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A Time For Prayer - A moving poem

2012-02-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Unseen
when the grass is faded to a hoary hue
and the trees are bereft of all
but a few brown leaves
too languid to fall
the sap begins to rise.

And at this
the very inception of growth
we are bidden to pray
to receive a fruit from the beautiful tree
at the appointed time.

Prayer gives expression to faith
and a righteous man lives by his faith
and the Order of Seeds is "faith"
and the tree of the field is man

Man sows a seed and it rots;
he has faith and he waits.
Man buries his fellow, who rots;
he had faith and he waits.

When there is nothing left
when man is battered by failure and loneliness and death
when he has neither Torah, not mitzvos, nor understanding
he had G-d

He has the belief that the creation is for chessed,
and from that belief comes resurrection.

Habakkuk came and distilled all the precepts into one:
A righteous man lives by his faith.
An apt messenger this,
the child Elisha resurrected.

Thus, on the New Year for the Tree,
in the very dead of winter,
we summon our faith
that hidden processes are at work
that death is merely the waystation
to the ultimate chessed:

Perfection
Perfection within ourselves
Perfection with G-d
Perfection for all creation

And so we pray for a fruit
from the perfected tree
to receive it at the appointed time

By: Rabbi Nesanel Kasnett, Editor at Artscroll Publications, Tu B'Shevat 5753

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2012-01-26T08:57:00.000-08:00

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2011-12-29T21:25:00.000-08:00

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HaMishkan U'Keilav (Hebrew)
by Y. C. Blumenthal, Yerushalayim, 5735 (1975)

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Metsudah Midrash Tanchuma - Complete 8 Vol Set
by Metsudah, Rabbi Avrohom Davis

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Otzar Yesodei Shviis: Otzar HaPoskim - Chelek Aleph
by Rabbi Yehudah Yaakov Dickman

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Lev Yam: Shiurim Al Meseches Kiddushin
by Rav Michel Zilber

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Studies In Judaism
by Solomon Schechter - JPS 1924

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Well-Put
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by Rabbi Avraham Y. Finkel, Israel Book Shop, 2004

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My Rock And My Redeemer: A Novel Of Gibraltar
by Lena Spitzer, Targum, 1993

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The Gift Of Speech
by Rabbi Shimon Finkelman, Artscroll

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Mishnah: Kehati - Bava Batra - Hebrew/English (Pocket Size)

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The Path Of The Just (Pocket Size)
by HaRav Moshe Chayim Luzzatto Z"tl

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Unwelcome Strangers
by Jack Wertheimer, Oxford University Press, 1987

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The Complete Story Of Shavuot
by Nissan Mindel, Kehot Publications, 1991

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Tefillin: Making the Connection
by Rabbi Yisroel Ehrman

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EICHAH / LAMENTATIONS
by Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz, Artscroll

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Blue Star Over Red Square
by Carmela Raiz, Feldheim, 1994

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Chanukah Is Almost Here, Small Sample of the great Deals we have at JewishUSedBooks.com

2011-12-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

Brass Menorahs

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Solid Travel Brass Menorah Plus 2 FREE BOXES OF CHANUKAH CANDLES
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Vintage Handcrafted Copper Menorah
by Tamar LTD.

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2011-12-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

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Best Chanukah Sufganiot....??

2011-12-05T20:22:00.000-08:00

Where did you taste the BEST sufganiyot (Jelly Donuts)? a local bakery? store? youre Grandmother's?
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2011-11-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

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2011-11-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

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2011-11-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

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2011-11-08T06:10:00.000-08:00

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2011-11-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

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Surprise Snowstorm!

2011-10-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

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2011-10-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

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2011-10-25T07:15:00.001-07:00

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2011-10-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

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Sukkos is almost Here!!

2011-10-09T08:52:00.001-07:00

Sukkot (Hebrew: סוכות or סֻכּוֹת, sukkōt, or sukkos, Feast of Booths, Feast of Tabernacles) is a Biblical holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei (late September to late October). It is one of the three biblically mandated festivals Shalosh regalim on which Jews were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem.

The holiday lasts seven days. The first day is a sabbath-like yom tov when work is forbidden, followed by the intermediate Chol Hamoed andShemini Atzeret. The Hebrew word sukkōt is the plural of sukkah, "booth or tabernacle", which is a walled structure covered with schach (plant material such as tree branches or bamboo shoots). The sukkah is intended as a reminiscence of the type of fragile dwellings in which the Israelites dwelt during their 40 years of travel in the desert after the Exodus from slavery in Egypt.

