Matot Newsletter
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
D'var Torah with Rabbi Wein Welcome to the DAT Minyan!
Candle 8:04 Welcome to the DAT Minyan! Lighting pm Shabbat Nasso June 3, 2017 - 9 Sivan, 5777 Havdalah 9:11 Joseph Friedman, Rabbi | David Fishman, President pm Shabbat Schedule D’var Torah with Rabbi Wein Please help make our prayer service more meaningful by refraining from talking during The human drive to be unique and special, to stand out in a crowd, to identify one's the service. self in terms of being of a different status than others, is common to all of us. Many times in life we measure ourselves not by our own lives but rather how we differ FRIDAY from all of the people that surround us. This is true in the usual and mundane 6:35 pm: Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Maariv events of life that occur to us daily. But it is also true in the holy drive for eternity (Shema should be recited after 9:10 pm) and meaningfulness that is manifested by the soul that exists within each of us. SHABBAT Because of this, we look for exceptionalism in areas of life that we deem to be the Parasha: Page 748 / Haftarah: Page 1181 realm of the soul and of potential holiness. The Torah provides such an example of this inner drive for exceptional and more meaningful feelings of holiness in this Kiddush this week is sponsored by Nathan and week's Torah reading. The entire topic of a person becoming a nazir, a person of Rachel Rabinovitch in honor of the engagement of their son Avi to Beth Gindi, special holiness, with additional restrictions on one's personal life and behavior, is daughter of Alan Gindi and Barbara Goldstein an example of this yearning. -
Chag Samei'ach
" SHABBAT SHALOM AND CHAG SAMEI’ACH. Today eager to settle a long account of cruelty. Horrific massacres and tomorrow are the first days of Pesach 5778. On were typical. The brutish drive for vengeance, for Shabbat we daven Yom Tov davening, and include the gratification of the satanic in man, was irresistible. references to Shabbat. We Duchen on both days. Did anything of that kind happen on the night of the Exodus? Were Egyptian babies taken out of the embrace of Please remember that we are responsible to eat a their mothers and thrown into the Nile, as the babies of the Seudah Shlishit on Shabbat and we have to do so later slaves had been murdered just a short while before? Did the in the afternoon, but prior to Minchah. We must enter Hebrew beat up his taskmaster who just several days ago the evening with an appetite for the Matzah and had tortured him mercilessly? Nothing of the sort. Not one Marror. Seudah Shlishit is a Mitzvah on Shabbat and person was hurt, not one house destroyed. not on Yom Tov. The liberated slaves had the courage to withdraw, to defy the natural call of their blood. What did the Jews do at the This Pesach marks the 25th yahrzeit of my rebbe, hour of freedom? Instead of swarming the streets of Goshen, Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik. I offer these writings of the they were locked up in their houses, eating the paschal lamb Rav for our learning of Pesach. and reciting the Hallel. It is unique in the history of [Compiled by Rabbi Edward Davis (RED), Rabbi Emeritus revolutions. -
Sefirat Ha'omer Ii
SEFIRAT HA’Omer II Lag B’Omer and Striving for Spiritual Perfection n the first class on Sefirat Ha’Omer, we learned that the Torah commands us to Icount the days from Pesach to Shavuot in order to connect the Exodus on Pesach with the Giving of the Torah on Shavuot. We also learned that there are certain practices of mourning which we adopt during the days of Sefirah (counting) in order to commemorate the deaths of the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva, who died in an epidemic that ended on Lag B’Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer. In this class, we will learn about Lag B’Omer itself – why it is a festive day, and how it is celebrated. We will also examine how we can use the Sefirah period to achieve personal growth. This class will address the following questions: What is Lag B’Omer and why do we celebrate on that day? Who was Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and why is his death a reason for happiness? What are the reasons for some of the customs of Lag B’Omer? Why is the seven-week period from Pesach to Shavuot especially suited for personal development and growth? Class Outline: Introduction. An Unusual Venue for Celebration Section I. Lag B’Omer Part A. Rabbi Akiva’s Students Stopped Dying Part B. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and the Revelation of the Zohar Part C. Lag B’Omer Customs Section II. Using the Sefirah Period to Achieve Spiritual Perfection Part A. Seven Cycles of Seven Midot Part B. -
Is Smudging Sage to Purify the Home Permitted According to the Torah?
