vital information: July 2012

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Nachum Gets a Live Report of the Dirshu Siyum HaShas with Rabbi Avraham Chaim Knobel

As promised, Nachum hosted Rabbi Avraham Knobel for a great report about the Dirshu World Siyum that took place last night, Monday, July 30 at the Nokia Center (the Yad Eliyahu Stadium) in Tel Aviv, Israel. Rabbi Knobel discussed various details of the national event that created a great Kiddush Hashem with its unity and decorum. Rabbi Knobel explained how this event was just one of a few Siyum celebrations that will be going on in Israel this week. Jews from across the spectrum came together for this momentous occasion. Click the link to listen.

JI AND JMR New Full Length Dirshu CD For Siyum!

11 Heartfelt and joyful songs composed in honor of the Dirshu World Siyum. Featuring, Shlomo Daskal, Isaac Honig, Yirmiya Damen, Avrumi Roth and Shira Chadasha Choir. Arranged by Mona Rosenblum, Moshe Laufer and Chaim Menachem Hartman. Available for a special price of $9.99. You can buy the CD or download distributed through Aderet or MostlyMusic.com, available in stores now!

[chicago-aneinu] Rain in the Forecast for Tomorrow

Tuesday July 31, 2012 9:05 AM Dear Editor, The weather reports indicate a 50% chance of rain for tomorrow’s Siyum Hashas at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. All are asked to now daven that it not rain tomorrow or during the event. Scattered thunderstorms are being predicted for tomorrow evening. see weather here Thank you. A Daf Yomi Learner {Matzav.com Newscenter}

Monday, July 30, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Tues Morning

Please daven for Shimon ben Yehudit who will be having major surgery tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM

Fwd: [chicago-aneinu] Fwd: Special celebration this Wednesday evening

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Myysbyy@aol.com
Date: July 30, 2012 7:35:19 PM CDT
To: myysbyy@aol.com
Subject: [chicago-aneinu] Fwd: Special celebration this Wednesday evening
Reply-To: Myysbyy@aol.com

From: rabbideutsch@torahnetwork.org
To: myysbyy@aol.com
Sent: 7/30/2012 5:03:12 P.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: Special celebration this Wednesday evening

Shalom! I hope that you are well. I am writing to let you know about a truly unique event taking place this Wednesday evening, August 1, where thousands of Jewish men and women in the Chicagoland area will join together for a celebration of commitment to Torah study.

The celebration is called a "siyum hashas" – literally "conclusion of the six sections of the Talmud" and it marks the end of the 12^th cycle of Talmud study, following the "Daf Yomi" (one page a day) system. Daf Yomi was introduced by Rabbi Meir Shapiro of Lublin in 1923 and following this unique approach, Jews the world over study the same page of Talmud each day. Disciplined students who stick with it, complete all six orders of the Talmud ("shas" is its Hebrew acronym) – 2,711 pages in all – in a seven and a half year stretch.

In fact, not only will there be thousands of people celebrating in Chicago, but we will be joining hundreds of thousands of Jewish men and women around the world who will also be celebrating, including 100,000 people at the Met Life Stadium in New Jersey, and many others in locations including Jerusalem, Toronto, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Uruguay, Argentina, Melbourne, Hong Kong and many more. There is even a gathering of Jews in Lublin, Poland, where the Daf Yomi idea started! To learn more about the siyum hashas see www.mysiyum.com.

The Chicago Siyum will take place this Wednesday, August 1, 6:45 pm, at the Akoo Theatre (formerly The Rosemont Theatre), 5400 North River Road in Rosemont. If you are available to join Esti and me at the event, that would be great! It promises to be something truly special. (I apologize for the last minute notice.)

This is a uniquely inspirational and memorable event that just doesn't happen every day! And it's not just for those who finished Daf Yomi or even just for those who study Talmud. The siyum is for all Jews, as it is a celebration of Judaism, a celebration of our connection to Torah and a celebration of Jewish unity.

Okay, so bottom line, what goes on at a siyum?

On one hand, it is mostly a series inspirational and motivational speakers talking about the importance of Torah study and incorporating Torah values and lessons into our lives.

But it is much more.

Because in addition to the speeches, there is something very special and very inspiring about being with thousands of other Jews in celebration of that which is at the core of Judaism and Jewish life - the Torah! And it really doesn't matter what your level of Torah study or religious observance is. Torah study should be something that unites all Jews to each other and to our heritage and while most in attendance will be Orthodox, there will be Jews of all backgrounds and observance levels there as well and you will feel very welcomed!

There will also be an Evening Service (which takes approximately 20 minutes) which in itself is always an extremely powerful experience at these gatherings. It is an opportunity to recite the Sh'ma Yisrael (Hear oh Israel …) - the Jewish declaration of faith in the One G-d, and to connect to G-d through prayer, together with thousands of other Jews. (Please note that because of the traditional prayer service, there will be separate men's and women's seating at the event.)

CTN will have a men's and a women's group section at the siyum and we invite you to join us.

The regular price for tickets is $18 but we are happy to offer a special CTN rate of just $10 per person for tickets. To receive this special rate you must purchase your tickets by Tuesday 5 pm at www.torahnetwork.org/register.htm. We cannot process any orders after that time.

