New computers for sale and more
叠蝉”诲 For sale brand new laptops and desktop computers with full manufacturer warranty at great prices, plus service and repairs! Laptop screen replacement, broken hinges fixed and power chargers/batteries! 开云体育 the Greater Jerusalem area and also Beit Shemesh/RBS. For details, please contact Ephraim T: 058 329-0329 W: 058 779-2752 Brochos for a healthy summer and kol tuv, Ephraim ? ?
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Today's Inspiration - Shavua tov!
Distinct from God
Said the Bratzlaver:"Others gain authority over you if you possess a will distinct from God's will."
Source: Kitzur Likkutei Maharan
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SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
Day 78 – Quest for Truth or Personal Feud???????
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The Mishnah (Avos 5:20) contrasts machlokes l’sheim shamayim, a dispute for the sake of Heaven, with one that is not.? The former is epitomized by the disputes of Hillel and Shammai whose differing views in matters of halacha, Jewish
Law, are reverently studied and pondered generation after generation as eternal components of the Oral Law.? The latter is epitomized by the dispute of Korach, whose personal feud against Moshe Rabbeinu earned him an untimely death and eternal dishonor.? As
the Chofetz Chaim notes in his preface to Sefer Chofetz Chaim, one whose sinful talk fuels strife transgresses the prohibition, “that he not be like Korach and his assembly” (Bamidbar 17:5, see Sanhedrin 110a).
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To the Jew, intellectual disagreement in a common search for truth is an integral part of life.? As a spiritual, thinking people, Jews are forever involved in discussion of ideas.
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Conversely, personal bickering, jealousy, and competition are signs of immaturity and weakness.? They have no place in the world of the Jew.
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The difficulty, however, lies in our tendency to transform every dispute into an ideological one.? Korach, too, came with a philosophy: that all Jews are equally holy, and thus there is no justification for one family, Aharon and his Kohanim descendants, to
be above everyone else.? The sages teach that Korach’s argument was rooted in jealousy, resulting from his having been passed over for the position of prince of his Levite family.
Before embarking on an ideological campaign against others, one must ask himself: “Am I honestly promoting the cause of truth, or am I involved in a personal feud disguised as an ideological debate?”
Ideological disagreement should never lead to personal animosity.? When Torah scholars disagree, their dispute is over ideals, and is never personal.? When a scholar is involved in a dispute, his followers must be careful not to become involved in a matter
that is not their own, and certainly should avoid character assassination and personal hatred towards his opponent.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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At All Costs
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If one finds oneself embroiled in feud, he dare not rest until he has fully extricated himself from it. One must strive with every ounce of resolve to remove himself from strife, no matter how difficult this may be.
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The Torah relates that initially Ohn ben Peles was among the leaders of Korach’s camp in his rebellion against Moshe (Bamidbar 16:1). Yet he managed to separate himself from Korach’s group and thus was not punished when their time came.
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Do not be convinced by the evil inclination’s arguments and incitements that, for example, it is below one’s dignity not to follow through in a dispute until victory is achieved. Better to experience embarrassment on this world than to be shamed in the World
Above in the presence of the entire Heavenly Assembly.
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Our Sages state: “Better that a person be called a fool all his life than to be considered a wicked person even for a moment before the Omnipresent” (Mishnah Ediyos 5:6).
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Today's Inspiration - Shabbat shalom!
The Title of King
Said the Koretzer: "We call God the Lord, giving to Him a minor title of nobility. This is not due to the fact that God's majesty is limited, but because our world is insignificant. It is like a king whose title is of minor worth because the country over which he rules is small in size."
Source: Nofeth Tzufim
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SHABBAT SCHEDULE AT CHABAD OF
RECHAVIA!
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Come join us this
Shabbat at Chabad of Rechavia, Jerusalem!
Welcome the Shabbat in a warm, community atmosphere, with songs, prayers and an
inspiring sermon!
Everyone is Welcome!
Where??at Chabad Center of Rechavia, 52 King George,
Jerusalem
When?
Friday night: 7:04 pm Mincha and Kabbalat Shabbat prayers
Shabbat day: 9:00 am Inspirational Class
9:30 am Shacharit prayers
11:15 am Sermon
Shabbat Afternoon @ The Chabad Center of Rechavia, 52 King George Street:
Mincha 7:30 pm, Maariv 20:26?pm
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Looking forward to seeing you!
