[Aneinu] URGENT TEHILLIM REQUEST FROM BAYLE AND RABBI YACOV HABER

From the Habers: Dearest Family and Friends, Tomorrow, Monday, march 31, our 10 month old granddaughter, miriam rochel bas chava elisheva, the daughter of Eliyahu and Chava Haber, Will be undergoing major open heart surgery to correct a problem we have known about since she was in utero. Some of you have known about this earlier, and know that we have been amazed by the Grace of G-d we have been shown in so many ways through the last year. There are So Many Good People in this world. And tomorrow, in Boston, is the right day at the right time, with the help of Gd in the hands of a very humble and highly skilled surgeon. we need to rally the troops, so i am asking you to please take a moment tomorrow to think of our Miriam Rochel and ask Gd to guide the hands of those caring for her so she will be able to continue to grow and live a normal life, with a healthy heart. Gd bless all of you with good health to you and all of yours. Love, and thank you, Bayle Haber. .

Aneinu Tefillos Needed

Please daven for  Chicagoan Isaac Ben Rivkawho has suffered a stroke. 

Aneinu Please Daven

Please daven for Chicagoan, Shayna bas Chana Faigel, who is in the hospital and needs a refuah.

[Aneinu] Please Daven

Please daven for Eliezer ben Hinda, a 4 year old boy who is critically ill in Eretz Yisroel.

[Aneinu] Tefillos Needed!

Please take few moments to daven for a leidah kalla ubesuros tovos, yeshuous v'refuous for "Shoshana Shira bas Nechama Leah" v'ubrah!

[Aneinu] Tefillos Needed for Monday

Please daven for a Chicagoan who is having a serious procedure on Monday. His name is Baruch Ben Shana Chaya.

The Koren Magerman Educational Siddur Series IS AT KESER STAM

The first in the Magerman Educational Siddur Series, The Koren Children's Siddur created for the early elementary grades, combines stimulating and beautiful illustrations with thought-provoking educational components on each page to provide teachers and parents with an educational resource as much as a conventional siddur. The siddur, for kindergarten, first and second grades, is also accompanied by a comprehensive Teacher and Parents Guide to maximize the educational potential of this beginner's siddur. The Koren Ani Tefilla Weekday Siddur is an engaging and thought-provoking siddur for the inquiring high school student and thoughtful adult. The innovative commentary in this siddur, for beginners and the seasoned alike, has been designed to help the user create their own meaning and connection during the Tefilla experience. Divided into different categories that enable the user to connect to the liturgy in different ways, the commentary provides a variety of approaches to each tefilla, and something meaningful for everyone.English translation and foreword by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Commentary by Rabbi Dr Jay Goldmintz. Key innovative features: -- Commentary divided into four categories: Biur, Iyun, Halakha and Ani Tefilla -- Unique layout encourages deeper connection to the prayers -- Appendices include: FAQs on tefilla collected from students and adults, practical guide to enhancing one's kavana, useful bibliography, guide to the Jewish year, stories, and more. -- Thought-provoking questions, narratives, and quotes help the user think and feel beyond the standardized liturgy.(from Koren)

OU TORAH Yerushalmi – Berachos 40 By Rabbi Yosef Grossman

CLICK HERE FOR BERACHOS DAF 40.

YU Chag HaSemikhah 5774 ARCHIVE VIDEO

CLICK HERE.

Live Music Alert! Nachum Hosted Eitan Katz Live at JM in the AM for the Official Debut of his New CD “Eitan Katz Live in Jerusalem”

Nachum presented a great Live Music Alert Wednesday on JM in the AM as he welcomed Eitan Katz to the studio this morning. Nachum and Eitan officially debuted the new CD “Eitan Katz Live in Jerusalem,” playing and discussing a number of the selections and taking calls from listeners on the air. They also discussed Eitan’s touring activity and upcoming performances.

BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA 5774 Parshas Shemini: Kosher Fish

In this week's Parsha we learn about the various kosher and non-kosher animals. The Torah discusses the laws of kashrus immediately following the episode of the erection of the Mishkan, and with it, the shechina that resided upon it. The Sefer Divrei Yosher writes that we can explain this sequence of events as follows. Our sages teach us that the purpose of the Mishkan was in order for Hashem's shechina to dwell both among the Jewish nation as a whole, and, more importantly, within each individual Jew. The Sefer Mesilas Yesharim (Chapter 11) writes that although each and every sin causes the shechina to distance itself from us, the sin of eating non-kosher foods causes it the most. Therefore, after discussing the erection of the Mishkan, the Torah went on to discuss the precautions that one must make so that one doesn't lose one's personal connection with the shechina.(AUDIO HERE) PRINT VERSION HERE.

