Bonjour / Hello [nickname_else_first_name],
Table of contents
1) Fast of the 10th of Tevet
2) Perashat Hashavoua - Rabbi Kaprow
3) Halakhat Hashavoua - David Azerad
4) Holy Jokes!
1) Fast of the 10th of Tevet (Asarah B'tevet)
The fasting is in mourning of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylonia—an event that began on that date and ultimately culminated in the destruction of Solomon's Temple (the First Temple), downfall of the Kingdom of Judah, and the Babylonian exile of the Jewish people.
2) Perashat Hashavoua
A life lesson from Yosef & Binyamin
Shlomo Hamelech said: "there is time to weep and time to laugh"...
This week's parshah relates the story of Joseph's dramatic reunion with his brothers. Though he embraces them all, he reserves his deepest emotions for his only full brother, Benjamin. Joseph was separated from his brothers when Benjamin was a mere child, and Benjamin was the only one who was not involved in the plot against Joseph. Theirs was, therefore, an exceptional embrace:
And he (Joseph) fell on his brother Benjamin's neck and cried, and Benjamin cried on his neck (Genesis 45:14).
Rashi, quoting the Talmud, explains that for both brothers, they were not merely crying of the emotional moment but of the prophecies they were shown. Joseph wept over the two Temples of Jerusalem, destined for destruction, which were in the land apportioned to the tribe of Benjamin. And Benjamin cried over the Mishkan Shilo, located in the land of the tribe of Joseph, which would also be destroyed.
The question is why: are they each crying over the other's churban (destruction)? Why do they not cry over their own destruction?
Chazal explains that when it comes to someone else's problem, we may be able to help but we cannot solve other people's problems. Even good friends can only do so much. We can offer generous assistance, support and the best advice in the world, but the rest is up to him or her. No matter how strenuous our efforts, there is no guarenteed success. As much as we may help, the individual holds the key to sort out his or her situation.
If we are convinced that we have done our absolute best and have still failed to bring about a proper outcome, the only thing we can do for the other person is pray for them and be sympathetic.
But when it comes to our own problems and challenges,we cannot afford the luxury of giving up and weeping. If it is our problem, then it is our duty to confront it again and again until we make it right. "Yogati umatzati taamin" For others we can cry; but for ourselves we must act.
When we have problems, so many of us simply moan and sigh.
How many times have we sighed, What can I do? And what does that leave us with? In the words of, Rabbi Sholom DovBer of Lubavitch, One good deed is worth more than a thousand sighs.
Leave the complaining for others. If it's your problem, confront it, deal with it, work at it. You'll be surprised by the results.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Kaprow
If any member has a question or in need of assistance feel free to contact Rabbi Kaprow at rabbikaprow@maghenabraham.com
3) HALAKHAT HASHAVOUA
Selected & translated by David Azerad, Hazzan Maghen Abraham
The laws of Studying Torah according to the rulings of Maran Harav Obadiah Yosef z”tl
To whom does the Mitzvah of studying Torah apply?
It is a Mitzvah for every person to study Torah according to his capacity, and by doing so he will also be able to keep the Mitzvot properly, and keep himself from all Torah prohibitions. There is no difference if a person is wealthy or not even the deprived who receive charity have the obligation to set aside time for studying Torah.
What will one do if he is preoccupied with his livelihood, and cannot study Torah?
Even those who are unable to learn because of preoccupation with their livelihood, should strive to find free time to engage in the laws and study of Torah, and especially on Shabbat and holidays, in order to observe and fulfill the Mitzvah of " ושננתם לבניך " .[ and you shall study with your children}.One should make the effort every day to study at least two Halachot (laws) as it is said “ Whoever studies everyday Halachot is guaranteed Olam Haba ".
Moreover, anyone who is unable to study Torah properly because he is preoccupied with his Parnasa or because he does not know how to study, should contribute favorably to Torah institutions and yeshivot, or support financially a Talmid Chacham who is diligent in his Torah study, and this will be considered as if he himself was engaged in Torah study.
Bevirkat Shabbat Shalom Umevorach
David Azerad
4) HOLY JoKeS!!
How do you make a Lebanese baby quiet? .........SHUSH Kebab!
A T-Rex saw his wife playing with her kids on her head and told her .. SHOU RASIK PARK!
Thought I heard someone say “Hello” in Arabic
But it was a false Salaam.
