SHEMA Dallas

Rabbi Yaakov Klots Lecture Series – Weekly Torah Chapter

Lecture 4/18/2012

Scholars have long wondered why Jews who number less than one quarter of one percent of the world – as Milton Himmelfarb memorably put it, “The total population of the Jewish people is less than a statistical error in the annual birth rate of the Chinese people” – have had such a profound influence on almost every field of human endeavor.

What accounts for the remarkable fact that in the 20th century, Jews, more than any other minority, have been recipients of the Nobel Prize, with almost one-fifth of all Nobel laureates being Jewish?

Perhaps it all goes back to the very beginning of the birth of our people and the Passover holiday that we will shortly be celebrating.

Passover conveys five major concepts that became our mantras for how to lead successful and productive lives. They are the five most important things to know about Passover, and to incorporate into every day of the rest of the year. Because we’ve absorbed them into our national psyche for the thousands of years since the Exodus, we’ve been privileged to fulfill in great measure our prophetically mandated role to become a light unto the nations.

They are our greatest contributions to the world and can be summarized in five words: memory, optimism, faith, family, and responsibility.

The Importance of Memory

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The Irish Catholic writer Thomas Cahill was so overwhelmed by how the Jewish people literally transformed the world that he authored what proved to become an international bestseller, The Gifts of the Jews. One of the major gifts he credits to Jewish genius is the invention of the idea of history.

“Remember that you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” “Remember that the Lord took you out of the bondage of slavery.” Remember is a biblical mandate that had never seemed important to anyone else before the Jewish people came on the scene. It was the Passover story that initiated a commitment to memory.

Henry Ford was famous for his belief that “history is bunk.” The Ford motor company is also famous for producing the Edsel. And both were probably equally stupid blunders. History is the only way we can learn from the past. History allows us to grow by standing on the shoulders of giants. Make a mistake once, and you’re human. Never learn from what happened before, and you’re brainless. That’s why it’s so important to heed the famous words of George Santayana that “Those who do not learn from the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Memory links our past to our future. It turns history into destiny.We know how horrible it can be to live without a personal memory of events that preceded. For an individual we have a name for it that fills us with terror: Alzheimer’s. It is a disease we fear perhaps even more than death because it leaves us living corpses. Strangely enough, we don’t have a similar word for the condition that describes ignorance of our collective past. Knowing what came before is almost as important in an historic sense as it is in a personal one. Only by being aware of our past as a people can our lives become filled with purpose and meaning.

Memory links our past to our future. It turns history into destiny. Learning to treasure it was the first step in our climb up the ladder of greatness.

The Importance of Optimism

To study the Passover story in depth is to recognize that the most difficult task Moses had to perform was not to get the Jews out of Egypt, but to get Egypt out of the Jews. They had become so habituated to their status as slaves, they lost all hope that they could ever improve their lot.

Without hope they would have been lost.

The true miracle of Passover and its relevance for the ages is the message that with God’s help, no difficulty is insurmountable. A tyrant like Pharaoh could be overthrown. A nation as powerful as Egypt could be defeated. Slaves could become freemen. The oppressed could break the shackles of their captivity. Anything is possible, if only we dare to dream the impossible dream.

In the story of America’s Great Seal, a particularly relevant chapter is the imagery suggested by Benjamin Franklin in August 1776. He chose the dramatic scene described in Exodus, where people confronted a tyrant in order to gain their freedom.

“Pharaoh sitting in an open Chariot, a Crown on his head and a Sword in his hand, passing through the divided Waters of the Red Sea in Pursuit of the Israelites: Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Cloud, expressive of the Divine Presence and Command, beaming on Moses who stands on the shore and extending his hand over the Sea causes it to overwhelm Pharaoh.”

The motto he suggested, words based on the Passover story, inspired George Washington and the founding fathers of the American colonies to rebel against their British oppressors: “Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God.”

It was the biblical record of the Exodus that enabled the spirit of optimism to prevail for the followers of Martin Luther King in their quest for equal rights, because they were stirred by the vision of Moses leading his people to the Promised Land. It was the hope engendered by recalling how God redeemed our ancestors that allowed even Jews incarcerated in Auschwitz to furtively celebrate the Festival of Freedom and believe in the possibility of their own liberation.

That optimistic spirit, based on our own miraculous history, is the second great gift we have given to mankind and defines our identity.

The Importance of Faith

A pessimist, it’s been said, is someone who has no invisible means of support.

Jewish optimism is rooted in a contrary notion, a firmly held belief that we are blessed with support from above by a caring God. And that faith in a personal God gives us faith in ourselves, in our future and in our ability to help change the world

The God of Sinai didn’t say “I am the Lord your God who created the heavens and the earth.” Instead, he announced, “I am the Lord your God who took you out of the land of Egypt, the house of bondage.” The God of creation could theoretically have forsaken the world once he completed his task. The God of the Exodus made clear He is constantly involved in our history and has a commitment to our survival.

