Toras Chaim/Shabbat UK Project Shabbos Inspiration

Shabbat UK is an invitation to all of British Jewry to join together and increase our enjoyment and observance of Shabbos.

This publication, in the spirit of Shabbat UK, fits perfectly into the ethos of our shul, Kehillas Toras Chaim. Our community is spearheaded by the indefatigable Dayan Yonasan Abraham Shlita. We are delighted that so many of the men, women and youth of our kehillah have put the time and effort into producing the Divrei Torah, Shabbos Stories, Recipes and Activities included in this booklet. Our hope is that this compilation helps inspire people to understand and enjoy Editorial Team: Shabbos even more than previously, and that in turn, it will Avi Barr help to increase their learning and appreciation of Shabbos Ben Finger Kodesh! Michael Peters

If you have any questions on the articles contained herein, Kindly sponsored by: Hazel Irving, Ruth Shebson please contact [email protected] and we will put you and family in touch with the relevant author. Andrew Davis & family Lawrence Stephens Solicitors Wishing you a good, relaxing Shabbos Kodesh filled with Dalia, Eli, Arielle & Leah Meshulam Torah, brocha and simcha! SRLV Accountants Jonathan Shelley & family Aaron Morris, Chairman of Toras Chaim

This publication is dedicated to the memory of Solly Irving z.l, a Holocaust survivor and educator, whose experiences in his early life made every Shabbat a gift and a delight. With fondest love Hazel Irving and Ruth Shebson and family 1 Incidentally the pasuk in these week’s parashah, parshas Lech Lecha 14:14 says by the capturing of lot: Incidentally the pasuk in these week’s parashah, parshas Lech Lecha 14:14 says by the capturing of lot:

Shabbos Project/ Shabbat UK

“And Avrom heard that his brother was taken captive and he armed his initiates who had been born in his house “And Avrom heard that his brother was taken captive and he armed his initiates who had been born in his house – three hundred and eighteen – and he gave chase as far as Dan” – three hundred and eighteen – and he gave chase as far as Dan”

A Message from the Dayan ashi eplains the word as dedicatin or settin somethin aside for the future. e often translate ashi eplains the word as dedicatin or settin somethin aside for the future. e often translate Chinuch as “education” however Rashi is hinting to us that the purpose of hinuch oes further to ensure that Chinuch as “education” however Rashi is hinting to us that the purpose of hinuch oes further to ensure that Based on the lectures of Dayan Abraham t”yhka by Rabbi Chaim Bowden t”yhka our vodas ashem is preserved in our descendants for all enerations. our vodas ashem is preserved in our descendants for all enerations.

There is another lesson we can take from this week’s parashah, regarding Shabbat and the proper education ,nab hukhgk There is another lesson we can take from this week’s parashah, regarding Shabbat and the proper education ” ” - ‘ of our children. The Torah tells us in chapter y xa, kukt u f vrypb cus ktuna r ,c ohrn vbhr of our children. The Torah tells us in chapter

Rina Myriam Bowden - 15 Sept 2009

t”ga, zun, z”y rypb - sus ic hj iuaa wr

c"ga, iuajrn dh rypb – rzghkt ic sus okuan

d"ga, iuajrn zh rypb - vsuvh ic cegh ;xuh

Laurence Bamberg - 2 November 2012

Rabbi Rubin Mann - v”ga, ,cy y rypb - kahp ojurh ic icutr crv After these things, the word of ashem came to Avrom in a vision saying, “Fear not Avrom I am a shield for Mendel Chaluta Menachim – g"r, iuaj c rypb – rzghkt ic khsbgn ojbn After these things, the word of ashem came to Avrom in a vision saying, “Fear not Avrom I am a shield for you; your reward is very great.” And Avrom said, “My Master Elokim: What can You give me being that I go you; your reward is very great.” And Avrom said, “My Master Elokim: What can You give me being that I go childless, and the steward of my house is Eliezer the Damascene”?” Then Avrom said, “See, to me You have Lirefuah Shelaimo childless, and the steward of my house is Eliezer the Damascene”?” Then Avrom said, “See, to me You have given no offspring and see my steward inherits me.” Libby Chava Leah Bas Sharonne Rivka, Rivka Bas Alter Faige Genesya given no offspring and see my steward inherits me.”

Reuvain ben Rochel, Refael ben Fraidel Miriam The meforshim eplain that vrohom felt that it was all very well that he would receive his reward in the net The meforshim eplain that vrohom felt that it was all very well that he would receive his reward in the net world for his reat deeds. owever in this world he failed to achieve anythin as he did not pass the Torah on We are privileged this year, once again, to be part of the international Shabbos Project, where Jews around world for his reat deeds. owever in this world he failed to achieve anythin as he did not pass the Torah on to the net eneration. Thus essentially he felt that there was no purpose to his life. This should prompt us to the world unite to celebrate this special Shabbos. In light of this special occasion, lets look into the Torah to to the net eneration. Thus essentially he felt that there was no purpose to his life. This should prompt us to contemplate our own situation and ask ourselves what we are achievin in this world. see how it talks about this exeptional day of the week and learn about how it is the key to ensuring the the contemplate our own situation and ask ourselves what we are achievin in this world.

Torah will be preserved in the next generation. The pasuk in Shemos 31:16 says: The hr achaim has a number of uestions on pasuk immel. irstly how could vrohom complain that The hr achaim has a number of uestions on pasuk immel. irstly how could vrohom complain that Hashem hadn’t given him any children when he had already received Hashem’s promise that he would have Hashem hadn’t given him any children when he had already received Hashem’s promise that he would have children as numerous as the dust of the earth id he doubt ashem Secondly why did vrohom “And the Bnei Yisroel should keep the Shabbat to make the Shabbat an eternal children as numerous as the dust of the earth id he doubt ashem Secondly why did vrohom sayinstead ofthus stressin the  implyin that the situation was uniue covenant for their generations.” sayinstead ofthus stressin the  implyin that the situation was uniue to him. Thirdly, what was Avrohom’s intention when he said . If he didn’t have any to him. Thirdly, what was Avrohom’s intention when he said . If he didn’t have any children anyway why did it matter to him who inherited him The hr achaim answers that when vraham In one of his numerous explanations of this pasuk, the Ohr Hachaim connects the word to the pasuk in children anyway why did it matter to him who inherited him The hr achaim answers that when vraham received the news that he would have offsprin he was told by ashem that they would be like the dust of Bereishis that describes Yaakov’s reaction to Yosef’s dream about the brothers. The pasuk over there says received the news that he would have offsprin he was told by ashem that they would be like the dust of the earth. This troubled vrohom reatly as normally dust of the earth would refer to lowly and despicable and over there, instead of meaning guarding, means to anticipate something. The the earth. This troubled vrohom reatly as normally dust of the earth would refer to lowly and despicable people who do not possess a holy soul. This is why Avrohom stressed the “”, meaning that whilst Hashem Torah is telling us that we shouldn’t view the restrictions of Shabbat as a burden. Instead we should rejoice people who do not possess a holy soul. This is why Avrohom stressed the “”, meaning that whilst Hashem was giving him offspring they weren’t the type of children fitting for him. He wanted righteous children that over it and anticipate its arrival, longing each week to taste its sweetness. Also, the pasuk says was giving him offspring they weren’t the type of children fitting for him. He wanted righteous children that would spread the liht of ashem in the world. This is why concludes the hr achaim ashem then showed to dispel the mistaken notion that the sole purpose of Shabbat is to rest our bodies and would spread the liht of ashem in the world. This is why concludes the hr achaim ashem then showed vrohom the stars which are compared to Taddikim and compared his offsprin to them. In liht of this indulge in pleasures. Rather, it is to do all the mitzvos associated with the day and thus keep it in the way vrohom the stars which are compared to Taddikim and compared his offsprin to them. In liht of this beautiful peirush we have to ask ourselves what kind of children we want to raise. o we want them to be Hashem wants it to be kept, as a day of spirituality. beautiful peirush we have to ask ourselves what kind of children we want to raise. o we want them to be compared to the lowly dust of the earth or the shinin beautiful stars compared to the lowly dust of the earth or the shinin beautiful stars

The Chasam Sofer also says the same idea as the Ohr Hachaim and adds his own special twist. The pasuk The Shabbat project was desined to brin people close to the warmth of Shabbat. Throuhout the year we concludes . If a person genuinely waits for Shabbat to come every week and then honours it The Shabbat project was desined to brin people close to the warmth of Shabbat. Throuhout the year we should try and help others et close to Shabbat thus creatin for ourselves and others a more meaninful life. in the right way, his children will see that Yiddishkeit and his relationship is real to him and it will be a guarantee should try and help others et close to Shabbat thus creatin for ourselves and others a more meaninful life. that Torah and Mitzvos will always continue in his family. This lesson is especially precious today, as there are many distractions pulling young people away from their precious heritage. The world has changed dramatically Compiled by Rabbi Chaim Bowden in recent years, particularly with the advancement of technology. The world can be a confusing place to Compiled by Rabbi Chaim Bowden navigate for a young vulnerable child, so having that example of genuine connection at home could help Written by Rabbi Josh Bamberg. For any comments or questions please email Rabbi Chaim Bowden. [email protected] tremendously to keep them strong and focussed. Written by Rabbi Josh Bamberg. For any comments or questions please email Rabbi Chaim Bowden. [email protected]

