Forward ______03 Laws and customs: Rosh Hashana & Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah ______04 Stories for Rosh Hashana: The Guest Who Wore All White (Rabbi Tuvia Litzman) ______17 Rabbi Mordechai Dov of Hornistopol Comes to Visit a Shtetl Near Ushamir (Rabbi Shmuel Butman) 18 The Call of the Shofar (Goldie Goldblum) ______20 No Move is Futile (Rabbi S.Y.Zevin) ______22 Shofar Race (Michoel Green) ______24 Laws and customs: Tzom Gedalia ______26 History of Gedalia (Rabbi Nissan Mindel) ______2 8 Laws and customs: Yom Kippur ______31 Stories for Yom Kippur: The Knock Before ‘Kol Nidre’ (Rabbi Shmuel Butman) ______3 9 The Forty-eight-Hour Yom Kippur (Sterna Citron) ______4 1 A Cancer Survivor’s Yom Kippur: With a Surprise Lesson to Carry With… (Bentzi Sasson) ______43 “G-d Took Away My Son, Now Whatever He Says I Do the Opposite!” (Naamah Green) ______45 Laws and customs: Sukkot ______47 Stories for Sukkot: Stronger than a Hurricane (Rabbi Tuvia Bolton) ______61 Taking Off for the Holidays (Dr David B. Lazerson) ______6 3 The Rain Parade (Rabbi Yerachmiel Tilles) ______65 Celebrating Sukkot Outside the GPU Office (Rabbi Sholom DovBer Avtzon) ______67 The Steipler Gaon’s Lulav (Rabbi Elimelech Biderman) ______70 Laws and customs: Hoshanah Rabbah, Simchat Torah and Shabbat Bereishit______71 Story for Simchat Torah: The Humble Dance (Rabbi Yerachmiel Tilles) ______78

All Halachic sections or text in RED

pertains to those people in

quarantine during the Corona period

“The Jewish Weekly” would like to thank all the Rabbanim and Dayanim

who sat with us and discussed the current Halachic rulings for this year and approved the additions we added for this Corona period.

Let’s pray with all our hearts, for the recovery of all the sick from this

crazy pandemic, as well as praying for our soldiers and healthcare professionals, and Chevra Kadisha members worldwide, who have been working round the clock for us, the mere laymen, of our communities. ~ 3 ~

FOREWORD

In honor of the month of Tishrei, “The Jewish Weekly” is pleased to present our very own “Tishrei Guide”, replete with Halachot and stories, together with added instructions for those people in quarantine.

“The Jewish Weekly” is a weekly publication, which before Covid 19, was distributed throughout Jerusalem, the Kotel, Nevei Yaakov, Efrat, Beit Shemesh, Beitar and Bnei Braq areas. “The Jewish Weekly” can also be found on our website, www.thejweekly.org as well as being a popular download on ladaat.info, dirshu.co.il, and parshasheets.com’s websites as well as through our ever growing email list.

“The Jewish Weekly” is a compilation of stories and Divrei Torah and before every Chag or fast “The Jewish Weekly” releases a Halacha Guide which has grown “bli ayin harah” to becoming the most popular Halacha companion in English, due to it’s diversity, compiled extensively from Nittei Gavriel, Mishna Berurah and the Shulchan Aruch Harav.

On behalf of “The Jewish Weekly” I would like to thank my dear beloved parents, Gershon and Rivka Fraenkel, for all their hours of research, proofreading, distribution, sponsorships and emotional support. It’s thanks to you both, that what started as a dream with only 100 printed copies, has grown to now being one of the most popular publications in the central Jerusalem area and worldwide.

This year, due to the situation with Covid 19, the “Tishrei Guide” is only available online, to be viewed or downloaded from either our website www.thejweekly.org or the aforementioned websites.

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May we be blessed with an amazing year, Chag Sameach, Yossi Fraenkel, Editor

~ 4 ~

Laws & Customs: Rosh Hashana~ 4 ~ & Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah

ר' ראובן בן הרב משה אליעזר הלוי ע"ה וחיה ברכה בת ר' נפתלי משה ע"ה רבינוביץ ר' יוסף בן ר' אורי ע"ה ומלכה בת ר' יצחק צבי הלוי ע"ה פרנקל www.thejweekly.org To subscribe: www.thejweekly.org or [email protected]

 EREV ROSH HASHANA MORNING the three men serving as Dayanim are

Selichot is longer than usual and one physically present in one location, and should plan his morning accordingly. cannot 'convene' by means of an During Selichot, Ashamnu is recited electronic forum. even after daybreak, unless a Chattan So, if your local Shul has Hatarat is present. After Selichot, Tachnun is Nedarim on Erev Rosh Hashanah, you not recited for the remainder of the can ask one of the shul-goers to put day. you on speaker phone so that the An Avel during the week of Shiva can court should be able to hear your go to Shul for Selichot, and can stay for request, and then annul your vows. Shacharit. In some communities, Hatarat The Shofar is not sounded. Nedarim is recited by several men together, and the Dayanim will annul  HATARAT NEDARIM their vows collectively. In such a Hatarat Nedarim, the verbal setting, the above solution may not annulment of vows made in the past, suffice, since you may not be heard at can be performed any time from Erev all by the court - unless they are Rosh Hashana until Erev Yom Kippur, appraised in advance to listen out for by all males over the age of Bar your voice. Mitzvah, in the presence of a court of The Dayanim used for the purpose of three men, (some, including Chabad Annulment of Vows may be relatives. have the custom to say it in fron of a So, if your family unit includes another court of ten men). three men, you could perform Hatarat The question is whether this can be Nedarim at home. done remotely? Hatarat Nedarim can be done any day There is a debate whether it can be of the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah and performed via a Shliach, letter, phone some wait especially until Erev Yom call or Zoom. It is better to send a Kippur, and do Hatarat Nedarim in Shliach to address the court, than via front of three men. phone or video connection, but via One should stand when reciting phone or video may be relied upon Hatarat Nedarim, whereas everyone only when there is no other choice. else sits. Nevertheless, even according to the lenient opinion, this is valid only when

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 5 ~

One must understand the text of overly sharp, or that contain nuts or Hatarat Nedarim. If he doesn’t vinegar. understand the Hebrew, he should say One should ensure that the pages of a it in English or any other language that newly purchased Machzor aren’t he understands. attached to each other (due to being The text of Hatarat Nedarim is uncut), as it is prohibited to separate effective only for those vows or them on Rosh Hashana. positive practices that one no longer In honor of Rosh Hashana, one should remembers. Any vow or positive take a haircut, bathe and cut one’s practice that one remembers must be nails, as necessary. presented (not necessarily on Erev On Erev Rosh Hashana, one should not Rosh Hashana) before a Beit Din of donate blood or undergo any three, of whom at least one is well- procedures or tests involving blood versed in the laws of Nedarim. loss. [This does not apply in cases of A “positive practice” requires Hatarat great need, and certainly not when it is Nedarim if it was observed: Pikuach Nefesh.] • One time or more, with the Prior to every Chag, one has to make intention of continuing to do so sure that the Chag requirements of the indefinitely. needy be met. • Three times or more, even in the Chag is also an especially appropriate absence of any such intention, unless time to host guests. he specifically stipulated (whether Some have the custom to fast until verbally or in thought) that he was midday. doing so “Bli Neder” (without a vow).  EREV ROSH HASHANA AFTERNOON  ROSH HASHANA PREPARATAIONS On Erev Rosh Hashana, one should Some have the custom to go to graves reflect and take stock of the entire of Tzadikim to ask from Hashem to year, making all necessary corrections have mercy on them in the Zechut of and utilizing the opportunity for the Tzadikim lying there. Teshuvah. One should remember to prepare: It is a Mitzvah to immerse in a Mikvah Round Challot, sweet apples, honey, on Erev Rosh Hashana after midday new fruits, pomegranates, head of a (within the guidelines of the Health ram or fish, meat, sweet foods and Ministry). drinks. One should utilize all his spare time on On Rosh Hashana, it is customary not Erev Rosh Hashana to be busy with to eat any foods that are bitter, sour, Torah and Mitzvot and not to be distracted the whole day with Teshuva. ~ 6 ~

One should recite Tehillim, especially If eating out, one should ensure that from one hour before Mincha and practical benefit is derived from the onwards. candles after Yom Tov begins. Some have the custom to buy a new Since it is also Shabbat, if one knife on Erev Rosh Hashana as a neglected to light at the proper time, Segulah for Parnassah. Some however one may not light the candles after just sharpen their existing knives. 6:45pm. It is customary to accept upon oneself When a man is required to light a Hiddur Mitzvah. This should be done candles, he does not recite on Erev Rosh Hashana, or on Rosh Shehecheyanu, as he will be doing so Hashana. [One should state that his in Kiddush. Similarly, if a woman needs acceptance is Bli Neder.] to recite her own Kiddush, she does Just like on a regular Erev Shabbat, it is not recite Shehecheyanu in Kiddush, as preferable to refrain from eating a she already did so at candle-lighting. proper meal once the tenth Halachic Mincha is davened at greater length hour of the day begins (3:37pm), in than usual, as it is the last Tefillah of order to properly enjoy the Rosh the year. Hashana meal at night. However, one  ROSH HASHANA may snack in small quantities. The Avodah of Rosh Hashana is Prior to candle-lighting, one should Kabbalat Ol (accepting the yoke of give Tzedakah for the two days of Heaven). One should utilize every Chag. spare moment to say Tehillim. One should arrange a pre-existing Throughout Rosh Hashana, and flame with which to light the candles particularly on the first night, one on the second night of Rosh Hashana. should avoid all unnecessary idle Candle-lighting time is 6:05pm. chatter and minimize sleep. As this year, the first night of Rosh One should be especially careful not to Hashana is Shabbat, we make a be angered on Rosh Hashana. combined Bracha.  HAMELECH HAKADOSH ON ROSH HASHANA Most have the custom to say the On Rosh Hashana, the third Brachah of Brachah, L’Hadlik Ner Shel Shabbat the Amidah has a long addition V’shel Yom Tov, some, including beginning with the words L’Dor V’dor. Chabad say L’Hadlik Ner Shel Shabbat If one omitted this addition, he may go V’Shel Yom Hazikaron, all follow the back to recite it only if he realized Brachah with Shehecheyanu. before saying Hashem’s name at the end of the third Brachah. Otherwise, he continues the Amidah without going back, as long as he is sure that ~ 7 ~ he concluded the Brachah with the to say Le’Eilah U’Leilah only in Neilah words Hamelech Hakadosh. on Yom Kippur If one recited the unique Rosh  FIRST NIGHT OF ROSH HASHANA (FRIDAY) Hashana Nusach of the third Brachah, One should use the time between but is in doubt whether he concluded Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat to recite the Brachah with the words Hamelech Tehillim. Hakadosh, he may assume that he did Many times, the Lubavitcher Rebbe so correctly. would begin the Niggun of Avinu One who did not say Hamelech Malkeinu, but not when Rosh Hashana Hakadosh: If he realized before he fell on Shabbat. began the next Brachah and within the According to Nussach Sefard and time frame it takes to say three words, Nussach Ha’Ari (Chabad), Kabbalat he corrects his mistake. Otherwise, he Shabbat starts from Mizmor LeDavid must begin the Amidah again. [The including Lecha Dodi, some do the first same applies if this occurs in Chazarat two and the last two stanzas and some, Hashatz, in which case Kedushah is (including Chabad) do the whole Lecha recited again.] Dodi, however, Nussach Ashkenaz starts If one mistakenly omitted any of the Kabbalat Shabbat from Mizmor Shir other four additions (Zachreinu, Mi L’Yom HaShabbat. Chamocha, u’Chtov, u’Vsefer Chaim), In Lecha Dodi, those who regularly say he may recite it at the place he B’rinah U’Vetzahala say B’Simcha remembers if he has not yet said U’vetzahala. Hashem’s name at the end of that Until Barchu, one davens in the tune of Brachah. Otherwise, he continues the Shabbat. Amidah and does not go back. Some who regularly say Kagavna before During the Aseret Yemei Teshuva, Maariv, say it tonight, while others do most have the custom to say Oseh not, HaShalom at the end of the Amida and Those who regularly say Bameh Kaddish, instead of Oseh Shalom. Madlikin do not say it tonight. During Chazarat Hashatz, the Those who say V’Shamru before the congregation recites the selections of Amidah, say it followed by Tiku U’Chtov and u’Vsefer Chaim aloud Bachodesh Shofar. The Sephardic before the Chazzan. Most also say custom is to say Uveyom Simchatchem Zachreinu Lechaim and Mi Chamocha and some have the custom not to say aloud too. any Passuk. Most have the custom to say Le’Eilah Since it is Shabbat, all the Shabbat U’Leilah in Kaddish the whole Aseret selections are added in the Amidah of Yemei Teshuvah, the Chabad custom is Chag. If one did not make any mention ~ 8 ~ of Shabbat in the middle Brachah, or he After the first night of Rosh Hashana, mistakenly davened the regular Amidah we greet each other Gmar Chatima of Shabbat: If he did not yet finish Tova. reciting the second Yih’yu L’Ratzon (at As it is Shabbat, some have the custom the end of the passage of Elokai N’tzor), to say Shalom Aleichem quietly with a he should return to the beginning of the lot of internal joy, and some don’t say it middle Brachah (i.e. Atah Vechartanu). at all. Otherwise, he must repeat the Amidah. Since it is Shabbat, all the Shabbat After the Amidah, the passage selections are added in the Kiddush of Vayechulu is recited, followed by Magen Chag. Avot (with Hamelech Hakadosh), in the From Rosh Hashana until Hoshana tune of a regular Shabbat. Rabba (inclusive), some have the L’David Mizmor: One’s intention at this custom to use round Challot, and we dip time creates a “vessel” in which to draw it (three times) in honey. down Gashmiyut for the whole year. Apple and honey are eaten after the Many communities recite it verse by Challah, before the first course. The verse and some say it all together and apple is sliced and dipped three times in there are some who don’t say it at all. honey. Borei Pri Ha’etz is recited while Many have the custom to open the holding the apple in one’s right hand, Aron Hakodesh, however this is not the followed by the Yehi Ratzon, before Chabad custom. eating the apple. [Some say the Yehi L’David Mizmor is followed by Kaddish Ratzon after the first bite of the apple] Titkabel. When one recites Borei Pri Ha’etz, he Some say Mizmor L’David, Chatzi should clearly have in mind that the Kaddish and Barchu and some don’t say Brachah includes any fruit served during it. the meal and at dessert. He does not After Davening on the first night, we make a new Brachah at the time of greet each other L’Shana Tova Tikatev dessert. V’techatem. [The grammar is applicable Pomegranate is also eaten on the first for greeting a male. One may use night. It should be present at the table gender-appropriate grammar when when the Borei Pri Ha’etz is said on the greeting a female; i.e. L’Shana Tova apple, and should be eaten after the Tikatevee V’techatemee.] apple. [If the pomegranate is a new Some have the custom to add L’Alter, fruit, it should be present on the table Lechaim Tovim Uleshalom. during the Shehecheyanu of Kiddush, and one should have it in mind at that Some have the custom to bless their time.] children Sheyizku L’Hikatev V’Lhichatem Lechaim Tovim Uleshalom. ~ 9 ~

Some have the custom of eating It is especially appropriate to go to Simanim (different foods which hint to Mikvah before davening (within the good things). guidelines of the Health Ministry). It is customary to eat fish, the head of a The Chazanim should familiarize ram (or fish), as well as Tzimmes themselves in advance with the [carrots cooked in sweet sauce]. meaning of all of the Piyuttim and On Rosh Hashana, it is appropriate to Tefillot – even if they already did so the consume meat, sweet food and drink. It previous year. Similarly, one should is customary not to eat any foods that train his children regarding the order of are bitter, sour, overly sharp, or that davening beforehand, so as to minimize contain nuts or vinegar. any distractions during davening.  BIRCHAT HAMAZON Some have the custom to wear a kittel for Rosh Hashana davening, some hold If one forgets Retzei (on the first night of just the Chazzan and Ba’al Koreh, and and day) and/or Ya’aleh Veyavo but the Ba’al Tokeah only on the second remembers before saying Hashem’s day, however the Chabad custom is not name at the end of Bonei Yerushalayim, to wear a Kittel at all on Rosh Hashana. he goes back. If one remembered after that, but before beginning the next Shir Hamaalot (after Yishtabach): Many Brachah, he recites the extra Brachah have the custom to open the Aron printed in some Birkonim. If one Hakodesh, and to recite it verse by already began even the first word of the verse after the Chazzan. This is not the next Brachah, one must begin Birchat Chabad custom. However, one should Hamazon again at night, but not during say it with deep concentration and from the daytime. the heart. The Harachamon of Shabbat (on the As today is Shabbat, one says Hakol first night and day), Chag and Rosh Yoducha and not Hameir Laaretz as is Hashana are recited, in that order. usual for midweek. One does not add a Hey when saying When the Aron Hakadosh is opened Oseh Shalom in Birchat Hamazon. during Chazarat Hashatz, it is not obligatory to stand, since the Sefer Some have the custom after the meal Torah is not being moved. Some have not to sleep right away but to learn the custom to stand. something small. At Shacharit, the paragraph of Misod (at  FIRST DAY ROSH HASHANA (SHABBAT) the beginning of Chazarat Hashatz) and Since today is Shabbat, the Shofar is not the one that follows is recited by the blown. Some eat and drink in the Chazzan and not by the congregation. morning, as one normally would, to Many stand for the Piyut beginning L’e-l have strength for davening. Orech Din, recited in Shacharit on the ~ 10 ~ first day and in Musaf on the second subsequent paragraph (beginning day. Achilah) is recited by the Chazzan only. As it is Shabbat, one does not say Avinu When one bows, his head should reach Malkeinu however, some Sephardic all the way to the ground. One may not communities do say it on Shabbat. bow directly on a stone floor, but It is customary to grant an Aliyah to the rather, should prepare mats or any Ba’al Musaf, unless he is being paid. other covering upon which to bow. Some do not bow directly on any Some have the custom to make Kiddush surface without a covering. after Kriat Hatorah. The Chazzan must keep his feet A Brit performed at Shul is conducted together during the Amidah. He should before Mussaf. A Brit performed at therefore be helped up after bowing at home is held after davening. Aleinu. Before Musaf, as it is Shabbat, Yekum  FIRST DAY OF ROSH HASHANA Purkan is recited as on a regular Shabbat. If possible, one avoids eating the meal after the beginning of the tenth  MUSAF – BOTH DAYS Halachic hour (3:37pm), so that one has Ideally, Musaf should be davened an appetite for the Rosh Hashana meal before the seventh hour of the day of the second night. (1:43pm). One may not perform any preparations Since the Chazzan cannot move out of on the first day for the second night and his place to bow at Aleinu, he should day of Chag. stand at a distance from the Shtender  AFTERNOON – BOTH DAYS (podium), to allow him some space to bow. Any spare time should be utilized for reciting Tehillim. The paragraph of Misod (beginning of Chazarat Hashatz) is recited by the It is customary not to sleep during the Chazzan and not the congregation. day. Idling away one’s time is akin to sleeping. One should stand for U’Netane Tokef. Although it is a Mitzvah to eat and The Chazzan recites the entire Aleinu – drink, one should not eat to the point including the second half – out loud. that he is completely sated, in order The congregation quietly recites it word that “the awe of Hashem be present on for word with him, bowing at his face”. V’Anachnu Korim, and continuing until Hu Elokenu Ein Od. During Mincha, Avinu Malkeinu is not said as it is Shabbat. At that point according to some, they begin saying the Pesukim of Atah  SECOND NIGHT OF ROSH HASHANA Haraita, as printed in the Machzor. The One should use the time before Maariv to recite Tehillim. ~ 11 ~

Vatodienu is recited during the Amidah On Chag, one may not relight a candle of Maariv. [If one forgot to do so, he that extinguished for the first time on does not correct his mistake, but should Shabbat. say Baruch Hamavdil Ben Kodesh Some do not smoke on Rosh Hashana, L’Kodesh before doing anything even those who smoke regularly on forbidden on Shabbat but permitted on other Chagim. Some do not smoke Chag, or before performing tasks for the publicly. [Of course, this is discouraged second night of Chag.] Woman who will in general.] not be davening Maariv, should say Before making Kiddush, new fruit Baruch Hamavdil Ben Kodesh L’Kodesh should be placed on the table. before doing anything forbidden on Shabbat but permitted on Chag, after During Kiddush, one recites a total of Tzeit Hakochavim (7:17pm). five Brachot: Yayin, Kiddush, Ner, Havdallah and Zman. [If one mixed up Candles must not be waxed into place, the order, he does not need to repeat it nor may the wicks be twisted to in the correct order, unless he reversed facilitate their lighting. the order of Yayin and Kiddush.] When necessary, one may remove the When reciting the Brachah of Ner, one wax from the previous night with a looks at the candle, but does not bring knife. It is best that one removes it in a the candles together, nor does one way that it falls directly into the bring his fingernails close to the flames. garbage. If one forgot to recite Ner and Havdallah On the second night, the candles should during Kiddush, he should recite it over be kindled with a pre-existing flame. a cup of wine as soon as he realizes. He Most have the custom to say the should also recite the Brachah of Brachah, L’Hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov, Hagafen if required (such as when he some, including Chabad say L’Hadlik Ner already said Birkat Hamazon, or he Shel Yom Hazikaron, all follow the intended at the time of Kiddush not to Brachah with Shehecheyanu. Since drink any more wine during the meal). If there is an argument whether he did not remember until the next Shehecheyanu is recited on the second morning, he should recite the Brachah night of Rosh Hashana, the person of Havdallah over a cup of wine, but not lighting candles ideally wears a new the Brachah of Ner. garment and has in mind both the Chag When reciting Shehecheyanu, one and the new garment when reciting should look at the new fruit, and have in Shehecheyanu. Alternatively, the new mind both the Chag and the new fruit. If fruit that will be eaten after Kiddush one doesn’t have new fruit, he still should be placed on the table, and one recites Shehecheyanu. should have it in mind when reciting Shehecheyanu. In the absence of this, At least a K’zayit (18 grams) of new fruit one still recites Shehecheyanu. is eaten immediately after Kiddush, ~ 12 ~ before washing for Challah. One recites Bat Mitzvah are technically exempt, but Borei Pri Ha’etz, but not Shehecheyanu, the custom is for them to hear anyway. as this was already recited at Kiddush. It says that after Kriat Hatorah one must One should minimize the time between prepare for Tekiat Shofar. It does not Kiddush and Challah. specify how, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe Before washing, a Brachah Acharona is explains that this is because everyone said on the fruit, but not on the wine. must make a personal soul-preparation that is inspiring on his level.  SECOND DAY OF ROSH HASHANA (SUNDAY) According to Chabad, ideally, men During the Tekiot, the Sifrei Torah are should not eat before Shofar. If this is held by people standing around the difficult, or there is any concern that Bimah. one will not be able to concentrate The Makrie does not necessarily have to during davening, he may eat and drink be the Chazzan for Shacharit. In some (preferably not Mezonot). One should communities the Makrie calls out the not be stringent if there are health notes, however in Chabad, the Makrie concerns. points to the correct place, but does not Avinu Malkeinu: Some have the custom say anything. to recite part of it verse by verse after One should ensure that his children the Chazzan, however, it is not the participate in Tekiot and davening as Chabad custom to do so. The words much as appropriate for their age. Roia Gzar are recited without pausing in One should ensure that children are between. quiet. Infants who may cry It is customary to grant an Aliyah to the unexpectedly should be with their Ba’al Tokeiah and the Ba’al Musaf, mothers. If an infant cries or makes unless they are being paid. noise, the mother should take the child The Lubavitcher Rebbeim would say out of Shul, and hear Shofar later. Yizkor discreetly between Haftorah and It is customary for the congregation to the Tekiot. Those without parents can stand during Tekiot. One may lean or sit choose whether to follow suit. if standing is difficult. Some have the custom to make Kiddush The Yehi Ratzon immediately before the after Kriat Hatorah, before Tekiot. Brachot is said only by the Ba’al  SHOFAR – SECOND DAY Tokeiah. All men and boys over the age of Bar When the Ba’al Tokeiah says the Mitzvah must hear the Shofar. Boys Brachot, one should have in mind to be under Bar Mitzvah who are of the age of Yotzeh the Brachot from him. One Chinuch (i.e. old enough to understand should not say “Baruch Hu u’Varuch the concept of Tekiat Shofar) must also Shmo”. [If one accidently did so, he hear the Shofar. Women and girls over does not recite the Brachot again.] ~ 13 ~

