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Woke up at Mincha and I'm hungry… what now???!!Don't pass bread hand to hand…What about throwing bread?!If your friend didn't do a mitzvah, neither did youMaking Hamotzi twice in same meal?!!Netziv and Rav Shlomo Zalman: Lechem Mishneh over Shalem!!!!
התוכן מעלת ימי ההכנה למתן תורה על ימי מ"ת עצמם, שלכן דוקא ההכנה למ"ת גורמת את הענין דמ"ת, יובן בהקדם המבואר בחסידות מעלת תפלת המנחה דוקא שלכן "אפי' אליהו הנביא לא נענה אלא בתפלת המנחה", כי בתפלה המנחה יש את ההפלאה שמפסיק באמצע ההתעסקות בעניני העולם כדי להתפלל לה'! ועד"ז י"ל בנדו"ד: בשעת מ"ת עצמו, שהיתה בשבת ש"כל מלאכתך עשוי'", ומכל העולם יצא הקול "אנכי הוי' אלקיך" וכו' – אין פלא שעומדים אז במעמד ומצב של "באימה וביראה וברתת ובזיע", משא"כ בימים שלפנ"ז שהם ימי המעשה, ובכל זאת, כאשר שמעו שכעת יש להתכונן למ"ת – ניתקו את עצמם מעבודתם הפרטית והתכוננו בפועל למ"ת. וההוראה: בימים שלפני מ"ת, כאשר מתנתקים מעבודה היום-יומית שהיתה לפני התוועדות זאת ושתהי' למחרתה, ובאים ו"נדחפים" כדי לשמוע ביאור בענין "נעשה ונשמע" ואיך צריכים להתכונן למ"ת – ה"ז חידוש מיוחד. ומזה מובן היוקר של כל תנועה באותם שעות ורגעים שמנצלים להתכונן למ"ת בימים שלפני מ"ת.משיחת אור ליום ועש"ק, ג' סיון ה'תשל"ז ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=29-05-2025 Synopsis The advantage of the days of preparation for Matan Torah over the days of Matan Torah itself can be understood based on the explanation in Chassidus of the greatness of the Minchah prayer (as the Gemara says, “Be careful with the Mincha prayer, for even Eliyahu was answered only at the Mincha prayer”): the unique quality of Minchah is that one interrupts in middle of his worldly affairs to daven to Hashem. Similarly, the Torah was given on Shabbos, when “all your work is done,” and a voice emerged from the entire world proclaiming that, “I am Hashem your G-d,” etc.; therefore, it is no wonder that the Jewish people stood with “reverence, awe, trembling and quaking.” What is more remarkable is the fact that in the days beforehand, which were weekdays, and they were engaged in their work, nevertheless when they heard that it was time to prepare for Matan Torah, they tore themselves away from their work and prepared for Matan Torah. The lesson is that during these days leading up to Matan Torah, when one disconnects from his daily work (which preceded this farbrengen, and to which he will return tomorrow after the farbrengen), and comes here to be pushed into listening to an explanation on the concept of Na‘aseh V'nishma and to hear how one must prepare for Matan Torah – that is a remarkable novelty. And from this we can understood the preciousness of every move one makes during these hours and moments that is utilized to prepare for Matan Torah.Excerpt from sichah of Thursday night, 3 Sivan 5737 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=29-05-2025
Part of the gift of emunah is knowing that there is always purpose and meaning behind everything that happens in our lives. A wrong turn was meant to be, a bad purchase was meant to be — and the list goes on. When a person understands that there's purpose behind his so-called mistakes, he'll be able to feel calm even in situations that would naturally bring stress. A man was recently teaching emunah to a group of teenagers on a bus. He told them that nothing is a mistake, and that everything happens for a reason. Just then, the driver made a wrong turn. The speaker smiled and told the boys not to worry — it was Me'et Hashem . Amazingly, down that very road, there were nine Jews trying to complete a minyan for Mincha so someone could say Kaddish before sunset. The driver stopped the bus, they all got off, and they made the minyan. Another story: a woman received a message that a couple from her community had been hospitalized. She decided to visit them. Although the hospital was far and her day was full, she baked fresh challot that morning and brought some along to give them. When she arrived, someone at the hospital commented how much he loves challah. She apologized, explaining that she had brought the bread for the couple she came to visit. A short while later, she discovered that the couple had actually been discharged earlier that day. In the past, this woman would have been frustrated over going so far for "nothing." But now, with emunah, she just smiled and said, "I'm so happy that I work for You, Hashem. If I'm here, that means You wanted me to be here." She went back, gave the challot to the man who had admired them, and made his day. She doesn't know why Hashem arranged for her to receive that message and believe the couple was still there. But she knows there was a reason — and she was grateful to be part of His plan. אין עוד מלבדו — we are always where we are meant to be. A man shared that one morning, his chavruta wanted to learn and pray earlier than usual. Because of this, he got home earlier. Just as he arrived, he saw his wife about to enter her car — and a man was sitting inside, trying to steal it. He was able to detain the thief until the police arrived. His chavruta had his own reasons for starting earlier, but clearly, it was all part of Hashem's orchestration, ensuring this man would be home at the exact moment his wife was in danger. Another story: a woman received two precious rings from her grandmother. Each night, she removed them and wore them again the next day. One day, she couldn't find them. She searched the house thoroughly. Days passed. She prayed, did segulot , but it seemed the rings were lost. Then, at 2:30 a.m., she woke up with a sudden thought — maybe she had put them in the pocket of a shirt. That very shirt was in the laundry bag, which her husband was going to take to the cleaners in the morning. She rushed downstairs — and there were the rings, right in the pocket. They were very expensive and most likely would not have come back once they went to the cleaners. Hashem woke her up with that thought just a few hours before her husband was going to take them. Every moment of our lives is calculated. Hashem governs every second with precise purpose and meaning. Wherever we find ourselves, and whatever we're doing — we are working for Hashem. He has a unique job for each of us at all times!
התוכן בנין בית בישראל צ"ל ע"ד מ"ש בתחלת פ' בהר שכאשר "תבאו אל הארץ" צ"ל מיד "ושבתה הארץ שבת לה'" – המחשבה הראשונה שעליו מעמיד כל הנהגתו ה"ז ליקח דבר ארצי, גשמי וחומרי ולהכין אותו למעמד ומצב של "ושבתה" – שנאבדת הארציות שבדבר, ועי"ז "שבת לה'" – שרואים בו אלקות. זה בא ע"י האתערותא דלתתא ד"שש שנים תזרע שדך וגו'", לאח"ז בא השכר שבערך העבודה, ועד גם השכר וה"אתערותא דלעילא" שלמעלה מזה. ודוגמתו בסדר לימוד התורה – לכל לראש לימוד כפשוטו – חיצוניות התורה, לימוד פנימיות התורה, לימוד התורה כפי שהיא מקושרת בהקב"ה, ועד ללימוד באופן ש"שכינה מדברת מתוך גרונו". ועד"ז הסדר באהבת ישראל – שאוהב את היהודי מצד המעלות הגלויות שבו, מצד פנימיות הנשמה שבו, ועד מצד היותו העצם שלו (שגם ענין זה ישנו בגלוי בכל ישראל, וכמ"ש בתניא שאפי' קל בקלים עומד בכל נסיון שמרגיש שזה מנתקו ח"ו מאלקות).משיחת יום ג' פ' בהו"ב, ל"ג בעומר – בין מנחה למעריב – ה'תשל"ה ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=18-05-2025 Synopsis A Jewish home must be built in the manner described at the beginning of parashas Behar, “When you enter the land,” it must immediately “rest a Shabbos for Hashem.” Meaning the first thought upon which one bases his entire conduct must be to take something earthly, physical, and material, and prepare it for the state and condition of “resting” – losing its earthliness, so that it becomes a “Shabbos for Hashem,” meaning G-dliness is perceived within it. This is achieved through the awakening from below, “For six years you shall sow your field etc.,” which is followed by the reward corresponding to the effort, and then also the reward and awakening from above that is even higher than that. The same applies to the order of Torah study: first one studies the plain meaning of Torah – the external dimension, followed by the inner dimension of Torah, followed by studying Torah the way it is connected to Hashem, and ultimately studying Torah in such a way that “the Shechinah speaks from inside his throat.” And similarly with Ahavas Yisroel: loving a Jew because of his revealed qualities, then because of the inner dimension of his soul, and ultimately because of his very essence (which is also revealed within every Jew, as it says in Tanya, that even the most unworthy Jew will withstand every test when he senses that sinning would sever him chas v'shalom from G-dliness).Excerpt from sichah of Tuesday, parashas Behar-Bechukosai, Lag B'Omer 5735 – between Mincha and Maariv For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=18-05-2025