2 3

(Perek 1), that Hashem is constantly creating and (“briya chadosho”). We know that without sleep, The World is Six Days Old sustaining the world by uttering the 10 statements eventually human beings cannot survive. In fact, that created the world in the original six days. He there is no point in trying to stay up, night after must also therefore be granting a new soul to night, without sleep, to try to get our work done. This article is based on a Dvar Torah given by the Chief the world via Shabbos each week. It won’t help get the work done properly and it is Rabbi of South Africa, Rabbi Warren Goldstein Shlita not good for us. Every Friday night, millions of Jews around the the root “Shabbos”) and was refreshed (from the Shabbos is the soul that is breathed into the six world gather around their tables for dinner with root “Nefesh”).” days of creation to give the world its lifeblood. The Ohr haChaim says that the same is true with their families and recite Kiddush: We see this idea reflected in the creation of man: Shabbos. The constant sustaining of creation What does it mean that Hashem “rested and was cannot continue beyond six days without “Vayehi Erev, Vayehi Voker. Yom haShishi. refreshed”? Does the A-lmighty require any effort “Vayiytzer Hashem E-lokim es hoOdom Ofor Shabbos infusing creation with soul. Just as the Yayechulu haShomayim vhoOretz vChol to create the entire universe?! As King David min-hoOdomo, vaYipach bApov Nishmas Chaim, soul of a human is re-infused into each person Tzevo’om. VaYechal E-lokim baYom haShvi’i says in one of the Tehillim we read on Shabbos vaYehi hoOdom lNefesh Chayo.” (Bereishis 2:7) each morning, so to, Shabbos reinfuses a soul Melachto Asher Osoh, vaYishbos Bayom haShvi’i morning (33:9): Hashem “Omar vaYehi”, He spoke into creation each week and the world is created miKol Melachto Asher Osoh…” (Bereishis 2:1-2) and creation instantly existed, i.e. with zero effort. “And Hashem, G-d, formed the man of dust from anew. Therefore, Shabbos is not only the soul and If it takes Him no effort to create the world, why the ground and He blew into his nostrils the soul lifeblood to enable world to survive, but it causes “And there was evening and there was morning. does He need to rest and be refreshed? of life; and man became a living being.” (Genesis the world to be recreated anew each week. The sixth day. And the heavens and the earth 2:7) and all their array were finished. On the seventh The Ohr haChaim haKodosh (Rabbi Chaim ben This is why the seventh day of the week (Yom day Hashem completed His work which He had Atar, 1696-1743, Morocco) says that our verse in Man was first created as a physical but lifeless Shevi’i) is the only day with a name: Shabbos. The done, and He abstained on the seventh day from Shemos/Exodus teaches us that, on the seventh body, and then Hashem blew a soul of life into other days are just called: First Day, Second Day… all His work which He had done…” (Genesis 2:1-2) day, Hashem created Shabbos (Shovas) and him and then he became a living being. Just (Yom Rishon, Yom Sheini…). Sunday is literally He granted a soul or a spirit (vaYinofash) to the as humans cannot survive without their souls, the first day of the entire history of this week’s The famous question is asked on these verses: previous six days of creation. Shabbos is the so to, the world cannot survive without its soul: universe. Next Sunday there will (please G-d), be “On what day did Hashem complete the creation creation of “rest” for the world by ceasing from Shabbos. a completely new universe and Sunday will be of the world?”. The seemingly contradictory work and infusing the mundane world with a Yom Rishon of that new world too. words initially suggest that everything was holy spirit. Before we go to bed every night many people finished on the sixth day… but then they go on recite Adon Olom and say: According to the Ohr haChaim, each week, to say that Hashem completed His work on the The Ohr haChaim goes on to state that the Shabbos wipes the slate clean and we have seventh day… but also that He refrained from phrase “Ki Sheises Yomim” does not mean “in “bYodo Afkid Ruchi, bEis Ishan vOiroh” the opportunity to create a new reality, in a new doing any work on seventh day (i.e. He did no six days” Hashem created the world, because world. Each week, as Shabbos infuses a new work of completion on the seventh day!). grammatically that would be “bSheises Yomim”. “Into his hand I will entrust my soul when I go to soul into a new world, we have the opportunity to Therefore, the Torah is teaching us that the world sleep – and I will awaken!” change ourselves, leave behind the failures and The answer can be found in another verse is created “six days long”. Artscroll translates the restrictions of last week’s old world, and achieve (Shemos/Exodus 30:17), which, interestingly, we verse “For a six-day period”. The “shelf-life” of the And every morning we say: whatever we set our hearts on achieving. recite in the kiddush rabo we make on Shabbos world is six days long, and then it should “expire”. day: It is the soul of Shabbos which resuscitates the “Modeh Ani Lefonecha… Shehechezartoh bi Through the lens of the Ohr haChaim, we can start creation of the world and breathes new life into Nishmosi…” to appreciate the immense power of Shabbos “…Ki Sheishes Yomim Osoh Hashem es it. Without the soul of Shabbos being infused into and the phenomenal gift that it is from Hashem, haShomayim v’es hoOretz, u’vaYom haShvi’i the six days of creation, they would not be able “I gratefully thank You… for You have returned my and hopefully we will be able to leave behind Shovas vaYinofash.” to sustain themselves and creation would cease, soul…” the week’s melocho (work) and concentrate on chas vsholom, and the world would not exist. refreshing our souls! Gut Shabbos! “…in six-days Hashem made the heaven and the When we sleep, our souls return back to Hashem earth, and on the seventh day He rested (from The Baal HaTanya (Rabbi Shneur Zalman, 1745- and are “refreshed”, then, according to the Zohar, By Ben Finger 1812, Liadi) states in Shaar haYichud v’Emuna we are reborn every morning as a new person

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4 5 Restoring the Inspiration of Shabbos

Insights into Lecha Dodi

‘Sof Maaseh Bemachashava Techila’; even though it was last in deed, it was first in thought. Picture a wedding when you walk in everything is set; the reception is all prepared, the tables are all laid, the band are all set up, the flower arrangements are in place, the guests are all seated and the last to arrive are the radiant Chassan and Kallah. All the preparations are there first but it is only there for that very last thing, the Chassan and Kallah coming together under the Chupa.

In Tzfas there was a great Tzadik by the name of So that’s what Rabbi Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz is Rabbi Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz who wrote many telling us, Hashem made Sunday and Monday beautiful Tefilos but perhaps the most famous is and Tuesday, all the days of the week, he created Lecha Dodi. the sun and the moon, everything all the animals, The Medrash continues and says that Odom said The Power of keeping Shabbos the plants and the very last thing He created was to himself, I didn’t even know there was such a Every Friday night we say in the Lecha Dodi man. After all this, then came Shabbos because thing as Teshuvah so he said ‘Mizmor Shir Leyom I would like to end off and share with you a Tefillah; ‘Likras Shabbos Lechu Vanelcha’ let us ‘Sof Maaseh Bemachashava Techila’ because HaShabbos’ and he was Mekabel Shabbos. fascinating story I heard from Rabbi Paysach go out and welcome the Shabbos ‘Ki Hi Mekor even though it was last, it was the most important. Krohn. Habracha’ because Shabbos is the source of This seems very odd, what has Teshuvah got to all blessing. ‘Mei Rosh’ from all the way at the do with Shabbos? There was a young man in the north of Israel who beginning ‘Mikedem’ from the earliest days ‘Sof Why is Shabbos so special? was not religious and his favourite hobby was to Maaseh’ it may have been the last thing that The Meforshim answer that Shabbos does ride his motorbike every weekend through the Hashem did but ‘Bemachshava Techila’ that was There is a Medrash in Bereishis Rabbah tht says; not only mean rest, Shabbos has in it the word hills and enjoy the exhilarating feeling of having His original intention. Odom HaRishon was sent out of Gan Eden ‘Shav’ to return. The essence of Shabbos the wind blow on his face and enjoy the serenity because he did the terrible sin of eating from is that it is a day to return, to come close to of being alone. In the Sefer of Otzar Hatefilos he writes in the the Tree of Knowledge. He was walking around Hashem. It’s a day when a person can Daven year 1500 when they would recite the Lecha Dodi feeling very depressed and all of a sudden, he slower, a day when one can learn more and So, one day he is driving his motorcycle and he they had the minhag to go out to the courtyard sees his son Kayin. Now Kayin did a terrible thing can have a day of peace and serenity and has to cut through his small town. As he rides ‘Likras Shabbos’ to welcome the Shabbos. he killed his bother Hevel but he didn’t seem so think about what his purpose is in this world. through the streets all of a sudden, a young depressed, so Odom goes over to Kayin and (This could also be why Yom Kippur is called religious girl walking with her mother runs across ‘Ki Hi Mekor Habracha’; anyone who finds delight asks him what happened, I thought Hashem was Shabbos Sabbason because it’s the ultimate the road and R’L the motorbike hits her head on. in Shabbos, the Gemara in Maseches Shabbos so angry at you? Kayin answered I did Teshuvah day of return). The girl went flying and hit a brick wall and there says that whatever your heart desires Hashem and Hashem accepted my Teshuvah. was such a tumult, everyone was screaming will give you. This means that on Shabbos we and the girl who was motionless was rushed to can ask Hashem for anything we need. hospital and this young man felt terrible.

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6 7 He wasn’t a bad person but he knew he should on Shabbos. So, the man at the door replied that A Tale of Two Avrahams not have been driving through the town at such Shabbos is the day of rest. ‘Rest’ asks the young a ridiculous speed, but it was the little girl who man, riding a motorcycle is a day of rest for me! had run out from her mother’s clutches that The man told him that he couldn’t answer all caused the collision. The little girl was in a coma his questions however he told the young man when she arrived at the hospital and the young that there is a very knowledgeable Rabbi in man came to visit her every day and inquire how the neighbourhood who can explain to him the Reflections on a Shabbos in Finland, 2003 she was doing. And every day he met the girl’s meaning of Shabbos so that he could learn and parents and he just felt so bad that he didn’t appreciate what Shabbos is all about. We read in this week’s Parsha how Avraham married a Danish woman and was now working know what to do. Avinu was commanded by Hashem to leave as a painter in hotel maintenance. His family So the young man went over to the house and his family, his country and travel to an unknown lived in Nahariya, he was one of ten kids, but he After a few days he heard that the girl was coming the Rabbi didn’t admonish him, didn’t tell him off place for the next chapter in his momentous had not returned for years and had never even out of the coma and was making a miraculous and spoke kindly with him. Slowly but surely over life. This reminds me of another Avraham who lit Shabbos candles since he left Israel. The recovery and after a week and half she was the next couple of weeks this young man and had left his family and his country to build a sight of a Shabbos table, of two Jews making ready to go home. This young man came to the the Rabbi became very friendly. However, as the new life. Picture the scene – Joanna and I were hamotzi, tearing challah brought back a flash hospital on the day when she was leaving and town was small and everyone knew each other, in Helsinki, Finland attending a conference and of memory. He didn’t take much persuading to told the family of the young girl how terrible he everyone was pointing a finger at this young man we had to stay over Shabbos. Midday in August join us. He couldn’t stay for the whole meal as he felt. He asked if there was anything, anything at for having run over the little girl. So, the young man 2003, a sunny but cold day, outside temperature was working but he washed his hands and ate all he could do to make up with them and show called the Rabbi and told him he is getting out of 5 degrees, sitting eating our Shabbos lunch in challah with us. We left the next day and never them how sincerely sorry he was. there and he is going to take his backpack and the foyer of the hotel (no fridge in the bedroom saw him again. go travelling. When the Rabbi heard this he told except the minibar), challah, kiddush wine, cold The mother thought hard and asked him one him ‘its Thursday today so just do me one favour, meats and salads, disposable plates and cutlery. thing, one thing only. She explained to him that just go to Jerusalem and spend one Shabbos in the day he hit their daughter, it was Shabbos so Ohr Sameach Yeshiva and then after that one Other than the occasional tourist wandering up she asked him promise, that from now on he will Shabbos you will understand the importance of to reception or getting into the lifts, not a lot was never again ride his motorcycle on Shabbos. keeping Shabbos’. The young man listened and happening. No-one was paying us any attention He never in a million years thought they would he went to Ohr Sameach for that Shabbos. Three even though we were the only ones eating there. ask this of him but he felt so bad for what had weeks later the young man returned to his home There was a man in white overalls, perched up happened, so he promised never again to ride town and told the Rabbi that the people in Ohr a stepladder, painting the ceiling. He was dark his bike on Shabbos. Sameach were so wonderful that he was going skinned, black curly hair – not at all your typical to stay there. Scandinavian but he was speaking fluent Danish The following week it was Shabbos and he to the other hotel staff. The meal was proceeding was about to get on his motorcycle when he This young man became a Baal Teshuva and uneventfully, Joanna and I having reached The power of Shabbos to bring Jews together remembered his promise, he was a little bit upset a Talmid Chacham. Shabbos was the vehicle that stage in our marriage of comfortable from all walks of life can never be underestimated. with himself, but he went back to his apartment. which ‘Shav’ returned this young man back to his companionship, not paying too much notice to The simple act of breaking challah, drinking He then said to himself that he is going to knock roots of Yiddishkeit. the painter…… who then steps down his ladder, Kiddush wine, sitting down and talking rather on the first door he sees with a Mezuza, so he walks over to our table and wishes us Shabbat than texting or watching TV …. I would like to think knocks on the door and a religious man comes Shalom. that we had rekindled a flame in him that had to the door and asks how he can help. The young almost completely extinguished and that maybe man tells him the whole story of what happened Benjy Dolties Our mouths drop…we return the greeting and the Shabbos a week later, he did something to and the promise never to ride again on Shabbos offer him a seat. It turns out his name is Avi, remember the Shabbos day. and asked, so why can I never ride a motorcycle he is Israeli, he had come to Finland ten years previously looking to start a new life, met and Jeremy Rees

