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Proper Etiquette for a Guest
07.30.06 (2:03 pm)   [edit]
Halacha of the Day (7/30/2006) By Rabbi Eli Mansour

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Description: Proper Etiquette for a Guest


The Shulchan Aruch writes (Orach Chayim 170:5; listen to audio for precise citation), "One who enters a house shall do whatever the host tells him."  Halacha requires that a guest obey all his host's instructions, even those that he might deem beneath his dignity.

The source of this ruling is the Gemara's comment in Masechet Pesahim (86), "You shall do anything the host tells you, except, 'Leave'."  The only instance when a guest reserves the right to refuse the host's request is when the host instructs him to "leave."  This does not refer to terminating the guest's visit; a host is certainly entitled to tell his guest to leave his home.  Rather, this refers to a host's instruction to the guest to go somewhere - such as to run an errand - in an area that is not familiar to him.  Since traveling about in unfamiliar territory entails a degree of danger, a guest is not required to comply with such a request.

The Shela (Rabbi Yeshaya Horowitz, Prague, 1565-1630) suggested a novel interpretation of the Gemara's remark, "You shall do anything the host tells you, except, 'Leave'," suggesting that the "host" refers to the Almighty.  We are enjoined to obey all of God's instructions and commands, with the exception of the command, "Leave!"  The story is told of an apostate named Elisha Ben Avuya, who once heard a heavenly voice declare, "Return, O wayward children - except for Elisha Ben Avuya!"  Elisha relied on this heavenly voice as an excuse not to repent and to continue his lifestyle of sin and heresy, but in truth, he should have paid no attention to this voice.  "You shall do anything the host tells you, except, 'Leave'."  If the Almighty tells a Jew to "leave," that He is no longer interested in his return to the proper path, one should not listen.  The gates of repentance remain open even for such an individual, and this is the one instance when one need not obey the word of our "Host

."

Summary: A guest must obey all requests made of him by his host, unless some danger is involved, such as if the host asks that he run an errand for him in an unfamiliar place.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Audio Length: 2:31 Minutes

Click to Listen to it now: http://www.DailyHalacha.com/Play.asp?ClipID=1245" title="http://www.DailyHalacha.com/Play.asp?ClipID=1245" target="_blank"http://www.DailyHalacha.com/P...

Click to Download as Mp3: http://www.DailyHalacha.com/HalachaClips/Save.asp?t=m&" title="http://www.DailyHalacha.com/HalachaClips/Save.asp?t=m&" target="_blank"http://www.DailyHalacha.com/H...;ID=1245  Size: 596 KB

Click to Download as Wma: http://www.DailyHalacha.com/HalachaClips/Save.asp?t=w&" title="http://www.DailyHalacha.com/HalachaClips/Save.asp?t=w&" target="_blank"http://www.DailyHalacha.com/H...;ID=1245  Size: 917 KB
 
Proper Etiquette for a Guest
07.30.06 (2:03 pm)   [edit]
Halacha of the Day (7/30/2006) By Rabbi Eli Mansour

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Description: Proper Etiquette for a Guest


The Shulchan Aruch writes (Orach Chayim 170:5; listen to audio for precise citation), "One who enters a house shall do whatever the host tells him."  Halacha requires that a guest obey all his host's instructions, even those that he might deem beneath his dignity.

The source of this ruling is the Gemara's comment in Masechet Pesahim (86), "You shall do anything the host tells you, except, 'Leave'."  The only instance when a guest reserves the right to refuse the host's request is when the host instructs him to "leave."  This does not refer to terminating the guest's visit; a host is certainly entitled to tell his guest to leave his home.  Rather, this refers to a host's instruction to the guest to go somewhere - such as to run an errand - in an area that is not familiar to him.  Since traveling about in unfamiliar territory entails a degree of danger, a guest is not required to comply with such a request.

The Shela (Rabbi Yeshaya Horowitz, Prague, 1565-1630) suggested a novel interpretation of the Gemara's remark, "You shall do anything the host tells you, except, 'Leave'," suggesting that the "host" refers to the Almighty.  We are enjoined to obey all of God's instructions and commands, with the exception of the command, "Leave!"  The story is told of an apostate named Elisha Ben Avuya, who once heard a heavenly voice declare, "Return, O wayward children - except for Elisha Ben Avuya!"  Elisha relied on this heavenly voice as an excuse not to repent and to continue his lifestyle of sin and heresy, but in truth, he should have paid no attention to this voice.  "You shall do anything the host tells you, except, 'Leave'."  If the Almighty tells a Jew to "leave," that He is no longer interested in his return to the proper path, one should not listen.  The gates of repentance remain open even for such an individual, and this is the one instance when one need not obey the word of our "Host

."