In Loving Memory of Zechariah Ben Sarah A'H and to Commemorate Sam and Zach's shared Birthday Sponsored by their Families Friends and Loved Ones Parashat Kedoshim commands us: " לא תקם ולא תטור " —do not take revenge and do not bear a grudge. The Sefer HaChinuch explains that the root of this mitzvah is to help a person internalize that whatever happens to him, even through the actions of other people, is ultimately a manifestation of Hashem's will. Similarly, the Chovot HaLevavot teaches that if someone harms us, we should not attribute it to that individual, but rather recognize it as part of Hashem's plan. Our proper response should be to give the person the benefit of the doubt, accept the hardship as atonement for our sins, and continue treating the person with kindness as if nothing happened. Although this is emotionally difficult and the desire for revenge can be powerful, trusting Hashem's commandments brings far more long-term joy than the fleeting satisfaction of retaliation. While it may take time to see, the righteous response always proves fruitful. A real estate agent named Reuven shared a personal story that illustrates this concept powerfully. He had closed a deal for an old friend, Jack, who then "forgot" to pay the agreed-upon commission. When reminded, Jack delayed, then disputed the fee, eventually avoiding Reuven entirely. Though the amount owed was significant, Reuven decided not to pursue it aggressively. Months later, Reuven prayed Mincha in a shul he didn't usually attend and unexpectedly encountered Jack. Reuven greeted him warmly and gently reminded him about the money. Jack exploded with rage, shouting and accusing Reuven of harassment in front of the entire shul. He hurled insults, and Reuven—devastated and humiliated—left in silence. Though tempted to defend himself, Reuven remained quiet. He later cried from the pain but reminded himself that he was serving Hashem by staying silent in the face of insult. That night, he took a walk and tried to follow the teachings of Chovot HaLevavot . He told Hashem he accepted the experience as a kapara for his sins, gave Jack the benefit of the doubt, and even decided to forgive him fully. Reuven even sent word to Jack that the debt was forgiven. A few months later, on Erev Yom Kippur , Jack called to apologize and offered to pay half the debt. Reuven reminded him it had already been forgiven, but Jack insisted on making partial payment to clear his conscience. Later, Jack struggled to sell his house for over a year. Because of their history, Reuven kept his distance. But when they met again, Jack confided his frustration and desperation. Reuven offered to help sell the house—and Jack, understanding full well what that entailed, agreed. With siyata dishmaya , Reuven sold the house within two weeks and earned a commission forty times greater than the original debt. Had he acted differently—harbored resentment or retaliated—he likely would have received nothing and lost the future opportunity altogether. By responding as Hashem commands, Reuven earned not only immense spiritual merit but also blessing in this world. The lesson is clear: we always win by following Hashem. No matter how difficult the test, if we trust in Him, He will guide us to reward and peace. Shabbat Shalom
This episode discusses the time to start and end davening Mincha and Maariv.
Join Clint Esposito and I as we review the first round of the World Championships at NIGHT of the JUMPs from last weekend!In one of the best NOTJ's we've seen in a long time, Luc Ackermann came with something brand new! The real front flip over the Next Gen ramp! But Mincha came with soooo many new Front Flip combos and banging style, it was like splitting hairs for the points overall. Of course, the chat came down to one thing... the Front Flip.What are your thoughts? Are we wrong?
Recitations of the Mourner's Kaddish from Reconstructing Judaism communal events
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
**Today's Halacha is dedicated f or the refuah and haslacha of Ronnie, Sharon, Eli and all the children of CARE** On the first day of Pesach, we recite before Musaf the special "Tikun Tal" service, marking the transition to the new season in which we recite "Morid Ha'tal" in place of "Mashiv Ha'ru'ach" in the Amida. We begin reciting "Morid Ha'tal" during Musaf on the first day of Pesach. Somebody who mistakenly recited "Mashiv Ha'ru'ach" instead of "Morid Ha'tal," and realized his mistake only after concluding the Beracha of "Mechayei Ha'meitim," must return to the beginning of the Amida. If somebody is uncertain whether he recited "Morid Ha'tal" or "Mashiv Ha'ru'ach," then during the first month after the first day of Pesach he must assume that he recited "Mashiv Ha'ru'ach," and must therefore repeat the Amida. One can avoid this situation by reciting on the first day of Pesach the passage "Mechayei Meitim Ata Rav Le'hoshi'a Morid Ha'tal" ninety times, thereby training his tongue to recite "Morid Ha'tal." One who trains his tongue in this fashion may then assume that he recited the proper text and will thus not be required to repeat the Amida if he cannot remember which text he recited. Preferably, one who wishes to employ this technique should repeat this passage a hundred and one times, rather than just ninety. The Gemara in Masechet Chagiga (9) comments that studying material one hundred and one times ensures that it will not be forgotten, and thus here, too, reciting the correct text of the Amida a hundred and one times helps guarantee that one will recite the Amida properly. Furthermore, since familiarity is obtained after a month of reciting the new text, it is preferable to recite it one hundred and one times to include not only the ninety daily Amida recitations, but also the recitations of Musaf on Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh. Throughout the festival of Pesach, including Hol Ha'mo'ed, one adds "Ya'aleh Ve'yavo" in Shacharit, Mincha and Arvit. One who forgot to add this paragraph and realizes his mistake only after concluding the Amida must repeat the entire Amida. Hallel is recited throughout the festival of Pesach. However, after the first two days of Pesach (or after the first day in Israel), Hallel is recited "Be'dilug" – meaning, omitting the sections that are omitted on Rosh Chodesh – and without a Beracha. Musaf is recited on each of day of Hol Ha'mo'ed; however, when reciting Musaf on Hol Ha'mo'ed – as opposed to Yom Tov – the words "Yom Tov" are omitted from the phrase, "Yom Tov Mikra Kodesh Ha'zeh." Nevertheless, one who mistakenly recited "Yom Tov Mikra Kodesh Ha'zeh" on Hol Ha'mo'ed is not required to repeat the Amida. The second day of Pesach, or the 16th of Nissan, is the day on which Haman was killed during the Purim story. It is therefore proper to make some commemoration of this event during one's meal on this day, a practice often referred to as "Se'udat Ester." At this meal one should speak words of Torah relevant to Ester and the Purim story, to commemorate the Jews' miraculous salvation that took place on the 16th of Nissan. (Based on Chacham Ovadia Yosef's rulings in Chazon Ovadia – Laws of Pesach, p. 247-249)
In this class we study the ancient and medieval origins of Mincha, as well as a strange custom from the Middle Age to pray Mincha twice.
Shalom my friends! We're back with a special three part pray-along series, live from Songleader Boot Camp. This episode is the afternoon service, mincha, with the incomparable Chava Mirel. Join us for a heart check-in, song, and silence. And keep listening for a behind-the-curtain conversation/class on what it takes to lead t'fillah that softens the heart. So glad to be back in the Light Lab with you! What would it take to make t'fillah an exercise in softening the heart?Show notes, including melodies used and a follow-along prayerbook page, can be found here. Follow us on facebook and instagram @thelight.lab.
