HIGH HOLIDAY EDITION | TISHREI 5769 | SEPTEMBER 2008

Rosh Hashanah Reflections | ELI GEWIRTZ ’m often asked how a 21st century on the will of Hashem. The Haftorah hungry… Hashem brings Jew is expected to relate to Rosh describes the painful story of the child- death and gives life… He raises Hashanah as a Day of Judgment. less Chana; how her husband’s other the needy from the dust… for IBuying the apples and honey and ar- wife Penina tormented her over her not through strength does ranging to attend High Holiday services inability to conceive, and how her man prevail. is relatively easy. But the concept of prayers were finally answered on Rosh (Samuel 2:4-2:9) a Day of Judgment, especially for the Hashanah when she was told by the uninitiated, is hard to grasp. prophet Eli that she would be blessed Chana makes clear that everything is in with her first child. the hands of Hashem and that, as the Recent world events, the collapse of disclaimer goes: past performance is some of the biggest financial institutions, The commentaries offer many insights no guarantee of future results. Chana’s a mammoth hurricane that wreaked into the connection between Rosh co-wife Penina learned this lesson the many billions of dollars in damages, a Hashanah and Chana’s story. On the hard way. As Chana gave birth to five mini-war in Georgia (which may turn most basic level it provides a message children, Penina lost five of her own. out to be not-so-mini), and ominous about hope and about the power of threats of a multi-regional (did some- prayer. Though her situation seemed The proximity of recent world-altering one say world?) war, may shed some hopeless, Chana knew that the gates events to Rosh Hashanah reminds us light on the theme of judgment. of genuine, heartfelt prayer are never to reflect on the feebleness of the sta- closed, and that prayer can transform tus quo. Everything can change without Are these recent events the result of the seemingly unalterable. This is a moments notice. Just ask Penina or Divine judgment? If so, judgment for certainly an important message for a day anyone at the 158 year-old pillar of Wall what? I’ll leave questions like those to in which we are immersed in prayer. Street that just went belly-up. The only people greater than myself to answer. constants in this world are the open But judgment isn’t about red men with But the Haftorah doesn’t end with gates to heartfelt prayer. pitchforks running amok. It’s about Chana’s good tidings. After fulfilling Divine decisions which could drastically her promise to dedicate her son to the As we reflect on the precariousness of and unexpectedly change a positive or Temple service, Chana offers a sobering the world during the upcoming Days of negative status quo. Communal and in- message about life: Awe, we would do well to realize that dividual judgment for the coming year all of life, health, prosperity, and even takes place on Rosh Hashanah. The bow of the mighty is broken, national security are being judged and while those who were stumbling as we learn from Chana, our prayers do The Haftorah that we read on the first are given strength… The prosper- make a difference. day of Rosh Hashanah reinforces the ous are hired out for meager idea that everything is dependent pay while the hungry cease to be May we all be inscribed for life.

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1. DO WORRY, BE HAPPY A remembrance of the sounding [of the shofar] “One should launder his clothing and take a haircut on Our sages teach us that Rosh Hashanah is much more than just Erev Rosh Hashanah” SHULCHAN ARUCH 581:4 a day of sounding a Shofar or reciting specific verses. Instead, it is primarily a Day of Judgment, upon which the entire world Launder…and…haircut – To demonstrate that we are con- is judged to determine whether they will be sentenced to life or fident in the Almighty that we will emerge with a favorable judg- death. Why then, did the Torah conceal this primary aspect of the ment. TUR SHULCHAN ARUCH 581 day, and refer to it only by its secondary aspect, the blowing of Nevertheless, one should not attire himself in overly elegant the Shofar? apparel as on other holidays, for the awesomeness of the Rabbeinu Bachya explains that the more spiritually endowed the concept, the judgment should be upon him. Instead, one should wear clean more concealed it is from mankind, and the greater the effort needed to reveal it. Examples of this are Tefillin and Tzitzit, which are barely hinted to in the Torah, and neat white clothing. TAZ (RABBI DAVID HALEVI) although their laws are numerous. Their elevated spiritual significance demands that they not be clearly articulated. Instead, they are merely alluded to, requiring However, in a locale where the custom is not to wear white clothing us to elevate ourselves in order to comprehend their essence. Similarly, Rosh on Rosh Hashanah, one should merely wear respectable, but inel- Hashanah, which heralds the onset of the Ten Days of Repentance (which cul- minates in Yom Kippur) is of such an exalted spiritual nature, that it cannot be MAGEN AVRAHAM 597(RABBI AVRAHAM ABELE egant clothing. revealed to the masses and must only be alluded to in cryptic fashion, and acces- BEN CHAIM HALEVI GOMBINER, C. 1637-183) sible only to those who sanctify themselves and aspire to it wholeheartedly. As serious a day as Rosh Hashanah is, and as frightened as we are over our likely shortfall of sufficient merits, we are still confident in the Almighty’s 3. L’CHAIM: TO LIFE ability to help us emerge from judgment intact, reasoning that His love for us “Remember us for life, O’ King who desires [that we be granted] life, is so strong that He will advocate on our behalf. Thus, we adopt a somewhat and inscribe us in the Book of Life, for Your sake, O’ God of Life.” contradictory attitude. On the one hand, we inwardly maintain an air of grim solemnity since we’re nervous and fearful that we will be found lacking before ROSH HASHANAH LITURGY the Almighty. On the other hand, we conduct ourselves outwardly in a festive manner, demonstrating our confidence that the Almighty will find a way to What kind of life are we referring to in this prayer? ensure that our sins will be forgiven. Does G-d merely desire for us to live another day in order to 2. CAN YOU HEAR THE SOUND? consume exotic and tasty foods, and further indulge in earthly delights? A life devoted to maximizing hedonistic pleasures is “Speak to the Children of saying; in the seventh month, on not a life, but a mere existence. Instead, we request that G-d the first of the month, it shall be for you a day of rest. A remem- grant us the opportunity and wherewithal to devote ourselves brance of the sounding [of the Shofar,] a holy assembly.” fully to His service, the essence of life itself. BAALEI MUSSAR VAYIKRA (LEVITICUS 23:24) (MASTERS OF ETHICAL TEACHINGS) A remembrance of the sounding [of the shofar] In his sermon offered on the first night of Selichot, Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin This remembrance is achieved by reciting ten Biblical verses which zt”l, explained that although much of the liturgy on Rosh Hashanah is dedi- cated to requesting additional life, one would be foolish to devote his precious relate to Divine Remembrances [i.e. they mention G-d’s remember- prayers on this sacred day to asking only for additional life on earth. Instead, ing human beings for good throughout history,] and Biblical verses his intent should be to solicit the most sublime life imaginable; Eternal Life in which relate to the Shofar, to remember for your sake the binding of the World to Come. This life-form far surpasses anything available to us on this earth, and it would be a pity to expend the most powerful weapon in our Isaac in whose stead a ram was brought as an offering. arsenal, the prayers of the High Holidays, on anything less. RASHI (RABBI SHLOMO YITZCHAKI; 1040-1105) Rabbi Meisels can be reached at [email protected] Apples, Honey and You | RABBI LEIBY BURNHAM

