SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON-Day 152
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
?
Torah Study vs. Loshon Hora
?
The Talmud states (Arachin 15b): “R’ Chama bar Chanina said: If one has spoken loshon hora, how can he rectify his sin? If he is a Torah scholar, he should toil in Torah study, as it is written, ‘A healing for the tongue is a tree of life’ (Mishlei 15:4). Torah
is the ‘tree of life,’ as it is written (ibid.?3:18),
‘It is a tree of life to all who grasp it.’ ”
?
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (ibid.?18:21).
Evil speech can deny one the eternal bliss of the Next World. One who seeks to heal his tongue of this terrible malady should partake of the tree of life that is Torah. At the same time, he must be on guard to avoid repeating past sins.
?
This can be likened to a person who is being treated for food poisoning. It is not enough to take the necessary medicines; one must also be careful to avoid eating more contaminated food.
?
The Talmud further states that immersion in Torah study is itself a preventive measure against speaking loshon hora. As Scripture states, “For man was born to toil” (Iyov 5:7). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) understands “toil” as a reference to speech, specifically
the speech of Torah study. The Talmud is teaching us that man’s tongue differs from his other limbs in a very important way. Use of man’s other limbs requires energy. If man is lazy, his limbs will not be put to maximum use. Such is not the case with the tongue.
Man need not overcome any innate laziness to engage in conversation. To the contrary, he is naturally bent toward speech and it is to refrain from speech which requires effort. Thus do the Sages state that “man was born to toil” refers to the toil of speech.
?
It is for the toil of Torah study that man was born. However, man has free choice to decide what the nature of his speech will be. If he will not use his natural inclination toward speech for the study of Torah, then inevitably he will speak other matters and
will transgress the laws of forbidden speech.
?
|
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON-Day151
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
?
Two Failures
?
I passed by the field of a lazy man, and by the vineyard of a man devoid of understanding, and lo! It had become overgrown with thorns, briars had covered it over, and its stone fence had been destroyed. I perceived this and considered it well, I looked upon
it and took from it a lesson (Mishlei 24:32-33).
?
These verses describe two individuals who took divergent paths, both ending in failure. I passed by the field of a lazy man — a man whose laziness caused him to neglect the study of Torah, or to forget what he had already learned. The owner of the vineyard
was a man devoid of understanding — a foolish man who did not take care to hold on to those mitzvos which he had accomplished through much time and effort. The first man, instead of planting seeds of spiritual attainment, allowed his field to become overgrown
with thorns, the thorns of idle chatter and fruitless endeavors. As for the second man, the sacred words of Torah study and prayer which he had uttered with fervor and devotion, which could have ascended Heavenward as a song of praise to the One Above, had
become unrecognizable — briars had covered it over — the briars of spiritual impurity wrought by evil speech.
|
Serenity, a kosher bed and breakfast now open
| ? |
Air bnb are now open
Serenity is ready and waiting for you !!! If you've been locked up in your city apartment , now is the time to get away and discover the beauty of historic Rosh Pina . Serenity, a kosher bed and breakfast can be rented for a minimum of two nights and we take only one reservation per week due to the current situation. Serenity is making every effort to ensure your health and protection during these trying times. You are welcome to bask in the beauty and tranquility that is Serenity. Make your reservation now ! |
|
|
|
As the saying goes, "you are what you eat."
A healthy diet can make a big difference in mental health, anxiety, and depression. (And so can how many times you check your email and phone!)
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??
|
HOLIDAY VILLA, SHABBATOT, CORONA WEDDINGS, MIDWEEK SPECIALS. SHAVUOT STILL AVAILABLE
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
|
Join Us for the Next Oz ve'Gaon Zoom Lecture This Sunday Feb. 14th
??”?Oz veGaon Zoom?Lecture Series:?
