ב"ה

ח' אב תשפ"א ISSUE 1428 JULY 17TH '21 פרשת דברים PARSHAT DEVARIM - SHABBAT CHAZON

Geulas Yisrael: Don’t Forget to Smile on Tisha B’Av Moshe Taragin Ram, Yeshivat Har Etzion page 36 Special: Tisha B'Av Guidelines See page 59

NEW! OU PARENTING COLUMN Helping Your Child With Boredom איכה אשא לבדי Over Summer Break טרחכם ומשאכם וריבכם Rabbi Dr. Ethan Eisen דברים א', פסוק י"ב page 56

YERUSHALAYIM IN/OUT TIMES FOR SHABBAT PARSHAT DEVARIM Candles 7:10PM • Earliest 6:17PM • Havdala 8:26PM • Rabbeinu Tam 9:02PM

OU ISRAEL 02-560-9100 | TorahTidbits.com | ADVERTISING 02- 560-9125 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dear Tidbits Family Simchat Shmuel 04Rabbi Avi Berman 38Rabbi Sam Shor Aliya By Aliya Sedra Summary Great Expectations! 06Rabbi Reuven Tradburks 40Menachem Persoff The Path to Eloquence Benefit from Sefichin Part 2 12Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb 42Rabbi Ezra Friedman The Leader as Teacher The Y- Files 16Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt"l 46Weekly Comic for Kids Probing The Prophets A Portrait of Moshe Rabbeinu 20Rabbi Nachman Winkler 48Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider A Sneak Peek Into the Future Learning in a Cemetery 22Rabbi Shalom Rosner 52Rabbi Daniel Mann בּ ָ רֵ ךְ עָלֵינוּ Valuable Vision 24Rebbetzin Shira Smiles 54Rebbetzin Zemira Ozarowski Ker a Velt! Helping Your Child With Boredom 26Rabbi Judah Mischel 56Rabbi Dr. Ethan Eisen OU Israel Tisha B'av That Falls On Motzei Shabbat 32Schedule 59Rabbi Shai Finkelstein Don’t Forget to Smile on Tisha B'Av Torah 4 Teens By Teens, NCSY Israel 36Rabbi Moshe Taragin 62Rabbi Michael Kahn

FAST OF TISHA B'AV TIMES: Fast of Tisha B'Av begins () with sunset at 7:49 pm. It is advisable to stop eating a few minutes before sunset. Fast ends Sunday night at 8:14 pm

KIDDUSH LEVANA 7 Days After Molad 10 Av/ Sun. night July 18 Last Opportunity to Say Kiddush Levana Until.. 14 Av, Thurs. July 22, All night

ב"ה

ISSUE 1427 JULY 10 א' אב תשפ"א TH '21 פרשת מטות - מסעי PARSHAT MATOT - ROSH CHODESH

Last week's Torah Tidbits issue had certain complications in the PIRKEI AVOT 2

SPECIAL ARTICLE: Preparing for printing house. We offer our apologies if your copy was cut off or if Motzei Shabbat Tisha Be'Av Rabbi Daniel Mann Dayan, Eretz Hemdah you were not able to obtain a copy last Shabbat. page 50 והורשתם את־ הארץ וישבתם־בה The Excitement Continues To Build כי לכם נתתי את־ Around Our New Weekly Comic! הארץ לרשת אתה Thank you for your understanding. Check out this week's במדבר פרק ל"ג, פסוק נ"ג adventure! page 46

YERUSHALAYIM IN/OUT TIMES FOR SHABBAT PARSHAT Candles PM • Earliest 6:19 MATOT - MASEI 7:12 PM • Havdala 8:29PM • Rabbeinu Tam OU ISRAEL 02-560-9100 | 9:05PM TorahTidbits.com | ADVERTISING 02- 560-9125 2 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 CANDLE LIGHTING OTHER AND HAVDALA TIMES Z'MANIM JERUSALEM

CANDLES EARLIEST DEVARIM HAVDALA VA'ETCHANAN Ranges 11 days Wed.- Shabbat Candles Earliest Havdala 6:17 Yerushalayim / Maale Adumim July 14-24 / 5 - 15 Av 7:10 8:26 6:157:06 8:22 7:27 6:20 Aza area (Netivot, S’derot, Et al) 8:28 7:23 6:17 8:24 Earliest Tallit and Tefillin 4:45 - 4:52 7:28 6:18 Beit Shemesh / RBS 8:27 7:25 6:16 8:23 Sunrise 5:44 - 5:50 Sof Zman Kriat Shema 9:14 - 9:17 7:25 6:18 Gush Etzion 8:26 7:21 6:15 8:22 Magen Avraham 8:31 - 8:35 7:27 6:20 Raanana/ Tel Mond/ Herzliya/ K. Saba 8:29 7:24 6:17 8:25 Sof Zman Tefila 10:24 - 10:27 6:19 Modi’in / Chashmona’im 7:22 6:16 8:23 (According to the Gra and Baal HaTanya) 7:26 8:28 Chatzot (Halachic Noon) 12:44 - 12:45 6:20 Netanya 7:24 6:17 8:25 7:27 8:29 Mincha Gedola (Earliest Mincha) 1:20 7:25 6:18 Be’er Sheva 8:27 7:22 6:16 8:22 Plag Mincha 6:18 - 6:14 7:27 6:20 Rehovot 8:28 7:23 6:17 8:24 Sunset (Including Elevation) 7:51 - 7:46 7:10 6:20 Petach Tikva 8:29 6:177:06 8:24 Seymour J. Abrams • Orthodox 7:26 6:19 Ginot Shomron 8:28 7:23 6:16 8:24 Union Jerusalem World Cen- ter • Avrom Silver Jerusalem 7:18 6:21 Haifa / Zichron 8:30 7:15 8:266:18 College for Adults • Wolinetz 6:18 Gush Shiloh 7:22 6:15 8:23 Family Shul • Makom BaLev • 7:25 8:27 Birthright • Yachad • NCSY 6:20 Tel Aviv / Giv’at Shmuel 7:24 6:17 8:25 in Israel • JLIC in Israel • Pearl 7:27 8:29 & Harold M. Jacobs ZULA Out- 6:18 Giv’at Ze’ev 7:22 6:15 8:23 reach Center • The Jack Gindi Oraita Program • OU 7:25 8:27 Israel Kashrut 7:25 6:18 Chevron / Kiryat Arba 8:26 7:21 6:15 8:22 ZVI SAND, PRESIDENT, OU ISRAEL 7:27 6:20 Ashkelon 8:29 7:24 6:17 8:24 Yitzchak Fund, Former President, OU Israel Rabbi Emanuel Quint z”l, Senior Vice President | Prof. 7:26 6:19 Yad Binyamin 8:28 7:23 6:17 8:24 Meni Koslowsky, Vice President 7:22 6:19 Tzfat / Bik’at HaYarden 8:29 7:18 6:16 8:24 VAAD MEMBERS: Dr. Michael Elman | Stuart Hershkowitz | Moshe 7:25 6:18 Golan 8:28 7:22 6:15 8:23 Kempinski | Sandy Kestenbaum | Harvey Wolinetz Rabbeinu Tam (J'lem) - 9:02 PM • next week - 8:59pm RABBI AVI BERMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OU ISRAEL David Katz, CFO, OU Israel | Chaim Pelzner, Director TImes According to MyZmanim (20 min. before sundown in most cities, of Programs, OU Israel | Rabbi Sam Shor, Director 40 min. in Yerushalyim and Petach Tikva, 30 min. in Tzfat/Haifa) of Programs, OU Israel Center Rabbi Sholom Gold, Dean, Avrom Silver Jerusalem College for Adults 22 Keren HaYesod <> POB 37015 <> Jerusalem 91370 OU Kashrut  NCSY  Jewish Action JLIC NJCD / Yachad / Our Way  OU West Coast phone: (02) 560 9100 | fax: (02) 566-0156  OU Press  Synagogue/Community Services  OU Advocacy  OU Israel email: [email protected] MOISHE BANE, PRESIDENT OF THE ORTHODOX UNION Mitchel Aeder, Chairman website: www.ouisrael.org of the Board, Orthodox Union | Esther Williams, OU Israel Chair | Gary Torgow, Chair, Founders and initial benefactors of the OU Israel OU Kashrus Commission Center: George and Ilse Falk a"h RABBI MOSHE HAUER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Rabbi Joshua M. Joseph, Ed.D. Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer | Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Exec. V.P. Emeritus | Shlomo Schwartz, Chief Finan- cial Officer | Lenny Bessler, Chief Human Resources Officer | Rabbi Dave Felsenthal, Chief Innovation Officer Torah Tidbits and many of the OU KOSHER: Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO/Rabbinic Administrator OU Kosher | Rabbi Moshe Elefant, COO/ projects of OU Israel are assisted Executive Rabbinic Coordinator ISRAEL: Rabbi Yissachar Dov Krakowski, Rabbinic Administrator | Rabbi Ezra by grants from THE JERUSALEM Friedman, The Gustave & Carol Jacobs Center for Kashrut Education/Rabbinic Field Representative MUNICIPALITY Headquarters: 11 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 212-563-4000  website: www.ou.org

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 3 DEAR TORAH TIDBITS FAMILY RABBI AVI BERMAN Executive Director, OU Israel

Tekasim (ceremonies) are to fight for our basic existence for thou- a big part of Israeli culture. sands of years. Unfortunately, today is no We have both national as different. We still have many enemies that well as communal tekasim are trying to annihilate the Jewish people for Yom HaShoah and Yom in the Jewish state. HaZikaron. We also have multiple teka‑ As we say every Pesach during the Seder sim for IDF soldiers marking the various, “B’Chol Dor V’Dor Omdim Aleinu L’Chalo- well-deserved stages in their IDF service. teinu” (in every generation there are those My first son to enlist joined the IDF a year that arise to destroy us), and the end of the ago. Due to Covid, last week was his first verse “V’Hakadosh Baruch Hu Matzeileinu tekes (ceremony) that families and guests Miyadam” (and G-d saves us from their were able to join. hands). The enemy that tries to destroy the As you can imagine, I was incredibly Jewish people manifests itself differently in proud, touched and excited for this tekes. every generation. Initially I thought this excitement was In this generation, we are blessed that attributed to my first time attending a Hashem has given us the opportunity tekes for my son. Yet, in speaking to many to defend ourselves with one of the best other guests attending the tekes, I realized defense forces in the world. The IDF is that there was extreme excitement from composed of young, passionate soldiers everyone in attendance, including those dedicated to doing everything possible to who were there for their youngest child keep us safe. We share in their excitement and grandparents. It seemed that the level when they reach their momentous tekasim, of excitement was not diminished even and we pray for their safety and wellbeing. for those that had been to similar tekasim many times. One could think, “If only we had the IDF in the time of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), we What is it that makes these moments so would have been able to defend ourselves special? And why is that thousands are and not have lost the Batei Mikdash.” But, willing to sit in the baking sun (there was we have a Gemara which explains the rea- no shade) for 3 hours. I gave this much sons for their destruction. We know that it thought, and truth be told the fact that the was a punishment from Hashem as a result ceremony took place during the 3 Weeks of our actions. The Gemara explains that made it easier for me to understand the the Beit HaMikdash was destroyed because excitement. We are a nation that has had of baseless hatred; we did not respect one

4 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 another, we spoke too much lashon hara, think that we can start moving in the right and there was too much mockery. direction.

As we get closer to Tisha B’Av the level of As many rabbonim discuss this time of minhagei aveilut (customs of mourning) year, we can take upon ourselves certain intensifies and the strength of our prayers hours a day not to talk negatively, we can for Mashiach and the Beit HaMikdash get start learning the Chofetz Chaim’s Shem- stronger. We unfortunately lost both of our irat HaLashon, and we can share the idea Batei Mikdash on Tisha B’Av. Our sages to take upon ourselves extra care not to teach us that every generation in which the speak badly about others. Since our Father Beit HaMikdash is not built, it is as if it was in Heaven loves us dearly, I am hopeful that destroyed in that generation. He will see these small steps we are taking, listen to our prayers, and bless us with a While I know that Torah Tidbits is a very Tisha B’Av full of festivity and celebration powerful Torah education tool and that in the Beit HaMikdash. people read Torah Tidbits religiously and try to internalize its positive messages, I don’t think that any of us, including myself, can go from wherever we are to zero lashon Avi, hara, utmost respect for others, and zero Executive Director, OU Israel mockery within one minute. However, I do [email protected]

OU ISRAEL CENTER 5 Moshe does not review the entire Torah. KI TEITZEI He relates only some stories, reviewing DEVARIM with the people some of what has occurred earlier in the Torah. But he leaves out much more than he reviews. He does not ALIYA-BY-ALIYA mention any of the book of Breishit. Nor SEDRA SUMMARY any of the story in Egypt; nothing of the slavery. Or the plagues. Or the splitting of Rabbi Reuven the Sea. Or of the instructions for the Mish- Tradburks kan. Or most of the book of Vayikra relat- Director of ing to Tuma and Tahara and Offerings. So RCA Israel Region the review is not of the Torah; the review is of some, selected stories and laws of the The book of Devarim is Moshe’s soliloquy Torah. in the last weeks of his life. A rather long soliloquy, the better part of 28 chapters. We are compelled to ask why Moshe chose He has a lot to say. these stories as we encounter them; and not others. And the order is not at all as they He will not enter the Land of Israel. The occurred; he changes the order. What’s he Jewish people will. He has transferred getting at? What’s driving Moshe? And as leadership successfully: Aharon’s succes- a last point of introduction. The language sor is Elazar, Moshe’s successor is Joshua. of Devarim is different. It is emotional. We have seen parting words before: Yaa- There is a lot of concern, of worry, of fear. kov in Parshat Vayechi charged his sons. Concern of failure, challenges that will be But not for 28 chapters. Yaakov’s was one unmet, or met with failure. There is love: chapter of 33 verses. The English name love of G-d for us and love of us for Him. for the book is Deuteronomy; the Midrash Lots of zeal and passion; many emphatic calls it Mishneh Torah. Both mean 2 – the forms. Moshe, in this departing speech, is second version of the Torah, or the repe- sharing a lot of himself in a most revela- tition of the Torah. But those names are tory fashion to the people from whom he misleading. is imminently departing.

