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Laws & Customs: Sivan & Shavuos

 SHABBOS MEVORCHIM / CHAZAK Shabbos to focus on the idea of for fruits), and flowers (to The Baal Koreh receives the Aliyah Achdus, including through commemorate the foliage that containing the Tochecha and recites gatherings and . This appeared on barren Har Sinai). For the Brocho before and after it. He is Shabbos is often referred to in various reasons, it is not our custom to not called up to the Torah; however, circles as Shabbos Achdus. decorate Shule with trees and flowers, but this may be done at home. he does receive the Mi Sheberach Av Harachamim and Tzidkosecha are after. not recited this Shabbos. Flowers and decorative leaves or branches which were cut and arranged The Tochecha is read more quietly and For Parshas Nasso, which is read at prior to Shavuos are regarded as a quickly than usual. Obviously, one Mincha and into the following week, decoration and are not Muktzeh. must still hear every single word there are differences of opinion clearly. regarding some of the Aliyos. Therefore, when necessary, they may be moved on both Yom Tov and The Aliyah of Chazak is given to a According to Chabad custom, the last Aliyah at Mincha (as well as Monday Shabbos. However, if some of the prominent person. The whole flowers are not yet in full bloom and congregation stands for the last Posuk. and Thursday) ends at Perek 4 Posuk 33. For the purposes of Chitas, Rishon exposure to additional moisture will Unlike every other Shabbos ends at Perek 4 Posuk 28, and Shishi induce them to blossom further, the Mevorchim, Av Harachamim is recited ends at Perek 7 Posuk 82. vase must be moved gently so that the on Shabbos Mevorchim Sivan, in water level remains constant. memory of the tragedies that occurred The sixth chapter of Pirkei Avos is recited after Mincha. When all flowers are already in full during this month. [Thus, it is recited bloom and exposure to additional even when there is a Bris.] Vihi Noam and V’atah Kaddosh are not moisture will not induce them to It is customary for the Gabboim to recited on Motzei Shabbos. blossom further, the following further arrange a with the leniencies apply: purpose of increasing resolutions in  YOM TOV PREPARATIONS • One may take flowers out of the learning Torah, keeping Mitzvos The Mitzvah of V’Samechta vase of water. One may also return B’hidur, and rejoicing in the the flowers to the same vase, as completion of the Torah. B’Chagecha on Yom Tov entails eating meat, wine and delicacies; providing long as the original water was not The fifth chapter of Pirkei Avos is new clothing or jewellery for one’s changed. recited after Mincha. wife according to his means; and • One may place the flowers in a new giving sweets to the children. These vase that was prepared and filled  SIVAN should be arranged in advance. with water before Shavuos. One may also add flowers to a vase Tachnun is not recited from Rosh Prior to every Yom Tov, the which already has flowers from Chodesh Sivan (Tuesday evening) until emphasized that the Yom Tov before Shavuos. after the twelfth day of Sivan. One requirements of the needy be met. should not undertake a fast on these Yom Tov is also an especially • On Yom Tov (but not on Shabbos), days, even for a Yohrtzeit. [However, a appropriate time to host guests. one may top up the water in the Chosson and Kallah fast on their vase if necessary, but the ratio of One should make spiritual wedding day, unless their wedding the new water must be less than preparations for Shavuos as well. occurs on the day after Shavuos.] half of the total. One may certainly These include learning Torah – not replace the existing water. Many customs of mourning associated especially the laws of Shavuos and with Sefirah Haomer no longer apply topics related to Matan Torah, as well A potted plant should not be moved from the first morning of the Shloshes as increasing in Ahavas Yisroel. due to two concerns – Muktzeh and Y’mei Hagboloh (i.e. Friday). Music, aiding plant growth. [In principle, During the period before Yom Tov, one dancing, and weddings are these issues are subject to differing should reach out and do all within his permissible. Nevertheless, one should Halachic opinions and other or her power to ensure that all Jews – not take a haircut until Erev Shavuos. variables.] If the potted plant men, women, children