MAZEL TOV OU'S NACH YOMI 3RD CYCLE FINISHED RUS YESTERDAY(CHAMASH MEGILLOS PART 2)AND IS STARTING EICHA TODAY(CHAMASH MEGILLOS PART 3)

SO JOIN Rabbi Dr. Gidon Rothstein and Rabbi Jack Abramowitz FOR EICHA(CHAMASH MEGILLOS PART 3) TODAY

JIand JMR Maccabeats New Video – Brave

The following message is from the Maccabeats: Every once in a while, somewhere between pop hits about dancing and love, a different kind of song hits the radio waves. A song that is more than just a catchy melody, a song that tries to make a statement, a song that is equal parts medium and message. “Brave,” originally by Sara Bareilles and Jack Antonoff (the guitarist of Fun.), is one of those songs. Many of us know that music can be a safe haven for anybody who is afraid to be him or herself, so we chose to sing this song in support of all those who’ve ever been bullied or pressured into not saying and being who they really are. We also had a lot of fun making this video, playing on the fact that imitation of instruments is fairly common in contemporary a cappella music. Many of us actually play the instruments we’re using in the video! We filmed at the summit of Bear Mountain overlooking the majestic Hudson Valley, and at various Sing For Hope pianos throughout New York City.

[Aneinu] Fwd: Tehillim needed!

The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation asks all of its subscribers to say tehillim for a young woman from Los Angeles that desperately needs YOUR tefillos! She has cancer and needs tremendous rachomei shomayim. Please daven for Ruchoma Avigail Meima Rochel bas Rivka Penina

[Aneinu] Tefillos Requested

Please daven for a young woman who is in need of Rachmei Shomayim. She has been suffering from an illness, and has R”L just been placed on a respirator. Her name is Ruchama Avigail Maima Rochel bas Rivka Penina.

MAZEL TOV OU'S NACH YOMI 3RD CYCLE FINISHED SHIR HASHIRIM(CHAMASH MEGILLOS PART 1) TODAY AND IS STARTING RUS(CHAMASH MEGILLOS PART 2) TOMORROW

SO JOIN Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb and Rabbi Jack Abramowitz FOR RUS TOMORROW.

[Aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Friday Morning

Please daven for Meir ben Sara who will be having complicated surgery tomorrow morning, Friday 7/25, at 6:30 AM.

[Aneinu] YWN Chabad Shaliach in Russia Badly Wounded in Shooting [UPDATED 12:01 IL]

Chabad Shaliach in Russia Rabbi Ovadia Iskov, Chief Rabbi of Derbent, was seriously injured by gunfire. The rav, a man in his 40s, returned from shechita when an anonymous man fired at him near his home striking him in his chest. The rav was transported to a local hospital where he is reportedly fighting for his life. Police are involved in a manhunt for the perpetrator who fled the scene. Police are proceeding on the premise that the shooting was a hate attack, as local officials reported to his wife and four children. The rav and his family have been in the area for nine year and neighbors feel that it must be a hate crime for there is no other reason to explain the shooting attack. Israel’s Foreign Ministry is monitoring the situation, adding the location of the shooting is six hours from Moscow. The tzibur is asked to be mispallel for הרב עובדיה בן זהבה חיה בתוך כל חולי עם ישראל 12:01: With the assistance of Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, a ZAKA medical team is scheduled to leave Eretz Yisrael at 15:00 on a charter flight in the hope of being able to stabilize the rav and transport him to Israel for continued medical care. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Jaffa Edition Mesillas Yesharim Way of The Upright COMING SOON

historic new project from ArtScroll Mesorah: The Jaffa Edition Mesillas Yesharim: the Way of the Upright Access the wisdom of Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzatto's mussar classic, Mesillas Yesharim, in an entirely new way, in ArtScroll's monumental new translation and elucidation. Phrase-by-phrase translation, in the format of the Schottenstein Talmud Extensive explanatory notes, based on dozens of commentaries, and Torah and mussar classics Insights section that bring the words of Mesillas Yesharim into our lives You can learn Mesillas Yesharim. And now you can LIVE Mesillas Yesharim.(FROM ARTSCROLL)

[Aneinu] Please Daven Now!

Mrs. Anat Bovit suffered an aneurysm last night in Los Angeles and is undergoing surgery at the moment. Please daven for Anat Bas Shulamit for a Refuah Shelaima.

RABBI WEIN ON PARSHAS VAETCHANAN

This Shabat is Shabat Nachamu, the Shabat that begins for us a cycle of comfort and consolation after the weeks of sadness and mourning over the past tragedies of the Jewish people. These next seven weeks of healing comfort will lead us into the bright, new year that awaits us. In this week’s parsha there is to be found, so to speak, the short course and synopsis of all of Judaism – the Ten Commandments, the Shema and the explanation of the Exodus from Egypt to be given to the wise son. In a general sense, the entire structure of Torah and Jewish life is encapsulated for us in the parsha of the week. Since this Shabat is invariably also Shabat Nachamu, it is not difficult to see that the Torah is teaching us that comfort and consolation are spiritual values and attainments and not necessarily dependent upon material wealth or worldly success. Our society, so rich in material goods and advanced technology, suffers greatly from all sorts of mental and social dysfunction. Depression is the “black dog” (Churchill’s words for his recurring bouts of depression) that affects over a third of the citizens of the Western world! True comfort and serenity within human beings are difficult to achieve and most precarious to maintain.