Summary: A guest must obey all requests made of him by his host, unless some danger is involved, such as if the host asks that he run an errand for him in an unfamiliar place.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Audio Length: 2:31 Minutes

Click to Listen to it now: http://www.DailyHalacha.com/Play.asp?ClipID=1245" title="http://www.DailyHalacha.com/Play.asp?ClipID=1245" target="_blank"http://www.DailyHalacha.com/P...

Click to Download as Mp3: http://www.DailyHalacha.com/HalachaClips/Save.asp?t=m&" title="http://www.DailyHalacha.com/HalachaClips/Save.asp?t=m&" target="_blank"http://www.DailyHalacha.com/H...;ID=1245  Size: 596 KB

Click to Download as Wma: http://www.DailyHalacha.com/HalachaClips/Save.asp?t=w&" title="http://www.DailyHalacha.com/HalachaClips/Save.asp?t=w&" target="_blank"http://www.DailyHalacha.com/H...;ID=1245  Size: 917 KB
 
Lessons in Tanya: Sunday, July 30, 2006 Iggeret HaKodesh (Conclusion of Epistle One)
07.30.06 (1:58 pm)   [edit]
B"H

Menachem Av 5, 5766 * July 30, 2006

========================= ======
L E S S O N S   I N   T A N Y A
========================= ======

Today's Lesson:

Iggeret HaKodesh
(Conclusion of Epistle One)
------------------------- --

And now once more I put forth my hand a second time with an additional
explanation and a twofold request, extended and proposed to all men of
the chassidic brotherhood, those who are near and those who are far,
to undertake the following: On all weekdays, businessmen - who do not
have so much time - should not step down before the Ark [to lead the
congregation in prayer]. Only those who have the time [should lead the
prayers], such as teachers or those who are supported by their
parents, who at the morning service are able to pray at length for at
least about an hour and a half (55) on all week-days. (56)

One of them should step down before the Ark, chosen by lot or by
consent of the majority [of the congregants]. He should gather around
him all those who are supported by their parents, or teachers, who are
able to pray at length like himself, [and will thus not be distracted
by the haste of others. This arrangement is] not to be changed, I beg
and beseech you!

On the Sabbaths and festivals, however, when all the businessmen, too,
have the time and opportunity to pray at length, devoutly
concentrating their heart and soul to G-d, - moreover, their duty to
do so is much greater, as is stated in Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim,
(57) and as is written in the Torah of Moses: (58) "Six days shall you
work... and the seventh day is a Sabbath unto the L-rd your G-d,"
stating clearly that the Sabbath is to be devoted wholly unto G-d, -

[Unlike the festivals which are "partially unto G-d and partially unto
you," the Sabbath ought to be wholly dedicated to spiritual matters.
Since the reason for this is that it was preceded by six mundane days
of labor, it follows that those who were engaged in this labor during
the weekdays -businessmen and the like - should surely utilize the
Sabbath "wholly unto G-d."] on Sabbaths and festivals, therefore, they
too can step down before the Ark, according to lot or by assent of the
majority, as I wrote last year.

Moreover, it should be made known that, G-d willing, it is my
intention to send spies secretly to all congregations, (59) to find
out and to notify about anyone who has the ability and the time to
worship at length and to meditate while at prayer, but is slothful. He
shall be punished by estrangement, being distanced by both hands when
he comes here to hear chassidic teachings. (60) And from the negative
you may infer the positive (61) - [that those who are more generous in
the time they devote to their prayers will be assured of a warm
welcome.] Pleasant be the lot of those who hearken; may the blessing
of goodness light upon them, - and (62) - "there is no "good" but
Torah...."

Footnotes:

55. Cf. Zohar I, 62b and its commentaries; the letter published in the
    anthology entitled Meah Shearim 2b, and the sources indicated in
    the footnote there. See also op. cit., 9b. (Note of the Rebbe
   .)
56. The statement (Berachot 32b) that even the early chassidim [of
    Talmudic times] would devote one hour to the prayer itself, refers
    to the Amidah [alone]. (Note of the Rebbe.)
57. Gloss to 290:2; see also Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Orach Chayim 290:5.
    Note of the Rebbe: See also the maamar entitled Mi Yiten-
    cha, in Torah Or.
58. Shmot 20:9.
59. In the original, minyanim; a minyan is a group of at least ten men
    constituting a congregation, and, by extension, signifies a place
    of communal prayer.
60. Lit., the words of the living G-d.
61. A Talmudic term; cf. Nedarim 11a.
62. Avot 6:3.