Throughout the holiday meals are eaten inside the sukkah and many sleep there as well. On each day of the holiday, members of the household recite a blessing over the lulav and etrog (Four species).^[1]

According to Zechariah, in the messianic era Sukkot will become a universal festival and all nations will make pilgrimages annually toJerusalem to celebrate the feast there.^[2]

[hide]

[edit]History

Sukkah booths where meals are eaten on Sukkot

Sukkot is agricultural in origin. This is evident from the biblical name "The Feast of Ingathering,"^[3] from the ceremonies accompanying it, from the season – “The festival of the seventh month”^[4] – and occasion of its celebration: "At the end of the year when you gather in your labors out of the field" (Ex. 23:16); "after you have gathered in from your threshing-floor and from your winepress" (Deut. 16:13). It was a thanksgiving for the fruit harvest. Coming as it did at the completion of the harvest, Sukkot was regarded as a general thanksgiving for the bounty of nature in the year that had passed.

Sukkot became one of the most important feasts in Judaism, as indicated by its designation as “the Feast of the Lord”^[5] or simply “the Feast”.^[6] Perhaps because of its wide attendance, Sukkot became the appropriate time for important state ceremonies.^[7] Mosesinstructed the children of Israel to gather for a reading of the Law during Sukkot every seventh year (Deut. 31:10-11). King Solomondedicated the Temple in Jerusalem on Sukkot (1 Kings 8; 2 Chron. 7). And Sukkot was the first sacred occasion observed after the resumption of sacrifices in Jerusalem following the Babylonian captivity (Ezra 3:2-4).

In Leviticus, God told Moses to command the people: “On the first day you shall take the product of hadar trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook” (Lev. 23:40), and “You shall live in booths seven days; all citizens in Israel shall live in booths, in order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt” (Lev. 23:42-43).

[edit]Laws and customs

Etrog being examined for flaws

Sukkot is a seven day holiday, with the first day celebrated as a full festival with special prayer services and holiday meals. The remaining days are known as Chol HaMoed ("festival weekdays"). The seventh day of Sukkot is called Hoshana Rabbah ("Great Hoshana", referring to the tradition that worshippers in the synagogue walk around the perimeter of the sanctuary during morning services) and has a special observance of its own. Outside Israel, the first two days are celebrated as full festivals. Throughout the week of Sukkot, meals are eaten in the sukkah and some families sleep there, although the requirement is waived in case of rain. ^[8]. Every day, a blessing is recited over the Lulav and the Etrog. Observance of Sukkot is detailed in the Book of Nehemiah in the Bible, the Mishnah (Sukkah 1:1–5:8); the Tosefta (Sukkah 1:1–4:28); and the Jerusalem Talmud(Sukkah 1a–) and Babylonian Talmud (Sukkah 2a–56b).

[edit]Building a sukkah

The sukkah walls can be constructed of any material (wood, canvas, aluminum siding, sheets). The walls can be free-standing or include the sides of a building or porch. The roof must be of organic material, known as s’chach, such as leafy branches, bamboo or palm fronds. It is customary to decorate the interior of the sukkah with hanging decorations, the Seven Species and posters.^[9]

[edit]Special prayers

Prayers during Sukkot include the reading of the Torah every day, saying the Mussaf (additional) service after morning prayers, reading the Hallel, and adding special supplications into the Amidah and grace after meals. In addition, the Four Species are taken on everyday of Sukkot except forShabbat and are included in the Hallel and Hoshanot portions of the prayer.

Hoshanot

On each day of the festival, worshippers walk around the synagogue carrying their Four species while reciting psalm 118:25 and special prayers known as Hoshanot. This takes place either after the morning's Torah reading or at the end of Mussaf. This ceremony commemorates the willow ceremony at the Temple in Jerusalem, in which willow branches were piled beside the altar with worshipers parading around the altar reciting prayers.

Ushpizin

During the holiday, some Jews recite the ushpizin prayer which symbolises the welcoming of seven "exalted guests" into the sukkah. These ushpizin (Aramaic אושפיזין 'guests'), represent the seven shepherds of Israel: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and David. According to tradition, each night a different guest enters the sukkah followed by the other six. Each of the ushpizin has a unique lesson which teaches the parallels of the spiritual focus of the day on which they visit.

