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Shmirat Haloshon-Day 132

 

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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Scoffing
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One of the root causes of loshon hora is scoffing. Some people are accustomed to scoffing at anything, and attach themselves to people who are of their own kind. It is natural for such people to scoff at others who are outside their circle and to speak degradingly of them. Therefore, one who seeks to cleanse his soul should ponder the terrible sin of such behavior.
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Our Sages teach that scoffers are one of four groups that will not merit to greet the Divine Presence (Sotah 42a). In addition to his own sins, a scoffer is guilty of causing others to join him in his ridicule. It is well known that to cause others to sin is an extremely grave offense, and prevents the perpetrator from being granted Heavenly assistance to repent (Avos?5:18).
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Aside from all of the above, to idle one’s time away, even not in a sinful way, is to waste precious time that could be used for studying Torah and accruing reward for the World to Come. According to one Talmudic opinion, the verse “... for he scorned the word of Hashem” (Bamidbar?15:31) applies to one who squanders the opportunity to study Torah.
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How ashamed, then, should one be to have spent hour upon hour in the company of scoffers! Moreover, were they to restrain themselves from speaking the forbidden, they would thereby merit eternal life, for, as the Midrash states, for each moment that a person refrains from speaking the forbidden, he merits a hidden light that no angel can fathom.

SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON-Day 133

 

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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Loser of Two Worlds
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A? scoffer is liable to suffer retribution in this world for his sinful behavior. As the Talmud states (Avodah Zara 18b): “Whoever scoffs will have affliction visited upon him, as it is written, ‘And now, do not scoff, lest your retribution intensify’ (Yeshayahu 28:22). Said Rava to the rabbis, ‘I ask you not to engage in scoffing, so that affliction not come upon you.’ ” The Talmud further states (ibid.) that scoffing causes one to be denied his material needs.
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Scoffers bring punishment upon the entire world, as the Talmud (ibid.) states, “Whoever scoffs brings about destruction in the world.’’ It is forbidden even to sit in the company of scoffers, as it is written, “Praiseworthy is the man ... that sat not in the company of scoffers” (Tehillim 1:1).
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The Vilna Gaon writes in his famous letter:
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To the verse, “All man’s toil is for his mouth” (Koheles 6:6), the Sages comment (Midrash Koheles ibid.) that all the mitzvos and Torah study of a person are not sufficient to negate that which he utters [sinfully] with his mouth. They further state: “Which craft should man pursue in this world? He should strive to emulate a mute [and avoid evil talk] (Chullin 89a), and press his lips together like two millstones [which grind against one another]”.
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Therefore, one must distance oneself from scoffers so that he will not learn from their ways; rather, he should sit where Torah is being spoken. Praiseworthy will he be, in this world and in the World to Come.
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Show Your Appreciation to the Dedicated & Hard-Working Corona Medical Personnel in Jerusalem!

 

Show Your Appreciation to the Dedicated and Hard-Working?

Corona Medical Personnel in Jerusalem!?

Our city's Corona medical personnel are on-call round the clock helping to save the lives of those affected by the virus.?
We understand they are collapsing under the burden and are in dire need of encouragement to help keep them going.?
In a concerted community effort, we raised funds to distribute 300 Aroma vouchers for the medical personnel of Shaarei Zedek hospital during these trying
times ?? and have had children design and decorate cards which showed them people were thinking of them and appreciating all their efforts? ?????

Our new goal is to provide all 200 staff members of the Corona wards of Herzog hospital?
(including cleaning staff, physiotherapists and social workers, etc) with vouchers and special thank you cards.
Please join in our endeavor and be generous via our dedicated PAYBOX group. ???
Thank you,
Tzivia Katsman
tziviakatsman@...?
058-5111898

????? ??????? ???? - ????? ????!

???? ?????? ???????? ???? ????? ????? ???? ??????? ?? ???"? ???? ??? ?????? ???? ?????? ?????? ??? ??...
??? ?????? ???? ?????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?"? ????? ?????? ???? ????? ???? 200 ???? ??????? ?? ???"? ????? ???
?????? ????? ?????? ???? ????? ?????? ????? ?????? ????? ?????

