Podcasts about maftir

1)     We recently discussed responding Omein to someone else's brocho whilst in the process of donning one's own Tefilin. Reb Akiva Eiger has an interesting proof: [1]2)    I'm affixing a Mezuza in the home of one who's wheelchair-bound ר"ל. May the homeowner recite the brocho as I'm about to affix his Mezuza? [2]3)    When the father isn't present at a boy's bris, who says the brocho להכניסו?[3]4)    A food wrapper has a QR code. Am I allowed to tear through it or is it like text?[4]5)    At the end of Hoshanos the Sefer/Sifrei-Torah are replaced inside the Oron Kodesh, we then say in unison למען דעת כל עמי הארץ וגו' and then the Ark is closed. Reason:[5]  6)    Towards the end of Kiddush Levono, the Chabad Sidur has כאור שבעת הימים whereas most other contemporary Sidurim have וכאור שבעת הימים. Please explain:[6]7)    A few people use the same cup for Kiddush. Need one rinse the cup in between?[7]8)    Follow-on re. when should the מי שבירך for the Maftir be said:[8]9)    Follow-on re. adding water to cup of wine for Kiddush or Birkas haMozon:10)  Why do we wrap the Tefilin-strap around the middle finger only after having donned the Head-Tefilin?[9][1]  או"חסי' כה ס"ט.[2] הבןאיש חי (דיני חנוכה בפ' וישב, דין ו) מתיר למשלח לברך. לדעת הפרי חדש (סי' תלבסס"א) יכול בעל המצוה לברך על מצוותו הנעשית ע"י שלוחו. אך רבים חולקיםעל זה - ראה ס' שכל טוב יו"ד סי' רפט ס"ק כא. נפק"מ באסיר שהרבהמבקר מדליק נר חנוכה מעבר לקיר של זכוכית, אם האסיר יוכל לברך.[3] ראה רמ"א יו"ד סי' רסה ס"א. אכן לגבי ברכת'שפטרני' ליתום שנהי' בר-מצוה, נראה שאין מברכים כלל. פסקי תשובות סי' רכה:ד. אבללנט"ג (יב:כ) תברך.[4] ראה פסקי תשובות סי' שמסט"ז אם לחייב הכותב בכתב-סתר. ובנדו"ד זה פחות מזה. ועכ"פ לגבימחיקה-שלא-ע"מ-לכתוב נראה להקל.[5] המנהג מופיע ברוקח סי' רכג.[6] סיום זה אינומופיע בסדור של"ה (תק"ב) ולא בסדור יעב"ץ (תק"ה) ולא בקצורשל"ה (ד"ר פיורדא תנ"ג). הוא מופיע בספרון 'ברכת החדש' (רדלהייםתקי"ב) ובסדור שערי תפלה (פראג תקל"ז). בשניהם: "כאור", וכןב'סדר עבודה ומורה דרך' (סלאוויטא תקפ"ז) ושער יששכר (ברוקלין תשל"ב).השינוי ל"וכאור שבעת הימים" מופיע בסדור עבודת ישראל (רדלהייםתרכ"ח). באור התורה על הפסוק (ישעי' ל, כו) מביא מפירוש 'כלי פז' (מהר"שלאניידו, ונצי' תי"ז) שלעת"ל ישתוו הלבנה והחמה. והשמש יתגדל שבעתיים,ובמילא גם הלבנה תתגדל. ומתאים הנוסח "כאור החמה [שיהא] כאור שבעתהימים".דיון על מצות קידוש החודש כשתתמלא הלבנה – בס' התוועדויותתשד"מ ח"ג ע' 1528 (שערי גאולה – ימות המשיח סי' מב).[7] ראה שו"עאו"ח סי' קע סט"ז; ספר השיחות תרצ"ז ע' 234.[8] מפורש בשערי אפרים שער טס"ט. בתורת מנחם כרך לו ע' 134 נסמן – אודות ברכת הגומל – לס' תודת חיים! [9] ע"פ נגלה: להשו"עאין להפסיק בכריכות שעל הזרוע. ווויתרו לדברי האריז"ל, אבל לא לכריכה שעלהאצבע. ע"פ – טבעת קידושין. אבן השהם סי' כה ס"ה משער הכוונות סוף דרושה' מדרושי תפילין (י טור ב).

1)     Siyum on Rambam, Sefer Zmanim; start Sefer Noshim.[1]2)    Feedback on comments on the Laws of Shema[2], aired seven weeks ago at Siyum Sefer haMada (Shiur #23). 3)    I was contacted by a Jewish couple, touring on a nearby island. I know them as traditional, but not Shomer Shabbos. They were seeking kosher wine for Kiddush on Shabbos. I know of a possibility of kosher wine being accessible on that island, but it would be non-mevushal. Is it perhaps preferable that they make Kiddush over bread?[3]4)    Why are we not particular to add water to our wine for Kiddush?[4]5)    May one use an eyelash-curler on Shabbos?[5] 6)    Does a newly-converted Ger have to immerse all his old utensils in the Mikveh?[6]7)    May one trim his moustache during Sefiras haOmer?[7]8)    When should the Gabbai be saying the מי שבירך for Maftir?[8]9)    Correct vowelisation of the word חייתני:[9]10)  Procedure for removal of Tefilin: unwinding strap from middle finger and several circuits from the arm?[10]https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9764852268?omn=87387476892Index to previous Panorama Shiurim: PanoramaIndex 2 - Google Docs[1] הקשר בין מעלת שלום ביתולפסוק שבריש ספר נשים (משלי יג, יד). [2] ברמב"ם הל' קר"שפ"ב ה"ט מזהיר על שבא-נח ונד וממשיך: "לפיכך צריך ליתן ביןהדבקים...". משמע שחיוב ההפרדה אינו מצד הפסד האות, כי אם משום הזהירות בנעונח. אבל בפיה"מ מבואר שהוא משום הפסד האות. פירוש הר"א זילברשטיין נ"י:לולא הזהירות בנח ונע היו יכולים לומר "ואבדתמע מהרה" ואז לא היינומפסידים האות. אך בגלל הזהירות בנע ונח אי אפשר בעצה זו, לכן מחוייב לתת ריוח. [3] יש כמה שצידדולהיתר – כנ"ל בשבוע שעבר. וראה לחומרא באגרות קודש חי"ג ע' שכב – מובאבשלחן מנחם ח"ב ע' יט.  [4] ראה או"חסי' קפג ס"ב ברמ"א; שוע"ר שם ס"ג; פסקי תשובות שם ג'.  [5] ראה פסקיתשובות סי' שג אות טז. ועוד ואולי עיקר – חשש תלישת שיער.[6] בס' פסקיםותשובות יו"ד סי' קכ:ד מסיק להטביל בלא ברכה. ואני מציע שיקנה כלי חדש ויכלולהכל בברכה זו.[7] מפורש לאיסור ברבינו ירוחם נתיב ח"ד. (פרט למי שמפריעלו לאכילתו).[8]  [9] מכתב-קודש מימיהסליחות תשכ"ב, נספח לד"ה קדושים תהיו תשמ"א הנדמ"ח. בס'ישמיע כל תהלתו מביא ממס"ק 'כתר' להשוות תיבה זו עם זו שבפרק קיט, צג.[10] מכתב-קודש מיום י"א תמוז תשכ"ג, נספח למאמרהנ"ל. המובא מאשכבתא דרבי הוא שם בע' 61. וראה גם מאסף לכל המחנות סי' כחסק"ו

