בס''ד

בס''ד

We would like to wish a Hearty Mazal SHABBAT SCHEDULE WEEKLY SCHEDULE Tov to our Dear Mr. & Mrs. Raphael Mincha 6:30pm & Yaffa Ammar on the engagement SUNDAY Shir Hashir im: 6:45pm Shaharit: 7:30am Candle Ligh ting: 7:55pm of their Dear Son Joseph to Pesel Minha 7:50pm Shaharit: 8:30am Avigail in New York. Mazal Tov! Followed by Arvit

Youth Minyan: 9:00am & Teenager Program Recess

Zeman Keriat Shema 9:25am Taanit Shiba Asar Betamuz (Fast of the 2nd Zeman Keriat Shema 10:03am 17th of Tamuz) Tomorrow, Sunday, July MONDAY TO FRIDAY Daf Yomi 6:00pm 21st. From this Day we Commence the Shiur 6:10am Avot Ubanim Recess Laws of the Three Weeks. Look for the Shaharit 6:30am Shiur: 6:55pm Laws, Minhagim, and articles at the Hodu Approx: 6:45am Minha: 7:40pm end of the Bulletin. Shiur in Spanish 6:00pm Followed by Seudat Shelishi t & Minha 6:30pm Fast Begins: 5:24 am. Shaharit: 7:30am Arvit Followed By Arbit & Shabbat End s: 8:55pm Minha with Tefillin: 7:50 pm Shiurim in Spanish & Rabbenu Tam 9:25pm Arvit: 8:20 pm Fast Ends: 8:51 pm English.

We would like to remind our Kahal Kadosh to please Donate wholeheartedly towards our Beautiful Kehila. Anyone interested in donating for any occasion, Avot Ubanim $120, Kiddush $350, Seudat Shelishit $275, Weekly Bulletin $150, Weekly Daf Yomi $180, Daf Yomi Masechet $2500, Yearly Daf Yomi $5000, Weekly Breakfast $150, Daily Learning $180, Weekly Learning $613, Monthly Rent $3500, & Monthly Learning $2000, Please contact the Rabbi. Thanking you in advance for your generous support. Tizke Lemitzvot!

בס''ד Refuah Shelema List Men Women

• Yosef Zvi Ben Sara Yosefia, • Isaac Ben Mesoda, • Simja Bat Esther, • Sara Ledicia Bat Mesoda, • Yosef Haim Ben Mesouda • Haim Ben Marcelle, • Rachel Bat Sarah, • Alegria Simha Bat Esther, • Mordechai Ben Brucha Malka • Yizhak Ben Simja • Nina Bat Rachel, • Naomie Bat Rarel Adda, Shmalo, • Reuben Ben Eta, • Gitel Rina Bat Yael, • Malka Bat Joyce Simja, • Yizhak Abraham Ben Sheli, • Michael Ben Aliza, • Miriam Bat Sofy, • Sivan Simha Bat Yehudit, • Yosef Yizh ak Ben Sara Hana, • Eliel Moshe Ben Sarah • Rahma Bat Simha • Natalie Rachel Bat Nancy, • Mordechai Ben Miriam, • Refael Ben Clara • Esther Bat Fortuna • Abigael Haya Bat Esther • Meir Raymo nd Ben Mathilde • Netanel Sayegh Ben Rosa • Malka Bat Dina • Madeleine Bat Esther • Salomon Benarroch Ben Alia • Eliyahu Ben Mazal • Raizel Bat Miriam • Nurit Jacqueline Bat Rahel • Abraham Israel Ben Camy Yaffa • Mordechai Ben Mercedes • Leah Bat Rivka • Camouna Bat Fortuna • Abraham Guenoun Bar Rachel • Aviv Ben Luba Miriam

Torah Teasers (AISH) 1. Which relative of Balak has a name linguistically related to a relative of Moshe? 2. In this parsha, who is compared to an ox, a lion, and a lion cub? What two other people in the Torah are compared to a lion cub? 3. In this parsha, to whom does Hashem ask a question? What three other places in the Torah does Hashem ask someone a question? 4. In this parsha, Bilaam saddles his own donkey (Numbers 22:21). Who else in the Torah saddled his own donkey? What two people in the Torah harness their own chariot? 5. In this parsha, in what context is veering to the right or left mentioned? Where is this concept mentioned in parshat Chukat? 6. In this parsha, a donkey speaks to Bilaam (22:28). Where else in the Torah does an animal speak to a human? 7. Where in this parsha does someone clap his hands? 8. In this parsha, what location is mentioned that shares its name with a type of wood mentioned elsewhere in the Torah? 9. What weapon is mentioned in this parsha, but appears nowhere else in the Torah?

Answers 1) The father of Balak is Tzipor (Numbers 22:2), related to the name of Moshe's wife, Tzipora (Exodus 2:21). Both names mean "bird." 2) In this parsha, Moav compares the Jews to an ox licking up its surroundings (Numbers 22:4). In the blessing that Bilaam gives to the Jews, they are compared to a lion and a lion cub (lavi) (Numbers 24:9). In parshat Vayechi, Yaakov compares Yehuda to a lion cub (Genesis 49:9), and in parshat Vezot Haberacha, Moshe compares the tribe of Gad to a lion cub (Deut. 33:20). 3) In this parsha, Hashem asks Bilaam, "Who are these men with you?" (Numbers 22:9). In parshat Bereishis, Hashem asks Adam, "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9). Also in parshat Bereshit, after Kayin killed Hevel, Hashem asks, "Where is Hevel your brother?" (Genesis 4:9). In parshat Vayera, after Sarah laughed upon hearing the news of her upcoming childbirth, Hashem asks Avraham, "Why did Sarah laugh?" (Genesis 18:13) . 4) In parshat Vayera, Avraham saddled his own donkey to travel to the binding of Yitzhak (Genesis 22:3). (Bilaam's donkey of is a female -

aton, while Avraham's is a male - chamor.) In parshat Vayigash, Yosef harnessed his own chariot when going to greet his father Yaakov

(Genesis 46:29). In parshat Beshalach, Pharaoh harnessed his own chariot to go chase the Jews (Exodus 14:6).

5) The third time that the angel appears, the donkey is unable to veer "right or left" (Numbers 22:26). In parshat Chukas, the Jews guarantee

the king of Edom they will stay on the main road and not veer "right or left" (Numbers 20:17).

6) In parshat Bereshit, the snake speaks to Chava and entices her to eat from the Tree of Knowledge (Genesis 3:1).

7) Balak claps his hands in anger when hearing Bilaam, for the third time, blessing the Jews instead of cursing them (Numbers 24:10).

8) In this parsha, the Jews encamped at Shitim (Numbers 25:1). Shitim is also the Hebrew name for acacia wood, used as a primary material

for many of the Tabernacle's vessels (Exodus 25:5).

9) The "spear" used by Pinchas to kill Zimri (Numbers 25:7) is not mentioned anywhere else in the Torah.

If anyone would like to contact the Rabbi, please feel free

to call or text 786-879-4951, or email [email protected].

בס''ד Community Announcements

(It is YOUR Community, make the most of it!)

M iscellaneous Announcements:

• This We ek’s Congregational Kiddush has been Kindly Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Frank Taieb in memory th of his Dear Grandfather Shemuel Taieb Bar Moshe z”l the 24 of Tamuz. Tihye Nishmato Tzerura Bitzror

Hahayim Amen.

• The Kiddush Club Initiative. Anyone interested donating a Kiddush Please kindly contact the Rabbi. Tizke

Lemizvot!

• This W eek’s Seudat Shelishit has been Kindly Sponsored by The Benmergui & Berdugo Families in nd memory of their Dear Mother Flora Berdugo Bat Camila z”l the 22 of Tamuz. Tihye Nishmata Tzerura

Bitzror Hahayim Amen.

• This Week’s Breakfast is still available for Sponsorship!

Anyone intere sted in sponsoring Breakfast for this week or on any day please contact the Rabbi.

• This Week ’s Daf Yomi is still available for Sponsorship!

• If anyone is interested in creating a weekly class in your house or an individual class with the Rabbi, please do not hesitate to

contact the Rabbi.

• We are tryi ng to update our Congregant’s contact information. We would like to start sending texts about different Events and

Shiurim. We would also like to start emailing the weekly bulletin. We would like to start a list of Nahalot/Azkarot/Yahrzeits.

We would also like to make a Refuah Shelema list. Please send your contact information to the Rabbi at [email protected]

• Please fee l free to contact any of the board members either in person, or via email with suggestions or comments. Our email addresses are: board member’s first name @oroziel.com

Important Me ssage!!!

Eruv Update: Surfside: The Eruv in Surfside now includes the walking paths along the beach. Pushing strollers and carrying is

permit ted on the paths, but not beyond the path or onto the beach.

Bal Harb our: The Eruv in Bal Harbour included the inner (western) walking path only. The pier at Haulover Cut is not included.

• Due to the recent reorganization of seats in the Bet Hakenesset, We are happy to announce the NEW possibility of purchasing seats

in the Bet Hakenesset. For more information, please contact the Board.

• Before hanging up anything anywhere in the Bet Hakenesset, please seek authorization from the Rabbi. This includes flyers etc.

• Please be advised that prior to bringing any food or drinks for any occasion, you must first seek the authorization from the Rabbi.

Sp ecial Announcements

• We are pl eased to announce that Ness 26 is part of the Amazon Charity Program, which would allow our community to

collect 0.5% of all the orders made by any of you on Amazon.com. In order to register you need to log on

smile.amaz on.com and select Ness 26, Inc as the Charitable Organization you want to support, and from then shop on smile.ama zon.com instead of www.amazon.com. It won’t cost anything more, and is an easy way to contribute to our budget nee ds. • Anyone wish ing to receive the Daily Halacha by the Rabbi please send a whatsapp message to Simon Chocron 786-351-

1573 Community Calendar: • ages 13-18 Started again with Great Succes with Shiur by the Rabbi & Supper The prog ram for Teenaged Boys on Sund ay Evenings Before Minha at around at 6:45 pm With Supper. New Participants Welcome! Anyone

wishing to sponsor this Shiur Please contact the Rabbi. Tizke Lemitzvot! • We have started the Mishmar Program Every other Thursday evening at 8:00 pm with Chulent, Beer, &

Snacks. Everyone is welcome! This Mosae Shabbat at 7:45pm Av ot Ubanim: In Recess Youth Minyan • We are proud to announce the inauguration of our YOUTH/TEEN MINYAN geared to train and teach our future generations on the different tefillot and parashiot.

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בס''ד

בס''ד

We would like to Whole Heartedly Thank our Dear Friends, Mark & Max Aquinin for generously Donating the TORAH LEARNING of Tamuz 5779 Leiluy Nishmat their Dear Mother Esmeralda Haya Bat Rahel z”l We truly appreciate it. In this merit, may Hashem Bless you & your wonderful family with all the Berachot of the Torah. Amen.

Birthdays Happy Anniversary To

Happy Birthday To • Sr. Abraham Guenoun – Fri. July 19th, • Michal Elmaleh – Fri. July 19th, Nahalot nd • Avraham Benhayoun – Sun. July 21st, • Flora Berdugo Bat Camila z”l the 22 of Tamuz • Joseph Ammar – Mon. July 22nd, (Mother of Mrs. Camila Benmergui & Mrs. Fortuna Mamane) th • Mrs. Sheri Benchetrit – Mon. July 22nd, • Shemuel Taieb Ben Moshe z”l the 24 of Tamuz • Mrs. Caroline Cohen – Mon. July 22nd, (Grandfather of Mr. Frank Taieb) (Shabbat) • Moshe David Perez – Tue. July 23rd, Next Shabbat: • Esther Hannah Nahon – Wed. July 25th, • Shemuel Taieb Ben Moshe z”l the 24th of Tamuz • Hillel Elmaleh – Thurs. July 26th, th (Grandfather of Mr. Frank Taieb) (Shabbat) • Mrs. Naama Maya – Friday July 27 , • th th, Saada Bat Hasiba z”l the 26 of Tamuz • Esmeralda Aquinin – Monday July 30 (Great Aunt of Mr. Jacky Werta) • Esther Ayache Bat Nedjma z”l the 29th of Tamuz (Grandmother of Mrs. Esther Sitbon)

בס''ד Community Shiurim

Weekda y mornings:

• 6:10AM to 6:45AM: Laws of Nidah. New participants welcome! • 7:30AM Shiur on Hok Leyisrael with Breakfast! Everyone Is Welcome to Join. • 7:45AM to 8:30AM: Daf Yomi Masechet ERECHIN. NEW DAF YOMI MASECHET! New participants are welcome! It is a great time to start learning the Daf and join thousands of Jews across the world in this incredible project.

• 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Mishna Berura Dirshu Cycle! New participants welcome!

We ekday afternoons: • Before Minha Monday through Thursday: Shiurim in Spanish on assorted topics. o • After Arvit: o Mondays & Wednesdays: Hoshen Mishpat – Business Halacha o Monday through Thursday: Shiurim in Spanish on assorted topics. o Every Thursday evening after Arvit Hilchot Nida in Depth for Men. Tuesday Assorted Topics o In Recess for the Summer o Monday & Tuesday at 7:00pm Masechet Berachot in French o Every other Monday evening at 8:30pm Shalom Bayit Class to Women.

o Every other Tuesday evening at 8:30pm Shalom Bayit Classes to Men. • SHIUR for Ladies! The Rabbi’s Shiur on Halachot of Kashrut NEW SERIES ON Hilchot Basar Vechalav, (Laws pertaining to Meat & Milk) to Ladies, in the Bet Hakenesset, every Tuesday afternoon at 2:05 pm. New Participants are always Welcome! In Recess Shabbat: • Shabbat night before Arvit: Short lecture on the Parasha of the week. • Shabbat Morning: Short Lecture on the Parashah of the week. • Shabbat Morning: Lecture on the Parashah of the week after Kiddush • Shabbat Afternoon – Daf Yomi at 6:00pm. • Shabbat Afternoon – Shiur at 6:50pm • Spanish Shiur – with Simon Chocron One hour before Minha • Seudat Shelishit: Short lecture on the Parasha of the week.