???? ???? ???? ??? ??'?? ?? ?? 200 ???? ????? ?? ?????? ?????? ??????? ???? ???? ??????? ?????????????, ????? ??????? ???'.?

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???? ???? ????? ??? ????? PAYBOX ???????:?
SHMIRAT HALOSHON - Days 135 & 136

 

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Continue reading Day 136, the lesson for Shabbos

SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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More Points to Ponder
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One should ponder the severe retribution, both in this world and the next, which is liable to result from arrogance. The Talmud states that arrogance causes one’s properties to become ruined (Succah 29b) and one’s resources to become depleted (Sotah 5a). The Sages further state (ibid.) that regarding an arrogant person, Hashem says, “He and I cannot dwell together in the world.’’ Rabbi Elazar said: “Whoever is arrogant will not awaken at the time of the Resurrection” (ibid.). This last punishment is measure for measure. Instead of pondering the fact that he will ultimately be laid to rest in the earth, the arrogant person acts as if he will enjoy prominence forever, living a life of stature in which he will always be a notch above everyone else. Because of his sinful attitude, when his body will become part of the dust of the earth, it will lack the power to come back to life. When everyone else will return to life, he will remain asleep, underneath the feet of the people above whom he had glorified himself.
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Furthermore, arrogance makes one repulsive before Hashem, as it is written, “Despicable to Hashem are all who are arrogant of heart” (Mishlei 16:5).
Continue reading Day 136, the lesson for Shabbos
17 Shevat

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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Lost Opportunities
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When one ponders his great poverty in Torah study and performance of other mitzvos, he realizes that he has nothing to be arrogant about. As the Sages put it, “If you lack knowledge, then what have you acquired?’’ (Bereishis Rabbah 1:6). And if one does have a bit of Torah and mitzvos to his credit, nevertheless, honest reflection will result in the realization that he has utilized only a fraction of the potential with which he has been Divinely endowed.
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This last point is illustrated by the following parable:
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?A businessman sent two of his employees, David and Yaakov, to a faraway land to buy precious gems. To David, the businessman gave one thousand gold coins; to Yaakov, he gave one hundred. On the way, the two squandered much of their money on worthless merchandise. By the time they arrived at their destination, David had two hundred coins remaining, while Yaakov was left with forty.
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One day the two became embroiled in a dispute. In his rage, David shouted, “You are but a pauper compared to me, for I possess five times the amount of money that you have!’’
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An outsider who had been listening to the argument spoke up, “What are you boasting about, you fool?! Everyone knows that the money which you have with you is not your own. In fact, you are far poorer than Yaakov. Both of you have squandered away your employer’s money. However, you have wasted eight hundred coins, while Yaakov wasted only sixty. What will you do when your employer will demand an accounting of all the money he gave you? You will find yourself burdened with an enormous debt and will be filled with shame — far more shame than the man to whom you are boasting!’’
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Every soul that descends to this world is an emissary of Hashem, endowed with a mission to perfect his soul in accordance with its Divinely endowed abilities. It is foolish for a person to feel proud that he has been blessed with superior intellect, for his intellect is not his own acquisition. Rather, it has been granted him by Hashem so that he can accomplish his unique purpose in this world. Therefore, one should ponder how he has used his inborn gifts, how he has spent each of his days, and how much valuable time he has squandered. It may well be that the man of superior intellect and talent has used but a small fraction of his inborn abilities. As such, he certainly has nothing of which to be proud.
tters which leads to actual rechilus.
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When publicizing a secret could prove damaging, doing so would constitute speaking both avak rechilus and actual loshon hora. Even when no damage was foreseen, the mere violation of confidentiality renders one a “holech rochil,” gossipmonger.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Lost Opportunities
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When one ponders his great poverty in Torah study and performance of other mitzvos, he realizes that he has nothing to be arrogant about. As the Sages put it, “If you lack knowledge, then what have you acquired?’’ (Bereishis Rabbah 1:6). And if one does have a bit of Torah and mitzvos to his credit, nevertheless, honest reflection will result in the realization that he has utilized only a fraction of the potential with which he has been Divinely endowed.
?
This last point is illustrated by the following parable:
?
?A businessman sent two of his employees, David and Yaakov, to a faraway land to buy precious gems. To David, the businessman gave one thousand gold coins; to Yaakov, he gave one hundred. On the way, the two squandered much of their money on worthless merchandise. By the time they arrived at their destination, David had two hundred coins remaining, while Yaakov was left with forty.
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One day the two became embroiled in a dispute. In his rage, David shouted, “You are but a pauper compared to me, for I possess five times the amount of money that you have!’’
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An outsider who had been listening to the argument spoke up, “What are you boasting about, you fool?! Everyone knows that the money which you have with you is not your own. In fact, you are far poorer than Yaakov. Both of you have squandered away your employer’s money. However, you have wasted eight hundred coins, while Yaakov wasted only sixty. What will you do when your employer will demand an accounting of all the money he gave you? You will find yourself burdened with an enormous debt and will be filled with shame — far more shame than the man to whom you are boasting!’’
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Every soul that descends to this world is an emissary of Hashem, endowed with a mission to perfect his soul in accordance with its Divinely endowed abilities. It is foolish for a person to feel proud that he has been blessed with superior intellect, for his intellect is not his own acquisition. Rather, it has been granted him by Hashem so that he can accomplish his unique purpose in this world. Therefore, one should ponder how he has used his inborn gifts, how he has spent each of his days, and how much valuable time he has squandered. It may well be that the man of superior intellect and talent has used but a small fraction of his inborn abilities. As such, he certainly has nothing of which to be proud.

