DOCSLIB.ORG

A Taste of Torah

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Taste of Torah Tzav 5775 March 27, 2015 A Taste of Torah Stories For The Soul Fan The Flames Have A Great Shabbos By Rabbi Eli Mozes Yaakov Yosef Herman (1880-1967) With the clarion call of the trumpet, (Temple), was a location where we was a pious Jew who lived in New the peaceful encampment kicked into high experienced the Divine Presence. However, York City during the first decades gear. Housewives hurriedly packed their there was an important distinction between of the 20th century. Despite many belongings as their husbands disassembled the two; while the Bais Hamikdash was a challenges, he steadfastly adhered to the tents. Over at the Mishkan (Tabernacle), complete structure with a defined location, the Torah and its mitzvos, and raised a the Kohanim (priests) and Levi’im (Levites) the Mishkan was a portable structure which family devoted to G-d and His Torah. got to work taking apart the coverings and the Jewish People took with them wherever Mr. Herman was a furrier, and he walls of the Tabernacle and loading them they went. With this in mind, we can say owned a shop in Manhattan. One onto wagons. The Holy Vessels were carried that the Mishkan was the prototype for how Shabbos, a police officer appeared at on their shoulders as they headed off into to build an environment which supports the the desert to an unknown destination. The Divine Presence wherever we are. If we look his door and informed him that his Jewish People experienced this forty-one deeply into the design of the Mishkan, we can fur store was on fire. “You’d better get times throughout their forty-year sojourn in take out lessons in how to turn our homes down there as soon as possible,” said the desert. and synagogues into areas where the Divine the officer. One would think that all the Mishkan’s Presence is felt. This would explain the need Mr. Herman calmly explained to function ceased during their traveling time; for the Torah to spend so much time telling the stunned officer that today was his however, there was one constant which us the details of the Mishkan design, so that Sabbath, and he was unable to come to remained, even as they were in transit. In we can take these lessons and apply them to the store until the Sabbath ended. He this week’s parsha, it states, “An eternal our lives. then proceeded to conduct his Shabbos flame shall burn upon it (the Altar), it shall One example of this is the eternal flame. like any other, enjoying the Shabbos not be extinguished.” The Jerusalem Talmud It is one thing for us to turn our homes, meals, singing zemiros, relating Torah (Yoma 5:6) expounds that when the Jews synagogues and batei medrash (study halls) thoughts, and engaging in the prayers. traveled, the flame wasn’t extinguished; they into Divine Presence-friendly environments, After Shabbos was over, he went to would just cover it over with a large vessel. but much of our life is spent outside of survey the damage, expecting to find his One curiosity which many people these locations, oftentimes in environments shop in shambles. Except that his shop wonder about is that the Torah devotes which are beyond our control, while we are was perfectly fine! The store next door four parshios to the construction of the traveling, at work, shopping, etc. Should we had caught fire, but his was spared. Mishkan; why the need to spend so much resign ourselves to the fact that those parts This week’s Shabbos is called of the day will just be mundane, completely time discussing this one structure? This Shabbos Hagadol, the Great Shabbos, devoid of the Divine Presence? The Torah question becomes even starker when we because the Jewish People separated a teaches us that even when the Mishkan was realize how limited the intended duration sheep for the Pesach Sacrifice, knowing of the Mishkan was. Had the Jews not in transit, the eternal flame on the Altar was full well that the Egyptians would be sinned and been punished with forty years never extinguished. So, too, in our lives, we enraged, as they worshipped sheep. in the desert, they would have arrived