Podcasts about Mikveh

Inspired by Shane Willard's teachings, Jaci unpacks the powerful image of God's covenant with His people as a marriage proposal. From Exodus to Acts, she walks us through the Hebrew wedding language - Lakah, Segullah, Mikveh, Ketubah, and Chuppah, revealing God's deep desire for relationship.This message will help you understand the power of saying yes to God and the deep love He has for you.

1)    Just before Kiddush on Sunday evening I remembered that I had forgotten to make Havdolo on Motzei Shabbos. How do I now go about doing Kiddush and Havdolo?[1]2)    I have a metal baking-tin for making cupcakes. I only use it with paper liners. Does the tin need to be immersed in a Mikveh? [2]3)    May I use a sieve or a colander for immersing numerous small utensils in a Mikveh?[3]4)    A tenant of ours installed a new kitchen. He is now moving on but he's requesting that we reimburse for the new kitchen that he installed. Is he entitled to such payment?[4]5)    To attract more children to come and hear Aseres haDibros, we would like to raffle off a free professional portrait of the child at a local studio. Is that permitted?[5]6)    I crossed the dateline from Melbourne to New York during the Sefira and will observe Shovuos on Sunday, 5th of Sivan. In davening I will omit Zman Matan Toiroseinu – because I'm a day out. What about Monday (for me: the 2nd day of Yomtov)?[6]7)    A group of Aussies in NY will have a Minyan for Yomtov onSunday. Should they read כל הבכור on Sunday and listen to Aseres haDibros on Monday, 6th of Sivan? 8)    Does the Bal Korei drop his tone for ויהי העם כמתאוננים (innext week's Sedra)?[7]9)    Does an ice-machine need to be toivelled?[8]10)  Men going to Mikveh on Yomtov afternoon in preparation for the following day of Yomtov or Shabbos; is this done?[9][1] ראה שוע"ר סי' רצטסי"א וי"ב שיש בעי' של ב' קדושות על כוס א'.[2] בס' פסקים ותשובותיו"ד סי' קכ:כ מחייב בטבילה בשם כמה פוסקים.[3] בס' פסקים ותשובות שם אותיו"ד מורה להשקיע כל הסל, שתהא השקה למעלה.[4] דין היורד לשדה חבירו מובאבשו"ע חו"מ סי' שעה, ושם מבחין בין שדה העשוי' ליטע לשדה שאינה עשוי'ליטע. ויש שבעה"ב לא נהנה כלל ואומר לו "עקור אילנך". וראה ס' פסקיהמשפט שם אות י.[5] ברמ"אאו"ח סו"ס שכב אוסר להטיל גורל בשבת. במשנ"ב שם סקכ"ד מתירגורל על קדיש ועליות וכיו"ב. אלא שיש מתירים רק ע"י ספר. אבל בקצות השלחןסי' קמו סל"ב מתיר גם בגורל של פתקאות. ברם התירו הוא רק לבו ביום.וילע"ע.[6] בשוע"ר סי' תצדס"א מבואר שהחג אינו דוקא ביום מתן תורה. בלקו"ש ח"ג ע' 997 מבוארשעליו לדלג "זמן מתן תורתנו". מסתבר שגם ביום ו' סיון לא יאמר "זמןמתן תורתנו", כי הוא חוגג יום זה מספק אולי היו באדר ל' יום. וא"כ הואספק ה' סיון. ומזה נלמד לגבי קריאת התורה, אם יקראו י' הדברות ביום א' או ב' שלהם.[7] מנהג זה מובא בקצורשו"ע סי' עח ס"ד. ובשערי רחמים על שערי אפרים פ"ג ה"ג הביאשלא נהגו כן בפולין.[8] בס' פסקים ותשובות (שם אותז) דן בכלי מתכת המצופה בפלסטיק, דחייב בטבילה עכ"פ מספק. אבל בהערה שם מעירשיש שהציפוי אינו אלא ככלי בפני עצמו, ע"ש. ובנדו"ד שאין הפלסטיק ציפוי,כי אם כלי פלסטיק ומאחוריו יש מערכת קירור.[9] ס' יום טוב כהלכתופי"ט סמ"ה.

The holiday of Shabuot is included among the three "Regalim" ("pilgrimage festivals"), when there is an obligation of Simha – to rejoice and be festive. The Gemara says that according to all views among the Sages, there is an obligation to enjoy oneself on Shabuot. Beyond the spiritual enjoyment that we experience by studying Torah, there is also a Halachic obligation to rejoice through physical enjoyment. The Sages teach that for men, this means indulging in meat and wine. Although there is a widespread custom to eat some dairy meals on Shabuot, one should make a point of eating meat on Shabuot, as well. One can fulfill this obligation with red meat, which resembles the meat of the sacrifices that were brought in the Bet Ha'mikdash on the holidays, or even with poultry, if that is what he enjoys, even though it does not technically qualify as "meat." If a person does not enjoy meat and wine, then he should eat whatever foods and drinks he enjoys. There is certainly no Misva on Yom Tob to eat foods that one does not enjoy. One is also obligated to make his children happy on Yom Tob. The Rambam (Rabbi Moshe Maimonides, Spain-Egypt, 1135-1204) writes that this is done by giving them treats, candies and the like. The Misva also requires making one's wife joyous, and the Rambam writes that one should purchase new clothing or jewelry for his wife before the festival. If one's wife does not need new clothing or jewelry, then he should buy her other gifts, even fine foods and the like. It is proper to immerse in a Mikveh on Ereb Shabuot to purify oneself in honor of the festival and in honor of the commemoration of Matan Torah.

Immersing In The Mikveh Before The Holiday by Rabbi Avi Harari

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

This week, I talk to Financial adviser and Jewish community volunteer at-large Adam Garen. We talk about his journey back to Minnesota and his current line of work, the importance of his volunteer work with Maayanot, the egalitarian Mikveh here in the Twin Cities, and how Mount Zion helped his father come to Minnesota 77 years ago, on this week's Who The Folk Podcast.

Welcome to our daily Bitachon series. We are now on the last lesson of Chol Hamoed. The pasuk in Bereshit 15,14 tells us וְאַחֲרֵי כֵן יֵצְאוּ בִּרְכֻשׁ גָּדוֹל / After that (referring to the 10 plagues ), we will leave with a great wealth which Rashi explains - בממון גדול with a lot of money, as it says in Shemot 12 וינצלו את מצרים/They emptied out Mitzrayim Of course, Rashi is giving the simple explanation. Rechush Gadol means a lot of money . But the Chida in his sefer Nachal Kedumim on Bereshit 15,14 quotes the Arizal that says it means they sifted out and took out the sparks of holiness that were in Mitzrayim. What does that mean exactly? So the Sefer Pri Etz Chaim Shaar Keriat Shema perek asks, why is it that every day, we have to remember Yetziat Mitzrayim more than any other of the Geulot . He says that whenever the Jewish people go to a certain place, their job is to take out the Kedusha from that place. I once heard from Rav Wolbe, that every nation has in it good qualities. When Adam HaRishon sinned, he caused the good and bad to be mixed. So there are good qualities in every nation. The Germans are very meticulous and exacting. That's nice when it comes to being perfect with Mitzvot and having the right shiurim and sizes, but it could go a little haywire when it comes to creating extermination camps and gas chambers and use it that way. The French are very romantic. That might be good for developing Ahavat Hashem but it could go in the wrong way if you misuse it, and so on. So there are sparks of holiness in every nation, and throughout our years of exile, our job is integrate the holiness of each of the nations into our ways and lift it up and take out that Kedushah. In general, it doesn't happen that we take everything out. Only when Mashiach comes will we be able to fully integrate all of those qualities into the Jewish people. But the spot of Kedusha of Mitzrayim , he says, was totally taken out. That's what it means Vayinatzlu Et Mitzrayim , the same pasuk that Rashi says they emptied out Egypt monetarily also means they spiritually emptied it out and took everything out with it. With the other Geulot , we did not have that full cleansing. And he says with that, we can understand a unbelievable concept. Why is it that it specifically says we're never allowed to go back to Egypt again? Why are we stricter about going back to Egypt than other any place? Because there's no need to go back to Egypt. We took everything out of it. So why go back? The sefer HaKatav V'HaKabbalah was written by Rabbi Yaakov Tzvi from Kallenberg, who lived from 1785 to 1865. One of the great rabbis of Germany, he was very famous for his sefer, and was one of the original fighters against the Reform. movement. He quotes his Yedidi, Marash Chen Tov in Bereshit 15,14 and concurs that when talking about leaving Egypt and taking everything out, it means taking out the spiritual wealth. He points out that when we use the word Rechush for general wealth, it says Rechush Rav, like in perek 13 of Bereshit , which means they had a lot of wealth. The term Rav usually indicates a quantitative concept and it's used for money, generally speaking. Here however, we see a strange terminology. It says Rechush Gadol , not a lot, but great . The word great is usually qualitative. Li Gadol Hashem, Ish Moshe Gadol… Adam Gadol doesn't mean he's large in weight , it means he's qualitatively great. So the great wealth , is not a lot of wealth, but qualitatively great, which is a spiritual wealth. So continuing with this theme of going from place to place and sucking out the Kedusha, the sefer Shem Gedolim also from the Chida, in the section on Sefarim in an appendix on the topic of Talmud , says, an unbelievable concept. He says in the city where there were many great Amoraim who set up the Talmud, there was a pillar of fire there twice a year. They were great Geonim. But in his times (the Chida lived about 300 years ago), the Torah had dwindled so much in that place that they didn't even know how to pray-not by heart and not from a siddur. Most of them only know how to say Ashrei Yoshveh Betecha and Shema Yisrael. They go to the Mikveh before they pray. They're quiet throughout the prayers. And when they get up to Ashrei, they all say Ashrei together. They say Keriat Shema until V'Ahavtah and that's it. He says, What's going on over here? He says, this is not a coincidence, because there was such a strong, powerful force of Torah in that place through the Limud HaTorah (which is one of the main ways we suck out Kedusha) that the Kedusha was taken out and therefore there's not that much left. Then he says, they went to Spain, and Torah moved to Spain, and then again the Torah was developing until they were sent out to a new spot. Because we didn't need it anymore. So as we leave a city, it rarely comes back to its greatness. The great Spanish golden era is no longer. Then they went to Turkey, then it went to France, Germany and it went to different places.. Every time we go from place to place, it's for one goal for us to be there and integrate into ourselves, into our ways, the qualities of that nation. Certain Jews might be very hospitable. They were more hospitable towns, and they took that Kedusha out. And he says דכל עניני ישראל הם בכלל ופרט וגם כשהאדם הולך מעיר לעיר הכל היא סיבה לברר ניצוצי הקדושה , . Every concept of the Jewish people, whether it's in general or specific, when a person goes from city to city, it's all because there's some holiness there. There's something you have to integrate into yourself. Jews are traveling all over the world and there's a reason for it. He says this is all from the wonders of the God Who's perfect in His ways. We don't know why we move from place to place but it's not a coincidence. Suddenly all the Sephardic Jews left the Muslim countries, the Ashkenazi Jews leave Europe. And we go basically to America and Eretz Yisrael. No Jew lived in America. It was new country and it introduced a new concept. There's a some Kedusha that's here and we have to take out. What is that Kedusha? I suggest ( it's my own humble opinion, I have no backing for this) that America is a melting pot. America is all about tolerance and being open-minded and so on. There are people from China with people from Argentina, Mexico and New Zealand all living together; possibly we have to integrate that (what I'll call) tolerance because when Mashiach comes, we're going to have all different kinds of Jews together. We never had Sephardim, Ashkenazim, Hasidim, all praying in the same shtiebl or Bet Knesset. We have get to know each other and reconcile with each other. That American trait might be what's necessary for us to integrate into our ways. The Or HaChaim HaKadosh, in Shemot 19,5 says the same concept. He says that if we would have been learning Torah more intensely in Eretz Yisrael, we'd have no need to search the globe to bring back the kedusha.Rather, it would be like a magnetic force that would suck everything out without even going there. Additionally, the Chida says in sefer Chomat Anach in Melachim 1, chapter 11, Pasuk 1, that that's why Shlomo Hamelech married all of those wives- they were princesses from countries all over the world, because he thought that way he would be able to avoid the Galut by taking out the Kedusha from each nation. The Bitachon lesson for us is that sometimes we get stuck in situations and we don't know why. Why did the plane divert to a certain place and land on a certain runway and sit there for an hour? Because there's some Kedusha on the runway in Virginia, and you had to say Birkat HaMazon there at that spot. Everything is planned. Everything has a reason. Everything is an opportunity for us to gain and grow from. The Ramchal in his commentary to Nevi'im on Micha on the pasuk אל תשמחי אויבתי לי כי נפלתי קמתי כי אשב בחושך ה ' אור לי / Enemy don't be happy that I fell, because I got up, I'm in the darkness. Hashem is my light, he says, we go down to Galut in order to take out the Kedusha . And he says, when the negative forces see that the Jewish people are going to Galut , they say, Wow, we're controlling the Jewish people. That's it. They think we're going to sink down further. But the evil forces don't know that we're coming down here for a Tikkun and that's why it says Don't be happy, my enemies, when I fell in Galut, I'll get up and come out stronger and get even more. . And that's an important rule. Sometimes we see people fall and drop, but they bounce back. Sheva yipol Sadik v'kam A Sadik falls seven times and gets up.

