Thursday, May 31, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] HaRav Yisroel Belsky Shlita Released From Hospital

Bichasdei Hashem –HaRav Yisroel Belsky Shlita Released From Hospital (Thursday, May 31st, 2012) Bichasdei Hashem, HaRav Yisroel Belsky Shlita returned to his home on Thursday afternoon – after nearly three months of being hospitalized. As was reported by YWN, Rabbi Belsky, who is the Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Vodaath in Flatbush, and one of the major Poskim in America, was rushed to the hospital by Hatzolah in mid February, after first suffering from a ruptured esophagus, and a collapsed lung. He also went into cardiac arrest while in the hospital, and underwent numerous procedures. He was released from care on Thursday afternoon, and greeted outside his home by a large crowd of Talmidim who broke into singing and dancing. Rabbi Belsky spoke from a few moments to the crowd as well. Please continue to be Mispallel for Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirel. for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am yisrael.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

CCHF Request for tehillim

Please continue to say tehillim for Sima bas Toiba Golda - who is in critical condition Please say tehillim for Amitai Yaakov ben Bracha – who has leukemia Please say tehillim for Chana bas Bracha – diagnosed with multiple myeloma Please continue to say tehillim for Yehudit Malka bas Rivka Perl Please continue to say tehillim for Yisrael Refael ben Sarah Nesha, suffering from cancer Please continue saying tehillim for Devora Chiyena bas Eliyitta, a mother of five, with stage 4 cancer Please continue to say tehillim for Gittel bas Devorah Sora – still recovering from bone marrow transplant Boruch Dayan HaEmes – Chana Sara bas Shaina was niftar

LIPA NEW CD Leap of Faith (Emunah) IS AT KESHER STAM

PRINT DISCOUNT HERE

Nachum Segal Hosts LIPA Schmeltzer Live at JM in the AM to Celebrate ''Leap of Faith,'' LIPA's Amazing New CD

Nachum & LIPA played and discussed the new CD then invited the listeners to join the conversation. It was an historic morning on JM in the AM today when Nachum Segal welcomed the incomparable LIPA Schmeltzer to the studio for a major celebration in honor of LIPA's new CD "Leap of Faith." Nachum and LIPA discussed and played several selections from the CD and spoke about several other pressing issues as well. Nachum then opened the phone lines so the listeners could join the conversation as well. Click the link to listen.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven for Rachmastrivke Rebbe

Please daven for the Rachmastrivke Rebbe of America, Chai Yitzchok ben Esther Rivka, who is currently undergoing a medical procedure at a Manhattan hospital to remove a growth in the Rebbe’s stomach.

YWN [chicago-aneinu]Baruch Rofeh Cholim – Shomrei Emunim Rebbe Shlita [UPDATED 13:02 IL - 06:02 ET]

While the report from Bikur Cholim Hospital on Monday night was somewhat comforting, the Shomrei Emunim Rebbe Shlita was still connected to a respirator and listed in critical condition following cardiac arrest and a cardiac catheterization procedure. On Tuesday morning, 8 Sivan 5772, reports signal a marked improvement, miraculous if you will. The rebbe opened his eyes in a Bikur Cholim Hospital intensive care unit and signaled his gabbai to wash his hands. It appears he was extubated and breathing spontaneously since the report states the rebbe recited birkas hatorah and was assisted in putting on tefillin. A Kikar Shabbat report quotes Ichud Hatzalah’s Ze’ev Kakash as confirming the report based on a conversation he had with a family member of the rebbe, not first hand information. Advertise On YWN » Hospital Medical Director Dr. Pollack is quoted as saying he was in the rebbe’s room and the rebbe was shaking his hand to thank him for the treatment. Dr. Pollack calls the rebbe’s response to treatment “supernatural”, adding the handshake was not a weak one as one might expect. 13:02: Less than 24 hours after going into cardiac arrest the 88-year-old admor opened his eyes and recited brochos and with assistance, put on tefillin. Doctors in Bikur Cholim Hospital are calling the events “a miracle”. The tzibur is urged to continue reciting tefilos for the rebbe’s total and rapid recovery. Tefilos for the rebbe are continuing around Eretz Yisrael including at the Kosel, as well as around the world. The tzibur is urged to be mispallel for Rav Avrohom Chaim ben Sima b’soch kol cholei am yisrael. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Friday, May 25, 2012

Thursday, May 24, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Don't Miss This! A Truly Memorable Experience!

IF YOU WERE WONDERING WERE THE 12TH SIYUM HASHAS IS GOING TO BE IN CHICAGO LIKE ME NOW WE HAVE ANSWER THE AKOO THEATRE FORMALLY THE ROSEMONT THEATRE

CCHF Request for tehillim

Please say tehillim for Sima bas Toiba Golda - who was recently hospitalized Please say tehillim for Amitai Yaakov ben Bracha – who has leukemia Please say tehillim for Chana bas Bracha – diagnosed with multiple myeloma Please say tehillim for Heni Sara bas Shaina – with kidney failure Please say tehillim for Yehudit Malka bas Rivka Perl Please continue to say tehillim for Yisrael Refael ben Sarah Nesha, suffering from cancer Please continue saying tehillim for Devora Chiyena bas Eliyitta, a mother of five, with stage 4 cancer Please continue to say tehillim for Gittel bas Devorah Sora – still recovering from bone marrow transplant Boruch Dayan HaEmes – Yosef Meir ben Miriam Henya – the boy hit with bat was niftar

[chicago-aneinu] Tefillos Needed

Please daven for the nephew of an Aneinu member, Daneal Aharon ben Ryna Ettel, son of Chicagoans, who is hospitalized with a severe case of E coli.

