Friday, April 5, 2019

Parshiyos Tazria, HaChodesh, Lashon Hara, Reincarnation, Halachos Pesach, more




Parsha Tazria


After the Mishkan and the Various Korbanos for sins and voluntary thanksgiving, Our Pasha starts out with the laws of Tuma and Childbirth and the Korbanos for a woman who gave birth. Our Parsha is mainly on the Negah of Tsoras. One type sounds like Psoriasis, another a pigment eating disease. But they can be products of any combination of things. Our Sages equate the causes of these 4 types of skin inflammation with the plague of Lashon Hara. Miriam had to be outcast from the camp for 7 days. 


There are 34 Prohibitions with Lashon Hara: 17 negative Mitzvos and 14 positive Mitzvos and 3 curses. http://www.ahavat-israel.com/am/gossip.php
  1. "You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people" (Vayikra 19:16)
  2. "You shall not utter a false report" (Shemos 23:1)
  3. "Take heed concerning the plague of leprosy" (Devarim 24:8)
  4. "Before the blind do not put a stumbling block" (Vayikra 19:14)
  5. "Beware lest you forget the Lord, your G-d" (Devarim 8:11)
  6. "You shall not profane My holy name" (Vayikra 22:32)
  7. "You shall not hate your brother in your heart" (Vayikra 19:12)
  8. "You shall not take vengeance nor bear any grudge against the children of your people" (Vayikra 19:18)
  9. "You shall not take vengeance nor bear any grudge against the children of your people" (Vayikra 19:18)
  10. "One witness shall not rise up against a man for iniquity or for any sin" (Devarim 19:15)
  11. "You shall not follow a multitude to do evil" (Shemos 23:2)
  12. "You shall not act similar to Korach and his company" (Bamidbar 17:5)
  13. "You shall not wrong one another" (Vayikra 25:17)
  14. "(You shall rebuke your neighbor) and you shall not bear sin because of him" (Vayikra 19:17)
  15. "Any widow or orphan shall you not afflict" (Shemos 22:21)
  16. "You shall not pollute the land wherein you are" (Bamidbar 35:33)
  17. "You shall not curse the deaf" (Vayikra 19:14)
  1. "Remember what the Lord you G-d did until Miriam by the way as you came forth out of Egypt" (Devarim 24:9)
  2. "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Vayikra 19:18)
  3. "In righteousness shall you judge your neighbor" (Vayikra 19:15)
  4. "If your brother be waxen poor and his means fail him when he is with you, then you shall uphold him" (Vayikra 25:35)
  5. "You shall rebuke your neighbor" (Vayikra 19:17)
  6. "To Him shall you cleave" (Devarim 10:20)
  7. "You shall fear My sacred place" (Vayikra 19:30)
  8. "Before the gray-haired you shall rise up, and you shall honor the face of the old man" (Vayikra 19:32)
  9. "You shall sanctify Him" (Vayikra 21:8)
  10. "Honor your father and mother" (Shemos 20:12)
  11. "The Lord your G-d shall you fear" (Devarim 10:20)
  12. "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall talk of them by the way when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up" (Devarim 6:7)
  13. "From a false matter you shall keep yourself far" (Shemos 23:7)
  14. "Walk in His ways" (Devarim 28:9)


Parsha Tazria


12:1 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying: 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying: If a woman be delivered, and bear a man-child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of the impurity of her sickness shall she be unclean.

The uncleanliness comes from the placenta being discarded by the womb and hence a piece of dead flesh (my understanding).

3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 4 And she shall continue in the blood of purification three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purification be fulfilled. 5 But if she bear a maid-child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her impurity; and she shall continue in the blood of purification threescore and six days. 6 And when the days of her purification are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt-offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtle-dove, for a sin-offering, unto the door of the tent of meeting, unto the priest.

What sin did the woman giving birth do? Since Judaism does not view the act of intercourse for reproduction purposes for a sin this is not it. It is the pain during the birthing process that some women vow not to have any more children or e

7 And he shall offer it before the LORD, and make atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the fountain of her blood. This is the law for her that bears, whether a male or a female. 8 And if her means suffice not for a lamb, then she shall take two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons: the one for a burnt-offering, and the other for a sin-offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

The Torah is income related or wealth related. Those who are poor make their measly financial payment and those who are wealthy give theirs but it is the repentance and perhaps the joy of the child that makes the atonement for some people in their happiness forget HASHEM.