בס''ד WEEKLY INSPIRATION If so, we can understand why Bilam mentioned the homes and then the mishkan. While they are both similar, Bilam was apparently more The Jewish Home impressed with the Jewish home, the primary (Rabbi Eli Mansour from Daily Halacha) place of the resting of the Shekhina. In this week’s parasha, Parashat Balak, the Interestingly, we might note that just as the prophet Bilam, who intended to curse the Torah relates that the inauguration of the Jewish people, looked out upon them and mishkan last seven days, known as the shivat declared "How fair are your tents, O Jacob, yemei hamilu’im, so too the chatan and kallah Your dwellings, O Israel" (Bamidbar 24:5). In are instructed to dedicate the first seven days many prayer books, the siddur begins with this after their marriage to rejoicing together, during verse. the shivat yemei mishtei, as they begin building their very own mishkan. Although Bilam was a wicked man, he was a prophet, and these words were a prophecy. This understanding presents us with a great Bilam mentions two characteristics which are, sense of responsibility. A husband and wife are in essence, the secret of Jewish existence. He actually ministering their home. Nowadays, the relates to the "tent" (ohalekha) and the Jewish home is under attack; anything is "dwelling" (mishkenotekha). The "tents" refer to allowed and there is no supervision. Just as the Jewish home, and "dwellings" represent the there are there are things that we would not synagogues, the places of congregation, where allow into a synagogue, so too we should not the Shekhina rests. let certain things into a Jewish home. The Jewish home is integral for our survival. Bilam observed that the two institutions which We have lived without a Beit HaMikdash for are integral to the Jewish people are the Jewish thousands of years; what has ensured our homes (ohalekha), and the home of God survival is the home. We pray that a young (mishkenotekha). Why did Balak connect these couple should build a bayit neeman- a "loyal two concepts, i.e. the Jewish home and the house"- loyal to the laws, and loyal to tradition. home of God? Just as the mishkan merits the ‘presence of Interestingly, the Rambam, at the beginning of God’, so too God is meant to be present in a Sefer Shemot, notes that four parshiyot of Sefer Jewish home. Shemot discuss the building of the Mishkan. In this context, I wish to mention that the The purpose of the Mishkan, as the verse says, women have a special responsibility in the "And they shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I home. In the Torah, women are referred to as will dwell among them" (Shemot 25:8), is that the "tents." Thus, after separating from their Gods presence should rest among the people. wives for three days before the giving of the The Ramban writes the original sanctuaries Torah, after Matan Torah the men are told to were the homes of the avot, our forefathers. "return to their tents" (Devarim 5:27). Here too, God’s presence dwelled in the homes of the Bilam refers to their "tents" – primarily avot; their homes were "temples," and the administered by their wives. The akeret habayit Mishkan is a replication, a duplicate of the has a special responsibility to ensure that the homes of our forefathers. God’s presence home is a welcoming place for God, and that is dwelled in their homes, i.e. the homes of the should be deserving of the presence of the avot, and later, in the Mishkan. Shekhina. R. Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev (1740–1809) explains that Jewish homes are actually holier than synagogues. He explains that while synagogues are used only for prayers, the Pinhas' Plea Jewish home is filled with many Biblical (Rabbi Eli Mansour) mitzvoth, such as mezuzah, raising Jewish The final verses of Parashat Balak tell of the children, chessed, etc. tragic incident of Ba’al Pe’or, when Beneh

בס''ד Yisrael were lured to sin by the women of The Talmud tells that Zimri first brought Kozbi Moab. At the advice of the gentile prophet to Moshe Rabbenu and asked whether he is Bilam, the people of Moab set up a market with allowed to engage in relations with her. Of stores selling appealing merchandise, and course, Moshe replied that this is forbidden, when Beneh Yisrael went to view the products, whereupon Zimri mockingly said, "So why were they were met by attractive Moabite girls who you allowed to marry Tzipora?" Moshe’s wife offered them wine. With their minds affected by was from Midyan, and thus Zimri accused wine, the men succumbed to temptation, and Moshe of hypocrisy, marrying a Midyanite the girls of Moav instructed them to worship woman while forbidding others from doing the their idols. And thus, Beneh Yisrael sunk to the same thing. He then went ahead and engaged depths of sin, committing two of the gravest in relations with Kozbi. violations – idolatry and immorality. Thus, there was a basic difference between the In response, G-d struck the nation with a sin of Kozbi and that of the other men. The devastating plague that killed 24,000 people. others were lured and tempted to sin, whereas The plague came to an end when Pinhas, a Kozbi’s intent was to wage an ideological battle grandson of Aharon Ha’kohen, killed two against the Torah. He committed his sin for the violators – Zimri, the leader of the tribe of sake of opposing Moshe, not because of Shimon, and Kozbi, a woman from Midyan. The temptation. Talmud relates that Pinhas pierced the two with Pinhas therefore killed specifically Kozbi, who his dagger as they engaged in relations, and had initiated an ideological campaign. He then then lifted their bodies and pleaded to G-d, turned to Hashem and pleaded that the rest of "Because of these thousands of Jews should the nation be spared, insisting that the others die?!" At that point, the plague ended. be judged more favorably than Kozbi, as they A number of difficult questions arise from this sinned out of temptation, whereas he sinned to story. First, why did Pinhas kill only Zimri and rebel. This was Pinhas’ plea, and G-d accepted Kozbi? Tens of thousands of men from Beneh his prayer and stopped the plague. Yisrael were involved in sin with Moabite Pinhas’ reward, the Torah tells us, was a women. Why did Pinhas single out Zimri? "Berit," or "covenant" ("Beriti Shalom" – 25:12). Moreover, how can we understand Pinhas’ plea The Ben Ish Hai notes that the first three letters to Hashem – "Because of these thousands of of this word spell "Bari," which is the name of Jews should die?!"? Thousands of Jews died the heavenly angel that advocates on behalf of not because of Zimri and Kozbi, but because of the Jewish people. The final letter, "Tav," has their own sins. What did Pinhas mean? the numerical value of 400, which is also the The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, numerical value of "Ra Ayin" ("evil eye"), the 1833-1909) explained that there are two types name of the spiritual force which one activates of sins that people commit: sins resulting from by seeing forbidden sights. The sin of temptation, and sins motivated by ideology. immorality begins with the eyes, and thus Sometimes people want to do the right thing but Beneh Yisrael put themselves under this fail to muster the strength to overcome harmful spirit when they set their eyes upon the temptation; they have no intention of betraying women of Moab. Pinhas was given this reward G-d, but they do not exercise the discipline and because he came to the nation’s defense, restraint needed to obey His laws. Although pleading their case before the Almighty. His these acts are certainly considered sins that we heartfelt prayers, inspired by his love and care must try our hardest to avoid, they are less for the nation, had the effect of eliminating the grievous than sins committed with the purpose harmful forces which were unleashed against of betraying G-d and violating the Torah. When them, thereby saving Beneh Yisrael and a person violates the Torah "Le’hachis" – out of earning immense reward for himself and his a desire and conviction to transgress, he has progeny. committed a far more severe offense than one who succumbs to temptation and pressure.

בס''ד the paradigm of the person who has rotten The Best Things In Life Are Midot. Tractate Avot catalogs his evil character Different When They Come traits. He was arrogant, he was lustful, he was jealous, and he was greedy. Name a bad trait – For Free he had it! In addition to having all these bad (Rabbi Frand from Torah.org) traits, he was an immoral person. The Gemara This week’s parasha contains the remarkable infers [Sanhedrin 105] that the donkey he rode story involving Bilaam and his donkey “The on by day was also the creature that serviced donkey saw the angel of Hashem standing on him at night as well. the road with his sword drawn in his hand, so How could it be that a person who was gifted the donkey turned away from the road and went with such prophecy and with such into the field; then Bilaam struck the donkey to understanding of the Almighty could remain the turn her back onto the road. The angel of most despicable amoral and immoral person Hashem stood in the footpath of the vineyards, there is? The answer is because it was a gift on a fence on this side and a fence on that side.” the part of the Ribono shel Olam that he should [Bamidbar 22:23-24] have this prophecy. Prophecy under normal The Medrash writes in Bamidbar Rabbah that circumstances is earned and achieved after this scenario of “the fence on this side and a years and years of work and self-improvement. fence on this side” was a message to Bilaam: Prophecy received “for free” is of a different You will never be able to have any effect on nature. these people, for these people are protected by The Mesilas Yesharim [Pathways of the Just] the Two Tablets of Stone (Luchot) written by goes through the various human traits (based the “Finger of G-d” about which it is said that on the Beraita regarding Rav Pinchas ben Yair) they are “written from this side and from this that are necessary to acquire in order to side”. Obviously, this is a play on words. ultimately reach the top of the spiritual pyramid However, there must be something deeper here – Ruach HaKodesh [Divine inspiration]. A as well. There must be something about the person must work his way through all the other Luchot concerning which it is written “m’zeh attributes in Mesilat Yesharim in order to reach u’m’zeh hem ketuvim” that is the antithesis and Divine Inspiration, let alone prophecy. A Jew the antidote for all that Bilaam stands for. What who takes the life-long process spelled out by is the interpretation of this Medrash? the Ramcha”l in Mesilat Yesharim reaches the I saw an interesting explanation from the Tolner ultimate destiny of Ruach HaKodesh and then Rebbe [Rav Yitzchak Menachem Weinberg Nevuah (prophecy). (Jerusalem)], shlit”a, in his Sefer Heimah Bilaam, on the other hand, received it all one Yenachamuni. Chaza”l say on the pasuk “There day as a gift. There was no self-improvement. never again arose in Israel one like Moshe” There was no working on himself. The Master [Devarim 34:10] that in Israel there never arose of the Universe gave it to him “for free” for the one like Moshe, but amongst the nations of the reason we mentioned – so that the nations world there was such an individual. Who was would not have a “complaint” against Him. But that? It was Bilaam, the son of Beor. The Bilaam remained the same horrible person he Almighty anticipated the argument from the had always been, who had just received the gift nations of the world “if we had for ourselves a of prophecy without working for it. Therefore, prophet of the stature of Moses, we would have there was no contradiction. turned out better.” He did not want the nations to argue “It was not fair. It was not a level We can understand this dichotomy by playing field.” Therefore, the Almighty made considering the following scenario. One person Bilaam – the prophet of the nations – equal to works hard at his business, putting in long hard Moshe in prophecy. hours and effort to build it up from scratch. Little by little, he is successful. The business The problem is that Bilaam is one of the most expands, and then later it expands even further despicable characters in all of Tanach. He is following additional successes. Finally, it

בס''ד becomes a public corporation and the their father Yaakov, I would not be around entrepreneur winds up becoming a multi- either. Lavan only merited having sons – from millionaire. That kind of person can usually whom I descended – by virtue of the fact that handle wealth because he knows what it was to Yaakov lived in his house. How can I curse be poor and he knows how hard it is to make a Yaakov’s descendants? I too must be an dollar. He knows it is not “easy come; easy go”. ingrate.” However, another person, who only has an 8th This is a strange Medrash. It is as if Bilaam the grade education, suddenly wins the Power Ball wicked is giving a mussar schmooze [a lecture lottery and now comes into 250 million dollars. in personal ethics]. Since when was Bilaam into Often, such people do not know how to handle “midot tovot”? Why is this person, who has all their wealth. There are stories galore of these the evil human traits in the world, expressing types of people who had such wealth ruin their remorse – as it were – that he was an ingrate? lives because they do not know how to handle The Alter of Slabodka says we see from here money. They are taking all this money into a that the worst character trait of all is to be an “vessel” that is not worthy of that money. ingrate. Even a Bilaam, who was the prototype This was the scenario with Bilaam. “You Bilaam of evil character traits, felt bad about being an will never have an effect on the Jewish people ingrate. because the Jewish people have the Luchot Rav Ruderman, the founding Rosh Yeshiva of that are written on this side and this side, Ner Israel, was a disciple of the Alter of engraved on the tablets”. When a person wants Slabodka and this idea is very typical of the to describe something as being permanent, the themes he would frequently speak about. There expression used is “carved in stone”. The were basically three topics to which he returned allusion the Medrash is making by saying that over and over in emphasizing proper behavior Klal Yisrael have the Luchot which are written to his students: Torah; Kindness (Chessed); “from this side and from this side” is saying that and HaKarat HaTov [recognizing a debt of what the Jewish people have achieved they gratitude]. Rav Ruderman felt that if a person have achieved through hard work, such that it did not recognize those who did him favors, it becomes a permanent part of their being, called into question the person’s entire etched in stone, as it were. Bilaam, however, humanity. We all have our failings and our you are just a flash in the pan. What you have foibles, but to be an ingrate is the worst of the been given in prophecy is not part of your worst. essence. You will never be able to have an effect on them.

The Essence of the Jewish Being an Ingrate is the People “Worst of the Worst” (Rabbi Zev Leff) “G-d said to Balaam,” You shall not go with (Rabbi Frand) them! You shall not curse the people, for it is The following insight is from the Alter of blessed” (Bamidbar 22:12) Slabodka. According to the Medrash, Bilaam Ibn Ezra asks why Hashem did not permit said to Balak: Both of us are ingrates. Were it Balaam to curse the Jewish people since He not for Avraham Avinu, there would never have could have easily protected Klal Yisrael from been a Balak King of Moab in the world. For if the effects of any curse. He answers that not for Avraham’s merit, Lot would never have Hashem knew that the Jewish people would escaped the destruction of Sodom. “How can soon sin at Ba’al Pe’or, and if Balaam had you – a descendant of Lot – hire me to curse cursed Klal Yisrael, the world would have the descendants of Avraham? I, too, am an attributed the subsequent plague which killed ingrate”, Bilaam told Balak, “because if not for

