vital information: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Now

Please say tehilim for Leah bas Rivka Golda – member of our community who is in surgery. thank you.

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven for Baby Girl

From an Aneinu member: Please daven for my cousins 7 month old baby who is critically ill and not responding to treatment, Elisheva Bracha bas Meira Miriam. Her hemoglobins are dropping, and she is not responding to any treatments. Tehillim is her only hope right now.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Nachum Segal Presents Shauly Waldner and his New CD Tov Hashem

Hear the great new songs and the stories behind them inside. Nachum welcomed Shauly Waldner to this morning's JM in the AM, live via telephone for the official debut of his debut CD "Tov Hashem." Nachum and Shauly discussed and played several of the new songs on this diverse 12 song project. Even though this is Shauly's debut CD, Shauly has been building a reputation as an outstanding singer and performer over the past five years on bandstands around the world and it really comes across on Tov Hashem. The CD features compositions by Yitzy Waldner, Pinky Weber, Dovid Klein, Motti Ilowitz, Lipa Schmelzer and Ruli Ezrachi, which were polished to perfection with arrangements by Naftali Schnitzler, Moshe Laufer and Ruli Ezrachi and enhanced with choirs by Moishe Krauss, Nafatli Schnitzler, Moishe Roth and Shloime Kaufman. Click the link to listen.

Toras Chesed: Reflections on the Daf: Brachos 17a By Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb

JI Lipa’s new music video pays tribute to IDF’s Nachal Hacharedi

By: Sandy Eller Once again superstar Lipa Schmeltzer is using his celebrity status as a springboard for the greater good, with the release of a music video that uses a hit song to promote solidarity among Jews worldwide, no matter what their background or religious leanings. The video features the dance sensation Mizrach, one of the most popular tracks from Lipa’s recent Leap of Faith album and shows the bespectacled icon singing and dancing with a group of Israeli soldiers, members of the noted Netzah Yehuda Battalion of the Nahal Haredi. Part of the Kfir Brigade of the Israeli Defense forces, Netzah Yehuda was created to give religious Israeli soldiers the opportunity to serve in the army while maintaining a strict adherence to their religious convictions. With the expiration of the Tal Law one month ago, the Israeli army has been the subject of much media scrutiny as yeshiva students who were previously exempted from military service are now facing the possibility of joining their fellow countrymen in the army. Thousands of Israeli yeshiva students are expecting to receive draft notices in the upcoming future, further widening the division between Israel’s secular and ultra-Orthodox communities. With the release of the new video which clocks in at just under six minutes long, Lipa hopes to help bridge the gap between the two groups, with the clear message of unity amongst all Jews expressed in the lyrics of the song. “There are chareidim serving in the army and we should value their service” explained Lipa, who has strong ties to the Nahal Haredi. The singer is a close friend of David Hager, a staunch supporter of the religious battalion, who just recently donated an Aron Kodesh to Lipa’s Airmont Shul. Directed by producer Danny Finkelman, the video was shot in various locations around Israel and features the outspoken singer, who is known for his unabashed love of Jews of all affiliations and support of countless Jewish causes, dressed in army fatigues as he dances in a Jerusalem square with Israeli soldiers and with six Israeli teenagers in several other spots across the country.

YWN[chicago-aneinu] Soldier Critically Injured in Training Mishap is Niftar

IDF soldier Sergeant Yonatan Ben-Yishai z”l was niftar in Rambam Medical Center in Haifa on Thursday 12 Elul 5772. Yonatan was critically injured in a training mishap in the Golan Heights when a tank struck him in his upper torso. The levaya is scheduled to begin at 17:30 in the Ashdod Military Cemetery. יהי זכרו ברוך. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Tefillos Needed - Surgery Thursday

Please daven for a Chicagoan: Tomorrow morning my dad will be having surgery to remove a mass on his lung and it would mean a lot to my family if you could keep him in mind during your davening. His hebrew name is Yoel ben Trina (pronounced "TRY-NUH").

MATZAV.COM [chicago-aneinu]Tehillim for Daughter of Rabbi Asher Lopatin

Earlier in the day, Matzav.com reported the news that Rabbi Asher Lopatin, the longtime rabbi of Congregation Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, will be taking over for Rabbi Avi Weiss as the head of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah in Riverdale, NY, next year. In the interim, we have learned that Rabbi Lopatin’s daughter Cara is quite ill and is in need of a refuah sheleimah. In correspondence to Matzav.com, Rabbi Lopatin thanked Matzav “for taking an interest in the future of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah.” For now, however, he has asked all our readers to please be mispallel for his daughter, Yakira Avigayil bas Rivkah Leah, who will be undergoing an autologous stem cell transplant on Thursday to recover from chemotherapy. “Iy”H, the procedure will give her a long, healthy and cancer-free life,” Rabbi Lopatin told Matzav.com. We pray that Rabbi Lopatin’s daughter will have a complete refuah and that he and his wife continue to see much nachas as well as success in their communal work and endeavors. Again, all are asked to say Tehillim for Yakira Avigayil bas Rivkah Leah. {Andy Heller-Matzav.com Newscenter}