Mincha as a Time of Judgment: Nighttime as a Time of Judgment: Moses' Passing at Mincha on Shabbat: Closure of Study Halls on Shabbat: https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/adar/924
1) There's a new Tefilin-protector on themarket. Is it appropriate for Minhag Chabad?[1]2) May cold food be placed in a warming-cupboard on Shabbos?[2]3) What would be the equivalent of a blech in order to permit returning hot food back into our ovens?[3]4) I'm visiting a community on Purim. The local Rabbi has organized Mishloach Monos from family to family. Is there value in me bringing a single package of Mishloach Monos to be passed around: A gives the package to B, Bgives the package to C etc.?[4]5) What is the brocho for onion-rings that are coated with crumbs?[5]6) May one eat food that was taken into a WC, or food that was touched by one who exited the WC but hadn't yet washed his/her hands?[6]7) I sold a house to another Jew. We agreed a time-frame. The lawyer included a penalty for delays. Evidently the penalty increases the longer the delay. Is that kosher?[7]8) Is it Chabadminhag to refrain from making Kiddushin the 7th hour Friday evening?[8]9) Feedback on a man davening Mincha a while after lighting candles:[9]10) Feedback on Poreis Mapoh uMekadeish:[10]https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9764852268?omn=87497291855Index to previous Panorama Shiurim: PanoramaIndex 2 - Google Docs[1] ראה נתיבים בהלכה ומנהגסימן ב. [2]ראה שבת כלכהח"א פ"ט אות לח, להתיר חזרה אם אין בו יותר ממצב-חום אחד. לולא כן הוי כאינה גרופה וקטומה. ולהוסיף, שגם צ"לשאין בו טרמוסטט. לולא כן הרי הפותח או סוגר התנור גורם פעולת הטרמוסטט. זה יהי'מותר ע"י נכרי, מדין פסיק רישי' באמל"נ.[3] ראה שבת כלכה ח"אפ"ח אות טז.[4] י"א שבזהשבעה"ב נותן, די בזה לכל ב"ב (ראה סי' תרצה ס"ד, משנ"ב שםס"ק כה בשם המג"א, 'דרשו' שם מס' 56). לתת מש"מ בתנאי שהוא יתןאותן בחזרה, י"א שאינו מקיים בזה המצוה ('דרשו' שם מס' 51 בשם השפת אמתוהגרש"ז אוירבך). מסתבר שה'סיבוב' המוצע שווה להנ"ל. [5] בס' שערי הברכה ערך 'שניצל'הביא מה'שבט הלוי' ועוד לברך 'שהכל', כי הא דדגן עיקר אינו שייך כשהדגן הוא בעצםטפל. ושם הביא שיש חולקים.[6] דן בזה בס' טעמי המנהגים(ציצית, קו"א לאות כ); שו"ת מנחת יצחק (ח"ג סי' סג); שבט הלוי(ח"י סי' קסה); מחקרי ארץ (ח"ג או"ח סי' ו). [7] ספר תורת רביתפ"ח אות ח, וש"נ לשוע"ר הל' רבית סמ"ח.[8] ראה שוע"רסי' רעא ס"ג; שלחן מנחם ח"ב.[9] אולי יש להבחיןבזה בין אנשם לנשים, "ורובן [של הנשים] אינן מתפללות ערבית במ"ש"(ראה שוע"ר סי' קו סוס"ב). ואולי כן הדבר בליל שבת. וא"כ הוה להוהדלקת הנרות קבלת השבת בשלימותה. משא"כ באיש, שמכיון שתפלת ערבית לפניו [בפרטאם נוהג להתפלל ערבית מבעוד יום], לכן קבלתו השבת היא רק שביתה ממלאכה ולא עיצומושל יום.[10] בשיחת שמח"ת תשמ"ח אמר כ"ק אדמו"רזי"ע שפסקו לנהוג כן בחב"ד.
A man recently reached out to me for chizuk after receiving the devastating news that he had been diagnosed with a serious illness. That very same day, I had heard two incredible stories about people who had faced life-threatening illnesses and experienced miraculous recoveries. I immediately recalled yet another story that a rabbi had shared years ago. This rabbi had a student who had come to him seeking chizuk for two separate challenges—one regarding his struggling business and the other concerning his child's health. That same day, the rabbi happened to hear two stories addressing those exact concerns. He shared them with his student, along with the kabbalot those individuals had taken upon themselves as a merit for their yeshuot . Inspired by these stories, the student took on the same kabbalot . Baruch Hashem , he later experienced miraculous salvation in both areas of his life. So I told the man who had reached out to me, "I would like to share with you two stories I just heard. While the circumstances may not be exactly the same, the message is the same." The first story was from a rabbi who shared that when his child was born 15 years ago, doctors told him the baby had mental retardation. They also said he would have very limited mobility and would never be able to hear properly. The condition, they explained, was a result of an illness the mother had contracted during pregnancy. For the first seven months of the baby's life, he did not move at all and was unable to hear. Desperate for yeshua , the rabbi flew to Israel to seek a beracha from Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt"l . Rav Chaim told him, "If his mother prays three times a day, Shacharit, Mincha and Arbit, the baby will be fine." With complete emunat chachamim , the rabbi immediately called his wife and relayed the message. She happily accepted the commitment upon herself. Fifteen years later, as I was speaking to this rabbi, he called over that very child and introduced him to me. Baruch Hashem , he is completely healthy, with no sign of the condition he was once diagnosed with. In fact, he had become a gifted learner, having completed Masechet Tamid over 250 times. It was nothing short of an open miracle. The second story came from another rabbi whose baby would vomit everything it ate and cry throughout the night. This went on for months, and the parents were completely beside themselves. Doctors had no solution. This rabbi also went to Rav Chaim for a beracha . Rav Chaim advised him, "Dress the child modestly, and the problem will go away." The rabbi, surprised, responded , "But she's an infant." Rav Chaim acknowledged that, according to halacha , there was no requirement for an infant to dress modestly. "However," he explained , "doing something to enhance kedushah always brings yeshuot." The rabbi listened and followed the advice. Within a week, both issues disappeared. The baby was eating properly and sleeping peacefully through the night. I then told the man I was speaking to that we may not have someone today who can tell us exactly what Hashem wants from us. But when we face challenges like these, we know that improving in an area that needs strengthening is always a powerful zechut." Hashem loves us and wants us to reach our fullest potential. Sometimes, a person needs a gentle tap on the shoulder to remind them of what truly matters in life. Be'ezrat Hashem , when we answer that call, the challenges we face often disappear. We have seen countless stories proving beyond a doubt that Hashem is in full control of our health—and that He can take away an illness in the blink of an eye. This should inspire us to pray harder, strengthen our actions, and believe that our salvation comes solely from Hashem.
Hilchot Chupa Vekedushin Part 7: Is it better to look at pritzus regularly so I will be desensitized and it won't turn me on?!! It's Assur to daven mincha/maariv in middle of a Chasuna!!!??
Those who understand that hishtadlut is merely a way of camouflaging Hashem's involvement—and that He alone brings results—make Hashem's will their top priority when deciding what hishtadlut to undertake. The Sefer Sas B'Imratecha shares the story of a man in desperate need of a $6,000 loan. He made an appointment at a gemach that was open only one hour a week, from 4 to 5 p.m. on Mondays. It was well known that if you were even one minute late, you would need to reschedule for the following week. When Monday came, the man became preoccupied with other pressing needs and realized that if he didn't leave immediately, he would miss his appointment. Yet he hadn't prayed Mincha yet, and by the time his appointment ended, it would be too late to pray. Initially, he thought of praying quickly by himself. But then he stopped and reminded himself that the One who could grant him the loan was the same One to whom he needed to pray. How could he compromise on tefilla ? He went to a shtiebel that had constant minyanim . There, his yetzer hara urged him to join a minyan already in progress, pray quickly, and still make it to the gemach . Once again, he overcame his inclination and joined a minyan just beginning. He prayed a full and beautiful Mincha and stayed until the last word. When he walked out of the minyan , he saw the head of the gemach , who apologized and explained that he had to leave the gemach to pray Mincha . The man told him he could process the loan immediately after finishing his tefilla . If the man had rushed to the gemach without praying Mincha , he would have missed the head of the gemach . His trust in Hashem's control over all outcomes enabled him to make the correct decision. Similarly, those who recognize that every obstacle encountered in hishtadlut comes from Hashem can handle such challenges in the right way. Rabbi Tanami from Rechasim once noticed that the mikveh in his community was run down and underutilized. He raised enough funds to restore it, but to his dismay, people still weren't using it. Rabbi Tanami invited Rabbi Baruch Raphael Toledano to inspire the community about the importance of mikveh . After Rabbi Toledano's heartfelt words, the mikveh became so popular that the attendant asked for a raise for staying so late at night. Seeing Rabbi Toledano's impact, Rabbi Tanami invited him to speak in other communities needing chizuk about mikveh . On one such occasion, they set out for a small town near Haifa in Rabbi Tanami's car. When they tried to start the car, it wouldn't start. After five minutes of trying, Rabbi Toledano suggested they walk to a bus stop and take public transportation instead. At the bus stop, Rabbi Toledano saw a man he recognized from Morocco. They exchanged pleasantries, and the rabbi asked if the man was putting on tefillin daily. The man admitted that while in Morocco he never missed a day, he had become lax since moving to Israel. Rabbi Toledano spoke to his heart, and the man resolved on the spot to never miss a day of tefillin again. Afterward, Rabbi Toledano told Rabbi Tanami, "Let's go back to the car now—it will start." Sure enough, the car started on the first try. Rabbi Toledano explained, "It's clear that Hashem caused the car not to start so I could help this Jew reconnect with tefillin . Once the mission was accomplished, the car would work." People who live their lives understanding that Hashem is in charge see the world differently. They are not bound by the apparent rules of nature because they know that everything can change in a moment according to Hashem's will. Our hishtadlut doesn't accomplish anything on its own. It is merely a "tax" we pay and a test we must pass. Ultimately, only Hashem controls everything.