Keren Malki empowers 1st aliya (Devarim 1:1-10) Moshe families of children with special needs in related the events of the journey, Israel to choose home the 11-day journey from Chorev care. Donations are to Kadesh Barnea. On 1 Shvat, year 40, tax-approved in Israel, US and UK. Moshe related to the people all that G-d Honoring the memory of had instructed him about them. This was after the defeats of Sichon and Og, on the הי”ד Malka Chana Roth kerenmalki.org 1985-2001, killed in the banks of the Jordan. He related: G-d 02-567-0602 Sbarro bombing. instructed us to travel from Sinai and to

6 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 discussing how to continue to operate the take the Land of Israel, the Land promised Zula when the teenagers aren’t always to the forefathers. And I said: these people interestedIItt payspay sin tto ocompiling bbuyuy a pproperty rwithope rcoronaty are now so numerous that I cannot bear guidelines, such as not properly wearing them alone. iinn AAshkelonshke lon – hhere’sere’s wwhy:hy: their masks. Due to Corona, the Zula is REASON #5: SLUBSTANTIALLY OWER- It took 40 years to go on an 11-day jour- operating outside its usual location on PSFPRICED EA- RONT ROPERTIES ney. That is not very good mileage. Moshe Yaffo Street since we cannot be inside. begins his parting words with a descrip- TheTThereh coldere aareinr eYerushalayim ootherther ccitiesities was wwithit frigid,h ssea-ea -and tion of the journey to the Land of Israel. myvview ihandsew pproperties,r remainedoperties, inbbut umyt nnone opocketsne wwithi twhileh a Not with the story of . Not even I shuffledppricerice aass aattractive tmytr abodyctiv eto aastrys A Ashkelon’s!andshk stayelon ’warm.s! with the story of the giving of the Torah. Yet, a few meters in front of me our Zula His emphasis is the journey to the Land. NOW is the time to take advantage and lock down counselorsa great deal wereon your strumming dream vacation their home –guitars The people are about to enter the Land; andand sitting best of all,calmly it’s very as affordable they listened – just 15% to the they are preoccupied with that. Moshe down payment, with mortgages available and bank youthguarantees. unburden Rental income themselves. often in excess They of 3.5%. were meets them where they are, addressing seeingImagine the the wonderfulpotential family in memories these youkids can and create in your very own Holiday home. their immediate concerns. He’ll get to watering them with acceptance and love speaking about Sinai and about religious because they know that they will be the belief and about religious challenges. But futureLIVE blossoming OPPOSITE leaders THEof the SEAJewish right now, let’s connect with the issue at people. 0544-332621 36 DAY hand: entering the Land. davidz@A shkelonProperties.com

2nd aliya (1:11-21) Let’s choose wise people to lead you. You DECLUTTER CHALLENGE agreed that this was a good idea. Avi Join the 36 day challenge for $1 a Wise leaders were appointed over thou- Executive Director, OU Israel sands, hundreds, tens and officers of day + 7 bonus days to get ready enforcement as well. I charged the judges Save a Life - Gain yours for Pesach. Daily challenge email, video, how tos, & support group. saying: listen and rule fairly without bias. 1 of 78,424 I commanded you in all the things you are Finally declutter AND get organized!! to do. We traveled the desert to the Mount EFRAT www.efrat.org.il of the Emori, Kadesh Barnea. There I said: 02-5454500 JOIN TODAY! let’s go without fear and take the Land. www.balaganbegone.com/36 It is curious that the first story Moshe feels a Hotline option avaliable need to review is the appointing of the var- ious upper court and lower court judges. STARTS After all, it doesn’t seem to have anything FEB 14, 2021 to do with the march to the Land. In fact, there are other stories that do occur as part רפואה שלמה of the march, like the complaints for water יהודה מאיר בן יקירה that are simply skipped. Why mention the

OU ISRAEL CENTER 7 OU ISRAEL CENTER 5 appointment of judges? Perhaps Moshe is one. The differences in how Moshe relates addressing the unspoken concern of the this famous story of the spies and how the people; how in the world are we going to Torah itself described it is rich material for manage without the leadership of Moshe? discussion. One of numerous differences We will not prevail in the battles without is the role of the spies in this account: him. Moshe, subtlety tempers his indis- it’s missing. Little is said of the spies. In pensability. I can’t do it all. I couldn’t do it Bamidbar it sounds like their bad report all then; I needed help from the beginning. started a cascade of fear. Here, Moshe And now too. I am dispensable. places the guilt on the people: based on the report of the spies, but clearly at the feet of 3rd aliya (1:22-38) You the people. Perhaps Moshe is deliberately approached me to send spies to shifting emphasis from leaders to follow- scout out the Land. I thought that ers. You need good leaders: but you also was a good idea, choosing the leaders of need to be good followers. Blame for all the tribes for the task. They toured and national failures cannot be laid at the feet returned with fruits of the land exclaim- of the leaders. The people need to also bear ing: The Land G-d is giving us is good. But full responsibility for their decisions. And you refused to go and rebelled against G-d here the decision of the people was to rebel saying: these have damaged our resolve against G-d. telling us of the large people and the forti- fied cities. I insisted that G-d will fight the 4th aliya (1:39-2:1) Upon hearing battle as He has done until now. But you that you would not enter the did not trust in G-d Who has been guiding Land, you regretted your sin. you by cloud and fire. You were told that You said: let us go to the Land. But you all who do not believe they can enter the were warned that G-d would not be with Land, will not enter the Land. And I too you in this and the Emori chased you away was told I would not enter; Yehoshua will like bees to the region of Seir. We dwelt in lead the people into the Land. Kadesh and Har Seir for a long time.

Moshe is creating a bond with the people: A foundational principle in the Jewish I asked you for judges and you thought national journey is to follow our G-d. Man my idea was a good one. You asked me for has plenty to do when the Divine instruc- spies and I thought your idea was a good tion is absent. But when He tells us not to go to the Land, we will not prevail. לע"נ May the learning from this issue of TT be 5th aliya (2:2-30) It was time to ע"ה Rose Edith Cohen -travel northward. Do not con איטה רייזל בת גנשא ואריה לייב הכהן ע"ה front the descendants of your י"ג מנחם אב ,on her 13th yahrzeit Missed very much by her daughters, brother Esav who dwell in Seir. Circle their Janica Weinreb, Barbara Yasgur and land; pay for the food and water that you Benay Devora Cohen Nesher and families need from them. In addition, do not

8 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 but you could possibly do them. For when confront Moav for it is the rightful posses- it comes to communications from G-d, you sion of the descendants of Lot. Past the are unique, irreplaceable, sui generis, one “It sounded too good land of Moav is Amon; do not confront of a kind. Amon for it too is the rightful possession of to be true – a superb sea-view Thisthe descendantsexchange presents of Lot. The a regionfundamental north of apartment in Anglo-populated principlethe Arnon of isthe the Torah: land of that Sichon G-d andspeaks Og; Ashkelon for only 15% down tothose Moshe lands in Ia have way given that toHe you. does I offered not, nor to – is actually a reality.” willSichon He into thepass future through ever his do land, again but with he anyonerefused; else. G-d When made Moshe him stubborn says that peopleso that said another happy client comewe could to him take seeking his land. G-d, what he means Owning your own apartment does not just allow is: I have access to G-d. He speaks to me. The Jewish people are not alone in the you freedom, but offers monetary savings, and (Speaking to G-d isn’t the trick; the trick is an increase in your investment value. world. We have relatives. And we are to Anglo-populated, sunny Ashkelon is the answer! when He answers back.) Similarly, when give regard to those relatives. Yaakov’s It’s very affordable – from $500,000 with just a 15% Moshe says that he teaches G-d’s law, what downTrue payment, wholesaler mortgages from available the diamondas well as bank brother Esav settled in Seir. He deserves guarantees.boursa with Rental over income 25 often years in experienceexcess of 3.5%. he means is that G-d communicates those brotherly deference and hence, leave him member diamond dealers club lawsalone. to himMoav and and to Amonno one are else. nations from LIVEEngagement OPPOSITE Rings ∙ Stud THE Earrings SEA ThisLot, couldAvraham’s very wellnephew. be the Leave prime them purpose alone Pendants ∙ Tennis Bracelets 0544-332621 ofas this well; Yitro they story.are your For, relatives. in the very Brothers, next davidz@A 050-573-9061 shkelonProperties.com [email protected] story,even whenthe giving pursuing of theentirely Torah, different the very leg- www.JeffMorDiamondJewelry.com sameacies themeremain of brothers Moshe’s nonetheless. uniqueness as the one to whom6th aliyaG-d speaks (2:31-3:14) is central. G-d told us to 3takerd aliya the (18:24-27) lands of Sichon Moshe in heard. war. HeThe chose lands judges,were conquered with only up the to the Gilad. Og confronted us in the region MarSea Modest Swim & Casualwear Marci Rapp most difficult cases brought to www.MarSeaModest.net (NIS) 050-424-8359 him.toward Moshe the sentBashan Yitro and home. he too was con- www.MarSeaModest.com ($USD) quered. Their lands were given to Reuven, ItGad takes and halfan thehonest tribe ofleader Menashe. to accept suggestions to improve. Moshe displays his These confrontations with Sichon and Og honesty and humility – if the suggestion is are the last stories in the book of Bamid- good, embrace it. Just as Yitro accepted the bar, not too long ago. Moshe relates these news of the Exodus and affirmed One G-d, THE BEST DESIGN, ENGINEERINGertise stories right at the beginning of his long MEMAND INSTALLATION IR OFE xAIRp so too, Moshe admits he could improve his SYSTEMS. e! speech, even though if he were reviewing CONDITIONING Pric system. Two men of honesty and humility. MAVENS & our history chronologically they would JUST ASK ANY OF OUR THOUSANDSBeautifully designedOF HAPPY books CLIENTS. have to wait4th aliya 25 chapters. (19:1-6) He The does people so to Including: 3 hours of interviews, edited texts, begin hiscamped long speech in the Sinaiwith desertsuccess oppo and- design & production, 76 pages with black & with encouragement.site the mountain. He will want Moshe to warn as- white photos and full color, soft covered cover 50 books – only NIS 9,950 plus VAT cendedthe people, the chastisemountain. them, G-d tell told them him: of their tell JLEM 02-628-8282 I TLV 03-720-8000 thefuture people. failures: If you but will that listen can to all Me, wait. keep Start My [email protected] Moshe: 050-565-6613tzviair.com • Benjie: 050-699-3226

OU ISRAEL CENTER 97 positive. HAFTORAH 7th aliya (3:15-22) The Lands on YESHAYAHU 1:1-27 the east of the Jordan including the Gilad and the Lands from the This week’s haftorah is the third of a series Kineret to the Dead Sea were settled by of three “haftarot of affliction.” Yeshayahu Reuven and Gad and half of Menashe. I conveys to the Jewish people of a G‑dly instructed these tribes to join the battle for vision he experienced, chastising the res- the Land of Israel and then to return to idents of Judah and Jerusalem for having their Lands. rebelled against G‑d. He criticized them for repeating their errors and not engag- This is a very large patch of Land: on the ing in teshuva. “Woe to a sinful nation, a east side of the Jordan from the Dead Sea people heavy with iniquity, evildoing seed, all the way up to the Hermon has been con- corrupt children. They forsook G‑d; they quered and will be settled by the Jewish provoked the Holy One of Israel.” The navi people. These early victories and Moshe’s employs harsh words by comparing the repetition of their stories allows Moshe to Jewish leaders to the rulers of Sodom and begin his long directives to the people on a Gomorrah. high note, an optimistic one. You can and you will take the Land. Yeshayahu then speaks gentler words,

BY RABBI CHANOCH YERES A SHORT VORT Rav, Beit Knesset Beit Yisrael, Yemin Moshe

This Motzei Shabbat we will be sitting on the floor, wearing our non-leather footwear and chanting Megillat Eicha. In the second Pasuk it is written “Bacho Tivke BaLayla, V’Dimata al Lechaya.” –”She weeps sore in the night, and her tears on her cheek.” Why does the text stress that the tears are on her cheek? Is it not obvious? Where else would tears be found? What is Jeremiah telling us? Perhaps the meaning is that the tears are still found on her cheek, even now, never wiped away and never dried. As Rashi points out “Because she is always crying.” Other nations celebrate their victories but do not commemorate their sad days. We as a people never let our tears dry. Even at a wedding we recite the words “If I Forget thee O Yerushalayim, let my right hand forget its skills.” (Tehillim 137) Now we can understand the words “Al Naharot Bavel, Sham Yashavnu Gam Bachinu” “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept.” Even though we dwelt in Babylon as citizens enjoying peace and tranquility, there we still wept for Zion. Gemara Taanit 30b states: “Everyone who mourns for Yerushalayim, merits to share in her joy.” Perhaps this is the message of Jeremiah in Megillat Eicha, to never dryMazel our tears Tov and tolet them stay on our cheeks over the loss of Zion so we may merit seeing its rebuilding in our days. Shabbat Shalom Dr. Robin Zeiger & Dr. Jonathan BenEzra on the marriage of their son Mazal Tov to Mazal tov to Sharon & Israel Katz and family Herbie & Debby Dan and family on the birth of a grandson, on the birth of a grandson son of Bati & Bezalel Koplon and Happy B-Day, Herbie!