JI Aaron Razel With A Hit For Yeshivot “Kavati Et Moshavi BeBeit Hamidrash

Lag Baomer Unity Concert with Lipa in Beverly Hills TONIGHT: MIAMI & FRIED WATCH IT LIVE’ EVENT-NOW AVAILABLE FOR NJ TOO! Nachum Segal Discusses an Historic Chol Hamoed Concert with Yerachmiel Begun on JM In The AM Aaron Razel With A Hit For Yeshivot “Kavati Et Moshavi BeBeit Hamidrash” “7 years ago,” recalls Razel, “I was on a shlichus with my family in India. My brother Rabbi Yehuda, was giving a Daf Yomi shiur when they starting new rotation for Shas and I joined in”. “In two months I will hopefully finish Shas”. Thus began the connection of Aaron Razel Torah, a Jewish music artists who was known for what used to be mistakenly called “alternative music”. The long journey of Aaron Razel into the beit medrash affects the work and daily routine of Aaron and has profound implications with regard to the atmosphere that makes the study of Torah laboriously. Each and every morning, he headed to engage in Torah study. The musical work that continues to arise from great animation, something he sees the existence of purpose and an essential part of his life, expressed only in the second half of the day by simchos and celebrations. “Torah study has changed my life,” says Razel. “The new album reflects a process I go through, some call it “ישיביש’יות מאוחרת” and is crisp and clear and has a motive, love of Torah”. “aybe they expelled me from Gush Katif, but from the Beit Midrash is impossible”. Half an album is already recorded, and the rest he will finish up in the coming days. Aaron says that the new singles are a direct result of what happens in real life. The first single from the new path, is already seeping in and envelops the soul spiritual values. Production has been invested, much that is written with care and sound moves a powerful sense of real yearning to learn Torah occupying her audiences. The message, climbing from the heart and establishes his place at the top above all the daily thoughts …

YWN Reality Check – Update on R’ Elyashiv’s Condition

The following update is provided by Dr. Eli Susheim in an interview he granted to Kaf HaChashifut regarding the condition of Maran Posek HaDor HaGaon HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv Shlita. In recent updates regarding the status of R’ Elyashiv, reports spoke of the gadol hador davening with a minyan on Shabbos, wearing a shtreimel and sitting in a lounge chair. According to Dr. Susheim, these reports are baseless unfortunately and simply inaccurate. Dr. Susheim was asked to give a report on the gadol hador’s condition and if it is within the realm of reality to contemplate transferring the posek to his home. An Overview of the Interview … There is no improvement in the rav’s condition. It is out of the question. The rav cannot be transferred to his home and it is not possible to transfer all the medical equipment that would be necessary for such a move. The rav must remain in the Shaare Zedek Medical Center intensive care unit where is has been during recent weeks and months. Q: We are told the rav’s condition has improved and he has even begun to speak There is absolutely no basis for these reports. I have not merited seeing any special improvement. The fact that his condition remains stable, respirations, blood pressure, pulse and blood oxygenation are relatively stable due to the ongoing efforts by the hospital and this is good in its own right but to speak of a ‘significant improvement’ is far far off. One must realize the rav is still on a respirator and usually completely anesthetized, non-responsive but there are hand movements, he opens his eyes but I haven’t merited hearing anything verbal communications during my visits. We yearn and if only it were so, a drastic improvement, but this is not the case. I have not seen any such change. I was bothered to hear these reports when I know with absolute certainty that the reports are a far cry from reality and the facts concerning his case. This has been the situation not for weeks or days, but for over two months, and we must realize his kidneys have ceased to function and the rav has dialysis three times weekly to cleanse his bloodstream of impurities. Regarding his condition I would say that there is life, existence, but still requiring the full support of the medical staff which demands the intensive care unit environment. There is no logic to speaking about bringing him home. This is simply unrealistic. He needs the ICU. This is simply not a possibility. Q: Is the rav aware of his surroundings and the comings and goings around him? I see him open his eyes but have not heard him speak or hear any verbal communication. It is possible that we would like to believe there is a level of internal awareness but this is not being manifest externally in the form of verbal communication or any other means signaling a conscious awareness. Dr. Susheim emphasizes the need to continue tefilos for the posek hador, HaRav Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha b’soch kol cholei am yisrael. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Spiritual Guide to the Omer TUESDAY NIGHT /WENSDAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tzir THURSDAY NIil - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)Day Four of Week 7: Netzach of Malchut 46th Day of the Omer A person's dignity and a leader's success is tested by his endurance level. Will and determination reflect the power and majesty of the human spirit. The strength of one's sovereignty. How determined am I in reaching my goals? How strong is my conviction to fight for a dignified cause? How confident am I in myself? Is my lack of endurance a result of my low self-esteem? Do I mask my insecurities by finding other excuses for my low endurance level? Exercise for the day: Act on something that you believe in but have until now been tentative about. Take the leap and just do it!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven

BS"D Please daven for Minka Rochel bas Shayna Hinda .

Spiritual Guide to the Omer MONDAY NIGHT/TUESDAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tzir THURSDAY NIil - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)Day Three of Week 7: Tiferet of Malchut 45th Day of the Omer Examine the compassion of sovereignty. A good leader is a compassionate one. Is my compassion compromised because of my authority? Do I realize that an integral part of dignity is compassion? Tiferet - harmony - is critical for successful leadership. Do I manage a smooth-running operation? Am I organized? Do I give clear instructions to my subordinates? Do I have difficulty delegating power? Does my organization work as a team? Do we have frequent staff meetings to coordinate our goals and efforts? Exercise for the day: Review an area where you wield authority and see if you can polish it up and increase its effectiveness by curtailing excesses and consolidating forces.

Spiritual Guide to the Omer SUNDAY NIGHT/MONDAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tzir THURSDAY NIil - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)Day Two of Week 7: Gevurah of Malchut 44th Day of the Omer Examine the discipline of your sovereignty and leadership. Although sovereignty is loving, it needs to be balanced with discipline. Effective leadership is built on authority and discipline. There is another factor in the discipline of sovereignty: determining the area in which you have jurisdiction and authority. Do I recognize when I am not an authority? Do I exercise authority in unwarranted situations? Am I aware of my limitations as well as my strengths? Do I respect the authority of others? Dignity also needs discipline. A dignified person needs to have a degree of reserve. Exercise for the day: Before taking an authoritative position on any given issue, pause and reflect if you have the right and the ability to exercise authority in this situation.