13:1 And the LORD spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying: 2 When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, or a scab, or a bright spot, and it becomes in the skin of his flesh the plague of leprosy, then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests. 3 And the priest shall look upon the plague in the skin of the flesh; and if the hair in the plague be turned white, and the appearance of the plague be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is the plague of leprosy; and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean. … 45 And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and the hair of his head shall go loose, and he shall cover his upper lip, and shall cry: 'Unclean, unclean.'

Because he was sneaky behind the backs of people doing some sort of Lashon Hara, now he/she is punished measure for measure by pushing all the people away. Even in modern society some people would hang up the phone on him/her lest they get even the dust of Lashon Hara in their ears.

46 All the days wherein the plague is in him he shall be unclean; he is unclean; he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his dwelling be. 47 And when the plague of leprosy is in a garment, whether it be a woolen garment, or a linen garment; 48 or in the warp, or in the woof, whether they be of linen, or of wool; or in a skin, or in any thing made of skin. 49 If the plague be greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the skin, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin, it is the plague of leprosy, and shall be shown unto the priest. 50 And the priest shall look upon the plague, and shut up that which hath the plague seven days.

This I assume has something to do either with jealousy or Lashon Hara about possessions of a fellow ben Yisrael. The removal of the unclean mold saves the person from disease. He is not physically effected but he worked hard for his possessions and must repent or lose them.

59 This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of wool or linen, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.


Parsha HaChodesh


This is the last of the four Parshiyos that we read each year. They are a historical reminder of the times when we used to redeem ourselves and be free of enemy attacks such as Amalek and our current ones that come upon us to destroy us. It does not have to be the neighbors of Eretz Yisrael enough one idiot in Pittsburgh to give us a reminder. The Purification process so that one could enter the Mikdash and finally this week the push of the last two weeks before the Korban Pessach.


12:1 And the LORD spoke unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying: 2 'This month shall be unto you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.

Moshe was given a crash course in physics, astronomy and orbit calculations and determination which would be more precise than NASA in a matter of a short time span. The proof of this was the accuracy of the calculation of the RAMBAM that was only off about 850-900 years later by either 3 cm or 3 mm! It is also possible that comets or asteroids crashed into the moon causing this deviation or that the NASA measurements were not precise enough when taken in the mid-60’s.

3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying: In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to their fathers' houses, a lamb for a household;

That was for Pesach Mitzrayim only and not for Pesach Doros (of the generations [of Israel]). It could be that on the tenth families would choose their sheep but it could also be from Rosh Chodesh too.

4 and if the household be too little for a lamb, then shall he and his neighbor next unto his house take one according to the number of the souls; according to every man's eating ye shall make your count for the lamb.

Originally it was that the families ate the Pesach and they had lots of a members and

5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year; ye shall take it from the sheep, or from the goats; 6 and ye shall keep it unto the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill (slaughter) it at dusk.

Originally, this was the time closer to sunset. However, as the population increased in the second Mikdash the slaughter started earlier and in shifts. There were three shifts after the Korban Tamid (daily).

7 And they shall take of the blood, and put it on the two side-posts and on the lintel, upon the houses wherein they shall eat it.

This halacha was a one-time halacha but the next halacha is for all generations.

8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; with bitter herbs they shall eat it.

We can see where the Korban is roasted on an open fire, the Matzos are for all generations and where bitter herbs come into the laws of Pesach.

9 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; its head with its legs and with the inwards thereof.

Korbanos go straight on the fire.

10 And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; but that which remained of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire. 11 And thus shall ye eat it: with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste--it is the LORD'S Passover. 12 For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. 13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

This is similar to the Tav in Yechezkel on the forehead that Gavriel placed. If in red, it was for blood and death and if in black for ink and being written in the book of life. The Tav in red or blood was ‘TAMOS’ or die and in ink was ‘TEHEYEH’ or live. 9:4 And the LORD said unto him: 'Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that are done in the midst thereof.' 5 And to the others He said in my hearing: 'Go ye through the city after him, and smite; let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity; 6 slay utterly the old man, the young man and the maiden, and little children and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.' Then they began at the elders that were before the house. Now follows more Halachos of Pessach.

