There are times throughout the year where it is an especially powerful time to daven, or there is a time in someone’s life where they need a special prayer said.
We were asked to inform our readers to please thank Hashem for the much-needed rain in Israel and ask for more by davening with special kavanah during Shemone Esrei in "Shema Koleinu" or Elokai Natzor." Please see this link from Aurtz Sheva for further details as to what is happening in Eretz Yisroel:
The Torah, in Parshas BeHaaloscha, describes how the meat-mongers (for want of a better term) among the Dor Deah, who had otherwise witnessed so many great events, had their fleishig consumption request fulfilled--they received the slav “until it would come out of their nostrils” (Bamidbar 11:20). Fittingly, the location of the terrible desire and the horrific aftermath that resulted was renamed “Kivros HaTaava--the graves of desire.” After this difficult and horrible ordeal, the Parsha makes it a point of telling us that Bnei Yisroel left Kivros HaTaava and traveled to Chateizros. Incredibly, according to the Seder Olam as brought in the Siddur Bais Yaakov, TODAY (the 20th of Sivan) is the very day, described there, that the 30-day stay at Kivros HaTaava ended. We might think, then, that it is an auspicious time for great events to occur. And it most likely is. However, to date, two great tragedies are marked by this date. First, the Second Crusades in France took place. More recently, the 1648-1649 Cossack Massacres (known as the Gezeiros Tach V’Tat) in the Ukraine/Poland are specifically marked on this date. The Rabbonim of the time required all able-bodied women over 15 and men over 18, to fast and recite special Selichos known as the “Selichos of the 20th of Sivan.” In fact, it is recorded that this day was especially chosen because it can never (under our current calendar) come out on Shabbos, and the Rabbonim wanted to make sure that a year did not go by without properly remembering and repenting on this date.
It is well known that the Tosfos Yom Tov, HaRav Yom Tov Lipman Heller, Z’tl, attributed the Cossack Massacres to talking in Shul. He accordingly composed a special Mi She’Berach to be recited on behalf of those who refrained from talking in Shul, which is recited to this very day.
A true story: A young man had arrived early to shul, and, realizing that there was not yet a minyan, he took out his cell phone and began to have a friendly telephone conversation. When an onlooker said, “Shmoozing--in Shul--on a cellphone?!?” He responded, “What’s the difference between talking to a friend, and talking on the phone?” The absurdity of talking on the cell phone in Shul did not strike him, but then again, he seemed pretty comfortable with engaging in ordinary conversation with his friend there, as well. The young man did, however, comport with the onlooker’s request. In this regard, we suggest that every reader take part in helping build a new or higher level of decorum and respect in his/her Shul. Perhaps one can begin with a sincere remark (NOT “SHUSH”) to a thoughtless congregant, or requesting the institution of the Tosfos Yom Tov’s bracha, given by the Rabbi or Gabbai. Let us never forget that, according to the Tosfos Yom Tov, one of the Gedolei HaDor at the time of the Gezeiros, the direct result of Shul talk was (if you have learned only a little bit about the calamity) literally ravage and massacre in its grossest form.
Let us return for a moment, however, to our departure from Kivros HaTaava on this day--why did it not become an auspicious time forever? Why is this very day marked by such suffering, such torture, such pain? Perhaps the answer belies the question. It may simply be that we have not sufficiently left the taavos--the improper desires--that we began with.
The story is told of a formerly wealthy man who was so beset by creditors that he could not leave the confines of his home for fear of his well-being. His Rabbi came to visit and comfort him while the man was eating dinner, and noticed the finest French wine on the table. When asked about the wine, the man replied, “Rabbi, I crave it. I simply crave it. I cannot be without it.” In truth, it is not the fine wine of this once-wealthy individual that should concern us, but our own behavior. The Ra’avad writes that breaking a desire is a key factor and display of Teshuva. From that extra helping of unhealthy food, that tempting smorgasbord, that unnecessary electronic (adult) gadget (no, there is no Mitzva to discover every last trick your cell phone can do), that extra measure of honor... even that extra pair of shoes are really serious mistakes, as they could (and probably will) mean the stunting of both one’s physical and one’s spiritual growth. As Akavya ben Mehallel taught, “I would rather be a fool in the eyes of all my entire life, rather than a rasha in the eyes of Hashem for one moment.” Even the adage: “A second on your lips, forever on your hips” should ring true to our ears at the moment of temptation. It would seem that if we can consciously combat one temptation daily--we will be on the road of taking ourselves out of the graveyard of temptation and its historic tragic aftermath--to the pinnacles of success. How our world would have been different if Adom and Chava did not fall prey to the one temptation of the Eitz Hadaas!
