Prayers
for Men: Yoel HaCohain ben Henya, Avraham HaCohain ben Yocheved, Avraham ben
Devorah, Shalom Charles ben Gracia, Yoel ben Esther, Zvi ben Chava, Daniel ben
Rivka, Nehemiah Arieh Liab Peretz ben Esther Rachel, Eliyah ben Chana, Chaim David ben Chana Golda, Eliyahu ben Aviva, Zvi Yechezkel Ben Leah, Menashe Ben
Golda, Pinchas Alta Ben Sima.
Women:
Karen Neshama bas Esther Ruth, Chaya Melecha Rachel bas Baila Alta, Rachel bas
Chana, Hodaya Nirit bas Mazel Yaish, Rivka bas Idit, Tsvia Simcha bas Devorah
Yachad, Miriam bas Irene Taita Malka, Golde Chaya bas Esther, Shulamis bas
Etta, Chana Friedel bas Sara, Drorah Rivka bas Chana, Devorah bas Sarah, Penina Bas Zeesa Priyah
The following person is
recovering from long term non-threatening injuries and need Psalms. Binum
Benyamin Tuvia ben Chana Friedel,
Notice I have removed the following names from the prayer
list because I received them on Facebook. ANYBODY WHO HAVE GIVEN ME NAMES
SHOULD ADVISE ME IF THEY CAN BE REMOVED AS I DON’T LIKE TO PRAY FOR THOSE WHO
DID NOT NEED IT OR HAVE PASSED ON. THESE ARE THE NAMES THAT I DON’T REMEMBER
WHO SENT ME: Melech David ben Sulah Pearla, Aharon Zvi ben
Chaya Perel, DovBeer Meyer Ben Glicka,
Parsha
Vayikra
There is no late and no early in the Torah. What we
have in the last Sefer was the time from the death of the brothers who founded
the tribes to the erecting of the Mishkan on the first of Nissan 2449. Sefer
Shemos ended with the time when the Mishkan was dedication and we start a
little before that. This whole Sefer is what was learned between the coming
down Har Sinai of Moshe starting Yud Aleph Tishrei 2448 though Pessach 2449 (or
Pessach Sheni as working on Pessach painting-cleaning does not give me time to
check). If you think I err I will be happy for comments but remember that the
Korbanos are first taught, then the dedication of the Mishkan, the Death of the
sons of Aaron and the establishment of Pessach Sheni (second Pessach). This is
all in a little over six months and of course the laws of Jewish “Slaves” or
servants, selling of homes or land and Shmita-Yovel. Also proper modesty and
whom it is forbidden to have relations with. In Parsha Emor we are told who is
eligible to marry a Cohain or Cohain Gadol and who is not. We also deal there
with the counting of the Omer.
Our Sefer will end and Bamidbar then goes into other
details that occurred upon the erection of the Mishkan and the arrangements of
the holy camp and holy army. It is only after Parsha Naso that the historical
side of Torah begins to move forward.
We start out with varying sacrifices aka Korbanos which I shall deal with. Korban Chatas or a sin offering is done for somebody who accidently committed a sin which was due to either a lack of knowledge that it was a sin or forbidden that this action is a sin. An example that comes to mind is the violation of Shabbos by accident. Such as one forgot that he or she had something in their pocket and went out from a private domain to a public domain and then realized it. So the carrying in or out would be the problem.
Korban Asham or guilt offering is for other sins. There are two types one that is required for we know he or she sinned and one depending for we have some evidence to the effect.
The next Korban is a Shlamim or peace offering. It is sometimes required like the three times a year that one goes before HASHEM and the Korban Pessach. It can also be the thanksgiving sacrifice for crossing the desert, ocean, ending up in danger, etc. Today we say HaGomel Prayer.
There is the Korban Bechor which is for the first born but it is also a Shlamim. Finally, there is a bird sacrificed of a woman who gave birth.
Some Korbanos the richer person brings a bull, the one of moderate means brings a goat or a lamb and poor man brings some flour for a Korban Mincha. A woman who gives birth brings either a male or female dove. All Korbanos had oil and flour. All Korbanos had flour in the form of Matzos except a Korban Todah which had Chametz aka Leaven Bread and was not sacrificed the day before Pessach and during the 7 days of Pessach.
3:6 And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto the LORD be of the flock, male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.