Spiritual Guide to the Omer MOTZI SHABBOS/SUNDAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tzir THURSDAY NIil - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)Day One of Week 7: Chesed of Malchut 43rd Day of the Omer Week Seven - Malchut Sovereignty - the last of the seven attributes - is different than the previous six. It is a state of being rather than an activity. Leadership is a passive expression of human dignity which has nothing of its own except that which it receives from the other six emotions. On the other hand, malchut manifests and actualizes the character and majesty of the human spirit. It is the very fiber of what makes us human. When love, discipline, compassion, endurance and humility are properly channeled into the psyche through bonding - the result is malchut. Bonding nurtures us and allows our sovereignty to surface and flourish. Malchut is a sense of belonging. Knowing that you matter and that you make a difference. That you have the ability to be a proficient leader in your own right. It gives you independence and confidence. A feeling of certainty and authority. When a mother lovingly cradles her child in her hands and the child's eyes meet the mother's affectionate eyes, the child receives the message that I am wanted and needed in this world. I have a comfortable place where I will always be loved. I have nothing to fear. I feel like a king in my heart. This is malchut, kingship.

Spiritual Guide to the Omer FRIDAY NIGHT/SHABBOS

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tzir THURSDAY NIil - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)Day Seven of Week 6: Malchut of Yesod 42nd Day of the Omer Bonding must enhance a person's sovereignty. It should nurture and strengthen your own dignity and the dignity of the one you bond with. Does my bonding inhibit the expression of my personality and qualities? Does it overwhelm the one I bond with? Exercise for the day: Emphasize and highlight the strengths of the one you bond with.

[chicago-aneinu] Name Correction - Please Daven

Please daven for Minak Rochel bas Shayna Hinda

Monday, May 21, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven

I received the following request: Please daven for MINKY RUCHEL bas SHAYNA HINDA. The situation is critical, and I ask you all to have special kavannah in saying your tehillim tonight or tomorrow and am most thankful to everyone.

YU SHAVUOT TO GO 5772

NEED SOMETHING TO LEARN SHEVUOT NIGHT THEN DOWNLOAD YU SHAVUOT TO GO 5772 AND 5771 HERE

[chicago-aneinu] Tefilla Effort on Behalf of Jonathan Pollard

Tefilla Effort on Behalf of Jonathan Pollard (Monday, May 21st, 2012) This effort is labeled Operation Yonatan, taking place today, erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan 5772. Much has been said regarding the terrible injustice that has been done to Yonatan. Now we have an opportunity to correct this. We all want to see Yonatan free. The first of Sivan when all of Am Yisrael stood at Har Sinai and waited to receive the Torah. This day is when prayer is easily accepted. We ask everyone to please choose one of the following options: 1. Tshuva – accept on yourself one small change or do a good deed. (for example helping a friend or neighbor in need). 2. Tefillah – Recite all of Sefer Tehillim (even if divided among a number of people) and have Yonatan in mind. 3. Tzedaka – Give tzedaka in his merit or volunteer in a gemach. A special tefilla has been written as well and it appears on the Ezrat Nashim website. Anyone deciding to take part is requested to register by calling 0722-727-727 or emailing M4yonatan@gmail.com Organizers are hoping to have 27,000 people register, one thousand people for each year Jonathan Pollard has served in prison. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Tuesday

Request from Aneinu member: Please say Tehillim for Enna bat Anna, second time surgery for 5 hours on Tues. Thank you so much.

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven for HaRav Elyashiv

Please daven for Rav Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha Maran R’ Elyashiv’s Condition Deteriorates Slightly (Monday, May 21st, 2012) There was slight concern among doctors, members of the medical team treating Maran Posek HaDor HaGaon HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv Shlita as his condition deteriorated somewhat last night, the eve of 29 Iyar 5772. As a result of a fluctuation in the rav’s condition doctors in Shaare Zedek Medical Center ordered to halt the dialysis he was undergoing. It appears their main concern was a diminished mental state and accompanying hypotension (low blood pressure) which added to their concerns. Doctors are planning to resume dialysis today. Yated calls on the tzibur to daven for the posek hador today, erev rosh chodesh Sivan, and as such, special tefilos will take place in many yeshivos. Special tefilos will be recited at 13:30 at the tziyun of Shmuel HaNavi. The tzibur is requested to continue being mispallel for Rav Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha b’soch kol cholei am yisrael. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Monday

Please daven for the sister of an Aneinu member, Dena Faiga bas Miriam, mother of a large, young family who is having major and complicated surgery on Monday.

Friday, May 18, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Baruch Daya n Ha'Emes

BS"D Dear Aneinu Members, Baruch Dayan Ha'Emes. With sorrow I must tell you of the loss of "Faiga bas Shulamis", Gail Gordon's niece. I have no other information at this time. May her family be comforted among the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim. May we hear besoros tovos. Have a good Shabbos, Chaya Miriam

Spiritual Guide to the Omer THURSDAY NIGHT/FRIDAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tzir THURSDAY NIil - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)Day Six of Week 6: Yesod of Yesod 41st Day of the Omer Examine the bonding aspect of bonding. The forms it takes and its level of expression. Every person needs and has the capacity to bond with other people, with significant undertakings and with meaningful experiences. Do I have difficulty bonding? Is the difficulty in all areas or only in certain ones? Do I bond easily with my job, but have trouble bonding with people? Or vice versa? Do I have problems bonding with special events in my life? Examine the reasons for not bonding. Is it because I am too critical and find fault in everything as an excuse for not bonding? Am I too locked in my own ways? Is my not bonding a result of discomfort with vulnerability? Have I been hurt in my past bonding experiences? Has my trust been abused? Is my fear of bonding a result of the deficient bonding I experienced as a child? To cultivate your capacity to bond, even if you have valid reasons to distrust, you must remember that G-d gave you a Divine soul that is nurturing and loving and you must learn to recognize the voice within, which will allow you to experience other people's souls and hearts. Then you can slowly drop your defenses when you recognize someone or something you can truly trust.

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven for Jacob Ostreicher

Please daven for Yaakov Yehuda ben Shaindel, Jacob Ostreicher, to be freed from prison in Bolivia.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Update - Boy Burned on Lag B'Omer

I received the following update from the aunt of Avraham Abba ben Beruria, the boy burned in the Lag B'Omer fire in Beitar: I wanted to share some good news with you. There is a new young head of the plastic surgery department and yesterday he examined Avremi’s burns and decided to use a dressing that does not need changing for one week. Once he established that he then decided that it would be better for him (mental health) to let him go home on” vacation.” So last night we bandaged him with the new medication and carried him to the car with lots of pain medication and brought him home. He was very happy to be home but he was in very bad pain. The new bandaging is “dry” and until it releases fluid it burns him. We doped him up as much as we could and I am waiting to hear how the night went. Being at home is probably the best medicine for him. Let’s hope for the best.

