This year the fast day begins on Tuesday night July 23rd 2007 at 8:20pm and ends on Tuesday night, July 24th 2007, at 9:31pm.
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE NINTH OF AV?
Five national calamities occurred:
1.During the time of Moses, Jews in the desert accepted the slanderous report of the 12 Spies, and the decree was issued forbidding them from entering the Land of Israel.
2.The First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar. 100,000 Jews were slaughtered and millions more exiled.
3.The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans, led by Titus. Some two million Jews died, and another one million were exiled.
4.The Bar Kochba revolt was crushed by Roman Emperor Hadrian. The city of Betar -- the Jews' last stand against the Romans -- was captured and liquidated. Over 100,000 Jews were slaughtered.
5.The Temple area and its surroundings were plowed under by the Roman general Turnus Rufus. Jerusalem was rebuilt as a pagan city -- renamed Aelia Capitolina -- and access was forbidden to Jews.
Other grave misfortunes throughout Jewish history occurred on the Ninth of Av, including:
1.The Spanish Inquisition culminated with the expulsion of Jews from Spain on Tisha B'Av in 1492.
2.World War One broke out on the eve of Tisha B'Av in 1914 when Germany declared war on Russia. German resentment from the war set the stage for the Holocaust.
3.On the eve of Tisha B'Av 1942, the mass deportation began of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto, en route to Treblinka.
ASPECTS OF MOURNING: THE AFTERNOON BEFORE TISHA B'AV
During the afternoon prior to Tisha B'Av, it is customary to eat a full meal in preparation for the fast.
At the end of the afternoon, we eat the Seudah Hamaf-seket -- a meal consisting only of bread, water, and a hard-boiled egg.
The egg has two symbols: The round shape reminds us of a sign of the cycle of life. Also, the egg is the only food which gets harder the more it is cooked -- a symbol of the Jewish people's ability to withstand persecution.
Food eaten at the Seudah Hamaf-seket is dipped in ashes, symbolic of mourning (done by Ashkenazim not Sephardim). The meal should preferably be eaten alone, while seated on the ground in mourner's fashion.
RESTRICTIONS ON TISHA B'AV
Upon sundown, the laws of Tisha B'Av begin:
1. No eating or drinking until nightfall the following evening. Pregnant and nursing women are also required to fast. A woman within 30 days after birth need not fast.
Others who are old, weak, or ill should consult with a rabbi.
Medicine may be taken on Tisha B'Av, preferably without water.
In case of great discomfort, the mouth may be rinsed with water. Great care should be taken not to swallow anything. (MB 567:11)
2. Other prohibitions include:
Any bathing or washing, except for removing specific dirt -- ex. gook in the eyes. Upon rising in the morning, before prayers, or after using the bathroom, one washes only the fingers.
Anointing oneself for pleasure. (Deodorant is permitted.)
Having marital relations.
Wearing leather shoes. (Leather belts may be worn.)
Learning Torah, since this is a joyful activity. It is permitted to learn texts relevant to Tisha B'Av and mourning -- ex/. the Book of Lamentations, Book of Job, parts of Tractate Moed Katan, Gittin 56-58, Sanhedrin 104, Yerushalmi end of Ta'anis, and the Laws of Mourning. In-depth study should be avoided.
3. Other mourning practices include:
Sitting no higher than a foot off the ground. After midday, one may sit on a chair.
Not engaging in business or other distracting labors, unless it will result in a substantial loss.
Refraining from greeting others or offering gifts.
Avoiding idle chatter or leisure activities.
Following Tisha B'Av, all normal activities may be resumed, except for the following which are delayed until midday of the 10th of Av, because the burning of the Temple continued through the 10th of Av:
Haircuts and washing clothes.
Bathing. (When Tisha B'Av falls out on Thursday, bathing is permitted on Friday morning.)
Eating meat and wine.
Music and swimming.
PRAYER ON TISHA B'AV
Lights in the synagogue are dimmed, candles are lit, and the curtain is removed from the Ark. The cantor leads the prayers in a low, mournful voice. This reminds us of the Divine Presence which departed from the Holy Temple.
The Book of Eicha (Lamentations), Jeremiah's poetic lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, is read both at night and during the day.