BAIS HAVAAD'S PARSHA PERSPECTIVES Parshas Shemini: Is Your Food Kosher? By: Rabbi Yehonoson Dovid Hool

In Parshas Shemini we find the laws of Ma’acholos Assuros – the instructions about which animals are kosher and which are forbidden to be eaten. The Ramban gives a reason behind the prohibition to consume certain kinds of animals. He explains that every species has its innate characteristics and traits that are shared by all its members. The nature of a predatory animal is to be cruel and aggressive, whereas sheep, for example, are passive and gentle.

YU TORAH NAALEH.COM Shmini 5774 Cautionary Closeness By Mrs. Shira Smiles

With the completion of the Mishkan, the time had come to put it to its intended use, as the place where the altar was erected and the kohanim could offer the sacrifices. Moshe instructs Aharon and his sons to bring the sin and elevation offerings. “This is the thing that Hashem has commanded you to do; then the glory of Hashem will appear to you.” It seems that Aharon hesitated, for Moshe again addresses him saying, “Come near to the Altar and perform the service of your sin offering and your elevation offering and provide atonement for yourself and for them, as Hashem has commanded.” Only after this second urging does Aharon come near the Altar and perform the service. Two obvious questions present themselves: Why did Aharon hesitate to perform the service, and how did Moshe convince him to move forward? click here for Summary by Channie Koplowitz Stein

RABBI WEIN ON SHMINI

The Torah itself records the reaction of Moshe to the tragic deaths of the sons of Aharon. Moshe tells his grieving brother that the Lord had informed him, “that I will sanctify My name through those who are nearest to Me.” Therefore even though the harsh judgment against Aharon – the dramatic and unexpected deaths of his two elder sons, Nadav and Avihu – dominates the mood of the moment, there is a subtle message of consolation and explanation that Moshe offers to his brother.

RABBI WEIN ON THE PAST AND THE PRESENT

I received a great deal of comment about my last week’s article on the mental and social regression of a large section of Israeli society. Most of the comments were neither complimentary nor critical but were rather requests for more specifics about the need for change in the mindset of much of Orthodox Jewry here in Israel and in the Diaspora as well.

OU TORAH YU TORAH and CHABAD.ORG Reticence vs. Impetuosity By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

t should have been a day of joy. The Israelites had completed the mishkan, the sanctuary. For seven days Moses had made preparations for its consecration.1 Now on the eighth day – the first of Nisan,2 one year to the day since the Israelites had received their first command two weeks prior to the exodus – the service of the sanctuary was about to begin. The sages say that it was in heaven the most joyous day since creation.3

YU TORAH and CHABAD.ORG Fire – Holy and Unholy By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

The shock is immense. For several weeks and many chapters – the longest prelude in the Torah – we have read of the preparations for the moment at which G‑d would bring His presence to rest in the midst of the people. Five sedras (Terumah, Tetzaveh, Ki Tissa, Vayakhel and Pekudei) describe the instructions for building the sanctuary. Two (Vayikra, Tzav) detail the sacrificial offerings to be brought there. All is now ready. For seven days the priests (Aaron and his sons) are consecrated into office. Now comes the eighth day when the service of the mishkan will begin. The entire people have played their part in constructing what will become the visible home of the Divine presence on earth. With a simple, moving verse the drama reaches its climax: “Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting and when they came out, they blessed the people. G‑d’s glory was then revealed to all the people.”

YU TORAH Shmini - Food for thought By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

The second half of Exodus and the first part of Leviticus form a carefully structured narrative. The Israelites are commanded to construct a sanctuary. They carry out the command. This is followed by an account of sacrifices to be offered there. Then, in the first part of today’s sedra, the cohanim, the priests, are inducted into office. What happens next, though, is unexpected: the dietary laws, a list of permitted and forbidden species, animals, fish and birds. What is the logic of these laws? And why are they placed here? What is their connection with the sanctuary?