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8 9 Shabbos – Creation of Purpose

Halacha is the bedrock of Judaism. It is through this vast and intricate Jewish legal system that Hashem reveals Himself in the world. It is not surprising then, that if we are looking to find the osophical truths and spiritual messages of Judaism, Halacha should be the first port of call. Shabbos is no different in this regard.

Rav Yitzchak Hutner (Shabbos Ma’amar 1:4) an accessory to the food.” reveals how the essence of Shabbos can be extracted from one, seemingly idiosyncratic Picture the scene the Mishna is describing. A halacha in hilchos hozta’ah, the laws of carrying person is carrying a tiny amount of food on a on Shabbos. For all the melachos, forbidden huge plate (nouvelle cuisine for example!). It acts on Shabbos, and many issurim in general, could even be a silver or crystal platter. But he there is a shiur, a certain amount one must do in or she is patur because they haven’t carried the order to be culpable. Carrying on Shabbos is no requisite amount. And not only are they patur different. In fact, the Mishna in chapters 7 to 10 of for carrying the food, they are even exempt for Shabbos, goes to great length detailing the exact carrying the container because it’s simply there amount of all different items one must carry to for the sake of the food. be chayav on a d’oraisah level (there may still be a rabbinic prohibition of lesser amounts). Being This halacha teaches us that it’s only that which that different materials have different uses, and is ikkar that counts. In halachic calculations, the only become useful at certain volumes, the important things register, not the side shows, minimum amount one is forbidden to carry varies irrespective of how large and expensive they accordingly. For instance, when it comes to food may be. Halacha cuts through to the purpose of Without Shabbos there would be much stuff To paraphrase Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks: in (liquids are assessed differently), one must carry the act, ignoring that which is only facilitating. but nothing that its useful for. A world travelling our commercialized world, we see everything the volume of a dried fig to have transgressed through space, but without a destination. Man, but in light of its price. Shabbos teaches us to see Shabbos mid’oraisah. Less than this amount is This quirk in hilchos hotza’ah hones our vision no destiny. Shabbos teaches us what is ikkar and that which is valuable. On Shabbos, we delight in not considered carrying in the Torah’s eyes. to see what is essential and to blur out the rest. what is tofel. What’s important and meaningful in those things which fetch no price on the market Explains Rav Hutner, it also sheds light onto life, and what’s just a side show. but are of infinite value. But here comes a surprising twist. The Mishna Shabbos in general. For six days Hashem created, 10:5 teaches the following: fashioned and set into motion everything we On Shabbos we look at the food on the plate and Shabbos is a priceless gift, not least because it have in the universe. Yet, the concept of holiness not the plate itself. The plate may well indeed be shows us how to value those things which are did not exist. Everything was there, but nothing 'hkfc rughafn ,ujp ihkft thmunv” more expensive, longer lasting and significant truly priceless in our lives. was consecrated. Then came the seventh day “uk vkpy hkfva 'hkfv kg ;t ruyp to us, but in truth it is only there to serve the - Shabbos. “God finished all His work on the food. Shabbos demands of us to see what really By Rabbi Shmuli Sagal “If one carries out foods that are less than the seventh day…and He sanctified it” (Bereishis 2:1- matters and not the ancillary fanfare that often prescribed amount in a vessel, he is exempt 3). On Shabbos Hashem invested everything He first catches our attention. even for carrying the vessel, since the vessel is had created with a purpose.

LEARNING LEARNING Every Wednesday Every Shabbos, at Toras Chaim Rabbi D Grunwald t"yhka at Toras Chaim Various Speakers Halachah at 7 .50pm Parasha Shiur before Shacharis

10 11 Calm from Chaos

Around 30 years ago, our religious curiosity was sparked and our lives transformed. Well before the ShabbatUK era, the catalysts of our profound lifestyle change are still valid.

Sharon’s Story Michael’s Story

During her teenage years, Sharon’s father lost My earliest “Jewish” memories were Seder both of his parents and began to go Shul to say nights. From the age of 6 to 9, we reached Ma Kaddish. Receiving friendship and advice at the Nishtana, which I recited beautifully in English, Central Synagogue in Birmingham, her father only to receive a klep around the ear to tell me became more observant, ending her Saturday that “I told you the answers last year” and “Betty, afternoons watching him play cricket at the where’s the soup?”. (Imagine my surprise, when Warwickshire County Cricket Ground. I discovered years later that the Seder extended The “Catalyst” quite a bit further than this!) After a dozen or so monthly train trips to my “local” Colchester After getting married with two babies in tow, Dayan Abraham often speaks of Achdut in our Cheder, my barmitzvah was a 3 verse “recital”, we moved to Bushey. Almost immediately, Kehilla. How our children learn, flourish and react followed by minimal religious exposure until I we received hospitality from six families. A to their environments is via the example that we met Sharon, 15 years later. few months later, we were persuaded to join show them. them in Pontefract for Family Week (a frum family residential learning experience). There, It is wonderful that part of the ShabbatUK we were exposed to the aura of Dayan Lopian programme encourages families to invite each dz”l, together with Bobby Hill, Michael Cohen other as well as less observant guests for a and a host of enigmatic guest speakers. After a Shabbat meal. But why just this Shabbat? We week of Shiurim, midnight whiskies and plenty are all very busy – with work, family, children, of shmoozing, Dayan and Judy Lopian had grandchildren, but Shabbat is a special time to profoundly changed our lives. try to unwind, socialize, daven and even learn. Hospitality, achnasat orchim, is such an important 13 years later, before we even had moved to mitzvah that we read this in Birchat Hatorah every Finchley, we received a phone call from a total morning in Shacharit. Not only can it have an stranger - who happened to be a parent of one inspirational effect in people’s lives, it promotes of our daughter’s school friends - inviting us for friendship, empathy and community spirit and a our first Friday night dinner in Finchley. This one sense of belonging. act of chessed began a close friendship and 16 years of learning together, the last 11 years being Shabbat Shalom. in his Daf Yomi Shiur. Family Peters

LEARNING Rabbi Dr Leslie Every evening, LEARNING New programme of at Toras Chaim Time4Mishna before or after Ma’ariv, at Toras Chaim Parshas haShavua private learning of parasha, Solomon Sunday-Thursday every week

12 13 Shabbos: link to our soul - point, Naphtali gently introduced himself – the Suddenly all eyes turned towards a very dignified inspiration for our spirit son of the revered Oberrabiner. “Please do not and handsome man making his way into Shul. make fun of an old man” responded Dr Landau. “Herr Professor – what are you doing here?” the “Everyone knows that Rav Moshe Chaim and gathered crowd exclaimed. Czechoslovakia’s By Avi Barr his family all perished in the Shoa”. Naphtali best known Cardiologist had just walked into (drawing on Nesivos Sholom and “Out of the Depths” reassured him that both he and his brother – the Shul and nobody there even knew he was by Rabbi Israel Meir Lau) Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv (as well as a third brother) were very much alive and planning on coming Jewish. The Professor recounted his story to to Presov for Shabbos. The visit was planned the astonished listeners in the Shul. “I have not Of all the notable days in the Jewish calendar, The idea that every Jew can connect through for Shabbos Chazon , the Shabbos before Tisha been in a Shul since my Bar Mitzva over 60 years Shabbos is distinctive by the sheer number of Shabbos is vividly illustrated in Rabbi Israel Meir Be’av – an auspicious Shabbos for a bittersweet ago. At my Bar Mitzva, Oberrabiner Lau spoke references throughout the Torah to “kodesh” Lau’s autobiography, “Out of the Depths” where occasion. to me right over here, next to this very pulpit. I and “kedusha”1. A similar theme applies in the he retells the story of when he and his brother, still remember his speech word for word.” davening of Shabbos as well (“Ata Kidashta”, Naphtali, returned to their birth town of Presov The visit of the Lau brothers to Presov sparked “Vekidashto Mikol Hazmanim”). Kedusha, the nearly fifty years after the end of the Holocaust. much excitement and by the time they arrived, “When war broke out we went into hiding but concept of holiness is clearly inextricably linked a large crowd of dignitaries and Jews had my family perished. After the war I decided with Shabbos – more so than any other time or In May 1992 Naphtali obtained the phone assembled to greet them. Among them was an Yom Tov. number for one of the now elderly survivors elderly lady who approached Naphtali weeping to hide my Jewish identity forever and I also of the Holocaust who had returned to Presov. uncontrollably. “I am the daughter of Shloime became a successful doctor. There is not a Although we often think of kedusha as being Calling Dr Landau, Naphtali without introducing Schwartz the Kashrus Supervisor. We used to trace of Judaism left in my life. Dr Landau is one more applicable to places and items and not himself asked if there was still a community play together as children. I am the sole survivor of the only people who knows my real roots. in terms of time, kedusha is an intrinsic part of in the town he had grown up in. “Yes and of my family. I heard you were coming and as When he told me that our esteemed Rav’s two Shabbos. no” replied Dr Landau. “I am the leader of the there is nothing Kosher here I have baked sons were coming to our Shul I knew I would Jewish Community although you could hardly you Challah rolls for Shabbos.” And then she be here. Today is the day for me to put on my The Nesivos Sholom (R Sholom Noach call it a community. There are eight Jews still continued. “When my father turned fifty Rabbi father’s black yarmulke which has been sitting Berezovksy) explains that Shabbos is the medium in Presov and I clean the large and well-known Moshe Chaim Lau gave him a silver Havdalah in a drawer for all these years and to come which enables the holiness of Hashem to break synagogue every week. On the Yomim Noraim spice box. I have kept it all these years and through and penetrate the barriers to kedusha we have another couple of extras and just about now I want to give it to the Rabbi’s son for and pay my respects to the Rav’s sons. As I created by our impure and mundane world. We manage a minyan – but other than that there is safekeeping”. stand here in my father’s Yarmulka I expect my go through our week, go to work, engage in the not much to talk about.” father is looking down on me, proud that I did activities which form part of everyday life. And The Shul that Shabbos was packed. Many not sever my roots completely and that I have then there is Shabbos. It is the bright light in a Naphtali then asked if the community had a more than the 8 regulars were there to spend finally returned to Shul.” dark tunnel. And like a light, the closer a person Rabbi. “No” Dr Landau wistfully responded. “For this extraordinary Shabbos in the presence of is to the source the more they can benefit. The whom? Who will support the Rabbi? Since the Naphtali and Rav Israel Meir and to feel the stronger a person’s connection to Hashem, the Oberrabbiner (Chief Rabbi) left us before the Shabbos – that time for spiritual replenishment. unbreakable connection with their past which greater the effect that Shabbos has. Used in war we have never chosen another Rabbi. There A time when even those who have totally only the atmosphere of the Shabbos could the right way, Shabbos is no longer a day off; it was no-one like him”. When Naphtali asked who lost contact take those first tentative steps to create. Sixty men gathered for Friday night - a is actually a day on. The day when we become the Oberrabiner was, the community president gathering not seen in Presov since the War. “You reconnect. Maybe it iws baking Challah rolls or closer to Hashem enabling us to retain the replied, “Rav Moshe Chaim Lau. Haven’t you cannot imagine what is going on here” said Dr venturing back to Shul. There is something about charge on our spiritual batteries until we reach heard of him?”. It was at this point, that Dr Landau Landau. “It’s techiyat hamaisim – a resurrection the Shabbos which brings out that yearning, a the charging point again the following Friday thought to ask the caller who he was. At this of the living dead”. spirituality inside each and every one us. evening.

