SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
?
Day 63 – Informing
?
The second category of constructive purpose is to help those who are being (or have been) adversely affected by the subject’s behavior.
?
If one has personally witnessed a Jew causing monetary damage to another, to ensure that the victim will be compensated is a constructive purpose.? It would therefore be permissible to relate what has transpired.? After ascertaining that the facts are correct,
and after having spoken with the perpetrator, one must determine what will result from relating the information and whether or not halachah justifies effecting that result.
?
In a civilized society, the straightforward way of dealing with crime is to inform the authorities.? However, reporting one’s fellow Jew to secular officials may result in his facing punishment undeserved according to Torah.? Imprisonment, for example, is not
an acceptable means of punishment for monetary infractions, by Torah standards.? Providing information that might lead to a Jew’s imprisonment could therefore constitute malshinus (the act of being a malshin, informer).? Only if it is clear that an individual
is dangerous and poses a threat to others can he be spoken against for the sake of protecting others from harm.? Such matters are extremely sensitive and complex, and demand consultation with a competent halachic authority.
?
?
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
?
Talking During the Torah Reading
?
Unfortunately, idle conversations often begin with stories that are filled from beginning to end with loshon hora. When held in the synagogue, such conversations usually begin prior to the Torah reading, but when the reading commences, the speaker continues
his narrative so that he speaks loshon hora even as the words of our holy Torah are being read. Often, this person is among the distinguished members of the congregation whose seat is at the eastern wall, so that his sin is committed in full view of everyone.
In this way, one is guilty of desecrating Hashem’s Name in public, meaning, in the presence of ten Jews, a most severe form of chilul Hashem.
?
Note how many prohibitions this man has transgressed:
?
(1) The prohibition against speaking loshon hora, aside from numerous other commandments both positive and negative [which one might transgress when speaking loshon hora].
?
(2) The sin of “You shall not desecrate My Holy Name” (Vayikra?22:32), which, as mentioned above, was
transgressed in public.
?
(3) He has ignored the Torah reading; even if he has missed a single verse or even a single word, his sin is enormous. For our Sages consider it a serious sin even to leave the synagogue while the Torah reading is in progress; how much more so regarding one
who is present in the beis haknesses (synagogue) and whose craving for idle conversation and loshon hora causes him to ignore the word of the Living God! Often, this occurs on Shabbos, when the sin is far greater than on a weekday, as is stated in many holy
works.
?
To all of the above is added the sin of engaging in idle conversation in the beis haknesses or beis midrash, which is a great sin as stated in Shulchan Aruch — and certainly when such conversation is in the form of loshon hora! |
|
|
|
|
what is a good, low priced internet filter?
|
Today's Inspiration - Chag sameach!
Giving and Receiving
?
The Kotzker Rabbi gave two reasons for our naming the Festival of Shavuoth "The Time of the Giving of the Torah," and not "The Time of Our Receiving of the Torah."
The first reason is that while the Torah was given us in the time of Moses, we continue to receive the Torah all the time heneceforth.
The second reason is that, while the Torah was given to every Jew alike, it was not received by everyone in the equal proportion, since the receiving depends upon the power of understanding in each individual.
?
Source: Siach Sarfei kodesh
|
The best health tips for Shavuot
“So, what do you do?”?? A question I am often asked.? Especially with the holiday of Shavuot coming up. .? Whenever a holiday comes around, I just invoke for myself the things I tell everyone else. - Even if you’re not 100% on your eating regimen, 80-90% compliance still brings great health outcomes.
- When you indulge in foods you don’t normally eat, whether meat or dairy, keep your portions small.
- Eat mindfully and enjoy what you eat.? No time for guilt-feelings.?
- Only take seconds on low-oil, plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- Stay active.? Short walks after meals and longer ones at other times do wonders.
- Most important—after the holiday, know that you are right back on track.
? The Wellness Clinic wishes you a happy holiday—Chag Sameach ? ? 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 both in our office and ONLINE. ?? info@...
? ? 02- 651-8502;?050-555-7175 (between 8:00-19:00) ?? Sign up for our newsletter—info@...?? ?
|
Time to count #49 Motzai Shabbat. Last night.
Time to count #49?
???????? ?????? ?' ?????????? ?????? ????????, ?????? ??????????? ????????????? ?????????? ??? ???????? ???????.?
???? ???? ??????? ??? ??? ???? ?????? ?????/?????.?
????????? ???? ???????? ????? ???????? ????? ???????????? ???????????, ?????????? ??????????, ????? ?????.
|
Workshop For Mental Health Professionals: Parental and Family Alienation/Estrangement
The
Place - The Jerusalem Centre for Emotional Wellbeing in connection with Heart
Links, Broken Ties, Mask and Horeinu proudly presents:
?