[chicago-aneinu] Tefillos Needed

BS"D Please continue to daven for Faiga Bas Shulamit who is still in critical condition.

OU TORAH Fragmentations Made Whole BY Shira Smiles

SHIRA SMILES ON BEHAR-BECHUKOSI

Spiritual Guide to the Omer WENSDAY NIGHT/THURSDAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)Day Five of Week 6: Hod of Yesod 40th Day of the Omer Humility is crucial in healthy bonding. Arrogance divides people. Preoccupation with your own desires and needs separates you from others. Humility allows you to appreciate another person and bond with him. Bonding that is just an extension of your own needs is only bonding tighter with yourself. Healthy bonding is the union of two distinct people, with independent personalities, who join for a higher purpose than satisfying their own needs. True humility comes from recognizing and acknowledging G-d in your life. Am I aware of the third partner - G-d - in bonding? And that this partner gives me the capacity to unite with another, despite our distinctions. Exercise for the day: When praying acknowledge G-d specifically for helping you bond with others.

Spiritual Guide to the Omer TUESDAY NIGHT/WENSDAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)Day Four of Week 6: Netzach of Yesod 39th Day of the Omer An essential component of bonding is its endurance. Its ability to withstand challenges and setbacks. Without endurance there is no chance to develop true bonding. Am I totally committed to the one I bond with? How much will I endure and how ready am I to fight to maintain this bond? Is the person I bond with aware of my devotion? Exercise for the day: Demonstrate the endurance level of your bonding by confronting a challenge that obstructs the bond. « Previous

Spiritual Guide to the Omer MONDAY NIGHT/TUESDSAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)Day Three of Week 6: Tiferet of Yesod 38th Day of the Omer Bonding needs to be not only loving but also compassionate, feeling your friend's pain and empathizing with him. Is my bonding conditional? Do I withdraw when I am uncomfortable with my friend's troubles? Exercise for the day: Offer help and support in dealing with an ordeal of someone you have bonded with.

[chicago-aneinu] Baruch Dayan Ha'Emes

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Chaim Yosef Meir Berger z”l, who passed away today at age 13. Yosef Meir, son of Rabbi and Mrs. Ezra and Miriam Berger, was injured just before Purim when a bat struck him in the head. He had celebrated his bar mitzvah just days prior to the tragic accident. May his family be comforted among the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Critical! - Please Daven!

BS"D I just received a request that we daven immediately for a Chicagoan,  Faiga Bas Shulamit. She is in critical condition and the next 24 hours may determine whether she survives. Please, please daven for her immediately--many thanks.

Monday, May 14, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven for Baby - Surgery Tuesday

Please daven for Eliyahu ben Shoshana Rochel, a Chicago baby who will be having surgery tomorrow, Tuesday.

CCHF Tehillim Request

Please say tehillim for: Yisrael Refael ben Sarah Nesha, a young man with a large family who lost a daughter to cancer a year ago who is suffering from an aggressive form of cancer. He needs great rachamei shamayim.

Spiritual Guide to the Omer SUNDAY NIGHT/MONDAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.) Day Two of Week 6: Gevurah of Yesod 37th Day of the Omer Examine the discipline of your bonding. Bonding must be done with discretion and careful consideration with whom and with what you bond. Even the healthiest and closest bonding needs "time out", a respect for each individual's space. Do I overbond? Am I too dependent on the one I bond with? Is he too dependent on me? Do I bond out of desperation? Do I bond with healthy, wholesome people? Exercise for the day: Review the discipline in your bonding experiences to see if it needs adjustment.

Spiritual Guide to the Omer MOTZI SHABBOS/SUNDAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.) Day One of Week 6: Chesed of Yesod 36th Day of the Omer Week Six - Yesod Bonding is the ultimate emotional connection. While the first five qualities (love, discipline, compassion, endurance and humility) are interactive, they manifest duality: the lover and the beloved. The emphasis is on an individual's feelings, not necessarily on mutuality. Bonding, on the other hand, is a complete fusion of the two. Without bonding no feeling can be truly realized. Bonding means connecting; not only feeling for another, but being attached to him. Not just a token commitment, but total devotion. It creates a channel between giver and receiver. Bonding is eternal. It develops an everlasting union that lives on forever through the perpetual fruit it bears. Bonding is the foundation of life. The emotional spine of the human psyche. Every person needs bonding to flourish and grow. The bonding between mother and child; between husband and wife; between brothers and sisters; between close friends. Bonding is affirmation; it gives one the sense of belonging; that "I matter", "I am significant and important". It establishes trust - trust in yourself and trust in others. It instills confidence. Without bonding and nurturing we cannot realize and be ourse lves. Bonding channels all five previous qualities into a constructive bond, giving it the meaning "foundation". Whereas all other human feelings are individual emotions, separate stories of a building, each a necessary component of human experience, bonding channels and integrates them all into one bond which creates a foundation upon which the structure of human emotions firmly stands. Bonding is giving all of yourself not just part; it is not one emotion but all of them. So Yesod completes the spectrum of the first six emotions. The foundation of Yesod is different from an ordinary foundation. It does not just rest beneath the higher levels of the structure, but encompasses them all. An effective bedrock of the emotional psyche cannot remain separate but must include and permeate all the emotions. Only then can bonding be constructive and everlasting.

Spiritual Guide to the Omer FRIDAY NIGHT/SHABBOS

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.) Day Seven of Week 5: Malchut of Hod 35th Day of the Omer Walking humbly is walking tall. Dignity is the essence of humility and modesty. The splendor of humility is majestic and aristocratic. Humility that suppresses the human spirit and denies individual sovereignty is not humility at all. Does my humility make me feel dignified? Do I feel alive and vibrant? Exercise for the day: Teach someone how humility and modesty enhance human dignity.

