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Shavuot

2012-05-20T19:33:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:33, 20 May 2012
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	We are entering the festival of Shavuot – the Festival of Weeks. Shavuot commemorates the anniversary of the day Hashem gave the Torah to the entire Hebrew nation assembled at Mount Sinai. The holiday is one of the Shalosh Regalim, the three pilgrimage festivals (as mentioned in Parshat Emor). It marks the conclusion of the Counting of the Omer.		We are entering the festival of Shavuot – the Festival of Weeks. Shavuot commemorates the anniversary of the day Hashem gave the Torah to the entire Hebrew nation assembled at Mount Sinai. The holiday is one of the Shalosh Regalim, the three pilgrimage festivals (as mentioned in Parshat Emor). It marks the conclusion of the Counting of the Omer.
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	The date of Shavuot is directly correlated to that of Pesach. The Torah mandates the seven-week Counting of the Omer, starting on the second day of Pesach and immediately followed by Shavuot. This counting of days and weeks is known to express anticipation and want for the Giving over of the Torah. On Pesach, the Jewish people were freed from their enslavement in Egypt; on Shavuot they were finally given the Torah and became a nation committed to serving Hashem.		The date of Shavuot is directly correlated to that of Pesach. The Torah mandates the seven-week Counting of the Omer, starting on the second day of Pesach and immediately followed by Shavuot. This counting of days and weeks is known to express anticipation and want for the Giving over of the Torah. On Pesach, the Jewish people were freed from their enslavement in Egypt; on Shavuot they were finally given the Torah and became a nation committed to serving Hashem.
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	In the Torah, Shavuot is named as the Festival of Weeks as is mentioned in Parshat Ki Tisa and Re’ah. It is also known as the festival of reaping and also as the festival of first fruits- in Hebrew named as Bikkurim – as related in Parshat Pinchus.		In the Torah, Shavuot is named as the Festival of Weeks as is mentioned in Parshat Ki Tisa and Re’ah. It is also known as the festival of reaping and also as the festival of first fruits- in Hebrew named as Bikkurim – as related in Parshat Pinchus.
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	Shavuot was the first day on which individuals could bring the Bikkurim (first fruits) to the Temple in Jerusalem. The Bikkurim were brought from the Seven Species for which the Land of Israel is famed for: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates as mentioned in Parshat Eikev.		Shavuot was the first day on which individuals could bring the Bikkurim (first fruits) to the Temple in Jerusalem. The Bikkurim were brought from the Seven Species for which the Land of Israel is famed for: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates as mentioned in Parshat Eikev.
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	On the 6th Sivan, we received the Torah at Mount Sinai, where Hashem gave over the 10 commandments, as related in Parshat Yitro.		On the 6th Sivan, we received the Torah at Mount Sinai, where Hashem gave over the 10 commandments, as related in Parshat Yitro.
−	Many customs take place during the festival of Shavout. Dairy foods such as cheesecake and blintzes with cheese and other fillings are usually served on Shavuot.	+
−	According to the Midrash, Mount Sinai blossomed with flowers in anticipation of the presenting of the Torah on its summit. Greenery also figures in the story of the baby Moshe being found in the river when in the casket (as related in Parshat Shemot), this happened when he was three months old (Moses was born on 7 Adar and placed in the Nile River on 6 Sivan, the same day he later brought the Jewish nation to Mount Sinai to receive the Torah). For these reasons, many Jewish families decorate their homes and ~~Shul’s~~ with plants, flowers and leafy branches in bringing honour to the festival of Shavuot.	+	Many customs take place during the festival of Shavout. Dairy foods such as cheesecake and blintzes with cheese and other fillings are usually served on Shavuot.
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		+	According to the Midrash, Mount Sinai blossomed with flowers in anticipation of the presenting of the Torah on its summit. Greenery also figures in the story of the baby Moshe being found in the river when in the casket (as related in Parshat Shemot), this happened when he was three months old (Moses was born on 7 Adar and placed in the Nile River on 6 Sivan, the same day he later brought the Jewish nation to Mount Sinai to receive the Torah). For these reasons, many Jewish families decorate their homes and Synagogues with plants, flowers and leafy branches in bringing honour to the festival of Shavuot.
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	There is a custom of all-night Torah study on Shavuot night. According to a story in the Midrash, the night prior the Torah was given, the Jews retired early to be well-rested for the momentous day coming up, but they overslept and Moshe had to wake them up because Hashem was already waiting on the mountaintop. To fix this flaw in the national character, many Jews stay up all night to learn Torah on Shavuot.		There is a custom of all-night Torah study on Shavuot night. According to a story in the Midrash, the night prior the Torah was given, the Jews retired early to be well-rested for the momentous day coming up, but they overslept and Moshe had to wake them up because Hashem was already waiting on the mountaintop. To fix this flaw in the national character, many Jews stay up all night to learn Torah on Shavuot.
