by Joel Rich
The Rama frequently use the term bmidinot eilu to describe where a practice exists. Much less frequently the term aratzot is used in the same context (actually – see Y”D 39:18). Any ideas as to the (halachic) difference and why just in this one case?
Rabbi Y. Sacks notes that the targum for “vayeavek” (as in “vayeavek Ish Ito”) is vishtadel I see that. Other meforshim there focus on the intensity of the struggle. Worth keeping in mind when thinking of Yishtadel to daven with a minyan (ongoing, intense effort?) [the other places this term appears in S”A are Shabbat preparations and finding the right wife]
- Rabbi Hershel Schachter,Rabbi Mendy,Rabbi Ari Enkin-10/3/20 – Show 291 – Sukkos during corona; Showering on yom tov
Money quote: R’H Schachter’s bracha – “The candidate who is best for the whole world should be chosen”. R’HS also opines on the approach of teaching students that “goyim” have no chochma (really bad idea – leads to ignoring covid rules and general OTD)
Other topics discussed include: Yom Tov showers; holding a lulav with gloves; Sukkah’s in all the wrong places; and Meals without bread (do you need to eat in a Sukkah?)
- Rabbi Yehoshua Grunstein-Sleeping- Are you Still Obligated in Mitzvot?
Is a sleeper hutra or dechuya (my take), by Sukkah? Does this status apply across all mitzvot?
- Rabbi Ari Kahn-An Halakhic Analysis of the Yom Kippur Legend of Rav Yisrael Salanter
What exactly did R’Y Salanter do on Yom Kippur during the cholera epidemic? (IMHO many of the opinions are projections)
- Harav Mosheh Lichtenstein-“Divine and Human Sukkot – The Relationship Between Mikdash and Sukka,”
Discussion concerning the relationship between karbanot, yom tov (especially sukkot) and mikdash/sukkah. While the mikdash is both intimate and grand, the sukkah tells us the building isn’t the essence.
Q&A – (1) Prayer can change but in an evolutionary manner and with real focus on the proper objectives. (2) Can it be a true eit tzara if everyone is at the beach?
- Horav Shraga Kallus- Sakons Is it Bubbe Maysehs
Most important lesson of this shiur – not all ruach ra’s are created equal. Some we seem to care about, others not so much. Applications include: shelled eggs, peeled onions, water (uncovered or in metal containers), fish and water, food under beds and unsourced concerns passed down by your bubby (e.g. don’t step over a person). The Klausenberger said many have died from lack of observance of these restrictions.
Parsha messages including: Hazinu reflecting successes and failures; R’YBS on each human’s innate value; Lessons from heaven and earth analogies; Improving on prior generations; and the Rambam of birchat hatorah.
- Rabbi Isaac Rice-Reciting Korbanos Is Really Important
Part of a series. Why do we say different parts of karbanot and why it’s important to say them?
- Horav Shraga Kallus- Shikcha
Kotel issues discussed focusing on the kedusha of the physical area as well as tearing rules.
- Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky-Halachic Differences Between Shabbos and Yom Tov Meals
What meal rules apply to both Shabbat and Yom Tov? Analysis of lechem mishna, bread and wine requirement, as well as issues with shalosh seudot going into yom tov.
- Rabbi Jeremy Wieder-Minhagei Erev Yom Kippur
Discussion of sources of erev yom kippur practices including: Extra eating; Mikveh; Malkot; Kapparot and kol nidre.
- Rabbi Aryeh Leibowitz-Hoshana Rabbah and Fact-Checking the Jewish Encyclopedia
Hoshana Rabbah is an extension of the yamim noraim. Reflection (pun intended) on the discouraged minhag of looking for your moon shadow (HT – Cat Stevens [hamechuneh Yusuf Islam])
- Rav Asher Weiss-מצוות סוכה בעידן הקורונה
Corona/Sukkah issues including: How much pre-sukkot effort do you have to expend to eat in a sukkah (No room to build one; One quarantined family member); Define hon rav (large assets needed to spend for the mitzvah); Who needs to leave the sukkah if one roommate tests positive; and Lessons from kohelet (realizing all is level is the path to true simcha)
- Rabbi Avishai David-יום טוב של סוכת – מצות סוכה ולולב ושמחת בחגך
Lessons of sukkot being tied to shalosh regalim as well as yamim noraim. Similar lessons from the 4 minim.
- Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb-Rav Asher Weiss on Emunah: Physical Health as the Basis of Spiritual Inspiration
R’Weiss underlines the need for both knowledge and acknowledgment of HKB”H as creator. Asher yatzar reminds us of these facets in both physical and spiritual modalities.
- Rabbi Aron Zimmer-Davening for Your Friend’s Forgiveness
If Reuvein forgives his friend and prays for his forgiveness, of course the friend is forgiven by HKB”H (since it’s only Reuvain’s account) and since this prayer is guaranteed to be answered, Reuvain is forgiven as well for himself in general (not a slam dunk to me).
- Rabbi Azarya Berzon-Parshas Vezos HaBeracha al pi Harav Soloveichik
Parsha insights including: Why we are the few, the proud, the… (HT-US Marines); Morashat kehilat yaakov; Erusin vs. nesuin relationship with the Torah; Rebbi/Talmid relationship; and HKB”H is always with us.
- Horav Shraga Kallus-Tzavoos Of Gedolei Yisroel-Advice that is current forever
It’s a good idea to write a tzavaah (ethical will), here are some rabbinic examples. Is it better to request that no hesped be given for you? Will anyone listen?
- Rabbi Michael Rosensweig-The Connection Between Yom Kippur, Succos, Mikdash and Gvulin
The intertwining of mikdash and gvulin as well as Yom Kippur and Sukkot (yirah and ahavah) explained.
- Horav Shraga Kallus-Mezuzos Checking-Removing-Danger to remove a mezuza What is the sakana Why is it
The importance of the mitzvah of mezuzah and its protective function discussed. Issues discussed include: Touching? What to say? How can we take them down for inspection if it’s a continuous mitzvah? What does inspecting 2 per 7 years mean practically; do you make a bracha when you put them back up? And; Who takes it down when there’s a move?
- Horav Shraga Kallus- Sifrei Torah-Our most cherished posession-the chiyuv to write-buy-own
What exactly is the mitzvah of writing a sefer torah today?; Does doing it in partnership work?; What about buying an already existing one?; and Don’t give it to shul (just loan it)
- Rav Asher Weiss-המצטער פטור מן הסוכה
We get schar for doing the ratzon hashem which could include sitting in the sukkah in the rain.
When you send a shaliach, he gets the schar, You may get something for your trouble.
- Horav Shraga Kallus -=10-צדקה- Why Doesnt He Just Sell His Car
Giving Tzedaka is important. What lifestyle a recipient is “entitled” to is not so easy to define.
- Rabbi Jonathan Ziring-Is it Enough to be Right? Process and Results in Talmud Torah
Rashi says the main thing is to get the right answer. Maharal says it’s about engaging with the primary sources (even if you get the “wrong” answer).
- Horav Shraga Kallus -Derech Eretz- A frum Jew In The Workplace
Quick summary – Torah is our north star, keep focused on it (the rest is commentary)
- Rabbi Daniel Hartstein-My Rebbe: Rav Ahron Soloviechik
R’Aharon was a great role model in learning, character and intrapersonal relations.
R’Chaim quoted as saying, “a galach is frum, a yid is ehrlich”
- Horav Shraga Kallus – Minyan factory
When is it permitted, required or forbidden to answer brachot/kaddish/kedusha from a minyan you’re not participating in? Is it appropriate to have multiple minyanim at the same time? Can you walk through a minyan (especially during kriat hatorah)?
- Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz-Q&A: Prayers at Graves, English Gemaras, Evil eye and more
Q&A including: Praying at graves; Political involvement (not for Aish students); Status of non-observant; Bekiut vs iyun; R’Steinsaltz; Taking oaths; Viewing chutz laaretz as home (don’t); Authentic mkubalim; and Ayin hara.
- Rabbi Jonathan Ziring-The Inherent Ambiguity of Halachic Texts
Texts are subject too multiple interpretations, get used to it! This makes the psak process less algorithmic (my usual understatement).
- Rabbi Yehoshua Grunstein-Movies in the Sukka- Replusive or Revered
Does the sukkah elevate the mundane (me – we should certainly treat it as an opportunity to do so) or is it a holy place not to be mundanicized. Kohelet contains both messages.
- Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz-Shemini Atzeres – Turning a Tzadik Into a Yashar
Yashar means having a constant latent connection (with the Torah/HKB”H) vs. Tzaddik which reflects specific actions. (me – cue Rich family dvar torah on yashrut)
Please direct any informal comments to [email protected].
