Unlocking the Torah Text Shmot by Shmuel Goldin IS ON AMAZON

Unlocking the Torah Text provides an in-depth journey into the Torah portion through a series of studies on each parsha. Each study opens with a brief summary of the narrative and then presents probing questions designed to strike to the core of the text. These questions are addressed through a review of traditional commentaries spanning the ages, combined with original approaches. Deep philosophical issues and perplexing textual questions are carefully examined and discussed in clear and incisive fashion. The actions and motivations of the patriarchs, matriarchs and other biblical figures are probed with an eye towards determining the lessons to be learned from the lives of these great personalities. Clear distinction is made between pshat (straightforward literal meaning) and Midrash (rabbinical exegesis) as both of these approaches to biblical text are carefully defined and applied. Finally, thought-provoking connections are raised between the eternal Torah narrative and critical issues of our time. Each study is thus constructed to encourage continued discussion and study of the Torah narrative.Order here.

Echoes of Eden: Sefer Shmot Hardcover by Rabbi Ari D. Kahn IS ON AMAZON

As the Jewish people embark on their fateful journey toward redemption, we wonder: How did the Jewish people's suffering prepare them for their destiny? What enabled them to receive the Torah? How could the people have perpetrated the golden calf debacle, and how can we successfully learn from their experiences to live wiser, more God-conscious lives? Plumbing the depths of Jewish sources, Rabbi Ari Kahn provides fascinating answers to age-old questions, infusing the parashah with fresh significance. Through provoking questions and intriguing insights, Rabbi Kahn continually inspires us to seek the Godly. Salvation and Sanctity is the second in a five-volume work on the weekly Torah portion, published jointly by Gefen Publishing House and the OU.

Schottenstein Talmud Yerushalmi - English Edition [#31] - Tractate Kesubos 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.Don't forget its already 20% off.

THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5776 Issue XII Vayechi WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A BURIAL PLOT Why is it the custom to buy a burial plot before death? By Rabbi Yehonassan Sasportas

In this week’s parsha, Yaakov Avinu commands his children to bury him in the Meoras Hamachpela. He gives them very specific details as to the location of the Meoras Hamachpela, and of those who were previously buried there. The Netziv questions Yaakov Avinu’s intentions in giving such specific details. Didn’t his children already know where their grandparents were buried and where it is located? The Netziv explains that Yaakov Avinu’s intention was to convey to his children, and future generations, what to insist upon regarding matters relating to burial. By describing the location of Meoras Hamachpela, Yaakov was essentially teaching his children that they should make the effort to be buried in a holy place. So too, by emphasizing the Meoras Hamachpela is a place that Avrohom Avinu actually purchased, he was teaching them that it is important to be buried in a place that one owns, and not a place given to one as a gift. Finally, by reminding his children who is buried in the Meoras Hamachpela, Yaakov was teaching his children that one should be buried near one’s parents and forbearers.

THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5776 Issue XII Vayechi DAMAGES ENACTED ON PUBLIC PROPERTY Who is at fault? By Rabbi Yitzchak Silver, Dayan in Yerushalayim, author of the Code of Jewish Conduct, and many other seforim on Choshen Mishpat.

The Gemara in Bava Kama, daf lamed beis, discusses Hameshana. The meshana is a person who uses the streets for an unusual purpose, for example he sits or lies down on the sidewalk. This is different than what people usually do on public property. The meshana has no right to do this, and if someone trips over him, he has the din of a bor. The meshana is similar to a bor in that he is chayiv for nezek, for damaging other people, but not their keilim. For example, if someone sat down in the street and another person tripped over him and damaged his finger. The meshana is obligated to compensate the injured man for the depreciation of his value had he been sold in a slave market. However, if he ripped his suit while tripping on the human obstacle, the meshana does not have to pay, because he has the din of a bor which is potur on keilim. If the person who tripped could see the meshana lying on the street and could have easily walked around him without too much bother, then he is chayiv for damages. If the walker did not bother to go around the meshana and he damaged the man who was lying in the street, he is chayiv k'din odom hamazik.

THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5776 Issue XII Vayechi HOW TO BLESS YOUR CHILDREN ON SHABBOS The significance of using one hand vs. two hands. by: HaRav Chaim Weg Shlit"a, Rosh Kollel at the Bais HaVaad Kollel for Dayanus

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NAALEH.COM and YU TORAH Conferring Clarity By: Mrs. Shira Smiles

As Yosef is notified that his father has fallen ill and undoubtedly death is approaching, he rushes over to Yaakov’s bedside with his two sons, Menashe and Ephraim. Yaakov blesses Yosef and elevates the two sons to the status of full tribes. Then, after a short conversation, Yaakov seems to suddenly notice the two boys actually standing there and asks, “Mi eileh – Who are these?” What could the question mean? Certainly Yaakov knew Yosef’s sons. He had studied Torah with them probably daily over the last seventeen years. Although one could argue that the sons, having hurried over to Yaakov’s bedside, were still in their ceremonial garb as officers of Pharaoh’s and Yosef’s court and had not changed into the family clothing they usually wore in their grandfather’s presence, that explanation is but one approach. It behooves us to delve more deeply both into Yaakov’s concerns and Yosef’s responses. Even Rashi’s explanation that Yaakov wanted to verify their legitimacy and Yosef showing Yaakov the ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract, requires more analysis. Click here Summary by Channie Koplowitz Stein.

NAALEH.COM Parshat Vayechi: The Kaleidescope of the Jewish Land and People By: Rabbi Hershel Reichman

In discussing this week's parsha, Parshat Vayechi, Rabbi Hershel Reichman speaks about the individual strengths of each of the Tribes of Israel and their beauty as a whole nation. This class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.

OU TORAH Vayechi 5776 By Rabbi Shalom Rosner

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YU TORAH Toronto Torah: Vayechi 5776

Description Toronto Torah for Vayechi 5776 includes articles on the parshah, Rabbi Chaim Vital's Shaarei Kedushah, the mitzvah of ha'anakah, the Dubner Maggid and more

RABBI WEIN ON VAYECHI 5776

The conclusion of the book of Bereshith reaches its climax this week with the recording for us of the death of our father Yaakov and of Yosef. The era of the founders of our people ended in relative tranquility and contentment, albeit on foreign soil. It will be a long and arduous journey for the descendants of Yaakov to return home to the Land of Israel. A dark and forbidding era is about to begin but, though still in the future, it was foretold already many years earlier to our father Avraham. From the simple meaning of the words of the Torah, it is apparent that the family of Yaakov found themselves comfortable and well settled in their home in Goshen.

RABBI WEIN ON ON BEING CURRENTLY RELEVANT

The “hot-button” topics in our ever-changing society rarely have much staying power. They seem somehow to fizzle out of their own accord, having made a lot of noise, spawning countless op-ed pontifications but rarely leading to substantive change or benefit in our lives and societies.

OU TORAH On Not Predicting the Future Britain's Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

Jacob was on his death-bed. He summoned his children. He wanted to bless them before he died. But the text begins with a strange semi-repetition: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come. Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel.” (Gen. 49:1-2) This seems to be saying the same thing twice, with one difference. In the first sentence, there is a reference to “what will happen to you in the days to come” (literally, “at the end of days”). This is missing from the second sentence. Rashi, following the Talmud,[1] says that “Jacob wished to reveal what would happen in the future, but the Divine presence was removed from him.” He tried to foresee the future but found he could not. This is no minor detail. It is a fundamental feature of Jewish spirituality. We believe that we cannot predict the future when it comes to human beings. We make the future by our choices. The script has not yet been written. The future is radically open.

RAV KOOK ON Vayechi Part 3: Jacob's Sword and Bow

“וַאֲנִי נָתַתִּי לְךָ שְׁכֶם אַחַד עַל אַחֶיךָ, אֲשֶׁר לָקַחְתִּי מִיַּד הָאֱמֹרִי, בְּחַרְבִּי וּבְקַשְׁתִּי.” Before his death, Jacob gathered his sons together and blessed them. To his beloved Joseph, Jacob promised an additional portion — “which I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow” (Gen. 48:22). It is striking just how out of character this statement is for Jacob. Jacob was the “ish tam,” the scholarly man who dwelled in the ‘tents of Torah.’ Jacob was the one who greeted his angry brother with gifts, not with battle. Jacob was the one who cursed his sons for slaughtering the residents of Shechem after they kidnapped his daughter. So what is this talk of swords and bows? The Sages interpreted his statement as referring — not to weapons of war — but to weapons of prayer: “Does it not say, ‘I do not trust in my bow, and my sword will not save me’ (Psalms 44:7)? Rather, ‘my sword’ refers to prayer. And ‘my bow’ (be-kashti) refers to supplication (bakashah).” (Baba Batra 123a). Is this just a homiletical interpretation of Jacob’s curious pronouncement? What do swords and bows have to do with prayer?