**Today's Halacha is dedicated f or the refuah and haslacha of Ronnie, Sharon, Eli and all the children of CARE** The thirteenth of Adar – the day before Purim – is observed as a fast called Ta'anit Ester. This fast commemorates the fast that the Jews observed during the time of Mordechai and Ester on the day they waged war to defend themselves against those in the Persian Empire who sought to annihilate them. By commemorating that fast, we remind ourselves that God listens to our prayers and accepts our repentance during times of distress and saves us from calamity. The Maggid (angel) who taught Torah to Rabbi Yosef Karo revealed to him another aspect of Ta'anit Ester. Our indulgence in food, drink and merriment on Purim could potentially lead us to sin. We therefore observe a fast day which is a Segula against sin, to help ensure that the Satan will not have the power to cause us to sin during the Purim festivities. Ta'anit Ester is thus a crucial part of the Purim celebration, as it helps guarantee that our observance will be pure. Furthermore, by observing a fast before Purim we demonstrate that we eat and drink on Purim not to satisfy our physical drives, but rather for the sacred purpose of fulfilling God's will. The work Kav Ha'yashar (chapter 99; listen to audio recording for precise citation) writes that the day of Ta'anit Ester is an especially auspicious time for our prayers to gain acceptance in the merit of Ester and Mordechai. The Kav Ha'yashar therefore advises those in need of divine compassion to set aside some time on Ta'anit Ester and recite the 22nd chapter of Tehillim ("Lamenase'ah Al Ayelet Ha'shahar"), followed by a prayer for whatever it is that they need. In this prayer one should explicitly invoke the merit of Mordechai and Ester. Ta'anit Ester has been accepted by the Jewish people as an obligatory fast day, and, as such, one does not have to declare a formal acceptance the previous day. Although some people have the practice to refrain from bathing on a public fast day (as mentioned by the Mishna Berura, in the laws of Ta'anit Sibur), all agree that bathing is allowed on Ta'anit Ester. Since Ta'anit Ester does not commemorate any tragic event and is not observed in response to a dangerous situation, it is not an unhappy day, and bathing is entirely permissible according to all views. The fast begins at Amud Ha'shahar, or approximately 72 minutes before sunrise, and it concludes at Set Ha'kochavim, which occurs anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes after sunset (one should consult with his Rabbi for personal guidance in this regard). In truth, the precise time of Set Ha'kochavim with regard to Ta'anit Ester is generally irrelevant, since the fast in any event is observed until after the nighttime Megila reading, which ends after the latest possible time for Set Ha'kochavim. According to the Shulhan Aruch, it is permissible to stipulate before going to sleep the night before Ta'anit Ester that one wishes to eat and drink before the onset of the fast. This stipulation must be made verbally, and one cannot rely on a stipulation made before a previous fast day. But if a verbal declaration is made before one goes to sleep, one may, according to the Shulhan Aruch, eat and drink if he wakes up before Amud Ha'shahar. The Arizal (Rabbi Yishak Luria of Safed, 1534-1572), however, based on the Zohar, maintained that once one goes to sleep the night before a fast, he may no longer eat, even if he made a verbal stipulation. He may, however, drink, even according to the Arizal's view. Therefore, it is certainly permissible to wake up early before the fast begins to drink a cup of coffee, for example, as long as one made a verbal declaration before he went to sleep. One who is not well, or feels that he will be unable to complete the fast if he does not eat in the morning before the fast begins, may rely on the Shulhan Aruch's ruling and make a stipulation before going to sleep. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in Ateret Tiferet (198), writes that it is proper to immerse thirteen times on any fast day and in times of crisis. These thirteen immersions correspond to the thirteen divine attributes of mercy. If possible, one should recite the corresponding attribute each time he immerses, while he is in the water. (Obviously, this assumes that the conditions allow for reciting matters of sanctity.) Summary: Ta'anit Ester is a very meaningful occasion and an auspicious time for having one's prayers answered. The fast begins 72 minutes before sunrise, and ends after the nighttime Megila reading. If necessary, one may verbally stipulate before going to sleep the night before the fast that he plans on eating and drinking before the fast begins. Preferably, though, this stipulation should be made only for drinking, but not for eating. It is permissible to bathe on Ta'anit Ester, even according to the custom to refrain from bathing on other fasts. There is a custom to immerse thirteen times in a Mikveh on every fast day.