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

© Copyright
Kehot Publication Society
770 Eastern Parkway / Brooklyn, New York 11213
(718) 774-4000 / FAX (718) 774-2718
http://www.kehotonline.com" title="http://www.kehotonline.com" target="_blank"http://www.kehotonline.com

Brought to you by Chabad.org

To listen to an audio version of today's lesson, please click one of the following links:

MP3: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...;tDate=07/30/2006&for mat=m3u
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To view this lesson online with Hebrew text and formatting plus many features, please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tanya.asp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tanya.asp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...

For more daily Torah study, please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>
 
Today's Day: Sunday, July 30, 2006
07.30.06 (1:54 pm)   [edit]
B"H

Menachem Av 5, 5766 * July 30, 2006

=======================
"T O D A Y ' S   D A Y"
=======================

Friday, Menachem Av 5 5703

Torah lessons: Chumash: Devarim, Shishi with Rashi.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tehillim: 29-34.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tanya: "My sin is (p. 383)...are passed over.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ; (p.  385).

Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (1)

The Baal Shem Tov commented: Every physical object whose use is
permissible possesses good and evil elements. *

The material element is evil, and the G-dly life-force that gives
life to the physical is good.

The person utilizing the physical object must "turn from evil" - not
desire the physical pleasure which is in its materiality, and "do
good," i.e. he should desire to be nourished and supported by the
G-dly vitality in that object.

"Seek peace and pursue it":

Whoever fulfills "turn from evil and do good" must seek and pursue
means for making peace (2) between the physical and the G-dly
life-force that vitalizes it.

Footnotes: 1. Tehillim 34:15.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;  2. I.e. bringing harmony.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;  *  See Supplementary Footnotes, (p. 128 in the printed
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp; version).

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Note: day of week and Torah lessons indicated are from 5703 (1943).

For a glossary of terms used in "Today's Day" please click here:
http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" title="http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" target="_blank"http://chabad.org/article.asp...

To view this lesson online with its many features please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...

For more daily Torah study, please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>
 
Daily Mitzvah (Maimonides): Sunday 07/30/2006 * Menachem Av 5, 5766
07.30.06 (1:51 pm)   [edit]

B"H Menachem Av 5, 5766 * July 30, 2006 ========================= =========================

D A I L Y M I T Z V A H (M A I M O N I D E S ) ========================= =========================

Today's Mitzvah (Day 331 of 339): Negative Mitzvah 195; Positive Mitzvah 37 Negative Mitzvah 195: It is forbidden to eat or drink more than our needs demand -Leviticus 19:26 "You shall not eat anything with blood" HaShem provides us with many things to enjoy. Food is certainly one of the most important things that we enjoy. From the moment we are born, eating becomes part of our daily lives. Many of us don't just eat to build our bodies and keep our health! We often nosh, eating foods just because they taste good. HaShem wants us to enjoy our food, but not to eat or drink too much. For example, on Shabbat and Holidays, we often have special cakes and dishes. This adds to the enjoyment of the holiday. While we all know that food should taste good and we should enjoy what we eat, the Torah warns us that eating or drinking too much is not good for our bodies. This Negative Mitzvah cautions us not to develop wrong eating habits, by drinking or eating in excess of our needs. (In the Torah there is a description of what is called a "stubborn and rebellious son" - Ben Sorer U'Moreh. This description (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) provides us with an account of what exactly is meant by eating and drinking too much.)

Positive Mitzvah 37: Burials in which a Priest must be involved -Leviticus 21:3 "For her, he may become impure" The Torah regards priests as very holy. They should not become impure (see Negative Mitzvah 166). Therefore, they must not come in contact with a dead body (see Positive Mitzvah 107). Nevertheless, the Torah commanded them to attend the funeral of their closest relatives.

The Torah lists these relatives as follows: Mother; Father; Son; Daughter; Brother; and unmarried Sister.

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action! The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel. Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do? Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164 >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

To listen to an audio version of today's lesson, please click one of the following links: MP3: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=seferhamitzvot&a mp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=seferhamitzvot&a mp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...;tDate=07/30/2006&for mat=m3u

Real:

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To view this lesson online with its many features please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/seferHamit zvos.asp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/seferHamit zvos.asp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...

For more daily Torah study, please visit:

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>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

 
Daily Lift #1016 - Resilience: The Art of Bouncing Back
07.30.06 (1:49 pm)   [edit]

Daily Lift #1016

Resilience: The Art of Bouncing Back


Build up your ability to be resilient, your ability to bounce back after a fall. As it states in Mishlei (24:25), “A righteous person will fall seven times and rise up.” Everyone can fall; the main thing is to get up again.

When you think in terms of building your self-image, you will focus on the fact that you rose up after you fell. Of course, it would be best never to fall at all. But since falling is part of life, build your self-image by keeping your focus on what you are doing right. And when you fall, keep your focus on what you need to do to bounce back.