1 “See for example, Breishis 2 (the wording from Kiddush, “Veyevarech Elokim Es Yom Hashvii Vayekadesh Oso”. Also Shemos 20 and Shemos 31.

TC YOUTH TC YOUTH Every Shabbos at 9.30am, Children’s Every Shabbos at Youth Minyan across the road Tefillah 10.30am

14 15 Lemon Meringue Ice Cream Shabbos Lights

By Abby Robbins By Shaya Grosskopf

Our custom of lighting candles on Friday night1 This duality is seen by the Kabbalists to reflect is very ancient. There is an obvious prosaic the archetypal male and female, reflecting purpose – to provide light on Shabbos when the very first Shabbos of creation, in which the kindling lights are forbidden. But there is a primordial man Adam celebrated in the Garden spirituality latent within the simple conviviality of of Eden with the primordial woman Chava. The illuminating a shared Shabbos meal held together Hebrew word for “male” is the same as the in comfort2. In fact because the Shabbos lights Hebrew word for “remember” (rufz); the “guarding” are emblematic of the tranquillity of the home3 reflects the nurture of the womb. From the time they take priority over other mitzvos. of the Mishna, candle lighting has always been associated particularly as a mitzvah of women7. It The widespread custom is to light two candles4. is a time of the assertion of the feminine in unity These two candles reflect a divergence in the with the masculine. text of the commandment to keep Shabbos as it appears in the two different versions of the 10 We therefore have a clearer understanding of commandments within the Torah5. In the version why the custom of candle lighting – which is not in Shemos, we remember (rufz) the Shabbos day; of Biblical origin according to most commentators in Devarim we guard it (runa). The Talmud states - takes precedence over the Biblically mandated that both versions were uttered simultaneously, Kiddush, or the Chanukah menora 3. Reciting the with equal precedence6. The Talmud see these Kiddush flows only from the “remember” strand variant readings as reflecting a dual essence in of the Shabbos; lighting the menorah recalls the Ice Cream: Topping (done the next day): the observance of Shabbos – both the affirmation victory of traditional Jews over Hellenists. The 7 eggs separated that Shabbos makes about the special humanity power of the custom of Shabbos candles to ¾ cup fresh lemon juice • Beat the egg whites (kept in the fridge and role of each person; and the aspects of project the peaceful harmony of both strands 2 cups sugar refraining from the mundane. Each aspect from yesterday) and sugar (1 ¼ Cup) of the Shabbos gives it precedence over these 500ml Rich whip leans on the other for meaning and context. customs. Digestive biscuits (with margarine) until it peeks.

• Spread over the frozen ice-cream in swirls. 1 Mishna Shabbos Chapter 2. Meringue: • Grill at 225 until the top is brownish for 2 Shabbos 25b. 1 ¼ cups Sugar 3 Shabbos 23b. When a person is poor and must choose around between purchasing oil to light a Shabbat lamp for his 7 egg whites home or purchasing oil to light a Hanukkah lamp, the • Make a biscuit base with crushed digestive 3 minutes. (Don’t move away from the oven Shabbat lamp for his home takes precedence. That biscuits and melted margarine. Place thin layer as it burns very easily!). is due to peace in his home; without the light of that lamp, his family would be sitting and eating their meal at the bottom of the dish. • Return immediately to the freezer and in the dark. • Beat egg yolks and sugar (2 cups) well (for 4 Shulchan Orach OC 263:1 “some prepare two wicks do not cover. about 10 min). corresponding to ‘remember’ and ‘guard’. “ 5 Shemos 20:1-17; and Devarim 5:4-21 7 Mishna Shabbos Chapter 2:6 • Add the Rich whip and lemon juice until thick. 6 Talmud Shabuot 20b • Pour on top of the biscuits. This makes two ice-creams. • Place in the freezer until frozen. Good shabbos :)

TC YOUTH This page has been kindly sponsored by Every Motsei Shabbos, Avos U’bonim Jonathan Shelley & family during the winter 16 17 Shabbos Candles

The reason candles for the main mitzvah, to 20 minutes before. If one is confused priorities – the it is recommended to switch unable to light at the proper element of mitzvah involved There is a mitzvah requirement on lights in the house with the time, one may light until just with candle lighting does not for every household to light mitzvah of Shabbos candles in before sunset (it is important to mitigate the gravity of the mind. know the exact times of shkiyo candles before Shabbos. There Shabbos transgression. are three reasons cited for this: for your location). When lighting If one has no candles in the close to shkiyo, the lighting Kovod Shabbos – honouring house to light (and they cannot should be finished before the Shabbos by dignifying the borrow etc.) they could use a sunset. Therefore, if many Duration table and house with candle Yartzeit light to fulfil the mitzvah. candles are lit, it is essential to lights. If absolutely no candles are leave enough time to finish the There is no clear absolute Oneg Shabbos – Enjoyment of available, one may switch on an last one when it is definitely minimum amount of time for electric light before Shabbos, before sunset. Shabbos when the table and which the candles must burn, preferably in a room where the house are well illuminated. however one should try to meal will be eaten, although no If, when lighting, one realises the number of candles that whilst there are many pleasant benefit from them. Therefore, Shalom Bayis – members of brocho should be recited. should be lit. The Shulchan minhagim, the principle sofek that they only have time to light they should at least last long the household won’t stumble in Oruch mentions the minhag nefashos would supersede all. one or two candles, only those the darkness. If one negligently failed to fulfil of lighting two candles, Where increasing flames in can be lit and no more. enough to be lit while Kiddush the mitzvah, they are subject symbolising “Zachor” and the house is not entirely safe is made. If one is out for the to a penalty and should light “Shamor,” the two words in the (if they will be left unattended, It should be noted that the Friday night meal, they should The candles an extra candle every Shabbos commandment of Shabbos. A near children or burning near permissibility of lighting candles last long enough that they thereafter. This strict penalty was a minute or two before sunset further reason is given by the curtains), caution must be taken will still be lit when returning. Paraffin, wax and oil candles, imposed to serve as a constant only applies if the community Midrash Tanchuma, who states and less candles should be lit. Alternately, one should sit with which are commonly used, are reminder of the extreme that everything mentioned in does not usher in Shabbos the candles briefly before going perfectly acceptable for this importance of the Mitzvah. the Torah regarding Shabbos Since we now have electric early for the purpose of Tosfos mitzvah. is doubled: two sheep are lights, we no longer have the Shabbos . If Shabbos is brought out, so as to enjoy them. brought as korbanos, two need to light candles in all the in early, one may not light Some poskim have ruled that How many candles? loaves of bread are eaten etc.; rooms of a house. after the time the shul accepts It is appropriate to have candles electric lights are acceptable accordingly, two candles are lit Shabbos (usually the time lit for as long as they serve a for the mitzvah and that one Regardless of any minhagim, for Shabbos. they recite Mizmor Shir L’yom purpose. Therefore, those lit in may even recite the brocho the basic requirement for this HaShabbos). Timing a room where a meal will be on them. Rav Moshe Feinstein, mitzvah can be fulfilled by Many families adopt the custom eaten should last the length of however, is quoted as saying lighting just one candle. of lighting a candle for each It is most preferable to light Regardless of the customs of that one should not recite member of the family. candles considerably in candlelighting, one should not the meal. a brocho on electric lights. Various minhagim have been advance of shkiyo, in most light candles even a second Although it is preferable to use cited by the poskim regarding It has been pointed out that communities, the custom is 18 after shkiyo. This would reflect By Raphy Goldberg

This page has been kindly sponsored by This page has been kindly sponsored by Andrew Davis & family Dalia, Eli, Arielle & Leah Meshulam 18 19 The Beauty of Zemiros The Reasons for Shabbat - 1

By Daniel Minsky By Dov Phillips based on the ideas

My Great Grandfather, Jacob Minsky, (photographed of his brother, R' Shmuli Phillips above) was a trimming merchant in the East End. The family, which comprised of six sons and three God's mastery and, by extension, to His creation daughters lived below the shop premises and the Rest and remembrance of the universe.[7] boys in particular, including my Zeida Sholem, were renowned for having beautiful voices. Why do we observe Shabbat? Ramban [1] bases his view on the first recording of the Creation and Commemoration