We continue with our series on humility. Rav Wolbe, his sefer Aleh Shor (vol 1 page 134) talks about the concept of ladders of self-improvement. We find this, he says, in sefer Mesilat Yesharim , where Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzato cites a Gemara in Avoda Zara 20B that says, Torah brings to one being careful and being careful brings you to alacrity and so on. The Hovot Halevavot has ten gates which are also a ladder of sorts. Another of the ladders Rav Wolbe cites is the letter of the Ramban, the famous Igeret HaRamban , which is also a ladder. He tells us that the ladder starts with talking softly. Talking softly brings you to staying away from anger, staying away from anger brings you to humility, humility brings you to fear of God. And Fear of God brings you to be happy in your lot. From there, you come to the Shechina dwelling on a person. Wonderful ladder of the Igeret HaRamban. Many might not appreciate Rav Wolbe's outlook of this as ladder of the Ramban. As we said, the ladder really starts from humility. So this is a beautiful concept, how humility is the first step. And of course, you can't jump right into humility, so we'll go through it more in depth. The first thing the Ramban says, in beautiful words, is to תִּתְנַהֵג תָּמִיד לְדַבֵּר כָּל דְּבָרֶיךָ בְּנַחַת, לְכָל אָדָם וּבְכָל עֵת Accustom yourself to speak gently. All your words, to all people, and at all times. There are lot of alls in there. I once learned that the Ramban is trying to tell us, There are no exceptions here. All your words means every single word you say, to all people, even that nudgy guy, at all times. So even if I'm on my way to my daughter's wedding and I'm a little hassled, or I'm on the way to the airplane, slow it down. All people, all time, all your words. What is that going to do for you? וּבַזֶּה תִּנָּצֵל מִן הַכַּעַס, And this will protect you from anger, which is a most serious character flaw, which causes one to sin. Ok so let's say you got there. You spoke softly. Then, if you speak softly, you don't get angry. Rabbi Ades says, We see from here that your outside impacts your inside. Look how simple this. You're not angry yet, and you got yourself to use that low tone, which in itself is soothing and will protect you from getting angry. And once we are protected from getting angry, what happens next ? He uses beautiful words: Once you've distanced yourself from anger, תַּעֲלֶה עַל לִבְּךָ מִדַּת הָעֲנָוָה, The quality of humility will enter your heart. He says, humility is the best possible trait there is. The Ramban is telling us something very, very powerful: Anger, which stems from arrogance ( you only get angry because things don't go your way) is the antithesis of humility. Anger and humility can not coexist. It's like fire and water. When you take away the water, the fire will burn. When you take away the fire, the water will move. It's interesting that anger is compared to fire . The Zohar says, don't burn any fire in any of your dwellings on Shabbat - and the first fire is the fire of anger. And Humility is compared to water. It says, just like water travels downwards, humility is about going down. Fascinating! Fire and Water, anger and humility. Another interesting point is that the numerical value of מקוה Mikveh is one more than כעס /anger, because going to the mikveh absolves one of the trait of anger; it purifies. That means it's almost a natural reaction. He doesn't say, Remove the anger and then work on you're anava. His words are, וְכַאֲשֶׁר תִּנָּצֵל מִן הַכַּעַס, תַּעֲלֶה עַל לִבְּךָ מִדַּת הָעֲנָוָה When you distance (or save ) yourself from anger, humility will go up on your heart. Naturally , humility will into your heart. And now that you're humble, תַּעֲלֶה עַל לִבְּךָ מִדַּת הַיִּרְאָה, The Middah of Fear of Hashem will come into your heart. What was stopping you from fearing Hashem was Ga'ava ( Hey I'm in charge) which is the opposite of Yirat Hashem. Taaleh , you are elevated . This is not a regular ladder. This is an escalator . You put your foot on one step, and it moves you up to the next one. So your humility will cause your fear to go up. Why? Because now that you're no longer arrogant, you start paying attention. Where'd I come from? Where am I going? I am רִמָּה וְתוֹלֵעָה as frail as a maggot or a worm when alive, even more so in death. He continues, And who's going to judge you? When you start thinking about all these things, you'll be afraid of your Creator. You'll protect yourself from sin, and you'll be always happy with your lot because somebody who is arrogant always wants more. And then he says, When you continue to act with this trait of Anava, and you stand meekly in front of men and you're fearful from Hashem and from sin, אָז תִּשְׁרֶה עָלֶיךָ רוּחַ הַשְּׁכִינָה, וְזִיו כְּבוֹדָהּ, וְחַיֵּי עוֹלָם הַבָּא. The spirit of Hashem's presence will rest upon you and you'll live the life of the World to Come (I'll add in this world ) Unbelievable. The man that has humility is living in Gan Eden on earth. It's fascinating that the Ramban ends with the words, Read this letter once a week and neglect none of it. He says , Every day that you read this letter, Hashem will answer your heart's desires . People think this is some kind of magical segula : Read the letter of the Ramban and Hashem will answer your prayers. No. It says, as we've mentioned many times, that when a person is humble, Hashem answers his prayers. When a person is arrogant, Hashem doesn't answer his prayers. More than that, when the Shechina is in front of you, your prayers are answered easily. When you go to the Kotel, Hashem's Shechina is there. One that becomes humble, says the Ramban, the Shechina is on top of him, so of course his prayers are answered. This is not some kind of magical segula . This is the reality of becoming humble. That's the beautiful ladder of the Ramban, that starts from humility and ends with God's Shechina dwelling on you. What a powerful, powerful concept, to understand and appreciate what we're doing in our work on Anava .

If a utensil that had yet to be immersed in a Mikveh became mixed with utensils that had been immersed, and one cannot distinguish between them, such as forks or dishes of the same set, the question arises whether these utensils require an additional immersion. Since one cannot discern between the utensil that had not undergone immersion and those that had, any utensil from the group could potentially be the one that still requires immersion. Would one be required to immerse all the utensils before using them with food? According to some authorities, we may apply in this case the standard Halachic principle known in the Talmud as "Chad Be'trei Batil," which means that the majority in a mixture of indistinguishable items effectively negates the minority. In our case, the majority of the forks in the set are permissible for use, and one would therefore be permitted to use all the forks, even though one of them has not undergone immersion. Others, however, including Rabbi Chayim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868), disagreed, claiming that the case of a utensil requiring immersion falls under the category of "Davar She'yeish Lo Matirin," items that could be made permissible. The concept of "Bittul," which allows for a forbidden item to become negated by a majority of permissible items, applies only when the forbidden status is permanent and unshakeable. For example, when dealing with a piece of non-kosher meat that becomes mixed with pieces of kosher meat, there is no mechanism by which the non-kosher meat can become permissible for consumption, and therefore the law of Bittul applies. In our case, however, one has the option of immersing all the utensils and thereby rendering them all permissible for use. In such a case, where there is a readily available means of rectifying the situation, one may not rely on Bittul, and one must therefore immerse all the utensils before using them. Rabbi Chayim Palachi rules that one would even recite a Beracha when immersing the set of utensils. Some authorities disputed this application of "Davar She'yeish Lo Matirin" to this case. They argued that the rule of "Davar She'yeish Lo Matirin" does not apply if some action is required to render the forbidden item permissible. In the case of the immersed utensils that became mixed with non-immersed utensils, the passage of time alone will not remove the utensils' forbidden status; an act of immersion is required. This case thus does not qualify as "Davar She'yeish Lo Matirin," and we may therefore apply the standard rule of "Bittul." As for the final Halacha, Chacham Ovadia Yosef, in his work Halichot Olam (vol. 7, p. 276), distinguishes between different kinds of utensils. When dealing with a set of metal utensils, which require immersion on the level of Torah obligation, one should be stringent and immerse the entire set if one of the utensils has not undergone immersion. However, no Beracha would be recited over this immersion. In cases involving glass utensils, which require immersion only on the level of Rabbinic enactment, one may rely on the rule of Bittul and use all the utensils without immersion. Summary: If a utensil that has yet to undergo immersion mixes with other utensils that had been immersed, and one cannot tell the utensils apart, then in the case of metal utensils one must immerse the entire set without reciting a Beracha. If this occurred with glass utensils, one may use them even without immersing them.

If one acquires a new metal peeler used to peel vegetables or fruits, must he first immerse it in a Mikveh before using it? This question relates to a discussion among the Halachic authorities concerning the knife used for Shehita (slaughtering animals), which comes in contact with meat, but only when the meat is still raw and inedible. The Shulhan Aruch rules that a Shehita knife does not require immersion, since it comes in contact with inedible meat that must undergo several additional stages before it becomes fit for consumption. Tebila is required for utensils that come in contact with edible food, such as the pots and other utensils used in preparing the food, and dishes and cutlery used while eating. The Shehita knife, however, is used at an earlier stage, and therefore, according to Shulhan Aruch, it does not require immersion. The Rama (Rabbi Moshe Isserles of Cracow, 1525-1572) disagrees with this distinction, and rules that a Shehita knife requires immersion, since it comes in contact with meat. It emerges, then, that Ashkenazim and Sepharadim are divided on this issue. Ashkenazim, who follow the Rama's rulings, must immerse a new Shehita knife before it is used, whereas Sepharadim, who follow the rulings of Maran, do not. This issue will affect the status of metal peelers, as well. If a peeler is used only for potatoes, for example, or for another food which is not eaten raw, then it resembles a Shehita knife, and its status vis-à-vis Tebila will thus hinge on the aforementioned debate between Maran and the Rama. Ashkenazim would be required to immerse such a knife, whereas Sepharadim would not. If the peeler is used for other foods, as well, such as carrots, cucumbers, mangos and other foods which can be eaten raw, then its status is determined by its majority use. If it is used mostly for potatoes, and only occasionally for other foods, then it does not require Tebila, since its primary use is with an inedible substance. However, if it is used mainly for other foods, then it requires Tebila, even for Sepharadim. If one is unsure whether the peeler is used mostly with potatoes or with other foods, then it should be immersed without a Beracha. Summary: According to Sephardic practice, if a metal peeler is used exclusively or mostly for potatoes or other foods that are inedible at the time they are peeled, it does not require immersion in a Mikveh. If it used mostly for foods that can be eaten in their state at the time of peeling, then it requires Tebila. If one is unsure as to the majority use of the peeler, it should be immersed without a Beracha. According to Ashkenazic custom, a metal peeler requires immersion under all circumstances.

Food utensils that have been purchased or received from a gentile require Tevila (immersion) in a Mikveh before they may be used for preparing or eating food. The question arises as to how this Halacha is applied in cases of electrical appliances such as an urn, which will likely be ruined as a result of immersion in water. In some instances, manufacturers tell consumers that immersion will not ruin the appliance if it is left to dry for several days afterward. In other cases, immersion will likely harm the appliance even if one waits several days before using it, and the question thus arises how the obligation of Tevila would apply to such a utensil. Chacham Ovadia Yosef writes in "Halichot Olam" that in such a case, one should transfer ownership over the utensil to a gentile, and then ask permission to borrow the utensil. According to Halacha, a utensil that one borrows or rents from a gentile does not require immersion. Thus, one can circumvent the obligation of Tevila by legally giving the item to a gentile, and then using it only in the capacity of borrowing. Do the grates of one's oven and stove require immersion? One might argue that although generally they do not come in direct contact with the food, nevertheless, since one occasionally toasts bread and the like by placing it directly on the grates, they should require Tevila. However, Chacham Ovadia rules that in determining a utensil's status with regard to Tevila, we follow its majority usage. Since grates are much more commonly used in a manner that does not involve direct contact with food, they do not require Tevila, even if on occasion one places food directly on the grates. It should be noted, however, that the grate of a barbeque, which is intended for direct contact with food, indeed requires Tevila. Summary: If one purchases an electrical appliance used for preparing food, and it will likely be ruined as a result of immersion in a Mikveh, he should formally transfer ownership over the item to a gentile and then ask to borrow it, so that it will not require Tevila. Grates of stoves and ovens that do not normally come in direct contact with food do not require Tevila, whereas barbeque grates do require Tevila.