When hearing the Shofar, one must  MUSAF – SECOND DAY (SUNDAY) have in mind to fulfil the Mitzvah of In those communities where they blow Shofar. Tekiot in the silent Amidah, the Baal Between the Brachot and the very first Tokeiah knocks on the Bimah Shofar sound, one should avoid beforehand to signal that he is about to speaking at all – even matters relevant blow. One should pause to listen even if to the Tekiot. If one did speak at this he is not yet up to the corresponding time, and it was a matter unrelated to place in the Amidah. the Tekiot, he needs to recite the A Makrie is not used during the Musaf Brachot again. Amidah. The Brachot recited on the Shofar are  DAVENING WITHOUT A MINYAN valid for all the blasts that will be (QUARANTINE) sounded until the end of Musaf. For someone who davens without a Therefore, from the time of the Brachot minyan, there is no obligation to say until after Kaddish Titkabel at the end of Piyutim, but it is certainly appropriate to Musaf, one should try not speaking any do so. Most Piyutim are said in entirety matter irrelevant to the Tekiot or the by both the Chazzan and congregation, Tefillot. If one did speak during this and that is how the individual would time, he does not repeat the Brachot, recite them as well. [Although parts of but should refrain from speaking Piyutim are often marked as “Chazzan” unnecessarily again. and “Kahal” in the Machzor, this is only If one uses the facilities during this in order to highlight which parts the period of time, Asher Yatzar may be Chazzan says aloud.] recited. Exceptions: A non-Chazan does not say Some have the custom between the the paragraph of Misod that appears at three Sedarim (sections) of the Shofar the beginning of the Chazans repetition, that “one confesses silently”. This refers and in Shacharit he also does not say to one’s intense longing to connect with the paragraph that follows Misod. his Father in Heaven, and to become a When saying them alone, the piyutim changed person should not be recited within the The Yehi Ratzon after the Tekiot is also Amidah. Reading them after Shacharit said by the congregation. One should and Musaf respectively, is fine. You may not begin reciting it until the Tekiah also repeat Aleinu as part of your Gedolah is completely finished. personal reliving the Repetition of According to Kabbalah, after the Sifrei Musaf. Torah are returned to the Aron The paragraphs of Hayom Harat Olam Hakodesh, some Baalei Tokeiah have may also be said alone, followed by the the custom to face the congregation in appropriate passage beginning Areshet order that they may gaze at him. Sefateinu. But don't recite the above

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 14 ~ paragraphs during the first series of  SECOND AFTERNOON OF ROSH HASHANA Shofar blowing (of 30 sounds; aka Some go to the waterfront on the Tekiot diMeyushav). afternoon of the first day of Rosh (In many communities, Hayom Harat Hashanah (or on the second day, when Olam is always included in the Silent the first day is Shabbat). Amidah, even on Shabbat. It follows If one is in quarantine, as it is only a that when praying alone it should be Minhag, they do not go to Tashlich, recited as usual). however, once they come out of When one davens alone, it is quarantine they can go to where they appropriate to read Kriat Hatorah and would usually do Tashlich, only until Haftorah in private between Shacharit Hoshanah Rabbah. However, as it is only and Musaf. a Minhag, and if someone really feels If someone is davening without a that they need to do Tashlich on Rosh Minyan, he should not hear Shofar or Hashana, they can open the tap at their recite Musaf during the first quarter of sink and say Tashlich, on the second the day (before 9:33am), unless there is day. no other option. Tashlich is recited after Mincha, before When davening alone, the Shofar sunset (6:42pm). should be blown only before Musaf but After Tashlich, there is a custom to not during the Amidah and the person shake the edges of one’s Tzitzit. blowing should consider the other One should not throw food to the fish. Minyanim outdoors in earshot. Ya’aleh Veyavo and both Horachamon’s You may need for someone else to blow are recited during Birchat Hamazon, Shofar for you. Where possible, this even if it is already after Tzeit should be done after the first quarter of Hakochavim. the day (after Sof Zman Kriat Shma) has Havdalah is recited without Besamim passed. and candles. V’Yiten Lecha is not Some have the custom not to eat or recited. drink before Shofar blowing, however if  ASERET Y’MEI TESHUVAH the Shofar blower cannot come until late in the day, those who do not eat Tachnun is recited until Erev Yom prior to Shofar may eat, especially since Kippur, together with the long Avinu we do not blow Shofar on the first day Malkeinu. When Tachnun is not recited, which is Shabbat. Thus, the Shofar Avinu Malkeinu is not recited either. blowing is merely a Rabbinic mitzvah. One must use these days to correct his After he concludes the Amidah, he may ways and do Teshuvah. recite the Piyuttim normally recited A doubtful Aveirah requires more during the Chazzan’s repetition, but Teshuvah than a definite one, as it is there is no obligation for him to do so. human nature to discount a doubtful

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 15 ~

Aveirah and assume that he didn’t really female chicken. A pregnant woman uses do anything wrong. one male and one female chicken One should increase in Torah, Tefillah A pregnant woman within 40 days of and Tzedakah. One should be more conception does not need to take any meticulous in his observance of Mitzvot, extra chickens for the pregnancy. even where he is ordinarily accustomed A pregnant woman does not need to to following the lenient opinion. take two or three at the same time and The seven days between Rosh Hashana can take one after the other. and Yom Kippur encompass the seven It is preferable that one be present days of the week. One should utilize when his chicken is slaughtered. If the each day to do Teshuvah for all the chicken was not slaughtered properly or corresponding weekdays of the died before slaughtering, Kapparot is previous year. performed again. If it was slaughtered If one did not do Hatarat Nedarim on properly but the chicken was found to Erev Rosh Hashana, he should do so be not Kosher, Kapparot need not be during the Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah, or on repeated. Erev Yom Kippur. One should cover the blood, but only If one did not do Tashlich on Rosh with the Shochet’s consent. The Hashana, he should do so during the Brachah ends “Al Kissui Dam BeAfar” The blood should be fully .[דָּ ם בֶּעָּפָּ ר] .Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah Kiddush Levanah is not recited until covered. after Yom Kippur. One should not think that the Kapparot  KAPPAROT itself atones for one’s sins. Rather, one’s intention should be that a sinner Kapparot is performed any time during deserves what is being done to the the Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah, as close to chicken. These thoughts arouse one to Erev Yom Kippur as possible. Teshuvah. Kapparot can be performed with a The Kapparot chickens or their value chicken, a live fish or money, the money should be donated to a Tzedakah cause. should be to the value of a chicken. Ma’aser money may not be used for Someone in quarantine should do one’s own (or dependent’s) Kapparot. Kapparot with money only. An Avel during Shiva may not go to a Kapparot is performed with white place where they slaughter chickens as chickens. [Nevertheless, one should not is customary, rather someone should noticeably go out of his way to obtain bring the chicken to the Shiva house specifically white chickens.] and after Kapparot, they should send it Kapparot should not be shared unless to be slaughtered, or they should do it there is no other alternative. A male with money. uses a male chicken and a female uses a

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 16 ~

 HAMELECH HAKADOSH / HAMISHPAT In this event, it is ideal to daven the During Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah, one Amidah a second time, as a Nedavah, in recites Hamelech Hakadosh at the end order to say Hamelech Hamishpat. of the third Brachah, and Hamelech [However, if this occurs to the Chazzan Hamishpat at the end of the eleventh – in either Amidah – he does not repeat Brachah. it a second time.] One who did not say Hamelech If one mistakenly omitted any of the Hakadosh: if he realized before he other four additions (Zachreinu, Mi began the next Brachah and within the Chamocha, u’Chtov, u’Vsefer Chaim), he time frame it takes to say three words, may recite it at the place he remembers he corrects his mistake. Otherwise, he if he has not yet said Hashem’s name at must begin the Amidah again. [The the end of that Brachah. Otherwise, he same applies if this occurs in Chazarat continues the Amidah and does not go Hashatz, in which case Kedushah is back. recited again.] During Chazarat Hashatz, the If one is in doubt whether he said congregation recites the selections of Hamelech Hakadosh, he needs to repeat U’Chtov and u’Vsefer Chaim aloud the Amidah. before the Chazzan. Some also say Zachreinu Lechaim and Mi Chamocha One who did not say Hamelech aloud too. Hamishpat: if he realized before he began the next Brachah and within the  SHABBAT SHUVAH time frame it takes to say three words, In the Brachah after the Amidah of he may correct his mistake. Otherwise, Maariv, we recite Hamelech Hakadosh. he should continue the Amidah without Vihi Noam and V’atah Kaddosh are not correcting his mistake. recited on Motzei Shabbat.

~ 17 ~

The Guest Who Wore All White By Tuvia Litzman

A Jewish woman in Jerusalem who was not blessed with children after many years of When she approached the tomb, she saw that marriage, felt more and more distressed with a large number of Israeli soldiers were each passing year. She visited many positioned around the building. The soldiers righteous people and prominent rabbis and explained to the woman that riots were going asked them to bless her, but she remained on and the Arabs were throwing rocks at childless. anyone who attempted to approach. They refused to allow her to go inside, not even for One day, a woman acquaintance gave her a the brief two minutes she was begging them strong recommendation: many women in a for. They kept repeating that it was too similar situation had received the gift of dangerous. children after praying at the tomb of our matriarch “Mama Rachel” in Beit Lechem She, however, refused to give up. She ("Bethlehem'). approached a small group of the Palestinian policemen and in Arabic explained the The childless woman decided to take upon reason for her visit. She pleaded with them to herself to say the whole book of Tehillim let her go inside. They appreciated her plea, (Psalms) once a week at the gravesite of the highest ranking one gave an order, and “Mama Rachel”. She fulfilled her four armed Arab policemen escorted her into commitment, and to her immense delight she the building over the grave. became pregnant and later that year gave birth to a baby boy. She put the envelope on the tomb, expressed a few words of warm gratitude, said a few This became cause for pure joy and chapters of Tehillim and left the place, again excitement for all her family and friends and escorted by the policemen, whom she neighbors, since she had been married for thanked. twenty years until this first child. The new mother knew in her heart that he was born in A large number of people came to the the merit of our Matriarch Rachel, and she circumcision - relatives and friends, and felt strongly that she wanted to give "Mama others as well who had heard about the Rachel" a personal invitation to the brit mila 'miracle' birth after twenty years. Everyone (circumcision ceremony). wanted to participate in the exalted joy of the special occasion. One close friend even She wrote a nice invitation, put it into a arranged for a video photographer to film the white envelope and made a special trip to event. Beit Lechem in order to place the invitation on "Mama Rachel's” tomb. ~ 18 ~

A few minutes before bringing the boy into got up from her seat, smiled, and pressed her the Covenant of Abraham, a beautiful, hand - into thin air! After that, another refined-looking woman entered the hall. She woman got up and pressed her hand in the wore a long white dress and made such a air. This happened a few times, always with strong impression that many women stood up a different woman. and pressed her hand, despite the fact that they had no idea who she was. Then, they saw how the mother of the boy made a motion as if embracing somebody The woman approached the mother of the and offering her cheeks for a kiss - but boy, embraced her, kissed her on her cheeks without seeing any person doing it! and wished her 'Mazal Tov'. They watched the movie over and over again The brit was performed and everybody felt with the same strange events repeating the exceptionally great joy. themselves. Finally they realized that the video camera simply did not catch the After a few days the family received the beautiful woman dressed in her white frock. video film of the brit, and a CD in order to watch the movie on their computer. According to Jewish custom, if you are personally invited to a brit mila, it is such an As they stared at the screen, they saw important occasion that you have to come…. something very strange: one of the women Reprinted from Chassidic Gems II.

Rabbi Mordechai Dov of Hornistopol Comes to Visit a Shtetl Near Ushamir by Rabbi Shmuel Butman

The Jews of the tiny shtetl near the town of Ushamir suffered terribly under the heavy It was the week before Rosh Hashana and the hands of the dictatorial manager of the lands tzadik, Rabbi Mordechai Dov of Hornistopol they leased. arrived in the town of Ushamir for Shabbat.

He worked them to the bone, though nothing It was his custom during the month of Elul to they did ever pleased him. travel through all the nearby towns and villages to arouse the hearts of the people to Things were bad enough in normal times, but the worship of the Creator and urge them to when he decided to vent his rage, life return to Him in full repentance. became completely unlivable, for the manager would cut their salaries without a Hundreds of Jews from all the neighboring second thought. settlements streamed to Ushamir to spend Shabbat together with the great tzadik. This manager was, sad to say, actually a Jew. Among those who came were many Jews No one knew where he had come from or from the nearby shtetl. After Shabbat, the what his past was, but as far as the present people were given an opportunity to speak to was concerned, it was a known fact that his the tzadik to receive his blessings. tie to Jewishness was in his origin only, and even that was a burden to him. ~ 19 ~

The residents of the next village decided Standing on the porch, watching the scene, in amongst themselves that this would be a all his glory, pipe in mouth, stood the land chance to tell Reb Mordechai Dov about the manager, his entire appearance reeking of manager. arrogance.

With great sorrow the tzadik listened to their Yet, as the caravan approached his house, heartbreaking story. one could see the questioning look of wonder cross his face: What was the meaning of this He was particularly distressed when he heard procession? that the man was a Jew. "Wait till tomorrow, and we'll see what is possible to do," the Reb Mordechai Dov asked that his carriage tzadik told them. halt just in front of the house. Behind him stretched a long line of wagons as far as the The next day, right after the morning service, eye could see. The tzadik lifted his eyes and Reb Mordechai Dov told his attendant to get beheld the beautiful mansion. He noticed that the carriage ready for a trip. the manager was studying him intently. The tzadik looked in his direction with a steady The tzadik ordered the carriage driver to turn and unwavering glare. the horses in the direction of the neighboring village. The inhabitants of the village who Reb Mordechai Dov got down from the were at that very time preparing to return carriage and walked toward the mansion. home, were very surprised. The others, eyes focused on the tzadik, didn't budge. Reb Mordechai Dov reached the door In great haste, they, too, jumped into their and after a few seconds, the door opened up wagons and followed the tzadik. A veritable from inside. caravan of wagons set out, the carriage of Reb Mordechai Dov leading the way. The tzadik and his attendant entered the house. When the caravan reached the shtetl the tzadik inquired where the manager lived, and Only a few minutes passed and the tzadik instructed his driver to proceed there. and his attendant left the house, climbed up on the wagon and departed. When the villagers saw the caravan with the tzadik in the lead, they emerged from their What happened inside, the people heard later homes and stood outside in anticipation. All from the attendant who reported that from the while, the tzadik was very withdrawn, the moment the manager had opened the saying nothing. door and until they departed, not one single word was spoken! When they saw from afar the large and beautiful mansion which was the residence With a small nod of his head the manager of the land manager, all the people drew to a motioned for them to enter and pointed to a halt. "What is the tzadik going to do?" they chair for the tzadik to sit on. wondered. "What will he say to that wicked one?" they asked one another. "Perhaps with He, then sat opposite them. the gaze of his holy eyes, he will turn the manager into a pile of bones," they thought, The tzadik put both hands on the table, hopefully. straightened his back and lifted his pure eyes, to look directly into the eyes of the evil dictator. ~ 20 ~

At first, the manager returned his gaze with a Towards evening, when the house in which hard, defiant look. But gradually as the the tzadik was staying had emptied of all the seconds turned into minutes, his glance people, a bowed figure was seen approaching began to soften. the house. It was the manager.

The gaze of the tzadik, however, which had He entered the house in an agitated state, as started off soft and merciful, gradually if pursued by demons. For the next two hours became deeper and harsher. he was closeted with the tzadik.

Then, the eyes of the manager grew moist; a That Rosh Hashana a new and unexpected large tear rolled down his cheek. At that worshipper appeared in shul. It was of moment the tzadik rose from his seat, and course, the manager. without a word walked to the door. The manager remained motionless in his seat, as For the holiday, he stood practically if nailed to his place, unable to even motionless, wrapped in talit and praying, and accompany his guest to the door. weeping copious tears.

That day the tzadik remained in the village. From that day on, the estranged and despotic Everyone who had not been in Ushamir that man who the manager had previously been, Shabbat now was able to receive the tzadik's changed into a true repentant and a friend of blessing. his fellow Jews. Reprinted from an email of L’Chaim Weekly Magazine. The Call of the Shofar

By Goldie Goldblum

Boruch Yosef, barely thirteen, faced the hospital reception desk on one of the holiest He bypassed the elevators and began walking days of the year. "My name," he announced, up the steep stairs. By the time he reached in the high-pitched voice of a Bar Mitzva the fourth floor (Geriatrics) he was panting. boy, "is Mr. Klein. I called yesterday and Forget the ninth floor! He consulted his list. asked if you could have a list of Jewish His first patient, Sidney Jacobs, was just two patients ready for me." doors away. As it turned out, Sidney was sleeping, but Boruch Yosef was able to blow The receptionist shuffled some papers. "Oh, the shofar for Mrs. Jacobs in the lounge. that's impossible, uh, Mr. Klein. When you called, I thought you were a little older." Not The next patient was Erwin Goldfinger, who to be put off so lightly, Boruch Yosef said, "I regaled Boruch Yosef with army tales , have been visiting patients in this hospital for possibly embroidering a little to further almost a year. If you are unfamiliar with my widen Boruch Yosef's eyes. When the shofar activities, please speak to the chaplain." was blown, Erwin fell silent, and sniffed quietly. "Fine boy, fine boy," he muttered. Without another word, the list was handed over, and Boruch Yosef proceeded to divide The next three visits were uneventful, and up "his" patients. On this Rosh Hashana Boruch Yosef headed for the stairs. He there were five elderly men on the fourth looked up at the flights rising above him, floor, and one on the ninth. Boruch Yosef steep steps painted a hideous hospital green, made a mental note that maybe he'd skip the and inwardly apologized to Mr. Fried, on the man on the ninth. ninth floor. ~ 21 ~

finished, he quietly slipped out of the room, His list stated that Mr. Fried was over 70, and went home. and was in critical condition. Boruch Yosef's conscience didn't let him rest. Maybe this The following year, Boruch Yosef was Rosh Hashana would be Mr. Fried's last. And besieged by callers requesting him to blow because he didn't like the look of the nasty, the shofar in the small shuls near his home. rattling steps, perhaps Mr. Fried would not Each one offered him a nice monetary hear the shofar. incentive, and each time, Boruch Yosef flatly refused. One tiny shul, quite far from his It was enough. He slowly climbed up to the neighborhood, however, admitted that they ninth floor. From previous visits, he knew had no funds, but could offer him some that it housed the I.C.U. and that to visit it he homemade cake and a glass of tea. To this would have to get permission at the nurses' shul, Boruch Yosef said yes. station. It was not surprising that Boruch Yosef, still The woman in charge said that Mr. Fried had a short lad, caused a mild ripple of laughter been in a coma (What's a coma? he in the shul. Boruch Yosef ignored the wondered) for several weeks, but that laughter, and concentrated on the task at visitors were certainly welcome. She hand. With closed eyes, he put his lips to the escorted him to the room. shofar and blew. Afterward, there was no laughter. They hadn't expected his Mr. Fried was connected to all kinds of wires seriousness, his attachment to the mitzva, and gadgets. Sitting in one corner was an this crowd of elderly Jews. He had surprised elderly man, half asleep over a "machzor" them. (holiday prayer book). Boruch Yosef softly asked if he would like to hear the shofar. The One man came forward. His creamy talis man's eyelids dragged open and he nodded gave him the dignity of an eagle. His his head. He explained to Boruch Yosef that yellowed fingers tapped on the rail of the his friend, Mr. Fried, had been "asleep" for bima. "Young man," he rasped, three weeks, and was unable to hear the "Do you remember me?" shofar. Boruch Yosef shook his head and smiled, Boruch Yosef's father had given him this looking like one of hundreds of yeshiva shofar for his Bar Mitzva, knowing how his boys. Obviously, this was a case of mistaken son visited the hospital on Shabbat and Yom identity. Tov. Now, Boruch Yosef touched its unusual surface and marvelled at how a mere ram's "Well, young man, I have not forgotten you. horn could make such a powerful, moving Last year I also had the pleasure of sound. answering "amen" to your blessing."

