Hi,
"'And you shall take for yourself on the first day [Vayikra 23:40]' – To atone for the first deed [of Adam and Eve]."
(Midrash cited by R' Yonatan Eibeschutz in Nefesh Yehonatan to Parshat Emor)
Have a great Yom Tov,
Mordechai
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Divine Judgment for future [and past?] wrongs
Hi,
"A person is judged only based on his deeds of that moment, as it is written, ‘Gd has heard the voice of the youth, as he is there.’"
(Talmud, Rosh haShanah 16b)
Pitka tava,
Mordechai
"A person is judged only based on his deeds of that moment, as it is written, ‘Gd has heard the voice of the youth, as he is there.’"
(Talmud, Rosh haShanah 16b)
Pitka tava,
Mordechai
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Thought-based repentance
Hi,
"There is repentance which occurs via the heart's thoughts, and through this one is considered in the category of the righteous.
"A second type of repentance is the essential repentance, active repentance, with fasting and crying and admission and regret and tzedakah and prayer.
"Thought-based repentance comes from Gd, for the yetzer hara goads a person at all times and Gd aids him, putting thoughts of repentance in his heart. This helps the person, for via the thought-based repentance which Gd provides, he will have the strength to overpower the yetzer hara."
(R' Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, Ben Ish Chayil I, Derashah for Shabbat Shuvah 1)
Pitka tava,
Mordechai
"There is repentance which occurs via the heart's thoughts, and through this one is considered in the category of the righteous.
"A second type of repentance is the essential repentance, active repentance, with fasting and crying and admission and regret and tzedakah and prayer.
"Thought-based repentance comes from Gd, for the yetzer hara goads a person at all times and Gd aids him, putting thoughts of repentance in his heart. This helps the person, for via the thought-based repentance which Gd provides, he will have the strength to overpower the yetzer hara."
(R' Yosef Chaim of Baghdad, Ben Ish Chayil I, Derashah for Shabbat Shuvah 1)
Pitka tava,
Mordechai
Monday, September 24, 2012
The eye of a needle
Hi,
"Rabbi Yosi said: Gd said to Israel, 'My children! Open one entrance of repentance for me, like a needle's eye, and I will open entrances suited to wagons and caravans for you.'"
(Midrash, Shir haShirim Rabbah 5:2)
Gmar tov,
Mordechai
"Rabbi Yosi said: Gd said to Israel, 'My children! Open one entrance of repentance for me, like a needle's eye, and I will open entrances suited to wagons and caravans for you.'"
(Midrash, Shir haShirim Rabbah 5:2)
Gmar tov,
Mordechai
Sunday, September 23, 2012
The righteousness of Abba Chilkiyah's wife
Hi,
"[They asked Abba Chilkiyah, after he and his wife prayed for rain, and the rain came:] Why did the rainclouds come from your wife's corner, instead of from your corner?
"[He replied:] Because my wife is found at home and she gives bread to the needy, so that the benefit is immediate; I give money, and the benefit is not immediate. Alternatively, because of zealots who were in our neighbourhood; I prayed that they die and she prayed that they repent. [And they repented.]"
(Talmud, Taanit 23b)
Gmar tov,
Mordechai
"[They asked Abba Chilkiyah, after he and his wife prayed for rain, and the rain came:] Why did the rainclouds come from your wife's corner, instead of from your corner?
"[He replied:] Because my wife is found at home and she gives bread to the needy, so that the benefit is immediate; I give money, and the benefit is not immediate. Alternatively, because of zealots who were in our neighbourhood; I prayed that they die and she prayed that they repent. [And they repented.]"
(Talmud, Taanit 23b)
Gmar tov,
Mordechai
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Who goes first?
Hi,
"The Jews said before Gd: Master of the universe, it is up to You, restore us!
"He replied: It is up to you, as Malachi 3:7 says, 'Return to Me and I will return to you, this is the word of Gd.'
"The Jews said before Him: Master of the Universe, it is for You, as it is written, 'Bring us back, Gd of our salvation!' And so Eichah 5:21 says, 'Restore us to Yourself, Gd, and we will return.'"
(Midrash, Eichah Rabbah 5:21)
Gmar tov,
Mordechai
"The Jews said before Gd: Master of the universe, it is up to You, restore us!
"He replied: It is up to you, as Malachi 3:7 says, 'Return to Me and I will return to you, this is the word of Gd.'
"The Jews said before Him: Master of the Universe, it is for You, as it is written, 'Bring us back, Gd of our salvation!' And so Eichah 5:21 says, 'Restore us to Yourself, Gd, and we will return.'"