The Passover story conveys that history is not happenstance. It follows a Divine master plan.Thomas Cahill credits the Jews not only for monotheism but for this additional groundbreaking idea of a Divine being with Whom we share a personal relationship. This, he points out, is key to Western civilization’s concept of personal accountability, conscience and culpability for ourselves and the rest of the world.

The Passover story conveys that history is not happenstance. It follows a Divine master plan. It has a predestined order. “Order” in Hebrew is “Seder” – and that is why the major ritual of Passover is identified by that name. Coincidence is not a Jewish concept. Coincidence is just God’s way of choosing to remain anonymous.

Faith gives us the certainty that whatever our present-day problems, history moves in the direction of the final messianic redemption. That is what has always motivated us to believe in progress and to participate in tikkun olam, efforts to improve the world.

The Importance of Family

Passover taught us yet another major truth: the way to perfect the world is to begin with our own families.

God built his nation by commanding not a collective gathering of hundreds of thousands in a public square but by asking Jews to turn their homes into places of family worship at a Seder devoted primarily to answering the questions of children.

It seems all too obvious. Children are our future. They are the ones who most require our attention. The home is where we first form our identities and discover our values.

More even than the synagogue, it is in our homes that we sow the seeds of the future and ensure our continuity. No wonder then that commentators point out the very first letter of the Torah is a bet, the letter whose meaning is house. All of the Torah follows only after we understand the primacy of family.

The world may mock Jewish parents for their over-protectiveness and their child-centered way of life, but they are the ones chiefly responsible for the extraordinary achievements of their progeny.

At the Seder table, the children are encouraged to be the stars and their questions are treated with respect. And that is the first step to developing Jewish genius.

The Importance of Responsibility to Others

One serious question begs to be asked as we celebrate our Divine deliverance from the slavery of Egypt. We thank God for getting us out, but why did God allow us to become victims of such terrible mistreatment in the first place?

A remarkable answer becomes evident in numerous Torah texts. We were slaves in Egypt – and so we have to have empathy for the downtrodden in every generation. We were slaves in Egypt – and so we have to be concerned with the rights of the strangers, the homeless and the impoverished. We experienced oppression – and so we must understand more than anyone else the pain of the oppressed.

The tragedy of our encounter with injustice was in no small measure meant to prepare us to serve throughout all future generations as spokesman for those with whose pain we can personally identify.

The purpose of our suffering was to turn us into a people committed to righting the wrongs of the world, to become partners with God in making the world worthy of final redemption.

We begin the Seder by inviting the hungry and the homeless to join with us. We conclude the Seder by opening the door for Elijah. It is our acceptance of responsibility to others that is the key to hastening the arrival of Messiah.

From earliest childhood every Jew identifies with these five powerful ideas that are at the heart of Passover and its message. And precisely because memory, optimism, faith, family and responsibility have become such vital characteristics of our people, we have been able to achieve far beyond what anyone might have considered possible.

by Rabbi Benjamin Blech

Purim Megilah reading times at the Ohr Hatorah 6324 Churchill Way 75230

Wednesday night, March 7th

Maariv 7:05pm

Megilah reading-7:15pm and 8:4pm(only one is required.)

Thursday morning, March 8th

Shacharis at 6:25 am or 8:30 am

Megilah readings at 7:00am or 9:05 am or 10:15 am (only one is required.)

Purim Basics ABC’s of Purim by Rabbi Shraga Simmons

Purim is Judaism’s most dramatic, fun-filled holiday. When else can you dress up like a bunny rabbit and eat doughy triangles filled with poppy seeds?

Purim occurs on the 14th of Adar. (In certain walled cities like Jerusalem, “Shushan Purim” is celebrated the following day, the 15th of Adar.)

Purim celebrates the dramatic turn-around events, where the wicked Haman tried to annihilate the Jewish people of ancient Persia. The Jews were saved through God’s miraculous arranging of events, as expressed by the heroics of Mordechai and Esther.

There are four mitzvot specific to the holiday of Purim (see below).

30-Second History

Set in Persia 2,300 years ago, the Book of Esther – or the “Megillah” as it is commonly called – recounts how a seemingly unrelated series of events spun together to save the Jewish people from annihilation.

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King Achashverosh throws a huge six-month party and Queen Vashti refuses to follow orders. After a global search, Esther becomes the new queen – but does not reveal her Jewishness. Mordechai, the leader of the Jews, uncovers a plot to assassinate the king – putting him also in a favorable position with the king. All this comes in handy when Haman, the king’s top advisor, obtains a decree to have all the Jews destroyed. (Purim is the Persian word for “lottery,” used by Haman to determine a date for his planned destruction of the Jews.)