Rabbi Goldberg
and Chabad of Rechavia
Office Chabad Rechavia??? ??"? ????? - ???????
King George 52' Jerusalem?
???? ?'???' 52, ???????,
02-800-1717
Please visit our website: Contact us at:???????????????? Office@... To make a contribution:
?????,
Office Chabad Rechavia
??? ??"? ????? - ???????
52 King George, Jerusalem
???? ?'???' 52, ???????
02-800-1717
Please visit our website:
Contact us at: ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Office@...
To make a contribution:
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Training Male English Teachers with FULL REFUND on Tuition!
Michlalah Jerusalem College
Are you looking for an in-demand, stable, parnasah? If you are male English speaker, you can become a certified English teacher that is recognized by the Ministry of Education of Israel and receive A FULL REFUND ON TUITION!
Not sure yet if this is for you? TONIGHT: Rabbi Zev Leff Shlita endorses this initiative. Join Rabbi Leff on June 8th for a discussion on the value of becoming an English teacher in Talmudei Torah and Yeshivot. Click to get the link to join Zoom.
2 Evenings a week: one in-person and one Zoom session? ? Additional 10,000 NIS scholarship for those that qualify ? We make it simple for men to keep learning or working during the day and earn? their degree at night!? Each degree program is?an accelerated course and?tailored to fit your academic?and hashkafic needs SUMMER SEMESTER STARTS ON JULY 2nd, 2023 LIMITED SPACE IS AVAILABLE! Click to leave your info and we will get back to you or call: 050.289.4536?or . Course provided by Michlalah Jerusalem College - Quality in Torah, Academia and Education
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Woman Who Had Stroke Needs Visitors
Rachel Yehudit bat Sara is a woman from Har Nof
who suffered a?stroke several months ago.
She is now in the Beit Beyer nursing home in
Sanhedria Murchevet and would very much appreciate
English speaking visitors. The no. 52 bus goes there.?
If you are a frum woman who would like to visit her,
please email me and I will arrange it.?
Naomi Brudner
EMAIL:?naomibrudner@...,?
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Always Before Us
The Oheler Rabbi Said: "In the Shulchan Aruch (The Prepared Table), the author, Rabbi Joseph Caro begins with the words: 'Be strong as a lion to arise for the service of His Lord.' His co-auther, Rabbi Moshe Isserles begins his?sefer, The Mappah (The Tablecloth) with the words: 'Say to yourself: "I shall set the Lord always before me." Now as a rule, the Mappah comments upon and completes the Shulchan Aruch. This is the case in this instance also. Rabbi Isserles enjoins us that when we believe the Lord is always before us, we thereby gain strength to arise as a lion."
Source: Or Yesharim
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I have one that I am selling if you are interested in purchasing it.
On Wed, Jun 7, 2023 at 7:28?AM Lilianne Cherry via <liliannecherry= [email protected]> wrote:
Hi, I'm looking for the book; "THE ARTIST WAY", for my daughter-in-law. If you have a copy to give away I'll be grateful. TIA
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Message for U.S. Citizens: Introduction of Israel Post Courier Pre-Paid Labels
New Message For Getting American Passports (Just In Case Your Thought Things Could Not Get Worse)?
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From: JerusalemMsgstoUSCitizens@... <JerusalemMsgstoUSCitizens@...>
Sent: Tuesday, 6 June 2023 12:51
Subject: Message for U.S. Citizens: Introduction of Israel Post Courier Pre-Paid Labels
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Message to U.S. Citizens:? U.S. Embassy?Jerusalem?(June 6, 2023)
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Location:??Israel, the West Bank,?and Gaza
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Subject:? Introduction of Israel Post Courier Pre-Paid Labels
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Beginning on June 5, Israel Post began a new system for U.S. citizens to create pre-paid labels for the return of their U.S. passports and/or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad.? All applications submitted on or after June 12 that are being delivered back to the applicant by Israel Post will be required to include the pre-paid label with the application.? This applies to those who submit applications in person and to those who mail them in or submit them in the drop box.
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The new cost of the courier service from Israel Post is 60 NIS.? If renewing in person, you must print the confirmation page before your appointment and include it in the package of documents you submit at the interview.? To start the pre-paid label process, click or use the QR code below.