RABBI WEIN ON EGO, SHAME, DISGRACE – SO WHAT?

Part of the collateral damage being inflicted upon our current Western democratic society by the loosening of all moral and legal restraints on speech, assembly and sexuality is that there is apparently no longer any meaning to the concepts of shame and disgrace. Unbridled arrogance and inflated personal ego rule the world of politics, religion and public life. A convicted felon serves as one of the representatives of the religious world in the Knesset and as the head of a religious party. He speaks in the name of Torah though Torah requires humility and a healthy sense of shame and embarrassment not brazenness and deviousness. But that is not really his fault, for great rabbis back him and are openly subservient to his power. There is no moral voice that is allowed to protest this desecration of Torah. Where there is no sense of shame present originally, only a disgraceful sense morality can follow. In New York state two prominent former office holders who were forced to resign their public and powerful offices because of their sexually immoral behavior (unfortunately both are Jewish) are again running for major public offices in the upcoming New York City elections.

WHY IS THE JEWISH PEOPLE SO SMALL By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

Near the end of Va’etchanan, so inconspicuously that we can sometimes miss it, is a statement with such far-reaching implications that it challenges the impression that has prevailed thus far in the Torah, giving an entirely new complexion to the biblical image of the people of Israel: The L‑rd did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you are the fewest of all peoples.1 This is not what we have heard thus far. In Genesis, G‑d promises the patriarchs that their descendants will be like the stars of the heaven, the sand on the seashore and the dust of the earth, uncountable. Abraham will be the father not just of one nation, but of many. At the beginning of Exodus we read of how the covenantal family, numbering a mere seventy when they went down to Egypt, were “fertile and prolific, and their population increased. They became so numerous that the land was filled with them.”2

OU TORAH Philosophy or Prophecy By Britain's Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

Philosophy or Prophecy One of the most profound disagreements in Judaism is that between Moses Maimonides and Judah Halevi on the meaning of the first of the Ten Commandments. For Maimonides (1135-1204), the first command is to believe in God, creator of heaven and earth: The basic principle of all basic principles and the pillar of all sciences is to realise that there is a First Being who brought every existing thing into being. If it could be supposed that He did not exist, it would follow that nothing else could possibly exist. If however it were supposed that all other beings were non-existent, He alone would still exist . . . To acknowledge this truth is a positive command, as it is said: “I am the Lord your God” (Ex. 20:2, Deut 5:7). (Yesodei ha-Torah, 1: 1-5) Judah Halevi (c. 1080-c.1145) disagreed. The greatest of medieval Hebrew poets, Halevi also wrote one of Judaism’s philosophical masterpieces, The Kuzari. It is framed as a dialogue between a rabbi and the King of the Khazars. Historically, the Khazars were a Turkish people who, between the seventh and eleventh centuries, ruled a considerable area between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, including southern Russia, northern Caucasus, eastern Ukraine, Western Kazakhstan, and northwestern Uzbekistan.

CHASSIDIC PEARLS BY RABBI LAZER BRODY PARSHAS Va'etchanan

"Hashem, your God, has commanded to you to make the Sabbath day" (Devorim 5:15). The above passage seems peculiar. During the time of our Holy Temple, may it be rebuilt soon, the head rabbinical court, or Beit Din, had the power to declare a leap year and add a 13th month, or to decide whether a month will be 29 or 30 days long. As such, Hashem empowers our wise men with the ability to influence when the holidays will fall, according to their decisions in the Beis Din. If the Beit Din declares a leap year, then Purim, Pesach, and all subsequent holidays will fall a month later. By declaring a "full month" of 30 days, the upcoming holiday is pushed off by a day. Yet, no matter what the Beis Din decided, Shabbat remained Shabbat, and is forever on Saturday, the seventh day of the week! If that's the case, then how can Hashem command us to make the Sabbath day? Only He can make the Sabbath day!

JI and JMR Sruli Twerski Releases The Hit of The Summer “VeOhavto”

Born and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Sruli Twerski has had the unique opportunity to grow up on the knees of his illustrious grandfather, Rabbi Michel Twerski the Milwaukee Rebbe Shlita. Embedded in his DNA are Torah, Ahavas Yisroel and music. Always a staple in Shul or family simchas, it was evident that Sruli’s youthful exuberance coupled with the right message can leave a long lasting impression. With his grandfather’s blessing, he set out to make his own mark on Jewish music. Through mutual friends, Sruli was introduced to popular wedding singer/composer/choir master and most recently producer, Shloime Kaufman. From there Sruli wanted to convey a message appealing to a younger generation, and working with Shloime was a natural fit. They commissioned the help of budding singer/songwriter Zevi Kaufman, who understood Sruli’s and Shloime’s vision. “Wanting to appeal to a younger market, I felt it was important to convey a message of Achdus,” says Sruli. “With both the melody and lyrics, Zevi hit the nail on the head.” The result is Sruli’s debut single entitled “VeOhavto”. The music on this track is noticeably fresh, using sounds and techniques not often heard in the Jewish market. “Coming out of the three weeks and heading into Elul, the message of being responsible for one another Blev Echad is how we can go before Hashem and beseech blessings for the upcoming year,” says Shloime Kaufman.