In the end, through a complex twist of events, Esther gets the decree reversed, Haman is hanged on the gallows, and Mordechai becomes prime minister.

The name Megillat Esther (Scroll of Esther) actually mean “revealing the hidden.” Unlike every other book in the Bible, Megillat Esther does not mention God’s name even once. The hidden hand of God is revealed through the maze of events.

Megillat Esther teaches us that life’s challenges are always for the best, because what appears as an obstacle is really an opportunity to develop ourselves for the better. And it all comes from God’s invisible hand that guides our fate, every step of the way.

Click for the full Megillah story.

Fast of Esther

Every year, the Fast of Esther is held on the day prior to Purim (Adar 13).

What is the source of this fast? In the Megillah (4:16), Esther agrees to see the king uninvited, and asks the Jewish people to fast for three days beforehand.

Also, the Jews fasted and prayed on the 13th of Adar in preparation for their defense against Haman’s decree. As such, his is not a fast of sadness, but rather one of spiritual elevation and inspiration.

The fast begins at dawn and ends after nightfall. No eating or drinking is permitted. Since this is not a major fast, pregnant or moderately ill people are exempt from the fast. (Consult your rabbi.)

If the 13th falls on Shabbat, due to the honor of Shabbat, the fast is observed on Thursday, the 11th of Adar.

The Half-Shekel

On the eve of Purim, there is a custom to give three coins to charity, to recall the half-shekel (Machatzit HaShekel) donated annually to the Temple treasury during Adar. Three coins are given because in the Torah portion dealing with the half-shekel (Exodus 30:11-16), the word terumah (“donation”) appears three times.

Each coin should be the denomination of half the standard currency in that country (e.g. half a shekel, half a dollar, half a pound). The money is then given to the poor.

Reading the Megillah (Scroll of Esther)

The Scroll of Esther (Megillah) is read on Purim night, and again the next day. We read it in the synagogue, because the larger the crowd, the greater publicity is given to the miracle of our being saved.

The entire Megillah must be read from a kosher scroll, written with proper ink, parchment, etc. Every word must be clearly heard.

The custom is to make noise at the mention of Haman’s name, in keeping with the command to wipe out the remembrance of Amalek (Deut. 25:17-19). Similarly, the Shabbat before Purim is called Shabbat Zachor, because the Maftir portion features the command to remember (zecher) Amalek.

Mishloach Manot – Sending Food to Friends

On the day of Purim, we send two items of food to at least one person – Mishloach Manot. It is preferable to send ready-to-eat foods or drinks. The food should be of a respectable quantity according to the standards of the sender and recipient.

The reason for this mitzvah is to ensure that everyone has sufficient food for the Purim feast. More to the point, this increases love and friendship between Jews, providing an ideal opportunity to embrace our fellow Jews – irrespective of any religious or social differences. (After all, Haman did not discriminate amongst us.) For this reason, it is particularly good to give gifts to those who you may have had an argument with, or someone new in the community who needs a new friend.

According to some, it is preferable to send the gift via a third person, since the verse (Esther 9:22) describes the mitzvah as “sending” food packages to one another.

Matanot La’evyonim – Gifts to the Poor

On the day of Purim, it is also a special mitzvah to give money to at least two poor people – Matanot La’evyonim. Each poor person should be given at least the amount of food that is usually eaten at a regular meal, or the amount of money required to buy this.

It is preferable to do this after the Megillah reading, so that the blessing “She’hecheyanu” can apply to it.

If you do not know who is qualified to receive the gifts, then give the money to an authorized charity collector who will distribute the money on Purim for the purpose of fulfilling this mitzvah. The money may even be given to a charity collector before Purim, if he will distribute it on Purim day.

It is better to spend more on gifts to the poor (Matanot La’evyonim) than on Mishloach Manot. There is no greater joy than gladdening the hearts of orphans, widows and poor people. The Jewish people are one unit – we can’t possibly enjoy the holiday if poor people don’t have enough.

Rejoicing & the Purim Meal

The day’s grand finale is the festive meal. The Purim seudah (feast) should begin during the daytime and extend until after dark.

We eat our fill and pamper our bodies – because it is the Jewish bodies that Haman sought to destroy. Also, we are obliged to imbibe alcohol (responsibly, of course) until one doesn’t know the difference between “cursed is Haman” and “blessed is Mordechai.”

We dress up in costumes, to let our defenses down and open up to the deeper reality of ourselves and our world. All our current problems and life’s imperfections blend into good, until they become one unified expression of the Almighty’s infinite perfection.