Reaping and weeping - Our response to Justicehttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207%3A23&version=CJBMatthew 7:23Then I will tell them to their faces, `I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!'https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013%3A42&version=CJBMatthew 13:42and they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where people will wail and grind their teeth.Genesis 44:1 Then he ordered the manager of his household, “Fill the men's packs with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man's money just inside his pack. 2 And put my goblet, the silver one, just inside the pack of the youngest, along with his grain money.” He did what Yosef told him to do.3 At daybreak the men were sent off with their donkeys; 4 but before they were far from the city Yosef said to his manager, “Up, go after the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? 5 Isn't this the goblet my lord drinks from, indeed the one he uses for divination? What you have done is evil!'” 6 So he caught up with them and said these words to them. 7 They replied, “Why does my lord speak this way? Heaven forbid that we should do such a thing! 8 Why, the money we found inside our packs we brought back to you from the land of Kena‘an! So how would we steal silver or gold from your lord's house? 9 Whichever one of us the goblet is found with, let him be put to death — and the rest of us will be my lord's slaves!” 10 He replied, “Fine; let it be as you have said: whichever one it is found with will be my slave. But the rest of you will be blameless.” 11 Then each hurried to put his pack down on the ground, and each one opened his pack. 12 He searched, starting with the oldest and ending with the youngest; and the goblet was found in the pack belonging to Binyamin. 13 At this, they tore their clothes from grief. Then each man loaded up his donkey and returned to the city.(A: Maftir) 14 Y'hudah and his brothers arrived at Yosef's house. He was still there, and they fell down before him on the ground. (S: Maftir) 15 Yosef said to them, “How could you do such a thing? Don't you know that a man such as myself can learn the truth by divination?” 16 Y'hudah said, “There's nothing we can say to my lord! How can we speak? There's no way we can clear ourselves! God has revealed your servants' guilt; so here we are, my lord's slaves — both we and also the one in whose possession the cup was found.” 17 But he replied, “Heaven forbid that I should act in such a way. The man in whose possession the goblet was found will be my slave; but as for you, go in peace to your father.”Haftarah Mikketz: M'lakhim Alef (1 Kings) 3:15–4:1B'rit Hadashah suggested reading for Parashah Mikketz: Acts 7:9–16 (specifically vv. 11–12)Parashah 11: Vayigash (He approached) 44:18–47:2718 Then Y'hudah approached Yosef and said, “Please, my lord! Let your servant say something to you privately; and don't be angry with your servant, for you are like Pharaoh himself. 19 My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father? or a brother?' 20 We answered my lord, ‘We have a father who is an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one whose brother is dead; so that of his mother's children he alone is left; and his father loves him.' 21 But you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, so that I can see him.' 22 We answered my lord, ‘The boy can't leave his father; if he were to leave his father, his father would die.' 23 You said to your servants, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.' 24 We went up to your servant my father and told him what my lord had said; 25 but when our father said, ‘Go again, and buy us some food,' 26 we answered, ‘We can't go down. Only if our youngest brother is with us will we go down, because we can't see the man's face unless our youngest brother is with us.' 27 Then your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons: 28 the one went out from me, and I said, “Surely he has been torn to pieces,” and I haven't seen him since. 29 Now if you take this one away from me too, and something happens to him, you will bring my gray hair down to Sh'ol with grief.' 30 So now if I go to your servant my father, and the boy isn't with us — seeing how his heart is bound up with the boy's heart — (ii) 31 when he sees that the boy isn't with us, he will die; and your servants will bring the gray hair of your servant our father down to Sh'ol with grief. 32 For your servant himself guaranteed his safety; I said, ‘If I fail to bring him to you, then I will bear the blame before my father forever.' 33 Therefore, I beg you, let your servant stay as a slave to my lord instead of the boy, and let the boy go up with his brothers. 34 For how can I go up to my father if the boy isn't with me? I couldn't bear to see my father so overwhelmed by anguish.”

Welcome to Daily Bitachon . We are now up to the section of the Hagadah which talks about the story in short, with four Pesukim excerpted from Devarim 26 ,5 and on , in the context of Bikkurim which is relevant for us now, as Shavuot is the time that we bring Bikkurim . As we march from Pesach to Shavuot, we are in a time of Hakarat HaTov and appreciation. The outcome of Yetziat Mitzrayim is supposed to be Hakarat HaTov , gratitude and appreciation for God. That is why these four Pesukim , which we base our Hagadah on, were said with the baskets of fruit in hand overflowing, thanking God. The first pasuk they said was: אֲרַמִּי֙ אֹבֵ֣ד אָבִ֔י וַיֵּ֣רֶד מִצְרַ֔יְמָה Arami oved avi vayered Mitzraima . ( A man called) Lavan HaArami tried to destroy ( or destroyed) my father… Rashi says that God considered what Lavan wanted to do as if he did it. But before we proceed with the rest of the pesukim , we have to stop and ask: Why are we mentioning Lavan here? And what does this have to do with the basket of fruit? If you want to tell me we went to Mitzrayim and now we got the land, I got it. Vayevienu el hamakom hazeh , it says and He brought us to this place after the four Pesukim , we're saying God brought us here . But that was 250 years after we entered the land and way after the story of Lavan and Yaakov. The answer is, as Yaakov and Lavan were going through this story, it was not very clear what was going on. It started with Lavan swindling Yaakov , and making him work twice as long as he needed, not seven but 14 years. But if not for that swindling, he would have just walked out with Rachel. No Leah, no Bilhah or Zilpah. Who knows how many children would not have been born? Rachel gave him only two children. With the four wives he ended up with 12. Additionally, Yaakov Avinu also walked in as a man with no money, but he walked out a very wealthy man. And let's go into the story of Egypt: We grew even more due to the oppression. We left with tremendous wealth, became purified and refined, and were ready to receive the Torah . But, it only became clear after the story was over. You can't understand a book if you only read the middle chapter. One of my favorite mashals told by the Chafetz Chaim is that of a man who visited a town for the weekend. He was a Gabbai (or Misader) in his hometown shul, and gave out the Aliyot and the other honors in the shul , like who gets to open the Heichal, who gets the first Aliyah , who gets Shlishi or Shishi (which is important depending on what your customs are.) who gets Maftir and so on. So there he was in the new shul, looking around, imagining that he was back home, deciding whom he would give each Aliyah to. 'Oh, that guy looks important, I'd give him this. That guy I think looks I'd give him that….' But in the end, nothing went the way he thought it should go. A fellow that looked like he couldn't read even got the Maftir ! He couldn't understand what was going on. He approached the man in charge and asked, " Could you please explain what's going on here? I run the shul back in my hometown, and I wouldn't have done it this way." The man in charge responded, " How long have you been here?" The guest answered, " I'm here for the weekend." The gabbai then said, " Well, if you've only been here for the weekend, you can't really question what I'm doing. You weren't here last week; you don't know what's going to happen next week. The fellow that got Maftir, who looked like he couldn't read, has his father's Yahrzeit this week. The fellow that you think should have gotten an Aliyah got one last week, and the other one is getting it next week. You can't comment when you're only here for a weekend!" So too, says the Chafetz Chaim , in life, we're only here for a short period of time. We don't see the whole story, and therefore we can't question. God wanted to teach us an important, short history lesson. He knew we were going to enter into future exiles. He wanted us to read this lesson and apply it to life in general. That's why the real message of the night of the Seder is Matchil bignut umesayem beshevach . Start with the negative and end with the positive. Rabbenu Manoac h , one of the Rishonim , in his commentary on the Rambam on the laws of Chametz U'Matzah , chapter seven, Halacha 6 , says something fascinating: With this remembering, Tihiyeh yirat Hashem al panav tamid / The fear of God will be on his face continuousl y, When he sees Hashem's supervision, And you'll never forget about Hashem . With this story of Yetziat Mitzrayim, you will see Hashem is watching you. You'll be on His mind and He'll be on your mind. And even if its times are very difficult, Yiftach b'Hashem, he'll still rely on God, Mikveh Yisrael, the One the Jewish people hope to, Moshio b'eit tzara, the One that saves us in time of difficulty . And just like the difficulty of the exile of Mitzrayim, Hayta sibah l'heitiv lahem b'achritam/Was a cause to end up doing better for them in the end, Ken kol tzarot hagalut hazeh / So too with all of these difficulties in our exile, hem sibah l'Yisrael / They will be a cause for the Jewish people, l'hoshi'am t'shuat olamim, an everlasting saving- Which is the rule we call Ma'aseh Avot Siman L'banim . The actions of the father are a sign for the future. That's our opening lesson for Maggid, the story of the Hagadah shel Pesach . And as we said, it's not just for the night of Pesach , it's every day of our lives. We have to remember Yetziat Mitzrayim . This is one of the underlying messages of Yetziat Mitzrayim , says Rabbeinu Manoach , is that it ain't over 'til it's over.