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If you are renewing by mail or drop box (in either Jerusalem or Tel Aviv), you must print the confirmation page and include it with the documents you submit. ?The Consular Section will no longer have pre-printed delivery slips from Israel Post.??When the passport is ready, the U.S. Embassy will pass all documents directly to Israel Post for delivery.? Israel Post will then contact you by SMS to arrange delivery or you can check online via the Israel Post website.
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The cost of the courier service from Aramex from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem remains the same (50 NIS).? If using Aramex, you will still fill out the courier slip at the time of your in-person appointment or when you drop off the passport.? When the passport is ready for delivery, the courier will contact you for payment and delivery.? Courier delivery fees are paid directly to the courier company.? The courier will either deliver your documents directly to you or call you for pickup at one of its distribution centers.
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Pick-ups are only for emergency, limited-validity passports.? There is no option for pick-up of non-emergency, limited-validity U.S. passports.?
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Actions to Take:??
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- All U.S. citizens should enroll in the Department of State’s??to receive Alerts and ensure you can?be located in?an emergency.?
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- Visit our??for information on conditions in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Information about local conditions related to COVID-19 is also available from the??and the?.?
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- Refer to our website for the latest?.?
Assistance:?
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U.S. Embassy Jerusalem?
14 David?Flusser?St.?
Jerusalem?
Online ACS Inquiry System: click
Phone: +972-2-630-4000
Website:??
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U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv?
71?HaYarkon?St.?
Tel Aviv?
Online ACS Inquiry System: click
Phone: +972-3-519-7575
Website:??
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State Department – Consular Affairs?
888-407-4747or 202-501-4444?
Enroll in??to receive security updates?
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Follow us on??and??
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JUNE and JULY TOURS with SHALOM POLLACK
JUNE and JULY TOURS WITH SHALOM POLLACK
Wednesday, June 21
"Crusaders and Spies"
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Meet at the Inbal Hotel at 8:30 am
Return approximately 6 p.m.
We will visit the Israel Intelligence Heritage?and Commemoration Center (IICC) in Ramat Aviv (near Tel Aviv).
This elaborate visitor center tells the story of the Mossad: the most respected intelligence community?in the world;?
and the story of the Jewish spies who must do the impossible.?
We will have an encompassing, in-depth tour of a secret organization and its heroes that keep the Jewish state safe from more enemies than?any other state faces.?
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The Mossad has become synonymous?with doing the?impossible?against all odds; continually neutralizing a myriad of threats to the Jewish state and people.
We will hear its story and remember our heroes.
Apollonio Fortress-This beautiful 13th-century fortress site offers a rare and exciting look at one of the most ancient crusader castles in the world with stunning views over the?Mediterranean Sea.
Cost:?280 shekels
Bring lunch
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Wednesday, June 28
Mount Herzl Military Cemetery
We will meet at the entrance to Mount Herzl at 8:30 am in order to beat the afternoon?heat.?
End approx. 12:30
We will tour the holy mountain in which the beloved heroes of the Jewish people lie after giving their?lives so that we can live freely and safely in our homeland.
It is the most beautifully?kept place in Jerusalem which reflects the inner beauty of the souls there.
After research and visits to the site, I have learned that it represents not just the fallen soldiers in the wars?of Israel, but tells the wider?story of Jewish heroism
and sacrifice of Jews before?the state was born and outside the land?of Israel. There is far more than meets the eye.
Finally, a military?expert will guide us through the very?new and?beautiful Memorial Hall. It made a deep impression on me. It is a must-see.
Cost: 150 shekels
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Tuesday, July 11
Return to Homesh and the Shomron!
Meet at the Inbal Hotel at 8:30 am?
Return approximately 6:00 pm
The government has finally given permission for the yeshiva in Homesh to officially re-open.?
Since Homesh was destroyed by the Israeli government in 2005 as part of Sharon's mass expulsions of thousands of Jewish families from our land, the holy young men of the Homesh yeshiva (who also serve in the army) have stubbornly continued to study and teach Torah there under the most horrendous conditions. They have suffered fatal terror attacks, brutal government expulsions and violent arrests.
Yet they kept returning, making sure that the Torah in the heart of our land will never be silenced.