Many of the Korbanos are male but a Shlamim can be either male or female. Not we want the best of the best. Therefore, a strong animal and unblemished from the flock is sacrificed. Hevel gave the first fruits and the best of them and his Korban was accepted. Kayn gave from the weaker or blemished animal(s) and his Korban was not accepted.
7 If he brings a lamb for his offering, then shall he present it before the LORD. 8 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and ritually slaughter it before the tent of meeting; and Aaron's sons shall dash the blood thereof against the altar round about.
9 And he shall present of the sacrifice of peace-offerings an offering made by fire unto the LORD: the fat thereof, the fat tail entire, which he shall take away hard by the rump-bone; and the fat that covers the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, 10 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, which is by the loins, and the lobe above the liver, which he shall take away by the kidneys. 11 And the priest shall make it smoke upon the altar; it is the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD.
I saw something on Facebook that did
disturb me. I am not happy with a lot of the things about Islam and the
terrible things that Mohammed and friends did to the Jews or Mecca and Medina.
However, I saw some posts on Facebook that disturbed me just as much as extreme
Islam. One post was that Mosques should not be built in America and it was
applauded by others. Another was a news story of an attack on a Mosque which to
me is like attacking a Synagogue. Today they will want to stop Mosques,
tomorrow Buddhist, Hindus and Synagogues.
Preparing for Pessach
Most Rabbis don’t have dogs or feed
stray cats but Rabbi E. Schatz and I do. I got non-leavened dog food yesterday in the cheaper 20
kilo bag which keeps the pooch fed for quite a while. Today I am going to purchase
the pre-ground Gefilte Fish and a little more chicken and I am done will all
the holiday needs minus vegetables. The good news is that I am at my daughter's
for the Seder and my Nephew is having a Bar Mitzvah during Chol HaMoed Shabbos
so my wife has less work. BUT if you think that the Rebbetzin did not clean
every kitchen cabinet and the utility closet on the side already you are
mistaken. The only things Chametz in the kitchen are the micro-wave,
stove-range and half of the refrigerator.
Not
all spices are Kosher for Ashkenazim for Pessach. Check the Heckshir. We always
get new sugar and salt. OU has a link for searching from foods and Medications:
https://oukosher.org/passover/ UK medications including homeopathic
http://www.kosher.org.uk/sites/default/files/2015%20Medicines.pdf
Star
K Passover Guide and application: http://www.star-k.org/passover?gclid=CPDvubqugNMCFZIy0wodOxwNfw
Israeli
Medications as of 2014: http://www.clalit.co.il/he/medical/pharmacy/Documents/koosher2014.pdf
I got
for myself pro-biotics which contain milk derivatives to take on Pessach. I
avoid my usual vitamins except the iron pills and vitamin D-drops that I know
are Kosher for Pessach elsewhere consult your local Orthodox Rabbi and MD.
There
is a lot of work to do before Pessach and shop early to avoid the crowds. The
trick for Pessach is planning ahead. As we say in Hebrew “The end result (deed)
is from the beginning thought” SOF MAASEH B’ MACHSHAVA TEHILLA.
Remember
to purchase, walnuts, almonds, hazel nuts, apples, vinegar, sweet wine, apples,
cinnamon and ginger for the Charoses paste mix for the Pessach Seder. Review
the relevant sections of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch or Mishna Berura.
Rabbi
with an extra-large Salary by Rabbi Yerachmiel Tilles
Rabbi Avraham
Yehoshua Heschel served as a Rav (qualified authority in Jewish law) as well as
chasidic Rebbe, and in 5560 [1800], he accepted the position of Rav in the city
of Apta, one of the oldest and most important Jewish communities in Poland. In
honor of their new Rav, the venerable shul in the city changed its
nusach [order and slight textual distinctions of prayer] from Ashkenaz
to Sfard. It was in Apta that thousands of people began to flock to him
for blessings, and he soon became famous as a miracle worker, in addition to
being a posek [Halachic decisor].
For nine years, he
served as Rav in Apta, and then to the astonishment and consternation of its
townspeople, he accepted the position of Rav in the distant town of Yassy,
Romania. The people of Apta had formed a close and strong bond with their Rav,
and he too had a special affection for them. He promised the residents that he
would always be referred to as the ''Apta Rav'' and for the rest of his life, when
he signed his name, he added, "of Apta." To this day, the Jews of
Apta have the eternal merit that the name of this great tzadik is
forever linked with their town.
Why did he leave?
