Sichos Sivan-Elul 5740

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Sichos Sivan-Elul 5740 -87- to Torah, Yud-Bais Tanonuz teaches that a Jew who is merely on the level of a fence is also important. There is another connection between the two dates. Our sages tell us (Megillah 13b) that "G-d reveals the medicine be­ fore the blow." Yud-Bais Tammuz is the medium whose celebration enables the seventeenth of Tammuz, the blow, to be transformed into "a day of rejoicing" in Messianic times. The above provides a practical lesson for our behavior. We have to stand firm in all matters of Yiddishkeit, without being affected by any difficulties, conscious that we are doing what G-d wants, acting as His emissaries. This resolute stand must extend even to a mere fence to the Torah and even when challenged by a powerful country. The strength to carry on this service is derived from the blessing of the month of Tammuz. Even if one's initial efforts do not seem to meet with success, one must be conscious that "If he comes to purify himself, he is helped from Above" and he will soon see the fruit of his work. Through this course of action, we will hasten the complete and true redemption led by Moshiach, speedily in our days. 2. The above relates to the blessing of the month of Tammuz every year. This year, the date on which Shabbos Mevorchim falls is the 23rd of Sivan, and the portion of the Torah Shelach is read on that day. The book of Esther specifically mentions the 23rd of Sivan. (F) "In the third month, the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day thereof, the scribes of the king were called, and it was written exactly what Mordechai had dictated to the Jews, as well as to the governers... throughout 127 provinces," (8:9) annulling the decrees which the king under Haman's influence had issued. On this day, it was publicly announced that those decrees, even though they were "written and sealed with the king's ring," were no longer valid. The very same king who had made the decrees had annulled them. Furthermore, he himself had commanded his couriers and horsemen to hurry and spread his new decree through­ out the kingdom. We can draw a lesson from this, connecting these events with those of Yud-Bais Tammuz. As mentioned above, the Previous Rebbe showed the way to take a firm stance even if challenged by a powerful nation. In a similar fashion, the twenty-third of Sivan teaches us that even when in Golus and being the servants of Achashverosh, we must follow Mordechai's example, neither bowing (F) This gives it a connection not only with adults, but with children. On the contrary, the children play a very important role in the reading of the Megillah. Their noisemaking, their rattling of 'gragers' is given prominence to the point where it is allowed even though there is the possibility that it will prevent a portion of the Megillah from being heard. STUDENTS' TRANSLATION - UNEDITED.
Recommended publications
  • Download Ji Calendar Educator Guide
    xxx Contents The Jewish Day ............................................................................................................................... 6 A. What is a day? ..................................................................................................................... 6 B. Jewish Days As ‘Natural’ Days ........................................................................................... 7 C. When does a Jewish day start and end? ........................................................................... 8 D. The values we can learn from the Jewish day ................................................................... 9 Appendix: Additional Information About the Jewish Day ..................................................... 10 The Jewish Week .......................................................................................................................... 13 A. An Accompaniment to Shabbat ....................................................................................... 13 B. The Days of the Week are all Connected to Shabbat ...................................................... 14 C. The Days of the Week are all Connected to the First Week of Creation ........................ 17 D. The Structure of the Jewish Week .................................................................................... 18 E. Deeper Lessons About the Jewish Week ......................................................................... 18 F. Did You Know? .................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Megillat Esther
    The Steinsaltz Megillot Megillot Translation and Commentary Megillat Esther Commentary by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz Koren Publishers Jerusalem Editor in Chief Rabbi Jason Rappoport Copy Editors Caryn Meltz, Manager The Steinsaltz Megillot Aliza Israel, Consultant Esther Debbie Ismailoff, Senior Copy Editor Ita Olesker, Senior Copy Editor Commentary by Chava Boylan Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz Suri Brand Ilana Brown Koren Publishers Jerusalem Ltd. Carolyn Budow Ben-David POB 4044, Jerusalem 91040, ISRAEL Rachelle Emanuel POB 8531, New Milford, CT 06776, USA Charmaine Gruber Deborah Meghnagi Bailey www.korenpub.com Deena Nataf Dvora Rhein All rights reserved to Adin Steinsaltz © 2015, 2019 Elisheva Ruffer First edition 2019 Ilana Sobel Koren Tanakh Font © 1962, 2019 Koren Publishers Jerusalem Ltd. Maps Editors Koren Siddur Font and text design © 1981, 2019 Koren Publishers Jerusalem Ltd. Ilana Sobel, Map Curator Steinsaltz Center is the parent organization Rabbi Dr. Joshua Amaru, Senior Map Editor of institutions established by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz Rabbi Alan Haber POB 45187, Jerusalem 91450 ISRAEL Rabbi Aryeh Sklar Telephone: +972 2 646 0900, Fax +972 2 624 9454 www.steinsaltz-center.org Language Experts Dr. Stéphanie E. Binder, Greek & Latin Considerable research and expense have gone into the creation of this publication. Rabbi Yaakov Hoffman, Arabic Unauthorized copying may be considered geneivat da’at and breach of copyright law. Dr. Shai Secunda, Persian No part of this publication (content or design, including use of the Koren fonts) may Shira Shmidman, Aramaic be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embedded in critical articles or reviews.
