Thursday, February 28, 2013

A Legend of Greatness The Life & Times of Hacham Haim Yosef David Azoulay COMING SOON

Rabbi Haim Yosef David Azoulay, the Hida, was one of the greatest and most intriguing Torah personalities of his generation. A leading scholar and prolific writer who was proficient in every aspect of Torah literature, he was also an extensive traveler who toured the world on his shelihut missions and displayed a passionate fascination and interest in all areas of life. This gem by author Yehuda Azoulay will provide both Ashkenazic and Sephardic readers with a penetrating glimpse into the captivating, colorful life and times of the Hida.PRINT DICOUNT HERE.

Dorash Dovid: Moadim 2 Volume Set (English) Insights & Essays on the Moadim COMING SOON

***SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE*** What is the purpose of the obligation for every Jew to view himself as if he personally left Mitzrayim? Is the Korban Pesach an individual offering or a communal one? Why is the declaration, “Next year in Yerushalayim,” part of the Seder night? In this unique work, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Nasi of the internationally acclaimed Dirshu Torah organization, addresses these questions and so many others. Deep insights into the moadim of Pesach and Shavuos; as well as Sefiras Ha’omer, the Three Weeks, Tishah B’Av, Rosh Chodesh and the weekly “holiday” of Shabbos are analyzed. Every maamar in Dorash Dovid begins with several questions, then develops an in-depth approach, opening new vistas that enable one to truly grasp the messages that the Torah and our Sages impart.PRINT DISCOUNT HERE

OU Pre-Passover Webcast Answers Variety of Questions, 3/12

Almost everyone knows the four questions that are read in the haggadah during the Passover seders, but for two OU Kosher poskim (halachic authorities) -- Rabbi Yisroel Belsky and Rabbi Hershel Schachter -- multiple other questions are asked of them every year during the Orthodox Union’s Pre-Passover webcast, which this year will take place on Tuesday, March 12 at 2:30 p.m., EDT. (1:30 pm Chicago time)

JI SHAULI Releases New Single “Ki LaHashem HaMelucha” [FREE DOWNLOAD]

Singer/songwriter, Shauli, has slowly made his way into the hearts of Jewish musical fans across the globe. His debut album “Simcha Belibi” released back in 2009, introduced the music world to a smooth and laid back style of music. Since then, Shauli has released 2 singles Vehi Sheamda and Ahavta Otanu, and he was featured earlier this year on the single “Shiviti”, composed by his friend,musician Avrohom Finkelstein. Shauli’s sweet guitar playing and smooth vocals abilities have captured the attention of Israeli radio stations and the staff at the Nachum Segal Network so much so, that his songs are featured regularly on the radio. During a live in studio interview with Yossi Zweig on the Z Report this past summer, Shauli revealed to his fans that a new song would be coming shortly. Well that time is finally here. Presenting the newest gem from the talented composer/singer Shauli, entitled “Ki LaHashem HaMelucha”. Shauli wrote the song after the US presidential elections earlier this year. “These words came to my lips as I heard the results, and the melody I composed in the days after, said Shauli.” The message was very clear Hashem rules the world even though Kings and Presidents think that the decisions are of their own making, we know better. The song features harmonies and additional vocals by Shauli’s brother Eli Atias and choir by Yehuda Grama, Chaim Zvi Grama, Avner Grama and Reuven Atias.

JM IN THE AM Live from Israel at the Jerusalem Marathon Runners Expo

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[Aneinu] Request for Tefillos

Please pray for ADA BAT BRANA today Dear Naaleh Friend, Please pray for Ada bat Brana, a woman who has been found with an undefined growth. She will be undergoing tests today, and we need all of your prayers for positive results. Please take a moment to recite the following two Psalms on her behalf: Psalm 6 and 130. May all of her tests come out clear and may she merit a full recovery. In the merit of all of Klal Yisrael davening for each other, may we merit the ultimate redemption soon. May we only hear good news, Hally Goldstein and the Naaleh family