[chicago-aneinu] Please help Jacob Ostreicher

If anyone knows Jacob Ostreicher's Hebrew name, please let me know. I received the following: Ami magazine has 2 consecutive issues on this and Nightline featured it on their news show, This frum man has been held in a Bolivian prison for 11 months and has not been charged with anything. The prison is run by the prisoners and this is not a joke or an exaggeration. It is part of the horror. One person who was able to see him in jail wrote "I've been in all sorts of prisons all over the world. This one is a world unto itself.' Bolivia called it's ambassador home for being slighted a number of months ago and as always America did the same in return giving us even less access.. You will need to "register" if you have never done so before signing a petition to the While House. It takes a couple of minutes and your done for any future petitions. The goverment wants 25,000 signatures by June 2nd before it will begin to make it a priority. I would consider it a Kiddush Hashem if they got twice that number.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

JI Listen Up! Jewish Acapella “Ana Avda” Unplugged

Listen Up! delivers warmth and sheer “knock-yer-socks-off” vocal power in a way that differentiates them from many Jewish vocal “boy bands”. Kevin Kirshenbaum, Noah Mishkin, Steve Singer, and AY Karsh bring considerable talents as a professional ensemble—with a confident, easy manner during performances that wins the heart (and ears) of audiences of all demographics. With multi-generational wit and humor, Tzioni sensibilities, and an impressive artistic palette drawn from diverse Jewish musical traditions, Listen Up! leaves no audience unaffected by their performance. While the multi talented group Listen up! was NOT releasing a acapella album this year, they wanted to do something different. The contacted Yossi Zweig of the Z Report and decided to record a LIVE track specially for the Z Report Live part of the NachumSegal.com Wednesday Live Lunch block. The song “Ana Avda” off the ever popular Big Time Alter Heim from Sheya Mendlowitz and performed by superstar Dovid Gaby. Keep in mind this is just four guys who rehearsed the song twice to create the arrangement, then recorded this song LIVE using one studio mic, a Rode NT-1. For more about Listen Up! Jewish acapella check out their website www.jewishsong.com

[chicago-aneinu] YWN Update on Maran R’ Elyashiv Shlita

According to a Kol Berama Radio report, Maran Posek HaDor HaGaon HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv Shlita showed “significant improvement” on Shabbos based on statements from his doctors. The posek hador does not require life support as was the case during recent weeks. The report added that on Shabbos afternoon the rav was permitted to get up and daven mincha with others. The rav actually went to the hospital’s shul, wearing his shtreimel. Doctors and the rabbonim accompanying the rav were amazed to put it mildly, with Rav Kook adding “there is no doubt that this is the result of tefilos from yidden around the world”. The gadol hador, who according to most accounts is 102, has been hospitalized for over two months and at times, on total life support and comatose yet B’chasdei Hashem, the gadol hador is once again conscious and apparently regaining his strength. The tzibur is requested to continue being mispallel for Rav Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha b’soch kol cholei am yisrael.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Spiritual Guide to the Omer THURSDAY NIGHT/FRIDAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.) Day Six of Week 5: Yesod of Hod 34th Day of the Omer Humility should not be a lonely experience. It ought to result in deep bonding and commitment. There is no stronger bond than one that comes out of humility. Does my humility separate me from others or bring us closer? Does my humility produce results? Long term results? Does it create an everlasting foundation upon which I and others can rely and build. Exercise for the day: Use your humility to build something lasting.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven

Please continue to daven for Avraham Abba ben Beruriah and Menachem Mendal ben Esther, the 2 boys burned in the Lag B'Omer fire in Beitar. They are being sedated because of the pain. Please daven that they shouldn't need skin grafts.

JI Shlomo Katz – Tefilah L’Chaim

Certain Neshamas are vessels for light – certain Neshamas are light themselves. (Chiddushei Harim). This past week, a Neshama of pure light was called back to Shamayim. Chaim Feigenbaum ztz’l. http://refuahforchaim.blogspot.com/ Last year, I had the incredible privilege to record a Niggun composed by one of Am Yisrael’s most dearest friends, R’ Ari Waxman. This Niggun was composed as a Refua for Chaim, but i believe it has now become his prayer for us. Orech Yamim Olam Va’ed. To live long days. Just like his days were the longest and most meaningful twenty-four hour periods.

JI AND JMR [VIN NEWS] Rockland County, NY – First on VIN: World Premiere Preview of Lipa’s Leap of Faith

VIN News By Sandy Eller Rockland County, NY – With the release of chasidic superstar/entertainer Lipa Schmeltzer’s new album just days away, Lipa is giving fans a small taste of what to expect when his new album, titled Leap of Faith, hits the stores in just over a week. “This is just a short video preview,” Lipa told VIN News. “But I wanted to give people a chance to hear a little bit of what I am hoping will be an unbelievable album.” Continuing to blaze new trails in the Jewish music business, Lipa is turning Leap of Faith not only into a collector’s item but also into a giant raffle ticket. Each copy of the CD will be personally autographed and hand numbered by Lipa. The numbers on the album will be used for a raffle to be held several weeks after the album release, with two winners being chosen: one will win a guest appearance by Lipa at an upcoming simcha, while the other will receive one of Lipa’s trademark bekeshes, worn by the singer at several shows. Lipa’s signature will appear not on the actual disc, which has yet to be printed, but on the accompanying booklet that will be in the CD case. “I literally spend hours every night signing these albums,” Lipa told VIN News. “I wanted people to think ‘How did Lipa have time to do this?’ I want people to know that the amount of time it took me to sign these albums seems endless, but it still doesn’t come close to the amount of time it takes for an artist to produce an album.” Lipa admitted that he has devoted a considerable amount of time every night, not in the recording studio, but in his home signing albums as a way of giving something back to his fans. “I think my hand is about to fall off,” admitted Lipa. “But I wanted to show my appreciation to every single person who supports Jewish music and have an even more personal connection with my listeners.” Lipa’s decision to personally autograph each album is just another innovative idea from the entertainer who is as well known for his out of the box thinking as he is for his colorful attire and ever changing glasses. “Lipa always brings something unique to the table,” said Sruly Meyer, director of marketing and design at Aderet Music, distributor of the album. “People love to have something special from an artist that they can actually hold in their hands. What could be better than this?”

