Newsletter Parashat Yitro – Aseret Hadiberot – Shabbat Mevarechim

בס״ד

ק׳ ק׳ שׁערי תפילה

Have a look at our website www.moorlane.info

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Our community celebrates its

150th year anniversary

THIS YEAR!!!

We would like to celebrate this milestone as it deserves

in honour of all past & present members

who have continued the legacy of this Bet Hakeneset

throughout the generations.

If you are able & willing to join the

anniversary celebration planning committee

please reply to this email

or speak directly to one of the

members of the Executive Committee

תזכה למצות

Let's Make Our Moor Lane Bet Hakeneset Great!!!

#LMOMLBHG

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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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Rosh Chodesh Adar Rishon

is TWO days

Thursday Night 08 / 02 / 24 / Friday 09 / 02 / 24

Shabbat 10 / 02 / 24

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Minhagim

‘Aseret HaDiberot – The Ten Commandments

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 (the Ten Commandments) on Shabu’ot, Shabat Yitro, and Shabat VaEthanan, to commemorate the time when Yisrael stood at Har Sinai as if we are once again welcoming the face of the Shekhina (Divine Presence) and accepting the Tora.[1]

However, Rambam[2] 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 Tora is not true,” has veshalom. The reason we continue to follow this minhag, is because the heretics at the time of Rambam were much different then the heretics of today as heretics of today do not make such claims.[3] Ribi Shalom Messas[4] 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 Tora. Also, it is clear that since we continue to read the remainder of the parasha – and not solely the ‘aseret hadiberot – there is no reason to worry about such claims.[5] Ribi Yehuda ‘Ayash of Algeria is also of this opinion and writes that the claims of the heretics could only persuade an ignoramus of nowadays using such logic.[6] Furthermore, Maran HaHida[7] explains that since we make berakhot before and after each ‘aliya latora – and not just the ‘aliya of the ‘aseret hadiberot – we have no worry that heretics will make a claim that the rest of the Tora is untrue.

Maran HaHida[8] cautions us, however, 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 congregation is standing, one is NOT allowed to sit, as this illustrates a belittlement of the ‘Aseret HaDiberot, G-d forbid. Nonetheless, the majority of Moroccan posqim write that the common minhag is to stand only upon reaching the ‘Aseret HaDiberot for we are not concerned about the claims of the heretics at all.[9]

It was the tradition to gather women together and read them these Ten Commandments, in Arabic “ ‘Asr Klmat,” along with its explanation according to Hazal.[10]

Certain parts of the parasha are read in a special tune, among them the ‘Aseret HaDiberot and the Shirat HaYam in order to ascribe special importance to these sections of the Tora as they speak about the high spiritual level of Bené Yisrael and not, has veshalom, to say that they are more important than the rest of the Tora.[11]

The minhag of

Spanish & Portuguese

Synagogues & Communities

is to STAND during

the reading of the Aseret Hadiberot

Mekorot

[1] As the Tora says “they were standing at a distance.” This minhag is cited by Dibré Shalom VeEmet (Heleq 2, p.72). Sefer Mamlekhet Kohanim records that this was also the minhag in Djerba and mainland Tunisia, Noheg BeHokhma p.143, QS”A Toledano (Siman 442:9), Yehavé Da’at Hazan (Heleq 3, O”H, Siman 13), Maté Yehuda ‘Ayash (Siman 1:6), Dabar Shemuel by Ribi Shemuel Abuhab (Siman 276), Kapé Aharon (Siman 39), and Sedé Hemed (Kelalé HaPosqim, Siman 5:14). In Shemesh Umaghen (Heleq 1, O”H, Siman 57, p.130) Ribi Shalom Messas solidifies our custom to stand based on the fact that today we do not have the same type of heretics that they had in the times of Hazal and because of whom this minhag was spoken out fiercely against. Maran HaHida (LeDavid Emet Siman 7:5) further says that one should stand in order to stir feelings of fear and trepidation as were felt at Har Sinai.