    [Show full text]
  • 20 Sivan: a Forgotten Fast
    20 Sivan: A Forgotten Fast Ezer Diena, [email protected] 1. Seder Olam Rabbah, Chapter 8 )במדברי,יא(: "וַיְהִ י בַשָּׁ נָּׁההַשֵּׁנִית בַחֹדֶ ׁש הַשֵּׁנִי בְ עֶשְרִ יםבַחֹדֶ ׁש נַעֲלָּׁההֶעָּׁנָּׁן". נמצאו עושין במדבר סיני י"ב חדש חסר עשרה ימים ואומר )שם לג, ב( " ַו ִי ְכ ֹתב ֹמ ֶׁשה ֶאת מֹו ָּׁצ ֵּׁאי ֶהם ְל ַמ ְס ֵּׁעי ֶהם ְוגֹו'". נסעו ממדבר סיני ובאו להם לקברות התאוה ועשו שם שלשים יום שנאמר )שם יא, יט("לֹא יֹום אֶחָּׁד תֹאכְ לּון וְ גֹו' עַד חֹדֶ ׁש יָּׁמִ ים וְ גֹו'". “And it was on the 20th day of the second month of the second year, the cloud rose.” It comes out that they [dwelled] in the Sinai desert for 12 months less 10 days, and it says “And Moshe wrote the stages of their journey”, they travelled from the Sinai desert and came to Kivrot Hata’avah, and [remained] there for 30 days, as it says “Not for one day will you eat… for one month’s worth of days…” 2. Taz, Orach Chaim 566:3 ...ונ"ל דהתענית שגזרו מנהיגי שלש הארצו' בצירוף גאונים להתענות בכל כ' סיון משום רוע הגזירות בעו"ה יש לקרות ויחל אפי' כשחל ביום ב' או ה' שתענית זה הוא קבוע אפי' ביותר מב' וה' דאחר הפסח וסוכו'... And it seems to me that the fast that the leaders of the Three Lands [Greater/Little Poland, Galicia (with Podolia) and Volhynia] decreed, along with Gaonim, to fast on the 20th of Sivan every year because of the evil decrees, due to our great sins, one should read Vayechal even if it falls on a Monday or Thursday, since this fast is even more established than the fasts on Monday and Thursday after Pesach and Sukkot… 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Adar, Nisan, Iyyar & Sivan 5781 March, April & May 2021 Volume 23 Issue 3
    Mishpachtenu Adar, Nisan, Iyyar & Sivan 5781 March, April & May 2021 Volume 23 Issue 3 Congregation Beth Shalom 5915 Beacon Street Pittsburgh, PA 15217 412.421.2288 www.bethshalompgh.org SECTIONIN THE KNOW NAME In the Know .................................................... 2 CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM Leshanah Haba’ah Biyrushalayim 5915 Beacon Street • Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Next Year in Jerusalem ......................................... 3 www.bethshalompgh.org 412.421.2288 A Message from Our President .................... 4 Clergy and Staff Rabbi Seth Adelson .........................................................Senior Rabbi Directing the Way ......................................... 5 Kenneth A. Turkewitz ................................. Interim Executive Director Rabbi Jeremy Markiz ................. Director of Derekh & Youth Tefillah Hilary Yeckel .........................................................Director of the ELC Walking the Derekh ...................................... 6 Marissa Tait ...............................................Director of Youth Programs Lonnie Wolf ............................................................ Cemetery Director Rabbi Larry Freedman ...................................................J-JEP Director Growing Through the ELC ............................ 7 Dale Caprara ........................................................................Controller Executive Committee Learning with J-JEP ....................................... 8 Debby Firestone .....................................................................President
    [Show full text]
  • 2020 2021 Judaic Calendar