OU TORAH SHIRA SMILES ON LAG BAOMER

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
Lag B’Omer: Eternal Flame

OU TORAH SHIRA SMILES ON PARSHAS EMOR

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
Embracing Holiness

NAALEH.COM SHIRA SMILES ON LAG BAOMER

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
Lag BaOmer Vort: Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's Legacy Class 25: Lag BaOmer In this class, Mrs. Shira Smiles discusses Lag BaOmer. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.

Nachum Segal Presents the Annual JM in the AM Lag BaOmer Blowout Celebration

Happy Lag BaOmer! This morning's celebration ushers in the return of the regular JM in the AM music format, enjoy!

THE JEWISH MUSIC SHOW EPISODE #2

Come on, admit it, you weren’t convinced we were really back. Well, we are happy to say, we are back with the release Episode #2! This is a show you will not want to miss! It’s our first regular music show and boy do we have some major stuff! We have new music from Avraham Fried, Yaakov Shwekey, Yehuda Green, A.K.A. Pella, we bring you an EXCLUSIVE preview of Shloime Taussig’s exciting follow up to Modim Anachnu, you gotta hear it! We also not only have a preview but are the first ones to announce breaking Jewish music. OHEL’s THE MUSIC WE LOVE concert is coming to Double CD & DVD! This concert was filmed in state of the art true HD, and will be introducing a revolutionary new concept to concert releases. We can’t tell you what it is yet, but we can play a preview from one of the songs. Hear Benny Friedman and Shloime Gertner sing a timeless MBD/FRIED medley. It’s just a taste but it will leave you dying for more! We also play new music from Sruly Green, whos single was just released and an EXCLUSIVE full length track from Mendy Werzberger’s upcoming CD. We update you on other new happenings and releases in Jewish music including new releases like Lipa’s new Leap of Faith, and 8th Day’s “All You Got”, announce some news in the world of female Jewish music and newly released youtube videos (including these from Neshoma Orchestra here and here and YStuds here.) We also go down memory lane with 8th Day in honor of Lag Baomer, with their “Bar Yochai” track from their debut album. Be sure to listen for the trivia contest. Send us an email with your answer and win a brand new CD. You can email us at DovandSruly@TheJewishMusicShow.com

Spiritual Guide to the Omer WENSDAY NIGHT/THURSDAY LAG BAOMER

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.) Day Five of Week 5: Hod of Hod Lag BaOmer- 33rd Day of the Omer Examine the humility of humility. Everyone has humility and modesty in their hearts, the question is the measure and manner in which one consciously feels it? Am I afraid to be too humble? Do I mask and protect my modesty with aggressive behavior? Learn to cultivate your humility by interacting with people who are more refined than yourself, evoking in you modesty and humility that motivates you to grow. Humility must also be examined for its genuineness. Is my humility humble? Or is it yet another expression of arrogance? Do I take too much pride in my humility? Do I flaunt it? Is it self-serving? Is my humility part of a crusade or is it genuine? Do I have expectations due to my humility? Exercise for the day: Be humble just for its own sake.

[chicago-aneinu] Tefillos Needed

Received from an Aneinu member: A great nephew of mine in Beitar was hurt tonight from a bonfire in Beitar. I don't know details. His name is Avraham Abba ben Beruria and the other boy is Menachem Mendel ben Esther.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Nachum Welcomes Akiva Abramowitz, Diaspora Winner of the International Bible Contest to JM in the AM

Nachum and Meir Weingarten discuss the amazing victory and all the contest proceedings with Akiva. Mazal Tov Akiva Abramowitz! Nachum Segal hosted Meir Weingarten and Akiva live at JM in the AM this morning to discuss the Chidon Ha'Tanach, Israel's International Bible Contest that takes place every year on Yom Ha'Atzmaut, and how Akiva became the Diaspora Champion of the competition. They discussed the immense amount of information that the contestants have to learn in order to simply compete, let alone win. It is a very proud time for the Yeshiva of Flatbush, as well as, the greater New York area as Akiva represented his school and home town with hard work and dignity. Click the link to listen. YOU TO CAN LEARN ALL OF NACH WITH THE OU'S NACH YOMI CLICK HERE

Y-STUDS TAKE ME HOME IS ON ITUNES

PRINT DISCOUNT HERE AND GO TO KESHER STAM OR GET IT FOR AROUND $8.00 ON ITUNES

CCHF Request for tehillim

Please say tehillim for Miriam bas Geulah Please continue to say tehillim for Aida bat Fiby – who went in hospital for pneumonia and has complications Please continue to say tehillim for Blima Pessel bas Esther – who was scheduled for brain surgery today to remove a tumor Please continue to say tehillim for Zirel bas Chaya – who is very ill Please continue to say tehillim for Shalom Dovid ben Bracha Margalit – an 8 year old boy about to start chemotherapy Please continue to say tehillim for Fraida bas Sara, she is in the hospital with high levels of toxication caused by a medication Please continue saying tehillim for Devora Chiyena bas Eliyitta, a mother of five, with stage 4 cancer Please continue saying tehillim for Shmuel Shomron ben Devora – just had bone marrow transplant Please continue to say tehillim for Gittel bas Devorah Sora – still recovering from bone marrow transplant Boruch Dayan HaEmes – Eitah Chay ben Sara was niftar

The JI AND JMR Y-Studs – Ahavat Yisrael (Baneshama) Music Video

Earlier this Sefira season we were introduced to a all new acapella group from YU called the Y-Studs when they released their debut album “Take Me Home“. Now just minutes ago they released their FIRST EVER music video. The video is for the opening track on the album “Baneshama” which was based on Reva Lesheva‘s “Ahavat Yisrael“. Directed by: Michael Ribalt and Ely Shestack Cinematography by Mauricio Arenas Mapunyc@gmail.com

RABBI ELEFANT INSIGHTS 1ST DAF KINIM (22A- 22B))

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
1.MEFORSHIM SAY KINIM NOT RELEVANT NOWADAYS BUT ITS STILL ESSENTIAL HALACHA. 2.BIRDS ARE HUNTED AND KILLED SO TO KLAL YISRAEL 3.KLAL YISRAEL ARE SINGLED OUT FROM THE OTHER NATIONS LIKE TUR AND YONAH 4.THE POSKIM SAY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEDAVA AND NEDER ALSO APPLIES TO TZEDAKA PLEDGES.IF SOMEONE MAKES A NEDAVA TO TZEDAKA AND IT HOT LOST HE WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE TO REPLACE IT.(DAF YOMI DIGEST HALACHA HIGHLIGHT) BUT SOME SAY IT ONLY APPLIES TO HEKDESH.