בס"ד Parashat Korach Is Smudging Sage to Purify the Home Permitted According to the Torah? Is Sage Smudging Kosher? The question whether ‘smudging’ sage is kosher according to the Torah comes up frequently. Students have inquired about this ritual in my herbal workshop, when we learn about the mystical and medicinal properties of sage. ‘Smudging’ sage is a Native American tradition that entails tying dried sage into bundles and creating a cloud of smoke by waving it around a home or an office area. The New Age movement, which focuses on energies and spirituality connecting to nature and to the earth, has popularized this ancient practice, rehashing it in modern context. The purpose of this ‘smudging’ ritual is to clear out negative energy or emotions from a space, an item, or yourself, and to provide protection, to enhance intuition and bring healing and awareness to the body and mind. Teaching about the reality of negative energy, and various Torah rituals of how to eradicate it in my EmunaHealing courses has elicited questions regarding smudging sage. Since this practice is not a custom that originates in our own traditions, and we don’t find any Torah sources mentioning this smudging ritual, would it be permitted to burn sage for spiritual purification? Or is every non-Jewish tradition automatically prohibited? The first thing we need to examine when considering adapting rituals from others, is whether it may be or have a trace of idol-worship. The second question is whether the ritual may be considered witchcraft, sorcery, and the like, which the Torah strictly forbids (Devarim 18:9-13). -
Till Death Do Us Part: the Halachic Prospects of Marriage for Conjoined (Siamese) Twins
259 ‘Till Death Do Us Part: The Halachic Prospects of Marriage for Conjoined (Siamese) Twins By: REUVEN CHAIM KLEIN There are many unknowns when it comes to discussions about Siamese twins. We do not know what causes the phenomenon of conjoined twins,1 we do not know what process determines how the twins will be conjoined, and we do not know why they are more common in girls than in boys. Why are thoracopagical twins (who are joined at the chest) the most com- mon type of conjoinment making up 75% of cases of Siamese twins,2 while craniopagus twins (who are connected at the head) are less com- mon? When it comes to integrating conjoined twins into greater society, an- other bevy of unknowns is unleashed: Are they one person or two? Could they get married?3 Can they be liable for corporal/capital punishment? Contemporary thought may have difficulty answering these questions, es- pecially the last three, which are not empirical inquiries. Fortunately, in 1 R. Yisroel Yehoshua Trunk of Kutna (1820–1893) claims that Jacob and Esau gestated within a shared amniotic sac in the womb of their mother Rebecca (as evidenced from the fact that Jacob came out grasping his older brother’s heel). As a result, there was a high risk that the twins would end up sticking together and developing as conjoined twins. In order to counter that possibility, G-d mi- raculously arranged for the twins to restlessly “run around” inside their mother’s womb (Gen. 25:22) in order that the two fetuses not stick together. -
The ABC of Ecology "This Is the Thing That Hashem Has Commanded: 'Gather from It, for Every Man According to What He Eats - an Omer Per Person - According to The
SHABBAT PARSHAT BESHALACH 13 SHVAT 5780 FEBRUARY 8, 2020 VOL. 27 NO. 14 PARSHA INSIGHTS by Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair The ABC of Ecology "This is the thing that Hashem has commanded: 'Gather from it, for every man according to what he eats - an omer per person - according to the number of your people, everyone according to whoever is in his tent shall you take.'" (16:16) he world gets smaller every day. One of the fears With that same aleph-beit that G-d created the world, He T of living in a global village is that the village creates a sufficiency for every living thing. G-d created store is going to run out of food. Will we wake this world with a plan. Man is the centerpiece of this up one day and find our planet can no longer support plan. Just as He created the ABC of Creation, He has its population? For years, science fiction has dwelled on made sure that His plan will be fulfilled, right down to highly imaginative schemes to "farm" the solar system. XY and Z. Every creature will receive its needs. We Here's the good news. You can relax and stop planning don't have to worry that there won't be enough for your trip to Andromeda. It isn't going to happen. everyone to eat. We don't have to worry that the world Although waste is certainly wrong, there is no need to will become overpopulated. With that same "whole worry about the nourishing bounty in our world. -
Is There Life After Life? Superfetation in Medical, Historical and Rabbinic Literature1