in must ensure that even when we are in transit, Eretz Yisrael in a matter of days (see Rashi the eternal flame remains ignited. When But the Jews trusted that Hashem Deuteronomy 1:2). Granted that, even after traveling in the car, we can always take along would protect them as they fulfilled they entered Eretz Yisrael, they continued to an audio Torah class with us; even if we are His command, and the Egyptians were use the Mishkan for an additional fourteen traveling with someone else who wouldn’t be powerless to do anything. This event is years while they conquered and divided the interested in it, the very fact that is sitting in commemorated annually the Shabbos land, but fourteen years is but a blip within the glove compartment is keeping the flame before Pesach, for it is Shabbos that the context of Jewish history; why would the lit. If we take a sefer along with us to work, embodies the idea that Hashem is the Torah spend so much time describing to us even if we only glance at it for two minutes only true Power in the world. Those something which was so temporary? during our lunch break, its presence on our who are fully cognizant of the message Perhaps we can offer an explanation based desk will bring the flame into the cubicle. Be and reality of Shabbos can place their on the writings of Rabbi Aharon Levine creative and you will find many ways to fan full trust in Hashem and not worry (1879-1941). First, we must understand that the flames. about what goes on in the world. the Mishkan, just like the Bais Hamikdash Kollel Happenings Increase Your Jewish IQ By: Rabbi Yaakov Zions KOLLEL CELEBRATION Last week we asked: What are the maariv others say sim shalom at both, MEDIA CENTER four customs (all currently practiced) like the Sefardic custom. 4) Some Would you like to view the From as to when one recites the shorter have a custom to recite sim shalom at Sinai to Denver video shown blessing of shalom rav as the final mincha on Shabbos even if shalom rav at the Kollel’s 17th Anniversary blessing of Shemoneh Esrei, instead of is recited at mincha during the week. Celebration? View pictures or the the lengthier sim shalom? Commemorative Journal? Order the exclusive publication From Sinai A: 1) The Sefardic custom is to always recite the longer version of sim shalom. This week’s question: Can you to Denver? explain the reasoning for the four Visit the Kollel’s Celebration Media 2) Nusach Ashkenaz recites the shorter shalom rav at mincha and maariv. aforementioned customs of reciting Center at www.denverkollel.org, sim shalom and shalom rav? and click on the Media Center 3) Within Nusach Sefard (which is banner. not the same thing as the Sefardic To submit an answer to Rabbi Zions, custom), there are some who say sim email [email protected] The M.B. GLASSMAN shalom at mincha and shalom rav at FOUNDATION GOLD ADOPT-A- BUBBY PROGRAM Do you know of a senior – a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, neighbor, Ask the Rabbi fellow congregant – who would For Sale? benefit from a weekly phone call to schmooze, share a thought on GANZ wrote: the parsha or Jewish calendar, or Dear Rabbi, happened to be on duty at the time, just say hello? Do you have a few As usual I enjoyed another one entered the pizza shop, arrested minutes a week to call a senior of your responses, this time to the robber, and exclaimed, “You’re in the community and make a Philip Americus about ‘Scalping robbing MY business!” difference in the life of another? Tickets.’ Your logic is commendable. Contact the Denver Community However, could you reconcile for me And it’s told of a whiskey Kollel’s M.B. Glassman Foundation your advice of not using tricks to get producer in Europe who sold his GOLD Adopt-A-Bubby program! around a law, with the practice at entire business for Pesach. After Call Joyce Litzman at the Denver Pesach of selling one’s chametz - or Pesach, the buyer decided he wanted even more astute - locking them up Community Kollel at 303-820-2855, to own the business permanently, in a cupboard and selling “futures” and so he refused to sell it back. or email [email protected]. to someone who will never pick them up. But you’re right. Both buyer and LEARN 2 LEARN Dear GANZ, seller should take the sale seriously You have long dreamed of acquiring and realize that it’s not a ‘trick.’ I the tools to achieve proficiency in Selling your chametz before Pesach is not a trick, but a legally know of a Rabbi who, in order to learning Gemara on your own. But show his congregants that the sale how? The Denver Community Kollel binding sale. When you sell your chametz it belongs to the buyer who is no joke, told the buyer to enter a offers a comprehensive, step-by- has every right to use it. home during Pesach and ask for his step, level-by-level program crafted chametz! for people just like you. All you need In a certain community, all the is the ability to read Hebrew; we chametz - including the kosher pizza Sources: will teach you the rest.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • National Council of Young Israel Board of Directors
    NATIONAL TABLE OF CONTENTS COUNCIL OF YOUNG ISRAEL GREETINGS 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rabbi David Warshaw RABBI DAVID WARSHAW INTRODUCTION 4 YOUNG ISRAEL OF OCEANSIDE, PRESIDENT Rabbi Shmuel Ismach DAVID SCHULTZ Rabbi Sholom Axelrod YOUNG ISRAEL OF CENTURY CITY/LOS ANGELES CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD HOLYDAYS OR HOLIDAYS? 7 HAROLD ASPIS Rabbi Baruch Taub YOUNG ISRAEL OF SCARSDALE 1ST VICE PRESIDENT JOURNEY IN TESHUVA 8 CHARLES MILLER Rabbi Joshua Goller YOUNG ISRAEL OF WOODMERE 2ND VICE PRESIDENT AN ACRONYM OF TESHUVAH 10 ROBERT LEVI Rav Shalom Gold YOUNG ISRAEL OF SHOMRAI EMUNAH/ GREATER WASHINGTON, TREASURER VOICES 17 ARI PEARL Rabbi Elazar R. Muskin YOUNG ISRAEL HOLLYWOOD- FT. LAUDERDALE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ROSH HASHANAH: FRIENDSHIP DAVID GROSS YOUNG ISRAEL OF PLAINVIEW DAY 19 RECORDING SECRETARY Rabbi Yosef Weinstock JONATHAN ABBETT YOUNG ISRAEL OF BROOKLINE, ASSOCIATE VP THIRTEEN DIVINE ATTRIBUTES 23 Rabbi Chaim Wasserman ADAM P. COHEN YOUNG ISRAEL OF GREAT NECK, ASSOCIATE VP SUKKOT AND THE PURSUIT OF STEVE COHEN YOUNG ISRAEL OF OAK PARK, ASSOCIATE VP HAPPINESS 30 Rabbi Doron Perez ARYEH DAVIS YOUNG ISRAEL OF LAWRENCE/CEDARHURST Executive Chairman, World Mizrachi ASSOCIATE VP THE MITZVAH OF DALET MINIM 32 NAOMI KORN GOLD YOUNG ISRAEL OF SHARON, ASSOCIATE VP Rabbi Shay Schachter ANDY GROSS MOSHE’S BRACHAH TO REUVEN; YOUNG ISRAEL OF EAST BRUNSWICK, ASSOCIATE VP MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE 40 JANET HOD Rabbi Zev Goldberg YOUNG ISRAEL OF TEANECK, ASSOCIATE VP OWEN RUMELT HOW DO I KEEP SHEVI’IT WHEN YOUNG ISRAEL OF WEST HEMPSTEAD, ASSOCIATE VP VISITING
    [Show full text]
  • Stories to Share Overview Halacha Highlight
    סימן “ ו סעיף ב -‘ סימן “ ז סעיף ב ‘ “כ ו אייר, תשפ“א Shabbos, May 8, 2021 Overview Halacha Highlight Siman 56 Seif 2: Bowing during and taking three steps after kaddish The . אמן the tzibbur should answer יתברך When the shaliach tzibbur says Shulchan Aruch Siman 56 Seif 4 כשאומר החזן יתגדל כורע בריך הוא when the shaliach tzibbur says אמן tzibbur should also answer he should bow יתגדל or When the chazzan says יתברך after אמן We are not accustomed to answer . ואמרו אמן and לעלא מכל and בריך הוא One should not interrupt between . בריך הוא after writes that the shaliach tzibbur should bow when (סע' ד') Shulchan Aruch . ברכתא וכו' Although . אמן and יתגדל , יהא שמה רבא , יתברך , בריך הוא :he says the words . יתגדל ויתקדש שמה רבא to the phrase אמן The custom is to answer there are many opinions amongst the Rishonim regarding the number of (M.B. 12) times one should bow and at which words one should bow, Bais Yosef after the shaliach tzibbur בריך הוא Our custom is to repeat the words cites Kol Bo and Avudraham that one should bow at the five places men- reads those words. (M.B. 13) tioned above. Interestingly, Chavos Yair in his work Mikor Chaim Sha’arei Teshuvah quotes authorities who maintain that the phrase wondered why people are not more careful to bow at these (קיצור הלכות) and then one should pause קודשא is connected to the word בריך הוא places when saying kaddish , especially since Tur characterized these bows (M.B. 14) .