Their heroic perseverance and faith has been?rewarded.
We will visit this holy, historic site and have the unique privilege of being hosted by these most wonderful heroes who are writing our?history and destiny with true Jewish valor.
We will visit the Biblical city of?Samaria?which was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Israel. Later named?Sebastia?by King Herod, this exceptional? and magnificent archeological site allows us to contemplate?and view historical events of the First and Second Temple periods.?The site borders "Palestinian" Authority?areas and there is an ongoing battle between the PA and loyal Jews for control of this most important Jewish heritage site. The PA is slowly destroying all evidence of our history in the land, festooning the site with PLO?flags. It is a very?bizarre situation.
Every visit here is a statement of Jewish connection and care for our heritage. We will be guided by a local expert guide.
* Due to the sensitivity of the area, the authorities may cancel the tour a few days before it is scheduled. Let's hope that does not happen.
Bring lunch
Cost 320 shekels
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Tuesday, July 25
"Tzidkiyahu's Cave"?and Pioneers?of the Old City
Meet in front of the main Post Office on Jaffa?Road at? 12:00 noon.?
We will end approx 4:00 p.m.
Tzidkiyahu's Cave is a wondrous man-made cave beneath the Old City which was used as a stone quarry for the building?of the Temple. It has been closed for a long time due to renovations. It recently re-opened and is many times more magnificent.?
We will be entertained by an elaborate sound and light show during our walk along this very deep cave. We will then enter the Old City and be hosted by the wonderful people of "Ateret Cohanim,'' whose mandate it is to bring Jews back to parts of our holy city that have been "Judenrein" for far too long.
Through the great efforts of this organization and the huge sacrifice of very special families, the map of the Old City is changing.
We are invited into the homes of some of these special families to hear how they are rewriting history in our land and the holiest of cities. Meeting with them will be a great privilege?and a huge inspiration.
Cost? 120 shekels?
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Please note: You must register for all tours in advance.
No-shows or cancellations?48 hours before the trip will be charged in full.
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Wanted: Quality Assurance Tester
If anyone is interested in the following position or knows of a good candidate please send me (shimonshore@...) an email and I will connect you with the appropriate person.
============================================
Quality Assurance Tester
Job Brief:
We are a small, established, company with a Head Office in New Jersey and a distributed development team. We have developed a SASS product for the US real estate market. It includes both application software (frontend and backend) and a large database. We are looking for a?Quality Assurance Tester?to take complete responsibility for testing of the product. Requirements: - Good knowledge of computers
- Self starter and Independent worker
- Strong attention to detail
- Team Player
- English on Mother Tongue Level (Verbal and Written)
- Good communication skills
- Good to have:
- Previous experience in QA
- Relevant training and/or certifications as a Quality Assurance Specialist
- Knowledge of Automated Testing
- Programming Training – for the right candidate there is the opportunity to develop their programming skills and to ultimately join our development team
Responsibilities Include: - Preparing and implementing test plans.
- Communicating and following up on issues that have been identified.
- Document quality assurance activities
- Make recommendations for improvements.
- Managing and implementing Automated tests.
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Hi, I'm looking for the book; "THE ARTIST WAY", for my daughter-in-law. If you have a copy to give away I'll be grateful. TIA
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SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
Day 76 – Kashrus??????
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A most sensitive area of constructive speech is that of kashrus.
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Raising doubts regarding the reliability of a hechsher (rabbinical endorsement) without reliable information constitutes speaking loshon hora.? If one has reason to suspect that a hechsher is inferior, the matter should be discussed with a competent rav, who
can offer guidance as to how one should proceed.? Even if one rav suggests that a hechsher not be relied upon, this does not necessarily mean that the hechsher is definitely unreliable. ?It is the rav of the community who should decide the status of a hechsher
for his constituents, or else direct them to a recognized posek (halachic authority) for his decision.