If we would be able to see what we accomplish by doing mitzvot, we would run after them with such excitement and everything in this world would pale in comparison to them. When the Jewish People were preparing to leave Mitzrayim, they were told to go and gather all the wealth of Egypt. At that time, Moshe Rabbenu chose to go and find the aron of Yosef instead, and for that Chazal applied the pasuk חכם לב יקח מצוות to him. While everyone was becoming billionaires, Moshe went to do one mitzvah and he was called the wisest of all of them for that endeavor. Besides for the fact that his reward was eternal while their wealth would only last here in this world, seven days later at Yam Suf, the entire nation was in jeopardy of being killed out by the Mitzrim . When the Sea saw the aron of Yosef, it split and the entire nation was saved. Moshe Rabbenu was thus credited with saving the entire Klal Yisrael because of his pursuit of that one mitzvah. Why did the Sea split for Yosef? Because years before when he was being tested with the wife of Potifar, he ran away from temptation and so now the water was running away from his aron to save the entire Klal Yisrael . Imagine if during that difficult test Yosef would have known that he was going to be the cause of millions of people to be saved, he would have ran away with ease, it wouldn't have even been a test. However, Hashem does not allow a person to see the wondrous effects of what his deeds are going to accomplish, in order for his free will to remain balanced. But we must know that if we did have the eyes to see what was happening when we do mitzvot, we would be so excited to perform every single one of them. I read a story about a man who asked the gabai in his shul to reserve Aliyat Maftir and chazan for Mussaf on one of the upcoming Shabbatot , since that was the week of his mother's yahrtzeit . This man was a very organized person and always made sure to plan things a long time in advance. He was a long time member of that shul and one of its supporters and the gabai told him both of those honors were open and he made a note to reserve them for him. When that Shabbat arrived, the man came into shul filled with anticipation, but there he noticed that a stranger had joined the minyan that day and was in deep conversation with the gabai . The man was curious to hear what the debate was about and, to his shock, he found out that this stranger had asked for Maftir and chazan for Mussaf because he also had a yahrtzeit . Here he was a long time member and supporter of the shul and he asked for these from weeks in advance and now some stranger just strolls in out of the blue and thinks he can take those honors? But then, a small voice whispered inside of him, maybe he should give in? Who knows what merits help the neshama the most. Maybe giving up what was his for someone else would accomplish even more. And so, with great strength, he went over to the gabai and told him to give those honors to the other man. He would take a different aliyah and be chazan for Shacharit on the actual yahrtzeit instead. The gabai said, " Chas v'shalom , there is a system here, these are yours." The man reassured the gabai that he was actually happy to do this. And when the gabai saw he was serious, he went over and gave them to the other man. Rabbi Aharon Toisig, a prominent Rav from Bnei Brak, was present in the shul when this episode took place and he related what happened the next day. The congregant came into shul and said his mother came to him in a dream and said to him, "My son, I was given special permission to descend to this world to thank you. The elevation that I experienced when you gave up the Maftir and Mussaf was greater than any other I had ever experienced. I remember well the elevation I merited in past years when you got Aliyat Maftir and was chazan for Mussaf , but those did not come close to what I merited this year when you mustered up the fortitude to give up the honors that were rightfully yours for the sake of peace and to help someone else." This is just one small example of the great effects of our deeds. The harder they are to perform, the greater they become. We should always run to do mitzvot with the utmost excitement.

1)     What is the meaning of מעין הברכות, said on Shabbos eve?[1]2)    My mechutan and I share the same first name. Is that an issue?[2]3)    Four seminary girls agreed to go jeeping together on a day off and to share the cost. One girl fell ill and pulled out. Does she still have to pay her share?[3]4)    A boy was born on the 30th of Adar 1. His Barmitzvah isin a regular year, but which day?[4]5)    We have two men wishing to have Maftir this Shabbos [Zochor], but only one Baal Korei. Could we take another Sefer Torah to a side room just for Maftir, thus enabling two Maftirim? [5]6)    At Shacharis, the 10th man left during Chazoras haShatz.Does the Chazan say the half-Kaddish as well the KaddishTiskabel?[6]7)    What is the source for the Chabad custom to recite Morning Brochos at home, unlike the general Ashkenaz custom – to recite those brochos in Shul?[7]8)   When leining megillah for others after having fulfilled the mitzvah of megillah for oneself: should the reader make the brochos on behalf of the listeners? If the listeners say the brocho, should the nusach of the brocho change to lishmoa megilla? [8]9)    What should be done about the brocho shehechyonu?10)  Feedback on Jewish name that became obsolete:[9]https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9764852268?omn=89886673325Index to previous Panorama Shiurim: PanoramaIndex 2 - Google DocsNext Shiur: Thursday 20th Adar (20thMarch) 8:30 – 9:30.[1] בסדור 'שילמורא' פירש כעין ברכות מ א: "בכל יום ויום תן לו מעין ברכותיו". הכפלת מעין'מודים' בברכה זו – כתב שם שהוא כנגד 'מודים דרבנן'.[2] צוואת ר' יהודההחסיד אות כד. שלחן מנחם ח"ו סי' לב. וראה שבח הנישואין עמ' 92.[3] אמרי יעקב (על שוע"רחו"מ דיני שאלה סכ"א) בביאורים, ע' רסא; פסקי המשפט סי' שלג אות ב.[4] במשנ"ב סי' תקסחס"ק מב כתב לענין יארצייט שיעשה בל' שבט. אבל בשו"ת אגרות משה(יו"ד ג קנט) כתב: ר"ח ניסן. ולענין בר-מצוה, במשנ"ב מהדורת 'דרשו'(סי' נה מס' 57) הובאו דעות שונות ושראוי להחמיר בכל ענין.[5] פסקי תשובותסרפ"ד אות ב ואות ו כתב שזה אפשרי ומציין לאג"מ ח"אסק"ב.  [6] ראה שו"ע סי' נהס"ג בהגה; משנ"ב שם סקי"ט; שוע"ר שם ס"ה. והשואל טעהבהבנת לשון המקור בשו"ת תרומת הדשן סי' טו.[7] כן נהג האריז"ל (שערהכוונות ע' ג; כף החיים סי' ו סק"ג). וכן מרומז בסדור אדה"ז לפני 'מהטובו'. [8] ראהנתיבים בשדה השליחות ח"ב פט"ז סעיפים ה-ו. [9] יומן ר' נ"י). 

On "Shabbat Zachor," the Shabbat before Purim, we take two Torah scrolls from the Heichal. After reading the regular Torah portion from the first Torah, we open the second scroll and read for the Maftir reading the final verses of Parashat Ki-Teitzei (Devarim 25:17-19) which command us to recount Amalek's attack on Benei Yisrael. According to many Halachic authorities, including the Shulchan Aruch, the annual reading of these verses constitutes a Torah obligation. The Zachor reading differs in this regard from the standard Torah reading, in that it is a Torah obligation. In light of the unique status of the Zachor reading, is it proper for the congregation to read along with the Ba'al Koreh (reader) from their Chumashim as he reads Zachor? Although some Rabbis indeed encouraged reading Zachor along with the Ba'al Koreh, Chacham Ovadia Yosef, in his work Chazon Ovadia (Laws of Purim, p. 4), rules that to the contrary, this practice is inappropriate. Firstly, he notes that the Torah introduces the obligation to recall Amalek's assault with the term "Zachor" (literally, "Remember") – the same term with which the Torah introduces the obligation of Kiddush on Shabbat (Shemot 20:8). The Sages understood the word "Zachor" as a reference to verbal recitation, thus requiring that one verbally declare the sanctity of Shabbat every Shabbat, and verbally recall the incident of Amalek once a year. As we know, one can fulfill his obligation of Kiddush by listening to its recitation from somebody else. The Halachic principle of "Shomei'a Ke'oneh" establishes that by carefully listening to somebody else's recitation, one is considered to have personally recited the given text. Therefore, one is not required to personally recite Kiddush on Shabbat, and it suffices for him to listen to its recitation by another person. Similarly, the obligation to read the Zachor section can be fulfilled by listening to the reader, and there is thus no need for the congregation to read the verses of Zachor along with the Ba'al Koreh, as they satisfy their obligation by carefully listening to his reading. Furthermore, Chacham Ovadia adds, the Zachor obligation requires reading this section from a proper Torah scroll. Therefore, the congregation can fulfill their obligation only by listening to the Ba'al Koreh's reading, whereby they are considered to have themselves read the Zachor section from a Torah scroll. If they read from their Chumashim, then they do not fulfill their obligation. It is therefore appropriate for the congregation to remain perfectly silent during the Zachor reading and carefully listen to each word read by the Ba'al Koreh. There is some discussion among the Halachic authorities as to whether or not women are included in the obligation to hear the Zachor reading, and therefore many women indeed make a point to come to the synagogue on Shabbat Zachor to hear this reading. Many communities conduct a special Zachor reading on the afternoon of Shabbat Zachor for women who are unable to attend synagogue services in the morning. Some Rabbis discouraged this practice, arguing that it is inappropriate to take the Torah scroll from the Heichal for this reading, since no Beracha is recited over this reading and it is unclear whether or not it is in fact required. Chacham Ovadia Yosef, however (In Chazon Ovadia – Laws of Purim, p. 10), encourages this practice, claiming that reading the Zachor section for women is indeed a worthy enough purpose to warrant removing the Torah from the Heichal. He draws proof to his position from the practice of Rabbi Moshe Greenwald (early 20th-century author of the "Arugat Ha'bosem") to remove the Torah from the Heichal each morning during the first twelve days of Nissan and read from the section of the "Nesi'im" in the Book of Bamidbar (7:1-8:4). Even though reading from the "Nesi'im" section during this period is not required by Halacha, and is merely a Minhag (custom), this practice is deemed worthwhile enough to allow removing the Torah from the Heichal. Certainly, then, it is proper to conduct a special Zachor reading for women in deference to the view among the authorities that the Zachor obligation applies to both men and women. Why is no Beracha recited over the Mitzva of reading Zachor? Many Mitzvot that we perform require the recitation of a Beracha. Seemingly, then, before the Zachor reading we should recite the Beracha "Asher Kideshanu Be'mitzvotav Ve'tzivanu Li'zkor Ma'aseh Amalek." Why did the Rabbis not require the recitation of a Beracha before the performance of this Mitzva? Chacham Ovadia (Chazon Ovadia – Laws of Purim, p. 11) cites those who answer this question on the basis of the Gemara's comment in Masechet Megila (10b) that the Almighty does not rejoice in the destruction of the wicked. Although the wicked people in the world must be eliminated, their death should not be a cause of joy and celebration. Thus, for example, when the ministering angels wished to sing a song of praise upon the drowning of the Egyptians in the sea, God exclaimed, "My creatures are drowning at sea – and you wish to sing a song of praise?!" Therefore, even though we must conduct a special reading to recall the obligation to destroy Amalek, the Sages chose not to require the recitation of a Beracha, which would express a feeling of joy and excitement over the destruction of the wicked. Summary: On the Shabbat before Purim we read for the Maftir reading the section of "Zachor" from a separate Torah scroll. The congregation should remain silent during the reading, rather than read along with the Ba'al Koreh (reader). Some authorities require women to hear this reading, as well. Many communities therefore conduct a special Zachor reading during the afternoon of Shabbat Zachor for women who cannot attend the morning services, and this is a proper practice.