[edit]Chol HaMoed

The second through seventh days of Sukkot (third through seventh days outside Israel) are called Chol HaMoed (חול המועד - lit. "festival weekdays"). These days are considered byhalakha to be more than regular weekdays but less than festival days. In practice, this means that all activities that are needed for the holiday—such as buying and preparing food, cleaning the house in honor of the holiday, or traveling to visit other people's sukkot or on family outings—are permitted by Jewish law. Activities that will interfere with relaxation and enjoyment of the holiday—such as laundering, mending clothes, engaging in labor-intensive activities—are not permitted. Observant Jews typically treat Chol HaMoed as a vacation period, eating nicer than usual meals in their sukkah, entertaining guests, visiting other families in their sukkot, and taking family outings. Many synagogues and Jewish centers also offer events and meals in their sukkot during this time to foster community and goodwill.

On the Shabbat which falls during the week of Sukkot (or in the event when the first day of Sukkot is on Shabbat), the Book of Ecclesiastes is read during morning synagogue services in Israel. (Diaspora communities read it the following Shabbat). This Book's emphasis on the ephemeralness of life ("Vanity of vanities, all is vanity...") echoes the theme of the sukkah, while its emphasis on death reflects the time of year in which Sukkot occurs (the "autumn" of life). The second-to-last verse reinforces the message that adherence to God and His Torahis the only worthwhile pursuit.^{[citation needed]}

[edit]Hakhel

Main article: Hakhel

In the days of the Temple in Jerusalem, all Jewish men, women, and children on pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the festival would gather in the Temple courtyard on the first day of Chol HaMoed Sukkot to hear the Jewish king read selections from the Torah. This ceremony, which was mandated in Deuteronomy 31:10-13, was held every seven years, in the year following the Shmita (Sabbatical) year. This ceremony was discontinued after the destruction of the Temple, but it has been revived in Israel on a smaller scale.^[10]

[edit]Simchat Beit HaShoevah

During the Intermediate days of Sukkot, gatherings of music and dance, known as Simchat Beit HaShoeivah, take place. This commemorates the Water Libation Ceremony in which water was carried up the Jerusalem pilgrim road from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple in Jerusalem.

[edit]Hoshana Rabbah

The seventh day of Sukkot is known as Hoshana Rabbah, meaning the "Great Supplication". This day is marked by a special service in which seven circuits are made by worshippers holding their Four species, reciting Psalm 118:25 with additional prayers. In addition, a bundle of five willow branches are beaten on the ground.

[edit]Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah

The holiday immediately following Sukkot is known as Shemini Atzeret (lit. "Eighth [Day] of Assembly"). Shemini Atzeret is viewed as a separate holiday.^[11] In the Diaspora a second additional holiday, Simchat Torah (lit. "Joy of the Torah") is celebrated. In the Land of Israel, Simchat Torah is celebrated on Shemini Atzeret. On Shemini Atzeret the sukkah is left and meals are eaten inside the house. Outside of Israel, many eat in the sukkah without making the blessing. The sukkah is n

Humor and Fun for Coping with Personal Crisis

2011-10-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

By: Yocheved Golani

It’s a mitzva to be b’sever panim yafot. The pleasant expression puts people looking at us at ease. It can help that person peering back at you from the mirror, too. Find out how to smile even with an emotional, medical or disability crisis as you read below. The information is taken from a book that medical and mental health professionals recommend.

Rav Hutner z”l opposed the trend of then newly institutionalized goody-goody published biographies about gedolim. Why? They told similar stories of perfect men, though those very gedolim had struggled with serious issues before reaching greatness. The publications Rav Hutner decried had neatly removed those struggles as “unfit” for kosher readers. He was not alone in his thinking. Even Rav Moshe Feinstein remarked that today’s yeshivot do not produce gedolim because “You don’t make tzadikim with Coca Cola and doughnuts.” It’s the struggle that builds character, molding minds with resolve.

Okay, on to our lives and how we can become saintly despite our struggles. We confront daily dilemmas with so many issues. My specialty is in dealing with medical problems. I’ve had a benign brain tumor that almost killed me by crushing all the nerves between my head and spine. Life-saving surgery and the tumor it removed left me blind. The miraculous story of how I’m gradually recovering my sight is in my highly acclaimed book. So is the solution to a crippling problem that, years later, almost necessitated the amputation of my dominant arm.

In my speaking engagements and writings, I teach people how to use humor and fun to cope with hardships. Imagery is helpful. Imagine being a Weeble Wobble, the toy that bobbles about but never falls down. That technique lets you rise from adversities as if an internal mechanism sets you upright, too. If you’re enduring cruel critics such as nosy neighbors, nasty co-workers or a relative, it’s a fun technique that drives your adversaries crazy. You get the fun of revenge without committing an aveira. Actually, you’re fulfilling the mitzva of “V’nishmartem et nafshotekhem.” Rise to take on your day, foster some successes and see what pleasant surprises await you.