RAV KOOK ON Shemini PART 2: Mourning for Nadav and Avihu

After the tragic deaths of Aaron's sons Nadav and Avihu, Moses instructed Aaron and his remaining sons not to display any public signs of mourning: "Do not let your hair grow untended, and do not rend your garments.... And as far as your brothers are concerned, the entire house of Israel will mourn the ones whom God has burned." (Lev. 10:6) Why was Aaron not allowed to publicly mourn the death of his sons?

RAV KOOK ON Shemini PART 1: The Priestly Benediction

The Tabernacle inauguration concluded with a blessing from the High Priest: "Aaron lifted his hands towards the people and blessed them. He then descended from preparing the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offerings." (Lev. 9:22) When Was the Blessing Recited?

SHMAIS.COM SPECIAL TEHILLIM REQUEST 4

Menachem Mendel ben Shterna Soroh Mendel will IYH be undergoing surgery at around 7:30 am Tuesday morning. If you can, please say tehillim for a successful, smooth surgery.

SHMAIS.COM and COLLIVE.COM URGENT TEHILLIM NEEDED 4

Chaya Mushka bas Sarah Leah Who was in an serious accident and is in critical condition. Kapitlach 20 and 26

SHMAIS.COM SPECIAL TEHILLIM REQUEST 4

Menachem Mendel Halevi ben Chaya Who is undergoing surgery on Wednesday. Kapitelach 20 and 64.

YU TORAH and NAALEH.COM Pesach: Potency of Prayer By Mrs. Shira Smiles

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE SHIUR CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO AND SOURCE SHEETS(SUMMARY COMING SOON) THIS DIVAR TORAH FEATURES THESE 2 HAGGADAHS.

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU MARCH 25 2014

S"A SIMAN 439 SIF 1 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 2 They were therefore more stringent with respect to a /case of/ doubt concerning /the need to check for chametz/ than /they were/ for other /cases of/ doubt concerning their requirements. INTRODUCTION SIF 437 SIF 2 (7) If one rents a house from one’s fellow on the fourteenth /of Nissan/ and does not know whether /or not/ it has been checked /for chametz, then/, (8) if /the person who rented it/ is in the town (9) /the renter/ should ask him whether he /in fact/ checked it /for chametz/. If /the person who rented it/ is not in town /the house/ may be presumed to have been checked /for chametz/. (10) /The renter/ should /then/ nullify in his heart /any chametz there may be there/ and this is adequate. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 5(PESACH) Q:WHY IN THE CASE OF S"A SIMAN 437 SIF 2 WE ARE MAKIL BUT IN OUR CASE WE ARE MACHMIR. A:THE B"H (D"H UMIVATLO) EXPLAINS THE CHIUV OF BEDIKA AFTER BITUL IS DIRABANAN SO WE ARE MAKIL DUE TO SAFEK BY THE CASE OF S"A SIMAN 437 SIF 2 BUT OUR CASE WE ARE MACHMIR DUE TO SAFEK.RAV SHLOMO ZALMAN AURBACH EXPLAINS USING THE LECHEM MISHNA WHO SAYS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE CASE OF THE MOUSE OUR CASE IT IS A SAFEK MITZIOS SO WE ARE MACHMIR BUT THE CASE OF S"A SIMAN 437 SIF 2 ITS A SAFEK IN DIN SO WE ARE MAKEL(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 2).

[Aneinu] Please Daven - Surgery Today

Please daven for a Chicagoan, Rivka Leah bat Chana, who is having surgery today.

SHMAIS.COM SPECIAL TEHILLIM REQUEST 4

Freida Rochel bas Sara Chava A 7-year-old who is having very serious anaphylactic reactions and the doctors are trying to keep her stable and stop the reaction.

JI The MACCABEATS – One Day More [AUDIO SAMPLER]

In Jewish law and custom, the third recurrence of an event establishes a chazakah, or permanence. One Day More, a climactic lyric from the musical Les Misérables, is about being powerfully aware that though the Maccabeats have achieved their chazakah, the journey continues. One Day More is about more than declaring that, contrary to everyone’s – including their own – wildest expectations, the Maccabeats are here to stay. One Day More is about the traffic jams spent counting the cars on the New Jersey turnpike; the nights spent on cold airport floors; the hours in the studio trying to get that one perfect take; the low of reading hateful commentary on the internet; the high of hearing from a fan that our music helped her celebrate a Jewish holiday for the first time; the power, pleasure, and pain of singing one more hoarse encore with a roaring crowd. These experiences do not deter or distract the Maccabeats; it is from these very occasions that they draw the strength to journey on. One Day More is about pausing to reflect on yesterday while simultaneously looking to tomorrow, eyes trained on the next avenue to spread literal and figurative harmony.

