Sunday, February 27, 2011

Rabbanim Datyim-Leumiyim Send Letter of Support

Rav Shlomo Aviner Shlit"a and a group of other Rabbonim sent a letter of support to former Israel president, Moshe Katzav.

Rav Aviner from Beit"el and the Rosh Yeshiva of Har Mor - Rav Tzvi Tau Shlita and others sent a public letter of support  stating that the “light of truth should shine etc.”

The above Rabbonim asked that the people treat the previous pPresident with reverance as before.

The Rabbonim themselves signed and wrote “As was is” followed by their signature.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Missing Money

Money raised towards the campaign to free the long time prisoner, Gad Shalit, lay't..is missing.

The thief who was caught and identified has a history of raising Money for causes and then skimming much of the money for himself.

He was imprisoned previously for 4 years.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

"Techiyas Hamaysim" According to the Mabit. The Toldos on Suffering.

A) In the Sefer "Bais Elokim" written by the Mabit he describes the process of "Techiyas Hamaysim".

He writes that people will come to life again in the order of the "Aleph Bais". Hence Adam Harishon will rise before Avrohom Aveinu and Aharon Hakohen before Moshe Rabbenu etc....

This of course will be done with every generation.

B) One who is pained over another Jew's suffering like it would be his own, will be exempt from "Yesurim". (Toldos Yaakov Yosef Parshas Noso).

GOOD SHABBOS!

Parashat Vayakhel

This week we are privileged to read the portion of Vayakhel. In this portion the Torah tells us how the Jews contributed generously, and constructed the Mishkan with all the details as described in the portion of Terumah and repeated again in this weeks portion.

As we discussed three weeks ago, when G-d commanded Moshe to have the Mishkan constructed he repeated several times the term, as you were shown on the mountain (Sinai). We discussed an explanation as to the significance of the fact, that he was shown on the mountain. This week I would like to share with you another explanation.

We know, that before receiving the Torah, the Jews were united - k'ish echod b'leiv echod - as one man with one heart. This was perhaps the main ingredient for being a nation worthy to receive the Torah. Perhaps, this is what Hashem was telling Moshe when the Mishkan would be constructed; when people will bring donations of gold, they are not to be treated better than the person who will bring wool or red thread. Everyone should be treated as one. The wealthy man did not get a tablet with his name and the poor man was not mistreated. Everyone was united, just like the time of Kabolas HaTorah. Without absolute unity there can be no G-dly presence.

This explains why this weeks portion begins with Vayakheil Moshe, Mosher gathered the entire Jewish nation the reason for the gathering was, because without unity the mishkan can't be constructed.

Another interesting observation perhap: we find in this weeks portion (Shmos 36/7) that the Jews brought donations and there was enough (dayom) and extra (v'hoseir). This seems to be a contradiction, if it was enough then there wasn't extra ? The commentaries (sichos tzadikim) explain this text. Had there been exactly enough, one could have thought that thanks to his contribution the mishkan was constructed, and without him nothing could happen. With such an attitude there would not be a chance for a G-dly presence. On the other hand, when people knew that there was extra they may think maybe they didn't really merit to have a part in the mishkan thereby being humble and equal to others. That's what the Torah says it was enough, the reason is, because there was extra. had there not been extra the mishkan could not exist only after there was extra was it enough. This is the way the large contributor along with the small contributor who gave his last property, were all equal. Everyone gave with their whole heart in unity.

New Activities to Curb Loshon Hora

A new organization to preserve the laws of Loshon Hora are adopting a campaign against the "So Called" Frum internet sites in Israel.

They met with 4 Roshei Yeshiva last week to ask them to push for sanctions against those sites. Visits are planned to more leading Rabbonim and Gedolim who will join this campaign.

The meeting was held in Ramot.

In the U.S. there has been similar activity headed by RCB of Lakewood.

The Gedolim of Eretz Yisroel and Chutz L'aretz have warned those who are running those web sites that it is in the category of  “Lo Yove Hashem Seloch Lo”!

We ask Bnei Torah: protect your Neshomo from these toxic sites...
Protect your life from the Klolos issued in the Torah!
Do not give your Neshomo over to the influence of UOJ , FM, DIE or RW.... Arba Avos Nezikin!
Remember! LO YOVE HASHEM SLOACH LO!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Almost Word for Word

The online Daily Forward.
Wed. Feb 23,11
Posted 12:41pm

Dozens of Rabbis from North America are protesting against the Israel's Interior Ministry after reports that converts  are being denied the right to immigrate to Israel because they received an ORTHODOX conversion.

The right to I

Former White House Chief of Staff

Former white house chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel defeated all 5 candidates in the mayoral race in Chicago. It will make him the first orthodox (modern) leader of this Windy city.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

One Jew dead in Earthquake in New Zealand

Amongst the 65 killed in the Earthquake in Christchurch, NZ, was at least one Jew from Eretz Yisroel who was touring.