14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial, and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.

This was true in the Concentration Camps, Gulag of Siberia, and in benighted lands with the blood libel where white wine had to be used. In the end the Nazis, Soviets, etc. are part of the past and the Pesach was, is and will be part of the Jewish People.

15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; howbeit the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses; for whosoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

We do not live in the generation of Moshe where people could die on the spot but rather they are cut off in the next world from the real portion that every Ben Yisrael has.

16 And in the first day there shall be to you a holy convocation, and in the seventh day a holy convocation; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done by you. 17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt; therefore, shall ye observe this day throughout your generations by an ordinance forever.

There were those people who risked their lives in this world to observe.

18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.

The Torah defines that the prohibition of having unleavened is from sundown to sundown and the Rabbis add some time to protect errors that may occur. During this time if a person willingly violates this, he gets Kores and if by accident owes a Korban Chatas.

19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses; for whosoever eats that which is leavened, that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a sojourner, or one that is born in the land. 20 Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.'




From Mike: A Jew without a gun by Robert J. Avrech www.seraphicpress.com/jew-without-a-gun/

I am republishing my three-part series about the Los Angeles Riots of 1992 in which Karen and I and the children were trapped for several frightening hours. We were unarmed, helpless save for our wits. The police were conspicuously absent and the bad guys, frequently armed with heavy weapons, owned the streets. It was a defining moment in my life.
I’m reposting this series as a cautionary tale because the Sandy Hook Elementary School Massacre has sharpened the claws of the statist utopians, whose ultimate aim is to disarm law-abiding American citizens.
Just as Obamacare has nothing to do with health, and cap and trade has nothing to do with so-called global warming, anti-gun laws have nothing to do with saving children’s lives.
It’s just another opportunity for the left to centralize power. You get the idea why Jews should be able to defend themselves.


Laws of Pessach Continued Shmura Matzos
A lot of work to make a glossary where I could I did sometimes words are explained.


Rochetz
Wash hands for HaMotzei as usual.

Motzei Matzah
The Seder leader should then lift the three Shmura matzos, the two whole ones sandwiching the remaining part of the broken matzah. Having in mind to fulfill the Toraitic precept of eating matzah he should first say the blessing of “HaMotzie Lechem . . ..”He should immediately put down the bottom matzah, retaining the top one and the portion of the broken one, and say the blessing “Al Achilas Matzah. ”He should then, leaning to his left side, eat preferably two k’zaysim (one for Motzie Matzah, and second for Al Achilas Matzah) within eight minutes without talking in between. According to Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, Zecher Tzaddik L’vrocho, this may be eating 1/3 of a hand-made or 3/4 (7 in. x 4 in.) of a machine Sh’murah Matzah, which is enough for both K’zaysim.(According to the Chazon Ish, ½ hand matzah or a whole machine matzah).
Rabbi Y.S. Elyashiv shlita holds that for the first kzayis 20 grams (0.705 oz) of hand Matzo, and the second kzayis 15 grams (0.0529 oz) ie, 35 grams of matzoh (1.234 oz)
Some people who are very exacting in the performance of mitzvos chew two k’zaysim before swallowing and swallow it all at once.

Morror

Next we take a k’zayis of morror, dip it in the choroises (see earlier), say the brocho “Al Achilas Morror” and eat it without leaning.Remember, we already recited “Borei P’ri HaAdamah” on the Karpas. This, as all the mitzvos of the night, must be done by both men and women.If for health reasons, this cannot be done, consult a competent orthodox rabbi.

Koraich

Next we take a k’zayis of morror between a k’zayis of matzah, dip it in the Charoses and, without a blessing but with the recital of “Zecher L’Mikdash K’Hillel,” eat the sandwich.

Shulchan Aruch

There are those who eat the egg from the Seder plate to remind us of the chagigah, also the first night of Pesach coincides with the day of the week on which the ninth of Av comes out on, and the egg is eaten by mourners.
We eat and drink our meal. It is forbidden to set aside meat and designate it for Pesach (1st night) lest it be misconstrued as Korban Pesach. He may say, “This meat is for Yom Tov. ”If one did say it was for Pesach, he may b’dieved eat it on Pesach. On the 1st night (1st two in the diaspora) one may not eat meat or chicken roasted unless it was roasted with water. Juices produced by dry pan roasting are not sufficient to be considered roasted in water. The importance of the meal should be de-emphasized as much as possible and eating limited to allow the Afikoman to be eaten with some appetite.