On Purim we add “Al Ha’nisim” – an extra paragraph which describes the Purim miracle – to the Amidah prayer, and also to the Grace After Meals.

Shushan Purim

Residents of Jerusalem celebrate Purim one day later than other Jews, called “Shushan Purim.”

The Megillah (Esther 9:20-22) says that the Jews prevailed over their enemies on the 13th of Adar, and on the 14th they feasted to celebrate the victory. But in Shushan the capital, the battle lasted an extra day and the holiday was not celebrated until the 15th.

When the Sages instituted Purim, they took into account that Shushan was a walled city, and made the following stipulation: While most cities celebrate Purim on the 14th of Adar, cities which were walled at the time of Joshua should celebrate “Shushan Purim” on the 15th.

The only city that was definitely walled at time of Joshua is Jerusalem. Some cities in Israel – Jaffa, Akko, Hebron – have an additional Megillah reading on the 15th as a stringency.

After many a few years of negotiations, Shema is honored to host a Shabbaton with Eli and David! They are the unique blend of the New York business acuteness, sterling character of a Torah observant Jew and colorful personality. Those that know them can attest that this will not be an ordinary event. Please join us Friday night February 10th and Shabbath day Februray 11th and be a part of the Dallas history in the making!

Do you want to be a sponsor of this historic event? Great! Just click the donate botton and follow the prompts.

                                                                                                                      B-H

THAT’S MUSIC TO MY EARS!

You mean…

 I can help feed the hungry poor in Israel by listening to amazing music? 

That’s music to my ears!!!

That’s right.  It’s as simple as that.

Yad Eliezer

 has partnered with an awe-inspiring pianist and violinist …

a beautiful collaboration of music and chesed (loving-kindness)

a soulful combination

Come take your seat in this unique concert event. 

 Feed the hungry while listening to greatmusic!

THE MAN WITH A THOUSAND SONGS,

Pianist LEON ZILIGSON

and

 AWARD WINNING

 violinist LEV KARDONSKY

 together again, with

The stirring, syncopated rhythms of Gershwin, the lilting, lyrical melodies of Richard Rodgers, the laughter and lament of

traditional klezmer

  all performed with

Flair and finesse by

the crème de la crème of musicians!

INTRODUCING: DALLAS’ FIRST EVER BENEFIT CONCERT FOR YAD ELIEZER!! (Yad Eliezer is an organization that feeds the hungry in Israel)

www.yadeliezer.org

DATE and TIME:           February 19, 2012                2 PM

VENUE: The Eisemann Center (in Richardson), The Bank of America Theater

Tickets are $25 

 (10% off for seniors, students & groups)

Buy tickets at:

http://www.eisemanncenter.com/tickets/calendar/view.asp?id=2337

INFORMATION ON OUR PERFORMERS:

Pianist Leon Ziligson:

Ask any local music critic, talent agency or professional musician to name the finest pianists in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and one name will come up frequently: Leon Ziligson.

Leon was introduced to piano and started piano lessons at a music school for gifted children in Riga, Latvia.  There he studied classical piano.  This gave him a good foundation for all other types of music.  At 14, Leon discovered American Jazz and never let go. He has been thrilling audiences ever since with his expertise in this area.  He joined Rigas Estades Orchestra, when he was 18 years old as the youngest member of that orchestra.  He later toured wth Edie Rosner Orchestra, Moscow Music Hall, and others.

Since making his home in Dallas, Leon has earned respect and praise from music lovers of all stripes for his various piano playing styles.  Leon has played performances at 5-star restaurants and hotels such as The Westin, Intercontinental, Fairmont and Crescent Court. The Adophut and The Aratole. In additon, he was the feaured pianist for Dallas Jazz Orchestra recordings.  Leon can play almost anything- classical, Broadway, pop, soft rock and more. Because his repertoire is virtually unlimited, his performances are always a hit, no matter what the audience.

Violinist Lev Kardonsky:

At the age of 6, Lev Kardonsky discovered a passion for the violin, which he later turned into a successful career.

Graduating from Lithuanian State Conservatory with a Master’s Degree in violin, he began his career by appearing with The City of Riga State Theater of Musical Comedy, The Latvian National Opera, and The Riga Ballet Theater. Since his arrival to the US, Mr. Kardonsky performed as a member of the Fort Worth Symphony and the Fort Worth Opera. He also appeared in concert and performed in some of the finest clubs around the world. Mr. Kardonsky was praised by audiences worldwide and received numerous awards for his accomplishments, including the Bicentennial award. Articles about his career and personal life appeared in Time, Newsweek, Texas Monthly, and Associated Press. In 1999, Lev Kardonsky formed a musical group Siman-Tov of which he is currently a member.

