Dear Friends, Drs

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We would like to Wish a Hearty Mazal Tov SHABBAT SCHEDULE to Max & Eny Aquinin on the Bat Mitzvah WEEKLY SCHEDULE Minha 6:50pm of their Dear Daughter Esmeralda! They SUNDAY Shir Hashirim: 7:05pm Selihot: 5:30/7:45am should see her grow in Torah & Yirat Followed by Kabbalat Shabbat & Shaharit: 6:20am Arvit Shamayim Amen! Mazal tov to the Shaharit #2 Hodu 8:30am Candle Lighting: 7:26pm Grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Saadia Aquinin Minha & Arvit 6:10pm

Shaharit Netz Minyan: 6:00am & Mr. & Mrs. Marcos Kadoch. Shaharit: 8:45am MONDAY TO We would like to Wish a Hearty Mazal Tov Zeman Keriat Shema 9:35am FRIDAY 2nd Zeman Keriat Shema 10:10am to Rabbi Avi & Mrs. Sarah Fried on the Selihot: 5:30am Shiur 6:20pm Bar Mitzvah of their Dear Son Dovid! Shaharit 6:15am Minha: 7:10pm They should see him grow in Torah & Daf Yomi 7:30am Followed by Seudat Shelishit & Yirat Shamayim Amen! Mazal tov to the Shaharit #2 Hodu 8:00am Arvit They invite the whole Kehila to a Kiddush Minha 6:10/7:30pm Shabbat Ends: 8:26 pm at Young Israel in honor of the Followed by Arvit Rabbenu Tam 8:56pm Celebration! Shiurim 6:50pm

We would like to remind our Kahal Kadosh to please Donate wholeheartedly towards our Beautiful Kehila. Please contact us if you’re interested in donating for any occasion, Avot Ubanim $120, Kiddush $350, Seudat Shelishit $275, Weekly Bulletin $150, Weekly Daf Yomi $180, Daf Yomi Masechet $2500, Yearly Daf Yomi $5000, Weekly Breakfast $150, Daily Learning $180, Weekly Learning $613 , Monthly Rent $3500, Monthly Learning $2000, Children’s Shabbat Program $500 & Weekly program $613. Thanking you in advance for your generous support. Tizke Lemitzvot!

בס''ד Donors Column We Sincerely Thank you for your generous contributions this Week! We truly appreciate it! Hashem should Bless you all with Health, Happiness, Parnasah Tova, Success, & All the Berachot of the Torah Amen! s • Mr. David Perez • Mr. Mordechai Saban

• Mr. Jacky Benoudiz • Mr. Amichai Shoshan • Mr. Ronen Cohen • Mr. Marcos Kadosh • Mr. Julian Ohayon • Mr. Netanel Levy • Mr. Gerard Bensadon

If anyone would like to contact our Synagogue, please feel free to email [email protected]

Torah Teasers (AISH) 1. In this parsha, which four consecutive verses are read on a holiday - but not in the synagogue? 2. What item is mentioned in this parsha four times - but nowhere else in the Torah? 3. Where is plaster instructed to be used? 4. Besides this parsha, where else does the Torah record lengthy words of rebuke (tochacha)? 5. Where in this parsha is a "tail" referred to? (2 answers) 6. Which metal is mentioned three times in this parsha? 7. In this parsha, which of the Ten Plagues are mentioned in the lengthy words of rebuke (tochacha)? (3 answers) 8. What response is stated 12 times in this parsha - and only one other time in the Torah? 9. a) What four-word phrase is used three times in this parsha to describe the land of Canaan? b) To whom does Hashem first describe the land of Canaan with that expression? c) What other land is described with this expression?

Answers 1) The verses beginning with the words "Arami Oved Avi" (Deut. 26:5-8) are read at the Passover Seder. 2) A fruit basket (teneh) is mentioned four times in this parsha: (1) Pilgrims place their first-fruits in a basket, and bring it to the Holy Temple. (2) The priest then takes the basket and places it near the Altar (Deut. 26:2, 4). (3-4) In the list of blessings and curses, the fruit basket is mentioned twice, as an indicator whether the Jewish people are following the Torah (Deut. 28:5, 17). 3) When the Jews cross the Jordan River, they are to set up huge stones, coat them with plaster (Deut. 27:2), and then write upon them all the words of the Torah. 4) A lengthy tochacha is also found in parshat Bechokotai (Leviticus 26:27-43). 5) One of the blessings for Jews following the Torah is to be "as a head and not a tail" (Deut. 28:13). The reverse is also stated: our enemy can be "as a head, and you (the Jews) will be as a tail" (28:44). 6) Iron is mentioned three times: (1) The stones of an altar cannot be cut with iron (Deut. 27:5). (2) The rebuke states that the Land of Israel will be as iron (28:23). (3) The rebuke also states that enemies will place an iron yoke around the neck of the Jews (28:48). 7) These plagues are mentioned: pestilence (dever) (Deut. 28:21), boils (shechin) (28:27, 35), and locusts (arbeh) (28:38). 8) When the Jews enter the Land of Israel and declare each of the 12 curses, the nation is to respond "Amen" (Deut. 27:15, 26). The response of "Amen" appears only one other time - in parshat Naso, when an alleged adulteress is told about the dire consequences of her actions, she responds "Amen Amen" (Numbers 5:22). 9) a) The land of Canaan is referred to as "a land flowing with milk and honey"(Deut. 26:9, 15 and 27:3). b) Hashem uses this

description with Moshe at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:8). c) In parshat Korach, Datan and Aviram refer to Egypt as a "land flowing

with milk and honey" (Numbers 16:13).

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Community Announcements

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

Miscellaneous Announcements:

• This Week’s Congregational Kiddush is still available for Sponsorship!

• is still available for Sponsorship! This Week’s Seudat Shelishit

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

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

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

• We are trying to update our Congregant’s contact information. We would like to start sending texts about different

Events and Shiurim. We would also like to start emailing the weekly bulletin. We would like to start a list of

Nahalot/Azkarot/Yahrzeits. We would also like to make a Refuah Shelema list. Please send your contact information

to the Board at [email protected]

Important Message!! !

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

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

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

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

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

Special Announcements

• We are excited to announce we have Avrechim available to learn with Baale Batim from Mondays

through Thursdays after the first Minha at 6:45pm and to join our Night Kollel from 8pm to 9:30pm.

Anyone interested to join and learn please let me know. It’s Elul & we should work on increasing our

learning & spiritual levels during this month!

• We sent to everyone the questionnaire regarding the High Holidays. Please fill it out as soon as

possible. Thank you

• We are pleased to announce that Ness 26 is part of the Amazon Charity Program, which would allow our community to collect 0.5% of

all the orders made by any of you on Amazon.com. In order to register you need to log on smile.amazon.com and select Ness 26, Inc as

the Charitable Organization you want to support, and from then shop on smile.amazon.com instead of www.amazon.com. It won’t cost

anything more, and is an easy way to contribute to our budget needs.

• Anyone wishing to receive the Daily Halacha please send a whatsapp message to Simon Chocron 786-351-1573

Community Calendar:

• The program for Teenaged Boys ages 13-18 Started again with Great Succes with Shiur & Supper every Evening After Minha at around at 7:30 pm

With Supper. New Participants Welcome! Anyone wishing to sponsor this Shiur Please contact the Board. Tizke Lemitzvot!

• We have started the Mishmar Program Every Thursday evening at 7:30 pm with Chulent, Beer, & Snacks. Everyone is welcome!

Refuah Shelema List Men Women

• Yosef Zvi Ben Sara Yosefia, • Isaac Ben Mesoda, • Simja Bat Esther, • Sara Ledicia Bat Mesoda, • • • • Mordechai Ben Brucha Malka Haim Ben Marcelle, Rachel Bat Sarah, Alegria Simha Bat Esther, Shmalo • Yizhak Ben Simja • Nina Bat Rachel, • Naomie Bat Rarel Adda, • Yizhak Abraham Ben Sheli, • Michael Ben Aliza, • Gitel Rina Bat Yael, • Malka Bat Joyce Simja, • Yosef Yizhak Ben Sara Hana, • Avraham Ben Leah • Miriam Bat Sofy, • Sivan Simha Bat Yehudit, • Mordechai Ben Miriam, • Menahem Ben Shira • Rahma Bat Simha • Natalie Rachel Bat Nancy, • Meir Raymond Ben Mathilde • Moshe Ben Rahel • Esther Bat Fortuna • Abigael Haya Bat Esther • Aviv Ben Luba Miriam • David Ben Freha Rina • Malka Bat Dina • Madeleine Bat Esther • Mordechai Ben Mercedes • Raizel Bat Miriam • Nurit Jacqueline Bat Rahel • Yaacov Refael Ben Alegria • Leah Bat Rivka • Marcelle Mesoda Bat Alegria • Shalom Gibly Ben Fortuna • Sol Bat Perla • Eva Bat Yael Khayat • Chana Bat Bilha • Camouna Bat Fortuna

• Yael Bat Rut

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We would like to Wholeheartedly Thank our Dear Friends, Drs. Benjamin & Sara Courchia for generously Donating the TORAH LEARNING of Elul 5781 For Refuah Shelema of Shimon Ben Tamar, Zari Bat Sarah, Dina Bat Frecha Tamar Bat Rachel, & Aisha Bat Nuna. Zivug Tov: Lea Bat Ruth, Eytan Ben Ruth, Lionel Moshe Ben Perla, & Louiseete Bat Esther & Leiluy Nishmat: Eliyahu Ben Aisha, Amram Ben Aisha, Meyer ben Avraham, Yechia ben Yakut, Aisha Bat Simha, Yaakov Ben Messauda z”l We truly appreciate it. In this merit may Hashem Bless you & your wonderful family with all the Berachot of the Torah. Amen.

Happy Birthday To Nahalot th • Mrs. Shira Edderai – Mon. Aug. 30 , • Yosef Azulay Bar Esther z”l the 20th of Elul • Tamar Elmaleh – Mon. Aug. 30th, (Father of Mrs. Magali Shoshan)(Shabbat) • Daniel Amram – Tue. Aug. 31st, • Max Nissim Attar Ben Yehuda z”l the 22nd of Elul • Mr. Abraham Benmergui – Fri. Sep. 3rd, (Father of Mr. Shem Tov Attar) • Lea Simha Perez – Fri. Sep. 3rd, • Eliyahu Anidjar Bar Estrella z”l the 24th of Elul • Eytan Guigui – Sun. Sep. 5th, (Father of Mr. Saadia Anidjar & Mrs. Miriam • Mr. Paul Bensabat – Tue. Sep. 7th, Benmergui) th • Yehonatan Tobul – Fri. Sep. 10th, • Pessia Unfasung Bat Bella z”l the 25 of Elul • Esther Mamane – Shabb. Sep. 11th, (Great Aunt of Mr. Amichai Shoshan) th • Eduardo Lowensohn – Sun. Sep. 12th, • Mahlouf Ben Sasson z”l the 26 of Elul • Ena Aquinin – Wed. Sep. 15th, (Father of Mr & Mrs. Mamou)

• Esther Nahon – Fri. Sep. 17th, Next Shabbat: • Happy Anniversary To Alegria Bat Luna Bencid z”l the 27th of Elul • st (Aunt of Mrs. Luna Benhayoun)(Shabbat) Isaac & Nathalie Nahon September 1 th • Jacob & Tanya Bengio September 2nd • Mercedes Mesoda Bat Luisa z”l the 28 of Elul • Simon & Daisy Chocron September 4th (Mother of Mr. Salomon Cohen) st • Abraham & Raquel Benhayoun September 6th • Shemuel Eisen Ben Yizchak Meir z”l the 1 of Tishri (Father of Mrs. Raquel Eisen Benoudiz) • Makhlouf Ben Yosef & Hannah z”l the 5th of Tishri (Brother of Mr. Raphael Ammar)