One last point: The Parsha teaches (Bamidbar 9:23 ) that “Al Pi Hashem Yachanu, V’Al Pi Hashem Yi’sawu--by the word of Hashem they encamped, and by the word of Hashem they traveled.” If we can remember that Hashem is always with us, we would sincerely feel the uncontrollable desire to do, or take, or go… In fact, HaRav Chaim Shmulevitz, Shlita, provides the following mashal: A baby is in its mother’s lap on the bus ride from Tel Aviv to Yerushalayim. At any one point in the trip, where would you say the child is? Near Motza, Telz Stone, K’far Chabad? No, you would say that the child is in its mother’s lap. We are always in Hashem’s embrace--whether we in a restaurant, ice cream store, dress store, home ... If we can remember and appreciate this--why would we go after that second scoop?
Let us each do our part to begin with this--yes, auspicious--day to travel from the Kivros HaTaava to the true Gan Eden we can experience in the very same world.
-------------------------- Reprinted with permission from Hakhel MIS
Tefillas Ha’Sheloh is a special prayer composed by the Shloh Hakodosh to express the prayers of parents on behalf of their children. The Shloh said that the optimal time for parents to recite this prayer is Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan (this year it’s on Tuesday, June 3), but it may be recited anytime.
Click the link below for Tefillas Ha’Sheloh in Hebrew on-line.
Just yesterday was the first day we recited Tachanun in
one month. Perhaps we can use our new-found recital of Tachanun as a
springboard to utter this moving, meaningful and effective prayer with
sensitivity and feeling. One place to begin would be to make sure that
every word of Tachanun is recited from a Siddur. This could be a
simple yet very special, project for the Sefira period.
The Sefer Ta’amei HaMinhagim (page 251) writes that our new month of Iyar is tried and tested as a time for refuah, healing, from the ailments and pains that may affect a person. Why is this so? He brings the B’nai Yisaschar, who teaches that most weakness and illness come from foods which do not comport with the person’s nature or composition. The Rambam (Hilchos De’os 4:15) writes likewise. See also Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Chapter 32.
Since the Mon began to fall in this month (on the 16th day of Iyar 2448)--and it was a perfect food from which resulted no sickness, pain or even waste matter (as Dovid HaMelech refers to it in Sefer Tehillim--“lechem abirim”)
and even cured those who were ill--Hashem left the curative nature of the month in effect even through today. Accordingly, Iyar is a time of “segulah l’ refuah”.
In fact, the Ta’amei HaMinhagim notes, the name “Iyar” is an acronym for Ani Hashem Rofecha--I am Hashem, Your Healer.
What can we do to help promote the curative effects of this special time as initiated by the heavenly Mon? We can turn to the laining of this past Shabbos (which was non-coincidentally, of course, Rosh Chodesh Iyar), where the
Torah writes that the Metzora who was afflicted with terrible Tzoraas walks about declaring “I am Tameh, I am Tameh.” Chazal (Shabbos 66A) explain that he declares this **so that others will ask for mercy for him**. The Baalei Mussar note that the Metzora does not ask others directly to pray for him--rather, he only declares that he is “Tameh”, and those who hear him are expected to pray sincerely for him even without his direct request--and
notwithstanding that he has sinned to such a great extent that Hashem has actually made him a Metzora.
What a great lesson we can learn at this time of year--which is so special for healing, and, moreover, the Omer period, in which our “Bein Odom L’Chavero” is to be seriously improved upon. We should not wait to be asked, or
merely be responsive to the request of others, when we hear that someone is not well. Instead, we should “hear the cry” and go out of our way during this auspicious time to daven for those we may not even know, but whom we have heard are in need of a Refuah. An ounce of Tefillah may mean a kilogram of cure.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTION: During the remaining weeks of Sefirah, recite a daily special, sincere Kepitel (chapter) of Tehillim for your list of cholim--recognizing that this is a special time for the potency--and importance--of your heartfelt Tefillah!
