Newsletter Parashat Shelach – Shabbat Mevarechim

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שבת מברכים

THIS SHABBAT 

is  שבת מברכים

Reminder
there will be NO derasha this week
instead we will have the 
kahal recitation of Sefer Tehilim

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Summer Timetable 5785 – 2025

מוצאי שבת

ערבית

)מוצ”ש(

שקיעה

סוף זמן קראת שמע

זמן שבת

פלג מנחה (תה״ד)

פלג מנחה (לבוש)

מנחה וקבלת שבת

תאריך

שבת פרשת

Shabbat

Ends

Arbit

Sunset

Shema to be read before

Candles to be
lit by

 

Earliest Candle lighting

Minha & Kabbalat Shabbat*

Date

Parasha

PM

PM

PM

AM

PM

PM

PM

PM

 

 

11:00

10:56

9:41

8:55

9:26

8:39

7:56

7:40

20/21 June

שלח (ש''מ)

🕯️SUMMER TIMES FOR SHABBAT 🕯️

שבת

קרבנות

9:00 am
הודו

9:15 am

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Avot Ubanim 5:30 pm

מנחה

6:30 pm

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Parasha Overview

At the insistence of the Bnei Yisrael, and with G-d's permission, Moshe sends 12 scouts, one from each tribe, to investigate Canaan. Anticipating trouble, Moshe changes Hoshea's name to Yehoshua, expressing a prayer that G-d not let him fail in his mission. They return 40 days later, carrying unusually large fruit. When 10 of the 12 state that the people in Canaan are as formidable as the fruit, the men are discouraged. Calev and Yehoshua, the only two scouts still in favor of the invasion, try to bolster the people's spirit. The nation, however, decides that the Land is not worth the potentially fatal risks, and instead demands a return to Egypt. Moshe's fervent prayers save the nation from Heavenly annihilation. However, G-d declares that they must remain in the desert for 40 years until the men who wept at the scouts' false report pass away. A remorseful group rashly begins an invasion of the Land, based on G-d's original command. Moshe warns them not to proceed, but they ignore this and are massacred by the Amalekites and Canaanites.

G-d instructs Moshe concerning the offerings to be made when the Bnei Yisrael will finally enter the Land. The people are commanded to remove challah, a gift for the kohanim, from their dough. The laws for an offering after an inadvertent sin, for an individual or a group, are explained. However, should someone blaspheme against G-d and be unrepentant, he will be cut off spiritually from his people. One man is found gathering wood on public property in violation of the laws of Shabbat and he is executed. The laws of tzitzit are taught. We recite the section about the tzitzit twice a day to remind ourselves of the Exodus.

Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

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Halachot from Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Ztz'l

שם האב או שם
האם – השכבה ותפלה

שאלה :האם כשמתפללים על החולה שיהיה בריא, יש להזכיר
בתפילה את שמו, או שאין להזכיר את שמו? והאם כאשר מזכירים את שמו, צריך לומר גם את
שם אמו, או שיש לומר את שם אביו
?
ומה הדין באמירת “ההשכבה“?

תשובה: לענין השאלה האם
יש להזכיר את שם החולה בכלל, כבר נאמר בתורה, כי בעת שהתפלל משה רבינו על מרים
אחותו שהשם יתברך ירפא אותה מצרעתה, לא הזכיר את שמה, כמו שנאמר, “וַיִּצְעַק
מֹשֶׁה אֶל ה' לֵאמֹר, אֵל נָא רְפָא נָא לָהּ”. ומבואר בפוסקים, שכאשר מבקש
על החולה בפניו, (כלומר שהחולה נמצא איתו בחדר), אז אין להזכיר את שמו, אבל כאשר
מתפלל עליו שלא בפניו, צריך שיפרט את שמו
.

ומה שאמרנו שאין צריך להזכיר את שם החולה בשעה
שמתפללים עליו בפניו, אין הכוונה שמי שירצה להזכיר את שם החולה גם כן עושה טוב,
מפני שבאמת טוב יותר לחולה שלא יזכירו את שמו בשעת התפילה, ולכן כאשר מתפלל בפני
החולה, יש להקפיד שלא להזכיר את שם החולה בתפילה. והטעם לזה, הביא הגאון החתם סופר
בשם המקובלים
, שבשעה שמזכירים את שמו של החולה, יש קצת
התעוררות הדינים עליו, ולפעמים יש קצת הפסד בהזכרת שמו, מה שאין כן כאשר מתפלל
בפני החולה שאינו מזכיר את שמו, שאז טוב לו. וכן כתב בספר עיון יעקב, שהואיל
ולעתים השם גורם לחולה את חוליו, לכן כאשר מתפללים בפניו אין להזכיר את שמו. שהרי
מחמת סיבה זו משנים את שמו של החולה, שאולי השם גורם לו את החולי. ולכן על ידי
תפילה בפניו ובלא הזכרת שמו, מסוגלים יותר לעורר עליו רחמי שמים שיתרפא
.

ולענין השאלה השניה, אם כאשר מתפללים על החולה
שלא בפניו, יש להזכיר את שמו ואת שם אביו
, או שיש להזכיר את
שמו ושם אמו. הנה בגמרא במסכת שבת (סו:) אמרו בפירוש
, שכל תפילות
ולחישות יהיו בלשון פלוני בן פלונית, כלומר, שלעולם יש להזכיר את שם האם ולא את שם
האב. ורבותינו הראשונים הביאו כמה טעמים לענין זה
, שלעולם יש להזכיר
את שם האם ולא את שם האב. ובשו”ת תורה לשמה (וכן בספר בן יהוידע ברכות נה:),
הביא טעם לזה, לפי שכאשר מזכירים את שם האב, עלולים לעורר קטרוג יותר על החולה,
שבדרך כלל על האיש יש יותר קטרוג מן השמים מאשר על האשה, שהאיש מצוי בידו עוון
חמור של ביטול תורה שאינו שייך כל כך לנשים, שהם פטורות מעיקר מצות תלמוד תורה,
ולכן לעולם טוב יותר להזכיר את שם האם מאשר את שם האב. גם יש להוסיף טעם בזה,
שהואיל ובדרך כלל האמהות הן יותר בעלות יסורים בעולם הזה, שסובלות ביותר צער לידה
והריון, וגם בגידול הבנים דרך כלל עליהן מוטל רוב העול בחינוך הילדים, ויש להן מכך
צער גידול בנים, לכן עוונותיהן נמחלים על ידי היסורים שלהן יותר מן האנשים, ולכן
טוב יותר להזכיר את שם אמו של האדם מאשר את שמו של אביו. ועוד מפורש טעם בזה בספר
הזהר הקדוש, שלפי דבריו גם אם ידוע בפירוש שאביו של אותו החולה היה צדיק מופלג
יותר מאמו, בכל זאת יש להזכיר בתפילה את שם האם ולא את שם האב
. (יביע אומר ח”ב או”ח סימן יא).

ולענין ההשכבה, שמזכירים נשמות המתים לאחר קריאת
התורה בבית הכנסת, יש בזה מנהגים חלוקים, כי יש נוהגים הזכיר שם האב דוקא. וכתב
מרן רבינו זצוק”ל, שכל הדברים הללו אינם מעכבים, ולכן, אין להקפיד כל כך
ולשנות את המנהגים בזה
,
וכן, אם לא ידוע שם אמו של הנפטר,
או של החולה, רשאים להזכיר שם אביו בלי חשש
.

וכתב בשו”ת תמים דעים, שכאשר מתפללים
בדמעות, אין המתפללים צריכים לעזרת מלאכי השרת שיביאו תפילתם לפני ה', שהרי אמרו
במסכת בבא מציעא (נט.), שערי דמעה לא ננעלו. וכן אם מתפללים בכוונה גדולה מתוך
צרה, תפילתם נשמעת אף על פי שאין המלאכים מכירים לשונם. עד כאן. וה' ישמע תפילתינו
ואל יבישנו משברנו. אמן
.

