be afraid of them; destruction, their endurance under abso- remember well what the Lord your God did lutely peculiar conditions and the fateful to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. (Deut. 7:17-18) role played by them in history: all these Israel would be the smallest of the nations point to the particular and mysterious for a reason that goes to the very heart of foundations of their destiny.1 its existence as a nation. They will show Moses’ statement has immense the world that a people does not have to be large in order to be great. It does not have to 1 Nicolay Berdyaev, The Meaning of be numerous to defeat its enemies. Israel’s History, Transaction Publishers, 2005, 86. ניקוי ספות ניקוי שטיחים ניקוי מבנים פוליש Polishing & Cleaning of Carpet cleaning Sofa cleaning renewing of decks offices and Shuls

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PROBING Faculty, OU Israel Centerl THE PROPHETS

Nachamu, Nachamu Ami” – Are by our scholars to serve as an introduction there any better expressions of to the subsequent haftarot of consolation “comfort to leave for a nation in was to remind the religious guides of all mourning than the one which opens this future generations that their primary mis- week’s ? sion to a suffering community is “Nachamu, “Nachamu, Nachamu Ami” – Are there Nachamu Ami” – to go out and comfort the any more fitting prophetic cries with which nation! to begin this post-Tish’a B’Av season of We often listen to the prophecies of the consolation? “nevi’im acharonim” and, quite under- “Nachamu, Nachamu Ami” – And standably, we regard their function as one are there any other well-known biblical of reproach, criticism and condemnation, expressions that are as widely misunder- to be a call to the nation to repent and to stood as this one? repair their wayward ways. Yet, Hashem Let me explain. This expression is not a cries out to the prophets “Nachamu, call from Hashem to Israel to be consoled, Nachamu Ami” – your purpose is not one nor is it a call from the navi Yishayahu (or of censure alone but of reproach tempered any other navi) to the grieving nation to with the message of consolation. Indeed, be comforted. These oft-quoted words are when Hashem describes the mission actually directives from G-d addressed to charged to the prophet Yirmiyahu (in the the prophets themselves, charging them to haftarah we read just three weeks ago), He reach out to Israel and deliver His message tells him (Yirmiyahu 1; 10) “lintosh v’lintotz, of solace and succor. ul’ha’avid v’laharus…” – “to uproot and And perhaps one of the reasons why smash, to destroy and raze”. But He then this call to the chosen leaders was selected adds another part of the prophetic task: “…

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 21 RABBI SHALOM Rav Kehilla, Nofei HaShemesh Maggid Shiur, Daf Yomi, OU.org ROSNER Senior Ra"M, Kerem B'Yavneh

from this pasuk that we are to act in a way Love Isn’t Just that would make Hashem beloved in the עשה דברים שיתאהב שם שמים על eyes of others If one conducts himself in an honest .ידך Emotion and straightforward manner, others will n Parshas Va’eschanan we encoun- recognize that such a pious person is act- ter the famous pasuk that we recite ing in accordance with the precepts of the Idaily – Vea’havta es Hashem Torah and it will increase their respect for, Elokecha – the imperative to love God with and admiration of, Hashem. all our heart and soul. How can Hashem In a similar manner, we are instructed כבד את אביך demand that we “love” Him? One can force to respect and fear our parents rather than to ואת אמך... איש אמו ואביו תיראו -another to act in a certain manner, but can not demand one to experience an emotion merely love our parents. The command that is detached from one’s volition or will. is formulated so as to instruct us how to How then, can the love of God be included act, provide with food, don’t sit in their seat, as a positive commandment? rather than how to feel. Rav Baruch Halevi Epstein in Tosefes Perhaps that is why Hillel interprets ואהבת ”Bracha offers an explanation based on a the pasuk of “love your neighbor as don’t act towards others in a ,לרעך כמוך gemara in Yoma 86a. Perhaps for this very reason that one cannot force an emotional way that you would despise others acting response, the gemara interprets this mitzva towards you. When the .מה ששנוא עליך אל תעשה לחברך as requiring action. The gemara derives simple formulation in the Torah relates to an emotion, it is often ‘converted” into   1st floor, Arab NACHI REALTY 054-461-3943 house, 4 rooms, (total about 160m), high standard Abba Eban in Kiryat Haleom - of renovation, Sukkah porch, 2 full bathrooms + 3.5 rooms, 100m, double parking, guest bathroom, central a/c, elevator, parking, storage, Shabbat elevator. 2.99m nis small machsan, asking 2,550,000 dollars Mini Penthouse in Savyoni Arnona - 3.5 rooms, 84m + Sukka mirpeset, lobby,   3 rooms, 65m, first double parking, storage, amazing floor, completely renovated, 3 air directions, views, Shabbat elevator. 2.44m nis beautiful balcony. Asking price: 2,750,000nis. New on the Market - in Musrara, 130m, Call Tami 050 5777712 5.5 room duplex with private entrance and 30m chatzer. 4.1m nis

22 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 actions that are to be taken. Rabbi Norman Lamm offers an alter- native explanation in his sefer Drashot L’Dorot. Citing the Sefas Emes, Rabbi Lamm posits that if the Torah commands one to “love” God – then there must be ingrained in every Jewish heart a deep and abiding love for God and for Torah. Sometimes that emotion needs a spark to ignite it, but it is present, albeit dormant at times. A story is told of the famous sculptor Michelangelo, who created a statue of Moses. A bystander amazed at the work of art, commented on how amazing it was that he created an image of Moses from a solid piece of stone. Michelangelo replied that his task was simple. He saw the image of Moses beneath the stone and all he did was chip away at the stone to disclose the figure. Similarly, at times, we need to spark or uncover our inner feelings and For Sale emotions. Today psychologists adopt a Talbieh- 4-5 room apts. similar technique. Rather than force an good exposures. Shabbat elevator, idea on a child, they encourage educators machsan and parking. to empower the child to arrive at the con- Katamon, 5 room garden apt. on clusion from within. cul de sac near shtiblech. 160m living As we celebrate Shabbos Nachamu, with garden of 100m, car park and being comforted after mourning the machsan destruction of our Beis Hamikdash, may we internalize these messages. First, to Katamon, Penthouse, 3 rooms, 170m always conduct ourselves in a manner that in a small building, elevator, parking, is mekadesh shem shamayim, and to be 4 exposures. Price 7.6 million nis able for ourselves and others to uncover Rechavia - 5 rooms, 2.5 baths, the inner emotion of love of our Creator! renovated, light, bright, close to shopping and transportation. GET FIT WHILE YOU SIT: Exercise for ladies Join us on Sunday’s 11:30 -12:15 at the OU Israel Center 052-2639702 | www.shneller.co.il Sura Faecher 0504153239 Shiffy@shneller co.il

OU ISRAEL CENTER 23 REBBETZIN SHIRA SMILES Faculty, OU Israel Center

to this world. Multiplicity ’s second idea relates the word meod to middah, measure. The Slonimer Rebbe of Meod in Netivot Shalom points out that Hashem customizes every person’s experience and he Shema is our quintessential tfilah circumstance to most beneficially develop of connection and belief in Hashem. his full potential. Thus, we can appreciate TIn it we declare that we will love all that transpires as measured out pre- Hashem with all our heart, soul and meod. cisely and be prepared to serve Hashem What can possibly be greater than one’s with acceptance. The Shema includes a heart and soul? What does meod even mean? call to relate with equanimity to all of life’s Rashi (Devarim 6;5) offers two explana- travails and triumphs with the intention to tions. One should love Hashem with all of grow from these experiences. one’s money and possessions. Be’er Mayim The Lubavitcher Rebbe offers a deep Chayim explains that meod means very chasidic insight into these words. Meod much; one desires to acquire very much means very or more so. There is a level of the physical items and substance avail- beyond serving Hashem with all one’s able in this world. Meod is mentioned desires and one’s complete soul. This is a last, signifying those who treasure their level of transcendence, serving Hashem money more than their lives. Rav Schorr in beyond the limitations of self. It is easy to Halekach Vehalebuv adds a further dimen- be satisfied with a more-or-less approach sion. He writes that a person’s possessions to developing one’s potential. Often, we are imbued with his/her spiritual essence. ourselves even block our inherent poten- One’s material belongings are in a sense an tial, believing this state to be out of reach. extension of the self since everything we The Torah however urges us to yearn for possess should be used to further our rela- an even higher level, to go beyond and tionship with Hashem. Thus, this passuk discover the deeper self. Indeed, this very is a directive to serve Hashem with every beyond-ness is what meod is all about. inner resource, heart and soul, as well as Strikingly, the word adam and meod are all outer resources and possessions that composed of the same three Hebrew let- have been acquired. Honest introspection ters. When one accesses the meod within, vis a vis all that we have can ensure that he becomes the adam Hashem envisioned our priorities are authentic, that we are upon his creation. He will thus discover using our earthly assets to bring greater that this is really his true self.