This is the week that we bake our challos into the shape of a key, and/or we wrap our housekey in some foil and bake it into a loaf of challah, and/or we fashion a small piece of dough into a key shape and bake it as a decoration on top of our loaves, and/or we shape our challos like matza and bake our key into that. What is the source of baking shlissel challos? It is said that on Pesach it is judged how much grain will be produced for the coming year, and on Rosh Hashana it is judged how much each person will receive.
"During sefira we count 49 days till Shavuos, the 50th day, which is the shaarei bina. We go from gate to gate, and each gate has a key. That is why we make an image of a key on the challah."
"There are many reasons given for the shlissel challah, and I say that the shlisel challos are the keys to parnasa. (Segulas HaBeShT V’Talmidov quoting Nachlas Yaakov)"
May all of those who need parnassah find a job, and may all of our tefillos be answered.
Rosh Chodesh Nissan marks the beginning of the season for Birkas Ha'Ilanos--the blessing recited annually upon seeing fruit trees in bloom. At the following link is a PDF file containing list of known fruit trees in selected cities across the United States and Canada upon which this brocha may be said--http://tinyurl.com/5d5co5 As the file is over 3Meg, please allow sufficient time for downloading.
Yerushalayim is remembered on Shushan Purim, by our observing Purim on that day in its environs in order to increase its honor. With the honor and glory of Yerushalayim so much at stake in our time, we provide the moving words of Dovid HaMelech in Tehillim 122: “Sh’alu Sha’lom Yerushalayim Yishlayu Ohavoyich...--pray for the peace of Yerushalayim; those who love you [Yerushalayim] will be serene.” The Radak in his commentary to this Pasuk teaches that these are the words that Jews must utter in Galus--Pray to Hashem for the peace of Yerushalayim. What is the “peace of Yerushalayim?” The Radak (almost prophetically) writes that this can only be attained with kibutz galios--the ingathering of the exiles--because there will not be peace as long as the “Arailim” and Yishma’aylim”--the Christians and Arabs--war over the City.
In his commentary to this very same Pasuk, HaRav Avrohom Chaim Feuer, Shlita, brings the following Chazal (from Meseches Derech Eretz Zuta): “HaKadosh Baruch Hu said to Bnai Yisroel: ‘It was you who caused the Bais HaMikdash to be destroyed and My children to be driven into exile. All I ask is that you pray for the peace of Yerushalayim and I will forgive you!’”
Based upon the teaching of Dovid HaMelech, as explained by Chazal and the Radak, it is incumbent upon us to do what we can at this pivotal point in our history. We cannot place the blame on this Israeli politician, or that foreign Head of State, on this Arab terrorist, or that Arab terrorist, and be satisfied that we are doing all that we can. After all, Haman was a Rasha, and Achashveirosh was a Rasha and/or a fool, but ultimately it was the Jews at that time that got themselves into that mess and had to get themselves out of it. The responsibility for Yerushalayim--for our kibutz galios--which is so imminent, falls squarely on our minds and hearts. We must hold ourselves accountable, not as a matter of guilt, but as a matter of responsibility--to ourselves, our families, and our people. We cannot afford to sigh once or twice a day, and otherwise be callous and indifferent to the grave situation at hand. Dovid HaMelech gives us the key to unlock the door- “Sh’alu Sha’lom Yerushalayim Yishlayu Ohavoyich”--Daven! Daven! Daven!
If one does not feel he has any more time to recite additional Tehillim during the day, let him at least be sure to recite the brocha of “Vl’ Yerushalayim Ircha”--which he is reciting in any event three times a day in Shemone Esrei--with purity of mind and heart. For the next four weeks until Purim, let us use our Power of Prayer--for the sake of Yerushalayim, which is oh so much for the sake of ourselves, for the sake of K’lal Yisroel--and for the honor of Hashem!!
If you’ve ever been inspired by an Aish rabbi or rebbetzin...
or by a Discovery Seminar, Jerusalem Fellowships program, or HonestReporting
communique...
or by an article or film on Aish.com...
