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Friday, January 29, 2016
Thursday, January 28, 2016
JI CHIZUK CONCERT CHICAGO With 8TH DAY & DOVID GABAY
8TH DAY & DOVID GABAY
CHIZUK CONCERT
CHICAGO
February 14th, 2016
Evanston Township High School
1600 Dodge Ave, Avanston
Doors Open 3:30 • Start Time 4:00
TICKETS: $10 • $18 • $25 • $36 • $72 • VIP • FAMILY SEATING & SEPARATE SEATING AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE AT: ROSENBLUM’S JUDAICA • FOR CREDIT CARD SALES: WWW.JEWISHTICKETS.COM
FOR MORE INFORMATION & SPONSORSHIPS CALL SHIRA CHEPLOWITZ (773) 614-1292 EMAIL CHICONCERT2016@GMAIL.COM
Gershy Moskowitz Production
ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT CHICAGO CHESED FUND
[Aneinu] CURRENT LIST OF WOUNDED TERROR VICTIMS
[Aneinu] Please Daven for Terror Victim
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5776 Issue XV Bo THE TROUBLED ORGANIZATION'S OBLIGATION ON PAYDAY An overview of the Halachos of timely payment of wages.By Rabbi Baruch Meir Levin
Q: As an administrator of a Mosad that is experiencing financial difficulties, I would like to know the extent of my obligation to ensure that the employees are paid on time.
A: The following is a summary of the laws of Bal Talin, the prohibition of delaying a worker's wages, as well as some exceptions that apply, and their parameters.
Bal Talin obligates an employer to pay his worker within the night following his work for a day laborer, or the day following the work of a night laborer. Once this time has passed, Bal Talin is not further transgressed, but the Rabbinic prohibition of Bal Tash’he applies whenever one tells a creditor to go and return later for his payment. This prohibition however, is more lenient than Bal Talin because it doesn’t apply to one who isn’t paying because he is too preoccupied to do so. The Tashbetz (1,64) writes that if the original agreement was to pay the worker, not on a daily basis, but on a weekly or monthly basis, Bal Talin only applies on the day that the payment is due. The Gemara (Bava Metziah, 111) says that there is no Bal Talin if the worker knew before he started working that his wages would be delayed to the day of the market or to after the employer does his accounting. Bal Tash'he however applies after the anticipated date of payment. R' Elyashiv1 adds that an institution that is notorious for delaying payments is not subject to Bal Talin for this reason. Shevet Halevi (7, 233:1) however says that one should follow the stringent opinion of the Meiri that Bal Tash'he applies right away, even if the worker anticipates delayed payment.
THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5776 Issue XV Bo TSA BODY SCANNERS RAISE QUESTIONS OF TZNIUS The essence of modesty. By Rabbi Daniel Dombroff
The recent wave of terror that has permeated global society has brought about steady enhancements in airport security. Among those advances is a body scanner that enables the security officer to view passengers through their clothing, in an effort to discover whether they are concealing weapons. This article will discuss the subject from a halachic perspective. The reader is requested to bear in mind that this essay is not intended to be conclusive, but rather to serve as a forum which raises concerns and considerations.
NAALEH.COM and YU TORAH Loyal Legion By: Mrs. Shira Smiles
“Forward, march!” The general gives the order and the troops obey.
In this parsha, Bnei Yisroel get a new designation and name. They are called tzivos, legions, first, “On that very day the legions of Hashem left the land of Egypt,” and later, “On that very day Hashem took Bnei Yisroel out of the land of Egypt in their legions.” What is the significance of this new designation, and how does the first designation of “the legions of Hashem” differ from the more general legions?
Click here for Summary by Channie Koplowitz Stein.
NAALEH.COM Parshat Bo: Freedom from Slave Mentality By: Rabbi Hershel Reichman
NAALEH.COM Parshat Bo: Hardening Pharoh's Heart By: Rabbi Hershel Reichman
RABBI WEIN ON BO 5776
As the drama of the Exodus from Egypt draws nearer its climax in this week’s Torah reading, one cannot help but be struck by the stubbornness of Pharaoh in the face of all of the plagues visited upon him and his nation. His advisers had long before told him that all was lost and that he should cut his losses quickly by freeing the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery. This seemingly wise and rational counsel was rejected by Pharaoh out of hand.