According to the Munkatcher Rebbe, author of Darkei Teshuva, when the Apta
Rav agreed to take the position in Apta, he insisted on a large salary. When he
left, he told them the following story:
"My father, Reb Shmuel, was a poor melamed [teacher-tutor] in a small town. His older brother, a very wealthy man, lived in Apta. Due to various calamities, my father and his brother had been separated from each other when they were eight and ten years old, and had no knowledge of each other's whereabouts. My uncle died childless, and left his young widow with very little information about his brother. Being childless, she was required to get chalitza [ceremony demonstrating the brother-in-law's refusal to marry the widow] from this unknown brother - but how was she to find him?
"The Rav of Apta at that time suggested that she send the letters to all the major rabbis in all the neighboring countries, telling them that there was a widow in Apta searching for so-and-so to give her chalitza. She should also announce that when the brother comes and fulfills his obligation, she would give him half of what she inherited from her husband.
"She followed his suggestion, and one such letter arrived at the town where my father lived. The Rav called him in and said, 'I know you don't have money to make the trip to Apt, but seeing that you stand to return home a very wealthy man, I will lend you the money for the trip. Pay me back when you return.'
"My father went home, and told my mother the story. She said, 'A great mitzvah has come your way. This is one mitzvah that most people never get a chance to fulfill, and indeed, no one wishes for such an opportunity. Now that you have the chance to do this singular mitzvah, you should do it for its own sake, and not for the sake of the money involved. In fact, you should not accept any money for it.'
"My father agreed, but my mother wasn't satisfied. 'The desire for money is very powerful. You may agree with me now, but when you are faced with that huge sum of money, who knows if you will be able to overcome this desire? Therefore, lift up my Korban Mincha prayer-book, and promise that you will not take even a single penny.'
"He then returned to the Rav and told him that he did not want to borrow the money from him. 'Who says I'm the real person?' he explained. 'Perhaps I only seem to match the description, so how will I be able to repay you? I will go there by foot and see what happens.'
"My father took his bag and walking stick and set out for Apta. He came to the Rav of Apta, and it turned out that he was the person they had sought. When the chalitza was completed, the woman insisted that my father take half of his brother's inheritance, but my father insisted on keeping the promise he had made to my mother and steadfastly refused to take any money.
"The widow insisted that she had no wish to keep this money, and if he would not accept it, it should remain in the community's possession.
"My parents actions caused a great tumult in Heaven. It was decided to reward them; and so, although my parents were very old, they were blessed with a son. I am that son," concluded the Rebbe. "Now you know why I consented to come here and be the Rav, but only for a large salary. I was only taking back the money that had been due my father, but was left in the hands of the community. Now that I have received the full amount, I can leave here and go to Yassy." *
"My father, Reb Shmuel, was a poor melamed [teacher-tutor] in a small town. His older brother, a very wealthy man, lived in Apta. Due to various calamities, my father and his brother had been separated from each other when they were eight and ten years old, and had no knowledge of each other's whereabouts. My uncle died childless, and left his young widow with very little information about his brother. Being childless, she was required to get chalitza [ceremony demonstrating the brother-in-law's refusal to marry the widow] from this unknown brother - but how was she to find him?
"The Rav of Apta at that time suggested that she send the letters to all the major rabbis in all the neighboring countries, telling them that there was a widow in Apta searching for so-and-so to give her chalitza. She should also announce that when the brother comes and fulfills his obligation, she would give him half of what she inherited from her husband.
"She followed his suggestion, and one such letter arrived at the town where my father lived. The Rav called him in and said, 'I know you don't have money to make the trip to Apt, but seeing that you stand to return home a very wealthy man, I will lend you the money for the trip. Pay me back when you return.'
"My father went home, and told my mother the story. She said, 'A great mitzvah has come your way. This is one mitzvah that most people never get a chance to fulfill, and indeed, no one wishes for such an opportunity. Now that you have the chance to do this singular mitzvah, you should do it for its own sake, and not for the sake of the money involved. In fact, you should not accept any money for it.'
"My father agreed, but my mother wasn't satisfied. 'The desire for money is very powerful. You may agree with me now, but when you are faced with that huge sum of money, who knows if you will be able to overcome this desire? Therefore, lift up my Korban Mincha prayer-book, and promise that you will not take even a single penny.'
"He then returned to the Rav and told him that he did not want to borrow the money from him. 'Who says I'm the real person?' he explained. 'Perhaps I only seem to match the description, so how will I be able to repay you? I will go there by foot and see what happens.'