The Shulchan Aruch (141:6) rules that although it is permissible according to the strict Halacha to call two brothers or a father and son for successive Aliyot to the Torah, this is not done due to the concern of Ayin Ha'ra (the evil eye). Chacham David Yosef (son of Chacham Ovadia Yosef), in his work Halacha Berura (vol. 7, p. 212), adds that this applies as well to a grandfather and grandson; they should not be called for successive Aliyot due to the risk of Ayin Ha'ra. A Halachic principle establishes that "Benei Banim Harei Heim Ke'banim" – one's relationship to his grandchildren is the same for purposes of Halacha as one's relationship to his children. Thus, just as a father and son should not be called to the Torah for successive Aliyot, so should successive Aliyot not be given to a man and his grandson. Some authorities, however, as Chacham David notes, are lenient in this regard, and allow calling a grandfather and grandson for successive Aliyot. He writes that where it is necessary, such as when a family is celebrating an occasion and many family members are receiving Aliyot, they may rely on the lenient position. Our practice, however, follows the stringent view, which forbids calling a grandfather and grandson for successive Aliyot. This is particularly so in cases of a grandfather and grandson who share the same name; in such a case, according to all opinions they may not be called to the Torah for successive Aliyot. On the following page (p. 213), Chacham David writes that two brothers, a father and son, and a grandfather and grandson may be called for successive Aliyot that are read from two different Torah scrolls. On Yom Tov, for example, a second Torah scroll is opened for the Maftir reading, and it would thus be permissible to call two relatives for the final Aliya read in the first Torah and Maftir. Even though these are two successive Aliyot, nevertheless, the opening of a new Torah scroll for the Maftir reading constitutes a significant enough interruption to allow calling for Maftir a relative of the person called for the previous Aliya. This applies as well in situations where a second Torah is used for the Maftir reading on Shabbat, such as on Shabbat Zachor or Shabbat Rosh Chodesh. Another example of this situation is Simchat Torah, when we open a second Torah for the reading of Chatan Bereishit. A synagogue may call for Chatan Torah and Chatan Bereishit a father and son, two brothers, or a grandfather and grandson, despite the fact that these are successive Aliyot. Once again, the opening of a second Torah marks an interruption that allows calling a relative for the subsequent Aliya. Likewise, on Chol Ha'mo'ed Pesach, the first three Aliyot are read from one Torah, and the fourth from a second Torah. It would thus be permissible to call two relatives for the third and fourth Aliyot, since these Aliyot are read from separate Torah scrolls. Finally, Chacham David rules that a father-in-law and son-in-law may be called for successive Aliyot in situations where this is necessary, such as if a family is celebrating an occasion in the synagogue and many family members are called for Aliyot. The same Halacha we learn here applies to two Kohanim as well, who can be regarding similar to the relationship of grandfather, son, grandson. For more details, see the Halacha entitled "Simhat Torah- Is It Permissible For 2 Kohanim or 2 Leviim To Have A Back To Back Aliyah at the Torah." Summary: A congregation should not call for successive Aliyot to the Torah a father and son, two brothers, or a grandfather and grandson, except for successive Aliyot that are read from two different Torah scrolls. A father-in-law and son-in-law may be called for successive Aliyot – even from the same Torah scroll – in situations where this is necessary.

1) We're having a staff Chanukah party. May we give each participant 5 Euro to play with and the winner takes the lot?[1] 2) May a Kohen marry the daughter born to a couple who are both Geirim?[2] 3) Meaty sausages were warmed up in a meaty oven, in a milky tray that was lined with greaseproof paper. Does the paper prevent transmission of taste from food to tin?[3] 4)  Does lighting Menorah in Shul or in a public require a Minyan to be present?[4] 5) Does a food-thermostat need to be toivelled before use?[5] 6) Are we okay with an under-Barmitzvah-boy being called up for Maftir & Haftorah?[6] 7) If, during a meal, I shake hands with someone who hasn't washed NTY, do I have to wash my hands again?[7] 8) When sniffing a tea-bag before use, should I say a brocho for the fragrance?[8] 9) Some sources state that there were originally 12 Nuschaos, one for each of the 12 tribes. How does that fit with the fact that Nusach haTefilo was established by the Anshei Kneses haGedolah, at the beginning of the 2nd BHMk, whereas the 10 tribes (of Malchus Yisroel) were exiled well before the destruction of the BHMK? [9] 10) Is there a mitzvah to publicise the miracle [of Chanukah] to non-Jews? [10] [1] בדין משחק בקוביא בבני משפחה - ראה או"ח סי' שכב ס"ו. בפסקי תשובות סי' תרע הע' 25 הביא בשם הרה"ק מקלויזנבורג ז"ל להקל במשחק דריידל מדין משפחה אחת. [2] ראה שו"ע אבן העזר סימן ז סעיף כא. [3] ברמ"א יו"ד סי' צב ס"ח מובא הכלל שאין בליעה עוברת מכלי לכלי בלא רוטב. בס' פסקים ותשובות (שם אות כז) מביא להקל בזה גם בנייר-כסף. אלא ששם חשש לחומרא בנייר-אפיי'. ואיני מבין למה החמיר טפי ממפה בלועה, שבזה הקיל ה'חכמת שלמה'. [4] ראה רמ"א או"ח סי' תרעא ס"ז, ובמג"א ובשע"ת שם. [5] ההוראה הנפוצה היא להטביל בלא ברכה. [6] מפורש להיתר בשוע"ר סי' רפד ס"ח. [7] אריכות בזה בפסקי תשובות סימן קסב אות יא. [8] מבואר בסדר ברכת הנהנין פי"א אות ט שכל שעיקרו לתבלין אין מברכים על ריחו. וי"ח, ולכן יש למנוע שלא להריח אותם. [9] במג"א ר"ס סח מובא משער הכוונות ענין י"ב נוסחאות. והוא בשער הכונות (ע' שכח). מגיד דבריו ליעקב סי' קלג – מחדש דבר שער הי"ג. נר מצוה ותו"א פנ"ה מזהה שאנשי כנה"ג קבעו תפלת י"ח כשער הי"ג, והאריז"ל תיקן כן בברכות קר"ש ובפסד"ז. [10] בפסקי תשובות סי' תרעא אות ו [ט] הביא מכמה אחרונים דשייך גם לגבי נכרים.

We explore further laws of saying maftir on Shabbat and why we only take one sefer Torah from the Aron on Shabbat.

Laws of Shabbat. Maftir

We examine the number of required call-ups to the Torah, on each day, who can say maftir, and when kaddish is said - which usually separates from the required number of call-ups and maftir.