Using One’s Father’s or Mother’s Name for a Hashkava or
Prayer

Question: When
praying for the speedy recovery of someone ill, should the individual’s name be
mentioned in the prayer or not? Likewise, when the ill person’s name is
mentioned, should his mother’s or father’s name be mentioned as well? What is
the Halacha regarding reciting a Hashkava (memorial prayer for the
deceased)?

Answer: Regarding
the question about whether or not the name of the ill individual should be
mentioned at all, the Torah states that when Moshe Rabbeinu prayed for Hashem
to heal his sister, Miriam, from her leprosy, he did not mention her name, as
the Torah states, “And Moshe cried out to Hashem saying, ‘Please Hashem, heal
her, I beseech you.’” The Poskim explain that when one is praying in the
presence of the individual one is praying for (meaning in the same room), one
should not mention the individual’s name. However, when one is praying for the
individual while not in his presence, one should mention the individual’s name.

This that we have written that when praying in the
presence of the individual, one need not mention his name, this does not mean
that if one wishes one may still mention the name and this is also fine, for it
is actually better not to mention an ill individual’s name when praying for him
and thus, when praying in the presence of the individual, one should
specifically not mention his name in the prayer. The great Chatam Sofer
explains the reason for this based on the words of the Mekubalim is that when one’s
name is mentioned, heavenly judgment is aroused upon that person and mentioning
the name may cause some harm. However, when praying in the person’s presence
without mentioning his name, the prayer will be completely beneficial. The
Sefer Iyun Yaakov writes likewise that sometime, an individual’s name is what
causes the illness and therefore, when praying in the individual’s presence,
his name should not be mentioned. It is for this reason that a sick
individual’s name is changed since the current name could be what is causing
the illness. Thus, when praying in the presence of the individual and not
mentioning his name, there is a greater chance of arousing Heavenly mercy for
his speedy recovery.

Regarding our second question about when praying for an
ill individual while not in his presence whether his father’s or mother’s name
should be used, the Gemara (Shabbat 66b) states explicitly that all prayers
should be in the format of “one’s name, son/daughter of, one’s mother’s name.”
The Rishonim quote several reasons for why it is always better to use one’s
mother’s name. Rabbeinu Yosef Haim zt”l writes in his Responsa Torah
Lishmah and in his Sefer Ben Yehoyada (Berachot 55b) that the reason for this
is because when mentioning one’s father’s name, there is a possibility of
arousing prosecution upon the ill individual, for there is usually more
prosecution in Heaven upon men than upon women since men are liable for the
grave sin of wasting time from Torah study whereas women are exempt from the
Mitzvah of Torah study, it is therefore better to always mention the mother’s
name rather than the father’s. Another reason for this is because women usually
endure more suffering in this world than men through pregnancy, labor, and
raising children (of which the responsibility is primarily upon women who are
at home more); thus, many of their sins are atoned for as a result of this
suffering as opposed to men and it is therefore better to mention one’s
mother’s name as opposed to one’s father’s name. There is another reason for
this quoted in the holy Zohar and according to this reason, even if the father
of the individual was known to be more of a righteous individual than the
mother, the mother’s name should still be mentioned and not the father’s (see
Responsa Yabia Omer, Volume 2, OC, Chapter 11).

Regarding a Hashkava prayer during which the names
of the deceased are mentioned after the Torah reading in the synagogue, there
are varying customs and some specifically mention the father’s name. Maran
zt”l
writes that none of these customs are detrimental in any way and thus,
there is no need to change any specific custom and either one is fine.
Similarly, if the name of the mother of an ill or deceased individual is
unknown, the father’s name may be mentioned and this poses no concern at all.

The Sefer Temim De’im writes that when one prays while
crying, those praying do not require the assistance of the Heavenly angels to
bring their prayers up to Hashem, for the Gemara (Baba Metzia 59a) states that
the gates of tears have not been locked. Similarly, if one prays with intense
concentration during perilous times, the prayers are heard even if the angels
do not understand the language of the prayer. May Hashem answer all of our
prayers for the good, Amen

Newlstter Parshat Behaalotecha

בס״ד
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Have a look at our website www.moorlane.info 
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We would really love you to join us in this year's swim.
We have brought the swim much closer to home
 [40 minutes away],
in a more sheltered location and with more graded options, 
as well as being under the professional guidance of USWIM. 
If you could join us it would be a tremendous boost. 
The minimum sponsorship we are asking for is £300 [before matching]; 
so there's little to stop you taking the plunge!!!!!!!!!!!
Best regards,
The swim4torah5785 team
🗓️ 🏊  Save the Date  🏊 🗓️
15th and 16th of June
The swim4torah campaign 
will be on the 
15th and 16th of June 
With the swim taking place the following week.

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We regret to inform the kahal of the
 פטירה – passing of 
Mrs Mercedes Cohen ע״ה
sister of our dear 
Vidal Maman נ״י
last Shabbat in Toronto  

מן השמים תנחמו

אריכות ימים

 

Moorlanenews 

would like to use this opportunity

to send their heartfelt condolences to 

Vidal נ״י 

and all his family 

and wish them 

מן השמים תנחמו

  אריכות ימים  

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Important Information

The annual Parklife music festival returns to 

Heaton Park THIS coming weekend 

(Friday, Shabbat & Sunday).

As usual, Parklife attracts around 80,000 attendees per day, 

who come from all over the country. 

Obviously, this many visitors to the area raises the potential for incidents to occur 

and this is one of the reasons the organisers arrange for so many security personnel 

in the area over the two/ three days of the festival.


Therefore, we kindly ask the kahal to be vigilant and ensure the usual security steps are taken

whilst tefillot, avot ubanim or learning sessions are taking place

 i.e. ensure all doors to the building are properly closed.


Please remember to report any antisemitic incidents, 

or incidents of suspicious behaviour immediately, 

to the police on 999 and to CST on 0800 032 3263.

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Would you like to do some Keriat Hatorah – Torah reading?
Committed to doing a reading and finding it hard?
Need to cancel or make a change?
Want to be added to the Keriat HaTorah roster?
Please contact Yehoshua Jacobs
******
Please support our minyanim whenever possible
Updates will appear on the WhatsApp group image.png
If anyone needs any help getting to or from the minyanim 
please contact one of the members of the Mahamad
*****
🕯️שבת🕯️

לוח זמני תפלה לקיץ תשפ״ה

Summer Timetable 5785 – 2025

מוצאי שבת

ערבית

)מוצ”ש(

שקיעה

סוף זמן קראת שמע

זמן שבת

פלג מנחה (תה״ד)

פלג מנחה (לבוש)

מנחה וקבלת שבת

תאריך

שבת פרשת

Shabbat

Ends

Arbit

Sunset

Shema to be read before

Candles to be
lit by

 

Earliest Candle lighting

Minha & Kabbalat Shabbat*

Date

Parasha

PM

PM

PM

AM

PM

PM

PM

PM

 

 

10:57

10:53

9:38

8:54

9:23

8:37

7:53

7:40

13/14 June

בהעלתך

🕯️SUMMER TIMES FOR SHABBAT 🕯️

שבת

קרבנות

9:00 am
הודו

9:15 am

image.png
Avot Ubanim 5:30 pm

מנחה

6:30 pm

****

🪉Moor Lane Women’s Nach Group    🪉

PHOTO-2025-05-21-14-06-48.jpg

****

📜
Parasha Overview

Aharon is taught the method for kindling the Menorah. Moshe sanctifies the levi'im to work in the Mishkan. They replace the firstborn, who were disqualified after sinning through the golden calf. The levi'im are commanded that after five years of training they are to serve in the Mishkan from ages 30 to 50. Afterwards, they are to engage in less strenuous work.