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 25 RABBI JUDAH Mashpiah, OU-NCSY MISCHEL Executive Director, Camp HASC

and Arabs filled the narrow streets. Dedicated L'Iluy Nishmas HaChaver Shlomo Michael ben Meir z'l Soon, I found myself before the Kotel... That wall, a reminder of our great and glorious past... and only two Jews were Shabbat Nachamu: standing there, the shammas and myself. The entire plaza in front of the Kotel was From Pain to Hope filled with British policemen; above, near It Will Not Help the mosque on the site of the Temple, Arabs stood looking down on the Jewish Them! ruins; and I stood silently in my distress...

enachem Ussishkin z’l, Sec- I do not remember how long I stood there retary of the First Zionist with these depressing thoughts. Dusk fell MCongress, was the head of and darkness began to engulf the Kotel the Jewish National Fund and one of plaza, lanterns began to glimmer nearby, the great builders of the Land. He dedi- yet here it was forbidden to light them. cated his life to encouraging aliyah, and I detected the sound of approaching strengthening agricultural settlement footsteps. Out of a darkened side street and made a great impact in the renewal stepped an elderly Jew of stately appear- of Jewish life in Eretz Yisrael. Having just ance, attired in traditional yom tov garb, returned from an overseas trip, on Erev who was accompanied by two men…” just a ,(תרפ''ט / 5690 (1929 Ussishin recognized “the elderly Jew”. bit more than a month after the murder- It was the revered leader of the Yishuv ous Arab pogroms in Tzfat, Yerushalayim haYashan, Rav Yosef Chaim Zonnenfeld, and Chevron, Ussishkin went to daven at zt’l, the righteous “Guardian of Jerusa- the Kotel and recorded an account of his lem”. As founder of the Eida haChareidis, experience: Rav Zonnenfeld represented unwaver- “Jewish Jerusalem was still wrapped in ing traditionalism and uncompromising mourner’s black and the impact of the dedication to kedusha. Ussishkin was awe- frightful occurrences had not yet sub- struck in the presence of the tzadik: sided. Somber and depressed, I entered “I did not move or approach him, for the Old City. On the entire route to the I did not want to disturb his awesome Kotel, I met virtually no Jews; only police

26 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 reverence. He approached the Kotel with bowed head and began to kiss its stones with holy fervor. A deep sigh escaped his lips. He raised his head, gave the stones a A Kosher Bed & Breakfast final embrace, and turned to leave. Then tucked away in Old Rosh Pina he noticed me and approached.

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Dr. Daniel Wiener, Urologist On this Shabbos Nachamu, may all of us, will continue to work through the brothers and sisters who have “shared summer and in the future as usual at anguish and pain” be blessed to share HAGEDUD HAIVRI 4 joyous occasions, see and experience Accepting all Kupot revealed good, with the restoration of MACCABI, MEUHEDET, LEUMIT, CLALIT בגאולה השלימה ,Jewish pride and wellbeing :with the arrival of the complete For any questions ,והאמיתית and true Redemption. [email protected]

OU ISRAEL CENTER 27 28 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 OU ISRAEL CENTER 29 30 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 OU ISRAEL CENTER 31 32 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 4

OU ISRAEL CENTER 33 RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN Ram, Yeshivat Har Eztion

Clearly, Jewish redemption of history is Geulas Yisrael pivoted upon teshuva- both personal and Which Comes collective. Sadly, we betrayed Hashem and fractured our world. A spiritual “turn- First, Redemption ing-back” to Hashem is vital to redemption. What is less clear is whether historical or Repentance? redemption is contingent upon repentance. estern civilization views history If the Jewish people do not repent will as evolutionary and open- the process stall? Will history be left in Wended. The future is completely the lurch? Parshat Va’etchanan certainly unknown and is solely a product of human suggests as much. Moshe describes the decision. views history very dif- corruption and religious decline of the Jews ferently: it is predetermined and cyclical. when encountering the pagan culture of History is constantly surging toward a Cana’an. Our disloyalty to Hashem caused terminus which resembles the genesis: a our exile from the land and introduced perfect world in which the Divine presence historical suffering. Out of the pain of suf- is uncontested by Man. Our world isn’t fering “batzar lecha” we repent, return static but is always “coursing” toward the to Hashem and are restored. In Parshat conclusion of history, which we refer to as Va’etchanan human-initiated teshuva must redemption or geulah. trigger geulah.

The second premise of geulah is that Interestingly, this question was debated humans and particularly Jews influence the between Rebbe Eliezer and Rebbe Yehoshua pace and texture of redemption. Religious in a dispute cited by the gemara in Sanhe- breakdown reverses the process; when drin (97). Notably, the Rambam endorsed we lost Yerushalayim the process stalled. Rebbe Eliezer’s view that redemption can However, we can also advance or even only emerge in the aftermath of national accelerate the process through faith and teshuva. Redemptive history awaits the religious commitment. Jewish redemption Jewish return to Hashem. redeems all of humanity and, as Kabbalah Even if we concur with Rebbe Eliezer and reminds us, also affects multiple universes the Rambam that teshuva is a prerequisite which lie beyond our realm. Redemption for redemption, perhaps it doesn’t precede and the Jewish capacity to shape it, are cor- redemption. Perhaps, a preliminary Mes- nerstones of Jewish belief. sianic event will prompt teshuva which,

34 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 in turn, will activate a final and complete religious terms. We sense a profound shift redemption. For example, the Rambam in our relationship with Hashem. Torah portrays the Moshiach as a King who and spirituality are flourishing as we wit- inspires a national spiritual reawaken- ness renewed Divine miracles. If Hashem ing. In the Rambam’s Messianic narrative, our shepherd has once again expressed His Moshiach arrives prior to comprehen- love for us, we should wink back with love, sive teshuva with the task of driving us commitment and teshuva. toward that complete repentance. Chazal For other Jews, the State of Israel does not attribute similar duties to Eliyahu Hanavi generate religious awakening but does who arrives before Moshiach and inspires entrench profound nationalistic identifica- teshuva. Either way, teshuva isn’t inde- tion. Millions of Jews deeply identify with pendently initiated by our people – it is the prospect of being “shepherded home”. aided by agents sent by Hashem. Teshuva These sentiments are more nationalistic is absolutely vital for complete redemption than they are religious, but they do provide but Hashem dispatches proxies to steward a historical bond which fastens millions the process. of Jews to our common destiny. Might this Must “teshuva-catalysts” be people such national awakening be the “platform” for a as Moshiach or Eliyahu Hanavi? Perhaps, future “history-altering” spiritual awaken- alongside the people who will steer teshuva, ing? The Jews in Egypt abandoned almost all divinely choreographed events will spark of their rituals and beliefs and descended to national teshuva. Yechezkel (chapter 34) the moral and religious depths of their slave describes Hashem retrieving His scat- masters. Yet they retained their national tered sheep and herding them safely in identity, proudly preserving Hebrew lan- the Land of Israel. Having been reassem- guage, dress and culture. This “national bled securely under the shepherding of pride” formed the cornerstone for eventual Hashem, we turn our hearts back to Him. religious awakening. It appears as if we are This redemptive image of sheep-herding living through similar conditions. Jewish implies a unilateral redemptive process history is cyclical. What happened before launched by the shepherd. Sheep don’t will happen again. perform teshuva but are forcibly herded. For Yechezkei the actual return to Israel בס״ד facilitates geulah. הובלות אייל We are living through the prophecy of Yechezkel. Our return to the Land of Israel has shifted history and has launched a revo- lution of Jewish consciousness. Shepherding Moving Packing Storage Jews back to Israel has sparked both teshuva as well as pre-teshuva responses. Reli- 053-7272-815 www.premiummoving.co.il gious-minded people process our return in