RAV KOOK ON VaYechi Part 2: Revealing the End of Days

“Jacob called for his sons. He said: ‘Gather together, and I will tell you what will happen at the End of Days.'” (Gen. 49:1) In fact, Jacob never revealed to his sons when the final redemption would take place. According to the Midrash, this secret — the time of redemption — was hidden from Jacob. The Midrash uses the following parable to explain what transpired between Jacob and his sons at Jacob’s death bed.

RAV KOOK ON Vayechi Part 1: Jacob Did Not Die

Third-century scholar Rabbi Yochanan made an astounding claim regarding Jacob: “Rabbi Yochanan stated, ‘Our father Jacob did not die.’ Rabbi Nachman asked, ‘Was it in vain that they eulogized Jacob and embalmed his body and buried him?’ Rabbi Yochanan responded, ‘I derive this from a verse: ‘Fear not, Jacob My servant... for I will save you from afar, and your offspring from the land of their captivity’ (Jeremiah 30:10). The verse likens Jacob to his offspring: just as his offspring lives, so too, Jacob lives.'” (Ta’anit 5b) What did Rabbi Yochanan mean that Jacob did not die? If he intended to say that Jacob’s soul is still alive, that requires no verse — the souls of all righteous people are eternal. And if he meant that Jacob’s body did not die, several verses explicitly state that he died (for example, “Joseph’s brothers realized that their father had died” (Gen. 50:15)). The medieval Talmudic commentary Tosafot explains that, when describing Jacob’s death, the Torah only says that he ‘expired', not that he ‘died’ (Gen. 49:33). We need to examine the difference between these two verbs. Also, why did Rabbi Yochanan make this claim of eternity only for Jacob, and not for Abraham and Isaac?

Aneinu Please Daven

Please daven for Faiga Tzipporah bas Rochel. פיגא צפורה בת רחל   The matzav is critical.

BAIS HAVAAD The 24HR CHALLENGE is on! $260K - ALL OR NOTHING

The Bais HaVaad 4X - ALL OR NOTHING MATCHING CAMPAIGN is live for the next 24 hours. We need your help to raise $260,000.00, and every single donation is multiplied by 4 that means that means if you give $100, you're really giving $400! Please help us continue our vital work. DONATE NOW athttps://www.charidy.com/bhhc Or call 1.888.485.VAAD (8223) Follow the campaign and FORWARD to your friends and associates. Click here for video.

[Aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Tuesday Morning

Please daven for Aneinu member, Rivka Rochel Leah bas Sara Rawna, who is having surgery tomorrow morning, Tuesday, at 7:30 AM.

Aneinu Please Daven

Please daven for my uncle, Avigdor ben Sarah, who is having surgery for a blood clot.

[Aneinu] Please Daven for Reb. Esther Jungreis

Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis wishes to express her heartfelt appreciation to all the many people who are davening for her. Those prayers have definitely helped. B”H, she is on the path of recovery but please continue to daven for Esther bas Miriam.

[Aneinu] Please Daven for HaRav Belsky shlita

Please daven for Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirel, Rav, Rav Chaim Yisroel Belsky shlita who is in the hospital and has had a setback in his condition.

BELATED MAZEL TOV OU'S NACH YOMI 4TH CYCLE FINISHED LAST WEEK AND THE 5TH CYCLE STARTED

The OU’s Shoshana Grossman Nach Yomi Calendar for 2015-2017 Introduction to Neviim By Rabbi Shalom Rosner Yehoshua 1 By Rabbi Shalom Rosner Sefer Yehoshua – Introduction By A Journey Through Nach In Depth: Joshua – An Introduction By Rabbi Menachem Leibtag Click here for Yehoshua with Rabbi Bini Maryles and Rabbi Jack Abramowitz. Don't forget to have Ezra Shwartz in mind when you learn.

OU TORAH Completing Nach: The Story and the Vision Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb

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THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5776 Issue XI Vayigash FORECLOSURE IN HALACHA When the lender takes possession on improved property. By Dayan Dovid Grossman Rosh Bais Havaad L'Inyonei Mishpat, the Center for the Study and Practice of Monetary Halacha