He carefully recited the blessing and was not Boruch Yosef looked puzzled. "Sir, last year at all fazed when Mr. Fried cried out, I did not blow the shofar in a shul." "amen!" He raised the shofar and blew the required sounds, oblivious to the doctors and The man smiled. "But you blew it for me. I nurses rushing in, oblivious to Mr. Fried's am Mr. Fried." friend's crying, oblivious to Mr. Fried sitting Reprinted from an email of L’Chaim, weekly Magazine.. up, listening to the shofar blasts. When he ~ 22 ~

No Move is Futile

By Rabbi S.Y. Zevin

Even if one solitary Jew is exiled among the now that he would definitely not be back in alien nations, it is as if all of Israel were exiled time for the New Year season, he took the there. (Midrash) precaution of preparing a shofar for the journey, for who could tell where he would The son-in-law of the Baal Shem Tov, Reb spend the Days of Awe? Yechiel Ashkenazi, was known by the Yiddish nickname "der Deitsch'l" because - as The appointed day arrived, and from all the his Hebrew surname also indicates - he hailed points of the compass the sons converged on from Germany. He was the father of two their father's house. He prepared a festive celebrated sons; Reb Moshe Chaim Ephraim meal in their honor, and invited all the of Sudilkov, the author of Degel Machaneh scholars of the town to share in his day of joy. Ephraim, and Reb Baruch of Mezhibuzh. Reb When the meal was under way, he asked the Yechiel’s father was both a pious and wealthy eldest son to grace the gathering with a man, whose sons were all men of scholarship learned discourse. After him the second son and refinement. One day he called them demonstrated his prowess in scholarship, and together and said: "I am going to give each then the third, and so on. It was now the turn one of you a certain sum of money. You have of Reb Yechiel. my permission to travel wherever your hearts lead you, and if a proper match should be Throughout the preceding dissertations, proposed to any one of you - with a young unlike the other guests, he had shown no signs woman who is known for her good deeds, and of attentiveness, but seemed to be busy who was brought up in a fine family - then you instead eating and drinking. When his father are free to settle for that shidduch and marry. now asked him to speak, he claimed that he I make only one condition: that in five years' had nothing to say. The father let him be, and time you all meet here in my house, so that I proceeded with the younger brothers. And as may see what has become of each of you." each of them showed what he was capable of, Reb Yechiel continued as before. The guests Each son set out in the direction of his choice, were of course stupefied; they did not know and Reb Yechiel eventually found himself in that the Creator can be served through eating the hometown of the Baal Shem Tov, where and drinking, and that the loftiest yichudim he married Adel, the tzaddik's saintly may be effected through this means. daughter. After they had all gone home the father called Almost five years elapsed, and Reb Yechiel Reb Yechiel aside, and told him in anguish: went to take his leave of his father-in-law, "My son, you disgraced me today before all explaining that he planned to make the those guests. Not only is it clear that you alone journey home in fulfillment of the among all your brothers have not grown up to commandment of honoring one's father. be a Torah scholar: on top of that it seems that When the Baal Shem Tov gave him his you have even become a glutton." blessing for a safe journey and a safe return, And the poor man broke down and wept. "Be Reb Yechiel asked him to bless him that he not grieved," Reb Yechiel consoled him, "for would return in time for Rosh HaShanah, for in the course of these years I have grown no the summer months had already come. The less than my brothers. Perhaps you would like tzaddik gave no answer. Three times he asked, to arrange another festive meal tomorrow, to and three times received no reply. Realizing which you could invite the same guests, and ~ 23 ~ then I will show you what I have gained. sharing in the prayers of the congregation in Believe me, father, you will derive no less his hometown, and he accepted his suffering satisfaction from me than from all your sons." with loving patience. Setting foot on the alien The next day, when all the distinguished terrain, he rented himself a room near the guests were again in their places, and the seashore, so that he would be able to immerse eldest brother had risen to deliver another himself in the sea as in a mikveh. This he did learned discourse, Reb Yechiel rose from his in preparation for the afternoon prayer of the chair, approached him, and passed his hand eve of the holy day, which was followed by before his face. The speaker was at once the evening prayer of Rosh HaShanah. And thrown into confusion. He left his dissertation needless to say, these were prayers uttered in in the middle of a sentence, and began instead devout ecstasy. His very heart cried out and to confess all the sins of which he had been wept - for this was the way of the Baal Shem guilty from his youth until that day. After a Tov and his disciples. few moments he regained his presence of mind, and spoke no more. The passersby stood still, amazed. The man inside the house who cried out in there all Reb Yechiel returned to his place, and his alone must certainly be out of his mind. In the father asked the second son to deliver some morning they saw him make his way down to divrei Torah. Exactly the same happened as the sea, and then after he returned they again before, and it was once more repeated with the listened through the window to the third son. The guests were left speechless with unaccustomed sounds. He prayed the morning wonder. service, blew a series of thirty blasts on the ram's horn that he had brought for the It was then that Reb Yechiel told them of his purpose, and then built up to a climax of father-in-law, the saintly Baal Shem Tov, one awesome ecstasy in the Musaf prayer. of the tzaddikim upon whose righteousness the world stands. For the first time in their Just that morning the king of that country lives they heard of the way in which the Baal decided to go out in his carriage for a ride. Shem Tov served the Creator, and as they Surprised by the unaccustomed sight of a listened thirstily, the heart of Reb Yechiel's crowd near a little house by the seashore, he father too was glad.. approached and asked what drew them there. Being a learned man, he gathered from their It was already the month of Elul, the last description that the stranger inside the house month before the New Year, so after some was no madman, as they had assumed in their days the sons went their separate ways. The ignorance. He warned them not to harm him ship which was to take Reb Yechiel to his in any way, because he was no doubt a home was caught in a fearful tempest, and it believer in some faith unfamiliar to them, and was drawn by the turbulent sea far from its this was his mode of service. He then called intended course. Only on the eve of Rosh for the chassid, who in answer to his questions HaShanah did the sea calm down, and at long told him where he came from and how he had last the ship was able to drop anchor in a quiet reached those parts. haven near a strange city in a distant land - a city in which no Jew had ever lived. When the king invited him to continue their conversation in his palace, he promised to do Reb Yechiel realized that it was on his so the following evening. And indeed, as soon account that the storm had raged. It was as the two Days of Judgment had come to a clearly God's will that he spend Rosh close, he was received most cordially at the HaShanah in this remote spot, instead of royal palace. So pleasing did the king find his ~ 24 ~ company - and his prayers of the day before - that he asked him if he could bring three In due course the chassid found his way back hundred Jews like himself to settle in his land. to his home, where he went at once to see his father-in-law, the Baal Shem Tov. The "Your Majesty," replied Reb Yechiel, "for tzaddik greeted him affectionately, and said: two reasons I am unable to fulfill your wish. "In the place which you visited, a vast number In the first place, I am no minister nor of holy sparks were hidden. Had you not governor that I should be able to order any arrived there, a certain number of our brethren man to leave his home and to settle in your would have been obliged to be led there at land. And secondly, if it were indeed God's some time - even in iron shackles, against will that Jews should live in these parts, then their will. But since you were there on Rosh Divine Providence would have ordained that HaShanah, and through the sheer potency of they be led here even in iron shackles, against your prayer you succeeded in elevating all of their will. Since, however, not one Jew lives those exiled sparks to their Divine Source, in the land, it is clear that this is the Creator's there is now no longer any need for any other will - and it is thus impossible that your Jews to live there in order to accomplish that request be fulfilled." task - and, indeed, no Jew will ever live there, until the coming of the Messiah."

This answer found favor in the eyes of the Reprinted from A Treasury of Chassidic Tales, by Artscroll king, who thereupon gave him his farewell blessings. Shofar Race

By Michoel Green

Today is the beginning of your work... And on harbinger of a new era of freedom. Indeed, the nations judgment is pronounced: which for under French rule Jews were granted equal war and which for peace, which for famine rights and opportunity as all other citizens. It is and which for plenty... Rosh Hashana liturgical text no wonder, therefore, that when the French emperor invaded Russia in 5572, Rabbi Israel The Lubavitcher Rebbe often emphasized the of Koznitz hoped that he would succeed in virtue of positively influencing others, and conquering the imperious Czar. Contrary to urged his followers to dedicate their lives to the opinion of his colleagues, however, Rabbi this cause. Initially many people were wary of Schneur Zalman of Liadi saw in Napoleon a this approach - surely one's paramount concern threat to basic religious values . "It was must be his own religious growth, they revealed to me during the Mussaf prayers on contended. Once he has perfected himself, the first day of Rosh Hashanah," the Rebbe only then may he worry about the spiritual wrote to one adherent, "that if Bonaparte welfare of others. Or, in the words of our should be victorious, the Jews would prosper Sages, "First adorn yourself, and afterwards economically and politically, but their hearts you may adorn your fellow." The Rebbe would be rent asunder and alienated from their addressed this argument at numerous public Father in Heaven. But if our sovereign gatherings. On one of these occasions, he did Alexander will prevail, though the Jews will so by making reference to the following story. suffer economically and politically, their hearts will become more firmly devoted to During the height of the Napoleonic war, the their Father in Heaven." Hence, whereas Rabbi mighty French army swept through the Israel' prayed for a French victory, the Chabad European continent. Most of the chassidic leader prayed for their downfall, and even leaders of Poland and Ukraine welcomed Napoleon's advance, hailing him as the ~ 25 ~ encouraged his followers to aid the Russian attempt to sway the ruling in Napoleon's favor. war effort. Hence he rose early in the morning and preempted them, making certain that Russia Meanwhile Napoleon's armies penetrated the would prevail. vast Russian interior, pillaging all towns and farmlands along the way, and the Rebbe was As they spoke, the Maggid (Preacher) of forced to flee. During his long and perilous Koznitz was hastily conducting his morning travels, he spent Rosh Hashanah of 5573 in a prayers hundreds of miles away. Just as Rabbi small village on the outskirts of Moscow. On Schneur Zalman had suspected, he had begun the first morning of the holiday a peculiar to pray at the earliest possible time. After the incident occurred. At the crack of dawn the rushed service was completed, he made all the Rebbe summoned his son, Rabbi DovBer, and Kabbalistic preparations and rose to the several other chassidim. "Come," he said, "let podium with his shofar. "Alas!" he cried aloud, us go immerse ourselves in the mikveh." having sensed the Heavenly verdict. "The Though it was obviously uncomfortable for Litvak' has beaten me to it!" them to go to the mikveh in the Rebbe's presence, they readily complied, alarmed by After recounting this episode, the Lubavitcher the tone of urgency in his voice. Immediately Rebbe commented: afterwards, the Rebbe briskly led the How was Rabbi Schneur Zalman able to bewildered chassidim to the synagogue and determine the fate of the war with his shofar began to chant, "Lamnatzeach Livnei Korach blasts? When a Jew sounds the shofar on Rosh Mizmor.. . ," the verses traditionally recited Hashanah, he in effect is acclaiming G-d's before the sounding of the shofar. The sovereignty over the entire world, as we assembled quorum watched in astonishment as reiterate in our prayers throughout the two the Rebbe recited the blessings and blew the Days of Judgment, "Rule over the whole shofar. universe in Your majesty..." Inherent in his act of accepting G-d as King of the world, the Jew Needless to say, the chassidim were mystified. is endowed with the ability to profoundly This bizarre conduct was significantly influence that world. uncharacteristic of their leader, who, unlike other contemporary chassidic masters, insisted Now, in contrast to the worldly orientation of on serving G-d in an organized fashion, in the shofar, the morning service reflects one's perfect consistency with the Shulchan Aruch. personal attachment with his Maker. Under In this case, however, although one is ideal circumstances, introspective prayer permitted to perform the Biblical obligation at should precede the sounding of the shofar, as daybreak, it is nonetheless preferable that the one must seek to perfect himself before setting shofar be sounded following the morning out to rectify the world. There is an exception service, prior to the Mussaf service. Why, to the rule, however: when the world is in a then, did the Rebbe act out of sequence? state of crisis, one must act immediately, notwithstanding his own spiritual station and Fortunately the Rebbe did not keep them in achievements. Indeed, Rabbi Schneur Zalman suspense for long. He explained that on that saw fit to reverse the standard sequential order very Day of Judgment, the fate of the war was on account of the great spiritual threat facing to be determined in the Heavenly Court. Well European Jewry. So too in our present times, aware that this decisive ruling was pending, in these dark moments that precede the light of the Rebbe knew that he could easily affect the Redemption, there is no time to be wasted. We outcome through sounding the shofar with must endeavor to illuminate our surroundings certain Kabbalistic intentions. However, he at once! Reprinted from Once Upon A Chassid feared that his saintly dissidents were also privy to this information and would surely ~ 26 ~

Laws & Customs: Tzom Gedalia

According to Nittei Gavriel, Mishna Berurah and Shulachan Aruch Harav For the year 5781 All times listed are for Jerusalem only as per www.myzmanim.com Based on Rabbi Shmuel Lesches's Halachah Sheets Compiled by Yossi Fraenkel in memory of his grandparents ר' ראובן בן הרב משה אליעזר הלוי ע"ה וחיה ברכה בת ר' נפתלי משה ע"ה רבינוביץ ר' יוסף בן ר' אורי ע"ה ומלכה בת ר' יצחק צבי הלוי ע"ה פרנקל www.thejweekly.org To subscribe: www.thejweekly.org or [email protected]

 HO MUST FAST any liquid from flowing down one’s throat; W ? All must fast, including a Chattan and Kallah that one uses substances unfit for during the week of Sheva Brachot. consumption (e.g. Listerine); and that one rinses with less than 86 ml.] If one inadvertently ate during the fast, one must immediately resume fasting. One may take non-chewable pills for medical purposes, without water. A Rav should be Mothers who are either pregnant or nursing, consulted regarding other medicines. or have difficulty fasting while tending to their young children, should consult with a One may shower, bathe and apply ointments Rav. [One shouldn’t be unduly strict in this and creams. regard, so as not to harm the wellbeing of When a Brit occurs on a fast, the Seudah mother and baby.] The ill/elderly should also takes place at night, after the fast. consult with a Rav. One may not taste food to determine Anyone below Bar/Bat Mitzvah need not whether it requires salt/spices. However, fast. From the age of nine upwards, the when preparing food for a Seudat Mitzvah custom is to train children to fast for several scheduled for the night following the fast, hours, as per the child’s abilities. one may taste the food, provided that all An individual exempt from fasting should eat these conditions are met: in private only, and avoid delicacies or • One expels it without swallowing. excessive intake. Similarly, children old • One tastes only an absolute minimum. enough to understand the concept of a fast • One tastes less than 86 ml in total should avoid delicacies. throughout the day.  EATING PRIOR TO THE FAST  CONDUCT ON A FAST DAY One may eat and drink the entire evening One should learn Torah connected to the until dawn (5:14am), provided that either of topic of the fast. these conditions are met: One should give increased Tzedakah, • One didn’t go to sleep for the night. especially before davening. It is proper to [Dozing off is not regarded as such.] give the value of the forgone meals – • One stipulated (preferably verbally) before especially if one is exempt from fasting. going to sleep that he would eat upon The purpose of fasting is to arouse one to do waking. In this case, one washes his hands Teshuvah. Idling away one’s time, or and recites the morning Brachot before partaking in joyous or entertaining activities, eating. is not in the spirit of the fast.  LAWS OF FASTING One should be especially careful not to One shouldn’t brush one’s teeth or rinse become angered. one’s mouth. [If this will cause great  CHAZZAN’S RECITATION OF ANEINU aggravation, there is room to be lenient, During Shacharit, only the Chazzan recites provided that one leans forward to prevent Aneinu. Therefore, one who won’t be fasting shouldn’t serve as Chazzan. ~ 27 ~

[In the unlikely event that the Chazzan is not  TORAH READING fasting, or less than three congregants are The passage of Vayechal is read, provided fasting: Instead of reciting Aneinu between that at least three congregants are fasting. Goal Yisrael and R’faeinu, the Chazzan A non-fasting individual must still hear Kriat includes Aneinu in the Brachah of Sh’ma Hatorah of Vayechal, but should not be called Koleinu, and concludes the Brachah up for an Aliya. [If he is the only Kohen or Levi, regularly; i.e. Shomea Tefillah.] he should absent himself.] If he is called up, A Chazzan who forgot to recite Aneinu: and refusing the Aliya will pain him or • if he remembered before reciting minimize the honor of the Torah, he may Hashem’s name at the conclusion of the accept the Aliya. Brachah of R’faeinu, he recites Aneinu A non-fasting individual shouldn’t serve as immediately, and then repeats the the Ba’al Koreh, unless there is no one else to Brachah of R’faeinu; serve as the Ba’al Koreh. • if he already concluded the Brachah of When the congregation recites the verses R’faeinu, he recites Aneinu in the Brachah aloud, the Ba’al Koreh waits for silence of Sh’ma Koleinu, and concludes the before resuming. The one receiving the Aliya Brachah with a double conclusion; i.e. begins these verses with the congregation, Ha’one B’eit Tzara V’shamea Tefillah; but ends with the Ba’al Koreh. • if he already concluded the Brachah of  MINCHA Sh’ma Koleinu, he recites Aneinu as a separate Brachah immediately after the Mincha is longer than usual (due to Kriat Brachah of Sim Shalom. Hatorah and Haftorah); care should be taken to conclude before sunset (6:41pm).  SELICHOT & AVINU MALKEINU Ideally, Kriat Hatorah shouldn’t start prior to One who is not fasting must still recite Mincha Gedolah (1:02pm). The Amidah may Selichot and Avinu Malkeinu. certainly not begin before then. Those who continue to say Selichot during After Haftorah, most communities return the the Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah, say it before Torah to the Aron Kodesh and then say davening on Tzom Gedalya, however, those Kaddish. The Chabad custom is that the who don’t say Selichot during the Aseret Chazzan slowly recites Kaddish while the Y’mei Teshuvah say it during davening like Torah is returned to the Aron Kodesh, similar any other fast day, and certain selections are to Mincha on Shabbat. omitted, as those are said only when Selichot If an individual forgot to recite Aneinu in the is recited prior to davening. Brachah of Sh’ma Koleinu, he may recite it in One who davens without a Minyan omits the the passage Elokai N’tzor, before the second Yud-Gimel Midot-Harachamim. Yih’yu L’ratzon. If one didn’t remember until If Tachnun is not recited (e.g. when a Chattan he concluded the Amidah, he does not repeat is present), Selichot is still recited, whereas it. [A non-fasting individual does not recite Avinu Malkeinu is not recited. Aneinu.] During Avinu Malkeinu, we recite the The Chazzan recites Aneinu between Goal selections for Aseret Y’mei Teshuvah, and not Yisrael and R’faeinu, and also recites Birchat the selections recited on a fast day. Kohanim toward the end of the Amidah. The fast concludes at 7:04pm Some wait until .at 7:16pm מוצאי שבת the time for ~ 28 ~

History of Gedaliah by Rabbi Nissan Mindel

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylonia, had fullest support. Gedaliah gratefully accomplished his purpose. He had accepted, and Mizpah now became also completely subdued the Kingdom of the spiritual center of the people. Judah and destroyed its capital of Jerusalem, and its most sacred shrine, Gedaliah was a wise man, gentle and the Holy Temple. He had slain or modest. He zealously began to captured most of the royal family and encourage the people to cultivate the the nobility of the land. The upper fields and vineyards, and thus lay the classes of the Jewish people, including foundation of security. Under the wise the leaders of the priesthood and the administration of Gedaliah, the Jewish chief civil and military officers, were led community began to prosper. Its fame as captives en masse to Babylon. Many began to spread abroad. Many Jews of them were mercilessly put to death who had fled to places of safety in at Riblah. Judah was crushed and neighboring lands during the war of destruction, were attracted by the news bereaved of its best sons. of the revival of the Jewish community However, Nebuchadnezzar did not wish in Judah. They came to Gedaliah in to turn the land of Judah into a Mizpah and were warmly welcomed by complete desert. He permitted the him. poorer classes to remain in Judah to till the soil and to tend their vineyards. The Jewish governor exhorted his Over them Nebuchadnezzar had brethren to remain loyal to the king of appointed Gedaliah, the son of Ahikam, Babylonia, and promised them peace and security. His advice was well taken. as governor. The Babylonian garrison stationed in the The prophet Jeremiah had been allowed land, did not molest them—on the to choose between remaining in Judah contrary, it offered them protection and going to Babylon as an honored against unfriendly neighbors. The young guest of the Babylonian royal house. He Jewish commonwealth was well on its chose to remain with his brethren on way to recovery, when it was suddenly the holy soil. Jeremiah went to Mizpah, struck by a cowardly deed of treachery a short way north of Jerusalem, where and bloodshed. Gedaliah had established the seat of his governorship, and offered him his Among the refugees who had joined Gedaliah in Mizpah, was Ishmael, the ~ 29 ~ son of Nethaniah, a descendant of the Johanan and a few of his brave men had royal house of Zedekiah, the last king of escaped the massacre, for they were Judah. Ishmael was an ambitious man, not in Mizpah at that time. When who would stop at nothing to attain his Johanan learned of the terrible tragedy, goal. The honor and success that be rallied additional help and pursued Gedaliah had won, filled him with cruel the assassin. Overtaking Ishmael near jealousy. Ishmael began to plot against Gibeon in Benjamin, Johanan succeeded Gedaliah. He found an ally in the king of in freeing the captives, but Ishmael, Ammon, who had been following with with a few followers, managed to apprehension the growth of the new escape to the land of Ammon. Jewish colony. The plight of the Jews was now sad The conspiracy became known to indeed. The assassination of Gedaliah Johanan, the son of Kareah, a devoted and of the Babylonian garrison would officer of Gedaliah. Johanan warned the draw the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar governor of the danger threatening his upon the remnants of the people in person. Gedaliah, however, being of a Judah. They were sorely afraid of his true and generous nature, shrank from punishment. Yet where could they turn? believing such treachery. When Johanan The only haven of refuge seemed to be offered to slay Ishmael secretly, before Egypt, where the hand of the latter could carry out his evil plans, Nebuchadnezzar had not yet reached. Gedaliah indignantly rejected the But that country was hateful to them. proposal. Although some nine hundred years had

In the meantime, Ishmael bided his passed, since their ancestors had been time. Before long the opportunity which liberated from Egypt, after centuries of he was waiting for presented itself. He slavery, Egypt was still regarded with was invited by the governor to a feast at aversion. Their despair and fright was so Mizpah on Rosh Hashanah. Ishmael great, however, that the poor people arrived at the banquet in the company did decide to seek escape in Egypt, and of ten followers. During the feast, the set out on their way southward. ruthless band attacked and slew the The hard-pressed Jews halted in Beit governor. Having assassinated their Lechem and turned to Jeremiah for host, they commenced a terrible advice. The faithful prophet, who had massacre. Ishmael murdered many shared in all their trials and misfortunes prominent followers of Gedaliah, and and had clung to them with unwavering put to the sword the small Chaldean affection, was still among them. To him garrison stationed at Mizpah. His they now turned their anxious eyes, murderous deed accomplished, Ishmael promising to abide by whatever counsel left Mizpah with many captives, heading he might give them. for Ammon. ~ 30 ~

For ten days Jeremiah prayed to G‑d, once again warned his brethren that the and finally he received a Divine message safety they sought in Egypt would be which he immediately told to the short-lived. He predicted that before assembled people: long, Egypt would be conquered by Nebuchadnezzar and destroyed. The “Thus says the G‑d of Israel . . . If you prophet further warned them of the will still dwell in this land, I will build dangers besetting them in mixing with you, and not destroy you, and I will the idolatrous Egyptians. If they should plant you, and not pluck you up . . . Fear return to idolatry, which had been the not the king of Babylonia, of whom you cause of all their misfortunes in the are afraid . . . for I am with you to save past, they would seal their fate beyond you . . . But if you say, ‘We will not dwell hope. in this land,’ disobeying the voice of your G‑d, saying, ‘No, but we will go Unfortunately, the prophet’s warnings into the land of Egypt’ . . . then it shall and entreaties were in vain. The Jewish come to pass that the sword which you refugees settled in Egypt, and before feared shall overtake you there in the long, abandoned their faith in G‑d. They land of Egypt, and the famine whereof sank to the level of the heathen you were afraid, shall follow close after practices of the Egyptians. you in Egypt; and there you shall die . . . G‑d hath spoken to you, O remnant of A few years later there was a political Judah, go not to Egypt; know you with upheaval in Egypt, when Pharaoh certainty, for I have warned you this Hophra was assassinated. Nebuchadnezzar took advantage of the day!” situation. He invaded and destroyed the But Jeremiah’s words fell on deaf ears. land, and most of the Jewish refugees The people had already formed their perished in this invasion and war. Thus resolution, and had hoped only that the Jeremiah’s dreadful prophecy came true prophet would confirm it. In spite of again. their solemn pledge to Jeremiah that they would follow his advice, they Where and when the aged prophet died accused the prophet of plotting is not known with certainty. It is together with his disciple Baruch, the believed that he and his faithful disciple son of Neriah, to deliver them into the Baruch spent their last years with their hands of the Chaldeans. Then they all exiled brethren in Babylon. proceeded on their way to Egypt, In memory of the assassination of forcing Jeremiah and Baruch to Gedaliah and the tragedy that it brought accompany them. upon our brethren in those days, so soon after the destruction of the Holy Temple, When the refugees reached the border we fast on the third day of Tishrei, the of Egypt, they halted. Here Jeremiah Fast of Gedaliah. Reprinted from an email of Chabad.Org Magazine. ~ 31 ~

Laws & Customs: Yom Kippur According to Nittei Gavriel, Mishna Berurah and Shulachan Aruch Harav For the year 5781 All times listed are for Jerusalem only as per www.myzmanim.com Based on Rabbi Shmuel Lesches's Halachah Sheets Compiled by Yossi Fraenkel in memory of his grandparents ר' ראובן בן הרב משה אליעזר הלוי ע"ה וחיה ברכה בת ר' נפתלי משה ע"ה רבינוביץ ר' יוסף בן ר' אורי ע"ה ומלכה בת ר' יצחק צבי הלוי ע"ה פרנקל www.thejweekly.org To subscribe: www.thejweekly.org or [email protected]