OU ISRAEL CENTER 35 SIMCHAT SHMUEL BY RABBI SAM SHOR Program Director, OU Israel Center

he Shabbat following Tisha B’Av is The Kedushat Levi, the great Chasidic Mas- known as Shabbat Nachamu, the ter, Reb Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, TShabbat of nechama - of comfort or zy’a, explains this verse as teaching us that consolation. Following the three weeks really we should be comforted not only in of mourning and reflection for the chur- knowing that our period of sadness and ban the destruction of the Batei Mikdash affliction has passed, but that comfort is (Temples) and of ancient Yerushalayim, we amplified, is a dual comfort, through the transition to focus more on the future, the knowledge that it is HaKadosh Baruch Hu comfort we find in the survival and growth who is responsible in bringing that comfort of the Jewish People. and tranquility.

However, if we look at the opening verse The Lev Simcha zy’a, the Gerrer Rebbe, of the special Haftarah that is chanted for offers a further novel explanation of our Shabbat Nachamu, Yeshayahu HaNavi’s verse. The Rebbe points to an interesting words suggest an added dimension to this passage in the Midrash Rabbah. The Mid- Shabbat of comfort and consolation. rash states, al tikri nachamu nachamu Ami (my people), eleh Imi (rather with me). The The pasuk reads: Nachamu, nachamu Ami, Lev Simcha explains that not only do the yomar Elokeichem - Comfort, Comfort my Jewish People feel comforted on this Shab- People says your G-d. bat of nechama, but Hashem experiences What is the significance of the apparent comfort as well, Hashem is comforted in redundancy in this verse, that the word knowing that our pain is lessened, in know- comfort is repeated twice? Who is comfort- ing that we are healing and comforted. ing whom? This, explains the Lev Simcha, is the dual comfort mentioned in Yeshayahu HaNavi’s words, and this, explains the Rebbe, is the powerful message we are meant to take to heart on this . Hashem is with us always, Hashem is pained when we are in pain, and shares in our comfort when we heal and are comforted. May we all be blessed to feel that dual comfort this Now also seeing patients at the LaBriut Health Center in RBS 02-970-1100 Shabbat, and each and every day.

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 37 DIVREI MENACHEM BY MENACHEM PERSOFF Special Projects Consultant, OU Israel Center [email protected]

and it represents the Will of Hakadosh An Eternal Baruch Hu. Further, the designates that God, the nation of Israel, and the Torah Link “are one.” For Rabbi Riskin, this maxim denotes that Hashem may be experienced ur have taught us to take through those phenomena that are also notice of the eternal nature of the perceived as eternal. “Since Israel is eter- Ocovenant that Hashem made with nal [by Divine oath, Bereishit: 15] and since us in Horev – namely, that the Torah was the Torah is eternal, God/Israel/Torah are not intended for one generation alone, but inextricably linked by common eternity.” “also for him who is not here with us this Moreover, the Torah is our guide. Indeed, day”(Devarim 29:13-14). of the Torah, it has been said, “The Torah is Indeed, we live with the Talmudic concept not (just) descriptive; it is prescriptive.” No (Shevuot 39a) that every Jew took an oath wonder, then, that the Shema prayer urges of allegiance at Sinai. That is to say that at a us “to set these matters on your heart” certain metaphysical level, our souls were and ensure that the everlasting Mesorah present at the Revelation. Perhaps this is be passed on through our children consis- a reference to the verse from our Parsha tently through the generations. (ibid, 6:6) that we say daily in the Shema: In a world full of symbols, icons, and “And these matters that I command you ultra-progressive clichés, it is of no surprise this day shall be upon your heart,” imply- that the Torah inculcates in us our own ing, as Rashi comments, that “this day” is treasured and perpetual emblems, such today, every day. as the Mezuzah, Tzizit, and Tefillin. These Nechama Leibowitz takes these ideas to proudly serve as badges announcing our remind us not to consider the Torah as unique link to Hashem and our ongoing obsolete, as an anachronistic tome left connection to a covenant 3,500 years old. to dust on the shelf. Instead, we should Shabbat Shalom! internalize that the Torah’s halachot are timeless and that the biblical narratives are more than historical episodes.

Indeed the term Torah indicates teaching. The Torah is intrinsically the word of God, Ita Rochel 02-560-9125

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 39 OU KASHRUT BY RABBI EZRA FRIEDMAN PAGE Director, The Gustave & Carol Jacobs Center for Kashrut Education

during shemitah have kedushat shevi’it, Flowers leading to numerous halachic questions. Would it be permitted to sell flowers from During one’s garden? Could a kallah use flowers for a bouquet? The Mishnah (Shevi’it 7:6) Shemitah explicitly lists certain flowers that have kedushat shevi’it. The Chazon Ish (14:9) Types of flowers explains that the flowers mentioned in the Mishnah are edible and meant for human The halachah regarding flowers during consumption. This implies that non-edible shemitah depends on the characteristics of flowers do not have the holiness of shem- the flower. Authorities distinguish between itah. The Talmud Yerushalmi (Shevi’it 7:1) types of flowers and their shemitah status. discusses the question of herbs and scented Flowers that are grown for eating or smell- flowers, but leaves the issue unresolved. ing, such as sunflowers or carnations, have Rav Shmuel Wosner (Responsa Shevet different halachic guidelines than flowers Halevi 2:202) distinguishes between three that are only grown for decorative use. categories of flowers. The first group is of Kedushat Shevi’it flowers that are meant for eating. These have kedushat shevi’it. The second classifi- Fruits and vegetables that have reached a cation is of flowers that are normally used certain stage of growth during shemitah for their pleasant scent. These are also have a special holiness (see Sefer Hashemi- kedushat shevi’it. Lastly, flowers that have tah 7:1), called kedushat shevi’it. According neither fragrance nor flavor do not have to some opinions, there is a positive mitz- kedushat shevi’it. Rav Eliezer Waldenberg vah to consume such produce (see Megilat (Tzitz Eliezer 6:33) agrees with Rav Wosner Esther on Ramban Shechichat Asin 3). The regarding the first and third categories, but holiness of the produce has numerous hala- maintains that flowers with a nice scent do chic implications. For example, produce not have kedushat shevi’it. that has kedushat shevi’it may be eaten only in Eretz Yisrael, and only by Jews (in most The consensus among poskim is that flow- cases). One may not do business with such ers that are used for their fragrance or are produce, nor may one actively ruin it. grown for eating have kedushat shevi’it, and therefore should not be sold for recep- Poskim debate whether flowers grown tions or smachot (see Mishpetei Eretz 14:2).

40 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 The OU Israel Gustave & Carol Jacobs Center for Kashrut Education was created to raise awareness and educate the public in all areas of Kashrut in Israel. Rabbi Ezra Friedman, a Rabbinic Field Representative for the OU is the Center's director.