Tzafun

 

Before saying Bircas HaMazon, we eat the Apikoyman, leaning on our left side. We should try to eat two k’zaysim. One represents the Korban Pesach and the other represents the Korban Chagigah.  The Apikoyman must be eaten before midnight (not necessarily 12:00 AM).One may not eat after the Apikoyman. If one has only one k’zayis of Sh’murah Matzah, he should save it for the Apikoyman.

Boraich

The predominant custom is that the master of the house lead the Bircas HaMazon on the night of the Pesach.Before pouring the third cup, it should be cleaned and rinsed.
After Bircas HaMazon, the third cup is drunk leaning to the left side. One should have in mind to be “Yotzai” the third cup.

Hallel

It is customary to have a cup filled on the table for Eliyahu.We immediately fill our fourth cup.We say “Sh’foch Chamascha . . .” all this after opening the door for Eliyahu. We then complete the Hallel. Then, having in mind to fulfill our obligation to drink the fourth cup, we make the brocho and drink while leaning to our left. Hallel should also be completed before midnight. After the fourth cup, only water may be drunk.

Nirtzah

 

We then conclude the Seder with Nirtzah. People of merit staying up at night as long as they can discuss the going out of Egypt. Most people sing the “Songs of Praise” at the end of the Haggadah.

Additional

Laws

  1. There is a custom to give Maeis Chittin, which is money for the poor to buy flour for Matzos for Pesach. Anyone who resides in a town that is so accustomed for 12 months a year is obligated.
  2. The entire month of Nissan neither Tachanun during the week nor Tzidkascha Tzedek on Shabbos afternoon are said.
  3. The Shabbos before Pesach is called SHABBOS HAGADOL because of the miracle that occurred on it. The Torah states that the Korban Pesach must be set aside for offering on the 10th of Nissan. That year (Y’tzias Mitzrayim) the 10th fell on Shabbos, and although the Egyptians worshiped these animals, no protest was made when they were taken.It is customary in most places to have a special Shabbos HaGadol “drasha.”A special Haftora (Malachi 3:4-24) is read.
  4. Erev Pesach, Mizmor L’Sodah is not said, nor is LaM’natzaich.
  5. When the 14th is on Shabbos, even though bedikas chometz is done Thursday night, Friday morning davening is regular as far as saying Mizmor L’Sodah and LaM’natzaich.
In commemoration of “Makas Bechoros,” the killing of the first-born Egyptians, male Jews must fast on Erev Pesach.Fathers fast for children under thirteen. If one, however, is invited to a Seudas Mitzvah, he is permitted to eat. It is traditional to have someone complete a tractate of the Talmud Erev Pesach and to invite those presents to join him in his simcha. This is not just a formal reading of the last line of a tractate, but must be a bona fide completion.A father must fast for his minor son, even if the father is not a first-born.Some hold that if the father is first born the mother must fast for her son.Everyone holds if the father is first born and the mother is pregnant or nursing, then the father fasts for both.It is generally accepted that in all cases, the father fasts for both.A first-born father and his minor first born son need only one Siyum.
Matzah may not be eaten Erev Pesach nor should one work after midday.In some places the custom is to prohibit work all day.
It is a custom to read the Haggadah Shabbos HaGadol from “Avadim HaYeenu.”However, the Vilna Gaon says it should not be observed because of the line in the Haggadah, “I might think from day.”
Erev Pesach, the table should be set so the Seder may begin immediately after nightfall.Kiddush should not be recited before nightfall (Tzais HaKochavim).Many have the custom to wear a kittel (a special white robe).Since Pesach is “Lail Shimurim (“a night of guarding”), the entire “Krias Sh’ma Al HaMitah” is not said; only the Sh’ma and the brocho of “HaMapil.”Some have the custom to say the entire Hallel in shul (with or without a brocho) after Ma’ariv on the first night of Pesach.This is the custom in Eretz Yisrael (with a brocho).
From the Mussaf of the 1st day of Pesach one ceases saying “Mashiv HaRuach” in Shemoneh Esreh.In Eretz Yisroel, Morid HaTal is substitued (as it is in Nusach Sefard even in the diaspora).The whole Hallel is said on the first day of Pesach (first two days in the diaspora) and half-Hallel on the remaining days.“V’sain Tal U’Matar” is omitted from Bircas HaShanim beginning with the first intermediate day of Pesach, and “V’sain brocho” is substitued.
There are two customs concerning wearing Tefillin on the intermediate days.There are those (Rashba) who hold that since Chol HaMoed is an “os” because of the matzah (Succos because of the Succah) it is forbidden to wear Tefillin since one already has the “os” of the holiday.There are those (Rosh) who say since you are permitted to work on Chol HaMoed, it is not an “os” and you must wear tefillin.Most authorities hold even those who do wear tefillin do not make a brocho.In Eretz Yisroel the accepted minhag is not to wear tefillin on Chol HaMoed, and those who do wear should not do so publicly, but instead should put them on when they return home after davening with a Minyan.