10 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 encouraging the people to repent sincerely and to perform acts of justice and chesed Eiferman Properties Ltd. BY MENACHEM PERSOFF towards the needy, orphans and widows, JERUSALEM SALES Special Projects Consultant, OU Israel Center SHAAREI CHESED Townhouses prices from $3,250,000! and promising them the best of the Land [email protected] RECHAVIA / SHAAREI CHESED 2 brdms. 76 sqm, 2nd in return for their obedience. “If your sins oor, elevator, large succah balcony, renovate to your taste! prove to be like crimson, they will become RECHAVIA (Ben Maimon) Lovely renovated 2 bdrms., low oor, surrounded by greenery! Perfectly located! white as snow; if they prove to be as red as TALBIEH Spacious 3 bedrooms, 105 sqm, 1st oor, crimson dye, they shall become as wool.” Shabbat elevator, NIS 2,590,000!! The haftorah concludes with an uplifting OLD KATAMON 135 sqm duplex, private external elevator, succah! promise that G‑d will one day reestablish GERMAN COLONY Existing building with permit to Israel’s judges and leaders, when “Zion build 250 sqm on a huge lot! shall be redeemed through justice and her CITY CENTER 4 Bdrms, renovated, elevator, balconies HOLYLAND / RAMAT SHARET / BAYIT V'GAN penitents through righteousness.” Cottage 235 sqm, 9 rooms, large succah, view, parking ! HAR NOF * No steps! Spacious 3 bdrms., storage room, The first word of the haftorah is “Chazon” permit to enlarge succah facing the view! (“The vision [of Isaiah]”). The Shabbat * 127 sqm duplex, private entrance + garden! building permits, lots of potential! when this haftorah is read, the Shabbat * Unique Villa - 330 sqm with options! view! before Tisha b’Av, is thus called “Shabbat KIRYAT MOSHE New 90 sqm duplex, 4 rooms including MB ensuite, succah, 4th oor, immediate Chazon,” the “Shabbat of the Vision.” 02-651-4030 www.eifermanrealty.com STATS

44th of the 54 sedras; first of 11 in D’varim “TzviAir is a pleasure to Written on 196.5 lines (rank: 26th) 5 parshiyot; 1 open, 4 closed work with and did an 105 p’sukim - ranks 32, 6th in D’varim tied with Chayei Sara, but larger amazing job!” 1548 words - ranks 26th, 6th in D’varim 5972 letters - ranks 24, 5th in D’varim tied with Vayei- – Jamie Geller, Celebrity Chef shev, but smaller Jump in rankings from p’sukim to words & letters due to relatively long p’sukim

MITZVOT

2 mitzvot - both prohibitions One of only three sedras that have only prohibitions (LO TAASEI). Vayishlach and B’shalach are the other two, with one LAV each.

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 11 OU ISRAEL CENTER 55 BY RABBI DR. TZVI HERSH WEINREB THE PERSON OU Executive Vice President, Emeritus IN THE PARSHA

precision to him which resulted from his The Path to carefully measured movements. When he walked, he seemed to be taking each step Eloquence intentionally. When he moved his hands, there was a precision to his movements. t is an experience common to all fresh- The words that came out of his mouth were men. One comes to a new campus, few and deliberate; and his comments, Iknows no one, and tries to orient him- short and to the point. self by identifying the senior students who I remember being impressed by how he seem to have prestige. Then, he tries to sat down before the texts he studied, first connect with these campus big shots. brushing the dust off of his desk and chair, This was my experience precisely when, then opening his book cautiously, and then many years ago, I explored a new yeshiva at taking from his pocket a plastic six-inch a transition point in my life. I was barely 19 ruler. He placed the ruler under the line years old, and I was trying to decide whether of text which was his focus, almost as if he I would pursue an exclusively Talmudic intended to literally measure the words on education or combine my Talmud studies the page. with college courses. I decided to spend I was fascinated by him and began to the spring semester in an elite institution inquire about his background. I soon devoted only to Talmud, and to determine learned that he was the wunderkind of whether this approach suited me. the school. His scholarly achievements I quickly came to learn that the senior impressed everyone. In early adolescence, students were organized in a kind of hier- he had found his studies extremely frus- archy which reflected their respective trating. Had this occurred but a decade or degrees of erudition and their relationship two later, he would probably have been to the world-famous dean of the school. I diagnosed as learning disabled. He was not was somewhat impressed by all of them, as bright as his peers, had great difficulties but one in particular stood out for me. I do in following the give and take of Talmudic not recall his name now, but I can close my passages, and couldn’t handle the bilingual eyes and easily conjure up an image of him. curriculum.

He was about twenty-five years old, of At the suggestion of his high school’s guid- medium height, thin and wiry. He had a ance counselor, he made a trip to Israel to

12 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 study there, something more uncommon in those days. While there, still frustrated, he sought the blessing and counsel of the famous sage, Rabbi Abraham Isaiah Kare- e litz, more commonly known as the Chazon ce is lik a work r fa of Ish. u ar Yo t This great man, then in his waning years, encouraged the young lad to persist in his studies, but to limit the scope of his daily efforts to small, “bite-sized chunks” of text. He concluded the interview with a bless- It deserves a beautiful frame ing, quoting the passage in Psalms which asserts that Torah study can make even a Professional Optometrists Eye exams/ Contact lens ttings dullard wise. Multifocal specialists -- your satisfaction guaranteed I befriended the young man, easily five or six years my senior, and attempted to ARNONA/TALPIOT - enlist him as my study partner. But I soon Beit Hanatziv, Derech Hevron 101A RAMAT ESHKOL Shopping Center (Above Waffle Bar) discovered that his keen intelligence and the broad scope of his knowledge were far too advanced for me. The advice and blessing of the Chazon Ish coupled with the young man’s years of toil and commitment had the desired effect. He may indeed have once been a dullard, but he was one no lon- ger. He was now an intellectual giant.

Although I did not learn much Talmud from this fellow, I did learn a most import- ant life lesson from him. I learned that one can overcome his limitations if he persists in trying to overcome them. I learned that one could undo his natural challenges with a combination of heeding wise counsel, becoming inspired spiritually, and devot- ing himself with diligence and dedication to the task.

It was much later in life when I realized that I could have learned the same important life lesson from this week’s Torah portion,

OU ISRAEL CENTER 13 Parshat Devarim, and from no less a per- are the secrets of his path to eloquence? sonage than our teacher, Moses, himself. These questions are asked in the collec- This week, we begin the entire book of Deu‑ tion of homilies known as the Midrash teronomy. Almost all of this book consists Tanchuma. There, the speak of the of the major address which Moses gave to astounding power of sincere and sustained the Jewish people before he took his final Torah study. They speak too of the effects leave from them. “These are the words that of years of practice. And they emphasize Moses addressed to all of Israel...” (Deuter‑ the healing which comes about from a con- onomy 1:1). nection with the One Above. The rabbis of Although it is now the long, hot summer, all the Midrash Tanchuma could have cited readers of this verse remember that cold, the Lord’s own response to Moses’ initial wintry Sabbath day just six months ago complaint: “Who gives a man speech? Who when we first encountered Moses, back in makes him dumb or deaf, seeing or blind? the Torah portion of Shemot. We then read Is it not I, the Lord?” of how Moses addressed the Almighty and But those rabbis chose another proof text expressed his inability to accept the divine entirely to illustrate that man, with God’s mission. He said: “Please, O Lord, I have help, can overcome his handicaps and chal- never been a man of words, either in times lenges. They quote instead that beautiful past or now that You have spoken to Your passage in the book of Isaiah which reads: servant; I am slow of speech and slow of tongue...” (Exodus 4:10). Moses stammered Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and stuttered and suffered from a genuine And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. speech defect. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, How surprising it is, then, that in this week’s Torah portion, albeit forty years later, he is And the tongue of the dumb shall shout capable of delivering the lengthy and elo- aloud; quent address which we are about to read For waters shall burst forth in the desert, every week for the next several months! How did he overcome his limitations? What Streams in the wilderness. (Isaiah 35:5-6)

We seldom contemplate the development, Rabbi Sprecher, nay transformation, of the man who was You helped guide Moses. But it is important that we do so, our life’s journey Taking us many steps forward Thank you for being our teacher Avraham and Sara Donovan www.translationsandadvocacyforolimhadashim.com

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Sunday, July 18 • 8:00 a.m. Shacharit and Kinnot Explanations at the YU Israel Campus 40 Duvdevani, Jerusalem with Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb Open to all men and women Live webcast available at www.yutorah.org/tishabav

OU ISRAEL CENTER 15 Thoughts on the Weekly Parsha from COVENANT & RABBI LORD JONATHAN SACKS ZT"L Former Chief Rabbi of the CONVERSATION United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth

לעילוי נשמת May the learning of these Divrei Torah be HaRav Ya'akov Zvi ben David Arieh zt"l

delivered the series of addresses we know לעילוי נשמות ,as the or Devarim פנחס בן יעקב אשר וגולדה בת ישראל דוד אייז ע״ה literally “words.” In these addresses, he עזריאל בן אריה לייב ומעניה בת יצחק שרטר ע״ה reviewed the people’s past and foresaw Dedicated by their future. He gave them laws. Some he Dr. Robert Sreter DDS., M.S. had given them before but in a different form. Others were new; he had delayed announcing them until the people were The Leader about to enter the land. Linking all these details of law and history into a single over- as Teacher arching vision, he taught the people to see themselves as an am kadosh, a holy people, t was one of the great moments of the only people whose sovereign and law- personal transformation, and it giver was God Himself. changed not only Moses but our very I If someone who knew nothing about Juda- conception of leadership itself. ism and the Jewish people were to ask you By the end of the book of Bamidbar, Moses’ for a single book that would explain both career as a leader would seem to be ending. who Jews are and why they do what they He had appointed his successor, Joshua, do, the best answer would be Devarim. No and it would be Joshua, not Moses, who other book so encapsulates and dramatises would lead the people across the Jordan all the key elements of as a faith into the Promised Land. Moses seemed to and way of life. have now achieved everything he was des- In a much-watched TED talk, and a book tined to achieve. For him there would be with the same name,1 Simon Sinek says that no more battles to fight, no more miracles to perform, no more prayers to make on behalf of the people. 1 Simon Sinek, Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take It is what Moses did next that bears the mark Action, Portfolio, 2011. The lecture can of greatness. For the final month of his life be seen at http://www.youtube.com/ he stood before the assembled people, and watch?v=qp0HIF3SfI4.

16 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 the transformative leaders are those who ‘Start with Why.’ More poetically, Antoine de Saint-Exupery said, “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”

Through the addresses we read in the book Turn Your Gold of Devarim, Moses gave the people their into Cash! Why. They are God’s people, the nation on whom He has set His love, the people Safe & Jewelry He rescued from slavery and gave, in the Pays Cash Convenient Manufacturer Reliability Best rate for Served at Upgrade old to Member of form of the commandments, the constitu- broken, old your place, new the Israel gold, without • free personal Diamond inheritances Schlepping design Exchange & tion of liberty. They may be small but they out. • Buy the the World Covid diamond from Federation are unique. They are the people who, in complient the source since 1997 themselves, testify to something beyond Mishael Vardi 054-397-7707 themselves. They are the people whose fate Service in Hebrew | English | French | Italian will defy the normal laws of history. Other nations, says Moses, will recognise the vmk_diamonds @Fancycolors vmkdiamonds.com miraculous nature of the Jewish story – and so, from Blaise Pascal to Nikolai Berdyaev and beyond, they did.