However, flowers that have a pleasant scent Hashemitah 10:8). but are actually marketed for their nice One may place flowers in a vase full appearance do not have kedushat shevi’it of water, even if they continue to grow (Chut Shani p.246-247; Halichot Hashevi’it slightly. However, this should be done only 17:22). When they are not grown for con- indoors, in a walled and roofed structure sumption and have no fragrance, flowers (Derech Emuna 4:17). do not have kedushat shevi’it (Sefer Hash- emitah 7:4, Minchat Shlomo 51:11). In summary:

Shemitah labor for flowers • The laws of shemitah also apply to flowers. Poskim discuss how one should tend to flowers in one’s garden. In general, during • Flowers grown for consumption or shemitah the halacha holds that any labor for their pleasant scent have kedushat to maintain the plant or to prevent dam- shevi’it and should not be used for age is permitted. Labor which is meant to decoration. improve the plant or its fruit is prohibited. • Flowers that are merely ornamental, However, watering plants is permissible even if they have a nice scent, do not with certain limitations. Regarding flowers, have kedushat shevi’it and may be used even though their loss is minimal, one may in a regular fashion. still water flowers in the garden (Responsa Hamabit 2:64), but less frequently if pos- • One may water flowers in one’s garden sible. One should consult a competent during shemitah, although minimally. halachic authority regarding the issue of • Flowers may be picked or cut from how often one’s flowers may be watered trees during shemitah, although one (The topic of watering flowers in one’s gar- should cut them slightly higher on the den will be discussed in further detail in a stem. future article). • One may place cut flowers in a vase of Flowers may be picked from trees. Since water as long as this is done indoors. the removal of flowers may sometimes benefit the tree or the fruits, when pick- ing the flowers, one should not remove Kashrut Questions in Israel? the entire stem, but rather cut the flower Call or Whatsapp Rabbi Friedman at from somewhere along its stem (Halichot 050-200-4432

OU ISRAEL CENTER 41 42 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 OU ISRAEL CENTER 43 RABBI AARON Editor, Torah Tidbits GOLDSCHEIDER

Soloveitchik zt”l noted that the most com- The Soul of plex bracha in our prayers is the opening bracha of birchot Kriat Shema, from two the Shema perspectives; its wording and conceptual meaning. (Al HaTefila, Grodner, p.77) he Shema, like other texts that a These are the words of the bracha: Jew is obligated to recite, exists Blessed are you Hashem...who forms light Ton two planes. On the one hand and creates darkness, makes peace and it is a standardized text that we are obli- creates all.” First question: Why mention gated to verbalize twice daily. However, it darkness if this is the blessing recited in is much more than a codified formulation; the morning? And secondly, why mention its specific words and language encapsu- ‘peace’ and ‘creates all’ in this context? late ideas. Therefore, we must ask, what The text of this blessing, says the Tal- is the telos of the Shema and what reli- mud (Berachot 11a), is based on a verse gious experience does it capture? In other in Yeshayahu (45:7).There it says [I am the words, what is the essence of the mitzvah one] who forms light and creates darkness, that the Torah itself commands? who makes peace and creates ra, evil.” The Perhaps the key to answering this Sages emended the last word from ra (evil) query can be found in the birchot Kriat to hakol (all) in order to teach that from a Shema (the blessings that precede and fol- perspective of the Divine where ‘totality’ is low the Shema). the reality, evil vanishes. Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik held that the The opening blessing teaches that we Birchot Kriat Shema are integrally nec- bless God not only for the ‘light’ but also for essary for the fulfillment of the mitzvah. the ‘darkness.” We have faith that kol, all, For this reason he held that it is prefera- emanates from God. There is no division. ble to pray without a and recite There is only Hashem, oneness of the Brachot of Shema along with the Kriat God and God is the source of all existence Shema itself, rather than daven with a and reality. minyan that davens before or after the This bracha directly relates to the char- proper time Kriat Shema should be recited. acter of the Shema and the kavanah we are (Nefesh HaRav, p.114). Embedded in these to garner when reciting the Shema. Shema blessings is found the true meaning of the is not a prayer. It is a declaration of faith. Shema. In the language of the Sages it is procla- In this context, Rabbi Joseph B. mation of our belief in yichud Hashem

44 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 and accepting upon oneself “ol malchut testimony. shamayim”, “the responsibilities of the The famed Rabbi David Abudraham heavenly King.”1 (Mesorat HaRav Siddur, (14th century) in his classic commentary p. 108, p.111) on prayer explains that the two letters, Supplication vs. Testimony ayin and dalet, read together, spell ed, The Rav contrasted prayer (i.e.reciting the Hebrew word for witness. Reciting the ) and reciting the Shema. Recit- the Shema is an act of testifying our faith ing the Shema does not demand the state before God, before our fellow humans, and of consciousness required for prayer. The before ourselves. notion of an encounter with the Divine The second reason offered for enlarg- Presence is not the objective here. Instead, ing the ayin and dalet is complementary the intention required for the Shema to the first. Not only must we testify to expresses itself in the form of declaration, our faith, but we must also guard against a profession of faith (ibid. p. 111). betraying it, even inadvertently. Rabbi Norman Lamm, a close student Thus the letter ayin is given prominence of the Rav, who wrote an entire volume in order to distinguish it from an alef, on the Shema points out that the Shema’s which would spell a homonym of Shema, motif of religious commitment is graphi- sounding similar but meaning something ”.maybe” or “perhaps“ ,שמא :cally symbolized in the text of the Torah quite different scroll itself. Scribal tradition prescribes Similarly, if we were to mistake the dalet that the last of the three Hebrew letters for its look-alike letter, resh, we might read of the word shema, the ayin, be written the word of the verse as acher, meaning large. Similarly, the dalet, the last letter of “other, another,” implying another god, the last word, echad, is also enlarged. Two an idol. The enlarged ayin and dalet cau- reasons have been offered for these pecu- tion us to leave our doubts and hesitations liarities, and both reinforce the notion that behind. (The Shema, Lamm, pp. 16-17)2. the Shema is an expression of a pledge or

1 The Mishna (Berachot 13a) notes in the 2 The Talmud (Berachot 14b) presents name of Rav Yehoshua ben Karcha that the the scenario of one reciting Shema with- first portion of Shema precedes the second out wearing Tefillin and posits that such so that “one should first accept the yoke a person is compared to giving false testi- of Heaven’s sovereignty (ol malchut sha- mony. Another example where the Sages mayim) and afterward accept the yoke of expound on the Shema in a context of giving mitzvot. testimony. TRANSFER YOUR OLD FILM/VIDEO's (All formats) In Quality to Digital Preserve Family History from Fading Michael 052.286.8626 Photography with feeling Facebook.com/L'Dorot Photography

OU ISRAEL CENTER 45 Machon Puah for Fertility and RABBI GIDEON Gynecology in Accordance with Halacha WEITZMAN

husband either to have children or to grant Who Can Use her a divorce. In another case a woman appeared the Eggs? before Rav Nachman and claimed that she wanted children in order to have “a help Last time we saw the intricacies of the for her old age and someone to bury her”. Nachmani case and the court’s decision to Rav Nachman agreed that in such a case allow Ruth to use the frozen fertilized eggs. a woman can either force her husband Afterwards, Daniel Nachmani appealed to have children or he must grant her a again but the court refused to change their divorce. decision and suggested that the couple seek These cases suggest that having children arbitration in order to solve their problems. is not only a halachic imperative, but an The arbitration was successful and the existential need for men and, even more so, Nachmanis were able to arrange an agree- for women. This is sufficient reason to force able divorce arrangement that enabled the husband to have children or divorce his Ruth to use the fertilized eggs. She did wife and enable her to have children with so but they did not survive the thawing another husband. process and were not able to achieve a If we can translate this concept to the pregnancy. Nachmani case it would be the basis for This case generated a rich collection of the permission for Ruth to use the frozen halachic articles mostly centered around embryos. Even though Daniel strongly the question of whether the wife can force opposed her use, she could claim that she her husband to have children, or to divorce wants to have a child. her to enable her to have children. The question here regards the use of the The Gemara (Yevamot 65b) relates how frozen fertilized eggs by one of the couple a woman came to Rabbi Ami demanding against the wishes of the other spouse. But a divorce from her husband since she they are using them in order for themselves wanted children but he refused. Rabbi to achieve a pregnancy. Ami initially rejected her request since Our original question some weeks ago a woman is exempt from the obligation was regarding the use of fertilized eggs by to procreate. The woman did not give up another couple. Can one of the partners and asked what would be her lot when she agree to give the eggs to another couple would get older. Rabbi Ami acquiesced and even though the other spouse disagrees? agreed that in such a case we can force the More on this next week.