Sefiras HaOmer

On the second night of Pesach we begin counting the Omer. In the times of the Mikdash, there was a mitzvah of cutting the Omer on the 16th of Nissan and fulfilling the Toraitic precept of counting every day until Shavuos. Although we do not have the mitzvah today of cutting the Omer, there are those (Rambam, Chinuch) who hold that the counting is still Toraitic. The majority of the authorities, however, hold in accordance with the opinion of Tosaphos who say it is rabbinic, in commemoration of the Mikdash.
  1. The counting should be done after nightfall.
  2. If it is done after sunset one has fulfilled his obligation, b’dieved.
  3. Since the Torah (Parshas Emor; Leviticus 23:15-16) mentions counting both weeks and days, after the seventh day, one must also mention weeks.
  4. If one forgets to count at night he counts in the morning without a brocho.
  5. If he forgot to count an entire day he counts the rest of the days without a brocho.
  6. If one is in doubt whether he counted or not he counts subsequent days with a brocho.
  7. If before counting someone asks you “What is today’s count?” say to him: “Yesterday was . . .” If you mention the day of today, you have already fulfilled the mitzvah and may not say the brocho that day.
  8. L’chatchila (preferably), the counting should be done standing, but if done sitting, one has fulfilled his obligation.
  9. According to the L’Voosh, everyone must say the counting by himself and therefore another Jew cannot be “motzie” him. The P’ri Chadash, however, is lenient.Therefore, it is advised to act in accordance with the suggestion of the Chayai Adam, “If one intended to be “yotzie” with his friend’s count, he should count again without a brocho.”
  10. According to most authorities, “chadash is forbidden in these times.Chadash is one the five grains, which has taken, root after the 16th of Nissan.It is prohibited by the Torah until next Pesach.
  11. Between Pesach and Shavuos the students of Rabbi Akiva died on every day that Tachanun is said.Since there are thirty-three such days, all Jews observe a period of partial mourning.There are two predominant customs.The first is to observe from Pesach to Lag B’Omer (33rd day).The second is to observe from the first of Iyar to the third day of Sivan.The lenient combination of these two periods may not be adopted (the overlap.)
  12. During this period it is forbidden to take haircuts, shave, have weddings or parties or other types of“Simchas M’raim.”
  13. On Lag B’Omer, according to both customs, all is permitted.
  14. The last day of each of these periods must be observed only partially because “Miktzas HaYom K’kulo” (“part of a day is like the whole day”) applies to the last day of a mourning period.

Shavuos

  1. Shavuos is the day the Omer was brought and is a complete Yom Tov (see Hilchos Yom Tov).
  2. Shavuos is also the day (the sixth of Sivan) upon which the Torah was given.Since the B’nei Yisroel slept the night before the giving of the Torah and had to be awakened by Ha-Shem, we are accustomed to stay awake all night Shavuos learning Torah to correct this.
  3. Care should be taken in the morning with the brocho “Al N’tilas Yadayim,” since there is a difference of opinion as the whether night or sleep causes the Ruach HaTumah.
  4. If one stays awake all night, the brocho “Elokai N’shama” should not be said, nor should “HaMa’avir Shainah.”
  5. Since there has not been an interruption in learning, Bircas HaTorah need not be said.
  6. It is strongly advised to have someone who has slept be “motzie” everyone with these brochos.
  7. There is a minhag to say “Akdamos” on Shavuos.
  8. There is a custom to eat dairy dishes on Shavuos because when the nations returned from Matan Torah they did not find any prepared dishes and ate diary dishes.Another explanation is that they had no kosher meat or pots for meat since they were just given the commandments of kashrus.
  9. From Rosh Chodesh Sivan until the day after Shavuos no Tachanun is said.Some hold an additional seven days as well, for make-up Korbanos (Tashlumim).
SPECIAL NOTE:To students of the yeshiva who are invited to spend the Seder with families: Since Matzah (especially hand matzah) and wine are very expensive, it is proper Derech Eretz for you to bring your own to the Seder. Also, please try and help the family in any preparation that you can, since it is a difficult Yom Tov.
CHAG KASHER V’SOMAYACH!