In the last month of his life Moses ceased to be the liberator, the miracle-worker, the redeemer, and became instead Moshe Rab‑ beinu, “Moses, our teacher.” He was the first example in history of the leadership type in which Jews have excelled: the leader as teacher.

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 17 next time, though, they would not have a short, Judaism is at best ambivalent about Moses to do miracles. So he planted a vision monarchy - that is to say, about leadership in their minds, hope in their hearts, a disci- as power. pline in their deeds and a strength in their On the other hand, its regard for teachers souls that would never fade. When leaders is almost unlimited. “Let the fear of your become educators they change lives. teacher be as the fear of heaven,” says the In a powerful essay, ‘Who is fit to lead the Talmud.4 Respect and reverence for your Jewish people?’ Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik teacher should be greater even than respect contrasted the Jewish attitude to kings and and reverence for your parents, rules Ram- teachers as leadership types.2 The Torah bam, because parents bring you into this places severe limits on the power of kings. world, while teachers give you entrance to They must not multiply gold, or wives, the World to Come.5 or horses. A king is commanded “not to When someone exercises power over consider himself better than his fellow Isra- us, they diminish us, but when someone elites, nor turn from the law to the right or teaches us, they help us grow. That is why to the left” (Deut. 17:20). Judaism, with its acute concern for human A king was only to be appointed at the dignity, favours leadership as education request of the people. According to Ibn over leadership as power. And it began Ezra, the appointment of a king was permit- should in principle have needed no other ted, but not an obligation. Abarbanel held king than God Himself. In support of his that it was a concession to human frailty. view, he quotes Hosea: “They set up kings Rabbeinu Bachya regarded the existence of without My consent; they choose princes a king as a punishment, not a reward.3 In without My approval” (8:4); and “So in My 2 Abraham R. Besdin, Reflections of the anger I gave you a king, and in My wrath I Rav, World Zionist Organisation, 1979, took him away” (13:11). 127-139. 4 Pesachim 108b. 3 In their commentaries to Deut. 17:15. 5 Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Talmud Torah Rabbenu Bachya’s point is that the people 5:1.

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18 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 with Moses, at the end of his life. and the pattern of power changes its elements like the movement of a kalei- For twenty-two years, as a Chief Rabbi, I doscope, you must constantly reassess carried with me the following quotation chosen policies towards the achievement from one of the greatest leaders of the Zion- of your aims. A political leader must spend ist movement, Israel’s first Prime Minister, a lot of time thinking. And he must spend David Ben-Gurion. Although he was a sec- a lot of time educating the public, and edu- ular Jew, he was enough of a historian and cating them anew.6 Bible scholar to understand this dimen- sion of leadership, and said so in eloquent The poet Shelley once said that “poets are words: the unacknowledged legislators of the world.”7 Whether this is true or false, I Whether you hold humble office in a do not know, but this I know: that there is municipality or in a small union or high all the difference between giving people office in a national government, the prin- what they want and teaching them what ciples are the same: you must know what to want. you want to achieve, be certain of your aims, and have these goals constantly in mind. You must fix your priorities. You 6 Moshe Pearlman, Ben Gurion Looks must educate your party and must edu- Back in Talks with Moshe Pearlman, cate the wider public. You must have Weidenfeld and Nicolson, New York, 1965, confidence in your people – often greater 52. I owe this quotation to Jonathan (now than they have in themselves, for the Lord) Kestenbaum, Executive Director of the true political leader knows instinctively Office of the Chief Rabbi, 1991-1996. the measure of man’s capacities and can 7 Percy Bysshe Shelley, A Defence of rouse him to exert them in times of crisis. Poetry: An Essay (ReadHowYouWant, 2006), You must know when to fight your polit- 53. ical opponents, and when to mark time. You must never compromise on matters of principle. You must always be conscious Covenant and Conversation 5781 is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charita- of the element of timing, and this demands ble Foundation in memory of Maurice and a constant awareness of what is going on Vivienne Wohl z”l.These weekly teach- around you – in your region if you are a ings from Rabbi Sacks zt"l are part of the ‘Covenant & Conversation’ series on local leader, in your country and in the the weekly Torah reading. Read more on world if you are a national leader. And www.rabbisacks.org. since the world never stops for a moment, FOR RENT MITZPE NEVO, M.A NEW SPACIOUS 2 BR APT. PVT. HOUSE, YARD, A/C, EXTRAS, 1 OF A KIND 052-6800558 4000NIS

OU ISRAEL CENTER 19 BY RABBI NACHMAN (NEIL) WINKLER

PROBING Faculty, OU Israel Centerl THE PROPHETS

he navi Yishayahu begins this land that housed Hashem “house” which, week’s haftarah (and therefore, his they knew, could never be destroyed. entire Sefer) letting us know that, T But there was yet another reason: they although at times, he addresses words of could not accept the prophet’s descrip- nevuah to other nations, this chapter’s tion of their nation as being sinful. They prophecy was directed to Yehuda and were, after all, faithful worshippers of Yerushalayim. Clearly, this would seem to the Al-Mighty, adherents who regularly be a rather minor detail, yet it is a trou- offered their sacrifices to Hashem in the Bet bling one. Why, after all, were the navi’s HaMikdash. And this was their downfall. admonitions directed to the Southern A simple review of this perek will reveal Kingdom when the destruction of the Tem- the Yishayahu’s contempt for their Tem- ple and the subsequent exile of Yehuda ple worship. “Lama li rov zivcheichem?” would first take place over one hundred – “Why do I need your multiple offerings?” years later (actually, after Yishayahu was “I do not desire the blood of your bulls murdered!). and sheep.” “”Who asked you to trample Certainly, the merciful G-d wanted to through My courtyards?” Yishayahu’s grant the nation many years to return and powerful condemnations of the sacrificial repent. But I would add that the warnings rite led the non-traditional commentators were purposely issued at this earlier time to believe that G-d desired to abrogate cer- because the current generation had just emonial religiosity completely. witnessed the Assyrian invasion exile of But that was untrue. the Northern Kingdom. The destruction of Shomron and her population, therefore, Rav Soloveitchik explained that the proph- would have a powerful impact on this ets protested against the prevailing view generation to heed Yishayahu’s warnings that man’s world was divided into two of impending exile and destruction. domains: the secular and the sacred. It is only within the sacred world that one But they didn’t. must follow G-d’s laws, they said, because And the reason why many turned a deaf Hashem does not intervene in the secular ear to the words of Yishayahu was because world and, therefore, one is free to behave they saw themselves as different from as he desires. their Israelite brethren. They were better, It was against this sin which our nevi’im they thought, because they dwelled in the remonstrated and as only the Rav could

20 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 express it “against …the occluded heart that howls sublime utterances and….that CONTACT DANIEL BAR PHONE 0723922740 is insolent outside the Temple”.

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Midreshet Rachel v'Chaya Women's College of Jewish Studies Shapell's/Darche' Noam Tisha B'Av Women's Yom Iyun 9 AV 5781 / JULY 18TH 2021 10:45-11:45am Rabbi Anthony Manning "Tisha B'Av - Past, Present & Future: Appreciating What We Have Lost & Gained" 12:00-1:00pm Rabbi Yitzchak Shurin "Anti-Semitism: An Age-Old Pandemic With a Blessing in Disguise" Meeting ID: 831 7963 4386 Passcode: 123456

The Yom Iyun is dedicated in the memory ofMax and Belle Karlinsky z''l

OU ISRAEL CENTER 21 RABBI SHALOM Rav Kehilla, Nofei HaShemesh Maggid Shiur, Daf Yomi, OU.org ROSNER Senior Ra"M, Kerem B'Yavneh

historical perspective. Am Yisrael during Shabbos the time of Ezra were returning from exile (galus) to rebuild the Beis Hamikdash. Mincha – Although it was a positive development, the grandeur of the second Beis Hamkdash as A Sneak well as the economic and military strength of the nation was no where near what it Peek Into the was during the previous century. People were disappointed and depressed. Ezra Future established a takana – to read the Torah portion of the following week during Min- he Talmud in Bava Kama 82a cha on Shabbos to highlight that one needs explains that the prophets estab- to constantly look forward with hope and Tlished a decree to read the Torah anticipation. each Monday, Thursday and Shabbos We read this week’s parsha Shabbos morn- morning so that three days will not pass ing, but that is not the end. We will read without one engaging in Torah study. the following parsha next week – and we During the period of the Second Beis get a preview this afternoon! So too, life Hamikdash, the court of Ezra instituted an moves on. Notwithstanding experiencing additional reading at Mincha on Shabbos, difficulties, one must look towards building when the Torah portion of the following a brighter future. week is read. The reason given for such additional reading is that some merchants We are currently deep into the nihugai are busy and unable to attend davening on aveilus (mourning customs) of the nine Monday and Thursday, so while they are days. It is important to mourn the churban, available Shabbos afternoon, we provide but at the same time we have to be opti- them an opportunity to catch an addi- mistic about our future. Rav Soloveitchik tional Torah reading and in particular the points out that it seems a bit strange that portion they may miss on the following after mincha on Tisha B’av we can sit on Monday and Thursday. a chair and we soften some of our mourn- ing, when in fact it was in the afternoon Rav Avigdor Neventzal offers an alternative that the Beis Hamikdash actually burnt. explanation for the institution of the Torah The Rav explains – when we witnessed the reading at Mincha on Shabbos, based on a destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, we were

22 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 somewhat relieved that Hashem took out his anger on the stones rather than on our nation. It was essentially a statement that the Temple will be destroyed, but the peo- ple will endure.

Some people always look back at the “good old days”. Especially during the past year, having experienced many limitations and restrictions due to the pandemic, people are frustrated. Yet, we ought to have the attitude that this is temporary and with God’s help we will soon come out of this challenging period as well.

As we enter Tisha B’av, we should mourn the loss of our Beis Hamikdash. However, at the same time, we should be optimistic with how lucky our generation has been to begin to rebuild our country. It is as if we are living our life at Shabbos mincha – getting a sneak preview of what the future Bs”d holds. We should all do our best to con- For sale Registred private land tribute to ahavas achim so that we merit a 15-Dunam complete redemption. (15,000-sqare meters) of vineyard I was informed of a kindergarten teacher Adjacent to Zichron Ya’akov that would place a picture of the Beis HaMikdash on the wall and when a child Only 410,000$ does a good deed, she adds a brick to the diagram. This has a tremendous effect on For more info call Sagiv - 0556673308 the class, whereby every single act per- formed by each child has a direct impact on Dr. Daniel Wiener, Urologist whether the class will successfully rebuild will continue to work through the the Beis HaMikdash. We should retain this summer and in the future as usual at illustration in our mind and consider the HAGEDUD HAIVRI 4 ramifications of our actions. Accepting all Kupot May we find the proper balance between MACCABI, MEUHEDET, mourning and yearning for a better future LEUMIT, CLALIT and start by doing our share to expedite the For any questions: geula! [email protected]

OU ISRAEL CENTER 23 REBBETZIN SHIRA SMILES Faculty, OU Israel Center

I 18;12), the second begins with a call to Valuable hear, “Shimu devar Hashem beit Yaakov” (Yirmiyahu 2;4), and finally the haftorah of Vision Parashat Devarim-Chazon opens with see- ing, “Chazon Yeshayahu ben Amotz asher Shabbat Chazon’ the Shabbat of Vision, is chazah” (Yeshayahu 1;1). This continuum so named for the first words of thehafto ‑ climaxes with visual awareness inviting ‘rah of the week. Typically, the parashah Am Yisrael to take a hard look into their and haftorah direct us with a relevant lives and see what needs mending and message. Here we are called upon to find repair. Shabbat is a time of teshuvah. The a vision as we move forward toward Tisha spiritual light of Shabbat allows one to see B’Av and beyond. where he has erred and instills him with a desire to change. Indeed, the letters of The Shem Mishmuel understands the three Shabbat, when rearranged spell tashuv, haftorot in the weeks before Tisha B’av return. This Shabbat is an opportunity to as signifying the momentum to engage in use our vision, look inward and be inspired teshuvah. Each haftorah speaks of potential to heed the words of the Navi and establish for closeness with Hashem, even though meaningful change. the Jews have cast away their attachment opting for temporal worldly pleasures. The Netivot Shalom sees an encourag- The first haftorah highlights the notion ing message in this haftorah. At the very of speech, “kol demama daka” (Melachim moment that Hashem is castigating His peo- ple He calls them his sons. “Banim gidalti… vehem pashu bi” (Yeshayahu 1;1). This hafto‑ rah broadcasts a poignant theme of hope;   1st floor, Arab Hashem never forsakes His people, His house, 4 rooms, (total about 160m), high standard love for them is eternal even when they are of renovation, Sukkah porch, 2 full bathrooms + absorbed in betrayal. Indeed, the Talmud guest bathroom, central a/c, elevator, parking, relates that in the last stages of the Churban, small machsan, asking 2,550,000 dollars the keruvim were embracing each other.    3 rooms, 65m, first We can employ the vision of this Shabbat floor, completely renovated, 3 air directions, to see how much Hashem loves us; despite beautiful balcony. Asking price: 2,750,000nis. Call Tami 050 5777712 our many shortcomings, the relationship remains intensely durable and intimate. The