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In a case of a questionable product manufactured by a local Orthodox Jew who assumes responsibility for his product and does not operate under a hechsher, extreme caution must be exercised before declaring the product non-kosher.? Only the local rav or posek
is in a position to decide the halachic status of the item, after taking all factors into consideration.? Causing a Jew to close down his business is a very serious matter and preventing such a situation may even outweigh the observance of chumros (unrequired
halachic stringencies) generally kept by the community.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Playing with Fire
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The Talmud states:
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R’ Chisda said: One who argues against his Torah teacher [and incites others to join him] is considered as if he argued against the Divine Presence, as it is written [regarding Korach’s rebellion against Moshe], “... when he [Korach] contended against Hashem”
(Bamidbar 26:9). R’ Chama bar Chanina said: One who initiates a dispute with his Torah teacher is considered as if he had initiated a dispute with the Divine Presence, as it is written, “They are the waters of strife, where the Children of Israel contended
with Hashem” (ibid. 20:13) ... R’ Chanina bar Pappa said: One who voices complaints against his teacher is considered as if he voiced complaints against the Divine Presence ... R’ Avahu said: Whoever is skeptical of his teacher is considered as if he were
skeptical of the Divine Presence.
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The above infractions are listed in descending order of severity. We see, however, that even to view the conduct or teachings of one’s Torah teacher with skepticism is in itself a severe sin.
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How foolish are those who are quick to initiate disputes against the rabbi or av beis din (head of the rabbinical court) of their city, and ignore the severe punishment which they are likely to incur, both in this world and the next!
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The verse, “You shall honor the presence of a sage” (Vayikra 19:32) requires us to show respect for Torah scholars. Commenting on this verse, the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:13) speaks harshly of one who fails to accord his rabbi proper respect. Surely, to
initiate a dispute between the local community and its rabbi is a sin of far greater severity and demands far greater retribution.
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Dedications and Sponsorships??????
?Do you know someone who needs a refuah shleima? A shidduch? Or perhaps a meaningful yahrtzeit is approaching? As a merit for a recovery from illness or for a departed
family member you can sponsor a daily email and have over 8,000 people, every day, learn and be inspired as a z’chus for your loved one. Please call
845-352-3505 #113 or email
lozeri@... to sponsor or for more information on other sponsorship opportunities.
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Last Day for Discounted Registration for the 12th Annual Temech Conference for Women in Business!
Register
now for an amazing day of inspiration, learning and networking with hundreds of
women entrepreneurs and freelancers! (Separate
English and Hebrew tracks offered.)
Wednesday,
25 Sivan, 5783 - June 14, 2023, 8:30am-3:30pm??????????????
at Binyanei Ha’uma (ICC) in Jerusalem
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**Special
Bring-a-Friend discount – ends at midnight tonight! Don’t miss out!
Benefits
of the conference:
Grow your Network, Your Client Base, Your Profits, Your Goals.
Learn
- Key Business Skills from Renowned Speakers.
Also on the program:
- Interactive Workshops
- One-on-One Expert Advice
- Facilitated Networking
- Artificial
Intelligence Arena
- Lavish milchig breakfast and fleishig lunch
- Musical
performance
?
to register and to see what's on the program.
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Far and Near
The Medzibozer commented on the verse: "Unto You O Lord, did I call, and unto the Lord I made supplication (Psalm 30:9). He said: "When I am near to You, I need only to call to You to be answered. But when I am far from You, I must make supplication in order to receive an answer."
Source: Butzina de-Nehora
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I would love to?see you tomorrow evening at 7PM.? It will be a terrific opportunity to take a look at some new crystals in my collection and understand just a little more about their therapeutic value and the therapeutic value of crystals in general.
In tomorrow's webinar we will discuss some of the lithium based crystals and the way they can reduce stress and anxiety.
We will take a look at the Jewish perspective on crystals and I will briefly share some interesting insights from my latest crystals escapades.
I would love to see you there!
Gila
Gila
Slonim Avnei HaHoshen
& Crystals
054-782-6989
Diagnosis,
Healing &
Workshops
? fb/gilacrystals
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SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
Day 75 – Unsafe Products
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It is permissible to warn people that a product is dangerous – that is, if the warning is truly warranted.? Countless items are potentially dangerous if misused, and many processed foods are unhealthy if consumed in large quantities;
in such cases, labeling the item “dangerous” is wrong.? Labeling an item as unsafe is justified only if such a declaration is considered reasonable by normal standards.? (See Day 43, condition 2.)? Furthermore, if the information is not known firsthand, this
must be mentioned when relating the information (see Day 43).