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	On the day of Shavuot, a beautiful poem named Akdamut, which is a liturgical poem extolling the greatness of Hashem, the Torah and Israel is read publicly in the Shul right before the morning reading of the Torah on the first day of Shavuot. It was composed by Rabbi Meir.		On the day of Shavuot, a beautiful poem named Akdamut, which is a liturgical poem extolling the greatness of Hashem, the Torah and Israel is read publicly in the Shul right before the morning reading of the Torah on the first day of Shavuot. It was composed by Rabbi Meir.
−	~~On the second day of Shavuot, the Yizkor memorial service is recited in Synagogues.~~	+
	We read Megillat Ruth on Shavuot as it corresponds to the holiday of Shavuot both in its descriptions of the barley and wheat harvest seasons and Ruth's motivation to become a member of the Jewish people, who are known by their acceptance of the Torah. Moreover, the lineage described at the end of Megillat Ruth lists King David as Ruth's great-grandson. According to tradition, David was also born and died on Shavuot.		We read Megillat Ruth on Shavuot as it corresponds to the holiday of Shavuot both in its descriptions of the barley and wheat harvest seasons and Ruth's motivation to become a member of the Jewish people, who are known by their acceptance of the Torah. Moreover, the lineage described at the end of Megillat Ruth lists King David as Ruth's great-grandson. According to tradition, David was also born and died on Shavuot.
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	Megillat Ruth is one of the five Megilla's featured in the Tanach.		Megillat Ruth is one of the five Megilla's featured in the Tanach.
−	On first day of Shavuot we will be reading the Haftorah from chapter 1 and 3 from the book of Ezekiel and for people outside of Israel, the Haftorah for the second day of Shavuot is from Chapter 2 and 3 from the book in the Tanach of ‘Habakkuk.’ Habakkuk gives a vision of an impending exile of the Jewish people, and responded with a moving and eloquent prayer that Hashem should show mercy to his people.	+
−	I would like to dedicate this Dvar Torah ~~in the merit of Yehuda ben Moshe to recover from illness in hospital and~~ for ~~the recovery of Miriam Bat~~ Rachel who is ~~also in hospital~~.	+	On the first day of Shavuot we will be reading the Haftorah from chapter 1 and 3 from the book of Ezekiel and for people outside of Israel, the Haftorah for the second day of Shavuot is from Chapter 2 and 3 from the book in the Tanach of ‘Habakkuk.’ Habakkuk gives a vision of an impending exile of the Jewish people, and responded with a moving and eloquent prayer that Hashem should show mercy to his people.
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		+	I would like to dedicate this Dvar Torah for Rut Rachel Bat Margalit who is due to give birth very soon, please everyone pray for her to have a healthy birth and a rightous child.
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	Hope you all have a fantastic Shavuot, Michael Zaroovabeli from Ohr Sameach Yeshiva.		Hope you all have a fantastic Shavuot, Michael Zaroovabeli from Ohr Sameach Yeshiva.

Sivan

2012-05-20T19:15:32Z

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	Sivan is the third month of the Hebrew Calendar. The month of Sivan is most famous for the Jews receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. It was on the 6th of Sivan that the Jews became one nation with one heart as they accepted the Torah as was related in Parshat Yitro. Every year we commemorate this event with the festival of Shavuot.		Sivan is the third month of the Hebrew Calendar. The month of Sivan is most famous for the Jews receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. It was on the 6th of Sivan that the Jews became one nation with one heart as they accepted the Torah as was related in Parshat Yitro. Every year we commemorate this event with the festival of Shavuot.
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	The Torah mandates the seven-week Counting of the Omer, starting on the second day of Pesach and immediately followed by Shavuot. This counting of days and weeks is understood to express anticipation and desire for the Giving of the Torah.		The Torah mandates the seven-week Counting of the Omer, starting on the second day of Pesach and immediately followed by Shavuot. This counting of days and weeks is understood to express anticipation and desire for the Giving of the Torah.