Case Study: Improved Property in Rechavia Many years ago, a man named Reuven owned a small fixer in the Rechavia neighborhood of Yerushalayim. Reuven needed some capital for a timely investment, so he approached his friend Shimon and asked for a $250,000 loan. Shimon agreed, but asked for a collateral to secure the loan. Reuven, who needed the funds desperately, was willing to offer his Rechavia property – which was worth well over $300,000 – as collateral for the loan, granting Shimon a lien on the property. This would be a non-recourse loan, secured by the property. Reuven and Shimon drafted a proper Heter Iska, along with a valid Shtar detailing the terms of the loan – and the deal was finalized. Many years later, land values in Yerushalayim rose dramatically. Reuven sold the property in Rechavia to Levi, who tore down the old house, and invested a sizable sum of money into building a beautiful new house. Levi’s property was now valued at well over $1 million. One day, there was a knock at Levi’s door, by none other than Shimon – who came to collect the original $250,000 he was still owed by Reuven. Shimon produced the Shtar which stated that he had a lien on the property, and expressed his intent to collect his debt by taking possession of the property. Obviously, Levi was not about to just walk out of his home and the large sum of money he had invested in building it. Levi offered to try and persuade Reuven to repay Shimon his $250,000 but Shimon refused, claiming that he had a right to this property which was subject to his lien. Instead, Shimon offered to reimburse Levi for his investment in the property which he would take for himself. Levi did not agree to this proposal. The land itself had shot up in value, in addition to the improvements which Levi had made, and, more importantly, Levi did not want to lose his home. What is the Halacha in this situation? Does Shimon have the right to take Levi’s home?

THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5776 Issue XI Vayigash The $45 Billion Charitable Baby Gift May one gift his estate to charity at the expense of his children's inheritance? By Rabbi Yitzchak Grossman

To commemorate the birth of their daughter Max, Facebook co-founder, CEO and chairman Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan1 have pledged to “give 99% of our Facebook shares -- currently about $45 billion -- during our lives” to “advance human potential and promote equality for all children in the next generation”. We have previously considered the general question of the propriety of disposing of all or part of one's estate in a manner diverging from the Torah's system of inheritance; in this article, we focus on the particular question of charitable bequests.

THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5776 Issue XI Vayigash Asara B'teves- A UNIQUE DAY OF FASTING The similarities between Asara B'Teves and Yom Kippur. by: Rabbi Dovid Englander

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NAALEH.COM and YU TORAH Providential Promise By: Mrs. Shira Smiles

With Parshat Vayigash the Torah begins the narrative of the descent of Bnei Yisroel to Mitzrayim led by our Patriarch Yaakov. Yaakov begins the journey and stops overnight in Be’er Sheva, afraid and unsure if he should continue to Mitzrayim. According to Rabbi Dunner in Mikdash Halevi, Yaakov had three major concerns. First, he wasn’t sure he was allowed to leave Eretz Yisroel, as his father Yitzchak was prohibited from leaving the sanctity of Eretz Yisroel. Then he was concerned lest he be buried in that defiled earth rather than with his father and grandfather in Meorat Hamachpelah. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, he was concerned for the proper education of his children and grandchildren in such an immoral environment. Click here forSummary by Channie Koplowitz Stein.

YU TORAH Toronto Torah: Vayigash 5776

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OU TORAH Vayigash 5776 By Rabbi Shalom Rosner

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NAALEH.COM Parshat Vayigash By: Rabbi Hershel Reichman

In this shiur (Torah class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman expounds on the mystical source of Yosef's unshakable faith.

NAALEH.COM Parshat Vayigash: Hidden Tzadikim By: Rabbi Hershel Reichman

In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses this week's parsha, Parshat Vayigash. Rabbi Reichman teaches that Yosef's greatness lies in his ability to be a perfect tzadik unbeknown to the outside world. This class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video format.

NAALEH.COM Parshat Vayigash: Two Forms of Leadership By: Rabbi Hershel Reichman

Rabbi Hershel Reichman explores this week's parsha, Parshat Vayigash, in which the confrontation between Yosef and Yehuda reveals two forms of leadership and service of G-d. This class is available online in streaming video and for download in mp3 and ipod video formats.

RABBI WEIN ON VAYIGASH 5776

The opening verses of this week's Torah reading are among the most dramatic and challenging in the entire Torah. Two great, powerful personalities in the house of the children of Yaakov, Yehudah and Yosef, engage in a clash and debate of epic proportions, regarding the release of their brother Binyamin.

RABBI WEIN ON KEEPING OUR DISTANCE

It seems fairly obvious to me that American Jewry should stay out of Israeli politics and that Israeli politicians should stay out of the affairs of American Jewry. However, our politicians somehow feel impelled to visit America as often as they can and to act or pontificate on all sorts of matters over which they have little knowledge or deep understanding.

OU TORAH Reframing By Britain's Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

Maimonides called his ideal type of human being – the sage – a rofe nefashot, a “healer of souls”.[1] Today we call such a person a psychotherapist, a word coined relatively recently from the Greek word psyche, meaning “soul”, and therapeia, “healing”. It is astonishing how many of the pioneering soul-healers in modern times have been Jewish.