Following both the night and day service, special "Kinot" (elegies) are recited.
In the morning, the Torah portion of Deuteronomy 4:25-40 is read, containing the prophecy regarding Israel's future iniquity and exile. This is followed by the Haftorah from Jeremiah (8:13, 9:1-23) describing the desolation of Zion.
In the afternoon, Exodus 32:11-14 is read. This is followed by the Haftorah from Isaiah 55-56.
Since Tallit and Tefillin represent glory and decoration, they are not worn at Shacharit. Rather, they are worn at Mincha, as certain mourning restrictions are lifted.
Birkat Kohanim is said only at Mincha, not at Shacharit.
Prayers for comforting Zion and "Aneinu" are inserted into the Amidah prayer at Mincha.
Before the fast is broken, it is customary to say Kiddush Lavana.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Laws of Yom Tov.
Shavuot is a Yom Tov, and the following laws apply for the following days: Beginning on Tuesday May 22, at 7:53pm, until Thursday May 24, 9:03pm
We have to light candles on Tuesday May 22 at 7:53, and Wednesday May 23 after 9:01pm.
Any work that is not allowed to be done on Shabbat should not be done on a Yom Tov (holiday), with some exceptions. Yom Tov differs from Shabbat with regard to cooking, carrying, and lighting a fire. However, these things have a special way in which you are allowed to do it in.
Cooking is allowed only if you are cooking for that day. You are not allowed to cook on the first day of Yom Tov for the second day. In the Jewish calendar the day starts at night, therefore, you are not allowed to start cooking unless you have lit the candles for the second day of Yom Tov. For example, for this year, the first day of Yom Tov falls out on Tuesday night and Wednesday day. You are not allowed to cook for Wednesday dinner until you have lit the candles at 9:01pm. But if you cooked something on the first day (Tuesday) and you ate it on that day and have extra, you may eat that on the second day (Wednesday).
Carrying is allowed only if you are carrying the things that you will need. For example, if you need keys, then you can carry them. You have to make sure to use them and to carry only the key needed. Same goes for anything else that you need. Ex: food, clothing, etc. It's best if you carry with a difference, meaning not to carry the way you would everyday, but do it with a change.
Lighting a fire is allowed only if you light from a pre-existing fire. You can light the stove only if you have a pilot stove, meaning that there is a fire already burning. Extinguishing fire is forbidden. Also, once the fire is lit, the flame should not be lowered. You can only make it higher.
Laws concerning washing dishes is as follows: You are not supposed to wash dishes on the first day of Yom Tov in order to be used for the second day, just like cooking. Therefore, you can wash the dishes right before using them.
You are not allowed to carry, cook, or light a fire for a non-Jew.
We have to light candles on Tuesday May 22 at 7:53, and Wednesday May 23 after 9:01pm.
Any work that is not allowed to be done on Shabbat should not be done on a Yom Tov (holiday), with some exceptions. Yom Tov differs from Shabbat with regard to cooking, carrying, and lighting a fire. However, these things have a special way in which you are allowed to do it in.
Cooking is allowed only if you are cooking for that day. You are not allowed to cook on the first day of Yom Tov for the second day. In the Jewish calendar the day starts at night, therefore, you are not allowed to start cooking unless you have lit the candles for the second day of Yom Tov. For example, for this year, the first day of Yom Tov falls out on Tuesday night and Wednesday day. You are not allowed to cook for Wednesday dinner until you have lit the candles at 9:01pm. But if you cooked something on the first day (Tuesday) and you ate it on that day and have extra, you may eat that on the second day (Wednesday).
Carrying is allowed only if you are carrying the things that you will need. For example, if you need keys, then you can carry them. You have to make sure to use them and to carry only the key needed. Same goes for anything else that you need. Ex: food, clothing, etc. It's best if you carry with a difference, meaning not to carry the way you would everyday, but do it with a change.
Lighting a fire is allowed only if you light from a pre-existing fire. You can light the stove only if you have a pilot stove, meaning that there is a fire already burning. Extinguishing fire is forbidden. Also, once the fire is lit, the flame should not be lowered. You can only make it higher.
Laws concerning washing dishes is as follows: You are not supposed to wash dishes on the first day of Yom Tov in order to be used for the second day, just like cooking. Therefore, you can wash the dishes right before using them.