Chanukah , the Festival of Lights, begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, and lasts for eight days. On the secular calendar, Chanukah generally falls out in December.

This primer will explore:

(1) A Bit of History
(2) Lighting Instructions
(3) Other Customs 

(1) A Bit of History

The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication.” In the 2nd century BCE, during the time of the Second Holy Temple, the Syrian-Greek regime of Antiochus sought to pull Jews away from Judaism, with the hopes of assimilating them into Greek culture. Antiochus outlawed Jewish observance ― including circumcision, Shabbat, and Torah study ― under penalty of death. As well, many Jews ― called Hellenists ― began to assimilate into Greek culture, taking on Greek names and marrying non-Jews. This began to decay the foundation of Jewish life and practice.

When the Greeks challenged the Jews to sacrifice a pig to a Greek god, a few courageous Jews took to the hills of Judea in open revolt against this threat to Jewish life. Led by Matitiyahu, and later his son Judah the Maccabee, this small band of pious Jews led guerrilla warfare against the Syrian-Greek army.

Antiochus sent thousands of well-armed troops to crush the rebellion, but after three years the Maccabees beat incredible odds and miraculously succeeded in driving the foreigners from their land. The victory was on the scale of Israel defeating the combined super-powers of today.

Jewish fighters entered Jerusalem and found the Holy Temple in shambles and desecrated with idols. The Maccabees cleansed the Temple and re-dedicated it on the 25th of Kislev. When it came time to re-light the Menorah, they searched the entire Temple, but found only one jar of pure oil bearing the seal of the High Priest. The group of believers lit the Menorah anyway and were rewarded with a miracle: That small jar of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply of oil could be brought.

From then on, Jews have observed a holiday for eight days, in honor of this historic victory and the miracle of the oil. To publicize the Chanukah miracle, Jews add the special Hallel praises to the Shacharit service, and light a menorah during the eight nights of Chanukah.

(2) Lighting Instructions

In Ashkenazi tradition, each person lights his own menorah. Sefardi tradition has just one menorah per family.

What Menorah to Light

To publicize which night of Chanukah it is, all eight candles on the menorah should be at the same height ― and preferably in a straight line. Otherwise, the candles may not be easily distinguishable and may appear like a big torch.

In addition to the eight main lights, the menorah has an extra helper candle called the “Shamash.” As we are forbidden to use the Chanukah lights for any purpose other than “viewing,” any benefit is as if it’s coming from the Shamash.

Since the Shamash does not count as one of the eight regular lights, your menorah should have the Shamash set apart in some way ― either placed higher than the other candles, or off to the side.

What Candles to Light

The most important thing is that that your candles must burn for at least 30 minutes after nightfall. (Those famous colored candles barely qualify!) Many Jewish bookstores sell longer colored candles.

Actually, it is even better to use olive oil, since the miracle of the Maccabees occurred with olive oil. Glass cups containing oil can be placed in the candle holders of any standard menorah. Many Jewish bookstores even sell kits of pre-measured oil in disposable cups.

Where to Light

To best publicize the miracle, the menorah is ideally lit outside the doorway of your house, on the left side when entering. (The mezuzah is on the right side; in this way you are “surrounded by mitzvot.”) In Israel, many people light outside in special glass boxes built for a menorah.

If this is not practical, the menorah should be lit in a window facing the public thoroughfare.

Someone who lives on an upper floor should light in a window. If for some reason the menorah cannot be lit by a window, it may be lit inside the house on a table; this at least fulfills the mitzvah of “publicizing the miracle” for the members of the household.

Since the mitzvah occurs at the actual moment of lighting, moving the menorah to a proper place after lighting does not fulfill the mitzvah.

When to Light

The menorah should preferably be lit immediately at nightfall. It is best to wait, however, until all the members of the household are present. This adds to the family atmosphere and also maximizes the mitzvah of “publicizing the miracle.” The menorah can still be lit (with the blessings) late into the night, as long as people are still awake.

The menorah should remain lit for at least 30 minutes after nightfall, during which time no use should be made of its light.

On Friday afternoon, the menorah should be lit 18 minutes before sundown. And since the menorah needs to burn for 30 minutes into the night, the candles used on Friday need to be bigger than the regular “colored candles” (which typically don’t burn longer than a half-hour).

How to Light

On the first night, place one candle at the far right, as you face the menorah. This applies whether the menorah is placed next to a doorway or by a window.

Another candle is placed for the Shamash (taller helper candle) which is used to light the others. It is not counted as one of the candles.

First light the Shamash, then recite the blessings, and then use the Shamash to light the Chanukah candle.

On the second night, place two candles in the two far-right positions ― and use the Shamash to light the left one first.

The third night, place three candles in the three far-right positions ― and use the Shamash to light them in order, from left to right.