Then the person to thank is Rabbi Noah Weinberg, the revered and beloved
founder and dean of Aish HaTorah International. For the past 50 years, Rabbi
Weinberg has dedicated his life to helping countless Jews around the world
connect to the beauty and wisdom of Torah.
Rabbi Noah Weinberg was recently
diagnosed with a serious illness. Each of us can do something to
help.
Now you have the chance to give Rabbi Weinberg something in return.
He
was recently diagnosed with a serious illness. This is an opportunity to
galvanize everyone who has benefited from the work of Aish HaTorah in prayer and
spiritual action for the sake of Rabbi Weinberg’s recovery.
Here’s what you can do:
First, pray for the complete recovery of HaRav Yisrael Noach ben Hinda.
Beyond this, each of us can show the Almighty that we want and need Rabbi
Weinberg’s continued guidance by taking one of his core teachings and committing
yourself to grow in that area. Every physical action in this world is responded
to in kind by the Almighty. Therefore the collective spiritual development will
add to the merit of Rabbi Weinberg, and impact the Heavenly scales in his favor.
Here are some of the fundamental principles of Rabbi Weinberg’s teachings
that have inspired so many people. Pick an area in which to grow. Whether you
work on changing something small or large, every mitzvah performed makes a
difference. The key is to make a genuine commitment to change for the better, on
behalf of the recovery of HaRav Yisrael Noach ben Hinda.
1. Focus on your priorities in life.
a. Get total clarity on your life’s purpose and take the time to make a
daily cheshbon hanefesh,spiritual
accounting. What are your goals in life? What are your strategies to
accomplish them?
b. Live with the reality that God loves you. Put your trust in Him. Spend
10 minutes a day working on the Torah’s Six
Constant Mitzvot, the pivotal commandments that focus us on life’s ultimate
purpose.
2. Increase your learning of Torah.
The Torah is the Almighty’s instructions
for living, the blueprint
of creation. Whether it’s an additional 10 minutes a day or week, designate
more time to learn the wisdom of the Torah -- and put what you’re learning into
practice.
3. Love the Jewish people; fight for the Jewish
people.
For years, Rabbi Weinberg has taught that we must feel one another’s pain.
And now it is our turn to put that into practice to help Rabbi Weinberg. The
Talmud (Brachot 12b) says: "If a Torah scholar is in distress, one must become
sick over him." If we have compassion for Rabbi Weinberg by genuinely sharing in
his pain, this arouses Heaven to have mercy on Rabbi Weinberg as well.
Let each of us do what we can to help Rabbi Weinberg -- by storming the
Heavens with our prayers, teshuva, and spiritual growth.
The Torah
reading of this coming Shabbos -- Parashas Beshallach -- includes the
chapter telling how the Jewish People in the Wilderness received manna, the
Heavenly food that nourished them for forty years. Many people recite the
chapter daily, as a special prayer for parnassah. There is also a widespread
custom to recite this chapter on the Tuesday of the week of Beshallach,
which this year is January 15. As a public service, we offer the text
and interlinear translation of the chapter, from the Schottenstein Edition
Interlinear Siddur. Please feel free to download it
Please remember to add, beginning Monday night in
Maariv, Yaale v'Yavo in your Amidah and to mention
Rosh Chodesh when you bentch after eating.
Rosh Chodesh literally means
the head of the month, but the word 'Chodesh' comes from the root 'chadash'
meaning new.
Monday night and Tuesday is the first and only Rosh Chodesh
("Head of the Month") day for the month of Shevat.
Special portions are added to the daily prayers:
Hallel (Psalms 113-118) is recited -- in its "partial" form -- following the
Shacharit Amidah prayer, also the Yaaleh V'yavo
prayer is added to the Amidah and to Grace After Meals; the additional Musaf
prayer is said (when Rosh Chodesh is Shabbat, special additions are made to the
Shabbat Musaf). Tachnun (confession of sins) and
similar prayers are omitted.
Many have the custom to mark Rosh Chodesh
with a festive meal and reduced work activity. The latter custom is prevalent
amongst women, who have a special affinity with Rosh Chodesh -- the month being
the feminine aspect of the Jewish Calendar.