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 47 FROM THE VIRTUAL DESK OF THE OU VEBBE REBBEREBBETZIN SHIRA RAV DANIEL MANN SMILES Faculty, OU Israel Center legitimately attributes medicinal efficacy and about which the objective observer is Homeopathic on the other hand, was a person who rightly skeptical. Tribute to stood strong in his values, unbending Remedies on It is prohibited to perform medical proce- and resolute in his beliefs. Chazal dures,the including Trio ingesting medicine, to cure teach that Chur tried to challenge the Shabbat or calm a non-severe malady (Shulchan people when they wanted to build the Aruch,n aOrach deeply Chayim powerful 328:37). scene, The rationale Moshe calf and they subsequently killed him. Question: Is it permitted to ingest homeo- is concernRabbeinu that oneis found who is withinvolved his inhands such Chur, a descendent of Yehudah, was a pathic remedies on Shabbat? activityIheld might high violateon top Shabbat of the inmountain the pro- person who was inflexible and strong like a lion. Truly, a combination of both Answer: We start with our approach to cess,praying i.e., byfor grinding the peopleherbs (Shabbat gripped 53b). in qualities is necessary. In interpersonal “alternative medicine,” which includes Thea raging cases inbattle which with the prohibitionAmalek below. does relationships it is wise to follow Ahron’s homeopathy (some use the terms inter- notAhron apply and fall Chur into twostood broad on either categories: side 1.of Moshe Rabbeinu holding his hands aloft path, to compromise and make peace changeably). Alternative medicine is When the need justifies certain halachic ( 17;10). Rashi teaches that Chur whenever possible. However, in the subject to disagreement, from the grass compromises (see Shulchan Aruch ibid. was the son of Moshe’s sister, Miriam. service of Hashem and reinforcing kevod roots to health agencies. As in most realms, 17). Nafal l’mishkav (needing to lie down) What more do we know about Chur? shamayim, one needs to follow Chur’s extreme opinions are likely incorrect. is a classic description of such need (Rama, What is the symbolism of his joining example and be resolute in his values. Some treatments under the umbrella of OC 328:37). 2. When the procedure is not with Ahron to support the hands of These two special people joined Moshe alternative medicine are helpful; others considered dealing with illness or is other- Moshe Rabbeinu? Rabbeinu to activate the merits of these are quackery and serve as a placebo at wise dissimilar from cases in which there approaches as he implored Hashem to Rabbi Roberts in Through the Prism of best (although sometimes placebos are is a concern of chillul Shabbat. have mercy on His people and vanquish Torah explains that Ahron and Chur useful). The efficacy or even safety of some , physically and spiritually. In category #1, since normal Halacha is medicines and treatments (homeopathic or personified contrasting character traits. compromised, the steps taken must be conventional) is uncertain or varies from Ahron was a peacemaker, he constantly truly warranted. Therefore, the Magen person to person. We are not in the posi- looked for ways to create harmony Avrahamamong his(328:1) people. allows Indeed,chillul Shabbat he was to tion to take a stand on which treatments saveready a lifeto onlycompromise if the medicine his own is knownvalues fall into which category. For the purpose of For Sale - Gorgeous apartment in Old Katamon (notto achieve theorized) this to begoal, effective as we (based see onin thethe this general question, we will treat the rem- In a unique Old Arab style building - Spacious 110sqm, Rama,story ofYoreh the sinDeah of 155:3the golden regarding calf. eating Chur, 4 room apartment with Sukah balcony, Shabbat edy in question as one to which the user elevator, parking & large separate storage room. lots of character, excellent condition, central A/C Truly one of a kind! 5,280,000nis For Sale – Old Katamon, Negba st., 1st floor, Arab house, 4 rooms, (total about 160m), high standard of renovation, Sukkah porch, 2 full bathrooms + guest bathroom, central a/c, elevator, parking, small machsan, asking $2,550,000

48 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 26 TORAH TIDBITS / BESHALACH 5781 The Orthodox Union - via its website - fields questions of all types in areas of kashrut, Jewish law and values. Some of them are answered by Eretz Hemdah, the Institute for Advanced Jewish Studies, Jerusalem, headed by Rav Yosef Carmel and Rav Moshe Ehrenreich, founded by HaRav Shaul Yisraeli zt”l, to prepare rabbanim and dayanim to serve the National Religious community in Israel and abroad. Ask the Rabbi is ajoint venture of the OU, Yerushalayim Network, Eretz Hemdah... and OU Israel’s Torah Tidbits.

non-kosher medicine). Therefore, even Therefore, we believe that most homeo- if someone is sick or suffering enough to pathic (see Shevet Halevi V:55) and other allow medicine, he should not be allowed unproven treatments are forbidden on to use a homeopathic medicine if that is not Shabbat (we will not get into defining scientifically accepted (as Halacha grants what activities might be outside the realm medical experts authority to determine the of medicine and therefore permitted – see medical situation in a given case (Shulchan Mishna Berura 306:36). If one wants to use Aruch, OC 328:10)). them for nagging situations that are not nafal l’mishkav, standard medicines are However, our case is different from the also problematic. Usually little is lost if one Magen Avraham’s in a couple of ways. On takes doses right before and after Shabbat. the one hand, there the need is to save a life, Presumably, one can use the leniency of which brought the Pri Megadim (ad loc.) inserting the medicine into a food or drink to ask why one may not try even an oth- so that it is indiscernible before Shabbat erwise forbidden treatment of unknown and then eating on Shabbat (see Shulchan efficacy if it is the only chance at survival. Aruch, ibid. 21; Orchot Shabbat 20:131). On the other hand, the violations to be In unique cases, one who perceives great waived are of a Torah level, whereas here need and no alternatives should contact his we only need to waive a Rabbinic viola- rabbi and/or doctor. tion, so might even an unproven remedy not suffice? Actually, the Pri Megadim says Eretz Hemdah has begun a participatory Zoom that it is specifically by a Rabbinic prohibi- class - "Behind the Scenes with the Vebbe tion and not life-threatening illness that we Rebbe" - an analytical look at the sources, methodology, and considerations behind need a proven medicine. our rulings, with Rav Daniel Mann. Contact [email protected] to join. Might one argue that if the medicine is legitimate, it should be permitted based on need, and if it is not, it should be permitted because it is a non-medicine? Halachic logic Having a dispute? dictates that it is not the status of medicine For a Din Torah in English or that causes the prohibition but that a sick Hebrew contact ‘Eretz Hemdah person is searching for a cure that is close - Gazit’ Rabbinical Court: 077- enough to cases of possible chillul Shabbat. 215-8-215 • fax: (02) 537-9626 In that way, homeopathic medicine is no [email protected] better than conventional medicine.