RAV KOOK ON VaYigash Part 2: The Hazards of Leadership

The text implies that Joseph was the first of Jacob’s twelve sons to die: “Joseph died, and [then] his brothers and everyone else in that generation” (Exod. 1:6). Why was Joseph’s life shorter than that of his brothers? The Sages suggested that Joseph’s early demise was due to his position of public office. When one assumes a position of authority, “one’s days and years are shortened” (Berachot 55a). Yet this hardly seems fair. Why should those who dedicate their lives to public service be penalized by having a shorter life?

RAV KOOK ON Vayigash Part 1 : The First Exile

The very first exile of the Jewish people, the exile to Egypt, began as Jacob and his family left the Land of Israel. They intended to spend a short stay in Egypt until the famine passed. The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni Hosea 528) makes a startling observation: “Jacob should have gone down to Egypt in chains. Yet God said, ‘Jacob, My first-born, how could I banish him in disgrace? Rather, I will send his son to go down before him.'” What did Jacob do to deserve being exiled in iron chains?

{Be'er Mayim Chaim} Please Daven

Please Daven for the Refeuah Sheleima of Mordechai Aharon ben Leah Miriam

[Aneinu] Betar Illit: Child Resuscitated After Choking on a Balloon (Tehillim requested)

Baruch Hashem a 7-month-old girl who was choking on a balloon was successfully resuscitated on Thursday morning 12 Teves in Betar Illit. MDA reports the call came in at 9:30AM for a 7-month-old baby that was choking on a foreign object. EMTs and paramedics were dispatched and together with Ichud Hatzalah EMS personnel CPR and advanced life support measures were implemented after the foreign body was extricated from the child’s trachea. Ads By Artscroll: Click Here! B”H after the balloon was removed the child’s spontaneous pulse returned. The child was listed in serious condition during transport to Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, unconscious and with assisted ventilations by paramedics. The baby’s name for tefilos is Sarah bas Shoshana bsoch kol cholei am yisrael. Photo: A MDA paramedic uses a piece of his blue glove to hold and show the balloon that was lodged in the child’s trachea. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo: Medabrim Tikshoret ) - See more at: http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/372284/betar-illit-child-resuscitated-after-choking-on-a-balloon.html#sthash.sDArOUuY.dpuf

[Aneinu] Please Daven for Yehuda Leib ben Fruma

Please daven for Yehuda Leib ben Fruma, one of our cholim, who has been in the hospital since Sunday.

[Aneinu] Tefilla Request

Request from a former Chicagoan living in Eretz Yisroel: A neighbor of our was just diagnosed with cancer and is in very serious condition his name is Zelig Leib ben Leah. He is a rav and marbitz torah with a large family. Also my friend’s mother who just moved to Eretz Yisrael also became sick recently. Her name is Rivka bas Chana Hinda. If people can say some tehillim it would be very appreciated. Tizkee limitzvos

[Aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Tuesday/Asara B'Teves

I will be having routine major surgery tomorrow morning, Tuesday, Asara b'Teves, at 11:15 AM. Tefillos are appreciated for Chaya Miriam bas Leah that the surgery should go smoothly with no complications, and an easy recovery. Due to the surgery I will be out of touch on Tuesday. I hope to be back in touch Wednesday. May we share besoros tovos.

[Aneinu] Name Added - Ruchama Tova bas Esther Bil'ha

Tova bas Esther Bil'ha's name has been changed to Ruchama Tova bas Esther Bil'ha. Please help complete Sefer Tehillim as a zchus for her refuah shlema. Unfortunately, I have more difficult news to share. Rebbetzin Fuerst's young great-niece, Tova bas Esther Bil'ha, has had a relapse of her cancer. She has an infection in her lungs and she is on a respirator. The situation is very serious. Reb. Fuerst is asking that Aneinu say Sefer Tehillim for her refuah shlema. I have prepared a spreadsheet for people to sign up to say one or more kappitlach of Tehillim on a daily basis.https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lHtZvI2SjEpm3T4QhLAf7ghfePEcl4ljKzmKD519Ezc/edit May Tova bas Esther Bil'ha have a refuah shlema bsoch sha'ar cholei Yisroel.

[Aneinu] Please sign up to say Tehillim for Tova bas Esther Bil'ha

Unfortunately, I have more difficult news to share. Rebbetzin Fuerst's young great-niece, Tova bas Esther Bil'ha, has had a relapse of her cancer. She has an infection in her lungs and she is on a respirator. The situation is very serious. Reb. Fuerst is asking that Aneinu say Sefer Tehillim for her refuah shlema. I have prepared a spreadsheet for people to sign up to say one or more kappitlach of Tehillim on a daily basis. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lHtZvI2SjEpm3T4QhLAf7ghfePEcl4ljKzmKD519Ezc/edit#gid=0 May Tova bas Esther Bil'ha have a refuah shlema bsoch sha'ar cholei Yisroel.