The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 584) writes that Hallel is omitted from the service on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, despite the fact that we recite Hallel on every other Yom Tob (listen to audio recording for precise citation). The Mishna Berura (commentary by Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933) explains (listen to audio recording for precise citation) that we omit Hallel because the festive singing of Hallel is inappropriate on these days of judgment, when the books of life and death are opened before God. The festive nature of Hallel is incongruent with the fear and dread we experience on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as we stand in judgment before God. The Mishna Berura adds that although we are confident on Rosh Hashanah that we will earn a favorable judgment, as God is a compassionate and loving judge, nevertheless, we must experience a sense of fear and dread. Interestingly enough, the Mishna Berura writes that the feelings of fear and anxiety experienced on Rosh Hashanah are themselves a source of merit for us as we stand in judgment, and help ensure a favorable outcome. Therefore, despite our confidence, we do not recite Hallel, as this festive reading in inconsonant with the emotions we are to feel on these days. The Mishna Berura adds, however, that one who reads Tehillim on Rosh Hashanah may include the chapters of Hallel in his reading, since he reads them as prayer and not as a festive Hallel service. In this Siman, the Shulhan Aruch also discusses the proper procedure for the Torah reading on Rosh Hashanah. Two Sifreh Torah are removed from the ark, and, on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, we read from the first Torah the section in Bereshit that tells of Yishak's birth, until (and not including) the narrative of the Akeda. We make five Aliyot in this section, except when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, in which case we make seven Aliyot. For the Maftir reading, we read the verses from the Book of Bamidbar that describe the Musaf offering on Rosh Hashanah. The Haftara reading for the first day of Rosh Hashanah comes from the beginning of the Book of Shemuel, and tells the story of the birth of Shemuel and the song sung by his mother, Hanna, after his birth. The Mishna Berura explains that we read these stories because, according to tradition, it was on Rosh Hashanah that Sara and Hanna (as well as Rahel) conceived after many years of infertility. It is customary on Rosh Hashanah to recite many Piyutim (liturgical hymns). These prayers were written by renowned and righteous Sadikim, and nobody should make the mistake of questioning or underestimating their importance. These are sacred prayers that must be carefully recited with seriousness and concentration. One certainly should not involve himself with other activities – even Torah learning – when the congregation recites Piyutim. Care should also be taken to recite the text in precise accordance with the community's custom. The Maharshal (Rabbi Shlomo Luria of Lublin, Poland, 16th century) records an incident where a Rabbi of a certain community changed the text of a Piyut on one occasion, in deference to a Rabbi who was visiting from another country, where a different text was used. Tragically, that Rabbi lost a child during the following year. The Rabbi proclaimed that this tragedy was a punishment for the grave sin of tampering with his community's customs by changing the prayer text. The customs regarding the Piyutim, like all our customs, were established by outstanding Sadikim, and each community must carefully and strictly follow its time-honored traditions. It has been noted that the word "Minhag" ("custom") has the same letters as the word "Gehinam," indicating that by following our traditions, we are protected from the fires Gehinom and are deemed worthy of a favorable judgment. Summary: Hallel is not recited as part of the prayer service on Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur, but one who recites Tehillim on these days may include the chapters of Tehillim. On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, we read (as the Torah and Haftara readings, respectively) the stories of Yishak's birth and Shemuel's birth, because it was on Rosh Hashanah when their mothers conceived after many years of infertility. It is critically important to recite the traditional Piyutim (hymns) on Rosh Hashanah, and to use the precise text, each community according to its custom.

https://www.torahrecordings.com/torah-reading/002_shemos_tk/006_mishpatim_tk/008

https://www.torahrecordings.com/torah-reading/002_shemos_tk/005_yisro_tk/008

https://www.torahrecordings.com/torah-reading/002_shemos_tk/004_beshalach_tk/008

https://www.torahrecordings.com/torah-reading/002_shemos_tk/003_bo_tk/008

https://www.torahrecordings.com/torah-reading/002_shemos_tk/002_vaeira_tk/008

https://www.torahrecordings.com/torah-reading/002_shemos_tk/001_shemos_tk/008

https://www.torahrecordings.com/torah-reading/001_breishis_tk/012/008

https://www.torahrecordings.com/torah-reading/001_breishis_tk/011/008

https://www.torahrecordings.com/torah-reading/001_breishis_tk/009/008

https://www.torahrecordings.com/torah-reading/001_breishis_tk/008/008

https://www.torahrecordings.com/torah-reading/001_breishis_tk/007/008

Why doesn't Yishtabach start with a bracha?? The OG maftir Sheila!! “Kli Shlishi Eino Mevashel”!!!

In the final Haftarah of the year, we begin the first chapter of Navi. It is the only Haftarah that appears chronologically next to the Krias HaTorah. It is literally the next chapter of Tanach. It seems like an obvious choice of Haftarah. But also notice: It is also the only Haftarah that doesn't correspond to the Maftir. Also, besides for finishing V'Zos HaBrachah, on Simchas Torah, we begin Bereishis again as well. Does the Haftarah have anything to do with that? What is Simchas Torah really about?

In the most famous Haftarah, we read the story of Yonah. Why? Because Ninveih does Teshuvah? If that's true, we should only read Chapter 3, not the whole book. Why do we need to hear about Yonah being swallowed by a fish? Because it's cool? And why do we need to read about the strange Kikayon-plant at the end?

In this shiur we discuss: 1) Opening the Sefer Torah and realizing that its for Maftir, 2)Deodorant on Yom Kippur, 3) Laws of Aseres Yimei Teshuva, 4) Taking Pills on Yom Kippur, 5) Cholim eating shiurim on Yom Kippur, 6) Walking during Shemoneh Esrei, 7) Eating Chadash, 8)Forgot to light candles on Yom Tov

'Calling up a kohen for maftir'

1) In my Shul I am the Baal Korei. Usually, I am also the only man present who can read the Haftoiroh. When the Toichocho is read, do I have two Aliyos, or could I call up someone else for Maftir and I will take over for reading the Haftoiroh? [1] 2) One the 2nd night of Yomtov, is there an objection to davening Maariv and beginning the meal early? This coming Shovuos, the 2nd day is Shabbos. Does that make it easier? [2] 3) The Eruv Tavshilin allows cooking on Friday for Shabbos, provided that the food was edible on the Friday before sunset. Kitzur Shulchan Oruch says: “a third cooked”. May we rely on this – to put up a raw cholent close before sunset? [3] 4) Bochurim who sleep in an apartment that belongs to the Yeshiva, but have their meals in the Yeshiva – do they have to light candles in their apartment?[4] 5) Accidentally, a builder dropped a tin of paint in the grounds of a school. Some children unwittingly got paint on their clothing. Is the builder liable for the damages?[5] 6) I read Shema early. During davening I read Shema again – after the Zman. Do the restrictions on answering during Shema apply to a late reading? [6] 7) On Shabbos, may one insert the numbers of the Omer into the fixture on the wall in shul, e.g. a chof and a zayin for day 27? [7] 8) May a knife-sharpener be used for meaty and dairy knives? What if it's used for non-kosher knives?[8] 9) Some guidance about the use of Pas Palter, and that some will refrain from consumption of the same during Aseres Yemei Teshuva:[9] 10) Does the Chazan answer Omein at Birkas Kohanim?[10] ________________________________________ [1] ראה שוע"ר סי' רפב ס"י וסי' רפד ס"ט, שהמפטיר בנביא צריך שיקרא תחלה בתורה. אכן במשנה ברורה סי' רפד סק"ח מבואר שהקורא בתורה יכול לקרות בנביא במקום העולה למפטיר [שהרי קרא בתורה תחלה]. ואף דאיהו מיירי בקוראים נביא מן הקלף, ה"ה בקורא מן הדפוס (שו"ת ישכיל עבדי ח"ז סי' נד - נסמן בס' אשי ישראל פל"ח הע' קסה). לפ"ז צ"ע הדיון בשוע"ר סי' רפב סי"ח אודות ביהכ"נ שלא נמצא מי שיודע להפטיר לבד ממי שעלה כבר. למה לא נקרא לאחד משאר העם למפטיר, והבעל-קורא יקרא את ההפטרה? וי"ל דמיירי ששאר העם גם לא יודעים לברך ברכות ההפטרה. [2] ראה נתיבים בשדה השליחות ח"א סימן יד. [3] ראה שוע"ר סי' תקכז ס"ח; קצור שו"ע סי' קב ס"ג. [4] ראה פסקי תשובות סי' רסג אות כד. [5] ראה שו"ע חו"מ סי' תי סכ"א. [6] ראה דעת תורה או"ח סי' סו ס"א. [7] ראה פסקי תשובות סי' שמ אות יח. [8] ראה שו"ת שבט הקהתי ח"ד סי' קצב, דמותר לכתחילה. [9] ראה שו"ע יו"ד סי' קיב ס"ב; קצור שו"ע סי' לח ס"א; שוע"ר או"ח סי' תרג. [10] ראה שו"ע אדה"ז סי' קכח ס"ל.