−	Shavuot is also called the Festival of Weeks which is related in Parshat Ki Tisa, In Parshat Re’ah it is referred as the Festival of Reaping, and in Parshat Pinchus it is named as Day of the First Fruits. The Mishnah and Talmud refer to Shavuot as Atzeret as it provides closure for the festival activities during and following the holiday of Pesach.	+
		+	Shavuot is also called the Festival of Weeks which is related in Parshat Ki Tisa, In Parshat Re’ah it is referred as the Festival of Reaping, and in Parshat Pinchus it is named as Day of the First Fruits. The Mishnah and Talmud refer to Shavuot as Atzeret as it provides closure for the festival activities during and following the holiday of Pesach (Temurah 18b).
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	According to Jewish tradition, Shavuot is celebrated in Israel for one day and outside of Israel for two days.		According to Jewish tradition, Shavuot is celebrated in Israel for one day and outside of Israel for two days.
−	We read Megillat Ruth on Shavuot, which features the story ~~and David and~~ Ruth and how the Davidic line emerged. It is customary to eat dairy foods and also to stay up on the night of Shavuot. This is because on the night of 5th Sivan, the eve of receiving the Torah, the Jews all fell asleep on the mountain, so to fix that error, we have the custom of staying up the whole night learning. On Mount Sinai the Jews received the 10 commandments, which are expounded in to 613 mitzvot!!	+
−	This month is also famous as being the month of bringing the first fruits of the land to Jerusalem – also known as Bikkurim. Shavuot is one of the three Pilgrimage festivals, where the Jews go to Jerusalem to celebrate it.	+	We read Megillat Ruth on Shavuot, which features the story of Ruth and how the Davidic line emerged (Shabbat 113). It is customary to eat dairy foods and also to stay up on the night of Shavuot. This is because on the night of the 5th of Sivan, the eve of receiving the Torah, the Jews all fell asleep on the mountain, so to fix that error, we have the custom of staying up the whole night learning (Shir Hashirim Rabbah 1:57). On Mount Sinai the Jews received the 10 commandments, which are expounded in to 613 mitzvot!!
−	We always read ~~parshah~~ Nasso, usually after Shavuot, a parshah that is the longest in the Torah comprising of 176 verses, we read this lengthy parshah, to show the love that the Jews have for the Torah, that after Shavuot, we like to read a lot of Torah.	+
		+	This month is also famous as being the month of bringing the first fruits of the land to Jerusalem – also known as Bikkurim (Devarim 26:2). Shavuot is one of the three Pilgrimage festivals, where the Jews go to Jerusalem to celebrate it (Vayikra 23:15-21).
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		+	We always read Parshat Nasso, usually after Shavuot, a parshah that is the longest in the Torah comprising of 176 verses, we read this lengthy parshah, to show the love that the Jews have for the Torah, that after Shavuot, we like to read a lot of Torah.
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	Moshe went up to the heavenly realms after receiving the Torah, spending three spells of 40 days each time there. I will be writing more on the festival of Shavuot in that respective Dvar Torah. The month of Sivan is a favourable month in the eyes of Hashem and is known as the month of wisdom.		Moshe went up to the heavenly realms after receiving the Torah, spending three spells of 40 days each time there. I will be writing more on the festival of Shavuot in that respective Dvar Torah. The month of Sivan is a favourable month in the eyes of Hashem and is known as the month of wisdom.
−	The month of Sivan is famous also for other events; the 1st of Sivan, not just being the Rosh Chodesh is a day in which the waters calmed down after the great flood that was featured in Parshat Noach. It was on the 17th of Sivan, when the ark finally came to a rest.	+
		+	The month of Sivan is famous also for other events; the 1st of Sivan, not just being the Rosh Chodesh is a day in which the waters calmed down after the great flood that was featured in Parshat Noach (Bereishit 9:20-21). It was on the 17th of Sivan, when the ark finally came to a rest.
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	The 6th Sivan is not just a memorable day of the giving of the Torah, it was on this day in the English year 1760 when the Baal Shem Tov passed away, aged 60, he was the founder of the Hassidic movement in Judaism. Also King David passed away on the 6th Sivan, aged 70 years; his death is mentioned in the book of Kings and Chronicles.		The 6th Sivan is not just a memorable day of the giving of the Torah, it was on this day in the English year 1760 when the Baal Shem Tov passed away, aged 60, he was the founder of the Hassidic movement in Judaism. Also King David passed away on the 6th Sivan, aged 70 years; his death is mentioned in the book of Kings and Chronicles.