You are not allowed to carry, cook, or light a fire for a non-Jew.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Reward For Lighting.
When a woman lights for the first time, she should say the blessing of Shehecheyanu. If she doesn't have a custom to say Shecheyanu over the lights, then she should put on a new article of clothing and say the blessing of Shehecheyanu on that, and she should also have in mind the lighting for the first time.
Our sages have said that a person who makes an effort to beautify the mitzvah of kindling Shabbat lights will have sons who are great in Torah. It is a proper time after lighting for a woman to pray for her children, so that Hashem should give her sons who will shine in Torah!
Our sages have said that a person who makes an effort to beautify the mitzvah of kindling Shabbat lights will have sons who are great in Torah. It is a proper time after lighting for a woman to pray for her children, so that Hashem should give her sons who will shine in Torah!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
What's, How's, and Why's of Omer
What is the Omer?
In the days of the Beit Hamikdash, the Jewish people would bring a barley offering on the second day of Passover (Leviticus 23:10). This was called the "Omer" ("sheaf") and it would allow people to eat of their recently-harvested grains.
Starting on the second day of Passover, the Torah (Leviticus 23:15) says it is a mitzvah every day to "count the Omer" -- the 50 days leading up to Shavuot. This is an important period of growth in preparation for the holiday of Shavuot, which arrives 50 days later.
Shavuot is the day that the Jewish people stood at Har Sinai to receive the Torah, and they required a seven-week preparation period. The commentators say that we were freed from Egypt only in order to receive the Torah and to fulfill it. Therefore, we were commanded to count from the second day of Pesach until the day that the Torah was given in order to show how greatly we desire the Torah.
How to Count the Omer
The Omer is counted every evening after nightfall, which is the start of the Jewish 'day.' If a person neglected to count the Omer one evening, he should count the following daytime, but without a blessing.
To properly count the Omer, you must say both the number of days and the weeks. For example:
On days 1 through 6, we say only the number of days. For example:
"Today is 4 days of the Omer."
On days which are complete weeks -- for example: day 7, day 14, and 21 -- we say as follows, for example:
"Today is 21 days, which is 3 weeks of the Omer."
On all other days, we say, for example:
"Today is 33 days, which is 4 weeks and 5 days of the Omer."
(Since you must recite the blessing before you count, don't mention the count for that night beforehand.)
Before counting, stand and say the following blessing:
“Baruch ata Hashem, Elokeinu melech ha-olam, asher ki’dee'shanu be'mitzvo'tav ve-tzivanu al sefirat ha'omer.”
“Blessed are You, G-d, King of the Universe, Who made us holy with His commandments, and commanded us on the counting of the Omer.”
The Omer may be counted with a blessing only if both of the following conditions have been met:
1) you count the Omer during the evening, and
2) you have not missed counting any of the days so far
This means to say that if a person forgot to count the Omer for an entire day and did not remember until the following evening, he should continue counting on the following days -- but without a blessing.
Why can't you continue counting with a blessing?
The reason is because regarding the Omer, the Torah writes: "Seven weeks, they shall be complete" (Leviticus 23:15). Thus according to many authorities, if one missed counting any day, the 7-week period can no longer be considered 'complete'.
Restrictions During the Omer
The Talmud tells us that Rabbi Akiva had 24,000 students who tragically died during the Omer period because they did not treat each other with enough respect. Therefore, for the 33 days from Passover until Lag B'Omer, we observe these signs of mourning:
1) no weddings
2) not listening to instrumental music, either live or recorded (vocal music is permitted)
3) no haircuts or shaving, unless for business purposes
During these days, we should try to grow spiritually as much as we can. These days we should try to improve our relationships with anyone and everyone we know.
In the days of the Beit Hamikdash, the Jewish people would bring a barley offering on the second day of Passover (Leviticus 23:10). This was called the "Omer" ("sheaf") and it would allow people to eat of their recently-harvested grains.
Starting on the second day of Passover, the Torah (Leviticus 23:15) says it is a mitzvah every day to "count the Omer" -- the 50 days leading up to Shavuot. This is an important period of growth in preparation for the holiday of Shavuot, which arrives 50 days later.