 KAPPAROT Some have the custom that the Gabbai of

For Halachot and Minhagim for Kapparot, the Shul give out something sweet and please see the Halachot and Minhagim for some have the custom that their Rabbi Aseret Y’mei Teshuva on page 15. does, Chabad have the custom that one should ask another person for lekach and  EREV YOM KIPPUR MORNING eat it. Those who have the custom to say Some have the custom to go to graves of Selichot on Erev Yom Kippur, only say Tzadikim and many go a day or two Viduy once. before. Some have the custom to go to Mikvah Many have the custom to go to the Kotel three times throughout the day; once to ask from Hashem to have mercy on before Shacharit, once before Mincha, them and their families. and once after the Seudah Hamafseket. Each time, One should dip (at least) three It is a Mitzvah to eat and drink on Erev times. Yom Kippur. Ideally, one eats an amount equivalent to two days. [Needless to say, Some have the custom to just go once to it is forbidden to fast.] This applies even to Mikvah after Chatzot (12:29pm). one exempt from fasting on Yom Kippur. Tachnun is not said from the morning of A Brit should be conducted earlier in the Erev Yom Kippur until after Rosh Chodesh morning, so that the Seudah will not Cheshvan, however some do say Tachnun interfere with the two meals that are at Mincha. eaten later in the day. Shacharit is not davened at length. For both meals, it is customary to set the Mizmor Letodah is generally not recited table and serve a meal on par with during Shacharit, however some people Shabbat and Chag. The meals begin with do say it. round Challot (dipped in honey), but there Although Avinu Malkeinu is not recited is no need for Lechem Mishneh. during Shacharit and Mincha in The first meal takes place sometime Ashkenazik communities, Sephardim do before Mincha. One only eats foods that have the custom to say it. are easily digested, such as chicken and Yom Kippur does not atone for wrongs fish, as opposed to meat. Garlic, eggs and committed against others unless their sesame seeds are not eaten. forgiveness is obtained. Therefore, Erev It is customary to eat Kreplach today. Yom Kippur is an appropriate time for one  MIKVAH AND MINCHA to resolutely forgive all who wronged him in the past. Malkut is administered with a leather belt, however, some use a gartel. The one ~ 32 ~ receiving Malkut leans in a kneeling Elokai Netzor. [I.e. If the Chazzan recites position facing the north. Thirty-nine Kedushah, one responds Kadosh, Baruch lashes are administered lightly, one on the and Yimloch. When the Chazzan says right shoulder, one on the left shoulder, Hamelech Hakadosh and Shomea Tefillah, and one a bit lower between the one answers Amen. When the Chazzan shoulders, after which the sequence is says Modim, one answers the three words repeated. Both the one giving and Modim Anachnu Lach. When the Chazzan receiving Malkut say “Vehu Rachum” recites Kaddish, one answers Amen Y’hei three times, one word per lash. Shmei etc, and Amen to D’Amiran According to Chabad, Malkut is performed B’Almah.] before Mikvah and Mincha. According to If one forgot Viduy in the Amidah, he others Malkut is performed after Mincha should recite it afterwards. Some have the custom to drop many coins One who is not davening with a Minyan, into Tzedakah boxes as we make our way or at all (due to illness or quarantine), to Mincha. The Baal Shem Tov says that should still recite Viduy throughout Yom the clanging coins scatters the Kelippot. Kippur the same number of times as it is Some have the custom to dress ready for recited in Shul. This applies to women as Chag before davening Mincha. well. Mincha is davened at length and with It is advised to repeat the Confession at feelings of Teshuvah. It is scheduled early each point, as if he was in shul. enough to leave sufficient time for the  SEUDAH HAMAFSEKET Seudah Hamafseket. The meal begins with round Challot The full Viduy is recited right after the first (dipped in honey). Aside from the food Yihyu L’ratzon at the end of the Amidah. mentioned earlier, one avoids dairy foods, Viduy is not recited in the Chazzan’s salty and spicy foods, and alcoholic repetition of Mincha. beverages.  HALACHOT OF VIDUY Before Birkat Hamazon, one should During Viduy, one stands without leaning verbally stipulate that he might still eat or on anything and bows forward slightly drink again before the fast begins. [If one (similar to Modim). neglected to do so, it is still permissible to eat and drink.] One beats his chest with his fist when he says each word of Ashamnu, at each Al Some have the custom to go to Mikvah after the Seudah Hamafseket, making sure Cheit on the word Shechatanu (and Al Chataim on the words Sheanu Chayavim), to finish well before Yom Kippur begins. and at the words Slach Lanu, Mechal Lanu, One ensures that the house is prepared Kapper Lanu. for Yom Kippur as before every Shabbat and Chag. The table should be covered [The word is enunciated with the with a tablecloth, the beds should be sounded after the last vowel, i.e. Eloi-ah.] made, and the floor swept. When reciting Viduy in the quiet Amidah, one responds as he normally would in

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 33 ~

One wears Shabbat clothing. [Some are is no Eruv, arrangements should be made accustomed to change before Mincha, or for that person’s Machzor to be carried to already from the morning.] Women Shul. [If a woman will need to drive to Shul should minimize their jewelry. after candle-lighting, she should consult a One should not set up an urn of hot water Rav for the most appropriate option in her (or put up any other hot foods in a pot or circumstances.] crockpot) for Motzei Yom Kippur. Both men and women should not eat after  LATE AFTERNOON & CANDLE-LIGHTING candle-lighting time (5:53pm). [One One dons his Kittel and Tallit before should take all medications beforehand.] sunset (6:33pm). The Brachah on the Tallit If one accepts Yom Kippur any time after is recited (unless the sun has already set). Plag Hamincha, he may no longer eat or Some say that a Chattan in the first year of perform a Melacha, and all the other his marriage does not wear a Kittel on Yom restrictions of Yom Kippur apply – the Kippur and some say they do. exception being that leather shoes may still be worn. The Kittel may not be worn in the bathroom besides for urination, similar to The Shul should be well lit in honor of Yom a Tallit and Gartel. Kippur. After donning the Tallit and Kittel, some  FASTING perform Birchat Habanim while others do All must fast, including Baalei Habrit (i.e. it before going to Shul. Many have the the Mohel, the Sandak, and the father of custom to perform Birchat Habanim every the baby). Pregnant and nursing mothers Friday Night when returning from Shul. are required to fast. One places his hands on the head of each Fasting is the most important aspect of child and recites the entire Birchat Yom Kippur and takes precedence over Kohanim some hold from Vayedaber until going to Shul and reciting all the Tefillot. Va’ani Avarachem. (One may add any One who might not be able to complete Brachah of his own.) the fast if they go to Shul should stay at Each married man lights a “Lebbedige home. [If necessary, a husband should Licht” that burns for 26 hours. A 26 hour facilitate his wife’s fasting by going home “Ner Neshama” is also lit for one’s during the break to help out with the departed parents. [Havdalah requires a children. If necessary, he should do so pre-existing flame, so at least one of these even during davening, or arrange help.] is lit at home to be used during Havdalah.] The ill/elderly, a woman who recently Married couples should keep a light on or gave birth, or a pregnant or nursing a candle burning in the bedroom. woman who feels excessive weakness, Candle-lighting time is 5:53pm. The should consult a Rav. A Rav should also be Brachot are “L’Hadlik Ner Shel Yom consulted regarding medicines. Hakippurim”, followed by Shehecheyanu. One exempt from fasting does not make The one who lights candles may no longer Kiddush or eat Lechem Mishneh. [It is best perform a Melacha. In a place where there to avoid bread, as there are many ~ 34 ~ particulars regarding washing for bread exiting the restroom or touching an and Birchat Hamazon on Yom Kippur.] area of the body that is normally One may touch food, but may not engage covered. One may also rinse one’s in its preparation, lest he forgets and eats hands as usual in the course of handling it. Therefore, one should not prepare food food. A Kallah who is married for less for children and those exempt from than thirty days may wash her face if fasting, unless they cannot do so necessary.] themselves. One who normally washes his • Apply makeup, ointment, lotions, hands before handling food may do so on deodorants, perfumes or creams. One Yom Kippur. may apply an ointment for medical or therapeutic purposes, or for pain-relief, When a Brit occurs on Yom Kippur, the but must be aware of the prohibition of Seudah takes place at night, after the fast. smearing a thick lotion. [The actual Brit takes place before Musaf. Since no one can drink the wine, a drop is • Brush one’s teeth or rinse one’s mouth, given to the baby who is having the Brit.] even if the liquid is completely expelled.  HAND SANITIZER ON SHABBAT & YOM KIPPUR All married couples must keep Harchakot. Although it is generally forbidden to wash,  CHILDREN bathe and apply ointments, there is an Anyone below Bar/Bat Mitzva need not exception for sanitary and medical fast. However, they should not eat purposes. Therefore, one may use hand excessively. sanitizer, but only if the situation warrants From the age of nine (or ten if the child has it. (e.g. After touching high-contact a weak constitution), children are trained surfaces shared with others, or one to fast at night and for several hours regularly uses hand sanitizer in such during the day, as per the child’s abilities. situations for health protection.) A child below that age should not skip any  OTHER RESTRICTIONS OF YOM KIPPUR meals. It is prohibited to: All the other prohibitions of Yom Kippur • Wear leather footwear. It is appropriate (i.e. leather footwear, bathing and to avoid wooden clogs. One may wear anointing) are applicable to children of all all non-leather footwear, including ages. Therefore, an adult may not crocs. [Although not a requirement, it is encourage or assist a child in any of these ideal to avoid standing barefoot.] activities, or make it accessible to them. • Go to Mikvah, bathe or wash – even in If a child performs any of these activities cold water. Similarly, one may not wipe of his own volition, he or she may be left himself with a cloth sufficiently damp to alone if younger than nine. If older than moisten what it touches. [One may nine, the father is obligated to correct his rinse if necessary for medical or child’s behavior, and must also prevent therapeutic purposes, or for pain-relief. the child from eating during the hours One may also rinse soiled areas, but when he or she should be fasting. only as necessary. Similarly, one may wash his hands up to the knuckles after

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 KOL NIDREI & MAARIV  AMIDAH ON YOM KIPPUR Before Kol Nidrei, some have the custom On Yom Kippur, the third Brachah of the to recite the entire Viduy individually. Amidah has a long addition beginning with [Many recite nine chapters of Tehillim the words L’Dor V’dor. If one omitted this (115-122 inclusive) after Viduy. The addition, he may go back to recite it only Lubavitcher Rebbe would often start the if he realized before saying Hashem’s Nigun of Avinu Malkeinu before Kol name at the end of the third Brachah. Nidrei.] Otherwise, he continues the Amidah At first glance this is simply another without going back, as long as he is sure procedure for annulling vows, which that he concluded the Brachah with the cannot be done without three adult men words Hamelech Hakadosh. to form a Beit Din. However, some give it If one recited the unique Yom Kippur the status of a Tefillah, which allows for Nusach of the third Brachah, but is in recital even while alone. doubt whether he concluded the Brachah At least three Sifrei-Torah are taken out with the words Hamelech Hakadosh, he and held near the Chazzan. [If a Shul has may assume that he did so correctly. only one Sefer-Torah, at least two people One who did not say Hamelech Hakadosh: should still stand near the Chazzan.] If he realized before he began the next The Chazzan recites Kol Nidrei three Brachah and within the time frame it times, each time raising his voice more takes to say three words, he corrects his than the previous time. mistake. Otherwise, he must begin the Amidah again. Each congregant stands and recites Kol Nidrei with the Chazzan word by word, If one mistakenly omitted any of the other quietly but audibly enough so that it may four additions (Zachreinu, Mi Chamocha, be heard by those closest to him or her. u’Chtov, u’Vsefer Chaim), he may recite it at the place he remembers if he has not Everyone needs to understand word for yet said Hashem’s name at the end of that word the prayer of Kol Nidrei, therefore, it Brachah. Otherwise, he continues the should be said audibly in the language Amidah & does not go back. most comfortable to the person.  END OF MAARIV & KRIAT SHMA The Chazzan recites V’nislach three times before the congregation does. Avinu Malkeinu: Some have the custom to recite part of it verse by verse after the One should quietly begin Shehecheyanu Chazzan, however, it is not the Chabad with the Chazzan, but hasten to finish custom to do so. The words Roia Gzar are before him, in order to answer Amen. One recited without pausing in between. who said Shehecheyanu when lighting candles does not repeat it now. L’David Mizmor: Many communities recite it verse by verse and some say it all One does not kiss the Tzitzit of his Tallit together and there are some who don’t during Shma. say it at all.

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 36 ~

Many have the custom to open the Aron Similarly, one should train his children Hakodesh, however this is not the Chabad regarding the correct order of davening custom. beforehand, so as to minimize any It is the Chabad custom to recite the entire distractions during davening. Tehillim with a Minyan after Maariv. Shir Hamaalot (after Yishtabach): Some One should be sure to derive benefit from have the custom to open the Aron the candles at one point after Yom Kippur Hakodesh, as well as to recite it verse by begins (e.g. when returning from Shul). verse after the Chazzan. Kriat Shma before bed is recited as on When the Aron Hakodosh is opened Shabbat and Chag. Baruch Shem is recited during Chazarat Hashatz, it is not aloud. obligatory to stand, since the Sefer Torah When going to bed, it is advisable that a is not being moved. Some have the man should not cover himself warmly. At custom to stand. the very least, he should leave his feet At Shacharit, the paragraph of Misod (at uncovered. the beginning of Chazarat Hashatz) and  YOM KIPPUR MORNING the one that follows, is recited by the Chazzan and not by the congregation. One washes his hands in the morning only up to the knuckles. One should not derive During Chazarat Hashatz, the enjoyment from washing his hands. congregation recites the selections of U’Chtov and u’Vsefer Chaim aloud before One wipes his eyes with the towel the Chazzan. Most congregations also say moistened by his hands. One who washes Zachreinu Lechaim and Mi Chamocha the flakes out of his eyes every morning aloud too. may do so on Yom Kippur morning as well. One may not speak when the After getting dressed, one washes his congregation recites Viduy during hands again – with a Brachah – only up to Chazarat Hashatz. the knuckles. Kohanim wash their hands up to the wrist The Brachah of Sheasa Li Kol Tzorki is before Birchat kohanim. omitted according to the Gr”a until Motzei Yom Kippur and according to the Ba’al Birchat Kohanim is usually only given in Hatanya until the following morning. the presence of a minyan. However, the Talmud clearly states that the people out  SHACHARIT in the fields, who are unable to attend Preferably, when putting on the Tallit, one Shul, are included in these special should intend that the Brachah also blessings. And the same surely applies to applies to putting on the Tallit after the those isolating at home. break, before Mincha. One must complete the daily quota of 100 The Chazanim should familiarize Brachot. As we can’t eat or drink on Yom themselves in advance with the meaning Kippur, one must find other ways to meet of all of the Piyuttim and Tefillot – even if this quota, such as by concentrating on they already did so the previous year. the Brachot that are recited during Kriat

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 37 ~

Hatorah and Haftorah, or by reciting The Chazzan needs to keep his feet Besamim over fragrant spices. together during the Amidah. He should It is customary to grant an Aliyah to the therefore be helped up after bowing. Ba’al Musaf unless he is being paid. Kohanim wash their hands up to the wrist  MUSAF before Birchat Kohanim. Yizkor is recited before Musaf. Those who One stands for those recitations of leave the Shul for Yizkor may recite “Av V’hakohanim that require bowing. Harachamim” after Yizkor if they wish to. Some have a break following Musaf, for Yizkor does not need to be said with a those who do, the break should be of at minyan or with a Sefer Torah, and can least 45 minutes (if possible). therefore be recited at home too.  MINCHA & NEILAH Ideally, Musaf should be davened before After the break, one does not make a the earliest time for Mincha (12:59pm). Brachah when putting his Tallit on, unless Since the Chazzan cannot move out of his the break lasted more than several hours. place to bow at Aleinu and during the Neilah begins shortly before sunset. Avodah, he stands at a distance from the One should pay attention to all the Shtender, to allow him space to bow changes in Neilah (such as Chatmeinu unless someone moves the Shtender. instead of Katveinu). The paragraph of Misod (beginning of In Chabad Shuls, the Napoleon’s March is Chazarat Hashatz) is recited by the sung right before the Shofar is sounded. Chazzan and not the congregation. The Shofar is sounded after the fast ends One should stand for u’Netane Tokef. (7:04pm). According to the Chabad custom, the If you have a Shofar, you can blow it at the Chazzan recites the entire Aleinu – right time, once Yom Kippur is over. But including the second half – out loud. The there is no need to arrange for someone congregation quietly recites it word for to come and blow Shofar for the word with him, bowing at V’Anachnu housebound at the end of the fast. Korim, and continuing until Hu Elokenu Ein  MOTZEI YOM KIPPUR Od. At that point, they begin saying the One extends Yom Kippur at least several Pesukim of Atah Harayta, as printed in the minutes. The time during which Maariv is Machzor. The subsequent paragraph davened suffices for this purpose. After (beginning Achilah) is recited by the that, all prohibitions of Yom Kippur cease. Chazzan only. Even so, one may of course not eat until When one bows, his head should reach all after Havdallah. the way to the ground. One may not bow directly on a stone floor, but rather, Vihi Noam and V’atah Kaddosh are not should prepare mats or any other covering recited. upon which to bow. Some do not bow Everyone – even Kohanim who washed directly on any surface without a covering. their hands before Birchat Kohanim – should wash Netilat Yadayim until the

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 38 ~ wrist and rinse their mouth. This should be A woman who finds the need, may drink done as soon as possible after Maariv, and before her husband returns from shul to certainly before Kiddush Levanah or make Havdallah. breaking the fast. If the “Lebbedige Licht” was extinguished Kiddush Levanah is recited if the moon is during Yom Kippur, one should relight it on visible. Ideally, one first changes into Motzei Yom Kippur and let it burn until the leather shoes and rinses his face, unless end. One should also resolve to ensure this will negate his participation in a that the “Lebbedige Licht” burns until the Minyan. end in all subsequent years. We greet each other “Chag Sameach”. The table is set, candles are lit, and a full For Havdallah, Besamim is not used. One meal for Chag is eaten, beginning with th uses a candle that was burning from round Challot (dipped in honey). [The 5 before Yom Kippur, together with another Lubavitcher Rebbe states that an candle which he lights from the first. [If expansive meal draws down Gashmiyut one does not have a pre-existing flame for the whole year.] from before Yom Kippur, the Brachah is On Motzei Yom Kippur, we start building omitted.] the Sukkah, or at least speak about the Although we usually don’t give out the Sukkah. leftover wine of the Havdallah, this may  B'SHEM HASHEM (G-D’S NAME) be done on Motzei Yom Kippur. The day after Yom Kippur is called A man who heard Havdallah may recite it “B'Shem Hashem” or “Gott’s Nommen”, again for another man or for a boy over and we go to Shul early in the morning the age of Chinuch if they don’t know how for Shacharit. to recite it themselves. However, a man The days between Yom Kippur and should not recite it again for a woman. Sukkot are days of joy, for the Mizbeach Therefore, one should not be yotze with in the first Beit Hamikdash was the Havdallah at Shul when there are inaugurated then. women at home waiting to hear Aside from a Chattan and Kallah on their Havdallah. wedding day, one may not fast.

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The Knock Before ‘Kol Nidre’ by Rabbi Shmuel Butman It was the last moments before Yom Kippur like, ignoring all their attempts at parental began. The Jews of Amshinov were all busy guidance. He spent much of the time with with their final preparations for the holiest non-Jewish youths his age, and behaving like of days. The centrally located synagogue of them. Now matters had deteriorated the Amshinover Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem drastically: he announced to them his Kalish, was packed wall to wall and then interest to convert. some. Many were reciting Psalms in broken- hearted tones, while others were chanting At first the parents assumed that he was just the “Al Heit” confessional as part of their joking with them, trying to “get their goat.” “soul accounting” process. All assembled But now he told them that tomorrow were hurrying in anticipation of the Rebbe’s morning – on Yom Kippur itself! – was imminent arrival and the cantor dramatically scheduled the baptism immersion ceremony intoning the first words of the opening Kol to finalize his conversion. It happened that Nidre prayer. that year Yom Kippur coincided with an annual holiday in their religion, so the local But the Rebbe, for some mysterious reason, priest had decided that would be the perfect delayed. Only his immediate family was date to baptize the Jewish boy, thereby aware of the reason why, and they weren’t giving the ceremony an expanded able to explain until much later. It began significance, and adding to the joy of the when they were all gathered in the Rebbe’s holiday celebrators. room, his wife, children, and grandchildren, to receive his blessing, when suddenly they “We came to beg the Rebbe to save us from heard vigorous knocking on their front door. this horror. At least request from the priest, who is known to have great respect for you, For a moment, the family members were to delay their disgusting ceremony until frightened. Who could it be at such a time? after Yom Kippur. How can it be that on this The Rebbetzin (Rebbe’s wife) walked quickly holiest of days, when the entire Jewish to the door and opened it. In the doorway, people is seeking atonement for their sins, crying bitterly, stood the village blacksmith that our son, our very flesh and blood, will and his wife. The Rebbetzin urged them to be converted away from being Jewish. What enter and sit down, and as they stumbled in, a disgrace! What a tragedy! G-d forbid!” through their tears, they already began to exclaimed the distraught parents, as they pour forth their sad story. completed their plea and burst into tears again. Their son, a young man, for several years already had been doing whatever he felt ~ 40 ~

The Amshinover had listened carefully to Meanwhile, the congregation in shul was every word. Without saying anything to the becoming nervous; the sun was already frantic couple, he turned to his aging setting. In the last moments before it dipped mother, the Rebbetzin Chaya Leah, and below the horizon, the Rebbe finally asked her to have his daughter-in-law, entered, awe-inspiringly dressed in his white Sara’leh, the wife of his son Yosef, write a robe and tallit, with his spodek (tall fur hat letter in his name to the head priest of the for special occasions) adding majesty to his town in fluent and flowery Polish, appearance. As soon as the Rebbe reached requesting that the conversion ceremony be his place, the cantor, Rabbi Yisrael Yitzchak, delayed for a few days. the rabbinical judge in Shidlowvitza, began in a trembling yet powerful voice to chant Sara’leh succeeded in penning the letter with the traditional sweet melody, the surprisingly quickly. The Rebbe asked his awesome introductory phrase to the main attendant, Reb Yudel, to deliver the opening prayer of Yom Kippur evening, Kol letter as fast as possible Nidre. directly into the hand of the priest. Reb Yudel The Yom Kippur was an energetic man prayers in the and quick on his feet. synagogue with the He sped off with Amshinover Rebbe alacrity to fulfill his were always a mission from the thrilling event, but Rebbe. The Rebbe took this year it seemed out his pocket watch more powerful than and began to count off ever to those who the seconds. “One, two, participated three, four…” regularly. Even the simplest Jew was able Everyone present to feel the holiness of thought this behavior the day and the fearsomeness of the of the Rebbe remarkably strange. Till what ensuing judgment descending on them. number would he count? How long was he Those with deeper understanding sensed prepared to wait for Yudel’s return? What that every word of prayer emerging from about getting to shul for Yom Kippur before the Rebbe’s mouth and soul was sunset? instrumental in the battle to overcome the

accusations of the prosecuting angel and In the end, not that many minutes elapsed secure Heaven’s blessings for a good and and Yudel was already back, and with an sweet year for every Jewish home and answer. A positive one! The priest agreed to community. delay the ceremony.

The sun set, the final “locking” prayers were The parents of the young man thanked the completed and the fast ended. The Rebbe Rebbe profusely and returned home, sat at the head of the large table set up in somewhat encouraged. At least Yom Kippur the shul for the celebratory post-Yom Kippur would be Yom Kippur. meal; surrounded by his chassidim. The

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Rebbe’s face was radiant with happiness and The Rebbe sensed immediately what they pleasure, like a king returning victorious were whispering about. He turned towards from a difficult, exhausting war. In the eyes the lad with a look that emanated pure of the chassidim this was a clear sign that affection. Then he stood up from his chair, the Rebbe knew that his prayers had been walked towards the young man, and accepted on High. An elevating spirit of joy extended his hand for a welcoming shake. and satisfaction filled the room. He then brought him back with him to his place at the table and poured him a cup of Suddenly everyone was startled as the doors wine. “Say the blessing for wine,’ he ordered to the shul slammed open and banged him, “and say L’Chayim.” against the wall. In burst a young man with bushy hair and a wrinkled, ragged yarmulke The astonished boy did as he was told and perched precariously on his head. He ran the Rebbe responded with a hearty “Amen!” directly to the Rebbe’s table, threw himself outstretched on the floor, and screamed, This first encounter with the Amshinover “Rebbe! Help! Save me!” Rebbe became a sharp turning point in the young man’s life. From that Yom Kippur on, It was the son of the blacksmith. He he became firmly attached to the continued, in a voice choked with burning Amshinover Rebbe with all his heart and tears, “I’m completely torn up inside. I soul. And he acted accordingly. He studied regret so much what I almost did Rebbe, I assiduously day and night, with great energy promise – I’ll never go back to them again.” and concentration. It seemed as if he was determined to compensate for all those Most of those present did not know the wasted years. He prayed with fervor and identity of this strange young man or his forged positive relationships with the other story. A handful of the chassidim, however, chassidim in the Rebbe’s court. had managed to uncover the background to what had caused the Rebbe’s delayed arrival The Amshinover chassidim liked to say that to the Kol Nidre prayer, and they were due to the Rebbe’s reputation and efforts aggravated. “After all the trouble and just before Yom Kippur he was successful in anguish he caused, before Yom Kippur delaying the conversion ceremony, but that started last evening to his parents, to the this mistaken and distant soul could be Rebbe and to the entire congregation he still returned to its source and correct path, that has the nerve to come here and cause a could only be with the help of the Rebbe’s disturbance as soon as Yom Kippur ends prayers and tears on Yom Kippur itself. too?” they murmured among themselves. Reprinted from an email of the L’Chaim Weekly.