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

JI AND JMR Sameach Music Presents: THE YESS LEGACY

THE YESS LEGACY—THE TIMELESS MUSIC OF MOSHE YESS RECREATED, REFRESHED & REIMAGINED FOR A NEW GENERATION OF FANS Recorded Jewish music can be divided into two categories The Timeless—projects that endure because the tap into an emotion and/or define a particular style or artist…eg. works by Yossele Rosenblatt, Diaspora Yeshiva Band, Mordechai Ben David’s Hineini (and according to many I’d Rather Pray Than Sing), most anything by Reb Shlomo, early D’Veykus, etc. The Timely—projects that connect because they’re the “best in class” in terms of capturing what’s ‘hot” music, song and style wise…while their hits may endure a wedding season or two…”Timely” Jewish music is a bit more of a revolving door. Every so often Jewish music fans are graced with an artist/album that achieves both…creating songs that become a permanent part of our DNA for generations while at the same time achieving a level of popularity that’s measured in terms of countries and continents…not just local communities. When describing the music of Moshe Yess the preceding becomes almost an understatement. Despite the fact Yess’s music came onto the collective consciousness in the pre email/Facebook/social everything era of the late 70’s and early 80’s, the plaintive yet powerful messages of songs like Jack Schwartz, “G-d Is Alive & Well In Jerusalem” and of course “My Zaidy” resonated with listeners throughout the world…and more importantly, still do today. Small wonder that world class performers like Abie Rottenberg, Yossie Green & 8th Day cite Yess as a major influence What made the Yess/Megama (the duet he formed with cellist Shalom Levine) dynamic even more impressive was the simplicity of their sound. They debuted at the peak of the “disco” era—when pulsating rhythms and massive horn, synth & string sections came “standard” with any album. Despite this, Yess’s decidedly “minimalist yet musical’ sound and “wise yet whimsical” made an immediate connection with listeners. As Yess was a true artist, he dedicated himself to creating new material rather than preserving his music for future generations, because of this much of his work disappeared in a commercial sense…a situation that’s about to be rectified thanks to the talents—and dedication of Gershon Veroba & Yerachmiel Ziegler the producers behind the Yess Legacy. SAMEACH MUSIC PRESENTS THE YESS LEGACY 30 SUPER TRACKS PERFORMED BY 18 SUPERSTARS—YESS AT HIS BEST FOR A NEW GENERATION

BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA 5773 ~ PARSHAS TITZAVEH ~ Corruption: Judicial, Governmental, Electoral and Commercial

In this week's parshah, the breastplate of the High Priest is repeatedly referred to as " choshen mishpat" - "breastplate of judgment".[1] What is the connection between this garment and judgment? Chazal understand that the breastplate atones for "dinin" - laws, or judgments, [2] or, as Rashi puts it, "kilkul ha'din" - judicial corruption.[3] CLICK HERE FOR PRINT VERSION.

BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA 5772~ PARSHAS TETZAVEH ~Circumstantial Evidence

In this week's Parsha the Torah discusses the garments that the Kohanim wore in their service in the Mishkan. The Gemara (Zevachim 88b) explains that each one of the garments that the Kohanim wore atoned for a different sin. The Gemara relates that the Choshen Hamishpot, the Breastplate, atoned for erroneous judgments. The Kli Yakar (28:15) explains that in every judgment, in addition to the evidence involved, the judge must use his intellect and powers of assessment and evaluation to come to a decision. In Torah literature, it is the heart of the Dayan in which the deliberation relating to judgment takes place. It is for this reason that the Breastplate, which atoned for erroneous judgment was worn on the heart. In fact, in every financial transaction between two or more parties, the intent of each party is a crucial element of the overall operation. Sometimes, a limiting condition is explicitly expressed, and other times, the transaction may be bound by certain conditions which, though not expressed explicitly, will nonetheless be implicit and self-understood. Accepting Forensic Evidence PART 1- Presented by Dayan Yaakov Rappaport. Accepting Forensic Evidence Part II - Presented by Dayan Yaakov Rappaport.

NAALEH.COM SHIRA SMILES ON PURIM 5773 - Trees Treason

In this class(shiur) discusses Purim available online in streaming video, and for download in mp3 and mp4(Ipod video) formats. Summary by Channie Koplowitz Stein CLICK HERE.

NAALEH.COM SHIRA SMILES ON PURIM 5772 Accentuating the Acceptance

In this Torah shiur, class, Mrs. Shira Smiles talks about the main focus of Purim, accepting the Torah through joy. Available in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod formats. SUMMARY HERE PLUS RABBI HANOCH TELLER AVOIDING HAMANISM AND MORE.

