This week is also known as the week of the “Shivas Yemei Meluim,”the seven days in which the Mishkan was consecrated, prior to its final completion and dedication on Rosh Chodesh Nisan. In fact, the Sefer HaTodaah (translated into English as The Book of Our Heritage, Feldheim Publishers) writes that these days in the future will likewise be days of dedication in the time of the third Bais HaMikdash. Furthermore, just as the Yemai HaMiluim are a remembrance of the Mishkan that Moshe Rabeinu made, so, too, are they now especially propitious as days of Prayer for the Geula Shelaima and the building of the Bais HaMikdash--in which Hashem will cause His Shechina to fully and finally permanently rest.
During these days of Yemai HaMiluim, some Chassidim do not recite Tachanun because of the special nature of these days we described above. However, the custom among those who daven Nusach Ashkenaz is to recite Tacahnun this week. So, for those who do, we note that the Tachanun recited this week will be the last Tachanun recited for an entire month, for according to all opinions, Tachanun is not recited during the entire month of Nisan. We thus should make a special effort to recite Tachanun--especially this Thursday which is also Yom Kippur Koton--with a special kavana and zeal.
With respect to Yom Kippur Koton, we note that many who do not usually recite Yom Kippur Koton Prayers the rest of the year, do so on Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan and Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul because of the unique time periods that they lead into.
We have received a request from a Manhattan professional as to the identity of any Yom Kippur Koton Minyan in Manhattan this Thursday. If you know of one in Midtown New York, or other cities, please let us know, and we will try to pass on the information to those requesting it.
Finally, in the “Resources” section of our website, we provide a “Tefillah Al HaParnassah Mimamon Kasher,” which the Shelah HaKadosh writes should be recited before Rosh Chodesh Nissan (i.e., on Yom Kippur Katan). The link is at http://tinyurl.com/26qsr6
Special Note Two: We have often heard the comment that a person’s attitude when he is sick will affect his cure. In fact, Shlomo HaMelech, the wisest of all men, teaches us this in no uncertain terms, as the Pasuk states, “Ruach Ish Yichalkel Maacheleyhu…--a man’s spirit will sustain him in his illness,” but a broken spirit, who will bear it? We thus see that the intangible spirit of a person can help control his physical being. This is an important lesson not only for one who is ill to keep his spirits up as best as he possibly can--not only for the sake of others, but also to aid in his own Refuah--but it is also a lesson to each and every one of us for our spirit to rule over our corporal existence. We should always remember our “Ruach Ish”--our innate spirit--whether at a lavish smorgasbord, at a superstore buying the newest, technologically advanced product, walking in the city streets as the weather gets warmer, or when engaged in a heated or intense personal or email conversation.
Indeed, the Chofetz Chaim (Toras HaBayis, Chapter 2) draws a fascinating Kal V’Chomer in this regard. He writes that when a Sofer takes parchment for the first time and states that he is writing upon it “L’Shem Hashem” this one-time animal hide becomes sanctified with an awesome degree of holiness. All the more so, when a person begins at any time of the day to study Torah L’Shma, for the sake of doing the Almighty’s will and properly performing His commandments, does a person’s soul become inculcated and imbibed with a spirit of holiness, and the person becomes sanctified with the kedusha of Torah.
As we go through the Parshios of Vayikra, much of which relates to the sanctification, dedication, and proper offering of animals, we can sense to a large extent how more so we can elevate ourselves to degrees of loftiness and purity which can supersede, surpass, and leave far behind the corporality within us. How will this ever happen?.... As the Torah concluded in last week’s Parsha, “V’Hiskadishtem V’Hiyisem Kedoshim--if you sanctify yourselves, you will be sanctified.”
It is all up to the Ruach Ish within each and everyone of us. Try feeling it, and, making **yourself** holy as you go through the day today!
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Important Numbers