[Aneinu] Please Daven for Preemie

Please daven for Tinok ben Adina, who was born at 29 weeks to a Chicago couple.

[Aneinu] Please Daven for Rav of Ohr Somayach

This is the Weinbergers who live on Chai Taib in Har Nof, he is associated with Yeshivas Ohr Samayach. The Rov and his wife [second wife] were in a terrible car accident. The rebbitzen was niftares and lebadel lechaim, the Rov is in Tel HaShomer hospital. He is badly injured, but conscious, B"H and "sitting" shiva. They can apparently use help with minyanim. The Rov's name is Avraham Dovid ben Tzviya, may he have a refua sheleima and be menachem!.

[Aneinu] Please Daven - Critical

Please daven for Uri Ben Chaya Dina, the brother of a Chicagoan, who is critically ill.

MISHNA BERURA YOMINMISHNA BERURA DIRSHU MARCH 24 2014

S"A SIMAN 437 SIF 1 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 2 Note that the author /of the Shulchan Aruch/ rules categorically in conformance with the opinion of the Ran and the R.Ham., that we do not obligate the renter to make the search /for chametz/ unless there are two contributive /factors/, i.e., that /the renter/ acquired it with one of the /required/ methods of acquisition before the beginning of the fourteenth /of Nissan/ and that the key was handed over /to him/. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELECK 5(PESACH) Q:SHOULD A YESHIVA BACHUR DO BEDIKA OF HIS ROOM AND IF YESHOW DOES A YESHIVA BACHUR DO BEDIKA IN HIS DORM ROOM? A:THE CHAZONISH SAYS YES HE SHOULD DO BEDIKA OF HIS DORM ROOM.THE THE CHAZONISH RAV SHLOMO ZALMAN AURBACH AND RAV ELYASHIV SAYS IF HE IS DOING THE BEDIKA ON THE NIGHT OF THE 14TH THEN MAKE A BRACHA BUT IF HE IS DOING IT B/4 THE NIGHT OF THE 14TH THEN DO NOT MAKE A BRACHA(FO MORE SEE NOTE 2).

Touched by Their Faith Enlightening stories that boost your spirit and enhance your emunah IS AT KESHER STAM

Who hasn't been touched by a Yechiel Spero story? Tens of thousands of readers have had their hearts, their minds, and, yes, their very souls touched by the poignant true stories that Rabbi Yechiel Spero uncovers and shares. Rabbi Spero has a way of finding the best in our people, discovering spiritual strength and courage in the most unlikely of places and circumstances. In this remarkable collection, Rabbi Spero focuses on faith, the belief in Hashem and His Torah that has accompanied the Jewish People on our unbelievable journey through time - and also the belief in each other, and in ourselves, that is so necessary today. The stories are classic Spero - fascinating and enlightening and inspiring all at the same time. Like the story of the siddur that stopped a bullet in Gush Etzion. Or the happy pauper who made a sukkah out of gravestones and taught a rich man a life-changing lesson. Rav Elyashiv zt'l gives a p'sak - and a man's life is saved. Our lives are not simple and our times are complex. These faith-enhancing stories will help us meet our own individual challenges.(FROM ARTSCROLL)

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BEURA DIRSHU MARCH 23 2014

S"A SIMAN 436 SIF 3 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 27 Then, as the Shulchan Aruch notes below/, there is /an authority/ who says that, since it is within thirty /days of Pesach/, it is a mitzvah for him to fulfill the mitzvah of checking /for chametz/ before he moves out of the house, while the chametz is still his, as /otherwise,/ he will not fulfill this mitzvah somewhere else. / MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELECK 5(PESACH) Q:IN THESE PLACES IS THE IKER MITZVA THE HOUSE OR THE CLOTHES? A:THE COK YAAKOV SAYS THE IKER MITZVA IS THE HOUSE(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 17).