Years after my brain surgery, I fell from a bridge as the pedestrian surface broke beneath my feet. A crushed elbow was the painful result. Miraculous surgery saved the affected arm and hand. But physical therapy brought on a whole new threat: CRPS/RSD! The letters stand for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. They describe the slow, painful death of nerve, muscles and bone in a fracture area traumatized beyond human endurance. My hand was literally curling up smaller and smaller, disappearing before my eyes and those of my medical team. No medical expert in the world knows how to stop the problem that can spread to the entire body. Some people are blessed with a spontaneous recovery nobody can explain. Others become deformed cripples in off-the-charts pain from head to toe. So, I needed to create a solution that worked the first time I tried it. And I desperately need a good laugh. I resolved to wear a Boo-Boo Barbie costume for Purim. The holiday was only weeks away. I planned to giggle until then, while creating the costume I’d wear. As you see in the photo, I donned a blonde wig, an outfit any Barbie would be pleased to wear day or night and colorful bandages for decoration. The outfit provoked laughter all over the bet kneset as I walked in with my head held high, a huge grin across my face but no sling for that aching arm. The rav laughed and praised my approach to suffering. Days later I screamed “HODU l’HASHEM!” when my doctors examined me and pronounced me 100% cured! Yes, I had literally laughed off the destruction of my body. Not a trace of the CRPS/RSD showed at the formerly affected area.

How do you or I get to behave this way? Answer: by choosing our actions carefully. Refuse to lose. Go from tragic to magic as you Face Your Problems with Dignity and Face Your Future with Optimism.

We never know if our efforts will result in the successes we seek. But we can face stress with decency and optimism. Think of babies learning to walk. They fall down a lot, but never give up. They simply try again and again until they’re cruising couches, then letting go to stumble into life. I have stumbled through blindness, not knowing if I’d see again despite extraordinary efforts to do so. B’H I can, with glasses. The process has not been pleasant but I had nothing to lose by making efforts to heal and to behave as a cultured woman. Everyone around me appreciates the fact that I don’t complain. I simply go forward somehow. You can, too.

We’ve gone from what makes good reading and tzadikim to coping with illness and its complications. Find out why Dr. Judith Guedalia MD PhD, Rabbi Dr. A. Twerski, and Dr. Michael Eisenberg MD recommend that you read E-book or paperback "It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To: EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge"http://booklocker.com/books/3067.html

The book holds humor, can-do stress-busting exercises and information for lowering your medical costs all around the world. People with disabilities can find helpful information in the book, including how to find employment and how to travel with the accommodations you need. Much of that information is part of my personal healing and coping story. Want to stock the book in stores? Bulk orders can be made at https://secure.booklocker.com/booklocker/wholesale/order.php

Yocheved Golani is the author of highly acclaimed It's MY Crisis! And I'll Cry If I Need To: EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge. It addresses and solves many needs of disabled, ill and recovering readers.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/yochevedgolaniink

http://twitter.com/yochevedgolani

http://itsmycrisisandillcryifineedto.blogspot.com/

Poem: On the Number Two Bus

2011-09-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

By: Rabbi Nesanel Kasnett
Writer, Editor at Artscroll/Mesorah Publications

Last night

I rode the No. 2 bus
(from the Western Wall).

I rode it without fear,
or concern.

Every bullet has an address,

a great rabbi once said,

and every screw bolt nail jagged

piece of metal,

I might add.

I rode the bus

out of the Dung Gate

around past the Jaffa Gate

and into the new city.

Around the little circle

where the bus exploded

a few weeks ago

and now very clean

and repainted so you

will not remember

but of course you do

it's only the rusted relics

of a bygone war on the

hilly approach to Jerusalem

that you ignore

but the enforced normalcy...

the quickly reconstructed cafes

that I cannot bring myself

to sit in drink smoke

gaily converse in the

cool dry Jerusalem night

you ache

your heart aches

to be there to be there again

to find the spot

where the scent of pines

overwhelms you

and slings you back

over vast sunlit

spaces to the desert excavations

and the kibbutz and the Palmach caves...

to Augusta Victoria hospital and...

the jets strafing and bombing

and the black smoke rising

and then the pincer complete

and the slow inexorable move

down the valley and through

the Lions Gate until the man

broadcasts on the radio,

"The Wall is in our hands."

Three rows in front of me

on the bus

sat a boy of about ten.

From my angle I could see

only his right cheek

and the back of his head.

The cheek was memorable, though:

plump, freckled, sweet.

He chatted with what appeared to be

a schoolmate across the aisle

and by his feet

lay a black canvas bookbag.