RABBI WEIN ON DENIERS AND IGNORERS
I wrote an article last week about the strange Holocaust deniers who exist in the world, inside and outside of our Jewish camp and even in our religious world. The motives that drive such people are diverse and often perverse. They range from the smugness of knowing what God’s plans are and the assurance that those plans must somehow conform to one’s own preconceived assessment as to how things should be, to the self-hatred of those who suffer from the “misfortune” of being born Jewish.
The Spiritual Child By Britain's Former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
The American writer Bruce Feiler recently published a best-selling book entitled The Secrets of Happy Families.[1] It’s an engaging work that uses research largely drawn from fields like team building, problem solving and conflict resolution, showing how management techniques can be used at home also to help make families cohesive units that make space for personal growth.
RAV KOOK ON Bo Part 3: Two New Years - Nisan and Tishrei
The first mitzvah given to the Jewish people was to establish their own calendar. The Jewish calendar, based on the lunar cycle, starts with the month of Nisan in the spring, when the Israelites left Egypt.
“This month will be for you the head month, the first of the months of the year.” (Ex. 12:2)
There is, however, another start of the Jewish year — Rosh Hashanah, on the first of Tishrei in the fall.
So when is the true New Year, Tishrei or Nisan?
Also: why is the Jewish calendar based on the cycles of the moon, while the non-Jewish Gregorian calendar is based on the 365-day cycle of the sun?
RAV KOOK ON Part 2 Bo: Donkey-Holiness
Immediately before leaving Egypt, the Israelites were commanded to commemorate the final plague of makkat bechorot, the death of the firstborn, by consecrating their firstborn, saying:
“When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us leave, God killed all the firstborns in Egypt, both man and beast. I therefore offer to God all male firstling animals, and redeem all the firstborns of my sons.” (Ex. 13:15)
This mitzvah applies not only to firstborn babies, but also to kosher animals, and — surprisingly — to firstborn donkeys: “Every firstling donkey must be redeemed with a sheep” (Ex. 13:13).
Why are firstborn donkeys also included in this mitzvah?
This is even more surprising when we consider that some non-kosher animals, such as camels and pigs, have only one sign of impurity. Donkeys, however, exhibit both signs of impurity — they are not ruminants, nor do they have cloven hooves. The Zohar teaches that the donkey is “avi avot ha-tumah,” the ultimate source of impurity.
In addition, the Maharal of Prague noted that the Hebrew word for ‘donkey’ (chamor) shares the same root as the word for ‘material’ (chomer). The donkey, he explained, is a symbol of materialism and crassness.
So why did God bestow the special holiness of bechor on this ignoble creature?
RAV KOOK ON Bo Part 1:The Exodus and Tefillin
The Torah commands us to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt by wearing tefillin (phylacteries) on the arm and head.
“These words will be for a sign on your arm and a reminder between your eyes, so that God’s Torah will be in your mouth; for God brought you out of Egypt with a strong arm.” (Ex. 13:9)
What is the connection between tefillin and the Exodus? How does wearing tefillin ensure that the Torah will be ‘in our mouths’?
Aneinu Please Daven
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
[Aneinu] BDE Shlomit Kreigman HY"D
Monday, January 25, 2016
[Aneinu] Please Daven for Terror Victims
CCHF [Aneinu] Fwd: Tonight! Special Tehillim Teleconference for Rav Yisroel Belsky shlita
Sunday, January 24, 2016
JI and JMR New Single – GAD ELBAZ & NISSIM – Hashem Melech 2.0
In an exuberant explosion of music, Israeli legend Gad Elbaz joins forces with rapper Nissim Black as the two take to the streets of New York City proclaiming Hashem’s eternal majesty.