For those of you who may not have made the Birchas Ha-Ilan, the blessing on first seeing blossoming trees, it is best to recite this Brocha in the month of Nissan, which will be ending Wednesday evening--tomorrow(!)--at sunset.
You can find the bracha in almost any siddur.
Tonight (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday- erev shabbos) is 11 Nissan, the yarzeit of the Shelah Hakadosh, zechuso yagen aleinu.
This is a good chance to say the tfilla he wrote, the parents prayer for children, which can be said anytime (and is often said, in addition to other times, on Erev osh Chodesh Sivan). Gut Shabbos and Chag Kosher V'Sameach.
[link=http://www.shemayisrael.co.il/orgs/key/shlokey.htm]To say his Tefillah, click below on the blue 'to read more', and then click here.[/link]
Sunday, 21 Adar, (March 11th) is the yarzeit of R Eliemelech of Lizhensk, a great tsaddik who wrote a tfilla that we should be able to overlook the lacks in others and focus on the good (it starts "adaraba"). To read the tfilla, [link=http://www.shemayisrael.co.il/orgs/key/relimelech.htm]First click on "To Read More" in blue below, and then click here.[/link]. To my knowledge, it hasn't been translated. My sense is (since I can't find it translated anywhere) that it is one of those things that isn't to be translated.
You can also find the tfilla in the beginning of some siddurim, at the end of a 3 page tfilla by R Eliemelech, to be said before beginning davening. (It won't be in the Artscroll).
Reb Mendel M'Riminov said that saying [red]Parshas Ha'monn [/red](Shneyim Mikroh V'Echod Targum) on [red]Tuesday Parshas B'Shalach[/red], is a [b][blue]Segulah for Parnasah [/blue][/b]
Make sure to read Parshas HaMan with Onkelus at the following site: [link=http://tefillos.com/parshas_hamon.asp]Click first on 'Read More' below, and then click here.[/link]. The sequence is one sentence from the parasha said twice, followed by saying a sentence from Onkelus once. Shnayim Mikroh V'Echod Targum (layning it twice with the Trup, then saying the Unkelus once).
It is a Segullah for Paranassah.
A [blue]SHMIRAS HALASHON YOMI CAMPAIGN [/blue]has been started for the sole purpose of [red]accumulating zechuyos for singles.[/red] When you join, you will recieve 2 halochos on shmiras haloshon via email, daily. The Halachos are written in a clear and interesting manner and questions are welcome.
LEARN TWO HALACHOS A DAY AND HELP END THE SHIDDUCH CRISIS!!
To join this exciting program visit [link=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/segulah4singles/]the following link by clicking first "To Read More" below in blue, and then click here[/link]
On the first night of Chanukah, after lighting the Chanukah menorah and
followed by the Shabbat candles, Jews in many communities will stand with their
families and friends, and recite the Shema Yisrael prayer. It may also be
recited at the ensuing Shabbat dinner after the blessing on the wine (Kiddush).
The first night of Chanukah is Friday night, Dec. 15, 2006 (25 Kislev). The
effort is coordinated by the Chicago-based Shema Yisrael Now committee, after
consultation with rabbinic authorities and a Gadol Ba'Torah.
Joining in unity with Jews around the world is of paramount importance in
our turbulent times. The Chanukah night Shema effort is a statement of that
unity. As Jews in numerous communities confront anti-Semitism and threats, it is
all the more important to make a statement that we will stand together as a
united community.
The power of spiritual light which bursts forth on Chanukah, along with the
powerful unity of the Jewish people reciting our most basic prayer, the
Shema, can help bring protection for the Jewish people during these troubling
times.
The basic Shema prayer that many will recite on the first night of Chanukah
is comprised of six words:
Shema Yis-ra-el A-do-noi E-lo-hei-nu A-d-noi E-chad
Translation: Hear, Israel, Hashem is (now) our G-d, Hashem is the One and
Only.
This is followed by the whispered recital of the following six holy words:
Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuso LeOlam Va'ed
Blessed is the Name of His glorious kingdom for all eternity.
This refers to our silent aspiration that the entire world should soon
recognize G-d's kingship over the world.