On Friday nights, the family gathered round the table Commandments, in parashat Yitro, where the in the dining area immediately below the grill under Torah teaches that Shabbat should be observed Rambam[8] adopts a very different approach the shopfront. As they sat down for their Shabbos because "God created the heaven and earth in to the reasons offered for Shabbat in the two meals, the beautiful sound of Zemiros resonated six days and rested on the seventh".[2] However, sets of Commandments, writing that Shabbat through the street and, as the story goes, it was not when Moshe later reviews the Commandments simultaneously fulfils two completely separate uncommon to find groups of passers-by gathering in parashat Va'etchanan,[3] no mention is made of functions. In parashat Yitro we are told "zachor" round outside to hear their melodious tunes. festive meal and drinking sumptuous wine. But recalling God's creation of the world. Instead we — we must recall the Shabbat in recognition of what affect can Zemiros have on ourselves that are taught that Shabbat observance is intended God's creation of the world. "Zachor" translates When we sit round our table on Shabbos it’s a time we can feel? to remind us of our slavery in Egypt, and the halachically into a set of instructions to make for good food, family time and discussion. The miraculous manner in which we were rescued the day distinctive through positive actions such Mishna Berura (289:5) adds that that after one has In my mind, Zemiros allows us to connect. My by God.[4] as Kiddush, and special clothes and foods. On eaten “There are those that sing songs and praises family we still sing tunes to various Zemiros that the other hand, the Ten Commandments in to Hashem”. But what is the reason for singing we have never heard anyone else sing which have Ramban explains that, far from being separate Va’etchanan focus on the need to "remember them and what does one actually achieve? been passed down from generation to generation or contradictory reasons for Shabbat, the ten that you were a slave in Egypt, and God took you – from the Shetlech in Europe, to London’s East miraculous plagues inflicted on Egypt attested out...".[9]This commemoration, which contains the Chazal speak of the zemiros from End and now North West London. These tunes to God's absolute mastery and control over the command of "Shamor" (“guard” the Shabbat), is Hashem’s perspective, saying that He prefers allow us to connect to Hashem, to our history and natural, physical world, with His ability to manipulate understood by halachah to refer to desisting from our Shabbos praise more than that of the to build the foundations for the future at the same the world at will serving to demonstrate that it is work. Slaves, explains Rambam, have no control ministering angels. time. They create a sense of belonging, identity His creation. Maharal[5] elaborates upon this idea, over the use of their productive capabilities. and pride that we should ensure we take with us detailing how the ten plagues corresponded to Desisting from such activity on a weekly basis “On Shabbos, the Holy One did not choose the on our life’s journey. the ten ‘utterances of creation'. therefore provides us with a regular reminder of Shabbos of the ministering angels but the Shabbos God's redemption of our ancestors from Egypt. of Yisroel,” the medrash says. “… The ministering The Hebrew road Zemiros shares a Shoresh with Ramban strongly emphasises the 'experiential angels [who have six wings] sing all the days of the verb, Tizmor, which means to prune. When relationship' that the Jewish people have with As well as benefiting from a more precise the week, each wing [singing] one day, that is, six one prunes a tree they remove any impediment God, and so it is only as a result of our nation reading of the verses,[10] Rambam's reluctance wings for six days. On Shabbos, the angels said that allows the tree to continue to grow taller and having witnessed God's control over nature that to follow Ramban in providing one overarching to the Holy One, Ribono Shel Olam! We have no taller. In a similar vein, when we sing Zemiros, it we can relate to Him as Creator.[6] The account explanation for the reasons given for Shabbat wing to sing before You, give us a seventh wing removes those barriers that exist in our everyday of parashat Yitro relates the core principle of in the Ten Commandments may arise from and we will sing before You today. The Holy One lives that allow us to continue our spiritual growth Shabbat being a tribute to God's creation. In his fundamentally different approach to said to them, I have one wing upon the earth that in an upward direction. the passage found in parashat Va’etchanan in Judaism. While Ramban, like Kuzari, rejects sings before Me as it says (Yeshayahu 24:16), From contrast, Moshe on the Plains of Moav is teaching speculative theological theorising in favour of the wing of the earth we heard zemiros, glory to To have a bride at a wedding without any singing, the next generation to relate through the tradition a personal experiential relationship with God, dancing or music would be strange and in some the Righteous One.” (Medrash cited by Tosfos, received from their parents to the exhibition of Rambam understands that humanity's ultimate Sanhedrin 37b) way disrespectful to her beauty and splendour. So next time you are round your Shabbos table looking From here we quite clearly see their importance for something to do – open a bensher, sing a song TC SOCIAL Every Shabbos up on high and how they are treated as much and create that special ruach (atmosphere) in our Shabbos morning Kiddush after davenning as an Oneg (enjoyment) of Shabbos as eating a homes that the beautiful Shabbos Bride deserves. (normally with Chulent & Kugel) 20 21 achievement is the gaining of an intellectual Instead, Rambam understands that cessation comprehension of God and His ways. God's from creative activity on Shabbat commemorates creation of the world is a fact that should ideally our redemption from Egyptian servitude. The The Reasons for Shabbat - 2 be deduced and understood as an objective purpose of this commemoration is to remind us truth.[11] The miraculous confirmation of God's of the important truth that Jewish national identity absolute mastery over the physical world, was formed through and is thus irretrievably By Eli Rubenstein witnessed by the generation of the Exodus, bound up with its unique status as God's chosen can neither provide nor replace such logical nation.[13] This concept is expressed in the deductions.[12] At best the confirmation can Friday night Kiddush: "zecher letziyat Mitzrayim, ki The Gemara relates that throughout the days of and cake and they made small talk. The wealthy serve as a pointer to motivate and guide a person vanu vacharta ... mikol ha'amim" (“A reminder of the the week we pray to Hashem with an open heart by man invited the fundraiser to return again. (Sure towards the correct logical conclusions. Unlike going out from Egypt, that You chose us … from imploring that He fulfils our requests. On Shabbos, enough, writes Rav Pincus, the Gemara says that Ramban therefore, Rambam does not explain all the peoples”). however, we say “eugzkn thv ,ca – Shabbos even a ‘sip’ of a drink can cause distant people the reasons of Shabbat in the second account of prohibits us from crying out.” Meaning, we are not to become close.) After that, the wealthy man the Ten Commandments on the basis of Moshe allowed to request to Hashem regarding personal invited him and his family for a Shabbos meal and, reviewing the Exodus in order to emphasise the needs on Shabbos. over time, the two families became close. One miraculous tradition. week, over the friendly chatter at the Shabbos At first glance, however, this seems irrational: table, the fundraiser began to speak about his job, Throughout the six days of the week we are explaining that he worked for a yeshiva which had [1] See Ramban’s commentary to Devarim 5:15. perpetually involved in our daily lives and matters, many blossoming Torah scholars but could not be [2] Shemot 22:11. constantly worrying about materialistic and sustained with its current financial capabilities. The [3] Devarim 5:13-15. physical matters. Finally, on Shabbos we have wealthy man immediately stood up and promised [4]Regarding the question of the many inconsistencies between the two Torah accounts of the Ten Commandments, time to turn off - from both our technological to donate substantially to his friend’s yeshiva. The the reader is referred to our chapter on parashat Devarim, in which we cite the view of Ibn Ezra (Shemot 20:1) that the devices and our working minds – and focus fully two men continued to grow genuinely closer second set of Commandments includes Moshe’s own commentary. According to this we can suggest that the ‘real’ on our connection with both Hashem and our and closer and the wealthy man continued to version received from God in Yitro contains the core reason for Shabbat – remembering creation – while Moshe’s subsequent recapitulation in Va’etchanan seeks to guide the Jews in relating to God’s power more easily through their family. Surely, it is Shabbos, when we can finally donate more and more to the yeshiva, ensuring it recent experience of the exodus. find the time for reflection and introspection and flourished to its full potential. [5] Netzach Yisrael, 57. work on our connection and devotion to Hashem, that is the best time for requesting from Hashem This, Rav Pincus writes, is what Shabbos is about. [6] In our chapter on parashat Lech Lecha we contrast the ‘intellectual’ and ‘experiential’ approaches to Judaism. regarding our personal needs!? Why then is it On Shabbos we prepare ourselves to meet [7] Kuzari 1:25 makes a similar deduction from the fact that God introduces Himself to the Jews at Sinai as the God "who took you out of the land of Egypt" rather than the God "who created Heaven and Earth"). specifically Shabbos where the Sages explicitly Hashem. Hashem warmly invites us in for the advised us to refrain from asking Hashem to help Shabbos meals. We drink and eat and ensure that [8] Moreh Nevuchim 2:31. us in our individual needs? whatever we do, whether spiritual or physical, is [9] Devarim 5:15. all for the ultimate purpose of getting closer to [10] Most specifically the second set of Commandments, which state “in order that your servant and maidservant will Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus k"mz answers by Hashem and bringing Hashem into the world. On rest like you. And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt …”. The fact that the Jews were slaves in Egypt is of bringing a potent parable. There was once a Shabbos we spend the day connecting to Hashem little significance to Ramban’s reading. One can appreciate however that Ramban’s explanation succeeds in limiting the undesirable discrepancies between the two versions of the Commandments by explaining that they consisted of the man who was fundraising for a certain yeshiva. by learning Torah, davening, singing songs and same basic reason for Shabbat, just presented from a different angle (see n 8 above). There was one particular wealthy benefactor of praises and revelling in the sanctity of the day. [11] See our chapter on parashat Lech Lecha. the community who although was goodhearted, We tell Hashem that it is not all about us. Rather had many requests from many people asking it is about our relationship with Him, about our [12] A detailed discussion of the role of miracles and the role of the rules of nature in Rambam’s worldview can be found in our chapter on parashat Beshalach. for financial aid and thus gave to each person devotion and connection to him. About our love to only a small amount. This particular fundraiser him and his love to us. And when Shabbos ends, [13] We can suggest perhaps a more profound link between the Shabbat commemoration of the world’s creation and the emergence of the ‘chosen’ Jewish nation. Just as Shabbat observance declares that the process of creation stopped decided to ‘chance’ upon the wealthy man on we turn around to Hashem and, whilst continuing at a specific point (the 6th day) — that there was a defined end of the creative process, after which nothing new was his way home and innocently asked him if he to develop our relationship and love with him, we formed — so too with creative process of God’s chosen nation which was formed in the ‘iron crucible’ (“kur barzel”: see knew of a Kosher café in the area to buy coffee add in our personal matters and ask Hashem to our chapter on parashat Shemot). This explanation leaves no room for the ‘creation’ of a new chosen nation. and cake. Immediately, the wealthy man kindly assist us in reaching our full potential by helping invited him into his house and served him coffee us with our individual needs.