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU MARCH 19 2014

S"A SIMAN 432 SIF 2 MISHN BERURA SIF KATAN 12 It is the custom to place. (NOTE THIS IS IN THE BACK IN THE MILUIM SECTION) MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 5(PESACH) Q:SOME ONE WHO WILL NOT BE HOME FOR PESACH AND LEAVES B/4 THE NIGHT OF THE 14TH OF NISSAN DO THEY NEED TO PUT OUT 10 PIECES OF BREAD? A:THE MINCHAS YITZACK SAYS NO B/C THERE NO BRACHA LIVATALA PROBLEM BUT RAV ELYASHIV SAYS YES FOR KABALISTIC REASONS(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 17).

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU MARCH 18 2014

S"A SIMAN 431 SIF 1 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 3 This is because one is required to search in holes and crevices and daylight doesn’t help for that. (NOTE THIS IS IN THE BACK IN THE MILUIM SECTION) MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELECK 5(PESACH) Q:SHOULD YOU LEAVE YOUR ELECTRIC LIGHTS ON DURING BEDIKAH? A:RAV ELYASHIV AND RAV MOSHE SAY YES LEAVE THEM ON(FOR MORE SEEE NOTE 6).

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU MARCH 22 2014

S"A SIMAN 435 SIF 1 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 5 On the other hand, over the search /for chametz/ during Pesach one must make the blessing even if he nullified /the chametz/ before Pesach. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 5(PESACH) Q:IS THE HALACHA DIFFERENT NOWADAYS? A:YES THE GIONIM SAY IN THE NAME THE SEMA CHIYI DO NOT MAKE A BRACHA ON BEDIKA DURING PESACH B/C WE SELL OUR CHAMETZ TO A NON JEW AND THEREFORE THE CHAMETZ IS HIS(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 14).

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU MARCH 21 2014

S"A SIMAN 433 SIF 11 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 45 He must also check /the room/ again at night, like all Jews. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELECK 5(PEASCH) Q:IN OUR DAYS IS THE HALACHA DIFFERENT? A:YES RAV ELYASHIV AND RAV SHLOMO ZALMAN AURBACH SAY SINCE NOWADAYS WE DO A VERY GOOD CLEANING B/4 PESACH AND SO YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SEARCH ALL THE PLACES IN YOUR HOUSE(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 38).

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU MARCH 20 2014

S"A SIMAN 433 SIF 7 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 29 May nullify the remaining chametz. MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 5(PESACH) Q:A MIXER THAT NEEDS A CRAFTSMAN TO OPEN AND CLOSE IT DO YOU NEED TO DO BEDIKA ON IT OR IS BITUL ENOGH? A:RAV NISSIM KARELITZ SAYS BITUL ENOUGH(FOR MORE LIKE HARD TO REACH SPOTS IN THE OVEN SEE NOTE 25).

MISHNA BERURA YOMI MISHNA BERURA DIRSHU MARCH 17 2014

S"A 429 SIF 1 MISHNA BERURA SIF KATAN 1 At any rate, all /authorities/ concur that on Yom Tov itself one must discuss and expound the /relevant/ halachos in the case of every Yom Tov. This is stated at the end of Megillah [32/a/]: “Mosheh (Moses) ordained for Israel that they should inquire about and expound /the halachos/ which relate to the /particular/ day, the halachos of Pesach on Pesach, the halachos of Shavu’os on Shavu’os and the halachos of Sukkos on Sukkos.” MISHNA ERURA DIRSHU CHELEK 5(PESACH) Q:DOES THIS HALACHA APPLY TO SHABBOS? A:THE SEFAS EMES SAYS YES IT DOES(FOR MORE SEE NOTE 2).

HEBREW HAGGADAH PICKS 2014 PLUS 2 MORE ENGLISH ONES

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TROUBLE WITH HEBREW YOU CAN USE THE ARTSCROLL PIRKEI TORAH TO HELP OUT WITH THE RAV GIFTER HAGGADAH.

OU TORAH Sukkah Daf 36 - Keeping the Taled Minim Fresh By Rabbi Moshe Elefant

RABBI ELEFANT BRINGS RAV OVADIA YOSEF WHO BRINGS THE CHASAM SOFER WHO SAYS DO NO KEEP YOUR LULAV IN WATER FOR 24 HOURS BU RAV OVADIA SAYS THERE ARE A LOT OF HETARIM.1.WATER OK BUT VINEGAR IS BAD 2.IF ITS NOT FOR REFUA ITS NOT A PROBLEM 3.SOME OPINIONS SAY 3 DAYS IS A PROBLEM NOT 24 HOURS 4. IT NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY SUBMERGED TO BEA PROBLEM.SO LICATCILLA DO OT KEEP YOUR LULAV IN WATER FOR 24 HOURS BUT IF YOU DO BIDIEVED ITS OK.CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE SHIUR WHICH ANSWERS THE QUESTION CAN YOU USE LAST YEAR ESROG THAT CAME FROM THE FREEZER?