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vegetables, hoe, and cultivate many areas Educational on the school grounds. We also have a hot- house. Is it permissible to do anything in & Community this situation? The first case is a project that would oth- Gardens erwise be buried and will be very difficult to resuscitate if temporarily discontinued. During The second gives to and educates children. Shemitah Answer: A community garden set up for therapeutic and social welfare purposes is Question: Over the past few years, I have considered a major need. For this reason, had the privilege to be involved in garden- it is possible to be lenient as we are with ing as part of a community project and agricultural cultivation whose purpose is as part of a school project as a teacher of to provide food for the general population agriculture. What do I do next year during and a livelihood for farmers. the shemitah year?!?! I planned on plant- On the practical level, you can sow, sprout, ing on a detached platform, but I saw on and plant vegetables ahead of shemitah. your website that it is only permissible for These vegetables will have kedushat shevi’it a major need and for educational purposes. (shemitah sanctity). I will explain about two of the projects I’m involved in: Furthermore, you can prepare a hothouse with platforms detached from the ground. The community garden in a neighbor- There you will be able to perform various hood in crisis. We have tried to set up agricultural activities throughout the shem- a community garden for several years. itah year, including planting and sowing. Finally, this year, the project took off. It is an educational community project, which In terms of general gardening during the gives hope to the neighbors and solves shemitah year itself, it is forbidden to hoe many neighborhood problems. the ground to enhance it. It is preferable to spray or mow the weeds. If needed, it I am a teacher of agriculture. I teach various is possible to teach children how to per- grades in a mixed religious and secular ele- form various types of mowing with a weed mentary school. We mostly plant seasonal whacker, and the like, but not with a hoe.

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The OU Israel Parenting Center was recently Fast forward to the end of our trip at the launched in partnership with the Jerusalem O’Hare airport. Municipality. The goal of the parenting We are saying our goodbyes to our family, center is to help anglo Olim navigate the not knowing when we will meet again. challenges of parenting through lectures, workshops, an advice line, and parenting An overly smiley airport clerk gently articles. requested that we get moving. When we took a few more seconds to finish our hugs, Mrs. Smiley, through her gritted teeth made Sabra or her request more forcefully. So as far as Sabras go, we have to remem- Sensitive: ber that they are soft on the inside. But why do they have to sometimes be so prickly on Boon or the outside?? Blessing As Americans and more so as American Jews we give a lot of value to the midda ne of my favorite Aliya stories of being sensitive. Oftentimes we feel that occurred over thirty years ago on this sensitivity may not be serving us or Oa trip that my husband and I took our children well, certainly in the Israeli to the USA. At the time, I was living in cultural climate but perhaps even in any Yerushalayim and as we all did back then, climate! We watch our sensitive children I ordered a Nesher taxi service to take us to suffer from bullying, not having friends or the airport. Nesher drivers were notorious not getting onto a bus because they did not for their “patience” and sure enough, our push to get on. Being sensitive is a sensitive driver was fuming about some pickup on issue indeed! his route where the couple were delayed. Is there a way to infuse and encourage our The driver was VERY upset and then the children to be sensitive while making sure couple who looked to be in their eighties they are not suffering for it? were gently and graciously seated into the van with help by ….none other than our I decided to get started on tackling this Nesher driver! question. I would google a definition for sensitive”. What I found was quite telling“ רפואה שלמה ציביה בת חנה

52 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 and actually begins to bring us closer to an answer.

The Cambridge dictionary had a number of definitions listed. Two of them went as www.hemed-nadlan.co.ilwww.hemed-nadlan.co.il ARNONA: townhouse, 5 bedrooms, elevator, 2 succa follows: balconies,ARNONA- private AMAZING parking, renovated, 5 BEDROOM storage, huge living room and masterTOWNHOUSE bedroom, light and green 1. Having or showing awareness MALCHA: 4.5 room garden apartment, private en- and understanding, especially of trance, fully renovation, 3 bathrooms, 100m garden, storage, parking, amazing view, light, quiet, only other people’s feelings and needs. 3,590,000 NIS ARNONA - new building - 2 bedrooms, Shabbat ele- 2. Easily upset by the things people say vator, parking, amazing view of the Old City, en suite, or do, or causing people to light, a/c, private heating, amazing price 2,190,000nis BAKA: amazing deal, 3 bedrooms, ground floor, 85m, 2 be upset, embarrassed, or angry. balconies, center location, the best price on the market only 1,950,000nis Two seemingly conflicting definitions. This HANOCH5 bedroom ALBAK ST: townhouse, amazing garden 166sqm, apartment, 3 is exactly the issue! bedrooms,private easy access,entrance, no steps, easy ensuite,access, parking, storage, renovated, amazing living space with a huge garden,fully attractive renovated, 50sqm garden, Some of us are born with a stronger propen- 50sqm balcony, nice, airy, full of ARNONA - 3 bedrooms, elevator, parking, storage, a/c, sity towards being sensitive and some with privatelight, heating, serious ensuite, sellers, balcony, attractive airy, full of light,price very nice living space, new kitchen, close to Baka less. Obviously we try to give our children 077-215-1200 // 054-246-0246 the chinuch that being sensitive is good by 077-215-1200 // 054-246-0246 encouraging them to be sensitive to the needs of others through our own model- Bs”d For sale ling and other chinuch methods. The issue Registred private land lies where a child feels hurt or vulnerable 15-Dunam (15,000-sqare meters) due to his sensitivity. Sometimes the child of vineyard cannot function in his school because he Adjacent to Zichron Ya’akov cannot bear the insensitive actions of other students or even teachers. How do we deal Only 410,000$ with that ramification of sensitivity? For more info call I think we need to start with awareness. A Sagiv - 0556673308 child should be made aware of the fact that בס״ד he is sensitive and given the understanding that this is a gift that Hashem gave to him It allows him to perform many mitzvot in a way that others without this midda might MAXI BoX Storage Your place for extra space 053-7272-815

OU ISRAEL CENTER 53 not be able to do or to do as well as he can. That being said, the child should also be made aware that this gift comes with some challenges which includes a heightened vulnerability to be hurt by others or even Best Listings in and around Jerusalem Efrat by his own perceptions. The child needs to be given tools to protect himself from being vulnerable to the point that he is no lon- ger safe in his environment. Of course the discussion and tools have to be age appro- Unique Free Standing House in Efrat (Gefen) 10 Bedrooms, 5 Full baths, Spacious kitchen + Pesach kitchen, priate to be effective. Wrap Around garden + fish pond, Large terraces (50 & 35 sqm) Spectacular views, Private parking, Private storage Option for a separate unit income Let me give you a personal example: One