[Aneinu] Please Daven for HaRav Matisyahu Salomon Shlita

Lakewood. (see the article below from YWN Lakewood has declared Asara b'teves as a day of prayer for health for him). Genadi Chaim Noteh ben Reah Rachel, the man brutally stabbed by a terrorist in Hevron who is still in a coma. This Tuesday is not only asarah b’taives, but in Lakewood, it is a day of prayer for the health and well-being of Rav Matisyahu Salomon shlita, the beloved Mashgiach of the Yeshiva, declared a letter signed by the four Roshei Yeshiv of BMG in Lakewood. The Mashgiach’s situation is rather tenuous and he requires “much Rachamei shamayim,” the letter stated. It was signed by Rav Aryeh Malkiel Kotler, Rav Yerucham Olshin, Rav Dovid Schustal, and Rav Yisroel Neuman. Rav Salomon became mashgiach ruchani of Gateshead Yeshiva, a position he held for more than 30 years. He was mashgiach in Gateshead Yeshiva initially under Rabbi Moshe Schwab and then as the senior mashgiach, before moving to Lakewood in the spring of 1998. Rav Salomon was succeeded at Gateshead by Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Karnowsky. It may be recalled that the Mashgiach was hospitalized last month, but did make a recovery. - See more at: http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/371573/the-four-lakewood-roshei-yeshiva-declare-day-of-prayer-for-mashgiach.html#sthash.hGY7R5cb.dpuf

OU TORAH Melachim Aleph 5 By Rabbi Shalom Rosner

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OU TORAH Melachim Aleph 4 By Rabbi Shalom Rosner

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OU TORAH MISHNA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU) MB 100b Getting an Aliyah During the Shema (66:4-5)

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OU TORAH MISHNA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU) MB 100a: Answering Amen During the Shema (66:2-3) By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

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OU TORAH MISHNA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU)MB 99b: When Can You Interrupt the Shema? (66:1) By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

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OU TORAH MISHNA BERURA YOMI (DIRSHU) MB 99a: Do You Have To Read Shema With the Tzibbur? (65:2-3) By Rabbi Aaron E. Glatt, MD

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

160. When Nature is Worshipped Idolatrously

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

159. Idols with Bathhouses; Bathhouses with Idols

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

158. Things Found on an Idol

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

157. A Combination of Permitted and Prohibited Factors

OU TORAH HaShoneh Halachos 2: Mishneh Torah Rabbi Jack Abramowitz

156. An Asheira Tree

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

155. Mixtures of Idolatrous and Non-Idolatrous Items

[Aneinu] Updates & Links to Tehillim Read for Yotam Shmuel,Yonatan ben Bracha Leah and Naor Shalev ben Ruth

BS"D 1. Yonatan ben Bracha Leah, (young man that suffered a work accident that nearly ended his life) Hasdei Hashem a complete nes-was released from hospital yesterday, still needs our tefillos/tehillim http://tehilimyahad.com/mr.jsp?r=CH19TbWh0W 2. Naor Shalev ben Ruth (the 13 yr. old severely wounded and nearly died in Pigua in Pisgat Ze'ev in October and who was just a month before his Bar Mitzvah) IY"H will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah 17-December at the Kosel. He still needs our prayers/tehillim. http://tehilimyahad.com/mr.jsp?r=P9R7gPYXZL 3. Yotam Shmuel ben Yael: Please note I included the statistics from the website that I copied a few minutes ago: between the two links over 4,000 yidden have participated in saying tehillim for this toddler in under two days. http://tehilimyahad.com/mr.jsp?r=QVyxZ2GseV 4237 chapters read 27 completed books by 2007 readers *Right now, there are 2 uncompleted books at this campaign in current book (#29): 42 chapters read 12 chapters currently being read 96 available chapters 85 people took upon themselves a good deed for the Zechut of יותם שמואל בן יעל Add one good deed http://tehilimyahad.com/mr.jsp?r=u0NOVPUgMH

[Aneinu] Name Correction - Please Daven This Morning

The correct name is Chaya Rachel bas Fayga Hinda. On Dec 15, 2015, at 2:17 PM, myysbyy via chicago-aneinu wrote: Please say Tehillim on Thursday December 17 for Chaya Rachel bas Frayda Hinda who is having surgery at nine in the morning Chicago time