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WEEKLY INSPIRATION reinforcing our belief that everything He does is for the best, even if we cannot possibly see how. The history of the month of Elul goes back to the Elul and Faith aftermath of the sin of the golden calf. On Rosh (Rabbi Eli Mansour itorah) Hodesh Elul, Moshe ascended to the top of Mount Sinai one final time, to receive the We are all familiar with the notion that Elul is a second tablets, signaling the renewal of the time for introspection and self-assessment as covenant with the nation after their grievous sin. we prepare for the judgment of Rosh Hashanah. It was during this month that G-d revealed to However, we can perhaps gain new insight into Moshe the 13 "attributes of mercy," which of the significance of Elul, and our obligation course stand at the center of our Selihot prayers during this month, from a remarkable comment during this month. Moreover, the Rabbis teach of the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, that during this period, Moshe was given the 1833-1909), in his work Ben Yehoyada clearest understanding of G-d’s governance of (Berachot 61). the world ever revealed to a human being. He The Gemara there tells the famous and tragic came closer than any person ever did to seeing story of Rabbi Akiba’s execution. Rabbi Akiba how everything Hashem does is really good, defied the Romans’ ban against teaching Torah, how even the seemingly tragic events are, in and was tortured to death. As the executioner fact, for the best. Significantly, this revelation tore off Rabbi Akiba’s skin with iron rakes, the took place during the month of Elul. Gemara relates, he explained to his student that As we prepare for the new year, we generally he had waited his entire life to fulfill the Torah’s compile in our minds a "wish list," a list of things command to love G-d "with all your soul," and we feel we lack in our lives and which we want now he was fulfilling this Misva by avowing his for the coming year. We probably also have a unwavering, unlimited commitment to G-d, even list of complaints to G-d, of unfulfilled wishes, of as he was being killed. things that happened during the previous year The Ben Ish Hai comments that this that caused us disappointment and angst. But conversation between Rabbi Akiba and his Elul is actually the time to do just the opposite – students could not have taken place as he was to reinforce our faith that everything Hashem dying. At the moment his soul was departing, it does is for the best. This is the month when is inconceivable that he could have been Moshe was shown this very clearly, and the conversing this way with his students. Rather, month when Rabbi Akiba showed us how to live the Ben Ish Hai writes, Rabbi Akiva was with this belief. As we prepare for Rosh imprisoned during the month of Elul, and his Hashanah, we should be focused not only on execution took place on Yom Kippur. (This is our hopes for the new year, but also on our why, incidentally, we recite the verse, "Or Zarua gratitude for the previous year, and on our faith La’sadik U’le’yishreh Leb Simha" at the onset of in Hashem’s goodness which is always Yom Kippur – because the last letters of the showered upon us, even when it is difficult to words of this verse spell "R Akiba.") He was see. tortured each and every day, by having his skin torn by iron rakes, and finally on Yom Kippur he was killed. And each time he was tortured, he Waging the Battle told his students that He was fulfilling the command to serve G-d "with all your soul." (Rabbi Eli Mansour) If so, then we arrive at a new understanding of The first section of Parashat Ki-Teseh what the month of Elul is about. This is a time to addresses the situation of warfare and the follow Rabbi Akiba’s example of faith, of trusting taking of non-Jewish captives: “When you go Hashem even during difficult times, of out to war against your enemies, and Hashem

בס''ד your G-d delivers them into your hands, and you gradually relapsed into his alcohol and drug take them as captives...” addiction, throwing his entire life into a downward spiral. The Rabbis of Musar (religious ethics) suggested that this verse may also be read as How did this begin? When he decided to save an allusion to the “war” waged by each and the daily doses for several days, so that he can every one of us at every moment, namely, the enjoy the sensation of a full dose of valium. battle against our Yeser Ha’ra – evil inclination. This is how the Yeser Ha’ra works: it finds the The Torah here commands us to “go out to war smallest opening that the individual allows. Any against your enemies,” to actively wage the slight, momentary lapse in our ongoing struggle battle against our sinful impulses and desires. could potentially result in spiritual downfall. Regardless of how great a person has become and how much he has achieved, he cannot The Torah perhaps alludes to this warning when simply sit on his laurels and think that he is now it writes at the end of this verse, “Ve’shabita free from the clutches of the Yeser Ha’ra. Our Shibyo” (literally, “and you take their captives”). evil inclination waits very patiently for even the The word “Ve’shabita” might relate to the word tiniest crack, for the smallest opening through “Yeshiba,” which refers to sitting or resting. The which he can enter. In fact, the Mishna tells of a moment a person takes a break from his man named Yohanan who served as the Kohen persistent battle against the evil inclination, then Gadol, the holiest man in the nation, for eighty “Shibyo” – he is taken captive. It thus behooves years, and ultimately became a heretic. Nobody us to wage this battle constantly and is ever safe from the Yeser Ha’ra, and we must unrelentingly, and ensure never to let our guard therefore remain vigilant at all times in down and allow the Yeser Ha’ra to make its way maintaining our high standards and never into our souls. relenting.

A story is told of the experience of a recovering alcoholic, which exemplifies this need for A Tale of Two Speeches — constant vigilance. Many years after undergoing successful treatment for his addiction, the man One Out Loud and One in took ill and required medication. He suffered an Silence allergic reaction to the medication, which raised (Rabbi Frand from Torah.org) his blood pressure to dangerously high levels. In order to bring down his blood pressure, the In the beginning of Parashat Ki Tavo, there are doctor prescribed for the patient daily doses of two mitzvot that involve making a speech. One valium. of them is Mikra Bikurim, the formal declaration “Sorry, Doctor,” the man said. “I cannot take any a person makes upon bringing the first fruits of potentially addictive drug.” He explained to the his crop to the Bet HaMikdash. In addition to physician his past history of addiction, and his the mitzvah of bringing the first fruits, in most hesitation to begin taking doses of valium. situations there is a second mitzvah of reading the pesukim found in our parsha beginning with “Not to worry,” the doctor replied. “I have the words: “Then you shall call out and say prescribed a very small dose – just .5 grams a (v’anita v’amarta) before Hashem your G- day, and I will give the bottle to your wife, who d…” [Devarim 26:5-11] will give you only your daily dosage.” What follows is a brief synopsis of the history of The man agreed, and on the first day, his wife the Jewish people. We had to go down to Egypt. gave him his first .5 grams. Instead of taking the The Ribono shel Olam took us out of Egypt. He medication, however, he put the pill in his brought us to this place, a land flowing with milk pocket. He did this for the next three days, until and honey. And now, behold, I have brought the he had four pills. He then took the pills, and first fruit of the ground that You have given me, enjoyed the sensation brought on by the drug. O Hashem. In short, we extol the praises of all The patient then continued this practice, and the things the Almighty did for us, and we

בס''ד acknowledge our privilege of now being able to to give a Bang in the Bet Medrash and say “I bring the first fruits of our wonderful land as a came to minyan every day for the last seventeen gift offering to the Kohen. years….” We do not do that. We do not publicly In connection with this Mikra Bikurim pat ourselves on the back. declaration, the Torah writes: “V’Anita This is the simple answer to our question. v’Amarta.” Rashi writes that this specific idiom However, I saw a very interesting insight from indicates that the declaration is to be made Rav Shlomo Kluger, which applies this “b’kol Ram” – in a loud voice. The Biblical dichotomy of silent recitations versus out-loud passages read on this occasion are not to be recitation to another area of Jewish practice. said as one says the Shmoneh Esre – silently. The halacha is that Shmoneh Esre should be They are to be said out loud. said silently. There is one exception to this rule. There is a second declaration associated with It says in Shulchan Aruch that on Yomim agricultural mitzvot that are performed in the Noraim, a person can say the Amidah louder Land of Israel. That declaration is contained in than he recites it the whole year. This does not the pesukim found in the section of Vidui mean that every congregant should pretend to Ma’aser [Devarim 26:13-15]. At the end of each be the chazzan and sing the whole nussach of of the three-year mini-cycles that take place Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur while reciting during the first six years of the seven year his private Amidah. However, a person is Shmitah cycle, the Jewish farmer makes a allowed to say it louder than normal. Why is declaration testifying to his observance of the that? laws of separating and properly distributing The commentaries to the Shulchan Aruch give Teruma and Ma’aser to the Kohanim, the a couple of reasons: First, on the Yamim Leviim, and the poor during the past three-year Noraim everyone davens out of a Machzor. cycle. “I have eliminated the holy things from the During the year, people sometimes daven by house, and I have also given it to the Levite, to heart (especially in the times of the Shulchan the convert, to the orphan, and to the widow, Aruch, not everybody had a Siddur). When according to the entire commandment that You Reuven is davening by heart and Shimon commanded me; I have not transgressed any of suddenly says something out loud, it can cause Your commandments, and I have not forgotten. Reuven to become derailed and lose his mental I have not eaten of it in my intense mourning; I place in davening. When everyone is reading have not consumed it in a state of impurity, and out of a Machzor on Rosh HaShannah and Yom I have not given of it to a dead person; I have Kippur, it is much less likely for a person to get listened to the voice of Hashem my G-d; I have mixed up in his own Amidah recitation as a acted according to everything You have result of someone else davening out loud. commanded me.”. However, says Rav Shlomo Kluger, there may However, the Torah does not specify that Vidui be another reason as well: Just like we say Ma’aser must be said in a loud voice. Why is it that Mikra Bikurim is said out loud because we that Mikra Bikurim must be said “b’kol Ram” speak there about the praises of the Ribono and Vidui Ma’aser is apparently said silently? shel Olam, this too can explain the Shulchan The answer is obvious. The declaration of Mikra Aruch’s distinction between Yamim Noraim Bikurim extols the praises of the Almighty. The davening and the normal daily davening. The Jewish farmer is not praising or patting himself hallmark of the Yamim Noraim Amida is on the shoulder for his diligent observance of “Meloch al kol ha’Olam kulo bichvodach...” It is the laws. He recounts what the Ribono shel all about the Kingship of the Ribono shel Olam. Olam did for him. At such a time it is We acknowledge the Sovereignty of the appropriate that everyone should hear what is Almighty. It is about Him, it is not about me. being said: Kol Rom. Vidui Ma’aser, on the The whole year the overriding themes other hand, is what I have done. I have done of Shmoneh Esre are “Almighty I need everything the Almighty has told me to do. When sustenance, I need cures, I need this, I need I am saying what I did right, it is not appropriate

בס''ד that.” It is all about “me”. When it is all about Let me ask something: Are these eleven things “you”, you do that quietly. But Yamim Noraim, the worst sins in the Torah? It does not say we are asking the Almighty to become King of “Cursed be one who desecrates the Shabbat.” It the world. It is all about Him. That is the does not say “Cursed be one who eats equivalent of Mikra Bikurim where we apply the chametz on Pesah.” Some of the things principle of “V’Anita v’Amarta” and we proclaim mentioned do not involve the serious Karet it aloud, rather than in silence. penalty, nor even the less serious penalty of makkot (lashes). If we had to pick a list of “the

worst eleven,” maybe we would have listed Cursed Be the Faker some of the eleven items, such as those involving Avodah Zarah or Arayot. But most of (Rabbi Frand) them do not seem to be “all that bad” that they Later, the parasha mentions a very unique should be worthy of this unique curse. So why ceremony that occurred only once in the history were these eleven singled out? of Klal Yisrael. When they came into Eretz The Sefer Darash Mordechai suggests a Yisrael there were two adjacent mountains — common denominator to all eleven items. These Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Eval. Six Tribes stood on sins are all done behind closed doors in which one mountain and six Tribes stood on the a person can act hypocritically (Echad b’fnim, second mountain. A series of Blessings and v’echad b’Chutz). A person can act as the Curses were recited, to which everyone needed biggest Tzadik out in public, and behind closed to respond Amen. doors he can treat his parents with utter The Torah mentions which tribes were to be disrespect. positioned on each mountain, and then it “Cursed be he who encroaches on the boundary proceeds to list the eleven “Curses” (Arurim) of his fellow man.” A person can promote which were to be part of this recitation. These himself as one of the most honest businessmen are eleven sins for which a person who there are, and yet in the stealth of night he will transgressed them should be cursed. It was like move the boundary demarcation a couple of a national Kabbalat Shevuah (acceptance of a inches, and no one will know the difference. binding oath) not to be in violation of these eleven transgressions. “Cursed is he who leads the blind man astray on the road.” The commentaries dispute what this The specific sins for which it was proclaimed applies to, but according to Rambam this refers “Accursed be he who…” include the following: to giving bad advice. You tell a person “Listen, • Makes a graven image and places it in you invest in this deal, and you will make a secret. fortune!” when you are purposely giving him bad advice, for your own advantage. All of these • Degrades his father or mother. things, a person can in fact externally promote • Moves back the boundary of his fellow. himself as a most upstanding citizen, but in • Causes a blind person to go astray on the secret – behind closed doors – (v’sam ba’seter) road. it is quite a different story. • Perverts a judgment of a convert, orphan, Chazal say that in the times of Yoshiyahu or widow. haMelech, the king thought he succeeded in • Lies with the wife of his father. cleaning out all the Avodah Zarah that existed in Eretz Yisrael. The King had guards going to • Lies with any animal. people’s houses searching for idols. The wicked • Lies with his sister. people hid their idols on the back of their doors, • Lies with his mother-in-law. so that when the doors were open the idols would be hidden. As soon as the guards closed • Strikes his fellow in secret. the doors behind them, the idols reappeared. • Takes a bribe to kill an innocent person. That is an instance of “and emplace it in secret” (V’sam ba’seter) [Devarim 27:15].