Rosh Hashanah has the same power. It is the “head” of the Year. It is the processing Dear Rabbi, chip through which the programs for the coming year run. The smallest, most minute It seems like every year I get the same feeling. It’s a few days before changes that we make in the head of the Rosh Hashanah and suddenly I’m caught up in a frenzy of emotions. year can have the most profound affect on our entire year! This is the deeper message I want as much as possible to be ready for this awesome festival, yet I of the special foods we eat. During the rest find myself struggling to remember what it is all about. of the year, such small actions would have little or no effect, yet on Rosh Hashanah they have the power to help give us a better year. I remember speeches I heard and essays I read that talked about it. (An analogy to explain this is wet concrete. I know it is the birthday of the creation of man. It is the time when While concrete is still wet you can take a little we re-evaluate our relationship with G-d, and coronate him as our branch and carve into it whatever you want but the minute it is dry, you can’t even scrape King. It is the Day of Judgment which will determine our coming the surface with the same branch.) The les- year, and a day in which we can recreate ourselves. But the more I son we learn from these foods teaches us remember, the more confused I get. Now that I know all this, what how powerful the day is. From here we can start to put together the should I do differently this year on Rosh Hashanah? How does all task of the day. The “goal” is to try to make this relate to our prayer service in the synagogue, which takes up changes in how we view our world. It is a most of our day? day to remember that on this day man was put on earth for a purpose, and that pur- pose must drive us in our daily living. We Thanks Rabbi, and Shana Tova, must realize that G-d was the One who put Mark R. us here, and that we must reaffirm our al- legiance to him, by accepting him upon us as our King. We must cry out like the broken cry of the Shofar with a genuine desire to see the coming year be a more elevated Dear Mark, it supposed to mean to us? How does it tie in one than the past. to an otherwise solemn Day of Judgment? Three years ago, while studying in Yeshiva, We have no mitzvot to do on this day, like The answer mentioned in the writings of one of my explained one of the Rosh on other festivals. No Sukkah to dwell in, no Rabbi Isaac Hutner (of blessed memory), Hashanah practices to me, and based on his matzah to eat, no lulav to shake: because the late Rosh Yeshiva (Dean) of Yeshivas response, I think we can begin to understand the change has to be in our “Rosh,” in our Chaim Berlin in NYC is as follows. Rosh Ha- what the holiday is all about. There is a ques- head. If we can change our perspectives on shanah translated literally means “The Head tion that bothers many people about the this day to ones that are more motivated, of the Year.” We know in there is practice we have on the first night of Rosh more cognizant of all that G-d gives us a concept that every word has great depth. Hashanah. We take an apple, dip it in honey, continuously, more mindful to the fact that When we say Rosh Hashanah is the “head” and say a prayer asking G-d that we should everything we do needs to be accounted of the year, it must be more than just the first have a sweet new year. The symbolism here for, then the rest of the year will flow forth day of the New Year. The head is the body seems almost childish, sweet apple + sweet successfully. It is the day to make meaning- part that controls the rest of the body. In it honey = Sweet New Year!? There are also a ful marks in the wet cement of the coming lies our brain, the processing chip for all our number of other foods each with its prayer year. that all have “cute” word plays that connect human functions. A neuro-surgeon when the food with the prayer. (Some people even performing brain surgery is extremely care- Wishing you a sweet, and successful New Year, take lettuce, a raisin, and a celery stalk, hold ful to not slip even a millimeter, because that Rabbi Leiby Burnham them together, and then say a prayer asking millimeter-although so tiny in space-since it G-d to “let us have a raise in salary.”!) What is is located in the brain can have drastic ef- Rabbi Burnham can be reached at fects on the rest of the body. [email protected] AZ CO Jill Metlin WESTBORO Stephen Westman Moshe Rosenberg WHITING Naomi Grunfeld Sarah Bronstein Michel Sanders Shlomo Haft TUCSON ASPEN Samuel Rosenthal Joel Slovin DAVIDSON Nara Sadov Adam Schweitzerhof Yehoshua Grunfeld Zev Carrey Zevi Simonovits Moshe Jacobowitz Sharon Baskin Itzhak Vardy NORTH MIAMI WESTFORD Mark Simchowitz Frieda Schreiber WARREN Sara Haddad Rena Chill Binyomin Teplitz Lester Kirshenbaum PHOENIX AURORA Jessica Furth Gavriel Yarmish MATTHEWS Esti Schwarz David Schwartz Shmulik Hartman Yosef Colish Sara Weiner Annette Labovitz NORTH MIAMI BEACH WEST ROXBURY Bernise Starolowitz Malka Schwartz Tami Hess Eileen Fine Hershel Weizberg Gail Sturm Irwin Brodsky Miriam Geller NM Kimberly Schultz Evan Haller RALEIGH Sruly Shain Sanhedria Michael Jacobsen NANUET Ruchie Travis QUEEN CREEK BOULDER ALBUQUERQUE MIAMI Jeff Rosner Rochel Shanik Alan Kaplan Gita Kohn Teri Goldstein Samantha Tuchfeld Ashley Randall Logan Altman MD Eileen Dolinski Martin Levine Gavriel Stackhouse Bracha Sosowsky Chaya Leah Katz Leah Kurland NEW PALTZ YORKTOWN HEIGHTS FOUNTAIN HILL Cairole Woodward BALTIMORE Diamond Driscoll Adam Ogen WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH Efraim Steinberg Shua Katz Baruch Lovett Lilly Vargyas Sara Schwedelson Sam Lazarus COLORADO SPRINGS Leah Bitman Alan Feldman MIAMI BEACH Howard Stein Brandon Stern Suri Kaufman Faigie Singer NEW SQUARE Joel Schneider-Farris Lev Barav OH BC Matthew Kahn Nachum Szmidt NS Rivky Kirzner Dov Teichman Surie Gruber Rebekah Schneider Farris Yocheved Baumer ND COLUMBUS VICTORIA Rosem Mitrani Giti Tenenbaum HALIFAX Roizy Klein Esther Teitelbaum NEW YORK DENVER Yitzchok Bloch FARGO Rachel Cassell Peter Booth MIDDLEBURG Nechama Wilner Tamar Ellis Shloimie Klein Chana Stone Beatriz Abraham Shana Adler Ilya Burdman Harold Rosenheim CLEVELAND HTS Shaina Boer Rena Zakheim Tova Klein Yocheved Weber Zev Alexander CA Tirtza Amsel Charissa Cheah NV Yosef Koval ORLANDO NJ Elliot Zaks Esther Kohl FLUSHING Lara DeLon ATHERTON Renee Chernin Joe Davis LAS VEGAS Shloimy Modes Florence Siegel Lisa Woodfield Avraham Zelasko Rifka Lamm Roberta Ackerman Josh Dredze Laura Rheinheimer ...... Joy Eagle Chesky Edelson Andrea Dresser Zahava Richman SARASOTA ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS Yaakov Ziet Gitti Lew Robert Ayzin Brett Firfer Avraham Grossman Yaakov Goldstein Amber Ikeman Michael Goldberg Chana Ziemba NY Esther Lichtenstein Sura Censor Judy Schlesinger-Frankg ON BEVERLY HILLS Mordechai Fleisher Leah Hauser WESLEY CHAPEL BERGENFIELD Tzvi Ziskind ACCORD Liliya Loksh Golda Fried Nirit French THORNHIL Lisa Hirth Pola Lubarov Yaakov Horowitz Sean Diamond Tzvi