    [Show full text]
  • On the Proper Use of Niggunim for the Tefillot of the Yamim Noraim
    On the Proper Use of Niggunim for the Tefillot of the Yamim Noraim Cantor Sherwood Goffin Faculty, Belz School of Jewish Music, RIETS, Yeshiva University Cantor, Lincoln Square Synagogue, New York City Song has been the paradigm of Jewish Prayer from time immemorial. The Talmud Brochos 26a, states that “Tefillot kneged tmidim tiknum”, that “prayer was established in place of the sacrifices”. The Mishnah Tamid 7:3 relates that most of the sacrifices, with few exceptions, were accompanied by the music and song of the Leviim.11 It is therefore clear that our custom for the past two millennia was that just as the korbanot of Temple times were conducted with song, tefillah was also conducted with song. This is true in our own day as well. Today this song is expressed with the musical nusach only or, as is the prevalent custom, nusach interspersed with inspiring communally-sung niggunim. It once was true that if you wanted to daven in a shul that sang together, you had to go to your local Young Israel, the movement that first instituted congregational melodies c. 1910-15. Most of the Orthodox congregations of those days – until the late 1960s and mid-70s - eschewed the concept of congregational melodies. In the contemporary synagogue of today, however, the experience of the entire congregation singing an inspiring melody together is standard and expected. Are there guidelines for the proper choice and use of “known” niggunim at various places in the tefillot of the Yamim Noraim? Many are aware that there are specific tefillot that must be sung "...b'niggunim hanehugim......b'niggun yodua um'sukon um'kubal b'chol t'futzos ho'oretz...mimei kedem." – "...with the traditional melodies...the melody that is known, correct and accepted 11 In Arachin 11a there is a dispute as to whether song is m’akeiv a korban, and includes 10 biblical sources for song that is required to accompany the korbanos.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction
    INTRODUCTION The original Ezras Torah Wall and Pocket Calendars have become an extremely popular and almost indispensable tool for thousands of Rabbonim and Gabbaim, for whom the work was intended. Each entry to this now classic work was produced with painstaking care and devotion. The original Luach was intended as an on- the-spot aid, not as a replacement for a thorough familiarity with the Halachic sources. In truth, this is a translation of a work that was never intended for the general public. However, because we are living in a time of an incredible thirst and desire for Torah knowledge on the part of thousands of people who are unable to read the original sources, the decision was made to translate the pocket calendar with the inclusion of some explanatory remarks. Any errors in the Luach should be considered as errors in translation. The Translators ET5769d.indd 1 5/26/08 1:17:05 PM THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE YEAR 5769 from the creation of the world. Rosh HaShanah falls out :גכ"ה Symbol is on Tuesday (the third day of the week;) Cheshvan is 9 days and Kislev 30 days Pesach falls out on Thursday - (כסדרן) (the fifth day of the week). The year is a regular year consisting of 354 days and containing 50 Shabosos. It is the th year of the 304th minor (9 year) Lunar cycle and the st year of the 07th major (8 year) Solar cycle. It is the First year of the Shemitah cycle (seven years) according to the computation of the Gaonim and as is accepted as the custom in the Land of Israel.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Seforim List
    Ruach Day Camp Seforim List Current Grade Seforim to Bring P1A Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Tehillim Grades 1, 2 Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Tehillim, Chamisha Chumshei Torah Grades 3 Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Mishna Rosh Hashana Grades 4 Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Mishna Tannis Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Grade 5 Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Gemara Brachos Perek Hay Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Grade 6 Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Gemara Pesachim Perek Yud Grade 7, 8 Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Gemara Brachos Perek Hay Ruach Day Camp Seforim List Current Grade Seforim to Bring P1A Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Tehillim Grades 1, 2 Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Tehillim, Chamisha Chumshei Torah Grades 3 Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Mishna Rosh Hashana Grades 4 Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Mishna Tannis Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Grade 5 Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Gemara Brachos Perek Hay Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Grade 6 Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Gemara Pesachim Perek Yud Grade 7, 8 Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Gemara Brachos Perek Hay Ruach Day Camp Seforim List Current Grade Seforim to Bring P1A Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Tehillim Grades 1, 2 Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Tehillim, Chamisha Chumshei Torah Grades 3 Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Mishna Rosh Hashana Grades 4 Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Mishna Tannis Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Grade 5 Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Gemara Brachos Perek Hay Siddur Chaim Shlomo Nusach Ashkenaz, Grade 6 Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Gemara Pesachim Perek Yud Grade 7, 8 Chamisha Chumshei Torah, Gemara Brachos Perek Hay.