One year after the Exodus from Egypt, Hashem commands Moshe concerning the korban Pesach. Those ineligible for this offering request a remedy, and the mitzvah of Pesach Sheini — allowing them a “second chance” to offer the korban Pesach, one month later — is detailed. Miraculous clouds that hover near the Mishkan signal when to travel and when to camp. Two silver trumpets summon the princes or the entire nation for announcements. The trumpets also signal travel plans, war or festivals. The order in which the tribes march is specified.

Moshe invites his father-in-law, Yitro, to join the Jewish People, but Yitro returns to Midian. At the instigation of the eruv rav — the mixed Egyptian multitude who joined the Jewish People in the Exodus — some people complain about the manna. Moshe protests that he is unable to govern the nation alone. Hashem tells him to select 70 elders, the first Sanhedrin, to assist him, and informs him that the people will be given meat until they will be sickened by it. Two candidates for the group of elders prophesy beyond their mandate, foretelling that Yehoshua instead of Moshe will bring the people to Canaan. Some protest, including Yehoshua, but Moshe is pleased that others have become prophets. Hashem sends an incessant supply of quail for those who complained that they lacked meat. A plague punishes those who complained.

Miriam tries to make a constructive remark to Aharon, which also implies that Moshe is only like other prophets. Hashem explains that Moshe's prophecy is superior to that of any other prophet and punishes Miriam with tzara'at, as if she had gossiped about her brother. (Because Miriam is so righteous, she is held to an incredibly high standard.) Moshe prays for Miriam to be healed, and the nation waits until she is cured before traveling.

Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

****
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Halachot from Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Ztz'l

המתאחר לבית הכנסת בשבת

בהלכה הקודמת ביארנו, שמי שאיחר להגיע לבית הכנסת בתפלת שחרית, ורואה שאם יתפלל את כל סדר התפלה, לא יוכל לעמוד בתפלת העמידה עם הציבור, עליו לדלג קטעים בתפלה, כפי שביארנו, כדי שלא יאבד את ה”תפלה בציבור” שמעלתה גדולה.

ועתה נבאר, אודות אדם המאחר לבא לבית הכנסת בשחרית של שבת. וכפי הנראה, הוא יספיק לומר את כל מזמורי התפלה (פסוקי דזמרה, שהם המזמורים, מ”מזמור שיר ליום בשבת”, ועד “שירת הים”), אבל לא יוכל לומר גם את “נשמת כל חי” שאנו רגילים לומר בכל שבת. והשאלה היא, האם כדאי לדלג מזמורים מתוך ה”פסוקי דזמרה”, ובכך להספיק לומר את נוסח “נשמת כל חי”, או שעדיף יותר לומר את כל הפסוקי דזמרה, ולדלג את “נשמת כל חי”.

שיטת ה”חיי אדם”

ובספר חיי אדם (כלל יט) כתב, שבשבת מוטב לדלג פסוקי דזמרה, ממה שידלג נשמת כל חי, כי חובה לומר “נשמת” בשבת, שנקראת “ברכת השיר”. ולכן, אם אין שהות כל כך, יאמר “ברוך שאמר”, “תהלה לדוד”, “נשמת”, ו”ישתבח”. וכדבריו פסקו כמה מהאחרונים.

שיטת ה”שלמי ציבור”

ולעומתו בספר “שלמי ציבור” כתב, שאם אינו יכול לומר גם “פסוקי דזמרה” וגם “נשמת כל חי”, מוטב לדלג “נשמת” ממה שידלג בגוף הפסוקי דזמרה. שהרי כלל גדול בידינו “תדיר ושאינו תדיר, תדיר קודם”, כלומר, דבר שהוא קבוע, כמו פסוקי דזמרה שאנו קוראים בכל יום, הם קודמים לדבר שאינו קבוע כל כך, כמו “נשמת” שאנו אומרים רק בשבת. וגם בשיטה זו נקטו הרבה מרבותינו האחרונים.

דברי מרן רבינו זצ”ל

ומרן רבינו עובדיה יוסף זצ”ל כתב, שאין הכרח לדברי החיי אדם, שכן אמירת “נשמת כל חי” אינה חובה כל כך כמו פסוקי דזמרה, אלא מנהג בלבד. כמו שכתב הרמב”ם (בסדר התפלה) בזו הלשון: “ובשבת נהגו כל העם להוסיף לפני ישתבח נוסח נשמת כל חי”. ומבואר שאמירת נשמת כל חי אינה חיוב מן הדין ממש, אלא בתורת מנהג, (כמו אמירת שירת הים, שגם כן אינה אלא מנהג).

ובפרט שנוסח נשמת כל חי לא מוזכר כלל בגמרא שיש לאמרו בכל שבת בתפלה, ולכן בודאי שיש להעדיף את אמירת “פסוקי דזמרה” הקבועים בכל יום, על פני אמירת “נשמת כל חי”.

ולסיכום: המתאחר לתפלת שחרית ביום שבת, ורואה שלא יוכל להספיק להתפלל עם הציבור, אלא אם ידלג קטעים מן התפלה, מוטב שידלג את אמירת “נשמת כל חי”, ממה שידלג את אמירת “פסוקי דזמרה” הקבועים בכל יום.


One who Arrives Late to the Synagogue on Shabbat Morning

In the previous Halacha, we have explained that if one arrives late to the synagogue for the Shacharit prayer and realizes that if he prays according to the proper order he will not be able to recite the Amida prayer along with the congregation, one should omit certain portions of the prayer in order to pray with the congregation, which is extremely important.

We shall now discuss the Halacha regarding one who arrives late to the synagogue for the Shacharit prayer on Shabbat morning. If it seems to one that one will be able to recite the entire Pesukei De’Zimra (beginning with “Mizmor Shir Le’Yom Ha’Shabbat” until “Az Yashir”) but will not be able to recite the “Nishmat Kol Hai” prayer customarily recited on Shabbat as well, the question becomes: Should one omit certain portions of the Pesukei De’Zimra in order to be able to recite the “Nishmat Kol Hai” prayer or is it preferable to recite the entire Pesukei De’Zimra and omit the “Nishmat Kol Hai” prayer?

The Opinion of the “Chayei Adam”
The Sefer Chayei Adam (Chapter 19) writes that it is preferable to omit Pesukei De’Zimra on Shabbat in order to have ample time to recite the “Nishmat Kol Hai” prayer, which is called “The Blessing of the Song.” Thus, if one does not have much time, one should recite “Baruch She’amar,” “Ashrei,” “Nishmat Kol Hai,” and “Yishtabach.” Several Acharonim rule accordingly.

The Opinion of the “Shalmei Tzibur”
Nevertheless, the Shalmei Tzibur writes that if one does not have enough time to recite both Pesukei De’Zimra and “Nishmat Kol Hai,” it is preferable to omit the “Nishmat Kol Hai” prayer than to omit parts of Pesukei De’Zimra, for we have a rule, “The more common of two Mitzvot takes precedence.” Thus, Pesukei De’Zimra, which is recited every day, precedes the “Nishmat Kol Hai” prayer which is only recited on Shabbatot and holidays. Many Acharonim rule likewise as well.

The Opinion of Maran zt”l
Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef zt”l writes that the opinion of the Chayei Adam is not necessarily correct, for reciting the “Nishmat Kol Hai” prayer is not as obligatory as reciting Pesukei De’Zimra and is merely a custom. Indeed, the Rambam writes (in his Order of Prayer): “On Shabbat, the congregation customarily adds the ‘Nishmat Kol Hai’ prayer before Yishtabach.” Clearly, reciting “Nishmat Kol Hai” is not an actual obligation and is merely customary (similar to reciting the “Song of the Sea,” i.e. “Az Yashir” which is also customary).