Follow this same procedure each night of Chanukah… until all the lights are kindled and glowing brightly!

The Blessings

 Watch animation of how to light the Menorah

 Listen to the blessings for lighting the Menorah

 Print formatted text of this blessing

The first two blessings are said with the Shamash already lit, but immediately prior to lighting the Chanukah candles.

Blessing #1

Baruch ata Ado-noi Elo-heinu melech ha-olam, Asher kid-shanu bi-mitzvo-sav, Vi-tzee-vanu li-had-leek ner shel Chanukah.

Blessed are You, the Lord our God, King of the universe, Who sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.

Blessing #2

Baruch ata Ado-noi Elo-heinu melech ha-olam, Shi-asa nee-seem la-avo-seinu, Baya-meem ha-haim baz-man ha-zeh.

Blessed are You, the Lord our God, King of the universe, Who made miracles for our forefathers, in those days at this season.

Blessing #3

This blessing is said on the first night only.

Baruch ata Ado-noi Elo-heinu melech ha-olam, Sheh-he-che-yanu vi-kee-yimanu Vi-hee-gee-yanu laz-man ha-zeh.

Blessed are You, the Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.

The following paragraph is said each night, after the first light has been kindled:

Ha-nerot ha-lalu anach-nu mad-likin Al ha-nissim vi-al hanif-laot Al ha-tshu-ot vi-al ha-milchamot She-asita la’avo-teinu Ba-yamim ha-heim, ba-zman ha-zeh Al ye-dey kohan-echa haki-doshim.

Vi-chol shmonat ye-mey Chanukah Ha-nerot ha-lalu kodesh heim, Ve-ein lanu reshut li-heesh-tamesh ba-hem Ela leer-otam bilvad Kedai le-hodot u-li-hallel li-shimcha Al ni-secha vi-al niflo-techa vi-al yeshua-techa.

(3) Other Customs

After lighting the Chanukah menorah, families enjoy sitting in the glow, singing and recalling the miracles of yesterday and today. The first song traditionally sung after lighting the candles is Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages). (click for audio and lyrics)

A number of other customs have developed, including:

• eating “oily” foods like fried potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), in commemoration of the miracle of the oil
• giving Chanukah gelt (coins) to children
• spinning the dreidel, a four-sided top with a Hebrew letter on each side (sivivon in Hebrew)

What is the origin of the dreidel?

In times of persecution when Torah study was forbidden, Jewish children would learn anyway. When soldiers would investigate, the children would pull out a dreidel and pretend to be playing.

The letters on the dreidel are nun, gimmel, hey, shin ― the first letters of Nes Gadol Haya Sham – “A Great Miracle Happened There.” (In Israel, the last letter is a Pey ― “Here.”) One way to play dreidel is to see who can keep theirs spinning for the longest time. Or alternatively, to see how many dreidels you can get spinning simultaneously.

Another version of dreidel is where players use pennies, nuts, raisins, or chocolate coins as tokens or chips. Each player puts an equal share into the “pot.” The first player takes a turn spinning the dreidel. When the dreidel stops, the letter facing up determines:

• Nun – nothing happens; the next player spins the dreidel
• Gimmel – the spinner takes the pot
• Hey – the spinner takes half the pot
• Shin – the spinner matches the pot

On Chanukah we add “Al Ha’nisim” – an extra paragraph which describes the Chanukah miracle – to the Amidah prayer, and also to the Grace After Meals.

Happy Chanukah!

(by Rabbi Shraga Simmons at aish.com)

This musical production by Happy Memories Entertainment Company based on traditional Chanukah story.

It is a performance  replete with humor, entertainment, music, audience participation, games, and fun for all ages.

Join us for the celebration you won’t forget!

• Sunday, December 11, 2011 • 3:30 pm
• Hosted by Shema
• At the Ann & Nate Levine Academy
• 18011 Hillcrest Rd.
  Dallas, TX 75252

Online Tickets: Order Here  

$8 per person, $45.00 maximum per family

At the door:

$ 10.00 per person, $55.00 maximum per family

Questions 214 280 2426

 We thank our sponsors:

J. King Bourland, CPA                                                          

CF & Co., L.L.P.

8750 N. Central Expressway

Suite 300

Dallas,Texas75231

(972) 387-4300

kingb@cfllp.com

Norman Architects, LC                                              

11615 Forest Central Drive

Suite 101

Dallas TX 75243

972.907.2740 Office

214.695.3850 Mobile

snorman@normanarchitects.net

www.normanarchitects.net

Mr.and Mrs. Steve and Carol Aaron.

8

355 Walnut Hill Lane
Suites 105 & 205
Dallas, TX 75231

Phone: 214-368-3659

http://www.clinicalpediatrics.com/

Infinity Air. The  AC services specialists.