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If the manufacturer is Jewish, he must be spoken to first (see Day 45).? Failure to fulfill the above conditions would render the statement loshon hora as it would cause harm to the manufacturer, as well as to the consumer who will needlessly avoid the product.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Disparaging a Torah Scholar
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While it is a sin to quarrel with any Jew, the sin is greater when one initiates a feud with a Torah scholar. And when one’s adversary is his own Torah teacher, the sin is magnified manifold.
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It is the way of warring parties to disparage one another, and it is regarding one who disparages a Torah scholar that our Sages apply the verse, “For he scorned the word of Hashem and broke His commandment; that person will surely be cut off, his sin is upon
him” (Bamidbar 15:31).
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The Talmud relates (Shabbos 119b) that the sin of shaming Torah scholars led to the destruction of Jerusalem, as it is written, “But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets, to a point that the anger of Hashem rose
against His people, without any possibility of abatement” (II Divrei HaYamim 36:16).
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The Talmud further states: “R’ Yehoshua ben Levi said: Whoever speaks disparagingly of a deceased Torah scholar descends into Gehinnom” (Berachos 19a).
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Dedications and Sponsorships??????
?Do you know someone who needs a refuah shleima? A shidduch? Or perhaps a meaningful yahrtzeit is approaching? As a merit for a recovery from illness or for a departed
family member you can sponsor a daily email and have over 8,000 people, every day, learn and be inspired as a z’chus for your loved one. Please call
845-352-3505 #113 or email
lozeri@... to sponsor or for more information on other sponsorship opportunities.
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SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
? Day 74 – A Better Deal
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It is permissible to inform friends and neighbors of a store where they can obtain items of better quality or at better prices than at the store where they usually shop.
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Here too certain conditions have to be met:
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One should know the information firsthand.? (If one cannot verify the information firsthand, he would have to say, “I have heard, but have not verified that…” [see Day 43].)? He must be certain that the quality of the other merchandise is superior (brand names
are not necessarily better); where there is a significant difference in price, one must verify that the less expensive item is not inferior in quality to the more expensive one.
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There must also be no suspicion that the preferred store is dealing in stolen merchandise, as Halachah(1)?? prohibits purchasing stolen goods.
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In conveying the information, it is important not to imply that the first storekeeper is overcharging or is guilty of selling inferior products; one must convey the pertinent information without being judgmental.? Furthermore, since people often view high pricing
in a negative way, the information may be considered derogatory and could only be conveyed for a constructive purpose.? Consequently, one may only relate the information to people who may be interested in making a purchase.? Discussing the matter for the sake
of making conversation might constitute loshon hora (2).
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Finally, one should consider why he deems it necessary to relate the information altogether.? Perhaps it would be better not to get involved and refrain from any action which would affect the storekeeper’s income.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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Peace in Two Worlds
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Sefer Ma’alos HaMiddos (24) states:
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How damaging is strife! — it can imperil one’s very life. It was the feud between the shepherds of Avraham and the shepherds of Lot that caused Lot to move away from Avraham and settle in Sodom where he almost perished along with the rest of the Sodomites.
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Our Sages state (Derech Eretz Zuta ch. 9): “A home in which there is strife will ultimately be destroyed; a synagogue in which there is strife will see its congregants dispersed, and ultimately will be made desolate; a city in which there is strife will become
a place of bloodshed. Two Torah scholars in a single city or two rabbinical courts in a single city who feud with one another — their end will be death. Moreover, strife between rabbinical courts brings destruction to the world. For when there is peace among
God’s legions on this world, there is peace among the Heavenly legions, as it is written, “Who builds His upper chambers in the Heavens, and His union is established upon the earth” (Amos 9:6). When are His upper chambers “built’’? When “His union is established
on this earth,’’ meaning, when the Jewish nation is united in peace.
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Footnotes and Background:
1.?????? Halacha – The Jewish law.
2.?????? Loshon Horah – Harmful speech which damages relationships between Jews.
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SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
Day 72 – Overhearing a Threat
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An obvious case where conveying negative information is required is where a person is overheard plotting to harm someone.? While we have seen that when a Jew may be in danger, even secondhand information can be related, it is imperative
that one first determine that the plot is apparently serious and not a bad joke.?
The condition that one first reprove the person against whom he intends to speak (see Day 45) applies only if one believes he can change the alleged plotter’s attitude.? Otherwise, warning him would only induce him to modify the plot to ensure that it not be
uncovered.