בס''ד 22,000, to Balaam’s curse. Out of deference to Thus, any punishment is only for the purpose of the honor of Klal Yisrael, Hashem prevented removing barriers to that essence caused by the utterance of any curses. sin. (Or Hachayim HaKadosh and Ksav Sofer both explain Rashi’s words in the vein). At first glance, this explanation is difficult to comprehend. Why was it more honorable to Rashi explains, in a similar fashion, the verse, Klal Yisrael that the world attribute their “Can I curse that which G-d Himself has not misfortune to their immorality rather than to cursed?” (Bamidbar 23:8). Even when a Jew Balaam’s curse? A full understanding of Ibn deserves to be cursed, as when Yaakov cursed Ezra requires us to understand the essence of the anger of Shimon and Levi, it is not they who the Jewish people. are cursed, but rather their anger. The essence of Klal Yisrael is incapable of being maligned. Rashi comments on the verse, “Hashem does Only their external actions require correction, not see iniquity in Yaakov” (Bamidbar 23:21): atonement and purification. “Even when they sin, He is not exacting with them.” Rashi’s comment seems to contradict Rabbi Shalom Ostrach, author of Midrashei the principle of Hashem’s precise retribution. As HaTorah, argues that Moshe’s sin at Mei Chazal tell us, “Whoever says HaKadosh Merivah consisted of calling the Jewish people Boruch Hu overlooks sin should have his rebels. Moshe should have reproved their internal organs overlooked” (Shekalim 5:1). actions; but to characterize them as rebels earned him the Divine rebuke, “You did not Midrash Rabbah comments on the same verse: believe me, you had little faith in Me to sanctify “He does not look upon their sins, but rather Me” (Bamidbar 20:12). The designation of the upon their pride.” Underlying the Midrash is the Jewish people in a negative manner is a lack of idea that the Jew’s essence is pure and good, faith in Hashem, for He has chosen us and his soul part of the collective soul of Klal sworn not to forsake us eternally. That promise Yisrael. As a Klal, the Jewish people are is predicated on the eternal purity of the Jewish tzaddikim, as it says, “Your nation are totally people. One who impugns that essence, even righteous.” The corollary is that all Jews have Moshe Rabbenu, is guilty of lack of faith in an automatic share in the World to Come due Hashem. to their bond to the purity and holiness of this collective neshamah. This is the “pintele Yid,” Similarly, we find that Yeshayahu was criticized the spark of the Divine, that forms the inner for designating the Jewish people as “a nation foundation of each Jew. of defiled lips.” Due to this sin, he eventually met his death (Yevamot 49b). Belief in this unattainable essence underlies the ruling that even when a Jew is coerced to The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Melachim 218) comply with the halachah, the subsequent act relates that Eliyahu became exasperated with is volitional, since every Jew wants to do the the conduct of his generation and ran into the will of Hashem. Until the positive expression of desert to Har Sinai. There HaKadosh Baruch desire to comply with halachah becomes Hu confronted him, asking, “What are you doing evident, we view his yetzer hara as suppressing here, Eliyahu?” his inner will. It is the yetzer hara, which is Eliyahu should have answered, says the literally beaten away, giving his true inner will Midrash, “Ribbono Shel Olam, they are Your freedom to surface and be expressed. children, the descendants of Avraham, Yitzchak As long as one has not severed his ties to Klal and Yaakov, who fulfill Your will in the world,” Yisrael by deliberately estranging himself Instead he proclaimed, “I am a zealot, zealous spiritually or physically from the community, he for Hashem’s honor, and the people have embodies this pure, unattainable essence. transgressed Your covenant.” Hence, sin cannot contaminate the essence of At that point, Hashem told Eliyahu, “When I the Jew. That, then, is the intention of Rashi descended to give the Torah to Bnei Yisrael, and the Midrash. Hashem never views the sin only angels who desired the benefit of the as an expression of the essence of the Jew. Jewish people descended with me.” Hashem

בס''ד then gave Eliyahu three hours to ponder the and contrast his sins with his elevated essence. point. But Eliyahu still maintained his initial The motivation for rebuke must emanate from zealousness. Finally, Hashem told him: “You an appreciation of every Jew’s potential for are constantly zealous. You were zealous at righteousness. It is only in this light that his Shittim against immorality and now you are negative actions can be condemned. zealous. By your life, no Jew will perform brit So, too, in self-criticism. When we confess our milah without your being present and sins, we say: “We have transferred your witnessing it with your own eyes.” With that, commandments and goodly laws, and it was not Eliyahu was commanded to turn over his befitting us.” We must never lose sight of our leadership to Elisha and to ascend alive inherent holiness or belittle our inborn potential heavenward. for good: “Do not be wicked in (your) own eyes” Hashem’s critique of Eliyahu is contained in the (Pirke Avot 2:18). Reprinted with permission from Artscroll Mesorah Publications, ltd. This words, “Why are you here, Eliyahu?” If in fact article is provided as part of Shema Yisrael Torah Network Permission is the Jewish people have sinned, Hashem says, granted to redistribute electronically or on paper, provided that this notice is included intact. For information on subscriptions, archives, and other Shema they are not in essence so degenerate that you Yisrael Classes, send mail to [email protected] should abandon them. Go to them. Rebuke them. Their condition is not hopeless. Ultimately, they can be influenced, and their true desire to follow My commandments will Food for Thought surface and express itself. Eliyahu at Shittim was also zealous for Hashem but with a difference. There he acted, “among Parenting Fundamentals the Jewish people.” His zealousness was Parenting is complicated. Here are some of motivated by a respect for them. Here, the crucial tenets to keep your eye on. however, it reflected a disgust for the Jewish (By Emuna Braverman) people. Hence, Hashem decreed that Eliyahu When my daughters ask me if they should take would have to witness every brit. Brit Lamaze classes, I tell them that childbirth boils demonstrates that the essence of every Jew is down to two simple choices – breathe or pure and holy from birth, and therefore fit to scream. This is advice that carries throughout enter a covenant with Hashem. That covenant the whole parenting experience. is immutable and impervious to taint by any peripheral sin. Additionally, there are a few basic principles that are consistent through all ages, phases Now, the commentary of Ibn Ezra is easily and times. The first is that we constantly need understood. In order for a curse to take effect, to pray. Parenting is a tough job. If you don’t there must be a flaw in the essence of the one recognize that, then you must be very new cursed. Therefore, Hashem prevented Balaam parents! We need the Almighty’s help at every from uttering the curse. step of the way. Even essentially pure and holy individuals can The second is that children are not blank slates at times commit sins, even serious sins, which or lumps of clay. They come with personalities demand severe corrective measures. But the and drives, with strengths and weaknesses. sins still remain peripheral and do not affect the Our job is to help finely tune their qualities, to essence and foundations of Klal Yisrael. give them focus, to assist them in making the All rebuke -- to one’s fellow Jews and to oneself most of their strengths and channel their -- should reflect this awareness of the Jew’s weaknesses in a negative direction. We do not essential goodness. Alshich explains the verse, get to start from scratch and decide who and “Don’t rebuke a scoffer lest he hate you; rather what we want them to be. rebuke the wise one and he will love you:” Do Thirdly, the goal is to create successful adults. not address the negative in one’s neighbor, but While the definition of success is in itself a rather the chacham -- his essential nature -- whole discussion, the main point is that we

בס''ד want to keep our eye on the ball, on the end overindulgent (as all the other kids seem to game and not on this particular moment in time. believe!) of the babies in the family? This may mean allowing a child to have a full- 4. We must make an effort to discover and fledged temper tantrum in the middle of the understand the unique gifts of each child and grocery store rather than indulging their actively look for ways to develop these gifts and demands. It may require putting up with praise our children when they use them well. In uncomfortable stares and assumptions from the some of our children, these talents or character other patrons. But you know that, ultimately, not traits may be well hidden. We need to search giving in will help create a healthier adult, one and uncover them. We need to help polish and with realistic expectations and lacking a sense refine them. Particularly when our children have of entitlement. good qualities that are not given to public With this foundation in mind, we can now recognition, it is our job to help them appreciate elaborate on a few basic tenets of parenting. how special they are. (Caveat: since the self- 1. Educate each child according to his way. esteem movement insists on telling children These words, from King Solomon, our wisest of they are special for no good reason; we need to men, have many important implications. They make sure we hook our praise on something teach us that each child is different with real about our child) different needs. There is no one size fits all 5. We are our children’s parents, not their parenting. We need to appreciate and respond friends. This too has a few implications. We to these differences. Appreciating may mean need to keep our values solid and strong. We that if you are a bubbly, outgoing personality cannot allow ourselves to be buffeted by the who enjoys a good party and your child is quiet constantly changing mores of the world around and prefers to be alone, you should respect her us. Our children need to know where they can wishes. She should definitely not assume there find us. They need to be able to rely on us. Our is a problem or try to get her to be more like goals and convictions should be a secure you. Don’t try to make her into something or constant in their lives. I’ll never forget when a someone she is not. group of high school boys (who enjoyed a little 2. Our children are not an opportunity to relive underage drinking in their spare time) told me our unfulfilled dreams. They are not here to be how upsetting it was on the rare occasions the pianist or dancer or poet that our parents when their fathers got drunk. They (obviously) told us we couldn’t be. It is not appropriate to in weren’t opposed to drinking. But they were any way live vicariously through them – their profoundly troubled to see the figures who educational experiences, their friends, their represented stability in their lives seem so out interests and experiences. Either of these of control. attitudes places an undue burden on their An additional aspect of this is that we need to shoulders (how can they be everything you’ve teach our children to respect us – and other always wanted to be?), confuses them about adults. We must have a zero-tolerance policy their responsibilities (what about their own for chutzpah, even from a very young age. Our goals and desires?) and distorts the parent- kids absolutely cannot see us laughing when child relationship (why does mom seem a little they call their parents by their first name. And over eager to hear about that party?) speaking of which, my faithful readers know 3. With each additional child, the family that I feel strongly that children should address dynamic changes. A younger sibling is not adults using their titles – Mr. Mrs. Dr. Rabbi. growing up in the same family as an older one. Their parents’ friends are not their peers. No two children are actually from the “same” Included here would be training children not to family. We need to be alert to the ways in which interrupt. Children (and some adults) believe this is manifest. Are we not disciplining enough they are the center of the world. Our job is to because we’ve gotten tired? Are we relying too (gently) teach them otherwise. One crucial much on the older siblings to parent the strategy is by insisting that they wait to speak younger ones? Or conversely, are we until we are finished (this particularly applies on

בס''ד the phone, where unless it is, God forbid, an emergency, I really don’t want to stand silently 5 Important Things to Do on the other end while you have a prolonged During Marriage discussion with your 3 year-old about her How to work on building your marriage different snack options!). every single day. (By Sara Debbie Gutfreund) 6. There seems to be a competition in the world I was recently speaking at a Shabbas meal today over which ethnic group makes the best celebrating the wedding of my husband’s best parents. Is it Chinese tiger mom’s? Is it the friend, when out of the blue my eyes flooded French? It’s been suggested (by Pamela with tears. Suddenly the pain of my parents’ Druckerman in Bringing up Bebe: One divorce washed over me without warning and I American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of had to pause to regain my composure. I didn’t French Parenting) that French mothers are even know that it was still an open wound. good at ignoring their children on the playground and maintaining adult I considered myself fortunate that my parents conversations. You may of course question why had such a “friendly, average divorce.” They this is a skill to be cultivated! had such a friendly divorce because they had what most people would call an “average, I certainly believe that children should have free friendly” marriage. They didn’t fight, but they time on the playground without their parents didn’t grow closer either. And I think their hovering over them, but I subscribe to the divorce still frightens me because they slowly, theory of benign neglect (as opposed to the subtly drifted apart until they couldn’t see a way French style which sounds more like just plain to rebuild what they had lost. neglect!). Children need to learn to be creative and entertain themselves. They need Rabbi Noah Weinberg ob”m taught that unstructured time and unguarded moments. whenever a person hears about a couple Yet, simultaneously, they need to know we are divorcing, he or she should take a good look at they if they need us. We need to be paying their own marriage and see how they can attention – from a safe distance. We must move improve it. Be worried, Rav Noah would say, out of the way so they can thrive and grow yet that it could happen to you because if you still be ready to catch them when they fall. Even aren’t investing in your marriage, you are though I believe that children need to be taught withdrawing from it. not to interrupt adult conversations, I think the A happy marriage is a choice we make not just real secret is to wait to have those on our wedding day but thousands of times conversations until your children are in bed! over the years. Will we improve our Parenting is complicated. Theories are easy; relationships and deposit positivity or take our the reality is much more complex. New marriages for granted and begin to grow apart? situations arise every moment. There are no In the first year of marriage every argument can magic answers; it just helps to have a seem like catastrophe, and differences between framework from which to view these spouses can look like insurmountable challenges. It also helps to get a good night’s obstacles. But arguments and differences can sleep. become crucial building blocks if both spouses And most of all, it helps to recognize that while are committed to facing their challenges we certainly need to make the effort, and while together. the effort can sometimes (okay always) be Ironically, a marriage with no conflict can spell overwhelming, the rest really is in the trouble because the most dangerous thing for Almighty’s hands. We need to do our job, but an “average” marriage is apathy. Here are five not His. ideas on how to build stronger marriages: 1. Support – don’t fix – your spouse. We all come into our marriages with emotional baggage, some of us more than others, and

בס''ד sometimes our spouses can help us unpack. And sometimes they can’t because they are Summer Expectations carrying their own individual burdens. That’s Comparing is totally destructive to our okay. We cannot and should not expect our ability to enjoy the moment. spouses to heal our every wound or try to fix all (By Emuna Braverman) of their struggles. We can be with each other in our pain, but we can’t necessarily take away Expectations – appropriate or otherwise – seem someone else’s pain. to shape most of our life experiences – our marriages, our parenting, even our day-to-day 2. Commit to building together even when existence. From the day school begins, and it’s hard. A good marriage is comprised of two even perhaps earlier, we form expectations of imperfect people who refuse to give up on each the summer. It’s time off. It’s swimming pools. other. There will come a time when each of you (It’s pool parties!) It’s barbecues. It’s camp. It’s will want to give up on the other. Don’t. The vacation. It’s travel. It’s relaxation. happiest marriages are ones that have gone to the darkest, most painful places together and These expectations reside deep within us. They found a way to re-build their connection. Strong aren’t rational but they have an intense marriages require confronting your issues emotional resonance. It doesn’t even matter head-on and putting in the effort to work things whether our childhood summers actually out. reflected those expectations; they do now – in our imaginations and fantasies. 3. Make your marriage a top priority. There are few things in your life more important than This can be a recipe for disappointment and your marriage. Treat it that way. Try to find out dissatisfaction. We don’t all have the luxury of what is right together rather than who is right. spending the summer traveling to exotic You are on the same team. locations (although if you make the mistake of browsing Facebook, it certainly seems 4. Focus on your spouse’s virtues. like everyone else is), we aren’t all close to Constantly remind yourself of your spouse’s friends and family who delight in Sunday strengths. Don’t take them for granted. You barbecues or have pools to share. Yet those won’t be able to create a happy marriage with a images are pervasive, and our dissatisfaction negative mindset, harping on your spouse’s may run deep. faults. Be optimistic and grateful for what your spouse gives to you. As with all expectations, we need to apply rational thought. There may be some people 5. Remember that marriage is a spiritual whose summer experiences seem to resemble entity. Each of us is born with a special, Divine a non-stop party – but that’s not most of us. light and the deepest level of connection And, if we’re honest, it’s not what we would between a husband and wife is the merging of want anyway. We don’t really want to travel all each of their souls to form a team that is summer; we don’t really want to play all day – greater than anything each of them could have and definitely not all night anymore! We just become on their own. Years ago Rav Aryeh don’t want to feel like we’re missing out – and Levine obm took his wife to a doctor's we all want/need a little break. appointment and when the doctor came in, Rav Aryeh said: " Our leg is hurting us." You and Sometimes one or two days at an easily your spouse are two halves fused into a whole. accessible spot (I define that as no more than Treat each other that way. 2-3 hours’ drive away) can be all we need – to regroup, to relax, to reconnect – and to return. Treasure your marriage. Build your marriage. A It can be satisfying, rewarding – and yes, even happy marriage is a daily choice to love. Make fun. But not if we compare ourselves to that 3- that choice again today. week trip to Europe our neighbors are taking.