Shavuot is the day that the Jewish people stood at Har Sinai to receive the Torah, and they required a seven-week preparation period. The commentators say that we were freed from Egypt only in order to receive the Torah and to fulfill it. Therefore, we were commanded to count from the second day of Pesach until the day that the Torah was given in order to show how greatly we desire the Torah.
How to Count the Omer
The Omer is counted every evening after nightfall, which is the start of the Jewish 'day.' If a person neglected to count the Omer one evening, he should count the following daytime, but without a blessing.
To properly count the Omer, you must say both the number of days and the weeks. For example:
On days 1 through 6, we say only the number of days. For example:
"Today is 4 days of the Omer."
On days which are complete weeks -- for example: day 7, day 14, and 21 -- we say as follows, for example:
"Today is 21 days, which is 3 weeks of the Omer."
On all other days, we say, for example:
"Today is 33 days, which is 4 weeks and 5 days of the Omer."
(Since you must recite the blessing before you count, don't mention the count for that night beforehand.)
Before counting, stand and say the following blessing:
“Baruch ata Hashem, Elokeinu melech ha-olam, asher ki’dee'shanu be'mitzvo'tav ve-tzivanu al sefirat ha'omer.”
“Blessed are You, G-d, King of the Universe, Who made us holy with His commandments, and commanded us on the counting of the Omer.”
The Omer may be counted with a blessing only if both of the following conditions have been met:
1) you count the Omer during the evening, and
2) you have not missed counting any of the days so far
This means to say that if a person forgot to count the Omer for an entire day and did not remember until the following evening, he should continue counting on the following days -- but without a blessing.
Why can't you continue counting with a blessing?
The reason is because regarding the Omer, the Torah writes: "Seven weeks, they shall be complete" (Leviticus 23:15). Thus according to many authorities, if one missed counting any day, the 7-week period can no longer be considered 'complete'.
Restrictions During the Omer
The Talmud tells us that Rabbi Akiva had 24,000 students who tragically died during the Omer period because they did not treat each other with enough respect. Therefore, for the 33 days from Passover until Lag B'Omer, we observe these signs of mourning:
1) no weddings
2) not listening to instrumental music, either live or recorded (vocal music is permitted)
3) no haircuts or shaving, unless for business purposes
During these days, we should try to grow spiritually as much as we can. These days we should try to improve our relationships with anyone and everyone we know.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Your Pesach Schedule
Monday, April 2, 2007 - Fast of the first born (in order not to fast, the first born must go to a shul and hear a special reading). The burning of the chametz is also done on this day in the morning. You have to stop eating chametz by 10 am and u cant eat matza that entire day until the evening meal. At night, light candles (before) 7:02 pm.
Tuesday - Yom Tov, April 3, 2007 light candles AFTER 8:04 pm - and remember to use an existing flame!!!
Wednesday - also Yom Tov, the Yom Tov ends 8:05 pm.
Thursday, Friday, Shabbat and Sunday, April 5th,6th, 7th, and 8th, 2007 - all days of chol hamoed (intermediate days of Pesach).
Sunday, April 8, 2007 light candles (before) 7:09 pm- Yom Tov begins.
Monday, April 9, 2007 light candles AFTER 8:11 pm - and remember to use an existing flame!!!
Tuesday night, April 10, 2007 - the Yom Tov ends 8:12 pm.
Tuesday - Yom Tov, April 3, 2007 light candles AFTER 8:04 pm - and remember to use an existing flame!!!
Wednesday - also Yom Tov, the Yom Tov ends 8:05 pm.
Thursday, Friday, Shabbat and Sunday, April 5th,6th, 7th, and 8th, 2007 - all days of chol hamoed (intermediate days of Pesach).
Sunday, April 8, 2007 light candles (before) 7:09 pm- Yom Tov begins.
Monday, April 9, 2007 light candles AFTER 8:11 pm - and remember to use an existing flame!!!
Tuesday night, April 10, 2007 - the Yom Tov ends 8:12 pm.
Yom Tov and Chol HaMo'ed
Laws of Yom Tov:
Any work that is not allowed to be done on Shabbat should not be done on a Yom Tov (holiday), with some exceptions. Yom Tov differs from Shabbat with regard to cooking, carrying, and lighting a fire. However, these things have a special way in which you are allowed to do it in.