There will be a "will call" ticket window at the theatre where your ticket(s) will be waiting under your name.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me rabbideutsch@torahnetwork.org ASAP.

Thank you

Shalom and all the best,

rdd

------------------------------

Rabbi Doni Deutsch

Director

Chicago Torah Network

THE CTN CENTER

2832 West Touhy

Chicago, IL 60645

773.761.0400 x202

773.761.9262 (fax)

rabbideutsch@torahnetwork.org

www.torahnetwork.org

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YWN BARUCH DYAN EMES Tragedy In Yerushalayim: Child Niftar After Fall From Balcony

A 3-year-old chareidi boy fell from a second story balcony in Yerushalayim’s Beis Yisrael neighborhood during the night, 11 Menachem Av 5772. The incident occurred on Yosef Karo Street. The child was rushed to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, and was listed in critical condition. Doctors attempted to save his life, but were unfortunately unsuccessful. He was Niftar just after 3:00PM IL.

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Monday Morning

Received from an Aneinu member: Please would you ask The Community to Daven for my daughter, Chaya Liba bas Rochel. She is having surgery Monday morning along with three blood transfusions scheduled. May we hear besores tovos. Thank you so very much.

Steve Savitsky talks Behind the Largest Daf Yomi in the World

Steve Savitsky talks with Rabbi Moshe Elefant about what it's like to teach gemara to up to 1,800 listeners daily.

YWN Tefilos Requested for 3-Year-Old in Yerushalayim

A 3-year-old chareidi boy fell from a second story balcony in Yerushalayim’s Beis Yisrael neighborhood during the night, 11 Menachem Av 5772. The incident occurred on Yosef Karo Street. The child is described in critical condition in Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. The tzibur is urged to be mispallel for יעקב בן אורית לרפואה שלימה בתוך שאר חולי ישראל. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Friday, July 27, 2012

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DISHU JUNE 16

S"A SIMAN 308 SIF 51 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 168 To forbid. Our timepieces are permitted to be handled 1 /on Shabbos/. [P.Mg, Mach. Hash. and other Acharonim.] /However,/ this is only /true/ of the small /timepieces/ called pocket watches. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 3 Q:CAN YOU MOVE AN ALARM CLOCK ON SHABBOS? A:RAV ELYASHIV AND RAV NISSIM KARELITZ SAY YES YOU CAN MOVE IT ON SHABBOS(FOR MORE LIKE WATCHES THAT LIGHT UP CAN YOU WEAR THEM ON SHABBOS SEE NOTE 173).

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Nachum Segal Presents the Final Comprehensive Siyum HaShas Update on JM in the AM

Nachum and Rabbi Shlomo Gertzulin discussed a number of important details for those attending this historic event. With the Siyum HaShas only six days away, Nachum Segal hosted Rabbi Shlomo Gertzulin live at JM in the AM for their final comprehensive pre-Siyum update. They discussed a number of pertinent issues including bringing food, bringing young children, transportation, various seating areas, the incredible cooperation of the MetLife Stadium staff, security, and much more. Rabbi Gertzulin emphasized the importance of everyone acting with exceptional decorum to create a kiddush Hashem. Click the link to listen.

The Daf Yomi: A Pictorial History COMING SOON

CLICK ADD TO CART THEN PUT FLD10 BY APPLY COUPON THEN PRINT IT GO TO KESHER STAM AND YOU WILL GET 10% OF 54 TO 49

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Friday Morning

Please daven for Esther Zissel bas Chaya Basha who is having surgery tomorrow morning, Friday, July 27

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 15 PART 2

S"A SIMAN 308 SIF 55 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 158 It is forbidden /to play with a ball/ on the ground /on Shabbos/ according to all /authorities/ because of the fear that one may /come to/ level out holes, as /stated/ below in Sec. 338, / Par. 5/ with respect to playing with nuts. MISHNA BERURA DIRSH CHELEK 3 Q:IS THEIR A DIFFERENCE NOWADAYS B/C OUR FLOORS ARE TILED? A;YES SHEVET HALEVEI AND RAV ELYASHIV SAY ITS MUTER TO PLAY WITH A BALL IN THE HOUSE BUT NOT IN THE STRRET(SEE NOTE 164).

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 15 PART 1

S"A SIMAN 308 SIF 55 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 157 /This applies/ regardless of whether /the ball/ is /made/ of paper or of wood, because it is not considered a utensil by virtue /of the fact/ that it is fit to be played with. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 3 Q:ARE BALLS IN OUR DAY MUKTZAH? A:SHEVET HALAVEI RAV SHLOMO ZALMAN AURBACH AND RAV ELYASHIV SAY EVEN SEFARDIM CAN PLAY WITH OUR BALLS B/C THEY ARE MADE TO BE PLAYED WITH BUT S"T OR LITZION SAYS WE CSHOULD BE MACHMIR ABOUT THIS AND ONLY LET OUR KIDS PLAY WITH OUR BALLS RELYING ON THE REMA(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 161).