    [Show full text]
  • Young Israel of New Rochelle
    Young Israel of New Rochelle March 25, 2021 12 Nissan 5781 LAWS AND PRACTICES OF PESACH 5781 Pesach, the 15th-22nd days of Nissan, falls out this year Motzei Shabbat, March 27, through Sunday, April 4. Below is a short summary of the basic laws and practices associated with Pesach. Bedikat Chometz • The bedikah this year is conducted on Thursday night March 25, after nightfall. .על ביעור חמץ ,A regular bedikah is performed preceded by the blessing • should be recited after the (....כל חמירא) The text of the bittul chometz • bedikah. Biur Chometz • The burning of the chometz takes place Friday morning no later than 11:59 AM. • Unlike other years, the text of bittul chometz is not recited after the burning of the chometz, since chometz may be kept for future meals on Friday and Shabbat morning. After the morning meal on Shabbat, bittul chometz must be recited. For a summary of the laws of Erev Pesach that falls on Shabbat, click here . First Night of Pesach – Motzei Shabbat, March 27 • Candle lighting, with fire taken from a pre-existing flame, may take place only להדליק נר של יום after 7:57 PM. The blessing on candle lighting for Pesach is שהחינו Lihadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov) followed by the blessing of)טוב (Shehechiyanu). • A person lighting candles or preparing food should first recite the phrase Baruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh Likodesh) if they)ברוך המבדיל בין קודש לקודש did not previously daven Maariv. • One should wait to begin their Seder / Seder preparation until after 7:57 PM. (Hagafen), 2)הגפן (Kiddush/Havdala consists of five blessings; 1 • Borei)בורא מאורי האש (Mikadesh Yisrael Vihazmanim), 3) מקדש ישראל והזמנים (Hamavdil Bein Kodesh Likodesh)המבדיל בין קודש לקודש (Meorei Ha'aish), 4 .(Shehechiyanu) שהחינו (and 5 Borei Meorei Ha'aish), one)בורא מאורי האש When reciting the blessing of- should look at the light of two candles held together while being mindful not to melt the wax of either candle.
    [Show full text]
  • B”Sd Minhagim of Congregation Tiferes Yisroel As Given
    b”sd Minhagim of Congregation Tiferes Yisroel as given over by Rabbi Menachem Goldberger Rosh HaShanah Elul • The shofar is blown every morning during the month of Elul, beginning with the 1st of Elul, which is the second day of Rosh Chodesh. In our shul, we blow the shofar after Alenu. This is followed by L'Dovid. • In nusach sfard, L'Dovid is said at shacharis and mincha. In nusach ashkenaz, L'Dovid is said at maariv and shacharis. If dovening in a nusach ashkenaz kehilla, you can say L'Dovid quietly at mincha, and repeat it again with the kehilla at maariv. • In general, never make a PUBLIC departure from the tzibur. Slichos • Slichos begin on Motzei Shabbos before Rosh HaShanah, usually about 1 AM (after chatzos). When Rosh HaShanah falls on Tuesday or earlier, slichos begin two shabbosos prior to Rosh HaShanah. Erev Rosh HaShanah • Because we are marbeh b'tachanunim on erev Rosh HaShanah, we begin slichos earlier than on the other days on which we say slichos. • Men should go to the mikveh after chatzos. • Hataras Nedarim -the annulment of vows-should be said before a beis din of three men, after shacharis. A man can have his wife in mind as well, although a woman can do it for herself if she wants to. The beis din requirements for hataras nedarim are not as strict as usual, e.g. a relative can be a member of the beis din. Shofar and Kittel • Men wear a kittel during the day on Rosh HaShanah. At night, only the shaliach tzibur wears a kittel.