[chicago-aneinu] Missing girl in New York

Please forward to your friends on the East Coast. Please daven for Chana Eliana bat Chava Raizalhttps://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/case_report_html/17071 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151136044292180&set=p.10151136044292180&type=1 Sara Lee Kessler Caroline Starkman, is a beautiful 18-year-old Touro College student from a modern Orthodox Jewish family in Englewood, NJ. She disappeared after visiting a "friend" in Brooklyn for Shabbat on the weekend of July 6th. Her parents, our dear friends Cherie and Steven, are distraught, but are lifted up by your outpouring of support and concern on Facebook. I've attached a recent photo of Caroline, who also goes by the names Vicki or Victoria. You can help by keeping Caroline in your heart, thoughts and prayers. Her Hebrew name is Chana Eliana bat Chava Raizal. If you see Caroline or have any information that could lead to her safe and speedy return, please contact: Detective Barry Miller @ the Englewood, NJ Police Dept: 201-568-4875 or 201-871-6416 Thank you for caring and for sharing this information.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Mother of Injured Soldier: Only Miracle will Save Him

Please daven for Yonatan ben Nava. Mother of Injured Soldier: Only Miracle will Save Him By Gil Ronen First Publish: 8/28/2012, 2:18 PM Armored Corps soldier Yonatan Ben Yishai continues to be hospitalized in grave condition in a hospital, after he was accidentally run over by a tank Monday. His mother, Nava, told Voice of Israel radio: "There is no change in his condition. He is in very serious to critical condition. We are awaiting miracles. The Heavens will help him out of this." "The injury is multi-systemic: serious damage to the chest and damage to the brainstem. The doctors think there is no way back without the help of miracles. "They were tired, they hadn't slept all night," she said when asked to describe how the accident occurred. "They lay down to sleep – I do not know if they had permission or not – on a path used by tanks and the tank drove over his head. Other friends were there but managed to escape because they were lying a bit higher up." "This is simply a superfluous accident for which my son paid with his life, and we as a family shall also pay for it," she added. Addressing IDF commanders, she said, "I want to send a message. First of all, make sure that they will not be so tired, so they will not have to just plunk themselves down and sleep so hard that they can't even hear a tank approaching. Secondly, they should make sure not to let them sleep in a tank field, they should sleep in an organized manner." Yonatan, or Yoni, is "an amazing, wonderful guy," she said. "A tzaddik who sanctifies the Name of Heaven wherever he goes. A combat soldier in Golani who insisted on going into combat." An initial inquiry showed that the Merkava tank that ran over Yoni was moving backward and its crew did not see the soldier, who was sleeping on the path used by tanks.

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven for Little Girl

Please daven for one of our cholim,Yakira Avigayil bat Rivkah Leah, who will be undergoing a stem cell transplant on Thursday to recover from chemotherapy.

BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA 5772 PARSHAS Shoftim: The Mitzva of Appointing Dayanim