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

154. Found Statues

[Aneinu] Please pray for the safety & freedom of Jewish political prisoners

Please pray for the safety and freedom of the following Jewish political prisoners: Meir David Chai (Ettinger) ben Tova Mordechai Eliyahu Meyer Evyatar Slonim Binyamin Richter Yehudah Savir Nachman Tuito Shlomo Tuito Moshe Orbach Yinon Reuveni Arutz 7 Duma suspect's family fears for his health Aunt of 18-year-old held in arson case says her innocent nephew went into jail healthy, now needs medical treatment and complains of pains. By Benny Tucker First Publish: 12/16/2015, 7:35 AM Tzurit Yerehi, the aunt of one of the Jews being held on vague suspicions of involvement in the lethal Duma arson in July, told Arutz Sheva that she fears the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) has seriously abused her nephew. Yerehi stressed that he has no connection with the arson murder, saying, "we know he isn't connected to this case at all, no conviction has been submitted. The details that are known to us distance him from the case. We gave all the details to a lawyer." Several Jews have been arrested regarding the case, even though both Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan (Likud) and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon (Likud) have admitted there is not a shred of evidence against the suspects to stand them on trial. Numerous severe breaches to their rights have been recorded - they have been refused basic religious rights such as lighting Hanukkah candles, been banned from seeing their lawyers or family, and at least one has been denied medical treatment after being beaten during arrest. Recently a suspect was even denied clean underwear. The denial of medical treatment particularly troubles Yerehi, who noted, "our family is very worried, he has already been arrested for two weeks and we haven't had any contact with him. They didn't let us see him, we don't know where he's arrested, and what his health condition is." "We know that he needs medical treatment and the judge allowed him to meet with a doctor," noted the concerned aunt. "He complained of pains, although it is certain that he went in there (to jail) healthy and whole. They didn't let us consult with a lawyer and we fear for his welfare." "They took a young man, who is wonderful and honest, who is not used to legal matters, and are putting him through an investigation - as far as we know a difficult investigation while preventing him from sleeping, we are really worried." "He wants to enlist in the IDF" Yerehi argued that the ISA is treating the Jewish suspects worse than it does Arab terrorists. She noted that her nephew was about to enlist in the IDF, and worked last year in agriculture and shepherding, adding, "they cruelly cut him off from his family on Hanukkah. They didn't let him pray or light Hanukkah candles." "Even if he is released, I won't rest or be quiet until all of the detainees held without a lawyer are released. A reality like this is absurd, a man who isn't guilty of anything disappears from his home. We are starting to lose our faith in the Shabak (ISA) and the authorities." "The parents are very worried, they know what a nice guy they raised and they are waiting for his release, they hope that his spirit won't break in investigation and that they won't hurt him." She noted that "like every 18-year-old citizen he wants to enlist in the IDF. And we ask the members of the government, the Knesset and the Justice Ministry not to let the ISA take heavy-handed methods against people." Some argue the investigation is following the wrong lead, given reports and unusual circumstances at the scene of the crime indicating the arson may have been an inside job committed by feuding residents of the Arab village. Israel has reportedly left investigation of the Arab village to the Palestinian Authority (PA), instead chasing the "Jewish terrorism" angle based on Hebrew graffiti found at the site.

[Aneinu] Update & Tefilla Request

From Debby: First I'd like to give you some very good news: Naor Shalev ben Ruth, remember he was the almost 13-yr old who was one month away from his Bar Mitzvah when he was gravely wounded by a Pigua in Pizgat Ze'ev in October. Well, IY"H he plans to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Thursday, Dec 17, 2015 at the Kosel! From what I can gather he still needs our tefillos/tehillim, but IY"H his Bar Mitzvah will be a very special simcha! Yonatan ben Bracha Leah, was released from hospital and came home today! He is still in need of our tefillos/tehillim, but this is a huge step. Additional Names for Davening from Chords Bridge Attack: Mazal bat Shoshana Susana Sultana ban Nidgma Nechama bat Shlomit Yael Bat Ruth, mother of 15 or 18-month old baby (depending on what is your source) (Yotam Shmuel ben Yael), who herself was seriously wounded.

Nachum Previewed HASC’s “A Time for Music 29″ with Eli Gerstner, Shmuel Kahn and Yakkov Shwekey on JM in the AM

HASC’s A Time for Music 29 is right around the corner, get your tickets today! Nachum hosted Eli Gerstner, HASC’s Shmuel Kahn and Yakkov Shwekey on this morning’s JM in the AM for a comprehensive preview of this annual concert phenomenon that supports the vital work of Camp HASC. Nachum and guests discussed how this year’s concert will actually be a concert tour across the country, bringing the music and spirit of Camp HASC to a community near you.

