Halacha – Tshuvos – 16th Tammuz, 5769

 

Rav Moshe Feinstein: The Status Of The Night Of 17 Tammuz, Shave, Wedding…

On Shiva Asar B’Tammuz we don’t fast until the morning. Does that mean that the night before is not part of the Taanis and the halachos of the three weeks don’t start until the morning, or does the three weeks start as soon as it becomes night on 17 Tammuz but the actual not eating only begins in the morning?

Rav Moshe Feinstein in Igros Moshe (OC 1:168) says that it is a Machlokes Rishonim. Rav Moshe brings proof from the gemara that the taanis only starts in the morning but he says because of his proof we cannot pasken between the opinions of the rishonim. Nevertheless says Rav Moshe, these issurim of shaving, weddings, and the halachos of the three weeks are not Din but rather Minhagim of Aveilus during a bad period for Am Yisroel, therefore we can be more lenient. Additionally he suggests that maybe even the Rishonim who hold the Taanis starts at night would agree that these things only become forbidden in the morning when the actual fasting begins.

Therefore Rav Moshe says that in a Makom Tzorech it is permissible to treat the night of Shiva Asar B’Tammuz as if the three weeks have not started.

Important Note: We try to convey the Tshuva to the best of our ability. We admit that our understanding may not be accurate. One should learn the tshuva to verify the accuracy of our interpretation. Please also understand that this Tshuva may not be the final word on this topic. One should consult a Rav before drawing any conclusions.

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Tefila – Bi’urei Tefila – 16th Tammuz, 5769

 

Please Save Us From Our Tefilos!

What we ask for from Hashem is not always what is good for us. The pasuk in Koheles (5:1) says, “Do not rush to speak before Hashem, because Hashem is in the Heaven and you are on the earth therefore your words should be few.” Only Hashem who knows our purpose on this world and the master plan can decide what is good for us physically and materially.

The old chasiddishe vort explains the pasuk in Ashrei. “Retzon Yerei’av Ya’aseh; The will of his feared ones He does” and when they realize how bad it was for them to have their wishes fulfilled, even then “V’Es Shvasam Yishma V’Yoshi’eim; Hashem heeds their cries and saves them.” Be careful what you ask for because you may get it!

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Daily Reminder – 16th Tammuz, 5769

 

Fast Track To Nevua

The Chofetz Chaim says in Shmiras HaLashon, in the merit of Shmiras HaLashon you can go up forever to a high and holy level and merit Ruach HaKodesh.

“Zachor Eis Asher Asa Hashem L’Miriam BaDerech B’Tzaischem MiMitzrayim”

The Ramban and other Rishonim count, among the Mitzvos Aseh Min HaTorah, the mitzva of remembering and saying with your mouth each day what Hashem did to Miriam when she spoke about her brother Moshe. The Chofetz Chaim in Shaar Tvunah Perek 12 says that being Mikayem this mitzva can save you from the aveira of Lashon Hara. More than just saying the pasuk, says the Chofetz Chaim, one must think about the incident in order for it to have its intended effect.

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Bringing Heaven Down to Earth – 16th Tammuz, 5769

 

Thought for the Day

Who’s First?

By Rabbi Tzvi Freeman

Daily Dose – Today’s Meditation – Who’s First?

From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman. To order Tzvi’s book, “Bringing Heaven Down to Earth, click here.

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Daily “PiCK-ME-UPs” – 16th Tammuz, 5769

 

Quotes

from “PiCK-ME-UPs” the book

   

Giving Quote

Owning it all

We say of the Creator: “He performs great acts of kindness, and owns it all”. For ourselves, we need to follow this example and understand that through helping others, we really enrich ourselves.

By: Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Schwartz of “Self-Growth.“

PiCK-ME-UPs:
Empower yourself, enjoy life!
Not just another book, but a series of lessons to change our lives, turning darkness to light, misery to joy, shame into dignity; giving us a sense of direction, that we may move through our days with enthusiasm and passion, turning each moment into a jewel, a treasure, and a source of great pleasure and enjoyment. Click here for more.