בס''ד So, what is this unique ceremony all about? It is be holy and pure if holiness and purity is to about being fakers. That is why these emanate from it. Any imperfection in the root will are Arur (cursed behavior). A person needs to manifest itself a hundredfold in what grows out be “Tocho k’Baro“—the same on the inside as of it. Therefore, we dedicate all firsts to Hashem on the outside. A person must be who he is to firmly establish the foundation and root of all everywhere — in the privacy of his home and in that follows. the public arena. All these people here are The Yerushalmi in Chagigah blames Elisha ben acting behind closed doors, secretively. Such Avuya's tragic departure from the path of Torah behavior is intolerable. The Ribono shel on an incident that occurred on the day of his Olam cannot suffer such hypocrisy. bris. The great Sages of Jerusalem were One of the themes of the Yamim Noraim is discussing Torah at his bris with such intensity “V’Taher Leebenu l’Ovdecha b’Emet” (Purify that a fire descended from the heavens and our hearts to serve you in truth). We must be surrounded them. When Elisha's father saw honest. We must act with integrity. What you this, he announced that he would devote his son see is what you get. What is apparent to people to Torah so that he would also be able to work must be what you really are. When you are “one such wonders. His father's distorted motivation way with your mouth and one way with your left its mark on his brilliant son, when later in life heart” or “one way outside and one way inside” Elisha came to distorted conclusions on the then you are a faker. This is what the Torah basis of various incidents hie witnessed. He saw condemns as deserving the Arur curse. That is a child fall to his death while fulfilling his father's why these eleven things — although perhaps command to send away the mother bird before not the most egregious of Averot — taking her eggs. Since the Torah specifically nevertheless have this element of fakery which promises length of days for honoring one's the Torah singles out for explicit condemnation. parents and sending away the mother bird, he conclude there is neither justice nor a judge. R' Yaakov, however, saw that reward for mitzvot is not in this world but rather in the next. Reshit - First and Foremost And so, too, from a good beginning comes (Rabbi Zev Leff) good. The Gemara (Bava Metzia 85b) relates You shall take of every fruit of the ground that when R' Chiya reintroduced Torah in a produced by the land that Hashem your G-d is generation in which it had been forgotten, he giving you. You must place it in a basket, and go began by planting flax. From the flax he made to the site that G-d will choose (Devarim 26:2) nets to capture deer. Upon the skins of those deer he wrote the Five Books of the Torah. He The Torah commands us to take the first fruits would then travel from town to town teaching and bring them to the Kohen as a thanksgiving Torah to five boys in each town. With each one offering to Hashem. Elsewhere we are enjoined learned one book of Chumash. To six older boys to dedicate all our firsts to Hashem — the first he taught one order of Mishnah each. Each then shearings of the wool, the first of the dough, the taught the others what he had learned, and in firstborn of man and animal, etc. Why did the this way, Torah was once again established. Torah not command us to offer the best of our produce and not the first? Why was it necessary for R' Chyia to plant the flax and make the nets. Couldn't he have bought The importance of the first lies in the fact that it these? The answer is that very new beginning is is the root and foundation of all that follows. The the construction of a foundation. Only if every foundation of a building must be totally free of step is taken with holy and pure intentions will imperfections. A hairline crack in the foundation the result be holy and pure. endangers the entire building, whereas that same crack in the fourth floor would not be The same principle answers a question asked significant. Similarly, with respect to everything with respect to Chanukah: Why was a miracle having to do with kedushah, the beginning must necessary to insure that the menorah not be lit with impure oil? The halacha is that impure oil

בס''ד may be used for a mitzvah incumbent on the tzibbur (community). Chanukah was a Food for thought rededication of the Bet Hamikdash and the Menorah. As such it was a new beginning, and only pure oil was fitting. Only when the Teaching Children Right kedushah has been firmly established can From Right impure oil be used for its maintenance. (Rabbi Eli Mansour iTorah) The special significance that Chazal attach to the education of young children lies in the fact Parashat Ki-Teseh begins with the exceptional that we are setting the foundations of their law of “Eshet Yefat Toar,” which deals with the Torah. Similarly, the blessings and curses case of a soldier who encounters an attractive uttered upon our entrance into Eretz Yisrael at foreign woman while fighting a war, and desires Mount Eival and Mount Grizim, emphasize the her. The Torah allows the soldier in such a case fact that our first encounter with Eretz Yisrael to marry the woman after fulfilling certain must set the foundation for our future settlement conditions. The commentators explain that the of the land. That required an intense awareness Torah enacted this provision because the of our duties and responsibilities. soldier would otherwise be likely to engage in forbidden relations with the woman. Human During the Ten Days of Repentance from Rosh nature being as it is, G-d determined that it Hashanah to Yom Kippur, it is customary to be would be preferable to permit marrying an extra stringent in one's observance of mitzvot. “Eshet Yefat Toar” so that soldiers would not be Thus even one who is not usually strict about tempted to cohabit with women in violation of eating kosher bread baked by a non-Jew (pas the law. palter) should nevertheless be strict during that period. At first glance this practice seems This section is followed by another exceptional difficult to understand, for it applies even to a law – the law of the “Ben Sorer U’moreh,” the person who intends to eat pas palter the rest of rebellious son. The Torah commands that under the year. Are we trying to fool Hashem into certain very rare and unusual circumstances, a thinking we are more pious than we actually are child who ignores his parents’ authority and in order to secure a favorable judgment? conducts himself in an unrestrained manner is put to death. One of the requirements for a child The significance of this conduct lies in the fact to be considered a “Ben Sorer U’moreh” is “Zolel that Rosh Hashanah is not just the beginning of Ve’sobeh” – that he is a glutton, indulging in the year, but reishis hashanah — the foundation meat and wine. The Sages explained that if a and root of the year. Each of these ten days boy displays an uncontrolled lust for meat and must be treated as firsts, dedicated to Hashem wine, he will reach the point where he robs and in purity and holiness. Hence the extra murders in order to obtain the money he needs stringencies, the more intense davening and to satisfy this lust. Therefore, he must be put to learning, are not merely for show. They are death already now, in his youth, to prevent his designed to lay the foundation for the entire future criminal behavior. year. Even if the building of the coming year is not constructed of such quality materials, the Our Sages offered an explanation for why the foundation will give it strength. Torah juxtaposed these two subjects – the “Eshet Yefat Toar” and the “Ben Sorer Thus did the wisest of men say, "The end of the U’moreh.” Namely, the Torah here warns that if matter is greater than the beginning," but can be a person marries an “Eshet Yefat Toar,” he will understood, "A good end emanates from the end up having a son who is a “Ben Sorer beginning." U’moreh.” Although marrying such a woman is Reprinted with permission from Artscroll Mesorah Publications, ltd. This technically permissible, it will likely result in the article is provided as part of Shema Yisrael Torah Network Permission is granted to redistribute electronically or on paper, provided that this notice is disastrous outcome of a “Ben Sorer U’moreh.” included intact. For information on subscriptions, archives, and other Shema Yisrael Classes, send mail to [email protected] The obvious question arises as to why this is the case. True, the Mishna teaches us that “Abera

בס''ד Goreret Abera” – one sin leads to another. But This is why marrying an “Eshet Yefat Toar” can in this case, the man did not commit a sin; he lead to a “Ben Sorer U’moreh.” It sets an married a non-Jewish woman in a permissible example to children of what the Ramban calls, fashion, as the Torah prescribed. Why will this “Nabal Bi’rshut Ha’Torah” – acting improperly result in a wayward, rebellious son? within the limits of Torah law. Such a thing is technically permissible, but an inappropriate The answer, as some have suggested, relates surrender to desire. A child who grows up in to the well-known comments of the Ramban in such an environment, where the parents strictly explaining the Torah’s command in the Book of adhere to the nitty gritty of Torah law but Vayikra, “Kedoshim Tiheyu” – “You shall be overindulge and place too much focus on the holy.” This command does not require us to physical pleasures of life, can easily become a immerse in the Mivkeh several times a day or glutton, and may eventually reach the point engage in deep mystical activities. Rather, the where he resorts to criminal behavior to satisfy Ramban explains, it refers to moderation and his lusts. avoiding excess in our mundane activities. Technically speaking, a person can go to a We need to teach our children not just right from casino without violating any law in the Shulhan wrong, but also “right from right.” Even within Aruch. He can order strictly glatt kosher food, “right” behavior, children must be taught to drink kosher wine that is “Mebushal,” make sure distinguish between what’s appropriate and to pray at the proper times, and keep his Kippa what’s not. And the way they learn this and Sisit on. Nevertheless, he has failed to fulfill distinction is by observing us, their parents, the Misva of “Kedoshim Tiheyu.” A person can exercising appropriate restraint and maintaining meet the highest standards of Kashrut but live a a healthy balance between acceptable very unholy life if his life revolves around food enjoyment and excessive indulgence. and indulgence. Living a “holy” life means setting reasonable limits on our physical indulgence so we can pursue loftier ideals. Best Parenting Tip: Be a This is the problem with the man who marries an “Eshet Yefat Toar.” He has not violated any Great Spouse particular law, but it cannot be considered a Treating each other with utmost love and “holy” thing to do. And such conduct has a respect gives your children the greatest gift profound effect on his children. imaginable. (By Rabbi Eliyahu Heller) There are two ways to educate children, one of A young girl remembered the following incident which is very effective, and one of which is very from her childhood. ineffective. The ineffective – but generally more intuitive – way is to tell children what they should “One night my mom made dinner after a long do. More often than not, this only triggers and stressful day at work. She placed a jar of resentment and pushback. The effective way to jam and an extremely burnt piece of toast in educate children is to model the desired front of my father. I was waiting to see if Dad behavior, to show them the right way to act. noticed the burnt toast, but he just ate it and Children learn far more effectively with their asked me how my day was. I don’t remember eyes than with their ears. They learn from my answer but at the moment my mom watching us, not by being told what to do. The apologized for having burned the toast. I will expression goes, “Practice what you preach.” I never forget his answer, ‘Honey, I love burnt would suggest modifying this expression to toast!’ read, “Practice, and then you don’t have to “Later, before bed, I asked my dad if he really preach.” Actions speak louder than words, and loved burnt toast. He wrapped me in his arms so our greatest asset in influencing our children and whispered, ‘Your mom had a long and is the personal example we set, exhibiting the tough day, and she was really tired. Burnt toast kind of behavior we want our children to never hurt anyone, but words do.’” emulate.

בס''ד The way we treat our spouse does not just Why does Daddy speak so kindly to me but impact our marriage; it has a lasting effect on berates Mommy all the time? our children as well. Why does Mommy have so much patience for From a very young age, our children are the me but can’t seem to care about Daddy after he most astute observers of everything we do. comes home from a long day at work? They don’t miss a thing. The Talmud teaches Why does Daddy only smile at me and tell me that whatever a child says out of the house nice things? comes from words that were spoken within the home. Why does Mommy prepare dinner for me but not for Daddy? It goes one step further: the most effective way to raise healthy, adjusted, and happy children is When a child senses these double standards he not by focusing on being the best parent but on initially becomes confused and eventually loses being the best spouse. respect. The child loses his hero and the parent loses his legacy. Children that grow up in a home where the parents treat each other with utmost love and Bottom line: working on being the best spouse respect and are each other’s first priority are you can be is the most effective way to be a given the greatest gift imaginable/ good, responsible parent. Your children will be forever grateful and will hold you in the highest They feel safe. regard. They feel love. They feel warmth. They learn respect. Back to School with a Smile They learn selflessness. Nine tips from a mother of 12. They learn not to be lazy. (By Varda Meyers Epstein) They learn to hold back hurtful words. Not too many women can say they have more They learn to be loyal and committed. children than they can count on their fingers. I They learn what it means to be a good friend. can say that. I have 12 children. They learn how to laugh. In addition to my mom duties, I work for the They learn how to be compassionate and nonprofit Kars for Kids, where I write about caring. education. With summer about to end and school about to start, the subject of “back to They learn how to be a listener. school” confronts me both at work and at home. They learn how to communicate. It’s what I write about for my job, and it’s tinting They learn to compromise. the air of my household. But most of all, they learn what it means to be a There’s some sadness in coming to terms with dignified human being. the end of summer vacation. Time has become Parents who consistently put their children luxurious as grains of sand on a beach; those before their spouses have to reevaluate their loose and endless hours a child can use as he priorities. likes. It’s hard to give that up. Of course we need to work on being the best But there is also the thrum of a household on the parents we can be. We need to invest time and verge of a beginning. There is the fresh, energy, love and patience in our children. But if comforting smell of new pencils, books to cover, we invest only in our children and neglect our and new school clothes. There is the wondering marriage, our children will inevitably see double anticipation: who will be my new teacher? standards. And I, as a mother of many, more than anything, look forward to organization and quiet. I am already imagining the pace of the school year