The Forty-eight-Hour Yom Kippur by Sterna Citron The author of the Yeshuot Yaakov, though a It happened like this. The Berdichever Rav respected scholar, did not approve of arrived in Lvov, where Reb Yaakov lived. chassidim and their ways. But one Yom He was invited by a wealthy, upstanding Kippur he had a chance to observe Reb Levi member of the community to stay in his Yitzchak of Berdichev and he was forced to home. Reb Levi Yitzchak's host, a rich man, admit he had been wrong. quickly realized that his guest was a saintly, ~ 42 ~ learned man, and he sent a message to the other heads of the community. "We have Soon Reb Yaakov grew tired and went home here visiting in our city a very holy man. to sleep. In the morning, when he returned Shall we ask him to be our baal tefillah to shul, he was curious to see what Reb Levi Yitzchak was doing. To Reb Yaakov's [chazan] on Yom Kippur?" amazement, the Rav was on the last page of "By all means," the community heads Yoma. He had been up all night studying the agreed. tractate. The Yeshuot Yaakov answered Amen as the Rav made the traditional siyum On erev Yom Kippur, they sent the town - completion ceremony-over the finished shammes to Reb Levi Yitzchak. The tractate. shammes, however, returned alone. "I don't think he'll make an appropriate chazan for Again Reb Levi Yitzchak was baal tefillah. us," sniffed the shammes. "He's sitting Though he hadn't slept a wink, though he around, talking with friends, and drinking was fasting, though he wasn't a young man mead. He's really not behaving in the proper anymore, the Rav prayed with great zeal. All erev Yom Kippur spirit." day long his strength did not diminish. He prayed, sang, and read the Torah, all with They debated among themselves for a while. the same fiery ardor. "Call him anyway," they decided. So the shammes requested the Rav from When Yom Kippur was over, the Rav Berdichev to be the baal tefillah, and the returned to the home of his host, who had Rav consented. prepared a variety of tempting foods for his distinguished guest to break his fast on. He approached the bimah and, with a great "I must have my nourishment," the Rav cry bursting from his lips, began the Kol declared. The host naturally assumed that Nidrei. The congregants trembled with awe Reb Levi Yitzchak was referring to some to hear him. He led the rest of the evening tasty snack that he had brought along. How prayers the same way - powerfully, surprised he was to see the shammes emotionally, tearfully. At the end of the bringing the Rav a Gemara! service, he sang Adon Olam with ardor. "Ahhhh," murmured the Rav as he opened Most of the people went home to sleep that the tractate Sukkah. "Now I feel better." All night. A few remained to study Torah or night long and all through the next day, the recite Tehillim, the Yeshuot Yaakov among Berdichever Rav immersed himself in the them. He could not help noticing Reb Levi Gemara in preparation for the upcoming Yitzchak. festival of Sukkot.

The Berdichever Rav had taken out the That night the rav finally broke his fast. It tractate Yoma. He opened it to page one. had been forty-eight hours since he had Reb Yaakov watched and listened as the Rav eaten or drunk anything. began to study. He delved into the Talmud After seeing how the Berdichever Rav spent in such depth that the author of the Yeshuot his Yom Kippur, the author of the Yeshuot Yaakov, a learned man himself, was Yaakov developed new respect for chasidim. astounded. "He studies like the old great Reprinted from an email of KabbalaOnline.org. scholars," he muttered to himself.

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A Cancer Survivor's Yom Kippur: With a Surprise Lesson to Carry With… by Bentzi Sasson

Yom Kippur 5775. The giant sanctuary at Three months of massive treatments with Lubavitch World Headquarters in the Crown countless side effects: pain, suffering, Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y., was despair, depression. My physical appearance beyond full. The climax of the day - the final changed as well. The hair on my head began Neilah prayer - was beginning, and the to fall out, as did the beard I’d grown since I atmosphere in the Rebbe’s synagogue was was a teenager. My face became pale, and growing more and more intense. my eyebrows and eyelashes disappeared. By the end, I was left with no hair at all. I found myself standing alone on the high Torah reading platform in the center of the From the very beginning, I knew that the synagogue, completely covered in my tallit, only way I’d come out on top was to keep trying as hard as I could to be as positive and maintain my faith, following the inconspicuous as possible. Around me, Chassidic adage: “Think good, and it will be thousands of people were standing pressed good.” And I followed through to the best of together like sardines. I saw that each and my abilities. I made sure to attend prayers every individual was trying his utmost to use as often as possible, to speak to my friends the closing moments of this holiest of days and smile frequently. Even as strangers for heartfelt prayer and introspection, averted their gaze, and even as friends of pouring out their hearts before their Father mine walked past without recognizing me, I in Heaven. made sure to keep positive. The words had added meaning for me this year. I read and I sobbed. I tried to wipe Thankfully, I was surrounded by loving away the tears, but I could do nothing to family and loyal friends. They did whatever stop the powerful sobs from racking my they could - and more - to support me, to body. Standing above a sea of people crying give me strength and to help me stay on out the words of the prayers caused me to course. My wife, Devorah Leah, and my dissolve in a sea of teary emotion. three young children were the light at the * * * end of the tunnel that kept me focused and It’s been five months since the dark day I positive through the darkest of moments. was told that I had cancer. During those months, I underwent invasive treatments Just a few days before Rosh Hashanah, I that have changed my life forever. In the received the sweetest news: the treatment beginning, it was all about fear of the had done its work, and I was completely unknown, dreading what lay ahead. cancer-free. I smiled from ear to ear, like I Afterward, it was the regimen of had not smiled in many months. chemotherapy that left me broken, a shell of my former self. Yom Kippur came, and my body was still battling the massive doses of toxins that had destroyed the cancer. I was afraid of what ~ 44 ~

25 hours with no food or water would do to platform in the center of the synagogue for me. I had already been admitted once due the closing portions of the day’s service, to dehydration and did not want to repeat explaining that I’d otherwise not be able to the experience. attend. But not to fast on Yom Kippur? Unthinkable. With the assurance that an exception would After speaking to a number of rabbis, it indeed be made, my brother ran to my became apparent that the most important house to share the news. I was so happy! I thing on Yom Kippur was not to eat or drink, was afraid, too, but I recognized that this even if it would come at the expense of was a unique opportunity that had opened synagogue attendance. They advised me to up just for me. And I decided to go for it. stay home and rest up as much as possible for the duration of the fast. And so I found myself towering above thousands of my peers in the synagogue I wasn’t thrilled by the prospect. On one that is the heart and soul of the Chabad hand, I wanted to pray with everyone else - Lubavitch movement. I did not look like a to soak up the special atmosphere that typical Chassid. My beard was just beginning pervades the synagogue. After all that I to grow back, and I knew that people had experienced, I felt I needed that would be gawking, so I decided to extra jolt of inspiration. On the drape my tallit over my head and other hand, I also realized that I create a safe space for me to needed to care for my body. be alone with my Creator.

At the end, I decided to stay And there I was, sobbing into home and make the best of my the woolen folds of my tallit, situation. There was just no way overcome by the experiences that I could risk the crushing of the past months. As the crowds that converged on shul memories flowed freely, they during the holidays. merged with the prayers swirling around me. The haunting melody of As the holy day wore on, my heart became Avinu Malkeinu (“Our Father, Our King”) heavier and heavier. I yearned to be with being sung by the entire congregation was everyone else, to pray, to sing to feel powerful enough to shake the strongest of spirituality so tangible you can almost touch edifices, and I was far from strong at that it with your finger. moment.

Suddenly, the door of my home opened, and A half-hour after the fast had ended, I found there was my dear brother, Shmuel. myself home, gratified and thankful to G-d for giving me the strength to complete the Knowing how I felt, he decided to ask the fast and pray among my fellow Chassidim. synagogue officers if they could make a * * * special allowance for me. After the Musaf A few days later, I step into my office and prayer, when there is a short break in the meet my friend and co-worker, Velvel. As he services, he asked if I could perhaps be approaches, he says: “Bentzi, there is allowed to stand alone on the Torah reading something I must tell you.” ~ 45 ~

you never go through what he went through “As the prayers were coming to a close on this year.’ He still didn’t get it, so I told him Yom Kippur,” he begins, “I felt a tap on my how you were less than a month after shoulder. I turned around and came face-to- chemotherapy and your stubble was actually face with an acquaintance of mine. He’s the first beginnings of what you hoped gesturing to the reading platform where you would soon be the luxurious flowing beard were standing and muttering, ‘Look where you had sported your entire adult life. things have come to. There he is on the very same platform where the Rebbe would “I then turned to him and told him, you just stand on Yom Kippur, shamelessly flaunting learned the best lesson you possibly could his shaved face. I can tell he’s not just a this Yom Kippur. Never ever judge anyone. visitor. He looks like he grew up here, and You never know what’s going on in someone he should know better than that.’ else’s life.’ ”

“I was shocked,” my friend continued. “I It took me a few minutes to recover from knew what you went through, and I couldn’t the magnitude of what he had told me. believe that someone would judge you so When I finally managed to stand up, I knew callously. Finally, I managed to reply: ‘You what my New Year’s resolution would be as should just know that the fellow on the well: never to judge anyone! platform is a friend of mine, and I wish that Reprinted from an email of Chabad.Org.

“G-d Took Away My Son, Now Whatever He Says I Do the Opposite!” by Naamah Green

Rabbi Zilbershtein shares an amazing story I asked: “Are you aware that you can order he was part of: a kosher meal on flights like these?”

“In one of my flights out of Israel I sat next He looked at me and said tersely: “I don’t to a Mr. Weinstein who was obviously eat Kosher!” Jewish. I was curious about him. He had a non-kosher meal with his name Mr. So I asked back “what do you mean? That Weinstein on it and I was wondering why he you eat kosher at home but not out of the would want to eat a non-kosher meal. So house, or that you don’t consider eating when he finished eating I turned to him." kosher something important?”

“Excuse me sir, I’m not trying to be brazen “No I don’t eat kosher for that is my free or hurt you or anything like that, but can I choice!” He said with vehemence. “I don’t ask you a question?” do any mitzvot; do you want to know why?” he asked.

“Sure!” The man answered. "I felt he was about to unburden something in his heart, so I said yes. He started in a broken voice: “It was my son… the last thing ~ 46 ~ that broke me. I held on the whole time in how life brings people together and you the concentration camp, until one day when wonder why they were put together? What I couldn’t anymore. In the camp I had one message is hiding behind this? I’m sure you sole ambition; that my son Katriel know today is Yom Kippur, and in a few Menachem should survive. His mother and minutes they will be saying Yizkor to all his brothers and sisters were all taken remember the loved ones no longer with us. away, but my son and I were going to live. I was certain of this”. “Come with me and during Yizkor mention your son’s name to remember him and pray “One day we were in a roll call in a place for his soul. This might be your only that had secret doors to an area used for opportunity to mention his name. Don’t you mass hangings. My son squeezed my hand want his name to be heard in the Heavenly so hard from fear he cut off blood Courts?” circulation to it. We started to flee from the line of fire and his hand slipped out of mine “His eyes filled with tears, I hugged him and and he disappeared. Later someone told me we locked arms and went into the he saw a soldier take him and shoot him.” synagogue near the cantor. We asked him to make a special memorial prayer Mr. Weinstein wiped away his tears as his for Mr. Weinstein’s son. Mr. Weinstein voice rose in anger: “G-d took away all of my leaned on the cantor’s stand and whispered children. Now whatever G-d says, I do the his son’s name to the cantor: “Katriel opposite! I want nothing to do with His Menachem ben Yecheskel Shraga” he said. mitzvot!” “The cantor turned white and he broke out Rabbi Zilbershtein continues: “I was so in a sweat, his eyes were bulging as if they’d shocked by his story I had nothing to say and pop out! He turned to us and in a choked for six hours I sat totally silent next to Mr. voice cried, “Abba” (father) and fell down in Weinstein till we got to Houston and we a faint.” each went our own way.” Rabbi Zilbershtein concludes: “This is a “I never dreamed I’d see Mr. Weinstein wondrous story of how G-d guides the world again, but four years later, on Yom Kippur, I above the natural and “one who comes to was a guest in the Meah Shearim purify (himself) gets Divine assistance'. Mr. neighborhood. I walked out of the Weinstein made but a small gesture to come synagogue to refresh myself and breathe to synagogue on Yom Kippur (after having a some fresh air into my lungs, when I saw a cigarette!) and merited something strange sight. A man sitting on a Meah unbelievable. G-d always watches over us Shearim bench of all places was smoking a and He is waiting for the smallest gesture on cigarette on Yom Kippur of all days!” our part for Him. Look at the good you get in “But then I did a double take… it was Mr. return!” Weinstein! I went over to him and said: Reprinted from an email of Hidabrut.

“Here we are meeting again. Isn’t it funny

~ 47 ~

Laws & Customs: Sukkot For the year 5781 According to Nittei Gavriel, Mishna Berurah and Shulachan Aruch Harav All times listed are for Jerusalem only as per www.myzmanim.com Based on Rabbi Shmuel Lesches's Halachah Sheets Compiled by Yossi Fraenkel in memory of his grandparents ר' ראובן בן הרב משה אליעזר הלוי ע"ה וחיה ברכה בת ר' נפתלי משה ע"ה רבינוביץ ר' יוסף בן ר' אורי ע"ה ומלכה בת ר' יצחק צבי הלוי ע"ה פרנקל www.thejweekly.org To subscribe: www.thejweekly.org or [email protected]

 BUILDING THE SUKKAH “Lavud straps” are used, they may loosen It is a Mitzvah to build the Sukkah on the without anyone noticing. If such walls are day after Yom Kippur. used, one should constantly ensure that the “Lavud straps” are tight, and that they Some have the custom to be particular surround the Sukkah on all four sides, about building the Sukkah personally, (apart from the doorway) and not just others do not, however, it can not be built three.] by a Non-Jew. “Lavud straps” are a series of straps It is preferable for every family to have wrapped tightly around the Sukkah at their own personal Sukkah, and not to rely intervals of 3 Tefachim (23cm or 9 inches) on a shared or communal Sukkah. to a minimum height of 10 Tefachim The Sukkah should preferably be (102cm or 40 inches), which is considered comprised of four proper and complete a Halachicly acceptable wall. walls. If this is not possible, the Sukkah If the Sukkah is detached from the house, should be made of three complete walls. it is ideal to set up a washing station near If any of the three walls are incomplete – the Sukkah in order to minimize any whether vertically or horizontally – its interruption between Kiddush and the Kashrut should be approved by someone Seudah. [The water should not drain onto knowledgeable in the relevant Halachot. earth or grass.] A roof at the edge of the Sukkah does not It is proper not to build the Sukkah over disqualify it, provided it is less than four earth or grass without floorboards. Amot (192cm) wide, and the wall of the Otherwise, on Shabbat and Chag, great Sukkah extends at least to the height of care must be taken that liquids do not spill the Schach. The same applies when there onto the grass, that pips or seeds do not is an eave or roof overhanging the Sukkah, fall to the ground, and that the ground is but with the additional requirement that not swept or levelled in any way. the Schach (or some other material at the same height as the Schach) continues all One may not use Maaser funds for his the way to the wall of the Sukkah. Of own Sukkah, but may use it to provide a course, one does not fulfil the Mitzvah of Sukkah for others or for the Shul’s Sukkah. Sukkah under these areas (unless they are  LOCATION OF THE SUKKAH less than four Tefachim – 32cm – wide). One should ensure that there are no tree The Sukkah must be sturdy enough to branches hanging over the site of the remain stationary when an ordinary gust Sukkah. If necessary, one may even cut of wind blows. [Canvas or fabric walls are the branches of a fruit-bearing tree, but it not ideal, as they flap in the wind. Even if is best to engage a Non-Jew to do so. ~ 48 ~

According to Halacha, if a tree on another [If one did not adhere to this and the property prevents you from building a Sukkah is already built, it may be used.] Sukkah on your property, you may cut the One should purchase Schach only from a neighbor’s overhanging branches as reliable vendor who ensures that there is required. [Of course, in the interest of no concern of Gezel (theft). neighborly relations, it is wise to discuss it with him beforehand.] However, the It is customary that timber ordinarily used neighbor cannot be forced to pay the in construction is not used for Schach. costs without prior agreement. The A mat may be used as Schach only if it has branches (and their disposal) belong to been manufactured for shade or fencing, the neighbor. and not for sitting or lying down on. If anything remains suspended above the  LAYING THE SCHACH Schach – e.g. tree branches, clotheslines, The Sukkah walls should be assembled cables, wires, crossbeams or pergolas – its before the Schach is put on. Kashrut should be approved by someone The Schach should be detached from their knowledgeable in the relevant Halachot. place of growth prior to being laid out The Sukkah is invalid if it was built in a over the Sukkah. Schach bundles place which is insect-infested, foul- containing more than 25 pieces should be smelling, unsafe or otherwise unbundled prior to being laid out over the uncomfortable from the outset. Sukkah. [If this was not adhered to, the One should avoid building a Sukkah on validity of the Schach is subject to a public property, someone else’s property, number of detailed variables.] or commonly owned property, without If the Sukkah has a rain cover, one should the appropriate permissions. Similarly, a ensure that the Sukkah is uncovered when Sukkah should not directly block the the Schach is laid out. Similarly, when neighbor’s windows without permission. placing (or replacing) the Schach on a  THE SCHACH mobile Sukkah, one should do so in a place The Schach is comprised of detached which is not covered by a roof or tree. inedible plant matter which was never If necessary, one may lay the Schach susceptible to Tumah. beneath overhanging tree branches The Schach should not be prone to before cutting those branches. excessive shrinkage or leaf shedding, to The Schach must either be laid within the degree that insufficient Schach will thirty days of Sukkot, or must be laid remain by the end of Sukkot. [If one did expressly for the sake of the Mitzvah of not adhere to this, the Sukkah is Sukkot. [If these criteria were not met, disqualified from the outset.] one may correct it in retrospect by either The Schach should not cause discomfort lifting and replacing all of the Schach, or by to the Sukkah’s inhabitants, e.g. if it is adding new Schach over an area at least foul-smelling or sheds leaves constantly. 8cm x 8cm, or by adding any amount of ~ 49 ~

Schach that extends across the entire rods or cables, nails, plastic cable ties, width or breadth of the Sukkah.] nylon thread, nearby trees, processed The Schach should be laid on the Sukkah fiber thread or ropes.] However, these by a Jewish male over Bar Mitzvah who is materials may be used to secure or obligated to eat in the Sukkah. After the support the Schach indirectly. [e.g. to fact, if it was laid out by anyone else, a secure or support the beams supporting Jewish male over Bar Mitzvah should pick the Schach.] up and place down at least one of the The Schach may be tied down with reeds pieces. or unprocessed fiber threads, and may It is a Chabad custom to use lots of Schach, also be directly supported by the Sukkah but not to the point that it is watertight. A walls (or any adjacent walls or roofs). small hole is left somewhere in the Schach Although construction timber is not used for the stars to be seen. At the very least, for Schach, it may nevertheless be used to the Schach should create more shade than directly support or secure the Schach. sunlight. A Schach mat may be used when strung There should be no gap of airspace in the together with unprocessed fiber threads. Schach exceeding 24cmx24cm. [A larger If strung together with processed fibers or gap is sometimes acceptable, but that with metal threads, it may still be used if depends on many factors. Furthermore, the mats are laid out in a way that the the Mitzvah of Sukkah is in any case not individual reeds will remain in place even fulfilled beneath it, so it is best avoided.] without the threads. [e.g. they should be The Schach must be sturdy enough to laid out perpendicular to the supporting remain intact when an ordinary gust of beams, and several beams should be wind blows. [If in an enclosed place, the placed on top to hold them down.] Schach must still be sturdy enough to If one did not adhere to any of the withstand the wind were it an exposed requirements listed in this section and the place.] Otherwise, they must be secured Sukkah is already built, it may be used and in an acceptable manner (see section there is no obligation to fix it. “Supporting the Schach”). This is of special  LAWS OF MAKING AN OHEL concern when using mats. On Chag or Shabbat, it is forbidden to fully If Schach blows out of place on Chag, one create or remove a temporary “roof” may not fix it, since the Schach is Muktzah. whose purpose is to provide any sort of However, if the Sukkah is no longer Kosher shelter. However, this restriction only (or its status is questionable), one should applies when there is at least one Tefach consult with a Rabbi as to whether a Non- (8cm) of airspace in height beneath this Jew can fix it. Ohel. Therefore, one may use a rain cover  SUPPORTING THE SCHACH without restriction if it lies directly on top The Schach should not be directly secured of the Schach. or supported by any object which is unfit If one wishes to use a rain cover which will to be used as Schach. [Examples: Metal be raised at least one Tefach higher than ~ 50 ~ the Schach, or which will be spread below decorative chains should droop no lower the Schach, one must ensure that it is than 4 Tefachim. extended at least one Tefach across the Sukkah decorations are Muktzah on width of the entire Sukkah (in addition to Shabbat and Chag, and no personal any space taken up by the actual roll) benefit may be derived from them until before Chag. This minimal amount must after Shabbat Bereishit, even if they fall remain open for the entire duration of off. However, these prohibitions may be Chag and Shabbat. avoided by verbalizing the following A rain-cover which is designed like a stipulation before the onset of Sukkot: “I hinged door may be used on Shabbat and do not separate myself from using the Chag without restriction. decorations any time I desire.” When removing the rain cover on Shabbat Similarly, the Sukkah walls and Schach are or Chag, one should ensure that any water Muktzah on Shabbat and Chag, until after remaining on it does not pour onto grass Shabbat Bereishit. One may not derive or earth (unless they are still absolutely personal benefit from them in a manner saturated from the rain). which disrupts their primary use, such as When using a rain cover of any type, one snapping off a sliver of wood to use as a must ensure that the Schach is uncovered toothpick. [However, one may rest items when it is laid out, as well as at the onset on, or in, the walls of the Sukkah, since of Chag (i.e. from sunset until the doing so does not disturb their function.] emergence of three stars). One should These restrictions apply even if the Sukkah also remember to open the cover was dismantled during Sukkot (e.g. a whenever the Sukkah is being used. Sukkah at work). On Chag or Shabbat, one may set up a A verbal stipulation is ineffective in temporary partition for shelter or privacy. permitting the Schach. A verbal One may not do so if it is required to stipulation also does not help with regards validate the Sukkah, but one may ask a to the walls of a Sukkah built prior to Chag. Non-Jew to do so. [This is most frequently However, if a Sukkah is built during Chol an issue when the primary walls of the Hamoed and will be dismantled before the Sukkah are hinged or foldable.] last day of Chag (e.g. a Sukkah at work), its walls remain permissible, if one verbalized  THE SUKKAH & DECORATIONS the following stipulation before first Unless absolutely unavoidable, the sitting in the Sukkah: “I do not separate Sukkah should not be dismantled or made myself from using the walls any time I unusable until after Shabbat Bereishit. desire.” Some have the custom for the Sukkah to All the prohibitions in this section only be decorated. If decorations are hung apply after at least one male over Bar from the Schach, they should hang no Mitzvah (who is obligated in the Mitzvah lower than 4 Tefachim (32cm or 12.5 of Sukkah) sat in the Sukkah at least once inches) from the Schach. Similarly, for the sake of the Mitzvah. ~ 51 ~

 CHOOSING THE DALED MINIM Blettlach (leaf-marks) and light red or light One should only buy the Daled Minim brown discolorations do not disqualify an from a reliable vendor who ensures that Etrog. they are not grafted, and that there is no White, black or deep red/brown concern of Gezel, Shemitah, Tevel and discoloration that can be seen at first Orlah. One should not buy the Daled glance when the Etrog is held at hand’s Minim from a child under Bar Mitzvah, as length: If located on the upper side of the he does not have the Halachic ability to Etrog, from the area where the Etrog allow others to acquire from him. begins to slope inwards, it is Passul. If If one is in quarantine, they should try to located on the underside of the Etrog in have their own Lulav and Etrog, as the the area of the stem, it is Kosher. If located disinfecting could ruin and passul the anywhere else, it is Kosher – unless the Lulav and Etrog. It is better to have a discoloration spans the majority, or there separate set of Lulav and Etrog for family are two such spots (or more). members not in quarantine. Preferably, the Lulav is: One should endeavour to purchase a • Not rounded at the top (“Knepplach”). Daled Minim set which is Mehudar • Some are not particular and some even (beautiful). It is not appropriate to boast prefer Knepplach. about the beauty of one’s set. • Has “Moch” (bark). Chabad have the custom to use an Etrog • Is tall and straight. of the Calabria (“Yanove”) variety that • Has a straight and well-centred spine. actually grew in Calabria. The next best • Is not thin. option is to obtain an Etrog of that One must purchase a Lulav whose central progeny even if it grew elsewhere. leaf is completely closed. Nevertheless, The Etrog is preferably yellow like one’s Lulav may still be used if a minority beeswax and not green. of the central leaf split. On Chol Hamoed, it may be used even if the central leaf An Etrog is acceptable if the Pittam fell off completely split, as long as the actual due to natural causes whilst still on the spine is intact. tree. [An indentation in the place of the Pittam indicates that it fell off whilst the If the top of the central leaf is covered Etrog was still growing.] with “Moch”, it is considered closed. If the Pittam fell off after the Etrog was The Lulav is acceptable if its tip is detached from the tree, it is acceptable sunburnt, but not if it is snipped. only if the base of the Pittam is still intact It is best to select Hadassim and Aravot and protrudes above the tip of the Etrog. whose leaves are all intact and fresh. Greater emphasis is placed on the actual Some have the custom to add at least beauty of the Etrog than on whether it is three extra Hadassim to the basic missing a Pittam (in a Halachically minimum of 3, The Lubavitcher Rebbe acceptable manner). would have 36.