TODAY: Rav Moshe Soloveichik’s Free Sunday Parsha Zoom Shiur at 7pm

 

Rabbi Moshe Soloveichik’s next?Parsha Shiur will meet on?
SUNDAY EVENING January 31st at 7:00 pm Israel time.

Zoom:??

Meeting ID: 879 4850 7611 Password: 178417 (call-in number 312-626-6799).?

It will also be live-streamed on Facebook at Fb.me/KesserMaariv.?

(note: the Zoom info is the same every week)
For those unable to attend live, the Shiurim are available on Youtube at?

and at??

Several of Rav Moshe's?recent classes can be viewed at?
HOLIDAY VILLA, SHABBATOT, CORONA WEDDINGS, MIDWEEK SPECIALS. SHAVUOT STILL AVAILABLE

 

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HOLIDAY VILLA, CORONA WEDDINGS, SHABBATOT, MIDWEEK SPECIALS.
SHAVUOT STILL AVAILABLE.

HAVE YOUR WEDDING AT OUR VILLA. OUTDOOR AREA PLUS OUTDOOR ROOFTOP. SEA VIEW.

RENT VILLA WHILST CHILDREN ARE ON ZOOM.?MIDWEEK SPECIAL FROM 4 NIGHTS FOR 10500 NIS or 3 NIGHTS FOR 8500 NIS?

Take your whole family away for an amazing family holiday in Netanya by the beach over Shabbat or during the week. Beautiful Kosher villa. Sleeps up to 22 people. Also good for Shabbat Sheva Brachot, small Corona style Chatuna and Brit Mila.?Take a virtual tour or call Penina for availability and prices on?0526223270
Did you get your vaccine yet?

 

Here's my perspective on the Covid vaccine.??

We are working with our clients via Zoom and in-office.?

Remember, keeping your health and particularly your immune system working well are paramount to
good health and can help you fight off chronic and infectious diseases.

?Schedule your FREE consultation

Our FREE 20 minute consultation can help you find the program best for you.
We offer Wellness coaching, Health and Fitness assessments, and Exercise ONLINE.

?

info@...

?

02- 651-8502;?050-555-7175 (between 8:00-19:00)

?

? Sign up for our newsletter—info@alanfitness.com??

?
Join another great Tehillim lecture with Rabbi Dr. Beni Gesundheit via Zoom this Tuesday!

 

This lecture series continues every Tuesday until April 13, 2021!?

See the details of this week’s shiur below.

?

The Narrative of Sefer Tehillim - with Rabbi Dr.?Beni?Gesundheit

Torah in Motion and 929 present a 30 part series, every Tuesday at 7:15pm Israel time, 12:15pm Eastern time. The classes are FREE and run for one hour.

?

Registration details, source sheets and recordings of previous classes can be found here:?

?

This week’s shiur:

Thesis - Antithesis – Synthesis: Historical Responsibility? ??