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The remaining conditions are required here no less than in an ordinary case of constructive speech:? One’s intent must be solely to avert harm (and not, for example, for the pleasure of thwarting the plotter); if an alternative exists – including not revealing
the identity of the plotter – then that avenue must be pursued.? Also, one must be reasonably sure that the plotter will not be caused undue harm.? If the potential victim is known to be hot-tempered and can be expected to take revenge, he cannot be spoken
to.? Alternative means would have to be found to protect the victim without endangering the plotter.? (The case of one who overhears a plotter will be discussed in greater detail in the laws of rechilus, gossipmongering.)
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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The Work of Satan
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Much of Satan’s efforts are directed toward inciting strife, and toward ensuring that once a feud has erupted, it does not end quickly. The Talmud relates:
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There were two people whom Satan regularly incited, so that at every twilight period [on the eve of Shabbos] they fought with one another. R’ Meir visited there and restrained them for three such twilight periods until he made peace between them. He subsequently
heard Satan say: “Woe, that R’ Meir has removed that one [i.e. Satan] from his house [i.e. from the place where he was previously welcome]!’’ (Gittin 52a).
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The Midrash states that the Hebrew word for ?“dispute” is an acronym for plague; ?wrath; affliction; curse; conclusion; for ultimately, strife brings destruction upon man.
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The greater the stature of the disputant, the greater is his sin. This is why the Torah underscores the fact that those who joined Korach in his rebellion were “leaders of the assembly, those summoned for meeting, men of renown” (Bamidbar 16:2)
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Keep reading Day 73, the lesson for Shabbos
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SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
Day 73 – Consumer Protection???
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Consumer protection is an important – but sensitive – area which allows for information to be conveyed
濒’迟辞别濒别蝉, for a constructive purpose.
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If a storekeeper hands a customer too little change, or charges him for something he did not purchase, one must not assume that the storekeeper is dishonest or careless – we all make mistakes.? If this happens often, one must bring the matter to the storekeeper’s
attention and inform him that if the practice continues, one will have no choice but to inform his clientele.? If the situation still does not change, one is required to warn people to count their change carefully and examine their receipts for any mistakes.?
It is forbidden to insinuate that the man is dishonest even if one has reason to suspect so, since it is sufficient for people to think that he is careless (or has problems with his arithmetic) for them to take the necessary precautions.
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It would also be forbidden to inform hot-headed individuals who, for example, might vandalize the store in the name of justice.
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SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
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When Heaven is Unrelenting
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Our Sages state (Mishnas R’ Eliezer ch. 4):
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In three instances the Holy One, Blessed is He, relented regarding idol worship, but was unrelenting regarding strife.
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Idol worship was initiated in the days of Enosh, as the Torah states: “Then to call in the Name of Hashem became profaned” (Bereishis
4:26). God spared that generation [from total destruction] only because harmony prevailed among the people. In the generation of the Flood, however, strife was prevalent, as is evident from the robbery that was found among them. It was this which sealed
their fate, as it is written, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with robbery through them; and behold, I am about to destroy them from the earth” (ibid. 6:13).
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In the Wilderness, God was forgiving of the sin of the Golden Calf, but He was unrelenting when strife was found among the people. Wherever strife was found, a great punishment followed. Particularly illustrative of this is the episode of Korach.
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When the idol of Michah was erected, God granted time for repentance, because peace reigned among the people. Thus it is written, “And the sons of Dan erected the idol, and Yehonasan, son of Gershom, son of Menashe, he along with his sons, were priests for
the tribe of Dan until the [people of] the land were exiled” (Shoftim 18:30). However, when the Ten Tribes initiated a feud with the tribes of Yehudah and Binyamin, each side became a source of punishment for the other, as it is written, “Aviah [King
of Yehudah] and his people smote them mightily. Five hundred thousand chosen men fell slain from Israel” (II Divrei
HaYamim 13:17). And when the tribes of Yehudah and Binyamin sinned, the Ten Tribes came and attacked them, as it is written, “In that Pekach son of Remaliahu slew one hundred and twenty thousand in one day” (ibid. 28:6)
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Thus, feuding parties become tools of punishment against one another.
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Gila Slonim