This is especially true since the Talmud does not mention the addition of “Nishmat Kol Hai” in the Shabbat morning prayer. Thus, Pesukei De’Zimra, which is recited daily, surely takes precedence over reciting “Nishmat Kol Hai.”

Summary: If one arrives late to the synagogue on Shabbat morning and sees that he will not be able to recite the Amida prayer with the congregation unless he omits certain portions of the prayer, it is preferable that one omit the “Nishmat Kol Hai” prayer rather than to omit the Psalms of Pesukei De’Zimra which are recited every day.

Newsletter Parashat Naso

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לוח זמני תפלה לקיץ תשפ״ה

Summer Timetable 5785 – 2025

מוצאי שבת

ערבית

)מוצ”ש(

שקיעה

סוף זמן קראת שמע

זמן שבת

פלג מנחה (תה״ד)

פלג מנחה (לבוש)

מנחה וקבלת שבת

תאריך

שבת פרשת

Shabbat

Ends

Arbit

Sunset

Shema to be read before

Candles to be
lit by

 

Earliest Candle lighting

Minha & Kabbalat Shabbat*

Date

Parasha

PM

PM

PM

AM

PM

PM

PM

PM

 

 

10:50

10:46

9:33

8:55

9:18

8:31

7:49

7:40

6/7 June

נשא

🕯️SUMMER TIMES FOR SHABBAT 🕯️

שבת

קרבנות

9:00 am
הודו

9:15 am

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Avot Ubanim 5:30 pm

פרקי אבות

6:20 pm

מנחה

6:30 pm

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Parasha Overview

The Torah assigns the exact Mishkan-related tasks to be performed by the families of Gershon, Kehat, and Merari, the sons of Levi. A census reveals that over 8,000 men are ready for such service. All those ritually impure are to be sent out of the encampments.

If a person, after having sworn in court to the contrary, confesses that he wrongfully retained his neighbor’s property, he has to pay an additional fifth of the base-price of the object and bring a guilt offering as atonement. If the claimant has already passed away without heirs, the payments are made to a kohen.

In certain circumstances, a husband who suspects that his wife had been unfaithful brings her to the Temple. A kohen prepares a drink of water mixed with dust from the Temple floor and a special ink that was used for inscribing G-d's Name on a piece of parchment. If she is innocent, the potion does not harm her, but, rather, it brings her a blessing of children. If she is guilty, she suffers a supernatural death.

Nazir is one who vows to dedicate himself to G-d for a specific period of time. He must abstain from all grape products, grow his hair and avoid contact with corpses. At the end of this period he shaves his head and brings special offerings. The kohanim are commanded to bless the people. The Mishkan is completed and dedicated on the first day of Nissan in the second year after the Exodus. The prince of each tribe makes a communal gift to help transport the Mishkan, as well as donating identical individual gifts of gold, silver, animal and meal offerings.

Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

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Halachot from Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Ztz'l

אמן באמצע התפילה

שאלה: אדם המתפלל תפילת העמידה, וסיים את ברכת “שים שלום”, והחל באמירת “יהיו לרצון”, ובאותו הזמן השליח ציבור התחיל באמירת הקדושה (נקדישך ונעריצך וכו'), האם המתפלל רשאי להפסיק בתפילתו ולענות לקדושה, וכן לענות אמן על הברכות שהחזן מברך, או שאינו רשאי להפסיק בתפילתו?

תשובה: הדבר פשוט, שבשעה שאדם מברך איזו ברכה, אסור לו להפסיק באמצע הברכה לשום דבר, ואסור לו לענות אמן על ברכת חבירו, וכן אסור לו לענות לקדיש או קדושה.

הפסקה לאחר סיום ברכת “שים שלום”

אולם אחרי שסיים אדם את ברכת שים שלום שבתפילה, וכבר אמר את הפסוק “יהיו לרצון אמרי פי והגיון לבי לפניך ה' צורי וגואלי”, הרי הוא באמצע אמירת “אלקי נצור”, ואז אין דינו כדין אדם העומד באמצע ברכה, כי עיקר התפילה כבר הסתיימה והוא רשאי להפסיק לעניית דברים שבקדושה, ולכן רשאי להפסיק לרגע, ולענות לקדושה שאומר השליח ציבור עם הקהל.

לענות על ברכות

כתב הגאון רבינו יוסף חיים, בספרו בן איש חי, שמרגע שאמר האדם פסוק “יהיו לרצון”, הוא רשאי לענות לכל דבר שבקדושה, ואפילו לענות אמן על ברכות שהוא שומע, הוא רשאי. ושורש דבריו מדברי הגאון מרן החיד”א בספרו קשר גודל, שפסק כן, וכדעת הטורי זהב, שלכל ברכה ודבר שבקדושה רשאי לענות אחרי שאמר כבר את הפסוק “יהיו לרצון”. וכן פסק הגאון רבינו בן ציון אבא שאול זצ”ל.

דעת מרן

אולם מרן רבינו עובדיה יוסף זצ”ל, דקדק מדברי מרן השלחן ערוך, שאין הלכה כן. ורק לקדושה ממש, כלומר, לענות “קדוש קדוש קדוש” וכו', וכן “ברוך כבוד ה' ממקומו”, רשאי להפסיק אחר אמירת יהיו לרצון, וכן רשאי לענות חמשה אמנים ראשונים של הקדיש, אבל לענות על כל ברכה וברכה ששומע, אסור.

והראיה לדבר, ממה שכתב מרן השלחן ערוך, שמי שרגיל לומר תחנונים, (כלומר, להוסיף תפלות ובקשות אישיות בסיום התפלה, באמצע אמירת אלהי נצור), ושמע “קדיש או קדושה”, יקצר בדבריו, ואם אינו מקצר, יכול להפסיק, “כדרך שמפסיק בברכה של קריאת שמע”.

מוכח מדברי מרן, שדין העומד באמצע “אלהי נצור” שווה לדינו של זה הנמצא באמצע ברכות קריאת שמע. והלא ההלכה היא, שבאמצע ברכות קריאת שמע אסור לענות אמן על ברכות. וכמו כן אסור לומר את כל נוסח הקדושה “נקדישך ונעריצך”, וכן אין לענות “ימלוך ה' לעולם” שבסיום הקדושה, אלא אך ורק לאמנים הראשונים שבקדיש, ולעניית “קדוש קדוש קדוש” ו”ברוך כבוד ה'” שבקדושה. ואם כן הוא הדין בשעה שעומד באמצע “אלהי נצור”, שאינו עונה אמן על ברכות.

וכן כתבו הרבה מרבותינו האחרונים, בדעת מרן השלחן ערוך, שהעיקר להלכה, שאין לענות באמצע אלהי נצור, אלא קדוש קדוש, וברוך כבוד ה', וחמשה אמנים הראשונים של הקדיש. ובעניית “אמן יהא שמיה רבא”, יענה עד “ולעלמי עלמיא יתברך”, ולא ימשיך עד “בעלמא” כמנהגו תמיד.

ולסיכום: בשעה שסיים אדם את אמירת הפסוק “יהיו לרצון” שבסיום ברכות שים שלום. רשאי לענות אך ורק על חמשת האמנים הראשונים שבקדיש, וכן רשאי לענות “קדוש קדוש קדוש”, ו”ברוך כבוד ה'”, בקדושה שבחזרת השליח ציבור.



Interrupting During the Amida Prayer to Answer Amen

Question: If one reciting the Amida prayer has concluded the “Sim Shalom” blessing and has begun reciting the following verse of “Yihyu Le’Ratzon” as the Chazzan begins the recitation of the Kedusha (“Nakdishach Ve’Na’aritzach”), may the individual praying interrupt his own prayer in order to answer Kedusha and Amen to the blessings being recited by the Chazzan or may he not interrupt his prayer at all?