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR THE REFUA SHELAMA OF HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein Shlita-Yitzchok ben Rochel RAV CHAIM KANIEVSKY-Rav Shmaryahu Yosef Chaim ben Pesha Miriam,Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, 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)In this week's parsha, the Torah commands us to appoint judges to enforce all the mitzvos of the Torah. The Chinuch (491) explains that this is a necessity for our religion because the only way to properly ensure that the people observe the Torah is through fear of a judicial system. He adds that although the ultimate goal is for the people to serve Hashem out of love, very often such a goal must begin with force. Some only manage to serve Hashem out of fear of the judicial system, but over time, it becomes natural for them to serve Hashem. Once it becomes natural a person will continue to do so out of love. This week's journal will focus on the mitzvah of appointing judges and its application today. Click here to listen to this week's feature audio shiur by Rav Yitzchok Grossman, The Commandment to Appoint Judges(AUDIO HERE) he Commandment To Appoint Judges By Rabbi Yitzchak Grossman Introduction "Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the L-rd thy G-d giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment."[1] The Torah is unequivocal in its demand for the appointment of judges; in this article, we explore the applicability of the commandment to contemporary times, and to Diaspora society, outside Eretz Yisrael. Semichah Both these question are fundamentally rooted in the limitation of semichah[2]to Eretz Yisrael, and its contemporary obsolescence. The Talmud, at least according to some opinions, considers semichah a Biblically essential qualification for a judge,[3] and this leads many to the conclusion that in the absence of semichah, our judges derive their legitimacy only from Rabbinic ordinance, and their appointment therefore cannot fulfill the Biblical commandment. The Diaspora While the Talmud (at least our text of it) explicitly states that the Sanhedrin operates in both Eretz Yisrael and Chutz La'Aretz;[4] there is nevertheless considerable discussion in the rishonim and acharonim over whether the commandment to appoint judges actually applies in Chutz La'Aretz.[5] The position of Rambam, in particular, is very unclear;[6] some understand him to maintain that there is no obligation at all to appoint judges in Chutz La'Aretz,[7] while others interpret him to be saying merely that unlike in Eretz Yisrael, where we are commanded to appoint judges in every region (pelach) as well as in every city (ir), in Chutz La'Aretz,either only the former obligation,[8] or only the latter,[9] holds.[10] How can the aforementioned Talmudic passage be reconciled with the position that there is no obligation at all to appoint judges outside Eretz Yisrael? Some suggest the existence of a variant Talmudic text;[11] others explain that the Talmud merely means that the Sanhedrin has the power to operate in Chutz La'Aretz, but not that there is an obligation of appointment there.[12] Contemporary Times Many rishonim and acharonim maintain that the Biblical commandment to appoint judges does not apply in contemporary times, due to the absence of semichah.[13]Rav Eliezer Yehudah Waldenberg, however, inclines toward the view that the Biblical commandment is actually still in force (at least in Eretz Yisrael). One of his sources is the terse categorization by the Sefer Charedim of our commandment under the rubric of "Biblical commandments .. that are possible to be fulfilled every day",[14] which Rav Waldenbergunderstands to indicate contemporary applicability.[15] The Buczaczer Rav, however, (very tentatively) suggests that perhaps all the Charedim means is that it is possible in theory to fulfill the commandment today, were it not for the technical problem of the absence of semichah.[16] Shlichusayhu A primary argument adduced by Ramban[17] in support of the position that the appointment of our batei din does not fulfill the Biblical commandment is based on the Talmudic statement that the authority of our batei din is not inherent, but derives from agency (shlichusayhu) of the sages in Eretz Yisrael[18] (or those who lived there before the abolition of semichah[19]). If they have no intrinsic authority, it seems that they cannot satisfy the Torah's requirement. Several acharonim rebut this proof, though: The Nesivos Ha'Mishpat,[20] the Buczaczer Rav[21]and Rav Waldenberg[22] explain that shlichusayhu is actually a Biblically valid mechanism, and the appointment of judges whose power derives from this arrangement therefore still fulfills the Biblical commandment.[23] The Bach[24] claims that the opinion of the Tosafos[25] is that the absolute requirement of semichah, and the concomitant necessity for shlichusayhu, only apply wherebeis din engages in coercion, but in ordinary proceedings involving cooperating parties, semichah is not always required. Although the Urim Ve'Tumim disagrees, contending that the Bach misunderstands the Tosafos,[26] the Ketzos Ha'Choshen dismisses his objection and sides with theBach.[27] Once again, the position of Rambam is very problematic and the subject of considerable debate, with many rishonim and acharonimraising several serious difficulties with, and contradictions between, his various statements on the requisite qualifications of batei din and the principle of shlichasayhu;a discussion of their various resolutions is beyond the scope of this article.[28] The Position Of Mabit Mabit expresses the remarkable and unique view that the contemporary obsolescence of semichah actually increases the legitimacy (on a Biblical level) of our batei din, for the distinction between Eretz Yisrael and Chutz La'Aretz is only relevant as long assemichah remains extant, but in its absence, "they are all equal, and everything depends on wisdom".[29] Rabbinic Obligation The Bach[30]and the Urim Ve'Tumim[31]both assert that even according to the opinions that the Biblical obligation is no longer in force, there is still a Rabbinic obligation modeled after the Biblical one. The Appointment Of Morei Horaah The Buczaczer Rav proposes the innovative idea that included in our commandment is the appointment of morei hora'ah, and he suggests that such an imperative is even more necessary than the basic establishment of a judiciary, for in civil disputes, the disputants themselves will necessarily seek out appropriate rabbinic arbitration, as it is essential to their interests to do so, but with regard to ritual law, it is quite plausible that without an explicit injunction, no one will bother to establish a proper system. Nevertheless, he is reluctant to assert such a radical idea without basis in the poskim.[32][1]Devarim 16:18. [2]Throughout our discussion, by semichah we mean the original, Talmudic concept, not the forms of Rabbinic accreditation common today. [3]See Sanhedrin 2b-3a. [4]Mishnah and beraisa Makos 7a. [5]See, e.g., Ramban in his Commentary to the Torah Devarim16:18; Tur Choshen Mishpat siman 1; the extensive discussions of Rav Yerucham Fishel Perlow in his commentary to the Sefer Ha'Mitzvos of Rav Sa'adiah Gaon, minyan shishim ve'chamesh ha'parshios, parshah 1 and Rav Eliezer Yehudah Waldenberg (Shut. Tzitz Eliezer chelek 15 siman 69); and the sources mentioned in the following notes. I am indebted to R. Yehuda Y. Grunwald for bringing R. Perlow's discussion to my attention. [6]Sefer Ha'Mitzvos Aseh #176; Yad Ha'Chazakah Hilchos Sanhedrin 1:2. [7]Ramban ibid. (as understood by Lechem Mishnah, Lechem Yehudah,Rav Perlow ibid., and others, but see next note); Kesef Mishnah ibid. in his second approach; Lechem Yehudah; Rav Perlow (himself). [8]Kessef Mishnah ibid. in his first approach; Lechem Mishnah ibid.;Mirkeves Ha'Mishnah ibid. (he explains that this is actually Ramban's understanding, too); Chak Nasan ibid. [9]Commentary of Radvaz to Rambam ibid. [10]The Sefer Ha'Chinuch (#491), however, clearly limits the commandment to Eretz Yisrael. [11]Kesef Mishnah ibid. [12]Lechem Yehudah ibid.; Rav Perlow ibid. [13]Ramban ibid.; Tur ibid.; see Lechem Yehudah ibid.; Urim Ve'Tumim siman 1 Urim seif katan 1; Shut. Igros Moshe choshen mishpat chelek 1 siman 1 anaf 3 s.v. Od mashma. [14]Sefer Charedim perek 4, "Mitzvos aseh min ha'torah ha'teluyos be'peh be'kanah ve'efshar le'kayman be'chol yom", os 42. [15]Ibid. os 5. [16]Kesef Kadashim siman 1. [17]Ibid. [18]Gittin 88b; Sanhedrin 2b-3a. [19]Tosafos Gittin ibid. s.v. Be'milsa de'shechichah. [20]Nesivos Ha'Mishpat siman 1 Biurim seif katan 1. [21]Ibid. [22]Ibid. osios 8-10. [23]But see Nachal Yitzchak (at the very beginning of choshen mishpat) who cites Nesivos but nevertheless concludes that the normative view is that of the rishonim, that the mechanism ofshlichusayhu is merely Rabbinic. [24]Choshen mishpat siman 1 os 3. [25]Sanhedrin 2b s.v. Le'ba'iy nami mumchin; Gittin 88b s.v.Lifneihem ve'lo lifnei hedyotos. [26]Urim Ve'Tumim siman 1 Tumim end of seif katan 1. [27]Ketzos Ha'Choshen siman 3 seif katan 1. [28]See Hagahos Ha'Remach 5:8 (cited in Kesef Mishnah); Shach choshen mishpat siman 3 seif katan 1; Ketzos Ha'Choshen siman 3seif katan 1; Nesivos Ha'Mishpat siman 3 Biurim seif katan 1; Shut. Avnei Nezer choshen mishpat siman 1; Nachal Yitzchak siman 3. [29]Kiryas Sefer end of perek 5. See Tzitz Eliezer ibid. os 4 for analysis. [30]Ibid. [31]Ibid. [32]Ibid.