The Last Straw for Rabbi Akiva

From my writings that I archived:
I believe that my told time readers about 13 to 15 years ago about the measure to measure in this world or the next of reincarnation. Some will remember that I wrote it regarding Parsha Balak and reincarnation. Those who remember may or will recall the reincarnation story in the life of Rabbi Akiva. A good book to read on the history of Rabbi Akiva is a book called Akiva I believe Feldheim Publishing. One of the things from the Kabbalah is that Zimri = Rabbi Akiva. Pinchas = Eliyahu (he appears in this story as a poor man).

Rabbi Akiva had given up everything to learn Torah and Rachel (aka Kozbi) the daughter of the wealthiest man in Judea has been disinherited for marrying an Am HaAretz (unlearned peasant). Akiva ben Yosef promises to learn for her. However, they have no money and they are sleeping in a hovel after she has given birth only on straw. Rabbi Akiva picks the straw out of her hair. He is at wits end for what he has done for her and wants to quit the Kollel and get a job. Just then, Eliyahu comes in the form of a poorer fellow who knocks on the door and asks Rabbi Akiva if he has spare straw as he heard that he might as his wife just gave birth. Rabbi Akiva donates some and becomes resolved to continue learning Torah. For he now feels that there are people in worse shape than him so HASHEM has been good enough to provide him with what Yacov asked for: A piece of clothing and bread to eat.

I wrote this six years ago: on Pessach – Why be difficult with a little more effort you could be completely impossible
 
This is a special post because of the Kitniyos aka legumes
If you are like me, you may have bought too many books and audio CD’s that you don’t get too. So when I saw two newly published books in English I was about to skip over but two things make me stop. 1) The laws of prayer and 2) The laws of Pesach translated from Peninei Halacha by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed.  I had heard about Rabbi Moshe Feinstein and Rabbi Aharon Kotler approving all sorts of things what the Israelis call Kitniyos for American Jewry but I never had a source.
 
In fact, I discussed with my son the Mashgiach, Chaim, last year regarding Canola Oil and he agreed with me but since very highly qualified Rabbanim read my writing I did not want to go out on a limb without a Halachic Authority who held the same ideas as me. I remember buying Kosher Le Pessach corn oil margarine in 1970 in Borough Park with a good Heckshir on it. My late friend Dave Lavi (Loew) used to buy every Pessach peanut butter with a Heckshir. Here in Eretz Yisrael a bunch of Charedim basically took over the Heckshir market for Ashkenazi Community and they are placing their standards upon everybody else with millions of dollars involved it is good business. As my wife’s cousin said, “I wish every year was Shmita Year as I make great money”.
 
Rabbi Melamed Shlita goes into the origins of the Kitniyos Minchag. I don’t want to plagiarize so I will condense what he wrote in Chapter 9: Chametz prohibited by the Torah can be produced from one of the five varieties of grains: Wheat, barley, spelt, oats and rye. (Only specially processed rolled oats can be used for Seder Matzos for Celiac Patients). Other species are not considered to become Chometz. Even if for example rice swells it may be eaten on Pessach Pessachim 35A.
 
During the period of the Rishonim in German 700 years ago some communities refrained from eating Kitniyos (perhaps due to crop rotation). Initially is was a few scattered communities but as the Chumra developed more and more took it upon themselves until the Minchag spread to all in a number of generations. They were forbidden for a number of reasons. 1) They are cooked in a pot like grain (2) They can be made into flour like grain (3) Sometimes their stems and kernels have similar appearance to grain. You might want to say this about buckwheat but humus, peanuts, green peas and maize aka US corn are different. (4) From my standpoint this is the only real solid reason is that due to crop rotation, some items like coriander or fenugreek would get mixed up with some wheat. 
 