RABBI ELEFANT INSIGHTS ON THE LAST DAF OF MEILAH (21B-22A)

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
1.RAV YOSEF ANGLE RUEVAN ASKS SHIMON FOR MECILAH AND SHIMON GIVES IT TO HIM BUT THEN HE SAYS YOU KNOW WHAT I SAID IT BUT I DIDN'T MEAN IT IS IT A GOOD MECILAH?YES IT IS B/C OF DEVARIM SHEBILAV ANO DEVARIM. 2.POSKIM THERE A SUPERMARKET THAT SELLS SHEMITAH AND NON SHEMITTAH CAN I GET CHANGE FROM HIM WHEN ITS SHEMITA MONEY NEVER BATUL ?RAV SHLOMO ZALMAN AURBACH SAYS THATS ONLY IN TIMES OF CHAZAL THERE MONEY IS WORTH SOMETHING BUT OUR MONEY NOT WORTH THE PAPER ITS PRINTED ON.

MAZEL TOV DAF YOMI FINISHED MESECTA MEILAH THIS WEEK AND STARTED MESECHTA KINIM THIS WEEK

THIS IS VERY HELPFUL FOR THIS HARD MESECHTA HEAR RABBI ELEFANT SHIUR HERE ALMOST EVERY DAF IS SOMETHING HALACHA LEMISA KOLLEL IYUN HADAF HAS OUTLINES CHARTS AND MORE Welcome to Daf Notes - dedicated to the neshama of HaRav Refoel Dov ben HaRav Yosef Yechezkel o"h - a site where you can learn and review the Daily Daf Yomi in under 20 minutes a day! DAF YOMI DIGEST HERE WITH THE VERY NICE HALACHA HIGHLIGHT

BAIS HAVAAD SEFIRA PROJECT WEEK # 4 MARKETING & DISCLOSURE

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
~ INTRODUCTION ~ Marketing & Disclosure Caveat Emptor - (Latin: "let the buyer beware"), is an ancient principle in the law of commercial transactions, which effectively means that the buyer purchases at his own risk in the absence of an express warranty in the contract. The only exception was if the seller actively concealed latent defects or otherwise made material misrepresentations amounting to fraud. As a maxim of the early common law, the rule was well suited to buying and selling carried on in the open marketplace or among close neighbors. The increasing complexity of modern commerce has placed the buyer at a disadvantage. He is forced to rely more and more upon the skill, judgment, and honesty of the seller and manufacturer. Many legal systems have recognized this, and modern statutory law of commercial transactions protects the buyer by implying various exceptions to the principle of caveat emptor. In many jurisdictions now, the law requires that goods must be of "merchantable quality". However, this implied warranty can be difficult to define and enforce and may not apply to all products. Halachah has a very different approach. When a sale or similar transaction is made, it is assumed that the goods or services supplied are free of any defects. If a buyer discovers a defect in the goods that he purchased that he was unaware of at the time of sale, he has the right to retrospectively annul the transaction; he can return the goods and get a full refund. This principle is called Mekach Ta'us - a mistaken purchase. Mekach Ta'us is not a penalty imposed upon the seller for misleading the buyer - it is simply a rule that a buyer need not accept a purchase of defective goods. As such, it makes no difference whether the seller deliberately deceived the seller as to the quality of the goods or whether the seller himself was unaware of the default. In all circumstances the seller can return the goods and insist on a refund. There is a further obligation upon the seller not to withhold any information about the goods that the seller might want to know before proceeding with the sale. Deliberately misleading or withholding such information is called Geneivas Da'as. The Hebrew language has many synonyms for wisdom, each with a particular nuance. Da'as is the term used for the human capacity to differentiate between one thing and another, and to choose accordingly. The Havdallah on Motzei Shabbos is inserted into the Brachah of Da'as (in the Shemoneh Esrei) because as Chazal tell us, Im ain De'ah, havdallah menayin - Without Da'as, how can one distinguish between things? (Yerushalmi Berachos 5:2). Thus, explains Rabbi Sholom Kaminetzky, someone who deliberately misleads another is guilty of preventing him, without him even knowing, from using his ability to distinguish between different possibilities and choose for himself. Effectively he has "stolen" his Da'as - hence the term Geneivas Da'as. The prohibition of Geneivas Da'as actually extends even to issues that do not concern the quality of the goods (for example, if a gentile requests kosher meat one may not sell him non-kosher meat, even if there is no difference in quality or price) and even outside the world of commerce. One may not invite a friend for a meal, for example, if one knows in advance that he will refuse and one had no genuine intention to invite him other than to give the impression that one is friendlier than one actually is. In the following series we will look at how the Halachos of Geneivas Da'as and Mekach Ta'us apply to the Torah Jew in his commercial activities of sales, marketing and advertising. (AUDIO) Clear Maare Mekomos with a running English explanation

RABBI LAZER BRODY ON LAG BAOMER SOOTHING THE NATIONAL PAIN

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
Lag B’Omer falls this year on Wednesday night and Thursday, May 9-10, 2012 The two most significant events of Lag B’omer are the cessation of the plague that killed 24,000 of Rabbi Akiva’s students and the yahrtzeit of Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai. We find an amazing connection between these two seemingly unrelated events.

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAS KEDOSHIM PART 2

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
"Do not take revenge nor bear a grudge against the children of your people. You must love your neighbor as you love yourself." (Lev. 19:18) Is this mitzvah of Ahavat Yisrael realistic? Is it possible to truly love another person as much as we love ourselves?

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAS KEDOSHIM PART 1

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
While first introduced here in Lev. 19:19, the prohibition of sha'atnez is more clearly defined later on in the Torah: "Do not wear sha'atnez — wool and linen together" (Deut. 22:11). Why does the Torah prohibit using wool and linen in the same article of clothing? Also, the special garments of High Priest contained both wool and linen. Why was he allowed to wear sha'atnez?