Is There Life After Life? Superfetation in Medical, Historical and Rabbinic Literature1 Rabbi Edward Reichman, MD Case Report On January 18, 2008 a unique medical case was reported in the British newspaper, the Daily Mail. Two babies were carried in the same womb, born only one minute apart, yet Thomas and Harriet Mullineux are not twins. They were conceived three weeks apart thanks to an extraordinary twist of nature. Their mother Charlotte had been pregnant with twins when at seven weeks she miscarried one of them. But two weeks later, she discovered, after undergoing a follow-up ultrasound, that she was carrying another fetus - con- ceived separately and still growing in her womb. The surviving twin and the new baby were born in May of 2007. This case, which may represent an extraordinarily rare, and not well documented, phenomenon, is the substance of this brief essay. We shall address the medical, historical and halakhic aspects of this case. Superfetation in Historical and Medical Literature The process whereby a woman becomes pregnant and then sub- sequently conceives again during another ovulatory cycle is called 1 A version of this article appeared in Shalom Rav (self-publication, 2008), a tribute volume to Rabbi Shalom Rosner formerly of Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok (Woodmere, NY) upon his aliyah to Eretz Yisrael. Rabbi Edward Reichman, M.D. is Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Associate Professor of Clinical Epidemiology & Population Health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. 39 Wiesen.indb 39 4/28/09 4:09:21 PM 40 And You Shall Surely Heal superfetation. -
Introduction to the History of Jewish Literature
PREMIUMPREMIUM TORAHTORAH COLLEGECOLLEGE PROGRAMSPROGRAMSTaTa l l Introduction to the History of Jewish Literature February 2019 Introduction to the History of Jewish Literature An Overview of Key Works in Jewish Tradition —Study Guide— The objective of the elementary Jewish Literature examination is that you acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the classic works in Jewish tradition, from the giving of the Torah until recent history. You will learn fundamental information about these works such as who wrote them and what subject matter they cover. The following areas are included: 1. The Written Torah — theChumash , the Prophets (the Nevi’im Rishonim and Acharonim), and the Sacred Writings (the Kesuvim) 2. The Oral Torah — the Mishnah, Gemara, and Midrash 3. The writings of the Geonim, Rishonim, and Achronim The elementary Jewish Literature examination is based on information from three texts. a. The Foundation of Judaism by Rabbi Akiva Aaronson (2000), second edition, published by Targum Press, Inc. [ISBN 1-56871-108-5]. b. The Living Nach — Early Prophets, Later Prophets, Sacred Writings [in three volumes] (1994-1998), published by Moznaim Publishing Corporation, [ISBN 0-940118-29-7, 1-885220-07-3, 1-885220-22-7]. c. Judaica Books of the Prophets (1976-1985) [in 15 volumes], published by The Judaica Press Inc. This Study Guide is the property of TAL and MUST be returned after you take the exam. Failure to do so is an aveirah of gezel. JewishLiteratureSP v02.indd © 2019 by Torah Accreditation Liaison. All Rights Reserved. Introduction to the History of Jewish Literature The examination contains two sections: I. Multiple Choice 60 compulsory multiple choice questions II. -
Rabbi Shmuel Chaim Katz Zt”L: the Daily Song of Miracles
• NITZACHONניצחון Adas Torah Journal of Torah Ideas Dedicated in memory of Saeed Manoucheri יצחק בן אברהם זצ"ל VOLUMEVOLUME 5:2 5:2 • SPRING-SUMMER• SPRING-SUMMER 5778 5778 • •LOS LOS ANGELES ANGELES Nitzachon Adas Torah Journal of Torah Ideas Volume 5:2 Spring-Summer 5778 Adas Torah 9040 West Pico Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035 www.adastorah.org [email protected] (310) 228-0963 Rabbi Dovid Revah, Rav and Mara D’Asra Alan Rich, President Nitzachon Editorial Team Michael Kleinman, General Editor Yaakov Siegel, General Editor Yaakov Rich, General Editor Rob Shur, Design and Layout www.rbscreative.com VOLUME 5:2 • SPRING-SUMMER 5778 ראש וראשון Rabbi Dovid Revah: Why Shavuos is All About You ..................................................................................... p. 15 Rabbi Jason Weiner: Guest Contributor Is One Permitted to Daven in the Chapel at Cedars-Sinai? ..................................................................................... p. 19 שפתי ישנים Rabbi Shmuel Chaim Katz zt”l: The Daily Song Of Miracles ..................................................................................... p. 29 PESACH Rabbi Yaakov Siegel: Does the Ramban Really Believe There’s No Such Thing As Nature? ..................................................................................... p. 33 Michael Felsenthal: Sh’foch Chamascha: To Say, Or Not to Say? ..................................................................................... p. 49 Dr. Izzy Korobkin: Hallel: A Shira Of Sorts .................................................................................... -
THE WINGS of the SUN Sources and Further Reading