DAFHACHAIM.ORG THIS TIME AROUND DONT JUST DO THE DAF EXPERIENCE IT

FULL PAGE AD 1 FULL PAGE AD 2 CLICK HERE FOR MORE DAF HACHAIM - A three pronged total learning experience The One Minute Intro How many times have we sat down to listen to a shiur or even to learn on our own, only to feel lost after a short time because we lacked some background information, or simply could not figure out what was being said and the direction in which the gemora taking us. In the Introduction to the Daf, the maggid shiur gives us a concise outline of all the important concepts the gemora will be discussing. In addition, we also see his words come alive, as they are animated and illustrated on the screen alongside him. The Daf Hachaim Shiur For our initial English language shiurim we are fortunate to have one of the truly rising stars in the Yeshiva/Chinuch world, Rabbi Shlomie Schwartzberg. He is a highly respected member of the Lakewood community, and a much sought after lecturer for various Yeshivos, Bais Yaakovs, and kiruv organizations. He has dedicated himself to giving a well prepared, clear and organized shiur on the daf. His Torah knowledge and warm personality come through in each of the three elements of the Daf Hachaim program. All shiurim are recorded in a professional recording studio to ensure a clear and crisp presentation. The 5 Minute Review No matter how well a shiur was presented and how well we were able to stay focused, a review of the daf is critical. Review not only help us remember, it also enhances our understanding as well. However, reviewing can be difficult, especially after we’ve closed the gemora and moved on to our daily routine. The 5 Minute Review, is designed to change all that. The maggid shiur presents a well thought out, concise, “concept centered” review, along with animated charts, illustrations and photos. The Review section is an essential component of our learning. The incredible gift of a comprehensive review in just 5 minutes will also inject a heightened level of enthusiasm for reviewing the Daf as well. Learners can easily grab any five minutes of free time during the day to review the Daf over and over again - inscribing the Daf visually and conceptually in our minds.

CCHF[chicago-aneinu] Urgent Tehillim

A 16 year old girl was hit by a car in Yerushalayim. She is in critical condition. Please say tehillim for: Adina bas Chana Thank you

JI Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller and Bitayavon to Merge – New Magazine Will Feature Best of Both Highly Acclaimed Magazines

The world of kosher cuisine has largely been covered by two popular kosher food publications, Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller and Bitayavon magazines. The Kosher Media Network (KMN), the first multi-platform network for the kosher consumer, combining traditional media with the latest in digital technology, has announced that the two publications will merge. With Bitayavon joining Joy of Kosher under the umbrella of KMN, the result will be a multi featured magazine that will be the only one of its kind on the market. The new magazine will keep the title “Joy of Kosher with Jamie Geller” and will continue to feature Jamie’s trademark warmth, straightforward approach and her highly acclaimed recipes, but will also incorporate Bitayavon’s signature style, showcasing new food trends, gourmet cooking and its pioneering approach to focusing on seasonal foods. “We’re looking forward to combining specific columns and content from each magazine to provide a truly superior product that will better serve both the reader and the industry.” Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Jamie Geller, says. Joy of Kosher and Bitayavon have featured some of the best kosher food writing, recipes and photography published . Shifra Klein agrees “Not only does this merger combine editorial talents,” she says, “it also creates a publishing team with entrepreneurial experience. Both Shlomo and I look forward to working with Jamie and sharing our vision of upscale food with the readers of Joy of Kosher.” Shlomo Klein and his wife Shifra are co-founders and co-publishers of Bitayavon.

YWN [chicago-aneinu] HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein Shlita Hospitalized

HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein Shlita, rav of Bnei Brak’s Ramat Elchanan neighborhood, a member of the Degel HaTorah Moetzas Gedolei HaTorah and a son-in-law of Maran Rav Elyashiv ZT”L has been hospitalized. He was admitted to Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer in Tel Aviv on Sunday, 8 Elul 5772 after suffering “a minor cerebral incident”. The rav told gabbaim since Thursday that he was not feeling well and he limited leaving his home. On shabbos, he did go to shul but he was not feeling well. The situation worsened on Sunday and the rav was taken for testing, leading to the diagnosis. Those who attend seudas shlishis with the rav explain that he generally speaks at length and very powerfully at seudas shlishis but this week, he spoke for a few brief moments and his voice was lower, softer and at times shaky. Reports from the hospital indicate the rav’s condition is good at this time. The tzibur is asked to be mispallel for Yitzchok ben Rochel for a refuah shleima b’soch cholei yisrael. Deputy Health Minister Rav Yaakov Litzman was among the rav’s visitors on Monday evening. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven for Baby - Surgery

Please daven for a one year old, Eliyahu Betzelel Ben Chana Rina, who is having surgery.

Monday, August 27, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Tefillos Needed

Please daven for SHULAMIS CHAYA bas MATEL TEMA who is in great need of a refuah shlema.