    [Show full text]
  • Hasidic Judaism - Wikipedia, the Freevisited Encyclopedi Ona 1/6/2015 Page 1 of 19
    Hasidic Judaism - Wikipedia, the freevisited encyclopedi ona 1/6/2015 Page 1 of 19 Hasidic Judaism From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Sephardic pronunciation: [ħasiˈdut]; Ashkenazic , תודיסח :Hasidic Judaism (from the Hebrew pronunciation: [χaˈsidus]), meaning "piety" (or "loving-kindness"), is a branch of Orthodox Judaism that promotes spirituality through the popularization and internalization of Jewish mysticism as the fundamental aspect of the faith. It was founded in 18th-century Eastern Europe by Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov as a reaction against overly legalistic Judaism. His example began the characteristic veneration of leadership in Hasidism as embodiments and intercessors of Divinity for the followers. [1] Contrary to this, Hasidic teachings cherished the sincerity and concealed holiness of the unlettered common folk, and their equality with the scholarly elite. The emphasis on the Immanent Divine presence in everything gave new value to prayer and deeds of kindness, alongside rabbinical supremacy of study, and replaced historical mystical (kabbalistic) and ethical (musar) asceticism and admonishment with Simcha, encouragement, and daily fervor.[2] Hasidism comprises part of contemporary Haredi Judaism, alongside the previous Talmudic Lithuanian-Yeshiva approach and the Sephardi and Mizrahi traditions. Its charismatic mysticism has inspired non-Orthodox Neo-Hasidic thinkers and influenced wider modern Jewish denominations, while its scholarly thought has interested contemporary academic study. Each Hasidic Jews praying in the Hasidic dynasty follows its own principles; thus, Hasidic Judaism is not one movement but a synagogue on Yom Kippur, by collection of separate groups with some commonality. There are approximately 30 larger Hasidic Maurycy Gottlieb groups, and several hundred smaller groups. Though there is no one version of Hasidism, individual Hasidic groups often share with each other underlying philosophy, worship practices, dress (borrowed from local cultures), and songs (borrowed from local cultures).
    [Show full text]
  • The Roadmap to Prayer Lesson 2
    THE PIRCHEI SHOSHANIM ROADMAP TO PRAYER PROJECT The Roadmap to Prayer Lesson 2 Pirchei Shoshanim 2005 This shiur may not be reproduced in any form without permission of the copyright holder Rehov Beit Vegan 99, Yerushalayim 03.616.6340 164 Village Path, Lakewood NJ 08701 732.370.3344 fax 1.877.Pirchei (732.367.8168) THE PIRCHEI SHOSHANIM ROADMAP TO PRAYER PROJECT AN ATTACHMENT OF THE SOUL Lesson The Roadmap 2 To Prayer The Four Spiritual Spheres Atzilus Briyah Yetzirah Assiyah There are four spiritual worlds that represent four levels in creation. They are: Y Atzilus – The world of G-d’s thought Y Briyah – The world of creation Y Yetzirah – The world of formation Y Assiyah – The world of integration These terms are generally used in esoteric writings of Kabalah. We use it here to represent the lofty ideals of Prayer; as we ascend with it to spiritual heights. After all, we do actually Pray to G-d directly. The Highest level being Atzilus and the lowest level Assiyah that corresponds to the world we live in. The Daily Prayer: Ascending the Spiritual The Men of the Great Assembly (Anshei Knesses Hagedolah) which consisted of 120 Realms of PROPHETS and Sages arranged our daily prayers (tefilas) to correspond to these Asiyyah, Yetzirah, Briyah and Atzilus through Prayer four spiritual spheres. These men fixed the text of the daily prayer (Shemoneh Esrei- the “Eighteen Benedictions”). From that point and onward in became incumbent upon every Jew to pray three times daily. We then systematically work our way up from one level to the next until we reach the highest sphere Atzilus.
    [Show full text]
  • Daily Prayer: General
    PRAYER POINTS DAILY PRAYER: GENERAL Prayer is our opportunity to speak directly to God. ***see editor’s note at end by Rabbi Shraga Simmons Prayer is a daily obligation for every Jew, as it says: "You shall serve the Lord your God with all your heart."1 The Talmud explains: "What is service of the heart? That is prayer."2 Further, when an individual or a community faces an impending danger, the Torah requires them to call out to God in prayer.3 This obligation applies to Jews and non – Jews alike.4,5 Through prayer, mortal man has the opportunity to speak directly to the Creator of the Universe and express his needs. God listens and responds to our prayers.6 Judaism asserts that all our prayers should be directed to God exclusively. We do not pray to angels. We do not pray to deceased people. Only God can respond to our entreaties.7 There are three primary prayer services each day: • Shacharit, the morning prayers • Mincha, the afternoon prayers • Ma'ariv, the evening prayers 1 According to tradition, these three prayers were instituted by Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, respectively.8 The three daily prayers also correspond to the three main daily services in the Holy Temple: the morning Tamid offering, the afternoon Tamid offering, and the sacrificial parts that burned on the altar every evening.9 Thus one who prays is likened to having brought an offering on the altar.10 By engaging in prayer during various times of the day, we make God part of every aspect of our lives.11 Newcomers to the prayer service can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the bulk of daily prayers.