Those who speak out against this practice do so because to a foreigner it might seem as if the ‘Aseret HaDiberot are more important than the rest of the Tora. This gives reason for the heretics to believe that only the ‘Aseret HaDiberot were given at Har Sinai and not the rest of the Tora which is not the truth, has veshalom.

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

[3] Ribi Moshé Feinstein’s response, Igerot Moshé (Heleq 4, O”H Siman 22).

[4] Shemesh Umaghen (Heleq 1, O”H Siman 57 p.130-1) and (Heleq 3, O”H Siman 55:3).

[5] Maghen Abot (Siman 1, p.53-4): Diné Hashqamat HaBoqer.

[6] Maté Yehuda (Siman 1:6).

[7] LeDavid Emet (Siman 7:5).

[8] Toub ‘Ayin (Siman 11).

[9] Ribi Yehuda ‘Ayash of Algeria (Maté Yehuda Siman 1:6), Ribi Yishaq Hazan (Yehavé Da’at, Heleq 3, Siman 13), Ribi Yosef Messas in Osar HaMikhtabim (Heleq 3, §1859), and HaMalakh Refael Berdugo as quoted by the QS”A of Ribi Refael Barukh Toledano (p.174), all say that the common minhag is to stand only once we reach the ‘Aseret HaDiberot. This is also the minhag of Tunisia (Mamlekhet Kohanim) and Libya (Netibot HaMa’arab, Shabu’ot §12).

[10] This is to make the Tora more pleasant to them, and with this they should be more helpful to their husbands in facilitating their Tora learning. See Nahagu Ha’Am (Shabu’ot §5, p.57) as the source and for the lyrics in Arabic.

[11] See Noheg BeHokhma (p.145 §13).

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לוח זמני תפלה לחורף תשפ״ד

Winter Timetable 5784 – 2023/24

מוצאי שבת	ערבית )מוצ“ש(	שקיעה	מנחה שבת	סוף זמן קריאת שמע	הדלקת נרות	מנחה וקבלת שבת	תאריך	שבת פרשת
Shabbat Ends	Arbit	Sunset	Minha	Shema before	Candle Lighting	Minha & Kabbalat Shabbat	Date	Parasha
PM	PM	PM	PM	AM	PM	PM
5:47	5:44	4:53	4:15	10:07	4:37	4:37	2/3 Feb	יתרו (עשרת הדברות) (ש''מ)

שבת

קרבנות

8:45 am
הודו

9:00 am

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THIS WEEK 7:05 pm

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Parasha Overview

Hearing of the miracles that Hashem performed for Bnei Yisrael, Moshe's father-in-law Yitro arrives with Moshe's wife and sons, reuniting the family in the wilderness. Yitro is so impressed by Moshe's detailing of the Exodus from Egypt that he converts to Judaism. Seeing that the only judicial authority for the entire Jewish nation is Moshe Rabbeinu, Yitro suggests that subsidiary judges be appointed to adjudicate smaller matters, leaving Moshe free to attend to larger issues. Moshe accepts his advice.

The Jewish People arrive at Mount Sinai, where Hashem offers them the Torah. Once they accept, Hashem charges Moshe to instruct the people not to approach the mountain, and to prepare for three days. On the third day, amidst thunder and lightning, Hashem's voice emanates from the smoke-enshrouded mountain, and He speaks to the Jewish People, giving them the Ten Commandments:

Believe in Hashem.
Do not worship other “gods”.
Do not use Hashem's name in vain.
Observe Shabbat.
Honor your parents.
Do not murder.
Do not commit adultery.
Do not kidnap.
Do not testify falsely.
Do not covet.

After receiving the first two commandments, the Jewish People, overwhelmed by this experience of the Divine, request that Moshe relay Hashem's word to them. Hashem instructs Moshe to caution the Jewish People not to draw close to the mountain or touch any part of it.

Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

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Halachot from Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef Ztz'l

דם בביצה

דין דם בביצים

דם הנמצא בביצים, אסור באכילה, משום שאותו דם הוא תחילת ריקום האפרוח, ואותו האפרוח, יש לו דין של עוף, שדמו אסור באכילה מן התורה. ולכן גם דם הנמצא בביצים אסור באכילה מן התורה, וזו דעת רבינו הרא”ש והתוספות.

אולם לדעת רבינו הרמב”ם, דם הנמצא בביצים אינו אסור באכילה אלא מדרבנן, משום שאף על פי שדם זה אמנם הוא תחילת ריקום האפרוח, מכל מקום מכיון שלא נגמרה יצירתו של האפרוח, אין לו דין “עוף” כלל, ואין דמו אסור מן התורה אלא מדרבנן, גזירה משום דם עוף.

האם כל הביצה אסורה?

יש מקרים, שכל הביצה נאסרת אם נמצא בה דם, ויש מקרים שאין הביצה כולה נאסרת, רק צריך להסיר את הדם ממנה, והיא מותרת. וכדלהלן:

לדעת מרן השלחן ערוך, אם נמצא (אפילו מעט) דם בחלמון הביצה, כל הביצה אסורה, אבל אם נמצא דם בחלבון הביצה (שהוא החלק הלבן) זורקים את הדם ושאר הביצה כולה מותרת, וזהו מנהג הספרדים שקבלו עליהם את הוראות מרן.

אולם הרמ”א כתב, שבכל מקום שיש דם בביצה, אוסרים את כל הביצה באכילה. וכן נוהגים האשכנזים.

האם יש חובה לבדוק את הביצה?

אף על פי שדם הנמצא בביצים אסור באכילה, מכל מקום אין חיוב מן הדין לבדוק כל ביצה קודם אכילתה, משום שסומכים על כך שברוב הביצים אין דם, ומעיקר הדין אפשר לסמוך על הרוב, ורק אם מטגנים ביצים במחבת, או שוברים ביצים לצורך אפייה וכדומה, נוהגים לבדוק את הביצים (בכוס זכוכית או כלי אחר) אם יש בהם דם, מפני שבנקל אנו יכולים לבדוק את הביצים ולהנצל מאיסור דם.

אבל כאשר באים לבשל ביצים קשות במים, או שרוצים לשים ביצים בחמין וכדומה, אף על פי שאחרי הבישול אי אפשר לדעת אם היה בהן דם, וכן אדם הבא לגמוע ביצה כמו שהיא רכה בלא לבדקה כלל, רשאי לעשות כן, מפני שהולכים אחר הרוב, ורוב ביצים אין בהן דם.

ובאמת שבספר כנסת הגדולה כתב, שיש בני אדם המחמירים שלא לאכול ביצים אלא אם נבדקו תחילה, ואף כשרוצים לבשל ביצה, הם נוהגים לפתוח את קליפת הביצה ולהוריק מתוכה את תוכנה לתוך כלי, ואחר כך מחזירין את הביצה לתוך קליפתה וסותמין את הנקב ומבשלים או צולין אותה. ומכל מקום להלכה נראה דאין מקום לחומרא זו, שהרי כתב המהרח”ו (רבינו חיים ויטאל) שראה לרבו האר”י הקדוש, שהיה גומע ביצה כשהיא צלויה, בלי שישגיח לבדוק אם יש בתוכה דם, והביא ראיות מן התלמוד בכמה מקומות, שאין לחוש לסברת המחמירים בזה. והביא את הדברים מרן החיד”א בספרו ברכי יוסף, וסיים: “ובהגלות נגלות אמרי קדוש רבינו האר”י ז”ל, אין לחוש לחומרת בני אדם הנזכרים”.