BK Valet LLC .Valet parking services for private parties

Wednesday night September 28th:

• 8:00 pm – Evening services at the house of Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Klots 6107 Linden Lane 75230.
• 8:30 pm – Festive meal at the same address.

Thursday September 29th:

• 9-50 am  – Rosh Hashanah day services at the Cong. Ohr HaTorah 6324 Churchill Way 75230
• 10:40 am – Shofar blowing.
• 11:00 am – Continuation of the Rosh Hashanah services followed by the series of shofar blasts during the actual prayer.
• 12:30 pm – Festive meal at the house of Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Klots 6107 Linden Lane 75230

Thursday night September 29th:

• 8:26 pm – Evening services at the Cong. Ohr HaTorah 6324 Churchill Way 75230.
• Following the services – Festive meal at the house of Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Klots 6107 Linden Lane 75230.

Friday September 30th:

• 9:50 am – Rosh Hashanah day services at the Cong. Ohr HaTorah 6324 Churchill Way 75230.
• 10:40 am – Shofar blowing.
• 11:00 am – Continuation of the Rosh Hashanah services followed by the series of shofar blasts during the actual prayer.
• 12:30 pm – Festive meal at the house of the Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Klots 6107 Linden Lane 75230.

$75 per person.

Childcare available at additional fee through the Cong. Ohr HaTorah childcare team. Please call for details.

Register here or call 241 280 2426

High Holiday sponsorships available and are welcome!.

Shema Summer Yeshiva Stars program:

Thursday August 11th
12:30 -1:30pm Lunch and learn
At the Starbucks that is the closest to you office or at the office itself.

8:00-9:30 pm Like in the Days of Old
Experience the joy of plummeting the depth of Talmud in the one on one setting.
Followed by a Shiur.
Location: to be announced.

Friday: August 11th:

12:30 -1:30pm Lunch and learn
At the Starbucks that is the closest to you office or at the office itself.

7:00 pm – until you are too tired to stay up
Shabbath celebration at the house of Rabbi Klots.
6107 Linden Lane Dallas TX 75230

Sunday, August 14th:

9:00 am The famed Tefilin group
TDSD 6921 Frankford Rd. Dallas TX 75230
11:00 am-2:30 pm Sharp Shooters
Fort Pantball field

4:00-6:30 pm Everybody is dancing!*
The wedding of Paul and Bella Weissburd!
At the Congragetion Ohr Hatorah 6324 Churchill way Dallas TX 75230

* Whole body soreness is to be expected the next day as a result of such intense dancing experience.

Monday August 15th :

12:30 -1:30pm Lunch and learn
At the Starbucks that is the closest to you office or at the office itself.

8:30 -11:00 pm The ultimate struggle – Dallas vs. New York PART ONE
One on one (or two or three) study session followed by a basketball game
The JCC gym 7900 Northaven Road Dallas, TX 75230-3392

Tuesday, August 16th:

12:30 -1:30pm Lunch and learn
At the Starbucks that is the closest to you office or at the office itself.

8:30 -11:00 pm The ultimate struggle – Dallas vs. New York. PART TWO
One on one (or two or three) study session followed by a basketball game
The JCC gym 7900 Northaven Road Dallas, TX 75230-3392

Wednesday, August 17th:

12:30 -1:30pm Lunch and learn
At the Starbucks that is the closest to you office or at the office itself.

7:30-8:45 pm Like in the Days of Old
Experience the satisfaction of the depth of study of the Torah philosophy in the one on one setting.
Followed by a Shiur.
Location: to be announced
9:15-10:15 pm – Pick their Brain
Yeshiva guys avail themselves for personalized Q & A sessions.
Ask them those embarrassing questions that have been knowing at your mind*.

* you must be comfortable presenting these questions infront of your grandmother.

Thursday, August 18th:

The Last BBQ (location to be announsed)

Friday, August 19th:

7:00 pm – Now its time to say goodbye Final Shabbat at the house of Rabbi Klots.
Next is our Chanukah trip to Brooklyn New York.
Take this unique opportunity and join us for a one full week of fun and learning!

Sunday August 21st:
9:00am The famed Tefilin group
TDSD 6921 Frankford Rd. Dallas TX 75230

               by Rabbi Shraga Simmons

The “Three Weeks” between the 17th of Tammuz and the Tisha B’Av have historically been days of misfortune and calamity for the Jewish people. During this time, both the First and Second Temples were destroyed, amongst other tragedies.

These days are referred to as the period “within the straits” (bein hametzarim), in accordance with the verse: “All her oppressors have overtaken her within the straits” (Lamentations 1:3).