בס''ד with longing. For me, the routine of school is a what he experiences and feels is important to blessing. I like the synchronization between you. home and school, teacher and parent, student Use homework and review as a bridge for and child. When it goes well, it’s a partnership in learning. Your child has had a nice the fullest sense and all but ensures a child’s homecoming and some downtime with you. academic success. Now it’s time to support his learning. You do that Here are some of my favorite tips for making the by asking your child what homework he has and successful transition from home to school and making sure he does it the minute he’s finished back again: with his afterschool meal or snack. In other words, no playtime or media until homework is Goodbye rituals. Don’t ever be too busy to say goodbye to your child in the morning. Give your done. This should be a hard and fast rule. If child a kiss (unless they’re at that age when there is no homework, you might ask your child kisses are yucky) and say, “Have a good day!” if there’s a test coming up and ask him to spend You can find your own words and expressions fifteen minutes to review the material. of caring, but make sure you note your child’s About homework: I’m a big believer in departure for the day in a cheerful, loving way. homework. And it should be done at home and not during a free hour at school. If your child Be a full partner to your child’s teacher. If your child comes home with a complaint about does his homework right after class, there’s no the teacher, you can be empathetic, yet try to challenge, no digging to find the answers, no show the teacher’s side of things, too. If you stretching of the brain to remember and speak of your child’s teacher with respect, your reinforce the lesson. The gap of time between child will adopt a respectful attitude, too. Don’t class and homework serves a purpose. automatically take your child’s side when there Spanning the bridge between schoolwork and is a conflict between teacher and student. homework helps a child retain what he learns. Investigate the best you can and remain Free time and play should be built into the respectful of the teacher and your child as you day. Once a child has done his homework, he try to develop a balanced view of what should absolutely have time to play, do crafts, happened. Children need to have authority enjoy sports, or take part in a regularly figures they can respect. They need to look up scheduled extracurricular activity. Your child to their teachers. Parents can help make it so. works hard at his studies and deserves a chance to just have fun. By making it clear you Craft a warm and welcoming afterschool see this as a priority, you show your child your homecoming. When my kids were little, they were sure to find, no matter what, nice cool respect for his efforts at school. drinks set up for them in their own colorful cups, Prepare for the day ahead. Talk to your child lined up on the counter according to age when about what he would like to take for his school they came home from school. Seeing the lunch or snack the next day. Offer him some familiar cup that belongs just to him already choices. Make sure your child sets up the speaks to a child of home, comfort, and security. materials and books he needs for the next day, You might choose a different homecoming right after he does his homework. ritual, but your child should feel that home is a Ensure your child gets enough sleep. During kind and loving place; that coming home is a the summer, bedtime may not have been a good thing. specific time, but during the school year, a Eat and talk together. Have a snack or a meal parent should make sure to enforce a regular ready for your child and eat with him. Bonds are bedtime. Reading is a good way to transition formed over food. This is your child’s chance to into sleep. Younger children may prefer to have tell you about his day and for you to listen and you read to them. Older children can read in bed mirror. By repeating your child’s words to him, for half an hour before lights out. you let him know you’re really listening: that Make sure kids come to school with smiles on their faces. A teacher once told me that she

בס''ד doesn’t care about a child’s academic We are not allowed to do it – no matter how achievements or his perfect behavior. The only funny we are, no matter how close we are, no thing she cares about is that the child comes to matter how much we don’t mean it, no matter if school with a smile on his face. This should be we think our wife/child/best friend will your main goal: that your child walks into school understand. with a smile on his face. If you keep this Teasing or joking can quickly slide into hurting. uppermost in your mind, you and your child will Perhaps it’s because there’s frequently an be on the right track. element of truth in it. We think we are covering If you feel good about your child’s school it up with a joke. environment, this carries forward to your child. If Perhaps it’s because the words can actually be you are organized in the morning and your child cruel and we’ve fooled ourselves into thinking leaves for school confident, he has everything it’s funny. he needs for the day, he will be happy to come to school. If he likes his school and his teacher, Perhaps it’s just because most of us are he will arrive on time and organized, with a smile somewhat insecure and sensitive. on his face. And you’ll be smiling, too. It doesn't really matter why; we all know it can hurt. And most of us have been the victim of someone’s “good-natured” teasing. But I Was Only Joking: When My friend and her husband actually have a good marriage. He’s not usually cruel or thoughtless. Teasing Hurts But he was a little insensitive. Maybe he was We're not allowed to hurt others with our tired. Maybe he was grumpy. Maybe he was words, and that includes teasing and joking. genuinely trying to be funny. Maybe he harbored (By Emuna Braverman) a secret unexpressed frustration. It doesn’t really matter. He caused his wife pain, and it My girlfriend called me the other day a little was completely avoidable. shaken. She was in the middle of a rapid-fire conversation with her husband when he made a I’m not a total stick in the mud. I've been known comment that bothered her. But they were to laugh at some teasing – particularly that of planning a family vacation and there was so family members. I’ve been known to participate much to discuss so she let it go. Or so she in teasing, again particularly that of family thought. members. It’s always been “good-natured”. The subject has always laughed. And it never The next day it came back to her. It happened occurred to me to wonder if the laughter was a so quickly, and they have moved on so rapidly, cover for tears. she thought perhaps she dreamt it. I don’t want to be too melodramatic; I don’t think “Did you really say that to me yesterday?” she it was. And the ability to laugh at oneself is asked. actually a really charming quality. But my “Yes” he replied, “but I was only teasing.” friend’s story put me on the alert. I assume he was telling the truth but my friend I admire and respect her husband and the was in tears. He had really hurt her feelings. relationship the two of them have built. And they have been married many years. If a little teasing Yes, it was unintentional. Yes, he didn’t can be a source of pain even in that relationship, mean to cause her pain. Yes, he thought he if my friend’s feelings can be hurt even though was being funny. But she was crying. she has no doubt of her husband’s love and Yes, it was unintentional. Yes, he didn’t mean to caring for her, then it is just never worth it. cause her pain. Yes, he thought he was being funny. But she was crying. Judaism prohibits hurting others with words, and Daily halacha that includes when it's just teasing and joking.

בס''ד given to cover extra medical costs, Heaven forbid.

Halachot of Elul Accordingly, we cry to the Almighty to “behold the (Daily Halacha) destitution of Your nation Israel,” to look upon the Kaddish Titkabal & How many Vayavor in Selihot charitable donations that we have made. In that It is customary to conclude the Selihot service with merit, we beseech Him to “heal all the ill of Your “Kaddish Titkabal,” the Kaddish which is normally nation Israel,” as the great merit of Sedaka has the recited after the repetition of the Amida. This power to save us from illness. Kaddish includes the phrase, “Titkabal Selot’hon Summary: It is customary to recite “Kaddish U’ba’ut’hon De’chol Bet Yisrael,” in which we ask the Titkabal” at the conclusion of the Selihot service, Almighty to accept the prayers we had just recited. It since Selihot is structured just like the daily prayer is therefore normally reserved for after the Hazzan’s service, in which “Kadidsh Titkabal” is recited after repetition of the Amida, and the question arises as the Amida. The custom in our community is to recite to why we recite it following the Selihot service. the section of “Va’ya’abor” and the thirteen attributes The Lebush (Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, 1530-1612) of mercy five times over the course of the Selihot suggests that “Kaddish Titkabal” is indeed an service. appropriate conclusion to the Selihot service • It is proper to read works of Musar during the because this service is structured in a manner month of Elul. One recommended book is "Sha'arei resembling the normal prayer service. We introduce Teshuva," the classic work by Rabbenu Yona Selihot with “Ashreh,” and some communities add (Spain, 1180-1263) describing the process of other chapters from Tehilim, as well. This Teshuva. Other recommended works include introductory section of Selihot thus parallels Rabbenu Yona's famous letter about repentance “Pesukeh De’zimra,” the series of chapters from known as "Iggeret Ha-Teshuva," and the Tehilim which we recite as the first stage of our daily Rambam's Hilchot Teshuva, which presents the prayer service. The main body of the Selihot service various requirements of Teshuva. Another work, is the recitation of the “Yag Midot,” or thirteen "Orchot Chayim," is divided into thirty sections, attributes of divine compassion, which, according to which many have the practice of studying on the thirty days of Elul. Some also have the practice to the Lebush, parallels the Amida prayer. Thereafter, read "Tikunei Ha-Zohar," a collection of we recite “Le’David,” just as we do following the inspirational passages from the Zohar (the Basic Amida prayer. Thus, since the Selihot service was text of Kabbala). The Kabbalists taught that the structured in this manner, it is only fitting to conclude reading of this work has the capacity to cleanse Selihot with “Kaddish Titkabal,” just as we conclude and purify one's soul even if he does not the regular prayer service with this Kaddish. understand the material he reads. Divergent customs exist concerning the recitation of • One must be particularly diligent during the month “Va’ya’abor” and the thirteen attributes of divine of Elul to recite each night "Keri'at Shema Al mercy in the Selihot service. The practice in the Bet- Ha'mita" before he goes to sleep. He should El Yeshiva in Israel, based on the teachings of include the "Ana" prayer, petitioning G-d for Kabbala, is to recite this section four times during the forgiveness for whatever wrongs he may have Selihot service, corresponding with the four letters in committed over the course of that day. the Divine Name of “Havaya.” We, however, follow • One of the Berachot in the Amida service is that of the custom to recite this section five times, "Hashivenu," in which we ask G-d to help us corresponding with the five books of the Humash. perform Teshuva. During the month of Elul, it is We recite during the Selihot service, “Re’eh Be’oni proper to insert in this blessing the names of people Amecha Yisrael, Refa Kol Holeh Amecha Yisrael” – who have strayed from the proper path of “Behold the destitution of Your nation Israel; heal all observance, before the concluding blessing the ill of Your nation Israel.” What connection is there "Baruch Ata Hashem Ha'rotzeh Be'tshuva." between these two clauses – “the destitution of Your • Many people have the custom to have their Tefillin nation Israel,” and the request that G-d “heal all the and Mezuzot checked during the month of Elul. ill of Your nation Israel”? According to strict Halacha, a person is required to have his Mezuzot checked only twice in seven Rabbi Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1869) explained years, and Tefillin worn every day do not require the connection based on a comment in Masechet checking at all. Nevertheless, there are those who Derech Eretz that if one does not give money to make a point of having their Tefillin and Mezuzot charity, then he will ultimately be forced to give checked during Elul. money to a physician. The money that a person failed to give to charity, the Sages teach, will be

בס''ד • In general, one must raise his level of observance According to the Talmud - Tractate Sotah (34a), during the month of Elul in preparation for the High there were three sets of stones, not just one or Holidays, and in the merit of our efforts we should two, each set consisting of twelve stones. be deserving of a year of peace and happiness for ourselves, our families and our community, Amen. 1. Before his death, Moshe wrote the Torah on one group of stones and erected them in Arvot Moav (the Plains of Moav). 2. Yehoshua (Joshua) ordered a second group of Kidz Corner stones placed in the Jordan River. 3. The final group of stones were taken from the Interesting Midrash Jordan River, carried to Har Eval (Mt. Ebal) and used to build a Mizbeach (altar) there. (from Torah Tots) Subsequently, the stones were carried to Gilgal Rolling Stones and permanently implanted there. More details below. This Midrash is about Stones - Rolling Stones, - not 'The Rolling Stones' -- but some ancient The locations of these stones were known until the stones that pre-date the rock band. I'm speaking time of the Talmud, but archeologists have never of the ones that are mentioned more than once in found them. this Parsha. How many stones? Hashem has Moshe make an unusual demand of 12 in each group. (One stone corresponding to the people: each Shevet [tribe]). "2 It shall be on the day that you cross the Jordan How big were the stones? to the Land that Hashem, your G-d, gives you, you shall set up great stones and you shall cover them The Talmud, Tractace Sotah (34a) gives the with plaster. volume of each stone as forty Se'ah (one Amah* 3 You shall write on them all the words of this by one Amah by three Amot - the measurement of Torah, when you cross over, so that you may enter a minimum size Mikveh). This means each stone the Land that Hashem, your G-d, gives you, a Land weighed several hundred pounds. flowing with milk and honey, as Hashem, the G-d of *How big is an amah? Anywhere between one and a half your forefathers, spoke about you. and two feet (that's somewhere between 48 and 57.6 4 It shall be that when you cross the Jordan, you centimetres for those of you who care). shall erect these stones, of which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall coat them with What was the purpose of the stones? plaster. The first set of stones, (which also contained the 5 There you shall build an altar for Hashem, your words of the Torah in all languages), erected by G-d, an altar of stones; you shall not raise iron Moshe in Arvot Moav (on the eastern side of the upon them. 6 Of whole stones shall you build the Jordan River), served as a monument altar of Hashem, your G-d, and you shall bring reestablishing the covenant with Hashem that the upon it elevation-offerings to Hashem, your G-d. Bne Yisrael had nullified when they worshipped 7 You shall slaughter peace offerings and eat there, the Egel Hazahav (Golden Calf). and you shall be glad before Hashem, your G-d. 8 On the stones, you shall write the words of the The second set, Yehoshua placed in the Jordan Torah well clarified." River itself as they crossed. According to Rabbenu Bachaye, the function of these stones, (Devarim, Deuteronomy 27:2-8). was for the Kohanim to stand on, to avoid having "Well Clarified: In seventy languages." (Rashi - See to stand in the mud. The Kohanim stood their Talmud Tractate Sotah 36a) ground holding the Aron (Ark) while the people What's going on here? crossed, until the water returned to its original course. The commandment to carve the Torah onto stones is written twice, first in verse 27:2-3, and The third set of stones were taken from the Jordan then repeated in verse 27:4-8. River, erected on Har Eival in the form of a Mizbeach , and covered with lime (plaster). On the

