MAZAL TOV OU'S NACH YOMI 4TH CYCLE FINISHED IYOV TODAY AND IS STARTING SHIR HASHIRIM(CHAMASH MEGILLOS PART 1) TODAY

Song of Songs – Intro By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz So join Rabbi Jack Abramowitz and Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb for Shir Hashirim(Chamash Megillos Part 1) today.

[Aneinu] Please Daven for Zlata bas Zelda

he mother of a former Chicagoan is having serious issues of an unknown origin that have put her in the hospital. Please daven for Zlata bas Zelda.

[Aneinu] Urgent Request to Daven for Victim of Serious Car Accident in Israel

Boruch Yerachmiel ben Tzivya (from Neve Yaakov) was in a terrible car accident. We have been asked to daven, say tehillim for him and also to say Asher Yatzar as a zechus for his refuah.

KITZUR 365 STARTED A NEW CYCLE THIS WEEK

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OU TORAH MISHNA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU) MB 50a: Proper Writing of Tefillin (32:25-27) By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

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OU TORAH MISHNA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU) MB 49b: Proper Writing of Tefillin (32:25) By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

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OU TORAH MISHNA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU) MB 49a: Proper Writing of Tefillin (32 Seif 23-25) By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

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OU TORAH 19 LETTERS Letter #18: How to Strive Forward – Part 3 By Daniel Adler

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Czuker Edition Hebrew Chumash Mikra'os Gedolos Sefer Devarim [Full Size] IS AT KESHER STAM

Newly typeset - Fully menukad - It will enhance the way you learn Chumash. •Every word of every commentary is menukad, with the rashei teivos spelled out •The text of every commentary has undergone thorough review and diligent research, based on manuscripts and early printings •Each haftarah has an introduction explaining its connection to the parashah or the special day on which it is read •Torah readings for appropriate festivals, Rosh Chodesh and fast days, with haftaros •Full color explanatory maps, charts and illustrations •Newly typeset, user-friendly page design •Specially milled, acid-free, lightweight opaque paper •Incredibly durable, state-of-the-art, reinforced library binding •Classic Mikra'os Gedolos Commentaries: Targum Onkelos, Targum Yonasan, Targum Yerushalmi, Rashi, Ramban, Rashbam, Ibn Ezra, Daas Zekeinim, Baal HaTurim, Sforno, Kli Yakar, Or Hachaim, Sifsei Chachamim •Added Commentaries: Rabbeinu Bachya, Chizkuni •Commentaries on the Haftaros and Megillos Rashi, Radak, Metzudas David and Metzudas Zion on the Haftaros; Rashi on the Megillos •New Additions Appearing on the Page: Likkutei Bavli V'Yerushalmi — An original comprehensive compilation, succinctly citing relevant texts from Talmud Bavli and Talmud Yerushalmi where a pasuk is discussed. Likkutei Metzudos — An innovative collection, providing the explanation of difficult words as they are interpreted by Metzudas Zion and Metzudas David throughout Nevi'im and Kesuvim.(From Artscroll)

Schottenstein Talmud Yerushalmi - English Edition [#30] - Tractate Yevamos vol 2 IS AT KESHER STAM

For five generations of the Talmudic era, the great Sages of the Land of Israel flourished in the Galil. There, like the Sages of Babylonia, they debated, expounded, and applied the laws and principles of the Mishnah that were received at Sinai .The sacred learning of those years was gathered in the Talmud Yerushalmi ù The Jerusalem Tamud. They lived with Roman pogroms and persecution ù but the flame of Torah burned bright despite it all. Until about 350 C. E., when brutal Roman anti-Semitism decimated the Holy LandÆs yeshivos and silenced its voice of Torah. But the SagesÆ teachings live on in the Talmud Yerushalmi, just as the teachings of Babylonia live one in the Talmud Bavli ù The Babylonian Talmud. But while the Sages of Babylonia had another 150 years to redact, clarify and organize the text of the Babylonian Talmud, Roman persecution in the Holy Land made that impossible. Thus, the Jerusalem Talmud is exceedingly difficult, and ù despite its great significance û it has been a closed book to all but select, elite scholars. Now, thanks to the outstanding scholars who produced the classic Schottenstein Edition of Talmud Bavli, the lock is being removed on yet another treasure-house of Torah ShebÆal Peh, the Oral Law. This project has been enthusiastically welcomed and endorsed by Torah leaders in Israel and America.(From Artscroll). At Kesher Stam it's 20% off.