(Midrash, Eichah Rabbah 5:21)
Gmar tov,
Mordechai
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Whose children are we?
Hi,
"Rabbi Shemuel bar Nachmeni cited Rabbi Yonatan: What is the meaning of, ‘You are our father, for we do not know Avraham and Yisrael does not recognize us, You are HaShem our Father, Your Name was always, ‘Our Redeemer?’
"HaShem will say to Avraham, ‘Your children have sinned to Me.’ He will say, ‘Master of the Universe, they should be destroyed for the sanctity of Your Name!’
"HaShem will say, ‘I will tell Yaakov, who had the pain of raising children and who may daven for mercy upon them.’
"HaShem will say to Yaakov, ‘Your children have sinned to Me.’ He will say, ‘Master of the Universe, they should be destroyed for the sanctity of Your Name!’
"HaShem will say, ‘Logic is not with the elderly, and counsel is not with the children.’ HaShem will say to Yitzchak, ‘Your children have sinned to Me.’
"Yitzchak will say: Master of the Universe! Are they my children and not Yours?..."
(Talmud, Shabbat 89b)
Gmar tov,
Mordechai
"Rabbi Shemuel bar Nachmeni cited Rabbi Yonatan: What is the meaning of, ‘You are our father, for we do not know Avraham and Yisrael does not recognize us, You are HaShem our Father, Your Name was always, ‘Our Redeemer?’
"HaShem will say to Avraham, ‘Your children have sinned to Me.’ He will say, ‘Master of the Universe, they should be destroyed for the sanctity of Your Name!’
"HaShem will say, ‘I will tell Yaakov, who had the pain of raising children and who may daven for mercy upon them.’
"HaShem will say to Yaakov, ‘Your children have sinned to Me.’ He will say, ‘Master of the Universe, they should be destroyed for the sanctity of Your Name!’
"HaShem will say, ‘Logic is not with the elderly, and counsel is not with the children.’ HaShem will say to Yitzchak, ‘Your children have sinned to Me.’
"Yitzchak will say: Master of the Universe! Are they my children and not Yours?..."
(Talmud, Shabbat 89b)
Gmar tov,
Mordechai
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Forgiveness for all
Hi,
"When Moshe ascended to Heaven, he found HaShem sitting and writing, ‘Long in patience.’ He said, ‘Master of the Universe, ‘long in patience’ for tzaddikim?’ HaShem replied, ‘Even for reshaim.’ Moshe declared, ‘Wicked people should be destroyed!’ HaShem said, ‘Now you will see what you will need.’
"When the Jews sinned, HaShem said: Didn’t you say to Me, ‘long in patience’ for tzaddikim?
"Moshe said: Master of the Universe, did You not say to me, ‘even for reshaim?’
And this is the meaning of [Moshe’s words], ‘And now may the strength of HaShem be elevated, as You have spoken, saying…’"
(Talmud, Sanhedrin 111a-b)
גמר טוב,
Mordechai
"When Moshe ascended to Heaven, he found HaShem sitting and writing, ‘Long in patience.’ He said, ‘Master of the Universe, ‘long in patience’ for tzaddikim?’ HaShem replied, ‘Even for reshaim.’ Moshe declared, ‘Wicked people should be destroyed!’ HaShem said, ‘Now you will see what you will need.’
"When the Jews sinned, HaShem said: Didn’t you say to Me, ‘long in patience’ for tzaddikim?
"Moshe said: Master of the Universe, did You not say to me, ‘even for reshaim?’
And this is the meaning of [Moshe’s words], ‘And now may the strength of HaShem be elevated, as You have spoken, saying…’"
(Talmud, Sanhedrin 111a-b)
גמר טוב,
Mordechai
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
The Fast of Gedalyah
Hi,
We fast on the day after Rosh haShanah; this is called "Tzom Gedalyah," "The Fast of Gedalyah."
The Meaning of the Fast: After the Babylonians destroyed the Temple, they appointed Gedalyah as governor of Israel's Jews. A group of Jews, supported by another nation, wanted the Jews to rebel against the Babylonians, and they accused Gedalyah of sympathizing with the Babylonians. They ambushed him and killed him, and in the aftermath, the remaining Jewish community in Israel went into exile.
This day is commemorated as a public fast from first light to the emergence of the stars.
Have an easy and meaningful fast,
Mordechai
We fast on the day after Rosh haShanah; this is called "Tzom Gedalyah," "The Fast of Gedalyah."