Bernstein LEONIA Josh Lunior Oleg Mardukhayev Elazar Grossman Sarah Gogel Asher Breatross Devorah Myers Cheryl Mirrop Rivky Katz WEST PALM BEACH Rachel Book Marc Oppenheimer AIRMONT Marissa Mestre Abraham Katz Allison Goldberg Chani Rosengarten CARLSBAD Linda Pitter Yaakov Katz Amir Gamliel Shimon Solnica LINDEN Ahava Finsley Daniel Melen Odelia Madmoni Eric Goodman TORONTO Eva Lynn Diesenhaus Marcy Schreiber Yitzchok Katz CHERRY HILL Stuart Finkelstein AMITYVILLE Aaron Mendelson Shmuel Moskovits Gail Goodman Eli Adler CASTAIC Aron Schwab GA Miriam Kestenbaum Justin Gordon Evan Leibowitz Roni Woitovich Channie Miller Carol Rappaport Ross Goralnick Shea Czermak Pauline Aksenfeld Marion Sills ATHENS Alisa Mandel Vivien Richmond LIVINGSTON ARDSLEY Avi Most Ariella Rosenthal Mark Greenfield Leo Davids SACRAMENTO Alice Silverberg Caroline Blumenthal Lisa Mervis Irina Zakharin James Friedman Roberta Leiner Ruth Neuberger Daniel Steinberg Tova Kalkstein Ben Feintuch Rena Haberfeld Jeremy Simblist ATLANTA Menachem Miller CALDWELL Rona Wall ATLANTIC BEACH Neal Nosowitz Chevi Weiss Adam Kezsbom Yitzchak Goldstein BAKERSFIELD Tzippy Sommers Tov Brog Avery Muller Clara Solomon MANALAPAN Barbara Vandoros Chesky Ordentlich FOREST HILLS Bonnie Kozek Fievi Heller Kathleen Chambers Avigail Steinharter GAINESVILLE Paul Myers CLIFTON Sharon Knecht BALDWIN Chani Paneth Anita Solomon Ellen Kaplan Moshe Klugman GRANADA HILLS ENGLEWOOD Gail Mize Roberta Myerson Michal Fruchter Mike Zharnest Helena Shayer Esty Pesach Ida Langsam Tatiana Light David Markovic Nicole Farr Pennie Aragon Susan Mize Ephraim Ohana Miriam Hartstein MARLBORO BAYSIDE Shlomo Pessin GLEN COVE Brad Malat Aryeh Pamensky GRASS VALLEY ERIE LAWRENCEVILLE Gail Pariser Batya Mandel Adam Berger Gayle Friedman Avrumi Pollak Will Gotkin Dikla Raguan Chumee Steinmetz Bailey Barbour Joshua Kamien Denis Ayzenberg Vicki Polin EAST BRUNSWICK Lois Korman BELLMORE Malky Porgesz GREAT NECK Batya Reichman Devorah Vale IRVINE GREENWOOD VILLAGE LINCOLN Hadassah Sanders Michael Frost Scott Terminiello Joel Savit Yehudis Pressman Sharon Fishman Matthew Schaikewitz Dovid Zauderer Bat Sheva Guerin David Aknin Bob Berlin Ron Schlossberg Jordana Jakubovic MONTVILLE BORO PARK Frieda Reiz Lauren Karmely Yisrael Strauss Shella Sadovnik Dovid Gertz RABUN GAP Felix Shraga PA EAST WINSOR Yerachmiel Kirschenbaum Gitty Mandel Rochel Rosenberg Daniel Piroozian Miranda Gomez Talisman JOLON Moshe Heyman Iris Sadove Chaim Silverman SCRANTON Sarah Weiner NEWARK BRONX Zalman Rosenthal Noach Potter Leslie Weinstein Susan Steinfeld Mordechai Hoffman Eliyahu Shuman Mayer Porter IA EDISON Yael Zegen Meredith Gottlieb Menachem Rottenberg Pegah Rahmani NISKAYUNA LA JOLLA Sherry Margulies Ilan Weinberger Chana Penina Weg SIOUX CITY Meir Atkin NORTH BRUNSWICK Jay Haberman Ruchy Salomon GREENWOOD LAKE Ephy Carmel Jackie Diamond Jake Weiman Malka Weintraub MERION Guy Greene Charles Zucker Jessica Ashen BROOKLYN Moshe Schiff Heather Heron N. WOODMERE LAGUNA HILLS DENVER Steve Weiss Stacey Goldman WAUKEE FAIRLAWN PARAMUS Tzipporah Perel Abbassi Miriam Schlafrig HARTSDALE Valentina Bangiyeva Jana Stein Mordechai Fleisher ...... Luda Yakubov Cindy Sherr Statman Bob Freud Rivka Schrem Hindy Abrams Kathleen Schultz Ellen Bittner OSSINING IS LONG BEACH Shira Yisraeli Martine Schenker PARK RIDGE Kailii Aghive Frady Schwartz Samantha Hyman Susan Eisenstein RAMAT BET SHEMESH Franci Karp Avraham Grossman ID Bonnie Yoffee Ari Wei Sharon Miller Chana Akiva Cecile Seidenfeld KEW GARDENS HILLS PLATTSBURGH Rivka Bickel LOS ANGELES Alyssa Kamlet BOISE Bryna Zumer Yitzchak Wei PARLIN Jonathan Albala Jacob Schiff Peryl Grossman Andrew Goldstein JERUSALEM, Malka Breitman Ellyn Hutt Melissa Powers BETHESDA FREEHOLD Scott Edelman Bezalel Anflick Malky Schechter Nancy Hilsnerath POUGHKEEPSIE Sanhedria Phillip Oliff Linda Pitter Debra Kirsh IL Josh Bliznik PASSAIC Johanna Amar Mindy Schoenblu Ruchie Travis Harold Warren Tova Perl Janna Ridley Tzippy Sommers DERWOOD BLOOMINGTON GREEN POND Misha Beletsky Max Anteby Sharon Shaked Tova Wel QUEENS Old City Avraham Sachs Marcy Schreiber Aaron Silverman Naomi Epstein Karen Wallman Leba Bell Bella Avshayev Leah Shekhtman LAWRENCE Yossi Zeevy Renee Chernin Rivka Schneirson Aron Schwab PIKESVILLE SKOKIE HIGHLAND PARK Laurie Bennett Esty Balsam Alan Shuchatowitz Faigie Horowitz REGO PARK Neve Yaakov Ilana Schwarzberg ENGLEWOOD Moshe Segal Sharon Abelman Sara Chazin Mindy Berman Chani Bandman Baruch Schwebel Effie Mayerfeld Judith Sachs Shoshana Horwitz Angela Vinokurov George Gumbiner Aryeh Willner Faige Biron Atara Fink Shlomit Chambre Leib Barnett Karen Sheinberg Aryeh Smith RICHMOND HIL Pamela Witt PARKER POTOMAC Adam Kabins Barry Kegeles Devorah Farrell Paul Basker Joanna Slevin LEVITTOWN Mark Bondi Michel Levitansky MORAGA Mark Margulies Miriam Plaut CHICAGO Seth Mandel Paula Gershonowitz Sonia Beyderman Shmuel Singer Mandi Gellis RIVERDALE Miri Spiro Rebecca Neril REISTERSTOWN CT Bracha Adler Cory Rubeck Susannah Greeberg Yehudis Bauman Chaim Spector Fran Moshkovski Georganne Garfinkel Ilana Hamer NORTH RIDGE Peri Cohen BRIDGEPORT Leah Chamberg Miriam Widofsky Tamara Grunberger Chaya Beck Esty Spitzer LONG BEACH ROCHESTER Chaya Meyer Rachel Himmelstein ROCKVILLE Racheli Muller Debbie Elkaim HOBOKEN Shoshana Isseroff Basya Belsky Meira Srebro Nancy Soffer Miri Pardo Yehudis Lieder ...... NY OAKLAND Yasha Moz DANBURY Chana Ehrman Steven Sperber Yisraela Joran Afsanah Benji Sora Steiger Michael Wagner ROCKVILLE CENTER Erica Elkin ...... NYY Nina Heller Cina Werner Larry Ditkoff Chana Suri Fuerst HOWELL Avrohom Klein Pearl Berkowitz Sy Stern MASSAPEQUA Vera West Yehoshua Jacobson OAK PARK SEABROOK NEW HAVEN Al Osle Samantha Friedeman Bassie Meghnagi Shmuel Beyda Heshi Stern Linda James SOUTH FALLSBURGH Yiska Greenberg Melanie Bornstein Joel Rosenbaum Elinor Klein Chana Shira Rosen LAKEWOOD Brenda Nikelsberg Fema Efraim Bichuch Gail Strauss MERRICK Esther Fishman Ms. Spitzer PLEASANT HILL Sara Rosenbaum David Levitan Menachem Abraham Hadassa Matana Ramati Gittel Bloch Shifra Stone Jamie Shapiro SPRING VALLEY Yosef Waintman Denise Mordecai IN SILVER SPRING Shoshana Nemoy Moshe Aboud Ellen Schulman Malka Blum Esti Talansky MIDDLE VILLAGE Ruvain Chait Zale Newman RIVERSIDE FISHERS Edith Brown Tziporah Paley Rachi Alon Rita Shelly Jacqueline Boyd Yita Tauber Mark Epelbaum Ben Zion Goldberg Goldstein Jessi Goldman Norman Wain Milty Crane WESTIN Menachem Berkowitz David Shtrambrand Gitty Braun Simie Terebelo MONSEY Chava Leah Herbst Yosef Heimfeld SACRAMENTO SOUTH BEND Bonnie Evans Joseph Stein Esther Bernstein Goldi Spitzer Favi Cahan Devorah Tessler Baruch Abramoff Chana Perl Neiman Nechama Nussbaum Justin Lane Yoel Yormark David Jackson CHESHIER Chava Biegeleisen Rachel Stack Josh Darabaner Regine Tessone Paysach Ackerman Tzvi Teitelbaum Moishe Zionce SAN ANSELMO ANNAPOLIS Hadassa Keleman Gayle Daskal Hadassa Brandeis Kurt Stein Yosef Danziger Suri Tyberg Bassy Altman Chaim Weisman Rena Rotenberg Katie Yanow Alexis Skriloff James Ronja Soroka SAN DIEGO D.C Malky Brander ROCKAWAY Ruchie Deutsch Draizy Wald Shlomo Cooper ST. JAMES Rabbi Pliner WASHINGTON KS ME Meira Brodsky Harry Kanigel Netsie Diamond Elisha Weinberg Moshe Deutsch Beth Forhman Janet Stern רKirby Wohlande SAN FRANCISCO Saler Engel Axel LEAWOOD PORTLAND Chaim Coffman ROSELLE Isorys Dilone Zalman Weissman Malka Drucker STATEN ISLAND Debbie Lebovic Frank Falcon David Bogomolny Scott Fishman Robert Schrier Nechama Cohen Ronnie Treitler Bryna Diskind Aryeh Weiss avid Erblich Steven