CCTC JOIN US ON LABOR DAY

JI Gad Elbaz With A New Single + Music Video “Lishmor El Hatikvah”

After the release of his last single “Sipur Shel Halev” Gad Elbaz had a lot of success. The song climbed to the top of Israeli music charts and was most requested on radio. With the release of Gad’s new album just around the corner, Gad releases the second single from the new album entitled “Lishmor El Hatikvah“. The song is being released with an amazing music video produced by Uri Avni and written and composed by Noam Horev and Tomer Hadadi. “Lishmor El Hatikvah” is a song with a lot of faith and optimism just in time for the fast approaching Yomim Tovim. The songs on the new album were very carefully selected and all produced with the best producers, writers and composers. Elbaz’s new album will add color and refresh the Jewish music world, producing song which connects the east and west. And to convey the message taken some songs have a really top of the line music video productions.

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven

Please daven for Mayer ben Yehudis, a boy in Lakewood who was hit by a car.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Monday Morning

Please daven for Meir Todrus Yishayau ben Rivka Chana who is having surgery on Monday morning.

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven

Rav Genechovsky is now at Shaarei Tzedek Medical Center in Yerushalayim after having recently traveled to the United States to receive medical treatment. His condition is serious. Surgery was performed last month on Rav Genechovsky to remove a tumor in his liver, but his condition took various turns for the worse, as doctors have attempted to address the medical complications that have arisen. While Rav Genechovsky initially attempted to continue being at the yeshiva, that became too difficult as his illness became worse. He is in need of rachamei shomayim. Over Shabbos, Rav Genechovsky, despite his poor health condition, participated in tefillos at the Sanzer Bais Medrash, near his home, on Rechov Rav Yehuda Halevi in Bnei Brak. He also attended a Siyum Hashas at the bais medrash during seudah shlishis. Tonight, many of his talmidim and admirers were holding tefillah gatherings, including at the Makove Bais Medrash on Rechov Rabbeinu Tam in Bnei Brak, to daven for him Rav Genechovsky is a highly-regarded mashpiah, mashgiach and maggid shiur, and counts among his talmidim prominent marbitzei Torah. All are asked to daven and say Tehillim for Rav Avrohom ben Gita. {Matzav.com Israel News Bureau}

Friday, August 24, 2012

ELUL 5772 #66 (Featuring Highlights of the Siyum Hashas)COMING SOON

The meaning of Bechatzros Kodsheinu, which translates into "happenings in our Holy assemblies" is a monthly video synopsis of the latest occurences in the Chassidish, Litvish & Sefardi enclaves. Produced in Jerusalem by Shalom Eisenbach, these movie snippets gives the viewer an in depth view of the many different facets of Orthodox Jewish life, in communities throughout the world.(PRINT DISCOUNT HERE)

JI Lchaim Music with a Special Project: Yomim Noroim Triple Pack – Shirei L’yemei Ellul COMING SOON

Lchaim Music with a Special Project: Yomim Noroim Triple Pack – Shirei L’yemei Ellul It’s no secret that when Yom Tov approached (ANY Yom Tov) the “Lchaim Tish Series” have an album to enhance your simcha! So it has been for almost every yom tov including; Purim, Pesach, Chanukah and of course the Yomim Noroim. Over the last few years Lchaim of Rabbi Yosef Moshe Kahane has released three unique albums filled with music for the Yomim Noroim (Hight Holidays); Yomim Noroim 1 - containing containing songs for the Days of Awe, Shoimeah Tefilah – featuring 30 melodies of bakashos and prayer typical for these special these days and Yomim Noroim 2 – whose predecessor contains dozens of songs for yomim noroim and more. For the approachinig Yomim Noroim ‘Lchaim Tish’ is releasing a special project: Yomim Noroim Triple Pack for the Days of Mercy featuring a spectacular design from the Malchut Wachsberg, of course music that will fill your home atmosphere of the majesty of the Yomim Noroim’. Who worked on this triple pack? Only the best and brightest. First off is renowned arranger from ‘Lchaim’ R ‘Chaim Hartman and vocal coach/choir master R. Herschel Brisk. Vocalists include; chassidic music’s finest Reb Yermiah Damen, Reb Moshe Shtekel, Reb Yanky Daskal, Reb Avremi Roth, Reb Shloime Taussig and child prodigies Eli Streicher and Yehoshua Aryeh Mandel, and even the late Cantor Yossele Rosenblatt makes an appearance… The set will be sold at a special price, so get excited and go get yours today! Hot tip: The set is also the best gift for Rosh Hashanah and the following yomim tovim.

[chicago-aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Friday AM

Please daven for Chaya bas Sarah (Chicagoan) who is having surgery Friday morning.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

YWN Baruch Dayan Emmes – The Shomrei Emunim Rebbe ZATZAL

The Shomrei Emunim Rebbe, Rav Avrohom Chaim Roth ZT”L ZY”A was niftar during the night, at about 23:55. The rebbe went into cardiac arrest on isru chag Shavuos, and was admitted to Jerusalem’s Bikur Cholim Hospital after successful resuscitation. When the rebbe’s condition improved, he was moved to Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer in Tel Aviv. Over recent days, the rebbe’s condition deteriorated. The levaya is set to begin at the Shomrei Emunim Beis Medrash in Bnei Brak at 11:00. From there the levaya will travel to the beis medrash in Yerushalayim, Meah Shearim at 13:30, and from there to Har HaZeisim. The rebbe was 89. He will be buried alongside his father the Bal Shomrei Emunim. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Toras Chesed: Reflections on the Daf: Brachos Daf 12b Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb

We recently studied the following passage (Brachos12b): "And Rabba bar Hinnana Sava said in the name of Rav: Anyone who can ask (kol she'efshar) for mercy on the behalf of another and does not ask is called a sinner..." I have studied this passage many times over the years, but this year, for the first time, I was struck by the language "Anyone who can ask…" I found myself asking, "Is there anyone who cannot ask for mercy on behalf of another?" Can't we all ask the Almighty for anything at any time in any language, using any choice of words? Do we not believe that we can all call upon the Almighty and that He is present to us whenever we call upon Him? One of my mentors was Rav Yitzchok Sternhell, zt"l, the Rabbi of the shtiebel I would frequent in my early days in Baltimore. He taught us that if we asked a question and could not find that question in an earlier source, it probably was not a good question. "There is nothing new under the sun," he would say, and he did not permit us to convince ourselves that we were erudite enough to ask original questions. After a brief search, I discovered that the question has indeed been asked before. I refer you to the commentary Iyun Yaakov on Ein Yaakov for one approach. Another approach is offered by HaRav Avraham Yitzchok HaCohen Kook, zt"l, whose yahrzeit coincides with the day that I write these words, 3 Elul. Rav Kook wonders, "How can we speak of efshar and lo efshar when it comes to prayer?" Is it possible for a person to be in such circumstances that he is unable to pray?

Nachum Segal Welcomes the King of Shlock to JM in the AM

Nachum & Lenny Solomon discussed Lenny's new musical & funding it w/ Kickstarter.com The King of Shlock has done it again! Following on the heels of two great CDs (Kosher Cake, Still Not Quite on Broadway) Lenny Solomon has created a much anticipated new project entitled Daniel in Babylon; a new musical based on the Book of Daniel. The goal is to record the musical with orchestra and cast en route to full production. To that end, Nachum Segal hosted Lenny on this morning's JM in the AM to discuss the project and Kickstarter.com, the fundraising venue that Lenny is using to get the project underway with the help of his supporters and fans. Click the link to listen. PREVIEWS AND DONATE HERE

YWN [chicago-aneinu] Please Daven for the Shomrei Emunim Rebbe Shlita

Klal Yisrael is being urged to be mispallel for the Shomrei Emunim Rebbe Shlita, whose condition is serious. The rebbe has been hospitalized for months after being revived from cardiac arrest in Sivan 5772. Tefilos are recited in all mosdos affiliated with the chassidus as well as at the Kosel. Please daven for Rav Avrohom Chaim ben Sima b’soch sh’ar cholei yisroel. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

[chicago-aneinu] Tefillos Needed for Young Mother

A young Chicago friend of a young mother in Israel has asked that tfilos be offered on her friend's behalf for a refuah shlemah. The young woman, a mother of five, who lives in Israel, suffered complications shortly after the birth of her son recently, and half of her body is now partially but hopefully temporarily paralyzed. Please daven for ELISHEVA bas HENNA RASHA.

chicago-aneinu] Please Daven for Baby - Surgery Wed

Received from an Aneinu member: Please daven for a seven month old baby (Chgo. area) who will be having surgery tomorrow, Wed. Aug. 22. Her name is Yisraela Razale bas Sarah Mindel.

Monday, August 20, 2012

JI SHLOCK ROCK ROCKS KUTSHERS!!! Pix + Vids

Let me start off by saying that I am a long time fan of Shlock Rock, but never had the privilege of attending ANY of their concerts LIVE. This past motzei shabbos all that changed at the Stardust Room at Kutshers Resort. As the lights dimmed, emcee Shloimi Ash approached the stage and introduced the opening act, world renowned singers Chaim Kiss. Chaim performed the Shwekey mega hit “V’hi Sheomda” composed by Yonatan Razel. Chaim’s rendition was heartwarming and the crowd was very receptive and even joined in to sing with him. Kiss performed one more song, Shlomo Carlebach’s Moshe V’Aharon (as features on Shlomo Simcha’s Tehillim album) before leaving the stage. The crowd was ready to rock as Shloimi Ash introduced a long time personal friend and Jewish rock icon LENNY SOLOMON.