בס''ד Mizbeach they wrote the entire Torah (in Lashon success is not theirs, but rather, the hand of Hakodesh (Hebrew) as well as in the seventy Hashem. "Hashem ish milchamah" - "Hashem is universal languages, after which, they sacrificed Master of war." (Shemot, Exodus 15:3). Korbanot on the Mizbeach. They then took it apart Seventy languages? Why? and carried the stones to Gilgal, where they spent their first night in Eretz Yisrael, and where they re- In addition to transcribing the Torah into Hebrew, erected them. the Jews were commanded to translate it into all languages of the civilized world. "….When your children will ask their fathers in the future: 'What is the meaning of these stones?' You There are several reasons for this. will inform your children: 'Israel crossed this Jordan on dry land.' For HaShem your G-d dried up the Firstly, the gentile nations needed an opportunity waters of Jordan from before you, until you crossed, to learn it. Had they read the inscription and as Hashem your G-d did to the Red Sea, which He observed the Seven Noahide Laws, they would dried up before us, until we crossed. So that all the have been able to stay in Eretz Yisrael. They peoples of the earth may know the hand of Hashem, refused to learn from it. that it is mighty; so that you will fear Hashem your G- Additionally, these stones were to show everyone d all the days.' " that the Jews had come to Eretz Yisrael not as (Yehoshua, Joshua 4: 21-24.) foreign conquerors but as commanded by Hashem. They also signified that one is about to This was to arouse the curiosity of the enter the land of the Torah. Just as a Jewish home descendents of those who entered Eretz Yisrael, has a Mezuza, so these stones were to remind the whereupon they would relate to them how their traveler that the purpose of living in Eretz Yisrael ancestors crossed the Jordan River (which is is to keep the Torah. (If only everyone would where the stones were taken from). realize this). The Oznayim La'Torah, in addition to the above Which came first - the plaster or the writing? reason, cites two other reasons for the Mitzvah of the stones (all the reasons seem to pertain to the The Sages (Talmud Tractate Sotah 35b) debated third set). the purpose of plastering the stones with lime. Both reasons are mentioned in the Torah; one of Rabbi Shimon maintained that the stones were them, which describes it as a means or as a covered with plaster in order to provide Moshe and prelude to capturing Eretz Yisrael. And the other Yehoshua a surface to write on. (Devarim, 27:2-4). one is written by way of a hint, by virtue of the fact Rabbi Yehuda, however, points out that a few that the Torah was to be translated in all the passages later (Ibid 27:8) the Torah explicitly languages, whose purpose it was to grant the commanded to write upon the stones. He gentile nations access to the Torah. It was to drive therefore concludes that the Torah was engraved home the lesson that Hashem created the world into the stones and they were later covered with and that it therefore belongs to Him. This in turn, lime in order to protect the script. will help to reinforce the lesson that it was Hashem who gave the Jewish people Eretz Yisrael and that "According to your approach," Rabbi Shimon it is rightfully theirs (as the first Rashi in the Torah challenged Rabbi Yehuda, "if it was covered with teaches us). lime, how was it possible for the nations of the world at that time to learn the Torah?" A Mezuza for Eretz Yisrael? Rashi explains the question: The Abarbanel writes that the writing of the Torah upon stones at the time of entry into Eretz Yisrael The Torah was written on the stones in 70 is similar to the writing of a Mezuza for the languages to make it available for anyone who doorposts of one's home. Just as the Mezuza wished to study it. This was done so that no nation contains the text of acceptance of the Heavenly should have an excuse that they had no yoke, so too the Bne Yisrael were required to opportunity to learn the Torah. If it was covered in have the complete Torah written upon stones at lime, how could the nations study the Torah? the "gateway" to Eretz Yisrael. Thus when they will Rabbi Yehuda answered: be victorious in their battles and vanquish the inhabitants of the land, they will remember that the

בס''ד "Hashem endowed those nations with a special Abarbanel suggests that only a synopsis, or intelligence, and they sent their scribes to scrape selected passages of Devarim, were transcribed. off the plaster, decipher and copy the Torah and Ibn Ezra, recognizing the difficulty in copying the bring back to them its contents. Their failure to entire Torah onto these stones, adopts the take advantage of this opportunity to learn and live approach of Rav Saadia Gaon and suggests that by that Torah, sealed the decree against them, for only the 613 mitzvot were written. they should have learned, but didn't." The Ramban, on the other hand, accepts the The obvious question that arises in regard to verses at face value, and quotes an ancient text Rabbi Yehuda's response to Rabbi Shimon's which states that the entire Torah was in fact challenge is: Why was it necessary to conceal the written on these stones from beginning to end, words of the Torah with plaster and then only be including all the Tagin (three small upward strokes revealed through the efforts of the scribes? resembling crowns) and calligraphy. This was the On a simple level, it may be suggested that this "official" transcription of the Torah, and was done in accordance with the ruling that it is afterwards, the stones were available for disrespectful to leave a Torah scroll or any book consultation and reference on how to write a Sefer of Torah learning open when not in use. Torah. A more profound explanation may be that this was How could the entire Torah be written on these intended as a lesson that one can only truly stones? The difficulty presented in writing such a acquire Torah knowledge if he is ready to invest massive document on the stones is dismissed by serious effort in studying and understanding the the Ramban, who says, that the stones were words of the Torah. There are people who may either massive in size or that the inscription was a have a curiosity about Torah but want its contents miraculous process which allowed for the handed to them on a silver platter, like the person inclusion of the entire Torah on a relatively small who came before the Sages Hillel and Shammai area (and in 70 languages). requesting that they convert him to Judaism on the (It seems strange that the Ramban has doubts about the condition that they teach him the entire Torah size of these stones, seeing as the Talmud, Tractate while he stands on one leg (Talmud Tractate Sotah (34a) specifically gives the volume of the stones). Shabbat 31a). To dispel any notion that Torah can Speaking about miracles, here's another one: Har be acquired without hard work, our ancestors Gerizim and Har Eval were a distance of sixty Mil* were commanded to cover the multilingual (more than forty miles - one and a half days recording of the Torah with lime so that the nations walking distance). Yet they traveled there, set up who really wished to learn would first have to the stones, wrote the entire Torah on them in all sweat a little along with their study. seventy-one languages and went through the Why on stone and not on any other material? entire ceremony described in this Parsha and The great sage, Rabbi Akiva, was an illiterate returned, all before nightfall. shepherd up to the age of forty. He once came *How big is a Mil? A Mil is 2000 Amot. How big is an across a stone and was fascinated by the water Amah? See note above. that dripped constantly, boring a hole in the stone. How is it that just for writing the Torah on large From this he concluded that if water can penetrate stones and bringing them across the Jordan, the a hard stone, surely Torah can penetrate his heart Bne Yisrael will merit entry into Eretz Yisrael? of flesh and blood. (Avot D'Rab Natan 6) Writing the Torah on stones and carrying these By instructing Moshe and Yehoshua to write the stones across the Jordan River would indelibly Torah on hard stone, Hashem implied that even if impress upon the minds of the Jewish people that a person possesses the poorest faculties (a head only by virtue of the Torah do they merit to live in as hard as a rock), if he learns Torah diligently it Eretz Yisrael. Recognition of this fact was the will definitely have an indelible effect on him and essential point, and this was the absolute will improve him physically and spiritually. prerequisite of their entry into their land. - Alshich What was actually inscribed on the stones? The Ramban similarly suggests that the entire What was actually inscribed is the subject of basis of entering and holding Eretz Yisrael is the discussion amongst various commentaries. Torah. Only by keeping the mitzvot of the Torah

בס''ד does Bne Yisrael merit entering the land. Thus, it mercy, and I'll be able to daven that your daughter is entirely appropriate that Bne Yisrael is cured." immediately erect these monuments upon The talmid couldn't believe his ears. "I need to ask crossing into the land. forgiveness from even a Jew like this, whom the Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that the Rav himself opposes?" He was astonished, but he stones taken for the monument were removed followed his Rav's instructions. After he received from the bed of the Jordan River at the time that it the man's forgiveness, the Rav davened for him split in order to allow Bne Yisrael to enter the land. and his daughter recovered. (Barchi Nafshi) Rav Hirsch points out that the waters parted for the Aron carrying the Luchot (Tablets), and not for Even If I Was Destined For Wealth the people. It is only the total and unwavering dedication to the Torah through which we merit A number of years after I was married, I received possession of Eretz Yisrael. a message from America that a relative of mine had passed away, and left behind a huge inheritance, and I was included in the will. I was forced to travel to America a number of times to sign various papers, but I ultimately inherited a few Kid’z Korner (Revach) million dollars. Rav Yehoshuia Leib Diskin - An Apology Is The rule that “he who has a hundred, desires two In Order! hundred” took immediate effect on me. I began investigating ways to invest my money, so I could One day, a tragedy befell a student of Rav earn even more money. I began traveling regularly Yehoshua Leib Diskin. His young daughter fell to America and Europe, and even Africa. When I and a sharp piece of metal entered her eye. She returned home to Israel, I didn’t rest either. I was in great danger of losing her eyesight. The pressured the real estate agents to find plots of talmid rushed to his Rebbe and pleaded with him land for me to invest in. I went from real estate to to daven for his daughter. factories, to computers and high tech. Rav Yehoshus Leib asked, "Have you insulted Unfortunately, I was very unsuccessful - it seemed anyone?" and the talmid answered negatively. like anything I touched eventually failed. I lost The Gaon answered, "Do you suspect Hakodash almost all my money and I was forced to borrow Boruch Hu of afflicting you unjustly?" money from friends and eventually from banks. Eventually, I lost all my money and I was unable The talmid understood that if the Gaon was to pay back my loans. I sold all my real estate, but emphasizing this, there was a reason behind it. He it wasn’t enough, and the bank evicted me from pondered how and when he had insulted my apartment, and I was left without anything but someone. He tried to remember what he had done huge debts. All that was left from the money which in the hours before his daughter fell, and he I had inherited were my dreams. remembered an incident he had been involved in on the street. However, he could not imagine that During all the time that I was struggling, I tried a this was the incident that his Rebbe had been number of segulas which were supposed to help hinting to. me, and I also gave a huge amount of money to tzedakah, but it didn’t help. I was sure that it wasn’t The talmid told Rav Diskin that before he had a problem of ayin hara since I was mapkid not tell arrived home and heard that his daughter had anyone about the inheritance I received. injured herself, he had passed a community leader who had opposed Rav Diskin. The talmid On one of my last trips to America, when I was began to insult and harass him for opposing the already in a precarious situation, I came across a Gaon. This Jew was blind, and the talmid had told pamphlet in shul. It was a pamphlet with divrei him that his sight was taken away from him as a mussar on the importance of shemiras einayim. punishment for opposing the Gaon. He had The pamphlet brought down from one of the spoken very harshly, and the man had been very sefarim hakedoshim that a person who does not hurt. guard his eyes and does not conduct himself with kedusha will lose all his money and become poor Rav Diskin said, "Run quickly to that Jew, and even if he was born under the mazal of wealth! request his forgiveness. Maybe Hashem will have