THE WINGS OF THE SUN Traditional Jewish Healing in Theory and Practice By Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum Sources and Further Reading Advice translated by Avraham Greenbaum, Breslov Research Institute. The classic compendium of Rebbe Nachman's teachings, arranged by subject. Aleph-Bet Book by Rebbe Nachman, translated by Moshe Mykoff. Rebbe Nachman's collected epigrams containing distilled Torah wisdom on all areas of life. Alim Literufah Collected letters of Reb Noson of Breslov, translated as Eternally Yours Vols. 1-3, by Yaakov Gabel, Breslov Research Institute. Anatomy of the Soul by Rabbi Chaim Kramer, Breslov Research Institute 1995. Study of the spiritual significance of the various body parts and organs. Ari, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria (1534-1572) Leader of the Safed school of Kabbalah and perhaps the greatest of all post-talmudic kabbalists. Avanehah Barzel A miscellany of anecdotes, stories and teachings of Rebbe Nachman collected by Rabbi Shmuel Horowitz (1903-1973). Avi Ezer by Rabbi Shlomo HaKohen of Lissa. Supercommentary on the Bible commentary of Rabbi Avraham Ibn Ezra. Ayeh? translated by Avraham Greenbaum. Rebbe Nachman's teaching on "Ayeh? Where is the place of His glory?" showing how to find hope in even the darkest, most desperate situations and to turn them to our own advantage. Azamra -- I will sing translated by Avraham Greenbaum, Breslov Research Institute. Rebbe Nachman's teaching on searching for the good points, together with selected explanatory material. Bender, Rabbi Levy Yitzchak (1897-1989) A prominent Breslov elder, he was a student of Reb Avraham Chazan (q.v.) and resided in Uman for over twenty-five years before settling in Israel in 1949. -
The Question Kidneys' Counsel
The Question of the Kidneys’ Counsel Natan Slifkin Copyright © 2010 by Natan Slifkin Version 1.3 http://www.ZooTorah.com http://www.RationalistJudaism.com This monograph is adapted from an essay that was written as part of the course requirements for a Master’s degree in Jewish Studies at the Lander Institute (Jerusalem). This document may be purchased at www.rationalistjudaism.com Other monographs available in this series: The Evolution of the Olive Shiluach HaKein: The Transformation of a Mitzvah The Sun’s Path at Night Messianic Wonders and Skeptical Rationalists Sod Hashem Liyreyav: The Expansion of a Useful Concept 2 The Question of the Kidneys’ Counsel Introduction The kidneys (kelayot) are mentioned in Scripture in two contexts. On several occasions they are listed amongst the organs of an animal that are offered on the altar.1 But on over a dozen other occasions they are described as organs with functions relating to cognition (which itself may be the reason why they play a role in sacrificial rites, due to the animals’ kidneys representing the parallel organ in man2); specifically, functioning as the mind, conscience, or the source of counsel/ free will: You are present in their mouths, but far from their kidneys. (Jer. 12:2) I bless God, Who has counseled me; my kidneys admonish me at night. (Ps. 16:7) On several occasions, the kidneys are mentioned in this context together with the heart: God of Hosts, just Judge, Who examines the kidneys and heart... (Jer. 11:20) I, God, probe the heart, and examine the kidneys, and repay each man according to his ways, with the fruit of his deeds. -
The Rabbi's Study
MAY/JUNE 2021 Hadashot The Newsletter of Congregation B’nai Shalom IYYAR-TAMUZ 5781 VOLUME 78, ISSUE 3 Welcome to Congregation B’nai Shalom, a Conservative synagogue offering a warm, Inside This Issue supportive, dynamic community joined together by prayer, learning and celebration! The Rabbi’s Study ................ pages 1-3 Directory ....................................... page 2 President’s Pen ........................... page 3 THE RABBI’S STUDY by Rabbi Daniel Stein Education ................................pages 4-6 Congregation News ..................pages 7 Among the more well-known the most important early modern Jewish customs is the consumption code of Jewish law, lists several of B’nai Mitzvah ..............................page 8 of eating dairy on Shavuot. Most the rituals that have come to define Tikun Olam ................................... page 9 Jewish customs have their origins in the holiday: the Bible. Shavuot is unique. While Women of the Torah views it as the spring It is customary to fill synagogues and B’nai Shalom .............................page 10 harvest festival, when the Israelites homes with greens in order to recall Men’s Club ...................................page 11 would bring their first fruits to the the joy of receiving the Torah. It is also temple in Jerusalem, the Talmud customary to eat dairy foods on the Contra Costa Midrasha ..........page 12 gives an entirely different rationale first day of the holiday. It appears to Tzedakah .............................pages 13-15 for its celebration. It is the literature me that the reason for this practice is of the rabbis that sees Shavuot as to recall the two sacrifices that were Schedule of Services ..........back page the time when Torah was revealed.