nxgh vacug s; Volume 26 MASEI No. 44 SHABBAT MEVARCHIM Daf Hashavua 26 July 2014 • 28 Tammuz 5774 Shabbat ends in London at 9.56 pm Artscroll p. 918 • Hertz p. 714 • Soncino p. 971 Rosh Chodesh Av is on Monday Judaism and Electricity on Shabbat (Part 2) Modernity by Rabbi Garry Wayland, Assistant, Youth and Young Families Rabbi, Part 7: Woodside Park United Synagogue Last week, we discussed the source and scope sibility is ‘kavod habriyot’ – protecting the of the prohibition of using electricity on dignity of those involved. Halachic questions Shabbat. Whilst all Rabbinic authorities rule are not viewed in a vacuum. Hearing aids that the use of the electricity is generally transform the daily lives of those who need forbidden, there are certain circumstances in them, and it would be unimaginable if the which it is permitted. hard of hearing were not able to communicate with the world on Shabbat. Many shuls have hearing aid loops – a system of discreetly placed microphones that trans- This factor, however, is largely absent in the mit signals to hearing aids. When set question of other amplification systems: correctly, these allow their users to hear (for whilst the Rabbi or chazzan may have to example) the Torah reading and the strain his voice, and shuls can be sermon. However, other forms of occasionally noisy, there is much amplification systems are for- less need for leniency. So even bidden. What is the difference? though the technical principles This question actually sheds light may be the same, the human on many of the issues that factors that play a role in halachic underlie the laws of Shabbat. decision making are radically Several potential issues arise – is different. the hearing aid like a musical instrument, the use of which is Based on similar principles, forbidden on Shabbat? Is speaking institutions such as Zomet, into the microphone, or the hearing aid itself, in Israel, design special generating electricity? Is one permitted to ‘Shabbat compliant’ devices to allow life in wear a hearing aid in a street that does not challenging situations to carry on as normally have an Eruv? as possible, whilst still observing Shabbat. Therefore, hospitals may have Shabbat Needless to say, the Rabbinic authorities keyboards, phones and microwaves that can grappled with these common issues. They be used even in non-emergency situations. permit the use of hearing aids, wearing them Other devices, such as Shabbat lifts, in the street and even adjusting the volume, electric wheelchairs and water pumps, often provided that they were turned on before make Shabbat more pleasant in otherwise Shabbat. A factor that underlies their permis- difficult situations. The Direction of the Signpost by Rabbi Mendel Lew Senior Rabbi, Stanmore & Canons Park United Synagogue The story is told of a man who was walking the wrath of the grieving family. along a path. His destination was the next These cities of refuge were town and he was grateful for the clear functioning cities, where the directions and signs on the way. Well before accused was entitled to live in the invention of satellite positioning, these relative peace. They were markers helped him to navigate the route. required to be of decent size, He soon arrived at an intersection, with roads so as not to appear isolated. Water heading in different directions. There was a and amenities had to be readily available. signpost indicating where The rules also stipulate that clearly each road would lead. Alas, worded and visible road signs identifying the sign had fallen down, the cities of refuge were to be and was now lying at the erected. These markers had the side of the road. The man was Hebrew word miklat (shelter) in a quandary, uncertain written on them, and they what to do next. were installed all along Soon, a fellow traveller arrived at the roads and highways. the junction. Responding to the These signposts were regularly man's predicament, the traveller examined for damage and wear and tear. pointed out that on the fallen sign there Any overgrown shrubbery and greenery was were also, presumably, directions to the removed so that the signs were always place from where our man began his visible. Every opportunity was afforded the journey. "Pick up the sign and point it in accused to make his way to the closest city the direction from where you have come. of refuge. The direction of the other paths The placement of signs served an additional and roads will now be purpose. It reminded the individual of clear". how he had fallen. Being responsible for True progress in life works another’s demise was indicative of neglect best when we look to our in one’s own behaviour - acting carelessly past. By implementing all the best around others. While this individual was advice and guidance from our parents, fleeing towards safety, he was never to grandparents and from our rich Jewish history, forget the origins of his journey. The signs we are better able to establish our own path – leading him further and further away from his and ultimately reach the goal of a contented hometown could be seen, in truth, as the story and meaningful life. of his life. This sheds light on a critical passage in this We face new situations and experiences each week’s sidrah. In Chapter 19, the Torah outlines day. Often we have regrets. Yet we should seek the regulations for one who accidentally takes time to pause, to assess the path and route we the life of another human being. The accused are following in life. It is wise to occasionally was required to escape to a city of refuge. redirect that signpost and make sure we are Only there would the accused be safe from heading for a stable and fulfilling future. Eyes and Vision Making a Tzohar in the Torah by Menachem Salasnik, Israel Educator When G-d instructed Noach how to build the bad and holds one back. If you want to reach Ark, He told him to make a tzohar (Bereishit the highest level of spirituality, you need to 6:16). This is the only time this word appears leave as much of the physical world behind in the Torah. It is clearly etymologically related you. Religious asceticism is practiced by to the words zohar (radiance), tzahoraim monks of many religions, whether in regards (noon) and yitzhar (olive oil for lamps). to celibacy, food, alcohol, money or even It seems that the tzohar provided light so that speech. those in the Ark would be able to see what Judaism is radically different. Walk into the they were doing. There are two opinions as to home of our greatest spiritual leaders on what this light source was. The first opinion Shabbat and you could see plenty food and is that it was a window. We drink and joyous talk around see (ibid 8:6) the Ark had a the table. It is possible to window which Noach opened reach a level of spirituality by for the dove (although there abstaining from the physical; it is referred to by its more yet the ultimate form of regular term – chalon). The spirituality is to take that very second opinion is that it was a physicality and transform it precious stone which emitted into a conduit of spirituality. its own light, a type of phos- If we eat in order to have phorescent gemstone. energy so that we can carry Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of out mitzvot, we have elevated the food to a Lubavitch (d.1994) suggests that there was spiritual level. If we work honestly and donate deep spiritual significance to this tzohar part of our income to charity, we make G-d a beyond its light-providing qualities. The partner in our working life. people of the time had driven spirituality from We live in a world where it can sometimes be their lives. Their passion was for fulfilling their difficult to perceive G-d’s presence. The physical needs; stealing and adultery were regularity of nature, the drive for money and rife. Noach needed to make a window in the physical pleasure, can often leave little room physical world to allow some of the spiritual for spirituality. It is worth taking time to allow light to shine through and elevate himself spirituality to shine into our life, to meditate beyond the problems of his society. However, on concepts of purpose and meaning. Even there is an even higher level than a ‘window’. more importantly, if we can utilise the A precious stone that represents the physical physical world that we deal with on a daily world itself emitting spiritual light - the basis and elevate it, we have the opportunity physicality has been turned into something to achieve true greatness in every aspect of that creates spirituality. our lives. An approach sometimes found in religious life Menachem Salasnik is a Low Vision and around the world is that the physical world is Geriatric Optometrist A Deeper Look Psalm 24 at Tehilim by Rabbi Yehuda Black, Kenton United Synagogue (Green Siddur, p.130 and 430) not sworn deceitfully” – not taken His name Psalm 24 is recited when returning the Torah in vain and been deceitful. The Radak (Rabbi to the Aron Hakodesh (Ark) on weekdays David Kimchi d.1235) suggests that these and Shabbat afternoons. It is also by Sefardi three qualities encompass a person’s actions, and some Ashkenazi communities on the thoughts and speech respectively. nights of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur 3. The last four verses emphasise G-d as King after Ma’ariv.