בס''ד I then understood everything. On the course of all himself as the spokesman. He explained the my travels, I did not guard my eyes at all, and I details of the plan, and gave me a tour of the site. was not careful in other matters of kedushah. I I saw the tractors and other heavy machines which began crying copiously, and I was impelled with were already digging at the site, preparing the the ratzon to do complete teshuvah. I accepted on earth for the trees and flowers which would be myself several kabbalos, and I was determined to planted there." keep them even if I was faced with difficult "As I left the site, I knew that I was on the right nisyonos. path. I understood that Hashem had brought me I was so determined that Hashem helped me to here, to the site of Chiria, to truly understand that succeed, and I was zocheh to do complete such a dirty and filthy site, completely filled with teshuvah in these matters, and I was metaken my garbage and refuse, can be transformed into a ways. flowering park. If this is possible, then I, who was created in the tzelem Elokim, even if I had sinned Within a short amount of time after I had changed greatly and corrupted myself, until I "reeked" of my ways, I was zocheh to earn back all my wealth, sin, am also capable of transforming myself and and even more in almost a miraculous fashion, becoming one of the favored children of Hashem." without any logical explanations (This story was told to Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein by a Jew "This thought encompassed my entire being. I living in Yerushalayim and is retold in Aleinu Leshabeach) contemplated it from every angle. I told myself that the spokesman had told me that plots of land at Moving Mountains Of Garbage the site will be sold for construction, for large sums of money, due to its transformation to a beautiful Yair, a resident of Ramat Gan, who had suffered park. It turns out that a garbage dump, from which many upheavals in his life, tried many times to do everyone had kept their distance, would now be complete teshuvah and become a frum Jew. worth a fortune. And I, the son of the King of Kings, However, inevitably he would lose momentum and can rise above myself, and understand that even return to his old ways. Eventually he completely if I sinned greatly, I still have hope to transform separated himself from frumkeit. The kiruv myself to a completely different person. These workers who were in touch with him for many thoughts propelled me directly from the garbage years almost gave up as well. dump of Chiria to the Bet Midrash. (Barchi Nafshi) One day, this man came on his initiative to one of the kiruv activists and attested to his firm decision to become completely frum immediately. When the kiruv worker inquired what had happened, Yair Pour Les Francophones told him that it all began that morning when he had passed the large garbage dump, Chiria, which had (Rav Itshak Nabet) recently been undergoing a complete transformation. The garbage dump was being Servir Hachem dans la Joie moved to the Negev, and the area was being transformed into one of the largest parks in the Dans la paracha de la semaine, Ki-Tavo, la Torah entire Middle East, the South Ayalon Park. énumère un grand nombre de malédictions pour ceux qui n’accomplissent pas la volonté Yair explained, "As I passed by Chiria, I thought d’Hachem dans la joie. Comme vous le savez, about this transformation, and suddenly I found Ezra le prophète institua la lecture de ce passage myself thinking about the mountain of garbage avant Roch Hachana. Nos sages expliquent que which was still present in the area. I began to have lorsqu’une personne écoute ces 98 malédictions, doubts whether it was possible that a site which un sentiment de peur l’envahit. Et c’est avec cette had become a symbol for refuse and filth could be crainte divine que nous devons nous présenter le transformed into a flowering garden. How could it jour du grand jugement. Cependant le Tour be? These thoughts so affected me that I decided enseigne le Midrach suivant: » Existe-t-il un to enter the park and inquire how this peuple qui ressemble aux bné Israël? De manière transformation was taking place." générale, lorsqu’un homme se présente en "I had siyata dishmaya, and immediately upon jugement, il s’habille en noir, se laisse pousser les entering the park, I met someone who introduced ongles et la barbe pour éveiller la miséricorde du

בס''ד juge. Les juifs,quant à eux, se présentent le jour lui plaisait. Le bijoutier se tourna vers la femme et de leur jugement (à Roch Hachana) avec des lui dit: « Ecoutez moi, Mademoiselle. Je vous habits neufs et le visage rasé. Ils mangent, boivent propose un collier très léger de 200 gr. Vous ne le et se réjouissent car ils sont certains qu’Hachem sentirez même pas. Mais si vous voulez, je les gratifiera d’ un miracle et les inscrira dans le dispose aussi d’un collier en or de 1kg et demi, livre de la vie. » Essayons de comprendre orné de pierres précieuses…Seulement sachez comment on peut se présenter dans la crainte et que celui-là est très lourd et risque de vous causer dans la joie. des torticolis. Celle-ci essaya le deuxième et le choisit. Plus encore, si nous examinons les malédictions qui se trouvent dans la paracha Béalotékha, nous Pourquoi,demande le Alcher Akadoch, le trouvons 49 malédictions. Celles-ci, nous dit la prisonnier désire-t-il les bracelets les plus légers, Torah, sont pour celui qui n’écoute pas la Torah et alors que la fiancée préfère le bracelet le plus lesMitsvot. Or notre paracha parle d’un homme lourd? La réponse parait évidente. Personne ne qui fait toutes les Mitvot, mais pas avec désire être enchaîné. Au contraire, le seul souhait suffisamment de joie. Même si tous les livres de d’un prisonnier est de se débarrasser de ses morale font l’éloge de celui qui sert Hachem avec chaînes. Alors que les femmes aiment les colliers. joie, il n’existe aucuneMitsva de servir Hachem Elles sont tellement contentes de les porter que le dans la joie. Alors comment comprendre la gravité poids ne les dérange pas. de la punition pour celui qui accomplit les Mitsvot Désormais nous pouvons répondre à nos sans enjouement? questions. Hachem ne nous a pas ordonné de le Au début du livre de Néhémia, la Torah nous parle servir dans la joie. Cependant c’est elle qui va d’un prophète du nom de Néhémia qui se trouvait déterminer si un homme est heureux d’accomplir en Perse après la destruction du premier Temple. Sa volonté ou s’il veut au contraire fuir ses Ce prophète avait été choisi par le roi Dariavech obligations. La façon dont un homme effectue les pour lui servir le vin. Un jour, il vit un de ses frères Mitsvot dévoile si elles sont à ses yeux des bijoux qui venait d’Israël. Il lui raconta la situation ou des chaînes. Ainsi,celui qui les respecte sans dramatique des juifs restés en Terre Sainte. joie manifeste déjà une forme de rébellion, Néhémia fut consterné par ces mauvaises comme le reprocha Dariavech à Néhémia. nouvelles et ne put cacher sa peine devant le roi. A Roch Hachana, nous fêtons l’anniversaire de la Celui-ci l’interrogea: « Pourquoi fais-tu cette tête, royauté d’Hachem. Rappelez-vous: voilà 5775 est-ce que tu me veux du mal? » Néhémiaeut très ans qu’ Hachem créa Adam Arichone et qu’Il fut le peur de la réaction du roi… Si la Torah nous souverain du monde. C’est pourquoi, même si raconte cette discussion entre le roi et Néhémia, il nous devons trembler à l’approche de ce est certain qu’il se cache ici une leçon pour les jugement, nous devons également nous réjouir générations futures. d’être Ses serviteurs. Ainsi cette satisfaction Le Roi de Perse était certain que Néhémia lui d’être juif doit se dévoiler dans l’accomplissement voulait du mal parce qu’il ne le servait pas dans la de nos Mitsvot, en particulier en ce jour sacré. joie. Bien qu’il n’y ait aucune obligation de servir Pendant les deux dernières semaines qu’il nous le roi avec le sourire, un homme qui a été choisi reste, nous devons essayer de mettre tout notre pour servir son souverain doit naturellement cœur et notre envie dans le service divin. Que rayonner de joie. Si son visage est sombre, il chaque prière, chaque mise de téfilines, chaque existe déjà un risque de rébellion. acte de bonté soit rempli de joie. En faisant cela, Le Alcher Akadoch raconte qu’il y avait dans une nous méritons toutes les bénédictions écrites prison une loi qui obligeait tous les prisonniers à dans notre paracha, et nous serons déjà inscrits porter des bracelets et des chaines de 5 kg afin et confirmés dans le livre de la vie, amen ken yéhi d’éviter les évasions. Un jour, un ami du geôlier ratson. arriva à la prison et supplia son ami de lui Dvar Torah inspiré d’un discours du rav Rozenblum chlita.

épargner cette double punition. Celui-ci refusa mais lui proposa des fausses chaînes qui ne pesaient que quelques centaines de grammes. Apporter ses Bikurim Dans la bijouterie de la même ville, un fiancé proposa à sa future femme de choisir le collier qui (prémices)

בס''ד La paracha de la semaine, Ki-Tavo,s’ouvre sur la cette création? Il répondit qu’Hachem ne créa le Mitsva de Bikourim et se ferme sur les 98 monde et l’homme que dans le seul but qu’on le malédictions que Moché profère contre celui qui reconnaisse et le remercie de nous avoir créés. n’écoute pas la voix d’Hachem et ne respecte pas LeAlcher akadoch lui aussi expliqua que l’unique ses Mitsvot. La Mitsva deBikourim consiste à but de l’homme sur Terre est de le reconnaître, le apporter au Temple les premiers fruits d’Israel: louer et de ne pas être ingrat. Or la Mitsva figuier, grenadier, olivier, vigne, dattier, champs deBikourim ancrée dans le cœur de chaque juif de blé et d’orge. Chaque juif possédant un de ces marque l’importance de remercier son Créateur. arbres dans son champ ou son jardin devait placer Même celui qui ne possédait que quelques leurs premiers fruits dans des paniers décorés. grenadiers dans son jardin devait partir pendant Puis les habitants d’une région se réunissaient et quelques semaines, s’il venait du Nord, pour montaient vers Jérusalem accompagnés par un remercier Hachem pour ces quelques grenades. orchestre. Une fois dans la ville sainte, le cortège Ainsi cette Mitsva reflète-t-elle le but de toute la était accueilli avec beaucoup d’honneurs avant Création et surtout de notre venue sur Terre. A d’apporter ses offrandes au Temple. notre époque, même si le Temple et les Bikourimn’existent plus, nous pouvons accomplir Le Midrach Tanhouma sur la paracha enseigne: le cœur de cette Mitsva. Il nous suffit de remercier « Lorsqu’un homme veut faire une demande à un Hachem pour chaque respiration, chaque jour sur roi de chair et de sang, combien d’argent Terre, pour la santé qu’il nous accorde, pour le dépense-t-il pour espérer pouvoir lui parler? Et mérite de faire ses Mitsvot, pour les habits, le toit malgré tous ses efforts, le roi peut accepter sa sur nos têtes, la nourriture… requête ou la refuser. Les choses sont différentes avec le Roi des rois. En effet, lorsqu’un homme Nos sages nous enseignent que le premier descendait dans son champ, prenait quelques homme qui fit preuve d’ingratitude fut Adam grappes de raisin,des grenades et des figues, les Arichone. En effet, après qu’Hachem lui eut donné apportait àJérusalem et demandait au Créateur le Gan Eden rempli de fruits et de bienfaits, une une liste de requêtes personnelles, une voix femme…Lorsqu’il fauta et mangea le fruit interdit, céleste se faisait entendre dans le Temple et il dit à Hachem « Cette femme que Tu m’as donné, disait: «Que l’année prochaine, tu mérites c’est elle qui m’a fait fauter. » Rachi nous dit qu’à d’apporter encore des offrandes comme cet instant, il fit preuve d’ingratitude. Et tout de aujourd’hui.» En d’autres termes, ses prières suite après,il fut maudit et dut travailler la Terre à avaient été agréées et il était certain de vivre la sueur de son front. Le Hida explique que jusqu’à l’année prochaine. Essayons à présent de lorsqu’un homme travaille la terre, récolte des comprendre pourquoi celui qui faisait cette Mitsva fruits et exprime sa reconnaissance envers méritait une bénédiction particulière. En outre, Hachem, il expie la faute d’Adam Arichone et nous savons que le prophète Ezra institua de lire justifie la Création de l’homme. cette paracha avant RochHachana afin de finir Ainsi,comme nous l’avons constaté avec Adam l’année avec ses malédictions. Il paraît évident Arichone, un homme qui ne sait pas remercier que ce n’est pas au hasard que nous lisons cette reçoit la malédiction. Et à l’inverse, l’homme qui Mitsva de Bikourim tous les ans juste avant ce présentait ses fruits au Temple et remerciait grand jugement, alors quel lien existe-t-il entre elle Hachem méritait la bénédiction du Créateur. Nous et les malédictions de notre paracha? La Torah pouvons comprendre désormais pourquoi nous s’ouvre par ces mots « Au commencement, Di-u lisons à quelques jours de Roch Hachanna cette créa le ciel et la terre. » Nos sages du paracha. La Torah veut nous dire que si nous Midrachexpliquent que pour trois Mitsvot qui désirons commencer l’année prochaine avec les s’appellent « commencement » le Monde a été bénédictions que nous souhaitons, nous devons créé : le prélèvement de la Hala, du Maaser et des tout d’abord apporter nos Bikourim. Nous devons Bikourim. Ainsi Hachem conçut les hommes, les remercier Hachem pour ces 348 jours que nous animaux, les végétaux…pour cette Mitsva de avons déjà vécu depuis Roch Hachanna. Pour Bikourim. Essayons de comprendre quel tous les bienfaits qu’Il nous offrit cette année. En message si particulier véhicule cet ordre divin. faisant cela, nous pouvons éviter les 98 Le Ramban zal,à la fin de la paracha Bo,explique malédictions que nous lirons ce Chabat et mériter qu’avant la Création du Monde, Hachem régnait d’entendre la voix céleste nous dire : à l’année déjà seul. Alors,s’il en est ainsi, pourquoi toute prochaine, amen ken yéhi ratson.