Mizmorim 105-107
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What can we learn from the connection between 2 historical overviews (105-106) and giving thanks for salvation (107)? What does this relationship, which also bridges between Books IV and V, come to teach us?


Mizmor 105, the thesis, contains God’s blessed leadership; Mizmor 106, the antithesis, focuses on disobedience resulting in Exile and the prayer for return; ?Mizmor 107, the synthesis, is filled with thanks and a return from the Exile after calling upon God.

?

Contextual interpretation will explore the interface between the mizmorim closing Book IV and opening Book V that request and begin to describe the redemption in Eretz Yisrael. With these insights, it becomes clear that Mizmor 107 serves as a meaningful opening for Book V, which will be discussed in the next lecture.

?

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Regards,

The??Team

?

?

Shavua Tov,

Rochie Hurwitz
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON-Day 137

 

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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Despair
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Another primary reason why people speak loshon hora is despair, meaning that they despair of being able to live by the Torah’s laws of proper speech. There are those who convince themselves that anyone who interacts with others in normal business and social relations cannot possibly live by these laws. To support this contention, they cite the Talmudic statement that “everyone is guilty of loshon hora” (Bava Basra 165a).? Of course, they are grossly mistaken.
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It is a known axiom of Jewish belief that Hashem does not make excessive demands of His creations. If the Torah places a certain obligation upon us, then surely its fulfillment is within our reach. Would adherence to the laws of shmiras haloshon be an inordinately difficult achievement, then it would be optional, a matter for the exceedingly righteous who strive to perfect themselves in ways that others never attempt. In fact, to refrain from speaking loshon hora is required by the Torah, and involves numerous commandments. Obviously, the Creator has endowed every Jewish soul with the ability to observe these laws.
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“A God of faith without iniquity” (Devarim 32:4) — God created man to be righteous, not wicked (Sifre ad loc.). This means that Hashem endowed each Jew with the ability to observe all of His commandments, for if not, it would be unfair to hold him accountable for their transgression.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON

 

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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Within Everyone’s Reach
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Any Jew who reflects upon his ways regularly, and resolves to scrupulously refrain from speaking the forbidden, will surely succeed in attaining the quality of shmiras haloshon. As our Sages teach, one who seeks to purify himself is granted Heavenly assistance (Shabbos 104a). They further state that if a person sincerely strives to be a tzaddik (righteous individual), then Hashem will assign him an angel who will treat him as a tzaddik; and if he will sincerely strive to be a chassid (exceedingly righteous individual), then Hashem will assign him an angel who will treat him as a chassid (Tanna D’vei Eliyahu Zuta ch. 3).
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The Talmud qualifies the statement, “Everyone is [guilty of speaking] loshon hora” (Bava Basra 165a) by saying that this refers not to actual loshon hora, but to avak loshon hara (the dust of loshon hara); that is, statements which can lead to loshon hora being spoken or from which negative information can be inferred.1 Moreover, Maharsha (ibid.) comments that “everyone” refers only to a person who is not careful in matters of speech, and speaks whatever comes to mind. Such a person will surely be guilty of speaking avak loshon hora. The Sages did not, Heaven forfend, mean that it is impossible for anyone to be free of this sin. With knowledge of the relevant laws and proper zealousness, any Jew can acquire the golden quality of shmiras haloshon.
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1.?As an example, it is forbidden to praise someone in the presence of his enemies, as his enemies will probably respond by voicing their criticism of him.

SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON

 