The Torah obligation of Tebilat Kelim – immersing new utensils – applies only to metal utensils, and the Sages extended this obligation to glass utensils. Utensils made from other materials, such as plastic, nylon, rubber and enamel, do not require immersion at all. This is the ruling of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in Halichot Olam (vol. 7). The Halachic authorities debate the status of a Teflon pot with respect to Tebilat Kelim. On the one hand, since the pot is made primarily of metal, and the Teflon is just a thin layer of nylon covering the pot, it seemingly should require immersion like other metal utensils. On the other hand, people who acquire Teflon pots are specifically interested in the Teflon, which prevents the food from sticking to the surface of the utensil, and thus perhaps the Teflon should be regarded as the primary material, such that the pot should not require Tebila. As mentioned, the Aharonim (later authorities) debate this question. In light of the difference of opinion in this regard, Teflon utensils should be immersed in a Mikveh, but without a Beracha. Summary: Utensils made from materials other than metal and glass do not require Tebila. Metal utensils lined with Teflon should be immersed, but without a Beracha.

If a minor or gentile immerses one's new utensil in a Mikveh, does this immersion suffice to render the utensil permissible for use with food? According to all authorities, an adult may allow a Jewish minor who has reached the age of Torah education (seven or eight years of age) to immerse a utensil under the adult's supervision. In such a case, the minor may even recite the Beracha before the immersion. If, however, a minor claims to have immersed a utensil without adult supervision, then, according to the Ben Ish Chai (Rabbi Yosef Chayim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), the child is not trusted and the utensil still requires immersion. Chacham Ovadia Yosef, however, distinguishes in this regard between metal and glass utensils. With regard to metal utensils, which require immersion on the level of Torah obligation, one should not trust a minor who claims he immersed it. Glass utensils, however, require immersion only by force of Rabbinic enactment, and one may therefore trust the child's claim and the utensil need not be immersed before use. As for gentiles, one should preferably not allow a gentile to immerse one's utensil on his behalf, because he would thereby forfeit the recitation of the Beracha. One cannot recite the Beracha over the immersion if a gentile immerses the utensil. Therefore, in order not to forfeit the opportunity to recite the Beracha, one should preferably immerse the utensil oneself. However, if a gentile did immerse one's new utensil in a Mikveh in front of the Jew, and even if the utensil fell into the Mikveh by itself, the immersion is effective and the utensil may then be used without an additional immersion. Summary: One may allow a child who has reached the age of Torah education (7-8 years of age) to immerse a new utensil under adult supervision, and the child may recite the Beracha. If a child claims he immersed a metal utensil privately, the utensil still requires immersion; if he claims to have immersed a glass utensil, it does not require immersion. One should preferably not allow a gentile to immerse one's utensil, but if a gentile did immerse the utensil in front of the Jew, it does not require another immersion. See Halichot Olam, Helek 7, pages 262-263

If a person purchases a utensil, such as a plate, to give as a gift, may he first immerse it in a Mikveh to spare the recipient the trouble of immersing the utensil? Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Jerusalem, 1910-1995) ruled that immersing a utensil before giving it as a gift is ineffective, and does not absolve the recipient from immersing the utensil after he receives it. The obligation of Tevila (immersion) takes effect only when a person assumes ownership over a utensil for the purpose of using it with food. Therefore, before the gift is given, the utensil is not yet owned for the purpose of using with food; it is owned only for the purpose of being given as a gift. Hence, since the obligation does not yet take effect, the immersion is ineffective, and the recipient would be required to immerse the utensil again upon receiving the gift. Rabbi Shlomo Zalman then addresses the question of whether a person in this situation can give the utensil temporarily to a third party who would receive it on behalf of the intended recipient. There is Halachic concept known as "Mezakeh Al Yedei Acheirim," which means that a person can take possession of an item on behalf of somebody else, and that other person then acquires legal ownership over that object. At first glance, therefore, if one gives the utensil to a third party to acquire on behalf of the intended recipient, the utensil is now under the recipient's ownership, and the immersion should thus be valid. However, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman rules that this technique would not be effective in validating the immersion. Even once a third party takes possession of the utensil on behalf of the recipient, it remains to be seen whether or not the recipient intends to use the utensil with food. He may decide to return it to the store, give it as a gift to somebody else, or use it for some purpose not involving food. Therefore, even at this point, the utensil has yet to come under a person's ownership for the specific purpose of use with food. As such, the Tevila obligation has yet to take effect, and immersing the utensil before giving it as a gift would not absolve the recipient from immersing it after receiving the gift. Therefore, if one gives a new utensil as a gift, he should not first immerse it, and he should instead inform the recipient that it requires immersion. See "Tevilat Kelim" by Svi Cohen, perek8, Halacha 6, and letter from Rabbi Zalman Auerbach Z"L at the end of his book. The Halacha, it is not proper to dip Kellim when you are going to give them to somebody as a gift. You should tell them as a matter of fact that it is not dipped, so they should not be confused and they should dip it themselves.

Before one immerses a new utensil, he recites the Beracha, "Baruch Ata…Asher Kideshanu Be'misvotav Ve'sivanu Al Tebilat Keli." If he immerses more than one utensil on one occasion, then he recites "Al Tebilat Kelim," in the plural form, instead of the singular form of "Al Tebilat Keli." Nevertheless, if one mistakenly recited the Beracha in the plural form for a single utensil, or in the singular form for multiple utensils, he has fulfilled his obligation and does not repeat the Beracha. While reciting the Beracha, one should preferably hold the utensil in his right hand. Furthermore, it is proper to stand while reciting the Beracha, just as one should stand whenever he recites a Beracha over a Misva. Some Rabbis found an allusion for this Halacha in the verse (Tehilim 33:11), "Asat Hashem Le'olam Ta'amod" (literally, "the counsel of God shall always endure"). The letters of the words "Asat" and "Le'olam" are "Ayin," "Sadi," "Tav," "Lamed," "Ayin," "Lamed" and "Mem," which represent the words, "Erub," "Sisit," "Tefilin," "Lulab," "Omer," "Lebana" and "Mila." This verse thus alludes to the fact that when one recites the Beracha over these Misvot, "Ta'amod" – he must stand. This applies to Tebilat Kelim (immersing utensils), as well. Nevertheless, if a person sat while reciting the Beracha before immersing a utensil, he has fulfilled his obligation and does not repeat the Beracha. Tebilat Kelim differs from other Misvot in that it is not an outright obligation; one is not required to immerse a new utensil unless he wishes to use it. As such, there is greater room for leniency, and thus one who mistakenly sat while reciting the Beracha does not repeat the Beracha. One must not speak after reciting the Beracha until he finishes immersing all the utensils he intends to immerse. One may speak in matters related to the immersion, such as asking somebody to bring him another utensil or the scraper to remove stickers. If one spoke in matters unrelated to the immersion after he recited the Beracha and before he began immersing the utensils, he must repeat the Beracha. While immersing a utensil, one should hold it with a loose grip, in order to allow the water in the Mikveh to come in contact with the entire surface of the utensil. Alternatively, one may wet his hands before immersing the utensil, in which case he is allowed to hold the utensil with an average grip during the immersion. Since his hands are already wet, the part of the utensil that he holds will come in contact with Mikveh water by touching his hands. One may even wet his hands with water from a sink for this purpose, as this water will obtain the status of Mikveh water once it enters the Mikveh (due to a Halachic concept known as "Hashaka"). Many people use baskets with holes in the bottom and sides when immersing several utensils at once. They lower the basket into the Mikveh, and the water in the Mikveh enters the basket through the holes and touches the utensils. This is certainly permissible, but on condition that one places the utensils alongside one another, as opposed to on top of one another. When utensils rest on top of one another, the weight of the top utensil might prevent the water from touching the upper surface of the lower utensil. One must therefore ensure that the utensils are lined across, next to one another, without any utensil on top of another. Summary: Before immersing a utensil, one recites the Beracha of "Al Tebilat Keli" (or "Al Tebilat Kelim" for multiple utensils), preferably while standing and while holding the utensil in his right hand. He should not speak in matters unrelated to the immersion until he finishes immersing all the utensils. One should hold the utensil with a loose grip, or wet his hands prior to the immersion and then hold the utensil with an average grip. Perforated baskets may be used to immerse several utensils together, provided that no utensil is placed on top of another.