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 52 ~

There are many other Halachot pertaining The bottom of the Hadassim and Aravot to the Kashrut of the Daled Minim. If in should be flush with the bottom of the doubt, approval should be sought from Lulav. someone well-versed in the relevant When binding, one must ensure that the Halachot. Lulav spine extends at least another It is best that a separate Daled Minim set Tefach above the Hadassim and Aravot. be purchased for a boy under Bar Mitzvah [The Lulav spine ends at the point where if he is old enough to perform the leaves no longer branch out of the middle Na’anuim. leaf.] If necessary, the Hadassim and One may not use Maaser funds for his Aravot may be shortened, ensuring that own (or dependent’s) Daled Minim, but they remain at least three Tefachim may use it to provide others with a set. (24cm) in length, as measured from the  BINDING THE DALED MINIM top of the stem to the bottom leaf. Ideally, one personally binds the Daled Shortening the Hadassim and Aravot must Minim in the Sukkah after midday on Erev be done from the bottom of the stem. If it Sukkot. is shortened at the top, the Aravot are Most have the custom of using Lulav Passul, and the Hadassim should not be baskets, the Chabad custom is not to. used unless there are no other Hadassim According to the Chabad custom, five available. rings are used when binding the Lulav. If the Lulav was not bound on Erev Chag, These are all prepared before binding the or became undone, one may not make Lulav. rings on Chag. However, one may wrap a Two rings are placed on the Lulav itself. Lulav leaf around and around, and insert These are positioned so that the Hadassim the tip into the makeshift “ring”, without and Aravot will obscure them (at least tying or making a knot. partially).  EREV SUKKOT Three rings are used to bind the lower end On Erev Sukkot, one should not donate of the Lulav with the Hadassim and blood or undergo any procedures or tests Aravot. These three rings span no more involving blood loss. [This does not apply than a Tefach (8cm). With the Lulav lying in cases of great need, and certainly not horizontally and the spine facing upward, when it is Pikuach Nefesh.] the Hadassim are positioned, one to the right, one to the left, and one on the On Erev Sukkot, one should not eat (a actual spine, inclined slightly to the right. meal) in the Sukkah. [The same pattern is followed for any The Mitzvah of V’Samachta B’Chagecha additional Hadassim.] One Aravah is entails eating meat, wine and delicacies; positioned to the right of the Lulav, and providing new clothing or jewelry for the other is positioned to the left. The one’s wife according to his means; and Aravot should be obscured by the Hadassim. ~ 53 ~ giving sweets to the children. These can be seen from the Sukkah, and one should be arranged in advance. should ensure that practical benefit is derived from the candles after Chag One may not launder on Chol Hamoed. begins. Therefore, any laundry should be tended to before Sukkot. If eating out, one should ensure that practical benefit is derived from the When necessary, one should take a candles after Chag begins. haircut in honor of Sukkot. Since it is Shabbat, one has to light at the Nails should be trimmed in honor of Chag. proper time, unlike when Chag is on a [Another reason to tend to them on Erev weekday. Sukkot is because they otherwise cannot be trimmed on Chol Hamoed.] When a man is required to light candles, he does not recite Shehecheyanu, as he Some immerse in a Mikvah after Chatzot will be doing so in Kiddush. (12:28pm).  FIRST NIGHT OF SUKKOT DAVENING (FRIDAY) Chag is an especially appropriate time for guests. This is emphasized on Sukkot, According to Nussach Sefard and Nussach because the function of a Sukkah is to Ha’Ari (Chabad), Kabbalat Shabbat starts unite all of Klal Yisrael. Additionally, from Mizmor LeDavid including Lecha hosting guests is especially connected to Dodi. Some do the first two and the last the Ushpizin. two stanzas and some, (including Chabad) do the whole Lecha Dodi, It is forbidden to eat a proper meal of however, Nussach Ashkenaz starts bread once the tenth Halachic hour of the Kabbalat Shabbat from Mizmor Shir day begins (3:25pm), in order to properly L’Yom HaShabbat. enjoy the meal of the first night. However, one may snack in small quantities. In Lecha Dodi, those who regularly say B’rinah U’Vetzahala say B’Simcha Even though all meals will be eaten in the U’Vetzahala. Sukkah, nevertheless, a tablecloth should be placed on the table in the house, in Until Barchu, one davens in the tune of honor of Chag. Shabbat. Some who regularly say Kagavna before One should give Tzedakah on Erev Sukkot Maariv, say it tonight, while others do for the Chag. We all have the obligation to not, make sure that the Chag requirements of the needy be met, including a set of Daled Those who regularly say Bameh Madlikin Minim and a Sukkah. do not say it tonight. Candle-lighting (Friday night) is at 5:47pm. Those who say V’Shamru before the The Brachot are L’Hadlik Ner Shel Shabbat Amidah, say it followed by Vayedaber V’Yom Tov and Shehecheyanu. Moshe. The Sephardic custom is to say Eileh Moadei, whilst some, Chabad and The candles are lit in the Sukkah. If this is those who follow the Gra, have the not feasible or safe, the candles may be lit custom not to say any Passuk. indoors, preferably in a place where they ~ 54 ~

Since it is Shabbat, all the Shabbat two Tefillot, he should wait the span of selections are added in the Amidah of time to walk four Amot (approx. two Chag. If one did not make any mention of metres), and preferably, he should recite Shabbat in the middle Brachah, or he words of supplication between them. mistakenly davened the regular Amidah  SUKKOT NIGHT of Shabbat: If he did not yet finish Throughout Sukkot, there is no Torah reciting the second Yih’yu L’Ratzon (at obligation to eat in the Sukkah, if one can the end of the passage of Elokai N’tzor), avoid eating the things which will require he should return to the beginning of the him to do so. The exception to this is the middle Brachah (i.e. Atah Vechartanu). first night of Sukkot. Therefore, the night Otherwise, he must repeat the Amidah. meal must begin after the emergence of After the Amidah, the passage Vayechulu three stars (6:58pm). is recited, followed by Magen Avot, in the As it is a Mitzvah on the first night, to eat tune of a regular Shabbat, followed by a minimum of a K’beitzah (Chaim Naeh is Kaddish Titkabel. 55cc, Chazon Ish is 100cc) in the Sukkah, if Some say Mizmor L’David, Chatzi Kaddish one does not have a separate balcony to and Barchu and some don’t say it. erect a Sukkah, the person in quarantine  YA’ALEH VEYAVO IN DAVENING should wait until everyone has left the If one forgets Ya’aleh Veyavo in davening, Sukkah and only after, should they go in, but remembers before saying Hashem’s to eat a K’beitzah and then finish the rest name at the end of Hamachazir of their meal indoors, the same as some Shechinato L’Tziyon, he goes back. If he do when it rains. remembered between the conclusion of As it is Shabbat, some have the custom to that Brachah and Modim, he recites it at say Shalom Aleichem quietly with a lot of that point, without going back. If he internal joy, and some don’t say it at all. remembers any time after that point, but Since it is Shabbat, all the Shabbat before taking three steps back, he returns selections are added in the Kiddush of to the beginning of Retzei. If he Chag. remembers after taking three steps back, the Amidah is repeated. During Kiddush on the first night, Leshev Basukkah is recited before Shehecheyanu, If one is unsure whether he recited as the Shehecheyanu pertains to the Ya’aleh Veyavo, the Amidah is repeated. Mitzvah of eating in the Sukkah as well. If one forgot Ya’aleh Veyavo during One should have this in mind when Shacharit, and only realised after Mussaf, reciting Shehecheyanu, in addition to he does not repeat the Shacharit Amidah. having the Kiddush of Chag in mind. If one forgot Ya’aleh Veyavo during Women who hear Kiddush in the Sukkah Mincha or Maariv, and only realized after but choose to eat in the house should first the Zman Tefillah has passed, he must eat a kezayit of bread or Mezonot in the recite an additional Amidah in the next Sukkah, or drink a revi’it (86ml) of grape Tefillah, as compensation. Between the juice or wine. This is because Kiddush

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 55 ~ must be heard in the same place where  YA’ALEH VEYAVO IN BENTCHING the meal begins. Alternatively, they If one forgets Ya’aleh Veyavo in bentching, should stand in the place where they will but remembers before saying Hashem’s eat and hear Kiddush from there. name at Bonei Yerushalayim, he goes back [Although this is only an absolute to say Ya’aleh Veyavo. If one remembered requirement when the Sukkah is detached after that, but before beginning the next from the house, it is still preferable to act Brachah, he recites the extra Brachah as accordingly when the Sukkah is attached printed in some Birkonim. If one already to the house.] began even the first word (Baruch) of the A woman who needs to recite Kiddush next Brachah, one must begin bentching should not say Shehecheyanu, as she again if it is Chag, but not if it is Chol already did so at candle-lighting. Hamoed. At least a kezayit of bread must be eaten On the first day of Sukkot, the before midnight (12:27am). [A kezayit is a Harachaman for Shabbat, Chag and measurement of volume equal to the Sukkot are recited, in that order. displacement of 26ml of water. In On Chol Hamoed, only the Harachaman practice, anything less dense than water for Sukkot is recited. weighing 26 grams is most certainly more  BRACHAH OF LESHEV BASUKKAH than a kezayit.] This kezayit is eaten in the The Brachah of Leshev Basukkah is recited shortest time frame possible, and at the only when eating more than a K’beitzah of very least, within nine minutes. Hamotzie or Mezonot. [A K’beitzah is a While eating the kezayit, one has in mind measurement of volume equal to the that he is fulfilling the special obligation of displacement of 57ml of water.] One will eating in the Sukkah on the first night. This be able to consume a K’beitzah more is in addition to the intention that this expediently with cake than with cookies Mitzvah commemorates our exodus from or biscuits, since cake is more dense. Egypt (see living in the sukkah page 56). One first recites Hamotzie or Mezonot, During each Chag meal of Sukkot, the followed by Leshev Basukkah, whilst Challah is dipped (three times) in honey. seated. If one forgets, he recites Leshev [A total of at least a K’beitzah must be Basukkah as soon as he remembers. Even eaten, as per every Chag and Shabbat.] if he has already finished eating, he still recites the Brachah as long as he is still in One drinks at least a Revi’it (Chaim Naeh the Sukkah. is 86ml, Chazon Ish is 150ml) of wine every day of Sukkot. One looks at the Schach before reciting the Brachah of Leshev Basukkah. Simchat Beit Hashoeva celebrations are conducted throughout Sukkot, beginning When one drinks wine or grape juice, or on the first night, with singing, clapping any other beverage that is normally and dancing. sipped at length or enjoyed when sharing company (such as tea, coffee and other In Benching, both Retzei and Ya’Aleh alcoholic beverages), one does not recite Ve’Yavo are recited. ~ 56 ~

Leshev Basukkah. However, it is best to  LIVING IN THE SUKKAH drink such beverages after reciting Leshev The Sukkah commemorates the Clouds of Basukkah on Hamotzie or Mezonot. Glory that protected Bnei Yisrael from the If one already recited Leshev Basukkah, he sun and heat of the desert. Therefore, needs to recite it again when either: whenever in the Sukkah, one’s intention is that this Mitzvah commemorates our • He left the Sukkah for an hour or two – Exodus from Egypt. even if he didn’t intend to stay out for that long. If the Sukkah contains a section of Schach • He intended to leave the Sukkah for an which is Passul (such as when the edge of hour or two – even if he returned earlier the Sukkah lies under the overhanging than planned. roof of the house or under the edge of a • When visiting another Sukkah. Even if rain cover), one must ensure not only that he began eating a meal in the first he is sitting under an area of the Schach Sukkah with the intention of finishing in that is Kosher, but also, that the part of the second Sukkah, in which case he the table that he is eating at, is situated does not need to recite a new Brachah there as well. on the bread, he still needs to recite Most do not eat or drink in the Sukkah if it Leshev Basukkah. [In many instances, is raining, however the Chabad custom is Leshev Basukkah is recited when to continue eating and drinking in the visiting another Sukkah even if one isn’t Sukkah even in the rain or inclement eating there. To avoid confusion, it is weather, and a Leshev Basukkah is still customary to always eat more than a recited when eating the Shiur of Hamotzie K’beitzah of Mezonot when visiting or Mezonot. [As mentioned earlier, it is another Sukkah.] forbidden on Chag or Shabbat to create a Although women are not obligated to sit temporary roof whose purpose is to in the Sukkah, they may make the Brachah provide any sort of shelter. Therefore, one of Leshev Basukkah nonetheless. should not place a box or bag over his food to shelter if from the rain, unless there is Boys are trained to eat in the Sukkah from less than one Tefach (8cm) of airspace in around the age of five or six, as per the height.] child’s maturity. Therefore, they must recite the Brachah. [A father must ensure It is a Chabad custom to refrain from that his child eats in the Sukkah. Anyone eating or drinking anything – even minute other than the father is not obligated to amounts – outside the Sukkah. The Rebbe do so, and may give the child food even if Rashab would even take medicine only in the child will eat it outside the Sukkah. the Sukkah. Nevertheless, one may not feed the child When eating in the Sukkah on Chag or directly or actively encourage him to eat Shabbat, one should be mindful about the outside the Sukkah.] prohibitions of trapping or killing insects. [Although it is forbidden to trap an insect, one is not required to inspect a container

~ 57 ~ before closing it to ensure that there are Sukkah being used for the sake of the no insects inside.] Mitzvah, but only if the Sukkah is One must treat the Sukkah respectfully. otherwise vacant during that time, and it One may not wash dishes in the Sukkah, will be left in exactly the same condition. keep dirty dishes there, store tools or  BENTCHING LULAV bikes, cook, or hang laundry. Similarly, As the first day of Sukkot is Shabbat, one one should not bring the rubbish bin into does not bentch Lulav until the following the Sukkah, but rather, carry waste to a day, first day Chol Hamoed (second day rubbish bin stationed outside. Chag for Chutznikim). For further Throughout Sukkot, one spends as much Halachot, please see Bentching Lulav time in the Sukkah as practical. One learns section on page 58. in the Sukkah, unless he finds it hard to  HALLEL focus there, or he needs constant access Full Hallel is recited. When reciting Hallel, to his Seforim library, or he wishes to learn one may not interrupt it – other than for in a Beit Hamedrash. those things that one may respond to One should daven with a Minyan in Shul. during the Brachot of Kriat Shema. [i.e. if However, if circumstances require him to the Chazzan recites Kedushah, one daven at home, he should do so in the responds Kadosh, Baruch and Yimloch. Sukkah, unless he cannot focus there. When the Chazzan says HaE-l Hakadosh, one answers Amen. When the Chazzan Many have the practice to sleep in the says Modim, one answers the three words Sukkah, Chabad do not. Modim Anachnu Lach. When the Chazzan One mentions the daily Ushpizin (and recites Kaddish, one answers Amen Yehei Chabad add the Chassidishe Ushpizin) by Shmei etc, and Amen to D’Amiran sharing a Dvar Torah or story pertaining to B’Almah. One also answers Barchu and them. There are many Torahs which focus Amen when the Brachot are recited on the common denominator between before and after an Aliyah or Haftorah.] that day’s Ushpizin, as well as the It is preferable to recite Hallel with the contrasts between them. Minyan. If one is not up to the Minyan, The order of the Ushpizin/Chabad this creates a dilemma; on the one hand it Ushpizin: is appropriate to recite Hallel with the 1. Avraham / Baal Shem Tov. congregation, and on the other hand, it is 2. Yitzchok / Mezritcher Maggid. appropriate that one davens in the correct 3. Yaakov / Alter Rebbe. order. For this reason, the Chabad 4. Moshe / Mittele Rebbe. Rebbeim were always punctilious about 5. Aharon / Tzemach Tzeddek. being up to Hallel when the Minyan 6. Yosef / Rebbe Maharash. recited it on Chag. 7. David / Rebbe Rashab. If one forgot to recite Hallel, he should One may use someone else’s Sukkah recite it with a Brachah as soon as he assuming that his friend consents to his remembers, as long as it is not yet sunset. ~ 58 ~

If one mistakenly recited half-Hallel, he preferable to eat Mezonot right after must repeat the entire Hallel (without a bentching Lulav in the Succah, in order to Brachah). recite the Brachah of Leshev BaSukkah on  HOSHA’ANOT FOR FIRST DAY SUKKOT the Mitzvah of Daled Minim as well. Others have the custom to bentch Lulav For those who say Hosha’anot on just before reciting Hallel during Shabbat, one opens the Aron Kodesh. Shacharit. Some say a specific Hosha’anah for Shabbat whilst others say for the first day It is best to bentch Lulav as soon as and there are some, including Chabad, possible after sunrise (6:35am). who do not say any Hosha’anot on Nevertheless, one may bentch Lulav any Shabbat but on Sunday say the first two time after sunrise until sunset (6:24pm). In and encircle the Bimah only on the second extenuating circumstances, or after the Hosha’anah. fact, it is acceptable if performed after dawn (5:23am) with a Brachah, or before  FIRST DAY OF SUKKOT three stars emerge (6:56pm) without a The Mitzvah of V’Samachta B’Chagecha Brachah. requires one to celebrate Chag with his family. As such, one should not overly When benching Lulav, one stands facing prolong the time he spends at any Mizrach and holds the Lulav in the right communal Kiddush. hand, with the Lulav spine facing the person. After reciting the Brachah of Al  BENTCHING LULAV FROM SUNDAY Netilat Lulav, one picks the Etrog up with All men and boys over the age of Bar the left hand. A left-handed person holds Mitzvah must bentch Lulav. Boys under the Lulav in his left hand, and the Etrog in Bar Mitzvah must also do so if they are of his right hand. Some hold the Etrog upside the age of Chinuch down when reciting the Brachah, Al Women and girls are technically exempt, Netilat Lulav. but some have the custom to bentch Lulav As this year, the first day of Sukkot is anyway. Shabbat, we do not bentch Lulav and Men in good health should not eat Etrog, as it is Muktzah. On the first day of anything before bentching Lulav. [One Chol Hamoed, the Etrog is picked up should not be stringent if there are any before Shehecheyanu is recited, However, health concerns, or if he will obtain the it is not joined to the Lulav until the Daled Minim only after midday.] Similarly, conclusion of the Brachah. one should not learn or perform work When joining the Etrog to the Lulav, the before bentching Lulav. upper third of the Etrog should touch the Before bentching Lulav, one first fulfils the bottom of the Lulav. This is accomplished Mitzvah of Kriat Shma, since it is more by holding the Etrog at a slight diagonal. frequent. One ensures that there is no Chatzitzah Some have the custom to bentch Lulav in (barrier) between his hands and the Daled the Succah before davening. It is ~ 59 ~

Minim. Therefore, one should remove any  HALLEL CHOL HAMOED rings. During Hallel, the Na’anuim are One may not use gloves while using Daled performed, at the following places: Minim. • At the first Hodu; one direction per Na’anuim (shaking the Lulav): According word, besides the word Hashem. to some, the Daled Minim are extended in • At each “Anna Hashem Hoshiah Nah”; all directions, three times per direction. two directions per word, besides the One does not himself change direction, word Hashem. but merely moves the Daled Minim in • At the last Hodu, the first time that it is each direction. recited; one direction per word, besides the word Hashem. There are various customs regarding the Na’anuim. The Chabad custom is to hold the Lulav for the entire Hallel and pick up the Etrog only The Daled Minim are extended forth from for the Na’anuim. Others hold all the the chest and returned back to the chest, Daled Minim for the whole of Hallel. physically touching the place where one beats his fist when reciting Ashamnu. Each  HOSHA’ANOT FOR CHOL HAMOED time the Lulav is extended forth, it is given For Hosha’anot, a Torah is held at the a slight shake before being returned to the Bimah by someone who does not have a chest. set of Daled Minim (or someone in the During the Na’anuim, the Daled Minim year of Aveilut who doesn’t circle the themselves remain perfectly upright and Bimah). If all have a set, the Torah is should not be inclined in any direction. placed on the Bimah. The Aron Hakodesh One ensures that the tip of the Lulav does remains open throughout Hosha’anot. not come into contact with the wall, When reciting the Hosha’anot unique to ceiling or Schach. that day, most communities recite the Women are not meticulous about waving phrases aloud after the Chazzan. The the Lulav in all six directions. Chabad custom is that the initial phrases are recited quietly at one’s place, each Throughout Sukkot one should not smell phrase being preceded with the word the Hadassim or the Etrog. Hosha’anah.  OWNERSHIP OF DALED MINIM According to Chabad, the phrases from On the first day of Sukkot, one must own the letter “Samech” or “Ayin” onwards are the set of Daled Minim he uses to perform recited aloud after the Chazzan, with each the Mitzvah (this does not apply this year phrase preceded and followed with the as the first day of Sukkot is Shabbat). word Hosha’anah. According to all, these As mentioned earlier, a boy of the age of phrases are timed to coincide with one Chinuch is required to bentch Lulav. complete circuit around the Bimah. According to many Rishonim, the Mitzvah During Hosha’anot, the Lulav is held with of Chinuch requires him to own the set he the right hand and the Etrog with the left. uses.

