This week's Parsha contains the Parshas HaYira (Devorim 10:12-11:9). This Parsha is published in many Siddurim, including the Artscroll Siddur, at page 181a. If one cannot ordinarily make the time to recite this Parsha every day, we highly recommend that it be recited at least today or tomorrow, on Shabbos, as it is contained in the Parsha itself.
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BIRCHAS HAMAZON
This week's Parsha also contains the great Mitzvah of Birchas Hamazon. Below are several points relating to the Mitzvah:
1. The Zohar(quoted by the Pele Yoetz, Kaf HaChaim, Yesod V'Shoresh HaAvoda, and others) writes that one should use his best efforts to recite Birchas Hamazon b'Simcha--with appreciation that leads to joy.
2. The Pele Yoetz additionally writes that, according to Kabalah,the four Brachos of bentching correspond to the four letters of Hashem's ineffable name.
3. It is well known that Rav Shach, ZT'L, often emphasized the importance of bentching from a written text, and those close to him testify that he personally was very careful about this (Sefer L'Shichno Tidrishu 1:86).
4. The Yesod V'Shoresh HaAvoda writes in his will to his children that he would daven prior to bentching that he not be disturbed by a knock at the door or other annoyance, so as not to disturb his Kavana while bentching.
5. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 430) brings the opinion that one who is careful in the proper recital of Birchas HaMazon will have a parnasa b'kovod--honorable sustenance--all of his days.
6. The Sefer _The Halachos of Brachos_ (by Rabbi Pinchos Bodner) writes that one should be careful, as when making any brocha, not to conduct any other activity (such as moving crumbs, adjusting clothing, or motioning) while bentching.
7. One should be careful to hear the words he is reciting while bentching (see Chayei Adam 47:13).
8. There is a well-known story that HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, ZT'L, once repeated the paragraph of 'Nodeh Lecha'(We thank You, Hashem), in which we list many important things that we thank Hashem for. When he was asked why he repeated it, he responded that he experienced a momentary lapse of Kavana, and that saying 'Thank you' without meaning it is not true thanks. In a related way, Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Shlita, teaches in the name of HaRav Pam, ZT'L, that one may put out a finger and count each one of the things that you are thanking Hashem for every time you recite 'Nodeh Lecha'. Example: 'Al Yisrael Amecha-one, V'Al Yerushalayim Irecha-two etc.' If you try this, you will see that it is a great method of focusing your appreciation, and rejoicing in what Hashem has given you.
Finally, the extreme importance of Birchas HaMazon is demonstrated by the great emphasis that is placed upon it in the Chinuch of children. It is one of the first subjects taught to children--and in a joyful and singing manner. We asked HaRav Chaim Pinchus Scheinberg, Shlita, whether it would be better for a newcomer to Torah Judaism to recite the bentching in English or to listen word-for-word to the bentching of another in Hebrew. He responded that the newcomer should recite the bentching in English. While a major reason for this may be the difficulty encountered by a newcomer in following the entire Birchas HaMazon in Hebrew, an ancillary reason for this P'sak may be so that the person who has just eaten can truly appreciate the nature and beauty of Birchas Hamazon.
This Shabbos let us place a special emphasis, care, and love into our bentching, and may some of it carry through the rest of the year...
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Reprinted with permission by Hakhel MIS
Important Numbers