RAV KOOK ON Va'Etchanan PART 2: With All Your Soul(BONUS Sapphire from the Land of Israel A New Light on the Weekly Torah Portion From the Writings of Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaKohen Kook by Rabbi Chanan Morrison)

Rabbi Akiva's Martyrdom When the Romans decreed that teaching Torah is a crime punishable by death, Rabbi Akiva's reaction was not surprising. The great scholar, who had supported Bar Kochba in his revolt against Rome, gathered people together and gave public Torah lectures. It was not long before Rabbi Akiva was charged and convicted. When the rabbi was brought out for public execution, it was the hour to recite the Shema. As the executioners flayed his skin with iron combs, Rabbi Akiva recited the Shema, concentrating on fulfilling its words: to love God "with all your heart, all your soul, and all your might." The Talmud records Rabbi Akiva's final words before his death. His students asked him: "Our master! Even to this extent?"

RAV KOOK ON Va'etchanan PART 1 : Cleaving to God

Va'etchanan: Cleaving to God "You, who remained attached to the Lord your God, are all alive today." (Deut. 4:4) What does it mean 'to be attached to God'? As the Talmud (Sotah 14a) asks, is it possible to cleave to the Shechinah, God's Divine Presence, which the Torah (Deut. 4:24) describes as a "consuming fire"?

OU TORAH Rav Hirsch on Eikev By Michael Gutmann

CLICKM HERE FOR HIRSCHIAN THOUGHT ON PARSHAS EIKEV.

[Aneinu] Surgery Now - Please Daven

Please daven for Eliezer Shmuel HaLevi ben Penina Yosefa, the 3 year old who is having heart surgery now.

[Aneinu] Please Daven!

From an Aneinu member: Please can you daven for my mother who is 82 and had a heart attack on Shabbos and last night had a stroke. She needs a refuah shleima. Her name is Malka bas Nechama Reeva.

OU TORAH Fifteen Av: Closing the Circle By Shira Smiles

CLICK HERE FOR SHIUR.

MAZEL TOV THE 3RD CYCLE OF OU"S NACH YOMI FINISHED IYOV YESTERDAY AND IS STARTING CHAMASH MEGILLOS PART 1 SHIR HASHIRIM TODAY

Song of Songs - Intro SHIR HASHIRIM PEREK 1

BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA Parshas Devarim 5771- Tisha B'Av & Mishpat

Tisha B'Av & Mishpat By Rabbi Y. Borenstein (adapted from featured audio) Yeshaya Hanavi proclaimes “Tzion bamishpat tipadeh” - Tzion will be redeemed when there is proper justice in the batei dinim. One can ask that there are numerous transgressions listed in the Gemara to explain the cause of the churban including avodah zarah, gilui arayois, shfichas domim, and sinas chinam. Certainly, to bring the geula, Klal Yisrael must rectify these aveiros. Why does the Navi point to justice as the key for the redemption of Tzion?

THE BAIS HAVAAD PARSHA PERSPECTIVES Parshas Devarim: Building Yerushalayim One P’shara at a Time By: Rabbi Tzvi Price

During the reading of Parshas Devarim in shul, there is a point when every listener has a chill go down his spine. When the ba’al koreh reads the pasuk in which Moshe Rebbeinu cries “How (Eichah) can I alone carry the difficulty you cause, the burdens you make me carry, and the quarrels you have?” (Devarim 1, 12), the tune changes to that which is used for Megillas Eichah – “How (Eichah) she sat so lonely….” (Eichah 1:1) Anyone listening cannot help but be moved. That Eichah in Parshas Devarim serves as a sad reminder that soon another Eichah will be sung-the Eichah of Tisha B’Av. This custom is based upon a teaching of Chazal. The Medrash HaGadol explains that the word Eichah in Parshas Devarim is a lamentation similar to the lamentation of Megillas Eichah. The medrash is telling us that when Moshe Rebbeinu said the word Eichah, he was lamenting over the roots of the destruction of Yerushalayim just as later in history Yermiah would lament over what those roots actually produced.

NAALEH.COM Surmounting Sinat Chinam By Shira Smiles and more

CLICK HERE

NAALEH.COM Shabbat Chazon: Valuable Vision By: Mrs. Shira Smiles

In this shiur (Torah class) Mrs. Shira Smiles speaks about the Shabbat before Tisha B'Av, known as Shabbat Chazon, and expounds on the nature of Shabbat Chazon and how it characterizes what the three weeks is about.

OU TORAH YU TORAH 165 Dignity of Man Devorim 5759 By Mrs. Shira Smiles

CLICK FOR SHIUR.