Rice – Moroccan Jews and some Iraqi Jews don’t eat rice (Ben Ish Chai Shana Aleph Parsha Tzav 41) in Bagdad many ordinary Jews do not eat rice. There are those that do and should have a special Pessach Heckshir and checked three times each kernel for grains. As for me, if I were going to use rice, I would try to import it from China, Viet Nam or Burma where they have been growing ONLY RICE for centuries!
 
He covers spouses with conflicting customs and holds that the wife should take on the custom of the husband and that I have heard for years by oral Halacha in Eretz Yisrael. There is a difference of opinion if she has to do Hetair Nedarim or not and Rabbi Ovadia Yosef is of the stricter opinion (Chazon Ovadia page 56 note 10). However, I have heard that she need not as it is the prevailing custom established for at least three generations since the holocaust in Eretz Yisrael and I tend to be lenient (Rabbi Moshe Feinstein Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim 1:158 similar to Yoreh Deah 214.2 and Mishnah Berura 468.14).
 
Mustard and flax are not Kitniyos and the custom is to forbid them because they grow like Kitniyos. I was told that flax oil is good for producing insulin needed to digest Matzos and if one has a very dangerous diabetic condition, he should consult his MD and Rabbi regarding this. For a person to lose a limb heaven forbid over a Minchag is not worth it. However, one should make an effort to check out the purity of the flax oil or even make his own from flax seeds prior to Pessach.
 
Peanuts were used in Lithuania but if one’s family was stringent with peanuts he may not eat them (Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3.63). Potato flour should also have been banned by the Kitniyos Minchag but they were not prevalent in Europe when it started and do not fall under the category.
 
Rabbi Melamed goes into what happens if Kitniyos fall into a dish being made by a very strict person. If it is less than one in 60 it is nullified the same way a drop of milk falls into a vat of meat being cooked. (Rama 453.1) also Mishnah Berura 9 on this while others who permit the use of Kitniyos Oil permit it. Condensed from many paragraphs who permit oils and who forbids them (Permitted by Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan in Beer Yitzchak 11 and the Emek Halacha 134 as well as Rav Kook too but the Nishmas Adam 33 and Avnei Nezer Orach Chaim 373 forbid this). Minchag Chabad – the Tzemach Tzeddek permits for poor people. The oil lecithin is produced from liftit and is added to chocolate and many authorities are stringent
 
Soybean oil did not arrive in Europe until 100 years ago so like in the case of potato flour one can be lenient. (This is a case of why be difficult when you could be completely impossible.) Cotton Seed Oil the Mikraei Kodesh 2,60 is lenient in the name of Rav Chaim Brisker and in Siddur Pesach K’hilchato 16.4 in the of Rav Moshe Feinstein; however, Minchas Chinuch 3,138 is stringent. Peanut oil as we already learned that the Litvaks eat peanuts so all the more so the oil.  Igrot Moshe Aruch Chaim 3.63 only items not eaten were forbidden and peanuts were not even discovered until later on. (He brings down more permitting authorities vs. the Avnei Nezer Aruch Chaim 383 and another which prohibits) In conclusion regarding peanuts if one is not aware of any family custom to be stringent one can be lenient. The Charedi in Eretz Yisrael are stringent regarding lecithin and rapeseed aka Canola oil while most can go according to Rav Feinstein Igrot Chaim 3.63.
 
Since many American Jews lost their Minchagim due to all sorts of problems had by their past immigrant generation can rely on Rav Moshe Feinstein. The same goes for Baalei Teshuva and especially Gerim and potential Gerim one need not go over board and sort of throw out the pleasure of the Mitzva aka the baby with the wash. Even for Ashkenazim with strong Minchagim the Chayei Adam 127:1 permits eating Kitniyos in extreme situations see also Nishmas Adam 20. Rav Diskin once eat whole rice in Poland and ordered his congregation to do so too due to an outbreak of disease Chayei Adam 127:6. Mor U’Ketziya holds that the Minchag of Kitniyos should be abolished! Others hold that one may not eat Kitniyos even in extreme conditions. Again contra-acted by the Padava of Brisk 48 and the Chatam Sofer 122 and Mishna Berura 453:7 do not argue with the lenient opinions and to many the Mishna Berura is the final word! All the more so for a sick person!
 