A situation once arose where a person hosted a large number of guests on Shabbat and he needed more dishes. He had some brand new dishes stocked away, and he wanted to use them, but he realized that they had never been immersed. Halacha forbids using new utensils purchased from a gentile before immersing them, and thus he needed to immerse these dishes. (There is a common misconception that new utensils may be used once without immersion, but this is not correct.) Is it permissible to perform the immersion on Shabbat? Assuming there is no issue concerning carrying the utensils in a public domain – for example, one has a Mikveh in his home, or there is a valid Erub – may one immerse a new utensil in a Mikveh on Shabbat? The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 323:7; listen to audio recording for precise citation) writes that it is permissible to immerse a new utensil on Shabbat, but then adds "Ve'yesh Oserim" – "There are those who forbid it." This second view cited by the Shulhan Aruch is that of the Rif (Rabbi Yishak of Fez, Morocco, 1013-1103), who writes (in Masechet Besa) that immersing a new utensil resembles "Boneh" (building). A utensil before immersion is unfit for use, and by immersing it one renders it usable. Immersion thus constitutes "Tikkun Mana," fixing a utensil, which is forbidden on Shabbat by virtue of the prohibition of "Boneh." Generally speaking, when the Shuhan Aruch issues a ruling and then notes that others disagree ("Stam Va'yesh"), he sides with the first view. As such, in this case, we would think that the Shulhan Aruch allows immersing new utensils on Shabbat. However, immediately after recording these two views, the Shulhan Aruch adds that a God-fearing person should avoid this issue by giving the utensil as a gift to a non-Jew and then "borrowing" it. For example, he can bring it to a housekeeper or neighbor and tell the gentile that he is giving the utensil to him or her as a gift, so it now becomes that person's utensil. After the non-Jew takes hold of the utensil to formally acquire ownership, the Jew can then ask to borrow the utensil, and thereupon use it without first immersing it, since utensils borrowed from a non-Jew do not require immersion before use. Although Halacha generally does not allow giving or receiving gifts on Shabbat, for the purpose of a Misva it is permitted, and thus for the sake of avoiding the need to immerse a utensil one may give the utensil as a gift to a non-Jew. As a rule, we do not encourage employing this strategy to avoid the obligation of Tebilat Kelim, but in a circumstance when one needs a utensil on Shabbat, he should give it to a gentile and then borrow it. After Shabbat, the Jew must then go back to the non-Jew and ask if he would return ownership over the utensil. Once he retakes possession over the utensil, he must then immerse it before using it again. If the gentile to whom he gave the utensil will not be coming back – such as if one gave it to a non-Jew whom he did not know, who was just walking in the street or in a store – then since the non-Jew does not come back to retrieve it, he expresses his disinterest in the utensil and the Jew takes ownership over it by default. In such a case, he should immerse the utensil after Shabbat without reciting a Beracha. This is the ruling of the Taz (Rabbi David Halevi Segal, Poland, 1586-1667), cited by the Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan, 1839-1933). This is also an advisable solution for a traveler who spends Shabbat in an area without a Jewish community, and needs a pot for cooking. Since he does not have access to a Mikveh, and cannot use the pot without immersing it, he should find a gentile to whom he can formally give the pot, and then borrow it and use it. Summary: If a person needs to use a new utensil on Shabbat, he should formally give it to a non-Jew and then ask to borrow it. He may then use it even though it has not been immersed. After Shabbat, he should ask for the utensil back, and then immerse it in a Mikveh.

In this episode, Yoetzet Halacha Lisa Septimus and guest Dr. Aimee Baron discuss the challenges of pregnancy loss, including how that impacts going to the Mikveh. In their conversation, they emphasize that if you are experiencing this, you are not alone and they share some tips for approaching this challenge.    

Episode 84.  This week is the Jewish holiday of Chanukah which celebrates light in the dark days of winter. It is a time of contrasts and turning. Our candles add light in the darkness as we appreciate the slow turning towards longer days. In that spirit, this conversation explores another kind of opposites and turning – immersing in the mikveh as a way for a Jew to mark a transition. Haviva Ner-David, an American Jew who has lived in Israel more than half her life. She is the founding rabbi of Shmaya: A Mikveh for Mind, Body, and Soul. Located in northern Israel, it is the only mikveh in Israel that allows people to immerse as they choose. Haviva talks about the biblical sources of the mikveh, her long standing passion for this ritual, and the many uses of the mikveh, reaching far beyond the monthly practice for Orthodox women after their menstrual periods. Each reason for immersing in the living waters of the mikveh marks a transition or celebrates a milestone in life. Bio:  Rabbi Dr. Haviva Ner-David is a rabbi, author, spiritual companion, and activist. She is the founding rabbi of Shmaya: A Mikveh for Mind, Body, and Soul, the only mikveh in Israel open to all humans to immerse as they choose. Her books include three memoirs, two novels, and a children's book. As a spiritual companion, she works with people of all faiths. Haviva was ordained privately by an Orthodox rabbi and institutionally by the One Spirit Interfaith-Interspiritual Seminary. Haviva lives with FSHD, a form of muscular dystrophy, which has been her greatest life challenge and teacher. She and her life partner, Jacob, have seven children. Her activism takes various forms, including building Arab-Jewish partnership in the Galilee, where she lives.Highlights: ·       Biblical sources for Mikvah·       Shmaya, a unique Mikvah in Israel ·       Immersion as spiritual practice and ritual process·       Practical elements of the immersion process·       Intentionality and KavannahReferences:Rising Tide Open Waters Mikveh Network – https://www.mayyimhayyim.org/risingtide/Social Media links for Haviva:  Website – https://rabbihaviva.com/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/haviva.nerdavid.1Blog on the Times of Israel – https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/author/haviva-ner-david/Social Media links for Méli:Website – Talking with God ProjectLinkedIn – Meli SolomonFacebook – Meli SolomonTranscript on BuzzsproutFollow the podcast!The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet. Comments?  Questions? Email  Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org  The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

It is customary for men to immerse in the Mikveh on Ereb Yom Kippur. This is especially important for the Hazanim who will be leading the prayer services on Yom Kippur, so they can represent the congregation in a state of purity. The work of responsa Min Ha'shamayim (Rabbi Yaakov of Marvege, France, 13th century) mentions that if all Hazanim ensured to immerse in a Mikveh before leading the congregation in Tefila, this would hasten the arrival of Mashiah. No Beracha is recited over this immersion, as this practice is observed as a custom, and not as a strict Halachic requirement. If one is unable to immerse in a Mikveh on Ereb Yom Kippur, he can observe this custom by having 9 Kabin – or 12.5 liters – of water poured on him. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes that somebody else should pour the water over the person. This quantity of water should be placed into buckets, and just before each bucket is emptied over the person, the next bucket should begin to be poured. The Ben Ish Hai also mentions another option, which is to wash a special Netilat Yadayim forty times with special Kavanot (intentions). Nowadays, when we have showers in the homes, it suffices to stand under the shower until 12.5 liters of waters falls over the body, if one is unable to immerse in a Mikveh. Strictly speaking, one is not required to remove Hasisot ("obstructions") from his body before this immersion, since, as mentioned, this practice is observed only as a custom, and not as an outright Halachic requirement. This is the ruling of Hacham Ovadia Yosef. Nevertheless, given the importance of entering Yom Kippur in a state of purity, it is proper to remove any rings or other objects from the body, and to cut one's fingernails, before immersing. Some have the custom of reciting Vidui (confession) while in the Mikveh. Of course, one must ensure not to utter God's Name in the Mikveh, but it is permissible to make the Vidui declaration without mentioning God's Name while in the Mikveh. The Kavanot that one should have while immersing in the Mikveh on Ereb Yom Kippur are the same as one should have before immersing on Ereb Rosh Hashanah. Namely, the first immersion serves to bring on general purity, and the second is to correct the negative trait of anger. (The Hebrew word "Ka'as" – "anger" –has the numerical value of 150, and when we add to that sum the word itself, we arrive at 151, which is the numerical value of the word "Mikveh.") The third time one immerses in the water, he should have in mind to "sweeten" the harsh judgments through the attribute of divine kindness, and the fourth immersion should be done for the purpose of removing the weekday "garments" from the soul. Finally, the fifth immersion serves to bring on the special spiritual light of Yom Kippur. Only married ladies that are pure can dip in mikveh Ereb Kippur. All others like single girls or ladies that are not pure should not dip ereb Kippur. This is from Ner Sion page 118. It is proper to immerse on Ereb Yom Kippur even if one had immersed on Ereb Rosh Hashanah and had not become Tameh (ritually impure) in the interim. One should wear fine garments on Yom Kippur. The Gemara (Shabbat 119) infers this requirement from the verse, "Li'kdosh Hashem Mechubad" ("[you should regard] the holy one of God with respect" – Yeshayahu 58:13). "Kedosh Hashem" refers to Yom Kippur, the day that is sacred before God, and we are enjoined to treat it with respect by wearing fine clothing. The Be'sel Ha'hochma (Rav Betzalel Stern, 1911-1989) ruled that one should not wear on Yom Kippur a white garment with gold embroidery. White symbolizes purity of sin, and gold brings to mind the sin of the golden calf and thus represents sin. It is therefore inappropriate to wear them together. It is permissible to wear gold jewelry – such as rings and watches – on Yom Kippur. However, the Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933) writes that one should wear on Yom Kippur only jewelry that one normally wears during the week, but not special jewelry that is generally reserved for Shabbat. Even though no meals are eaten on Yom Kippur, one should place a nice, white tablecloth on his tables in preparation for Yom Kippur in honor of the Yom Tob, just as is normally done for Shabbat. The tablecloths should be left on the tables throughout Yom Kippur. The Ma'amar Mordechai writes that it is proper to adorn the tables in one's home for Yom Kippur by placing Torah books on them. This is mentioned by the Ben Ish Hai, as well, and Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1869) writes that this is a proper practice to observe. One should clean the home for Yom Kippur just as one does for Shabbat, because Yom Kippur is called "Shabbat Shabbaton" and should thus be treated with honor just like Shabbat.

Some Q&A on hilchot Berachot. Amidah during Aseret Yemei Teshuvah. Mikveh temperatures and drying off afterwards. Bukharian bathhouses… Swimming on Shabbat?!!