Why does Erev Rosh Chodesh have its own Haftarah? It doesn't even have its own Maftir. Is it just because we found a place in Navi where someone says, 'Machar Chodesh'-'tomorrow is Rosh Chodesh'? What does that have to do with us today, when it's not yet Rosh Chodesh? What does the story of Dovid, Shaul, and Yonasan teach us about the apparently unique hours of 'Machar Chodesh'?

If we would be able to see what we accomplish by doing mitzvot, we would run after them with such excitement and everything in this world would pale in comparison to them. When the Jewish People were preparing to leave Mitzrayim, they were told to go and gather all the wealth of Egypt. At that time, Moshe Rabbenu chose to go and find the aron of Yosef instead, and for that Chazal applied the pasuk חכם לב יקח מצוות to him. While everyone was becoming billionaires, Moshe went to do one mitzvah and he was called the wisest of all of them for that endeavor. Besides for the fact that his reward was eternal while their wealth would only last here in this world, seven days later at Yam Suf, the entire nation was in jeopardy of being killed out by the Mitzrim . When the Sea saw the aron of Yosef, it split and the entire nation was saved. Moshe Rabbenu was thus credited with saving the entire Klal Yisrael because of his pursuit of that one mitzvah. Why did the Sea split for Yosef? Because years before when he was being tested with the wife of Potifar, he ran away from temptation and so now the water was running away from his aron to save the entire Klal Yisrael . Imagine if during that difficult test Yosef would have known that he was going to be the cause of millions of people to be saved, he would have ran away with ease, it wouldn't have even been a test. However, Hashem does not allow a person to see the wondrous effects of what his deeds are going to accomplish, in order for his free will to remain balanced. But we must know that if we did have the eyes to see what was happening when we do mitzvot, we would be so excited to perform every single one of them. I read a story about a man who asked the gabai in his shul to reserve Aliyat Maftir and chazan for Mussaf on one of the upcoming Shabbatot , since that was the week of his mother's yahrtzeit . This man was a very organized person and always made sure to plan things a long time in advance. He was a long time member of that shul and one of its supporters and the gabai told him both of those honors were open and he made a note to reserve them for him. When that Shabbat arrived, the man came into shul filled with anticipation, but there he noticed that a stranger had joined the minyan that day and was in deep conversation with the gabai . The man was curious to hear what the debate was about and, to his shock, he found out that this stranger had asked for Maftir and chazan for Mussaf because he also had a yahrtzeit . Here he was a long time member and supporter of the shul and he asked for these from weeks in advance and now some stranger just strolls in out of the blue and thinks he can take those honors? But then, a small voice whispered inside of him, maybe he should give in? Who knows what merits help the neshama the most. Maybe giving up what was his for someone else would accomplish even more. And so, with great strength, he went over to the gabai and told him to give those honors to the other man. He would take a different aliyah and be chazan for Shacharit on the actual yahrtzeit instead. The gabai said, “ Chas v'shalom , there is a system here, these are yours.” The man reassured the gabai that he was actually happy to do this. And when the gabai saw he was serious, he went over and gave them to the other man. Rabbi Aharon Toisig, a prominent Rav from Bnei Brak, was present in the shul when this episode took place and he related what happened the next day. The congregant came into shul and said his mother came to him in a dream and said to him, “My son, I was given special permission to descend to this world to thank you. The elevation that I experienced when you gave up the Maftir and Mussaf was greater than any other I had ever experienced. I remember well the elevation I merited in past years when you got Aliyat Maftir and was chazan for Mussaf , but those did not come close to what I merited this year when you mustered up the fortitude to give up the honors that were rightfully yours for the sake of peace and to help someone else.” This is just one small example of the great effects of our deeds. The harder they are to perform, the greater they become. We should always run to do mitzvot with the utmost excitement.

Why isn't there a special Maftir during Krias HaTorah to match this Haftarah? Where is the Pesach message in this Haftarah? What is Shabbos HaGadol really about? Why is it called Shabbos HaGadol? Related: Real-Talk Torah: Why is it called 'Shabbos HaGadol'?

The Arba Parashiot: More than Meets the Eye, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom The annual cycle of Keriat haTorah is punctuated in the weeks before Pesach with the addition of the "Arba Parashiot" - four special readings read as the Maftir on those weeks. We analyze the historic-halakhic reality of this practice, along with the hashkafic implications of these readings, coming as they do in the weeks leading up to Pesach. Source sheet >>

1) The Rebbe's guidance re. careers for a married Jewish woman:[1] 2) Giving a diamond ring for the engagement is: a) not our custom; b) not recommended; c) forbidden, or somewhere in between?[2] 3) Is separating two attached teabags on Shabbos allowed?[3] 4) The hem of a garment of mine unravelled, so I joined it back with a safety-pin. May I wear that garment in the street on Shabbos?[4] 5) Re. serving cholent and kugel in shul: may they be served directly off the hotplate?[5] 6) May torn pieces of text be put together on Shabbos in order to read it, and may they then be separated?[6] 7) May a garden parasol be opened on Shabbos, if it is firmly attached to the base? What if it was already partly open?[7] 8) Why do women not wash mayim acharonim?[8] 9) Someone sat on my hat. May I put it back into shape on Shabbos?[9] 10) By mistake, the Baal Korei finished the Shabbos Torah-reading with six Aliyos. Should the Maftir serve to make up the quota of seven Aliyos?[10] 11) Is there any objection to the use of metal pipes to bring rainwater to the Mikvah?[11] 12) I davened Mincha in a Shul where they omitted Tachanun, whereas our minhag is to say Tachanun on that day. Should I discreetly say Tachanun later?[12] 13) Yahrzeit this year for one who passed away on 30 Adar I. 14) Unity with Reform or Conservative clergy.[13] [1] מענה כ"ק אדמו"ר זי"ע הנספח לקונטרס שיחות ק' היו"ל לש"פ וארא ש"ז. [2] שלחן מנחם ח"ו סי' לה. [3] בס' ארחות שבת ח"א סי"ב מביא ב' דעות בדבר הפרדת גביעי לבן זמ"ז. [4] שמירת שבת כהלכתה פי"ח סכ"ט, ע"פ קצוה"ש סי' קטו הע' כט [לא "לה"]. [5] ראה שוע"ר סי' שיח ס"ל – אודות נטולה מהאש. כאן – על האש.

On Hanukah, there is a special Torah reading throughout the Holiday. The selection, found in Parashat Naso, relates the Korbanot (offerings) of the Nesi'im (Princes) at the dedication of the Mishkan. The connection to Hanukah is based on the Midrash Pesikta that states that the Mishkan was completed on the 25th of Kislev but was dedicated later in the month of Nisan.The Sephardic custom differs from the Ashkenazim in a number of ways. First, the reading begins with the passage of Birkat Kohanim (Preistly Blessing), since the miracle of Hanukah happened through the Kohanim. The proper custom is not to stop the first Aliya at the end of Birkat Kohanim, but to proceed into the next passage in order to connect each Aliya with the topic of the Nesi'im. Hacham Ovadia rules that if someone did stop there, B'diavad, it is not a Beracha L'vatala.The second difference is that the Sephardic custom is to read only one Nasi per day, whereas the Ashkenazim read the current day and the next day. For example, on the second day of Hanukah, only the passage of the second Nasi is read and repeated in order for there to be enough Pesukim for all of the Aliyot.A third difference concerns how to break up the reading on the final day of Hanukah. The custom is to read the eighth day of the Nesi'im by the Kohen and Levi, and then the Yisrael goes back and reads the eighth day from the beginning through the beginning of Parashat Baha'alotha.The Halachic principle on Hanukah states, "En Mashgihim B'Hanukah"-The Halacha is not particular about mistakes in reading the Torah on Hanukah, as long as three Aliyot were read. If they inadvertently read the wrong day, B'diavad, they do not have to go back and reread the correct day. Moreover, even if they read the regular weekly Parasha, they fulfilled their obligation. This also applies to a case in which they began reading from the correct place, but then continued the details of the Korbanot from a different passage, according to R. Svi Pesah Frank and Hacham Ovadia.Every Hanukah also has Rosh Hodesh. On that day, two Sifre Torah are read from, the first for Rosh Hodesh and the Second for Hanukah. When Rosh Hodesh falls on Shabbat Hanukah, three Sifre Torah are read from. Six Aliyot are read from the regular Parasha; One Aliya from the Rosh Hodesh passage and the Maftir is for Hanukah. This follows the principle of "Tadir Kodem"-the more frequent Misva is performed first. Also, Hanukah is read last in order to connect it to the Haftora of Hanukah.