Golikov Ari Messinger OVERLAND PARK Marc Edelstein Chaya Glezerman Don Narin Alex Feshenko MI Naftali Cohen SCOTCH PLAINS Faigy Weiss Sasha Ettlinger Heidi Schwartz David Abramov Miriam Erps Chanie Eckstein Yonina Juni SAN JOSE Resna Hammer FERNDALE Rebeca Sass Sura Weiss Daniel Feig Rochel Lichtschein Dovid Fishman Rochel Eilenberg Zena Katz LA Ryen Freedman SPRINGFIELD Yosef Widroff Goldie Feig Ahuva Tarnoff דEd Greenberg Dorry Samuel Miriam Friedman Mordechai Friedlander Esther Weinstock SANTA MONICA Amy Schnidman BATON ROUGE SOUTHFIELD Jason Berke Meir Wikler Akiva Feinsod Mordechai Vigdorchik Alex Galy Chaya Friedman Dr. Ivan Mezei Zvi Hollander Ally Toll Nechama Sims Ben Zion Belen Mendy Pollack Nina Wolf Tzirel Fine Raphael Wakefield Shifra Gerstel TEANECK Leah Friedler Tzvi Wolf Heshy Friedman SUFFERN Elisheva Vale STANFORD DE Amram Cohen Joel Ross Melanie Reynard Chanie Gordon Charles Bartel Issar Fuchs Zelda Wrotzlovsky Yonah Ginsburg Penina Weber Noam Jakubovic DOVER STUDIO CITY MA MN Naftali Gugenheim Malka Van Bemmelen Terry Fuchs Joseph Zahavi Mark Goldberg SYOSSET Jules Grunwald Tzipporah Brezner BOSTON Rob Shorr PLYMOUTH Rochel Hassan Howard Birnbaum Moshe Ginsberg Robin Zakariaei Moshe Goldberg Ruth Kravit Aron Porges Taylor Jacobson SUNNYVALE FL Amy Walter Basya Herschberg Rob Ernst Sholom Ginzberg BUFFALO Moshe Grossman Abe Stecker Yaeli Kotzen BRIGHTON Deena Goldfeld AVENTURA ST. PAUL Eliezer Hilman Paul Malek Pearl Gold Chana Burnett Nosson Hirsch UPPER JAY Seth Michaelson TARZANA Rene Friedheim Gary Portnoy Shalva Hoffman Rivkie Pollack Malky Goldenber CEDARHURST Rafael Kalikstein Robert Segall CAMBRIDGE Yosef Shallman BOCA RATON Dina Ilyadzhonova Jonathan Rand Tzvi Goldberg Nicole Brachman Barry Kupfer WASHINGTON PORT Anna Kamerow MO VALLEJO Lisa Pinkis Mindy Janklowicz TENAFLY Rachel Goldfein CORONA Rivka Mashitz Jessica Rodriguez Jason Schnier COLUMBIA Lesley Patterson Sarah Shore Sholom Kaver Zahava Markovic Dani Goldstein Ahuva Murik Malka Miller WATERTOWN FRANKLIN Eran Feintuch VAN NUYS CORAL SPRINGS Aidel Korbman Hephzibah Wiederkehr Moshe Goldzweig EAST NORWICH Dovid Muehlgay Ariella Khandadash Rebecca Sinks ST LOUIS Baruch Preger Madi Hoesten Yaffa Kushner VINELAND Michal Greenblatt Sherry Lanin Chaya Nulman WEST HEMPSTEAD MARBLEHEAD Steven Low VENICE FORT LAUDERDALE Nechama Landman Geri Schwed Ruth Greenstein FALLSBERG Chaya Nulman Hillel Samlan Barbara Eyges Jim Richman Chami Gross NC Chaya Levin VOORHEES Esther Gut Rachel Berzansky Liba Paige Avraham Solomo NATICK Jodi Weiss HOMESTEAD Arnold Litwin Chani Mayer David Prutchi Tzvi Haas Chana Zisel Epstein Elimelech Piasek WHITE PLAINS Laurie Samuels WOODLAND HILLS Dennis Ross Alex Teich Yerachmiel Percal WALL TOWNSHIP Perel Hande FAR ROCKAWAY Tzirel Fine Jonah Bernstein SWAMPSCOTT Susan Arasteh JACKSONVILLE CHARLOTTE Yitty Posen WEST ORANGE Chaya Isaac Tovah Ackerman Mark Goldberg Steven Cove Stefan Boroda Michella Termechi Sari Lozovsky Lisa Bixen Larry Rauer Erin Sternthal Sholom Ginzberg Tobie Braun Rivka Mashitz WOODMERE

מזל טוב !Mazal Tov to all the new partners who made a difference this year in the life of another Jew YOM KIPPUR | RABBI ELAZAR MEISELS

1. TOLL-FREE NUMBER 2. The message of Jonah’s prophecy applies to each and every one of us, for it is a journey that we all must take. We are born with a “O’ G-d, You taught us to recite the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, so subconscious realization of the fact that we have a mission. We remember for us today the covenant of these thirteen, as You made seek escape, because our mission is often one that we are afraid known to the humble one [Moses] in ancient times…” to attempt. Yet, if we embrace G-d’s compassion, we will find the strength to embark upon it and complete it successfully. – VILNA YOM KIPPUR LITURGY GAON (RABBI ELIJAH BEN SHLOMO ZALMAN, 1720–1797) You taught us to recite 3. When Jonah wondered why G-d had destroyed the Kikayon tree, “Rabbi Yochanan said, ‘Were it not God replied, “You took pity on a Kikayon for which you did not labor for a verse that says as much, it would be forbidden to say this. ... Shall I not take pity on Nineveh, that great city in which there are This teaches that Almighty appeared to Moses [i.e. in a prophetic more than 120,000 people who do not know their right hand from their left, and many beasts as well?” With these words, G-d impressed vision – Ritva] in the guise of a prayer-leader wrapped in a Talit and upon Jonah the idea that the flaws of the residents of Nineveh did taught him the Thirteen Attributes. He said, ‘Whenever Israel sins, not render them unworthy of life. Each person has a purpose in life they should recite this in its proper format and I will forgive them.’” and so long as he is willing to pursue it, he will be given multiple chances to attain his goal. – Sefer Likkutim TRACTATE ROSH HASHANAH 17B 4. The story of Jonah teaches that the harshest Heavenly decree It would forbidden to say this can be reversed with sincere repentance. – LEVUSH MORDECHAI It would be forbidden to (RABBI MORDECHAI JAFFE, C. 1535-1612) say that the Almighty provided a visual demonstration of If Jonah was holy and righteous enough to be chosen to deliver G-d’s warning to how to recite the Thirteen Attributes. Nineveh, what could possibly have possessed him to believe that he could escape his responsibility by fleeing to Tarshish? There is no question that Jonah knew that MAHARSHA (RABBI SHMUEL ELIEZER EIDELS (1555-1631) G-d would find a way to deliver the message, but his overwhelming love for the Jewish people convinced him to flee, in the hopes that G-d would find some other So remember for us today “Rabbi Yehudah taught, ‘There channel through which to deliver the message. Instead, through a series of miracu- was a covenant forged regarding the Thirteen Attributes that they lous events, G-d turned Jonah back and insisted that He carry out his mission. His are never returned unrequited.’” intentions may have been noble, but noble intentions are no match for G-d’s will, which we are bidden to execute even if our intellect perceives things differently. TRACTATE ROSH HASHANAH 17B Why, indeed, was it necessary for the Almighty to provide a visual 3. FIVE TO STRIVE demonstration of how to recite the Thirteen Attributes? Why couldn’t a “It is a positive commandment on Yom HaKippurim to refrain from simple oral lesson suffice to convey this point? Ben Yehoyada explains that this promise of the efficacy of the Thirteen Attributes is counter- partaking in food and drink… we have also learned… that it is forbid- intuitive, entirely out of the ordinary, and utterly dependent upon G-d’s den to wash oneself on this day, anoint oneself, wear [leather] shoes, or inimitable attribute of Kindness. As such, it is constantly subject to RAMBAM HILCHOT TESHUVAH 5:1,2 repeal, should Satan mount an effective counter-attack. Only by bring- engage in conjugal relations…” ing it into the world of “actuality” through an “actual” prophetic vision, These five afflictions correspond to the Five Books of the Torah, and could it be guaranteed against future condemnation. By demonstrating remind us to accept them wholeheartedly without the natural barrier it to Moses, the Almighty immunized us against the diatribes of the imposed by pleasure seeking. – TITEIN TORAH Heavenly Prosecutor. The five afflictions correspond to the five senses through which a per- son is attracted to temptation, and which distract him from spiritual 2. NO FREE SHIPPING pursuits. – LIKKUTEI TORAH “And the Word of Hashem came to Jonah, son of Amittai, saying…” It is imperative to remember that the point of these five afflictions is not to make ourselves uncomfortable merely for the sake of experiencing discomfort. Instead, the HAFTORAH, YOM KIPPUR MINCHAH goal is to enable us to rise above our daily habits which calcify us, and prevent us from seriously pursuing spiritual growth. Therefore, when experiencing the discomfort Why is the Book of Jonah read on Yom Kippur? of Yom Kippur, a person must take the opportunity to seriously consider what changes he or she needs to make in order to become a better person, and strategize on how 1. The repentance of Ninveh’s wicked population serves a reminder to implement these changes in a positive and uplifting manner. for us to repent our own sins. – SHELAH HAKADOSH (RABBI YESHAYA HURWITZ, 1565-1630) Rabbi Meisels can be reached at [email protected] HEIGHT MAKES MIGHT | RABBI ELAZAR MEISELS