בס''ד Dvar Torah inspiré d’un discour du rav Rozenblum chlita. deberá enfrentar consecuencias desagradables. 4 El Rav Isajar Frand cuenta una aterradora historia que ilustra esta idea: En una ocasión, el Jidushei Harim viajó con un Reflexion semanal hombre en su carruaje, remolcado por dos caballos. Después de unos pocos kilómetros, uno (Rav Yonatan Gefen) de los caballos murió, causándole una gran angustia a su dueño. Pocos kilómetros más La Verdadera Fuente de la adelante, murió el segundo caballo. El dueño estaba tan apenado por la pérdida de los caballos Alegría que lloró durante mucho tiempo, hasta que murió Una gran parte de la parashá semanal describe en medio de su llanto. Esa noche, el Jidushei los devastadores castigos que sufrirá pueblo judío Harim tuvo un sueño. En él vio que el hombre que si no sigue la Torá. En medio del reproche, la Torá había muerto recibía el Olam Habá (el Mundo nos dice cuál es la causa de los terribles castigos Venidero). Pero, ¿qué cuál era su Olam Habá? Un enumerados: “Porque no sirvieron a Hashem, su hermoso carruaje con dos caballos. Di-s, con alegría y buen corazón merov kol (por la Podemos preguntarnos qué tiene de malo que 1 abundancia de todo)” . El entendimiento simple de una persona reciba en el Olam Habá lo que tanto este versículo es que el pueblo judío no cumplió desea en el Olam Hazé. Rav Frand responde a las mitzvot con felicidad, a pesar de haber sido esta pregunta. Él dice que, de niño, siempre quiso 2 bendecido con abundancia en todo . una honda para jugar, pero sus padres se El Arízal explica el versículo de acuerdo con la negaron. Imagina que en el momento de su boda, Cábala, de una forma un poco diferente. Él afirma sus padres le hubieran dicho: “¡Aquí tienes la que la Torá nos dice que si bien puede ser que honda que siempre quisiste!”. De niño, la honda hayamos cumplido las mitzvot con cierto grado de era importante para él, pero ahora ya ha crecido y felicidad, sin embargo nuestra alegría principal no superado esa necesidad. De la misma manera derivó de la observancia misma de la Torá sino de podemos esforzarnos para conseguir placeres en rov kol, es decir, de otras fuentes de felicidad3. este mundo, como dinero u honor, creyendo que Por lo tanto, Di-s le dice al pueblo judío que la eso nos brindará satisfacción. Pero al llegar al alegría en la avodat Hashem (el servicio Divino) Olam Habá veremos la verdad de las palabras de debe ser mucho mayor al placer derivado de otras Rav Moshé Jaim Luzzatto en La senda de los actividades. justos: “todo lo demás [fuera de la cercanía a Di- s] que las personas consideran que es bueno, es Esta es una enseñanza muy importante al llegar sólo vacío”5. En el Mundo Venidero veremos con Rosh Hashaná. El servicio principal de Rosh absoluta claridad lo insignificante que son Hashaná es coronar a Hashem como Rey, y un aquellas cosas en las que gastamos tanta energía aspecto fundamental para lograrlo es reconocer para adquirirlas en este mundo. que Di-s es la única fuente de sentido, que todas las otras fuentes de placer son insignificantes. El reproche de Ki Tavó es un agudo recordatorio Esto es también un prerrequisito para el proceso de que no sólo debemos observar las mitzvot, de teshuvá (arrepentimiento) que lleva a Iom sino que ésa debe ser la única motivación de Kipur, porque si los deseos de una persona no nuestra vida. El honor, el poder, el dinero, la son exclusivamente servirle a Di-s, le resultará comida y cualquier otro placer son sólo fuentes casi imposible evitar el pecado. Habrá ocasiones ilusorias de significado; coronar a Di-s como Rey en las cuales sus deseos se enfrentarán con la implica concientizarse de que Él es la única fuente voluntad de Di-s e, inevitablemente, su servicio de felicidad verdadera. Divino sufrirá. Entonces, toda teshuvá que haga 1 2 3 en Iom Kipur estará manchada por su perspectiva Notas: Ki Tavó, 28:47. Ver Rashi y Gur Arié. Este Arízal fue citado por Rav Isajar Frand shlita. 4 Grabación: Cuatro de la vida, que es que Di-s no es la única fuente preguntas para Yom Kipur. 5 La senda de los justos, cap. 1. real de significado y alegría.

Es importante notar que incluso si una persona de alguna manera logra evitar pecar mientras busca satisfacer sus otros deseos, de todas maneras

בס''ד 2. Falta de empatía. Un signo significativo del El síndrome de deficiencia síndrome de deficiencia espiritual es estar espiritual y qué puedes hacer envuelto en tus propios problemas al grado en al respecto que no puedes ver ni sentir el dolor de los demás. Esto significa que no nos relacionamos con la luz Antes de Rosh Hashaná efectúa este infinita que reside dentro de cada persona. Ser importante chequeo espiritual anual. capaz de dar y escuchar a los demás no sólo nos (By Sara Debbie Gutfreund) hace más espirituales, en definitiva nos hace humanos. No hay mayor ejercicio espiritual que ¿Sufres de lo que el Rav Dr. Abraham Twersky salir de uno mismo y dar a los demás. llama “síndrome de deficiencia espiritual”? A veces nuestros desafíos diarios pueden En su libro Happiness and the Human Spirit: The dificultarnos ver toda la imagen, pero pensar Spirituality of Becoming the Best You Can Be, él sobre estas preguntas puede ayudarnos a ganar escribe: más perspectiva: Reconoce que tienes un cuerpo y un espíritu. Si a ¿Conozco a alguien que pueda estar sufriendo de tu cuerpo le falta algo, por ejemplo hierro, soledad, dolor o pena? ¿Cómo puedo ayudar a desarrollas una anemia. Vas al médico y él te esa persona? prescribe suplementos. Si él te da más vitamina A o niacina, eso no te ayudará. Tiene que ser hierro. ¿De qué tres formas podría ayudar hoy a que el Lo mismo ocurre con el síndrome de deficiencia mundo sea un lugar mejor si tuviera recursos espiritual. Si tratas de curarlo adquiriendo más ilimitados? riquezas, viajando en un crucero o bebiendo otro 3. Preocupación por lo material. A menudo trago más, te sentirás bien por un rato. Pero no intentamos llenar nuestro vacío espiritual con más serás feliz. cosas que en verdad no necesitamos, lo cual en Una de las cosas bellas de ser un ser humano es definitiva profundiza el vacío que sentimos. que podemos darnos cuenta de que cometimos Podemos tratar de aliviar el vacío comiendo de un error. Una vez que entendemos que estuvimos más, navegando por Internet o con atracones de socavando nuestra propia espiritualidad, películas, pero el alivio temporal siempre es entendemos que tratamos de llenar el vacío con seguido de la desilusión, porque no estamos las cosas equivocadas. alimentando a nuestras almas con lo que realmente necesitan. ¿Cuáles son los signos del síndrome de deficiencia espiritual y cómo podemos tratarlo? El síndrome de deficiencia espiritual en cierta manera es un regalo. Es nuestra alma 1. Aburrimiento. Pascal dijo: “Todos los avisándonos que tiene hambre y necesita ser problemas de la humanidad surgen de la alimentada, no con calorías vacías, sino con incapacidad del hombre de permanecer en una genuino significado y propósito que llene nuestra habitación sentado quieto y a solas”. Sentirse esencia interior. aburrido no es sólo el resultado de no tener nada que hacer; tememos enfrentar el silencio tanto Rosh Hashaná es el momento para obtener interno como en el mundo. El silencio nos obliga claridad sobre lo que realmente nos importa. a enfrentarnos a nosotros mismos y las preguntas Cuando comienza un nuevo año, tenemos la difíciles que presenta la vida. En vez de luchar con oportunidad de examinar quiénes somos las respuestas nos dedicamos a Netflix o a realmente y quiénes queremos llegar a ser. nuestros ubicuos teléfonos celulares y llenamos el Piensa en esto: ¿Cuál es el legado que espero silencio con ruido y distracción. dejar en este mundo? Si muero hoy, ¿qué Para ayudarnos a superar este bloqueo espiritual, lamentaría no haber dicho o no haber hecho? toma algunos momentos y escribe tus respuestas Cada uno tiene una esencia infinita repleta de luz a las siguientes preguntas: que anhela derramar al mundo que nos rodea. Si no tuviera miedo, lo que haría es… Cuando ignoramos esa luz, sentimos el vacío y tratamos de llenarlo con desesperación. Este año ¿Para ser quién fui creado? llena tu alma con lo que realmente necesita: propósito, conexión y significado.

בס''ד amount of forbidden food. This famous Halachic Nahalot concept is called "Bittul Be’shishim." However, there are a number of exceptions, Nahala of “Rav Elyah Lopian” including that of a "Beriya" – a whole entity. th According to the Talmud Babli (Babylonian Shabbat the 20 of Elul Talmud), a whole entity, such as an entire Rav Eliyahu Lopian (1872-1970), author of Lev insect, cannot ever be "nullified" in a mixture. No Eliyahu; mashgiach of Kelm; Rosh Yeshiva of matter how small a percentage of the mixture Yeshiva Etz Chaim in London, and mashgiach at the "Beriya" comprises, the mixture is still Kfar Chassidim. R' Shalom Schwadron (1911-1997) forbidden for consumption. The Talmud was one of his talmidim. After having dedicated 25 Yerushalmi, however, presents a different view, years of his life to Yeshivat Eitz Chaim, Reb Elyah passed the leadership of the yeshivah over to Rav establishing that a "Beriya" is "nullified" if the Greenspan. Reb Elyah moved to Israel in 1950, proportion is 960:1. If the whole entity comprises when he was 76 years old. just 1/960th of the mixture, then the mixture becomes permissible. Nahala of “RavYonatan Eibeshutz” This concept is relevant also to the "nullification" Sunday the 21st of Elul of our beings. Each person is a "Beriya," and we’ve become contaminated through sin. In Rav Yehonasan Eybeshutz (1690-1764). Born in order to cleanse and purify ourselves, we must Cracow, he became head of the Prague yeshiva at "nullify" our defective beings and emerge as the age of twenty-one. In 1741, he became Rabbi in new creatures, embarking on a fresh start with Metz, and in 1750, he became Rabbi of Altona/ a clean slate. Hamburg/ Wandsbeck (AHU), where he had major disagreements with A Mikveh, which brings purity to somebody who RavYaakov Emden. He was learned in many areas, has become defiled, must consist of 40 "Se’a" of including Halacha, kabbalah, philosophy and water. A "Se’a" is a Talmudic measurement of science. He was the author of many halachic works, volume, equal to 24 "Lug," and thus a Mikveh as well as collections of sermons and unpublished requires 960 "Lug" of water to bring purity. works on kabbalah. Thirty of his works in the area of Immersion in a Mikveh symbolizes our process Halacha have been published. His works included of "Bittul," the "nullification" of our beings so we Urim V'tumim, Kereti Ufleiti, Yaarot Dvash, and can begin creating ourselves anew. Ahavat Yehonatan (a commentary on the weekly haftorahs). When G-d determined that the world become irreparably corrupted during the time of Noah, He brought a flood that lasted for 40 days, or 960 hours (40 X 24). In order to "nullify" the Elul world so it could start anew, He "immersed" the world it water, submerging it in floodwaters for 960 hours, corresponding to the 960 "Lug" of The Elul Immersion water in a Mikveh. (Rabbi Eli Mansour from Daily Halacha) The period of Elul and the High Holidays The significance of this month – the month of functions as a Mikveh. For 40 days, from the first Elul – can be understood based on the laws of day of Elul through Yom Kippur on the 10th of "Bittul," whereby a small amount of forbidden Tishri, we "immerse" ourselves in introspection food becomes "nullified" when mixed with a and repentance. Just as a Mikveh requires 960 much larger quantity of permissible food. "Lug," and not a single "Lug" fewer, our process of "immersion" during this period requires us to The basic rule is that when a small amount of make the most of every hour of these 40 days forbidden food is mixed with permissible food, so we can emerge pure and pristine. the mixture is permissible if the amount of permissible food is 60 times greater than the This 40-day period concludes at the end of Yom Kippur, after we read the Book of Yona, which