Sources: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JbPsIrR_Lfywvvz7UCnJQHp00XA0hl65Lspkb0TSjtk/edit?usp=share_link

With Parshas Vayeira, we have the first 'narrative' Haftarah and the unique opportunity to analyze and compare not just 2 stories, but 5 staggering stories between the Parsha and its Haftarah. What is the Haftarah about? What do the stories have to do with each other?

The Chovot HaLevavot writes that one of the benefits of being a bote'ach b'Hashem is that a person could stop feeling like he has to be a slave to others or like he has to impress others. When a person feels like he needs other people to help him, he'll naturally feel the burden of having to do whatever it takes to please those people. But if he knows Hashem is the only One in charge of giving him everything he could ever want, he will only need to focus on Hashem alone. It takes a lot of work to fully believe that people are just messengers and that everything that happens is only by the word of Hashem. But the closer we come to that realization, the closer we'll be to attaining full bitachon . A man who we'll call Rafael told that he has been praying in a certain shul for a number of years and, one day, a nearby shul closed its doors and many of the congregants began coming to his shul. One of those congregants was an elderly gentleman who sat down right next to Rafael and prayed next to him every day. Rafael was able to feel this man's tranquility and genuine happiness in life from getting to know him. Like everyone else in the shul, this gentleman got called up for an aliyah once every few weeks. It was never a special aliyah. Those were reserved for people who needed them. One Shabbat, on parashat Shemot , without any explanation, the gabai went over to this elderly gentleman and called him up for a special aliyah – aliyat Maftir . After he finished reading the Haftarah , the gabai then invited him to be the chazan for Musaf . Then, during the Kel Maleh Rachamim , this gentleman mentioned the name of his mother, aleha hashalom . The gabai asked him afterward if it was his mother's yahrtzeit that day, to which he replied yes. The gabai then said, “Why didn't you tell me in advance? Then for sure I would have given you the Maftir and Musaf .” The gentleman replied softly, with a smile on his face, that he never asks people for anything. As usual, he asked Hashem for help, namely to give him Maftir and Musaf and, lo and behold, he was invited for both of them. Rafael said what impressed him so much was that this gentleman didn't even view his getting Maftir and Musaf like a miracle. It was a matter of fact. He asked his Father to help him and He did. When Rafael spoke to this gentleman afterwards about that episode, he told him he developed such a close relationship with Hashem, he talks to Him all the time and everything that he ever needs, he only asks Him for. It is true that, in general, we are supposed to make a regular hishtadlut and use the natural means of the world which Hashem provided us with to get what we want. However, it is clear from pesukim and Chazal that the more bitachon a person develops, the less he needs to involve himself in the regular way of the world. The pasuk says, when a person puts his bitachon in Hashem, then והיה ה' מבטחו– Hashem will be his guarantor. Another pasuk says יהי חסדך ה' עלינו כאשר יחלנו לך – the kindness of Hashem upon a person depends on how much hope and bitachon the person puts in Him. Having bitachon is a mitzvah which provides benefits in this world as well. The pasuk says in parashat Behar ואיש כי לא יהיה לו גואל והשיגה ידו ונגאל. And the tzaddikim found a hint in this pasuk to the great rewards given to those who put their bitachon in Hashem. ואיש כי לא יהיה לו גואל – a man who does not put his trust in his relatives and truly understands that there is no other redeemer – then השיגה ידו ונגאל – he will get what he needs and be redeemed. אשרי הגבר אשר יבטח בה' – fortunate is the man who is able to have complete bitachon in Hashem.

1) The 3rd Aliya of this week's Sedra includes the Toichocho. Usually, the Baal Korei has this aliya without being called by name. But our Baal Korei is a Leivi. What do you advise?[1] 2) Besides the Baal Korei, no one else present is capable of reading the Hatorah. Should the Baal Korei be called for Maftir too, or should someone else be called for Maftir and the Baal Korei will read the Haftorah on his behalf?[2] 3) Before Pesach we discussed the need to dispose of the coin used for redeeming Maaser Sheni before the last days of Pesach. We have such coins that we didn't dispose of then. May the value of one Euro be transferred to a smaller coin?[3] 4) The minhag is to inform people of a Bris, but not to invite. Does the same apply to a Pidyon haBen?[4] 5) On Friday evening our Shul has Maariv early, and we are reminded to count Sefirah later on. Until what time may we begin the meal?[5] 6) Follow-on from last week: When someone asks you for your parent's name, how should you answer?[6] 7) Follow-on from last week: is it forbidden to swivel a fixed muktzah-item?[7] 8) Why is a Lulav on Shabbos during Succos more Muktzah than a bunch of flowers?[8] 9) We are very conscientious re. transport of a Sefer Torah from A to B. What about an unfinished Sefer Torah?[9] 10) In אנא בכח, is it רחמי צדקתך or רחמם, צדקתך?[10] [1] במשנה ברורה סי' תכח ס"ק יז כתב שאם הבעל-קורא הוא כהן, אז יקרא מתחלת הפרשה עד אחרי התוכחה, ויחלקו אחת משאר העליות לשנים. ובפ' תבא כתב לסדר ז' עליות לפני התוכחה, והתוכחה תהא בעליית 'אחרון', שכהן יכול לעלות בו. ועד"ז כתב בביאור הלכה לגבי בהר-בחקותי מחוברים. וכ"כ בשו"ת מנחת אלעזר השלמה לח"א סי' סו. עצה זו לא תועיל למנהגנו שלא להוסיף על ז' קרואים. [2]ראה שוע"ר סי' רפב סי"ח; סי' רפד סוס"ט. וראה שו"ע סי' קמד ס"ד שלא יעלה האחד בשני ס"ת בזה אחר זה, משום פגם בהא'. [3] הרב שניאור זלמן ריוח נ"י, בשו"ת חלקת השדה (תרו"מ סי' יט) מבאר שאחרי שעבר זמן הביעור, אי אפשר להעביר הקדושה למטבע אחר. [4] ראה פסחים קיג ב ותוס' שם ריש דף קיד א; פתחי תשובה יו"ד סי' רסה; כורת הברית ס"ק סז. [5] ראה שוע"ר סי' תפט סי"ז. והיינו לפי שמנהג העולם להקל לספור בבין השמשות כנ"ל שם סי"ב. [6] ראה פתחי תשובה יו"ד סי' רמ סק"ב; אוצר כבוד ואם ס"ק פא. [7] ראה אנציקלופדי' תלמודית ערך מוקצה (כרך מב ע' סח). ובטעם ההקלה בדלת לדעת הטור, ע"ש הע' 500 שי"ל דס"ל שאין מוקצה במחובר, כי מוקצה הוא משום גדר להוצאה, דלא שייכא במחובר. [8] רמ"א או"ח סי' תרנח ס"ב. [9] זח"ג עא א; שו"ע או"ח סו"ס קלה. [10] ס' ויעתר יצחק (ברלין תקמ"ד).