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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Without Rule or Regulation
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A primary cause of speaking loshon hora is that people consider matters of speech as without rule or regulation. Tragically, many do not even consider speaking loshon hora a sin. Such blatant disregard for this severe prohibition weakens the resolve of those who might otherwise be cautious with their words.
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The following parable is a fitting response to the above situation:
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A sizable portion of a city’s inhabitants contracted a dreaded disease. All the city’s doctors despaired of curing the stricken. One day, a world-renowned physician appeared who was known for his ability to restore the seriously ill to their original health. The illness that had swept through the city was viewed as incurable, and thus many doubted that even this doctor could save them. One sick man, however, hurried to the doctor’s lodgings at the first opportunity. “Where are you rushing?’’ one of his friends asked. “No one else seems to be in a hurry to see this doctor.’’
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“Foolish man,’’ the patient replied. “A wise person understands that when one’s life is at stake, even the most remote possibility of a cure must be pursued. In this case, the possibility is not at all remote. This doctor has earned himself a reputation as being able to heal when no one else can. He has cured people who were at death’s door. Should I neglect to seek his expertise because so many fools ignore this opportunity for salvation?’’
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If the above argument is true regarding physical health, how much more so does it apply regarding spiritual health. King David declared, “Go, O sons, heed me ... Which man desires life, who loves days of seeing good? Guard your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit” (Tehillim 34:12-14). Who is a greater healer of the spirit than King David, of blessed memory? One who ignores David’s advice will remain spiritually ill eternally, and will suffer retribution in this world as well, as explained above. Surely, then, one should pay no heed to those who make light of this most severe sin.

Join the Shalom Challenge – (free) global initiative TODAY!

 

Join the Shalom Challenge – global initiative today!
It’s free, it’s simple, and you can help bring more peace and unity to Am Yisrael!
This special campaign to promote shalom starts Thurs., February 4, 22 Shevat. You’ll get 2-minute videos or thoughts daily for 4 weeks via email or WhatsApp, and a quick action step you can take to better relationships. Sign up now to get 20 days of inspiration!
Join the challenge here:

Regards,
Rochie Hurwitz

Video inside (plus a slightly sad punchline)

What do Covid and your cleaning lady have in common?


They’re both something you might argue over.?


And honestly, they’re both not worth it.?


(Well, maybe the cleaning lady is. We won’t judge.)


If Covid... or your car-pool partner...sister-in-law… child’s teacher... parent or anti-vaxx neighbor ever makes you upset, annoyed, or just not as close as you’d like to be…


… you really should .

It’ll blow your mind (and help you get that relationship to where you want it).

Worldwide Tefilla this Motzei Shabbos

 


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: mindy peltz <mindypeltz@...>
Date: Thu, Feb 4, 2021 at 3:03 PM
Subject: Fwd: Worldwide Tefilla this Motzei Shabbos
To:







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WORLDWIDE TEFILLA FOR WOMEN

THIS MOTZEI SHABBOS

?

The suffering of the world and of our people in particular is reaching an unbearable level.? People feel emotionally and spiritually broken, despairing, scared, hopeless r"l.? When will the Geula come?!

?

Rav Shternbuch shlit"a wrote in last week's parsha sheet (Parshas Beshalach):

?

???? ???? ????? ???? ?????? ????????, ???? ???? ????? ????? ????? ?????? ?????? ??????????????? ????? ?"??????? ?????" ??? ????? ???? ????? ??????... ?????? ?? ?????? ??? ???? ???? ?????? ???? ????? ????????????? ?? ??????... ???? ??? ??? ???? ????? "??? ???? ???? ???? ?? ?????? ????? ???? ???? ??? ????? ???? ???? ??"

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(Translation: "The situation cries out for heavenly mercy, for prayer and beseeching. And at this time we have an obligation to strengthen ourselves in repentance and prayer and in simple faith that there is none other than Him, and our eyes are turned only to Him, may He be blessed.? And moreover we must increase in saying Tehillim and Avinu Malkeinu during prayer or after it, and give charity every day and say "Just as I am giving charity, in Your great benevolence may You also act benevolently with me and rescue me from this difficult situation")

?

In the merit of righteous women Am Yisrael will be redeemed.

?

Therefore, we call upon you, women of Am Yisrael, to join in saying Tehillim for the merit of the Jewish people and the world situation:

?

When: This Motzai Shabbos - Shabbos Mevarchin Adar (??? ??"? ???) - the month of SIMCHA, during Melavei Malka

Where: Wherever you are.

What:

1.??? During Melave Malka should give a sum of their choice to charity

2.??? Say the following Tehillim: 13, 20, 30, 121, 130, 142

3.??? Say "Ein Od Milvado" with great kavana

4.??? Say Avinu Malkeinu (located in the Yom Kippur Machzor or in a regular siddur following Shacharit).

?

Rav Gans has given his bracha to this project - that it have siyata dishmaya for the toeles of Am Yisrael.

?