(From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin’s new book: “Building Your Self-image and the Self-image of Others” (Artscroll) Chapter 65)

 
Please to got cnn website & vote yes in the QuickVote ...
07.22.06 (3:40 pm)   [edit]

about the Israeli army inside Lebanon being justified!

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/1 4/mideast/index.html" title="http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/1 4/mideast/index.html" target="_blank"http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD...
 
Please to got cnn website & vote yes in the QuickVote ...
07.22.06 (3:39 pm)   [edit]

about the Israeli army inside Lebanon being justified!

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/1 4/mideast/index.html" title="http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/1 4/mideast/index.html" target="_blank"http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD...
 
Please to got cnn website & vote yes in the QuickVote ...
07.22.06 (3:39 pm)   [edit]

about the Israeli army inside Lebanon being justified!

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/1 4/mideast/index.html" title="http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/1 4/mideast/index.html" target="_blank"http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD...
 
Please to got cnn website & vote yes in the QuickVote ...
07.22.06 (3:38 pm)   [edit]

about the Israeli army inside Lebanon being justified!

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/1 4/mideast/index.html" title="http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/1 4/mideast/index.html" target="_blank"http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD...
 
Prayer for the Deliverance of the Captured Israeli Soldiers
07.20.06 (1:36 pm)   [edit]

(courtesy of www.SephardicCouncil.org) 

16 July 2006Action for Israel

Prayer for the Deliverance of the Captured Soldier
Prayer for the Deliverance of the Captured Israeli Soldiers
Gilad Shalit
Prayer for Gilad Shalit, to be read by all communities,
Shelomo Amar
composed by the Rishon Le'Sion,
Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel, Shelomo Amar.
(Psalm readings: Chapters 70, 13, 142, 126)
Prayer for the Deliverance of the Captured Israeli Soldiers
MAY it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our fathers, that these Psalms which we have read before You today should come to You favorably, and be accepted before you as if King David Your anointed one – peace be on him – had said them himself. Please take action for the sake of Your Holy names which are written in them, and which are alluded to in them, and accept with mercy and favor our prayers and requests, so that our supplications reach You. Have pity, show concern and extend mercy to the captives, Ehud ben Malka Goldwasser; Eldad ben Tovah Regev; and Gilad ben Aviva Shalit, and save them, showing redemption and mercy, together with all captives and prisoners from Your nation Israel.
MAY the One who can liberate captives release them from their detention, deliver them from captivity to liberty, from tyranny to redemption, and from gloom to brightness, and restore them to complete health – a healing of the soul and of the body – and revitalize their spirit, reinvigorate their strength, and help them in happiness and joy; then they will be strengthened and healed and will have eternal happiness.
MAY the merit of the prayers, the cries, and the supplications of the multitudes who plead for them all over the world stand for them as a shield and a protection, freeing them from their captivity. Please tear asunder any negative judgments. May all their merits be presented before You, the Blessed One, and all that they have achieved and done for the sake of our nation and our heritage. Tear up their verdicts for the merit of the Holy Name that is alluded to in the initial Hebrew letters of the phrase “Accept the prayer of your nation; fortify us, purify us, You who are so awesome.”
MAY the words of this scriptural verse (Isaiah 53:10) be fulfilled for them: “God’s captives will return and come to Zion in joy; eternal happiness will be on their heads, they will be invested with joy and happiness, and sorrow and anxiety will be banished.” May this happen very soon!
Translation by Rabbi Mayer Waxman, Director of Synagogue Services, Orthodox Union
Edited by David Olivestone, Director of Communications, Orthodox Union
Gilad Shalit is a corporal in the Israel Defense Forces. He comes from Mitzpe Hila in the Western Galilee, and holds dual Israeli and French citizenship. Gilad is the first Israeli soldier captured by Palestinians since Nachson Wachsman in 1994. Early on Sunday morning, June 25, 2006, Shalit was kidnapped by Palestinian Arab terrorists who attacked an army post in Israel after crossing the border from Gaza via a tunnel near the Kerem Shalom crossing at the south Gaza Strip border. During the morning attack, two Israel Defense Force soldiers were killed and four others wounded.
 
Prayer for the Deliverance of the Captured Israeli Soldiers
07.20.06 (1:36 pm)   [edit]

(courtesy of www.SephardicCouncil.org) 