If a person became a vegetarian on his own volition, I would have him try to stick to his own Minchag unless he got a Hetair Nedarim from three as Rav Ovadia Yosef holds for the woman who changes her customs for her husband (Chazon Ovadia page 56 note 10). While I am lenient for the woman as it is a well-known custom, for the vegetarian this is more a recent idea and therefore needs three Frum male Jews to annul the vow or custom. It might be too late for this Pessach but it is nice to know certain things.
 
A note of caution if you want peanut butter then grind up your own peanuts or by some ground, get Kosher Le Pessach oil, sugar, etc. and make your own as I doubt if the major brands have a Pessach Heckshir. I did not discuss fresh milk and eggs from a non-Jew which feed their animal Chometz on Pessach or the how one handles cosmetics as some hold applied to the skin is absorbed like eating. Medications I mentioned previously so I leave that for the individual to research at the site I gave.


From Reb Moshe: Hi, could u promote my new book for converts and Noachides on your group, thank u. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1947706098/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_.wdOCbB9FTC6H



In Memorium: Leonid Bernstein last of the partisan battalion commanders passes away. He blew up 44 Nazi trains and found a V2 rocket plant. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5488013,00.html

Jewish Comedian may become the president of the Ukraine. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5487631,00.html

Despite the appeals of the Rabbis to ultra-Orthodox to inoculate, measles is spreading at 6 a day in Israel. New born babies exposed by negligent mother. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261203

Flight Attendant caught the measles hundreds must get vaccinated. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261403

Satire slammed for mocking former chief Rabbi. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261401

Israeli Private spacecraft captured by the moon. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261400

Bklyn Jew saves man from jumping off of Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261384


Inyanay Diyoma


Prime Minister Bibi Chamberlain and Defense Minister Neville Netanyahu agreed to most of the Gaza Mafia’s demands for temporary quiet until the next barrage on the center of the country. https://www.debka.com/the-gaza-scam-hamas-eluded-idf-payback-by-its-main-assault-on-friday-night-then-showing-restraint-on-saturday/

Two children infiltrate with a knife: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261138

Many less killed or injured than expected. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5486596,00.html



Arab leads the call to rebuild German Synagogue. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5482808,00.html

Ancient city brings tourist to Yehuda and the Shomron. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5485200,00.html


They continue to shoot we hit empty buildings. Dr. Phil asks “How is it working?” https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261153

While Israeli Politicians campaign for peace “we want to bomb Tel Aviv”. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261156



Updated: 3rd terrorist youth dies from fence attacks. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5486596,00.html

Sometimes I wish news like this was an April Fool’s joke but it is tragic. https://www.debka.com/another-burst-of-hamas-rocket-fire-yet-israel-reopens-gaza-crossings-releases-300m-payout/

The Jihad may attack on Shabbos or election day with a heavy barrage to sabotage Netanyahu. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5487781,00.html



Fishman Ed-Op the Gaza time bomb is still ticking. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5487320,00.html

Netanyahu to meet again with Putin on Thursday. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5488261,00.html

Despite the bombs, Hamas has a stronger grip on Gaza. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5487980,00.html


Netanyahu’s fake twitter and Facebook accounts disgusting attacks on the blue and white candidates. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5487858,00.html and https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5487707,00.html

Brazil opens trade mission in Yerushalayim. https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5487431,00.html

Israel practices and learns operation in quick time of the THAAD defense system. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261211

Must limit Prime Minister to two terms. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261184






Female Accountant fired for harassing Orthodox Jew with a MAGA hat. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261412

73 Jewish headstones smashed in Romania. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261404


Iran: UN found 15 kg or 33 lbs. of radioactive material. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261414

Diane Weber Bederman on hate incidents. https://dianebederman.com/hate-incidents-all-start-with-words/ related to Lashon Hara.

Good Shabbos, Chodesh tov REMEMBER DUST IS NOT LEAVEN nice to clean but keep your health and don’t go overboard,
Rachamim Pauli
Posted by Rabbi Rachamim Pauli at 2:04 PM