RABBI WEIN ON DVARIM – CHAZON

The nine days of mourning for Jerusalem’s fall and the destruction of the Temples are upon us. This Shabat, which always precedes Tisha B’Av itself, takes its name from the haftorah of the prophet Yeshayahu read in the synagogue. The words of the prophet condemn the social ills of his times and society – governmental corruption, economic unfairness and a lack of legal and social justice. But these are the problems that have plagued all human societies from time immemorial. And they are omnipresent in our current world and national society today as well. So, at first glance, one could conclude that the prophet is making impossible demands, since human behavior and social interactions can never eliminate these issues fully. And we are all well aware that the Torah never demands the impossible from its human subjects. So what is the point of the prophet’s criticism and harsh judgments? What is it that he really demands from us fallible mortal creatures?

TZEDEK JUSTICE and COMPASSION By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

As Moses begins his great closing addresses to the next generation, he turns to a subject that dominates the last of the Mosaic books, namely justice: I instructed your judges at that time as follows: “Listen to your fellow men, and decide justly [tzedek] between each man and his brother or a stranger. You shall not be partial in judgment. Listen to great and small alike. Fear no one, for judgment belongs to God. Any matter that is too difficult for you, bring to me and I will hear it.” Tzedek, “justice,” is a key word in the book of Devarim – most famously in the verse: Justice, justice you shall pursue, so that you may thrive and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you. (Deuteronomy 16: 20)

JI The Breslov Bar Band Returns With The Album “Happy Hour”

The Breslov Bar Band is pleased to share that their new album “Happy Hour” is now available! “Happy Hour” is the follow up to their critically acclaimed debut album, “Have No Fear,” and features their unique arrangements of some of their favorite traditional and contemporary Breslov melodies. On this album, the BBB incorporates a diverse range of musical styles and influences into their music, including Traditional Klezmer, Funk, Ska, Reggae, Punk, and more. They hope you’ll enjoy their interpretations of these incredible melodies! About the album title… Breslov Chassidim place strong emphasis on living joyfully, an approach rooted in the teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, the movement’s founder, who famously taught: “Every hour is Happy Hour!” (OK, he didn’t exactly use those words. He did teach, “Mitzvah gedola lihyos besimcha tamid – it is a great mitzvah to be constantly joyful!”) There are many inspiring Breslov teachings about the importance of joy and a positive approach to life.

PROFITS and PROPHETS By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

There are few more blazing passages in the whole of religious literature than the first chapter of the book of Isaiah, the great “vision,” chazon, that gives its name to the Shabbat before Tisha B’Av, the saddest day of the Jewish year. It is more than great literature. It expresses one of the great prophetic truths, that a society cannot flourish without honesty and justice. It could not be more relevant to our time.

CHASSIDIC PEARLS BY RABBI LAZER BRODY PARSHAS DEVARIM

"Tophel and Laban" (Devarim 1:1). Many people ask about the underlying rationale of "ma'asiot", the Chassidic stories in general, and the famed thirteen tales of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov in particular. The answer, if I'm not mistaken, lies right here in the beginning of Parshat Devorim, with the mention of two seemingly innocent places, "Tophel and Laban". The entire Chumash Devorim, or Book of Deuteronomy, is Moshe's (Moses') parting sermon to the entire people of Israel before he dies. Moshe wants to chastise Hashem's chosen people for their sins, yet desires to strengthen them constructively while not embarrassing or offending them. The Midrash cites Rabbi Yochanan's comment, mentioned by Rashi, namely that "we have reviewed the entirety of Scripture, but we have not found any place with the name Tophel or Laban!" Our sages conclude that Moshe merely alluded to the nation's sins by using place names or other veiled references. Rashi says that "Tophel" is an acronym for the Hebrew taphlu, meaning "they complained", and "Laban" is the Hebrew word for white, which signifies the manna, the pearly-white heaven-sent bread that Israel ate for forty years in the desert. As such, "Tophel and Laban" is Moses' veiled admonition that the Children of Israel complained about the manna, an act of gross ingratitude to Hashem. Rebbe Nachman of Breslev explains the rationale behind the tzaddik's stories as such (Likutei Moharan I:164): If a sick person is given a medicine that's too powerful, he'll surely die. Thus, a tzaddik can't tell a person directly what to do in order to correct his or her ailing soul, because his advice could be too strong; the tzaddik must therefore veil the advice in a parable, and the person must reach his own conclusions. That way, the "medicine" is watered down somewhat and digestible. Moshe relied on the above method described by Rebbe Nachman. Had he not, the people of Israel couldn't have accepted his admonishment. A direct scolding from the mouth of Moses would have been like a direct 1000 volt current running through a 60 Watt light bulb – the listener couldn't handle such direct power! The Chassidic masters – with Rebbe Nachman in the forefront – have relied on ma'asiot to convey a message to their listeners for over 250 years.