GAD ELBAZ & NISSIM – Hashem Melech 2.0
Lyrics By — Prayer, Nissim Black, Moshe Friedman
Music Producers — Robot Jox, Elan Cohen
Additional Music — Gad Elbaz
Mixing Engineer — Oren Emanuel
Production: ZOAB Entertainment
Produced and Directed by: Daniel Finkelman
The iconic song Hashem Melech is the fourth single of the highly anticipated “Hava Nagila” album slated for release in March 2016.
Hashem Melech 2.0 is actually a cover of a song originally recorded by famed Arab singer Cheb Khaled, an irony that is not lost upon Nissim, who left a successful music career to convert to Orthodox Judaism. Nissim plans to move to Israel shortly with his wife and four children.
Directed and Produced by Daniel Finkelman, Hashem Melech is packed with breathtaking power set amid stunning backdrops. Elbaz and Nissim deliver their message dancing joyously through city streets and on Manhattan rooftops, exhorting listeners to ready themselves for the coming of Moshiach.
Look for more of Elbaz and Nissim as they join forces for a mega-Purim concert to be held at Brooklyn College on March 20th, 2016.
Hashem Melech 2.0 is a driving-force behind a crowdfunding campaign in partnership with CauseMatch.com and Aish HaTorah for the seven children and wife of recent terrorist victim Rabbi Reuven Biermacher, who was tragically killed by a terrorist on December 23, 2015.
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Nachum Featured The Shmitah Fund and their Incredible Efforts to Support Farmers in Israel
With Tu B’Shvat coming up this Monday, Nachum focused on agriculture in Israel by welcoming David Matkowsky, Executive Director at The Shmitah Fund to this morning’s JM in the AM. “The Shmitah Fund was established to provide both financial and compassionate assistance to Israeli farmers and their families as they fulfill this important communal mitzvah at the heart of Shivat Tzion.” Nachum and David discussed how, unbeknownst to many people, the farmers in Israel who observe the laws of Shmitah continue to feel and deal with the affects of our 7th year sabbatical well after Elul of the 8th year and they can use our support.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
[Aneinu] Please Daven for Baby
CCHF [Aneinu] Tonight! Special Tehillim Teleconference for Rav Yisroel Belsky shlita
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
[Aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery This Morning
[Aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Now
[Aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Tonight
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Aneinu Please Daven
[Aneinu] Please Daven - Wednesday 1:30 PM
Please daven for my sister, Pesha bas Leah, who is having an MRI tomorrow, Wednesday at 1:30 PM. Please daven that she should hear besoros tovos and have a refuah shlema.
Thank you,
Chaya Miriam
[Aneinu] Please Daven for Chanoch Aryeh ben Zlata Golda
Monday, January 18, 2016
YWN [Aneinu] TEHILLIM – Hagaon HaRav Aaron Chodosh, Mashgiach in Mir Yerushalayim Hospitalized
YWN [Aneinu] Baruch Dayan HaEmmes: HaGaon HaRav Refoel Shmuelevitz ZATZAL, One Of The Roshei Yeshiva In Mir Yerushalayim
YWN Tefilos Continue Around the World for Two Torah Giants from Eretz Yisroel [9:15AM ET]
Sunday, January 17, 2016
[Aneinu] Parshas HaMon Tuesday
YWN TEHILLIM – Hagaon HaRav Refoel Shmulevitz [Rosh Yeshiva Mir Yerushalayim] Hospitalized
[Aneinu] Please say Tehillim - Struck by car in NJ
Saturday, January 16, 2016
[Aneinu] Baruch Dayan HaEmes - Devorah bas Shoshana Rus a"h
Friday, January 15, 2016
[Aneinu] B"H! Libby Found!
[Aneinu] Please daven for Devorah bas Shoshana Rus - missing 23 yr. old
he is 5 foot 2 inches in height, and weighs 110 pounds.
She has dark brown hair.
She was last seen when stopped by police in Maywood, NJ and stated
she was lost. The officer reportedly gave her directions to get back
on the Garden State Parkway.