    JUDAIC CALENDAR 5781-5782 2020-2021 “Hello All, My name is Levi Sherman. I live at Reena. I go to day program at Reena. I love Reena. I meet my friends at Reena. I do exercise at Reena. I do colouring.” Levi has been part of the Reena Family for many years. Levi continues to put a smile on everyone’s face …. Dear Reena Staff and Families, It is with great pleasure that we present this year’s Judaic calendar. Inside the pages of the calendar, you can view the many activities enjoyed and celebrated at Reena. All are led by our dedicated staff and volunteers. Naturally, you’ll be able to review details of the coming holidays, important occasions and details that will allow you to observe the Jew- ish holidays. Every calendar, including this one, has a cyclical nature. Holidays and events come and go every year, and this may instill a sense of predictability and calm. During the recent pandemic, Reena staff worked tirelessly to instill a sense of peace for our individuals and to maintain predictable schedules. I hope you will find the calendar useful for yourself , your team, family and beyond. Wishing you all a very successful and healthy year ahead. Bryan Keshen, CEO September 2020 - 5780/5781 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 12 Elul 13 Elul 14 Elul 15 Elul 16 Elul Ki Savo 7:29pm 8:30pm 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 17 Elul 18 Elul 19 Elul 20 Elul 21 Elul 22 Elul 23 Elul Nitzavim-Vayeilech Leil Selichos 7:16pm 8:18pm LABOUR DAY 13 14 15 16 17 18 5781 19 24 Elul 25 Elul 26 Elul 27 Elul 28 Elul 29 Elul 1 Tishrei EREV ROSH HASHANAH ROSH HASHANAH l 7:03pm 8:01pm 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 2 Tishrei 3 Tishrei 4 Tishrei 5 Tishrei 6 Tishrei 7 Tishrei 8 Tishrei ROSH HASHANAH ll FAST OF GEDALIAH Ha’Azinu TASHLICH Fast ends 7:51pm Shabbat Shuvah 7:52pm 8:03pm 6:50pm 27 28 29 30 9 Tishrei 10 Tishrei 11 Tishrei 12 Tishrei EREV YOM KIPPUR YOM KIPPUR YIZKOR WORLD ALZHEIMER’S MONTH September 21: WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY 6:47pm 7:48pm ELUL/TISHREI - SEPTEMBER October The sounds of the Shofar were heard throughout Reena during the month of Elul.
    [Show full text]
  • MAY - JUNE 2021 Theereview NNISAN/IYYAR - IYYAR/SIVAN 5781 a Publication of Oheb Shalom Congregation from Our Rabbi
    MAY - JUNE 2021 theereview NNISAN/IYYAR - IYYAR/SIVAN 5781 A Publication of Oheb Shalom Congregation From Our Rabbi It is odd for me to contemplate that this is the last Review article I will write as your rabbi. For while my formal tenure at Oheb Shalom may be coming to an end, the connection between us will endure. Th roughout the past 23 years, we have shared a great deal. We have lived the Jewish Traditional Heart. Modern Soul. year together, celebrating the holidays and experiencing and enjoying the Oheb Shalom Congregation rhythm of Jewish time. We have celebrated Shabbat together through Founded 1860 prayer, music and, of course, food. We have marked special days and Congregation Beth Torah moments that are key to Jewish identity, both joyous and solemn. We affi liated 1983 have celebrated the miracle of the modern State of Israel together, stood up for important 170 Scotland Road causes together, and faced the world together at its best and its worst, through times of elation South Orange, New Jersey 07079 and times of fear. We have learned together and grown together. We have been part of tel: 973-762-7067 each other’s lives not only as a community but as individuals, sharing in happy times and fax: 973-762-4591 diffi cult times, dancing together and mourning together. Th ese moments of life shared web: www.ohebshalom.org between us will remain with me in the years that lie ahead, and I hope they will for you as well. I will cherish the time we have spent together as a community and will forever remain Affi liated with United Synagogue grateful that you looked to me to help and guide you in building and exploring Jewish life, of Conservative Judaism and in navigating the diffi cult and challenging moments that life presents to us all.