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] A Call to Action: This Tisha B’Av, Remember Yanky Ostreicher

Please daven for Yaakov Yehudah ben Shaindel (Tehillim below) A Call to Action from Assemblyman Dov Hikind: This Tisha B’Av, Remember Yanky Ostreicher Wednesday July 25, 2012 5:19 PM By Dov Hikind It has been 419 days - nearly 15 months - since Jacob Ostreicher was arrested and jailed in Bolivia. Our many efforts to help Jacob have resulted in letters to Bolivian officials, the U.S. State Department and the White House from numerous elected officials. There has been a Congressional Sub-Committee Hearing on the violation of Jacob’s human rights. But despite this, our brother Jacob Ostreicher seems no closer to coming home. But we have not given up hope. And neither can you. My office and I continue to meet regularly with Jacob’s family and to recruit new allies in the fight to save Jacob. We continue to pressure Bolivia and U.S. elected officials to treat this matter with the urgency that it deserves. You can do the same. As Tisha B’Av approaches, I urge everyone to not only daven for Jacob (Yaakov Yehudah ben Shaindel) but also to call the offices of Senator Charles Schumer (phone 212-486-4430) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (212-688-6262) and express your growing alarm for Jacob Ostreicher, an innocent U.S. citizen who sits in prison praying for salvation and who needs the assistance of his elected officials. Demand that your elected representatives adopt Jacob’s cause and bring his plight to the White House and State Department. In the merit of our efforts may we hear and share only good news. {Dov Hikind-Matzav.com Newscenter}

DAF YOMI DIGEST

SUBSCRIBE HERE

CCTC THE CYCLE CONCLUDES THE CYCLE BEGINS A NEW

YWN Shiva for the Posek HaDor ZT”L Ends

Wednesday morning, 6 Menachem Av 5772 marked the end of the shiva for Maran HaGaon HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv ZT”L. As such, the aveilim went to the kever in Har Menuchos. Maran HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, the niftar’s son-in-law arrived in the early morning to be menachem aveil to his brothers-in-law. Following the visit they went to the kever in section 11 in the beis hachaim. Workers were on the site upon their arrival preparing the concrete frame for the matzeiva. Simultaneously, the stairs that were constructed at 10 Chanan Street in Meah Shearim to accommodate a number of the visitors during shiva were dismantled. This refers to stairs set in place towards Salant Street. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 14

S"A SIMAN 308 SIF 29 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 119 /I.e., that are not commonly kept/ by most people. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 3 Q:CAN YOU FEED WILD AND NOT WILD OWNER LESS ANIMALS ON SHABBOS? A:TEHILLA LEDAVID RAV NISSAM KARELITZ AND RAV ELYASHIV SAY DON'T FEED THEM ON SHABBOS(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 123).

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

YWN URGENT: Monsey Hatzolah Lines Back Up & Running [UPDATED 11:50PM EST]

Monsey Hatzolah has advised YWN that their emergency lines are back in operation. Please use the regular number if you have a medical emergency. Do not try to see if the lines work, and only call Hatzolah if you have a medical emergency. The Chaveirim hotline is up and running as well. The lines went down do to a widespread Verizon outage in the Rockland County area.

[chicago-aneinu] Teleconference for Japan Prisoner Thursday night, July 26th at 8:45 pm(7:45pm chicago time)

על אלה אני בוכיה Our tears have already fallen for 4½ years, as we await the release of יעקב יוסף בן ריזל Our tears will continue to fall until our brother יעקב יוסף comes home. We don’t know what is holding up his transfer. We must beg the רבש"ע with our תפילות to overturn this גזירה . Join us this Thursday night, July 26th at 8:45 pm(7:45pm chicago time) for דברי חיזוק from Harav Simcha Bunim Cohen, שליט"א Rav of Khal Ateres Yeshaya, followed by תהלים . To join the conference, call: 212-461-5815, pin 3067# May we be זוכה to see our תפילות answered.

YWN URGENT: Monsey Hatzolah & Chaveirim Line Are Currently Down [8:50PM]

The emergency lines for Monsey Hatzolah as well as Rockland Chaveirim are currently down. If you need to call hatzolah please call 646-438-6563. If you need Chaveirim please call 845-352-2715. Do NOT try to call these numbers unless you have an emergency. Further details will be published when they are available.

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven for Wounded in the Bulgaria Terror Attack

From chabad.org Please keep those wounded in the Bulgaria terror attack in your prayers: Chaim Daniel ben Aliza Natali bat Sarah Adam ben Esther Yael bat Shoshana Gad ben Mazal Rimond bat Aliyah Panny bat Aliyah Chana bat Aliyah Chaim Roman ben Frima Michael ben Yaffa Amit bat Sarah Gila bat Sarah Yitzchak ben Rachel

[chicago-aneinu] ChicagoTehillim.com is Back in Service

Rabbi Vinitsky's website was out of service but is now up and running. To hear or download his many wonderful shiurim on navi and Tehillim go to www.chicagotehillim.com.