"My father took his bag and walking stick and set out for Apta. He came to the Rav of Apta, and it turned out that he was the person they had sought. When the chalitza was completed, the woman insisted that my father take half of his brother's inheritance, but my father insisted on keeping the promise he had made to my mother and steadfastly refused to take any money.
"The widow insisted that she had no wish to keep this money, and if he would not accept it, it should remain in the community's possession.
"My parents actions caused a great tumult in Heaven. It was decided to reward them; and so, although my parents were very old, they were blessed with a son. I am that son," concluded the Rebbe. "Now you know why I consented to come here and be the Rav, but only for a large salary. I was only taking back the money that had been due my father, but was left in the hands of the community. Now that I have received the full amount, I can leave here and go to Yassy." *
For four years, the
Apta Rav served as Rav and Rebbe in Yassy. Then, on 18 Kislev 5572 [1811], the
Rebbe Reb Baruch of Medzibuzh passed away. The Jews of Medzibuzh had become
accustomed to having a venerable tzadik in their midst. Only half a century
earlier, the Baal Shem Tov had resided there. For the past twelve years,
it had been his grandson, the Rebbe Reb Baruch, and for the twelve years before
that his older brother, Rebbe Moshe-Chaim-Efraim of Sudylkov, the author of Degel
Machaneh Efraim, had served as their Rebbe.
The community decided to invite the Apta Rav to relocate to Medzibuzh, and in 5573, he left Romania and became Rebbe in the city of the Baal Shem Tov.
The community decided to invite the Apta Rav to relocate to Medzibuzh, and in 5573, he left Romania and became Rebbe in the city of the Baal Shem Tov.
Two years later his
close friends, the other three main "inheritors" of the Rebbe
Elimelech of Lizhinsk: the Chozeh of Lublin, the Kozhnitzer Maggid and Rebbe
Menachem Mendel of Riminov, all passed away within months of each other [see
story #303** in this series]. The Apta Rav was then considered the oldest
chasidic rebbe of the generation. All major decisions were sent to him for
arbitration, and his word was accepted throughout Eastern Europe and even as
far away as Eretz Yisrael.
Like the two previous tzadikim who lived in Medzibuzh, the Rebbe Reb Baruch and the Degel Machaneh Ephraim, the Apta Rav lived and served there for twelve years and then passed away. Shortly before his final days, he bade farewell to the table at which he had studied, the bookcase full of holy books, and to the mezuza on the doorpost. He returned to his bed and began to say [the first line of a hymn recited in the Shabbat morning prayers], "Ha'aderes vha'emuna, l'Chai Olamim" - Strength and faithfulness are His, who lives Eternally," and it was with these words that he departed this world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Original author's note:
A different Chasidic rebbe gave a second explanation. According to Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz, the Apta Rav heard a voice from Heaven proclaiming that Rabbi Meir ben Shmuel, the author of Ohr LaShamayim, was to become the Rav of Apta. Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel realized that since the town could only have one Rav, it meant that either he would move to another town, or pass away from this world. It was then that he decided to move to Yassy. Shortly thereafter, Rabbi Meir became the Rav in Apta.
** Editor's note:
Subsequently revised and expanded significantly and published in my Festivals of the Full Moon (Koren Publ.).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Source: Adapted by Yerachmiel Tilles from //heichalhanegina.blogspot.co.il, as excerpted and adapted there by "Dorfy" from an article written by Shia Ellen in a March 2007 edition of the English HaModia magazine.
Biographical note:
Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel [of blessed memory: 5515 - 5 Nissan 5585 (1755 -March 1825 C.E.)], the Apta Rebbe, was a main disciple of the Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhinsk. He is also often referred to as "the Ohev Yisrael," both after the title of the famous book of his teachings, and also because its meaning ("Lover of Jews") fits him so aptly. The Kapishnitzer Chasidic dynasty descends from him.
Connection: Seasonal-the 192nd yahrzeit of the Apta Rebbe, this Shabbat.
Like the two previous tzadikim who lived in Medzibuzh, the Rebbe Reb Baruch and the Degel Machaneh Ephraim, the Apta Rav lived and served there for twelve years and then passed away. Shortly before his final days, he bade farewell to the table at which he had studied, the bookcase full of holy books, and to the mezuza on the doorpost. He returned to his bed and began to say [the first line of a hymn recited in the Shabbat morning prayers], "Ha'aderes vha'emuna, l'Chai Olamim" - Strength and faithfulness are His, who lives Eternally," and it was with these words that he departed this world.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Original author's note:
A different Chasidic rebbe gave a second explanation. According to Rebbe Yissachar Dov of Belz, the Apta Rav heard a voice from Heaven proclaiming that Rabbi Meir ben Shmuel, the author of Ohr LaShamayim, was to become the Rav of Apta. Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshel realized that since the town could only have one Rav, it meant that either he would move to another town, or pass away from this world. It was then that he decided to move to Yassy. Shortly thereafter, Rabbi Meir became the Rav in Apta.