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Parental
and Family Alienation/Estrangement
?
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?The
Epidemic - What We Need to Know
?
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?A
Practical Workshop For Mental Health Professionals On Zoom
?
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Sunday,
June 15, 2025
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 19:00
- 22:00
?
Facilitated
by internationally renowned experts & lecturers:
?
Dr.
Joshua Coleman, PhD -?Author
of "Rules of Estrangement - Why Adult Children Cut Ties & How to Heal
the Conflict"
?
and
?
Philip
Marcus, LL.M -?Retired
Judge of the Jerusalem Family Court
?
Moderated
by Jason (Tuvia) Blau, MBA -?Mindset
Coach specializing in parental alienation and family estrangement
?
You
Will Be Given Practical Tools To:
?
?
Maintain a positive connection between adult children and parents
?
Avoid the one-sided reporting trap
?
Support families staying together
?
Dr.
Coleman is a psychologist and researcher. He has written for The New York
Times, TIME magazine, The Wall Street Journal and more. He has given talks and
trainings for The American Psychological Associations, and at the Departments
of Psychiatry at Harvard, Cornell and other academic institutions.
?
With
over seven years of experience, Tuvia Blau has developed proven tools and
strategies to enhance communication, shift mindsets and foster healing. This
has facilitated healing and connection between alienated parents and their
children.
?
Philip
Marcus is a retired Judge of the Jerusalem Family Court. Since retiring in 2012
he has lectured on five continents, directs training courses and seminars for
professionals and students, and is consulted by governments and organizations
around the world about family law and family court system reform, therapeutic
jurisprudence, and prevention and handling of child psychological maltreatment.
?
Price:
180 NIS
?
To
register visit:
?
For
information write to: heartlinks@...
??
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The
Place, The Jerusalem Centre for Emotional Wellbeing
?
Phone:
02-5818299
WhatsApp:
054-2601468
Email:
Info@...
Website:
?
2/19
Sheshet Hayamim, Kneissa Gimmel, Ramat Eshkol
?
Bus
Lines:? 22, 25, 39, 45, 59, 65, 68, 69,
77, 77A
Light
Rail:? Ammunition Hill Stop
?
The
Place is under the Rabbinical Guidance of Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz, Shlita -
Rav Kehillas Ohr Somayach
?
|
Matzmiach Yeshuah Tehillim Group
Matzmiach Yeshuah is a Tehillim group that davens for couples with primary/secondary infertility. The goal is to have the entire Sefer Tehillim said on Sunday of each week. Each person who signs up will be assigned between 1-6 perakim (approximately) of Tehillim.
If you are interested in joining this group, please email?matzmiachyeshuah@.... You may request to sign up for specific perakim of Tehillim.
All information provided will remain confidential.
|
Time to count #47 Thursday night
Time to count #47?
???????? ?????? ?' ?????????? ?????? ????????, ?????? ??????????? ????????????? ?????????? ??? ???????? ???????.?
???? ???? ??????? ??? ??? ??? ?????? ????? ???? ?????/?????.?
????????? ???? ???????? ????? ???????? ????? ???????????? ???????????, ?????????? ??????????, ????? ?????.
|
SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
Day 61 – With No Alternative
?
If after giving a situation much thought, a teacher comes to the conclusion that a particular student has a behavioral or learning problem and feels that it will not be possible to deal with the problem without the involvement
of the principal, his colleagues, or the student’s parents, then the teacher should speak to the necessary party without delay.
?
Condition 5 of constructive speech (see Day 50) is that the speaker’s intent be purely for constructive reasons and not out of anger or frustration.? This could be extremely trying when the student in question is disruptive and frequently upsets the teacher.?
?
Difficult as it is, teachers must not take students’ behavior personally.? The disruptive student is, in most cases, not fighting the teacher; he is struggling with himself as he deals with the challenges of life.
?
?
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
?
Pure and Wholesome
?
By rejecting loshon hora as false, one ensures that his study of Torah and fulfillment of other mitzvos remain wholesome and untainted.
?
One who is in the habit of listening to loshon hora is liable to lose thousands of mitzvos which he could have performed — specifically, the many responses of “Amen” and “Yehei Shemei Rabbah”, and the many minutes of Torah study that can be lost while listening
to gossip. Generally speaking, gossipmongers are eager to sell their “wares” to anyone who is willing to listen and at any time, even in the synagogue while prayers are in progress and in the study hall while Torah is being learned. They carry on conversations
while Kaddish is being recited, during the chazzan’s repetition of the Shemoneh Esrei, and during the public Torah reading.
?
When a person is known to refrain from listening to loshon hora, gossipmongers will avoid speaking in his presence, even when their words are intended for others to hear and not for him.
?