1) After completing their blessings, the Kohanim say a prayer. They are advised to synchronize the end of this prayer with the Chazan's ending of the brocho שים שלום, so that the Omein said by the congregation will apply for both. When the Chazan's brocho is protracted, should the Kohanim's start early or late?[1] 2) Are we allowed to ask a Goy to procure refreshments for our Shabbos event after we've run out of supplies?[2] 3) On Tisha b'Av we don't sit directly on the floor, but place something in between. Same in Avelus RL. What about sitting on the ground when unrelated to mourning?[3] 4) May I give my knives for sharpening to a non-Jewish craftsman?[4] 5) May I release whip-cream from a pressurized canister on Shabbos?[5] 6) A man living alone who lights candles for Shabbos, doesn't need to accept Shabbos right then, but he does need to accept Shabbos within ten minutes. May he daven Mincha after he was Mekabel Shabbos?[6] 7) Feedback on whether Bethel is considered sacred:[7] 8) Feedback on the lack of a gap before Parshas Vayechi:[8] 9) Facing the Chazan when he says Birkas Kohanim: [9] https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9764852268?omn=89154875311 [1] ראה "יש מי שאומר" בשוע"ר סי' קכח סכ"ד. ולהעיר מהשינוי בקדיש אחרי קרה"ת בשבת מנחה – כנראה עקב השינוי במרחק מהבימה עד ארון הקודש – ראה מילואים לסדור רבינו הזקן סימן לא (ח"ג ע' א'תקנה). [2] בשוע"ר סי' שכה סט"ז מתיר הבאת שכר ע"י נכרי דרך כרמלית. [ואע"פ שבערים הגדולות קשה לסמוך על הצד שאין בהם רה"ר דאורייתא, אבל לאידך, במשא קל יתכן שיביא מרה"י לרה"י מבלי לעצור ברה"ר לנוח. וא"כ הוי איסור דרבנן]. [3] בכף החיים סי' תקנב אות לט מבחין בין אבנים לקרקע, ובזה מיישב הא דמשה רבינו ישב על האבן. הרי דפשיטא לי' שהקפידא אינה כרוכה לאבלות ר"ל. ולהעיר מהא דתניא (ברכות סב ב): "בן עזאי אומר: על כל משכב שכב - חוץ מן הקרקע". ואכמ"ל. [4] בספר 'הכשרות' (פוקס) פ"ב הערה לסמ"ד ממליץ שלא להשתמש באותה משחזת לבשר וחלב. אבל בפסקים ותשובות סי' צב או כח – מקיל. וכן בס' הגעלת כלים פי"ג הע' רס. אבל לא דיברו על משחזת ששימשו בו לסכינים של נבילות וטריפות. [5] בס' שמירת שבת כהלכתה פי"א סי"ד אוסר – משום מוליד. ואילו בס' פסקי תשובות סי' שכא אות ל רצה תחלה להתיר. [6] ראה שוע"ר סי' רסג ס"ז; נתיבים בשדה השליחות ח"ב ע' 212 ואילך. [7] הרמב"ם חיבר ס' 'שמות קודש וחול' (ברלין תרפ"ג), ושם ר"פ ויחי כתב ש"בית א-ל" הוא קדש. הובא בס' נקדש את שמך (פרקש, ירושלים תשס"ז) ע' כא, ושם הביא דעות הפוסקים לכאן ולכאן. וראה דברינו בנתיבים בהלכה ומנהג סי' נז בקדושת תיבת הללוי', שהוא שם ושבח ביחד. ועדיין צריך בירור לנדו"ד – קריאת פסוק זה בפי תשב"ר שיחיו. ברכי יוסף סי' רטו סק"ד. [8] ב'אוצר הזמנים' מביא מהחיד"א שבאמת יש כאן 'פרשה', ורק בגלל הרמז נשמטה. ואילו בשו"ת חת"ס יו"ד סי' רה מוכח להיפך. [9] בסדור החדש ח"א ע' שכג הע' 753 בסופה נכתב שלא יסתירו קהל או קיר, והבאתי ראי' מקיר המזרח של הר הבית (מדות פ"ב מ"ד, נתבאר בגמ' יומא טז א). אכן בשוע"ר סי' קכח סל"ז, ע"פ רמב"ם פט"ו מהל' תפלה ה"ח, שאמנם "אין מחיצה של ברזל מפסקת" (כבסוטה לח ב), "רק שיחזירו פניהם כלפי הכהנים". ואילו ה'חפץ חיים' בלקוטי הלכות לסוטה שם רצה להעמיס דמיירי בכותל נמוך. והוא משיג על הכסף משנה, שהוא דחוק. ואכן אולי בגלל זה השמיט הבית יוסף דבר זה בשו"ע שם סכ"ד. והעירו לי מחידושי הגרי"ז בהל' פרה אדומה פ"ד הל"ה שבפרה אדומה צ"ל ראיי' לתוך ההיכל.
2 Minute Halacha- A woman praying Mincha after lighting candles on Friday by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky
One of the reasons that Hashem wants us to make a hishtadlut for our physical needs in this world is because of the spiritual elevation we are able to achieve as a result. A person is obligated to put in an effort and then believe whole heartedly that the results had nothing to do with his effort. The Chovot HaLevavot writes in the Shaar HaBitachon ( perek 3) that all a person's hishtadlut does is reveal what Hashem already decreed for him to have. And when a person worries or puts in too much effort, it is because he doesn't fully believe that it is Hashem bringing the results. Therefore, each time we make an effort in something, it is a great opportunity for us to grow in emunah. We could feel calm that we have made a reasonable effort and then hold ourselves back from going overboard. And when the results do come, we can completely attribute them to Hashem and not our efforts. We are only obligated to do what we are capable of. And if we are limited in our capabilities, that just means Hashem will do more, but it does not mean that we shouldn't try at all. When the miracles of Chanukah occurred, the Jews didn't say, "We are outnumbered militarily, so we might as well just not fight." They did not say, "We only have enough oil for one day, so why bother." They did what they were capable of doing, and that's all that was required of them. That is what opened the pipeline for Hashem to send His beracha. If we try a certain hishtadlut and it doesn't produce the results we are hoping for, it doesn't necessarily mean we aren't meant to get those results. It just means Hashem did not want them to come that way. Once we have put in our effort, Hashem can bring the result in any way He sees fit. Rabbi Schwartz, a Rosh Kollel in Elad finally received the call he had been waiting for. It was from the office of a wealthy man who lives in Chicago. The rabbi had requested a meeting with him to discuss the possibility of this man donating $36,000 that the rabbi was in need of to support his kollel. Now, months later, the secretary called him saying the man would see him on Wednesday at 6:00 pm. The rabbi quickly called his travel agent to get a flight. The travel agent was able to get him a ticket with a stopover in Paris at a reasonable price. The flight was due to land early Wednesday morning in Paris and then, a few hours later, take off for Chicago. When the plane landed, the rabbi took a taxi to a shul to pray with a minyan, however, due to delays in the minyan, as well as unexpected heavy traffic on the way back to the airport, the rabbi missed his connecting flight by minutes. Initially, he was very distraught. He went to the ticketing desk to try to find another flight to Chicago that day, but there weren't any. His only option was to return to Israel. He was able to get a flight back that was scheduled for eight hours later. He decided to go back to the shul and use his time to learn, pray Mincha and perhaps go to the mikveh. When he arrived at the shul, he went upstairs in search of a tea room, as he hadn't eaten anything that day yet. Walking up the steps, he saw a distinguished looking gentleman whom he recognized as one of the biggest supporters of Torah in the world. This man was almost impossible to get on the phone and even harder to get a meeting with. Now was the rabbi's chance. He introduced himself and asked if he could please speak with him for just a couple of minutes about his kollel. To his relief, the man happily agreed. The rabbi did not need to schedule any appointments with any secretaries or wait months to get in, they sat down right then and there. After the rabbi's presentation, the wealthy man said he had just arrived in Paris to attend the berit milah of his grandson, scheduled for the following morning. Since he was to be honored as the sandak, he was looking for a special gift to give the infant. "I think a donation to your kollel on his behalf as a zechut would be the best gift I could possibly give him." He then took out an elegantly bound leather checkbook and wrote a check and handed it to the Rabbi. The Rabbi couldn't believe his eyes. It was double what he was hoping to get in Chicago. When he finally landed back in Israel that night, he checked his phone and saw a message that was left by the office in Chicago. It was the secretary apologizing that the wealthy man wouldn't be able to make the meeting, but she assured him they would send a check without the meeting. A week later, a check arrived for $36,000. This rabbi made his hishtadlut to get that donation, but clearly his hishtadlut had nothing to do with the results he got. Hashem is in charge and the more we internalize this, the greater spiritual elevations we get.