[Aneinu] Please Daven

Please daven for Shaina bas Chana Feigel, the mother of an Aneinu member who is having a procedure this morning at 10:00 AM.

JI and JMR Dovid Gabay Releases All New Single

Dovid Gabay has released an all new single, available for free on MostlyMusic.com. The song, titled, “Borei Olam” was composed by Yitzy Waldner, and arranged by Ian Freitor. The new single will be featured in an all new exciting music video to be released sometime next week. Check DovidGabay.net for details as they become available.

Aneinu Name added to injured soldier

A name has been added to Alon ben Orli. The new name is Alon Chaim ben Orli.

[Aneinu] Please Daven for Wounded Israeli Soldiers

Four Israeli soldiers were wounded on the Syrian border, yesterday, one very seriously. Please daven for them individually and in your shuls: Please daven for: Alon ben Orli (most seriously injured) Ohad ben Chana Michael ben Svetlana Tamir Moshe ben Chava

Aneinu and Ywn Historic Siyum HaShas At 70 MPH

On Monday, March 31, 2014 (29 Adar II 5774) history will be made, as a unique daf yomi shuir celebrates a rare milestone. The completion of Talmud Bavli for the third time. This upcoming siyum will not be held in a massive sports stadium attended by tens of thousands, but rather the event will take place in the same uncommon location that the shuir is delivered each day.

NAALEH.COM TEFILLA PROATIVE RESPONSE By SHIRA SMILES and MORE

CICK HERE FOR SHIRA SMILES SHIUR ON PURIM AND MORE.

RABBI WEIN ON TZAV

A great deal of the words in this week’s holy parsha are devoted to instructing Aharon and his children in the duties and Temple ritual of the priestly family of Israel. We are also witness to the installation ceremony of Aharon and his children into their holy and exalted status. The Talmud debates the question whether Aharon and his family are to be seen as God's representatives to the people of Israel or as the representatives of the people of Israel to God, so to speak. The Talmud resolves this matter in a legalistic fashion but the original question remains valid. How are we to view the priests and spiritual leaders of the Jewish people? Do they represent Heaven to us in a human form and must they be regarded more as angels rather than as humans?

RABBI WEIN ON REGRESSING

One of the unfortunate delusions that besets both our general and Jewish societies is that we are somehow advancing in an unbroken line upwards towards better times. We gaze triumphantly at all of the great technological gadgets and medical advances that give us such satisfaction and pride. In the Jewish world we revel in the new freedoms that we now routinely expect and enjoy and in our reviving numbers and material affluence.

OU TORAH On Not Trying to Be What You Are Not By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

The great leaders know their own limits. They do not try to do it all themselves. They build teams. They create space for people who are strong where they are weak. They understand the importance of checks and balances, and the separation of powers. They surround themselves with people who are different from them. They understand the danger of concentrating all power in a single individual. But learning your limits, knowing there are things you cannot do—even things you cannot be—can be a painful experience. Sometimes it involves an emotional crisis.

YU TORAH and OU TORAH Tzav (5773) – Violence and the Sacred Author: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

Judaism is less a philosophical system than a field of tensions – between universalism and particularism, for example, or exile and redemption, priests and prophets, cyclical and linear time and so on. Rarely is this more in evidence than in the conflicting statements within Judaism about sacrifices, and nowhere more sharply than in the juxtaposition between the sedra of Tzav, which contains a series of commands about sacrifice, and the passage from the book of Jeremiah that is usually (not this year) its haftorah: When I brought your forefathers out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but I gave them this command: “Obey me, and I will be your G-d and you will be My people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.” (Jer. 7: 22-23)

YU TORAH and OU TORAH Tsav (5772) – The Thanksgiving Offering By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

Among the sacrifices detailed in this week’s sedra is the korban todah, the thanksgiving offering: “If he offers it [the sacrifice] as a thanksgiving offering, then along with this thanksgiving offering he is to offer unleavened loaves mixed with oil, unleavened wafers spread with oil, and loaves of fine flour well-kneaded and mixed with oil.” (Lev. 7: 12). Though we have been without sacrifices for almost two thousand years, a trace of the thanksgiving offering survives to this day, in the form of the blessing known as Hagomel: “Who bestows good things on the unworthy”, said in the synagogue, at the time of reading of the Torah, by one who has survived a hazardous situation. What constitutes a hazardous situation? The sages (Berakhot 54b) found the answer in Psalm 107, a song on the theme of giving thanks, beginning with the best- known words of religious gratitude in Judaism: Hodu la-Shem ki tov, ki le-olam chasdo, “Give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness is forever”.