On "Shabbat Zachor," the Shabbat before Purim, we take two Torah scrolls from the Heichal. After reading the regular Torah portion from the first Torah, we open the second scroll and read for the Maftir reading the final verses of Parashat Ki-Teitzei (Devarim 25:17-19) which command us to recount Amalek's attack on Benei Yisrael. According to many Halachic authorities, including the Shulchan Aruch, the annual reading of these verses constitutes a Torah obligation. The Zachor reading differs in this regard from the standard Torah reading, in that it is a Torah obligation.In light of the unique status of the Zachor reading, is it proper for the congregation to read along with the Ba'al Koreh (reader) from their Chumashim as he reads Zachor?Although some Rabbis indeed encouraged reading Zachor along with the Ba'al Koreh, Chacham Ovadia Yosef, in his work Chazon Ovadia (Laws of Purim, p. 4), rules that to the contrary, this practice is inappropriate. Firstly, he notes that the Torah introduces the obligation to recall Amalek's assault with the term "Zachor" (literally, "Remember") – the same term with which the Torah introduces the obligation of Kiddush on Shabbat (Shemot 20:8). The Sages understood the word "Zachor" as a reference to verbal recitation, thus requiring that one verbally declare the sanctity of Shabbat every Shabbat, and verbally recall the incident of Amalek once a year. As we know, one can fulfill his obligation of Kiddush by listening to its recitation from somebody else. The Halachic principle of "Shomei'a Ke'oneh" establishes that by carefully listening to somebody else's recitation, one is considered to have personally recited the given text. Therefore, one is not required to personally recite Kiddush on Shabbat, and it suffices for him to listen to its recitation by another person. Similarly, the obligation to read the Zachor section can be fulfilled by listening to the reader, and there is thus no need for the congregation to read the verses of Zachor along with the Ba'al Koreh, as they satisfy their obligation by carefully listening to his reading.Furthermore, Chacham Ovadia adds, the Zachor obligation requires reading this section from a proper Torah scroll. Therefore, the congregation can fulfill their obligation only by listening to the Ba'al Koreh's reading, whereby they are considered to have themselves read the Zachor section from a Torah scroll. If they read from their Chumashim, then they do not fulfill their obligation. It is therefore appropriate for the congregation to remain perfectly silent during the Zachor reading and carefully listen to each word read by the Ba'al Koreh.There is some discussion among the Halachic authorities as to whether or not women are included in the obligation to hear the Zachor reading, and therefore many women indeed make a point to come to the synagogue on Shabbat Zachor to hear this reading. Many communities conduct a special Zachor reading on the afternoon of Shabbat Zachor for women who are unable to attend synagogue services in the morning. Some Rabbis discouraged this practice, arguing that it is inappropriate to take the Torah scroll from the Heichal for this reading, since no Beracha is recited over this reading and it is unclear whether or not it is in fact required. Chacham Ovadia Yosef, however (In Chazon Ovadia – Laws of Purim, p. 10), encourages this practice, claiming that reading the Zachor section for women is indeed a worthy enough purpose to warrant removing the Torah from the Heichal. He draws proof to his position from the practice of Rabbi Moshe Greenwald (early 20th-century author of the "Arugat Ha'bosem") to remove the Torah from the Heichal each morning during the first twelve days of Nissan and read from the section of the "Nesi'im" in the Book of Bamidbar (7:1-8:4). Even though reading from the "Nesi'im" section during this period is not required by Halacha, and is merely a Minhag (custom), this practice is deemed worthwhile enough to allow removing the Torah from the Heichal. Certainly, then, it is proper to conduct a special Zachor reading for women in deference to the view among the authorities that the Zachor obligation applies to both men and women.Why is no Beracha recited over the Mitzva of reading Zachor? Many Mitzvot that we perform require the recitation of a Beracha. Seemingly, then, before the Zachor reading we should recite the Beracha "Asher Kideshanu Be'mitzvotav Ve'tzivanu Li'zkor Ma'aseh Amalek." Why did the Rabbis not require the recitation of a Beracha before the performance of this Mitzva?Chacham Ovadia (Chazon Ovadia – Laws of Purim, p. 11) cites those who answer this question on the basis of the Gemara's comment in Masechet Megila (10b) that the Almighty does not rejoice in the destruction of the wicked. Although the wicked people in the world must be eliminated, their death should not be a cause of joy and celebration. Thus, for example, when the ministering angels wished to sing a song of praise upon the drowning of the Egyptians in the sea, God exclaimed, "My creatures are drowning at sea – and you wish to sing a song of praise?!" Therefore, even though we must conduct a special reading to recall the obligation to destroy Amalek, the Sages chose not to require the recitation of a Beracha, which would express a feeling of joy and excitement over the destruction of the wicked.Summary: On the Shabbat before Purim we read for the Maftir reading the section of "Zachor" from a separate Torah scroll. The congregation should remain silent during the reading, rather than read along with the Ba'al Koreh (reader). Some authorities require women to hear this reading, as well. Many communities therefore conduct a special Zachor reading during the afternoon of Shabbat Zachor for women who cannot attend the morning services, and this is a proper practice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVpm7U7KrM0&list=PLZXYYrOJjWO4Dw3qd7CFkSbAg2jeMRRXd&index=56 After having eaten some cake and some fruit of the ‘Seven Kinds', I said the ‘After-Brocho', but I forgot to mention the fruit. Do I have to repeat?[1] When purchasing a home, one should affix Mezuzos immediately; for rented premises, we have grace until 30 days. What about a leasehold?[2] I know that I cannot use my Maaser money to buy a Mezuzah for my door, because I am duty-bound to affix a Mezuzah. But if I choose to purchase a better-quality Mezuzah, may I use Maaser money to cover the difference?[3] I'm a little behind the Minyan; the Chazan is about to start the Repetition just as I'm ready to recite my own Shmone Esrei. Is it preferable that I wait until after answering Kedusha, or should I start together with the Chazan?[4] ‘Feedback' on whether snacking before feeding animals is allowed:[5] A Mikvah has a siphon to empty the water when necessary. Is one allowed to have a tap to control the outflow of the siphon?[6] Our 10th man went missing during Krias haTorah. We merged Maftir with Shvi'i and the Haftorah was recited without its Brochos. Were we supposed to say Kaddish?[7] May ‘letters' in a Sefer Torah be ‘sold' to non-Jews?[8] I tend to stay a few hours daily in Shul, partly learning but also doing mundane stuff: making some calls (work, family) etc. Is it perfectly OK to do this in the Shul or should I better move to the women's section, or even find another place outside the Shul?[9] Under the Chuppah, once the Kesuba is read, the Chosson hands it over to the Kalloh. Do the witnesses have to see this transfer?[10] [1] ראה פסקי תשובות סי' רח ס"ק יט:ב. [2] בס' פתחי שערים (סי' רפו ס"ק רסו) נוטה לחייב מיד. [3] פסקים ותשובות יו"ד סי' רמט ס"ק לא. [4] שוע"ר סי' קט ס"ג. [5] הדיוק בין 'לאכול' או 'לטעום' – בהערה בלקוטי תורה ויקרא מט ב. לקו"ש לז ע' 73 הע' 10. תורת מנחם כרך מ ע' 298. [6] בס' פתחי מקואות פ"ח הע' יז מביא פקפוק בזה. האופן מומלץ נעתק מס' מבנה מקואות (נספח לסוף ס' פתחי מקואות). [7] שערי אפרים שער ז סל"ח. וראה נתיבים בשדה השליחות ח"ב ע' 50 הע' 11. [8] מנהג קניית אות בס"ת נתבאר בלקו"ש חכ"ד פ' וילך. משמע שזו נתינה לצבור, לא בעלות אישית. מילוי אותיות ע"י מח"ש – נטעי גבריאל – הכנסת ס"ת פי"ד ס"ב-ג. [9] ראה פסקי תשובות סי' קנא סק"ו. [10] כן סתם בס' הנשואין כהלכתם פי"ח סס"ב בשם התשב"ץ ח"ג סי' שא. ב'סדר קידושין ונישואין – ומדריך מפורט' (פרקש) פ"י ס"ב מביא מנהג מסירת הכתובה מן החתן לכלה לעיני העדים. ובהערה הביא שרבים אינם חוששים לזה.

79 - Maftir Part 2

79 - Maftir Part 1

1) Near the end of the Selichos we have paragraphs quoting Moshiach (Dovid), Daniel, Ezra. Nusach Lita has also a quote from Micha. This appears in our YK Machzor, but not in our Selichos. Please clarify:[1] 2) In היום תאמצנו, why does היום תשמע שועתנו appear before היום תקבל ברחמים..? 3) May one use a French Press cafetiere on Yomtov?[2] 4) One Davening the Shmone Esrei in tandem with the Chazan may recite the full Kedusha. What about Birkas Kohanim?[3] 5) When honoured to take out the Sefer Torah from the Oron Kodesh, may one place his Sidurinside the Oron Kodesh?[4] 6) One who needs to recite the brocho of HaGomel, may he do so between Maftir and Haftorah?[5] 7) May a badge or brooch be affixed to a garment on Shabbos or Yomtov?[6] 8) Keren haShviis or Agudas haShmita: is there any difference? 9) Feedback on המה כשלו ונפלו:[7] 10) Some guidance about כיסוי הדם: loose dirt; דם הנפש דוקא כיסה חלק מן הדם; [1] ראה לקוטי תורה דברים כה ב, שם לד ב, ועוד. [2] שמירת שבת כהלכתה פ"ד סט"ו מתיר השימוש ביו"ט של תיון כו'. [3] ערוך השלחן סי' קט סי"א. [4] משנה ברורה סימן קנד ס"ק לא. [5] ראה תורת מנחם חל"ו ע' 134; חקרי מנהגים (גורארי') ח"ב ע' קצד ואילך. [6] שבת כהלכה ח"ד פכ"ח הבהרה שלפני סט"ו. [7] מדרש תלים פכ"ז.