CHABAD.ORG ON ELUL

ELUL IN A NUTSHELL AND LOTS MORE

Sunday, August 19, 2012

ELUL IS HERE ITS TIME FOR MUSSER 5772

COMING SOON TO A BOOKSTORE NEAR YOU

NOW FOR YOUR IPHONE The Power of Teshuvah An Effective Day by Day Guide

AT KESHER STAM NOW

THIS MACHZOR WILL GET YOU READY FOR ROSH HASHANAH

PREVIOUS YEARS ELUL PICKS

BAIS HAVAAAD ON THE PARSHA 5772~ PARSHAS RE'EH ~ Sheimos & Geniza

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR THE REFUA SHELAMA OF RAV CHAIM KANIEVSKY-Rav Shmaryahu Yosef Chaim ben Pesha Miriam,Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, 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)In this week's parsha, the Torah commands: Destroy all the places where the gentiles that you are driving out worshipped their gods, whether they were on high mountains or on hills, or beneath any leafy tree. Raze their altars, smash their pillars, burn their idolatrous asheirah trees, and demolish the images of their gods. Obliterate the names (of their deities) from that place. Do not do this to Hashem your G-d!" (Devarim 12:2-4) This last verse teaches that, just as it is a mitzvah min haTorah to destroy idols and everything associated with them, so too it is a Torah violation to destroy anything containing Hashem's name (Shabbos 120b; Rambam, Hil. Yesodei HaTorah 6:1). When the Torah states: Obliterate the names (of their deities) from that place. Do not do this to Hashem your G-d, it prohibits erasing or obliterating something containing one of Hashem's holy names, specifically referring to the sevensheimos she'einam nimchakim, the seven names of Hashem that may never be erased (Shavuos 35a). These names are the names of Hashem that we are careful not to pronounce except when reciting a prayer, but instead modify their pronunciation; for example, we say Elokim, Hashem, or Keil. When an item containing one of these names can no longer be used, it must be treated in a very special way, as we will see shortly. As an extension of this prohibition, Chazal prohibited destroying other holy writings, including commentaries, halacha, and other Torah works (see Rambam, Hil. Yesodei HaTorah 6:8). The precise details of how to dispose of these items are sometimes disputed.This week's journal will focus on the laws regarding this prohibition of destroying holy writings. Click here to listen to this week's feature audio shiur by Rav Yosef Greenwald, ITEMS THAT INCLUDE HASHEM'S NAME by Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff Shlit"a SHEIMOS VERSUS GENIZAH In Yiddish, holy items that require halachically-approved disposal are called sheimos, a truncating of the phrasesheimos she'einam nimchakim, names that may never be erased. The customary Hebrew word used in this context,genizah, means the place where these items are placed. Thus, one term describes the basis for the sanctity of these items, whereas the other depicts their treatment. To maintain the connotations and uses of both terms, I will use the word "sheimos" to refer to the items themselves that have sanctity and the word "genizah" to describe how these items are handled when no longer usable. RULES OF SHEIMOS SHE'EINAM NIMCHAKIM One may not erase the seven sheimos she'einam nimchakim even to repair a sefer torah. For example, if a sofererrantly wrote one of these names in a place where it does not belong, one may not simply erase the name to render the sefer torah kosher. Instead, some opinions allow one to surgically split the thickness of the parchment on which he wrote the holy name in a way that removes the holy name intact. This is an extremely delicate task since one must remove the complete intact name no matter how deeply its ink has seeped into the parchment. This piece of parchment containing the holy name must now be placed in genizah. In order to write on the parchment where this name was located, the sofer sands it to restore its texture. WHAT IS GENIZAH? What is the proper way to perform genizah? Worn out sifrei torah should be placed in earthenware vessels and then buried (Megillah 26b). Placing them inside these vessels forestalls the decomposition of the sifrei torah for a long time. Indeed it is a tragedy that Hashem's name becomes obliterated, even in an indirect way, and the mitzvah commands us to delay their decay for as long as possible. They should be buried near a talmid chacham, or at least near someone who studied halacha and other basic Torah. GENIZAH OF PRINTED SEFORIM Do printed seforim require the same standards of genizah that the Gemara requires for a sefer torah? The poskim dispute whether printed seforim also need to be protected in earthenware vessels before they are buried. The Be'er Sheva requires them to be buried inside earthenware vessels, as does the Keneses Yechezkel (Shu"t Be'er Sheva #43, quoted by Magen Avraham 154:9 and Shu"t Shvus Yaakov 3:10; Shu"t Keneses Yechezkel #37, quoted by Rav Shlomoh Eiger in his notes to Yoreh Deah 282:10). The Keneses Yechezkel adds that packing them inside wood boxes is as acceptable as burying the sheimos in earthenware. Both of these authors rule that printed seforim must be packed properly before burial, even those without Hashem's name. On the other hand, the Pri Megadim (commenting on this Magen Avraham) notes that the custom is to bury worn-out printed seforim without placing them inside vessels, and to insist on this special treatment only for hand-written nevi'im and kesuvim (used contemporarily predominantly for haftarah and megillos) that are written on parchment. Thus we see that there is a dispute whether printed seforim must be packed in earthenware or other similarly protective ways before burial; the Be'er Sheva and Keneses Yechezkel requiring it, and the Pri Megadim not. What is the accepted halachic practice? The Mishnah Berurah (154:22, 24) quotes only the Pri Megadim, accepting that printed seforim, even those bearingHashem's name, do not have the full level of sanctity of hand-written seforim; he does not even mention the disputing opinions. My impression is that this is the practice usually followed by those who bury genizah: hand-written Sifrei Torah, mezuzos, tefillin, megillos and naviim are specially packed before burial in earthenware, wood, or glass containers; whereas worn-out, printed seforim are simply placed in bags or cardboard boxes and buried. "What is the halacha concerning books containing Torah words written by people who reject Torah?" NONBELIEVERS Despite the serious transgression of destroying Hashem's name, names written by a Jew who rejects Torah belief have no sanctity min haTorah (Rambam, Hil. Yesodei HaTorah 6:8). If the texts including these names were written by such a Jew, or if the text contains sacrilegious or heretical ideas or references, one should destroy them (see Shabbos 116a;Gittin 45b). GENTILE WRITINGS Torah writings authored by a gentile that contain no heretical beliefs should be placed in genizah (Gittin 45b; Rambam, Hil. Yesodei HaTorah 6:8). Those that contain heresy should be destroyed. HOLY BOOKS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE HASHEM'S NAME Destroying Torah writings that do not include Hashem's name is prohibited mi'derabbanan (see Rambam, Hil. Yesodei HaTorah 6:8, based on Shabbos 