Not if we are following our friend’s photos from her African safari. Not if we constantly wish we were elsewhere. Not if we take for granted that

בס''ד other people are having a better summer, a Eating before Dawn before the Taanit Starts.

better time. By Rabbi David Yosef Comparing is totally destructive to our ability to Now, it’s not so simple if someone wants to wake up early in the morning to eat. According to the enjoy the moment. Not only will we never really Mekubalim, after one goes to sleep, he is not know if those acquaintances in Italy are truly allowed to eat anymore. To drink is OK, but not to enjoying themselves or not, but it doesn’t really eat. But according to the Halacha in Shulchan matter either way. That’s their lives, their Aruch, one may eat or drink early in the morning so choices, their opportunities. Ours are different. long as he makes a condition before he goes to Our challenges, our lives and our opportunities sleep. In this case, one must finish eating by 5:26 may vary widely from what’s presented to them. AM, and he has to make a condition before he goes Our job is to make the most of our to sleep the night before. He has to say; ‘I am not circumstances. Our job is to be happy whatever starting the fast yet, for I want to wake up and eat our circumstances (and they are some people early in the morning.’ One would do the same even on exotic trips who nevertheless complain the if he only wants to drink. One would have to make a condition and say tonight before going to sleep, “I whole time). Our job is to battle with want to drink in the morning. I am going to sleep expectations and lay them to rest – and then now, but I have a plan to wake up early and to drink just enjoy the experience of the moment. before the fast starts.” Sometimes staying home can be more fun. So the Halacha, if you make a condition to drink, Sometimes road trips – even to less than there would then be no question that one is allowed luxurious locales – can create better memories. to drink. But eating depends. According to the Shulchan Aruch it is OK, but according to the I won’t reveal where we went one summer. Mekubalim it is not. How should one follow? So, if Suffice it to say that, although it came highly someone is strong and can follow the Mekubalim, it recommended, we were never able to figure out would be better. But one who needs to eat early in why and the highlight of the trip was barbecuing the morning because the fast would be very difficult in the parking lot of the motel. (Here’s a hint at on such a long day, he can then rely on Shulchan the type of place we were at: there was a sign Aruch even though it is against the Mekubalim. on the lobby bulletin board: Missing Child: $25 Avoiding Danger During the Three Weeks reward!) Okay you get the picture. And yet, – we have great memories of that trip, so many The Midrash Shoher Tob (Tehillim 91) speaks moments of laughter – because it was either about a dangerous “demon” called “Keteb Meriri” that or cry! But really because we were that is covered with scales and hair, has eyeballs all over its body, and sees from the eye situated on its together, and each aspect of the experience chest. It generally resides in areas that are partly was something we all shared. sunny and partly shady, and moves by rolling like a Sometimes we are able to take a wonderful ball. Anyone who comes near this demon, the summer trip that truly fulfills our expectations – Midrash comments, exposes himself to great and beyond! And that’s terrific. That’s a gift. But danger. The Midrash in fact relates that there were if we are able to let go of our expectations, if we schoolchildren who suffered harm as a result of “Keteb Meriri.” It is specifically during the three are able to let go of investing summer with weeks of between Shiba Asar Be’Tamuz and Tisha expectations that no season can live up to, then B’Ab, the Midrash teaches, that this harmful spirit we will be able to truly have a great time. surfaces and poses danger.

It is very uncharacteristic for the Shulhan Aruch, which was written as a strictly Halachic code, to include Kabbalistic concepts in presenting Halachic guidelines. Yet, the Shulhan Aruch indeed writes Daily halacha that during the three weeks one should not go outdoors to partially shady areas between the fourth and ninth hours (referring to Halachic hours) of the Halachot & Minhagim of the day, when this demon is most threatening. He adds Three Weeks that during this period, parents should make a point not to hit their children, and teachers should (Daily Halacha & Magen Avot)

בס''ד likewise refrain from smacking students, in order to melody different from that used during the avoid risks. The Midrash tells the story of Rabbi rest of the year. Abahu who saw a teacher with a branch ready to hit an unruly student. Rabbi Abahu sharply condemned This is an old minhag, already mentioned in the the teacher, noting that “Keteb Meriri” was standing responsa of the Ribash, who lived in the Middle right behind him with an iron rod, ready to strike. Ages. Many Jewish communities have similar This story shows the dangers of administering any customs- Tunisia (see Zé Hashulhan, p.145) type of corporal punishment during this period, and Egypt (see Nahar Misrayim), as well as the when we are exposed to the dangers of “Keteb Ashkenazim, who read these Haftarot with the Meriri.” melody used for Meghilat Ekha. Some contemporary halakhic authorities have spoken The Aruch Ha’shulhan (work by Rabbi Yehiel Michel against this minhag, saying that it constitutes a Epstein, Byelorussia, 1829-1908) cites authorities public display of mourning on Shabat. However, who limit this Halacha to uninhabited areas, such as the Ribash, mentioned above, and other early forests and the like. Inside a city, however, the authorities did not seem to find any fault with presence of many people, as well as the presence this custom. Rather, it seems they reasoned that of Mezuzot on the doorposts, offers a degree of since the Sages had instituted the reading of protection from this harmful spirit. On one level, this these three Haftarot in order to arouse the restriction essentially renders this Halacha people to repentance, and to further facilitate practically irrelevant nowadays, when we usually this it became customary to read the Haftarot in spend our time in towns, cities and other inhabited a special tune. areas. Nevertheless, this Halacha demonstrates the • importance of avoiding danger during this three- We have the minhag not to eat new fruits week period and keeping a “low profile,” as this during the Three Weeks, even on Shabat. period is particularly suited for mishaps and The reason is not because these are days of calamity, Heaven forbid. It is therefore advisable to mourning, but rather because these are days of remain in safe, secure quarters during the three tragedy and loss and one cannot say the weeks, especially between the fourth and ninth berakha of "Sheheheyanu" where it says hours of the day. "vehigi'anu lazeman hazé" - "and you brought us to this time" because this is not a good time • It is customary to nickname the days of Ben to be brought to. See QS"A Ribi Toledano zs"l Hamesarim (The Three Weeks - from the 17th p. 249, Birké Yosef by Maran HaHida Siman of Tamuz until the 9th of Ab) with special names 50:9, and Vayomer Yishaq by Ribi Yishaq in order to show that we are moving from "light" Bengualid zs"l (Heleq 2 Siman 11). to "heavy" days: We call, in Arabic, the days from the 17th of Tamuz until Rosh Hodesh Ab • Engagements and Weddings During the "Tiz'a Zghrira" (the Small Nine), the days from Three Weeks Rosh Hodesh Ab until Tish'a Beab "Tiz'a Kbira" The minhag is not to get engaged or (the Big Nine), and the day of Tish'a Beab itself married during the three weeks from the we call "Yom Tiz'a." Some give this sad day a Seventeenth of Tamuz until Tish'a Beab, nice name so as to not call it by its sad name, despite the fact that many Sefaradim "Yom Lmbarekh" (The Blessed Day). This is all permit engagements and weddings until in order to remind the Nation, the women, men, See Ribi Refael Barukh and children that these days are ones of Rosh Hodesh Ab. mourning and the mourner continues his Toledano zs"l (Qisur Shulhan 'Arukh 387). mourning until the bitter day of Tish'a Beab This is because throughout this time we when both Baté Miqdash were destroyed, the should be decreasing our happiness crowns on our heads and our glory gone with in conjunction with our mourning over the them. destruction of Jerusalem. As it says, "All those who mourn Jerusalem will merit seeing its • Reading of the Three Haftarot of Rebuke redemption," speedily in our days, Amen! (Telata Depur'anuta) • Cutting One's Hair During the Three Weeks The minhag is to read the haftarot on the three Shabatot directly prior to Tish'a Beab Many have the custom to not have their (known as the Telata Depur'anuta, starting hair cut beginning from the Seventeenth of this Shabat) with a special, mournful Tammuz.

בס''ד Most Tora scholars were strict and started • The question was asked if it is permissible to from the Seventeenth of Tammuz. See Ribi make the Beracha of ‘Shehechiyanu’ during Refael Barukh Toledano zs"l (Qisur Shulhan the 3 weeks. It is brought down in Sefer 'Arukh p.246) and Ribi Shalom Messas zs"l Chasidim which was authored by Rabbi (Shemesh Umaghen Part 3, Chapter 54). Yehudah HaChasid (1150 – 1217), that there were men of stature, (who Rav Yehuda calls • Listening To Music During the Three Chasidim), that were careful during the 3 weeks Weeks not to make the Beracha of Shehechiyanu. Not It is forbidden to listen to music for enjoyment on new fruit, not on a new clothes, and not on during the three weeks between Shiva Asar items for which we would normally say Be’Tamuz and Tisha B’Ab. This applies to Shehechiyanu. The logic is obvious. How can both live and recorded music. one say the Beracha of Shehechiyanu, which in essence means that we are happy that we are • New Clothes brought to this time? The 3 weeks is from the ugliest of times in our history. So how can we It is forbidden to purchase new clothes for rejoice during such a period? oneself or for somebody else during the nine days, regardless of whether they will be worn There is then a whole debate if it would be before Tisha B’Ab. One may purchase clothes permissible to recite Shehechiyanu on a on sale during the nine days if the sale ends Shabbat that falls within the 3 weeks. So, we before Tisha B’Ab. It is permissible to purchase know that there are many Chachamim that were inexpensive clothes during this period, and to lenient to make Shehechiyanu on Shabbat, and purchase shoes for Tisha B’Ab. It is forbidden to thus you can rely on those opinions. But they sew a new garment or to have a new garment were only referring to the Shabbats in the month sewn during the nine days, but garments and of Tamuz. Once the month of Av arrives, it shoes may be fixed during the nine days. would not be right. That Shabbat in Av falls into the period of the 9 days preceding Tisha BeAv, • Hitting or Travelling and one should not make Shehechiyanu on that Extra caution must be taken to avoid danger Shabbat. So for the most part, you would have 2 during the Three Weeks. In particular, one Shabbats where you can make Shehechiyanu. should not hit anybody – including children and It should be pointed out however, that the great students – even gently, and one should not Mekubal Arizal, and many other Mekubalim as travel unnecessarily. It is especially important brought down by Rav Chida, were each careful not to travel to deserted areas between the not to make Shehechiyanu even on Shabbat hours of 9:30am-3:30pm during the Three during the 3 weeks. So therefore it would be Weeks. better to delay new items and its Shehechiyanu • Purchasing a New Home or Furniture until after Tisha BeAv. For example, it would be better for a person to put off wearing a new One may purchase a new home during the Shabbat suit until after Tisha BeAv. But Three Weeks, the Nine Days, and even on nonetheless, a person may and has what to rely Tisha B’Ab. One may not paint a home during on if he wants to wear the new suit on Shabbat. the Nine Days. One should not purchase or Another example would be if a person bought a even order furniture during the Nine Days, new Talit, and he wants to wear for the first time unless the price will go up if he waits until after on Shabbat and make a Shehechiyanu on Tisha B’Ab. One should not buy new books Shabbat. In this case it would be better to wait during the Nine Days if he does not need them until after Tisha BeAv, however he has what to until after Tisha B’Ab. rely on and may wear it for the first time on • Halacha requires reciting special Haftarot on the Shabbat and make the Shehechiyanu. But again Shabbatot during the three weeks before Tisha the Mekubalim are strict not to make B’Ab, and during the seven weeks after Tisha Shehechiyanu on Shabbat at all within the 3 B’Ab. The common practice among Sepharadim weeks, and that would be best. is to read these Haftarot even in a case where Rosh Hodesh falls on Shabbat, whereas Ashekenazim generally afford preference to the special Haftara for Shabbat Rosh Hodesh in such a case.

בס''ד

There is also an opinion to the effect that the Clouds of Glory that protected the Bnei Yisrael in the desert were created at the same time. Kidz Corner All these miraculous creations have one thing in common. They each had a very special place in this world. And yet, by nature, they are not of this Interesting Midrash world. You might say they are residents of "The Twilight Zone." (from Torah Tots)

The Twilight Zone The miracle of the talking donkey was meant to According to our sages, Bilam's talking donkey impress upon Bilam that speech is a gift from was one of ten (or fifteen, depending on the Hashem. Just as He could invest a dumb beast source) things created during the twilight hour with the power of speech, so He would prevent before the First Shabbat of Creation. Bilam from making any unfavorable utterances Other "twilight" creations include: against the Bnei Yisrael. But Bilam did not get the message. • The rainbow which Hashem showed Noach after the Mabul (flood); The talking donkey clearly demonstrates the • The mouth of the earth that swallowed extent of Bilam's wickedness and the intensity of Korach and his men; his desire to harm the Bnei Yisrael. • The opening of Miriam's well that His vindictive cruelty was so great and his nature accompanied the Bnei Yisrael in the desert; so corrupt, and his lust for money so immense, • The Mann that the Bnei Yisrael ate in the that he remained oblivious to all these Midbar (desert). promptings, and persisted in his intent to curse the Bnei Yisrael. • The miracle performing staff of Moshe. • The Shamir - a thread-like worm, which, Yet as soon as the donkey finished speaking, the when placed upon any rock would split it. Malach killed it, because Hashem is merciful This amazing worm was used to cut the even towards the wicked, and wanted to spare stones for the building of Shlomo Bilam the disgrace of people saying of the Hamelech's (King Solomon) Bet Hamikdash donkey, "Here is the animal that silenced Bilam. (holy temple), since it was forbidden to use Here is the animal that put Bilam to shame!" any metal tools during the construction. Hashem is concerned with human dignity, even Bilam's. • The Luchot upon which Hashem would engrave the Aseret Hadibrot (Ten Another reason the Malach killed the donkey is so Commandments). They were two that the pagans would not make an idol out of translucent blocks, six handbreadths long such a wondrous creature. Since it had now by six handbreadths wide by three fulfilled the specific task assigned to it since the handbreadths thick. The lettering (Alef-Bet) days of creation - to speak on this occasion, it and the words that were engraved in the could no longer continue living in any case. Luchot were also created at this time. These letters, which appeared to float, could be read from all four sides. There is also a tradition that Shaidim - demons- Kid’z Korner (Revach) were created at twilight, as well as the burial place of Moshe, and the ram sacrificed by No Sorcery Against Israel Avraham instead of Yitzchak his son, during the (Adapted from Mishlei Yaakov, pp. 358-359) Akaida.