I watched the boys chatting sweetly,

easily following their rapid Hebrew;

they talked of soccer and the Bible.

I watched them leave the bus

at the Bar Ilan stop

and I was momentarily sad

to know

that I would never see them again.

Palestinian Authority May Lack Security Council Support

2011-09-21T20:38:00.001-07:00

The Palestinian Authority so far is two votes short of the number needed in the Security Council for a bid to be accepted as a full member. If it fails, the United States won’t have to cast a veto.
Bosnia and Nigeria have not stated how they will vote. The PA also cannot depend on China, which has said it supports its bid but has not pledged to back a pro-Palestinian Authority vote in the Council. Approval by nine countries – a two-thirds majority – would force the United States to veto the motion to prevent it from coming to the floor of the General Assembly, where the PA is guaranteed a majority.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki has claimed that the PA has the support of seven members, but the number probably includes China. PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas told the London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat that nine Security Council states support his bid for membership status, but he admitted, "We don't know if they will change their positions.”
Only the United States, Colombia and Germany have stated they will vote againstmembership for the Palestinian Authority.
A failure to win even a needed majority in the Security Council would be a moral victory for Israel and would save the Obama administration from angering the Arab world with a veto.
A failure also possibly may dampen enthusiasm in the General Assembly, which can pass a non-binding resolution to recognize the Palestinian Authority as a state. The resolution would not give it membership status, which requires Security Council approval.

Published originally y IsraelNationalNews.com

The ABC's Of Rosh Hashanah...

2011-09-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Pre-Rosh Hashanah

A key component of Rosh Hashanah preparation is to ask for forgiveness from anyone one may have wronged during the previous year. To whatever extent possible, we want to begin the year with a clean slate – and without anyone harboring a grudge against us. One should also be quick to forgive those who have wronged him.

Many people have the custom to go to the mikveh before Rosh Hashanah after midday. A mikveh, which has the power to purify from certain types of spiritual impurities, can be an important part of the teshuva process.

Some have the custom of visiting a cemetery on the morning of Rosh Hashanah and praying at the graves of the righteous. Of course, we do not pray "to" the righteous, but only to God who hears our prayers in the merit of the righteous.

The morning before Rosh Hashanah, we perform "Hatarat Nedarim" – annulling all vows. In Torah terms, saying something as simple as "I refuse to eat any more candy" can be considered a legal vow. Therefore, before Rosh Hashanah, we annul any vows, whether they were made intentionally or not. This is done by standing in front of three adult males (or 10 if available), and asking to be released from the vows that were made. The full text can be found in a Siddur or Rosh Hashanah Machzor.

The Festive Meal

During the High Holidays, a round challah is used – symbolizing fullness and completion. After making the "Hamotzi" blessing, it is customary to dip the bread into honey – symbolizing our prayer for a sweet new year.

Then, after most of your slice of bread has been eaten, take an apple and dip it in honey. Make a blessing on the apple (since "Hamotzi" did not cover the apple) and eat a little bit of the apple. Then say, "May it be Your will, God, to renew us for a good and sweet new year." (OC 583)

Why do we ask for both a "good" AND "sweet" year? Doesn't the word "good" automatically include "sweet?"

Judaism teaches that everything happens for the good. It is all part of the divine will. Even things that may look "bad" in our eyes, are actually "good." So when we ask God that the year should be "sweet" (in addition to good), it is because we know that everything will be for the good. But we also ask that it be a "revealed" good – i.e. one that tastes "sweet" to us.

On Rosh Hashanah, we add the paragraph Ya'aleh V'yavo in Grace After Meals.

Symbolic Foods

On Rosh Hashanah, we eat foods that symbolize good things we hope for in the coming year. We contemplate what these foods symbolize, and connect with the Source of all good things.

The symbolic foods are based on a word game which connects the name of a certain food, to a particular hope we have for the new year. Here is a list from the Talmud of symbolic foods customarily eaten on Rosh Hashanah. (The food and its related meaning are in bold.)

After eating leek or cabbage, say: "May it be Your will, God, that our enemies be cut off."

After eating beets, say: "May it be Your will, God, that our adversaries beremoved."

After eating dates, say: "May it be Your will, God, that our enemies befinished."

After eating gourd, say: "May it be Your will, God, that the decree of our sentence should be torn apart, and may our merits be proclaimed before You."

After eating pomegranate, say: "May it be Your will, God, that our merits increase as the seeds of a pomegranate."

After eating the head of a sheep or fish, say: "May it be Your will, God, that we be as the head and not as the tail.