The car she is driving is a 1998 silver Mitsubishi Galant, with NJ
Pate number K4O FPH.
Identifying marks on Vehicle: Antenna taped with orange strip and grey
tape. Sunroof has peeling duct tape around window.
She has never before been missing.
If you have any information, please call Hatzolah at 973‐472‐1002
Passaic Police Department at 973‐365‐3900.
[Aneinu] Please Daven for Liba bas Hadassa - Missing 22 yr. Old Woman
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5776 Issue XIV Va'eira MAGIC SHOWS: ARE THEY PERMITTED? Does it make a difference if the magician is a Jew or a non-Jew? By Rabbi Daniel Neustadt
In this week’s parsha the Torah records the first seven makos that befell the Egyptians. The Torah tells us that during the first two makos Paaroh called in his magicians to replicate the makos and so they did.
The Torah (Vayikra 18:3) says “Do not perform the practices of the land of Egypt in which you dwelled.” The Midrash Raba (see Matanos Kehuna) explains that the Torah is specifically referring to the evils of adultery and magic which were extremely common in Egypt.
The Rambam in Sefer Hamitvos (neg. 32) explains that the Torah prohibits magic because with it one can fool people into believing in things that don’t exist. This is exactly what the magicians of Paroh were essentially doing, and this is what Hashem wants us to keep away from. We must not get carried away with such evil.
THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5776 Issue XIV Va'eira HOW TO AVOID CONFUSION IN AGREEMENTS The Letter of Understanding. By Rabbi Yehoshua Wolfe
A letter of understanding is a formal text, commonly used to confirm the details of a verbal agreement. The letter of understanding, also known as a letter of intent, can be used in asset purchase agreements, joint venture agreements, lease agreements, and other cases.
What is the halacha when the two parties do not agree on the letter of understanding? Can the terms of the letter be enforced?
In one case, Reuvain verbally contracted to lease a house to Shimon, in exchange for a sum of money. Reuvain and Shimon also casually agreed upon terms dealing with common landlord-tenant issues. The terms of their verbal agreement were never put into writing.
After consulting with professional legal counsel, Shimon sent a letter of understanding in good faith to Reuvain. The letter laid out all of the terms that they had verbally agreed upon. The conclusion of the letter stated that if Reuvain did not respond to the letter prior to the commencement of the lease, it would be assumed that Reuvain consents to all of the terms in the letter of understanding. Reuvain received the letter, and he did not respond.
During the course of Shimon’s tenancy, a disagreement arose between the two parties. Reuvain claimed that he was not obligated to shovel snow, as per the terms of their agreement. Shimon disagreed, and argued that the letter of understanding explicitly placed this responsibility on Reuvain.
If Reuvain failed to reply to the letter of understanding, does this mean that he automatically consented to it, and is therefore, bound to its terms? Can Shimon use the letter of understanding against Reuvain in bais din?
THE BAIS HAVAAD HALACHA JOURNAL: Volume 5776 Issue XIV Va'eira GUN CONTROL: WHERE DO WE STAND? How carrying a weapon is regarded by Chazal. By Rabbi Micha Cohn
In the aftermath of the horrific San Bernardino shooting, proponents of stricter gun control laws have once again made their case. They reason that restricting the sale of various guns and ammunition, and expanding background checks make it more difficult for a deranged individual or terrorist to harm others. They sight statistics that demonstrate a correlation between homicide and the strictness of gun laws in various countries.
NAALEH.COM and YU TORAH Diversion And Defensiveness By: Mrs. Shira Smiles
When Moshe and Aharon first approached Bnei Yisroel and told them that Hashem had remembered them, had seen their suffering, and was going to redeem them from Egypt, the elders and Bnei Yisroel believed that this would come to pass. Just a short time later, Moshe transmits a fuller message of the process of salvation that Hashem has outlined for them. Yet now, Bnei Yisroel “did not heed Mosher because of shortness of breath and hard work.” What has changed to cause this change of heart?
Click here for Summary by Channie Koplowitz Stein.