NAALEH.COM Parshat Tetzaveh 5772: Pressed to Perfection By Shira Smiles

In this Torah shiur (class) on Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the unique qualities of the olive oil used in the Mishkan and Beit Hamikdash, of the inner message that the olive oil contains for each of us, and how that message relates to the upcoming holiday of Purim.

NAALEH.COM Parshat Tetzaveh 5771: Secret of the Spice By Shira Smiles

n this Torah shiur (class) on Parshat Tetzaveh, Mrs. Shira Smiles examines the last perek in the parsha, which details the altar for the incense. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats. Summary by Channie Koplowitz Stein Click Here.

RABBI WEIN ON PARSHAS TETZAVEH

The Torah ordains that the olive oil used to light the eternal menorah - candelabra - must be of the purest and best available. There is obvious logic to this requirement. Impure oil will cause the flames to stutter and flicker. Impure oil also may exude an unpleasant odor and make the task of the daily cleaning of the oil lamps difficult and inefficient. Yet I feel that the basic underlying reason for this requirement of purity of the oil lies in the value that the Torah advances in the performance of all positive things in life - the necessity to do things correctly, enthusiastically and with exactitude.

RABBI WEIN ON ZACHOR/PURIM

The current spate of anti-Semitic media cartoons, op-eds and boycott movements serve to remind us that Amalek is alive and thriving as usual. There was a short period of time a few decades ago when many Jews were lulled into thinking that all of this baseless hatred and nastiness was a thing of the past. Even the most naive among us today realize that this is unfortunately not the case. Therefore, remembering Amalek is a relatively easy commandment to fulfill today - one need only read the newspaper or listen to the radio or TV or view the internet to meet Amalek face to face, live and in person.

CHASSIDIC PEARLS BY RABBI LAZER BRODY PARSHAS TETZAVEH

"Into the Breastplate of Judgment shall you place the Urim and the Tumim, and they shall be on Aharon's heart when he comes before God" (Shmot 28:30). The above passage in not only confusing, but an apparent contradiction in terms as well. The Urim and Tumim were, in essence, a small piece of folded parchment with God's holy name written on it. The parchment was inserted "Into the Breastplate", as the Torah commands in the beginning of this passage. But, at the end of this passage, the Torah states that the Urim and Tumim shall be "On Aharon's heart." How can the High Priest carry the Urim and Tumim directly on his heart? Four mandatory layers of the High Priest's ritual garments – the kutonet, the cloak, the vest, and finally the breastplate, separate Aharon's heart from the Urim and Tumim! We can reconcile the apparent contradiction in this passage by proposing that the Torah is literal when requiring that the Urim and Tumim be inserted into the breastplate, but figurative when instructing that they shall be on Aharon's heart. The Torah is commanding that there nothing seperate God's holy name (Urim and Tumim) from the High Priest's heart. In other words, the High Priest must be focused completely on God; no other thoughts or musings may be in his heart to interfere with his perfect dvekus, or clinging, to God. Why is it so important that the Kohen Hagadol – the High Priest – have no other thoughts or musings in his heart while performing his duties in the Holy Temple?

RAV KOOK ON Tetzaveh PART 3: Beyond the Holy

One Line or Two? One of the most impressive of the special vestments worn by the High Priest was the tzitz, a pure gold plate placed across the forehead. Engraved on the tzitz was the phrase, "Holy to God." According to Talmudic tradition, these words were split into two lines. God's name appeared on the top line, and underneath was written, "Holy to." In contradiction to this tradition, however, Rabbi Eliezer testified that he had seen the tzitz among the plundered Temple articles in Rome — and the engraving was made on a single line (Shabbat 63b). Why should the phrase "Holy to God" be split into two lines? And if that was the way the inscription was supposed to be engraved, why did the actual tzitz used in the Temple bear the entire phrase on one line?