Aneinu Please Daven!!!

My  nephew (my sister's son-in-law) in Israel just suffered a massive stroke. The name Refoel was added. Now it is REFOEL MOSHE YEHUDA BEN YUTTA BROCHA. Please daven!!! Reb. Leah Fuerst

Aneinu Tefillos Requested

Please say Tehillim on Thursday December 17 for Chaya Rachel bas Frayda Hinda who is having surgery at nine in the morning Chicago time

Aneinu Please Daven

Please have Aviva bas Sara Channa in mind today, that her surgery should  go well be'h

[Aneinu] Please Daven - Test Today

From an Aneinu member: My husband's daughter is having a crucial CT scan early this afternoon. Could you please daven that Sharone Devora bas Gittel Dina should have good test results. Tziku l'mitzvos. Thank you very much.

[Aneinu] Please Daven for Toddler Terror Victim

Please daven for Yotam Shmuel ben Yael, a toddler that was injured in today's terror attack in Israel.

[Aneinu] Tefilla Request - Surgery Monday Morning

From an Aneinu member: My husband is having surgery early Monday morning. Can you please daven for a successful surgery and a refuah shleima bimheira for Yitzchok Moshe ben Perel? Thanks so much!

Aneinu Please Daven Terror Victims

Last Wednesday night, the fourth candle of Hanukah, Shaul Nir and his wife Rachel were returning home after visiting grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their daughter Livnat's home when their vehicle came under a hail of forty bullets from Arab terrorists. The long road to the yishuv had recently been re-opened to Arabs by the IDF. Unfortunately, the experience was not new to Livnat whose former husband Netanel Ozer, Hy"d was murdered in front of his family after answering a knock at the door as they sat down for Shabbat dinner one Friday night in Kiryat Arba a few years ago. Her mother Rachel will survive, but her father Shaul is "in a bad way". He is known by those who know him well as a "Tzadik" and "a modern-day Maccabee". This is a special request for heart-felt prayers especially on behalf of Shaul Chai ben Aviva whose life is still in danger and also for his wife Rachel bat Sarah who is recovering in hospital. Please remember them along with all the recovering victims of terrorist atrocities and may we all merit to see the complete and utter downfall of the wicked speedily in our days! Please also add Genadi Chaim ben Raayah-Rachel, who was stabbed multiple times in the chest outside the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hevron and is still in life-threatening danger.

TORAH.ORG Selected Halachos Related to Parshas Miketz Shabbos Chanuka By Rabbi Doniel Neustadt

THE HALACHOS OF SHABBOS CHANUKAH Lighting Chanukah candles on erev Shabbos and on motzaei Shabbos entails halachos that do not apply on weekday nights. The following is a summary of the special halachos that apply to Shabbos Chanukah.

NSN That's Life From Paris 12 10 15

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NSN Jewish Unity Initiative: Nachum Segal Presented JM in the AM from Paris, Day 2

Nachum and company wrapped up their amazing trip to Paris with a star-studded edition of JM in the AM recorded at the Synagogue de la Victoire, The Great Synagogue of Paris. They discussed yesterday’s Concert of Jewish Unity, “Let There Be Light,” with a host of special guests that played vital roles in this historic instance of Jewish unity. Nachum spoke with Yeshiva University’s President Richard Joel, President of The Great Synagogue, Jaques Canet, Synagogoe VP Dorothy Bénichou Katz, President of the Consistoire de Paris, Joel Mergui, the performers of the night: Jewish music legend Yehoram Gaon, concert performer and protector of Israel as a member of the IDF, Avi Miller, Jewish music superstar OHAD, French superstar Amir Hadad and up & coming stars Itzik Dadia and Ouzia Tzadok. Several other guests included Sebastien Bensidoun, Ilan Zaoui of Adama, US Delegation Chairman Robert Benrimon, NYS Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, Rabbi Yosef Sharbat, Dr. Joe Rozehzadeh, Eitan Elbaziz, Simon Jacob, David Fadida, Gershon Freishtat whose Orchestra was a major component of the concert magic, NSN General Manager Miriam L. Wallach, NSN Producer Mark Zomick. Kol Hakavod and mazal tov to Nachum Segal, all the NSN members, concert participants and members of the French Jewish community for coming together in this historic endeavor of Jewish unity. Happy Chanukah! Click here for video.

OU TORAH Yerushalmi – Berachos 64 By Rabbi Yosef Grossman

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