Spread the word to all your friends and family. May we merit to see the geula sheleima very soon!? Tizku l'mitzvos!



--
?
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HOLIDAY VILLA, SHABBATOT, CORONA WEDDINGS, MIDWEEK SPECIALS. SHAVUOT STILL AVAILABLE

 

开云体育

HOLIDAY VILLA, CORONA WEDDINGS, SHABBATOT, MIDWEEK SPECIALS.
SHAVUOT STILL AVAILABLE.

HAVE YOUR WEDDING AT OUR VILLA. OUTDOOR AREA PLUS OUTDOOR ROOFTOP. SEA VIEW.

RENT VILLA WHILST CHILDREN ARE ON ZOOM.?MIDWEEK SPECIAL FROM 4 NIGHTS FOR 10500 NIS or 3 NIGHTS FOR 8500 NIS?

Take your whole family away for an amazing family holiday in Netanya by the beach over Shabbat or during the week. Beautiful Kosher villa. Sleeps up to 22 people. Also good for Shabbat Sheva Brachot, small Corona style Chatuna and Brit Mila.?Take a virtual tour or call Penina for availability and prices on?0526223270
Here's "What" You Need to Know

 

All of you dieters know that counting calories or measuring portions along with all the food preparation is a big burden.
Isn’t it easier to know, “I can eat a lot of group X foods, a little of group Y, and keep the junk food basically out of my diet”?


We are working with our clients via Zoom (and in-office when appropriate).

Remember, keeping your health and particularly your immune system working well are paramount to good health
and can help you fight off chronic and infectious diseases.

?Schedule your FREE consultation

Our FREE 20 minute consultation can help you find the program best for you.
We offer Wellness coaching, Health and Fitness assessments, and Exercise ONLINE.

?

info@...

?

02- 651-8502;?050-555-7175 (between 8:00-19:00)

?

? Sign up for our newsletter—info@alanfitness.com??
SHMIRAT HALOSHON

 

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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
?
Sin Breeds Sin
?
As mentioned above, the way to rid oneself of negativity is to ponder its ill effects:
?
Such an attitude makes it impossible to fulfill the commandment “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Vayikra?19:18). Usually this trait leads to sinas chinam, baseless hatred, which is a transgression of the commandment “You shall not hate your brother in your heart” (ibid. v. 17). Baseless hatred was the sin which brought about the destruction of the Second Temple (Yoma 32b). Moreover, the Talmud states that because of baseless hatred, strife abounds in one’s home and tragedies may befall him (Shabbos 32b).
?
This trait also leads to transgression of “With righteousness you shall judge your fellow” (Vayikra?19:15), which our Sages understand as a requirement to grant one’s fellow the benefit of the doubt (Sanhedrin 34b). Sefer Chareidim (66:39) writes that one who judges his fellow critically becomes attached to one of the spiritual forces of impurity.
?
Judging others hypercritically causes one to suspect the innocent of wrongdoing. Our Sages teach: “One who suspects the innocent is afflicted physically” (Shabbos 97a). Inevitably, he will also transgress the sins of causing hurt through words, embarrassing one’s fellow, and causing strife — whose punishment is particularly severe.
?
Thus, one who seeks a life that is good, both in this world and the next, should distance himself from this terrible trait.
Continue reading Day 143, the lesson for Shabbos

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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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The Primary Deterrent
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Among the root causes of speaking loshon hora is one says it is permissible, meaning that one convinces himself that a given statement is not loshon hora when in fact it is. Or he assures himself that it is permissible to disparage a certain individual — and that it may even be a mitzvah to do so! — when in fact such is not the case.
?
Most people who speak or listen to loshon hora do so out of ignorance of the relevant laws. Thus there is no alternative to studying these laws, as put forth in Sefer Chofetz Chaim. Every Jew must be fluent in the fine details of the laws of proper speech, in order to know exactly what may or may not be spoken, and so that one can perceive the far-reaching effects of negative speech.
?
Serious study of the relevant laws is the primary means for avoiding the sin of loshon hora. In fact, any time a person feels dominated by his evil inclination with regard to a specific sin, his best hope for improvement is through study of the laws of that particular commandment. He should study the relevant laws in great depth, in all their fine details, and ponder them many times. In this way, the laws will become embedded in his mind, and the strength of his evil inclination will dissipate. As the Midrash states (Bamidbar Rabbah 14:4): “If you toil exceedingly in their [the commandments’] words, then the Holy One, Blessed is He, will remove the evil inclination from you.’’
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The above is alluded to in the verse, “... that you may see it [the tzitzis] and remember all the commandments of Hashem and perform them” (Bamidbar?15:39). As Rashi comments, remembrance of the commandments leads to their performance.