Halachot from the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) in Parashat Nisavim concerning the first night of Rosh Hashana Foods: One should avoid sour foods on Rosh Hashana. Therefore, lemon flavors should not be used. If the pomegranate, which is customarily eaten on the first night of Rosh Hashana, is tart, sugar should be added. In general, on should not eat fruits that are not fully ripe. It is fitting to eat choice cuts of meat and sweet foods as a good Siman (omen). One should not indulge and eat to his full satiation. Rather, he should merely taste from each of the different foods. Also, he should drink pleasant beverages. This is based on the Pasuk in Ezra that says Ezra instructed the people to eat fatty foods, drink sweet beverages and send gifts to those who do not have. Anger: One should be especially careful not to get angry on Rosh Hashana. Of course this a terrible P'gam (flaw) throughout the year, all the more so, it is a dire omen for the new year if one gets angry on Rosh Hashana. On the first night of Rosh Hashana, the table should be set by the time the husband comes home from Shul. This is considered a good sign for the new year. However, if he comes home and sees that the table is not ready, he should not get into an argument with his wife. He should be patient and not hold it against her, even in his heart. The Tikun and Kiddush: Before Kiddush, there are a number of Pesukim and passages recited. He opens with P'Tach Eliyahu, and then says the Pasuk "V'Noach Masa Hen" and "VaYizra Yishak" (Bereshit 26:12) twelve times. Then he says "Ki Imha M'kor Haim" (Tehilim 36:10) ten times. This is followed by "Or Zarua La'Sadik" (Tehilim 97:11) seventeen times and "V'Amartem Koh L'Hai" (Shmuel I 25:6) ten times. After that he says "Tachel Shana U'Birkoteha" (Begin the New Year and its blessings) and then he stands and makes the Kiddush. Much of this is recorded in the Machzorim. On both nights of Rosh Hashana, the Beracha of Shehecheyanu is recited. If one has a new fruit, which mandates a Shehecheyanu, he should put it on the table on the second night. The Ben Ish Hai's custom was to repeat the entire Seder of Rosh Hashana on the second night as well. Those who want to follow this practice, may do so. The custom is to study the Mishna of Rosh Hashana, one chapter at each of the four meals. One should have intent that each of the four chapter corresponds to one of the four letters of the divine name ADoNaI. The study should not be rushed. It is also customary to read the passage from the Zohar HaKadosh, which is brought in the Machzorim. Mikveh: If the woman's Mikveh night is on Rosh Hashana, she should immerse, and they should be together. It is "Hasidut Shel Shtut" (foolish piety) to abstain on her Mikveh night. Even if it is not the night of the Mikveh, if one sees that his desire for his wife is aroused, he may be with her, in order to avoid distraction during the prayers of this holy day. In either case, one should insure that he immerses in the Mikveh the next day before Tefila, so that he prays with holiness and purity.

Pastor Mark prepares us for the upcoming Mikveh~Baptism~Annual Immersion and Tashlich~Casting of Stones service that we will do at the river in afternoon following the Yom Teruah/Feast of Trumpets service.

It is proper for men to immerse in a Mikveh on Ereb Rosh Hashanah in honor of the holiday. This should preferably be done after Hasot (midday as defined by Halacha), which generally occurs at approximately 1pm, but if a man wants to immerse during the morning hours, this is also acceptable. When Rosh Hashanah begins on Wednesday night (as it does this year), such that Rosh Hashanah leads directly into Shabbat, one must remember to prepare an Erub Tabshilin before the onset of Yom Tob on Ereb Rosh Hashanah. He sets aside a piece of bread and a boiled egg, recites the Beracha of "…Asher Kideshanu Be'misvotav Ve'sivanu Al Misvat Erub," and then recites the text of "Be'den Eruba Yeheh Shari" that is printed in the Mahzorim. The bread and egg should then be put aside in a safe place. It is customary and proper to save the Erub Tabshilin until Shabbat afternoon and eat it with Se'uda Shelishit. Women light candles before sundown on Ereb Rosh Hashanah at the time printed in the calendars. They recite the Beracha of "…Asher Kideshanu Be'misvotav Ve'sivanu Le'hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tob." The women light candles on the second night of Yom Tob, as well, after dark, when the men return home from Arbit, before the Yom Tob meal. And, of course, when Rosh Hashanah falls on Thursday and Friday, the women also light candles on Friday afternoon as usual. It must be emphasized that Halacha forbids creating a flame on Yom Tob, such as by striking a match, even though it is permissible on Yom Tob to light a candle from an existing flame. Therefore, one must ensure before Yom Tob to light a large candle that will burn until the time for lighting on the first day of Yom Tob, and in the case when Rosh Hashanah falls on Thursday and Friday, he must also have a candle burning Friday afternoon so the Shabbat candles can be lit. One should obtain a long-lasting candle before Rosh Hashanah so that the Yom Tob and Shabbat candles can be lit as required. Furthermore, Halacha forbids extinguishing a flame on Yom Tob, and therefore after a woman lights the candles, she must not extinguish the candle with which she lit, but should rather put it down and let it be extinguished by itself. This Halacha is also relevant for those who smoke on Yom Tob; they may not put out the cigarette, and must rather put it down and let it burn out by itself. (Of course, one should not smoke anytime; but if one does smoke, he must ensure not to actively extinguish the cigarette.) If a mourner is observing Shiba, Heaven forbid, the onset of Rosh Hashanah ends the Shiba observance. Even if the mourner did not complete seven days of Shiba, the mourning period ends with the onset of Rosh Hashanah, and he gets up from Shiba on Ereb Rosh Hashanah. However, Maran ruled that in such a case, the mourner may not bathe with hot water on Ereb Yom Tob. Although bathing is allowed immediately after Shiba, it would not be permitted on Ereb Rosh Hashanah in this case, as one would thereby be actively "breaking" the Shiba. This is the ruling accepted by Hacham Ovadia Yosef. Therefore, if a mourner is observing Shiba before Rosh Hashanah, he gets up on Ereb Rosh Hashanah but should not take a hot shower until nighttime, after Rosh Hashanah begins, at which point the Shiba restrictions no longer apply. Bathing with hot water is permissible on Yom Tob, and therefore in such a case one should shower on the night of Rosh Hashanah. Summary: It is proper for men to immerse in a Mikveh on Ereb Rosh Hashanah, preferably in the afternoon. When Rosh Hashanah begins on Wednesday night, one must prepare an Erub Tabshilin before the onset of Yom Tob, by setting aside a piece of bread and a hard-boiled egg, which should be eaten at Se'uda Shelishit on Shabbat. One must also ensure to light a long-lasting flame before Yom Tob so that the Yom Tob candles can be lit on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, and so that the Shabbat candles can be lit on the second day if Rosh Hashanah falls on Thursday and Friday. A mourner, Heaven forbid, ends his Shiba observance with the onset of Rosh Hashanah. He should not take a hot shower on Ereb Rosh Hashanah, and should instead shower at night, after Yom Tob begins.

Hilchot Rosh Hashanah part 2: I FOUGHT THE SATAN!!! HE WAS ‘SHKENAZ! Why ‘SHKENAZIM are mad NEBACH (Bar Minan)!HIT THE MIKVEH!!! BLOWING THE SHOFAR!!! MORE ‘SHKENAZ DISCRIMINATION!!! MY FAVORITE!!!

It is forbidden to bathe with hot water during the week of Tisha B'Ab, from the Shabbat preceding Tisha B'Ab through the day of Tisha B'Ab. This is one of several difficult Halachot that we observe during this period to commemorate the calamity of the Temple's destruction. It is permissible to bathe with cold water, and one may mix in some hot water in order to remove the chill. One may also use soap, shampoo and deodorant as usual during the week of Tisha B'Ab. A woman who needs to immerse in a Mikveh during the week of Tisha B'Ab may bathe with hot water as usual to prepare for her immersion. Bathing in preparation for the Mikveh is necessary for the purpose of a Misva, and is therefore permitted during the week of Tisha B'Ab. The accepted custom is to refrain from recreational swimming during the week of Tisha B'Ab. One who swims for health reasons is allowed to do so during this week. If one's hands became dirty during the week of Tisha B'Ab and he cannot remove the dirt without hot water, then he may use hot water for washing his hands. Otherwise, however, one should refrain from washing with hot water during this week. Summary: One may not bathe in hot water during the week of Tisha B'Ab, except in the case of a woman who must immerse in a Mikveh, or if hot water is needed to remove dirt from one's body. It is customary to also refrain from recreational swimming during this period.