and even small accidentally overturns, or some soil babies – should attend the Aseres spills out, it should be left alone. [If  SHABBOS BAMIDBAR Hadibros on the first day of Shavuos. doing so will create a hindrance or In 5746, the Rebbe made a “Bakasha inconvenience, a Rav should be Nafshis (heartfelt request) that, in  LOWERS AND OLIAGE consulted.] association with Rosh Chodesh Sivan, F F when the Jewish people encamped Shulchan Oruch mentions the custom For practical purposes, a potted plant around Har Sinai with unity, every of decorating the Shule with trees should generally be treated as community should utilise the day of (since Shavuos is the day of judgement attached to the ground. Therefore, ~ 2 ~ one may not water it at all or detach  CANDLE-LIGHTING Needless to say, the night of Shavuos any of its leaves or branches. One may is not the appropriate time for lectures not lean on a potted tree or shrub, One should give Tzedakah on Erev Yom or forums about social, economic, Tov for the two days of Yom Tov. move it with his hands even ever so political and communal issues. slightly, place anything in its branches, One should arrange a pre-existing Although important, they cannot or remove anything caught in its flame from which to light the candles really be regarded as a form of Torah branches. on the second night of Shavuos. study – unless the focus is to learn the Torah’s perspective. Flowers, branches or leaves that were Candle-lighting is at 5:00pm. The detached (regardless of the cause) on Brochos are Shel Yom Tov and The recitation of Tikun Leil Shavuos Shavuos are Muktzeh. The same is true Shehecheyanu. [If eating out, one should be prioritized over all other even if there is just a doubt whether it should ensure that some practical forms of learning and Shiurim. became detached on Shavuos. It goes benefit is derived from the candles without saying that they are Muktzeh after Yom Tov begins.] One should be mindful of the errors when still attached to the ground. that have crept into the text of the Since it is Yom Tov, if one neglected to Zohar and Sefer Yetzirah in many One may smell flowers and plants on light at the proper time, one may – and printed editions. One should recite the Shavuos – even if still attached to the should – light candles on Yom Tov text as corrected in Likutei Sichos ground (and hence Muktzeh). One itself, from a pre-existing flame. volume 28, page 315. should remember to make the When a man is required to light appropriate Brocho. However, one The Tefillos and Yehi Ratzons that candles, he does not recite may not smell attached fruits. appear in some editions of Tikun Leil Shehecheyanu, as he will be doing so Shavuos are omitted, and is in Kiddush. [Therefore, it is best that not recited.  EREV SHAVUOS he lights candles right before Kiddush, so that his Shehecheyanu is linked to If, for whatever reason, one did not On Erev Shavuos, one should not both.] Similarly, if a woman needs to complete the entire Tikun Leil Shavuos donate blood, take a blood test, or recite her own Kiddush, she does not on the first night of Shavuos, he should undergo any procedures involving recite Shehecheyanu, as she already do so at the earliest opportunity. blood loss. [Of course, this prohibition did so at candle-lighting. does not apply in a case of Pikuach Shortly before dawn (5:53am), one Nefesh.] immerses in the Mikvah four times. It is appropriate to take a haircut in  FIRST NIGHT OF SHAVUOS At dawn, one washes Neggel Vasser honour of Shavuos, but not before Erev On the first night of Shavuos, Maariv and recites Brochos. One should not Yom Tov (i.e. before Motzei Shabbos). (and Kiddush) should not begin before begin learning Torah after dawn until If applicable, one’s nails should be cut Tzeis Hakochovim. he concludes Brochos. in honour of Yom Tov. One must drink a cup of wine every The Brocho of Tzitzis is not recited at It is a Mitzvah to immerse in a Mikvah day of Yom Tov. This should be paid this time as it is still too early. on Erev Yom Tov, after midday. special attention by those who do not make their own Kiddush. After staying awake the entire night, it Just like on Erev Shabbos, it is is generally recommended to sleep for preferable to avoid beginning a full several hours and daven at the usual meal once the tenth Halachic hour of  YA’ALEH VEYAVO IN BENTCHING time, in order to focus on one’s the day