בס''ד tells how Yona spent 40 days inside the whale, telling him to move closer to G-d. In the olden which then expelled Yona onto the shore. After day, these messages were understood. our 40-day period of repentance, we are Nowadays, these messages are often missed. "expelled" from this "Mikveh." The special R. Dessler writes that there are moments of opportunity we are given for purification and siyata deshmaya, when G-d sends a wakeup forgiveness lasts only for these 40 days. We call. R. Dessler implores us to respond to these must therefore take full advantage of each and messages, which often come when we least every hour of this critical period. expect them. However, G-d can only send a In the final chapter of Tehillim, which we include message, to which a person can listen, in the Musaf prayer on Rosh Hashanah, King internalize, or ignore. David proclaims, "Haleluhu Be’tof U’mahol" – The gemara (Avoda Zara 17a) relates that a which literally means, "praise Him with drums fellow named Elazar ben Durdai had a specific and dances." Additionally, however, the word weakness: he had sexual relations with every "Tof" has the numerical value of 480, and thus zona (prostitute) in the world. Once, he heard the word "Be’tof" may be read as "Bet" – "Tof," that there was a prostitute in a faraway place. meaning, twice the value of "Tof," or 960. If we He crossed seven rivers and brought a full purse use these 960 hours properly, then "Be’mahol" of dinarim, and came to this women. As he was – we are granted "Mehila" (forgiveness). about to sin with her, G-d decided that it was May we all take full advantage of each and every time to send Elazar ben Durdai a message. The moment of this most precious time of year, so Talmud relates that the prostitute passed gas, we emerge from Yom Kippur in a newfound and then she said to Elazar ben Durdai: Just like state of purity and holiness, prepared to make this gas will never return to its place, so too this year far better than the previous one, Amen. Elazar ben Durdai will never return to G-d. He went outside, put his head between his knees, and cried so intensely that he died. He literally died of teshuva. A heavenly voice declared, "R. Opening our Ears and Hearts Eleazar ben Durdia is ready for the world-to- to G-d come." (Rabbi Eli Mansour) There are many lessons to be learned from this episode. The Maharal offered an explanation Our rabbis tell us that the letters which spell Elul, based upon Elazar ben Durdai’s name – "G-d the rashei teivot, stand for "Ani Ledodi Vedodi (E-l) helps (azar) Elazar when he was at the Li" – I am to my beloved and my beloved is to bottom of the barrel (durdai)." When he was in me. This teaches us that we are meant to move the worst place, rock-bottom, G-d helped him. closer to G-d during this month. Others explain The Ben ish Hai explained that he bent over, that Elul stands for the verse "umal Hashem Et and put his hand between his legs, like a baby. Levavcha ULevav zarecha" – "and G-d will Elazar ben Durdai went into the fetal position circumcise your heart and the heart of your and asked to be born again. Like the water of children" – G-d will help us to become closer to the mikve, when the person who immerses is Him. reborn from the pure waters, similar to the embryotic sack, so too the person who repents There appears to be a contradiction between wishes to be reborn. Elazar ben Durdai listened these two verses. While the first verse describes to Gods message. man taking the first step towards G-d, the second verse implies that it is Hashem who will The message of the story of Elazar ben Durdai come and soften our hearts. How are we to is to hear G-d calling and to seize the moment. resolve this apparent contradiction, which is This is similar to the incident of the "sneh" – the central to our religious experience during the burning bush. G-d came to Mosh Rabbeinu month of Ellul? through a burning bush. Had Moshe Rabbeinu not noticed it, we might still be in Egypt! It is our We might suggest that G-d sends a person responsibility to listen attentively and to realize messages, at different times during his life,

בס''ד when G-d is sending us a message. At times, beckoning us to look below the surface and fall this message may come when we least expect backwards into His arms. I am to my Beloved it, but we must respond, and turn towards and and my Beloved is to me. He wants us to let go closer to G-d. and trust Him. To use the power of His love for us to grow and change. But where do we begin? I used to think that change began with Elul: The Secret to Change strengthening willpower. But willpower can sometimes ebb and flow depending on how When you don’t know where to begin, start tired, how hungry, how lonely we feel. So maybe here. (By Sara Debbie Gutfreund) change begins with changing one small habit? I’m standing at the edge of the boat with a heavy I’ve done that, and it’s true that in one month, air tank on my back. The ocean glitters in the most of us can successfully change one small late afternoon sun like a mirror of fire. I thought habit. But Elul can be so much more than that. I was ready, but now I’m not so sure. I learned G-d is giving us a chance to see a whole new how to breathe, how to communicate with my world this month. A magical, warm, beautiful hands, how to stay calm as I descend to the place that has all year been just below the ocean floor, but now all I can think about is how surface of our everyday lives. He wants us to heavy the tank is and how helpless I will be feel how much He loves us. He wants us to underneath its weight. notice the miracle of every breath we take. He wants us to notice the beauty of the afternoon The instructor yells to me, his voice muffled by light when it dances upon the surface. He wants the wind. “Ok, now fall backwards into the us to hear the beating of our own hearts. water.” I hesitate. How far down will I sink? The unfamiliar depths are invisible as I stare for one So how do we get below the surface? Rav Noah more moment at the choppy surface that is Weinberg ztz”l used to ask a simple yet crashing into the boat and spraying my feet with fascinating question: If you put an envelope full ice cold water. But I don’t want to hold up the of a million dollars in a homeless person’s cart, group. I don’t want to be the only one who can’t but he doesn’t realize that it’s there: Is he rich or just turn around and let go. So I do it. poor? If you have thousands of gifts in your life that you are too distracted or depressed to see, I fall backward off the edge of the boat, and I do you really have those gifts at all? Technically, drop further and further toward the bottom of the the homeless person with the million dollar ocean. I remember how to breathe. I watch the envelope is rich. And you do still have other divers drop and swim around me like thousands of gifts in your life even if you don’t graceful shadows. I see clusters of coral reefs notice them. But if you don’t look inside the with thousands of multi-colored fish racing envelope, you can’t use what you have. And this through them. I watch a huge sea turtle slowly may be where we can begin. It is perhaps the wading through the water. And above me, I see greatest secret to change: gratitude. the other-worldly glow of light that dances upon the surface of the ocean. It seems so far away Because when we are grateful, we feel now, that world above us. Here, at the bottom of connected. This is the month of building the ocean, it’s so quiet I can hear the beating of connections. To G-d. To each other. To life. And my own heart. I can’t believe that just yesterday, when we are grateful, we know what we have. I didn’t even know life went this deep. I can’t And we notice all the gifts in our lives, we can believe that I almost refused to let go, to fall use them to grow. So this is the month to say backward, to trust that I would remember how to thank You. For the first breath that you take breathe. when you awaken each day. For your legs. Your arms. Your eyes. Your ears. Your life. For the When the Hebrew month of Elul arrives, I feel light of the rising sun and for the hundreds of like I did at that moment, standing on the edge acts of kindness that He performs for us without of the scuba diving boat. Because G-d is coming us even knowing about them. The car accident closer to us every day of this month. He is that didn’t happen because you were five

בס''ד minutes late. The life threatening disease that halachos (laws) which go above and beyond the turned out to be benign. The lego piece that your letter-of-the-law. An example of this can be toddler didn’t choke on. The horrific decree that found in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach was distilled instead into a series of minor Chaim 603:1), which encourages even those inconveniences and traffic jams. Thank You for who have sanction all year round to eat bread all the goodness and the compassion that You baked by a non-Jewish bakery (known as pas weave into my life. palteir, provided, of course that all the Thank You for the oceans and the mountains. ingredients are verifiably kosher) not to do so The trees and the grass and the color of the during the Ten Days of Teshuvah. Yesod ve- twilight- drenched summer sky. Thank You for Shoresh ha-Avodah writes that there were those the friends, the family, and the kind stranger who would not scratch themselves during the who picked up the dropped keys. Thank You for month of Elul, as a means of penance and self- hope and potential and new beginnings. Thank mortification. Even to this day, there are people You for this month of closeness and light. For who during this month will not speak words of teaching us how to fall backwards into Your idle chatter or worldly matters; they reserve their Arms, to let go of our fears, to breathe in the speech for divrei Torah and teshuvah. darkness. I must admit that for many years, I had a hard I can’t believe that yesterday I didn’t even know time conceptually with this idea: If these laws/ this world existed. I didn’t even see what was customs/ stringencies are indeed worthy and inside the envelope. I didn’t even know how important, should we not be observing them all much You love me. Now I know. And that year round? And if they are such that to observe changes everything. them year-round is beyond our means, what is the relevance of going-through-the-motions one month a year, knowing full well that after this period ends, we will just go back to doing what Little Things Make a we did before? Whom are we fooling? Difference Fortunately, I came across the commentary of (By Rabbi Eliyahu Hoffmann) the famed Dubner Maggid on this week’s parsha where he, in his inimitable style, makes The month of Elul, sefarim write, is reserved as use of the parable to clarify this concept. a time of preparation for the upcoming Days of Judgement and Awe. It is said that in the tiny It was not an easy move for R’ Mendel and his shtetlach of Poland, Hungary, and Russia, one family to make, but in their little village, they just could feel the month of Elul in the air; the fear could not make ends meet. With his family and trepidation were palpable. There were growing and expanding, he had no choice but to some great Talmide Hachamim (Torah make the move to the big city, where they knew scholars) who set aside their regular daily no one and had no contacts. Not long after the routine of Talmudic study, and devoted the wagons transporting their lives had arrived, the month of Elul principally to the study of mussar locals had already gathered on the streets and (ethics and character refinement). At the very sidewalks to gape and gawk at the ‘new guys on least, people set aside time for Heshbon the block.’ It was with interest that they observed hanefesh (self-scrutiny) and getting oneself how, not long after they arrived, one of the local ready for the upcoming month of Tishre. politicians was already knocking at the door. There were (and still are) those who take upon Although they were in the middle of unpacking, themselves in Elul additional stringencies R’ Mendel, who was certainly not looking for any (chumrot); matters regarding which they may trouble, invited his “guest” inside, and told his not be particular all year round, yet during the wife to prepare something to serve their noble month of Elul (and continuing through the Ten guest. She did as she was told, and proceeded Days of Teshuva [1-10 Tishrei]) they “go the to serve up a most sumptuous snack in his extra mile” and accept minhagim (customs) and honor. R’ Mendel had his son bring in his best bottle of scotch, and, having had his fair share

בס''ד of food and drink, the official, seemingly “Now, however, the tides have turned. You’re in satisfied with his welcome, took leave of them. a position of great power over me, for in the Two neighbors, having observed the royal event of a hung-jury, even one vote can make welcome that the local dignitary received, the difference between a good verdict and a bad thought that a free meal and a drink wouldn’t be one. So please, eat to your heart’s content, and all that bad of an idea. Why don’t we, they remember me when the day of judgement thought, form our own neighborhood comes.” “welcoming committee!” They dressed up in the All year round, explains the Maggid, our deeds best clothing they owned, and crossed the street are not under such careful scrutiny. But during to greet and welcome their new neighbors. these days, as we prepare for the great and Knocking on the door, they were greeted by a awesome Yom ha-Din (Day of Judgement) tired and weary R’ Mendel. “We thought we’d which takes place on Rosh Hashana, we realize just come over from across the street to that our deeds will be measured and weighed, welcome you to our community,” they said and we will be judged for the coming year based proudly. on their merit, or, G-d forbid, lack thereof. “How kind of you,” R’ Mendel replied guardedly; Sometimes, in such a scenario, even one it wasn’t, in this area, the norm for non-Jews to small mitzvah can make the difference. Even so quickly befriend their Jewish neighbors. “Now observing a custom or halacha which in truth you have yourselves a good day.” goes far beyond the letter-of-the- law, and is not a halachic necessity all year round. It’s not that “Aren’t you going to invite us in?” asked one of we’re trying to fool anyone. To the contrary, to them boldly. ignore the fact that every small deed makes a “Truly, we’re really very busy right now. Just different during a period of judgement would be arrived and all. I must go. Thank you.” And with nothing short of foolishness. It would be, in that he closed the door on them, realizing full essence, a denial of the nature of the time of well what they had come for. year in which we find ourselves, and the judgement associated with it. We do everything Sometime later, R’ Mendel was involved in we can to ensure that when the Day of some sort of litigation. And, wouldn’t you know Judgement arrives, we will have as many good it: one of his neighbors had been elected to sit “character witnesses” as we possibly can. on the jury. When, during the time that the court case was ongoing, they passed by R’ Mendel’s Homiletically, he uses a section of this week’s house, he greeted them warmly, invited them to sidrah as an allusion to this idea. (23:10) When come inside, and told his wife to prepare for a legion goes out (to war) against your enemies; them the best that she had. you shall guard yourselves from anything evil. During the Days of Judgement, we are “at “Tell me, Mendel,” asked one of them. “Why is it battle” with our enemies – our sins and that when we came to ‘welcome’ you to our city, shortcomings – who threaten to besmirch our you treated us with such indifference. Yet now, names and cause bad judgement to be passed you ask us in, and give us to eat and drink? upon us, G-d forbid. Especially now, it is Were we not then deserving of the same important that we “guard ourselves from treatment as that dignitary?” anything evil.” Even ideals and actions which “Foolish men. Don’t you see? When that are perhaps beyond our abilities all year round, government official came to visit, I had every during Chodesh Elul we must go the extra mile reason to be concerned. Were I to rub him the and do everything we can to get our accounts in wrong way, he could easily have used his order before the great audit. influence to make my life miserable. Thus, I took extra care to make sure he had no reason to be upset with me. When you came knocking, however, you were just a couple locals looking for a free lunch. And I wasn’t going to bite…