Nachum Segal Features the Upcoming OU-YU Tisha B'Av Collaboration

Nachum hosted Rabbi Kenneth Brander w/Rabbi Steve Burg to discuss a more meaningful Tisha B'Av observance. With the observance of Tisha B'Av, the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, coming up this Sunday, Nachum hosted Rabbi Kenneth Brander on behalf of Yeshiva University (YU) and Rabbi Steven Burg on behalf of the Orthodox Union (OU) to discuss their plans and collaboration aimed at facilitating a more meaningful experience for thousands of Jews around the world. Aside from the annual Kinot webcasts, presented by Rabbi Dr. Weinreb and Rabbi Weill on behalf of the OU and Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter on behalf of YU, there is also a a new DVD collaboration that features renowned lecturers discussing various Tisha B'Av related themes. For more information on participating synagogues or to request a DVD visit http://www.yutorah.org/tishabav/video/ Click the link to listen. TISHA BAV TO GO 5772 AND 5771

Hespedim for Rav Elyashiv

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 13

S"A SIMAN 308 SIF 24 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 101 they are no longer considered muktzeh. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 3 Q:IS A PLUNGER FOR A TOILET MUKTZAH? A:RAV NISSIM KARELITZ KARELITZ SAYS NO B/C OF KAVOD HABRIOS BUT RAV ELYASHIV SAYS YES IT IS MUKTZAH(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 113).

[chicago-aneinu] Delta Air Lines Phishing Fraud

I received an email today confirming the purchase of a Delta Airline ticket. This is a scam. If you receive such an email delete it immediately! Do not click on any links or open any files! It may contain a virus. Chaya Miriam http://www.snopes.com/fraud/phishing/delta.asp

Monday, July 23, 2012

NAALEH.COM SHIRA SMILES Shabbat Chazon: Valuable Vision

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

OU TORAH SHIRA SMILES Tisha B’Av: Holiday of Distance

Nachum Segal Begins the JM in the AM 9-Days Format with the Lectures of Rabbi Berel Wein

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR THE REFUA SHELAMA OF Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)(AND L"N RAV YOSEF SHALOM BEN RAV AVRAHAM(RAV ELYASHIV ZT"L) Hear about the Basic Books of Judaism including "The Talmud" & "Codes of Jewish Law" In observance of his annual tradition, Nachum commenced the JM in the AM 9 Days format this morning, with the lectures of world renowned author and Jewish historian Rabbi Berel Wein being the bulk of the programming. As Rabbi Wein says, "Jewish history is our teacher...it is our rear view mirror. If you don't know where you come from - how do you know where you are going? It is one of the most valuable tools for understanding and dealing with today's world." Nachum began this years lecture series with Rabbi Wein's "Basic Books of Judaism" collection, specifically: The Talmud and Codes of Jewish Law. Click the link above to hear part 1 of "Basic Books of Judaism: The Talmud."

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 12 PART 2

S"A SIMAN 308 SIF 16 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 68 If two of the props came off /the kirah- stove/ it is all the more /forbidden to be handled/, because /then/ it cannot stand at all and there are certainly grounds for fear that one may wedge the legs /back/ in. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 3 Q:IF A CHILDREN WAGON WHEEL FELL OFF ON SHABBOS CAN YOU MOVE IT? A:RAV SHLOMO ZALMAN AURBACH AND RAV ELYASHIV SAY YOU CAN NOT MOVE IT ON SHABBOS.RAV ELYASHIV SAYS THE REASON IS YOU MIGHT COME TO FIX IT ON SHABBOS(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 93).

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 12 PART 1

MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 3 Q:IS PLACING A MOLD IN YOUR SHOE ON SHABBOS ASUR? A:MINCHAS YITZCHAK SAYS ITS ASSUR B/C OF MITAKAN MANAH BUT RAV SHLOMO ZALMAN AURBACH RAV ELYASHIV AND SAFER TORAS SHABBOS SAY ITS MUTER AS LONG AS THE SHAPE OF THE SHOE DOES NOT CHANGE(FOR MOREV SEE NOTE 81).