Answer: When one is in the midst of reciting a blessing, one may not interrupt in the middle of the blessing for any matter, not even answering Amen to a friend’s blessing nor answering Kaddish or Kedusha.

Interrupting After Concluding the “Sim Shalom” Blessing
Nevertheless, once one concludes the “Sim Shalom” blessing of the Amida prayer and has recited the verse “Yihyu Le’Ratzon Imrei Fi Ve’Hegyon Libi Lefanecha, Hashem Tzuri Ve’Go’ali,” one will be in the midst of reciting the “Elohai Netzor” section and no longer retains the law of one who is standing in the middle of a blessing. At this point, one may interrupt to answer words of holiness. Thus, one may pause for a moment to answer the Kedusha being recited by the Chazzan and congregation.

To Answer Blessings
Hagaon Rabbeinu Yosef Haim writes in his Sefer Ben Ish Hai that from the moment one recites the “Yihyu Le’Ratzon” verse, one may answer any words of holiness including answering Amen to blessings one hears. The basis for his opinion stems from the words of Maran Ha’Chida in his Kesher Gudal who rules likewise in accordance with the ruling of the Turei Zahav. Hagaon Rabbeinu Ben-Zion Abba Shaul zt”l rules likewise.

The Opinion of Maran
On the other hand, Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef zt”l infers from the words of Maran Ha’Shulchan Aruch that the Halacha does not follow the above opinion. Only answering to Kedusha, i.e., reciting the verses of “Kadosh, Kadosh” and “Baruch Kevod Hashem Mi’mekomo,” is permitted after reciting the “Yihyu Le’Ratzon” verse. It is likewise permissible to answer the first five Amens of Kaddish at this point. Answering Amen to any blessing one hears at this point, however, is forbidden.

The proof to this is that Maran Ha’Shulchan Aruch writes that one who is accustomed to reciting supplications (i.e. personal requests and prayers one inserts at the conclusion of the Amida prayer, within the “Elohai Netzor” section) and hears Kaddish or Kedusha should shorten his prayers and if one does not shorten one’s prayers, one may interrupt “the way one would interrupt during the recitation of the blessings of Keri’at Shema.” Based on the words of Maran, the law of one in the midst of the “Elohai Netzor” section is equal to the law of one in the midst of reciting the blessings of Keri’at Shema. The Halacha is well-known that within the blessings of Keri’at Shema, one may not interrupt in order to answer Amen to blessings. One may likewise not recite the entire text of the Kedusha beginning with “Nakdishach Ve’Na’aritzach” nor may one answer the final verse of the Kedusha, “Yimloch Hashem Le’Olam.” Rather, one may only answer the first five Amens of Kaddish and the verses of “Kadosh, Kadosh” and “Baruch Kevod Hashem” of the Kedusha at this point. If so, the same applies within the “Elohai Netzor” section of the Amida and one may not answer Amen to blessings in the midst of reciting it.

Indeed, many great Acharonim interpret the opinion of Maran Ha’Shulchan Aruch that halachically speaking, the only things one may interrupt to answer within the “Elohai Netzor” section of the Amida are the verses of “Kadosh, Kadosh” and “Baruch Kevod Hashem” of the Kedusha and the first five Amens of Kaddish. Furthermore, when answering “Amen Yehe Shemeh Rabba” at this point, one may only do so until the words “Ul’almei Almaya Yitbarach” and not continue until the words “Da’amiran Be’Alma” as one would usually.

Summary: When one concludes reciting the “Yihyu Le’Ratzon” verse following the conclusion of the “Sim Shalom” blessing of the Amida, one may only interrupt to answer the first five Amens of Kaddish and the verses of “Kadosh, Kadosh” and “Baruch Kevod Hashem” of the Kedusha.

Shabuot 5785

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 Timetable attached to this email

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Explanation of the היתיר – leniency, 

to make קידוש early on ליל שבועות

יש אומרים שבליל חג השבועות אין לקדש על הכוס עד שיהיה ודאי לילה, [שהוא כרבע שעה לאחר שקיעת החמה]. שאם יקדש מבעוד יום הרי הוא כמחסר קצת מיום מ''ט לספירה, וכתוב: ''שבע שבתות ''תמימות'' תהיינה''.

 ויש חולקים ואומרים שאין לחוש לכך, ושכן פשט המנהג לקדש אף מבעוד יום, ולכן לכתחילה נכון להמתין מלקדש עד לאחר שעברו עשרים דקות מהשקיעה, ובפרט במקומות אלו שאפשר לחשוש לדברי האחרונים ולהמתין עד הלילה, שנכון לעשות כן.

 ומכל מקום בשעת הצורך הרוצה לסמוך על המקילים, ולקדש על הכוס מבעוד יום ולהוסיף מחול על הקודש יש לו על מה שיסמוך. שכן הוא מעיקר הדין, וגם המנהג כן. 

ובפרט בארצות אירופה וכדומה, שהשקיעה מתאחרת מאד בימי הקיץ, ובני הבית מצטערים לשבת ולהמתין עד הלילה, וגם זה גורם הפרעה לסדר לימוד הלילה בספר קריאי מועד, כפי שנוהגים על פי הזוהר והאר''י ז''ל, שיש להקל להם לקדש ולסעוד מבעוד יום. ואם אפשר טוב שימתינו עד תחילת השקיעה, באופן שהשמש מתכסית מעינינו, ואז יקדשו ויסעדו. וטוב שיאכלו כזית לחם בצאת הכוכבים, ועליהם תבוא ברכת טוב. [יחוה דעת חלק ו' סימן ל. חזון עובדיה חלק א' סימן א. יביע אומר חלק ה' סימן ו' סק''ה. הליכות עולם חלק ב' עמוד ג'].

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Guidelines to make קידוש 

&

accept the 2nd day of יום טוב 

earlier than nightfall

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Reminders
1) Repeat Keriat Shema at Nightfall on both nights
2) שהחיינו in קידוש – BOTH nights
3) יעלה ויבא in Amida & Birkat Hamazon
4) Be aware of important times (see timetable) 
a) Shema & Amida – latest times
b) Shekia – Sunset
c) מנחה before Shekia  
d) ערבית after Pelag HaMincha
6) אזהרות – Azharot 
7) מגילת רות
8) הדלקת נרות on Yom Tov should be light 
from an existing light candle
9) מנהגים
a) stay up and learn all night
b) decorate your house with flowers
  c) Eat dairy products 
(Careful with meat products.)  
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The Fundamentals of Staying Up All Night, and The Laws of Birchot Hashachar for the Morning After 
It is the custom to stay up all night on the night of Shavuot, and study Torah. There’s a famous story that happened in the times of Maran (Rabbi Joseph ben Ephraim Caro 1488-1575), where he and some of his colleagues stayed up on the night of Shavuot, and in the middle of the night a voice came out of the heavens, and expressed how much pleasure and how much happiness, and how much enjoyment, their learning was giving the heavens. But, the heavenly voice said, if you would have had a Minyan, if you would have had 10 men, then already it would have been on a different level. Maran relayed this story over the next stay, and it’s brought down by the Shelah, that the next night, he went with 10 people. They stayed up 2 nights in a row, and they learnt. And the voice came down again, and gave them an approval, that they were giving great enjoyment. So you see, that night has a special place in Shamayim for the studying.


The custom is to read the Tikun, as is written the book Kerie Moed. We shouldn’t belittle these Minhagim even though a lot of it is just pesukim (sentences), and just reading, because, these Pisukim were picked specifically in order to make the Tikun of that night. Of course, after the Tikun is read, which takes about 2-3 hours, depending on how fast or slow you read it, then of course you have the rest of the night to study Gemara and to study other Limudim (studies).