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54 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 canare aboutthen discussto say are the intense, situation. we can’tIs it justthe child’smumble perception through them. that is We creating need to a probcover- lem?our eyes This isso often that thewe casecan withhave a completesensitive Mortgage child.concentration, It is very importantand not be to distractedgive the child by aanything glimpse goinginto how on aroundothers might us. think and act so that he can learn to realize that this Listen, fellow Jews - We call out RATES at -שמע ישראל is not really about him. If the situation is to the entire Jewish people, it’s not enough objectively a problem, then he might need to just accept Hashem’s rule over us as to react differently or distance himself to historic individuals, we need to do so together as be safe. a people. Looking at both sides of the sensitive coin LOWS for .Hashem is the master over everything – ה' is essential for maintaining the positive He is beyond time, He – היה, הוה, ויהיה He is parts of being sensitive. When we don’t simultaneously exists in the past, present, refinance do that and are hurt by being sensitive we and future. He embodies the middah of may develop some prickly skin to protect .of mercy ,רחמים ourselves. The problem is that prickly skin & purchase prickle – Not others only too! doesIt can evenHe embodydevelop אלוקינוcan He which concurrently are very ,רחמיםintothe othermiddah coping of methods The of keystrict is ,דין harmfulexemplifies to ourselves the andmiddah others. of tojudgement, be sensitive as to otherswell. whileAdditionally, being aware we ofspecifically our own feelings point andto theprotecting fact that our - He is our G-d. He Purchase / Refinance Rates , אלוקינו necessary., He is אלוקים selvesnot just when watches over every single one of us, in a (Non-inflation linked)* So as for Sabras, you have to know how to very personal, detailed way. peel them i.e. perceive them. They are not Special rates up to 75% LTV: prickly! – Hashem If you is dothe have One to and deal Only.with 30 year 3.85% ה’ so אחדall long the 15 year 2.90% דaOne particularly should enunciate prickly one, the please letter use adviceenough above to focus for guidance.on the magnitude of this statement. He rules over the entire world 10 year 2.75% fromSima one Gordon end to is athe mother other, of the 6 livinggood in and For well qualified borrowers RBS. She made aliya over 30 years ago to theJerusalem. bad, the world of nature, the world of politics,Mrs. Gordon war and has dedicatedeconomy, the medicine majority of and currenther professional events…. everything. career to assisting anglo families with the social. emotional and edu- Continuedcational nextchallenges week... that arise mainly during their childrens' adolescence.. She founded firstisrael.com 02-625-2555 an alternative Bais Yaakov high school and 60 King George, Jerusalem developed and directed a highly successful mentoring program for teens and pre-teens 3 Aluf Kalman Magen, Tel Aviv at Kav L'Noar. In addition to these contri- *Rates are for quali ed borrowers and are current as of butions she presents and writes on topics the printing of this advertisement but are subject to connected to mental health, teens and aliya. change. Quoted rates do not represent an offer and are for illustrative purposes only.

OU ISRAEL CENTER 5557 BY RAKEL BERENBAUM PORTION FROM Contributor, Torah Tidbits THE PORTION

different sections from the prophets that Nachamu bring us words of consolation, and then we end the year with two related to Teshuva. Nachamu & The ‘three of troubles’ are there to remind us why the land was destroyed. The proph- The Sheperd ets warned the nation and told them to repent and improve their ways – but they tarting from the first Torah portion didn’t listen. of the year, , the Haftora This week we start the series of Sheva that we read each Shabbat relates S D’Nechemta – seven of consolation. They in some way to the portion that is read. were chosen from the book of Yeshayahu A good example of this is for Parashat – who is known for his prophecies of conso- Beshalach which includes the song that lation. Nechama Leibowitz points out that the nation sang after we miraculously, in the verses from chapter 40 of the book crossed the Red Sea. The Rabbis chose of Yeshayahu (10-11) from our Haftorah for the Haftora a section from the book we find two different descriptions of God. of Shoftim (4:4-5:31)that includes the song The verses begin “ Behold God will come that Dvora sang after the general Sisra was as a mighty One, and His arm will rule for killed and Israel miraculously triumphed Him”, and continue…”Even as a shepherd over and defeated the army of Yachin the that feeds his flock, that gathers the King of Canaan. But from the 17 of Tamuz lambs in his arms, and carries them in to the end of the year there’s another cri- her bosom, and gently leads those that teria that the Rabbis used for the choice give suck.” of the Haftora as Tosefot tell us in Megila (31). These portions from the prophets are In the first verse God is depicted as a mighty chosen to relate in some way to the events God. In the second verse, God is pictured as of the calendar. From Shiva Aser B’Tamuz a shepherd leading His flock. Why is this till Tisha B’Av we read the three Haftorot second allegory needed? What is added dporanut, three sections from the prophets by this second comparison? Nechama Lei- dealing with the tragedies God brought on bowitz explains. In order to impress upon us as punishments. us the dread and awe of the Creator, His might and transcendence, the text depicts Then for the seven weeks after Tisha B’Av, a general who “comes as a mighty one.” In we will read Sheva D’Nechemta – seven order to enable us to feel, at the same time,

56 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANAN 5781 His love and kindness, and His gentleness, the text depicts Him as a shepherd. The Kollel located at the kever of Shimon HaTzaddik strengthens the In both cases the word “arm “ is used. Jewish presence in the contested “Behold the Lord will come as a Mighty One Shimon HaTzaddik/Sheik Jarrah and His arm will rule for Him.”, “Even as a neighborhood of East Jerusalem. shepherd that feeds his flock, that gathers The Jewish Law Torah Scholars learning at the the lambs in his arms”. In the first case, Kollel Hoshen Mishpat are protecting our the arm represents His might sent forth to right to this most holy place in Eretz Yisrael. execute judgment and justice. In the sec- Walking through this area to reach the Kollel safely has become increasingly challenging ond, His arm is stretched forth to gather due to the Hamas directed incitement to in the dispersed and cast outs. God’s care violence against Jews. and providence is not only exercised, in The Kollel needs your help to improve the physical conditions and provide safe general, on the whole flock (of Israel), but transportation for these Torah Scholars. also, individually, for each Jew, as the shep- Through your tax-deductible donations herd cares for each lamb. God is depicted you will acquire Torah, Eretz Yisrael and Olam Haba. both in His might and as well in His gentle- ness. This is the consolation that we must Contributions can be made through: remember, knowing that God is there both www.keepjerusalem.org For more information how you can support this important in His strength and punishments, but also work of the Kollel, contact [email protected] as a shepherd that cares for each one of us.

Nechama Leibowitz continues saying that just like God is pictured in two aspects, might and gentleness, so we demand that the mortal king, the leaders of the people unite within themselves these two quali- ties. She quotes from the Rambam ( Laws of Kings 2:1) “Just as Scripture obliged all to honor the king, so it commanded him SHIUR SPONSORS to be humble and not conduct himself Rabbi Goldin’s Tuesday Morning shiurim over-haughtily with Israel…He should be have been sponsored by a generous donor gracious and compassionate to both great Rabbi Manning’s shiurim for the 2021 academic year and small, and attend to their desires and have been sponsored anonymously in the merit of an aliya work for their good and be careful of the neshama for Matisyahu ben Yisrael z”l, Aharon ben Menachem Lev z”l honor of the lowliest of his subjects…Scrip- and Eliana bat Yaakov a”h ture called him a shepherd…and the way Rabbi Kimche’s shiurim for the 2021 academic year of a shepherd is explained in the Prophets have been sponsored anonymously in the merit of a refuah : even as a shepherd feeds his flock, that shelaima for Janet bat Hannah gathers the lambs in his arms, and carries Rabbi Taub’s weekly Parshat HaShavua Shiur is sponsored by The Jewish Legacy Foundation them in his bosom, and gently leads those

OU ISRAEL CENTER 57 and our next step will be to plant a fruit that give suck.” tree. I never thought of myself as being the May we be consoled that God treats us like agricultural type, but the feeling of settling a shepherd and may we merit to have lead- and planting a portion of Eretz Yisrael, has ers that model God, and act like shepherds. been truly euphoric. Iy”H, when we plant our tree, and eat the fruits that will grow one day, I think we will be able to truly RECIPE appreciate that unique Kedusha found in the fruit of Eretz Yisrael! ----In this Haftara God is described as a To conclude, when you buy your Tu B'shvat shepherd that cares for each individual fruit this year, don’t search for those dried lamb. So this week’s recipe will use ingre- apricots and banana chips imported from dients that the shepherd would feed his Turkey. Rather, head over to the fresh sheep. They are herbivores - eating grass, produce and buy yourself some nice juicy legumes, and forbs, so here’s a recipe for Kedusha-filled Jaffa oranges and thank a colorful summer salad. And if you are Hashem for bringing you to this land in looking for something to do with your kids or grandkids this week it might be a nice ,לאכול מפריה ולשבע מטובה order to be able to imbibing that Kedusha in every bite that activity to go see some shepherds with their you take!! sheep.