Sunday, July 22, 2012

[chicago-aneinu]AISH.COM A Portrait of Greatness

A Portrait of Greatness by Gavriel Horan A Portrait of Greatness Who was Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv? Last week, over 300,000 people flocked the streets of Jerusalem to mourn the passing of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, age 102. Rabbi Elyashiv was the undisputed leader of the Lithuanian Torah community and to a great degree his legal rulings were respected across the board in Chassidic, Sefardi, and Modern Orthodox communities around the world. He was viewed by many to be the contemporary leading authority on halacha, Jewish law. Despite his exceptional scholarship and influence, Rav Elyashiv was neither the head of a congregation, yeshiva, or particular community. Destined for Greatness Rav Elyashiv was the son of Rabbi Avraham Erener and Chaya Musha, the daughter of the kabbalist Rabbi Shlomo Elyashiv known as the Leshem. Born in 1910 in Šiauliai, Lithuania, Rav Elyashiv was the only child, born to his parents after 17 years of marriage. He arrived with them to British Mandate Palestine in 1922 at the age 12. His father adopted his father-in-law's surname, Elyashiv, in order to gain a certificate to enter the country at the advice of the famed Chofetz Chaim of Rodin, Poland. At the time of his death, Rav Elyashiv had nearly 1,000 descendants and had seen the birth of a sixth generation of offspring. In 1929, Rav Elyashiv married Sheina Chaya Levin, the daughter of the esteemed “Tzaddik of Jerusalem,” Rabbi Aryeh Levin, also known affectionately as the "father of the prisoners" due to the care he showed to the Jewish underground members incarcerated by the British during the Mandate period. The couple had 12 children – all of whom were raised in their modest two room apartment in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Meah Shearim. At the time of his death, Rav Elyashiv had nearly 1,000 descendants and had seen the birth of a sixth generation of offspring when one of his great-great-grandchildren gave birth to a son in 2009. Although Rav Elyashiv never attended a formal yeshiva framework, he was recognized as a genius in Talmud study at a young age. He was appointed as a Rabbinic Court Judge (dayan) to the High Court of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel by Israel’s Chief Rabbi at the time, Rav Yitzchak Herzog – who exempted him from the rabbinical examinations due to his high level of scholarship. He resigned from this position in 1972 and for the next 40 years of his life, held no official positions. Although he never wrote any Torah works, his family members and students wrote down numerous volumes of his halachic rulings and Talmudic insights, while he devoted all of his time to his incessant studies and daily lectures. Although Rav Elyashiv was the spiritual leader of the Degel HaTorah political party for the past 30 years, he only entered politics at the behest of the great Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Menachem Mann Shach. He personally despised politics and only agreed to get involved because he felt that he was genuinely needed, as it says in Ethics of Our Fathers, “In a place where there are no leaders, strive to be a leader.” “He had one interest – to help the Jewish people,” said Rabbi Nachum Eisenstein, the rabbi of the Maalot Dafna neighborhood of Jerusalem and a close disciple of Rav Elyashiv. “He had no ulterior motives or personal interests.” Related Article: Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv: Man of Truth & Tranquility Maximizing Every Single Moment For the past 80+ years since his wedding, Rabbi Elyashiv's daily schedule began at 2 a.m. and included anywhere between 16 to 20 hours of intensive Torah study – despite the fact that he was stricken with several illnesses throughout his childhood and adult life. On one occasion, members of his household noticed that he had been standing during his learning and asked why he did not sit down. He answered that since he was tired, he feared that he may drowse while learning. If he stood, he would be sure not to doze off. Rav Elyashiv used to receive visitors from around the globe on a daily basis in addition to leading rabbis and politicians of Israel, answering their complex halachic inquiries. Despite his advanced age and illness, he continued responding to questions from rabbis around the world with total lucidity until the very end. Even when he was sick in hospital, he continued to rise at 2:00 a.m. for his regular studies. Rabbi Hillel Weinberg with Rav Elyashiv, zt”l For many years, Rabbi Hillel Weinberg, the Rosh Yeshiva of Aish HaTorah, would visit Rav Elyashiv almost every week, on Friday afternoons. Rav Elyashiv would receive people about an hour before the beginning of Shabbat, usually in the synagogue, where he would sit and study without interruption all day. “I always tried to arrive a little earlier than his official ‘office hours’ to watch him learn aloud,” Rav Hillel said. “Although he usually studied alone, he would explain the Gemara to himself, out loud, as if he were sitting with a study partner. He embodied the fulfillment of all the 48 Ways to wisdom which facilitate the acquisition of Torah, with an ear that listens, with lips that explain, and learning by teaching. “He was meticulous about utilizing every moment of the day to study Torah, even during the hours he would receive people. When one person would leave the room and the next entered, Rav Elyashiv’s eyes would be on the page of the book before him, and his attention was wholly on the subject that he was presently studying to such an extent that one could stand before him for several minutes until he noticed that someone had come into the room.” Every word of Torah was so dear to him that he never forgot it. In his classes and writings he often quoted obscure texts entirely from memory. “If you have so much love for something, your brain remembers,” Rabbi Eisenstein explained. “Every word of Torah was so dear to him that he never forgot it. The only pleasure he had in this world was learning Torah.” Whenever he issued a legal ruling, he made sure to examine the issue from all possible sides. When dealing with a question of technology he would always assign experts to research the situation in depth, so as to assure himself that he fully understood the facts before ruling. The Wisdom of Silence Despite his busy learning schedule, Rav Elyashiv used to meet with dozens, if not hundreds of people a day from every walk of life. Many were world renowned rabbis or politicians. “He would welcome all who came to him, treating them kindly and respectfully, and patiently answering any questions without hurrying the person who had come to seek his advice,” Rav Hillel recalled. “He also always gave priority to women and their questions.” He made a point to never try to argue with someone unless he felt his opinion might be heeded. There are those who say that he attributed his long life to the fact that he never got angry. “He never told anyone what to do,” Rabbi Eisenstein said. “If anyone asked his opinion, he would gladly tell them, but if someone came to argue with him, he always remained silent. He never raised his voice, never gave people admonishment, and never insulted anyone. Even if he disagreed with something someone said, he wouldn’t say they were wrong unless he knew that they wanted to hear his opinion. Many people left a meeting with him thinking that he agreed with them even though he was vehemently opposed, simply because he remained silent. Why try to convince someone of something if he knew they wouldn’t listen? He spoke only when he felt he could make a difference.” There was one exception to this rule: his students. “He was very demanding from his students and never supported them in something that he disagreed with,” Rabbi Eisenstein continued. “He didn’t cover up for their mistakes and he was fast to tell them if he felt that they were wrong because he knew that they wanted him to guide them.” One time, someone accidentally pushed into the Rav at a crowded event. The man was devastated and asked for permission to request forgiveness from the Rav. Rav Elyashiv’s response was that he didn’t feel a thing and therefore there was nothing to ask forgiveness for. He knew that even if he forgave the man, that he would still feel bad, so instead he acted as if the incident had never even happened. Gratitude for Life Eight years ago, a vein in his heart burst, and the doctors said there were two options: if they operated on him, the chances of success were only three percent. If the surgery were not performed, he would live no longer than three days. The decision had to be made there and then, on a Shabbat. The Rav’s relatives travelled to his son-in-law, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky in Bnei Brak on Shabbat, to hear his opinion on the matter, and he ruled that in the meantime, nothing should be done. On Saturday night, they found out about a specialist from the U.S. who could take care of the matter without anesthesia and surgery. The doctor, together with all his instruments, was flown to Israel and, miraculously, the treatment was successful. Everyone could see that God had answered the prayers of those hundreds of thousands who had prayed for Rav Elyashiv’s recovery. He defied medical statistics again and again and attributed his recovery to the prayers of the Jewish people around the world. “He defied medical statistics again and again,” Rabbi Eisenstein said. “There were many times that the doctors gave up, but he always pulled through. He attributed his recovery to the prayers of the Jewish people around the world.” The Rav used to receive numerous invitations to serve as the sandek, or godfather, at circumcision ceremonies each day, but he traditionally only made rare exceptions to take time off from his busy schedule. After his miraculous recovery eight years ago, however, he began accepting every single offer that came to him. For the last eight years of his life he often attended three to five circumcision ceremonies each day – even when he was too sick to attend prayer services in synagogue. “He felt tremendous gratitude to the Jewish people for praying for him and wanted to pay back a minimum by becoming more accessible,” Rabbi Eisenstein said. “Although it was difficult for him to walk or even go to synagogue to pray – he still accepted each invitation. He had given them his word that he would attend, and his word was set in stone.” Rabbi Elyashiv didn’t want to accept gifts from anyone. Each year, Rabbi Eisenstein used to bring him a set of the four species for the holiday of Sukkot. Rav Elyashiv used to force him to accept a check in return for them. When he saw that the checks weren’t being deposited, he started giving cash. A world renowned heart specialist from America used to check him whenever he was in Israel, but refused to take any money. Rav Elyashiv didn’t understand that this was the doctor’s greatest honor of his career. At the Bar Mitzvah of the doctor’s son, Rav Elyashiv had someone buy him a huge, beautiful leather bound set of books on his behalf. He was so happy to be able to finally pay him back. On the inside cover of one of the books, he wrote a handwritten inscription. “It was probably the best present that the boy got,” Rabbi Eisenstein said, “but Rav Elyashiv didn’t realize that the greatest part about it was the inscription!” Rav Elyashiv’s wish was that no eulogies be recited at his funeral and that he be buried at the Har Hamenuchot cemetery alongside his wife, despite the fact that a burial plot was reserved for him at the Mount of Olives – the traditional burial place for renowned Torah luminaries. This is testament, once again, to the fact that this Torah giant and leader of the Jewish people saw himself as nothing more than a simple Jew.A glimpse of his greatness.