One should make every effort to keep the Minhag, and to rest a little before Shavuot starts. But we have to explain this Minhag in the proper light. It can’t be that the custom was to stay up all night and then sleep theall day the next day. So then what would we have gained over here? We simply turned the night into day, and the day into night. The explanation obviously was, that in the day they stole from their sleep, they didn’t sleep the whole afternoon, only a few hours in order to get strength, and then they came back to the Bet Midrash and continued to study. That obviously was the Minhag.

Regarding when we get up in the morning, or when we pray Shacharit that morning of Shavuot after staying up all night. We have to make Birkat Ha’Torah again. Even though we didn’t sleep, Birkat Ha’Torah is renewed at Amood Hashachar. So at dawn, as posted in the calendars for the day of Shavuot, we say Birkat Ha’Torah again.

We further explain that in the morning of Shavuot, we make Birkat Ha’Torah after Alot Hashachar, however, we do not make Netilat Yadayim with a Beracha if we stayed up all night. You can wash your hands but Netilat Yadayim is said without Shem U’malchut. 

Regarding Asher Yatzar, it depends. If you went to the bathroom then you make Asher Yatzar. And if you don’t go the bathroom then you don’t make Asher Yatzar. Regarding all the other Birchot Hashachar, on the morning of Shavuot– we make

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Aseret haDiberot – The Ten Utterances

It is the minhag of all Jews from North Africa, as well as our brothers, the Ashkenazim, to stand up during the reading of the ‘aseret hadiberot on Shavu’ot, Parashat Yitro, and Perashat va-Ethanan.[1] Ribi Shalom Messas zt”l[2] writes that we stand in order to stir feelings of fear and trepidation, as we felt at Har Sinai. However, this minhag has been disputed amongst some halachic authorities.

The Gemara (Berachot 12a) relates that at sunrise, the Kohanim would call out the ‘aseret hadiberot together with the shema’:

“Ribi Yehuda said in the name of Shemuel: They even wanted to call out the ‘aseret hadiberot by the borders, but this decree was nullified because of the claims of the heretics (Qaraim). Rashi explains that they were worried that the heretics will tell the ignoramus that the reason they call out only the ‘aseret hadiberot and the shema’ is because they only read out what Hashem told us from His “mouth” at Har Sinai, whilst the rest of the Torah is not true.”

 

Following this line of reasoning, Rambam zt”l[3] writes not to stand for the ‘aseret hadiberot because the heretics will claim, “we only attribute importance to these ten misvot as they are the only ones that are true; the rest of the Torah is not true,” has veshalom. E”H Hacham ‘Ovadia Yosef s”t[4] and e”H Hakham Yishaq Yosef s”t[5] share the opinion that we should not stand during the ‘aseret hadiberot as per Rambam’s response. Yemenite Jews, along with those of ‘Edot haMizrah (Middle Eastern communities)also do not have the minhag to stand during the reading of the ‘aseret hadiberot.[6]  However, this minhag existed even before Rambam and the question is: Why did Rambam make such a decree against it? And why do the majority of Jews today continue to follow this minhag, which seemingly contradicts Rambam’s pesaq?

 

The reason we continue to follow this minhag, is because the heretics back then at the time of the Rambam were much different then the heretics of today because the heretics of today do not make any such claims.[7] Ribi Shalom Messas zt”l[8] is also of this opinion and explains further that whether we were to remain seated or we stood during the ‘aseret hadiberot it would not change the perception of the heretics; either way they would find ways to deny the Torah.Also, it is clear that since we continue to read the remainder of the Perasha – and not solely the ‘aseret hadiberot – there is no reason to worry about such claims.[9] Furthermore, Maran haHida zt”l[10] explains that since we make berachot before and after each ‘aliya laTorah – and not just the ‘aliya of the ‘aseret hadiberot – we have no worry that the heretics will make a claim that the rest of the Torah is untrue. However, Maran haHida zt”l[11] cautions us to stand from the beginning of the ‘aliya in order to show that we stand for other pesuqim as well. He also adds that it is very important that if the majority of the qahal (congregation) is standing, one should NOT sit, as this shows as if they are belittling the ‘aseret hadiberot, h“v. Nonetheless, Ribi Yishaq Hazan zt”l[12], Ribi Yossef Messas zt”l[13], and Ribi Refael Berdugo zt”l[14] all say that the common minhag is to stand only once we reach the ‘aseret hadiberot for we are not concerned about the claims of the heretics.

 

Summary:There are posqim, such as Rambam zt”l and e”H Hakham ‘Ovadia Yosef s”t, who prohibit standing during ‘aseret hadiberot for fear of the heretics’ claims. The majority of posqim are not concerned with these heretics’ claims for various reasons and thus permit standing. Each one should follow the minhag of the synagogue regarding which point to stand.


The minhag in 

K K Shaare Tefila, Moor Lane 

is to stand during the Aseret Hadiberot



[1] Divré Shalom ve-Emet Volume 2, pp. 72-3; Sefer Mamlekhet Kohanim brings down that this is also the minhag in Djerba and mainland Tunisia; Noheg Behokhma, pp. 143); QS”A Ribi Toledano zt”l pp. 137; Yehavé Da’at– Ribi Yishaq Hazan zt”l (Volume 3, O”H, Siman 13); Maté Yehuda– Ribi Yehouda ‘Ayash zt”l, (Siman 1:6); Devar Shemuel – Ribi Shemuel Abuhab zt”l (Siman 276); Kapé Aharon (Siman 39); Sdé Hemed, [Kelalé Haposqim (Siman 5:14)]

[2] Shemesh Umagen, (Volume 1, O”H, Siman 57, pp. 130-1)

[3] In his handwritten responsa that was compiled along with approximately 367 other responses in 1934. (Siman 46)

[4]Yehavé Da’at, 1:29; 6:8           

[5] Yalqut Yosef, (Volume 2 pp. 198, Hilkhot Sefer Torah)

[6] Divré Shalom ve-Emet: Volume 2, pp. 73

[7] Rav Moshé Feinstein’s zt”l response, Igerot Moshé (Volume 4, O”H, Siman 22)

[8] Shemesh Umagen, (Volume 1, O”H, Siman 57, pp. 130-1); (Volume 3, O”H, Siman 55 (3))

[9] Magen Avot (Siman 1, pp. 53-4): Diné Hasqamat Baboqer.

[10] Ledavid Emet (Siman 7:5)

[11] Tov ‘Ayin, Siman 11

[12]Yehavé Da’at, (Volume 3, Siman 13)

[13] Osar Hamikhtavim (Volume 3, pp. 1859)

[14]QS”A of Ribi Refael Berdugo, pp. 174

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Shavuot

image.png   Customs of Shavuot

Contents

The order of prayer and kidush is the same for Shavuot as for the Shalosh Regalim, (the three pilgrim-festivals), with specific reference made however, to 'this festival of Shavuot, the time of the giving of our Torah.' During musaf the 'additional-sacrificial-offerings' and the 'new-gift-offering' for Shavuot are mentioned as is the passage Uveyom Habikurim. Hallel is likewise said in whole, in accord with the practice followed during the Shalosh Regalim.

During the kiddush, shecheyanu is said. Women recite shecheyanu together with the brachah over the candles, prior to lighting them. Again in keeping with Yom Tov practice, it is obligatory to partake of two meals – to include meat and wine.

It is customary to practice immersion in a mikvah (ritual bath) on Erev Shavuot (the eve of Shavuot), for one is obliged to purify himself at the advent of a Yom Tov. There are some who practice immersion also on Yom Tov. There are some who practice immersion also on Yom Tov morning, in remembrance of Israel's purification during the 'days-of-abstinence,' prior to their receipt of the Torah.