RAV KOOK Parshat Tetzave PART 2

translated and abridged by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Tetzave "Make sacred clothes for your brother Aaron, for dignity and beauty. ... They will be used to consecrate him and make him a priest to Me." (Ex. 28:2-3) Why Do We Wear Clothes? Clothing has a dual purpose. Its first function is utilitarian, protecting us from the elements — the cold and the rain, the wind and the sun. In this respect, our apparel corresponds to the fur of beasts and the feathers of birds. Except that the animals have it better. They never need to change clothes, or worry about acquiring new garments when they wear out or no longer fit. Their wardrobe comes naturally.

RAV KOOK ON Parshat Tetzave PART 1

Translated and abridged by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Tetzave The Talmud (Shabbat 31a) tells the story of three Gentiles who wished to convert. In each case, they were initially rejected by the scholar Shamai, known for his strictness, but they were later accepted and converted by the famously modest Hillel. The Convert Who Wanted to be High Priest In one case, a Gentile was walking near a synagogue when he heard the Torah being read and translated: "These are the clothes that you should make: the jeweled breast-plate, the ephod-apron..." (Ex. 28:4). His interest was piqued. 'For whom are these fancy clothes?' he asked. 'They are special garments for the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest.' The Gentile was excited. 'For this, it is worth becoming a Jew. I'll go convert and become the next High Priest!'

OU TORAH Rav Hirsch on Ki Sisa By Michael Gutmann

CLICK HERE FOR HIRSCHIAN THOUGHT ON PARSHAS KI SISA.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Nachum Segal speaks w/ Itzak Perlman And Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot

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JI AND JMR 8TH DAY RETURNS TO CHICAGO WITH DOVID STEIN [Video Promo]

Prepare to be blown away as the hottest act in Jewish music comes to the Windy City for an evening of unforgettable music! Join 8th Day as they return to Chicago singing the songs that have made them the most popular duet in Jewish music. From old favorites to new musical gems off their latest album, All You Got, and of course their smash hit Ya’alili, Bentzy and Shmuli Marcus have been wowing audiences everywhere with their unique style, upbeat music and innovative lyrics that hit the mark with every song. Also joining 8th Day will be Dovid Stein, a popular fixture on the Jewish wedding circuit who is always in high demand. Stein’s album Melech gave the Jewish music world several hit songs, including Muvtach Lo, Melech, Neerah and Hashem Yimloch which, four years after their release, continue to be enjoyed by music lovers everywhere. Doors will open promptly at 4:30 PM at Evanston Township High School,1600 Dodge Avenue, for this Areivim Productions performance. Tickets for this sensational musical event are priced at $25, $36, $54, with special VIP seating available. Get your tickets for the most incredible night of music Chicago has ever seen at www.JewishTickets.com, 8thDayChicago@gmail.com or at 773-413-0805. and Kesher Stam

Friday, February 22, 2013

[Aneinu] Please Daven

I received the following: The next few weeks are critical for NACHMAN DOVID ben BELLA. Please pray for his yeshua and having a favorable judgement. May the Purim and month of Adar overturn any bad decrees.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

[Aneinu] Please Daven Now!

These 2 precious young people are in critical condition and need our tefilos immediately. Refael Menachem Meir ben Raizel Aidel Chaya Rivka Chana bas Devorah Laya Tizku l’mitzvos. May we see Refuos and Yeshuos.Thank you!

JI Mishpacha Magazine: FOLK HERO – The Story of Moshe Yess

In this weeks Mishpacha Magazine there is an amazing interview about world renown composer/musician Moshe Yess. You can read part of the interview below. by Barbara Bensoussan When big, burly Moshe Yess — a $2,500-a-night virtuoso jazz, bluegrass, and classical guitarist — showed up in yeshivah wanting to learn how to daven but not knowing alef-beis, it was the beginning of something new in Jewish music. Even after three turbulent decades in the industry and years of personal suffering, he left a legendary legacy encapsulated in the lyrical question that has changed so many lives: “Who will be the Zaidy, if not me?”