You can also use other foods and make up your own "May it be Your will..." For example, you could eat a raisin and celery, and ask God in the coming year for a "raise in salary" (raisin celery)!

Print a PDF file of the symbolic foods (courtesy of ArtScroll).

Rosh Hashanah Prayers

Since there are so many unique prayers on Rosh Hashanah, we use a special prayer book called a "Machzor."

In the "Amidah" and "Kiddush" for Rosh Hashanah, we say the phrase Yom Teruah. However, if Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, we say Zichron Teruahinstead. (If one inadvertently said the wrong phrase, he needn't repeat the prayer.)

The supplication "Avinu Malkeinu" should be said on Rosh Hashanah, except when Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat coincide, since supplications are not said on Shabbat. If Rosh Hashanah falls on a Friday, "Avinu Malkeinu" is not said at Mincha.

During the High Holidays, the curtain on the ark is changed into a white one, to symbolize that our "mistakes will be whitened like snow."

The chazan (cantor) for the High Holidays should not be chosen for his vocal talents alone. Ideally, the chazan should be over 30 years old, God fearing, learned in Torah, humble, and married. A learned man under 30 with the other qualifications is acceptable. Though it is preferable to allow an unfit chazan to lead services, rather than cause strife over the issue in the community.

Since it is a question as to whether the She'hechianu blessing should be said on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, we are accustomed to eat a new fruit or wear a new garment and say She'hechianu upon it. When saying theShe'hechianu, one should also have in mind the mitzvot of lighting candles, "Kiddush" and hearing the shofar.

The Shofar

The essential mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah is to hear the sounding of the shofar. The shofar blasts after the Torah Reading are called "Tekiot M'yushav."

The minimum Torah obligation is to hear nine blasts. However, there is a doubt whether the sound of the shofar should be a groaning type of cry (Shevarim), or a sobbing weep (Teruah), or a combination (Shevarim-Teruah). Therefore, we perform all three sounds, each preceded and followed by an unbroken blast, Tekiah. Three of each set results in 30 blasts total, which are necessary to remove all doubt that the Torah precept has been fulfilled.

It is customary to blow shofar in the same place that the Torah is read, so that the merit of the Torah will support us. The shofar should be blown during the daytime. In ancient times, when the Romans persecuted the Jews, the rabbis instituted blowing the shofar before Musaf, since the Romans had guards in the synagogues during the early morning.

The person who blows the shofar must stand. He should be instructed immediately before blowing to have intention to fulfill the obligation for all those listening. Similarly, all those listening should be reminded to have intention that their obligation is being fulfilled.

Before blowing, two blessings are recited: "to hear the sound of the shofar," and She'hechianu. Once the blessings have been made, one may not speak until the end of the shofar blowing.

Women may sound the shofar and say the blessing to accomplish the mitzvah. A child who is old enough to be educated regarding mitzvot is required to hear the shofar.

The shofar is not blown when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat.

The shofar used on Rosh Hashanah should be a curved ram's horn, and longer than four inches. It is permitted to use the shofar of an animal not ritually slaughtered. After the fact, any shofar is acceptable except the horn of a cow, ox or an unkosher species of animal.

In the "Amidah" prayer of Musaf, there are three special blessings: Malchiot(praises to God the King), Zichronot (asking God to remember the merits of our Ancestors), and Shofrot (the significance of the shofar). During the chazan's repetition, we blow an additional 30 blasts in the various combinations.

It is the custom to blow 40 extra blasts at the end of services, bringing the total to 100. It is customary to prolong the final blast, which is called a Tekiah Gedolah.

Click here to listen to the shofar sounds.

Other Customs

It is customary to greet others as follows: "L'shana Tova / Ketivah vi-chatima Tova." This means: "For a good year / You should be written and sealed in the good (Book of Life)."

One should try not to sleep or go for idle walks on the day of Rosh Hashanah. (The Arizal permits a nap in the afternoon.)

It is advisable to avoid marital relations, except if Rosh Hashanah falls on the night of the wife's immersion.

If a Bris Milah falls on Rosh Hashanah, it should be performed between the Torah reading and the shofar blowing.

Tashlich

The "Tashlich" prayer is said on the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah by a pool of water that preferably has fish in it. These prayers are symbolic of the casting away of our mistakes. Of course, it is foolish to think you can rid sins by shaking out your pockets. Rather, the Jewish approach is deep introspection and commitment to change. Indeed, the whole idea of "Tashlich" is partly to commemorate the Midrash that says when Abraham went to the Akeida (binding of Isaac), he had to cross through water up to his neck

If Rosh Hashanah falls out on Shabbat, "Tashlich" is pushed off until the second day. If "Tashlich" was not said on Rosh Hashanah itself, it may be said anytime during the Ten Days of Repentance.