A further tradition relates that the cave where The General and the Protective Cream Moshe, and later Eliyahu Hanavi (the prophet A general once heard about a brilliant inventor Elijah) hid, was also created at that time as well who lived and worked in a distant land. as the staff of Aharon, and the "garments" of The general was keenly interested in this Adam.

בס''ד inventor, for it was rumored that he had willing to intentionally invite a curse upon perfected a unique cream - a cream that when himself? applied to the skin, provided protection from This is why King Balak was so angry with attackers, as no arrow could penetrate the Bilaam. Not only did Bilaam fail to curse Israel, cream. but he proved to them that they cannot by The general traveled the long distance to meet harmed by curses and sorcery. This is the the inventor and inspect the product. He meaning of Balak’s words, "Now it will be said carefully examined the cream, and paid a small to Jacob and to Israel that which G-d has done" fortune for a sample. (ibid). Like the general in the parable, the Jewish people became confident in their On the journey back, the general's entourage protection. Now they really know how G-d passed through a dark forest, and was promptly watches over them and protects them from all attacked by a band of robbers. The bandits troubles. fired off dozens of arrows. Amazingly, the cream worked as advertised; the general and his men were unharmed. When the thieves saw Rav Moshe Feinstein - Bilam's Mah Tovu, the general calmly brushing off the arrows, they Great Homes & Fantastic Yeshivot became frightened and began to flee. "Mah Tovu Ohalecha Yaakov" Two gemaros offer However, the general called them back, contradictory explanations about what this bracha promising not to hurt them. Warily, the robbers refers to. The gemara Baba Batra (60a) says that returned. The general greeted them warmly, this refers to the wonderful homes of Bnei Yisrael and offered them drink and food. whose doors do not directly face each other and are the epitome of Tzniut, modesty and The robbers were flabbergasted. "We tried to refinement, which Bilam saw and marveled at. kill you! Why are you thanking us and so kind to The gemara in Sanhedrin (105b) implies that this us?" bracha is referring to the Yeshivot and Bate The general smiled. "Let me explain. I have Knesset that will never cease to exist. The gemara says that we see from Bilam's bracha spent much time and expense traveling to what his intentions were. In this case he wanted this country. I came for a specific purpose: to to curse us that there should be no Yeshivot and acquire a very special cream. In fact, it was this Shuls. cream that protected me and my soldiers from your arrows. Rav Moshe Feinstein in Darash Moshe says that there is no contradiction here. When Bilam saw "But before you arrived, I was wracked with the beautifully set up homes, he believed that the doubts. 'Fool!' I thought to myself. 'Maybe this homes are so wonderful that we do not need cream doesn't work, and you have let yourself Yeshivot. The upbringing we receive at home is be conned out of a huge sum of money.' sufficient. While that is true says Rav Moshe, it is "Then you bandits came along - and proved still only half the equation. The other side of beyond a shadow of a doubt that the cream Chinuch must come from the Yeshiva, the does indeed deflect arrows. Were it not for our Rebbe'im, and good friends. serendipitous meeting, I would have spent the This bracha of Mah Tovu would have ultimately entire journey home berating myself for having proven to be a curse. Therefore, Hashem turned purchased this product. But now, thanks to you, around the "curse" by having Bilam give a bracha I know it was worth every penny. Thus I am that no matter how wonderful our home are, the most grateful that we have met." Yeshivot and Shuls should always exist for a complete chinuch.

Balak's Grievance The Jewish people knew that they enjoyed a Daat Zekeinim - The Hidden Meaning of special Divine protection - "For no sorcery [can Bilam's Donkey's Escapades be effective] against Israel" (Num. 23:23). But Bilam's Donkey went off track three times. The this promise had never been tested. And who is Daat Zekeinim says that Rashi says that these

בס''ד ventures were a Siman of the Avot, and he As he was walking, Yaakov wondered whether he explains these enigmatic words as follows. would ever see his car again. He knew the criminals in the area would not let an abandoned The first time when the Malach blocked the car sit for long. As he was pondering his car's donkey's path it veered off to the "Sadeh" a field. fate, he looked up and saw a giant black man This represents Avraham who besides for approaching him from a distance with a menacing Yitzchak, he had two other sets of children, look of hatred on his face. Yaakov's blood froze, Yishmael and the Bnei Ketura. The message to and he began shaking from fear. Visions of the Bilam was, if you want to curse Avraham's violent acts which had taken place in this location children then go to the right or left to either of in the past flashed before his eyes. He made an these other children, but do not stay on the intuitive decision to continue walking rather than middle road, which represents Yitzchak. turning around and fleeing, realizing that he The second episode was when the donkey went would not be able to outrun the huge man. The on a narrow path between two walls and distance between them was too close, and he did squeezed Bilam's leg against the side wall. This want not to provoke the man if he had no narrow road which had room for only two people intention of harming him. represented Yitzchak's two children, Yaakov and The black man drew closer, with clenched fists. Esav. The donkey pushed Bilam to one side, The dark street was completely empty. Yaakov telling him he can only curse Esav and not continued walking, his whole body shaking from Yaakov. fear. He knew that a Jew is never alone, and he The last time, the Malach totally blocked the road began mumbling pessukim of Tehillim. "My help and the Donkey had no where to go but lie down. comes from Hashem, the Maker of heaven and This is the children of Yaakov who are all Kadosh earth. He will not let your foot stumble, He will not V'Tahor and cannot be cursed. slumber, your Guard. Hashem is your Guard; Hashem is your shelter at your right Surrounded By Armed Guards hand...Hashem will guard you from all evil." One day, Yaakov, who lived in South Africa, "Hashem is my refuge... no evil will befall you, traveled out of his home city. He had already and a plague will not approach your tent. reached his destination when his car's motor Because He will command His angels to guard began to make strange noises. He managed to you in all your ways." park the car on the side of the road before the The man approached closer, and stared at motor conked out entirely. Yaakov with a murderous gaze. But....he passed He attempted to restart the motor again and without touching Yaakov. Yaakov breathed again to no avail. He was located in a deserted heavily and continued reciting Tehillim. Finally, he industrial zone, where very few cars passed by. reached the end of the street and began running He called a service which fixed cars, but he knew towards the main street. Within a few minutes he they would take a long time to show up. was in a taxi on the way home. He arrived home, still pale and trembling from his ordeal, and Yaakov waited and waited, and meanwhile dusk related to his family what he had gone through. was approaching. He looked at his watch and realized that it wouldn't be safe to wait there The next morning, Yaakov opened the anymore. He would have to make his way to the newspaper and his blood froze once again. A main street and hail a taxi. picture of the black man from the night before stared back at him from the front page. The front The closest main street was an hour and a half headline announced a murder which had taken away. He would have to hurry so he could reach place the previous evening in the city's industrial the main highway before it became dark. Walking zone. The black man in the picture was the main in the dark in the deserted areas of this city was suspect, and the police were asking anyone who extremely dangerous, especially in this particular recognized the man or had seen him in the area area where there had been many muggings and where the murder took place to come forward to murders in the past. Yaakov locked his car and testify. began walking. Yaakov began trembling again as he looked at the picture. It was definitely the man he had seen

בס''ד the night before, and for some reason had been faire ses besoins devant la statue. La femme, spared from his murderous hands. Later that choquée devant ces pratiques barbares, morning, he went to the police station to testify. s'exclama "Je préfère retomber malade et ne pas His testimony was taken very seriously, and the faire une chose pareille". Alors comment nos fact that his car was found in the area was proof ancêtres, la génération du savoir, ont-ils pu se of his testimony. It was determined that the man livrer à une pratique aussi repoussante ? in custody was the actual murderer. After all the Le rav Haim Schmulowitz zal explique que le details were recorded, Yaakov had a request for culte de Baal Péor avait pour objectif de the policemen before he returned home. He supprimer toutes les barrières morales et toutes asked them to ask the murderer why he had les valeurs humaines. Car même si nous continued on his way when he had passed him, possédons tous un instinct animal, chaque and refrained from harming him, only to harm société se dote d'un code de conduite qui someone else. The police officers and Yaakov empêche l'homme de se livrer à ses pulsions approached the cell, and the officers opened the bestiales. Les gens de cette secte proposaient au door. They asked the murderer, "Do you peuple de se défaire de toute contrainte. C'est recognize this man?" The murderer answered, "I pourquoi ils demandaient aux fidèles de faire think so. Wasn't this the Jew who I saw last night leurs besoins devant l'idole afin de leur faire walking in the industrial zone?" savoir qu'il n'existe dans cette religion aucune The police officers said, "Why didn't you harm limite. Désormais, nous pouvons comprendre ce him? It was totally deserted there." qui attira les juifs à pratiquer cette idolâtrie. Les bné Israël se trouvaient face à un dilemme : The murderer answered, "If we had been alone, I comment se débaucher tout en portant une kippa wouldn't have hesitated to harm a Jew, but we et des tsitsit ? Alors ils décidèrent de retirer tout weren't alone. Two armed guards were walking ce qui pouvait freiner leurs désirs bestiaux. Ils with him, one on the right and one on the left. commencèrent par servir Baal pour accéder aux How could I have gotten close to him?" filles de Moav. (This story was told over by a Rosh Metivta in Il faut savoir que même si les sages de la Ohr Somayach in Johannesburg, South Africa, Knesset Agédola ont éradiqué le Yetser Ara de who had previously lived in Cape Town where he l'idolâtrie, le culte de Baal Péor se perpétue à has heard the story from "Yaakov" himself.) (Niflotav Livnei Adam) chaque génération. Rappelez-vous ces intellectuels, artistes et étudiants des années 60

et 70, qui firent exploser les barrières de la pudeur et de la morale en banalisant drogues et obscénités en tout genre. Malgré leurs discours et leurs théories, il faut savoir que l'unique but de Pour Les Fracaphones ces "penseurs" était de se permettre les derniers interdits d'une morale bancale. Ainsi, en se débauchant et en se comportant comme des

La Faute de Baal Péor animaux, ils mirent la dernière pierre à la théorie Nous voyons dans la paracha de la semaine une de Darwin et prouvèrent aux mondes que des fautes les plus surprenantes de notre l'homme descend bel et bien du singe. histoire. Les bné Israel tombèrent dans le piège Baroukh Hachem, nous les bné Israël, n'avons des filles de Moav, et plus de 24000 juifs pas de doute sur l'origine de l'espèce humaine. s'adonnèrent à la débauche et à l'idolâtrie de "Et Dieu créa l'homme à son image" nous dit la Baal Péor. Ce culte consistait à manger et boire, Torah dans la paracha Béréchit. Le Ramban zal puis à faire ses besoins devant une idole. La explique que Dieu prit de la poussière de la Terre guémara dans Sanhédrin (64, a) raconte qu'une pour former le corps de l'homme, comme Il le fit femme était gravement malade lorsqu' elle prit pour créer les animaux. Puis Il insuffla un souffle sur elle de servir tous les statues du monde si divin, c'est-à-dire qu'Il plaça une âme elle allait mieux. Après sa guérison, elle se rendit complètement spirituelle en lui. Ainsi l'homme un jour au temple de Baal Péor pour accomplir possède-t-il dans son essence cette double son vœu. Elle demanda au prêtre comment servir nature : il est extérieurement animal et cette idole. Alors celui-ci lui expliqua qu'il fallait

בס''ד intérieurement divin. Comme il est dit dans le camper par tribu et l'esprit divin résida en lui…il traité Hagiga (16, a) : l’homme mange, fait ses dit :" Qu'elles sont belles tes tentes, Yaacov, tes besoins et se reproduit comme les animaux. Et il sanctuaires Israël…" Essayons de comprendre pense, parle et se déplace verticalement comme pourquoi, seulement lors de la troisième tentative les anges. de malédiction, la Torah précisa que l'esprit divin reposait sur lui... A priori, même lors de ses Le but de l'homme sur Terre est de s'approcher premières tentatives, il parlait par prophétie... d'Hachem et de ressembler à son créateur. C'est Ensuite, quel lien existe-t-il entre sa vision des pour atteindre ce but qu'Hachem nous donna la campements et la prophétie qu'il reçut ? Torah et les mitsvot. En accomplissant le service divin, un homme s'élève spirituellement, purifie Le Saba Mikelem zal explique que lors de ses son corps et s'éloigne du coté animal qui est en deux premières tentatives, Bilam pensait qu'il lui. Voilà bien la lutte qui est la nôtre tout au long pourrait réussir à maudire les enfants d'Israël. de notre vie. Nous devons faire le bien et nous Mais on sait que les bénédictions qu'il prononça sanctifier afin de prouver au monde que l'homme par prophétie provenaient des forces du mal. a été créé par Dieu et n'est pas un singe qui porte Ainsi il est écrit "Hachem appela Bilam", et Rachi un jean et des lunettes. zal commente que le terme "appeler" possède une connotation péjorative, honteuse. Comme si L'homme possède ainsi la possibilité de se la Torah témoignait qu'Hachem ne désirait pas lui libérer des contraintes morales et de devenir parler. En revanche, lorsque Bilam vit que les semblable à l'animal, à l'image des bné Israël qui tentes des enfants d'Israël resplendissaient de firent semblant de servir Baal Péor pour pouvoir pureté, que chaque porte était disposée pour se permettre les filles de Moav. Ou au contraire, éviter le vis-à-vis, il comprit qu'il ne pourrait par l'intermédiaire de la Torah et des mitsvot, il jamais maudire le peuple élu. A ce moment, il peut s'élever vers la spiritualité et accomplir le but reçut la véritable prophétie et déclara : "Quelles pour lequel Hachem l'a créé. Comme nous sont belles tes tentes Yaacov, tes sanctuaires pouvons tous le sentir, à l'approche de l'été, la Israël." partie animale qui sommeille en chacun se réveille. Cependant nous devons garder la tête Nos sages expliquent que cette prophétie de froide, et ne pas oublier que nous sommes sur Bilam est le fruit de son étonnement. Lorsqu'il Terre pour sanctifier le nom d'Hachem et prouver aperçut, au sein des familles juives, une telle au monde que l'homme est une création divine et chaleur, une joie débordante, une communion non animale. Alors qu'Hachem nous donne la familiale, une bonne éducation…il demanda :" force de nous purifier et d'accomplir sa volonté... D'où provient la beauté de tes tentes Yaacov ? "Et Hachem lui répondit par prophétie " des sanctuaires d’Israël !" Lorsqu'une famille juive construit un foyer, son intention principale est que Le Foyer Juif la présence divine repose dans cet endroit. C'est pour cela qu'elle essaie toujours de se comporter Dans la paracha de la semaine, Balak, la Torah avec pureté, de s'habiller dignement, de parler nous raconte comment Hachem nous sauva des proprement. Mais elle tente aussi de remplir cette malédictions de Bilam le sorcier. En effet, après maison d'étude de la Torah, d'actes de charité, les victoires des bné Israël sur Sihon et Og, les de prières… Car lorsque la maison est imprégnée rois d'Emorie, les habitants de Moav et Midianne de sainteté, de Kedoucha, alors, tremblaient face à l'arrivée du peuple juif. Le Roi automatiquement, les gens qui y habitent en sont de Moav, Balak, demanda au célèbre sorcier imprégnés. Voilà une des raisons pour laquelle Bilam de venir maudire les enfants de Yaacov l'harmonie et de la joie résident dans les foyers afin de les détruire. Ce dernier apporta donc ses juifs plus qu'ailleurs. sacrifices à Hachem, et semblait fin prêt à projeter ses terribles malédictions. Cependant, à Nous pouvons retrouver cette idée dans une trois reprises, notre Créateur plaça dans sa histoire qui se déroula à l'époque de la bouche de magnifiques bénédictions qui nous destruction du second Temple lors de la victoire accompagnent jusqu'à la fin des temps. des Romains. Ces derniers désiraient s'emparer des ustensiles du Beth Amikdach mais avaient Lors de sa dernière tentative, il est écrit : "Et peur d'y rentrer. Ils promirent alors d'offrir à celui Bilam leva les yeux, il vit les enfants d'Israël