    [Show full text]
  • June 22, 2020 30 Sivan, 5780 Rosh Chodesh Tammuz Dear Friends
    June 22, 2020 30 Sivan, 5780 Rosh Chodesh Tammuz Dear Friends, During this time of continued global pandemic and as mentioned during Rabbi Weinberg’s comments during the Congregational Meeting on June 3rd, the leadership of TBI acknowledge that we need to continue to communicate with our community regularly about the current status as it relates to COVID-19. To that point, we want to apprise you of the philosophical approach of the TBI leadership team with respect to Temple matters and to provide an update regarding ongoing congregational activities and communication. Philosophical approach As we imagine what activity for our congregation might look like in months to come, we are guided by the following Jewish Values: Pikuach nefesh – saving life. We will prioritize the safety of staff and congregants, and the safety of those most vulnerable to infection, as well as the general public health, in accordance with this core Jewish value. B’tzelem Elohim - each person is created in the image of the Divine. No single person is any more or less valued than any other. Hora’at sha’ah - emergent moments call for unique responses. We will continue to explore online and virtual connectivity as a primary means of convening our communities, as well as implement creative solutions to never-before-experienced challenges. Lo titein michshol - do not place a stumbling block. We will not do anything that knowingly or willfully puts anyone in our midst at unnecessary risk. Kol Yisrael arevim zeh l’zeh – We are all responsible for one another. This notion of communal responsibility sits at the heart of everything we do, and we will strive to act in accordance with this value always.
    [Show full text]
  • KMS Sefer Minhagim
    KMS Sefer Minhagim Kemp Mill Synagogue Silver Spring, Maryland Version 1.60 February 2017 KMS Sefer Minhagim Version 1.60 Table of Contents 1. NOSACH ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 RITE FOR SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 RITE FOR SELICHOT ............................................................................................................................................ 1 1.3 NOSACH FOR KADDISH ....................................................................................................................................... 1 1.4 PRONUNCIATION ............................................................................................................................................... 1 1.5 LUACH ............................................................................................................................................................ 1 2. WHO MAY SERVE AS SH’LIACH TZIBUR .......................................................................................................... 2 2.1 SH’LIACH TZIBUR MUST BE APPOINTED .................................................................................................................. 2 2.2 QUALIFICATIONS TO SERVE AS SH’LIACH TZIBUR .....................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Above the Zodiac. Astrology in Jewish Thought
    Above the Zodiac Above the Zodiac ASTROLOGY IN JEWISH THOUGHT MATITYAHU GLAZERSON Translated from by M. Kalish This book was set in 12 pt. Garamond by A-R Editions, Madison, WI. Copyright © 1997 by Matityahu Glazerson. 1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from Jason Aronson Inc. except in the case of brief quotations in reviews for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, or broadcast. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Glazerson, Matityahu. Above the zodiac : astrology in Jewish thought / by Matityahu Glazerson. p. cm. Originally published: Jerusalem : M. Glazerson. 1985. ISBN: 978-1-56821-935-6 1. Jewish astrology. I. Title. BF1714.J4G56 1996 133.5'946—dc21 96-52273 Manufactured in the United States of America. Jason Aronson Inc. offers books and cassettes. For information and catalog write to Jason Aronson Inc., 230 Livingston Street, Northvale, New Jersey 07647. To elevate and remember the souls of my honored parents JULIUS and FAGEL SMOLLAN May peace be upon them and upon my beloved sister LIEBA PEARL who loved and shared her talent for music with all for so many years in Johannesburg, and in appreciation to the management, staff, and voluntary workers and supporters of SANDRINGHAM GARDENS for their dedication and sacrifice in helping the aged and infirm. dedicated by VICTOR JACOB SMOLLAN Contents Preface Introduction: The Practice of Judaism and the Science of Astrology Nissan—Aries (Lamb) Iyar—Taurus (Bull) Sivan—Gemini (Twins) Tammuz—Cancer (Crab) Av—Leo (Lion) Elul—Virgo (Virgin) Tishrei—Libra (Scales) Cheshvan—Scorpio (Scorpion) Kislev—Sagittarius (Bow) Tevet—Capricorn (Goat) Shevat—Aquarius (Pitcher) Adar—Pisces (Fishes) Preface The book Above the Zodiac has been written in the spirit of our previous works, whose purpose was to introduce the reader to those fundamental ideas within Judaism that would serve to enrich the reader’s appreciation of this great tradition.