The Schottenstein Ed. Mishnah Elucidated Seder Nashim Volume 3 Tractates: Sotah, Gittin and Kiddushin IS AT KESHER STAM

The Schottenstein Edition Talmud created a revolution in Gemara study. Now, the breakthrough format is available for the Mishnah as well. Ideal for: Mishnah learning for yahrzeits and sheloshim Students or parents helping their children with homework Beginners new to Mishnah study Anyone looking to review basic Mishnah The Schottenstein Edition of the Mishnah Elucidated features: Full vowelized Hebrew text of the Mishnah, and full text of "the Rav's" (Rabbeinu Ovadiah of Bertinoro) classic Mishnah commentary. Phrase-by-phrase translation and elucidation, following the Schottenstein Edition Talmud format, based on the interpretation of Rabbeinu Ovadiah of Bertinoro, adds words and phrases to make the Mishnah text read smoothly and clearly. Notes to clarify and explain the Mishnah further by drawing on the Gemara or other classic Mishnah commentaries. General introductions to each masechta discuss many important concepts. Many detailed diagrams and illustrations.(From Artscroll)

OU TORAH HaShoneh Halachos 2: Mishneh Torah By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

15. The Zodiac

OU TORAH HaShoneh Halachos 2: Mishneh Torah By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

14. Smaller Spheres

OU TORAH MISNHA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU) MB 48b: Proper Intention For Writing Tefillin (32:20-23) By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

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[Aneinu] Please daven for Yonason Uziel ben Victoria

Please daven for Yonason Uziel ben Victoria. This is a young man (in Israel) who fell from a height of 8 meters (over 26 feet) and is in a very difficult situation. They have set up a tehillim read for him at: http://tehilimyahad.com/mr.jsp?r=iBAjQg3y5w Please take a moment and say a perek for him, thanks. Boys were playing around as teenagers do, with the lift /elevator for packages(can’t think of the exact wording),that raises the food to the dining room. This boy grabbed on from the outside to stretch some muscles, and the boys just lifted it up “a drop”(There are buttons to lift and lower.) with the intention to lower it. What actually happened is that the elevator went up to the second floor and got jammed, and they were not able to lower it...The boy was hanging there between heaven and earth at the height of 8 meters. They rushed to get mattresses but didn’t manage in time, and he could not hold out his strength long enough, and he just fell. It seems he prepared for the fall. According to the estimations, he first landed on his knees and then on his face. The result was, The left knee cap broken two and fractures in his face: skull, nose, jaw and area around the eyes. Additionally, there is slight bleeding in the brain and he inhaled blood into his lungs. It is not a simple situation at all. He will need several operations followed by a long rehab. Presently he is in an induced coma on a respirator with terrible suffering. The situation is just unbearable and extremely traumatic. It is especially hard for the family Just over a month ago,the family left Tel HaShomer after a neice passed way following a long hospital stay. When they left, they said that they don’t want to return to this place. And here, we don’t control things in life. The mother of this boy is extremely in pain, with all the memories, doctors that were invlolved with the neice, the ICU, ....very difficult. So PLEASE daven for him that he should be zoche to arise from his sick bed quickly completely healthy. And mainly that HaShem should say DAI! to our troubles and bring the geula speedily. Besuros tovos!

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. This morning, Nachum presented parts 1 (Pleasantness) and 5 (The Land of Israel) Rabbi Wein’s Jewish Values series. Click on the players below to listen and enjoy.