Our next lecture will be on?February 14th?on Arab Encroachment of Land in Southern Hevron with?Yochai Damri, Head of the Har Hevron Regional CouncilYou must not miss this lecture Join another fascinating and very important lecture as part of the 'Oz ve Gaon' lecture series and this time with the head of the Southern Hebron Council, our friend Yochai Dimri, on the painful and burning issue of the Arab takeover of land in the southern Hebron Hills.For those who have already registered – a link to the Zoom lecture will be sent directly to you.? A fascinating lecture you will not want to miss! Anyone who would like to register, please send your details to?ribonut@... We ask for a contribution of 100 NIS or $30 for the entire series, to help cover our costs. Whoever registers for the series, will also receive the links to the recorded lectures, which have already taken place this year. For a list of all our lectures, please go to:?
For those who prefer to pay for just one lecture, the cost is 25 NIS or $10. To register safely online for the Sunday Oz veGaon lecture series: -?Israeli tax-deductible Donation in?shekels?(with instructions and receipt in English) -?US?tax-deductible Donation in US dollars -?ISRAELI CHECKS: For tax deductible Shekel donations please make your check out to "Women in Green" and mail it to POB 7352 Jerusalem 91072, Israel Koltuv,
Yehudit Katsover, Nadia Matar, Renee Margolis, & Shira Schreier The Oz veGaon lecture series 050-5500834
|
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON - Day 147
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
?
Retroactive Guilt
?
One should ponder the fact that at the moment he speaks loshon hora, the Heavenly angels announce his own sins (Roke’ach, Aggadas Mishlei?11:27).
?
Riva (cited by Semak 283) states that if one kills someone who is attempting to commit a capital crime against his fellow (and, as such, should be killed if that is the only way to ensure that the crime will not be committed) and later is guilty of that very
same offense, then retroactively, he is considered as if he had shed innocent blood. As proof, Riva cites the episode of King Yeihu who, in killing the members of King Achav’s household, was fulfilling the Divine will as transmitted through prophecy. Yet because
Yeihu too was guilty of a degree of idol worship — though his infractions did not approach the heinous acts of Achav — he was held responsible for murdering Achav’s household, as it is written, “And I shall bring to account the blood of [Achav who was killed
in] Yizrael upon the house of Yeihu” (Hoshea 1:4).
?
The same applies to any sin between man and his fellow. If one rightfully attacks someone physically (to prevent him from committing a crime), or embarrasses him (for his having publicly disgraced Hashem’s Name), or speaks negatively about him (to prevent him
from causing someone else harm), and has committed or later commits that very same offense, then he is considered as if he had acted or spoken against an innocent man. Consequently, he will be subject to Divine retribution as if he had acted or spoken against
a Jew whose service of Hashem is wholesome and beyond reproach.
|
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON - Day 146
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
?
Curing the Malady
?
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)?
?
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.
?
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.
|
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.
?
Each essay includes questions for discussion around the
Shabbat table.
Regards,
The?Team?at the?David?Cardozo?Academy
Subscribe to Rabbi?Cardozo's Thoughts to Ponder:?
 ?
Regards, Rochie Hurwitz
|
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
|
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?
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
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??
|
HOLIDAY VILLA, SHABBATOT, CORONA WEDDINGS, MIDWEEK SPECIALS. SHAVUOT STILL AVAILABLE
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
|
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:
??? ??? ??????.
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):
?
???? ????
????? ???? ?????? ????????, ???? ???? ????? ????? ????? ?????? ??????
??????????????? ????? ?"??????? ?????" ??? ????? ???? ?????
??????... ?????? ?? ?????? ??? ???? ???? ?????? ???? ????? ?????????????
?? ??????... ???? ??? ??? ???? ????? "??? ???? ???? ???? ?? ?????? ?????
???? ???? ??? ????? ???? ???? ??"
?
(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!
--
|
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!
Regards, Rochie Hurwitz
Video inside (plus a slightly sad punchline)
|
It’ll blow your mind (and help you get that relationship to where you want it).
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
?
Without Rule or Regulation
?
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.
?
The following parable is a fitting response to the above situation:
?
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.’’
?
“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?’’
?
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.
|
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
?
Within Everyone’s Reach
?
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).
?
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.
?
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-Day 137
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
?
Despair
?
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.
?
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.
?
“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.
?
|
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
?
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.
? ??
Regards,
The??Team
?
?
Shavua Tov,
Rochie Hurwitz
|
Alan Fitness