the Four Species represents one part of the hu- man body. The Etrog looks like and corresponds Dear Rabbi, to the human heart, the Aravot, long and thin, to the mouth. The Hadassim with their oblong I am studying the laws of the Four Species and last night my partner taught me the shape, evoke comparisons to the eyes, and the proper blessing to recite when shaking them. I was struck by the fact that in the Lulav to the spine with its vertebrae. Influential as the first three limbs may be, they do not com- benediction we refer to the “taking of the Lulav” and omit all mention of the other pare to the spine which controls the entire lower three species. Why was the Lulav selected as the representative of the four? Why portion of the human body and through which all mitzvah activity is performed. This fact alone not the Etrog, or one of the other species? renders it optimal for representing the other Thank you, three in the benediction. Meiri offers another explanation based on a well- Isidore known Midrash that explains that trees generate primarily two things: fruit and fragrance. Fruit represents Torah scholarship, and fragrance rep- resents mitzvot. Each of the Four Species offers Isidore, take hold of the branches thereof…” The word a different combination of these two and there- “Aaleh” is spelled Aleph, Ayin, Lamed, Hey, the Your question is so on target that the sages fore symbolizes a different kind of Jew. The Etrog, first letters of the words, Etrog, Aravah, Lulav, and of the actually addressed it, and I’ll which has a fragrant odor and is an edible fruit, is Hadas [the Four Species.] Thus, the word Aaleh be glad to share their answer with you. The compared to a Torah scholar who also performs in the verse is representative of all Four Species discussion takes place in Tractate Sukkah 37b, many mitzvot. The Lulav gives off zero fragrance, and the verse can be read. “Imrosi – my words and reads as follows: but produces dates, and is compared to a To- regarding, Aaleh – the Four Species, B’Tamar – rah scholar with great Torah knowledge but few “Rabbah says: The Lulav must be held in the right hand, will be expressed through the date palm [i.e. mitzvot. The Hadas gives off a beautiful fragrance and the Etrog in the left hand. Why? Because with the Lu- Lulav.] but produces inedible fruit, and the Aravah offers lav, three mitzvot [Lulav, Hadas, Aravah] are performed, neither fragrance nor fruit and symbolizes the and with the Etrog only one. Interestingly, Rambam [Yad HaChazakah Hil- chot Lulav, 7:6] offers a different rationale than Jew who possesses neither Torah, nor mitzvot. Said R. Yirmiah to R’ Zrika: Why do we pronounce the that found in the Talmud for the choice of Lulav Understood thusly, the Etrog represents the ideal benediction over the Lulav only? Because it is higher than over the others. He explains that it is because Jew. the other species. But why not raise the Etrog [higher,] and two of the other species are bound to the Since the Etrog represents the ideal Jew, it stands pronounce the benediction over it? He answered: Because Lulav and even the Etrog, which is not bound apart from the others, which explains why it is not by nature it grows higher than the other species [i.e. the to it, is still held adjacent to it. Therefore, by bound together with the others, only held adja- date palm is a taller tree than that of the other species]” lifting the Lulav, one fulfills the other mitzvot cent. It can stand before the Almighty on its own The commentators explain that the Talmud as well and this renders the Lulav as an ideal merits entirely. The other three species are each suggested only the Etrog as a possible alterna- choice through which to recite the blessing on individually flawed and thus, they must present tive because in the verse in the Torah which all four. [Aruch L’Ner [Tractate Sukkah 37b] who their case as a unit, and hope that one compen- informs us of the obligation to take the Four is troubled by Rambam’s decision to offer a sates for the other who is lacking. The reality is Species [“On the first day, you must take for rationale other than the Talmud’s, explains that that more so than the Etrog which symbolizes yourself a fruit of the citron tree, an unopened Rambam felt that the reason offered earlier by perfection, these three represent the common palm frond, myrtle branches, and willows that the Talmud for holding the Lulav specifically in Jew who is an imperfect specimen and therefore grow near the brook…” Leviticus 23:40,] the the right hand, is sufficient to explain why we one of them was chosen to represent the greater Etrog is mentioned first and then followed by mention Lulav in the blessing over the others body of Jewry through the taking of the Four Spe- the Lulav. Thus, it was thought that of the four, as well. The point that the Talmud made about cies. Of the three, the Lulav, which symbolizes the most appropriate representative would be the Lulav’s height, was only necessary if we Torah with a minimum of mitzvot, is the most the Etrog, if not for the fact that the Lulav tree don’t hold that it is crucial to hold the Lulav in prominent. This is why the Lulav is chosen to rep- grows taller than the Etrog tree and is therefore the right hand. Since we rule like Rabbah that resent the others in the benediction. It represents a more ideal choice. the Lulav must be taken in the right hand, this an imperfect Jew, but one who strives to be the reason suffices to explain why we mention the best he possibly can be. Although the Talmud offers little scriptural Lulav in the blessing as well.] support for its contention that the Lulav best Wishing you and your entire family a truly represents the other three species, Igra D’Pirka These two explanations address your question joyous holiday, offers a beautiful allusion to this idea from a purely from a halachic standpoint. The commen- taries offer various homiletic explanations for this verse in Shir HaShirim [Song of Songs 7:9,] Rabbi Elazar Meisels “Amarti Aaleh B’tamar Ochazah B’sansinav…” – as well. I’ll share with you two. “I said: ‘I will climb up into the palm-tree, I will The Midrash [VaYikra 30:14] tells us that each of DOVID BASLAW

the upcoming year, but infusing our (Vayikra 23:41) time, space, and body in the service וחגתם אתו חג לה‘ שבעת ימים בשנה of Hashem every day “in the year”. “You shall celebrate it as a festival for Hashem. A seven day However, from the fact that the Rabbis nevertheless made this decree, period in the year.” we see that they understood that there is more to mitzvos than just looking after oneself to do them properly.