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT DEVORIM

translated by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Devorim Already from its opening sentence, we see that the final book of the Pentateuch is different from the first four. Instead of the usual introductory statement, "God spoke to Moses, saying," we read: "These are the words that Moses spoke to all of Israel on the far side of the Jordan River ..." (Deut. 1:1) Unlike the other four books, Deuteronomy is largely a record of speeches that Moses delivered to the people before his death. The Talmud (Megillah 31b) confirms that the prophetic nature of this book is qualitatively different than the others. While the other books of the Torah are a direct transmission of God's word, Moses said Deuteronomy mipi atzmo — "on his own." However, we cannot take this statement — that Deuteronomy consists of Moses' own words — at face value. Moses could not have literally composed this book on his own, for the Sages taught that a prophet is not allowed to say in God's name what he did not hear from God (Shabbat 104a). So what does it mean that Moses wrote Deuteronomy mipi atzmo? In what way does this book differ from the previous four books of the Pentateuch?

BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA Parshas Maasei 5771- Capital Punishment

Halachic Perspectives on the Death Penalty By: Rav Yitzchok Grossman The United States is one of the last holdouts among the civilized nations to maintain, at least for the most heinous of crimes, the age-old penalty of execution, and even within the country, a vast gulf in attitude as well as practice divides liberal jurisdictions such as New York from conservative ones such as Texas.

BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA Parshas Matos 5771- The Daughter's Inheritance

The Daughter's Inheritance By: Rav Yehonassan Dovid Hool Shlit"a Regarding the subject of wills and bequests, the Gemora1 teaches that one should not change around one’s inheritance to favour even a good son over a bad son, and all the more so not to give a daughter in place of a son. Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat, 282:1) rules that one who arranges his estate to benefit others instead of his Halachic heirs acts against the wishes of Chazal, even if the true heirs appear to be unworthy. How then can we justify drafting a will that enables daughters to receive a share in the estate in a case where the decendent leaves a son or sons as well?

THE BAIS HAVAAD PARSHA PERSPECTIVES Parshas Matos-MaseI: How ‘Green’ Is the Torah? By: Rabbi Tzvi Price

In recent times, environmentalism has gained in popularity and legitimacy. Zoning boards and city planners are now taking into account such environmental issues as the need for open spaces, restricting pollution, and coexisting with nature. What is the Torah’s attitude with regard to society’s newfound respect for the environment?

OU TORAH Yerushalmi - Berachos 24 By Rabbi Yosef Grossman

CLICK HERE FOR BERACHOS DAF 24.

JI and JMR Yedidim Choir Release Yiddish Version of Yesh Tikvah

For over three years, the Yedidim Choir lead by Yanky Orlansky has been enthralling music lovers all across the United States and Canada, with a distinctive sound all their own. They stormed onto the Jewish music scene six months ago with the release of their debut album “Ezkero“. Ezkero wasn’t a album featuring a collection of songs like some choirs have done in the past. Rather, it was an album with ALL New amazing compositions featuring arrangements by the very talented Avrumi Berko and Dudi Kalish as well as compositions of Dudi Kalish. This week in the yiddish paper Dee Voch, readers will be treated to a FREE CD inside. The song recorded by the Yedidim choir, features one of the biggest hits of the past year Benny Friedman‘s Yesh Tikvah composed by Ari Goldwag. When asked why they picked this particular song, choir leader Yanky Orlansky answered that the words Yesh Tikvah are in megillas Eicha. “We are mourning the loss of the Bish Hamikdash, but it’s very important to remember that Yesh Tikva, there IS hope, and Moshiach is not far off.” The twist on this recording of Yesh Tikvah, is that Yedidim recorded the song with all new YIDDISH lyrcis!. That’s right. Yanky felt that it was important to translate the Hebrew message into Yiddish so more people could understand the song and continue spreading the message of YeshTikvah. The song also features the strong powerful vocals of one of Yedidim’s brightest members, Menachem Moskowitz. If you do NOT get Dee Voch, the single will be available as a FREE download on MostlyMusic.com.

[Aneinu] Please Say Tehillim - Surgery Thursday

Please say Tehillim for Matle Perel bas Miriam Leah, a Chicagoan who will be having surgery 10:30 AM Thursday morning.

YU TORAH The Science of Speech By Mrs. Shira Smiles

CLICK HERE FOR SHIUR AND SOURCE SHEETS

YU TORAH Matos: Midyan - The Final Act By Shira Smiles

CLICK HERE FOR SHIUR AND SOURCE SHEETS AND SUMMARY

RABBI WEIN ON REVOLUTIONS AND MINDSETS

The recent revolution in Egypt that removed the Moslem Brotherhood from power (is it only temporarily?) reflects the ongoing instability and cross- currents that dominate the Arab world. As usual, the Western world and the United States were surprised and overwhelmed by the event and completely impotent in attempting to influence this outcome. The mindset of the West, proven over and over again in its dealings with the Middle East, is that the tiger really means no harm and poses no danger and if fed properly will become tame and docile. Thus, terrorists are only militants, hate speech is only a campaign tactic and there are always magical solutions to centuries’ old struggles and hatreds.