FREE INSPIRATIONAL POSTER – To download high resolution version, click here.

Please visit Rabbi Avraham Tzvi Schwartz’s blog at: Keep Smiling ~ Self-Wealth

KESER SHEM TOV – 16th Tammuz, 5769

 

KESER SHEM TOV

Anthology of the Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov

KST 26.

The Baal Shem Tov taught:

“There was a famine in the Land.”¹

This means that the people lacked faith in G-d,² that is, that they were lax in honoring Him. Therefore, “Abram went down to Mitzrayim/Egypt,”³ which means that Abraham was distressed [mitzta'er] by this laxity in honoring G-d in the World of Action.

However, as a result, “Abram went up from Mitzrayim,”⁴ which means that he became spiritually elevated and was able to derive even greater pleasure from serving G-d, by virtue of the fact that he was not like them, since light can only be discerned in contrast to darkness.

Therefore, “Lot – who symbolizes the evil inclination – was with him,”⁵ because the existence of evil allows one to derive even greater pleasure from serving G-d,⁶ and evil thus become a vehicle to good, and becomes encompassed in it.

“And Abram was heavily laden with cattle, silver and gold,”⁷ which means that he was able to extract the sparks of holiness, similarly to, “Joseph collected all the money in Egypt.”⁸

¹Genesis 12:10.
²Zohar I 80a
³Genesis 12:10
⁴Genesis 13:1
⁵Genesis 13:1
⁶Thus, uprooting one’s evil tendencies is not only anyway impossible, but also not the goal. On the contrary. One should rejoice that one has an evil tendency to deal with on a daily basis, and even enjoy the challenges it presents. This is how we grow spiritually, and every success brings us closer to G-d.
⁷Ibid. v. 2
⁸Genesis 47:14; Degel Machneh Ephraim, ad loc. This explains how evil itself becomes encompassed in the good. The Hebrew word for silver/money is kesef, which is the same root as desire. Thus, by seeing how mankind is so sunken in all sorts of desires, or when an undesirable desire rises one’s own mind, one can turn this around and perceive it in this way: If the pleasure for this earthly thing is so great, how much greater is the pleasure of being with G-d, the Source and Creator of all pleasures. This can bring one to an intense experience of pleasure from being in G-d’s presence. Then, those desires of others or oneself, which are actually fallen sparks of holiness, fallen and misguided desires for G-d, are elevated back to their Source.

Translation and commentary by Rabbi Yehoshua Starrett.

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Daily Wisdom Portion of Kabbalah – 16th Tammuz, 5769

 

“Love thy friend as thyself.” Rabbi Akiva says this is a great rule in the Torah Collective and Individual

The Love for the Creator & Love for the Created Beings – All of Israel Are Responsible for One Another

In light of the above we can understand a perplexing saying by our sages who said, “All of Israel are responsible for one another.” Furthermore, Rabbi Elazar, the son of Rabbi Shimon adds that, “The world is judged by the majority.”

It follows, that we are also responsible for all the nations of the world. I wonder; this seems to be something that the mind cannot tolerate. How can one be responsible for the sins of another whom he does not know? It is said specifically that, “The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers; every man shall be put to death for his own sin.”

Now we can understand the meaning of the words in utter simplicity. It is clearly impossible to keep the Torah and Mitzvot if the entire nation does not participate.

It turns out that each and every person has become responsible for his friend. This means that those who are reckless make those who keep the Torah remain in their filth. They cannot be corrected and come to love bestowal upon one’s fellow person without the participation of the reckless. Thus, if some among the nation are sinners, they make the rest of the nation suffer.

It is written in the Midrash, “Israel, one of them sins and all of them feel.” Rabbi Shimon said about that: “It is like people who were seated in a boat. One of them took a drill and began to drill under his seat. His friends told him, ‘What are you doing?’ He replied, “Why should you care? Am I not drilling under me?’ They replied, ‘The water is flooding the boat.’” As we’ve explained above, because the reckless are immersed in self-love, their acts create a wall of steel that detains those who keep the Torah from even beginning to keep the Torah and Mitzvot, as they should be kept.