ne of the many qualities Rabbi Brezovsky notes that a Jew can As much as we think Hashem will be inherent in the command- serve his Creator through one of three happy if we do what we are supposed O ments pertaining to the dimensions: space, time and body. A to, we forget that He doesn’t look at us holiday of Sukkot is the opportunity person can serve HaShem by designat- as individuals but as part of the col- it provides for the observer to create ing a space for the purpose of serving lective Jewish nation. If some of His channels of Kedushah (holiness) that Him or by setting aside time spending children do His will with the greatest one can draw from and touch every it in an elevated manner or by using his precision while a much larger group aspect of our life. In his exquisite col- body to fulfill a mitzvah. On Sukkot, the may not, due to lack of knowledge, the lection of essays on the holidays of holiday which occurs at the beginning overall picture from His perspective is the year entitled Netivot Shalom, Rabbi of the calendar year, a Jew is called grim. Shalom Noach Brezofsky (otherwise upon to employ all three dimensions in known as the Slonimer Rebbe) sites the service of HaShem. He is instruct- The Sages appreciated that as much as the unique wording of a verse in the ed to take a designated period of time Hashem would enjoy the taking of the Torah describing the YomTov of Sukkot. and spend it intimately with HaShem. four species by those who know how He is also instructed to designate a to do so, the pain caused by those The verse reads (Vayikra 23:41) space within which he should build who may accidentally transgress is so a sukkah the holiness of which is so great that it outweighs the pleasure He וחגתם אתו חג לה‘ שבעת ימים בשנה “You shall celebrate it as a festival for powerful that the neshamot (souls) would receive. Upon understanding Hashem. A seven day period in the of the founding leaders of the Jewish this, the questioner will be left with a year.” R abbi Brezovsky notes that people come as guests and visit. He is new appreciation of the Torah does not include the words also instructed to bring together (and the sense of responsibility which we “in the year” with regard to any other shake) the “four Species”, where each are required to feel toward our Jewish holiday and offers an important insight species is symbolic of a vital organ brethren. Hopefully, this new recogni- as to why this is so. of the human body used in Divine tion will inspire him to a newfound commitment to reach out, educate, and Every year, the spiritual cleansing process service (the lulav corresponds to the draw near those uneducated and less that Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur spine, the etrog to the heart, the myrtle fortunate Jews in a manner which tak- provide, enables the Jew to begin the to the eyes, and the willow to the ing the four species could never have year with a clean slate. With that accom- lips). Bringing each of these together accomplished! plished, the days of Sukkot that soon demonstrates our willingness to serve Hashem with our entire body. follow and the commandments that are Dovid Baslaw can be reached at fulfilled throughout its duration allows As we conclude Sukkot which, like no [email protected] each individual the opportunity to build other holiday, involves our service to a solid, unblemished spiritual foundation Hashem with time, space, and body, of Divine service for the New Year. we are not only setting the stage for Partnership in Wedding Planning | DENA YELLIN

ike thousands of college students who visited Israel on a started with a basic introduction-to-Judaism type of book. But it Birthright trip, Jeff signed up for a Partner in Torah before quickly became obvious that, as a mother of a newly observant returning to America. And like many of those who had son, Marilyn had specific things she needed help with, fast. comeL before him, Jeff reclaimed his Jewish birthright in the full- est sense of the word as a fully-informed member of the Jewish “During the first session, I saw that the book just didn’t seem to community. Certainly, no one anticipated how the ripples would be working for Marilyn. I decided to backtrack a bit, make it more spread from Jeff’s interest, and how things would all fall into personal, and told Marilyn why I decided to join Partners in Torah. place around him. I told her about someone I knew who’d joined and made a really nice relationship with their partner, and how inspired I was by this Jeff got more and more involved in Judaism and in due time he lovely partnership. Then I asked Marilyn why she’d joined, and was set to leave for Israel to study at Machon Shlomo, in Jerusa- she described her son’s transformation and wanted guidance on lem. In the months preceding his trip, he spent many a how to run a traditional Shabbat. with members of the observant community nearby in his home- town of Jacksonville, Florida. He started talking with his mother They studied the meaning of Shabbat and the purpose behind about all the things he was studying and tried to encourage her many of the do’s and don’ts. Marilyn eventually joined a local to get on board to incorporate more Jew- class to learn more about the laws of ish practice in their home. Kasrhut, and Yehudis served as her ...a moving testimony personal tutor for questions about all They’d been a team, Jeff and Marilyn, since that she was learning. Today, two years the divorce back when Jeff was a toddler. to the family-like bond later, Marilyn is pretty sure that she Jeff was Marilyn’s only child, and she was never would have been able to stick committed to making him happy. So if Jeff they’d developed and with it if not for Yehudis’s patience was interested in doing more, Marilyn was and her exceptionally warm, outgoing open to talking about it – but she had no Marilyn’s tremendous personality. clue how to go about it. “As we went along, Yehudis just did not Growing up in Jacksonville, North Carolina, growth, products of allow it to be overwhelming – which Marilyn’s father traveled a lot. But she knew was a pretty big accomplishment, he had been raised in a religious home, their telephone partnership. considering how little I knew and how and when he was around, she’d see his sure I was that this whole thing wouldn’t tefillin. She also knew that walking to shul amount to much. We became friends, on Shabbat was something that meant a lot to him. As an adult, and I could see that she really cared.” she had tried to get Jeff access to Jewish education by enrolling him in the Solomon Schecter School, and by bringing him to a Before they knew it, September came, and Jeff’s departure to local synagogue where many people drove to Shabbat services. Israel was upon them. Yehudis knew it was going to be a tough That was as much observance as Marilyn could manage. send off for Marilyn and her heart went out to this very devoted mother. “Come to me for Rosh Hashana,” Yehudis said, “You’ve At some point, Jeff handed Marilyn the phone number of Part- got to join me. You’ll hear the shofar in shul, you’ll be with my ners in Torah and suggested that she call up and get a partner family, and we’ll finally get to meet!” herself. “I figured I knew so little that I probably couldn’t even be helped,” remembers Marilyn, “so I didn’t think it would last more So Marilyn came. She flew in and Yehudis stood at the airport with than a month. I remember telling them that I would really need a a sign bearing Marilyn’s name. “It was just like in a novel,” says very open partner, who wouldn’t be fazed by questions coming Yehudis. ”I had no idea what she looked like. I had sent her a from so far out. I was basically going along with the idea just for picture but it didn’t arrive before her trip, and I didn’t have one of Jeff’s sake, but I didn’t think anything would come of it.” her. So neither of us knew exactly who we were looking for!” Yehudis, Marilyn’s Torah partner, recalls getting started. “Partners “Spending Rosh Hashana with Yehudis’s family was amazing,” in Torah told me that Marilyn wanted basic Jewish information, Marilyn remembers. “I had never experienced the beauty of that she was a real beginner whose son had become obser- Shabbat. And there seemed to be people coming in and out of vant. After speaking with Marilyn, they recommended that we get her house, all day long, every day that I was there. I’d never seen anything like it! I was afraid of doing the wrong thing, but with the Continued: Partnership in Wedding Planning warm reception I got from the entire family, the ice was melted. Yehudis showed me how to make challah and I did it right along with her.” With time, Marilyn became a frequent traveler, going further afield to spend part of Pesach in Israel with Jeff, and the rest of the holiday with Yehudis, then back with Yehudis and company again for yet another Rosh Hashana. Jeff came to Yehudis’s house too during the summer when he was back in America. “During our discussions over the phone, Yehudis