This page has been kindly sponsored by TC SOCIAL Every Shabbos after Mincha, Seudoh Shlishis WE VALUE PARTNERSHIP with divrei Torah & zemiros 22 23 On a personal level, the irony was breath-taking; takes a moment to seriously think about it. The G-d could not have made it any easier for me! odontoblast to the dentist, is the absolute proof, along with many other cellular processes, that Although on an academic level Histology was my our teeth, our mouths, our bodies, were designed least interesting subject, (as it was far removed with an infinite wisdom which only G-d could from my love of practical dentistry!), it was the create. ultimate mind-blowing wisdom on display of how G-d created our mouths! The odontoblast to the dentist, is what Shabbat is to the World. We were surrounded by endless slides of G-d’s breath-taking work; and of course, it was but a Shabbat is the ultimate testimony of a Creator; micro-nano-fraction of G-d’s infinite constant an acknowledgement of the previous six days of Have a (Odonto)Blast creativity in this world. We ended up discussing creation. of a Shabbat! at length the poster in front of us; the humble odontoblast cell. This cell is responsible for the I am very fortunate to see first-hand on a daily Dentinal tubules and the odontoblast layer formation of dentine, the inner aspect of the basis G-d’s Handiwork at play; ultimately there tooth. Although first present at around 17 weeks is G-dliness in all aspects of this world; and Picture the scene; it’s the year 2000, the dawn in utero, it remains present throughout our life everyone must be able to recognise this in of a new millennia, with scientific and technological advancements and is responsible for the constant formation all their endeavours. This is one of our ultimate progressing at unparalleled rates the world has never seen before. of dentine as and when required by the tooth. challenges in this world. To acknowledge creation I won’t bore you any further on it, so much as & elevate it. Celebrating Shabbat helps us to However, here I am at Liverpool University, histological slides on display, many of us ended to say it is an incredible cell, without which we elevate creation. G-d gave us the tools and the standing with half my year in this large conference up schmoozing with each other. would have no teeth! blueprint to create too. room decorated with many large posters of detailed histology (the study of microscopic And on this occasion, it was the only time in my Could James not see that my belief system As in the famous discussion between Rabbi anatomy) slides, depicting the formation of an five memorable, happy years at Liverpool, that I, was rooted in my understanding of the science Akiva and the Roman Turnus Rufus, Rabbi Akiva embryo and more specifically how this related as the only Jewish student of the Dental School, of creation, specifically at that moment, in the explains that Man’s Bread is greater than G-d’s to the formation of teeth. was genuinely challenged theologically about creation of teeth? Could he really believe that wheat. We were studying the formation of the human my religious beliefs. all of this was just an accidental, completely mouth, which began thousands of years earlier. coincidental result of a big bang of some form. With Shabbat we can recognise the ultimate For most students like myself, histology was Of course, there were countless regular Could the humble odontoblast not help to source of all creation; With Shabbat we better simply one of those modules you aimed to pass discussions about being Jewish, but on this convince him? I tried my best with the aid of the the world, improve creation, better our family & rather than attempted to excel in. occasion James started a “mini-chaburah group” slides. communal lives. So, needless to say, whilst our tutors left us by questioning “Do you really believe in all this in this room to take notes from the many G-d stuff - Especially now in the 21st Century?” It is the science of creation on a cellular level, By Zvi Ellituv which cannot fail to amaze anybody who

TC LADIES Every Tuesday Lawrence Stephens is delighted to support the Toras Chaim Congregation and ShabbatUK 2017 Ladies' Shiur Dayan Abraham t"yhka at 10.10am at Dayan Ehrentreu’s Shul

24 25 Parshas Lech Lecha Nelson Street Bombing My late father Benyomin z’l had a business in Nelson Street, Gorbals, Glasgow from before the Second Parshas Lech Lecha – In Psalm 12:1 David same physical and material desires that they World War. During the war, all Hamelech refers to Bris Milah as “Sheminis” have, as symbolised by the fact that non-Jews able-bodied men had to act as Air- (meaning Eighth). Commenting on this Rabbeinu are not circumcised. Through Bris Milah, that part Wardens to protect their own and Yonah explains that in the chronological order that of the body that is associated with uncontrolled surrounding properties by being they were given Bris Milah “is the eighth mitzvah, physical desire is removed and Bnei Yisrael on night-duty and parading up and after the seven mitzvos that were commanded is given the spiritual potential to control these down to check that no fires were to Bnei Noach.” desires. Only by fulfilling this pre-requisite of breaking out from bombs being mastering the physical can Bnei Yisrael hope to dropped further afield as the street Rabbeinu Yonah’s point is significant. It highlights fulfil its spiritual mission. was close-by to the River Clyde. that Bris Milah was the first mitzvah given to Blackout in the streets was enforced Ahad Ha’am (Asher Zvi Hirsch Ginsberg: 1856 – 1927) : Avraham Avinu not also given to the rest of the This first side to Bris Milah, therefore, is concerned and the wardens were an important “More than the Jews have kept the Sabbath, world. Bris Milah marks the point that Bnei Yisrael with removing a spiritual barrier. The second part of the war effort. the Sabbath has kept the Jews.” became unique in their relationship to Hashem aspect is concerned with elevating Bnei Yisrael through the performance of mitzvos. to a higher level of sanctity. Up until he was given Naturally there was a rota and my Bris Milah, Avraham’s role was to bring knowledge late father found out he had been put on duty on a Friday night. He begged the authorities to of Hashem to mankind but fundamentally he had allow him to change his rota so that he could be at home for Shabbos and he eventually, he was The Challenge for Avraham no unique claim to his relationship with Hashem. assigned a different night to be on guard duty. But the specific mitzvah given to Avraham, Bris With Bris Milah, Avraham was not just given one Milah, poses a problem. What made Avraham more commandment than everyone else. More That Friday night, a huge bomb fell directly on the street he would have been patrolling, wiping special to Hashem in the first place was that than that, through Bris Milah, Avraham was invited out many of the tenement buildings, including my late father’s business. Many people were killed Avraham set himself the task of bringing emunah to continue his function in the world - but now as that night and but for my father's insistence that he kept Shabbos while still doing his civic duty, into the world, which he did by persuading the if he was a partner of Hashem. he would have been niftar that night. Shabbos saved his life. This is to be accompanied by the world of Hashem’s kindness. Surely that task was photo she left in shul today. made more difficult, not easier, if Avraham was Completing the World required to perform a mitzvah that would appear That this is the effect of Bris Milah is made clear By Rita Benarroch to those around him as potentially dangerous by both the Beis Halevi and the Malbim who note and anything but an expression of kindness. that the passage of Bris Milah in Parshat Lech Lecha begins with Hashem introducing himself to perfect, so too man is born uncircumcised and are parts of mitzvos that we cannot understand, as Kel Shakai (with the name Shakai from the imperfect. Through Milah we are initiated into to demonstrate when we fulfil them that we A New Role for Bnei Yisrael root meaning “enough”) (17:1). Through this name partnership with Hashem by an act of completing do so because Hashem commands us and not The answer is that, indeed, if the only concern Hashem tells Avraham that: “I told the world our physical selves. because they make sense to us. for Avraham was the way in which milah would ‘Enough!’ [dai] – I left all of Creation for man to be perceived by the world around him then complete.” (Midrash Tanchuma) Bris Milah embodies this idea. While Avraham Bris Milah is a strange mitzvah with which to be The Requirement for Emunah remained the personification of Chesed, initiated into a new relationship with Hashem. The The point is that had Hashem not said “Enough” But the fact remains that Bris Milah includes an pursuing acts of kindness, the challenge of Bris point is that aside from how Bris Milah appears to the world would have continued developing element that seems to go against Hashem’s quality Milah showed Avraham that notwithstanding that others, Hashem intended it to have a message endlessly towards perfection with no need for of kindness, which to us is incomprehensible. it may seem superficially strange, ultimately, we for Avraham about how, as a man now subject man to intervene. As the Beis Halevi puts it, had The final point, therefore, is that in the world trust in Hashem and follow his commandments to commandments, his role in the world had Hashem not said “Enough” wheat would continue of mitzvos into which we are initiated through as he have faith that even those things which we changed. The Beis Halevi explains, in this regard, to develop into pastries by its own nature. By Milah there are times where we can see how the do not understand are for our ultimate benefit. that there are two aspects to Bris Milah. saying “Enough” Hashem showed He wanted mitzvos purify us or elevate us to new levels of The challenge for us is to follow the mitzvos with the world left incomplete for man to share with kedushah. But there are also times where the the same emunah shown by Avraham. First, Bris Milah tells Avraham that so long as he Him the task of perfecting it. The performance of mitzvos cannot be understood. A reason can remains uncircumcised like the other nations Bris Milah, perfectly embodies this idea. Just like be given that it is perhaps necessary that there By Kevin Lazarus he will find himself at risk of being driven by the the world, which is created incomplete for man 26 27