−	The 15th of Sivan marks the birthday of Yaakov’s fourth born son, Yehudah, who later on became the leader of the Jewish people.	+
−	It was on the 21st of Sivan, when Miriam spoke Lashon hara about Moshe, in retribution she was plagued with leprosy for a week, where the Jews in the wilderness waited for her. This is related in ~~parshat~~ Baahalotacha. The 29th Sivan is famous for another transgression, it was the day that the 12 spies were sent out to inspect the land of Israel, where later on 10 of the spies brought back a slanderous report on it.	+	The 15th of Sivan marks the birthday of Yaakov’s fourth born son, Yehudah, who later on became the leader of the Jewish people (Bereishit 29:35)
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		+	It was on the 21st of Sivan, when Miriam spoke Lashon hara about Moshe, in retribution she was plagued with leprosy for a week, where the Jews in the wilderness waited for her (Shabbat 97a). This is related in Parshat Baahalotacha.
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		+	The 29th Sivan is famous for another transgression, it was the day that the 12 spies were sent out to inspect the land of Israel, where later on 10 of the spies brought back a slanderous report on it (Taanit 26b).

Bechukotai

2012-05-15T14:09:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:09, 15 May 2012
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−	The Parshah starts off relating how Hashem would bless the world if the Jews were to study and fulfil the requirements of the Torah. Interestingly, whenever the Jews have immersed themselves in keeping the Torah totally, they have been sorted out properly in all areas by Hashem. In the wilderness, the heavenly bread rained down for them in the merit of Torah; Joshua’s generation studied Torah, they were provided well and also during the era of King Chizkiyahu, he enforced nationwide Torah study by planting a sword in front of every Study Hall and proclaimed that any Jew who refused to learn Torah would deserve execution, it was during his era, where Hashem blessed the Jews!!	+	The Parshah starts off relating how Hashem would bless the world if the Jews were to study and fulfil the requirements of the Torah. Interestingly, whenever the Jews have immersed themselves in keeping the Torah totally, they have been sorted out properly in all areas by Hashem. In the wilderness, the heavenly bread rained down for them in the merit of Torah; Joshua’s generation studied Torah, they were provided well and also during the era of King Chizkiyahu, he enforced nationwide Torah study by planting a sword in front of every Study Hall and proclaimed that any Jew who refused to learn Torah would deserve execution (Sanhedrin 94b), it was during his era, where Hashem blessed the Jews!!
−	Full of blessings are brought about in merit of learning Torah! In the book of Tehillim (Psalms) King David stated, ‘when I contemplated my ways, I turned my feet to your testimonies,’ implying his feet Always took him to the Torah study hall.	+
−	Many Blessings are mentioned in the parshah; the blessing of fruit producing rain at convenient times, the blessing that soil and trees will be productive like in Adam’s time, blessing of abundance in all good areas, blessing of peace, miraculous victories, happy family life, improvements in harvesting and it stresses that ~~Hashems~~ presence will dwell in our midst. In the book of Yeshayahu, a verse states, ‘the glory of Hashem shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.’	+	Full of blessings are brought about in merit of learning Torah! In the book of Tehillim (Psalms) King David stated, ‘when I contemplated my ways, I turned my feet to your testimonies, (Tehillim 119:59)’ implying his feet Always took him to the Torah study hall.
−	The parshah then relates the various curses that could occur if the Jews do not heed and keep to the Torah. Curses are pronounced in this week’s parshah in sets of seven. The curses include, fatal sickness, being defeated by enemies and it mentions the breaking of the pride of the Jewish people’s power. In the book of Yechezkel a verse states in regards to the laying waste of the ~~temple~~ which is ‘the pride of your power.’	+
−	More curses are then poured out, including how there would be no produce due to drought. The verse in this week’s parshah states ‘I will make your heaven like iron and your earth like copper~~,’ furthermore in the Tanach in the book of Chaggai, it is stated, ‘the heaven is restrained from giving its produce~~.’	+	Many Blessings are mentioned in the parshah; the blessing of fruit producing rain at convenient times (Vayikra 26:4), the blessing that soil and trees will be productive like in Adam’s time, blessing of abundance in all good areas (Vayikra 26:5), blessing of peace, miraculous victories, happy family life, improvements in harvesting and it stresses that Hashem's presence will dwell in our midst (Vayikra 26:3-13). In the book of Yeshayahu, a verse states, ‘the glory of Hashem shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. (Isaiah 40:5).’