NAALEH.COM Parshat Vayeira: Overflowing Reward By: Rabbi Hershel Reichman
NAALEH.COM Parshat Vayeira: Two Paths of Serving G-d By: Rabbi Hershel Reichman
In this Torah shiur (class), Rabbi Hershel Reichman discusses Parshat Vayeira using the commentary of the Shem MiShmuel. Parshat Vayeira teaches us the differences between service of kindness and service of justice, as well as the need for both of them in our service of Hashem. This Torah class is available online in streaming video and for downloading in mp3 and ipod video formats.
RABBI WEIN ON Vaeira 5776
The comparison of the complaint of Moshe to God about His lack of compassion regarding the enslaved and persecuted Jews in Egypt, to the more sanguine acceptance of God’s will by the patriarchs of Israel of an earlier generation is somewhat puzzling. Moshe’s complaint is really a cry of anguish and pain over the desperate situation of the Jews in Egyptian bondage rather than a statement of disbelief or denial of God’s intent to deliver the Jews from their bondage. So, why is the implied criticism of Moshe justified and the subject of much discussion in the Talmud, Midrash and Rashi?
RABBI WEIN ON THE NEWEST HOLOCAUST DENIERS
I rarely if ever comment or disagree with pronouncements or public statements of other rabbis. These are people who are driven to publicity and even sensationalism and I never feel inclined to spoil their fun. However, every so often there comes along a rabbinic pronouncement so outrageous and damaging that even my reticent nature forces me to respond.
RABBI WEIN ON LEADERSHIP
The fact that the current Torah readings concentrate on the life and career of Moshe as being the all-time supreme leader of the Jewish people, and through them of civilization generally, caused me to give some thought to the trait of leadership. We always think of leadership as a positive trait. Yet, some of the most charismatic and successful leaders of nations and empires have been very bad people who have led their people to ruinous disaster.
CHABAD.ORG and OU TORAH Spirits in a Material World By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

The Torah sometimes says something of fundamental importance in what seems like a minor and incidental comment. There is a fine example of this near the beginning of today’s Parshah.
Last week, we read of how Moses was sent by G‑d to lead the Israelites to freedom, and how his initial efforts met with failure. Not only did Pharaoh not agree to let the people go; he made the working conditions of the Israelites even worse. They The people did not listen to Moseshad to make the same number of bricks as before, but now they had to gather their own straw. The people complained to Pharaoh, then they complained to Moses, then Moses complained to G‑d. “Why have You brought trouble to this people? Why did You send me?”
RAV KOOK STORIES:A Wise Old Nation
Rav Kook once visited a kibbutz, a cooperative agricultural settlement. The rabbi noticed that its members were very meticulous about their work, but not so much about the laws of the Torah.
“My sons,” he said to them, “let me tell you a true story.”
There was a wise, old man who became ill. As a result of his illness, he forgot all twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The doctors told the man, “We are sorry, but nothing can be done to restore your memory. You have no choice but to go back to school and start from scratch.”
So the old man enrolled in the local kindergarten and began learning the alef-bet all over again.
[Aneinu] Please Daven
RAV KOOK ON Va'eira Part 2: God's Name
Why do we find different names for God in the Torah?
Different names correspond to the different ways in which God reveals Himself in the world. The Tetragrammaton, the special name composed of the four letters Yud-Hey-Vav-Hey, corresponds to a level of Divine revelation that was concealed before Moses’ time.
“I revealed Myself to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as El Shaddai [God Almighty]. But I was not known to them through My name Y-H-V-H. (Ex. 6:3)
What is the significance of these two names of God? Why did only Moses’ generation merit knowledge of the Tetragrammaton?
In the same prophetic communication to Moses, God contrasted the Patriarchs’ ties to the Land of Israel with that of their descendants. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were only travelers and foreigners in the Land:
“I made My covenant with them, giving them the Land of Canaan, the land of their wanderings, where they lived as foreigners.” (Ex. 6:4)
Their descendants, on the other hand, were destined to settle permanently in the Land: “I will give it to you as an eternal inheritance” (Ex. 6:8).