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 60 ~

The Rebbe would generally hold them will likely cause the Aravah leaves to joined together and touching his chest. become detached. A left handed person will hold the Lulav in On Chol Hamoed: his left hand and the Etrog in his right. • One wears Shabbat clothing. One without Daled Minim does not circle • One washes for bread, eats meat and the Bimah. [It is best to borrow a set in drinks a cup of wine every day. order to participate.] • One allocates more time for learning. The last Pasuk is said, after which the Sefer Many activities are prohibited during Chol Torah is returned to the Aron Hakodesh. Hamoed, including (but not limited to) One holds the Daled Minim until this time. business activity, trade, moving homes, gardening, sewing, laundering (unless for One who is davening without a Minyan children who soil their clothing frequently, should still circle the Bimah (or a table if but only as required), preparing food for not at Shul). after Chag, cutting nails (unless it was  CHOL HAMOED done on Erev Sukkot as well) and taking During Chol Hamoed, one should take part haircuts. One may not instruct a non-Jew in Simchat Beit Hashoeva celebrations. to perform these activities either. These should be enhanced with music. For the sake of Chol Hamoed, one may During Chol Hamoed, one replaces the professionally repair any item which is Hadassim and Aravot as necessary. directly involved in food preparation (e.g. One should be aware of the state of his oven or fridge), or which provides direct Aravot. If most leaves fall off the top three benefit to the body (e.g. the plumbing, Tefachim (24cm), the Aravah needs to be electricity or air-conditioning), provided replaced. [It often happens that the leaves that it wasn’t practical to fix prior to Chag have already fallen off and are just being (e.g. it broke on Chag). held in place by the Lulav rings.] A leaf is One should avoid writing. If it cannot be considered intact even if only its majority deferred until after Chol Hamoed, one is intact. should write with a Shinui. However, The Aravot are still acceptable if the calligraphy and artistic drawing or leaves have turned a darker color. painting is prohibited. When new Aravot are necessary, they If an employee’s job involves activities should not be inserted into the Lulav that are not performed on Chol Hamoed, without loosening the rings first, as this he should arrange to take leave, unless his absence will jeopardize his employment.

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 61 ~

Stronger than a Hurricane by Rabbi Tuvia Bolton

A long time ago in a small village in Poland own Sukkah. They decided that they had there lived a rabbi who was very no other choice but to take all the scraps conscientious about building the Sukkah. and leftover wood and build one big The Sukkah the rabbi built for himself Sukkah near the outskirts of the town for every year was a sight to see. The walls everyone. They finished building their large were of the thickest and best wood, and rickety hut with just enough time left for the greenery that he used to cover the everyone to run home and prepare for the top was thick and fresh. holiday before sunset.

It so happened one year that everyone in One and a half hours later, all the workers the village decided that they too could were sitting in the synagogue looking afford to build beautiful Sukkot like their radiant, holy and very happy like rabbi. The only hindrance was that most everyone else, engrossed in loud of them were not very good carpenters. enthusiastic prayer. The prayers soon Many of them were not even handy. finished, and the townspeople sang and What did they do? About twenty villagers, danced together before shaking each the ones who knew best how to work with other’s hands and wishing one another their hands, joined forces to be the “Good Yom Tov.” Someone opened the “Sukkah-builders” for the community. huge doors for everyone to leave and They set forth, going from house to suddenly... it began to rain. house, building new Sukkot for everyone. For the first few minutes, it looked like it Needless to say, they had to work day and wouldn’t last long, but then the storm night, non-stop, in fact. But they also became stronger and stronger. The strong made a lot of money that year building wind and rain made it difficult to even Sukkot. However, just a few hours before close the shul doors again, and the Yom Tov, just as they finished the very sound of torrential rain and things last Sukkah, they realised that they had thrashing in the streets soon made it seem been so busy working for everyone else like it would never stop. But the rain that they had forgotten about themselves! ceased after just half an hour. The shul They had no Sukkot in their own doors opened again and the congregants courtyards. began to joyously leave the synagogue into the muddy streets. Finally they would be What could they do? There wasn’t enough able to go to their Sukkot and eat the time for each one to go home and build his holiday meal! ~ 62 ~

But they were in for a surprise. All the meals, until they were able to rebuild their Sukkot had been destroyed in the storm! Sukkot during the intermediate days of the Before long, everyone was out in the holiday. street not knowing what to do. Then someone had an idea. “Let us go to the At the close of the holiday, there were rabbi. He is a great man. Surely his Sukkah about one hundred people at the rabbi’s is still standing!” house with the same question: “Why was everyone else’s Sukkah destroyed except Everyone set out for the rabbi’s home. for the Sukkah of the workers?” But as they approached, they heard the wailing emerging from the rabbi’s At first, the rabbi tried to answer that the courtyard: “Oy, my Sukkah!” winds were perhaps weaker on the outskirts of town. But that didn’t add up The rabbi’s Sukkah was more damaged because the trees located there had been than everyone else’s. The walls had been completely uprooted, more so than in the completely shattered, and one had even middle of the town. Then he suggested been lifted into a tree. that maybe it was because their Sukkah was stronger than everyone else’s. But Then, from far away, the townspeople someone pointed out that their Sukkah heard singing! It was coming from the was built so hastily, and with such inferior direction of the workers’ Sukkah. materials, that the whole thing shook Immediately, a group of children ran in when anyone just brushed against it. the direction of the singing and they returned minutes later, breathless, with So the rabbi thought for another minute the good news, “The Workers’ Sukkah is and then a smile broke out on his face. “I .... standing!” know!” He declared, “I know why their Sukkah remained standing! Because each “Nu,” said the rabbi to the gathered of our Sukkot were built for a single crowd. “Go home and get your food. We person or family. But when they built are going to eat in a Sukkah after all!” their Sukkah, it was with unity, with each

That entire night, the congregation took one building it for everyone’s sake... And turns crowding into the Workers’ Sukkah, when there is unity between Jews, all the two or three families at a time, ten storms and hurricanes in the world can’t minutes for each shift, eating their holiday break it!” meals. So they did for the next three Reprinted from an email of Yeshiva Ohr Tmimim, www.ohrtmimim.org.

~ 63 ~

Taking Off for the Holidays by Dr. David B. Lazerson

Right after I was hired to teach at Dr. “Look,” he finally said to me. “Call Rabbi Martin Luther King Jr. Community School Greenberg. See what he can advise you to in Buffalo, New York, I made the mistake do.” of looking at the calendar. It was a mistake because I had to live with the Rabbi Greenberg was my other rabbinic underlying feeling that I would be fired authority and friend in town. Rabbi within my first six weeks on the job. The Greenberg listened attentively and then Jewish holidays, you see, occurred very told me, “Call my father in New Jersey.” early that particular school year. Not only His father, Rabbi Meir Greenberg, of were they early, but they all happened to blessed memory, was a well-known fall in the middle of the week. In other rabbinical scholar and world-wide words, as an Orthodox Jew, I’d have to authority in Jewish law. take off two days for Rosh Hashana, one day for Yom Kippur, two more days for I got him on the line. I told him about my the first days of Sukkot and, finally, problem and the conversation between another two days for the last days of his son and me. He then brought up Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah! A something which I hadn’t considered at grand total of seven days out of the first all. “There’s a real difficulty in that you 28 actual teachings days. Not too good a will be setting a precedent,” he said. record! “Suppose next year, or a few years from now, another Orthodox Jew teaches in The closer we came to Rosh Hashana, the the Buffalo school system? Call Rabbi more anxious I felt. I didn’t know what to Osdoba. See what he says.” do. I called my rabbi. Maybe he’d find a way out for me. In all honesty, I thought my question was kind of ridiculous to begin with. We aren’t “Rabbi Gurary,” I said after explaining my supposed to engage in secular pursuits on situation. “Is there some way I could just a Jewish holiday. It’s a time for prayer, walk to school on those days of Sukkot. festivity and spending time with the family. You know, I won’t drive, mark papers or But I followed Rabbi Greenberg’s advice even take any money for it. I’ll give that and called Rabbi Osdoba. I explained the pay to charity or I’ll tell the Board of Ed to situation once more, adding all the details keep the money for those days. It’s just from the previous rabbis. He listened that I’m really afraid I’ll get fired.” carefully to everything I said.

We discussed the situation with all of its “I’ll discuss it with Rabbi Dworkin. Call me ramifications. The rabbi was sympathetic, after Rosh Hashana. Good luck with your which surprised me, as I figured that my teaching!” question would be answered with a resounding “Of course not!” Rabbi Dworkin, of blessed memory, was the chief rabbinical authority for ~ 64 ~

Lubavitch. My issue was being raised with “It’s all in here,” I said, “It’s all in here,” I the top man. It wasn’t until after Yom said, handing her my letter. Kippur, however, that I received the answer from Rabbi Osdoba: No dice. She began reading. I stood by watching There was no way I could be at Dr. Martin her, waiting for any possible advice or Luther King Jr. Community School on the suggestions. holiday. It made sense. I was surprised it Suddenly she began shaking her head, went as far as it did. saying quietly, “Oh, David. Oh, David.”

My wife and I decided to implement plan “It’s that hopeless,” I thought. She did it a two. This strategy involved one main few more times as she read through the factor: pleading with the school principal entire letter. Each time she shook her Dr. D for understanding and mercy. head she remarked the same thing. “Oh,

That night, I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. David. Oh, David.” typing a two-page letter to the principal. I She folded the letter, put it in my hand went into a historical perspective on the and shook her head again. Then she significance of Sukkot to the Jewish looked me in the eyes. “I can’t believe people. I explained the various laws and this,” she said. “What are you ashamed customs Jews observe to honour their about? Tell him it’s your holiday and holidays. I wrote that we cannot conduct you’re taking off. Period. If he doesn’t like business, write, erase, make money, turn it, too bad! Take a lesson from my people, electricity on and off, ride in cars and and stand up for your beliefs!” more. That we use these days to reaffirm our attachment to G-d by performing the With that, she shook her head again and commandments and learning Torah. left the office. I stood there dumbfounded, Finally, I concluded my “sermon” and plea feeling like I’d been slapped in the face by with a statement saying that I didn’t have someone trying to wake me from a bad to take off again until Passover, and that I dream. I also felt like a total jerk. I had didn’t plan on getting sick or abusing my invested so much time, effort and personal days. psychological energy trying to get out of something that didn’t need getting out of. The next day, letter in hand, I came to Instead of a letter, Edie had put a mirror school early, prepared to face the music. I into my hand. realised that it might be my last day at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community School. I went into Dr. D’s office, letter in hand, with a completely different attitude. My supervisor, a middle-aged black “Doc,” I said. “I know you’re not going to woman, was standing by her mailbox. believe this, but I’ve got another Jewish

“Edie,” I said. “Do me a favour and read holiday that I won’t be in for.” this.” When I was done with my explanation, he

“Sure,” she said looking up at me. “But asked if I had done lesson plans for the sub, and he wished me a happy holiday. why so glum today?” Reprinted from an email of by L’Chaim Weekl, Excerpted from the book Skullcaps and Switchblades.. ~ 65 ~

The Rain Parade by Rabbi Yerachmiel Tilles

Centuries ago, before the days of water sluices were still sealed shut. Not a cloud pipes and irrigation, the residents of marred the perfectly blue sky. It was so Jerusalem were dependent for all their close to springtime and the end of the rain water needs on the large cisterns they had season that many Jerusalemites were dug out and lined. The winter rains would already girding themselves for a difficult, annually fill the cisterns, and the people perhaps life threatening, period of famine would draw water from them the entire and water shortage. year. All the worries generated a stream of Once, in the early decades of the 5400's, rumors, and the rumors in turn led to there was a serious drought. One by one increased tension between the different the winter months came and went, yet the ethnic groups in the holy city. The Arabs skies remained as clear and pure blue as started to blame the Jews for the lack of on a pleasant summer day. The earth was rain. This obvious choice of scapegoat dry and cracked in the unyielding gardens required no accompanying reason or and fields, and the water level of the explanation for its acceptance to quickly cisterns was dropping at an alarming rate. spread throughout the Muslim community, and quickly became an absolute certainty More days passed. Already the winter in all their minds. season was drawing to an end, but still, no rain. Even the elders of the city couldn't The instigation against the Jews eventually recall such a rainless year as this. reached the palace of the pasha, the governor, of the Jerusalem district of the Jews, Moslems and Christians alike Ottoman empire. Indeed, certain Jew- became increasingly worried. The dread haters made it a point to repeatedly bring specter of famine now loomed in addition this 'information' to his attention. to the immediate problem of water shortage. They gathered in their respective Soon thereafter, the pasha summoned the Houses of Prayer and prayed to the Al- famed scholar and kabbalist, R. Moshe mighty to have mercy on the holy city and Galante, who had moved from Tsfat its inhabitants. The rabbis of Jerusalem around 1655 and was now one of proclaimed days of fasting and special Jerusalem's leading rabbis, to appear prayers. Hundreds of Jews made the before him. The rabbi entered with excursion to the tomb of Rachel the foreboding. Sure enough, as he feared, the Matriarch to light candles and pray for pasha said, "I know that it is solely because rain. Others went to the burial place of of you Jews that G-d has not let it rain in King David on nearby Mount Zion to Jerusalem. You people like to glorify beseech there. yourselves that you are His chosen people; you call Him 'Father' and refer to But, no rain. The cisterns had almost yourselves as 'His children.' Therefore you completely dried up, yet the heavenly are totally to blame. ~ 66 ~

"So I am warning you. You people had the hearts of all the Jews - men, women better pray seriously to your god. If it and children - and further stimulated their doesn't rain by the end of three days, it prayers. Hungry and thirsty, still fasting, will be clear that it is all the fault of the surely their desperate cries pierced Jews; I shall expel every single one of you through all the heavens. from Jerusalem." The sun marched inexorably across the As soon as Rabbi Galante left the palace, sky, and now stood in the western sector he called an emergency meeting in the of the sky. The final hours of the afternoon main synagogue, emphasizing that all the were slowly dwindling. Rabbi Galante Jewish residents of Jerusalem should announced that everyone should proceed attend. together outside the city walls to the tomb of Shimon HaTzaddik, the great sage and Everybody came. Their faces reflected high priest from the early years of the their worry over the situation. The whole Second Temple, and there to pray one last population knew that Rabbi Galante had time for rain. He also made another been summoned to the governor. When demand that startled all that were present. he informed them what had transpired, Nobody could believe what they imagined they groaned under this new burden. Was they had heard. the trial of thirst they had already started to undergo not enough? Now they also What he had said was that everyone had to have the wrath of the pasha and should put on their galoshes or boots, the entire Arab population hovering over wear raincoats, and have umbrellas in them? hand! Why? Lest they get drenched in the expected downpour! Rabbi Galante declared a three-day fast, with the time to be spent in prayer and Despite their shock and amazement, pleading before the Al-mighty, in the hope everyone complied faithfully. At the of abolishing the evil decree. designated time the Jews of Jerusalem left the city through Damascus Gate, dressed A spirit of gloom descended upon the Jews in their boots and raincoats, and carrying of Jerusalem as the possibility of expulsion umbrellas. When the police officer in from the holy city loomed before them. charge of the area saw this strange parade, With broken hearts and flowing tears they he burst into laughter. But then, when he crowded together in the shuls to recite heard they were marching through the Psalms and pray for mercy from Above. streets dressed in their raingear only Many also went down to stand before the because their rabbi had ordered them to Western Wall and exert themselves in do so and promised them a heavy further supplications. 'G-d, have pity on rainstorm, he became furious. He caught Your poor suffering people in Your holy up to the rabbi, slapped him severely in city.' the face, and screamed: "The people of the

One day passed, and a second. On the city are suffering so much, and you dare to third day the skies were as blue and waste their time and strength in such cloudless as ever. Dread descended into foolishness!" ~ 67 ~

Rabbi Galante disdained to respond, and police officer! By the time he reached kept walking. them, he was so thoroughly soaked he seemed to be made more of water than of When they arrived at the gravesite, the solid flesh. He made straight for Rabbi rabbi prostrated himself on the tombstone Galante and threw himself down in the and remained there, immersed in mud before his feet. "Forgive me, please, profound concentration. All the other for how I insulted you," he begged. "I people cried out in prayer from the depths didn't realize you were such a great, holy of their hearts. person."

Suddenly, they realized that a breeze was In order to display his sincerity and make blowing - a soft, gentle breeze, but still...a amends, he lifted the rabbi onto his breeze! Then, rather quickly, the breeze shoulders, marched with him at the head became a real wind, which began to blow of the Jewish procession back to town, and furiously. A storm wind! carried him all the way to the door of his

The sky turned grey and filled with dark house. clouds. A few raindrops were felt. Then it The rainstorm continued all the night. By began to drizzle, and soon after that to dawn, all the cisterns were filled to pour. The Jews opened their umbrellas. In overflowing. Later in the morning, the no time at all, they were in the mist of a pasha himself came and apologized for torrential shower. They joyfully hurried to threatening to expel the Jews. He take shelter under trees and next to the proffered more words of appeasement nearby houses. and then stated emotionally, "Now I know Peering through the deluge, they saw to that your L-rd is the true G-d, and that you their surprise a man running as fast as he Jews really are His treasured people." could in the rain towards them. It was the Reprinted from an email of Kabbalahonline.org.

Celebrating Sukkot Outside the GPU Office by Rabbi Sholom DovBer Avtzon

I was arrested together with a number of From there we were sent to Alma Alta, the other chassidim on the 13th of Elul, 5695 capital of Kazakhstan. Once there, we were (1935). Around two months later, we all told to travel to Chimkent, where the local were sentenced to exile for “counter- GPU (the precursor of the KGB) office revolutionary” activities. The train transit would inform us where to go. Reb Itche took many days, until we arrived at the and I were sent to Turkestan, while the first destination. There the prisoners were others were ordered to go to the city of sent to various locations, such as the Ural Lenger. Mountains, Siberia and Uzbekistan. We were sent to Turkestan. We arrived in Turkestan in the month of Teves, 5696 (1936). Around a half a year later, Reb Leizer Naness joined us. A year ~ 68 ~ later, Reb Itche developed an illness and that since we use a large goblet to make the doctors ordered that he relocate to a kiddush, he doesn’t want to make kiddush city in a warmer climate, so only I and Reb on mashke, especially as we were just Leizer remained there. meters away from the notorious offices of the GPU. Before Tishrei of the year 5698 (1937), Reb Itche - who was a shochet - sent us two “I will make kiddush for the two of us,” I chickens he had shechted. We decided to replied. “Furthermore, we will do it late in use one for Rosh Hashanah and erev Yom the evening, when the offices are generally Kippur, and the second one we salted and closed. We will be careful to be quiet, as put away to be used for Sukkot. we were the entire week when we were in the sukkah.” Reb Leizer agreed. Our apartment was a mere thirty meters or so from the offices of the local GPU, and We came to the sukkah after eight in the our neighbor was the official in charge of evening of Shemini Atzeres. I made the prisons. His name was Karim, and he kiddush, drinking most of the goblet, and was the brother-in-law of our landlord, a he sipped a small amount. Then we began Muslim named Ibrahim. So if we sang or eating the meal in complete silence. said anything out loud, it was heard by However, after a half hour or so, I took them. some more mashke and he also drank a little more, and we began singing We made a small sukkah and ate in it in extremely quietly. complete silence, as we didn’t want to bring any additional attention to ourselves. As it is known, whiskey doesn’t always hit We were well aware of the precarious you immediately; sometimes it takes some situation in which we were found. There time. So without realizing it, the song we was a certain Bucharian Jew who worked were singing became louder and livelier, as a driver and assistant to the reigning until we began dancing. Evidently we officer. He quietly passed on to us that completely forgot where we were, and we every week, accusations were being danced and sang for a while. received that we were trying to influence others to rebel against the government, We then sat down to rest and conclude the and he told us that we should be careful meal. Suddenly, we heard footsteps in the with whom we talk. Thanks to him, we courtyard. The Gemara states that the were spared from the many traps that the powerful effects of wine become GPU set up to ensnare us. dissipated by fear. This is what occurred to us: the fear of being discovered erased all Despite this, on Hoshana Rabba, I asked the effects of the mashke. We waited with Reb Leizer to pick up a half-liter of mashke trepidation to see who was coming to us (112 proof whiskey) in honor of Simchas and what the consequences would be. Torah. (I asked him to do this, because my place of work was in another town which A moment later, our landlord Ibrahim was an industrial center, while his was entered and wished us a joyous holiday. close to the stores.) But Reb Leizer replied He then said: “My brother-in-law Karim ~ 69 ~ told me to pass on his best wishes to you have to celebrate about? The only reason in honor of your holiday.” they are rejoicing is because it is their holiday! Hearing this, our faces became pale and showed signs of fright. Ibrahim noticed our “‘Tell me the truth: Do you or I ever have a fear and immediately said in a comforting joyous occasion such as this in our lives? tone: We also have holidays, but we are not truly joyous then. When do we experience “Karim was visiting me when you two were happiness? Only when we get even or take singing and dancing. He said, ‘Ibrahim, revenge against someone who has crossed listen to what I have to tell you. I truly envy our path. So there really is something to be those two Jews.’ envious of them, of their intrinsic

“When I heard him say this, I feared for happiness which neither of us have. your well-being. I asked Karim, ‘What is “‘The truth is that I would like to there to be jealous of?’ personally wish them a joyous holiday, but

“‘Although they are your tenants,’ he I fear that my presence will disturb their replied, ‘I know much more about them rejoicing, so I have decided not to visit than you. I can just tell you the following: If them personally. But you should definitely the GPU would investigate and believe go and wish them a joyous holiday. Just even one percent of the accusations that remind them not to dance and sing we receive against them, no remnant throughout the night. And after you wish would remain of them. And don’t think for them well, give over my best wishes to a moment that they are not aware of their them as well.’” precarious situation. When I walk past Two months later, on Yud Tes Kislev, Reb their apartment on my way to the prisons, Leizer was arrested. Ibrahim told me I notice that they sit with their backs to shortly afterwards that Karim had told him each other. So I know that the accusations the following: brought against them — that they try to influence others to speak against the “When I come into my office every day, I government — are completely false, as sign the pile of papers lying on my desk they barely speak to each other, fearing automatically, without giving it any what the consequences may be. thought. The majority of them are death sentences. “‘They were sentenced not only as counter-revolutionaries, but also as ones “That day, I came into the office and for who recruit others to do the same. So their some reason, I glanced at the papers in sentence will last for many years, and they front of me. Leizer’s document was on top; have no chance of being pardoned. They he, too, was sentenced to death. Reading know that this is their situation, and I tell the accusations against him, I knew they you that they fear even the slightest were false and fabricated, and I movement of a leaf, thinking someone is remembered being envious of his joy. So I preparing an accusation against them. So crossed out that sentence and exchanged tell me, why are they happy? What do they it with a number of years of exile.” ~ 70 ~

deserve to be put to death. Suffering is Ibrahim added that this is why Karim good for you; it will teach you how to personally threw Reb Leizer into the behave!’ Saying that, he stormed out of my wagon that took him to Siberia, as it was cell, and I was shattered. But less than five the only way he could save him. minutes later he walked in again with a Otherwise, he would have been shot. pita bread under his garment, which he

Years later, after both of us were able to tossed in my direction. escape or leave Russia, I met Reb Leizer “He then said: ‘Eat it up without leaving a one Tishrei, as we both came to celebrate crumb, so that even if you die, no one will it with the [Lubavitcher] Rebbe. At that know that you had something to eat. If time he related to me the following: someone sees you eating it, don’t dare say “When I was arrested, I was waiting for that I gave it to you, because then I interrogation by the GPU. As Karim was personally will shoot you. Say you were making his rounds, he came to my cell, and starving and stole it from another prisoner. I said to him: ‘Comrade Karim, this is the Stealing is considered a minor infraction, third day I am here without anything to and you will get a lighter punishment.’” eat. I didn’t do anything to be arrested; the accusations against me are false. I am not Karim was known to be a cruel person. The healthy, and I can’t endure the pain of only explanation why he assisted us is that starvation.’ the joy of Simchas Torah sweetened all judgements. “In a loud and angry voice he replied, ‘You Reprinted from an email of RabbiAvtzon’s Weekly Story. are a counter-revolutionary, and you The Steipler Gaon’s Lulav

by Rabbi Elimelech Biderman The Steipler Gaon was extremely humble, Later, someone asked him to explain why yet, he knew that his actions were he did that, and he said, “The truth is, I did carefully watched by others, and he kept not find a Lulav that I liked. But after this in mind at all times. Before Succos one leaving the store it dawned on me that if year, he went to a certain store looking to someone would see me leaving the store buy a Lulav which met his high standards empty-handed, they might say that the of Kashrus. Steipler was in that store and could not find a single Kosher Lulav! This would However, he could not find one that he cause a loss of business and be a great liked, and he left the store without buying source of distress to the owner of the anything. After taking a few steps down store. That is why I went to buy a Lulav. It the street, he suddenly turned around, certainly is Kosher, but I do not plan to use went back into the store, and came out it!” again with a Lulav that he had just bought. Reprinted from an email of Torah Wellsprings.

