B"H

Monday, Adar2- 1, 5784 / March 11, 2024

Today, Monday, is the second day of Rosh Chodesh of the second month Adar. Adar is considered the last month of the Hebrew year. Next month, Nissan, is considered the first month.

Q. How can Adar be the last month and Nissan be the first month of the year when Rosh Hashana, the beginning of the new year, is six months away?

A. In the Hebrew calendar the months are independent of the years. Rosh Hashana, which is the beginning of the New Year, is actually in the seventh month of the year, while the first month, Nissan, is seven months after Rosh Hashana. Rosh Hashana is the new year because G-d created the world and mankind at that time. Nissan, when we celebrate Passover and the Exodus is exclusive to the Jewish people, as in that month G-d chose us as His people.

Our sages tell us that when the month of Adar enters, we must increase in Simcha-happiness.

The reason for this is that one of the greatest miracles in Jewish history, the miracle of Purim, when the entire Jewish nation was saved from annihilation, occurred in the month of Adar.

Simcha-Happinessis an important part of our service of G-d. King David in Psalm 100 says, "Serve G-d with happiness, come before Him with joyous song." Every mitzvah performed with happiness, expresses our appreciation to G-d for the opportunity to observe them. Our sages tell us that happiness comes from holiness, whereas sadness and dejection comes from the "other side."

Rabbi Schneur Zalmen of Liadi explains this concept with a parable of two people engaged in battle. If one of the fighters feels down and dejected while the other is happy and in good spirits, the happy one will be faster and have more energy to win the battle--even if his opponent is stronger. Thus, feelings of dejection and sadness take away one's willpower and strength and will cause him to fail.

Life is a constant battle. A battle between doing what G-d wants us to do or what we desire. It’s a constant struggle between the physical and spiritual – between our body and soul. Therefore, we must always think positively and be happy, thus deriving strength to win these battles.

"Think good and it will be good!" a great Rebbe told his Chassid, who had a child who was so ill that the doctors had given up all hope. The Chassid listened to the Rebbe's directive and only thought positive. Eventually, his son became well. "Throughout my life," the Chassid told his friends, "whenever there was a problem, whether in health or business, I always remembered the Rebbe's command, "Think good and it will be good". I didn't let the negative thoughts overcome me. I would think positive, and just like the Rebbe predicted, things would turn out positive."

Let’s take our sages’ advice. Increase in happiness, think positive and the results will be positive!

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL & HAPPY CHODESH/MONTH

UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL

& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.

B"H

Friday, Adar1- 28, 5784 / March 8, 2024

This Shabbat, being before Rosh Chodesh Adar 2, besides reading the regular weekly Torah portion, Vayakhel, we will also read from a second Torah, Parshat Shekalim. It is the first of four special Torah readings that occur between now and Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Because of this special Torah reading, this Shabbat is also called, Shabbat Shekalim.

In the first Torah we read Parshat Vayakhel, about the contributions which the people brought towards the construction of the Tabernacle (Mishkan).

In the second Torah we read Parshat Shekalim which begins, "And G-d spoke to Moshe saying, 'When you want to count the sum of the Children of Israel according to their numbers, every man shall give a ransom for his soul to G-d. THIS they shall give - a half shekel... The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than a half shekel."

According to Halacha (Jewish law), we are forbidden to be counted directly. Therefore, G-d commanded that every Jewish man, between the ages of twenty and sixty, give a half shekel. By counting the half Shekalim, Moshe knew the exact amount of the people. 

The portion of the Half Shekel is read each year on the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Adar. In a leap year, like this year, it is read before Rosh Chodesh of the second Adar. During the time of the Holy Temple, beginning Rosh Chodesh Adar Jews were reminded to contribute to the fund which sponsored the public sacrifices in the Temple. Although we don't have the Holy Temple (Beth Hamikdash), we still read this portion to remind us of the days of the Temple.  This also affirms our belief in the coming of Moshiach and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple.

According to our sages, when G-d said, “THIS they shall give,” G-d showed Moshe a "coin of fire" and told him, "This they shall give."

Q.  Why did G-d show Moshe a coin of fire? Why did G-d command to give only a half shekel?

A.  This teaches us that in addition to performing the act of giving charity, one must know, how to give charity. Thus, G-d illustrated to Moshe the half shekel in the form of fire, to teach them that one must give charity with "fire" -- wholeheartedly with passion and enthusiasm.

The reason G-d commanded each one to give a "half" Shekel is to teach us that a Jew by himself is only "half." Only when we connect with another person, who gives the other half shekel, are we complete. Thus, Parshat Shekalim and the idea of the "half" shekel teaches us the concept of unity and Ahavat Yisroel – Love your fellow as yourself.

The two days Rosh Chodesh Adar 2 will begin Shabbat night through Sunday & Monday.

SHABBAT  SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 5:33 / Shabbat ends: 6:37

UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL

& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.

B"H

Thursday, Adar1- 27, 5784 / March 7, 2024

In the beginning of this week’s Parsha, Vayakhel, Moshe gathered the entire congregation to inform them about the contributions and the special work needed for the Tabernacle. But, first he began with the commandment of observing Shabbat. “And Moshe assembled the entire congregation and said to them, ‘These are the things which G-d commanded, six days you shall work, but the seventh day should be holy - a day of complete rest to G-d.’” Then he continues with the details of the Mishkan.

Q. Moshe wants to tell the people to rest on Shabbat, why does he begin, “six days you shall work”?

A. Moshe wanted to impress upon them that not only resting on Shabbat is because G-d commanded us, but even the work we do during the six working days, is also because G-d told us to work. During the six working days we also have to conduct our work and business according to G-d’s wishes; with integrity, with honesty and contribute to charity as prescribed by the laws of the Torah.

Q.   One of the mitzvot which apply every day, except Shabbat and holidays, is the mitzvah of Tefillin which we place on the arm and head.  Why don’t we wear the Tefillin on Shabbat and Yom Tov?

A.   The Tefillin serve as a sign that G-d took us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.  Shabbat and holidays are also called a “sign,” between the Jewish people and G-d.  Being that Shabbat and Yom Tov are already a sign by themselves, we don’t need the sign of the Tefillin.

Q.   Why is it customary to eat fish on Shabbat?

A.   Fish in Hebrew is “Dag.”  The numerical value of the word “dag” is seven, which represents the seventh day of the week – Shabbat.

The Bnai Yissaschar explains that eating fish on Shabbat represents a triple blessing.  Here is how; The Torah tells us that when fish were created, G-d gave them a special blessing; “And G-d blessed them saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply.’” (Gen. 1:22). When G-d created Adam and Eve he gave them also a special blessing, “Be fruitful and multiply.” (Gen. 1:28). Shabbat also has a very special blessing; “And G-d blessed the seventh day.” (Gen. 2:3). By eating fish on Shabbat we combine the above three blessings.

On the lighter side: Chaim to Yankel: “How’s business?”

Yankel: “Oy Vay!  Don’t ask Chaim.  Every day that my store is open I lose money!”

Chaim: “So how do you make a living, if you lose money each day that your store is open?

Yankel: “Thank G-d for Shabbat when my store is closed!”

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY

UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL

& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.

*******************

In memory of Margaret Zoldan, Z”L - Miriam Yita Bat Avraham - a  sensitive,  devoted, loving, caring Mother and Grandmother. Deeply missed by her family. May her Neshamah have an Aliyah.
Andre, Esther, Zachary, Benjamin, Jonah