Lech Lecha Sedra Quiz Blessing the Children

By Chava Wulwick By Rabbi Chaim Bowden t”yhka

does use in ה' Question 6. What metaphor* • ? חָ רָ ן when he left ַא ְ ב רָ ם Question 1. How old was* • ַאבְרָ ם to explain to בראשית טו:ה בראשית יב:ד how many descendants he would have? בראשית טו:ה :Choose one of the following answers ,nab hukhgk Choose one of the following answers: y”xa, kukt u”f vrypb - cus ktuna ‘r ,c ohrn vbhr 86 dust Rina Myriam Bowden - 15 Sept 2009 90 t”ga, zun, z”y rypb - sus ic hj iuaa wr sand 57 c"ga, iuajrn dh rypb – rzghkt ic sus okuan seeds d"ga, iuajrn zh rypb - vsuvh ic cegh ;xuh 75 • Question 2. Who had an argument stars Laurence Bamberg - 2 November 2012 come from? Rabbi Rubin Mann - v”ga, ,cy y rypb - kahp ojurh ic icutr crv הָ גָ ר Question 7. What was country did* • פרק יג פסוק ז ? פרק יג פסוק ז in בראשית טז:א Mendel Chaluta Menachim – g"r, iuaj c rypb – rzghkt ic khsbgn ojbn Choose one of the following answers: Choose one of the following answers: Lirefuah Shelaimo ַא ְ ב רָ ם s shepherds and'לֹוט הַ ֶנ ְ ג בָ ה Libby Chava Leah Bas Sharonne Rivka, Rivka Bas Alter Faige Genesya לֹוט s sheherds and' ַא ְ ב רָ ם Reuvain ben Rochel, Refael ben Fraidel Miriam סְ ֹד ם לֹוט and ַא ְ ב רָ ם ִ מ ְ צ רַ ִי ם s shepherds'לֹוט s sheherds and' ַא ְ ב רָ ם כְ ָנ עַ ן • *Question 3. The people of which town are I. Blessing Our Children on Shabbos Night. הָ גָ ר when ַא ְ ב רָ ם Question 8. How old was* • בראשית יג:יג ?רָעִ ים וְחַטָאִ ים לַה' מְאֹד described as בראשית טז: טז ? ִ י שְ מָ עֵ א ל gave birth to There is a widespread custom for a parent1 to bless his children on Friday night. Rav Yaakov Emden zt”l says2 Choose one of the following answers: Choose one of the following answers: that this is done after evening prayers or when the father enters the home as this is a time of blessing. אֶ לָ סָ ר 68 3 4 An earlier source for this custom is Rav Chaim ben Betzalel who lived in the mid-1500s. He writes that עֵ י 86 fathers and Rebbis will commonly bless their children and students on this holy day. סְ ֹד ם 75 ְ כ ַנ עֲ ִ נ י 99 .II. Reasons Why Shabbos Night is The Right Time ? שִ ְנ עָ ר Question 4. Who was the king of* • בראשית יד:א promise ה' Question 9. How many princes did* • .After the arrival of Shabbos, when we are all happy and cheerful we start the week with a blessing ➢ בראשית יז:כ ?would have ִ י שְ מָ עֵ א ל that ַא ְ ב רָ ם Choose one of the following answers: This way we pre-empt any curses a person may be tempted to utter during the stresses of the following .Choose one of the following answers: week5 אֶ לָ סָ ר 6 .It is a time when the channels of blessing are clear ➢ 12 ְ כ דָ רְ לָ ֹע מֶ ר ➢ The neshama yesaira i.e. the additional soul we receive on Shabbos, causes our blessings to be 2 ַארְ י ֹו ְך especially powerful7. .The angels that accompany us home from synagogue will answer Amen8 ➢ 13 ַא ְ מ רָ ֶ פ ל 1 ? ַא ְ ב רָ ם give מַ לְ כִ י- צֶ דֶ ק Question 5. What did* • בראשית יד:יח when ִ י שְ מָ עֵ א ל Question 10. How old was* • .Some sources specify the father, while others refer to the mother 1 בראשית יז:כה ?Choose one of the following answers: he was circumcised 2 In his siddur. Also quoted in Besamim Rosh printed in Otzar Hatfilos. rice and water Choose one of the following answers: 3 The Maharal’s brother. He studied by both the Maharshal and the Rama.

4 rice and wine 8 days Sefer Hachaim, Parnasa chapter 6. 5 Sefer Hachaim ibid and Besamim Rosh. bread and water 13 days 6 Sefer Hachaim ibid. Zohar Parshas Yisro page 88a describes Shabbos as the source of blessing for the entire week and is given as a source. 7 Mavor Yaabok in Sifsei Rananos perek 43 bread and wine 13 years 8 Besamim Rosh. 3 years

28 29

➢ he essings e eeive ithot otest s tn is not esent on hos IV. What About Adults? ➢ n hos sine e e not s ith o ee onens o in is ess ttee n e e oe e to onentte on the essing tht e e giving his onenttion n soeties e the nteetnl Yeo oma a tat a almd oom a leaned ndvdal an le eole ote e ingeient in ing o eests esie n ete she tan lden mlal eamm Ro add tat one old eate a eel and endl atmoee nldn ote eole a nle and andaent and oll vn tem a len a ell

III. The Actual Blessing. Yeo oma te tat te eon vn te len ll atomatall eeve one a ell

he si tet o the essing is s oos

she e o ie hi n enshe  V. How Does One Actually Give a Blessing?

she ess o n g o  ee ae aall to ve eadn te metod one old e e ate o Re old lae one and on te eent dd aa te tat e ead n she shine his ontenne tos o n e gios to o  te name o te lna aon tat onl a oen ma le n to and lkel aed on a she it his ontenne to o n gnt o ee  emaa n tatate eo old tat t odden o a nonCohein to give the Cohein’s

len It is interesting to note that the widespread custom is to bless one’s daughters ith the os 2. e ate old e to and Rav Yaakov Emden eel tat t o tat e vn te len n a eneo manne kee te anel tat le a eon on da nt e to and ישימך אלקים כשרה רבקה רחל ולאה she e o ie h ivh he n eh VI. What's So Special about Ephraim and Menashe? lhough i is obious ha here an be no beer eamples or eish daughers o emulae han hose o he holy mahos i is unlear ha he original soure or his nusah is he earlies aual soure or his berahah The Torah instructs us regarding how we should bless our children. ha e hae ome aross is he Mekor haim a ommenary o hulhan ruh by he auhor o haos air בך יברך ישראל לאמר ישמך אלקים כאפרים וכמנשה אורח חיים סי' ע"ר With you Yisroel will bless; saying “May Hashem make you like Ephraim and Menashe” 24 ישמך אלקים eshos Choh s e hih hs n siiities to the e the gives his hi st eoe Rashi explains this means that when one wishes to bless his sons, he should use the formula of o i .Hashem should make you like Ephraim and Menashe ,כאפרים וכמנשה v ov en hos tht one his on essing t is noteoth tht the ishn e What was so unique about Ephraim and Menashe? Why do they serve as the shining examples whom all future vises ents to eete o thei hien to e enes o oh ighteos n o ine generations that would be blessed, should emulate? hte We will quote three explanations, each of which has a fundamental lesson for us. esi osh entions ne o iotnt ites tht one sho s o t this tie

hese ine oeer he ee ot lae hs ha o the reet. e shol st sta earb. Maor abo rtes that a ha s ae o tee arts. bless th oe ha oe s sa that the tee ors o the ohe’s blessing should be applied to the • oh ige n goo ees reet. • enine e er ete rah ha rtes that base o a teah o the ral oe should kiss his mother’s hand at the time of the beracha. Chosen Yeshuos on Yeshous Chochmah quotes a number of sources in kabbala that before the beracha the child should kiss the parent’s hand. he ates that the hl shol ss the ba o the rht • he sho eit ong ie o seving n sting his oh ith e otivtion ha a seall the ha sse shol be the oe se or the bless. • lthoh he ersoall sarees the loa aha tho otes a oo that abbalst oers tate that ol oe ha shol be se. eertheless a a he the sho eit to see his esennts invove in oh n te itvh eone s arre a seo ha a be lae o the a to br atoal bless or hs e. ese those that lear Torah shol be blesse s to has bease the Torah • he sho eit oth siit n o eth s le a e. aha tho beraha . erhas the sore or ths s a stor relate b the Torah Teah abar . The la ao blesse a aa at the te o hs arrae th oe ha. he ase or a elaato the ao rele that e ol bless th to has b oha the es aash. hose eshos o eshos hohah as a slar reaso. the ather s a ohe a he ses to has t ll aear as thoh he s sa the Cohein’s blessing, which s ot to be e at ht. s oe ha e ao ths stae. ber o other soltos are e or ths oer. e ll brel eto to. e hoe to elaborate rther a tre artle. Msha errah otes Mae bor that ths restrto ol ales he oe has teto to lll the mitzvah o rhas oha. r alaha ssses hether ths s ol tre bease e are o the oo that eeral all mitzvos are ol al he oe has teto to lll the. e sests that o that the saes hae sttte that the mitzvah of the Cohein’s blessings is only done r raer e at aother te t s as he ososl ee ot to o that mitzvah. שדי חמד מערכת הנון .e hee sests that ee mitzvos o ot ee elberate teto t oles a trasresso e asse that he oes ot at to o the mitzvah .erhas hs reaso s that the sae a e orall asse that he esres a mitzvah the ae o a trasresso e o ot ae that assto .כלל לט avor Yaabok in ifsei Rananos perek 4 דאיסור עשה uoted by Chasam ofer in Responsa rach Chaim b a ash there start th the ors 4, aha tho b. eels that ee abala resrbes ths etho. e reers the reaer to ashs hohah shaar harah ere 4 and to Zohar Parshas V’aira daf b . וְיָדַ עְ תָ הַ ּי ֹו ם וְ הֲ בשֵׁ ֹו תָ ל אֶ לְ בָ בֶ ָך rear the erse Rabbi Elias Schwartz zt”l, the famous principal of Yeshivas Toras Emes in Brooklyn, NY, would always end a bar mitzvah speech with the beracha that “… You should grow up to become a talmid chochum, yirei shamayim and baal midos …”. oeer he aao ae a beraha to hra a Meashe he se ol oe ha er hl. e reaso s sl bease that s hat as ratal in that situation. R’ Yaakov Emden zt”l. inchas Yitzchok understands that this is actually alluded to in the actual eracha. Ephraim ecelled in orah and enashe in worldly affairs. father blesses his child that he should have both aspects. owever Ephraim was placed before enashe because the ultimate goal is orah. inchas Yitzchok Parshas Vayeitzei in the name of the sav ofer. ereshs . 30 31

25 comes from a higher source. deally habbos is a precious gift that is given by a parent to a child. t too is not First Explanation: the Middos exemplified by Ephraim and Menashe just any gift but one that really comes from a higher source. However the trials and tribulations of exile have he Agra DeKalla explains that it was because of both Ephraim and Menashe’s conduct when he blessed sometimes interfered with this process of transmission. he habbos roject aims to begin to repair this broken Ephraim beore Menashe ha aako deided ha all generaions o es should be blessed o be like hem process. e hope and pray that it succeeds in restoring to the ewish ation the legacy which is rightfully theirs.

he Agra DeKalla ries ha i is ell knon ha he enire orah is enapsulaed ihin he Aseres HaDibros ha enapsulaes he seres Haibros he las ibbur Lo Sachmod – do not be jealous. Accepting Hashem’s Pilpul on Saying Half a Torah Verse ill; making peae ih His derees is he oundaion o he enire orah ha is ha Menashe ahieed וכמנשה hen he uiely auiesed o his posiion as irsborn being ranserred o his younger broher Menashe n interesting alachic uestion arises regarding this blessing. hen we gie the berachah, the words that we sa ישימך אלקים כאפריםsas are not an entire passuk. s such, there is a diicult how can we sa hal a passuk The emara 29 we should not diide pesukim in hal. ither sa the ull passuk, or don’t sa the – כל פסוקא דלא פסקיה משה לא פסקינן seres as he shining eample o his mos ial preep hih enapsulaes he enire orah – o aeping that until the er end o the passuk ויברכם ביום ההוא Hashem’s will, come what may, and no holding anyhing agains someone ho rises higher han you passuk at all. o wh do we not sa the whole passuk – rom the words ha abou Ephraim ha shining eample did he se here he Agra DeKalla eplains ha aako pereied urel what we do is eactl what the emara sas not to do ha Ephraim as no in he leas bi proud o his neound saus He as no smug ha his older broher had eeral answers hae been gien. been pu in his plae He as oally ree rom he negaie rai o Gaavah – haughiness hih along ih ealousy and desire, is one of the three negative traits that “take man out of the world” – ie ause his spiriual 1. The Torah itself instructs us to say these words beore the לאמר uoted an eplanation rom the Likutei Yehuda. ince the Torah sas the word זצ"ל desruion and loss o he orld o ome hen Ephraim reeied his neound saus hih he kne a haim auman etc., we hae clear permission to recite ust this part o the passuk. n a ,ישימך ,.aako had onerred on him ih iine inspiraion he el ruly humbled a he good Hashem had besoed erachah – this is what ou are to sa – i.e eplained that there are a number o reasons wh it ma be permissible to uote שליט"א similar ein, a haim anieski it is epressl בך יברך ישראל לאמר on him aako pereiing ho boh Ephraim and Menashe ere so ompleely imbued ih he posiie part o a passuk, but here it is een easier to usti doing so. hen the Torah sas ישימך אלקים כאפרים וכמנשה .' haraer rais ha orm he basis o he orah augh ose ha hey ould sere as he he paragons or instructing us to sa the speciic words lal israel hroughou he generaions he greaes blessing one an reeie is o emulae heir eample beause he res o he orah ill ollo rom doing so 2. Maharam Shick – the words are said as a declaration . The aharam hick was asked a similar uestion regarding how we sa iddush on habbos morning. eore the eracha on etc., which are ust part o a passuk. h are we not particular to sa the entire על כן ברך the wine, we sa the words כי ששת ימים Second explanation: their rejection of assimilation passuk there, starting with