Though it is generally customary to recite the ma'ariv prayers somewhat earlier than usual on Erev Yom Tov, the first night of Shavuot, however, ma'ariv is delayed till after the appearance of the stars. Seven whole weeks are to elapse counting from the second day of Pesach till the advent of Shavuot. And, if the sanctity of Yom Tov is 'accepted' before the forty ninth day is concluded, the days-of-the-counting will not have been whole. Similarly, the Shavuot kiddush is not recited till certain nightfall.

It is customary to decorate the synagogues and home with greens. And some decorate the Torah scrolls with roses. If the greens were not prepared before Shavuot, it is forbidden to use unprepared leaves – though they were cut before Shavuot – for decoration. If the greens were however prepared for the sake of the festival, but were not arranged out of forgetfulness, they may be arranged on Yom Tov.

There is a custom of placing tree branches and boughs about the 'bimah' (Synagogue pulpit) in the Synagogue, to recall that Shavuot is the time of judgment for the fruit of the trees, so that prayers might be uttered in their behalf. The Gaon of Vilna however, suspended this custom in many communities since it had become an established practice in gentile religious festival usage.

It is customary to remain awake through the night for study of Torah and the reading of the Tikun-for-the-Night-of-Shavuot.

Special care should be exercised not to slumber during the 'shacharit' prayers, the Torah reading, and especially during 'musaf', which 'seals' the Omer-period. (The reference is to the 'new-gift-offering' brought on Shavuot morning upon the termination of the Omer-count days).

Those who remain awake through the night wash their hands in the morning, but do not recite 'al netilat yadayim,' and 'Birkot Hashachar.' They are required only to hear these brachot recited by one who is obligated to say them, and to answer Amen.


Reasons for eating Milk foods on Shavuot

Contents

  1. “Shavuot is an extension of Pesach and its conclusion. Just as we eat two cooked dishes on Pesach in memory of the Paschal-Lamb and the Chaggigah offering of Pesach, we likewise eat two cooked foods on Shavuot; one a milk dish, and the other a meat dish. Since one may not eat from the same loaf of bread with both meat and milk dishes, this custom is a memorial of the two breads brought on Shavuot” (Rabbi Moshe Isserles – Rama).
  2. 'The day when Moshe was drawn out of the water was the 6th of Sivan, and he was willing to be nursed only by a Hebrew woman. Therefore we recall this merit of his, through eating of milk foods on the same day' (Sefer Matamim).
  3. 'Till the giving of the Torah, the Jews were permitted to eat meat of animals which were not kosher as well as meat of animals that had not been slaughtered in accord with the laws of shechitah. After the giving of the Torah, shechitah and the laws of forbidden foods were prescribed for them. Since all their utensils and dishes thereby became prohibited and they were unable to make them kosher, they could only eat milk foods' (Ge'ulat Israel).
  4. 'The Numerical value of the Hebrew letters which constitute the Hebrew for Milk, chalav, add up to forty, corresponding to the forty days spent by Moshe on Mount Sinai' (Rabbi Shimshon of Ostropol).

Matan Torah -The Giving of the Torah

Contents

The Children as Guarantors

At the time of the giving of the Torah all Israel guaranteed for each other. How? When G-d wished to give the Torah to Israel, He said to them: 'Give Me guarantors that you will observe the Torah.' Said they to Him: '”Are not the Patriarchs guarantors for us?' Said He: 'They are indebted to Me, would that they be able to stand for themselves.' The matter is likened to one who needs a loan. He was told: 'Bring a guarantor, and take as much as you wish.' Whereupon he went and brought someone who also was indebted to the lender. His would-be creditor then said: 'You have brought someone who is indebted to me. Would that he be able to stand for himself. Come and bring one who is not indebted to me.' Thus did G-d say to Israel: 'Have you brought Me the Patriarchs – who themselves owe me a variety of debts – as guarantors? Rather give Me guarantors who are not indebted ot Me. And who are those who are not indebted to me?' He said to them: 'The children.' They immediately brought Him the children … G-d said to them: 'Do you stand as guarantors that if I give your parents the Torah, they will observe it; and if not, will you be responsible for them?' They answered, 'Yes!' said He, “I am the Lord your G-d.' They answered: 'Yes!…'

Why the Torah was Given in the Wilderness

'And they encamped in the wilderness' (Shmot 19). The Torah was given freely, publicly, in an ownerless place. For if it had been given in the Land of Israel, the nations of the world would say that they have no portion in it. Therefore, the Torah was given in this manner, so that whoever wishes to accept it may come and accept it.'

'If it had been given in the Land of Israel, the people of Israel would have said to the nations: 'You have no portion in it.' It was not given in the Land of Israel in order not to create dissension among the tribes.'

'And why was it given in the wilderness? Just as the wilderness is empty of all luxuries, likewise do the words of the Torah endure only with one who refrains from all luxuries.'

'I Am the Lord Your G-d'

Why were the Ten Commandments said in singular? To teach you that each and every Israelite should say: the Ten Commandments were given for my sake and I am obligated to fulfill them. And that one should not say, it is sufficient for the Torah to be fulfilled by others

'You Shall Have No Other gods'

Rabbi Eliezer said: 'Other gods' – they fashioned for themselves new gods daily. If one of them had a golden god and he needed the gold, he made himself a silver god. If he had a silver god and needed the silver he made one of copper. If he had a copper god, and needed the copper, he made one of iron and lead. And thus it is said, 'New gods that came up of late' (Dvarim 32).


Reading Ruth on Shavuot

Contents

  1. 'Ruth is read Shavuot because the timing of its events occurred 'at the beginning of the barley harvest,' and this period is also the time of Shavuot' (Abudraham).
  2. 'The reading of Ruth on Shavuot is a reminder of the stand at Mt. Sinai, when the people of Israel received a total of six hundred and thirteen mitzvoth – six hundred and six mitzvoth in addition to the seven previous Noahide Laws. The numerical value of Hebrew letters which comprise the word Ruth is six hundred and six' (Teshu'ot Chen).
  3. 'From her very birth, Ruth was worthy of accepting upon herself the yoke of mitzvoth; and the very letters of her name bear witness to it. The letters for Ruth add up to six hundred and six which together with the seven Noahide Laws add up to six hundred and thirteen' (the Gaon of Vilna).
  4. 'Our fathers had the status of converts when they accepted the Torah (in order to enter the covenant they were required to undergo circumcision and immersion as is the case with converts). In honor of Ruth who was a convert and became the mother of Israel's royal family, we say, 'When we received the Torah, we were all converts' (Agan).
  5. 'Megilat Ruth was written by the Prophet Samuel, to indicate the genealogy of Kind David for Ruth the Moabite. We learn from the writing of this Megilah that there was Divine assent in the matter, for the end of the Megilah recounts David's ancestry and David was born on Shavuot and died on Shavuot' (Bechor Shor).
  6. The story of Ruth is read at the time of the giving of the Torah so that we might know that the written Torah and the Oral Torah, are together one Torah, and one is not Possible without the other. For David, the anointed of G-d unto all generations, was descended from a Moabite woman, and his legitimacy depended on the Oral Torah – which declared that only a Moabite man was prohibited from entering the fold of Israel – but not a Moabite woman. On the foundations of the House of David, the whole people of Israel is supported. All this could only come about through the authority of the Oral Torah.

Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

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Halachot from Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Ztz'l

חג השבועות – סעודת החג

חג השבועות, זמן מתן תורתינו הקדושה, אשר היא חיינו ואורך ימינו, יחול בעזרת ה' עם סיום ימי ספירת העומר, ביום שני בשבוע הבא, מוצאי יום ראשון. ונבאר דינים השייכים להלכות יום טוב. (כל אחד משלושת החגים, סוכות, פסח ושבועות, נקרא “יום טוב”).