In this shiur we discuss: 1) Dairy bread, 2) Eating seudah shlishis before davening Mincha, 3) When to wear Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin, 4) Shehechiyanu on new shoes, 5) Tevilas Keilim on ceramic dishes, 6) Christianity and Avodah Zarah, 7) Pre-cut veggies from Target, 8) Drip over coffee on Shabbos, 9) Forgot to recite Vsein Tal Umatar, 10) The latest time to daven Mincha, 11) Saying pesukim in davening before Birchas Hatorah, 12) Throwing out bread, 13) What to do if you have one slice of pizza and then decide to eat more. If you have any questions that you would like to submit for the shiur, please use this link www.hashevaynu.org/ask.
Episode #182: The Tzadik Who Davened Mincha In The Forest
Join Steve as he interviews the newcomers to the final round of NIGHT of the JUMPs in Hannover on the weekend. Especially with Squibby, Powley, Costela and Mincha who all had very last minute invites due to injuries and the birth of Melero's new baby. What do they all think of the setup and how confident they feel coming into the competition! Jamie Squibb Francis Costela Arran Powley Jose Mincha Jimi Brandt Tobias Freigang Alejandro Bonafe Tom Pfeiffer Final 1. Luc Ackermann (GER) 280 Points 2. Jose Mincha (ESP) 263 Points 3. Davide Rossi (ITA) 253 Points 4. Matej Cesak (CZE) 242 Points Freestyle Motocross Qualification Group 1 1. Jose Mincha (ESP) 256 Points 2. Davide Rossi (ITA) 255 Points 3. Francis Costela (ESP) 241 Points 4. Arran Powley (GBR) 208 Points Freestyle Motocross Qualification Group 2 1. Luc Ackermann (GER) 276 Points 2. Matej Cesak (CZE) 244 Points 3. Mikołaj Tempka (POL) 225 Points 4. Jamie Squibb (GBR) 215 Points Whip Contest 1. Jamie Squibb (GBR) 2. Matej Cesak (CZE) Synchro Contest 1. Francis Costela & Jose Mincha (ESP) 2. Arran Powley (GBR) & Mikolaj Tempka (POL) MTB Best Trick 1. Alejandro Bonafe (ESP) Riders Lounge Podcast Contact Website: https://ridersloungepodcast.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridersloungepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ridersloungepodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihhYzgsvog6Z10uQ_8ePdA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ridersloungepodcast Riders Lounge Merch Store is available now https://teespring.com/stores/riders-lounge Thanks to Lakes Networking for the new Website! If you want your site built by the best, contact https://www.lakesnetworking.com.au Want to book a Rothaus Brewery Tour with our Partners? https://besichtigung.brauereigasthof-rothaus.de/terminauswahl.html Thank you to Rothaus Brewery from Germany for their unbelievable Tannenzaepfle Range of Beers and Alcohol-free beers for this show
Tune in with NIGHT of the JUMPs LiveStream host Steve Sommerfeld as he interviews the winners from the final round of the FMX World Tour in Hannover, Germany! Final 1. Luc Ackermann (GER) 280 Points 2. Jose Mincha (ESP) 263 Points 3. Davide Rossi (ITA) 253 Points 4. Matej Cesak (CZE) 242 Points Freestyle Motocross Qualification Group 1 1. Jose Mincha (ESP) 256 Points 2. Davide Rossi (ITA) 255 Points 3. Francis Costela (ESP) 241 Points 4. Arran Powley (GBR) 208 Points Freestyle Motocross Qualification Group 2 1. Luc Ackermann (GER) 276 Points 2. Matej Cesak (CZE) 244 Points 3. Mikołaj Tempka (POL) 225 Points 4. Jamie Squibb (GBR) 215 Points Whip Contest 1. Jamie Squibb (GBR) 2. Matej Cesak (CZE) Synchro Contest 1. Francis Costela & Jose Mincha (ESP) 2. Arran Powley (GBR) & Mikolaj Tempka (POL) MTB Best Trick 1. Alejandro Bonafe (ESP)
World runs on “Rab Chananiah Ben Akashia…”!! Cant eat till Mincha?! Why is BARCHU so important?! If you don't stand during Tachnun… !!! Teshuva hak Alshich's bitachon story
1) At Birkas Kohanim, does the Chazan answer Omein to the blessings of the Kohanim?[1] 2) I wish to dismantle my Sukkah towards the end of Sukkos (because the weather forecast predicts strong winds). Is that permitted?[2] 3) My front door opens to a porch that has walls on either side but is totally open to the street. May I carry there on Shabbos?[3] 4) On Shabbos we don't take medicine for a minor condition. What about Yomtov[4]; 2nd day Yomtov; 2nd day of Rosh haShono?[5] 5) There was no Kohen in Shul. A Kohen was called from another building. But by the time he arrived, Musaf-repetition was over. Any chance of a stand-alone blessing then?[6] 6) Why do Chabad Taleisim have an extra hole on each corner?[7] 7) Why is the neck-hole of Chabad Taleisim-Ketanim round, whilst many others have it T-shaped?[8] 8) On Friday the 2nd day of Succos, I placed the cholent in the crock-pot just before Shabbos. I now realise that I shouldn't have done so. Do I need to kasher the pot?[9] 9) One who forgot ותן טל ומטר in Mincha on Friday, should he repeat Amida of Maariv?[10] 10) Feedback on: lighting candles where you're not eating; ומנחתם for Shabbos. [1] במשנה (ברכות פ"ה מ"ד) איתא שלא יענה מפני הטירוף. יש מפרשים שלא ידע איזו ברכה לומר לכהנים ויש מפרשים שלא ידע לחזור ל'שים שלום'. ולמעשה נוהגים שהוא עונה – ראה שוע"ר סי' קכח ס"ל. [2] במשנה (סוכה פ"ד מ"ח) איתא שלא יתיר סוכתו אע"פ שגמר לאכול בשביעי. הובא בשו"ע או"ח סי' תרסו ס"א. בס' 'בסוד לוי יצחק' (ע' 253) מובא הרמז בזה שהתורה מתחלת ומסתיימת באותיות ב' ל' – רמז ל"בל תגרע" ו"בל תוסיף". האותיות הסמוכות הן: 'אך' ו'גם' – מיעוט ותוספת. ובס' הנ"ל מצביע על הלכתא דידן, שאין לפרק הסוכה לפני סוף יום ז' [בל תגרע], ואילו הבא לשבת בסוכה ביום ח' צריך לפרק ד' על ד' טפחים מהסכך – שלא ייראה כמוסיף! אך למעשה רבו המקילים בזה לצורך – ראה פסקי תשובות סי' תרלח אות ג; נטעי גבריאל פ"ל ס"ח. [3] ראה שוע"ר סי' שסא ס"ה. [4] מטעם "שמא ישחוק סממנים", וזה שייך גם ביו"ט, כי התרופות אינן "שוות לכל נפש" [שו"ר בס' יו"ט כהלכתו פ"ד הע' 21 שיש מחלוקת הראשונים בזה. ולמקילים צ"ל דלא פלוג]. [5] ראה שוע"ר סי' תצו סעיפים ד' וה'. [6] אע"פ שהכהן "עקר רגליו בעבודה", אבל גם צריך שיגיע לדוכן לפני סיום 'מודים' (שוע"ר סי' קכח סי"ב). [7] סדור אדה"ז הלכות ציצית [ע' תריא]. וראה שו"ע או"ח סי' יא סט"ו ובמשנ"ב שם ס"ק עג. [8] סדור אדה"ז שם [ע' תרי]. [9] ראה פסקי תשובות (סי' תקכז הע' 33) בשם שו"ת מגדנות אליהו (ח"ג סי' קיח) שיש לסמוך על הסברא הפוטרת את המבשל בשבת סמוך לחשיכה כשהמאכל נגמר משחשיכה. לבד מזה: בשוע"ר סי' תקג סי"ג שלא קנסו על מעשה יו"ט [במזיד!] בכה"ג. [10] קצות השלחן סי' כח ס"ז.