The earthquake registered 6.2 on the richter scale.

A bus was also trapped under the rubble…

Baruch Dayan Emes!

Monday, February 21, 2011

The Geirus Problem

As the Eidah Hacharedis prepared to organize protests against the acceptance of conversions of the military which are absent of "Kabalat mitzvos", things have changed.

Meor Yisroel, Maran Harav Ovadia Yosef Shlita released a new statement where he states that a Geirus can only be valid if there is full Kabbalat Mitzvot.

This is in contrast to rumors that were circulated that he said otherwise.

Maran Harav A.L. Steinman Shlit"a was not prepared to be involved in a protest that was understood to be against Maran Harav Ovadia Shlit"a.

TENU KAVOD L'TORAH

The "Pnei Menachem" Zt"l

Chassedei Ger and others, commemorate the 15th Yartzeit of the previous Rebbe of Ger, Rav Pinchas Menachem Zt'l.

His mastery of Shas Bavli, Yerushalmy, Tosefta, Sifri, Sifra, Michilta and Arba Chelkei Shulchan Aruch was frightening. He was a throw back from previous Doros.

His heart was totally devoted to Klal Yisroel and for the 4 years that he was the 'Rebbe' he shouldered the burden of Klal Yisroel in a very personal way.

His Avodas Hashem that merged with his unusual Middos Tovos was extraordinary and inspirational.

He was Niftar on Motzei Purim and left over a family of great Gedolei Torah & Chassidus. His Seforim on Chumash & his recently printed Mamaorim have captured the hearts of many and is a true depiction of an elevated Neshoma.

YEHI ZICHRO BARUCH

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Viznitz (EY) and Kavod Hatorah

Hagaon Hatzadik Harav Yisroel Hager Shlit"a, made it clear that cell phone use is not acceptable in Viznitz. Bochurim who use cell phones will not be allowed into the Beis Medrash and will not have members of the Viznitz Yeshiva participate in their wedding.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Parshat Ki Tisa

This week we are privileged to read the portion of ki sisa. The portion begins with the mitzvah of giving a half shekel. Later we learn about the sanctity of Shabbos and further we learn about the tragic sin of the gloden calf. The Torah tells us how Moshe defended the Jewish nation befor G-d and begged for forgiveness.

We find that when Moshe asks Hashem for forgiveness he says (Shmos 32/31) please! This nation has committed a tremendous sin ... And now if You would but forgive their sin! But if not erase me now from your book.

This needs clarification. Moshe was defending the Jews, why then would he describe the greatness of the sin ? Also, what would erasing him from the book accomplish ?

The Dubno Magid explains this conversation with the following parable: a minister had a relative who was a well known thief. Every time he was caught he would run to his relative to beg mercy of the king and get pardoned for his crime. The pattern continued several times, until once he committed a tremendous robbery. The minister was stuck, how can he possibly defend this crime? He decided to come to the king and say "please fire me immediately"! why ?, The king will ask. You see my relative keeps stealing, relying that I will save him by defending him before the king. However, if I will be released from my position he may stop his criminal activity, as he will lose his advocate.

So too, Moshe came before Hashem and said this is a tremendous crime release me, and they won't commit any crimes as they will have no defender...

Chassidic masters write a slightly different explanation. When Moshe said ono choto hoam hazeh chato'oh gedolah (This nation has committed a tremendous sin). The word chet means a sin and also a "mistake". Moshe was saying that they committed a tremendous mistake, which is consider to be a crime only because of their greatness. As we know our sages teach us that Hashem judges tzadikim precisely even as a thin hair, meaning that the greater the person the greater the judgment. What may be considered a mistake to a simple man would be considered a sin to a righteous man.

Moshe was saying to Hashem that the Jews made a mistake, and the only reason that they're being judge so harshly is because they are great people. So what appears to be offensive is now being used as the defense.

May we merit to always do the right thing, yet be able to defend other's wrongdoing.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

From our Gedolim Zt"l

Rav Akiva Eiger Zt"l, would go to the Mikva everyday even if it meant chopping thru Ice.

New Sefer - Imrei Baruch

Recently published "Imrei Baruch" from Harav Baruch Simon Shlit"a is a most popular Sefer.

This Sefer of 4 Volumes on Chumash is written with the flavor of "Lumdus" that is quite attractive.

Rabbi Simon, a graduate of Yeshivas Rabbenu Yitzchok Elchonon (YU) is a Magid Shiur in the Yeshiva.

The Haskomos are from his Rabbeim, Rabbi H. Schechter and Rabbi Willig Shlit"a.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

The Eldest Rosh Yeshiva Visits London

This week Hagaon Harav Koppelman Shlit"a, flew to manchester where he will spend Shabbos. After Shabbos the Zkan Rosh Hayehivos will be travelling on to London.