Is there some connection between the different names for God and residence in Eretz Yisrael?
RAV KOOK ON Va'eira Part 1: Order in Miracles
Presenting his ‘credentials’ before Pharaoh, Moses threw down his staff before the Egyptian king, and it transformed into a viper. When the magicians of Egypt did the same with their magic, “the staff of Aaron swallowed up their staffs” (Ex. 7:12).
The Sages in Shabbat 97a noted that the Torah does not say that Aaron’s snake swallowed up the magicians’ staffs. It says Aaron’s staff did the swallowing. A double miracle, a “miracle within a miracle” occurred. The viper became a staff once again, and only then — as a staff — did it swallow up the other staffs. What is the significance of this double miracle?
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
By the Book with Nachum Segal Episode 45: Featuring Daniel Retter
On this edition of By the Book, sponsored by Koren Publishers, Nachum Segal interviewed Daniel Retter about, “HaMafteach – A Complete Index of the Entire Shas at Your Fingertips, All in One Volume, NEW English Edition”
From the Koren website:
Available in both Hebrew and English editions, HaMafteach® includes approximately 7,700 main entries, 29,000 sub-entries, 45,000 Talmudic sources including mishnayot.
HaMafteach® is your key to opening up the Talmud, locating every topic, saying, anecdote, maxim, parable, significant subject matter, law, biblical exegesis, and biblical and Talmudic personality mentioned in Shas. The English edition includes transliteration of Hebrew and Aramaic words and phrases, and a new integrated glossary.
HaMafteach® is an ideal gift, as well as an invaluable research tool for rabbis, educators, students, and all those who wish to “swim in the Yam HaTalmud.”
[Aneinu] Please Daven for Rav Leibowitz shlita
[Aneinu] Pikuach Nefesh!
A member of our shul needs your help.
If you are willing to be a liver donor for
Mrs. Rochelle Marcus (wife of Dr. Marcus)
Please contact Rabbi Louis Fliegelman
773.592.6037
fliegelman@icja.org
A Practical Guide to the Laws of Kashrut By: Pinchas Cohen IS ON AMAZON
This concise and useful work on hilkhot kashrut is specially crafted for the modern Jewish home. It covers a range of frequently-asked questions, such as:
• Can one use a dishwasher for both milk and meat dishes?
• What is glatt kosher?
• Is one required to immerse electrical appliances?
• Can one eat cottage cheese with ḥalla that was baked in a meat oven?
A Practical Guide to the Laws of Kashrut starts with the basics and then moves on to advanced topics. It offers comprehensive instructions for those setting out to make a kosher kitchen, and serves as a valuable reference for those already familiar with kashrut but uncertain about its more complex details. Novice and expert alike will benefit from the author’s clear and reliable presentation of this important area of halakha, a defining element of the Jewish home.Order here.
Confrontation and Other Essays By: Joseph B. Soloveitchik IS ON AMAZON
This volume brings together five classic works by Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, one of the most eminent Jewish thinkers of the twentieth century. These essays – some collected here for the first time – address both perennial questions of religious existence and dilemmas specific to the modern era. They cover topics such as individual and community; the necessity of personal sacrifice in religious life; the Jewish attitude to physical pleasure, emotion, intellect, and humility; prayer; redemption; Torah study; and interfaith dialogue.
The essays serve as prime examples of the depth and insight that have earned Rabbi Soloveitchik’s writings entry into the canon of Jewish and general religious thought.Order here.
MAZEL TOV OU'S NACH YOMI 5TH CYCLE FINISHED YEHOSHUA THIS WEEK AND STARTED SHOFTIM THIS WEEK


Introduction to Sefer Shoftim By A Journey Through Nach In Depth: Judges- An Introduction(audio)By By Rabbi Jeremy Wieder and Sefer Shoftim - The Book of Judges: An Introduction By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz(written summary) SO JOIN Rabbi Jack Abramowitz Rabbi Jeremy Wieder and Rabbi Bini Maryles for Shoftim today.
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