בס''ד qui oserait pénétrer le Saint des Saints la chose (Rav Yonatan Gefen) qu'il désirait le plus prendre. Un juif nommé Yossef Machita entra et prit pour lui le grand Dinero y Honor chandelier en or. Les Romains le lui Bilam es considerado el estereotipo de una confisquèrent et lui proposèrent de prendre un persona con malas cualidades personales. La objet plus adapté à un individu lambda. Ce Mishná en Pirkei Avot lo describe como alguien dernier répondit : " J'ai déjà mis en colère mon que tiene áyin raá ‘que se enfoca en las Créateur une fois, je ne veux pas l'énerver une cualidades negativas’, rúaj guevoá ‘arrogancia’ y seconde fois." Lorsque les Romains virent qu'il néfesh rejavá ‘codicia’ (1). avait fait Téchouva, ils le torturèrent, pendant qu'il hurlait " Malheur à moi car j'ai mis en colère mon Néfesh rejavá se refiere específicamente al amor Créateur." de Bilam por el dinero. Los comentaristas aprenden que Bilam era codicioso a partir de su Tout le monde s'interroge à la lecture de cette respuesta a los ministros de Balak cuando le histoire : comment un homme qui était aussi loin, pidieron que maldijera al pueblo judío. Ellos qui osa pénétrer dans le Saint des Saints et qui dijeron: “…así dijo Balak, hijo de Tzipor: por favor vola la Ménora, a-t-il pu décider de mourir en no te rehúses a venir a mí. Te honraré mucho y sanctifiant le nom d'Hachem comme les plus todo lo que digas haré. Por favor ve y maldice a grands tsadikim ? De là, nous pouvons voir esta nación por mí”. Bilam contestó y les dijo a combien un homme est influencé par l'endroit los ministros de Balak: “Incluso si Balak me dans lequel il vit. Ainsi, lorsqu'il résida quelques diera su casa llena de plata y oro, no podría instants dans l'endroit le plus saint du monde, il transgredir la palabra de Hashem” (2). fut entièrement imprégné et transformé par la kédoucha du Beth Hamikdach. En outre, s'il en En un análisis superficial, vemos la codicia de est ainsi pour celui qui passe quelques minutes Bilam en la gran suma de dinero a la que aludió dans un endroit saint, on comprendra qu'un cuando se negó a ir en contra de las palabras de enfant qui séjourne une grande partie de sa Di-s. journée dans sa maison est influencé par Sin embargo, los comentaristas señalan que esto l'environnement qui y demeure. Ainsi, chaque no puede ser cierto, porque hay otro ejemplo de mitsva, chaque mot de Torah qui voit le jour dans literatura rabínica en donde un verdadero erudito un foyer apporte un soutien aux enfants pour de Torá utilizó una expresión similar a la de pouvoir grandir sainement. Bilam. La Mishná, en Pirkei Avot (3), describe la Chacun peut donc comprendre la responsabilité historia del gran Rabí Iosi ben Kisma, a quien un qui repose sur nous, parents. Si nous laissons hombre rico le pidió que abandonara su lugar entrer dans nos maisons des vidéos, des images para vivir en otra ciudad, en la cual no había ou des comportements qui vont à l'encontre de la ningún otro erudito en Torá. El hombre le ofreció Torah, nos enfants en sont obligatoirement una suma inmensa de dinero para persuadirlo, marqués. C'est pourquoi celui qui veut le bien pero Rabí Iosi contestó: “Incluso si me dieras pour sa famille doit exiger que sa maison respire toda la plata, el oro y las piedras preciosas la sainteté. Nous devons pouvoir créer un espace del mundo viviría sólo en un lugar donde hay sans violence verbale, physique et morale afin de Torá”. Rabí Iosi mencionó una suma aún mayor laisser une petite chance à notre descendance de que la mencionada por Bilam y, sin embargo, en pousser droit. Alors qu'Hachem nous donne les su respuesta no hay ninguna muestra de codicia. forces de fonder des maisons pleines de joie et ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre la respuesta de de Mitsvot afin de faire résider la présence divine Bilam y la de Rabí Iosi ben Kisma? (4). parmi nous, amen ken yéhi ratson. En un análisis más profundo, se advierte una Inspiré de Dibourot Eliahou. importante diferencia entre Bilam y Rabí Iosi ben Kisma. Cuando el hombre intentó persuadir a Rabí Iosi para que permaneciera en su ciudad, le prometió una gran suma de dinero. Rabí Iosi contestó que ninguna suma de dinero lo haría REFLEXION SEMANAL abandonar un lugar de Torá. Era apropiado que

בס''ד Rabí Iosi se refiriera a dinero, porque el hombre obtener honor, pero como siempre anhela más ya lo había mencionado antes. honor, siempre quiere más dinero para satisfacer su deseo. Para Bilam, el dinero era un vehículo En contraste, los ministros de Balak jamás para obtener honor. mencionaron el dinero en su intento para convencer a Bilam de maldecir al pueblo judío. Dado que Bilam igualó el dinero con el honor, es En cambio, dijeron que Balak ofreció “honrarlo claro que su néfesh rejavá (codicia) le hizo tener profusamente”. Bilam contestó diciendo que, si la peor clase de amor por el dinero, la clase que Di-s no lo permitía, ninguna suma de dinero le emana de un deseo de honor. El Slonimer Rebe, posibilitaría maldecir al pueblo judío. La mención en su obra maestra Netivot Shalom, explica lo de dinero que hace Bilam nos muestra dos nocivo que puede ser esto para una persona. En cosas: primero, que el dinero era algo tan la Mishná mencionada anteriormente, los prevalente en su mente que lo mencionó incluso estudiantes de Bilam son comparados con los de cuando nadie lo había hecho antes y, segundo, Abraham. Hacia el final de la Mishná, se en un nivel más profundo, vemos que entendió la pregunta cuál es la diferencia entre los dos idea de ‘honor’ como ‘beneficio financiero’. Para grupos. La Mishná responde: “Los estudiantes de Bilam, honor y dinero eran lo mismo. Esto prueba Abraham comen en el Olam Hazé ‘este mundo’ y su amor por el dinero, porque quien no ama el heredan el Olam Habá ‘el mundo venidero’ (…) dinero no lo iguala al honor. pero los estudiantes de Bilam el malvado Sin embargo, en esta explicación continúa heredan el Gueinom y descienden al pozo de ” (5). habiendo una dificultad. Hubiéramos pensado destrucción que quien ama el dinero no creería que su ¿Qué significa la repetición del lenguaje respecto beneficio principal sea el honor, sino la a los estudiantes de Bilam: “Gueinom” y “pozo de posibilidad de adquirir bienes materiales. Tener destrucción”? Netivot Shalom explica que “pozo dinero posibilita la satisfacción de los deseos de destrucción” se refiere al Olam Habá, mientras físicos, como una casa bonita, un auto rápido, que “Gueinom” se refiere al Olam Hazé. Los buena comida y muchas vacaciones. Entonces, estudiantes de Bilam no sólo sufren un gran dolor ¿por qué igualó Bilam el honor con el dinero? en el mundo venidero, sino que también en el presente. Les preocupa tanto obtener más La respuesta es que el amor por el dinero puede posesiones y honor que nunca sienten tener dos raíces. Una es el apego a lo físico, en satisfacción, ¡a tal punto que viven un “Gueinom” donde el dinero es utilizado para satisfacer en el Olam Hazé! deseos materiales. La segunda es el deseo de honor, ya que el dinero puede traerle mucho Esta explicación brinda una enseñanza obvia: la honor a una persona. Esto significa que todos búsqueda implacable de dinero nunca puede buscan algún tipo de sentido, siendo el honor una brindar satisfacción verdadera. Hace falta una de las formas principales en que un alma cierta cantidad de dinero para ayudar a la hambrienta puede conseguir un poco de persona a conseguir el objetivo de tener una vida satisfacción. En la sociedad occidental actual, significativa, pero es esencial cuidar que el dinero tener dinero es, quizás, la mejor forma para continúe siendo un ‘medio’ y que no se convierta conseguir honor. en un ‘fin’. En cambio, ocupar el tiempo para desarrollar una relación con Di-s puede brindar la El problema es que cuando una persona desea única fuente de satisfacción que hace que una dinero para obtener honor, entonces, nunca persona esté realmente satisfecha. estará satisfecha, más allá de cuánto dinero consiga. La persona cree que el dinero le trae Notas: 1) Pirke Avot, 5:22. 2) Balak, 22:16-18. 3) Pirke honor, pero su alma anhela instintivamente honor Avot, 6:9. 4) Muchos comentaristas explican la razón por la como una fuente de significado. En cual la respuesta de Bilam demostró su avaricia. Entre ellos consecuencia, tratará de satisfacer su deseo de están Mizraji, Maskil LeDavid, Najalat Yaakov, Beer Besadé, Emet LeYaakov y Rav Eliashiv en Dibrei Hagadá. adquirir más dinero, pero siempre se sentirá Si bien ellos ofrecen una variedad de explicaciones, en este insatisfecha. Quizás sea este el tipo de amor por ensayo se utiliza una diferente. 5) Pirke Avot, 5;22. el dinero al que se refirieron los rabinos cuando dijeron que “una persona que tiene 100 mané quiere 200, y cuando tiene 200 mané quiere 400”. Para esta persona, el dinero es su forma de

בס''ד Juncos). El Midrash relata que cuando el pueblo

Vivir por Hashem judío estaba en el mar, las tribus estaban Nuestros sabios nos cuentan que Bilam tenía discutiendo entre sí para decidir cuál sería la increíbles poderes de profecía, los cuales en cierto primera en entrar al mar; ninguna quería dar el aspecto eran incluso más grandes que los de primer paso, hasta que se metió Najshon ben Moshé. Sin embargo, él también tenía muchas Aminadav (4). malas características de personalidad. ¿Cómo Rav Shmulevitz pregunta cómo puede ser que pueden estos dos factores opuestos coincidir en nadie haya querido meterse en el mar. Durante una misma persona? toda la historia los judíos siempre han estado La respuesta es que Bilam nunca se esforzó para dispuestos a dar sus vidas y las de sus hijos por llegar a este nivel. A diferencia de los profetas Kidush Hashem (santificación del nombre de Di-s). judíos —quienes debían ascender a los niveles Entonces, ¿cómo es posible que la generación que más altos de rectitud para alcanzar la profecía—, vio los grandes milagros del Éxodo no haya sido Bilam recibió sus capacidades proféticas sin capaz de hacer el mismo sacrificio? habérselas ganado. Bilam conocía la verdad —que Responde que si Di-s les hubiera ordenado que el Di-s de los judíos era el único Di-s verdadero y entraran al mar y que entregaran sus vidas, que respetar la Torá otorgaba la máxima entonces lo hubiesen hecho con alegría, pero esa recompensa—, pero nunca internalizó esas no era la prueba verdadera. La prueba era que “se verdades y por lo tanto fue incapaz de hacer que su les ordenó entrar para ser salvados, saltar para comportamiento fuese acorde a su entendimiento vivir”. La tarea en el Mar no era morir por Hashem, intelectual. sino vivir por Él. Es mucho más fácil dar la vida por Sin embargo, vemos de sus bendiciones a la Di-s y estar por tanto exento de las mitzvot, que nación judía que él ansiaba obtener la recompensa continuar con vida y enfrentar los desafíos que espiritual que le espera a los justos. En su primera presenta la vida. tanda de bendiciones él expresó este deseo: “Que ¿Cómo es relevante este principio para nosotros mi alma muera la muerte del recto y que mi fin sea hoy en día? Rav Nóaj Weinberg zt”l solía decir que como el de él” (1). El Or HaJaim escribe que Bilam hay una pregunta básica que toda persona debería no sólo ansiaba obtener la recompensa sin haber hacerse a sí misma: ¿Para qué estoy viviendo, cuál hecho ningún acto de rectitud, sino que deseaba es el objetivo de mi vida? No es fácil responder “que cuando llegara el día de la muerte, él pudiese esta pregunta con sinceridad; una persona puede rectificar sus malos caminos… él deseaba que en saber que el objetivo de la vida es acercarse a el momento de su muerte, el pudiese hacer teshuvá Hashem, pero este puede ser un concepto muy (arrepentimiento) y ser como los rectos de las vago… Hay muchas formas para acercarse a naciones”. Bilam se dio cuenta que estaba viviendo Hashem y no es fácil encontrar una respuesta una vida de falsedad y que sufriría en el mundo específica que se adecúe a la situación y a la venidero, por lo que quería hacer teshuvá, pero fortaleza de cada persona. Rav Weinberg da una sólo al final de su vida. sugerencia que puede ayudar a hacer que este El Or HaJaim continúa con una asombrosa concepto sea un poco menos abstracto: una observación. “De la misma forma, yo he visto persona debería pensar por qué está dispuesta a malvados que me han dicho que si estuvieran morir y luego debería decirse a sí mismo: “quiero seguros de que si hicieran teshuvá morirían vivir por eso”. inmediatamente, entonces lo harían, pero ellos Podemos ver un buen ejemplo de esta idea en saben que no podrían mantener su teshuvá por un nuestra relación con nuestros hijos: estaríamos período de tiempo prolongado porque la tontería y dispuestos a dar nuestra vida por ellos, pero, el viejo rey (el iétzer hará) dominan sobre ellos” (2). ¿dedicamos suficiente tiempo y energía para vivir Esta gente, al igual que Bilam, sabía la verdad pero por ellos? Hubo una vez un hombre que trabajaba no estaban preparados para vivir de acuerdo a ella, muchas horas para sustentar a su familia, e incluso sino que sólo estaban dispuestos a morir por ella. trabajaba los domingos. Todas las semanas el hijo Una actitud como esta pareciera ser muy tonta, le preguntaba al padre si tendrían tiempo para jugar pero sin embargo, en cierto sentido, puede el domingo, pero el padre siempre le respondía que afectarnos a todos. tenía que trabajar. Una semana, el desesperado hijo le preguntó a su padre: “Papi, ¿cuánto dinero Rav Jaim Shmulevitz zt”l demuestra este punto (3) ganas un domingo?”. El desconcertado padre le citando un Midrash que describe los momentos contestó su pregunta y entonces el hijo le ofreció previos a la partición del Iam Suf (el Mar de