A Rosh Yeshiva over the age of one hundred is rare to see. Hagaon Harav Koppelman Shlit"a was a Talmid of Maran Hagaon Harav Shimon Shkop Zt"l.

"Ad Meah V'esrim"!!!!!!!

Simcha in Bnei Brak

Rosh yeshivas Chug Chasam Sofer, Hagaon Harav Shmuel E. Stern Shlit"a is marrying off his first grandchild.

The Kallah who is the daughter of Harav Yom Tov Stern Shlit"a, one of the members of the organization “Tiferes Bais Yisroel” formerly known as EJF or Netzach Mishpachas Yisroel is getting married this thursday, be"h.

The grandfather is a well known Moreh Horoa in Bnei Brak and a member of the Bais Din of Maran Harav Wosner Shlit"a.

Mazal Tov!!!!

New Translation of Tehilim

For the first time the Sefer Tehilim has been translated with the commentary of Rashi. It is a Russian Translation.

This obviously makes Sefer Tehilim more useful to many as a sefer to learn.

The Chief Rabbi of Russia, Harav Lazar Shlit"a was very involved in this great project together with other Talmeidei Chachomim.

Friday, February 4, 2011

A True Simcha

The Chasuna of the son of Hagaon Rav Elya Ber Wachtfogel shlit"a brought many Talmedei Chachamim and Roshei Yeshiva together.

The Chasuna took place in lakewood this past Wednesday nite.

Paticipating in this Chasuna were all the Lakewood Roshei Yeshiva Shlit"a, Hagaon Harav Yitzchok Sorotzkin, Hagaon Harav Ausband and Hagaon Harav Meir Hershkowitz Shlit"a.

The Rosh Yeshiva Harav Elya Ber Shlit"a, came back to South Fallsburg after the Chasuna to deliver his daily Shiur.

....A True Kovod Hatorah!

The Rosh Yeshiva will be returning to Lakewood for Shabbos Sheva Berachos.

Parashat Teruma

This week we are privileged to be reading the portion of Terumah. This portion begins with G-d's command to Moshe to tell the Jews to take contributions from everyone whose "heart motivates him"...

The Jews were to contribute 13 different items for the Mishkan, a dwelling for G-d. In the Mishkan, there would be a constant feeling of G-d's Presence.

All the articles of the Mishkan, the Aron (ark), Shulchan (table), Menorah, Mizbeiach (altar) and so on,  needed to be built with exact measurements and specifications, as the Torah describes.

In Shmos 26/30 Hashem tell Moshe "you shall erect the mishkan according to its manner, as you have been shown on the mountain (sinai). The Torah repeats several times similar phrases regarding articles of the mishkan that it should be made as you were shown on the mountain.

We need to understand, what is this referring to ? What's the reference to the mountain ?

To understand this, perhaps we can benefit from an explanation given regarding Kabolas Hatorah. The medrash teaches us, that G-d approached all the nations, whether they would like to accept the Torah. Upon their question, as to what is written in the Torah ? G-d replied to each nation just that which was against his nature thou shall not steal, thou shall not kill etc..... Naturally they were not willing to accept something which would require a lot of work (breaking their nature). The nations might however argue, that had G-d put the Jews in same situation they may have refused as well. This is why G-d gave the mitzvah of hagbeil. The Jews were commanded to create a boarder around Mount Sinai, Moshe and Aharon go up and the rest of the nation must be restricted to an exact area not  even centimeter closer than allowed. The nature of being fenced in and LIMITED, this is not characteristic for a Jew. However when they were commanded to do so they accepted with pleasure to do G-d's will.

Similarly, when it comes to the mishkan, one might think I'll build a couple of meters bigger, what would be so terrible ? That's why G-d told Moshe "as you were shown at the mountain", to say that when G-d commands limitations, we accept it precisely according to His will. Just as we did at Mount Sinai, so too at the Mishkan, when limitation is required, we accept it despite our possible desire to build bigger.

In conclusion what we learn from this is that sometimes being limited may bring about unlimited opportunities. But we must remember that this is only applicable when G-d requires that of us.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

New Sefer Grabs Attention of English Speaking Torah Community in The U.S.

The newly translated Sefer "Chovas Hatalmidim" written by the great Piaseczna Rebbe hy"d has become a great source of inspiration amongst the english speaking Torah community.

Published by Feldheim, this Sefer  has the original Loshon Kodesh side by side with the english translation.

This new Sefer gives the Rebbe's unparalleled chizuk a voice in our "Dor".

The Piaseczna Rebbe zt"l is a descendant of the Rebbe of Koshnitz zt"l.

The Rebbe inspired the broken souls in the ghettos during the Churban of Europe.

He was killed by the Nazis ym"sh on the fourth day of Cheshvon 5704 in a camp near Lublin.

The Rebbe hy"d often quoted his father the Imrei Elimelech zt"l who wrote “One who sacrifices himself for another Jewish soul is greater than one who gives his life for Hashem”.