Tuesday, Menachem Av 9, 5777 / August 1, 2017
B"H
Tuesday, Menachem Av 9, 5777 / August 1, 2017
Today is the fast day of Tisha B’Av, the 9th of Av – the day in which the two holy Temples were destroyed through fire. Our sages say, “The Temples were destroyed through fire and they will again be rebuilt through fire.”
Emotions are compared to fire, as they are heated and passionate. They are expressed with enthusiasm and fervor.
Our sages tell us that the Second Temple was destroyed because of “Sinat Chinam” – unjust hate amongst Jews. Instead of performing the mitzvah of “Love your fellow as yourself,” with passion, they used that fervor and passion for strife and hatred.
To rectify the cause of the destruction of the Holy Temple and thus bring about the re-building of the Temple, it is also through fire - passion and love for each other. It should also be done with enthusiasm. Thus, just as the Temple was destroyed through fire, it will be rebuilt through fire – through the fire of love, caring and feeling for each other.
The Talmud relates the following episode: When the Temple was destroyed many Jews decided to refrain from eating meat and drinking wine as a sign of mourning for the destruction of the Temple. The Talmudic sage, Rabbi Yehoshua asked them, “Why are you not eating meat nor drinking wine?”
They replied, “How can we eat meat which was once sacrificed on the Temple Altar? How can we drink wine which was once poured on the Holy Altar?”
Rabbi Yehoshua said to them, “In that case you should not eat grapes or figs, for they too were brought to the Temple as First Fruits? Do not eat bread, as bread was used in the Temple service.”
Rabbi Yehoshua explained to them that although one must grieve for the destruction of the Temple, one must not do so over excessively. For we firmly believe that the day will soon come, when the Beth Hamikdash (Holy Temple) will again be rebuilt. But this time it will last forever, never to be destroyed again, with the coming of Moshiach. Amen.
The Book of Lamentations, which is read on Tisha B'Av, describing the destruction of the Holy Temple is not requiredto be written on parchment like the Megilat Esther, which recalls the miracle of Purim.
Reason: Purim is an everlasting holiday. The story of Purim is recorded on parchment, for it is permanent, just as the rest of the Torah. But the story of Tisha B'Av is only temporary.When Moshiach will come, we will again have the Holy Temple and the day of Tisha B'Av will be transformed into a holiday of rejoicing.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL DAY & EASY FAST
Montrealtime: Fast ends: Tuesday night: 9:00
Thursday, Menachem Av 11, 5777 / August 3, 2017
B"H
Thursday, Menachem Av 11, 5777 / August 3, 2017
This Shabbat, the first Shabbat after the fast of Tisha B’Av, is Parshat Va’etchanan. This Shabbat is also called ‘Shabbat Nachmu” – “Shabbat of comfort,” due to the fact that the Haftorah this Shabbat speaks about comfort for the Jewish people, as it comes after the fast of Tisha B’Av, when we remember the destruction of the Holy Temple.
In this Parsha we find the “Shma Yisrael” – “Hear O Israel, G-d is our G-d, G-d is One.” In this Parsha Moshe repeats the Ten Commandments, with slight variations.
We also read about the mitzvah (commandment) of Mezuzah. The Mezuzah is affixed to each door post (except bathrooms etc.) of a Jewish home. It consists of two passages of the Torah.
The Mezuzah must be written by a competent and G-d fearing scribe complying with Halachic specifications. The Mezuzah is not the casing. It is the written parchment inside the casing. Unfortunately, many people will buy an expensive case, but overlook the fact that the actual Mezuzah-insert may not be kosher.
Q. What is the meaning of the word Mezuzah?
A. "Mezuzah" means "door-post" for the Mezuzah is placed on the door-post. Also, the Hebrew word "Mezuzot" (plural) found in this Parsha, if rearranged the letters can spell the two words, "zaz mavet" which means "pushing away death."
Thus, a kosher Mezuzah acts as protection even to the extent of saving from death! In Psalms King David says, "G-d shall protect your exit and your entry from now and forever." Our sages say that this applies to the Mezuzah. It acts as a shield and protects us, not only when we are inside the home but also when we go out.
In time, the letters on a Mezuzah may fade or crack, which renders the Mezuzah not kosher. Thus, it must be checked at least twice in seven years. Many people have their Mezuzot checked each year.
Q. Why are the letters "Shin, Daled, Yud," written on the outside of the Mezuzah parchment?
A.These three letters are one of G-d’s names. The reason this name is used is because these letter serves as an acronym for the words, "Shomer Daltei Yisrael" - "G-d watches over the doors of Israel."
The Talmud tells the following wonderful story: A special friendship existed between King Antoninus and Rabbi Yehudah Hanasi (known as Rebbi). Once, King Antoninus sent Rabbi Yehudah Hanasi a precious stone as a gift. In return Rabbi Yehudah Hanasi sent him a Mezuzah.
Antoninus was puzzled: "I sent you such an expensive gift and you send me a piece of parchment?"
Rabbi Yehudah Hanasi replied, "Your gift, I will always have to guard to make sure that no one steals it. But my gift to you, the Mezuzah, will watch over you and protect you at all times!"
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL DAY
*** NEXT TORAH FAX, G-D WILLING, IN TWO WEEKS ***
*** NEXT TORAH FAX, G-D WILLING, IN TWO WEEKS ***
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