OU TORAH HaShoneh Halachos 2: Mishneh Torah By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

13. The Heavenly Spheres

OU TORAH MISHNA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU) MB 48a: Proper Intention For Writing Tefillin (32:19) By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

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[Aneinu] Please Daven for 10 Month Old Baby

BS"D I received the message below from a third party asking for me to say the perek of Tehillim (121) listed below for DAVID URI BEN TOVA GITTEL, a 10-month old baby (in Israel) who is in critical condition after swallowing water while being bathed. The message also asks the recipient to continue to pass it on to as many people as possible, not to break the communication chain, and that everyone who prays for his friend will be answered first. thanks very much. May we share b'soros tovos. debby בבקשה תעזרו כל מי שרואה את ההודעה שיעשה חסד וישלח את ההודעה לחמישה אנשים בלי לשבור! בבקשה לשתף ולהתפלל. פרק תהילים לרפואה שלמה והחלמה מהירה ל דוד אורי בן טובה תינוק בן 10 חודשים שבלע מים באמבטיה ונמצא בטיפול נמרץ והשעות הקרובות הם קריטיות להצלת חייו ״כל המתפלל על חבירו נענה תחילה״ 
 בשורות טובות! שִׁיר, לַמַּעֲלוֹת: אֶשָּׂא עֵינַי, אֶל-הֶהָרִים-- מֵאַיִן, יָבֹא עֶזְרִי. עֶזְרִי, מֵעִם יְהוָה-- עֹשֵׂה, שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ. אַל-יִתֵּן לַמּוֹט רַגְלֶךָ; אַל-יָנוּם, שֹׁמְרֶךָ. הִנֵּה לֹא-יָנוּם, וְלֹא יִישָׁן-- שׁוֹמֵר, יִשְׂרָאֵל. יְהוָה שֹׁמְרֶךָ; יְהוָה צִלְּךָ, עַל-יַד יְמִינֶךָ. יוֹמָם, הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ לֹא-יַכֶּכָּה; וְיָרֵחַ בַּלָּיְלָה. יְהוָה, יִשְׁמָרְךָ מִכָּל-רָע: יִשְׁמֹר, אֶת-נַפְשֶׁךָ. יְהוָה, יִשְׁמָר-צֵאתְךָ וּבוֹאֶךָ-- מֵעַתָּה, וְעַד-עוֹלָם לא להתעצל זה בדיוק שנייה לקרוא

[Aneinu] Please daven for young child - Surgery Thursday AM

We all wish the very best for all our children and grandchildren. May each and everyone have good news to share today, and always. Chaya Mushka Saacks a seven year old will have an hour and half surgery tomorrow morning, Thursday 7/23, about 7:30 AM Please have Chaya Mushka bas Miriam Mirel Brendel in your tefilos.

[Aneinu] Please Daven - Important Medical Test

A Chicagoan is having an important medical test tomorrow (Wednesday ) Please daven for Ita bas Leah that it should go well.

(Updated Daily) 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. So far, Nachum has presented all 5 parts of Rabbi Wein’s Crash Course in Jewish History series.

JM SUNDAY with Mattes Weingast 7/19/15 9 Days Format with Rabbi Wein

RABBI WEIN ON THE SIX DAY WAR.

OU TORAH Yerushalmi – Berachos 59 By Rabbi Yosef Grossman

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OU TORAH HaShoneh Halachos 2: Mishneh Torah By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

12. Keeping Profound Matters Secret

OU TORAH MISHNA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU) MB 47b: Proper Tefillin Parchment and Letters (32:18 continued) By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

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Aneinu Tefillos Needed

Please daven for the cousin (in Israel) of a Chicagoan, Michal bas Tamara, who suddenly went into a coma.  

Aneinu names of mother and baby

The names of the mother and baby are:  Tal Talia bat Rivka and Tinok ben Tal Talia