−	The parshah then relates the curse of ~~Harm~~ that could be inflicted by animals, the potential of sieges by the enemy, leading to death and hunger. The Parshah warns about the destruction of high places and Jews falling dead upon their idols. Then we see a warning on how the Temple and the land would become desolate, this was fulfilled towards the end of the ~~first temple~~ era. Then we learn of the curse that exile could be the punishment in retribution for neglecting observance of the Sh’mitta years (Sabbatical) and idol worship.	+
−	After a long list of curses, Hashem gives us an assurance of comfort for our time if the Torah is kept. This teaches us how important Torah learning actually is!! The world stands on three things, Torah, ~~prayer~~ and acts of kindness.	+	The parshah then relates the various curses that could occur if the Jews do not heed and keep to the Torah. Curses are pronounced in this week’s parshah in sets of seven. The curses include, fatal sickness, being defeated by enemies and it mentions the breaking of the pride of the Jewish people’s power (Vayikra 26:14-43). In the book of Yechezkel a verse states in regards to the laying waste of the Temple which is ‘the pride of your power (Ezekiel 24:21).’
−	Many of the great Torah scholars actually proved to be the salvation of the Jewish people, including, Moshe, Aharon, Mordechai (in Megilla Esther), Shimon Haatzadik, Rav Yochanan Ben Zakkai (during the end of ~~second temple~~ era, preserving the academy of Torah in Yavneh), ~~Matisyahu~~ and his sons – the Chashmonaim – who waged war against the Greeks, during the Chanukah era.	+
−	The Parshah then relates the laws of donating the value of a person to the ~~temple~~. In the book of Shoftim, we learn that the ~~judge~~ Yiftach, who was deficient in Torah knowledge, made a vow to sacrifice the first thing he saw after a war against Ammon, his daughter greeted him, and he in turn sacrificed his daughter, as she was the first he saw after the war, he ~~defiantly~~ did not have to sacrifice her – he should have just donated her value to the ~~temple~~ instead, in turn keeping her alive.	+	More curses are then poured out, including how there would be no produce due to drought. The verse in this week’s parshah states ‘I will make your heaven like iron and your earth like copper (Vayikra 26:19).’
−	The Parshah concludes relating additional laws concerning donations to Hashem and how a Jew who owns animals is obligated to bring as a sacrifice every tenth newborn which is unblemished.	+
−	The Haftorah for the second parshah running comes from the book of Jeremiah (~~Yirmiahu~~), this time featuring chapters 16 and 17 of Jeremiah. Jeremiah gives a message that if the Jewish people are devoted to Torah they will enjoy prosperity and blessing. If they forsake the Torah, they would suffer poverty and curse.	+	The parshah then relates the curse of the harm that could be inflicted by animals, the potential of sieges by the enemy, leading to death and hunger. The Parshah warns about the destruction of high places and Jews falling dead upon their idols. Then we see a warning on how the Temple and the land would become desolate, this was fulfilled towards the end of the First Temple era. Then we learn of the curse that exile could be the punishment in retribution for neglecting observance of the Sh’mitta years (Sabbatical) (Vayikra 26:34) and idol worship .
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		+	After a long list of curses, Hashem gives us an assurance of comfort for our time if the Torah is kept (Vayikra 26:44-46). This teaches us how important Torah learning actually is!! The world stands on three things, Torah, Prayer and acts of kindness. Thier is great reward for honoring the Torah (Shabbat 119a) and furthermore the Torah gives honor to those who study it (Eruvin 54b).
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		+	Many of the great Torah scholars actually proved to be the salvation of the Jewish people, including, Moshe, Aharon, Mordechai (in Megilla Esther), Shimon Haatzadik, Rav Yochanan Ben Zakkai (during the end of Second Temple era, preserving the academy of Torah in Yavneh (Gittin 56b)), Matityahu and his sons – the Chashmonaim – who waged war against the Greeks, during the Chanukah era (Shabbat 21b).
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		+	The Parshah then relates the laws of donating the value of a person to the Temple (Vayikra 27:1-8). In the book of Shoftim, we learn that the Judge Yiftach, who was deficient in Torah knowledge, made a vow to sacrifice the first thing he saw after a war against Ammon (Judges 11:31), his daughter greeted him, and he in turn sacrificed his daughter (Judges 11:39), as she was the first he saw after the war, he definatly did not have to sacrifice her – he should have just donated her value to the Temple instead, in turn potentially keeping her alive (Taanit 4a).
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		+	The Parshah concludes relating additional laws concerning donations to Hashem and how a Jew who owns animals is obligated to bring as a sacrifice every tenth newborn which is unblemished (Vayikra 27:32).
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		+	The Haftorah for the second parshah running comes from the book of Jeremiah (Yirmiyahu), this time featuring chapters 16 and 17 of Jeremiah. Jeremiah gives a message that if the Jewish people are devoted to Torah, they will enjoy prosperity and blessing. If they forsake the Torah, they would suffer poverty and curse.