16 July 2006Action for Israel

Prayer for the Deliverance of the Captured Soldier
Prayer for the Deliverance of the Captured Israeli Soldiers
Gilad Shalit
Prayer for Gilad Shalit, to be read by all communities,
Shelomo Amar
composed by the Rishon Le'Sion,
Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel, Shelomo Amar.
(Psalm readings: Chapters 70, 13, 142, 126)
Prayer for the Deliverance of the Captured Israeli Soldiers
MAY it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our fathers, that these Psalms which we have read before You today should come to You favorably, and be accepted before you as if King David Your anointed one – peace be on him – had said them himself. Please take action for the sake of Your Holy names which are written in them, and which are alluded to in them, and accept with mercy and favor our prayers and requests, so that our supplications reach You. Have pity, show concern and extend mercy to the captives, Ehud ben Malka Goldwasser; Eldad ben Tovah Regev; and Gilad ben Aviva Shalit, and save them, showing redemption and mercy, together with all captives and prisoners from Your nation Israel.
MAY the One who can liberate captives release them from their detention, deliver them from captivity to liberty, from tyranny to redemption, and from gloom to brightness, and restore them to complete health – a healing of the soul and of the body – and revitalize their spirit, reinvigorate their strength, and help them in happiness and joy; then they will be strengthened and healed and will have eternal happiness.
MAY the merit of the prayers, the cries, and the supplications of the multitudes who plead for them all over the world stand for them as a shield and a protection, freeing them from their captivity. Please tear asunder any negative judgments. May all their merits be presented before You, the Blessed One, and all that they have achieved and done for the sake of our nation and our heritage. Tear up their verdicts for the merit of the Holy Name that is alluded to in the initial Hebrew letters of the phrase “Accept the prayer of your nation; fortify us, purify us, You who are so awesome.”
MAY the words of this scriptural verse (Isaiah 53:10) be fulfilled for them: “God’s captives will return and come to Zion in joy; eternal happiness will be on their heads, they will be invested with joy and happiness, and sorrow and anxiety will be banished.” May this happen very soon!
Translation by Rabbi Mayer Waxman, Director of Synagogue Services, Orthodox Union
Edited by David Olivestone, Director of Communications, Orthodox Union
Gilad Shalit is a corporal in the Israel Defense Forces. He comes from Mitzpe Hila in the Western Galilee, and holds dual Israeli and French citizenship. Gilad is the first Israeli soldier captured by Palestinians since Nachson Wachsman in 1994. Early on Sunday morning, June 25, 2006, Shalit was kidnapped by Palestinian Arab terrorists who attacked an army post in Israel after crossing the border from Gaza via a tunnel near the Kerem Shalom crossing at the south Gaza Strip border. During the morning attack, two Israel Defense Force soldiers were killed and four others wounded.
 
Prayer for the Deliverance of the Captured Israeli Soldiers
07.20.06 (1:35 pm)   [edit]

(courtesy of www.SephardicCouncil.org) 

16 July 2006Action for Israel

Prayer for the Deliverance of the Captured Soldier
Prayer for the Deliverance of the Captured Israeli Soldiers
Gilad Shalit
Prayer for Gilad Shalit, to be read by all communities,
Shelomo Amar
composed by the Rishon Le'Sion,
Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Israel, Shelomo Amar.
(Psalm readings: Chapters 70, 13, 142, 126)
Prayer for the Deliverance of the Captured Israeli Soldiers
MAY it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our fathers, that these Psalms which we have read before You today should come to You favorably, and be accepted before you as if King David Your anointed one – peace be on him – had said them himself. Please take action for the sake of Your Holy names which are written in them, and which are alluded to in them, and accept with mercy and favor our prayers and requests, so that our supplications reach You. Have pity, show concern and extend mercy to the captives, Ehud ben Malka Goldwasser; Eldad ben Tovah Regev; and Gilad ben Aviva Shalit, and save them, showing redemption and mercy, together with all captives and prisoners from Your nation Israel.
MAY the One who can liberate captives release them from their detention, deliver them from captivity to liberty, from tyranny to redemption, and from gloom to brightness, and restore them to complete health – a healing of the soul and of the body – and revitalize their spirit, reinvigorate their strength, and help them in happiness and joy; then they will be strengthened and healed and will have eternal happiness.
MAY the merit of the prayers, the cries, and the supplications of the multitudes who plead for them all over the world stand for them as a shield and a protection, freeing them from their captivity. Please tear asunder any negative judgments. May all their merits be presented before You, the Blessed One, and all that they have achieved and done for the sake of our nation and our heritage. Tear up their verdicts for the merit of the Holy Name that is alluded to in the initial Hebrew letters of the phrase “Accept the prayer of your nation; fortify us, purify us, You who are so awesome.”
MAY the words of this scriptural verse (Isaiah 53:10) be fulfilled for them: “God’s captives will return and come to Zion in joy; eternal happiness will be on their heads, they will be invested with joy and happiness, and sorrow and anxiety will be banished.” May this happen very soon!
Translation by Rabbi Mayer Waxman, Director of Synagogue Services, Orthodox Union
Edited by David Olivestone, Director of Communications, Orthodox Union
Gilad Shalit is a corporal in the Israel Defense Forces. He comes from Mitzpe Hila in the Western Galilee, and holds dual Israeli and French citizenship. Gilad is the first Israeli soldier captured by Palestinians since Nachson Wachsman in 1994. Early on Sunday morning, June 25, 2006, Shalit was kidnapped by Palestinian Arab terrorists who attacked an army post in Israel after crossing the border from Gaza via a tunnel near the Kerem Shalom crossing at the south Gaza Strip border. During the morning attack, two Israel Defense Force soldiers were killed and four others wounded.
 