ולסיכום: אין חיוב לבדוק ביצה, ורק אם כבר פותחים אותה, יש לבודקה, ואם יש בה דם בחלמון, יש לזרוק את הביצה, ואם בחלבון, יש להוציא את הדם, והביצה כולה מותרת. והאשכנזים אוסרים את כל הביצה גם במקרה כזה.

אמנם בהלכה הבאה נבאר איך הדין בענין זה בזמנינו.

The Laws of Blood Found in Eggs

Blood in Eggs
Blood found in eggs is forbidden for consumption, for this blood indicates the beginning of the embryotic development of the chick and this chick has the halachic status of “fowl” whose blood is forbidden for consumption by Torah law; thus, the opinion of the Rosh and Tosafot is that blood found in eggs is likewise forbidden to be eaten by Torah law.

Nevertheless, according to the Rambam, blood found in eggs is only forbidden to be eaten by virtue of a rabbinic prohibition, for although this blood indicates the beginning of the chick’s embryotic development, since the chick’s development is not yet complete, it does not retain the status of “fowl” and its blood is not forbidden by Torah law; rather, there is merely a rabbinic decree banning it due to its similarity to blood of an actual bird.

Is the Entire Egg Forbidden?
There are instances where the entire egg becomes forbidden for consumption as a result of this blood and there are other instances where the entire egg does not become forbidden and one must only remove the blood and the rest of the egg is permissible, as follows:

If one finds blood (even a drop) in the yolk of the egg, the entire egg is forbidden. However, if the blood is found in the egg-white, one may remove the blood and the rest of the egg is permissible for consumption. This applies according to Maran Ha’Shulchan Aruch.

However, according to the Rama, if blood is found in any part of the egg, the entire egg is forbidden for consumption. The Sephardic custom is to rule leniently on this matter in accordance with the ruling of Maran.

The Obligation to Check Eggs
Although blood found in eggs is forbidden for consumption, there is no obligation to check every egg before eating it since we rely on the fact that most eggs do not contain blood and according to the letter of the law, one may rely on the majority. Only if one is frying eggs in a pan or breaking open eggs for baking and the like, it is customary to check the eggs for blood (in a glass or any other clear vessel), for in this case, it is quite easy to check the eggs for blood since they are being opened anyway.

However, when one wishes to hard boil eggs in water or place eggs in a Chulent and the like, although after cooking them it will be impossible to tell if there was blood in them or not, it is indeed permissible to do so without checking them, for most eggs do not contain blood and we follow the majority. The same applies to one who wishes to swallow a whole egg, uncooked, that one need not check it first.

Nevertheless, the Kenesset Ha’Gedolah writes that there are some who are stringent not to eat eggs unless they have been checked for blood first; even if they wish to hard-boil the egg, they make a small hole in the shell, pour out the contents of the egg into a cup, and after ascertaining that the egg is clean of blood, pour the contents back into the shell, close up the hole, and then proceed to hard-boil it. However, halachically speaking, there is truly no room for this stringency, for Rabbeinu Chaim Vital writes that he has seen his mentor, the saintly Ari z”l, eating a hard-boiled egg without first checking if there was blood inside. He proceeds to bring sources from various places in the Talmud that there is no need to be concerned about the more stringent opinion on this matter. Maran Ha’Chida quotes all of this in his Birkei Yosef and concludes, “Now that the holy teachings of our rabbi, the Ari z”l, have been revealed, there is no need to be concerned with the aforementioned stringency some individuals follow.”

Summary: There is not obligation to check eggs for blood; only if one cracks them open should they be checked. If there is blood in the yolk, the entire egg should be discarded. If the blood is in the egg white, only the blood spot needs to be removed and the rest of the egg is permitted. Ashkenazim customarily prohibit the entire egg in this case as well.

In the next Halacha, we shall discuss the ramifications of this law nowadays.

Moor Lane – ק"ק שערי תפילה

The Manchester Congregation of Spanish and Portuguese Jews (est. 1873)

דם בביצה

The Laws of Blood Found in Eggs