    [Show full text]
  • Resources for Learning How to Read Torah and Haftara at Shearith Israel
    Resources for learning how to read Torah and Haftara at Shearith Israel Chumashim and Tikkunim: Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary. ISBN 9780827607125. Available from www.rabbinicalassembly.org and other vendors. Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary Travel Edition. ISBN 9780827608047. Available from www.rabbinicalassembly.org and other vendors. The JPS Tanakh. Jewish Publication Society (JPS), Philadelphia. Many editions and formats in Hebrew, and Hebrew/English. https://jps.org/resources/tanakh-customer-guide/ The Koren Tanakh, and The Koren Chumash. Koren Publishers, Jerusalem. Many editions and formats in Hebrew, Hebrew/English, and with other languages. www.korenpub.com The Koren Tikkun Kor'im. Koren Publishers, Jerusalem. ISBN 978-9653010574. Several editions and formats. www.korenpub.com The Kestenbaum Edition Tikkun. Artscroll publishers. ISBN 9781578193134. Several editions. Artscroll.com. Tikkun Torah Lakorim, ed. Asher Scharfstein. Ktav Publishing House. ISBN: 978-0870685484 1969 classic; priced well; less bulky than most. www.ktav.com and other vendors. Tikun Korim -Simanim (Nusach Ashkenaz). Nehora.com. Your best resource: Our CSI members. The Religious Life Committee and experienced ba’alim keria in our shul want to help you learn, and are available for tutoring, answering questions, giving feedback, or teaching classes. Andrea Seidel Slomka ([email protected]) is a great first point of contact. Websites with audio files intended for self-learning for ba’alei keriah and haftarah readers in Ashkenazi nusach: http://bible.ort.org/intro1.asp?lang=1 Navigating the Bible II software published by World ORT shows chumash and Torah text and gives recordings of each sentence. It can be used online without cost, or they say you can buy the software on CD.
    [Show full text]
  • “Defining My Jewish Identity”
    27th Annual TORATHON2016 “Defining My Jewish Identity” Once again this year, Torathon will begin with a joyous one hour concert starting at 6pm. Sit back and enjoy as a cadre of noted Jewish cantors and musicians led by Ellen Allard share the stories and music that helped shape their own Jewish identity. Following the concert, our wonderful evening of learning will begin. From 7pm to 10pm you can choose from 25 one hour classes, lectures, discussions, and workshops led by the region’s distinguished rabbis, cantors, Jewish edu- cators, Jewish community and organizational leaders. A dessert reception and social hour will close the evening. Saturday, November 12, 2016 5:15 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. Registration begins Refreshments to follow. CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester, MA Purchase Torathon tickets Sponsored by and view classes online at jewishcentralmass.org/torathon 27th Annual ALEPH 7:10 PM – 8:00 PM A1 THIS WEEK’S ELECTION RESULTS: GOOD FOR THE JEWS? ISRAEL? Join us in analyzing the results of this past week’s elections in the House and Senate. Democrats? Republicans? Independents? How will the new president and the new com- TORATHON position of the Congress affect the interests of Israel and the American-Israel alliance? JACK GOLDBERG, Area Director for AIPAC (The American-Israel Public Affairs 2016 Committee) ONGOING from 5:15PM A2 HOW THE MUSIC OF DEBBIE FRIEDMAN MADE ME THE RABBI I AM TODAY My journey into the Rabbinate began with Jewish music, specifically the inspiration of Registration Debbie Friedman z”l. Through personal biography and song, we’ll go on a journey with a particular focus on the music and spirit that Debbie brought to thousands through her healing services.
    [Show full text]