Aneinu Please Daven for a woman and her newborn

Holy friends,   This wonderful young woman (34), mother of three, is in critical need of our prayers right now.   She has stage IV cancer and is intensive care. We need to storm the heavens with our prayers so this decree is obliterated completely and she can go back to caring for her family.    2.5 weeks ago, she discovered the disease had riddled her intestines, after being admitted to the hospital for what they thought was dehydration. She was 28 weeks pregnant. A successful albeit complicated surgery was performed, with baby in utero, to remove the whole large intestine. 2 weeks later, the staples got undone and the infection began to swell her stomach. This infection meant an emergency C-section delivery on Sunday, July 5th, 2015. What should have been a momentous, happy celebration, was just news taken in stride, along with further reports of Tal's critical condition. The wife is being intubated and sedated in order to flush the toxins out of her system and has not seen her new baby yet. The stomach has been left open in a sterile condition for five days now in order to allow the doctors to clean it out daily.   The baby is premature by 2 months, and is currently in NICU. He is on antibiotics and is also fighting for his life at this stage.   These are horrible yissurim for a beautiful young mother to go through. She is a model citizen, and a very loving mother, and a holy Jew. Her two children at home, are being taken care of by neighbors and friends and family, while the father runs between his wife, his newborn, and hospitals, trying to find the best care for her.   Please don't ignore this email. It is not for donations, it is not for anything other than the words that come out of your mouth. This link:http://tehilimyahad.com/mr.jsp?r=PBnJ0S7RGU ; is special because it tracks the amount of tehillim that is read for this one specific case. It shows how many people read, and how many donated their good deeds for the full recovery of this woman. I update Tal's family and her husband with the incredible amount of prayers said so far (20 books finished in five days since I posted the link) and it gives him so much hope in a time of bleak darkness and constant worry, not knowing what will be with his wife.   Please take the time to say even one perek. The more the merrier. And please pass it along to just one person, but the one person who you know will read for Tal.   Thank you and refuah shlema to all of Am Israel.  --   Best Regards,Mor Maisel   

OU TORAH MISHNA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU) MB 47a: Proper Tefillin Parchment and Letters (32:18) By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

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OU TORAH HaShoneh Halachos 2: Mishneh Torah By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

11. God’s “Life”

[Aneinu] Tefillos Requested - Surgery Monday

a former Chicagoan is having surgery in the morning (Mon) Please have him in mind for a refuah shleima.............. His hebrew name is Levi Tzvi halevi ben Chana thank you!

[Aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Monday

Please daven for Yisroel Yehuda ben Dena Sarah who is having major surgery tomorrow. Thank you.

OU TORAH MISHNA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU) MB 46b: Proper Tefillin Parchment and Letters (32:17-18) By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

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Matnas Chelkoh- Chovos Halevavos-Sha'ar Habechinah IS AT KESHER STAM

Learn Sha'ar Habechinah with a commentary delivered by the Mashgiach shlit"a during his famous daily va'ad. By: Rabbi Mattisyahu Salomon.Let's learn Rabbi Mattisyahu Salomon sefarim like this new one as a zechus for his refua shelama.Print discount here.

[Aneinu] Please Daven for HaRav Mattisyahu Solomon shlita

The tzibur is requested to be Mispallel for Matisyahu Chaim ben Etel bsoch sha’ar cholei yisrael

HaShoneh Halachos 2: Mishneh Torah By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

10. Ten Levels of Angels

HaShoneh Halachos 2: Mishneh Torah By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

9. Angels

OU TORAH HaShoneh Halachos 2: Mishneh Torah By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

8. The Nature of God’s Creations

Nachum Hosted Rabbi Steven Weil to Preview the Orthodox Union’s (OU) Tisha B’Av 5775/2015 Webcast with Rabbis Weinreb and Weil

In preparation for Tisha B’Av (Sunday, July 26), Nachum Hosted Rabbi Steven Weil, Senior Managing Director of the Orthodox Union live at JM in the AM to preview the Orthodox Union’s (OU) Tisha B’Av 5775/2015 Webcast with Rabbis Weinreb and Weil. Entitled, “Holiness and Heroism in Times of Horror,” Rabbis Weinreb and Weil will once again bring insight and perspective to the liturgy of our saddest day. Visit the OU website HERE.