One who seeks to be completely innocent of the sin of accepting loshon hora should, on a steady basis, speak to the members of his immediate family regarding the imperative of shmiras haloshon. He should tell them of both the great reward for being zealous
in matters of speech and the severe retribution that one may incur for transgressing the sins of speaking and accepting loshon hora. |
|
|
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. To sponsor a daily email visit? |
|
|
Today's Inspiration - Shabbat shalom!
Better than Gold and Honey
?
Said the Besht: "The words of the Torah, we are told by the Psalmist (Pslam 19:11) are more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. Gold is highly desirable, but it is unsatisfying, as no man is ever contented with the amount of gold he possesses. Honey is exceedingly sweet, but it is unpleasant to the sated man. The Torah, however, is both satisfying and pleasant."
Source: Kesser Shem Tov
|
Shalom Friends
We are still working to increase our book reviews for my husband's book which is concise summaries of the weekly Parshah. And for my mother's book l, the first of the Lizzie SInclair series for 8-12 year old girls. If you are able to do a review of either of our book for Amazon please let me know. Amazon prefers verried buyer reviews but does still accept a certain amount of reviews from those who receive a gift of the book. You can also look at the summary available in the look inside or read that is available. It's an easy way to help us have enough reviews for ad campaign to be successful so that I can earn what I need to take care of my mother. is particularly relevant to this time period as we prepare for Shavuot. Thanks in advance if you can assist. If you know anyone else who can assist please put them in touch with me. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Somayach Shoshanah Shear
|
?????,
Office Chabad Rechavia
??? ??"? ????? - ???????
52 King George, Jerusalem
???? ?'???' 52, ???????
02-800-1717
Please visit our website:
Contact us at: ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Office@...
To make a contribution:
|
Free 20 min class! Transform you Shavuos cheesecake experience? Register >> 
|
Photos of the Dekel Fair for the Soldiers
Hi Everyone!
Today, Dekel Vilnai Junior High School
had its annual fundraising fair for the soldiers.
I took photos and posted them online at:
Kol Hakavod! to everyone who participated in the happening.
Please share. Thank you!
Please continue to pray for and support Israel.
May the wounded have a complete and speedy recovery.
May the hostages be freed now.
May God protect the IDF, the police, the security forces
and all of Am Yisrael.
Shabbat Shalom,
Jacob
jrichman@...
|
Time to count #46 Wednesday night
?
Time to count #46
???????? ?????? ?' ?????????? ?????? ????????, ?????? ??????????? ????????????? ?????????? ??? ???????? ???????.?
???? ??? ??????? ??? ??? ??? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????/?????.?
????????? ???? ???????? ????? ???????? ????? ???????????? ???????????, ?????????? ??????????, ????? ?????.
|
Learning Torah
?
A young man was asked by the Gerer Rabbi if he had learned Torah. "Just a little," replied the youth.
"That is all anyone ever has learned of the Torah," was the rabbi's answer.
?
Source: Siach Sarfei Kodesh
|
R' Leff's Wednesday class is starting soon
Reminder that Rabbi Zev Leff's regular
Wednesday shiur in halacha and hashkafa will take
be starting in a couple of hours. Join us at 8:50 pm Israel
time (1:50 pm EST), live on Zoom. As always, the shiur is accessible
worldwide, free of charge, via Internet or phone. Mark it on your
calendar for every Wednesday.
Currently, Rav Leff is guiding us through the laws between Man and
his fellow, such as charging interest (ribis) and related topics.
That's followed immediately with an in-depth study of Even Shlayma,
exploring the Vilna Gaon's profound insights into human nature and
character development.
Feel free to forward this message to a community email list or
WhatsApp group. If you want a weekly email reminder about the class,
write to me at szjessel@..., and I’ll
add you to my reminder list.
Missed the shiur? It’s recorded! To access recordings, write to
Rav Aaron at raaronk@....
Everything is free, but donations, sponsorships,
and dedications are hugely welcome. Contact me at
szjessel@....
Zoom details are as follows. Please remember to mute yourself upon
joining.
Meeting ID: 634 639 6447
Passcode: 613
One tap mobile:
+97239786688,,6346396447# Israel
Dial by your location:
+972 3 978 6688 Israel
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+44 203 481 5237 United Kingdom
Meeting ID: 634 639 6447
Find your local number:
See you there!
Shlomo Jessel szjessel@... ?
|
SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
?
Day 60 – Problem Students
?
The dedicated teacher often finds it necessary to discuss the progress and difficulties of students with parents, colleagues and principals.? A lack of clear guidelines with regard to loshon hora(2) can create either a free-for-all
atmosphere, where people talk about anyone with anyone, or, at the other extreme, a simplistic approach to Shmiras Haloshon(3) which could inhibit the teacher’s effectiveness as an educator.
?