[chicago-aneinu] Tefillos Needed

Please daven for the great uncle of an Aneinu member, Avrohom Elyakim Getzel ben Rivka, who is need of a refuah shlema

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven

Please daven for the father-in-law of an Aneinu member, Nosson ben Tzipporah Chana, who is in great need of a refuah shlema.

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 11 PART 2

S"A SIMAN 308 SIF 8 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 35 Since they were not /explicitly/ designated for such /use already on Erev Shabbos/. /This is/ because doors or windows of a house are generally destined /only/ for being attached to a house. They are therefore forbidden to be handled irrespective of whether they came off during the week or on Shabbos. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 3 Q:IF A MEZUZA FALLS ON SHABBOS CAN YO PICK T UP? A:THE MINCHAS SHABBOS SAYS ITS MUKTZAHLIKE A DOOR FALLS OFF IT HINGES BUT RAV ELYASHIV SAYS ITS NOT MUKTZAH B/C ITS A KLI BY ITSELF AND NOT PART OF THE HOUSE.RAV NISSAN KARELITZ ALSO SAYS THIS BUT RAV NISSAN KARELITZ HOLDS IF ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN IT AND LEARN FROM IT THEN ITS MUKTZAH(FOR MORE SEE M"B SIF KATAN 35 NOTE 56 AND M"B SIF KATAN 22 NOTE 30).

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 11 PART 1

S"A SIMAN 308 SIF 7 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 31 Because /he maintains/ that it is not considered a utensil at all, /and is muktzeh meychamas gufo/ since it is not fit to be eaten or to be used /as a utensil/. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 3 Q:IS POWDERED SOAP FOR LAUNDRY BE MOVED ON SHABBOS? A:RAV MOSHE IN IGROS MOSHE RAV ELYASHIV RAV NISSAN KARELITZ SAY ITS MUKTZAH MACHMAS GUFO.RAV SHLOMO ZALMAN AURBACH SAYS EVEN THOUGH MIZAD HADIN YOU CAN MOVE IT TARUCH GUFO UMIKOMO(YOU NEED THE SPACE)BUT NEVERTHELESS LICATCILA YOU SHOULD BE MACHMIR LIKE RAV MOSHE FINSTEIN AND NOT MOVE IT(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 53).