RABBI WEIN ON MATOT – MAASEI

The fourth book of the Torah – Bamidbar – concludes in this week’s public Torah reading. The new generation of Jews, no longer the slave generation that left Egypt hastily and constantly longed to return there when faced with problems and difficulties, stands poised to enter the Land of Israel and fulfill God’s covenant with Avraham. However here again, narrow personal interests becloud the general picture and weaken the necessary national resolve. It is no longer the so-called fleshpots of Egypt that beckon and entice. It is rather the pasture lands east of the Jordan River that force the cattle raising tribes of Reuven and Gad to plead with Moshe that they not be compelled to cross the Jordan and enter the Land of Israel.

[Aneinu] Tefillos Needed - Surgery Tomorrow

Please daven for Rivka Fradel bas Chaya Asna, a Chicagoan who will be having eye surgery tomorrow, Thursday, 7/17.

[Aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery

Please daven for Yirmiyahu Gedalia ben Esther, a 4 year old Chicago boy who will be having surgery.

THE PROPHETIC VOICE By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

During the three weeks between 17 Tammuz and Tisha B’Av, as we recall the destruction of the Temples, we read three of the most searing passages in the prophetic literature, the first two from the opening of the book of Jeremiah, the third (next week) from the first chapter of Isaiah. At perhaps no other time of the year are we so acutely aware of the enduring force of ancient Israel’s great visionaries. The prophets had no power. They were not kings or members of the royal court. They were (usually) not priests or members of the religious establishment. They held no office. They were not elected. Often they were deeply unpopular, none more so than the author of this week’s haftorah, Jeremiah, who was arrested, flogged, abused, put on trial and only narrowly escaped with his life. Only rarely were the prophets heeded in their lifetimes: the one clear exception was Jonah, and he spoke to non-Jews, the citizens of Nineveh. Yet their words were recorded for posterity and became a major feature of Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible. They were the world’s first social critics, and their message continues through the centuries. As Kierkegaard almost said: when a king dies, his power ends; when a prophet dies, his influence begins.1

THE DANGER OF SUSPICION By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

It is a fascinating story, and from it comes one of the great principles of Judaism. Two of the tribes, Reuben and Gad, see that the land east of the Jordan is ideally suited as pasture for their large herds and flocks of livestock. They approach Moses and ask to have permission to settle there rather than cross the Jordan. Moses is initially furious at their request. It is, he says, bound to demoralize the rest of the people: “Shall your fellow countrymen go to war while you sit here?” Had they learned nothing from the sin of the spies who, by de-motivating others through their behavior, condemned an entire generation to forty years of wandering in the desert?

CHASSIDIC PEARLS BY RABBI LAZER BRODY PARSHAS MATTOT-MASEI

"And we brought an offering for Hashem; whatever each person found of gold vessels, anklet and bracelet, ring, earring, and clasp, to atone for our souls before Hashem" (Bamidbar 31:50). The concept of Torah study and immersion in a mikva as conducive to purification of the heart permeate the writings of the holy Baal Shem Tov and his disciples. His great grandson, Rebbe Nachman of Breslev, teaches that in "spirituality, when one's thoughts are focused on the magnitude of Hashem and on His holy Torah, and move from one thought to another, a spiritual heat is created by the friction of the thought movement that is passed down to the heart and sets the heart ablaze in yearning for Hashem. This is the principle heat of the element of fire (Likutei Moharan I:156)". The above concept is the key to a superb spiritual ploy for teshuva and soul correction, which works much the same as libun, literally "whitening", or koshering a metal utensil by heating it until it becomes red-hot in a fire. Once the metal object or utensil is red-hot, all non-kosher substances that may have been absorbed in that utensil become null and void, and the utensil is rendered kosher. According to Rebbe Nachman's principle, contemplating the magnitude of Hashem excites the heart and thereby creates a spiritual fire that burns away any forbidden thoughts that may have lodged in the heart. As such, contemplating the magnitude of Hashem is capable of "koshering" the heart the same way that a blazing flame dislodges and destroys absorbed non-kosher substances from a skewer or grill. The ability of contemplating the magnitude of Hashem in purifying the heart has important and far-reaching ramifications. Contrary to what many think, a person doesn't have to subject himself to fasts and self-flagellation in order to purify the heart and get close to Hashem. On the contrary; by taking a walk in a lush green pasture, gazing at the royal-blue sky and contemplating the Creator of the sunset's dazzling gold and crimson rays, one's heart is kindled with the love of Hashem. A heart that blazes with the love of Hashem burns away the love of material follies and bodily lusts. The Jewish commanders who led the attack on the Midianites were amazed with their own success in battle – not a single soldier of the 12,000-man task force was killed, wounded, or missing in action. As tzaddikim, they knew that Hashem was responsible for their amazing success. They contemplated the greatness of Hashem, and their hearts were set afire with the love of Hashem, and were completely purified. With the love of Hashem burning in their hearts, they came forth to offer the gold and valuables that were seized in the war as a gift to Hashem.

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT MASSEI:Unchecked Violence

With regard to a society where murderers can evade punishment through bribery, the Torah admonishes "Do not defile the land in which you live and in which I live." (Num. 35:34) In what way does allowing murderers go unpunished 'defile the land'? And why does the Torah emphasize that this is the land where both you and God dwell? The Sages taught in Shabbat 33a: "For the crime of bloodshed, the Temple is destroyed and the Shechinah [God's Presence] departs from Israel. As it says, "Do not defile the land in which you live and in which I live." If you do defile it, you will not dwell in it, nor will I dwell in it." Why is the appropriate punishment for such corruption the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, the loss of the Shechinah, and exile?