Now we will clarify the words of Rabbi Eliezar, son of Rabbi Shimon, who says, “Since the world is judged by the majority, and the individual is judged by the majority, if one performs one Mitzva, blessed be he, for he sentences himself and the entire world to a scale of merit. If he commits one sin, woe unto him for he sentences himself and the entire world to a scale of demerit. It is said, ‘But one sinner destroyeth much good.’”

We see that Rabbi Abba, son of Rabbi Shimon takes the issue of the Arvut (mutual responsibility) even further, for he says, “The world is judged by its majority.” This is because he thinks it is not enough for one nation to receive the Torah and Mitzvot. Either he came to this opinion by observing reality, for we see that the end has not yet come, or he received it from his teachers.

The text also supports him, as it promises us that at the time of redemption, “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord,” and also, “all nations shall flow onto him,” and many more verses. That is the reason he conditioned the Arvut in the participation of the entire world. It shows that an individual cannot come to the desired goal by observing Torah and Mitzvot, if not through the aid of all the people of the world.

Thus, each and every Mitzva that one performs affects the whole world. It is like a person who weighs beans on a scale. Just like each and every bean one puts on the scale induces the final desired decision, so each Mitzva that the individual performs before the whole earth is full of the knowledge develops the world in that direction.

It is said, “But one sinner destroyeth much good.” It means that one’s sinning reduces the weight on the scale, as though that person took back the beans he had put on the scale. By that one turns the world backwards.

By Rabbi Yehuda Leib HaLevi Ashlag – Baal HaSulam, The Love for the Creator & Love for the Created Beings

Source: kabbalah.info

Today 16th Tammuz, 5769 – “Little Mitzvos“

 

You may think, how does one little Mitzvo help . . .

Our times are calling out to us to do Teshuva, but it’s too hard for us to change our lives. Even when we try, we end up reverting back to nothing, everything as was. We MUST show HaShem that we are seeing the signs and that it means something to us.

In this way, when HaShem asks what did we did, we can reply “I took this on…”

You must not consider this “Little Mitzvos” as a replacement for the Shulchan Oruch – you must continue learning Halochos via mainstream Seforim and with Shiurim.

Daily Activity

Take care with breadcrumbs – do not leave them unswept on the floor.

Source: Little Mitzvos Org

The Daily Shmiras Ainayim Chizuk – 16th Tammuz, 5769

 

GuardUrEyes A website for Jews struggling to maintain their moral purity in today’s world

Why is Sexual purity so important in Judaism? Our sages called Shmiras Habris “Yesod”, meaning “Foundation”. The foundation of a building is “underground” and no one sees it, yet it holds up the entire building! Shmiras Habris is the hidden part of a Jew, it’s the real you. If the foundation of a Jew is weak, his whole spiritual structure is fragile and in grave danger of collapse. At guardureyes.com we are finally joining together, for ourselves and for all future generations, to strengthen the foundations of our people!

There is a lot of material out there on the subject of guarding the eyes and the Bris, but sometimes “too much” is overwhelming.
A little bit each day is just right, to be able to read, digest and apply it to our lives.

Today’s Shmiras Ainayim Chizuk

The Zohar compares this world to a churning ocean and the body of a man to a ship in the sea. Therefore, man requires knowledge in order to guide himself on a straight course, avoiding mishap and losing his way. The ocean of life roars fearfully and continuously. The winds of challenge blow and the negative impulse rips about like a tornado with unimaginable force. All of life comprises great and endless tests, which can easily capsize the ship and sink it into the murky, nethermost depths.

Yirat Shamayim and the study of Mussar will prevent the body from sinking into the miry depths of desire and corrupt character traits.
(Rabbi Yitzchak Blazer, Ohr Yisrael)

Transformation Through Torah

   “The way to utilize the healing powers of Torah is to continually study the laws relevant to the particular transgression.”