115, 116). Thus, Mishnayos, Gemaras, and most parts of commentaries on Tanach, Gemara, Halacha and Aggadah are considered sheimos only mi'derabbanan since it is unusual to find Hashem's names in them. Reference notes that are incomprehensible on their own are not considered divrei torah and may be placed in the regular garbage (Shu"t Igros Moshe, Yoreh Deah 2:75). PRINTED WORKS CONTAINING DIVREI TORAH Is there any halachic difference between a printed sefer, which has kedusha, and a printed work on a non-holy subject that happens to contain some divrei torah or quotations from Chazal? THE WRITER'S INTENT Some halachic authorities maintain that if a printer or writer did not intend to produce seforim or divrei kedusha, then the resultant product has no kedusha (Shu"t Ein Yitzchak 5:7-9; Chazon Ish, Yoreh Deah 164:3 s.v. ve'im; see alsoShu"t Igros Moshe, Yoreh Deah 1:172). According to this approach, a book published on a non-Torah subject that includes some divrei torah need not be placed in genizah when it wears out. This lenience applies only to items that do not contain one of the seven names of Hashem (Shu"t Meishiv Davar 2:80). NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES If a newspaper or magazine contains divrei torah, does this require it to ultimately be placed in genizah? Based on much of the above-discussion, the Melameid Liho'il (2:89) rules that non-Hebrew publications containingHashem's name may even be respectfully burnt. He contends that since the printer did not realize he was printing anything holy, the magazine has no kedusha. There is therefore no requirement to dispose of these items in genizah.He does insist that they not be treated disdainfully, and in his opinion, burning these publications, so as not to treat them as regular garbage, constitutes treating them with adequate respect. WHY ONLY NON-HEBREW? The Melameid Liho'il assumed that someone printing a non-Hebrew work would never have assumed that he was printing something holy. If the same assumption can be made regarding a Hebrew publication, then his line of reasoning would follow there as well. (Other reasons, beyond the scope of this article, are mentioned to distinguish between works written in Hebrew and those written in other languages, see for example, Shu"t Rama #34; Shu"t Chavos Ya'ir #109.) A FRUM HEBREW NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINE Can we make the same assumption concerning a frum Hebrew newspaper? Does the printer think that there is nokedusha in what he is printing? Or, should we assume that since most frum newspapers contain some divrei torah, the printer realizes that he is printing divrei torah; thus, those parts of the newspaper or magazine should be placed ingenizah. The written opinions I have seen on this subject vary. Most contemporary poskim rule that one is not required to put a newspaper containing divrei torah into genizah; it is satisfactory to wrap the paper or simply the divrei torah before disposing of them in the garbage (Rav Elyashiv and Rav Vozner, quoted in Ginzei HaKodesh pgs. 154, 236). This approach accepts that these divrei torah were printed without intent to make them holy. However, they should be wrapped first so that they are not treated with disdain. A minority opinion contends that one must place the divrei torah sections of these newspapers in genizah (Ginzei HaKodesh pg. 154, quoting Rav Nissim Karelitz). I have noticed that some chareidi newspapers in Israel print a note on the page when there is a dvar torah on the page, calling the reader's attention to the fact that this page requiresgenizah. Apparently, these publications follow the stricter of the rulings cited above. PERMANENCE Several earlier authorities imply that divrei torah intended to be temporary do not have kedusha (see Shu"t Ayn Yitzchak #5:7; Shu"t Meishiv Davar 2:80). The line of reasoning here is that since the printer does intend to create permanent Torah works, the items do not become holy. This approach explains the common practice of photocopying Torah quotations for one time use without exerting major effort to retrieve the items for genizah. I leave it to the reader to discuss with his rav whether he may follow this approach. INVITATIONS "May wedding invitations contain pesukim?" Two different halachic concerns are involved when one prints a pasuk or statement of Chazal on an invitation. The first issue is that many people will not realize that this invitation may not be disposed in the garbage, a contemptuous finale for holy writings. (Although the printer may not intend to print this for holy purposes, this only permits not placing the invitations in genizah. As I mentioned above, they may not be placed directly in the regular garbage.) Thus, the person ordering the printing of these works is guilty of causing the destruction of holy writings. A second halachic concern is that one is only permitted to create written Torah works in order to learn Torah, but not as a decoration. (This is a lengthy subject that I discussed in an article published several years ago.) Thus, a decorative, non-educational use of pesukim or maamarei Chazal violates the halacha. HOW MUCH OF A PASUK IS CONSIDERED TO BE DIVREI TORAH? Granted that writing a pasuk on an invitation will make the invitation into sheimos, how much of a pasuk requiresgenizah? In a different context the Gemara rules that even three consecutive words of a pasuk should be treated as holy writings (Gittin 6b). SOLUTION Although people are fond of quoting or paraphrasing scriptural blessings or prayers in an invitation, we see that one may not use parts of pesukim or statements of Chazal for this purpose. However, there is a simple solution to this desire: one may paraphrase a pasuk on the invitation in a way that it is no longer considered holy writings. Take, for example, the announcement: Naaleh es Yerushalayim al rosh simchaseinu, "We will place our memories ofYerushalayim above our celebrations." Although this quote is reminiscent of Tehillim 137:5, it is not an exact quotation, nor does it contain three consecutive Scriptural words. Similarly, one may print on an invitation, Yom zeh asah Hashem nismecha v'nagila bo, "This day was made by Hashem. We shall rejoice and celebrate on it." Although very similar to thepasuk we recite as part of Hallel, Zeh hayom asah Hashem nagilah v'nismecha bo (Tehillim 118:24) the words of the original pasuk have been transposed so that there are no longer three consecutive words from the original! Similar concerns to those regarding wedding invitations may apply sukkah decorations bearing verses and statements of Chazal, notwithstanding their proliferation. Some authorities feel that since the decorations are intended to last for more than one year, there is a reason here to be lenient. Those who follow the stricter approach should utilize the same advice given above concerning pesukim on invitations: Do not quote three consecutive words of a pasuk in a straight line. Thousands of pages of Torah rattle off presses and home and business printers every day, spreading Torah to every corner of the globe. By disposing of this material appropriately, we help ensure that this glory of Torah does not lead to its desecration.