The Meaning of the Fast: After the Babylonians destroyed the Temple, they appointed Gedalyah as governor of Israel's Jews. A group of Jews, supported by another nation, wanted the Jews to rebel against the Babylonians, and they accused Gedalyah of sympathizing with the Babylonians. They ambushed him and killed him, and in the aftermath, the remaining Jewish community in Israel went into exile.
This day is commemorated as a public fast from first light to the emergence of the stars.
Have an easy and meaningful fast,
Mordechai
Friday, September 14, 2012
Forgiveness for King Menasheh and for us
Hi,
"[When King Menasheh decided to repent,] the ministering malachim sealed the openings, lest Menasheh's prayer ascend before Gd. The ministering malachim said before Gd: Master of the Universe! Will You accept the repentance of a man who worshipped idols and set up an idol in the Sanctuary?!
"He replied: If I would not accept his repentance, I would lock the door before all who repented!
"What did Gd do? He tunneled beneath His throne of honour and heard his prayer."
(Talmud Yerushalmi, Sanhedrin 10:2)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"[When King Menasheh decided to repent,] the ministering malachim sealed the openings, lest Menasheh's prayer ascend before Gd. The ministering malachim said before Gd: Master of the Universe! Will You accept the repentance of a man who worshipped idols and set up an idol in the Sanctuary?!
"He replied: If I would not accept his repentance, I would lock the door before all who repented!
"What did Gd do? He tunneled beneath His throne of honour and heard his prayer."
(Talmud Yerushalmi, Sanhedrin 10:2)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Stealing from a thief
Hi,
"One who steals [his own property back] from a thief still tastes the taste of theft."
(Talmud, Berachot 5b)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"One who steals [his own property back] from a thief still tastes the taste of theft."
(Talmud, Berachot 5b)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Cleanliness and Safety, traits of the Torah scholar
Hi,
"What are the characteristics of a Torah scholar's dining table?
"Two-thirds of the surface is covered with a cloth, and one-third is uncovered [on which one places serving dishes which might otherwise dirty the tablecloth], and it holds dishes and greens.
"The protruding ring is pointed inward. [The ring was a pointed attachment which was used to hang up the table when not in use; the same advice would apply to any protruding part, to avoid harming those who pass by the table.]
"But we have learned that one should let the ring point outward [to protect the diners from the protrusion]!
"Some explain that this is only where there are no children around. Others explain that this is only where there is no servant around. Others explain that this is only during the day [so that the ring is visible and therefore less dangerous]."
(Talmud, Bava Batra 57b)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"What are the characteristics of a Torah scholar's dining table?
"Two-thirds of the surface is covered with a cloth, and one-third is uncovered [on which one places serving dishes which might otherwise dirty the tablecloth], and it holds dishes and greens.
"The protruding ring is pointed inward. [The ring was a pointed attachment which was used to hang up the table when not in use; the same advice would apply to any protruding part, to avoid harming those who pass by the table.]
"But we have learned that one should let the ring point outward [to protect the diners from the protrusion]!
"Some explain that this is only where there are no children around. Others explain that this is only where there is no servant around. Others explain that this is only during the day [so that the ring is visible and therefore less dangerous]."
(Talmud, Bava Batra 57b)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Monday, September 10, 2012
The power of a response to Kaddish
Hi,
"When the Jews enter their synagogues and study halls and respond [to Kaddish], 'Amen, May His great Name be blessed eternally,' Gd nods His head and says, 'Fortunate is the King who is praised this in His house; woe to the King who exiled His children; woe to the children who have been exiled from their Father's table!'"
(Talmud, Berachot 3a)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"When the Jews enter their synagogues and study halls and respond [to Kaddish], 'Amen, May His great Name be blessed eternally,' Gd nods His head and says, 'Fortunate is the King who is praised this in His house; woe to the King who exiled His children; woe to the children who have been exiled from their Father's table!'"
(Talmud, Berachot 3a)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Setting the table to honour Shabbat
Hi,
"A person ought to set the table before Shabbat even if he will only eat a minimal amount, and a person ought to set the table after Shabbat even if he will only eat a minimal amount, to honour the Shabbat at its entry and its exit.
"One should prepare his house while it is still day before Shabbat, to honour Shabbat. The light should be lit, the table should be set for the meal, and the bed should be arranged; all of this is part of honouring Shabbat."
(Maimonides, Laws of Shabbat 30:4)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"A person ought to set the table before Shabbat even if he will only eat a minimal amount, and a person ought to set the table after Shabbat even if he will only eat a minimal amount, to honour the Shabbat at its entry and its exit.
"One should prepare his house while it is still day before Shabbat, to honour Shabbat. The light should be lit, the table should be set for the meal, and the bed should be arranged; all of this is part of honouring Shabbat."