begins (2:47pm), in order to If one forgets to recite Ya’aleh Veyavo davening at the usual unhurried pace. properly enjoy the Yom Tov meal at in bentching: Since B’dieved one fulfils his obligation night. However, one may snack in when reciting the daytime Shema small quantities. • If he remembers before Hashem’s name at Bonei Yerushalayim, he immediately after dawn, it is Shavuos is an opportune time to goes back. worthwhile to recite it then, with the enhance one’s Torah learning and intention that he thereby fulfils his • If one realized after that, but make positive resolutions – without obligation only if he neglects to do so before starting the next Brocho, he hindrance from the Satan – to increase at the ideal time. recites the extra Brocho as printed (quantitatively as well as qualitatively) in the Bentcher. One does not recite Krias Shema She’al in one’s private and public Shiurim of Hamittah when going to sleep after both Nigleh and Chassidus; to spread • If one already began even the first dawn. Torah to others; to enhance one’s word of the next Brocho, one must adherence to the daily study of Chitas begin bentching again. If one chooses to daven before going and Rambam; and to accept upon The Horachamon for Yom Tov is to sleep, he should ensure that he oneself the Ol Shel Torah (yoke of recited. recites the Brocho of Tzitzis and Shema Torah). after the earliest time (6:20am), and

Shmoneh Esrei after sunrise (7:15am). The Rebbe’s customary Shavuos  IKUN EIL HAVUOS greeting: “Kabbolas Hatorah B’Simcha T L S The Brocho of Tzitzis is not recited on ub’Pnimiyus” means “May you receive The custom is to stay awake the entire a Tallis Koton worn overnight. One the Torah joyfully and internally”. first night of Shavuos learning Torah. who does not wear a Tallis Gadol ~ 3 ~ should change his Tallis Koton before (health permitting), attend Shule to lenient if the Challos weren’t reciting the Brocho. hear the Aseres Hadibros. The physically touching any part of the

congregation stands during the oven, and the oven was absolutely reading of the Aseres Hadibros, facing clean and devoid of steam whilst  SHACHARIS & HALLEL the Sefer Torah. the Challos were baking.] Care must be taken to recite Krias The first day’s Maftir is given to a • Not baking a Milchig or Fleishig Shema during the proper time learned and prominent person, due to loaf of bread lest people (between 6:20-9:45am). One who the special significance of this mistakenly think it is Parve. If goes to sleep prior to davening should Haftorah. The congregants read along already baked, it may not be eaten. ensure that he awakens in time to in an undertone, and some have the Exceptions: The loaf has a recite Shema. custom to stand up while reading it. distinctive shape, or it is visibly and obviously noticeable as Milchig or Full Hallel is recited on Shavuos. When Fleishig, or it is small enough to be reciting Hallel, one may not interrupt consumed within one day. it – other than for those things that  FIRST DAY – YOM TOV MEAL • Using separate knives and blenders one may respond to during the The Mitzvah of V’Samechta (or Parve utensils) to cut Brochos of Krias Shema. [I.e. If the B’Chagecha requires one to celebrate vegetables used with Milchigs and Chazzan recites Kedushah, one Yom Tov with his family. As such, one Fleishigs. This is especially true responds Kodosh, Boruch and Yimloch. should not overly prolong the time he when cutting sharp vegetables When the Chazzan says Ha’E-l spends at any communal Kiddush or (e.g. an onion), since they assume Hakodosh, one answers Omein. When Farbrengen. the Chazzan says Modim, one answers the status of the knife even if it was the three words Modim Anachnu Loch. If possible, one avoids beginning the completely clean and recently When the Chazzan recites Kaddish, meal after the tenth Halachic hour unused. begins (approximately 2:47pm), so one answers Omein Yehei Shmei etc, • If Parve food was already cooked that one has an appetite for the Yom- and Omein to d’amiran b’olmo. One in a Fleishig pot, and the pot had Tov meal of the second night. also answers Borchu and Omein when not been used for Fleishig in the the Brochos are recited before and It is customary to eat Milchigs on the previous 24 hours, the Parve food after an Aliyah or Haftorah.] first day of Shavuos. By the same may be eaten with Milchig food. If Hallel is recited standing (unless one is token, Yom Tov must be celebrated the pot had been used for Fleishig feeble or infirm). with the consumption of meat. in the previous 24 hours, the Parve food may be served in Milchig One of the reasons for eating Milchigs It is preferable to recite Hallel with the dishes, but not eaten directly is to emphasize that Yidden – unlike . If one is not up to the Minyan, together with Milchig food. All the the angels who visited Avraham Avinu this creates a dilemma; on the one above applies to Parve food – are careful to separate between milk hand it is appropriate to recite Hallel already cooked in a Fleishig pot. and meat. As such, special care must with the congregation (if he hasn’t yet However, one should not initially be taken to adhere to all the Halachos begun Boruch She’omar), and on the plan to prepare Parve food in a of Kashrus. These include: other hand, it is appropriate that one Fleishig pot with the intention of davens in the correct order. For this • Waiting one full hour after eating it with Milchig food or reason, the Rebbeim were punctilious Milchigs, or six hours after eating utensils; in cases of need, a Rav about being up to Hallel when the cheeses cured for more than six should be consulted. Minyan recited it on Yom-Tov. months. [It may not be practical to consume aged cheeses on Needless to say, Chassidim (amongst If one forgot to recite Hallel, he should Shavuos, as one must also eat others) are careful to eat only Chalav recite it with a Brocho as soon as he meat.] Yisroel. Accordingly, one should not remembers, as long as it is not yet even eat Parve or Chalav-Yisroel foods sunset (or without a Brocho until • Making a Brocho Acharona that came into contact with non- Tzeis). between Milchigs and Fleishigs. Chalav-Yisroel utensils whilst hot. If one mistakenly recited half-Hallel, • Not using the same tablecloths, The Brocho on cheesecake containing he must repeat the entire Hallel utensils and loaves for Milchigs flour is Mezonos, even if the crust is (without a Brocho). and Fleishigs. thin.

• If the same table is shared by The first day of Shavuos is the Yohrtzeit people eating Milchigs and of the Baal Shem Tov, and is therefore  RIAS ATORAH Fleishigs, a Hekker (Halachically K H an opportune time to mention a acceptable indicator) must be It is not our custom to recite Akdomus. teaching and story of the Baal Shem utilised. This can generally be (The Rebbe would recite it quietly.) Tov. Shavuos is also associated with achieved by using separate Moshe Rabbeinu (who received the The Aliya containing the Aseres placemats or placing something Torah) and Dovid Hamelech (who Hadibros is given to a prominent distinctive and unusual in between. compiled Tehillim). Therefore, person. • Not eating Milchigs together with a Shavuos is an opportune time to The Rebbe instituted that all men, Challah baked in a Fleishig oven or enhance one’s commitment to women, children, and even newborns vice versa. [There is grounds to be learning Chitas. ~ 4 ~  FIRST DAY AFTERNOON  AFTER SHAVUOS end of this day, the traveller recites Havdallah in private. One may not perform any The day after Yom Tov is known as preparations on the first day for the “Yom Tovo’ach”. It is also Isru Chag, • Tuesday: This day is Yom-Tov for second night and day of Yom Tov. and should be celebrated with the local populace but weekday for additional food items. One may not the traveller. The traveller should The Rebbe instituted the custom of fast on this day – even a Chosson and don Tefillin and daven the weekday Tahalucha, encouraging all Chassidim Kallah on their wedding day. Tefillos. Other than that, he should to visit community Shules and enhance not perform any Melocho, even in their Simchas Yom Tov by sharing In association with the Yom Tov of private. Likewise, for appearances words of Torah (both Nigleh and Shavuos, the Rebbe encouraged all to sake, he should act as though it is Chassidus). The Rebbe attached much attend a Kinus Torah. [The Kinus Torah Yom Tov, such as wearing Yom Tov importance to Tahalucha. in Melbourne will take place on clothing and attending Shule. Sunday after Shavuos, from 3:30- 7:00pm.] One who travelled west (e.g. from USA  SECOND NIGHT OF SHAVUOS to Australia) observes Shavuos a day The days after Shavuos until the On the second night of Shavuos, the later than the people at his destination twelfth of Sivan (inclusive) are