24 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 inspirationare about to this say connection are intense, arouses we can’t can just be harnessedmumble through to inject them. greater We kavanah need to incover our tefillahour eyes, zemirot so that and we divrei can Torah have throughout complete Mortgage shabbat.concentration, When weand create not abe vision distracted of a Shab by- batanything with an going authentic on around bond andus. love we can aspire to live the reality. Listen, fellow Jews - We call out RATES at -שמע ישראל Chasidicto the entire masters Jewish teach people, that it’s onnot Shabbat enough Chazonto just acceptwe are Hashem’s enjoined rule to envision over us theas historic thirdindividuals, Temple we rebuilt need in to its do glory. so together From the as verya people. depth of our mourning, we must rise and foresee a world of perfection, a world LOWS for .Hashem is the master over everything – ה' of ultimate shalom. Only one who longs for He is beyond time, He – היה, הוה, ויהיה He is a perfected world, a world where closeness simultaneously exists in the past, present, refinance to Hashem is the natural order, will desire and future. He embodies the middah of to work towards reaching that goal. On .of mercy ,רחמים Shabbat Chazon we are infused with the & purchase of– a transcendentNot only does world. He Let embodyus allow אלוקינוvision withinHe concurrently us renewed ,רחמים the yearningmiddah toof inspire of strict ,דין commitmentexemplifies and the passion. middah of judgement, as well. Additionally, we specifically point to the fact that He is our G-d. He Purchase / Refinance Rates ,אלוקינו He is ,אלוקים not just watches overFOR every singleRENT one of us, in a (Non-inflation linked)* very personal,IN THE detailed OLD way. CITY, Special rates up to 75% LTV: JEWISH– Hashem isQUARTER. the One and Only. 30 year 3.85% ה’ אחד long 15 year 2.90% ד One should enunciate the letter enough 18SQMto focus on theSTORE magnitude + of this statement.18SQM He rules STORAGE over the entire world 10 year 2.75% from one end toROOM. the other, the good and For well qualified borrowers the bad, the world of nature, the world of politics,SUITABLE war and economy,FOR A medicine FOOD and currentSTAND events…. OReverything. ANY OTHER PURPOSE. Continued next week... firstisrael.com 02-625-2555 FOR FURTHER DETAILS 60 King George, Jerusalem PLEASE CALL: 3 Aluf Kalman Magen, Tel Aviv *Rates are for quali ed borrowers and are current as of the printing of this advertisement but are subject to change. Quoted rates do not represent an offer and 052-382-4544 are for illustrative purposes only.

OU ISRAEL CENTER 5725 RABBI JUDAH Mashpiah, OU-NCSY MISCHEL Executive Director, Camp HASC

for allowing the town near my home to go Dedicated L'Iluy Nishmas HaChaver without a kosher mikvah…” Shlomo Michael ben Meir z'l The townsfolk shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Ker a Velt! “To this kitrug, I will respond in my defense that despite my frail health and he mikvah in a small shtetl near the immense demands on my time I tried Radin had fallen into disrepair; the my best; I wrote letters and made appeals Tcommunity had neglected to make that fell on deaf ears. What more ought to necessary improvements, until the mikvah I have done? was finally deemed unfit for use. When “Therefore,” said the aged sage and tzadik, the Chofetz Chaim in Radin heard that the “I have come this evening to ask a differ- town had a non-kosher mikvah, he wrote ent favor of you. I am passing around a a strong letter appealing to the community shtar, a legal document that attests to the activists urging them to raise funds for the truth of my words, so that I may present it rebuilding of the mikvah, reminding them before the Throne of Glory in my defense. of its essential function in Jewish life. How- I ask every man and woman of this town ever, the heartfelt and direct appeal of the to please affix their signature as testimony Gadol haDor went unanswered, and the that I have done my best and can not be local Yidden found every excuse why the held accountable for this great affront to project was not their priority. Jewish tradition and embarrassment to Though advanced in years and of precari- kedushas Yisrael.” ous health, the Chofetz Chaim called for an Within minutes, a committee formed ded- emergency communal asifa and travelled icated to the repair and renovation of the to the shtetl to address the kehillah. local mikvah. “Friends,” he addressed them, “I’m already an old man, and don’t know how much These are the words which - אלה הדברים more time I have in this world. Soon it will be my turn to stand before the Beis Moses spoke to all Israel on the other side of Din shel Ma’alah, the Heavenly court, and the Jordan in the desert, in the plain oppo- give an accounting for all I have done and site the Red Sea, between Paran and Tofel not done. No doubt I will be taken to task

26 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 and Lavan and Hazeroth and Di Zahav.” (Devarim, 1:1)

Sefer Devarim begins with Moshe Rabbe- inu’s ‘closing remarks’ at the end of his life, a lengthy sichas mussar of sorts. Eileh ha-de‑ varim: Rashi explains these to be words of rebuke, where Moshe enumerates all the places where Am Yisrael angered Hashem. out of respect“ ,מפני כבודם של ישראל ,Therefore for the Jewish Nation”, the Torah makes no explicit mention of the incidents in which we sinned, but rather merely alludes to them by mentioning the names of the places. They are referenced only with the names of cities, points on the map, where Jewish history unfolded — recorded in our sedra b’derech remez, by way of allusion, for the sake of the honor of our Nation. The exhortation and mussar inherent in their mention is enough for us to get the point, to remember our past indiscretions and to take heed for the future.

At a memorable farbrengen marking Yud Beis Tammuz in 1984 (marking the liberation from Soviet imprisonment of Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak, the Sixth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch), the Lubavitcher Rebbe delivered an impassioned plea and urgent message:

“The destruction of the Beis haMikdash was not a one-time event. The churban is ongo- ing as the exile unfolds, and it continues to כל דור שלא נבנה בית המקדש :happen every day Any generation that the‘ בימיו כאילו נחרב בימיו Temple was not rebuilt in its days, it is con- sidered as if that generation destroyed it.’ (Yerushalmi, Yoma, 1:1)

“Though more than 1,900 years have

OU ISRAEL CENTER 27 passed since the Temple’s destruction, still, strengthened our hearts with the bright since today (and as of this writing), the Beis promises of repair and redemption. haMikdash is not built, it is considered as Without going into shameful detail and if it were destroyed today. Day after day, rewatching the painful and embarrassing ,עד מתי through it all, Jews have cried out clips, isn’t it enough just to make mention, ‘Until when?! How long will this exile last?’ b’derech remez, of Lod, Ramleh, Acco and Yesterday, and the day before that, for gen- the holy neighborhood of Shimon haTza- ,עד מתי erations, we have been screaming dik? Have we forgotten the suffering of our and yet our Sages tell us that today the Tem- brothers and sisters and the National deg- ple was destroyed once again!” radation we endured from the rockets over The Rebbe painted a searing image. Imag- Sderot, Ashkelon, Beer Sheva, Tel Aviv and ine: the Beis haMikdash is burning before even Yerushalayim Ir haKodesh? The image our eyes and standing nearby is a Yid. Even of foxes meandering across a desolate Tem- the most stone-hearted Jew would not stand ple Mount (Eicha, 5:18) is horrific enough; idly by. They would cry out with all their how can we even bear to watch our pro- ”overturn worlds”, fessed enemies’ dark “victory celebrations“ ,קער א וועלט strength and and do anything within their power to pre- on Har haBayis? vent the destruction. Who wouldn’t do all This Shabbos, Erev Tisha B’Av the Rebbe’s they could to stop the burning? message is more urgent and relevant than -Ker a velt heint, Over ,קער אַ וועלט היינט :ever turn the world… Today! Now!” We don’t know the name of the shtetl near Radin where townsfolk allowed the Let us not delay in doing anything we can mikveh to fall into disrepair. Perhaps the to awaken the honor of the Jewish People omission of its name in the transmission and bring redemption-consciousness into and oral history of the story is deliberate, every facet of Jewish life. for the sake of the honor ,מפני כבודם של ישראל Are we ready to sign our names on a legal of Am Yisrael, and in order not to shame document attesting that we have already the townsfolk who ignored the pleas of the done all we can? Ker a Velt, heint, now! Chofetz Chaim. Arthur Samuels, DPM The Churban represents our world which is in a state of disrepair, in desperate PODIATRIST need of renovation and fixing. Beginning Over 30 years experience with Moshe Rabbeinu’s rebukes in Sefer Devarim, all the prophets and tzadi- 053-­‐427-­‐6363 kim of all generations have warned us [email protected] regarding the causes of our exiles and tragedies, described the potential tribula- tions and horrors, and also urged us and CINEMA CITY MALL, JERUSALEM

28 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 35

OU ISRAEL CENTER 75 RABBI MOSHE TARAGIN Ram, Yeshivat Har Eztion

concern is, and should be, a compel- Geulas Yisrael: ling one: How to refresh our Tisha B'Av Don’t Forget mourning to reflect the incredible Divine miracles we have witnessed. Mourning is to Smile on an intensely personal and emotional expe- rience and failure to assimilate our Tisha Tisha B'Av B'Av sadness into the modern reality can n the late 19th century the question yield a lifeless experience. If we detach of adapting Tisha B'Av prayer to the our Tisha B'Av experience from our year- Idramatic changes in the modern Jew- round joy of living in Israel, our mourning ish world was first raised. In light of the will become compartmentalized and “iso- renaissance of our people, the return to lated”. We risk religious bifurcation: we Israel, and the rehabilitation of Yerusha- can take a “day off” and mourn our losses, layim, how can our tefillot on Tisha B'Av but the next day life around us will resume describe a city which “lies in mourning, in our modern miracle of a State. How can empty and desolate”? Prayer mustn’t be a Jew, living in our vastly altered modern dishonest and must be presented to God world, experience Tisha B'Av mourning in a truthful and accurate fashion. This during a period in which history has once description isn’t a completely accurate again smiled upon us? reflection of our current condition. We can take cues from a celebrated vision- Overwhelmingly, most authorities dis- ary- Rebbe Akiva! He lived during one of agree with the prospect of modifying the darkest nights of Jewish history- the prayer. Our timeless liturgy - first insti- Roman destruction of Yerushalayim and tutionalized during the early part of the the crushing suppression of Jewish life Second Temple- imbues prayer with his- 60 years afterwards. He himself was mar- torical resonance. Alteration of this text tyred for defying Roman verdicts banning may undermine the sanctity of the prayer Torah study. Walking with his colleagues experience. Additionally, liturgical alter- and witnessing the disrepair of the Mik- ations can create slippery slopes in other dash site, he smiled at their tragic “fate”. areas of Halachik fidelity. Questioned about his insensitivity in light of this horror, his reply was panoramic: However, even if the syntax of our Tisha Indeed, at that particular moment our peo- B'Av prayers are inalterable, the core ple endured disproportionate suffering,

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 37 SIMCHAT SHMUEL BY RABBI SAM SHOR Program Director, OU Israel Center

his Shabbat is known as Shabbat righteousness...The Rebbe, as he does in so Chazon- the Shabbat of Vision. many of his powerful teachings, is remind- TMost associate that this Shabbat ing us that even when the Jewish people is called Shabbat Chazon because of the are besieged with pain and suffering, we Haftara we recite from the first chapter must hold steadfast to the belief that Yish‑ of Sefer Yeshayahu, of Yeshayahu’s Vision uat Hashem K’Heref Ayin- that Hakadosh of the Churban of Yerushalayim. However, Baruch Hu, can bring salvation with the these days leading up to Tisha B’Av are not blink of an eye! Even when our circum- simply a time for us to reflect on the past, stances seem bleak, and it is beyond our and the pain and loss of the Batei HaMik‑ capability to perceive from our limited dash,and the subsequent lengthy exile of human perspective how it might be pos- the Jewish People, but also an opportunity sible, a Jew must always believe that for us to begin to perceive and envision a indeed Yishuat Hashem K’Heref Ayin. better tomorrow. Our Chazal teach us in Masechet Shab‑ The Aish Kodesh, the Rebbe Pias- bat, that one of the fundamental questions cetzna of zy’a, suggests that though we which each of us will be asked after 120 associate the message of this Haftara to be years, when they leave this world, is tzipita Yeshayahu’s vision of the churban, giving liyishua- Did you anticipate and long for us perspective and context to enable us redemption? to reflect on the tragic events that led to The Netivot Shalom, the Admor of our exile, the Haftara concludes with the Slonim zy’a, explains that there is a funda- verse: Tzion B’Mishpat Tipadeh, V’Shaveha mental difference with the simple belief in BiTzdaka - Zion shall be redeemed with the concept of redemption and anticipating justice, and those that return to her with that redemption. Anticipating redemption is one of the fundamental tenets of Jewish life, not simply to believe intellectually or בס״ד conceptually in the idea of redemption, but to believe that that redemption, that הובלות אייל better tomorrow for the entire world is indeed within our reach. The true ques- Moving Packing Storage tion explains the Rebbe, is how much do 053-7272-815 we really want that redemption? Have we www.premiummoving.co.il demonstrated strongly enough that we believe it is within our sight and reach?