מלאכת אוכל נפש

נאמר בתורה (שמות יב) לגבי ימים טובים, כלומר, יום טוב ראשון של סוכות, ויום שמחת תורה, ויום טוב ראשון ואחרון של חג הפסח, ויום חג השבועות, “כָּל מְלָאכָה לֹא יֵעָשֶׂה בָהֶם אַךְ אֲשֶׁר יֵאָכֵל לְכָל נֶפֶשׁ הוּא לְבַדּוֹ יֵעָשֶׂה לָכֶם”. כלומר, כל מלאכה שאסור לעשותה ביום השבת, אסור לעשותה גם ביום טוב, מלבד מלאכת “אוכל נפש”, כלומר, מלאכה המיועדת להכנת מזון למאכל, שמותר לעשותה בימים טובים.

ובכלל מלאכת “אוכל נפש” שהתירה התורה לעשות ביום טוב, נכללת כל מלאכה שהיא מיועדת עבור מאכלי החג, כגון, בישול, טיגון, אפיה, צליה, וכיוצא בזה.

השבתון בימים טובים

והטעם שציותה התורה על שבתון ממלאכה בימים טובים, מבואר בספר החינוך, שהוא כדי שיזכרו ישראל הנסים הגדולים שעשה להם השם יתברך ולאבותיהם, ויודיעום לזרעם אחריהם, ואילו היו מותרים בעשיית מלאכה, היה כל אחד פונה לעסקיו, וכבוד הרגל ושמחת החג היו נשכחים מעם ישראל, אבל על ידי השבתון ממלאכה יהיו פנויים להתקבץ בבתי כנסיות ובבתי מדרשות לשמוע דברי תורה, ובהתאסף ראשי עם יחד שבטי ישראל, ילמדו לקח ותבונה מפי גדולי ישראל בהלכות ובאגדות, וכפי מה שאמרו: משה תיקן להם לישראל שיהיו דורשים הלכות פסח בפסח, הלכות עצרת (הוא חג השבועות) בעצרת והלכות חג (סוכות) בחג, שנאמר וידבר משה את מועדי ה' אל בני ישראל. וכן אמרו חז”ל: “לא ניתנו שבתות וימים טובים לישראל אלא לעסוק בהם בדברי תורה”. ולכן נצטוינו על שבתון מוחלט, חוץ ממלאכת אוכל נפש (כגון הכנת תבשיל לסעודת החג באופנים שנבאר). וכן שנו חכמים,  “אין בין יום טוב לשבת אלא מלאכת אוכל נפש בלבד”. כלומר, אין חילוק בין איסור מלאכה בשבת לאיסור מלאכה ביום טוב, אלא דברים המיועדים לאוכל נפש.

חציו לה' וחציו לכם

ומכל מקום יש לחלק את שעות היום של החג, מחציתם לבית הכנסת ובית המדרש, ומחציתם לאכילה ושתיה ושמחת החג.

וכך אמרו רבותינו, שכל מי שבטל ממלאכה, ושמח ואוכל ושותה בחג לכבוד החג, מעלה עליו הכתוב כאילו בנה מזבח והקריב עליו קרבן, שנאמר: “אִסְרוּ חַג בַּעֲבֹתִים עַד קַרְנוֹת הַמִּזְבֵּחַ”. עוד אמרו רבותינו (בביצה דף טו.), שכל המרבה להוסיף כדי לענג את החג, מוסיפין לו פרנסה מן השמים, כמו ששנינו, “כָּל מְזוֹנוֹתָיו שֶׁל אָדָם קְצוּבִים לוֹ מֵרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה וְעַד יוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים, חוּץ מֵהוֹצָאַת שַׁבָּתוֹת וְהוֹצָאַת יוֹם טוֹב, וְהוֹצָאַת בָּנָיו לְתַלְמוּד תּוֹרָה, שֶׁאִם פָּחַת, פּוֹחֲתִין לוֹ, וְאִם הוֹסִיף, מוֹסִיפִין לוֹ”. וכל שכן בחג השבועות, שהוא יום חתונתינו, שזכינו לקבלת התורה הקדושה, וראוי לכבדו בכל מיני כיבוד, איש כפי מהללו. ושמעתי ממרת אמי שתחיה (שהיא בתו של מרן זצ”ל), שגם מרן רבינו זכר צדיק לברכה, היה דואג בעצמו בימים שעוד היה הולך לבדו לקנות דברים, והיה קונה דבר מיוחד לכבוד הרגל, לענגו ולכבדו.


The Holiday of Shavuot

The holiday of Shavuot will be celebrated, G-d willing, at the conclusion of the period of the counting of the Omer this coming Monday (beginning from Sunday night), the 6th of Sivan (and outside of Israel on Tuesday, the 7th of Sivan as well). Let us, therefore, begin to discuss some of the pertinent laws of Yom Tov (which apply to the holidays of Pesach, Rosh Hashanah, and Sukkot as well).

Food Preparation
The Torah states (Shemot 12) regarding the various holidays, i.e., the first day of Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, the first and last days of Pesach, and the holiday of Shavuot: “No work shall be performed on them; however, any (work necessary for) food preparation eaten by all, this alone may be performed by you.” This means that any work which is forbidden on Shabbat is also forbidden on Yom Tov, besides for work needed to prepare food which is permissible on Yom Tov.

Some works pertaining to the Yom Tov food preparation which the Torah allows on the holiday itself include cooking, frying, baking, and the like.

Cessation of Work on Holiday
The Sefer Ha’Chinuch explains that the reason the Torah forbade performing work on holidays is in order for the Jewish nation to remember the great miracles that Hashem performed for them and their ancestors and to pass this message on to their children. If work was permissible on these days, the honor of the festival and joy of the holiday would be forgotten because everyone would be busy at work; thus, due to the prohibition of working on the holidays, the Jewish people will be free to gather in synagogues and Batei Midrash to hear words of Torah and wisdom from luminaries of the generation who expound Halacha and stories of the Torah. This is based on the teaching of our Sages, “Moshe instituted that the Jewish nation expound the laws of Pesach on Pesach, the laws of Shavuot on Shavuot, and the laws of Sukkot on Sukkot, as the verse states, ‘And Moshe spoke out the festivals of Hashem to the Children of Israel.’” Similarly, our Sages taught, “Shabbat and holidays were only given to the Jewish nation so that they may delve in Torah study.” We were therefore commanded to have a complete cessation of work, excluding work needed for food preparation (for instance, preparing a dish for a holiday meal, according to the conditions and procedures we shall lay out in following Halachot). Similarly, our Sages have taught, “There is no distinction between Shabbat and Yom Tov besides for [the prohibition of] food preparation.”

Half for Hashem and Half for You
Nevertheless, one should divide the hours of the holiday with half being spent in the synagogue and Bet Midrash and half being spent eating, drinking, and enjoying the holiday.

Our Sages taught that one who ceases to work and eats and drinks on the holiday in honor of the holiday is tantamount to having built and altar and offering a sacrifice on it, as the verse states, “Bind the festal offering to the corners of the altar with cords.” Our Sages added (Betzah 15a) that one who adds copiously to one’s enjoyment of Yom Tov is granted abundant sustenance from Heaven, for our Sages taught, “All of one’s sustenance for the year is decided between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur besides for one’s Shabbat, Yom Tov, and children’s Torah expenses, for in these areas, if one skimps, Heaven will detract from him and if one increases, Heaven grants one more.” This is especially true regarding the Shavuot holiday, the day we received the holy Torah and became a nation and is worthy of being honored and enjoyed respective of one’s means. Mrs. Malka Sasson (daughter of Maran zt”l) recounted that she remembers in her youth that in the days when Maran zt”l would still go shopping himself, he would go a few days before the holiday to purchase something special for the holiday in order to make it more enjoyable.