OU TORAH ONE+ONE Shimon Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

Many have the practice to recite, in the prayer following Shemoneh Esrei, a verse that starts and ends with the same letter as their name, or that contains their name, or both. This is considered a source of merit. In this series, we will briefly analyze these verses. שִׁיתוּ לִבְּכֶם לְחֵילָה פַּסְּגוּ אַרְמְנוֹתֶיהָ לְמַעַן תְּסַפְּרוּ לְדוֹר אַחֲרוֹן Direct your hearts to her ramparts, traverse her palaces, so that you may tell it to the next generation. – Psalms 48:14 The Midrash notes that the word for “hearts” typically has two of the letter veis (e.g., “l’vavcha” in Deuteronomy 6:5), because people have two inclinations, good and evil. When speaking of angels, however, there is only one veis, since angels only perform G-d’s will (for example, “libchem” in Genesis 18:5). Why then does our verse, which speaks of man, spell “hearts” with only one veis? Because this verse speaks of the messianic era when we will have no more evil inclination and, like angels, we will only perform G-d’s will.

[Aneinu] Please Daven for Young Mother

From Debbie in Eretz Yisroel: BS"D Dear Daveners: Please go online and say a perek or perakim of tehillim for Chaya Bas Ora at http://tehilimyahad.com/mr.jsp?r=KRW9TlxupL Below is the history: "Please continue davening for this woman. She has finished the chemo and there is nothing else they can do---the cancer has spread all over. Her name was changed to Chaya bas Orah. We should share in bsoros tovos! MW On Wed, Sep 3, 2014 at 2:17 PM, Malka wrote: A woman in our kehilla here was in her 8th month and was just diagnosed with the machalah, R"L, yesterday. It was so serious that they performed a c-section this morning (and delivered a healthy baby girl, B"H), so that she will be able to start treatments as soon as possible, as, unfortunately, things are apparently quite advanced. She has a bunch of little kids, including one in gan with Tova. Please daven for Elinor bas Svetlana for a refuah sheleimah. We should share bsoros tovos!"

OU TORAH HaShoneh Halachos 2: Mishneh By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

7. To Love and Revere God

OU TORAH MISHNA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU) MB 46a: Proper Tefillin Parchment and Letters (32:17) By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

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Support Daf Digest

The Gemara in Nedarim asks “al ma ovdo ho’oretz” and answers “al she’lo baircho baTorah techila”. The Ran explains that the 1st Beis HaMikdosh was destroyed because their limud haTorah wasn’t lishma, was another “course of study”, wasn’t aimed in better and more fully understanding the D’var Hashem. It’s imperative that our Torah learning possess what they were missing and to develop the value of Torah and Limud HaTorah. This is precisely the goal of the Daf Yomi Digest, to give a fuller, broader and more in-depth knowledge and understanding to each and every Daf to the thousands of Daf Yomi learners in over 35 countries worldwide on so many different levels, and help them in their pursuit to finish Shas. Please join us in our commitment, to continue to enhance worldwide Daf Yomi learning. You can partner with us by sponsoring an issue of Daf Yomi Digest and/or becoming a member of Daf Yomi Digest. A simcha, refua shelaima, yaharzeit or any other day of note this month can be recognized by you through a sponsorship. Your sponsorship provides your special day, all 24 hours of it, with the extraordinary merit of the thousands of people learning their Daf Yomi along with the Daf Digest. Accordingly, your support will enable us to continue promoting Daf Yomi learning and the dissemination of the daily Daf Yomi Digest worldwide. We know that times are tough and that there are many worthy causes in need asking for your support, but we hope that you have benefited and appreciate what we’re doing enough to help ensure the future of the Daf Yomi Digest. Please reply to this email or click here to help support Daf Digest. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at dafdigest@thechicagocenter.org Thank you in advance and with your support, together we will continue moving forward in our joint rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdosh, bim’heiro b’yomeinu. Sincerely yours, Rabbi Daniel Muskat Director of Programming

Guidelines Bishul IS AT KESHER STAM

From the authors of the popular Guidelines series, this concise book contains everything you need to know about cooking on Shabbos.(From Menucha Publishers)

OU TORAH DAF SUGYA WITH RABBI ELEFANT Nedarim Daf 49 – Taled Kosos Part 3

Can You use grape juice at the Seder or how about low alcohol wine?Click here for the answer.