** Editor's note:
Subsequently revised and expanded significantly and published in my Festivals of the Full Moon (Koren Publ.).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Source: Adapted by Yerachmiel Tilles from //heichalhanegina.blogspot.co.il, as excerpted and adapted there by "Dorfy" from an article written by Shia Ellen in a March 2007 edition of the English HaModia magazine.
Biographical note:
Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heschel [of blessed memory: 5515 - 5 Nissan 5585 (1755 -March 1825 C.E.)], the Apta Rebbe, was a main disciple of the Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhinsk. He is also often referred to as "the Ohev Yisrael," both after the title of the famous book of his teachings, and also because its meaning ("Lover of Jews") fits him so aptly. The Kapishnitzer Chasidic dynasty descends from him.
Connection: Seasonal-the 192nd yahrzeit of the Apta Rebbe, this Shabbat.
Satmar Rebbe blasts Charedim blocking traffic as
an anti-draft protest: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/227399
Isn’t it “nice” of them a big favor. With friends
like that … http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4941940,00.html
The fellow brings back lost Bnei Israel: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/227545
Important Medical Research underway hopefully
something can be done before they build up by my wife and I. http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research-projects/clearing-amyloid-brains-blood-vessels/
The ability of Netanyahu or the
powers that be to control who will be a news broadcaster on the new TV and Radio
Network is being disgusting within the legal frame work. Fortunately, there is
the army radio, Arutz 7 and two independent TV stations. I know that many of
the press people are fake news but still legitimate criticizing is healthy.
Inyanay Diyoma
52 year old father of three does not comply with
the average terrorist profile but the same craziness is there: http://debka.com/article/25976/UK-Parliament-terror-tied-to-Antwerp-attack
Analysis: This week a major call-up drill took
place. The Chief of Staff wants to be ready for a war on Pessach. (They may try
a Yom Kippur Surprise again). Iran is pressing Syria, Hezballah and perhaps
Hamas. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/20308
Israeli Youth with some mental disability may
have made threats for money. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4939980,00.html
Wire-tapping or listening is worse than
Watergate: http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/03/25/tony-shaffer-donald-trump-wiretapping-case-worse-watergate-not-russian
ISIS heads to Lebanon for a battle there: http://debka.com/article/25982/ISIS-U-Turns-West-to-Lebanon-as-Next-Target
This latest Public Opinion Poll may calm down the
Prime Minister regarding elections: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/227328
Hamas Political Leader in the Shomron arrested: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4940974,00.html
Near Schem, terrorist subdued, nobody including
the terrorist was hurt: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/227338
London does not know how to by-pass What’s App.
Israel can see what is being typed in but not the messages as far as I know but
that could be also a false premise. http://debka.com/article/25983/WhatsApp-Scapegoat-for-London%E2%80%99s-security-lapses
US UN Ambassador there is a new Sherriff in town
no more Israel bashing: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=41401
Arab Summit OK’s peace talks with Israel: http://debka.com/article/25984/High-hopes-of-Arab-summit-OK-for-Israel-peace-step
Canada is going to the Islamist and Ed-Op by
Diane Weber Bederman: http://dianebederman.com/pm-trudeau-i-am-a-jewishislamophobe/
Large scale Yehuda and Shomron exercise of
Central Command: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4942514,00.html
Ed-Op an $830,000,000 bunker mentality that might
lead to the next war. Ed-Op Yossi Yehoshua: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4940997,00.html
Trump is serious about peace but reasonably fair
in his approach even for us. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/227551
First settlement in 20 years approved: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/227545
Ed-Op Dr. Martin Sherman: https://www.algemeiner.com/2017/03/30/aipac-touting-tyranny-in-pursuit-of-bipartisanship/
Good Shabbos all next week I will
review some points on Pessach. I suggest reviewing the relevant sections of the
Kitzur Shulchan Aruch and/or Mishnah Berura. Relax on Shabbos and get you soul
revised as from now until Pessach you may be under pressure.
Rachamim Pauli