In today's episode we discuss the Alter Rebbe's value for the practice of learning Ein Yaakov as well as practical Mitzvos in groups of (at least) 10 Jews on weekdays between Mincha and Ma'ariv prayers. Iggeres HaKodesh, Middle of Epistle 23. Music by Shoshannah. Follow us on: Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, InstagramTo sponsor an episode or for any other inquiries, email: itistaught@gmail.com Support the show
In today's episode we discuss the importance of learning the halachos of Shabbos specifically with a congregation of 10 (or more) Jews on Shabbos at Mincha time. We also learn about how a person should not separate themselves from the congregation during this learning time. Iggeres HaKodesh, end of Epistle 23. Music by Shoshannah. Follow us on: Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, InstagramTo sponsor an episode or for any other inquiries, email: itistaught@gmail.com Support the show
We start our discussion of davening mincha on erev Shabbat.
From the Inside Out: With Rivkah Krinsky and Eda Schottenstein
Send us a textIn this episode of From The Inside Out with Rivkah and Eda, we tackle the paradoxes and puzzles that we come up against in Torah and Judaism with Rabbi Dov Schochet. Right in time for Rosh Hashana, this episode will help you enter the new year with clarity, drive, and purpose. We cover questions such as: -What are the Torah's guidelines on seeking and granting forgiveness?-What is the Torah's view on healing and finding joy?- What does Teshuva mean practically for us today?- What is the Torah's view on balancing materialism and spirituality, especially when asking for blessings on Rosh Hashanah?- How should one navigate the political landscape as a Torah-observant Jew?- Can the Torah laws adapt to modern developments?- How do you reconcile the idea that "the world was created for me" with humility?-What guidance does the Torah give on deciding between staying in yeshiva and entering the workforce?- What is healthy love according to the Torah, and how does it differ from selfish or destructive love?And many more!We hope you enjoy this episode and wish you a sweet year full of revealed goodness andmiracles!As always, thank you for being our treasured listeners and supporters.xo,Rivkah & edaFEEDBACK:We'd love to hear your thoughts on making From The Inside Out Podcast even better and more tailored for you! Please take our survey here: https://vc7ah0gv.forms.app/ftio GUEST BIO:Rabbi Dov Schochet is a respected scholar and educator at The Shul of Bal Harbour. He teaches a broad range of subjects, including Textual Studies, Jewish Law, Jewish Literature, Jewish Ethics, and Jewish Philosophy. With a deep commitment to Jewish education, Rabbi Schochet has become an influential figure in the Jewish community of Miami. Known for his approachability, he is frequently sought after for guidance, answering questions on complex Torah issues, personal challenges, and Jewish practices. He provides clear, thoughtful responses, helping individuals navigate their spiritual journeys and deepen their understanding of Jewish teachings. His approachable demeanor and wisdom have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor within his community, where he serves on the faculty, advisory board, and curriculum chair at CYS college.EPISODE SPONSOREven with the best intentions, it's easy to forget or miss a day of giving charity. Imagine the opportunity to partner daily with the Lubavitcher Rebbe in giving Tzedaka.71 years ago, the Rebbe launched Keren Hashana, a fund ensuring that no day goes by without giving charity. By donating an amount reflecting the 355 days of this year, Keren Hashana disburses charity twice daily—before Shachris and Mincha—guaranteeing your daily giving.The amount doesn't matter; the key is consistency- to give Tzedaka every year. Funds support those in need through Chabad's global network, from single-parent households to educational subsidies and emergency assistance. Join thousands worldwide and be a giver every day.Become a part of this project and Donate at MyKerenHashana.com
The Mishna Berura in siman 47 writes that a father and mother should constantly be praying for their children to be learners of Torah, to be tzaddikim and to have good middot . Rabbenu Yona writes in his Igeret HaTeshuva that a woman should be careful to pray every morning, afternoon and night that her children should be yirei Shamayim. The Mishna Berura in siman 122 writes, these prayers can be in any language, as long as they are from the depths of the heart. Our children are being bombarded with tests and temptations and they need all the help they can get to stay pure. Our tefilot are what can make all the difference. When a person prays for his child, that child will receive more Heavenly help from Hashem. And then, during those times when the child is in jeopardy of being convinced to make the wrong decisions, Hashem will give him the help that he needs. Prayer is the greatest help we can give our children. It doesn't cost us anything and in fact we even get a mitzvah for it. There are some decisions which could potentially determine the entire course of a person's life. At those times, the parents wish they could make the decisions for their children, but it's out of their hands. However, Hashem can guide the children in the right path and the amount of siyata d'Shamaya the children will get depends on the tefilot prayed on their behalf. Sometimes, we wish that our children could be in a certain yeshiva or in a certain environment that we think will be so beneficial for them, but they don't have the credentials to get in. Hashem could help with that too. A man told the following story on a hashgacha pratit hotline. He said 60 years ago, his grandfather and his family left their affluent lifestyle in Persia and went to live in Israel. His grandfather's father was hoping his son would be able to learn in a yeshiva there, but since the boy was 13 and didn't know anything beyond the Alef Bet and the siddur , he was having trouble getting into one. But his great-grandfather wouldn't give up. From one yeshiva office to the next he traveled, begging for his son to be accepted. One yeshiva agreed to meet his grandfather for an interview. When his grandfather came in, the Rosh Yeshiva asked him to elaborate on a certain topic in the Gemara called kum leh b'draba mineh. His great-grandfather was about to bury his head in shame at his son's ignorance, but surprisingly, the 13 year old opened up and began giving an entire discourse on the topic. The Rosh Yeshiva enjoyed it so much, he got up and kissed the boy on the forehead saying, "Welcome to our yeshiva." Later on, his father asked him how in the world he knew anything about that topic, never having learned Gemara his entire life. The boy replied, "That was just about the only thing I knew. You see, yesterday when I went to pray Mincha , there was a shiur going on in the shul so I stayed to listen. It was all about this specific topic and I listened to every single word. The speaker explained it very clearly and I repeated it exactly as I heard it to the Rosh Yeshiva." This siyata d'Shamaya that Hashem gave this boy enabled him to learn Torah in a good yeshiva and go on to raise a family of bnei Torah with children and grandchildren who are all yirei Shamayim and shomer Torah u'mitzvot. We can give our children a very big edge by utilizing the gift of tefila on their behalf.
Hilchot Tefilah part 32: World runs on “Rab Chananiah Ben Akashia…”!! Cant eat till Mincha?! Why is BARCHU so important?! If you don't stand during Tachnun… !!! Teshuva hock Alshich's bitachon story!
Hilchot Tefilah part 27: What is a Halachic Zonah?? Trumat HaDeshen on Zonah Chazakah!! Why Ashkenazim don't Duchen on the daily in Chutz La'Aretz!!!?? Why don't we Duchen at Mincha?