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAS ACHAREI MOT

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
Perhaps the most unusual of all the Temple services was the Yom Kippur ceremony of Azazel, sending off a goat into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of Israel. No other Temple offering was treated in such a fashion. Even more surprising, immediately after describing the Yom Kippur service, the Torah warns, "And they will stop sacrificing to the demons who tempt them" (Lev. 17:7). The text implies that the goat sent to Azazel is the sole exception to this rule, in apparent contradiction to the fundamental principles of the Temple service. Was this unusual ritual a 'sacrifice to the demons'?

CHASSIDIC PEARLS BY RABBI LAZER BRODY PARSHAS KEDOSHIM

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
"And you shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Vayikra 19:21). At a superficial glance, the Torah's commandment that we love our neighbor as we love ourselves seems peculiar and virtually impossible. How can a Jew from Yemen be expected to love a Jew from Belgium, when the two have so completely different customs, mentalities, and attitudes? How can a "Chossid" love a "Litvak" when the two have been arguing for centuries already about the proper way to serve HaShem? How can a religious Jew love a secular Jew when the two differ on so many basic issues?

CHASSIDIC PEARLS BY RABBI LAZER BRODY PARSHAS ACHREI MOS

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
"In the hand of a designated man to the desert" (Vayikra 16:21). The task of the "designated man" is tremendously important, namely, to lead the scapegoat to the desert. The entire atonement of the people of Israel is dependant on the "designated man" doing his job properly. Yet, the designated man is an unsung hero, a simple Jew, and not necessarily a Cohen. There is no record anywhere in Jewish historical or holy texts of a scapegoat escaping from the designated man, or of a designated man not doing his job properly. The designated man is symbolic of every single anonymous Jew. If the Jewish people resemble a body, then each individual Jew is a vital organ. The Jewish people are also compared to a Torah scroll; although a Torah scroll contains several hundred thousand letters, one missing, incorrect, or illegible letter renders the entire Torah scroll unfit to make a blessing on. Similiarly, whenever someone finds fault in a Jew, he or she blemishes the image of the entire Jewish people. Some people limit their respect to those of aristocratic backgrounds, the privileged, or the powerful. The Torah contrastingly states that we should love every Jew as we love ourselves. As in the aforementioned example of the Torah scroll, each Jew – no matter how seemingly unimportant – plays a significant roll in the overall functioning of the Jewish people. One may ask, how can a simple shoemaker or plumber be as important as a great tzaddik or Rosh Yeshiva? Simply, the Rosh Yeshiva isn't allowed to learn Torah within range of a foul odor; so, if his drain or bathroom is clogged, he won't be able to open his Gemorra without the services of a good plumber. And without the shoemaker, the Rosh Yeshiva would be barefoot! The "designated man" literally translated from the biblical Hebrew is the "timely man" – ish itti. This is a further allusion from the Torah that each Jew not only has his or her special task, but wherever Hashem places them, they are the right person at the right time

RABBI LAZER BRODY BONUS STOP COMPARING

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
Our sages teach us that a person doesn't speak in a derogatory manner about someone else until he becomes a heretic, Heaven forbid. How can that be? In light of everything we learned in this chapter, we readily understand that when a person speaks unfavorably about someone else, he refuses to acknowledge the Divine providence that directs the other person's life. For this reason, the simple one – who is a man of complete emuna – carefully avoids talking about any other human, especially in an other-than-complimentary way.

RABBI WEIN ON Parshios Acharei Mos & Kedoshim

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)
A Holy Mindset The direct message of these two parshiyot is clear: In order to live a meaningful life that contains within it the necessary elements of spiritual sanctity one must limit one�s desires and physical behavior patterns. The Torah does not award accolades for great intellectual or social achievements if they are unfortunately accompanied by uninhibited physical dissolute behavior. It is not only the message that counts � it is just as much the messenger as well.

Spiritual Guide to the Omer TUESDAY NIGHT/WENSDAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.) Day Four of Week 5: Netzach of Hod 32nd Day of the Omer Examine the strength and endurance of your humility. Does my humility withstand challenges? Am I firm in my positions or do I waffle in the name of humility? Humility and modesty should not cause one to feel weak and insecure. Netzach of hod underscores the fact that true humility does not make you into a "doormat" for others to step on; on the contrary, humility gives you enduring strength. Is my humility perceived as weakness? Does that cause others to take advantage of me? Exercise for the day: Demonstrate the strength of your humility by initiating or actively participating in a good cause.

[chicago-aneinu] Update on Boy in Japan Prison

As Lag Beomer approaches a quick reminder and update As previously reported the MOJ in Japan have already confirmed that they will shortly send their final approval for the transfer of Yakov Yosef. Although attempts were made to try to get the transfer done before Pesach, at the last moment the Japanese have asked Israel to confirm a minor issue which was done before Pesach and caused a further delay. During Pesach the MOJ in Israel were in contact with the MOJ in Japan and they confirmed that they were looking through the parole laws all of which they are now fully satisfied with and they will be sending their final approval shortly. Since then other efforts have been done to try to receive the approval fast, and the outcome was that the MOJ are in the process of sending the approval and the transfer can be expedited. They as well confirmed that there's no need to push any longer and we should hear from them shortly. Most of last week was a national holiday in Japan so nothing could have really happened, but we do hope that this week will be the week that they will send their final approval once and for all. In the meantime Yakov Yosef is doing BH well. His spirits are better than of before Pesach. His father and the shliach Chabad Rabbi Binyomin Edery visits often and visited before and during Pesach and still continues to do so. "כדאי הוא רבי שמעון לסמוך עליו בשעת הדחק" Yakov Yosef has been locked up for 1497 days now and this Friday will be 1500 days !! Please continue to daven for Yakov Yosef ben Reisel.

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven

Please daven for Rabbi Paneth in Eretz Yisroel, who is very sick. They just added a name.. daven for Alter Aharon Dovid ben Zlata Zissel.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Spiritual Guide to the Omer MONDAY NIGHT/TUESDAY

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.) Day Three of Week 5: Tiferet of Hod 31st Day of the Omer Examine if your humility is compassionate. Does my humility cause me to be self-contained and anti-social or does it express itself in empathy for others. Is my humility balanced and beautiful? Or is it awkward? Just as humility brings compassion, compassion can lead one to humility. If you lack humility, try acting compassionately, which can help bring you humility. Exercise for the day: Express a humble feeling in an act of compassion.