always let me know when Rosh Chodesh was coming and help me get ready for whatever holiday was coming up,” Marilyn says with emotion. “She gave me so much day-to-day help and became a true friend.” Every now and then, both Yehudis and Marilyn would get calls from Hava, a Partners in Torah staffer who was keep- ing tabs on the partnership. Hava would call to check in and see how the learning was going, and offered to make connections for Marilyn with resources in her area. Sometimes own wedding – it Marilyn had kashrut questions, and when Yehudis couldn’t reach was so helpful. And the wedding….I’d never seen her Rabbi, Hava would put Marilyn in touch with a qualified Rabbi so much happiness. It was so different from what I’d seen at who could help her out. every wedding I ever attended, including my own – those were more stress than anything else. Here, everyone seemed to be Well into Jeff’s second year at Machon Shlomo, he got engaged. genuinely as happy for Jeff and his bride as the couple was them- Yehudis went into high gear and made it her business to prepare selves!” Marilyn for all the new things she was facing, from the six-week engagement to the Orthodox wedding in Israel. Technical details, Marilyn’s family wasn’t able to attend the wedding because they esoteric points of philosophy surrounding a Jewish wedding, travel couldn’t get passports made quickly enough. Yehudis was all the plans and the understandable angst of a mother whose son was family Marilyn and Jeff had there with them. Side by side, Marilyn about to embark on yet another stage of life so far away… All this and Yehudis sat next to the bride at the reception. They watched buzzed through the telephone wires as the date approached. Dur- the men dancing with the groom and Marilyn knew this experi- ing this time, Yehudis realized that she couldn’t let Marilyn face this ence was above and beyond anything she’d ever seen. challenge alone. “I wanted the experience not only to be okay for Marilyn, but also to be meaningful – the wedding of her only child, During the wedding meal¸ a gentle tap on the shoulder brought after all! – and I knew I’d just have to be there at her side.” Marilyn face to face with yet another stranger who’d come to share in her son’s simchah. Hava, the Partners in Torah staffer, At first, it was going to be a surprise. But when the frequency of who actually lives in Jerusalem, had come to introduce herself their conversations changed from once a week to every day and and wish Marilyn Mazel Tov. even several times a day, Yehudis felt like she was going to bust with her secret. Finally she gave up the charade and told Marilyn It was tremendously meaningful for both Marilyn and Yehudis she was going to be there. Soon, they were coordinating travel to share this momentous event. It was a moving testimony to plans to meet at a central airport and fly into Israel together. the family-like bond they’d developed and Marilyn’s tremendous growth, products of their telephone partnership. The two women The wedding was unforgettable. Marilyn took everything in with continue to share the joy of their learning.. As they’ve discov- awe and excitement, finding the many facets of the traditional wed- ered, living in different states doesn’t mean living separate lives ding both curious and heart-warming. She felt fortunate to have or lifestyles; there is a gap to be bridged, and it can all start with Yehudis at her side throughout the experience. “Yehudis was great. a phone call. She sent me books; she sent me a pamphlet she had used for her THANKS FOR THE LIGHT! | RABBI REUVEN DRUCKER

live. Its source is rooted in G-d’s perspec- tive of His creation and He has shared this Dear Rabbi: illumination with us, so we do not stumble and fall on our path through life. In our daily prayers, we say, “[G-d] has separated us I heard from my partner about the great celebrations that from those who go astray and has given us a Torah of Truth.” The alternative—a life are held on Simchat Torah in synagogues throughout the based on what human beings believe to be world, and am looking forward to attending one this year. My correct—often leads to making choices that conform with the current mores of society, question for you is: historically, what took place on Simchat but do not stand up to the test of time. Each year on Simchat Torah, a Jew is overcome Torah that made it such a great day for celebration? with G-d’s gift of illumination. However, the question remains: why do we Happy New Year, reserve our expression of joy specifically on Ed P this day of the year, as opposed to any other day of the year? Simchat Torah is celebrated on the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, which is the last day of the Sukkot holiday. Thou- sands of years ago, when the Holy Temple Dear Ed: and you felt an even greater appreciation in Jerusalem was in operation, the Jews I have some shocking news for you! for your friend’s thoughtfulness. As your bus would offer 70 sacrifices on behalf of all Although most celebrations that take place pulled out of the station, imagine that your mankind, (which according to our Tradition on the Jewish calendar are associated with friend showed up to say goodbye. Undoubt- is divided into 70 nations). Essentially, after historical events—Passover (the exodus from edly, your heart would pound with love and achieving Divine forgiveness for their own Egypt), Shavuot (the giving of the Torah), joy for the incredible gift of illumination that transgressions during the Rosh Hashanah/ Sukkot (the protection of the Jewish people he gave you—a gift that truly spared you so Yom Kippur period immediately preceding when they traveled through the Wilderness), much grief and provided you with so much Sukkot, the Jewish nation involved itself in Chanukah (the salvation from the hands of pleasantness. gaining pardon for all the nations of the the Assyrian-Greeks) and Purim (the salva- The joy of Simchat Torah, although not world with these sacrifices. The last day of tion from the hands of the Persians)—the joy rooted in a past event in Jewish history, is the holiday (Shemini Atzeret), is a “farewell we experience on the day of Simchat Torah really the joy of the traveler through life who day” between G-d and His people Israel. does not have any historical underpinnings. uses the illumination of the Torah to guide “Your departure [at the end of this festival Certainly some explanation is in order. him or her around the pitfalls and “landmin- period] is difficult for Me to bear. Stay one Before the explanation, however, let me es” of life. By studying the wisdom of the more day [and let us celebrate intimately, engage you in a parable. Imagine you were Torah and implementing its tenets, we are without busying yourself with efforts on in Houston at night after Hurricane Ike hit. able to transcend the trendy wisdom of one behalf of others],” our Sages characterize The city is without electricity and you need decade, which oftentimes seems primitive this final day of the holiday season. This is to get to the bus station in order to evacu- and unenlightened in the next. In America the farewell at the bus station, so to speak, ate. The storm’s high winds and voluminous circa 1960, there were many places where and this moment of intimacy allows us to rain left devastation in its wake and debris Afro-Americans were required to travel in experience a private moment of appreciation all over the streets. Imagine that a friend of the back of a bus. Some 40 years later, an and joy—both the joy for the illumination we yours gave you a flashlight before you set Afro-American has been awarded the right have garnered to date and the anticipation out to the bus station. While others fumbled to run for President. What were they think- of the illumination we hope to gain in the their way down the sidewalks, bumping into ing back then, one might ask? How come future. downed poles and stumbling on bricks and some of G-d’s creations were so discrimi- nated against because of the color of their Ed, I hope you enjoy your Simchat Torah this wood planks, you were able to circumvent year and for many years to come. trouble during your slow and deliberate skin, which was not of their choosing? walk. Upon arriving at the station, you saw Only with the absolute Truth of our Torah Your friend, others who suffered from bruises and lac- are we able to rise above the current no- Rabbi Reuven Druckeer erations from their excursion through town, tions of the host culture within which we For Discussion Around the Yom Tov Table | OZER ALPORT