Lessons in Tanya: Thursday, July 20, 2006
07.20.06 (2:03 am)   [edit]
B"H

Tammuz 24, 5766 * July 20, 2006

========================= ======
L E S S O N S   I N   T A N Y A
========================= ======

Today's Lesson:

Iggeret Hateshuvah
(Conclusion of Chapter Eight)
-------------------

After the (7) "wind [of forgiveness] passes over [the souls of
sinners] and purifies them," then their souls are enabled to return
literally unto G-d Himself, to ascend the greatest heights, to their
very Source, and cleave to Him with a remarkable unity, in ultimate
union with Him, just as before the soul was blown forth by the breath
of His mouth to descend and be incorporated within the body of man.

(8) (To illustrate this unity: Before one exhales, the breath is one
with the person, inseparably.)

[Likewise, just as the soul was utterly united with G-d before it was
"blown" or "breathed" into the body, so too, does it now unite with
Him after repentance].

This is perfect return - Teshuvah.

This state of unity and this return are called teshuvah ila'ah, the
higher level of repentance, that follows teshuvah tata'ah, the lower
level of repentence.

The Zohar, in Ra'aya Mehemna (Parshat Nasso), (9) explains that
Teshuvah ila'ah means engaging in the study of the Torah, in awe and
love of the Holy One, Blessed be He....

[The Zohar goes on to say that doing so makes one worthy of the
revelation of the letter vav of the Tetragrammaton], for this [letter
vav] is the child of yud-hei, or Binah...

[Binah is the level of Teshuvah ila'ah, the return of the higher
letter hei of the Tetragrammaton.

The word itself is a composite of the words "ben yud-hei." This
alludes to the spiritual emotions of love and fear (represented by the
letter vav) that are born of the intellective levels of the
Tetragrammaton, the yud of Chochmah and the hei of Binah].

(10) (Herein lies the superiority of pentinence over the perfectly
saintly.

[Seemingly, the study of Torah permeated with love and fear of G-d, is
not the unique prerogative of pentinence; the perfectly saintly do
this as well. Wherein lies the superiority of baalei teshuvah?]

As the Zohar states in Parshat Chayei Sarah, (11) "They draw upon
themselves with a more intense longing of the heart, and with great
forcefullnes, to approach the King....")

Footnotes:

7. Note of the Rebbe: "Iyov 37:21. The meaning of the verse is
   that the wind clears the heavens of clouds. So too in analogue, the
   breath of repentance spirits away the dense cloud of sin."
8. Parenthesis are in the original text.
9. Zohar III, 123a.
10. Parenthesis are in the original text.
11. Zohar I , 129b.

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

To listen to an audio version of today's lesson, please click one of the following links:

MP3: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...;tDate=07/20/2006&for mat=m3u
Real: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...;tDate=07/20/2006&for mat=rm

To view this lesson online with Hebrew text and formatting plus many features, please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tanya.asp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tanya.asp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...

For more daily Torah study, please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>
 
Lessons in Tanya: Thursday, July 20, 2006
07.20.06 (1:24 am)   [edit]
B"H

Tammuz 24, 5766 * July 20, 2006

========================= ======
L E S S O N S   I N   T A N Y A
========================= ======

Today's Lesson:

Iggeret Hateshuvah
(Conclusion of Chapter Eight)
-------------------

After the (7) "wind [of forgiveness] passes over [the souls of
sinners] and purifies them," then their souls are enabled to return
literally unto G-d Himself, to ascend the greatest heights, to their
very Source, and cleave to Him with a remarkable unity, in ultimate
union with Him, just as before the soul was blown forth by the breath
of His mouth to descend and be incorporated within the body of man.

(8) (To illustrate this unity: Before one exhales, the breath is one
with the person, inseparably.)

[Likewise, just as the soul was utterly united with G-d before it was
"blown" or "breathed" into the body, so too, does it now unite with
Him after repentance].

This is perfect return - Teshuvah.

This state of unity and this return are called teshuvah ila'ah, the
higher level of repentance, that follows teshuvah tata'ah, the lower
level of repentence.

The Zohar, in Ra'aya Mehemna (Parshat Nasso), (9) explains that
Teshuvah ila'ah means engaging in the study of the Torah, in awe and
love of the Holy One, Blessed be He....