BRESLEV.CO.IL BONUS Zachor: When in Doubt By: Rabbi Pinchas Winston

This week is Parashas Zachor, which means in place of the usual maftir, we will skip ahead to Parashas Ki Seitzei and read about how Amalek attacked the Jewish people shortly after they left Egypt. Many hold that the hearing of this maftir is a Torah mitzvah that is incumbent on women too (Rav Noson Adler, zt"l, was very stringent in making sure that all the women in his house made it to shul to hear Parashas Zachor), which is why women make it a point to be in shul for this week's erev Purim special maftir. The truth is, the remembering of what Amalek did to the Jewish people is not a once-in-a-year mitzvah; there is an obligation to remember every day what happened. It's just that the Talmud says that the average memory lasts about 12 months, and therefore, we need an official reminder once every 12 months. What about during a leap year which is 13 months long, you may be asking? For this reason, the Vilna Gaon had in mind in such a year to fulfill this mitzvah when actually reading the maftir in its proper time, that is, during the reading of Parashas Ki Seitzei. This way, 12 months would not pass without reading about Amalek.

RABBI LAZER BRODY Parshat Zchor, Remember!

The War against Doubt "Remember what Amalek did to you, on the way, when you were leaving Egypt, that he encountered you on the way, and he struck those weak of you that were lagging behind, and you were tired and weary" (Devorim 25: 17-18). "He encountered you on the way" is a play on words in Hebrew; it also means, "He cooled you down". Emuna, the pure and complete faith in Hashem, resembles a constant burning ember in one's midst, always there to warm the soul, enabling it to survive in a cold and cruel world. Amalek is the opposite; he's a jug of ice water that not only tries to cool down the ember of emuna, he tries to extinguish it altogether. Therefore, the commandment to wipe out Amalek is not simply a matter of piety, but an issue of basic spiritual and emotional survival.

BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA 5773 ~ PARSHAS TERUMAH~ The Golden Mizbe'ach and the Ketores

In Parshas Terumah, the Torah gives us a lengthy description of the Mishkan and its various vessels, such as the Aron, Shulchan, and Mizbe'ach Hanechoshes, the copper altar. The Torah however omits an important component of the Mishkan, and that is the Mizbe'ach Hazahav, the golden altar upon which the Ketores, or incense, was burnt. Only at the end of Parshas Tetzaveh, after the Kohanim's vestments and inauguration are described, are we introduced to this Mizbe'ach .(AUDIO VERSION HERE) PRINT VERSION CLICK HERE

BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA 5772 ~ PARSHAS TERUMAH ~Coerced Charity

In this week's Parsha the Torah tells how Hashem commanded Moshe Rabbeinu to instruct the Jewish People concerning bringing donations for the construction of the Mishkan. Although today we no longer have a Mishkan, nor a Bais Hamikdah, the concept of serving Hashem with one's money is very much prevalent, primarily with regard to Tzedakah, the Mitzvah of giving charity. The Torah, when commanding to donate for the Mishkan, states "From every man whose heart motivates him you shall take his donation." The Targum Yonoson Ben Uziel explains this to mean that the Torah specified not to force people to give donations, unlike some other mitzvos which the Beis Din is enjoined to ensure are carried out by all Nonetheless, the mitzvah of giving tzedaka is indeed enforced by Beis Din in some situations and for certain causes. Nowadays, Beis Din does not have the authority to actually force anyone to do anything, but there are instances in which Beis Din can apply social pressure to ensure compliance of the mitzvah of giving charity. OU AND BAIS HAVAAD Choshen Mishpat - Business Ethics: Tzedaka and Maaser Part I OU AND BAIS HAVAAD Choshen Mishpat - Business Ethics: Tzedaka and Maaser Part II

NAALEH.COM Northern Nexus Parshat Teruma 5773 By Mrs. Shira Smiles

SHIRA SMILES ON THE ARK AND TABLE.

NAALEH.COM Parshat Teruma 5772: Precious Poles By Mrs. Shira Smiles

In this Torah shiur (class) on Parshat Truma, Mrs. Shira Smiles delves into the meaning of the badim, the poles used in the Mishkan. Smmary by Channie Koplowitz Stein click here.

NAALEH.COM Parshat Terumah 5771: Creating Closeness By Mrs. Shira Smiles

In this Torah shiur (class) on Parshat Terumah, Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the midrash on the words " take for me a portion," which says that Hashem told the Jewish people that He sold them His Torah, and its as if He sold Himself with the Torah. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.

NAALEH.COM RABBI HANOCH TELLER ON PARSHAS TERUMAH AND MORE

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RABBI WEIN ON PARSHAS TERUMAH

Giving away some of one’s material wealth is never an easy thing. Our instinct tells us that what is mine, earned through my efforts, should always remain mine and in my possession. In the phrase of the rabbis, we have “a jaundiced eye” towards others and we resent their imposing themselves upon us for continued help and financial donations. We do not even think ourselves to be selfish for thinking and behaving in this fashion.