Generally speaking, the area of chinuch (child education and upbringing) constitutes a constructive purpose which would permit relating negative information concerning a student.? However, the specific conditions which permit speaking negatively for a constructive
purpose must never be overlooked.
?
Verification of facts is crucial.? For a teacher to play amateur psychologist and hastily diagnose the student as having some complex disability or disorder without pursuing the matter properly constitutes recklessness – and the consequences can be devastating.?
To communicate one’s evaluation under such circumstances would be hotzaas shem ra (slander).? It is an unfortunate fact that certain problematic children have not succeeded only as a result of having been misunderstood by a teacher, whose labeling tainted
the image of that student in the eyes of all his future teachers.?
?
A teacher must make every effort to fully understand the behavior of each student; he must not be swift to condemn.? It is essential that a student feel comfortable about expressing his true feelings to his teacher (in a respectable manner, of course).? Conditions
1-4 of constructive speech (see Day 50) necessitate a good heart-to-heart talk with the student before reporting a problem (unless one suspects that serious danger may be imminent).
?
?
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
?
Source of Merit
?
To reject loshon hora as false is an exceedingly great source of merit — especially if the subject of the report is respected as a man of spiritual stature. Tanna D’Vei Eliyahu (II, ch. 7) states:
?
It is said of Yeravam ben Yoash that he was a man who accorded the prophets honor. Therefore, those nations which the Holy One, Blessed is He, did not give over into the hands of Yehoshua bin Nun or David, King of Israel, He gave over into the hands of Yeravam
ben Yoash, as it is written, “He [Yeravam] returned the borders of Israel from the approach to Chamas until the sea of Aravah ...” (II Melachim?14:25).
Why did Yeravam, who was an idol worshiper, merit this? Because he did not accept loshon hora regarding the prophet Amos. ...At that moment [when he rejected the report against the prophet], God said, “Though the generation is guilty of idol worship and its
leader is guilty of idol worship, nevertheless, the land which I promised to Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov will be given over into his [Yeravam’s] hands.”
? |
|
|
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. To sponsor a daily email visit? |
|
|
"613 Books" Podcast ? Writers Discuss the Craft of Writing ? Featuring Judy Gruen, Rabbi Jonathan Sassen, and Yocheved Davidowitz
Did you ever wonder how authors choose the words, decide on the structure, and delve into topics that they’re focusing on??
In this special Writers-on-Writing episode of “613 Books” podcast, we’re checking in with three very different nonfiction authors: Judy Gruen, Rabbi Jonathan Sassen, and Yocheved Davidowitz about the subjects and style that informs their writing.
?
LINKS:
Heather Dean Productions Website: https://tinyurl.com/bd8262dy
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yjjuf5ha
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc4wzths
SoundCloud:
SUBSCRIBE to 613 Books Podcast and discover new books every week!
?
?
?
?
?
.
|
SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM
Day 59 – Character Deficiencies
?
Helping one’s fellow to improve his character also falls within the realm of toeles, constructive purpose.? If an acquaintance requires character refinement, then the mitzvah to reprove one’s fellow Jew requires one to bring the
matter to that person’s attention with care and sensitivity.? However, if one feels incapable of offering reproof and knows that others are also aware of this person’s character deficiencies, he is permitted to discuss the matter with them and seek their advice
or involvement, if necessary.? Though we have seen that it is lowly and forbidden to speak negatively of someone even with those who are already aware of the information, constructive speech is not at all lowly.
?
Should one find it necessary to consult with someone who is unaware of this person’s deficiencies for guidance in how to approach the person, he may do so, for this too constitutes constructive speech.? However, if it is possible to discuss the issue without
mentioning names, then this course must be followed.
We have already seen (Day 53) that if one seeks the active involvement of someone who is unaware of the situation, that individual would have to investigate the matter personally and verify the facts before taking definitive action.
?
?
SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON
?
No Credibility
?
When one is told loshon hora and attempts to follow the Torah’s command to reject it as false, the evil inclination often counters with the following argument: “How can you not accept this report as fact? Dare you accuse the speaker of lying, of transgressing
the prohibition, ‘Distance yourself from falsehood’? ” (Shemos 23:7).
?
The response to this is as follows: If you were to see a Jew [who is knowledgeable in the laws of Jewish observance] flagrantly violate Torah law, would you then accept as fact whatever information he has to offer about others? Certainly not! Surely one cannot
trust the word of one who openly flouts Hashem’s will.
?
A Jew who speaks ill of his fellow has transgressed “You shall not be a gossipmonger among your people” (Vayikra?19:16),
a most severe prohibition. As the halachah makes clear, this prohibition is violated even when the report is true. Thus, the speaker is guilty of severe transgression and, as such, has no credibility.?
? |
|
|
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. To sponsor a daily email visit? |
|
|
Alan Fitness
Jacob Richman