TONIGHT: Rav Moshe Soloveichik’s Free Sunday Parsha Zoom Shiur at 7 pm

 

Rabbi Moshe Soloveichik’s next?Parsha Shiur will meet on?

SUNDAY EVENING February 7th at 7:00 pm Israel time.

Zoom:??

Meeting ID: 879 4850 7611???Password: 178417?? ?(call-in number 312-626-6799).?

It will also be live-streamed on Facebook at??

(note: the Zoom info is the same every week)

For those unable to attend live, the Shiurim are available on?

Youtube at?

and at??

Several of Rav Moshe's?recent classes can?also?be viewed at?
Tehillim Lecture this Tuesday on Zoom - Start Preparing for Pesach - with Rabbi Dr. Beni Gesundheit!

 

Special Tehillim shiur on Zoom with Rabbi Dr. Beni Gesundheit - Prepare for Pesach with the mizmorim of Hallel and Redemption in Book 5 of Tehillim!

The return of the Exiles to Israel influenced the lives of those who built the Second Temple and is a lesson that reverberates through history and our lives today.?
Book 5 the final segment of this course is offered in collaboration with Torah in Motion and the 929 English Project every Tuesday at 7:15pm (Israel time). Now is the time to join!

Register for this FREE course here:??

This is a 30 session series that is taking place now through the end of April 2021.
Details, source sheets and recordings of previous classes can also be found on the site.


Enjoy,

Rochie Hurwitz
New "Cardozo on the Parashah" book by Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo - available at major online outlets!

 

We are pleased to announce that the newest book by Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo - "Cardozo on the Parashah: Essays on the Weekly Torah Portion" on Sefer Shemot – Exodus is now available for purchase via all major online retailers!

Purchasing details can be found here:


In this collection of essays, Rabbi?Cardozo?looks at the weekly Torah portion through the eyes of philosophy, contemporary controversies, and personal struggles. Written in his unique style, this book offers something for many different types of readers: laymen and clergy, full-time students and the intellectually curious, Jews and non-Jews alike.

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Each essay includes questions for discussion around the Shabbat table.


Regards,


The?Team?at the?David?Cardozo?Academy

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Regards,

Rochie Hurwitz
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON - Day 146

 

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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Curing the Malady
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The above lends insight to the verse, “One who guards his mouth and tongue, guards his soul from tribulations” (Mishlei?21:23). Why does this verse stress the negative, that through shmiras haloshon one’s soul is saved from retribution? Why does it not mention the infinite reward of one who avoids forbidden speech as stated in the well-known verse, “Which man desires life, who loves days ... guard your tongue from evil ...’’ (Tehillim 34:13)?
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We may suggest that the first verse alludes to the necessity of guarding one’s tongue at times when he feels that a derogatory remark might be in place and that its being uttered might even be a mitzvah. Scripture warns us that unless we are absolutely certain that such a remark is called for, we should not express it. Following this approach, we will “guard [our] soul from tribulations;’’ that is, from the Divine retribution that will be forthcoming if in fact the remark is unwarranted. Conversely, a person who will not exercise restraint in such situations will ultimately suffer punishment, instead of the reward he was anticipating for what he mistakenly considered a mitzvah.
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This concludes our discussion of the primary factors in which speaking loshon hora is rooted: anger, scoffing, arrogance, despair [of abiding by the relevant laws], [considering speech] without rule or regulation, negativity and saying that [a given statement] is permissible [when, in fact, it is not]. One who has been accustomed to speaking loshon hora and seeks to cure himself of this severe malady should begin the process by searching within himself to discover which of the above-mentioned traits are at the root of his problem. He should strive to rid himself of these deficiencies little by little and supplant them with traits that nurture interpersonal relationships and discourage negative talk.

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