During this time, various aspects of mourning are observed by the entire nation. We minimize joy and celebration – no weddings are held, we do not listen to music, nor are there haircuts or shaving. The expressions of mourning take on greater intensity as we approach the day of Tisha B’Av.

Since the attribute of Divine judgment (“din”) is acutely felt, we avoid potentially dangerous or risky endeavors.

On Shabbat during the Three Weeks, the Haftorahs are taken from chapters in Isaiah and Jeremiah dealing with the Temple’s destruction and the exile of the Jewish people.

Agonizing over these events is meant to help us conquer those spiritual deficiencies which brought about these tragic events. Through the process of “teshuva” – self-introspection and a commitment to improve – we have the power to transform tragedy into joy. In fact, the Talmud says that after the future redemption of Israel and the rebuilding of the Temple, these days will be re-dedicated as days of rejoicing and festivity.

The story is told of Napoleon walking through the streets of Paris one Tisha B’Av. As his passed a synagogue he heard the sounds of mourning and crying. “What’s this all about?” Napoleon asked. An aide explained that the Jews were in mourning the loss of their Temple. “When did this happen?” Napoleon asked. The aide replied, “About 1700 years ago.” Napoleon said, “Certainly a people which has mourned the loss of their Temple for so long, will merit to see it rebuilt!”

Seventeenth of Tammuz

The beginning of a 3-week period of mourning is the 17th of Tammuz, a fast day commemorating the fall of Jerusalem, prior to the destruction of the Holy Temple.

On the 17th of Tammuz, no eating or drinking is permitted from the break of dawn until dusk. (Should the day coincide with Shabbat, the fast is delayed until Sunday.)

Five great catastrophes occurred in Jewish history on the 17th of Tammuz:

1. Moses broke the tablets at Mount Sinai — in response to the sin of the Golden Calf.
    
2. The daily offerings in the First Temple were suspended during the siege of Jerusalem, after the Kohanim could no longer obtain animals.
    
3. Jerusalem’s walls were breached, prior to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
    
4. Prior to the Great Revolt, the Roman general Apostamos burned a Torah scroll – setting a precedent for the horrifying burning of Jewish books throughout the centuries.
    
5. An idolatrous image was placed in the Sanctuary of the Holy Temple – a brazen act of blasphemy and desecration.

The Nine Days

The period commencing with Rosh Chodesh Av is called the “Nine Days.” During this time, a stricter level of mourning is observed, in accordance with the Talmudic dictum (Ta’anit 26): “When the month of Av begins, we reduce our joy.”

During this time the additional “signs of mourning” include abstaining from meat and wine (except on Shabbat) and from doing laundry or wearing freshly laundered clothes (except on Shabbat). We also do not bathe for pleasure, though it is permitted to bathe in cool water in order to remove dirt or perspiration. For more details, see “The Three Weeks.”

Tisha B’Av – The Ninth of Av

The intensity of mourning reaches a peak on Tisha B’Av, five national calamities occurred:

1. During the time of Moses, Jews in the desert accepted the slanderous report of the 12 Spies, and the decree was issued forbidding them from entering the Land of Israel. (1312 BCE)
    
2. The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians and Nebuchadnezzar. (586 BCE)
    
3. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans. (70 CE)
    
4. The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. (135 CE)
5. The Temple Mount was plowed under, and Jerusalem was rebuilt as a pagan city.

Other grave misfortunes throughout Jewish history coincided with the Ninth of Av, including the expulsion from Spain in 1492, the outbreak of World War One in 1914, and the mass deportation of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942.

During the late afternoon prior to Tisha B’Av, it is customary to eat Seudah Hamaf-seket – a meal consisting only of bread, water and a hard-boiled egg. The food is dipped in ashes, symbolic of mourning, and eaten while seated on the ground. (The rules are slightly different when Tisha B’Av falls on Shabbat or Sunday.)

Sundown marks the commencement of Tisha B’Av, where no eating or drinking is permitted until nightfall the following evening. It is also forbidden to bathe or wash, wear leather shoes, or engage in marital relations. We also do not learn Torah, except for texts relevant to Tisha B’Av and mourning — e.g. the book of Lamentations and Job, and certain sections of the Talmud (including the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza).

The Book of Eicha (Lamentations), Jeremiah’s poetic lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, is read in the synagogue as part of the evening service. Special “Kinot” (elegies) are also recited, both at night and during the day.

Other mourning practices include sitting on a low chair (after midday, a regular chair permitted; see “Laws of Shoes and Chairs”). We also minimize business and leisure activities.

Following Tisha B’Av, all normal activities may be resumed, except for the following which are delayed until midday of the 10th of Av, because the burning of the Temple continued through the 10th of Av: haircuts, washing clothes, bathing, listening to music, and eating meat and wine.