he seond eplanaion is rom he Yalkut Yehudah and oher soures aako inu kne ha his aharam hick answers that what makes the dierence is why the passuk is being said. it is being read rom the Torah, or desendans ould undergo eile aer eile or housands o years lal israel ould be ored o endure and where there is an obligation to sa pesukim, one should read out the whole passuk. oweer, i the words are being said as a surie among oenhosile naions he danger his poses is oold o only is here a danger hen he declaration and we are using the words o a passuk to make that declaration, it is permissible to sa onl those words which are naions are hosile and perseue lal israel here is an eual i no greaer danger hen hey are riendly releant. The aharam hick reers to this as Derech tzachus – literall, the words are being used as a polished epression – the are not being said as a passuk. Thereore, sas the aharam hick, in iddush on habbos morning, we are not reading a and hospiable ha is he danger o assimilaion o diluing our iddishkei o i he imes bsering ho passuk out o the Torah. e are declaring the edusha o habbos, using the words o the Torah to do so. This does not come his grandsons Ephraim and Menashe had gron up in he ors possible surroundings in he impure land o under the prohibition o splitting a passuk. Mitzrayim, and how they had nonetheless matured into the great and holy men that they had become, Yaakov’s This answer would also appl to our uestion about blessing the children. e do not intend to read or uote a passuk. e are aspiraion or all uure generaions o lal israel as ha hey ould be as suessul as Ephraim and Menashe making a declaration, using the Torah’s own words, which is permissible. had been a reeing he impuriy and deadene ha hey ould ind around hem and remain aihul o Hashem ome ha may nother place where the uestion o splitting a passuk arises is regarding idush o rida night, when we begin with the words which are part o a passuk. This is discussed b the hasam oer, who ustiies the custom. t ,ויהי ערב ויהי בוקר יום הששי is interesting that the ruch ahulchan writes that when saing iddush on rida night, it is more correct to sa the entire ....וירא אלקים את כל אשר עשה Third explanation: Torah and Material success. passuk, starting

inchas itcho eplains as ollows phraim who was raised b aao represents orah while enashe represents material success ather blesses his child that both orah and gedulah ie material riginal ersion written by abbi himon Mordechai ohen, author of The Majesty of Rosh Hashanah Mosaica ress. Additions by abbi aniel success should be ound in one place or there is no rule that all people that are inoled in the world Mann. or any comments or uestions please email abbi haim owden. chaimsholomboruchgmail.com must be ignorant or is there a rule that all learned people must be poor ather the parent wants that his child should hae both oweer there is one condition orah must precede the other elements his is wh aao placed phraim beore enashe or the orah to be the primar aspect and all else secondar Bereishis . Berachos b, Taanis b, egillah a. .חידושי הרי"ם In Conclusion. n the name of the דרך שיחה פרשת ויחי, מ"ח, כ See Shemos . here is an addiional aspe o his usom highlighs he relaionship beeen a paren and a hild n aharam Shick uotes other prominent authorities who discuss the alachic application of The agen vraham discusses this in rach haim regarding the custom that on the day of a Bris ilah, the ohel and the tzibbur say the .כל פסוקא דלא פסקיה משה לא פסקינן pariular i is an a o a paren giing somehing o he ne generaion no us anyhing bu somehing ha discusses this alacha regarding riday סי' י שו"ת אורח חייםlast part of Pesukei Dezimra responsively. hen doing so, some of the pesukim are split into two. The hasam Sofer which are part of a passuk. The Nishmas dom klal , holds that it is permitted to divide a verse if it is said as a ,ויהי ערב ויהי בוקרnight iddush, when we begin with the words prayer. The Tzitz Eliezer says the halacha is like the opinion of the ol Bo in that this restriction does not apply to verses taken from suvim ritings. e uotes the aharsham By Rav vi Elimelech iinov . .Rav oalim who feel the same. or further study of this topic see Tzitz Eliezer chelek siman , Yeshurun ol , and esivta egilla a ninei alacha זצ"ל arshas ayeitzei. t is based on a sav Sofer. Bereishis . ow nice and sweet it is when the traits of both brothers are found together in one place. .See previous note הנה מה טוב ומה נעים שבת אחים גם יחד ne that loves Torah will first bless his child with Torah and only afterwards with other items. hazal say that talmidei chachamim do not have learned sons because they do not

bless Torah first. This means that they first bless their sons with wealth and only afterwards do they mention success in Torah. 32 33

Shabbos a Day of Rest Choc Chip Bars Lecha Lecha, go TO yourself! Filled with anticipation cleaning and cooking Candles being lit across the globe Davening with kavanah By Rabbi Cobi Ebrahimoff We take a deep breath and enter Lecha” is Avraham Avinu’s very first test as he is commanded to leave his family and homeland to I have no idea where these originally came Welcoming the holy Shabbos embrace the unknown. from so if it was in fact from anyone you know A time glorious like no other Rashi teaches us that Avraham was told to go "l,cuyku l,tbvk", for his own advantage and benefit. Our please thank them, otherwise please use this sages consider this to be the first of ten Nisyonot (trials) that Avraham Avinu needed to overcome as the Beautiful songs saturate the air founder of the Jewish nation. Nevertheless, Hashem assures Avraham that his departure from Charan as a super quick and easy delicious recipe for In the shul, around the Shabbos table would be to his advantage as the Passuk reads “Lech Lecha - for yourself”. After receiving these chocolate chip bars. There is a change of atmosphere assurances from Hashem, Avraham Avinu, follows the command and succeeds in his first Nisayon. By Jessica Finger Fine wine red or white It is challenging to understand the Nisayon in this Passuk. If a person is fully assured of their financial The invigorating smell of warm and personal status would they not be all too happy to relocate and live elsewhere? One may delicious challah suggest that the Nisayon was the mere fact that Avram did not know exactly where he was going. This is clearly not the case as we have no evidence of Avraham being settled in Charan and therefore, Morish chicken soup a true delight any alternative would clearly be preferable. If so, what exactly was the great Nisayon of Lech Lecha? A kaleidoscope of salads orange, red The Maor VaShemesh beautifully explains that Hashem’s promise of "l,cuyku l,tbvk" was the greatest and green Nisayon of all. The word ‘Lecha’ could have been perceived by Avraham Avinu in one of two ways: Kugel, beef goulash, yellow rice a sight Lecha = for yourself or Lecha=to yourself. There are countless opportunities in life for us to discover to be seen our inner self, listen to our Neshama, focus on our real purpose and essence of life. Desserts galore our hostess implore, However, all too often, we choose to disconnect and focus on the physical advantages and benefits. “Go on have a bit more.” 3755 years after Ahshem commands Avraham ‘Lech Lecha’ – we continue to experience this Nisayon as the children of Avraham Avinu. For example: Will Sefer Bereshit be a book of good stories or a life Eating and drinking cracking jokes changing, meaningful learning experience? Will Hebrew be another modern foreign language or Children read their divrei Torah Lashon HaKodesh? Will Israel be another beautiful holiday destination or a place of Kedusha and Our guests share a short vort. spiritual growth? Finally, will our Shabbat be a ‘weekend’ or a time to connect to ourselves, connect Ingredients: to Hashem. May we be Zoche to see every test and trial in life as a journey to our inner selves Shabbos a day of rest through the ultimate blessing of Shabbat Kodesh. 1/2 cup caster sugar A moment to relax and reflect 1/2 cup brown sugar A time to spend with family and friends 1 egg Proud to support 1/2 cup oil We switch off from the mundane Get in touch 1 tsp vanilla And connect to the supernatural vein 0207 561 6600 [email protected] 1/2 tsp baking soda Plugged in we are refilled and refreshed 1 1/2 cups plain flour Pinch salt Short walks in the park enjoying the scenery Specialising in Events, Fundraisers, Commercial & Simachot 1 cup choc chips The beauty of creation the lush greenery Saved from the intensity of chores Business Stationery: Letterheads, Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Envelopes, we do weekly Folders, Notepads, Invoice Pads, Wallets, Appointment Method: Cards & Labels. Holding on a little longer sometimes What could City Printing Ltd Marketing, Events & Fundraising: City House Mix by hand. why should it end? Booklets - Saddle Stitched, Wirobound, Perfect Bound or Hardback, Flyers, Leaflets, Brochures, Magazines, 171-173 Hornsey Road Make two long logs on lined cookie sheets. We were made for this it’s truly the Annual Reports, Mail Merge. City Printing London N7 6RA Bake on 170 degrees fan for 17-20 mins (check Creator’s plan Exhibition: Posters from A4 to A0, from about 17 minutes, the longer you cook them Living in the holiness resting with Hashem Pull Up Banners, Flyers, Foamboards, PVC Banners. the crunchier they will be when more or less Personal: cooled, slice into sticks freezes well too! Wedding & Bar/Batmitzvah Invites, Greetings Cards, By Ruth Armstrong Notelets, Calendars, Order of Services, Short Run T-Shirt Prints, do for you? 34 Large Photographic Prints.

Fill in the blanks!

Think the words which complete the poem

Leave your land, get on your way, Shlepping and trudging for many a day; For Hashem had spoken, and so we know, Avram went when Hashem said, “______!”

Avram stood out among others around, Treading that holy and crumbling ground.

But he wasn’t the first one to walk there or stand, Because there were ______then in the land.

He changed his life at Hashem’s holy word, Moving though others might think it absurd. The very first Jew, and none more so than He, He came from across, so they called him ______!

Answers:

Ivri 3: Kanaani 2: Go 1:

Word search: Try to find all the words to do with this week’s parshah, Lech Lechah!