RAV KOOK ON Tzav Part 2: Appreciating Boundaries

One type of offering brought in the Temple was the korban Todah, the Thanksgiving offering: "This is the law of the Peace offering (Shelamim)... If offered as a thanksgiving offering, then it is presented along with unleavened loaves." (Lev. 7:11-12) Who brought this offering? The Talmud mentions several examples: "Four need to give thanks: those who sail the seas, those who travel through deserts, the sick who are cured, and prisoners who are freed." (Berachot 54b) Why did the Sages choose these four situations as examples of individuals who need to publicly thank God?

RAV KOOK ON Tzav Part 1: The Prohibition of Cheilev

"Do not eat any of the hard fat (cheilev) in an ox, sheep, or goat." (Lev. 7:23) Some commentaries (Maimonides, Guide, III:48; Sefer HaChinuch, mitzvah 147) explain that the Torah prohibits eating these fats for health reasons. Yet, if this were true, why is only the cheilev of these three animals forbidden?

RAV KOOK ON Zachor/BeShalach: The Assault of Amalek

Amalek attacked the Israelites at Rephidim, intentionally targeting the weak and those lagging behind. Joshua engaged Amalek in battle, successfully defending Israel against this merciless enemy. Then God instructed Moses: "Write this as a reminder in the book, and recite it in Joshua's ears: I will completely obliterate the memory of Amalek from under the heavens." (Ex. 17:14) Why did God command Moses to write down His promise to obliterate Amalek in the Torah? And why did Joshua need to be told verbally? Couldn't Joshua just read what was written in the Torah?

HAGGADAH PICKS 2014

A Haggadah Happening: An Artistic Passover Haggadah with a Traditional and Contemporary Commentary Rabbi Shlomo Riskin the one who brought you Torah Lights on the parsha.order here I got mine used and its in good condition. Haggadah for Passover With Commentary Based on the Shiurim of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik Hardcover by Rabbi Yosef Adlerorder here from Amazon.This Passover Haggadah compiles the Rav s commentary from the Rav's shiurim on Pesach which he delivered to his students at Yeshiva University and to the general public at Congregation Moriah in Manhattan. Rabbi Adler has presented those lectures in this accessible resource for pre-Pesach studies and an insightful accompaniment to the Pesach Seder. Not only does the Rav illuminate the halachic basis of many of the mitzvot of the Seder, but he also expounds on the traditional text with universal and relevant interpretations.(from Amazon)Recommended by Nachum Segal. Rav Chaim Kanievsky Haggadah Jaffa Families Edition Imagine sitting in a room, simple but immaculate. It is seder night, and at the head of the table sits Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita. He shares a vort, discusses a halachic question, unveils an insight. Behind him you can dimly make out other figures, surrounded by an aura of holiness, who also contribute to the seder conversation: Rav Chaim's father, the Steipler zt'l, and his uncle, the Chazon Ish zt'l. The legendary Rebbetzin Kanievsky z'l, her eyes glowing with joy, is there too. What a seder that would be... Though obviously we cannot attend that imaginary seder in Bnei Brak, we can share Rav Chaim's thoughts and wisdom on the Haggadah and discover some of the practices he follows. In a sense, we can participate in Rav Chaim's seder - as we avidly read through the Rav Chaim Kanievsky Haggadah. One of the most revered Torah personalities of our time, scion of a great Torah family, Rav Chaim Kanievsky has touched hundreds of thousands through his sefarim, his berachos, and his very presence. The Rav Chaim Kanievsky Haggadah presents his insights and weaves them together with scores of stories and anecdotes to make this a work that is engaging and unique. Open the pages of this unique Haggadah and prepare to see the seder through the eyes of Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita(from Artscroll).So go to kesher Stam and get yours today.