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT MATOT PART 2

Translated by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Matot After the victory over the Midianites, Elazar the High Priest explained to the soldiers how to kasher and purify the metal utensils captured in the war: "As far as the gold, silver, copper, iron, tin and lead are concerned: whatever was used over fire must be passed through fire, and it will be clean. However, it must be then purified with the sprinkling water." (Num. 31:22-23) The Midianite vessels had become defiled in battle, through contact with death. They needed to be purified, by sprinkling over them water mixed with the ashes of the red heifer. This is the standard process of purification, a process that takes a week to complete.

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT MATOT PART 1

Translated by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Matot God commanded Moses to attack Midian in revenge for their devastating scheme against the Israelites. The Midianites had used their daughters to lure the Israelite men into worshipping the licentious idolatry of Peor, resulting in Divine anger and a terrible plague. The war against Midian was a remarkable success — not a single soldier fell. After the battle, the generals and captains approached Moses: "We wish to bring an offering to God. Every man who found a gold article — an anklet, bracelet, ring, earring, body ornament — to atone for our souls before God." (Num. 31:50) The officers had followed God's command, waging war against Midian. Why did they feel a need for atonement?

Special 9th of Av Vintage Videos From Harav Yochanan Zweig

Tisha B'Av "Reversing Sinas Chinam" Yitzchak Zweig & Yisroel Hill

YU TORAH TISHA BAV TO GO 5773

CLICK HERE

JM in the AM Tisha B'Av Program with Nachum Segal Rabbi Wein & Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser

CLICK HERE

OU TISHA BAV WEBCAST 2013 RECORDERD VERSION

CLICK HERE

TISHA BAV RADIO PROGRAM WITH CHARLIE HARARY ON THE NSN

CLICK HERE 6:10 CHICAGO TIME.

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 30 2013

S"A SIMAN 32 SIF 18 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 86 For the upper and lower י /parts of the א/ may only touch the roof at their thinnest /point/ MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 1 Q:IS THEIR A MAKOR IN SHAS FOR THIS? FOR THE ANSWER CLICK HERE.

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 29 2013

S"A SIMAN 32 SIF 17 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 68 Instead, one must also scrape off some of the roof, until what remains is like the /letter/(vav)ו MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 1 Q:IS ANYONE IN WONDERMENT ABOUT THIS? FOR THE ANSWER CLICK HERE.

Nachum Segal Presents Rabbi Berel Wein’s Lectures on Jewish History and Values for the JM in the AM 9 Days Format

Continuing his annual tradition, Nachum Segal presents the JM in the AM 9 Days Format, consisting primarily of the fascinating Jewish history lectures of Rabbi Berel Wein, every morning from Rosh Chodesh Av through Tisha B’Av. Nachum began with lectures from Rabbi Wein’s Jewish Values series, continued with Rabbi Wein’s Lost Communities series and is now presenting Rabbi Wein’s lectures that are focused on the 3 Weeks and Tisha B’Av. For more information about Rabbi Wein and his lectures visit his website here.

OU TORAH The Light of Tisha b’Av By Shira Smiles

CLICK HERE FOR SHIUR AND SOURCE SHEETS.

YWN SHMAIS.COM and COLLIVE.COM Chabad Bochur Missing in Los Angeles UPDATE

Twenty-year-old Yossi Weiss has been missing in Los Angeles since Tuesday night. He was last seen in the La Brea area of Los Angeles. The family has requested to please say Tehillim and pray for the safety of Yosef Meir ben Chana. His kapitel is 21 (SHMAIS.COM) If anyone has any information about his whereabouts please call 323-449-0449 or 323-397-9204. Any additional information will be published as it becomes available. UPDATE 10:50PM EST: YWN SHMAIS.COM and COLLIVE.COM has been informed that the Joseph Weiss has B”H been found not far from his home, and will be reunited with his family shortly. (YWN Headquarters – NYC)

OU TISHA BAV WEBCAST Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb "Tools for Recovery/Tefilos for Redemption"

Download Materials for Rabbi Weinreb's presentation (PDF)

PROJECT INSPIRE PRESENTS JUST A WORD

IN CHICAGO AT THE OHEL SHALOM TORAH CENTER(2949 TOUHY) AT 5:45PM

CCHF TISHA BAV EVENT 5773 JULY 16TH 2013

CLICK HERE FOR LOCATIONS AND TIMES

OU TORAH Bedin Psul Koton Bekesivas STA"M By Rabbi Yaakov Moishe Shurkin

Click here Teshuvos Rebbe Akiva Eiger Siman 7 [3].