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 10 PART 3

S"A SIMAN 308 SIF 29 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 29 /For example,/ in one’s home or in the street, as /stated/ below in Par. 18. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 3 Q:WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN A FLORESCENT BULB FALLS DOWN ON SHABBOS? A:IF IT DID NOT BREAK RAV ELYASHIV SAYS THEIR A PROBLEM IF ITS WHOLE BUT IF ITS BROKEN YOU CAN MOVE IT(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 39).

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 10 PART 2

S"A SIMAN 308 SIF 4 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 22 This means all books one is permitted to read /on Shabbos/. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 3 Q:ARE PAGES OF SIFRA KODESH THAT ARE GOING TO GENIZA MUKTZEH AND CAN YOU PICK THEM UP ON SHABBOS? A:RAV ELYASIV AND RAV NISSAN KARELITZ SAY IF THEY CAN BE LEARNED FROM THEY ARE KIVA KODESH AND THERE NOT MUKTZEH.IF THEY CANT BE LEARNED FROM AND THERE ON THE FLOOR IN BZION THE CHAZONISH SAYS ITS ASSUR TO PICK THEM UP ON SHABBOS BUT RAV ELYASHIV SAYS EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE MUKTZAH YOU NEED TO PICK THEM UP ON SHABBOS.RAV SHLOMO ZAMAMAN AURBACH SAYS ITS MUTER TO PICK THEM UP ON SHABBOS B/C OF KAVOD HATORAH(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 30).

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU JUNE 10 PART 1

S"A SIMAN 308 SIF 3 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 10 In other words, /a utensil/ designated for a purpose that is forbidden to be done on Shabbos. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 3 Q:IS THEIR A PROBLEM GOING IN A BUILDING WITH AN AUTOMATIC DOOR? A:RAV SHLOMO ZALMAN AURBACH RAV ELYASHIV SAY ITS A KLI MELACHTO LHETER SO ITS MUTER TO GO THROUGH BUT IF ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO GO THROUGH W/O LIGHT BULB TURNING ON THEN RAV SHLOMO ZALMAN AURBACH SAYS THERE A TZAD TO SAY ITS A KLI MILACHTO LISSUR.THE MIONCHAS YITZCHAK ALSO SAYS THIS(SEE IGROS MOSHE O"H CHELEK 5 SIMAN 21 OS 11)(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 12).

BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA 5772 PARSHOS MATOS AND MASEI WHAT IS A MINHAG

Lipa Schmeltzer Sings For Rav Elyashiv Zt"l 98th Birthday

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RABBI WEIN ON PARSHOS MATOS AND MASSEI

The narrative of the experiences of the people of Israel in the desert of Sinai concludes with the parshiyot of this week. All of the occurrences, successes and failures that marked this forty year trek in a wasteland wilderness are alluded to in the count of Israel in last week’s parsha - and in the listing of all of the way stations of that excursion. The Torah seems to be determined to remind all later generations of Jews of the experiences in the desert. Moshe, in his final oration in the book of Dvarim, will once again review the events of the desert for a new generation of Jews distanced in time and circumstance from Egyptian bondage. The Torah is aware of human forgetfulness. It will take only one generation to forget Egypt and even Mount Sinai. History is boring and quite irrelevant to new generations. Yet forgetting the Jewish past is the ultimate betrayal of Judaism and Jewish hopes. All of us, as we become older, begin to feel a psychological and spiritual need growing within us to be remembered. The Baal Shem Tov is reputed to have said: “Forgetting is the true exile.” Of course it is obvious that ignorance is the true partner of forgetfulness. In fact, if one never knew anything then one cannot be accused of having forgotten it. The Torah emphasizes the repetition of all the facts and experiences of Jewish life in the desert of Sinai so that this knowledge will enable and strengthen the powers of national remembrance.

RABBI WEIN ON MENACHEM AV

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR THE REFUA SHELAMA OF Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Hakohen ben Raizel. -Rav Yerachmiel Shlomo Rothenberg, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva of Mountaindale Rav Shaul ben Pasha-Gavaad Zurich, Switzerland and rav of Beis Medrash Agudas Achim for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)(AND L"N RAV YOSEF SHALOM BEN RAV AVRAHAM(RAV ELYASHIV ZT"L)This week marks the beginning of the month of Av. And though we remember the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people this month - the destruction of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem primarily – the month has an additional name attached to it, ‘Menachem’ meaning a source of comfort. This word ‘menachem’ referring to comfort and consolation, is phrased in the present tense and not in its future tense, implying that the advent of this seemingly sad month in the Jewish calendar somehow also contains within it the seeds of restoration. Judaism is a very realistic and pragmatic faith. It does not guarantee fantastic rewards in this world or in the next. It is cautious in its commitments and sparse in its language and principles. Thus the question as to why this month of Av should also be the month of consolation is compounded and intensified. Yet the name ‘Menachem’ coincides nicely with the rabbinic idea that the day of Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of Av itself – the saddest day on the Jewish calendar – will yet be a holiday.