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 39 DIVREI MENACHEM BY MENACHEM PERSOFF Special Projects Consultant, OU Israel Center [email protected]

The judges would need to be accepted and Great respected by the rank and file. No wonder, then, that the new leadership consisted of Expectations! tribal leaders. That representation indi- cated the importance of knowing one’s n this day and age, when leaders in community and thus passing judgment that Israel are transitioning, we might ask matched local circumstances. There were Iourselves what our expectations of judges of thousands, hundreds, and tens – the (new) leadership are. We might recall each with their given responsibilities – and Yitro’s advice to Moshe to gather men of all answerable to Moshe Rabenu. accomplishment, God-fearing people, men So careful and cautious do our judges, of truth, and people who despise money (to rabbis, and teachers have to be! Let them judge the people). – and we, too –learn a lesson from our rab- And so, in our Parsha, Moshe recalls that he bis of old (Yoma 86a). For R. Yitzchak of the took “the heads of your tribes, distinguished School of R. Yannai proclaimed: “If one’s men, who were wise and well-known,” and colleagues are ashamed of his reputation, he instructed them not to favor anyone, nor that constitutes a Chilul Hashem.” tremble before any man, and to listen dili- On the other hand, Abaye exclaimed: “If gently to peoples’ issues (Devarim 1:15-17). one who studies Torah attends to the dis- Notice the difference in wording between ciples of the wise, is honest in business, Yitro’s advice and what happened in prac- and speaks pleasantly, what do people say tice. Are the heads of the tribes necessarily about him? ‘Happy is the father who taught persons who fear Hashem and despise him Torah…look how fine are his ways, and money? Are they, indeed, men of truth? how righteous are his deeds!’”

We expect so, but we do not know for sure. Shabbat Shalom! What we do know is that the expectations of people in authority should be high. We expect them to be examples of righteous- ness and ethical behavior. We expect them to be role models of truth and honesty. We expect them to bring a good name to their rank and to represent a Kiddush Hashem. Ita Rochel 02-560-9125

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 41 OU KASHRUT BY RABBI EZRA FRIEDMAN PAGE Director, The Gustave & Carol Jacobs Center for Kashrut Education

may not be fed to animals (Netiv HaShem‑ Benefit from ita 6:5). However, authorities rule that the prohibition is only to directly feed animals Sefichin Part 2 sefichin. If an animal is let into a garden and eats the produce on its own, there is ur Sages decreed that any veg- no prohibition (see Beit Ridbaz 3:5). etables, grains or legumes that Smelling sefichin Ogrew on their own or were Many private and public gardens con- planted during shemitah are prohibited for tain fragrant annual plants, such as basil consumption. Regarding benefit, however, or lemongrass. According to most poskim, there is a dispute among poskim. such plants are considered sefichin (Derech The Chazon Ish (13:16) maintains that Emuna 7:127; Chut Shani 1:10). As such, one there is no prohibition of general benefit should not smell them, even if they belong from sefichin, but only a prohibition to to someone else. Similarly, they may not be “use” them. Chazon Ish himself does not used as besamim for havdalah. explain the difference between the two Selling or giving as a gift concepts. Later authorities grapple with If someone has sefichin in his garden, the definition of “using” sefichin. Rav whether edible vegetables or fragrant Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Minchat Shlomo plants, is there a halachic problem with 1:51) disagrees with the Chazon Ish, distin- giving them to someone as a gift or selling guishing between normal use of the food them? It would seem that selling or giving and other benefit. Rav Auerbach explains sefichin as a gift to a fellow Jew is strictly that vegetables that are only meant for eat- prohibited -- not because of the benefit of ing are prohibited for consumption, but are sefichin, but rather due to “lifnei iver,” the permitted for benefit. With plants that are prohibition of causing someone to sin. Even normally used only for benefit, such as for though such benefit might be permitted for smelling or animal food, it is prohibited to the giver, if the receiver (a Jew, even if not smell them or feed them to one’s animals, observant) would consume the sefichin, the since that is their main purpose. giver is causing a sin. Feeding animals Regarding selling or giving to a non-Jew, It is clear from various sources that ani- based on the explanations above, it would mal food is part of the decree of sefichin, seem permissible. According to Chazon Ish, even if it is only edible for animals. Chazon there is no “usage” when selling or giving Ish and Rav Auerbach agree that sefichin as a gift. According to Rav Auerbach, food

42 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 The OU Israel Gustave & Carol Jacobs Center for Kashrut Education was created to raise awareness and educate the public in all areas of Kashrut in Israel. Rabbi Ezra Friedman, a Rabbinic Field Representative for the OU is the Center's director.

that is meant to be eaten does not have an In the last several shemita years, there issue of benefit. Rav Nissim Karelitz (Chut has been an initiative to monitor what Shani 4:2) rules, based on his understand- cows eat. This is based on the claim that if ing of Chazon Ish, that selling to a non-Jew cows eat sefichin, it affects the kashrut sta- should be prohibited because of the pro- tus of their milk, since one who drinks the hibition of “using” sefichin. However, this milk thereby benefits from sefichin. This does not seem clear from the words of Cha‑ stringency is a gross exaggeration of what zon Ish. In addition, some authorities write halachah proscribes. Firstly, the benefit of explicitly that under certain circumstances, the milk in relation to the sefichin is quite sefichin may be sold to a non-Jew and also indirect, since the cow’s own metabolism given as a gift (see Brit Olam, Shevi’it 3:19). is what creates the milk. Secondly, the cow Burning sefichin feed is sometimes mixed with shemita and Poskim discuss whether oils extracted non-shemita ingredients. Lastly, when the from sefichin crops, such as legumes, are milk is received in the dairy plant, it is included in this decree. If the oil is extracted surely mixed with milk from cows that did and used for food, it is certainly prohibited not eat sefichin. Seventy years ago when to consume it, just as it is prohibited to eat this subject was debated, Rav Yitzchak the sefichin itself (see Derech Emuna, Shem‑ Zev Soloveitchik (Rav Velvel) and the first ita 4:17; Kedushat Ha’Aretz 26:7). Poskim Satmar Rebbe, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum, ruled disagree, however, over whether such oil firmly that there is no concern about drink- may be used for fuel. According to Tzitz ing milk from cows that ate sefichin (see Eliezer (11:69), there is room to be lenient Halichot HaShevi’it, p.99). regarding burning sefichin for benefit. Rav Some later poskim have written that Shmuel Wosner (Shevet HaLevi 1:184) at continued on next page... first also seems to be lenient, but due to certain concerns leaves the matter unre- NACHI REALTY 054-461-3943 solved. Based on the opinions of Chazon Ish Abba Eban in Kiryat Haleom - 3.5 rooms, 100m, double parking, and Rav Auerbach, there should be no con- storage, Shabbat elevator. 2.99m nis cern using sefichin oil for lighting candles. Mini Penthouse in Savyoni Arnona - Using the sefichin plants themselves for a 3.5 rooms, 84m + Sukka mirpeset, lobby, double parking, storage, amazing bonfire or in a fireplace should surely be views, Shabbat elevator. 2.44m nis permissible (based on Rav Auerbach, cited New on the Market - in Musrara, 130m, above.) 5.5 room duplex with private entrance and 30m chatzer. 4.1m nis Milk from sefichin-fed cows

OU ISRAEL CENTER 43 although one can be lenient regarding were illicitly and intentionally planted on sefichin that grew on their own, if cows shemitah for that purpose. were fed crops that were planted on shem- ita (which are also sefichin), one should Kashrut Questions in Israel? refrain from drinking milk from such cows. Call or Whatsapp Rabbi Friedman at It seems there is no real difference between 050-200-4432 these two situations, and that extending the decree to the milk is a needless stringency. SHIUR SPONSORS In Summary: Thursday, July 8 – Rabbi Shai Finkelstein’s Shiur ע”ה According to later authorities, there was sponsored in memory of Liba bat Shlomo Zelig • is no general prohibition to benefit from (Lily S. Binder) on her yahrzeit, 28 Tammuz sefichin. However, there are certain ele- Monday, July 12 - Rabbi Goldscheider’s shiur ments of benefit that are prohibited. was sponsored by Ernie Singer in memory of his cousin, נפתלי בן יוחנן Terence Matzdorff z”l • Sefichin that are not meant for human who was recently niftar consumption should not be given to ani- Wednesday, July 14 - Rabbi Taub’s shiur is sponsored by mals, although one may allow an animal Shelley Hirshberg and Helen Raff in loving memory to enter the garden where it might eat of their mother - Asna bat Reb Schneur a”h on her 17 yahrzeit, 8 Av. She personified Ahavat Chinam sefichin. Tuesday, July 20 - Rabbi Breitowitz’s shiur is sponsored • Sefichin may not be sold or given as a by Elisheva (Ellen) Horowitz in memory of her mother, present to a Jew. Esther Yocheved bat Chaya Leah v’Yaacov a”h • It is permitted for sefichin to be sold or on her 6th Yahrzeit given as a present to a non-Jew. Rabbi Manning’s shiurim for the 2021 academic year • Oil extracted from sefichin may not be have been sponsored anonymously in the merit of an aliya neshama for Matisyahu ben Yisrael z”l, consumed. However, such oil may be used Aharon ben Menachem Lev z”l as a fuel source for lighting. and Eliana bat Yaakov a”h Sefichin plants may be used for a bon- Rabbi Kimche’s shiurim for the 2021 academic year fire or fireplace. have been sponsored anonymously in the merit of a refuah shelaima for Janet bat Hannah • Milk from cows that are fed sefichin is Rabbi Taub’s weekly Parshat HaShavua Shiur permissible. Furthermore, the milk is per- is sponsored by The Jewish Legacy Foundation mitted even if the cows were fed crops that

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 45 46 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 OU ISRAEL CENTER 47 RABBI AARON Editor, Torah Tidbits GOLDSCHEIDER

Torah). (Stone Edition, Artscroll Chumash, A Portrait pp. 938-9). The Rav added that Moshe’s honorific of Moshe Rabbeinu is most appropriate in this con- text; for not only was Moshe the conduit Rabbeinu through which God’s words transmitted verbatim to Israel, he was also the teacher he fifth book of the Torah is distinct (rabbeinu) who explained the words of the from the other four books in that in Torah - exemplified most notably here in Sefer Devarim Moshe is the speaker. T the book of Devarim. (Ibid., Mesoras HaRav In the rest of the Torah we find a common Chumash, Devarim, pp. 2-3) refrain “Hashem spoke to Moshe”, but here we find the phrase “Hashem said to With an understanding that the book of me” (1:42, 2:9, 3:2). In the Book of Devarim Devarim in particular exemplifies the Moshe chose the words and conveyed the uniqueness of Moshe Rabbeinu it seems commandments as he understood them. fitting to develop a portrait of Moshe’s life Strikingly, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik and personality. posited that this book stands alone among Moshe as Defender of the Jewish People the five books of Moshe in the sense that it began as Torah she’baal peh (Oral Law). Rashi’s opening comment on Parshat Moshe spoke these words and only after Devarim states that Moshe recounted the did God command him to inscribe his journey up until that day in an uncommon words in the Torah - and only then became form. The language he uses only intimated part of the Torah sh’bechtav (Written what he intended to convey “due to the