The Shema Yisrael Now committee's mission is to raise awareness of the Shema
Yisrael prayer and its protective power for the Jewish people. It encourages
all Jews to recite the Shema twice a day, on rising in the morning and on
retiring at night.
All members of the Jewish community are encouraged to increase their
concentration (kavana) when reciting the Shema prayer and to speak to co-workers,
neighbors, friends and extended family members about joining the Shema effort.
More information on the Shema Yisrael Now committee and its projects may be
found [link=http://www.skokiekollel.org/shema]by clicking here.[/link] .
The women tehillim groups in Eretz Yisrael, after consultation with their Rabbinic advisors, are going to be uniting in tfilla at a tehillim gathering -- atzeret tfilla -- on Thursday at 5 p.m. This tfilla effort is worldwide for women. You don't have to meet at 5 p.m., just meet as a tehillim group whenever you can Thursday or at least say as many tehillim as possible.
This [blue]tfilla effort has been called in response to the planned "Mitzad To-eva" [/blue]the "parade" planned to take place on Friday Nov. 10 through the streets of the holy city of Yerushalayim, may Hashem grant that it not take place, as well as the difficult situation of tsaros facing klal yisrael in general.
[red]Please call upon your tehillim groups to join in this effort by joining in tehillim anytime this Thursday November 9th, and please say as many tehillim as possible that day (individually or in Tehillim groups).[/red].
The following is a message from the "[blue]Shema Yisrael Now[/blue]" committee, based in Chicago, regarding the 6th annual [red]worldwide Shema Yisrael effort[/red] for [red]Hoshana Rabba[/red], scheduled for [red]Thursday, October 12th at 9 p.m[/red].
The effort is coordinated by the Shema Yisrael Now committee, which seeks to raise awareness of the importance and protective power of the Shema Yisrael prayer.
The holiday "Hoshana Rabba", which is the seventh and final night of the holiday of Succot, is a final chance to overturn difficult heavenly decrees that might have been written on Rosh Hashana. As such, Hoshana Rabba is marked by intense prayer and repentance.
We have the opportunity on this significant date to state our firmest belief that He is the One and Only. With the opportunity to help avert decrees, please join with others to remove or soften the blow.
This year, Hoshana Rabba falls out on Thursday night, Oct. 12th. On this day dedicated to prayer, there will be a special unified effort centering on our most basic and powerful prayer, and declaration of faith, the Shema Yisrael prayer. [red]At 9 p.m. Oct. 12th, Jews in many communities will stop what they are doing and say the Shema prayer[/red]-- the Jewish basic declaration of faith, in unity with Jews around the globe.
The basic Shema prayer that many will recite on the Hoshana Rabba night is comprised of six words:
[blue]Shema Yis-ra-el A-do-noi E-lo-hei-nu A-d-noi E-chad[/blue]
Translation: Hear, Israel, Hashem is (now) our G-d, Hashem is the One and Only. This is followed by the whispered recital of the following six words:
[blue]Ba-ruch Shem Kev-od Mal-chuso Le-Olam Va'ed[/blue]
Translation: Blessed is the Name of His glorious kingdom for all eternity. This refers to our silent aspiration that the entire world should soon recognize Hashem's glory.
The Shema prayer is one of the 613 Commandments and our most basic, powerful declaration of our faith in One G-D When saying the Shema prayer, concentrate intensely upon accepting G-D’s absolute sovereignty
[red][i]All Jews are encouraged to join this special united effort by saying the Shema prayer at 9 p.m. Oct. 12th, with their families or whomever they are with at the time.[/i][/red]
We strongly encourage all Jewish people to say the Shema prayer every morning and evening, every single day, as a way to unite the Jewish people and help bring peace to our world. [link=http://www.skokiekollel.org/shema]For more information on the Shema prayer and effort, click here or go to:[/link](http://www.skokiekollel.org/shema) .
Important Numbers
![Blog Image: Tehillim[1].jpg](Local/blogimages/Tehillim[1].jpg)
He
was recently diagnosed with a serious illness. This is an opportunity to
galvanize everyone who has benefited from the work of Aish HaTorah in prayer and
spiritual action for the sake of Rabbi Weinberg’s recovery.