As Rosh Hashanah is the day the knife which Abraham was willing nally planned to create man and woman t) on which we are judged for to use to sacrifice his beloved son to as separate beings, but ultimately chose our actions, why do we not confess or Hashem? to make them as one (Genesis 5:2), repent for our sins in an effort to avoid only to then split the person into two being judged for them? (Leket Reshimos v) If a person is forced to spend and then command him (Genesis 2:24) of Rabbi Nosson Wachtfogel) Sukkot either in a communi- to cling to his wife and to become one ty which has a sukkah but doesn’t have flesh. What is the significance of this c) Why is the holiday referred to the four species or in a place which has apparent change of plans and recurring as Rosh Hashanah (literally, the 4 species but no sukkah, which one retractions? (Aderes Eliyahu 2:18 by head of the year) instead of a seem- should he choose? Why? the ) ingly more appropriate name such as Yom HaDin, the day of judgment, or u) When reciting the Grace after Rashi writes (Genesis 3:1) that the name by which it is referred in the Meals during Sukkot, we pray, h) the serpent was inspired to Torah, Yom Teruah (the day of blowing “May the Merciful One (Hashem) trick Adam and Eve after he saw her the shofar) (Numbers 29:1)? return to us the falling Sukkah of King in the Garden of Eden and desired her. David (i.e. the Holy Temple).” Why do If his goal was to have Eve for him- d) Rosh Hashanah is legally con- we associate the Temple with David self, why did he pressure her to take sidered a festive day, on which and not with his son Solomon, who from the forbidden fruit, which would a person dresses in his finest and eats actually built it? bring about her death and defeat his enjoyable meals. The verse commands In the blessing recited just before purpose? (Taima D’Kra by Rabbi us (Nechemia 8:10) to rejoice on this z) Chaim Kanievsky) Holy day and not be sad. How can we be Shema during the evening expected to be happy at a time when we prayers on Shabbat and festivals, we The serpent succeeded in know that we are on trial and our very ask Hashem to spread His sukkah of th) getting Eve to eat from over us. What is the fruit of the tree of knowledge by (סוכת שלום) lives are at stake? (Darash Moshe by peace Rabbi ) the connection between a sukkah and convincing her that doing so wouldn’t peace? cause her death (Genesis 3:4-6). One of the reasons given for However, immediately after eating the s) the blowing of the shofar on Why are we accustomed j) to finish the annual cycle of fruit, she gave some to Adam to eat Rosh Hashanah is to remember the with her. Rashi explains that she did merit of the binding of Isaac, and it reading the Torah on Simchat Torah instead of on Rosh Hashanah, which so out of a fear that after her death, is for this reason that we are accus- Adam would remain alive and would tomed to use the horn of a ram, just would seem to be more appropriate as it represents the beginning of the new find another mate. How is it possible as Abraham offered (Genesis 22:13) a that she ate the fruit out of a conviction ram on the altar he had built for Isaac. year? (Bikurei Yaakov 669:1 by Rabbi Yaakov Ettlinger) that doing so wouldn’t be fatal, only Instead of invoking the memory of the to immediately fear the aftermath of ram offered instead of Isaac, wouldn’t The Talmud (Berachot 61a) her impending death? (Taima D’Kra by it be more meritorious to remember y) explains that Hashem origi- Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky) Hey, I Never Knew That!

Amazing Insights About the High Holidays | OZER ALPORT

There is a three-year cycle which governs the tithes that a person and to perform the mitzvah according to all opinions, we are accustomed Q is obligated to take from his crops. In the year following the conclu- to blow three different sounds: tekiah, shevarim, and teruah. Although sion of a three-year cycle, one has until the day before Passover to deliver we sound the shofar according to each possible interpretation, there all of his tithes to their respective destinations. On the last day of Passover, is nevertheless a specific order in which we arrange the sounds. When he recites a passage (26:13-15) in which he declares that he has properly blowing them all together, we first blow the simple tekiah, then the three observed the laws governing the separation and distribution of the tithes. shevarim sounds, then the broken teruahs, and finally another unbroken The Mishnah (Sotah 32a) refers to this section as the “confession” of the tekiah. Why were the sounds arranged in this particular order? tithes. In what way is it considered a confession when it makes no reference The Shelah HaKadosh, Rabbi Yeshaya Horowitz, writes that this order was specifically to sin, but rather represents a declaration that one has acted. A chosen in order to symbolize for us the concept of repentance. King Solomon writes Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev offers an innovative explanation of one of the lines in Ecclesiastes (7:29), “Hashem made man straight, but people sought out numerous complex from the Mussaf (additional) prayers for Rosh Hashanah. He begins by noting an calculations.” We begin by sounding an unbroken tekiah to symbolize the simple, straightfor- A ward manner in which Hashem initially created us. Unfortunately, as the verse prophesies, we interesting difference between the proper attitude toward mitzvot and sins. With regard to a person’s sins, it is preferable to remember them constantly, so as to fully repent for them inevitably complicate situations unnecessarily, as represented by the broken sounds of the and to be careful not to repeat them. Regarding mitzvot, however, it is advisable not to shevarim. As if that weren’t sufficient, we fail to recognize the error of our ways until we have remember and dwell on one’s successes, as this may cause a person to become haughty reached rock bottom, as suggested by the short crying sounds of the teruah. Sometimes it is or complacent, but rather to leave them in the past and always focus on future growth and only after a person has fallen into the depths of despair that he is able to recognize how far he accomplishments. has fallen from his original heights, and it is this realization which jolts and inspires him to full and proper repentance, allowing him to return to the straight tekiah just as he was created! At the end of the Remembrances section of the Rosh Hashanah Mussaf prayers, we say, “You (Hashem) remember all that which is forgotten.” In other words, Hashem According to one opinion in the Talmud (Sukkah 11b), we are com- remembers whatever we forget and “forgets” whatever we remember. If a person acts Q manded to sit in sukkot in order to commemorate the miracle of the properly, remembering his sins and forgetting his mitzvot, then Hashem will overlook his Clouds of Glory which surrounded the Jews during their travels through the misdeeds and focus on recalling his accomplishments. If, however, the person forgets wilderness. As this miracle began immediately upon the Exodus from Egypt, his sins and arrogantly dwells on his mitzvot, then Hashem will meticulously remember each sin while overlooking all of his good deeds! a number of commentators question why the holiday commemorating the miracle takes place in Tishrei and not in Nissan, when the miracle began? Based on this explanation, the Satmar Rebbe Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum suggests that in reciting the declaration concerning the distribution of tithes, the person recounts in The Vilna Gaon answers that we are not commemorating the Clouds of Glory which detail how he acted properly and adhered to all of the relevant laws. In doing so, he is A initially protected the Jews in Nissan, as those clouds were taken away at the time of remembering and dwelling upon the mitzvot which he performed over the previous the sin of the Golden Calf. Rather, we are commemorating the clouds which returned on the three years, something which Hashem in general prefers that we not do. In this sense, the 15th day of Tishrei after Hashem forgave the Jewish people, and which remained to surround proclamation that he has behaved properly over the previous three years is none other than a and protect them for the duration of their sojourn in the wilderness. He explains that the Jews confession! Although we traditionally assume that a confession is associated with a declaration were forgiven on the 10th of Tishrei (Yom Kippur), and on the 11th Moses commanded them of one’s sins, in this case we now understand that a proud statement about the righteousness regarding the building of the Tabernacle. They brought their contributions for the Tabernacle for of one’s actions can also be considered a form of confession. two days (Exodus 36:3), the 12th and the 13th, and on the 14th Moses realized that the dona- tions were sufficient and announced that no more should be brought (36:6). On the following The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah (34a) quotes various opinions day, the 15th of Tishrei, the work began on the building of the Tabernacle and on that day, the Q regarding the sound the Torah intended when it instructed us Clouds of Glory returned to the Jewish camp, which we celebrate and remember on Sukkot. (23:24) to blow the shofar on Rosh Hashanah. In order to avoid doubt Ozer Alport can be reached at [email protected]