known candles should be kindled with a pre- (i.e. on Tuesday and Wednesday, the as “Y’mei Tashlumin”, during which existing flame, and not before Tzeis seventh and eighth of Sivan), and Tachnun is not recited. The Alter Hakochavim (5:59pm). The Brochos these Halachos are relevant: Rebbe once remarked that these are are Shel Yom Tov and Shehecheyanu. the days to “pack” all the treasures • Monday: This day is Yom-Tov for Tasks and preparations required for and revelations of Shavuos. the local populace but weekday for the second night of Yom Tov should the traveller. The traveller should not be conducted before this time. ⬧ don Tefillin and daven the weekday Tefillos. Other than that, he should Candles must not be waxed into place,  INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE not perform any Melocho, even in nor may the wicks be twisted. When One should not cross the International private. Likewise, for appearances necessary, one may remove the wax Date Line during Sefirah Haomer, sake, he should act as though it is from the previous night in a way that unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Yom Tov, such as wearing Yom Tov it falls directly into the bin. clothing and attending Shule. Polar flight routes can be problematic. If it is absolutely necessary to fly such • Tuesday: This is the first day of  SECOND DAY OF SHAVUOS a route, or after the fact, one should Yom-Tov for the traveller but the Some have the custom of reading Rus in seek guidance from a Rav familiar with second day for the local populace. Shule on the second day of Yom Tov. these matters. The traveller observes Yom-Tov as Although that is not our custom, the link usual; however, he omits the If one crossed the International Date between Rus and Shavuos is observed words “Zman Matan Toraseinu” in Line, he observes Shavuos in by the fact that we read the entire Sefer his Tefillos. accordance with his personal count of as part of Tikun Leil Shavuos. Sefiras Haomer. Thus, his first day of • Wednesday: This day is Yom-Tov for Yizkor is recited before Musaf. Those Shavuos will not coincide with the the traveller but not for the local who leave the Shule for Yizkor may sixth of Sivan; the day of Matan Torah. populace. The traveller should recite recite “Av Harachamim” after Yizkor if the Yom Tov Tefillos and make One who travelled east (e.g. from they wish to. Kiddush, but omit the three words Australia to USA) observes Shavuos a “Zman Matan Toraseinu”. At the end After Mincha of the second day of Yom day earlier than the people at his of this day, the traveller recites Tov, we wash for Hamotzi and partake destination (i.e. on Sunday and Havdallah in private. in a Farbrengen at which the Nigunim Monday, the fifth and sixth of Sivan), of the Rebbeim (and the Daled Bavos) and these Halachos are relevant: Whenever the traveller’s Tefillos are at are sung. At these Farbrengens, the variance with those of the local • Sunday: This day is Yom-Tov for the Rebbe would frequently speak about populace, he should daven discreetly traveller but not for the local learning Chitas and Rambam; about and not call attention to the fact. populace. The traveller should recite the importance of Chinuch; and the Yom Tov Tefillos and Kiddush, but When it is Yom-Tov for the traveller encourage everyone’s participation in omit the three words “Zman Matan but weekday for the local populace, the Kinus Torah. Toraseinu”. On Motzei Shabbos, he the traveller may not instruct another

needs to recite Vatodienu during Jew to perform Melocho on his behalf.  MOTZEI SHAVUOS Maariv and Yaknehaz at Kiddush of In fact, if the traveller notices someone doing Melocho on his behalf, Ya’aleh Veyavo (and Horachamon) is the night meal. he must object. However, if the recited during Bentching, even if it is • Monday: This is the second day of Melocho was not performed on the already Tzeis Hakochavim (5:59pm). Yom-Tov for the traveller but the traveller’s behalf, or he didn’t know first day for the local populace. The On Motzei Shavuos, Kiddush Levana is about it until after it was completed, traveller observes Yom-Tov as recited after Maariv. he may benefit from the Melocho. usual, and he may include the Havdalah is recited without Besomim three words “Zman Matan Yizkor is recited together with the local and candles. V’Yiten Lecha is not recited. Toraseinu” in his Tefillos. At the community.