Today, the fifth day of Av, is the Yahrzeit of Rabbenu Ha'ari, Rabbi Yishak Luria (1534-1572, Tsfat). Last night in Tsfat, thousands of people came to his grave to pray and perform Tikunim. Therefore, it is appropriate today to study a teaching of the Ari. When one learns the Torah of the Sadikim on the day they passed away, the lips of that Sadik move in his grave. It is a Zechut to activate the Sadikim from the grave to extend their influence over those who study their teachings. Until the Ari, the teachings of the Kabbala were hidden from most of the world. He was the one who revealed these secrets of the Torah. The Gaon of Vilna said that at the end of time, these secrets will be revealed on an even broader scale. Today, Baruch Hashem, there is a greater awareness of these concepts. Today, we will study one subject that even regular people like ourselves can undertake. It is not only for Kabbalists. We will uncover one of the "Kavanot"(esoteric intents) taught by the Ari. Performing a Misva with these Kavanot adds new "flavor" to the Misva and prevents it from becoming a mechanical act, performed by rote. Even if a person can only achieve one out of ten Kavanot, he should not feel that it is "all or nothing." Every additional Kavana transforms the Misva exponentially. Furthermore, doing so opens the heavenly gates to bring down a Shefa (Heavenly abundance) for our Neshama. The Kavanot unlock hidden treasures, and we are the beneficiaries. In Sha'ar HaKavanot, the Ari discusses the mystical intents of immersing in the Mikveh on Ereb Shabbat. Going to the Mikveh on Ereb Shabbat is a very important and powerful practice. It may sound like a difficult undertaking, however, it is really quite fast and simple. Anyway, we tend to waste time on Friday. We should utilize a few minutes and go to the Mikveh. When a person immerses on Ereb Shabbat, the Kedusha of Shabbat can already be seen on his forehead. While a layman can't detect it, Sadikim like the Baba Sali, could see one thousand lights radiating from him. The Ari reveals the Kavana to be used before immersing, while immersing and after immersing. While standing in the water, before immersing, one should focus on the Divine Name "EHYH," which has the numerical equivalent of 151, the same as the word "Mikveh." This has the Segula to help a person control his anger, as the Hebrew word KaAS (anger) also has the numerical equivalent of 151, the same as Mikveh and the Divine Name. There is a deep connection between this specific Divine name and the Mikveh. The word "EHYH" literally means, "I will become." The Mikveh is the gateway for a person to become a new person by purifying himself of his past transgressions and leaving his old self behind. Also, the name "EHYH" is associated with a certain spiritual realm known as "Ima" (mother). Just as the mother cleans and diapers the soiled baby, while the father generally plays with the child after he is already clean, so too the purifying power of the Mikveh draws on this spiritual force of "Ima." The next step is to spiritually prepare the waters of the Mikveh for immersion. The Ari reveals that one should have Kavana to immerse in the "NaCHaL Elyon" (the supernal river), which refers to the heavenly Mikveh capable of purging the soul of its impurities. The details of the Kavana consist of focusing on the four configurations of the divine name YHVH and the three configurations of the divine name EHYH, in addition to the name YH, which represents the "secret of Shabbat." Through a sequence of combinations and permutations, these names form the numeric equivalent of the word "NaCHaL," (river) which is 88, and the word MaYiM (water), which is 90. This Kavana actually fills the earthly Mikveh with the Heavenly water of the Nachal Elyon. After that, one should have intention that all of this is "L'ChVOD Shabbat", in honor of Shabbat. Each part of this phrase has mystical significance and is connected to the divine names associated with the Mikveh. Upon emerging from the water, the Ari teaches not to dry oneself with a towel. The Mikveh water remaining on the body is "holy water of the Shabbat." Let the body absorb them, and the holiness of the water will remain with him. The Ben Ish Hai says that if this is too difficult, because of the cold or because it is uncomfortable, one may dry his body, but leave one area undried, preferably his arms, to absorb the water. When he leaves the Mikve, he should say the Pasuk "Im Tashiv M'shabbat Raglecha, Asot Hefsecha B'Yom Kadshi etc." It is not proper to recite the Pasuk while still in the dressing room in the presence of undressed men and without a head covering. Therefore, he should wait until he actually exits the Mikveh room. The proper time for using the Mikveh on Ereb Shabbat, according to the Ari, is from the fifth hour of the day, one hour before Hasot, after reading "Shnayim Mikra V'Echad Targum" (The weekly Torah portion twice, with one reading of the translation). Of course, if a person cannot go at this time, it is better to go earlier than not to go at all. One who practices the Kavanot for immersion on Ereb Shabbat experiences a qualitatively different level of immersion than everyone else. It's a different Shabbat.

Rivky sits down with a victim of child sexual abuse who shares her story. We discuss how her abuser got to her, the decision to civilly sue him as an adult, the effects on her sex life and Mikveh practice and how she relates to her young daughter. If you'd like to send today's guest a message you can send it to rivky@impactfashionnyc.com and I will forward it. Click here to see the Impact Fashion collection. Click here to get an Impact Fashion Gift Card Click here to get the Am Yisrael Chai crewneck. Click here to join the Impact Fashion Whatsapp Status Click here to take a short survey about this podcast and get a 10% off coupon code as my thanks

Hilchot Tefilah part 19: Don't wait for your Rabbi?! Some Hilchot Tzitzit!! Tsygan's BOMB kashia from Dush!? Mikveh warning! What to learn after davening?! Learning during Chazarat HaShatz

The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 263) rules (based on the Rashba) that if a person accepted Shabbat early, before sunset – as one is supposed to do – he is allowed to ask another Jew, who has not accepted Shabbat, to perform Melacha on his behalf. As long as the sun has not yet set, one who has accepted Shabbat may have somebody else perform Melacha for him, even though he himself obviously may not perform Melacha, as he has accepted Shabbat. Since the other person has not yet accepted Shabbat, and the person who had accepted Shabbat would be allowed to perform Melacha were it not for his decision to accept Shabbat early, he may ask somebody else to perform Melacha which he needs to be done. One example of this Halacha is a case where a woman needs to go to the Mikveh on Friday night. She may light the Shabbat candles and accept Shabbat, and then her husband can drive her to the Mikveh. As long as she does not open doors or perform any other action that activates lights or electronic devices, she may have her husband drive her to the Mikveh. Conversely, if the husband accepted Shabbat and the wife has not yet accepted Shabbat, she may drive him to the synagogue. Likewise, if the husband accepted Shabbat and prayed in the synagogue before sundown, as many men do in the summertime, and he comes home before his wife lit candles and accepted Shabbat, he may ask his wife to turn on a light, turn on the air conditioner, or perform other activities involving Melacha. This is the ruling of the Shulhan Aruch, as discussed by Rabbi Moshe Halevi (Israel, 1961-2001) in his Menuhat Ahaba (vol. 1, p. 111; listen to audio recording for precise citation). Summary: One who accepts Shabbat before sundown may ask another Jew who had not yet accepted Shabbat to perform Melacha on his behalf, such as to turn on a light or air conditioner, as long as the sun has not yet set.

1) In Tehilim 115:6 it says ולא ישמעו; in ch.135:17 it says ולא יאזינו. Why the difference? 2) A cruise-ship is moored in the harbour. Due to space-constraints several ships are moored alongside one another and passengers will traverse the neighbouring ship in order to get to the harbour. May they do so on Shabbos?[1] 3) A private yacht is moored away from the shore. The owner has invited some bochurim to make up his minyan on Shabbos. May they be ferried across on Shabbos?[2] 4) Tefilas haDerech is recited when the journey is beyond a Parsah (4 km) out of town. I've heard that some translate that into minutes and that a journey by car of less than 72 minutes doesn't warrant Tefilas haDerech. Is that a position we follow?[3] 5) I live in an apartment building. I ordered a paint-set online and it was delivered on Shabbos to the main foyer. May I carry the box back-handedly to my dwelling?[4] 6) The cleaner at our Chabad House comes in on Sunday and washes the dishes from Shabbos. She complains of the residue getting stuck to the dishes. May we - on Shabbos – place the used dishes in a bucket of cold soapy water?[5] 7) On vacation, may we kasher the local microwave with a glass of water?[6] 8) Is there any issue for a man to shower after immersing himself in Mikveh?[7] 9) Feedback on one who forgot that he had eaten bread and said Al haMichya:[8] 10) Feedback on saying a brocho whilst wearing just a bathing-suit:[9] ________________________________________ [1] בסו"ס שלט מבואר שמותר ליכנס לספינה שהיא קשורה ליבשה. [2] בשערי תשובה סי' שלט אות ח יש קצת היתר. אבל בסירה עם מנוע, לצורך ישראל, אסור. [3] ראה פסקי תשובות סי' קי הע' 67. אכן כשביקר כ"ק אדמו"ר זי"ע ב'גן ישראל' אמר תפלת הדרך בתחנת דלק אחרי הגשר 'טפן זי', שאורכה כ-5 קילומטר, שבנסיעה ברכב זה פחות הרבה מ-72 דקות. [4] בשוע"ר סי' רעו ס"ט וס"י מתיר טלטול מוקצה גמור באחורי ידיו, אף "לצורך עצמו". [5] ראה שמירת שבת כהלכתה פי"ב ס"ב. [6] ראה ס' הגיוני הפרשה (וסרמן) ס' במדבר פ' מטות ע' תנה, שאסף דברי פוסקי דורנו בנידון זה. [7] עיקר הקפידא על רחיצה אחר הטבילה מופיע ברמ"א יו"ד סו"ס רא. וע"ע ס' שיעורי הלכה למעשה ח"ב סי' כב. ולגבי נשים – ראה טהרה כהלכה פכ"ב סכ"ט. [8] בסדר ברה"נ פ"א הי"ד-ט"ו וי"ז מוכח שבהמ"ז בלא כוונה על אותו מאכל לא יצא י"ח. [9] בשמלה חדשה סי' א:לח: "היכא דאפשר לא סגי אם הוא מכוסה [רק] ממתניו ולמטה".

In this fourth installment of our True Biblical Baptism series, we explore the next scriptural iteration of water immersion: John the Immerser's (aka John the Baptist's) water immersion. What was the meaning of John's water immersion? How, if at all, did it differ from the Hebrew water immersion of Torah? And how, if at all, does it differ from New Covenant, Messianic/Netsari water immersion that we all have been instructed to engage in as part of our discipleship journey in Yeshua Messiah?