The Koren Magerman Educational Siddur Series COMING SOON TO KESHER STAM

The first in the Magerman Educational Siddur Series, The Koren Children's Siddur created for the early elementary grades, combines stimulating and beautiful illustrations with thought-provoking educational components on each page to provide teachers and parents with an educational resource as much as a conventional siddur. The siddur, for kindergarten, first and second grades, is also accompanied by a comprehensive Teacher and Parents Guide to maximize the educational potential of this beginner's siddur. The Koren Ani Tefilla Weekday Siddur is an engaging and thought-provoking siddur for the inquiring high school student and thoughtful adult. The innovative commentary in this siddur, for beginners and the seasoned alike, has been designed to help the user create their own meaning and connection during the Tefilla experience. Divided into different categories that enable the user to connect to the liturgy in different ways, the commentary provides a variety of approaches to each tefilla, and something meaningful for everyone.(FROM KOREN)Key innovative features: -- Commentary divided into four categories: Biur, Iyun, Halakha and Ani Tefilla -- Unique layout encourages deeper connection to the prayers -- Appendices include: FAQs on tefilla collected from students and adults, practical guide to enhancing one's kavana, useful bibliography, guide to the Jewish year, stories, and more. -- Thought-provoking questions, narratives, and quotes help the user think and feel beyond the standardized liturgy. CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE OF ANI TEFILLA SIDDUR. CLICK HERE FOR THE BY THE BOOK INTERVIEW.

COLLIVE.COM Please Say Urgent Tehillim

Please say Tehillim for Avraham ben Chana and Yisroel Menachem Nochum ben Esther who is in the final stages of a double lung transplant. Both are in need of a Refuah Shelaima.

SHMAIS.COM URGENT TEHILLIM NEEDED 4

Charna Alexandra bas Chana Esther

Reference Guide to the Talmud The Indispensible Talmud Study Aid IS ON AMAZON

Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz’s Reference Guide to the Talmud is the original Talmud study aid. An indispensable resource for students of all levels, this fully revised, English-language edition of the Reference Guide clearly and concisely explains the Talmud’s fundamental structure, concepts, terminology, assumptions, and inner logic; provides essential historical and biographical information; and includes appendixes, a key to abbreviations, and a comprehensive index. For improved usability, this completely updated volume has a number of new features: topical organization instead of by Hebrew alphabet, re-edited and revised text to coordinate with the language used in the Koren Talmud Bavli, an index of Hebrew terms to enable one seeking a Hebrew term to locate the relevant entry. An excellent companion for anyone studying any edition of the Talmud.(FROM KOREN) CLICK HERE FOR NACHUM SEGAL BY THE BOOK INTERVIEW.

Aneinu Please Daven for Missing Man in Monsey

Please daven for Peretz Yehuda ben Mirel, a Monsey man who has disappeared. He has a wife and a number of children. A search party in a state park is being conducted, as well as a special tehillim said. May we hear besoros tovos.

OU TORAH Introduction to Melachim By A Journey Through Nach

The Gemara[1] tells us that Sefer Melachim should be viewed as one large sefer. This sefer was written by the prophet Yirmiya[2] and is full of ups and downs in its recording of an extremely turbulent and eventful approximately 400 year period of Jewish history. Sefer Melachim begins with the reign of Shlomo Hamelech, which was the most tranquil period in our history. The Bnei Yisrael were united, the nations were in awe of Bnei Yisrael, there was no war, and the Beis Hamikdash was built. However, Sefer Melachim then details the splitting of the kingdom into the kingdoms of Yisrael and Yehuda, and also records our incremental exile and the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. It was during the span of Sefer Melachim that the prophets Yeshaya, Yirmiya, Hoshea, and Yechezkel prophesied.

BAIS HAVAAD Purim 5774 Intoxication on Purim By: Rabbi Yitzchak Rosedale

The Gemara states,חייב איניש לבסומי בפוריא עד דלא ידע בין ארור המן לברוך מרדכי, One is obligated to become intoxicated on Purim to the point where he can no longer distinguish between cursing Haman and blessing Mordechai (1). Both the cursing of Haman and the rising of Mordechai to power are great blessings and, in fact, the rise of Mordechai to power was a greater blessing. On Purim, we are instructed to become intoxicated to the point that we are unable to distinguish between which of the two is a greater blessing. (2)