בס''ד pagarle esa cantidad ¡para que estuviera libre para desesperadas de Klal Israel en esta generación pasar tiempo con él! Esta historia tiene una ironía (5)?”. muy triste: el padre sólo trabajaba tan duro para Estamos viviendo en una época en la que el pueblo darle a sus hijos una buena vida pero, judío nos necesita; pero no necesita que muramos eventualmente, fue atrapado por su trabajo y olvidó por Kidush Hashem (santificación del nombre de el objetivo: no estaba siendo un padre para su hijo. Di-s), sino que necesita que vivamos por ello. Bilam Otro ejemplo de esto es nuestra actitud hacia el es descrito como un malvado a pesar de su pueblo de Israel. Hay muchos judíos que estarían profecía. Él sabía qué quería Di-s de él, pero no dispuestos a dar la vida por el pueblo judío si estaba dispuesto a vivir por ello, sino sólo a morir hubiera una amenaza de destrucción física o por ello. Pero nosotros somos mejores que Bilam, espiritual. Sin embargo, ¿estamos dispuestos a estamos preparados a vivir por Hashem; sin vivir por el pueblo judío? ¿Pasamos algo de tiempo embargo, hay veces que podemos perder de vista ayudando a los judíos necesitados? Hay miles de el bosque por causa de los árboles y olvidar cuál es judíos que no tienen suficiente comida y millones realmente el objetivo. Si analizamos por qué que no tienen idea de qué se trata el judaísmo. estamos dispuestos a morir entonces podremos ¿Tomamos un poco de tiempo de nuestra ocupada descubrir por qué deberíamos estar viviendo. ¿Y agenda para ayudarlos? Rav Pam zt”l resalta este cuál es la recompensa de vivir por Hashem? punto en su prefacio a la biografía de Irving Bunim En el Iam Suf nadie quiso entrar al agua hasta que zt”l. Najshon ben Aminadav se metió; él estuvo “Actualmente se habla mucho sobre amar al dispuesto a vivir por Hashem. El Midrash nos dice prójimo, pero si quieres saber cuál es el verdadero que fue gracias a este acto que la tribu de Yehudá significado de esas palabras traducidas a la acción, ameritó el maljut (Reinado) (6). Rav Shmulevitz entonces lee los capítulos de este libro que tratan describe la importancia de este momento: “En ese sobre los esfuerzos de rescate del Váad Hatzalá, momento la tribu de Yehudá se sintió responsable liderados por Rav Aharón, Rav Kalmanowitz e por todo Israel, de hacer lo que debían hacer y, a Irving Bunim. Estos hombres, junto a los Sternbuch partir de este sentimiento, se tornaron más grandes en Suiza y a Rav Mijael Ber Weissmandel en y elevados que todo Israel y se llenaron de Eslovaquia, no conocieron límites en su persistente fortaleza para cruzar el mar como si hubiese estado determinación para mover tierra y mar para salvar completamente seco. Gracias a esto, Yehudá vidas, para aliviar el sufrimiento. ¡Léelo! Te ameritó maljut” (7). Y nosotros también podemos conmoverá. Te inspirará. Te dará un entendimiento ameritar la grandeza de aprender de la lección de más profundo sobre qué significa tomar Najshon y vivir por Hashem. responsabilidad por Klal Israel… pero puede que también te moleste, porque puede que induzca un Notas: (1) Balak 23:10. (2) Or HaJáim HaKadosh, ibíd. (3) Sijot poco de dolorosa reflexión. ¿Realmente hicimos Musar, Parashat Beshalaj, Maamar 33. (4) Bamidbar Rabá 13:7 (5) A Fire in His Soul (Un fuego en su alma), p. 8. (6) todo lo que pudimos para salvar vidas en ese Tosefta, Brajot 4:16 (7) Sijot Musar, Parashat Vaiéshev, entonces? ¿Estamos haciendo ahora lo suficiente Maamar 20. para responder al llanto, a las necesidades

Nahalot unborn child could hear the sounds of Torah learning. Nahala of Rav Ben Sion Abba Hacham Ben Sion’s father, Hacham Eliyahu, Shaul zt”l Monday the 19th of recited the Tikun Hassot service each night, during Tamuz which he cried bitterly over the destruction of the Temple. He also would fast every Monday and Born in Jerusalem, on 29 Tammuz, 1924, to Thursday to mourn for the Bet Hamikdash. Hacham Eliyahu Abba Shaul, an accomplished The family’s home, which was right off Jerusalem’s Torah scholar who worked as a shoemaker, and Shmuel Hanavi Street, was known as a place of Banya an especially righteous woman, Hacham hesed and gracious hospitality. Each Friday, Ben Sion Abba Shaul was raised in purity. While Hacham Ben Sion’s mother would collect money pregnant with Hacham Ben Sion, Banya would go from the neighbors for charity on behalf of the poor. each day to sit in Yeshivat Porat Yosef so that her

בס''ד As a child, Hacham Ben Sion learned in the Bnei to earn a livelihood, and so he invited Hacham Ben Sion school in the Bucharim section of Jerusalem, Sion to serve as a lecturer in Yeshivat Porat Yosef. under the tutelage of several great Sephardic Hacham Ben Sion accepted the offer, but there was luminaries, including Hacham Ezra Attieh, who something he didn’t know about the arrangement: would later become the Rosh Yeshiva of Porat the salary he received was actually half of Hacham Yosef. Already at a young age, Hacham Ben Sion Ezra Attieh’s personal salary that he volunteered to exhibited an unquenchable thirst for Torah learning, give to his prized student so he could continue phenomenal memory and unusual self-discipline, devoting himself to fulltime Torah learning. even ensuring not to eat more than he needed. Hacham Ben Sion viewed his position as teacher in When he was just ten years old, his father brought the yeshiva as a great responsibility and privilege. him to the prestigious Yeshivat Porat Yosef to apply He regarded this job with such importance that he for admission. The administrator, Rabbi Ben Sion turned down offers to serve as Rabbi of Jerusalem Hazan, was initially hesitant to accept such a young and refused to apply for the position of Rishon student, but after testing young Ben Sion and Lession (Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel), despite seeing his capabilities, he sent him to the Rosh the insistence of many of his supporters. He was Yeshiva, Hacham Ezra Attieh, for a more intensive unwilling to discontinue his holy work of exam. The boy’s answers so astounded Hacham bequeathing Torah knowledge and teaching the Ezra that he accepted him immediately, without any proper method of study to the next generation of further hesitation. He also proclaimed that Hacham scholars. Ben Sion was undoubtedly destined to become one Hacham Ben Sion taught hundreds of disciples, of the leading sages of Israel. many of whom today are themselves rabbis and Sure enough, Hacham Ben Sion proved to be an Rosh Yeshivas throughout Israel. exceptional student, and already by age 14, he was A yeshiva student once approached Hacham in the highest level shiur. His circle of friends in Ovadia Yosef for advice, as his efforts in Torah Yeshivat Porat Yosef included numerous future learning had been unsuccessful for several years. rabbinic leaders, including Hacham Baruch Ben- Hacham Ovadia answered, “Don’t cry over the Haim z.s.l., Hacham Sion Levy z.s.l., and past. All you need to do is go to Hacham Ben sheybadel lehaim tovim, Hacham Ovadia Yosef Sion’s shiur, and the wellsprings of knowledge will shelita, These three young scholars were all open in front of you.” several years older than Hacham Ben Sion, but because of his advanced level of learning, he found In the year 1972, Jewish communities in Iran asked himself in their peer group. the Sephardic rabbis in Israel send a capable scholar to resolve their halachic issues and teach Stories abound about the special relationship that them for several months. Hacham Ovadia Yosef, existed between Hacham Ben Sion and Hacham who was then serving as Chief Rabbi, Ovadia Yosef. Even the time they walked to and recommended Hacham Ben Sion, noting, “You from yeshiva was allotted with a specific limud won’t find anyone bigger in Torah learning and yirat (course of learning). Hacham Ben Sion also shamayim [fear of Heaven] than Hacham Ben established an especially close bond with Hacham Sion.” Ezra Attieh. He practically never left his side, as he wanted to ensure to master Hacham Ezra’s method Hacham Ben Sion was initially very hesitant to of learning Torah. issue pesaks (binding decisions of Jewish law). But later, after the death of Hacham Ezra Attieh and Hacham Ben Sion married Hadassa Masoda with the prodding of Hacham Yehuda Sadka, with Sharabani in the year 1949. The couple was whom he shared the position of co-Rosh Yeshiva in childless for several years until eventually he Porat Yosef, he began issuing his own halachic received a beracha from the Hazon Ish, Rabbi rulings. Hacham Ben Sion was known for his Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz, and from the previous scholarly prowess and thorough style when Belzer Rebbe, Rabbi Aaron Rokeah, whereupon, in approaching an issue to render a pesak halacha 1952, his son Eliyahu was born. (halachic decision). Earning a living in Jerusalem was very difficult in Alongside his lectures in the yeshiva, Hacham Ben those days. Lacking any other means of support, Sion also delivered a weekly class in halacha every Hacham Ben Sion took a job as a schoolteacher in Shabbat in the Ohel Rachel synagogue in the Bnei Sion school, to earn a meager living. His Jerusalem’s Bet Yisrael neighborhood. These teacher, Hacham Ezra Attieh, was unhappy about classes were attended by many accomplished his absence from yeshiva necessitated by the need

בס''ד scholars who eventually assembled the material HaChareidit, under Rav Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, the into several sections of Hacham Ben Sion’s Rav of Yerushalayim. In 1948, he founded the Vaad seminal halachic work Or Lession. He authored HaRabbanim of Agudat Yisrael. Later, he helped four volumes of halachic essays which were later found the charedi weekly newspaper, Kol Yisrael entitled Or Lession, and other books under the (later still, he was one of the prime movers behind same title on Mussar and Gemara. HaModia).

In his later years, Hacham Ben Sion sat on a Bet Din that resolved financial disputes. Seeing that Nahala of The “Ramak” zt”l many people were turning to the secular courts to this Friday the 23rd of Tamuz settle their disputes, he agreed to sit on the Bet Din of Rabbi Betzalel Zalty, the Ashkenazic Rav of Rav Moshe Cordovero (Remak) (1522-1570). The Jerusalem. Hacham Ben Sion was known as an Remak was the son of Rav Yaakov, one of the exiles expert in these matters and for his ability to from Cardova, Spain. He studied under the great kabbalists Rav Shlomo HaLevi Alkabetz (who would determine the precise truth in even the most become his brother-in-law) and Rav Yosef Karo. Rav complex cases brought before him. Chaim Vital was among his greatest talmidim. He was Hacham Ben Sion was also an expert in Kabbalah, the author of Tomer Devora and Pardes Rimonim. In a subject he studied with his wife’s father, Hacham the latter book, he systematized all kabbalistic Yosef Chaim, and grandfather, Hacham Yehoshua knowledge that had been revealed until then. In his Sharabani, as well as with his father, Hacham sefer, Ohr Ne’erav, he explains the necessity of Eliyahu. studying Kabbalah but also criticizes those who study this subject without prior Torah knowledge, pointing Hacham Ben Sion passed away on 19 Tamuz, out that one must first study Torah, Mishnah, and 1998 after a long illness, at the age of 74. He was Gemara before studying Kabbalah. He also wrote a buried in the Sanhedria Cemetery in Jerusalem. comprehensive commentary on the Zohar entitled Ohr Many people go to pray at his gravesite on the day Yakar, but it was not published for 400 years. of his yom hilula, which this year falls on July 9th. Publication of this multi-volume work was finally His son, Hacham Eliyahu, continues his legacy, begun in 1962 and completed in 1989. Although he leading Yeshivat Or Lession in Jerusalem and served as Rosh Yeshiva and as a Dayan, his fame spreading Hacham Ben Sion’s teachings rests on his contribution to Kabbalistic literature and throughout the Sephardic communities of Israel and thought. beyond.