[Aneinu] Updated Levaya Information

The levaya for Rebbetzin Etta Rivka Zucker, a"h, wife of Harav Dovid Zucker and mother of Rabbi Yitzchok Zucker, Rabbi Yossi Zucker, Rabbi Yaakov Zucker, Mrs. Bassie Einstader, Mrs. Leah Goldstein, Mrs. Devorah Septimus, Mrs. Sarah Meikiel, Mrs. Miriam Ullman, Mrs. Brochie Revach, Mrs. Yocheved David and sister of Mrs. Hadassah Singer, will be motzaei Shabbos at 10:15 pm at Joan Dachs Bais Yaakov. The call in number for the live hookup is 712-432-0175 pin number: 123465#. The levaya will continue at Newark Airport, Sunday at 11:15 am, at United Cargo North Area, Continental Building. Minyanim: Shacharis: 7:10 am Mincha: 6:05 pm Maariv: 9:45 pm HaMakom Yenachem Eschem B’soch Sh’ar Aveilei Tzion V’Yerushalayim

[Aneinu] Baruch Dayan Ha'Emes

With sorrow we relay that the levaya for Rebbetzin Etta Rivka Zucker, a''h, Wife of Harav Dovid Zucker Will be held motzaei Shabbos at 10:15 pm at Joan Dachs Bais Yaakov HaMakom Yenachem Eschem B’soch Sh’ar Aveilei Tzion V’Yerushalayim

[Aneinu] Please Daven for Little Boy

Avi (8 or 9 years old) has a brain aneurysm - ended up having nothing to do with the tick - 2 separate issues) He is now in the ICU at Columbia University B"H they found the source of the tiny leak (of blood) which has basically resolved itself biChasdei Shamayim, and they will now continue to monitor it for the next several weeks. Thank you for your tefillos. Please continue to be mispallel for Avrohom ben Geula.

'[Aneinu] Please Daven Now!

Please daven for a Chicagoan, Esther Toba bas Elke Golda, who is at this moment undergoing a 3 hour operation.

YWN VIDEO & PHOTOS: Hespedim for HaRav Yehoshua Yeshaya Neuwirth ZT”L; Mechaber Shmiras Shabbos Kihilchasa

There was standing room only at Yeshivat Lomdei Torah in the Bayit Vegan neighborhood as people gathered for hespedim in honor of the shloshim of the mechaber of the sefer “Shermiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa”, HaRav Yehoshua Yeshaya Neuwirth ZT”L. The maspidim included HaRav Yacov Benaim, Rosh Yeshivas Nachlat Moshe, HaRav Yehoshua Eichenstein, Rosh Yeshivas Yad Aharon, HaRav Dovid Behar, Rosh HaYeshiva Lomdei Torah, HaRav Aharon Feldman, Rosh HaYeshiva Ner Yisroel Baltimore, HaRav Pinchos Breuer, Rosh Yeshivas Knesses Yisroel, and HaRav Aryeh Levi, Mashgiach Yeshivas Chochmas Shlomo and son-in-law of the niftar. R. Shlomo Fishman, a talmid of the niftar, also delivered divrei hesped. The hespedim were broadcast live to Baltimore and New York as well as on Yeshiva World News.

OU TORAH Rav Hirsch on Devarim By Michael Gutmann

CLICK HERE FOR HIRSCHIAN THOUGHT ON PARSHAS DEVARIM.

[Aneinu] Tefillos Needed - Surgery Today

Please daven for Chicagoan, Esther Toba bas Elka Golda, who will be having surgery today to repair a fractured femur.

[Aneinu] Please Daven

From an Aneinu member: Please daven for my sister-in-law's nephew who had a tick on his body and now has internal bleeding with possible viral meningitis please be mispallel for AVROHOM BEN GEULA

[Aneinu] Baruch Dayan Ha'Emes

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of the 22-month-old baby who fell into a pool this past week. Countless Jews around the globe were *davening* for a *refuah sheleimah *for Zev Aryeh *ben* Nechama. This young *neshamah* returned to its Creator today.

Heroes of Faith 100 Rabbinical Tales of the Holocaust IS AT KESHER STAM

FROM THE ONE WHO GAVE US TORAH TAVILIN. The Jewish People are an eternal nation. While we have flourished and prospered during many golden ages, our true mark of greatness lies in the way we face our challenges, struggles, and difficult times. If during these painful moments we can still cling to our faith and proclaim Hashem as our loving Father and King, we can be assured that He will step in to help us once again, and that our nation will always continue to survive and thrive. Like its predecessor Heroes of Spirit, Heroes of Faith is a dazzling collection of stories that portray the splendor of the Jewish nation, even during the dark days of the Holocaust and under Russian rule. Each story depicts a gadol b’Yisrael, whether Litvishe, Chassidishe, or Sephardic, or another great personality, whose actions lifted the status of mankind in an otherwise corrupt and hate-filled world. Be moved as you read of the Belzer Rebbe’s brachah to one very determined woman and her two sons. Be inspired by the account of how Rav Elchanan Wasserman marched serenely to his death, his every word and thought directed toward teshuvah and being mekadesh Shem Shamayim. Be astonished by the miracles, both small and large, performed by a caring Father whose love for His children, although many times hidden, is always there. Be proud of the legacy of the Jewish nation, whose faith in and devotion to their Creator never diminishes, even in the blackest of nights. by Rabbi Dovid Hoffman