Both the body of water and the fish are symbolic. In Talmudic literature Torah is represented as water. Just as fish can't live without water, so too a Jew can't live without Torah!

Also, the fact that fish's eyes never close serve to remind us that, so too, God's eyes (so to speak) never close; He knows of our every move.

This is the text of "Tashlich:"

Who is like You, God, who removes iniquity and overlooks transgression of the remainder of His inheritance. He doesn't remain angry forever because He desires kindness. He will return and He will be merciful to us, and He will conquer our iniquities, and He will cast them into the depths of the seas.
Give truth to Jacob, kindness to Abraham like that you swore to our ancestors from long ago.
From the straits I called upon God, God answered me with expansiveness. God is with me, I will not be afraid, what can man do to me? God is with me to help me, and I will see my foes (annihilated). It is better to take refuge in God than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in God, that to rely on nobles.

Many people also read Psalms 33 and 130.

based on research by Rabbi Moshe Lazerus

Re-Printed From Aish.com

Notes from a Neshei Meeting: Role of a Jewish Woman* (*wife/mother)...

2011-09-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

I leafed through the latest advertising booklet while enjoying my corn flakes and milk, working my way through various Hebrew Ads. Ah! Here is an English one…Neshei meeting…Role of Jewish woman…with a video called ‘Even haPina’ - the cornerstone… that actually sounds pretty interesting. I’ll see if I can get out.

As I entered the meeting room, the speaker was just beginning. I came to the conclusion long ago, that if I take notes during a lecture, I will get more out of it. It also makes it a lot easier to share with others! The Rebbitzen began…

Alternate beginning, if that one is too shmoozy for you:

*********

Every once in awhile we attend a shiur that makes a deep impression on us. We experience a ‘paradigm shift’, a new way of understanding our position and purpose in life. This happened to me when I went to hear a local Rebbetizen speak on the topic of the role of a Jewish homemaker. The speaker combined wit and wisdom in an impressive fashion. May I share the meeting with you, dear reader? The Rebbetizen began…

When I was asked to speak on this topic, I gave it a lot of thought. I even consulted with friends! What exactly is the role of a Jewish Woman? I came up with three main functions: Firstly, to encourage my husband to learn Torah; to shteig in his learning. In that role, to avoid interrupting him, and to encourage him whenever possible – to appreciate ~~its~~ its’importance.

Second, to run a Jewish home. To create an atmosphere of love of Yiddishkeit for my family and for whoever walks into my house. To be warm, show love, and realize that life for a frum family is always interesting, exciting, a and a challenge. Never a dull moment! Even the chulent provides excitement, as we lift the lid to see how it came out this week. Watery – I love it. Dry? My husband’s favorite! Spicy? Salty? It’s just one little detail, but we are full of curiosity and we can share the excitement. We need to enjoy the challenge and novelty of each day!

Lastly, and most importantly, it is being Zoche to be a mother. To fulfill my role as educator. To raise children that will give nachas to Hashem and to my husband and me. It is quite an arduous task. We have to be very cognizant of the fact that our children will follow our example. What are we strict about? Appreciating the good, davening, guarding our tongue. If our children see us get upset over a broken dish or torn curtain, but say never mind if they skip a bracha, they will see that focus. How do we welcome guests? Are we concerned about the problems of our friends and neighbors? They will duplicate whatever they see.

Davening is very important. When my children were very small, it wasn’t always very easy to get everything done. One day my husband came home and lunch was not even started. I apologized – distraught – told him, ‘I couldn’t manage a thing this morning - but to daven!’ He replied, ‘Then you’ve done a lot!’ Usually I davened when my children were in school – then, one day one of them was home; and I davened as usual. Asked my child, ‘Is it Shabbos today?’ I realized that they need to see me davening, and they need to learn to play quietly while I do and not disturb. The children see it all! And they need to.

This week’s Parsha is Korach, where the wisdom of women is brought out. Now how did a righteous individual like that think he had a chance? Korach had a lot of things going for him. He was incredibly wealthy, had a top-notch lineage, and was brilliant. The problem was that he was never exposed to challenge. He was clueless when it came to dealing with adversity. We need to make sure our children do not fall into the same trap! We need to teach our children how to overcome difficulties. Korach never had a chance to be jealous and deal with it.