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
The Maharam of Rotenberg (Germany, 1215-1293) was of the opinion that Tisha B'Av, the saddest day of the year, has the same status in Halacha as the first day of mourning, and thus just as one does not wear Tefillin on his first day of mourning, Heaven forbid, so do we all refrain from wearing Tefillin on Tisha B'Av. Other authorities, however, held that on Tisha B'Av one must, indeed, wear Tefillin, and this is the accepted position. There is, however, considerable controversy regarding the question of when one wears Tefillin on Tisha B'Av. The Gaon of Vilna (1720-1797) had the practice of donning Tefillin only at midday on Tisha B'Av. He apparently held that the first half of Tisha B'Av was a period of intense mourning, whereas the second half the day, when we begin to recite "Nachem," marks a period of lesser intensity and thus warrants wearing Tefillin. This is indeed the practice of many Ashkenazim. Other Ashkenazim have the practice to don Tefillin on Tisha B'Av only during the Mincha service. What is the practice of the Sepharadim in this regard? From numerous sources, including the Kaf Ha'chayim, Ben Ish Chai and writings of the Kabbalists, it emerges that the Sephardic practice is to wear Tefillin on Tisha B'Av during Shacharit in the morning, as on all other days, with the standard Beracha. People with the practice of wearing Tefillin Rabbenu Tam every morning should do so on Tisha B'Av morning, as well. We do, however, find divergent customs as to where the Tefillin should be worn. The Kaf Ha'chayim and Ben Ish Chai mention that on Tisha B'Av one dons Tefillin and recites Shacharit privately, at home, and then comes to the synagogue – after removing his Tallit and Tefillin – for the repetition of Shemona Esrei, Kinot and Eicha. Others, however, held that one prays on Tisha B'Av in the synagogue with Tallit and Tefillin as usual, just as on other days, and the Tallit and Tefillin are removed after the repetition of Shemona Esrei. This was the ruling of Chacham Baruch Ben-Chaim. Both practices have roots in Halachic literature, and thus each community should follow the guidance of its Rabbi. It must be emphasized that according to all authorities, one does not wear Tefillin – which serves as a sign of glory and royalty – while reciting Kinot to lament the destruction of the Beit Ha'mikdash. Summary: Tefillin are worn on Tisha B'Av with the Beracha. Ashkenazim have the custom of wearing Tefillin on Tisha B'Av only in the afternoon, whereas Sepharadim wear Tefillin already in the morning, as usual. Some Sepharadim wear Tefillin and pray Shacharit privately at home and then come to synagogue without Tefillin, whereas others pray with Tallit and Tefillin in the synagogue as usual. Each community should follow its custom as instructed by its Rabbi.
A weekly shiur by Dayan Levi Yitzchok Raskin, Rov of Anash in London, explores interesting Torah questions and halachic dilemmas. The following issues are discussed by Dayan Raskin in this week's episode: 1) Some sources depict a gap in the ramp (כבש) as it reaches the Mizbeiach:[1] 2) I have recently visited several gravesites and I now realise that I didn't recite the appropriate brocho. If I visit another gravesite within thirty days, do I say the brocho?[2] 3) I ate a new fruit without saying Shehecheyonu; I now have that fruit again – do I say that brocho now?[3] 4) My child is eighteen months old. I just fed him chicken; may I now feed him milk?[4] 5) An older member of our community has moved into a care-home. His home will duly be sold – at this time, we have no clue to whom. May the Mezuzos be removed?[5] 6) We have a local Eruv. When visitors make a pledge to the Shul, may the Gabbai give them a card with the Shul's bank details?[6] 7) When seeing the Grand Canyon, do I say the brocho: עושה מעשה בראשית?[7] 8) What is the brocho for red or black currants?[8] 9) When does the Chazan begin saying Kadish before Shmoine Esrei at Mincha of Taanis Tzibur?[9] 10) Is standing for Krias haTorah optional?[10] 11) Please address the minhag to avoid eating and drinking from chipped dishes:[11] 12) Feedback on Tefilas haDerech for journey shorter than 72 minutes: ________________________________________ [1] ראה סוכה מט א. אבל קשה ממשנה יומא מג ב. וראה אנציקלופדי' תלמודית כרך מג ע' תטו, תסו; The Original Second Temple (Yoav Elan). [2] הלשון בסדר ברכת הנהנין (פי"ג הי"ב): "אם חוזר ורואה אותו דבר שבירך עליו בתוך ל' יום". (תיבות "שבירך עליו" אינן בשו"ע (סי' רכד סי"ג). אך להעיר מביה"ל סי' ריח ד"ה במקום הזה – ברואה מקום שנעשה בו נס ולא בירך, שאינו מברך תוך ל'. וראה פס"ת שם הע' 26. [3] בלא שם ומלכות (סדר ברכת הנהנין פי"א הי"ג). [4] ראה שו"ת שערי מישור (לידידי הרי"י בלנוב נ"י) ח"א סו"ס ט'. [5] עיקר הדין בשו"ע יו"ד סי' רצא ס"ב. וראה שכל טוב ליו"ד שם אות כו. [6] ראה המובא בפסקי תשובות סי' שז הע' 154. ויש לדייק בלשון שוע"ר (שם סכ"ג): "ולצורך מצוה אין לגזור משום שמא יקרא בשטרי הדיוטות", דהול"ל "לצורך מצוה מותר לקרוא בשטרי הדיוטות", ומשמע שהקיל רק ברשימת אורחים כו', שנאסרה אטו שטה"ד. [7] ראה פסקי תשובות סי' רכח אות ד ובהע' 29 שם. [8] ראה סדר ברכת הנהנין פ"ו ה"ז. [9] ב'התקשרות' גליון תנא ע' 14 העידו שהרבי זי"ע התחיל מיד אחר סיום ברכות ההפטרה. אבל ראה שם גליון א'מו. [10] ראה 'היום יום' י"ז וכ"ד שבט; סדור הר"ש מרשקוב; אגרות קודש חכ"ד ע' קכ; נתיבים בשדה השליחות ח"א סי' ז. [11] ראה כף החיים סי' ב סק"ג. ורבים מקילים בזה.
Hodu La'Hashem Ki Tob ! The iTorah APP has launched. Click below to download! for iPhone users https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ itorah-watch-listen-stream/ id6472929090 for Android users https://play.google.com/store/ apps/details?id=com.itorah.app A man from Israel, who was heavily in debt, traveled to London to try to collect tzedakah on the advice of his rabbi. He spent several weeks there and it was very difficult for him to get in to see a certain wealthy man. He chased after him unsuccessfully, and then asked a big rabbi in Israel who had a relationship with this philanthropist to help him get a meeting with him. The rabbi spoke to the philanthropist and then told the man he would be calling him to set up an appointment. Just as he was about to start Mincha , he received a call from a private number. He answered and heard the voice of the philanthropist, who mentioned that the rabbi called him, and he asked how he could be of assistance. The man got so excited and was about to tell him his entire story but then he stopped himself realizing he was about to meet with someone much more important. He said to himself, I'm about to pray Mincha and I know Hashem doesn't want me to speak to a human being at the expense of praying with a minyan. He told the wealthy man he was about to pray and politely asked him to call afterward. After he hung up the phone, he felt a wonderful feeling that he had never felt before. How long had he been running after this wealthy man? How much effort had he put in just to meet someone that Hashem blessed with some money? Now he was going to talk to the richest One in the world. He also called and was willing to listen attentively to every word he was about to say. “Why don't I pray with the same excitement I would feel if I met the philanthropist face-to-face,” he thought. “Why don't I approach tefilah with the feeling that I am now coming before the One who can give me everything that I need in an instant.” This was the best tefilah he had ever prayed. He felt so close to Hashem and merited great siyata d'Shamaya from it. We all know this is true, but sometimes we forget and we need to remind ourselves. In every situation in life, we must remember, we could always turn to our Father who can help us in an instant. There is nothing too big and nothing too small. Another man said, one day his washing machine just stopped working. He called the company that he bought it from and they sent a technician to check it out. The technician came and, after trying many different things, he said the machine had breathed its last breath. There was no way to fix it. The man asked for a new machine because it was still under warranty. The technician apologized saying this particular issue was not covered. The man was stuck. A new machine would cost thousands of dollars which he simply did not have. After making various efforts, unsuccessfully, to get a new machine, he remembered he hadn't yet done the most important hishtadlut of all. He started praying like a child talking to his father. He spoke about how hard it was for him to buy a new machine and how much they really needed it. After he finished praying, he had an idea to call a handyman that he knew to come try and fix it. His wife said, if the company couldn't fix it, how would this handyman fix it? He replied, “It can't hurt to try.” The handyman came and, amazingly, was able to fix the machine and he only charged him a hundred shekels for the job. Hashem can help us with everything. We have to feel the same excitement when we come to pray to Him, at least as much as we would feel with a generous philanthropist that wants to help us. If we can do that, our prayers would do wonders.