~ 71 ~

Laws & Customs: Hoshanah Ra bbah, Simchat Torah and For the year 5780 Shabbat Bereishit According to Nittei Gavriel, Mishna Berurah and Shulachan Aruch Harav All times listed are for Jerusalem only as per www.myzmanim.com Based on Rabbi Shmuel Lesches's Halachah Sheets Compiled by Yossi Fraenkel in memory of his grandparents ר' ראובן בן הרב משה אליעזר הלוי ע"ה וחיה ברכה בת ר' נפתלי משה ע"ה רבינוביץ www.thejweekly.org ר' יוסף בן ר' אורי ע"ה ומלכה בת ר' יצחק צבי הלוי ע"ה פרנקל To subscribe: www.thejweekly.org or [email protected]

 HOSHANAH RABBAH – EVENING  HOSHANAH RABBAH – DAVENING

Some have the custom to wear a Kittel As on every Erev Chag, one should not donate blood or undergo any procedures throughout davening. Some hold that just or tests involving blood loss. On Hoshanah the Chazzan, Baal Koreh and Baal Tokea Rabbah, this injunction applies even at (for those who blow Shofar) wear a Kittel night. [Of course, this does not apply in whilst the rest of the Shul do not and cases of great need, and certainly not some, including Chabad, do not wear a when it is Pikuach Nefesh.] kittel at all. Some have the custom of staying awake Some daven the same way as one does on the entire Leil Hoshanah Rabbah. Shabbat and Chag, with the extra chapters of Tehillim in Pesukei D’Zimra (some omit, Hoshanah Rabbah is an appropriate time Mizmor Shir Leyom Hashabbat and to give more Tzedakah than usual. Nishmat). Some, including Chabad, daven Even though time is more limited on Leil the weekday Pesukei D’Zimra. Hoshanah Rabbah, one should participate A set of Hoshanot is prepared for each in a Simchat Beit Hashoeva. member of the family, including women The entire Sefer of Devarim is recited and children – even those below the age (individually) before midnight (12:26am). of Chinuch. Some have the custom to do it in public Preferably, one shouldn’t use a set of with a Sefer Torah. Hoshanot already used by someone else. In some communities, after midnight, the [One should purchase Hoshanot only from entire Tehillim is recited with a Minyan, a reliable vendor who ensures that there but not at length. Married men recite is no concern of Gezel (theft).] Tehillim while wearing a Gartel, if they Each set of Hoshanot consists of five normally wear one. Aravot bound together with a Lulav leaf. After each Sefer of Tehillim, one recites [Neither the Aravot nor the Lulav leaf the Yehi Ratzon for Hoshanah Rabbah, as should be obtained from one’s set of well as the Yehi Ratzon normally recited Daled Minim, unless there is no other when one says Tehillim after moonrise. choice.] During or after the recitation of Tehillim, The Aravot should measure at least three the Gabbaim distribute apples. After Tefachim (24cm) and should be of the Tehillim, these are dipped in honey and same standard as those used in the Daled eaten in the Sukkah. Minim. It is preferable to use fresh Aravot with all leaves intact. In extenuating ~ 72 ~ circumstances, it is acceptable if there is at chest. The set of Hoshanot (i.e. the five least one leaf per stem. Aravot) are not held at this time. Before Hallel, the Chabad custom is to After Hosha’anot is completed, the Sifrei remove the two topmost rings of the Torah are returned to the Aron Hakodesh Lulav, leaving only the three bottom rings. and the Chazzan recites Kaddish. The This allows for a more pronounced and Daled Minim are then put aside, and only joyous shaking of the Lulav. then are the set of Hoshanot picked up. For Hosha’anot, all the Sifrei Torah in the They are beaten exactly five times directly Aron Hakodesh are held at the Bimah by against the ground (and not another congregants who do not have a set of object), and put aside. This is followed by Daled Minim (or by anyone in the year of the special Yehi Ratzon printed in the Aveilut who doesn’t circle the Bimah). If all Siddur. [There is no need to beat very present have a set, the Sifrei Torah are forcefully, nor to make any of the leaves placed on the Bimah. The Aron Hakodesh fall off.] remains open throughout Hosha’anot. The Daled Minim and Hoshanot are One without a set of Daled Minim does Muktzah on Shmini Atzeret, so they not circle the Bimah. [It is best to borrow should be placed in a suitable place a set in order to participate.] beforehand. Many have the custom to put According to the Chabad custom, when Hoshanot on top of the Aron Hakodesh each of the seven paragraphs of after use. Hosha’anot are recited, the initial phrases After Shabbat Bereishit, the Daled Minim are recited quietly whilst standing in one (including Lulav rings) and Hoshanot may place, and each phrase is preceded with not be discarded along with other trash the word Hosha’anah. The phrases from without first being wrapped in plastic. the letter “Samech” or “Ayin” onwards are They certainly should not be troden on. recited aloud after the Chazzan, and each [Some burn these items, especially at the phrase is preceded and followed with the time of Biur Chametz or when baking the word Hosha’anah. Most other Matzot. Others use the Hadassim for communities recite all the phrases aloud, Besamim and make a jam with the Etrog.] after the Chazzan. These phrases are Some say L’David Hashem Ori for the last timed to coincide with one complete time at Shacharit, others say it for the last circuit around the Bimah. At the end of time at Mincha. each paragraph, the special Passuk for  HOSHANAH RABBAH – DAYTIME Hoshanah Rabbah is also said and in some Sukkot is the time of judgement for water communities the Shofar is blown. – and by extension, all life forms that During Hosha’anot, the Lulav is held with depend on water. Hoshanah Rabbah is the the right hand and the Etrog with the left. last day of judgement. A left handed person will hold the Lulav in A meal for Chag is served. The Challot are his left hand and the Etrog in his right. The dipped in honey. It is not necessary to Lubavitcher Rebbe would generally hold them joined together and touching his ~ 73 ~ have Lechem Mishneh. There is a custom In Lecha Dodi, those who regularly say to eat Kreplach. B’rinah U’Vetzahala say B’Simcha This is the last meal in the Sukkah. U’vetzahala. Just like on Erev Shabbat, it is preferable Until Barchu, one davens in the tune of to refrain from a proper meal once the Shabbat. tenth Halachic hour of the day begins Some who regularly say Kagavna before (3:20pm) in order to properly enjoy the Maariv, say it tonight, while others do meal for Chag at night. However, one may not, snack in small quantities. Those who regularly say Bameh Madlikin Some immerse in a Mikvah after midday do not say it tonight. (12:26pm). Those who say V’Shamru before the  SHMINI ATZERET / SIMCHAT TORAH NIGHT Amidah, say it followed by Vayedaber Candle-lighting (Friday night) is at 5:38pm. Moshe. The Sephardic custom is to say Eileh Moadei and some, Chabad and The Brachot are L’Hadlik Ner Shel Shabbat those who follow the Gra, have the V’Yom Tov and Shehecheyanu. custom not to say any Passuk. One should ensure that some practical Since it is Shabbat, all the Shabbat benefit is derived from the candles after selections are added in the Amidah of Shabbat and Chag begins. One needs to Chag. If one did not make any mention of be especially attentive to this on Simchat Shabbat in the middle Brachah, or he Torah, when it is common for the entire mistakenly davened the regular Amidah family to be at Shul until late. of Shabbat: If he did not yet finish When a man is required to light candles, reciting the second Yih’yu L’ratzon (at the he does not recite Shehecheyanu, as he end of the passage of Elokai N’tzor), he will be doing so in Kiddush. should return to the beginning of the  SIMCHAT TORAH DAVENING (FRIDAY) middle Brachah (i.e. Atah Vechartanu). As this year, Shmini Atzeret / Simchat Otherwise, he must repeat the Amidah. Torah are on Shabbat the davening is as After the Amidah, the passage Vayechulu follows. is recited, followed by Magen Avot, in the According to Nussach Sefard and Nussach tune of a regular Shabbat, followed by Ha’Ari (Chabad), Kabbalat Shabbat starts Kaddish Titkabel. from Mizmor LeDavid including Lecha Some say Mizmor L’David, Chatzi Kaddish Dodi, Some do the first two and the last and Barchu and some don’t say it. two stanzas and some, (including Before Hakafot, some have the custom to Chabad) do the whole Lecha Dodi, make Kiddush. For those who do make however, Nussach Ashkenaz starts Kiddush before Hakafot, please see the Kabbalat Shabbat from Mizmor Shir next section, “Seudat Chag” on page 75. L’Yom HaShabbat. One should strive to make his own personal Kiddush, and not be Yotzeh from someone else. This is because the ~ 74 ~

Shehecheyanu recited in Kiddush is For each Hakafah, different people are connected not only with Chag, but with honored with holding the Sifrei Torah. the Torah itself. [If one cannot make One may not refuse the honor of holding Kiddush himself, he should ensure that the the Torah during a Hakafah (unless the one making Kiddush is being Motzeh him.] Torah is too heavy for him), just as one A woman who needs to recite Kiddush may not refuse an Aliyah. should not say Shehecheyanu, as she For each Hakafah, the Sifrei Torah circle already did so at candle-lighting. the Bimah once, after which the  HAKAFOT congregation sings and dances until the Ordinarily, a Sefer Torah may not be Gabbai announces the end of the moved to another location merely for one Hakafah. The Sifrei Torah are returned to time use. However, if necessary, one may the Aron Hakodesh between each be lenient on Shmini Atzeret / Simchat Hakafah. Torah. The Sifrei Torah may be given to boys The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe – citing under the age of Bar Mitzvah during the the Rebbe Rashab – states: “The forty dancing, but not for the actual circuit eight hours of Shmini Atzeret and Simchat around the Bimah. Torah should be dearly cherished. Here in Children are given flags and encouraged Israel it is the twenty for hours of Shmini to participate in the dancing. Atzeret / Simchat Torah. At each moment, A person in the year of Avelut does not go it is possible to draw buckets and barrels to Hakafot alone, and is instead of treasures, both material and spiritual, accompanied. and all this is accomplished by dancing.” The joy of Simchat Torah is even more Ordinarily, one stands when the Sifrei pronounced than that of Simchat Beit Torah are outside the Aron Hakodesh. Hashoeva or Chag in general. However, it is common practice to permit sitting during Hakafot. It is still Atah Haretah (and Av Harachamim) is praiseworthy to stand when possible, recited. Different people are honored especially during the actual Hakafot with leading the recital of each verse. circuits around the Bimah. Either way, one The Chabad custom is to recite Atah should stand when the Sifrei Torah are Haretah three times. At the end of Atah being brought out of the Aron Hakodesh Haretah and Av Harachamim, the Passuk and when they are returned. of Vehaya Zarachah is recited three times After all of the Hakafot, the Sifrei Torah as well. are returned to the Aron Hakodesh, and Only afterwards is the Aron Hakodesh Aleinu is recited after it is closed. Some opened. communities read from the Torah after Hakafot. All the Sifrei Torah – even ones which are not Kosher – are brought out of the Aron Hakodesh for Hakafot, with their crowns. ~ 75 ~

One who visits another Shul which is still recites the extra Brachah as printed in performing Hakafot should rejoice and some Birkonim. If one already began even sing with them. the first word (Baruch) of the next  SEUDAT CHAG Brachah, one must begin bentching again. After Hakafot, one eats the meal for Chag, The Harachaman for Shabbat and Chag unless he already did so before Hakafot. are recited in that order. As it is Shabbat, some have the custom to  HALLEL – SIMCHAT TORAH DAY say Shalom Aleichem quietly with a lot of Full Hallel is recited. When reciting Hallel, internal joy, and some don’t say it at all. one may not interrupt it – other than for Since it is Shabbat, all the Shabbat those things that one may respond to selections are added in the Kiddush of during the Brachot of Kriat Shema. [I.e. If Chag. the Chazzan recites Kedushah, one responds Kadosh, Baruch and Yimloch. One should strive to make his own When the Chazzan says HaE-l Hakadosh, personal Kiddush, and not be Yotzeh from one answers Amen. When the Chazzan someone else. This is because the says Modim, one answers the three words Shehecheyanu recited in Kiddush is Modim Anachnu Lach. When the Chazzan connected not only with Chag, but with recites Kaddish, one answers Amen Yehei the Torah itself. [If one cannot make Shmei etc, and Amen to D’Amiran B’Alma. Kiddush himself, he should ensure that the One also answers Barchu and Amen when one making Kiddush is being Motzeh him.] the Brachot are recited before and after A woman who needs to recite Kiddush an Aliyah or Haftorah.] should not say Shehecheyanu, as she It is preferable to recite Hallel with the already did so at candle-lighting. Minyan. If one is not up to the Minyan, If a man repeats Kiddush exclusively for a this creates a dilemma; on the one hand it woman (or women), he should remember is appropriate to recite Hallel with the not to recite Shehecheyanu, as they congregation, and on the other hand, it is already did so at candle-lighting. appropriate that one davens in the correct The Challah is dipped in salt, and not in order. honey. [More than a K’beitzah (a If one forgot to recite Hallel, he should measurement of volume equal to the recite it with a Brachah any time he displacement of 57ml of water) of Challah remembers, until sunset. must be eaten, as per every Shabbat and If one mistakenly recited half-Hallel, he Chag.] must repeat the entire Hallel (without a  YA’ALEH VEYAVO IN BENTCHING Brachah). If one forgets Ya’aleh Veyavo in bentching,  SHMINI ATZERET / SIMCHAT TORAH DAY but remembers before saying Hashem’s After Shacharit, it is customary to make name at Bonei Yerushalayim, he goes Kiddush as a preparation for Hakafot. back. If one remembered after that, but However, a full Seudah should not be before beginning the next Brachah, he ~ 76 ~ eaten until after Mussaf. Some only make The last Aliyah before Chattan Torah is Kiddush after having an Aliya. designated as “Kol Hanearim”. All children Atah Haretah is conducted in most participate, and an adult receives the Aliya communities in the same fashion as the with them, making the Brachah on their previous night, together with seven behalf with a Tallit spread over all of them. seperate Hakafot. [It is not the Chabad custom to recite “Hamalach Hagoel”. It is also not the The Chabad custom is that the seven Chabad custom to spread a Tallit over Hakafot are recited consecutively, them, nor over the Chattan Torah and without the Gabbai announcing the end of Chattan Bereishit.] each Hakafah. The Sifrei Torah are held by the same people throughout, and they The Chattan Torah or Chattan Bereishit circle the Bimah three and a half times in may be a Kohen or Levi. They may also be total; half a circuit per Hakafah. related to each other. One who received an Aliyah earlier may still receive one of There is no singing and dancing until after these Aliyot. [However, the same person the circuits are all completed. After the should not be called up for both Chattan dancing and singing, the Sifrei Torah are Torah and Chattan Bereishit in the same returned to the Aron Hakodesh, which is Minyan.] Multiple people may be called then closed. up to these Aliyot. The Aron Hakodesh is reopened for Kriat Hatorah, and 3 Sifrei Torah are taken out. The congregation stands for the last Passuk of the Torah, after which they all During Kriat Hatorah, everyone receives respond Chazak Chazak v’Nitchazek. The an Aliyah. This can be achieved a number Chattan Torah responds as well. of ways: • By forming a number of smaller During Chattan Bereishit, the Minyanim. congregation recites aloud – before the • By repeating the first five Aliyot Baal Koreh – each Passuk that begins multiple times, even though the entire Vayehi Erev. At the last Veyehi Erev, the Minyan has already heard these Aliyot. congregation reads from that Passuk until [Obviously, a Minyan must remain the end of the Aliyah out loud, followed by present and listen to Kriah the entire the Baal Koreh. time.] According to the Chabad custom, Hagbah • Multiple people may be called up for is performed as usual, and not by each Aliyah; they all make the Brachah reversing one’s hands and turning the all together. The usual restriction of Torah mid-air, which is the custom in most family members receiving consecutive communities. Some have the custom to Aliyot does not apply, and they may do Hagbah prior to Leining. even ascend to the same Aliyah. For Each of the first two Hagbahot occur only Kohen, only Kohanim participate. after the next Sefer Torah has already Similarly, for Levi, only Levi’im been placed down. participate. ~ 77 ~

If there are only two Sifrei Torah, the first The Chazzan recites the special Tefillah of Sefer Torah is reused for Maftir. Geshem during Chazarat Hashatz. The After Haftorah, the special Piyuttim congregation joins in for each of the six printed in the Siddur are recited, and paragraphs that begins with Zechor. When everyone sings and dances exuberantly. the Chazzan concludes each of these paragraphs, everyone says the refrain out There is a custom that the Chattan Torah loud all together. and Chattan Bereishit sponsor a Kiddush Shabbat and Chag ends at 6:49pm. in honor of the completion of the Torah.  SHABBAT BEREISHIT (SHABBAT MEVARCHIM)  SHMINI ATZERET / SIMCHAT TORAH MUSSAF Candles are lit at 5:30pm. Yizkor is recited before Mussaf. Those who leave the Shul for Yizkor may recite “Vi m’shtelt zich avek Shabbat Bereishit, “Av Harachamim” after Yizkor if they wish azoy geit a gantz yohr” – As we to. conduct ourselves on Shabbat Bereishit, Yizkor does not need to be said with a so goes the rest of the year Minyan or Sefer Torah and can therefore There are different customs regarding the be recited at home. ending of some Aliyot. According to Needless to say, when davening Mussaf, Chabad custom, Chamishi ends at Perek 4 one must be fit to stand before the King. Passuk 22, and Shishi ends at Perek 5 Passuk 24. After the Kaddish before Mussaf, the Gabbai announces “Mashiv HaRuach HAFTORA: Shmuel 1, 20:18-42, the u’Morid HaGeshem”. From that point special Haftorah for a Shabbat whose onwards, one recites “Mashiv HaRuach morrow is Rosh Chodesh, Machar u’Morid HaGeshem” in the Amidah. Chodesh. If one heard this announcement before The Molad was this morning, 3:23 and 0 davening Shacharit, he recites “Mashiv Chalakim. [Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan is HaRuach u’Morid HaGeshem” in the tomorrow and Monday.] Amidah of Shacharit as well. This does not A Kiddush is conducted after davening in apply when one is davening Shacharit honor of Shabbat Mevarchim and Shabbat together with another Minyan. Bereishit. Someone davening at home without a Tzidkotecha is not recited. Minyan should recite Mussaf only after he estimates that the Gabbai already made Vihi Noam and V’atah Kaddosh are recited the announcement in Shul. on Motzei Shabbat, Shabbat ends at 6:41pm. If one mistakenly said “Morid HaTal”, he continues the Amidah and doesn’t repeat it.

Text in RED pertains to those people in quarantine during the Corona period ~ 78 ~

The Humble Dance by Rabbi Yerachmiel Tilles

It was in a forest just outside of Dobromysl of discussion before they decided that for that Yitzchak Saul found his young friend, ordinary working people, such a way of Baruch. Baruch had gone there to think celebrating was permissible. Then it came about the differences between the two to Hakafot [encircling the Torah-Reading schools of thought he had encountered, platform while holding the Torah scrolls], the path of the Chassidim to which he was and I volunteered to sing some songs that attracted, and the path of those who had not been heard in Dobromysl before. opposed Chassidism, from which he came. A discussion arose as to whether or not it Yitzchak Saul, who was Baruch's mentor in was fitting, especially as it was the ways of Chassidism, sensed that his accompanied by dancing and clapping. The friend's thoughts were tinged with Rabbi of the town and the Dayan [judge- sadness. "Baruch," he began, "we head of the Rabbinical Court] had a long followers of the Baal Shem Tov do not talk before they decided that the singing believe in being associated with sadness. could be permitted, but that the people We believe rather in gladness. We avoid must not clap in the usual way." any sadness, as we would something forbidden. People here in Dobromysl are Baruch was now exceedingly interested not joyful, as like the people in Harki from and listened eagerly as Yitzchak Saul where I come from." continued: "When I first began to sing, people looked on with no special "For instance, the people of Dobromysl," enthusiasm, but when it came to the continued Yitzchak Saul, "don't know how second and third Hakafa, more and more to rejoice on the holidays. I was here for joined in the singing. Later, ever so many Sukkot, the 'Time of Our Rejoicing,' yet I congregants were singing with me, for as felt like a fish out of water. On Shemini you know, song has the ability to stir Atzeret I almost got myself into trouble. I people and arouse them to the heights of thought I would bring some life into the enthusiasm. In no time the men were all celebration and so, gathering a couple of holding hands and dancing and singing as young people to join me, I began to sing they went around in an ever-growing and dance. Some of the scholars present circle. were deeply shocked and suggested that my behavior was disrespectful to the "All of a sudden the Rabbi interrupted in a honor of the Torah. There was quite a lot rush of fright, saying they must all stop ~ 79 ~ immediately. Their behavior might be asked. When the scholars heard this disrespectful to the Torah. The celebrants unprecedented announcement they stopped uncertainly, but then the Dayan showed no surprise. The first to step stepped forward and said he was sure it forward was the Rabbi, followed by the was all right. After all, the dancers and Dayan. Next came Rabbi Shimon "the singers were not Torah-scholars, but Sightless" and Rabbi Nachum "the Ascetic." simple workers and no disrespect was implied. Chaim Shimon whispered to Yitzchak Saul, "You see how 'modest' they are, and there "The scholars shook their heads in is more yet to come!" disapproval at the thought of such unseemly behavior taking place in their With a completely innocent expression on Study Hall, which had never before his face, Chaim Shimon went up to witnessed such a scene! They themselves Nachum the Ascetic and said, "Now I see were completely unaffected and unmoved that you are the fourth modest person by the singing and the dancing. The amongst the scholars, since you were the working people, however, were thrilled fourth to step up." and stirred. One could see they were positively uplifted by it all!" "What do you mean?" he protested. "If the names of the modest people in this Now, Yitzchak Saul had a friend in the congregation were called out in order of congregation, a musician named Chaim their modesty, I should be the first to be Shimon. In his opinion, the scholars' sole called, since when it comes to modesty, I wish was to show their superiority to the have no equal here." "ignorant" workers. He decided to pay them back. When the shammesh Rabbi Shimon "the Sightless" looked on (attendant) of the synagogue was about to disapprovingly. Later he told Chaim call out the name of those to participate in Shimon, "When the announcement was the seventh Hakafa, Chaim Shimon made, I was the first to step out, but just whispered in his ear, "This time don't call then someone blocked my path." out any particular name; just call out, 'This is the Hakafa for the scholars who are Yitzchak Saul finished telling his story. modest.'" The shammesh looked up in Baruch felt on the border of two divergent surprise, and seeing that the person approaches to Torah; he was looking into addressing him was no one important, both but belonged as yet to neither. refused his strange request. Ultimately, Baruch became a follower of Chaim Shimon asked the Gabbai (shul the Baal Shem Tov. Years later, his son, manager) to make the request of the Rabbi Shneur Zalman, founded Chabad shammesh. Whether he thought such a Chassidism. joke was permissible on Simchat Torah, or Reprinted from an email of Kabbalahonline.org. whether he simply didn't understand the real intention, he did as he had been

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