48 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 ’that they said ‘Enough בס"דhonor of Israel.” Moshe’s opening state- in such abundance Launch your cybersecurity ment (Devarim 1:1) referscareer withto a placeTzomet called's CYBERSECURITYDiCYBERSECURITY [dai] - that is what caused them to com- Zahav.COURSE BEGINS Rashi states that this refers to the sin mit the sin of the Golden Calf”...This can FEBRUARY 2021 PROGRAM of the Golden Calf. “He rebuked them over be PROGRAMcompared to a man who had a son. He theREGISTRATION calf that OPEN! they had fashioned because of bathed him and anointed him, fed him, the abundance of gold…” (Rashi 1:1). and provided sustenance. Then he hung a JOIN OUR INTERACTIVE, LIVE ONLINE, INTENSIVE 1-YEAR WE PARTNERpouch WITH of money on hisUPON neck COMPLETION and sat him The Rav suggestedCYBERSECURITY COURSE! another layer of mean- LEARN IN-DEPTH EVERYTHING INTERNATIONALdown at the entranceOF of COURSE, a brothel. TZOMET How can ing regardingYOU NEED this TO GAIN verse. Why specificallyCYBERSECURITY PROVIDES: NTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION COMPANIES theTO GIVE son avoid commiting a sin?”’’ emphasize the fact that the Isralites were ONE-ON-ONE CAREER NETWORKING OUR STUDENTS HANDS- CONSULTATIONS LINUX FUNDAMENTALS ON EXPERIENCE laden withSCRIPTING abundant gold? The Rav Moshe came to the defenseRESUME of/ CV the Jewish THREAT VECTORS THROUGH OFFICE- DEVELOPMENT answered that this alluded to Moshe’s people. The sin was never completely for- MONITORING & HACKING BASED AND REMOTE INTERVIEW WORKSHOP TOOLS INTERNSHIPS. defense ofRISK the MANAGEMENT nation at that tragic event. given. At the end of his lifeJOB PLACEMENTMoshe continues ASSISTANCE The TalmudAND MORE! presents another perspective to offer arguments in the nation’s defense (Berachot 32a): “What is implied by the to mitigate the recurring punishment for

Our graduates work with phrase “and Di To Zahavapply, & for”? more It information,is said contactin Rabbi our representative their sin. international companies, including: for Israel, US, UK, & Europe: Yanai’s houseMrs. D.of Erlanger study, [email protected] is what Moshe +972-52-646-0298 Moshe’s loyalty to his beloved flock was saidCAREERS to the HolyWWW.TZOMETCOUNSELING.COM One, Blessed be He: ‘Master extraordinary: “And now if you will for- of the Universe, the silver and gold [zahav] FRUM LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. IDEAL FOR STUDENTSgive their WITH SIMULTANEOUSsin; and if not, RESPONSIBILITIES erase me please that you gave(EG. FAMILY/WORK/YESHIVA)to the Children of Israel LOOKING was FOR A HIGH STANDARD, FLEXIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITY. from your book which You have written”

OU ISRAEL CENTER 4947 (Shemot 32:32). And yet, the Rav pointed flock by employing a single: eicha. The to a contrast - the people do not properly Rav cited the midrash in which the Sages appreciate Moshe’s loyalty to them and attribute a special significance to the word they fail to reciprocate his love. eicha. The word is used in three well- known places in Tanach, once by Moshe Moshe Tries to Raise the Second Generation here, one by Yimiyahu in Lamentations As the book of Devarim opens, Moshe 1:1 (“O how has the city that was once so expresses stunning disappointment in his populous remained lonely!”), and once by Isaiah, ( “How the faithful city has become Be’er Tziporah a"h - a harlot” (Is. 1:21). The word eicha rep- Bottled Water Gemach resents so much despair, such a complete lack of understanding, that I do not begin Walking down King George St. in Jerusalem to know how it can be possible. (The Lord and want a cold bottle of water? is Righteous, p. 146) Come help yourself to a bottle at 52 King George. The Rav made a fascinating distinction In loving memory of Yoni’s wife between Moshe’s relationship with the Tziporah a"h, a true Eishes Chayil, always first generation of who left Egypt full of chessed, kindness and laughter, and and the new generation. He showed great brought life and strength to so understanding towards those who had many people, that she touched! come out of Egypt, given their background She was like Aron, who loved in which they had grown up. Their lives peace and pursued peace. were marked by a struggle to survive, a Yoni thanks Hashem for having battle for their very existence. the opportunity of having Tziporah in his life, to learn of her caring, patience and happiness, Moshe vested all his hopes in their children. to overcome her challenges. May Tziporah's He would rear them himself, educating Neshama be a light onto the world, in a time them to a life of holiness and purity. Moshe of darkness, and may her Neshama shine to saw the new generation as able to rectify Gan Eden. Yoni misses Tziporah with tears in the faults of their parents. Moshe felt that he his eyes, as Hashem gave him a gift, a crown could shape the spiritual values of the gener- jewel, now he returns her to Hashem.With thanks and Toda. Love, Yoni ation that was growing up under his tutelage from the very moment they came of age. To help refill the supply - send tax deductible donations for The complaints of the second generation, Be’er Tziporah a"h Bottled Water Gemach beginning at Mei Merivah, dash all of to Chabad of Rechavia - Moshe’s hopes and assumptions about the Rabbi Yisroel Goldberg email second generation. That is why his anger [email protected] is so great. We can now understand the 02 800-1717 harshness of Moshe’s words to the people. www.JerusalermChabad.org/DonateShekels (‘Moses’, Moshe Lichtenstein, pp. 163-165)

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forbids speaking words of Torah there even Learning in a if not from a sefer, and there is a question whether holding a sefer Torah without read- Cemetery ing from it is forbidden (Pitchei Teshuva ad loc. 2). The Beit Yosef (Orach Chayim 23) Question: I work in a cemetery on upkeep infers from the gemara’s language of tefil‑ in the area of the graves. May I listen to lin on the head that tefillin shel yad are not Torah shiurim with earphones on site? a problem because they are not visible. He rules, therefore, that covering tefillin shel Answer: The gemara (Berachot 18a) for- rosh (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 45:1) bids “holding a sefer Torah and reading and tzitzit (ibid. 23:1) is sufficient. it, wearing tefillin on his head,” wearing tzitzit in an obvious manner, davening, How should we view listening to recorded and reciting Kri’at Shema in a cemetery/ Torah with earphones? In certain contexts, close to the deceased, due to the concept limud Torah refers to that which is spo- of lo’eg larash (literally, mocking the pau- ken. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 47:4) rules per). Chazal applied “One who mocks the that one does not need a birkat haTorah pauper blasphemes his Maker” (Mishlei before learning Torah in his head, and this 17:5) to one who performs actions (espe- apparently includes reading with his eyes cially mitzvot) in front of the deceased in a only from a sefer (Taz ad loc. 3; Mor U’ket- way that “reminds” them that they are now zia, OC 47 may disagree). The Gra (ad loc.) incapable of doing such special activities. disagrees because contemplating Torah is The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 367:3) included in the mitzva. In that context, the Shaarei Teshuva (47:2) reasons that listen- ing to divrei Torah is like speaking them; CHESED FUND it is unclear if that applies to listening to a Please help those less fortunate, desperate for assistance. recording rather than a person (see Hali- Make checks (Israeli only) payable to chot Shlomo 6:5). "The Chesed Fund" and send to However, it is likely that what defines ISRAEL CENTER CHESED FUND limud Torah in our context is different. It is att. Menachem Persoff apparently assumed that one may not read POB 37015 Jerusalem 91370 Torah with his eyes from a sefer in a cem- or donations can be brought to the OU Israel Center. etery because it is clear what he is doing. Presumably all would forbid one to listen

52 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 The Orthodox Union - via its website - fields questions of all types in areas of kashrut, Jewish law and values. Some of them are answered by Eretz Hemdah, the Institute for Advanced Jewish Studies, Jerusalem, headed by Rav Yosef Carmel and Rav Moshe Ehrenreich, founded by HaRav Shaul Yisraeli zt”l, to prepare rabbanim and dayanim to serve the National Religious community in Israel and abroad. Ask the Rabbi is ajoint venture of the OU, Yerushalayim Network, Eretz Hemdah... and OU Israel’s Torah Tidbits.

to a shiur without earphones. In the other full-fledgedmitzva ), but because it is a sign direction, we have seen that full-fledged that he is wearing tefillin on his forearm. mitzvot such as wearing tefillin may be Similarly, the Shiltei Gibborim (45:1) says done when the mitzva is concealed. that one may not carry a sefer Torah in a cemetery even if it is fully covered because How noticeable must something be to people realize what the bulge is. Would we be forbidden? Reciting Kri’at Shema and say, then, that someone who sees you with tefilla are forbidden even though they need the earphone will figure out you are listen- not be audible or from a book (Shulchan ing to a shiur? Is it enough that you might Aruch, OC 62:4). Is that because it is usually be using it for something else? Would we discernable, or because it is active, which follow what one would guess about you or may make it worse than just leaving cov- about most people? ered tefillin or tzitzit on? If so, is listening (and/or putting on the recording) to a shiur We have been unable to conclude that active, or do we view it as coming from an your situation is discernible enough to be outside source to a passive listener? forbidden. We add in the leniency of the Netziv (Ha’amek She’ala 14:6) that since in Some sources may indicate that a mitzva our days, bodies are buried deeper than ten can be forbidden even if not seen, if there tefachim, lo’eg larash does not apply. So we is a visible sign that it is taking place. The will not rule to deprive you of the opportu- Taz (OC 45:2, accepted by Mishna Berura nity of limud Torah. You should seek your 45:3) says that one needs to cover not only employers’ agreement, to ensure you are the tefillin shel yad but also the retzuot on not guilty of lowering the quality of your the finger. Presumably it is not because of work or upsetting others around you. Also, the retzua on the finger itself (which is not a try to conceal what you are doing as best as you can. Rare In Baka Having a dispute? Townhouse, about 220m, pastoral, in a For a Din Torah in English or quiet side alley, private Hebrew contact ‘Eretz Hemdah elevator, private - Gazit’ Rabbinical Court: 077- entrance, terrace, storage room, parking 215-8-215 • fax: (02) 537-9626 [email protected] 7,500,000 NIS MICHAEL 0523202488

OU ISRAEL CENTER 53 TOWARDS MEANINGFUL BY REBBETZIN ZEMIRA OZAROWSKI TEFILLA Director of OU Israel L’Ayla Women’s Initiative

But the commentaries explain that this bracha is not only about agriculture, but בָּרֵךְ עָלֵינוּ about parnassa (livelihood) in general. his week, there was a scheduled Agriculture is one example of a means to water outage in our Yishuv which parnassa, and it was quite a common one Twas pre-planned to last about eight in past generations, but there are many hours due to some major maintenance work. other examples as well. In this bracha, we My children and I went about preparing for daven to Hashem to have a good parnassa, thee outag by filling up about a dozen bottles to be able to support our families with ease of water and another two bathtubs to make and without stress. This is a request that is sure we’d have enough water for drinking, indeed very relevant to us all. בָּרֵךְ עָלֵינוּ ה' אֱלקינוּ אֶ ת הַשָּׁנָה הַזּאת וְאֶ ת כָּ ל מִינֵי ‑flushing toilets, scrubbing dishes, and wash תְ בוּאָתָהּ לְטובָ ה. וְתֵ ן בְּרָכָה/טַ ל וּמָטָ ר לִבְרָכָה עַ ל פְּנֵי ing hands throughout the day. Beyond the הָאֲדָמָ ה וְשבְּעֵנוּ מִטּ וּבָהּ . וּבָרֵךְ שְׁנָתֵנוּ כַּשָּׁנִים הַטּ ובות. בָּרוּךְ minor discomfort of not being able to use אַתָּה ה', מְבָרֵךְ הַשָּׁנִים: our faucets, we learned an important lesson in how easily we take things for granted. Bless for us Hashem our G-d this year and Unlike those who lived generations ago and all varieties of its produce for good and grant had to carry heavy water jugs back from the blessing/dew and rain for blessing upon the well and unlike farmers who are constantly face of the earth and satiate us from Your waiting and praying for the next rainfall, we bounty. Bless our years like the good years. never give a second thought to our water Blessed are You Hashem who blesses the supply. years. written in the) יסוד השורש ועבודה On first glance, when you look at the bra- The it seems like it is not very 1700’s by Rav Alexander Ziskind of ,ברך עלינו cha of relevant to most of us, in our modern-day Horadna) points out that this Tefilla lives. How many of us are concerned with needs to be recited in a very heartfelt and how much rain will fall this season, how deeply emotional way. Even if one is very well the crops will grow, and whether the wealthy, he needs to have a lot of concen- ground will be fertile? These are concepts tration when he says this bracha because that are just not in our lexicon. For most of we all know that one’s mazal can easily us, water comes from the sink and fruits change and we always need to place our and vegetables come from Rami Levi and trust and Tefillot in Hashem. He writes they are both usually available in plenty, no very poignantly – To my dear brothers matter the season or the weather. and friends – if a person [says the Tefilla of