RABBI WEIN ON CREDIT CARDS

One of the more fiendish banking creations of our modern society is that of the credit card. This simple piece of plastic is the greatest source of personal convenience and freedom of opportunity. It is also the source of angst, bankruptcy and even greater forms of tragedy to families and individuals. For credit cards like everything else in human existence come at a cost. Some of it is immediate and most of it is long term.

RABBI SHLOMO CARLEBACH ON PARSHAT TRUMA PART 2

This Shabbos we read that G-d told Moshe tell the children of Israel to give gifts to build the Holy Temple. This gift is called Truma. Now open your hearts like mad. Do you know what Truma means? Truma means a gift, but it has two more meanings. Truma comes from the word Leromem, to raise high. Truma also comes from the word which means Lehavdil, to separate. On a simple level it means that if I have ten dollars and I give five dollars for the Holy Temple, so I separate this five dollars from the other five dollars. And when I am giving it for a high purpose it means that I was able to Leharim, to make it high. Okay, this is all beautiful, but it's got to get a little deeper than that.

RABBI SHLOMO CARLEBACH ON PARSHAT TRUMA PART 1

You know who is a special person? A special person is somebody who has something special in his or her life. If you have something special in your life then everything becomes something special. If a person who has five minutes of special in their lives, if you have one person who is special to you, wherever you go you make everything special.

BRESLEV.CO.IL BONUS THE ADAR 180 By : Rabbi Pinchas Winston

Rav Yehuda son of Rav Shmuel son of Shilat said in the name of Rav: Just as we reduce joy when the month of Av comes in, so too do we increase joy when Adar comes in. (Ta'anis 29a) This week, G-d willing, is Rosh Chodesh Adar (Sunday and Monday, beginning Saturday night). This time of year is a reverse image of what we feel during the summer time, when the month of Av comes in, heralding the beginning of the "Nine Days," and the final stages of that period of mourning over the loss of the Temples. This week, however, we gear up for the joy of Purim, and the period of redemption that it begins, climaxing with Pesach and Seder-Night. Is the comparison between Av and Adar merely circumstantial? Tisha B'Av mourns the loss of the Temple, while Purim represents the redemption from Babylonian Exile and Haman's "Final Solution." What connection could there be?

CHASSIDIC PEARLS BY RABBI LAZER BRODY PARSHAS TERUMA

"And they shall make a sanctuary, so that I shall dwell within them" (Shmot 25:8). The great Chassidic masters, disciples of the holy Baal Shem Tov of blessed and saintly memory, interpreted "within them" as a divine instruction to prepare our inner selves as worthy sanctuaries for the Shechina, or Divine presence. Such an exalted guest cannot visit, much less dwell, in an inferior lodging, as we shall see in the following parable: The King and his royal entourage were visiting the outlying villages of the kingdom. The monarch was thinking how the crisp and clear mountain air would be most conducive for the health of his three sons, the princes, who spent most of their time in the congested capital city. The royal entourage stopped by a quaint little inn and tavern. The innkeeper, thrilled to have such important guests, raced outside and prostrated himself before the King's feet. "Your majesty, I'm so honored! How may I serve you?"

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAS TERUMAH PART 2: "I Will Dwell in Their Midst"

Why did God command the Israelites to construct a Temple? The Torah indicates the ultimate purpose for this holy structure: "Make for Me a Sanctuary, and I will dwell in their midst" (Ex. 25:8). The goal of the Mikdash was to enable God's Presence to dwell in the world, and 'open up' channels of communication with God — prophecy and ruach hakodesh (Divine inspiration). Three Channels Rav Kook distinguished between three distinct conduits of Divine communication. Each of these channels corresponds to a particular vessel in the Mikdash.