[The Zohar goes on to say that doing so makes one worthy of the
revelation of the letter vav of the Tetragrammaton], for this [letter
vav] is the child of yud-hei, or Binah...

[Binah is the level of Teshuvah ila'ah, the return of the higher
letter hei of the Tetragrammaton.

The word itself is a composite of the words "ben yud-hei." This
alludes to the spiritual emotions of love and fear (represented by the
letter vav) that are born of the intellective levels of the
Tetragrammaton, the yud of Chochmah and the hei of Binah].

(10) (Herein lies the superiority of pentinence over the perfectly
saintly.

[Seemingly, the study of Torah permeated with love and fear of G-d, is
not the unique prerogative of pentinence; the perfectly saintly do
this as well. Wherein lies the superiority of baalei teshuvah?]

As the Zohar states in Parshat Chayei Sarah, (11) "They draw upon
themselves with a more intense longing of the heart, and with great
forcefullnes, to approach the King....")

Footnotes:

7. Note of the Rebbe: "Iyov 37:21. The meaning of the verse is
   that the wind clears the heavens of clouds. So too in analogue, the
   breath of repentance spirits away the dense cloud of sin."
8. Parenthesis are in the original text.
9. Zohar III, 123a.
10. Parenthesis are in the original text.
11. Zohar I , 129b.

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

To listen to an audio version of today's lesson, please click one of the following links:

MP3: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...;tDate=07/20/2006&for mat=m3u
Real: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...;tDate=07/20/2006&for mat=rm

To view this lesson online with Hebrew text and formatting plus many features, please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tanya.asp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tanya.asp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...

For more daily Torah study, please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>
 
DCompanion - Day 56 - Action without Judgment Shmiras Haloshon Yomi 24 Tammuz, 5766 / July 20, 2006
07.20.06 (1:21 am)   [edit]

Shmiras Haloshon Yomi

24 Tammuz, 5766 / July 20, 2006
Day 56 - Action without Judgment
SEFER CHOFETZ CHAIM — Laws of Loshon Hora 6:9-10
We have been learning about kaballas loshon hora, the prohibition against believing loshon hora which is related in one’s presence. The Chofetz Chaim states that this prohibition applies not only to a report of current improper behavior, but to any information which we are forbidden to repeat. For example, if we were to hear that the father of a respected community member had a controversial past, we would not be permitted to believe it. We are also forbidden to believe a negative assessment of someone’s intelligence or physical abilities.
The Chofetz Chaim returns to the subject of listening to negative information l’toeles, for a constructive purpose. If someone is considering taking a partner into his business and then receives derogatory information concerning him, he is permitted to suspect that the information is true and to act on that suspicion. However, he is not permitted to believe it (without further investigation) or to take aggressive action against the person in question. Similarly, if one hears that a storekeeper cheats people, he can protect himself, but he may not attempt to harm the person’s reputation based on this information.
(Whether he can warn others is a complex issue which needs additional study. For further details see Sefer Chofetz Chaim, hilchos rechilus, klal tes.)
Furthermore, he must act toward the person with the same friendliness and kindness that he showed before hearing the report.
To take action upon hearing information but not to believe it may seem a very difficult challenge. However, as the Chofetz Chaim himself is reported to have said, “If it were impossible to keep the laws of loshon hora, Hashem would never have written them in His Torah.” We are, in fact, quite capable of acting based on mere suspicion or remote possibility. We engage in such action every time we enter a car and buckle the seat belt. The chances of a crash or even a short stop are remote, yet we safeguard ourselves.
In a similar way, when hearing loshon hora which may affect us if proven true, we must train ourselves to believe that in all probability the information is false. Nevertheless, we “buckle up for safety,” and take all necessary precautions.
 
Truth - Day 54 - The Power of Teshuva 24 Tammuz, 5766 / July 20, 2006
07.20.06 (1:16 am)   [edit]