Join Geoffrey Stern and Rabbi Adam Mintz recorded live on Clubhouse. This week's parsha iis as much about water as it is about Chukim or challenging rules. It starts with the death of Miriam and her well, segues into Moses fatal sin in striking the water rock and concludes with the Red Heifer and its purifying water. Today we focus on the ability of sprinkled water or emersion into water to purify in Judaism and later Christianity and up onto today. Sefaria Source Sheet: www.sefaria.org/sheets/577579  Transcript on episode website: https://madlik.com/2024/07/10/holy-water/ 

Rabbi Breitowitz - Constructing a Mikveh / Fruit and Vegetables by Mayanot

There is a time-honored tradition to remain awake throughout the night of Shabuot and read the special "Tikkun Lel Shabuot" text that is printed in the Mahzorim. Hacham Ben Sion Abba Shaul (Israel, 1924-1998), in his work Or Le'siyon (vol. 3, 18:11), discusses the importance of this custom and presents numerous laws and guidelines relevant to the proper observance of this special occasion (listen to audio clip for precise citation). First, he mentions that even learned men who prefer studying Gemara must set aside their Talmudic studies in order to read the text of the Tikkun Lel Shabuot. If time remains after they complete the Tikkun, they may then study other material that they find more enjoyable. In Yeshivot, Hacham Ben Sion writes, students should follow the instructions of their Rosh Yeshiva in this regard. He also emphasizes that one should read the Tikkun even if he does not understand some sections of the service. Even if one plans to remain awake throughout the night, he should nevertheless recite the Keri'at Shema Al Ha'mita before Hassot (midnight as defined by Halacha). Already after Hassot, one may recite all the morning Berachot, with the exception of "Al Netilat Yadayim" and Birkot Ha'Torah. One should make a point to use the bathroom at some point before morning in order to be able to recite "Asher Yasar." At the point in the pre-dawn hours when it is uncertain whether Alot Ha'shahar (daybreak, the first appearance of light in the eastern sky) has occurred, one should discontinue his Torah learning. He should instead either immerse in a Mikveh or sing songs of praise until Alot Ha'shahar. After Alot Ha'shahar, one should wash his hands in preparation for prayer, but without reciting a Beracha. He then must recite Birkat HaTorah. Hacham Ben Sion cites in this context a passage in the work Sha'ar Ha'kavanot, which comments that whoever remains awake and diligently involves himself in Torah study throughout this night is guaranteed to survive the entire next year and to avoid all harm. Nevertheless, one should make a point of studying "Li'shmah" – with the proper motivation, out of sincere love for and commitment to Torah learning, and not to receive reward. Hacham Ben Sion also warns that sitting idly or engaging in meaningless chatter is no better than sleeping. It is therefore imperative to ensure to spend the entire night engrossed in Torah learning, and not in any other activities. In particular, one must avoid idle conversation inside the synagogue. Hacham Ben Sion also cites a comment from the Zohar that emphasizes the importance of studying with joy and fervor, in reward for which one is blessed with seventy blessings. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) similarly stressed the importance of studying on this night with great enthusiasm and what he termed "purity of heart." Furthermore, on the festival of Shabuot God decrees how many "Hiddushim" (new insights) each individual will be privileged to develop during the coming year, which is determined based on the level of one's intensive study on Shabuot. Hacham Ben Sion writes that when we speak of Shabuot as "the day of the giving of the Torah," we refer not merely to the historical event of Matan Torah, but rather of the process that is renewed each year on this day. God grants a person on Shabuot the ability to think of new Torah insights, and one must therefore pray on Shabuot for Torah knowledge and the wisdom to understand to the best of his soul's capability, and also try to think of "Hiddushim" during his study on Shabuot. During the day of Shabuot, too, one should try to minimize his sleeping in order to spend as much time as possible involved in Torah learning. Every moment spent learning on Shabuot earns a person reward, and one must not squander this opportunity. In fact, there were great Rabbis who would not sleep at all on Shabuot; after remaining awake throughout the night, they would simply continue learning through the day of Shabuot. The Hid"a (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) likewise advises against indulging in sleep on the day of Shabuot. He also emphasizes that one must ensure not to fall asleep during the prayer service. Finally, one should also devote himself to Torah study with extra vigor and diligence during the "Sheloshet Yemeh Hagbala" – the three days of preparation prior to Shabuot. Just as in the wilderness Beneh Yisrael were instructed to abstain from relations and prepare themselves for three days prior to Matan Torah, so must we increase our efforts to learn Torah and minimize our physical indulgence during these three days. Hacham Ben Sion writes that the level of inspiration one receives from the experience of Shabuot depends on the amount of effort he exerted during the three previous days to prepare for this great experience.

In this installment of TMTO, we return to the True Biblical Baptism series I began back in 2022. In this teachings we will examine various aspects of what is popularly referred to in our Messianic Faith communities as the mikveh. From our examination of the mikveh, we will recognize some similarities as well as some dissimilarities to true Messianic water immersion or baptism.   Invitation to Messianic Discipleship: Invitation to Messianic Discipleship-From the Sinner's Prayer to True Messianic Discipleship (themessianictorahobserver.org)

The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in Parashat Lech-Lecha, discusses a number of different Halachot relevant to Shabbat preparations (listen to audio recording for precise citation). He writes that one should take a haircut on Ereb Shabbat in honor of Shabbat, and although this could be done any time on Friday, it is preferable to have the haircut before midday. The Arizal (Rav Yishak Luria of Safed, 1534-1572) always made a point of cutting his hair before midday, whenever he cut his hair, and not only on Friday. Preferably, then, haircuts should be taken specifically before midday, when possible. The Ben Ish Hai then mentions that one should cut his fingernails and toenails each Friday in honor of Shabbat. If one's nails do not grow fast enough to be cut each week, he adds, then one should cut them every two weeks. After cutting one's nails – both fingernails and toenails – one should collect the nails and flush them down the toilet. There is a form of Tum'a (impurity) that rests upon removed fingernails and toenails, and they could be harmful. One must therefore ensure not to leave the nails in a place where they could be stepped on, or on his clothing or shoes. If a nail fell on the floor and one cannot find it, he should thoroughly sweep the area, to ensure that the nail is moved. Nails are not harmful once they are moved on the ground, so by thoroughly sweeping the floor, which results in the nail being moved, one can avoid any danger that the nail might otherwise cause. It must be emphasized that these Halachot apply to both fingernails and toenails. It is a Misva to bathe or shower with hot water on Friday in honor of Shabbat. One should have in mind while bathing to remove the impurities from his hands, feet and face. The Ben Ish Hai adds that it is a special Misva to wash oneself with soap, which takes the place of the ointments which people many years ago would apply on their skin before Shabbat. According to Kabbalistic teaching, it is proper to immerse oneself in a Mikveh every Friday in honor of Shabbat, as this prepares for a person to receive the additional sanctity bestowed upon us on Shabbat eve. During the first immersion, one should have in mind to purify himself from spiritual impurities. The second immersion should be done with the intention of rectifying the effects of anger. The third immersion serves to remove the "weekday garments" of the soul, as it were, and the fourth immersion removes other aspects of the weekday soul in preparation for accepting the special soul of Shabbat. With the fifth immersion, one accepts the special light and sanctity of Shabbat. Some people immerse three times, corresponding to the three components of the soul (Nefesh, Ru'ah, Neshama), while others immerse five times (corresponding to Nefesh, Ru'ah, Neshama, Haya and Yehida). In any event, while we don't fully understand these Kavanot (intentions), what is important for us is that one should make an effort to immerse in a Mikveh on Friday as part of his spiritual preparations for Shabbat. This might not always be feasible, but one should, at least from time to time, try to immerse on Friday, and the effort which we make in preparing for Shabbat is itself significant, even if we do not understand the full Kabbalistic significance of these immersions. The Ben Ish Hai adds that one should preferably immerse on Shabbat morning, as well, because one is endowed with another new soul on Shabbat morning, which is even more significant than the new soul received on Shabbat eve. It is especially important to immerse on Shabbat morning if one became Tameh (ritually impure) on Friday night. Some exceptionally pious men immerse twice on Shabbat morning – once to remove the impurity, and a second time to accept the new level of holiness. Others, the Ben Ish Hai records, immerse five times on Shabbat morning. Summary: It is proper to cut one's hair on Friday, preferably before midday. One should also cut one's fingernails and toenails on Friday, ensuring to discard the nails after they are removed. There is a Misva to bathe with hot water on Friday, and one should make an effort to immerse in the Mikveh on Friday to spiritually prepare oneself for Shabbat. There is a custom to immerse again on Shabbat morning.

The word "Mikveh" (מִקְוֶה) comes from the root קוה (k-v-h), meaning "to gather" or "to hope." It symbolizes a gathering of waters, both physically and spiritually, representing purification, renewal, and spiritual rebirth.

In this episode Yoetzet Halacha Lisa Septimus interviews Yoetzet Halacha Yaffa Setton. Together they explore the possibilities of how to handle mikveh on Seder night from a halachic perspective and share some practical advice as well.

abbi Amy Bernstein's weekly Torah study class at K.I. and via Zoom - Leviticus/Vayikra 10:4 - April 5, 2024.

Metal pots with an enamel covering may be koshered for Pesah; the enamel has no effect on the pot's status as far as koshering is concerned. If somebody purchased before Pesah a used utensil from a gentile, and it therefore requires both koshering and Tebila (immersion in a Mikveh), it should first undergo koshering so the taste of non-kosher food is purged, and then be immersed in a Mikveh. If one is koshering silverware for Pesah, he may place all the silverware in a bag with holes and then lower the bag into the boiling water, rather than go through the trouble of dipping each piece of silverware separately. He must, however, shake the bag when it is inside the water to ensure that all the pieces come in direct contact with the water. If one wishes to kosher a very large pot and does not have another pot large enough in which to do the koshering, he has two options. First, he may dip the pot into boiling water one part at a time. Meaning, he dips part of the pot in the boiling water, and then removes it, turns it around, and dips the other side. This is the ruling of the Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 451:11). Alternatively, one can fill the pot with water until its rim, place it on fire, and then place in it a rock that had been heated until it became fiery hot. The water will then spill over the rim of the pot, and this qualifies as Hag'ala (immersion in boiling water). It is permissible to kosher meat and dairy utensils together, as long as one of them had not been used within the previous twenty-four hours. If either the meat or dairy utensil had not been used within the previous twenty-four hours, they may be koshered together. But if both had been used within that period they must be koshered separately.