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAS TRUMA PART 1

Translated and abridged by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Truma The Torah reading of Terumah begins the section dealing with building the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and making the priestly clothes. These chapters are among the few in which the Torah places great emphasis on external beauty — art, craftsmanship, and aesthetics. Of particular interest is the protagonist of this unique construction: the master craftsman, Betzalel. The Midrash weaves many stories about Betzalel's wisdom and skill. In particular, the Sages noted the significance of his name, which means, "in God's shadow"

OU TORAH Rav Hirsch on Tetzaveh By Michael Gutmann

CLICK HERE FOR HIRSCHIAN THOUGHT ON PARSHAS TETZAVEH.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

JI AND JMR g”A Verdiger Yid” – Yeedle’s new Album + Song

Work on a new album, many artists say, begins when the previous album goes to print. Today, Yeedle, one of the most prominent artists in modern Hasidic music, launches his sixth album “A Verdiger Yeedle“, a play on words with his name and Yiddish translation “Worthy Jew!” The new album is a collaboration of the elite of the Hasidic music industry. A Verdiger Yeedle boasts 12 tracks by 10 premiere composers, 8 brilliant arrangers and is produced by Yeedle himself. Ruli Ezrachi was Yeedle’s vocal producer for the album. Mixing with flavor, was done by the unparalleled Eli Lishinsky. Composers and and hosted guest duets featured on the album include; The King, Yeedle’s father Mordechai Ben David, Aaron Razel joining in a decade long production on Sos Asis, Yitzchak Fuchs who composed the passionate song Aneinu, and Yeedle debuts Boruch Sholom Blesofsky – a genius singer, composer and arranger he discovered and harnessed to the current project in Melayim Ziv, Soon and Shakul. Additional composers and arrangers include the preeminent Mona Rosenblum, Moshe Laufer, Benny Hershkowitz, Eli Laufer, R’ Shlomo Kalisch, Lazer Kalisch, Dudi Kalisch and Pinky Weber. There are many talented people whose contributions are highlighted in the album, such as Ken Burgess, Moshe Roth, Yoily Dickman. “I spent four years of my life on this album,” reveals Yeedle, “I’m glad we were able to create an album multicolored with nearly every style to cater to the requests of my listeners. Some of these melodies are musical projects that are here to stay in our homes and lives and for many years God willing.” The album will hit stores today and be available online on www.topjewishmusic.com. A video clip will be distributed shortly.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Garden of Education Education With Love by Rabbi Shalom Arush Translated by Rabbi Lazer Brody

IF YOU DID NOT GET THIS WHEN RABBI LAZER BRODY SPOKE TONIGHT PLEASE GET IT AT YOUR LOCAL BOOOKSTORE.Would you believe that it's possible to raise well-adjusted, successful and happy children without raising your voice or raising a finger on the child? Rabbi Shalom, after showing us the way to succeed in so many other areas of life such as marriage and finances, now shows us the way to success in child-rearing. His method, built around positive reinforcement and educating with love, demonstrates the proper way to establish clear boundaries without reprimanding or upsetting the child. First of all, as Rav Arush stresses throughout the book, parents must correct themselves before they correct their children. If the father is a Haman, he cannot expect to raise a Mordechai. This book is a great read, written in clear and comprehensible style. It's a must for every parent.

EITAN KATZ SHUVU IS AT KESHER STAM

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YEDIDIM CHOIR EZKRA IS AT KESHER STAM

For over three years, the Yedidim Choir has been enthralling music lovers all across the United States and Canada, with a distinctive sound all their own. They have sung with the biggest names in the Jewish music business, including Mordechai Ben David, Avraham Fried, Lipa Schmeltzer, Shloime Gertner, Yitzchak Meir Helfgot, Yanky Lemmer, Shloime Taussig, Yisroel Werdyger, Yumi Lowy, Isaac Honig and Yoely Greenfeld and continue to garner rave reviews with each and every performance. Yedidim, under the leadership of Yanky Orlansky, provides more than just musical accompaniment but rather custom crafted arrangements and harmonies, giving each and every note a unique and exceptional sound. With arrangements by the very talented Avrumi Berko and Dudi Kalish, each of the carefully chosen voices plays a part in producing an uplifting musical experience that is nothing short of magical. With the release of their debut album, ezkero, Yedidim becomes not just a part of major Jewish events, dinners and simchos, but brings its trademark sound to Jewish music lovers everywhere. Yedidim. Not just a choir. An experience.PRINT DISCOUNT HERE

8TH DAY CONCERT TICKETS ARE AT KESHER STAM