“We know that transformation of human nature is generated by Torah study and the repeated practice of a desired good conduct or character trait. This method of study causes a strong alteration within one’s soul. Indeed, one’s character will gradually change so that the transgression is naturally distant from him.“
(Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, Igeres HaMussar)

How can study of Torah law help me control my negative impulse?

“Torah study in general is like preventive medicine that blocks the negative impulse, as our Sages said, “All the time that a person studies Torah, the Torah protects him.” Even if the Torah topic he is studying does not pertain to a particular sin, the spirituality of the Torah will protect him.

However, the development of Yirat Shamayim (i.e., the awareness of Hashem) and the study of the relevant laws is a primary remedy. A person needs to relate to a spiritual malady in the same manner as he does with physical illness. The strength and dosage of the remedy is proportionate to the severity of the illness. As long as the Yetzer Hara is activated, there is a need to increase contemplation of Yirat Shamayim and the study of the appropriate laws. If a person does not use this primary remedy, then the general study of Torah will not have much influence over the Yetzer Hara.“
(Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, Igeres HaMussar)

The combination of Mussar study with the study of Halachah is a powerful tool for combating our physical desires. In addition, the study of Halachah will enhance our observance of the Mitzvot, even if we are deficient in Yirat Shamayim.

If a person will sincerely and carefully study the laws regarding the eyes, a character transformation will take place. Learning what is forbidden and permitted to look at will effectively guard you from seeing improper sights.

Even though it can be hard in the beginning, don’t give up! The tremendous desire of the eyes and the prevalent practices of modern society make this a very difficult test. However, studying the Halachot is so powerful that you will soon develop new habits that will stay with you forever.

TODAY: Be encouraged by knowing that through Torah and Halachah study, we have the means to master our eyes and change old habits.

Practical Application

Steve attends a weekly Halachah class on the Laws of Shabbat, but he didn’t realize there were also specific laws concerning Shmirat Einayim. He is interested to know these guidelines for his eyes and is setting up a weekly study session with his friend.

Two Free e-Books, courtesy of GuardUrEyes that will change your life!
Right click on the links below and choose “Save Link/Target As” to download them to your computer. (Print them out to read at your leisure!)

The Guard Your Eyes Handbook.

The Guard Your Eyes Attitude.

The GuardUrEyes E-mail Chizuk Lists

The Yetzer Hara thinks of new ways to win us over every day. What better way to combat him than to have some chizuk and a new insight every day!

List 1.The GuardUrEyes Chizuk List – Breaking Free.
Receive each day antidotes, tips, articles or quotes from the holy texts, therapists and fellow strugglers, to help you break free of sexual addictions, pornography and/or masturbation.

List 2.General Chizuk in Shmiras Ainayim
This list will focus less on the “addiction” aspect and more on general Chizuk in Shmiras Ainayim that anyone can use, addicted or not. This list is less intense and explicit than the first, and is appropriate for everyone.

Please note: We strongly advise anyone who struggles with masturbation or pornography, even if infrequently, to join the first list as well.

Click here to join one (OR BOTH) of the Chizuk lists described below.

The tools on GuardUrEyes network include:

       Two Daily Chizuk List options (hundreds of members!)

       Hundreds of tips; divided into categories; tips from therapists, tips from other sites and from fellow strugglers.

       An active and thriving forum – a powerful feature of group support

       The “Jewish Healing Group“, an anonymous 12-Step group that meets on the phone once a week

       A live hotline, for people to get advice and started on their journey to recovery

       Sign up for a Partner / Sponsor. Download the Questionnaire

       Many stories of recovery, struggles and suffering

       An elaborate FAQ page

       Over 20 filter options, and everything a person could want to know about filters

       Important links

       A section on the 12 steps

       A "Kosher Isle" to help people find entertaining and more productive things to do with their time

       Download here a powerful PDF file, translated from a Hebrew book called "The First Day of the Rest of My Life", to help people break free of sexual addictions

       A Rehab Option in Florida

       Many Therapy Options

       An inspiring Music Page, to chase away the impurity and inspire thoughts of Teshuvah

       A "Wall of Honor" page, to keep track of your sobriety and get group support

Source: GuardUrEyes