OU TORAH DAF SUGYA WITH RABBI ELEFANT Nedarim Daf 49 - Taled Kosos Part 2

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OU TORAH DAF SUGYA WITH RABBI ELEFANT Nedarim Daf 49 - Taled Kosos Part 1

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THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5775 Issue XXXVII Parshas Pinchas Sinning With Pure Intentions Commiting a Minor Sin to Save a Fellow Jew From a Greater Sin

In this week’s parsha the Torah relates the episode of the daughters of Tzlafchad. The daughters of Tzlafchad were exceedingly righteous and greatly desired a portion in Eretz Yisrael. The Gemara (Shabbos 96b) says that Tzlafchad was the mekoshesh – the one who desecrated Shabbos. It seems puzzling that the one who was famed for being a sinner in the dor hamidbar was equally famed for having such righteous children.

THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5775 Issue XXXVII Parshas Pinchas Clinton Prison Escape Incarceration in Halacha by Rabbi Micha Cohn

The dramatic escape of two convicted murderers from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Upstate New York has captivated the public. In this article we will present some pertinent Torah sources on the role of incarceration in halacha.

OU TORAH Pinchas 5775 By Rabbi Shalom Rosner

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NALLEH.COM PARSHAT PINCHAT ELEVATING THE ELEVATED OFFERING By Shira Smiles and More

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NALLEH.COM Parshat Pinchas: Leader of the Nation By: Rabbi Hershel Reichman

In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses the week's parsha in which the the qualifications a leader of the Jewish nation is explained. Rabbi Reichman explains these qualifications based on the Shem MiShmuel. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.

YU TORAH Toronto Torah: Pinchas 5775

Description: Toronto Torah for Pinchas 5775 includes articles on the parshah, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin's Tree of Life, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn (Tzemach Tzedek) on love for other Jews, and more

0U TORAH Elijah and the Still, Small Voice By Britain's Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

Then the word of the Lord came to him: ‘Why are you here, Elijah?’ He replied, I am moved by the zeal for the Lord, God of Hosts…” The Lord said to him, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind was an earthquake , but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire – a still, small voice. (I Kings 19:9-12)

RABBI WEIN ON PINCHAS 5775

There are great challenges in everyone's life. There are natural drives which exist within us that force people to commit sinful behavior. The Talmud succinctly sums up the situation by stating: “Most people steal, a minority of them are sexually immoral and all are covered with the dust of evil speech and slander.” Money is a great temptation and the drive to acquire it is so strong that stealing in one way or another is natural to many and even condoned by large sections of society.

RABBI WEIN ON GOING SHOPPING

Those who know me will testify that I am not a person who enjoys shopping. There are people who simply love to go shopping. In fact there is an entire human activity, bordering on an industry, called ”going shopping.” And there are many practitioners of this activity and I am not merely speaking of window shopping, which is an entirely different genre by itself, but I am talking about real shopping – going into a megastore and facing the daunting challenge of choices.

RAV KOOK ON Pinchas Part 3: The Daily Sheep Offering

The central daily offering in the Temple service was the Tamid, an offering of two lambs. One lamb was offered just after daybreak, at the start of the day’s service; the second lamb was offered in the afternoon, at its conclusion. The sheep were purchased using half-shekel coins collected from the entire Jewish people. Why was a small sheep used for the Tamid offering, and not a more impressive offering? And why use only young animals, less than a year old?[1]

RAV KOOK ON Pinchas Part 2: Genuine Zealotry

“Pinchas... zealously avenged My cause among the Israelites.... Therefore, tell him that I have given him My covenant of peace.” (Num. 25:11-12) Why did God present Pinchas, the archetypical zealot, with a covenant of peace? What was the nature of this covenant?

RAV KOOK ON Pinchas/Succoth Part 1: Connecting the Natural with the Supernatural

he highlight of the Temple service during the Succoth holiday was Nisuch HaMayim, the Water Libation ceremony. While it was usually wine that was poured at the base of the altar, there is an oral tradition to offer a special libation of water on Succoth. The Sages (Shabbat 103b) found an allusion to this tradition in the verses describing the Succoth offerings (Num. 29:12-34). Three verses conclude with the letters mem, yud, and mem — spelling out the word mayim, water.