    [Show full text]
  • May 2021 Iyar / Sivan 5781 Sponsored by the Newburgh
    May 2021 Iyar / Sivan 5781 COUNTY-WIDE YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION: FULFILLING OUR PROMISE TO REMEMBER THEM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2021 Sponsored by The Newburgh Jewish Community Center and The Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County. 150 devices Zoomed in to watch and/or participate in our event. Thanks to Stefanie Kostenblatt of the Newburgh JCC for taking the lead and the amazing people who contributed. Our technical Zoom expert was Elizabeth Frederick with an assist at times by Sharon Ball, staff at the Jewish Federation. • Nina Rubin started the evening with beautiful harp music. • Sharon Ball introduced the program. • Rabbi Roger Lerner of the Monroe Temple led a brief evening service. • Stefanie welcomed everyone. • Donna Kushner played "Meditation from Thais", by Jules Massenet on violin. • Roberta Baum introduced Dr. Ron Israelski, who spoke about his father's experiences. • 2 minute video of remembrance from community members. • Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein introduced candle lighters from Orange County synagogues: Joe Epstein for Dr. Ed Konis, a survivor, Jon Shafran, Steven Licker, Marsha Sobel, Dr. Leslie Green, Michael Melasky, Jessica Anschutz from Vails Gate United Methodist Church on behalf of the non-Jewish victims. • Moment of Silence • Rabbi Douglas Kohn read "Never Again". • Rabbi Rebecca Shinder chanted El Malei Rachamim. • Rabbi Jacob Rosner recited a special Holocaust Kaddish. • Dr. Israelski lit an 8th candle of hope. • Jake Ehrenreich sang Zog Nit Keynmol in Yiddish. • Student Rabbi Bena KaneGraber sang Hatikvah. • Robert Pollsen sang "God Bless America" during a slideshow of artwork submitted by area children that depicted Unity, Love and Tolerance. Screenshots taken by Sharon Ball Register: jewishorangeny.org/JBC-2020-2021 Sunday, 5/2/21 4PM Sunday, 6/6/21 4PM Sunday, 7/11/21 Edward Berenson Jennifer Cody 4PM “The Accusation” Epstein David E.
    [Show full text]
  • TISHA B'av THANK YOU for the INCREDIBLE JOURNEY Middletown, Connecticut June 2021 Sivan-Tammuz 5781
    Middletown, Connecticut June 2021 Sivan-Tammuz 5781 TISHA B’AV THANK YOU FOR THE INCREDIBLE Dear friends, JOURNEY It is amazing by Jonathan Shapiro to encounter people who by their words Six years ago, I was shake up your ideas approached and asked to and air your join the Board of Directors. Lily was in conception of things – we all need renewal of some kindergarten and Ari was going to Mazel Tots. I felt sort. I have been reading a book called This is Real it was my turn and happily stepped up to the plate. and You Are Totally Unprepared, by Rabbi Alan That quickly turned into the Vice President position Lew, who is one of those people who shake your as there was a gap there and I felt it was my turn to ideas and wake you up. give back to the synagogue that I had always called One of the main theses of the book is that the my own and that was where my family was as well. spiritual process that culminates on Yom Kippur and The rest as they say is history. lasts until Sukkot begins on… Tisha B’Av, and not A lot has happened in those six years. When Rosh Hashanah nor the month before it. The point of I became Vice President, Lily had just finished the High Holidays is atonement, reconciliation, a kindergarten and Ari was entering his last year as a restitution to wholeness – we all know that. But Mazel Tot. Lily is now in middle school and is according to him, this journey begins with the starting her formal bat mitzvah work.
    [Show full text]
  • Jewish Holiday Guide Tu B’ Shvat 1 As Arepresentation Ofthenatural Cycle
    Jewish Holiday Guide Tu B’Shvat 15th day of Shvat “…Just as my ancestors planted for me, so I will plant for my children (Talmud Ta’anit 23a).” Tu B’Shvat is a time when we celebrate the New Year for trees. It falls on the 15th of Shvat in the Hebrew calendar and it is a time for us to focus on our ecological responsibilities and the life cycle of renewal. The very first task that was assigned to humans by God was to care for the environment: ‘God took man and put him into the garden to work it and guard 1 it…’ (Genesis 1:15). In Israel, Tu B’shvat is usually celebrated by planting trees and holding the Tu B’shvat seder. Planting trees is a custom that was first held in 1884 in Israel due to the spiritual significance of the land of Israel and the agricultural emphasis that the Zionist brought with them to Israel. The Tu B’shvat seder is formed out of 4 sections for the 4 worlds as the Kabballah says: • The spiritual world of God represented by fire – Atzilut (nobility) • The physical world of human represented by earth – Assiyah (Doing) • The emotional world represented by air – Briyah (Creation) • The philosophical, thoughtful world represented by water – Yetzirah (Making) Each section of the seder also represents one of the four seasons, and mixtures of red and white wine are drunk in different amounts as a representation of the natural cycle. Tu B’ Shvat Tu Purim 14th day of Adar “The Feast of Lots” Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar, as it celebrates the story of two heroes, Esther and Mordecai, and how their courage and actions saved the Jewish people living in Persia from execution.
    [Show full text]