54 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 we -ושבענו מטובה – ושבענו אף במקצת הטוב – and) asks for rain only with his lips ברך עלינו and doesn’t concentrate at all on what he should be satiated even from just part of is asking for, certainly it is not considered the good of the land. We ask Hashem to a request or a Tefilla before the One who is help us to be satisfied with whatever we who examines what is going are given. Without that ability to be happy) בוחן כליות ולב -with what we have, even if Hashem show ואוי לאותו ,(”inside our heart and “intestines and how deeply embarrassing that ers on us all the blessing in the world, we) בושה should be for us)! will always feel that we are lacking. We ask at the end – וברך שנתינו כשנים הטובות This bracha is such a vital request for us on a personal level that it is absurd that we of the bracha that Hashem should bless our are able to run through it on a daily basis year like the “good years”. On a pshat level, without giving it a moment of thought. If this seems to mean that we want Hashem you look at the words inside, you will notice to give us a year as prosperous as the most that this is a very personal bracha. It’s not successful years that we’ve experienced in adds that we can also שיח יצחק a general request for a good farming sea- the past. The son or general economic prosperity. It’s understand this on a different level – we an entreaty to Hashem to ensure that the already asked Hashem to give us a plenti- global prosperity will impact positively on ful year earlier in the bracha. Now we are us on a personal level. requesting something else – we ask Hashem ,We ask Hashem that the year that despite our rise in materialistic gain – ברך עלינו should be a good one specifically for us. He should help us to be blessed spiritually Rabbi Eliyahu Munk in his book Olam like we were in the past. We want to remain HaTefillot points out that the Gemara as committed and as connected to Hashem in Sanhedrin 97a refers to a time period as we were when we lived through more where the vines will yield plenty of grapes difficult times and felt a stronger reliance but wine will be extremely expensive. We on Him. want the year not to be plentiful for the May we all be zocheh to concentrate world in general, but to specifically be a properly during this important bracha good bountiful year for ourselves. and to experience the fulfillment of all of .We ask that this blessing of the different aspects of this request – לטובה abundance should be for our good. Having

בס״ד .plenty is not always in our best interest Sometimes too much materialism distracts us and overwhelms us. So we add in here – Hashem please give us a parnassa, support MAXI BoX us and provide for us, but make sure what- Storage ever you give us, will be the right amount Your place for extra space and will be good for us. explains that 053-7272-815 שיח יצחק The – ושבעינו מטובה we can read these words homiletically

OU ISRAEL CENTER 55 OU ISRAEL FEATURING RABBI DR. ETHAN EISEN PARENTING COLUMN

The OU Israel Parenting Center was should do about kids saying that they’re launched this week in partnership with the bored? Should they do anything at all? Jerusalem Municipality. The goal of the par‑ In my practice, “bored” is one of the enting center is to help anglo Olim navigate words that people use that I usually push- the challenges of parenting through lectures, back against. For example, consider the workshops, an advice line, and parenting following brief exchange: articles. Me: “Why are you so grumpy?” Kid: “Because I’m bored!” Me: “Didn’t we just get home, like, 45 sec- Helping Your Child onds ago? How are you bored already?” With Boredom Over We’ve come to accept “boredom” as a reason for kids acting out, but at its core, Summer Break we can often see that saying they are bored is a mask for something else that’s going on. f my experience is anything like that And understanding what the expression of of other parents, the three-word boredom is masking can help us as parents Iphrase I hear most often from my decide how to best help our children. kids over the summer is not “Thank you, One common reason that kids will Abba,” or “I love you.” It’s not even “My express boredom is that they have come to sister’s annoying!” or my calling to the kids learn that it is an effective tool to get some- “Go to sleep!” Instead, the phrase that my thing that they want. As parents, we have kids find appropriate for almost any situa- lots of things to do, and in order to do those tion is “I’m so bored!” Of course, Hebrew, things, we need the kids not be hovering usually the more efficient language, can around us pouting that “there’s nothing to convey this in just two words: “M’sha’amem doooooo.” They’ve discovered that if they li!!” persist, we will give in to their desire for Irrelevant of all the activities we have an electronic device. And we, in turn, have planned for them, all the toys and games been trained to give in sooner and sooner, we have in our home, all the housework because eventually we will relent and let that is waiting to get done, somehow bore- them watch, so why suffer for ten minutes dom seems to be lingering just under the arguing with them when we can stop the surface, waiting to erupt at the slightest whining by handing over the tablet. opportunity. One approach to managing boredom The question I often get is what parents stemming from attempted electronic usage

56 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 to do an art project, or play outside on your scooter?” Once electronics are off the table, these other options become much more appealing. A second common reason that kids may say they are bored is that they are actually feeling lonely or disconnected. They may is to be firm and straight to the point: “I have gotten into an argument with a friend, am letting you know that no matter what, or have had a bad day at school or camp, you are not getting an electronic device but they don’t yet have the language to be right now.” It may take a little while for able to say “I’m feeling kind of sad today, the kids to get the hint, and this tactic ini- can I get a little bit of extra kindness?” So tially comes at the cost of your time, but instead, they may sulk around the house once your kid recognizes that you are not complaining of profound boredom. giving in, he will discover that there are In this instance, the first approach of let- many more interesting activities around ting them figure out something to occupy the home that he prefers over kvetching at themselves is not necessarily the right one. you. This is also the moment when your Instead, your child may need a few sup- parental guidance toward preferred activ- portive words to help her feel understood: ities will be best received: “would you like “I know it’s been a tough day—can I give

OU ISRAEL CENTER 57 you a big hug and you can tell me about Parenting anytime is not a simple job, and what happened?” A little bit of validation summer vacation with kids not in school can help her feel connected and under- provides additional challenges. Of course, stood, which often serves to lift the sense there are no full-proof solutions, but com- of boredom that had overtaken her. bining self-compassion and compassionate The last aspect of approaching children’s patience towards our kids, we can help our boredom is to keep in mind that it is okay kids learn to handle boredom successfully, for kids to be bored. As parents, we often which will serve them well over summer look at other families’ activities and feel bad break and beyond. that we are not providing the same type of fun-filled summer that we assume others Rabbi Dr. Ethan Eisen is a licensed clinical have crafted for their children. Self-com- psychologist who practices in Jerusalem and Bet Shemesh with individuals and couples. passion can be a powerful tool for parents He completed a PhD in clinical psychology as they balance their own work, commu- from George Washington University, as well nity, and family responsibilities, and either as semicha from Yeshiva University's RIETS. In addition to his clinical work, he writes cannot or choose not to use every minute of and lectures on topics of psychology, men- summer break for an exciting or enriching tal health, and halacha, and is the author of memorable experience for their children. the recently published "Talmud on the Mind: Exploring Chazal and Practical Psychology to We are not failing as parents if our kids Lead a Better Life." complain to us that they are bored.

58 TORAH TIDBITS 1428 / DEVARIM 5781 THE LAWS OF TISHA B'AV THAT FALL ON MOTZEI SHABBAT

Bathing/Showering on Erev Shabbat eating meat because then it will appear like an observance of mourning on Shabbat. It is permitted to bathe/shower on the eve In Igrot Moshe (O”C section 4, subsection of Shabbat Hazon, even for those who are 112) the ruling is that even one who does stringent and do not bathe/shower during not generally eat meat and drink wine at the days preceding Tisha B'Av. Sephardi Seudah Shlishit throughout the year may custom permits bathing/ showering as eat meat and drink wine at this particular usual; Ashkenazi custom permits bath- Seudah Shlishit. One must, however, stop ing/showering in a manner in which one eating before sunset (shki’ah) and this does does not derive pleasure but one need not not represent a contradiction to the status suffer. of Shabbat as there is no essential Shabbat requirement to continue to eat after sunset. Shabbat Meals and Learning Torah Similarly, one should refrain from singing joyous songs after sunset. The halachic principle that there is no mourning on Shabbat, applies even when Tisha B'Av falls on Shabbat (and the fast Twilight - From Sunset until Dark is postponed to Sunday) and, therefore, (Emergence of the Stars on Shabbat one may eat meat and drink – Tzait HaKochavim) wine, even to the degree of a feast of King The twilight period is deemed an interme- Solomon. Similarly, it is permitted to sing diate period in that on the one hand it is still zmirot on Shabbat as there is no mourning considered Shabbat yet on the other hand on Shabbat. Learning Torah on Shabbat is the obligations of Tisha B'Av have already permitted as usual. commenced. From a halachic perspective, we are in doubt whether this period is con- Seudah Shlishit sidered day or night (bein hashmashot). One may eat Seudah Shlishit as on every There is a mitzvah of adding to Shabbat Shabbat, however, there is a disagreement (Tosefet Shabbat) at the onset of Shabbat among the poskim regarding whether as well as at the conclusion of Shabbat. one may eat meat and drink wine or even Consequently, the minutes immediately whether one must eat meat and drink after tzait hakochavim constitute a period wine. The Mishna Berura ruled (552, 23) during which both Shabbat and the prohibi- that one may eat Seudah Shlishit as usual tions of the fast coexist. Accordingly, during and may not specifically refrain from this period one does not yet commence the OU ISRAEL CENTER 59 overt mourning customs of Tisha B'Av, but opinions suggest that women should also does refrain from activities whose absence be sure to daven maariv in order to say would not necessarily be perceived as havdala. A woman who does not daven indicating mourning, including: eating, maariv fulfills the obligation of havdala by drinking, washing, and anointing. Never- saying “Baruch hamavdil”. theless, one who uses the restroom during On motzaei Shabbat we say the bracha the bein hashmashot period washes hands on the havdala candle as it is an acknowl- as usual as refraining from washing hands edgement of the creation of fire on motzaei would constitute observing a mourning Shabbat and is not dependent on making a practice on Shabbat. bracha on wine. The custom is to make the Only after the emergence of three medi- bracha on the candle at the end of maariv um-sized stars (tzait hakochavim) plus an before the reading of Eicha. additional few minutes of Tosefet Shabbat No bracha is recited on b’samim because does one recite “Hamavdil Bein Kodesh the smelling of b’samim is intended to l’Chol (“He who distinguishes between ease the pain of the neshama yeteira as it Holy and mundane”) and then change departs on motzaei Shabbat and on Tisha from Shabbat clothes to everyday clothes B'Av it is not appropriate to mitigate pain. (one should change into clothes that were worn during the preceding week as we One who is ill and must eat on Tisha B'Av refrain from wearing freshly-laundered must make havdala before eating, and it is clothes) and change from leather to non- best if the havdala is made on a beverage leather shoes. Some have the custom to that is considered “mashkeh medinah” remove their leather shoes immediately (preferably an alcoholic beverage such as after shki’ah because they assert that doing beer) or coffee or grape juice which is not so does not affect the honor of Shabbat as considered a joyous beverage. If there is there is no requirement to wear shoes on a minor present it is best that the minor Shabbat altogether, however, if the shoe drink the havdala beverage rather than the removal would be perceived as a mourning person who is ill. However, a minor who custom it should not be done. The prevail- eats on Tisha B'Av need not make or hear ing custom is to not remove/change shoes havdala. until after the Shabbat has concluded. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are obligated to fast on Tisha B'Av. However, if Maariv and Havdala their Doctor suggests that they should not It is customary to delay maariv in order to fast-they should contact the Rav. allow time for the necessary preparations for Tisha B'Av. Conclusion of the Fast

In Shemoneh Esrei one inserts the usual Before eating or drinking, havdala must havdala of “Ata Chonantanu” and some be recited over a cup of wine (or other

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OU ISRAEL CENTER 15 OU ISRAEL CENTER 61 TORAH 4 TEENS BY TEENS NCSY ISRAEL

Rabbi Michael Kahn and we cannot stop asking “Why” until we Co-Regional have reached the point where Mashiach Director, answers those questions. We cannot sim- NCSY Israel ply accept our history as happenstance but rather ask “What is the purpose of it all? Relating to Tisha B’Av I want to suggest one final answer and that How are we supposed to mourn for events is that while it may be hard to relate to that occured thousands of years ago? How events that happened in the past we very are we supposed to relate to the loss of the much can relate to at least one of the rea- Beit Hamikdash? The events that occurred sons we do not have a Beit Hamikdash and during these past three weeks and the Beit that reason is baseless hatred. We can all Hamikdash are history, how is one sup- do more for our fellow Jew, whether it is a posed to connect to the past and make it friendly smile, an encouraging word, or a relevant today? helping hand.

Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik suggested Until we live in a state where the pain of three answers to this question. The first is another Jew hurts each of us personally and that we are mourning the past but rather the joy of another Jew makes us happy we are reliving the tragedies of Tisha B’Av may never really know what unity means. everyday and the fact that we haven’t Let us try to take upon ourselves one small rebuilt the Beit Hamikdash is a reminder act that can bring ourselves closer to each that we are still in a state of incompletion. other so that Tisha B’Av can be turned into The second answer he suggests is that on a day of Simcha for eternity. Tisha B’Av we are also praying that what NCSY Israel is the premier organization happened twice should never happen in Israel, dedicated to connect, inspire, again. Third, the tragic events of our history empower, and help teen olim with "Klita" leave us in the constant question of “Eikha” to the Land of Israel by encouraging passionate Judaism through Torah and Tradition. Find out more at israel.ncsy.org

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