Cooking is allowed only if you are cooking for that day. You are not allowed to cook on the first day of Yom Tov for the second day. In the Jewish calendar the day starts at night, therefore, you are not allowed to start cooking unless you have lit the candles for the second day of Yom Tov. For example, for this year, the first day of Pesach falls out on Monday night and Tuesday day. You are not allowed to cook for Tuesday dinner until you have lit the candles at 8:04pm. But if you cooked something on the first day (Tuesday) and you ate it on that day and have extra, you may eat that on the second day (Wednesday).
Carrying is allowed only if you are carrying the things that you will need. For example, if you need keys, then you can carry them. You have to make sure to use them and to carry only the key needed. Same goes for anything else that you need. Ex: food, clothing, etc. It's best if you carry with a difference, meaning not to carry the way you would everyday, but do it with a change.
Lighting a fire is allowed only if you light from a pre-existing fire. You can light the stove only if you have a pilot stove, meaning that there is a fire already burning. Extinguishing fire is forbidden. Also, once the fire is lit, the flame should not be lowered. You can only make it higher.
Laws concerning washing dishes is as follows: You are not supposed to wash dishes on the first day of Yom Tov in order to be used for the second day, just like cooking. Therefore, you can wash the dishes right before using them.
You are not allowed to carry, cook, or light a fire for a non-Jew.
Laws of Chol Hamoed (Intermediate Days Of a Holiday):
Since these days are part of the holiday, it is better if we don't do work that is hard. If a financial loss will occur, then you can work.
You shouldn't do any garden work.
You shouldn't get haircuts (shaving), but you are permitted to shave for the last two days of Yom Tov.
You should not cut your nails unless you have cut them a day before Yom Tov.
You are not allowed to do laundry, even for clothing that is needed for the last two days of Yom Tov. You are allowed to do laundry for babies and small children, since they get dirty fast.
If you need to record things, you can write with a change, either in how you hold the pen or change the hand you write with. If it's not necessary, then you shouldn't write.
Any work that is not allowed to be done on Shabbat should not be done on a Yom Tov (holiday), with some exceptions. Yom Tov differs from Shabbat with regard to cooking, carrying, and lighting a fire. However, these things have a special way in which you are allowed to do it in.
Cooking is allowed only if you are cooking for that day. You are not allowed to cook on the first day of Yom Tov for the second day. In the Jewish calendar the day starts at night, therefore, you are not allowed to start cooking unless you have lit the candles for the second day of Yom Tov. For example, for this year, the first day of Pesach falls out on Monday night and Tuesday day. You are not allowed to cook for Tuesday dinner until you have lit the candles at 8:04pm. But if you cooked something on the first day (Tuesday) and you ate it on that day and have extra, you may eat that on the second day (Wednesday).
Carrying is allowed only if you are carrying the things that you will need. For example, if you need keys, then you can carry them. You have to make sure to use them and to carry only the key needed. Same goes for anything else that you need. Ex: food, clothing, etc. It's best if you carry with a difference, meaning not to carry the way you would everyday, but do it with a change.
Lighting a fire is allowed only if you light from a pre-existing fire. You can light the stove only if you have a pilot stove, meaning that there is a fire already burning. Extinguishing fire is forbidden. Also, once the fire is lit, the flame should not be lowered. You can only make it higher.
Laws concerning washing dishes is as follows: You are not supposed to wash dishes on the first day of Yom Tov in order to be used for the second day, just like cooking. Therefore, you can wash the dishes right before using them.
You are not allowed to carry, cook, or light a fire for a non-Jew.
Laws of Chol Hamoed (Intermediate Days Of a Holiday):
Since these days are part of the holiday, it is better if we don't do work that is hard. If a financial loss will occur, then you can work.
You shouldn't do any garden work.
You shouldn't get haircuts (shaving), but you are permitted to shave for the last two days of Yom Tov.
You should not cut your nails unless you have cut them a day before Yom Tov.
You are not allowed to do laundry, even for clothing that is needed for the last two days of Yom Tov. You are allowed to do laundry for babies and small children, since they get dirty fast.
If you need to record things, you can write with a change, either in how you hold the pen or change the hand you write with. If it's not necessary, then you shouldn't write.
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