Nahala of Rav Chaim Naeh zt”l The 17th of Tammuz: A this Tuesday the 20th of Tamuz Hopeful Mourning Rav Avraham Chaim Na’eh, posek; author of Shiurei (By Rabbi Yehudah Prero - Torah.org) Torah and Ketzos Hashulchan (1890-1954). Born in Chevron to Rav Menachem Mendel Na'eh, Rosh The Fast of the 17th of Tamuz is almost upon us. Yeshivah of the Sdei Chemed's yeshivah, Magen We are to recall those events and circumstances Avos. Later, he studied at Rav Yehoshua Leib that led to our present exile, with no Bet Diskin's yeshivah, Ohel Moshe, under Rav Yehoshua HaMikdash, Holy Temple in Jerusalem to serve as Leib's son, Rav Yitzchak Yerucham. In 1912, he our spiritual center. We are supposed to take the published his Chanoch LaNoar, which contains the lessons we have learned from our long and painful laws necessary for bar-mitzvah youths. With the exile to heart, and better our relationship with our outbreak of World War One, the Turks, who were in fellow man and G-d. control of Eretz Yisrael, expelled anyone who did not It is difficult, in these troubled times, to find any possess Turkish citizenship from the land. Most of the silver lining to the cloud in which we are currently expelled Jews clustered in Alexandria. Rav Avraham Chaim opened Yeshivas Eretz Yisrael there. This enveloped. Yet, our Sages stated explicitly (Ta’anit yeshivah had two hundred avreichim and talmidei 30b) "All who mourn over (the destruction of) chachamim, who had been exiled from Yerushalayim, Jerusalem merit to see her in her joy." We are supported fully by Rav Avraham Chaim during the assured that if we properly appreciate the enormity entire war. There, he wrote Shenos Chaim, a special of our loss, we merit to share in the joy of seeing Kitzur Shulchan Aruch for Sephardic Jews. In Teves Jerusalem reestablished in all its glory. of 1918, he returned to Yisrael and served as safra Commentators discuss the interesting syntax of this de'daina (personal secretary) of the Edah assurance. The Sages did not say that those who

בס''ד mourn _will_ merit seeing her in her joy, in the that we can still mourn, that we cannot be future tense; they said that they _do_ merit seeing comforted over our loss, is indicative of the fact that her in her joy, in the present tense. How is it that hope still exists. Jerusalem and the Temple are we can currently see the joy of a reestablished indeed alive. They will be restored to vibrant health Jerusalem in a time of exile? once again. However, until that time comes, we mourn. And when we mourn properly, we The Medrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:21) discusses appreciate the fact, in the here and now, that the sale of Yosef into slavery by his brothers. The Jerusalem is indeed alive. We can share in the joy brothers, not wanting to disclose that they had sold of knowing that Jerusalem is not totally lost, and a Yosef, implied to their father Yaakov that an animal time will come when it and the Holy Temple will be had killed Yosef. Yaakov was overcome with grief restored to their former glory. May that time come over the loss of his most cherished son. The Torah soon. relates that as much as people tried to console Yaakov over the loss of Yosef, "he refused to be comforted." Regarding this inability to be comforted, the Medrash relates that a matron Why Do We Fast? - Part I asked Rav Yosi: It is written, "For Yehudah prevailed above his brothers" (meaning that The question we will deal with is: why do we fast on Yehudah was the de facto leader of the brothers, Shiva Asar B'Tamuz? and his actions were to be viewed an example to The first mention that we find of this fast day follow), and yet we read (upon the death of his appears in Zecharia 8:19, where the verse wife), "And Yehudah was comforted;" while this mentions "the fast of fourth month...." As the fourth man (Yaakov) was the father of them all, (and month counting from Nissan (which is referred to as would presumably act in a similar fashion to that of the first month) is Tamuz, the fast of the "fourth his son Yehudah) and yet he refused to be month" is Shiva Asar B'Tamuz. The Mishna in the comforted! "You can be comforted for the dead," tractate of Ta’anit 4:6 explains that we fast because Rav Yosi answered, "but not for the living." of the five tragedies that befell the nation of Israel When someone has truly died, there is a certain on this day. The five are: The "Luchot," the tablets despair associated with the absolute finality of the upon which the Ten Commandments were situation felt by the mourner. Because of this engraved, were broken by Moshe; The Korban despair, all hope evaporates, and there is nothing Tamid, the continual daily sacrifice, was realistically left for which to long. The person will discontinued; The wall around the city of Jerusalem not return. This finality allows a person to accept was breached; Apustamus burnt the Torah scroll; consolation and condolences. Comfort over the As idolatrous image was placed in the "Hechal," the loss will eventually come. However, as long as a sanctuary of the Holy Temple. person is alive or the possibility of life exists, it is The Gemara (28b) on this Mishna tells us the impossible to totally comfort or console someone source of our knowledge that these things over the tragic situation that they mourn. There is happened on this day. However, in order to fully still some scintilla of hope that the person will understand each of these incidents, we will consult recover, that the person will be found. As long as other commentators who fill in some more details. that tiny bit of hope exists, no finality exists to the situation, and that bit of hope will be clung to with 1) The breaking of the "Luchot" great strength. There is no consolation. Yaakov, The Gemara tells us that we know the Luchot, deep down in his heart, somehow sensed that containing the Ten Commandments, were broken Yosef indeed alive. He therefore was incapable of on this day by means of a simple mathematical being consoled. And that is what made Yaakov's calculation. Although there is disagreement as to mourning different from Yehudah's. when the Ten Commandments were given to the However, Yaakov's mourning is the same as ours nation of Israel, all agree that Moshe went up to over the city of Jerusalem and the Bet HaMikdash. Mount Sinai to get the Luchot on the seventh day of For so many years we, and our ancestors before the month of Sivan. As proof of this, the Gemara us, have been engaged in a process of mourning. brings the verse in Shemot 24:16 which says that Every year at this time, that mourning is Moshe "was called (to the mountain) on the highlighted, and we ask G-d for comfort. But that seventh day." We also know from a verse (Shemot comfort and consolation never seems to erase our 24: 18) that Moshe "was on the mountain for 40 ability to mourn. We know that something is still days and 40 nights." As Sivan that year was 30 lacking, a piece of our nation is missing. The fact days long, Moshe was on the mountain for 24 days

בס''ד in Sivan, and the first 16 days of the next month, the time of the first Temple, while our Mishna is Tamuz. On the seventeenth day of Tamuz, Moshe referring to the time of the second Temple. If that is descended from the mountain. Seeing what the the case, why do we fast only on the 17th of nation was doing with the Golden Calf, he broke the Tamuz, and not on the ninth as well? "Luchot." The Talmud Yerushalmi (Jerusalem Talmud) 2) The discontinuance of the Tamid explains that in reality, the breach of the walls occurred on the 17th during both eras. However, in The next tragedy the Gemara discusses is the the time of the first Temple, because of the stress discontinuation of the Tamid offering. The Gemara and upheaval of the time, the people became tells us that we know this happened on this day confused and miscalculated the days in the because we have a tradition from our forefathers calendar. Therefore, they thought the breach that this is so. Rashi explains that the reason why occurred on the ninth. Yirmiyah, when recording the the sacrifice was no longer brought was because event, wrote it down according to the erroneous the government at the time forbade it. calculation of the people, which was the prevalent The Tiferet Yisrael, a commentator on the Mishna, belief as to the date of occurrence. The Tur in gives another possible explanation. We see from Shulchan Aruch Orech Chayim 549 writes that the the Gemara in Baba Kama (82b) that there were breaches did occur on different dates. However, two brothers who were members of the because having two fasts in such close proximity Hashmonean family (of Chanukah fame). These would be a burden on the community, only one fast brothers, Aristablus and Hyrkanus, fought each day was established. The fast day was established other for the throne of Judea. Aristoblus laid siege on the day the wall was breached at the time of the to Jerusalem, where Hyrkanus was headquartered. second Temple because the tragedy was greater As lambs were needed for the daily sacrifice and regarding its impact on us: the exile that began at there were none in Jerusalem, the inhabitants that time is the exile we currently live in. worked out a deal with the lamb-sellers outside of 4) The Burning of the Torah Scroll by the city. Everyday, the Jerusalemites would lower a Apustamus basket full of gold coins over the wall. In return, the lamb-sellers would supply a lamb, which was then The Gemara tells us that we know this event hoisted up. One day, an elderly man outside of the happened on the seventeenth of Tamuz as a wall advised the sellers to supply a pig instead of a tradition from our forefathers. The Gemara does not lamb. As the pig was unknowingly being hoisted up, tell us who Apustamus was, or what the the pig stuck its claws into the wall, and all of Israel significance of the Torah scroll was. The R"av quaked. From this day until the end of the siege, writes that Apustamus was a Greek officer at the the daily offering was not brought. time of the second Temple. The Tiferet Yisrael offers two possible explanations as to the The R"av, also a commentator on the Mishna, significance of the scroll. One is that this scroll was gives another explanation. He explains that the the one written by Ezra HaSofer, Ezra the Scribe. Tamid was discontinued during the period of time The text was the most authoritative, and all other when Jerusalem was under siege prior to the Torah scrolls that were written were checked destruction of the Temple. The Tiferet Yisrael against this one for accuracy and errors. Another elaborates on this and says that the R"av is understanding is that he burnt every Torah scroll he referring to the three year siege of Jerusalem by could find. No matter the explanation, the intent Nevuchadnezzar, at the time of the destruction of behind Apostamus' actions remain the same: to the first Temple. eradicate Torah from the nation of Israel. 3) The Breaching of the wall around Jerusalem 5) The Placing of an Idol in the Sanctuary The Gemara then discusses the tragedy of the wall The Gemara tells us that we know from the verse in of Jerusalem being breached, the event which led Daniel 12:11 that this event occurred on the 17th of to the overrunning of Jerusalem by our oppressors Tamuz, as the verse says that "on the day the and the eventual destruction of the Temples. The Tamid offering ceased to be brought, an idolatrous Gemara notes that there is an inconsistency image was placed in the Temple." Although the between our Mishna and the verse in Yirmiya 52:6, Gemara here does not mention who placed the idol which implies that the wall was breached on the in the Temple, the Gemara in the Talmud ninth of Tamuz, not the seventeenth as the Mishna Yerushalmi mentions that there is debate as to who says. The Gemara resolves this inconsistency by did it. Some say that Apustamus placed the idol in explaining that the verse in Yirmiya is referring to the Temple as well as burning the Torah scroll.

בס''ד Others say it was placed by Menashe, an evil them, we would not be fasting on this day, as we Jewish king, in the time of the first Temple. would have a Temple standing in Jerusalem. Because our deeds are not up to par, we have no Temple, and repentance is in order. Why Do We Fast? - Part II We now know why we fast. May we merit to all take this lesson to heart, and see the Temple In the last post we mentioned that we fast on the rebuilt speedily, in our days. 17th day of Tamuz because of five tragedies that occurred on that day. We explained what the five tragedies were. However, we still need to explain why we fast: What is the point of fasting, of withholding nourishment from ourselves, on this My Twitter Resolution day? Texting and Facebook are controlling our The Rambam, in the fifth chapter of Hilchos lives and I can't take it anymore. Ta'aniyot (The laws of Fasts) writes that we fast (By Sarah Arbess) on days that calamities occurred to us "because it can serve to arouse our hearts and to open We're one big unhappy text-messaging, ourselves to the paths of repentance. It serves as Facebooking family. "Just a sec, I'm in the middle a reminder of our wicked conduct and that of our of a text" is the common retort around my house. ancestors which resembles our present conduct, And I admit I'm just as guilty. Either I'm texting, or and therefore brought these calamities upon my kids and husband are floating dreamily, deep them and upon us. By reminding ourselves of in cyber space. these matters, we will repent and improve our Our lack of family communication is becoming conduct, as the verse says in Vayikra 26:40, 'And intolerable. So I've decided that out of concern they will confess their sin and the sin of their for my family's health, a New Year's resolution to forefathers...'." wean ourselves away from our cell phones and One lesson that we see from the Rambam is that computers is in order. fasting in it of itself does not serve a purpose. I'm no angel. I hear that familiar tick, tick, tick... The Mishna B'rura in 549:1 writes that the fast "is and realize I'm tapping my keys again. I'm busy, only a preparation for repentance. Therefore, very busy, too busy to just dial the number and those people who while they fast go on trips and talk to the person I'm texting. This is affecting my involve themselves in idleness and useless relationships. I haven't heard my best friend’s activities have grasped on to the subordinate and voice in days. I have to check my brother's set aside the main and essential." We have to Facebook to see how he's doing instead of remember why we have this day of fasting, and picking up the phone - because even if I make use the time allotted for the correct purpose: to the call, chances are he won't be there because inspire ourselves to repent. But, why are we he's too busy texting! being inspired to repent now, on the 17th of Tamuz (and on the 9th of Av, etc.)? We were not The world record teen "texter" texted 50,000 the cause of the catastrophes that occurred on texts in one month. Did she go to school? Did this day; our forefathers were. Why do WE need she go to the bathroom? to be inspired to repent on this day? My daughter's friends spend untold hours texting The answer to this is another lesson we glean each other about nothing. Last month she sent from the Rambam. We see that the Rambam 2100 text messages and received as many. And stresses that we share responsibility for the that's considered moderate compared with kids tragedies that have occurred in the previous who send as many as 30,000 text messages a generations. The Talmud Yerushalmi (in the month. The world record teen "texter" texted tractate of Yoma) tells us that every generation in 50,000 texts in one month. Where were her which the Temple is not rebuilt should consider parents? Did she go to school? Did she go to the itself as if the Temple was destroyed in its days. bathroom? Did she even have time to eat? Will We see that if we were truly greater than the she need thumb transplants for all her hard generations who had these tragedies occur to work? Our children are depriving themselves of the joy of hearing the intonation and expression

בס''ד of the human voice. Real human emotion is talk about communication -- with each other -- extracted from the "text conversation" and is with G-d. replaced with banalities. I feel bad that my kids And when I stand facing G-d this Yom Kippur, are missing out on the little nuances of saying, "For the sins I have committed against conversation that enrich an exchange. Maybe you...," I won't be texting it in! nuance doesn't matter anymore. It's a new world and subtlety is going out the door with convention. "Text speak" has abbreviated the English language to a few short consonants and the occasional vowel. If my daughter was in full “text speak” mode (and procrastinating on doing homework) she might text something like this to a New Programs friend, “Omg girl, how r u? Tons 2 do, but am awltp - Uh oh, g2g pbb cyt qt, lul, Kar.” Translated this means, “Oh my G-d girl, how are Shabbat Afternoon Seudat Shelishit: you? I’ve got tons to do, but I'm avoiding work 1) Moshe Chaim Benmergui will teach like the plague – Uh oh, got to go, parent behind back, see you tomorrow cutie, love you lots, the Boys ages 7-11 Tefilla with Avot Karen.” Ubanim Dollars, Snacks, & Prizes. Twitter is the latest curse. When my English 2) Isaac Benmergui will give a Shiur & professor told me to be concise with my choice of Seudat Shelishit to teenagers. words, I don't think he was referring to "tweets" on Twitter. Of course, this is not to say that there isn't value Shiur to teenegers in email/ texting/ twittering/ Facebooking/ During the Week: MySpaceing. We all depend on it; the ease of Sunday after Arvit: Rabbi’s Teenager communication has transformed the world. But I program. think we're taking all this wonderful technology and overdoing it. Monday after Arvit: Joshua Berdugo What happened to face-to-face communication? I Tuesday after Arvit: The Rabbi even text my kids' teachers to express a particular concern instead of setting up a Wednesday after Arvit: Joshua Berdugo meeting. It's so much easier to complain from afar. It's time to take a step back and in my Thursday Special Trip Day for those home, it's got to start with me. who attend 3 out of the 4 Days of Thankfully new years are for new beginnings and Classes. "if not now, when?" So this year I'm going to This Week they are going to Paintball! "walk the walk" instead of just texting it. When the High Holidays come around, I'll remember to say, "I'm sorry for having wronged you" face to This is our community, this is our future. face instead of using Facebook, texting, blasting, or "tweeting." It's harder to do, but confessing to Please be a part of it! Please support it!

wrongdoing not only builds character, it means so much more to the person on the receiving end of the apology. And if I stick to my convictions, maybe my kids and husband will look up from their phones and computers when I talk and listen to what I have to say. Maybe we'll actually have dinner conversation. Maybe this Rosh Hashana we'll