CHASSIDIC PEARLS BY RABBI LAZER BRODY PARSHOS MATOS AND MASEI

PARSHAS MATOS "And we brought an offering for Hashem; whatever each person found of gold vessels, anklet and bracelet, ring, earring, and clasp, to atone for our souls before Hashem" (Bamidbar 31:50). The concept of Torah study and immersion in a mikva as conducive to purification of the heart permeate the writings of the holy Baal Shem Tov and his disciples. His great grandson, Rebbe Nachman of Breslev, teaches that in "spirituality, when one's thoughts are focused on the magnitude of Hashem and on His holy Torah, and move from one thought to another, a spiritual heat is created by the friction of the thought movement that is passed down to the heart and sets the heart ablaze in yearning for Hashem. This is the principle heat of the element of fire (Likutei Moharan I:156)". The above concept is the key to a superb spiritual ploy for teshuva and soul correction, which works much the same as libun, literally "whitening", or koshering a metal utensil by heating it until it becomes red-hot in a fire. Once the metal object or utensil is red-hot, all non-kosher substances that may have been absorbed in that utensil become null and void, and the utensil is rendered kosher. According to Rebbe Nachman's principle, contemplating the magnitude of Hashem excites the heart and thereby creates a spiritual fire that burns away any forbidden thoughts that may have lodged in the heart. As such, contemplating the magnitude of Hashem is capable of "koshering" the heart the same way that a blazing flame dislodges and destroys absorbed non-kosher substances from a skewer or grill. The ability of contemplating the magnitude of Hashem in purifying the heart has important and far-reaching ramifications. Contrary to what many think, a person doesn't have to subject himself to fasts and self-flagellation in order to purify the heart and get close to Hashem. On the contrary; by taking a walk in a lush green pasture, gazing at the royal-blue sky and contemplating the Creator of the sunset's dazzling gold and crimson rays, one's heart is kindled with the love of Hashem. A heart that blazes with the love of Hashem burns away the love of material follies and bodily lusts. PARSHAS MASEI "These are the journeys of the Children of Israel" (i). The Torah is neither a history book nor a biography of the Jewish people; the Torah is called "The Written Law" because it lists the six hundred thirteen commandments that govern how Jews must live their lives, as dictated from Hashem to Moses. One could therefore ask why the Torah lists every single journey. We know that the wisdom of the Torah is eternal; as such, what's the timeless message that we learn from the journeys of our forefathers in Sinai? Rebbe Nachman of Breslov teaches (Likutei Moharan I:25) that the klipot – the husks of impurity that surround the holiness in each spiritual level – are "the fantasies, the musings, the lusts, the confusions, and the obstacles" of each spiritual level, which one can only overcome by pondering the magnificence of Hashem. "Know," says Rebbe Nachman, "that each and every world and each and every spiritual level has its own set of fantasies and so forth; when a person progresses from level to level, then he must necessarily traverse these fantasies [confusions, obstacles, etc. – LB] in order to reach the holiness, and as soon as he ascends to a new spiritual level, then the klipot in that level are aroused to surround him; one must then subdue them and shatter them, in order to purify the place [level – LB] from the klipot." With Hashem's grace, if I'm not mistaken, the Torah's description of each of the journeys from place to place in the desert, together with the accounts of the trials and tribulations that the people of Israel experienced in each place on the way, allude to the individual spiritual odyssey of each Jew.

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAS MASEI

Translated by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Masei Moses was worried. Who would lead the Israelites after his death? "Moses spoke to God, saying, 'Let God ... appoint a man over the community. ... Let God's community not be like sheep that have no shepherd.' God told Moses, 'Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man of spirit, and lay your hand on him’… Moses did as God ordered him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Elazar the kohen and before the entire community. He then laid his hands on him and commissioned him." (Num. 27:15-22) Joshua's appointment to replace Moses was clearly a critical point in the spiritual and political development of the Jewish people. Every aspect of this sensitive transition was significant. Yet, several details in the Torah's account require clarification. Why did Moses first refer to the people as "the community" and later as "God's community"? Why did Moses place both hands on Joshua, in contradiction to God's command to "lay your hand on him"? Material and Spiritual Leadership The Jewish people require two types of leadership. Like any other nation, they need leadership in material matters — economic, military, political, and social. In addition, as bearers of God's Torah, they require spiritual guidance. Capable leadership will lead to success in both areas, revealing the greatness of Israel. All will recognize the wisdom and the beauty of their ways, as befits a special people who enlighten the world with spiritual knowledge and holiness. In his plea before God, Moses referred to the people both as "the community" and as "God's community." Moses requested that they have a leader for all of their needs, both material — as any community — and spiritual — as God's community. One or Two Leaders?

RAV KOOK ON PARSHAS MATOS

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

SHIUREI HARAV ON TEFILLA AND KRIAS SHEMA

Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of OU Kosher, has written an outstanding volume on topics related to Tefillah, Krias Shema, and Brachos based on the shiurim that Rav Yosef Soloveitchik gave over the years. This book is a wonderful compendium to Masechta Brachos GO TO KESHER STAM AND GET IT TODAY FOR BERACHOS STARTS AUGUST 3