Hodu La'Hashem Ki Tob ! The iTorah APP has launched. Click below to download! for iPhone users https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ itorah-watch-listen-stream/ id6472929090 for Android users https://play.google.com/store/ apps/details?id=com.itorah.app A man from Israel, who was heavily in debt, traveled to London to try to collect tzedakah on the advice of his rabbi. He spent several weeks there and it was very difficult for him to get in to see a certain wealthy man. He chased after him unsuccessfully, and then asked a big rabbi in Israel who had a relationship with this philanthropist to help him get a meeting with him. The rabbi spoke to the philanthropist and then told the man he would be calling him to set up an appointment. Just as he was about to start Mincha , he received a call from a private number. He answered and heard the voice of the philanthropist, who mentioned that the rabbi called him, and he asked how he could be of assistance. The man got so excited and was about to tell him his entire story but then he stopped himself realizing he was about to meet with someone much more important. He said to himself, I'm about to pray Mincha and I know Hashem doesn't want me to speak to a human being at the expense of praying with a minyan. He told the wealthy man he was about to pray and politely asked him to call afterward. After he hung up the phone, he felt a wonderful feeling that he had never felt before. How long had he been running after this wealthy man? How much effort had he put in just to meet someone that Hashem blessed with some money? Now he was going to talk to the richest One in the world. He also called and was willing to listen attentively to every word he was about to say. “Why don't I pray with the same excitement I would feel if I met the philanthropist face-to-face,” he thought. “Why don't I approach tefilah with the feeling that I am now coming before the One who can give me everything that I need in an instant.” This was the best tefilah he had ever prayed. He felt so close to Hashem and merited great siyata d'Shamaya from it. We all know this is true, but sometimes we forget and we need to remind ourselves. In every situation in life, we must remember, we could always turn to our Father who can help us in an instant. There is nothing too big and nothing too small. Another man said, one day his washing machine just stopped working. He called the company that he bought it from and they sent a technician to check it out. The technician came and, after trying many different things, he said the machine had breathed its last breath. There was no way to fix it. The man asked for a new machine because it was still under warranty. The technician apologized saying this particular issue was not covered. The man was stuck. A new machine would cost thousands of dollars which he simply did not have. After making various efforts, unsuccessfully, to get a new machine, he remembered he hadn't yet done the most important hishtadlut of all. He started praying like a child talking to his father. He spoke about how hard it was for him to buy a new machine and how much they really needed it. After he finished praying, he had an idea to call a handyman that he knew to come try and fix it. His wife said, if the company couldn't fix it, how would this handyman fix it? He replied, “It can't hurt to try.” The handyman came and, amazingly, was able to fix the machine and he only charged him a hundred shekels for the job. Hashem can help us with everything. We have to feel the same excitement when we come to pray to Him, at least as much as we would feel with a generous philanthropist that wants to help us. If we can do that, our prayers would do wonders.
Very often we see clearly how Hashem gives people the chizuk they need to overcome the test that He gives them. A woman told me that someone asked her to borrow a few hundred dollars. Her first reaction was to say no, because this woman did something to her in the past that ruined their relationship. She had been trying to forgive her, but it was very hard. She told the woman she did not have access to Quickpay at the moment, and she would call her back later and let her know about it. Deep down she felt this was a test from Hashem to completely forgive her friend, but it was very tough. That night she opened up a chizuk email that she had received on a different day that she hadn't gotten to yet. The lesson was about Hashem sending a person a test to give him a zechut that he needs, to access a beracha that he needs. She took this message to heart and immediately called that woman and told her she would be happy to lend her the money. The very next day she got a different chizuk email, and this time the lesson was all about Hashem giving people the chizuk they need to pass the tests that He gives them. She felt like Hashem was talking directly to her. A man told me, last Shabbat he prayed at a shul that he attends maybe once a year. On that particular Shabbat with no rhyme or reason, he decided this was the week he was going to that shul. Afterward, he felt very uplifted, enjoying the Rabbi's devar torah there very much. It was all about Hashem sending a person an opportunity to get the zechut that he needs, to access the beracha that he needs. On Tuesday at work, this man was told by an extremely important customer that they were canceling an order that he already created the merchandise for. They were a little late in delivery, and so the company exercised its right to cancel. This was going to cost him somewhere in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. He couldn't think clearly the rest of the day. He finally left his office at 6 o'clock and was going to go straight to a shul in Brooklyn at 7:00 for Mincha. On the way home, he couldn't focus on listening to the Daf Yomi shiur as he usually did, so he put on a Jewish radio station instead. Towards the end of that ride, the host was talking about saying the phrase, Elaka d'Meir aneni , three times, and giving money to tzedakah when in need of a yeshua . The man decided to try it, and as he was getting close to shul, he said it three times, and had in mind he was going to give tzedakah right when he arrived. A minute later, his phone rang with an unknown caller. He was expecting a call, and so he picked it up. The person on the other line introduced himself, and then asked this man if he remembered him from years ago in Florida. The man had no recollection, and asked him what this call was about. The person started talking about his financial difficulties, and the man immediately realized where the conversation was heading. He had no patience for this at the moment, and he apologized and said he wouldn't be able to help and hung up the phone. As he walked into the shul, he recalled the rabbi's speech from the previous Shabbat about Hashem answering a person's prayers by sending him the zechut he needs to get the yeshua he needs. Here, he had just asked Hashem for help, and right away, he got this phone call, and he completely ignored it. Right after Mincha, he called that person back and apologized to him, and once again asked him what he could do to help him. He had a number in mind that he was willing to give, and amazingly, the person said he was exactly that amount short on his rent, which was due the next day. The man immediately sent him the money electronically, and the person heaped upon him blessing after blessing. Normally, he would interrupt such a thing, but this time, he said he needed all the blessings he could get, and so he let them continue coming. He then asked this person why he chose to call him. The person said he was just scrolling on his phone, and randomly selected him. The man thanked him and said, “Nothing is random. Hashem sent you.” He felt so much better after he hung up the phone. The next morning, when he came into his office at 9.30, the problem was resolved. The company said they would take the merchandise. Hashem gives us opportunities for zechuyot , and He even gives us the chizuk we need to capitalize on those opportunities.
One of the great ploys of the evil inclination is to get a person to believe that Hashem is not interested in his service, especially when things aren't going the way the person wants, and he tries harder to do more mitzvot, but things still don't improve. Then the evil inclination tells him, why bother? Hashem is not accepting what you're doing anyway. If the person would only know how much Hashem values everything he has done already and continues to do, he would do it even better. If things don't improve when we improve, that just means the worth of our avodah becomes infinitely greater. When the evil inclination works overtime to get us to try and turn away from Hashem, that's when Hashem wants us the most. No matter what a person has done, Hashem always wants his avodah . So long as there's life, there's a way to improve. Hashem yearns even for the people who are completely estranged from Him. Every Jew is His precious child, and He can't wait to be close to us. Rabbi Elkarif from Israel told a story that was related by a tour guide in Italy, which recently took place. There was a group of Chasidim, traveling by bus on a highway in Italy that rarely has traffic. They intended to pray Mincha when they returned to their hotel, but unexpectedly, there was a big traffic jam on the highway. When they realized they wouldn't make it back in time for Mincha, they told the tour guide they wanted to pull over to a gas station so that they could pray there. The tour guide encouraged them to pray on the bus, being that in Italy there was a lot of anti-Semitism, and if people would see a large group of Jews all standing together at a gas station, who knows what would happen. The Chasidim were not worried. They insisted on pulling over so they could pray the right way. The guide directed the driver off the highway, and they all got off the bus, washed up, and were getting ready to start Mincha. All of a sudden, a huge motorcycle making loud, obnoxious noises pulled up right next to them, with a large man sporting a ponytail on it. He looked very scary. He lifted off his dark helmet, took one look at the Chasidic group, and then said, “Mincha?” They were shocked by his request, and they proceeded to pray together as a group. At the conclusion of Mincha, this biker said Kaddish, and then got back on his bike and was ready to go. One of the Chasidim approached him and asked him what his story was. The biker said he grew up in Jerusalem in a religious family, but he moved away and declined rapidly in his Torah and mitzvot. His father passed away a few years ago, and on his deathbed, he asked him to please say Kaddish for him. He mentioned that he always begged him to put on tefillin and keep Shabbat, but he never listened. Now he was imploring him to say Kaddish on his behalf. The biker told his father, “I eat non-kosher, and I use my mouth to speak inappropriately. This mouth will not be able to lift your soul with its Kaddish.” His father said, “No, the Kaddish will help,” and once again reiterated the importance of him saying it. The biker finally agreed. Every year, he made it a point to say Kaddish on the yahrtzeit . Then he said, “Today, I planned on traveling from my city in Italy where I live to Merce, 700 kilometers away. In the middle of the journey, I remembered it was my father's yahrtzeit , and it was not going to be possible to find any shuls in the small towns on the way. I turned to Hashem and said, “If my Kaddish has any value, and You want me to say it, please help me find a minyan.” I kept riding my bike, and as the sun was setting, I saw your group gathering at the gas station out of nowhere. My heart jumped. Hashem made it possible for me to say Kaddish today. He showed me that even my Kaddish is worth something.`` Hashem adores everything we do. There is never a time that He does not desire our avodah