Jealousy is truly the root of evil – one of our jobs is to teach our children to deal with it, and overcome envious feelings. We need to educate them to the fact that here is no such thing as equality. Hashem has given each person their tafkid, their distinctive role, and the tools they need to complete it. It is unique. We never compare. Train your children to know that they will each get private time with you, and attention, as they need it. No one is taking something away from another. If we know, and teach our children that whatever we need we will get, then there is no getting mad. Keep your eyes open! It may come from another source, but they will get theirs.

We need to supervise our children well. I was recently away for Shabbos, and in the afternoon, sat on the porch observing all the people passing by. Suddenly a very interesting drama opened up before my eyes. Two mothers stood talking, while their three or four year olds sat in their strollers. After a minute or two, the little girl got up, looked all about her very carefully, and dashed into the beautiful flower garden. Swiftly, before I quite realized what had happened, she was back in her stroller with a beautiful bloom! The mothers continued their conversation, totally oblivious to the fact that this little girl had been mechallel Shabbos and performed gezel. The other child, a little boy saw what his little comrade had accomplished, and climbed out of his stroller, heading off to get his souvenir. This time I was prepared. “Boy! Boy!’ I called out. He looked here and there, couldn’t figure out who had spoken, but quickly scampered back to his stroller. Soon after , the mothers finished their conversation and parted ways. They had no idea that anything had transpired; hadn’t seen the children temporarily escape, heard my voice or noticed the flower. This is negligence. This is how children can chas v’shalom pick up bad traits, and grow in them. Then the mother will ask, ‘how did this happen?’ We must pay attention and nip such behavior in the bud, (literally, in this case!)

The Rebbetzin’s words were inspiring, entertaining, thought provoking.

As the Rebbetzin completed her words, we were treated to a video. An amazing production, put together by a Bais Yaakov class in another city (Rechovot, I think – I can check if you like), we were told. It began with slides of the Ponevitcher Rav and the Yeshiva that he established. A young girl narrated, as we saw a packed Yeshiva, men shteiging in learning, a building being planned, the Rav himself, and we were asked –from where came the cornerstone?

The answer – t he Rav’s mother. The mother of the Ponevitcher Rav taught him that nothing could stop Torah learning. How? He grew up in Eastern Europe , where the winters began early, ended late, and were freezing. The family had only one pair of boots! Which boy would get to learn in Cheder on snowy days? All of them. This amazing mother, this ‘even hapina’ woman, took each child to Yeshiva, one at a time. Upon their arrival, she removed the boots from her son and hurried home to get the next one. When it was time to come home, she went through this again. Not one day, but many days. Not one winter, but many winters. The video ended with a challenge to all mothers: Who knows who is the next cornerstone? Which of us will be zochim to sons who will shteig in Torah learning and lead many students?

It could be any of us – her, you, or even…me.

This article was originally printed in The Jewish Press By Tova Younger, author of Hands-on How-to’s for the Home and Heart Thoughts and techniques to enhance your life – check it out on Jewishebooks.com

COMMENTS?

United Nations Vote on Friday Sept 23.......

2011-09-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hey JUB people. What are your thoughts on this historic and dangerous vote set to take place in New York on Friday. I think it’s not a vote for a Palestinian State. It’s a vote against the State of Israel. It’s not a vote for Palestinian sovereignty. It’s a vote against Jewish sovereignty....What are your thoughts on this issue?

Rosh Hashanah is coming......

2011-09-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Rosh Hashanah is literally around the corner. The High Holy days. It brings a certain feeling of awe and fear. We are all on trial in front of the King of the world. It is a day of introspection, a day of reflection, and hopefully of good tidings.

So start reading up on this special holiday. There are hundreds of Jewish books on Rosh Hashanah alone! One particular book is called "Rosh Hashanah: Season Of Majesty" by Rabbi Zechariah Fendel. Clarifying; emunah concepts, ethical values, and hashkafah insights concerning Rosh Hashanah. A perfect Machzor companion.We at JUB have this and many other books for Rosh Hashanah in stock. Check it out.

Hey, We would love to hear your thoughts on Rosh Hashanah. Torah, Experiences, Thoughts etc..

JUB

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Sukkos is almost Here!!

Contents

[edit]History

[edit]Laws and customs

[edit]Building a sukkah

[edit]Special prayers

[edit]Chol HaMoed

[edit]Hakhel

[edit]Simchat Beit HaShoevah

[edit]Hoshana Rabbah

[edit]Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah

Humor and Fun for Coping with Personal Crisis

Poem: On the Number Two Bus

Palestinian Authority May Lack Security Council Support

The ABC's Of Rosh Hashanah...

Notes from a Neshei Meeting: Role of a Jewish Woman* (*wife/mother)...

United Nations Vote on Friday Sept 23.......

Rosh Hashanah is coming......