(Maimonides, Laws of Shabbat 30:4)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Apology, 2012 edition
Hi,
Each year I send an apology note to this email list before Rosh HaShanah, in case I wrote anything hurtful or offensive in the previous year. This year is no exception; I know that people's sensitivities are varied, but I am not always as careful as I could be.
If there was anything at all, please do let me know. I can grow by learning from my mistakes.
May we all be inscribed and sealed for a great new year,
Mordechai
Each year I send an apology note to this email list before Rosh HaShanah, in case I wrote anything hurtful or offensive in the previous year. This year is no exception; I know that people's sensitivities are varied, but I am not always as careful as I could be.
If there was anything at all, please do let me know. I can grow by learning from my mistakes.
May we all be inscribed and sealed for a great new year,
Mordechai
Saying Shema at the dawn
Hi,
The Talmud begins (Berachot 2a): "What is the earliest time one may recite 'Shema' [which is the Torah's digest of Jewish belief] in the evenings [to fulfill the mitzvah of reciting Shema at night]?"
Soon after, the Talmud asks, "What is the earliest time one may recite 'Shema' in the mornings [to fulfill the mitzvah of reciting Shema in the morning]?"
At the 11th celebration of the Daf Yomi completion of the Talmud, Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman noted: One who says Shema at night, in times of trouble, will merit to say Shema at the dawn as well."
Have a great day,
Mordechai
The Talmud begins (Berachot 2a): "What is the earliest time one may recite 'Shema' [which is the Torah's digest of Jewish belief] in the evenings [to fulfill the mitzvah of reciting Shema at night]?"
Soon after, the Talmud asks, "What is the earliest time one may recite 'Shema' in the mornings [to fulfill the mitzvah of reciting Shema in the morning]?"
At the 11th celebration of the Daf Yomi completion of the Talmud, Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman noted: One who says Shema at night, in times of trouble, will merit to say Shema at the dawn as well."
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Thursday, September 6, 2012
The merit of burial
Hi,
"Yosef acquired merit by involving himself with burial of his father, and so the one to involve himself with Yosef's burial was none other than our master Moshe."
(Tosefta Sotah 4:7)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"Yosef acquired merit by involving himself with burial of his father, and so the one to involve himself with Yosef's burial was none other than our master Moshe."
(Tosefta Sotah 4:7)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Study halachah!
Hi,
"It was taught in the yeshiva of Eliyahu: One who learns laws every day will be promised a share in the next world."
(Talmud, Niddah 73a)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"It was taught in the yeshiva of Eliyahu: One who learns laws every day will be promised a share in the next world."
(Talmud, Niddah 73a)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Four worthy endeavors
Hi,
"There are four endeavors which bring a person fruit in this world, while the essential reward is held over for the next world. Three are:
Honoring one's parents,
Performing acts of kindness,
Bringing peace between people.
Studying Torah is parallel to all of these."
(Avot deRabbi Natan 40:1)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"There are four endeavors which bring a person fruit in this world, while the essential reward is held over for the next world. Three are:
Honoring one's parents,
Performing acts of kindness,
Bringing peace between people.
Studying Torah is parallel to all of these."
(Avot deRabbi Natan 40:1)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Monday, September 3, 2012
A Divine will to punish
Hi,
"There seems to be a contradiction between verses-
"One verse says, 'For I do not desire the death of a condemned person (Ezekiel 18),' but another verse says, 'For Gd desires to kill them (Samuel I 2)!'
"There is no contradiction - if the condemned person repents then Gd does not wish him to be punished. If he does not repent, then Gd does wish that person punished."
(Talmud, Niddah 70b)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"There seems to be a contradiction between verses-
"One verse says, 'For I do not desire the death of a condemned person (Ezekiel 18),' but another verse says, 'For Gd desires to kill them (Samuel I 2)!'
"There is no contradiction - if the condemned person repents then Gd does not wish him to be punished. If he does not repent, then Gd does wish that person punished."
(Talmud, Niddah 70b)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Atonement requires action
Hi,
"We have never found atonement possible without an associated action."
(Talmud, Sanhedrin 4a)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"We have never found atonement possible without an associated action."
(Talmud, Sanhedrin 4a)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Sensitivity to the community's needs
Hi,
"When R' Akiva prayed with the community, he would shorten the time he used for the amidah and end it, so as not to strain the community [who waited for him to finish before proceeding]."
(Talmud, Berachot 31a)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
"When R' Akiva prayed with the community, he would shorten the time he used for the amidah and end it, so as not to strain the community [who waited for him to finish before proceeding]."
(Talmud, Berachot 31a)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
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