HERBIVOR SALAD

4 medium zucchinis, 2 sliced into 1/2 inch rounds, 2 sliced lengthwise into 1/4 inch strips 1 teaspoon of oil 1 cup cooked corn kernels, fresh or canned 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 cups salad greens, use different kinds to add more color to the salad A few handfuls of alfalfa sprouts 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas, 2 cups shredded purple cabbage A handful of sunflower seeds 1 tablespoon dill fronds Dressing 1/2 c tehina

58 TORAH TIDBITS 1429 / VA'ETCHANANOU ISRAEL CENTER5781 75 Lemon juice 1 clove garlic minced Salt & pepper to taste Toss zucchini with oil and grill on high for 3-4 minutes, turning once. Layer the salad For information on magni cent stand alone homes in German Colony, Baka and Old Katamon. ingredients in a nice bowl. Mix the dressing Call today: Eta: 054-723-3863 ingredients. and pour over salad. l Katamonan imonKiat chmel 140 sqm apt on one oor with registered balcony of 123 sqm. Great condition, underoor heating, central air, full of light, parking in front of building. Be’er Tziporah a"h - Price ,, Bottled Water Gemach Newly renovated 145 sqm apartment on one oor, Walking down King George St. in Jerusalem shabbat elevator, registered parking and storage. and want a cold bottle of water? Price ,, New project 4, 5, 6 rooms available. Underground Come help yourself to a bottle at parking, shabbat elevator and storage. Starting 52 King George. prices at ,, - larger apts -,, In loving memory of Yoni’s wife Brand New Luxury Penthouse, 120 sqm on one oor with a 130 sqm terrace. all o moe ino Tziporah a"h, a true Eishes Chayil, always full of chessed, kindness and laughter, and aa ao aim Historic Jerusalem stone building, high ceilings, full brought life and strength to so of character, large 225 sqm garden, 230 sqm on two many people, that she touched! oors, 2 registered parking spots/storage. o a She was like Aron, who loved K property. all moe ino peace and pursued peace. Magical garden apartment, 229 sqm built space, 300 sqm registered garden in the heart of Baka. Yoni thanks Hashem for having all o moe ino the opportunity of having Tziporah in his life, New duplex penthouse, 140 sqm with two sukka to learn of her caring, patience and happiness, terraces only ,, !!!eo aim to overcome her challenges. May Tziporah's Quadra garden apartment,107 sqm duplex with 20 Neshama be a light onto the world, in a time sqm garden , registered parking - pool and gym for of darkness, and may her Neshama shine to residences. ,, Gan Eden. Yoni misses Tziporah with tears in Talbia his eyes, as Hashem gave him a gift, a crown ealem Theaton Reience m - jewel, now he returns her to Hashem.With m at available o ale no all moe ino thanks and Toda. Love, Yoni Beautiful apartment in Talbiya, 150 sqm, one oor. High end nishes, underground parking. To help refill the supply - Shabbat elevator, Sukkah terrace. ,, send tax deductible donations for eman olon Be’er Tziporah a"h Bottled Water Gemach 160 sqm on one oor, 2nd oor in small luxury to Chabad of Rechavia - building. Large sukka terrace. Parking, shabbat Rabbi Yisroel Goldberg email elevator, views, lots of light. ,, New luxury project. 3 & 4 room apartments, storage [email protected] underground-- parking, starting at ,, 02 800-1717 ta oi Realt, t www.JerusalermChabad.org/DonateShekels etamoiealetatemailcom Tel -- etamoiealtcoil

OU ISRAEL CENTER 59 TORAH 4 TEENS BY TEENS NCSY ISRAEL

Gavriel Novick, designate them to accomplish that mitz- Director of Regional vah. Perhaps there is yet another deeper Development approach. Looking Forward Following the description of tragedies to take place if (or when) the Jewish people In Va’etchanan Moshe warns Bnei Yisrael turn away from Hashem, Moshe needed to against turning away from Hashem after find some comfort. He is about to transfer he dies and describes the tragedies that will the leadership and say goodbye to his peo- occur if they do so. Following that passage ple. His comfort comes from thinking of the the Torah relates “Then Moses decided to future, from looking forward. He can see a separate three cities on the side of the Jor- hopeful future where Yehoshua conquers dan towards the sunrise” (Devarim 4:41). the Land of Israel and sets aside further cit- Moshe designates three cities of refuge, ies of refuge. So, Moshe does his part now arei miklat to the east of the Jordan River. in setting the stage for that future reality by Why does this happen now? After all, as separating cities as arei miklat. Rashi points out, these three cities don’t actually take effect as arei miklat until I sincerely hope that since this article was Yehoshua sets aside further arei miklat in written our Tisha B’av has become one of the Land of Israel. celebration. But, if this is not the case, how do we move on? How are we comforted Rashi answers that Moshe wanted to do a when we are still in churban? Perhaps our mitzvah right away. Even if the arei miklat comfort comes not from seeing where we were not yet effective, Moshe wanted to are now, but from looking forward and taking steps towards a brighter future. CHESED FUND That has always been at the core of NCSY Please help those less fortunate, Israel where we “inspire the Jewish future desperate for assistance. in Israel.” Make checks (Israeli only) payable to "The Chesed Fund" and send to NCSY Israel is the premier organization ISRAEL CENTER CHESED FUND in Israel, dedicated to connect, inspire, att. Menachem Persoff empower, and help teen olim with "Klita" POB 37015 Jerusalem 91370 to the Land of Israel by encouraging or donations can be brought to the passionate Judaism through Torah and OU Israel Center. Tradition. Find out more at israel.ncsy.org

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 61 Real Life Rescues Vacationing Charedi Woman Joins Local 1221 Secular Man In Car Accident Rescue - On Wednesday morning, just before 11 a.m., Rebecca Yom Tov, a Jerusalemite who volunteers as an EMT in United Hatzalah’s specialized women's unit, was sitting down with her husband for breakfast in a small town in the Gilboa region. The couple were enjoying a vacation and drinking their morning coffees when Rebbeca’s emergency communications device began to ring, alerting her to a medical emergency nearby. A motor vehicle accident had just occurred on Highway 60, near the entrance of the Gan Ner.

Rebbeca and her husband immediately ran to their car and sped to the location. As Rebbeca’s husband drove, she quickly changed from her flip-flops that she was wearing to sneakers. Arriving just after United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Omer Ya’akov, Rebbeca jumped out of her car and found a crushed vehicle flipped over on its side.

After assessing that only one car was involved in the accident, the two EMTs found the victim trapped inside his vehicle. Omer, a secular volunteer from , a small town just across the highway from Gan Ner, didn’t recognize Rebbeca, but the two acknowledged each other and quickly got to work.

Rebbeca and Omer began by making sure that the man hadn’t suffered any neck or back injuries and placing a C-collar on him for C-spine stabilization. They then carefully extricated the 30-year- old man from the car from the window facing upwards. After the man was successfully evacuated from the heavily damaged vehicle, the pair of EMTs assessed his condition and searched for any wounds caused by the impact.

The victim had no severe bleeding, but had an altered level of consciousness, alerting the EMTs to a possible head injury. The man was placed on a backboard and put on an ambulance that had just arrived to transport the man to the nearest hospital.

“It was a bit frightening responding to an emergency in an area that I wasn’t familiar with,” said Rebbeca. “Still, once I saw Omer and he saw me, I felt comfortable and ready to help the victim. I guess this is just one of those things that make United Hatzalah great. An ‘out-of-town’ Charedi woman together with a local secular man drop everything and respond to an emergency together on a relatively secluded stretch of Highway. The cooperation and teamwork led to a successful rescue and proficient treatment, and I’m so honored to be part of such an organization that brings people together to help complete strangers. This is a bridging of worlds for the sake of saving lives.”

(Photo - Rebbeca and Omer at the scene after loading the patient onto the ambulance)

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