Lessons in Truth

24 Tammuz, 5766 / July 20, 2006
Day 54 - The Power of Teshuvah
SEFER SHEM OLAM — Chapter Three: Approaching Mitzvos with Alacrity (cont.)
There is another method which the yetzer hara uses to wreak spiritual harm. When a person has transgressed many serious sins which cannot possibly be considered insignificant, he may decide that the time has come to repent. At that point, the yetzer hara takes an opposite approach, magnifying the sins to such a degree that teshuvah (repentance) seems impossible. “Your situation is hopeless,” the evil inclination tells the sinner. “You can never attain forgiveness for what you’ve done.”
What is the result of this? It is like a doctor who tells his patient, “The situation is hopeless.” The patient reasons, “Well, in that case, I might as well enjoy life while it lasts.” With the sinner, the result is the same; by despairing of any chance for repentance, he sinks deeper and deeper into the quicksand of sin.
This form of yetzer hara and its fallacy was addressed by the prophet Yechezkel:
Now, you, Ben Adam, say to the family of Israel: “Thus have you said, saying, ‘For our misdeeds and sins are upon us, and through them, we pine away — so how can we live?’”
Say to them: “As I live, the words of my Lord, Hashem Elokim, I do not desire the death of the wicked one, but the wicked one’s return from his way so that he will live. Repent, repent from your evil ways; why should you die, O family of Israel?” (Yechezkel 33:10-11).
When a person returns to Hashem through teshuvah, Hashem responds by drawing him close as if he had never sinned. To the words “Hashem, Hashem,” which are the first of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, our Sages expound, “I am He [the God of mercy] before a person sins, and I am He after a person sins and repents” (Rosh HaShanah 17b). This means that Hashem’s ways are very different from the ways of man. When a man sins against his friend and later seeks to correct his mistake and begs forgiveness, even if the friendship will be restored it is doubtful that it will be as it once was. However, Hashem is not this way. Through teshuvah, a person can restore the original closeness with Hashem that he once enjoyed.
In the Book of Yirmiyahu, Hashem declares: “If you repent, O Israel — the word of Hashem — you will return to Me” (Yirmiyahu 4:1), meaning “You will return to your original honor and greatness” (Rashi ad loc.).
Rambam writes (Hilchos Teshuvah 7:6): Great is teshuvah for it brings one close to the Divine Presence, as it is written, “Return, Israel, unto Hashem, your G-d” (Hoshea 14:2)... Yesterday, this man was contemptible, distant from God — but today, he is loved and desired, close and beloved... Yesterday, he was separated from Hashem, God of Israel — but today, he cleaves to the Divine Presence, as it is written, “You who cling to Hashem, your God — you are all alive today” (Devarim 4:4).
 
Kindness - Day 13 - Protecting the Business
07.20.06 (1:15 am)   [edit]

Loving Kindness

24 Tammuz, 5766 / July 20, 2006
Day 113 - Protecting the Business
SEFER AHAVAS CHESED — Part II Chapter XX
One person takes 10 percent out of every dollar that comes to him. At the end of the year, these deductions amount to $5,000. Another person hears of a cause that moves him greatly, and writes a $5,000 check to support it. It so happens that this $5,000 is the correct amount to satisfy this second person’s tithing obligation. The Chofetz Chaim looks at these two types of giving, and determines that the person who routinely takes 10 percent out of his income gains far more from his giving than does the person who is moved to write out the check to a worthy cause. The first person, who has made tithing a part of his life, is declaring through his act that Hashem has a portion in everything he does. He is making Hashem a partner in his enterprise and recognizing Hashem’s hand in the other 90 percent that he keeps for himself.
Flowing from this perspective is a great sea of protection. A business partner does not extend his care and supervision only to his portion of the business, for he knows that the size of his portion depends on the size of the whole. When a person has Hashem as a partner, he invites His involvement in his entire enterprise. Because the person has aligned his goals with Hashem’s goals, he has a guarantee that Hashem will help his business prosper and protect it from harm. He has Hashem’s protection against fraud, misjudgment, overwhelming competition and the many other disasters that can throw a business into a tailspin.
That is the practical benefit of regularly turning 10 percent of one’s income over to charity, but there is also a further, more spiritual aspect to this practice. If a person looks at each dollar that comes to him as the source of 10 cents for charity, he has in fact sanctified the entire dollar. The money for charity is the real fruit of this person’s labor. Just as a person prunes, waters and cares for an apple tree solely to obtain the apples it yields, a person with this perspective works at his business — buying, stocking, selling, traveling, accounting, advertising, hiring — all to obtain the charitable contributions it yields. His effort toward earning money is sanctified because its purpose is to yield the tithe that will spread the light of Torah and alleviate the plight of those in need.
Step by Step
As I put aside money for tithing, I will make myself conscious of the idea that I am giving Hashem, my partner, His share.
 
Daily Mitzvah (Maimonides): Thurs, July 20, 2006 * Tammuz 24, 5766
07.20.06 (1:13 am)   [edit]
B"H

Tammuz 24, 5766 * July 20, 2006

========================= =========================
D A I L Y   M I T Z V A H   (M A I M O N I D E S )
========================= =========================

Today's Mitzvot (Day 321 of 339):

Negative Mitzvah 317; Positive Mitzvah 178
------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------

Negative Mitzvah 317: It is forbidden to curse another Jew

-Leviticus 19:14 "You shall not curse (even) the deaf"

We are forbidden to curse any Jew.

Though this Negative Mitzvah mentions the deaf, it applies to all people.

We may think that expressing anger or frustration against a deaf person and uttering a curse is not so bad because the deaf person will not be able to hear us anyway!

However, the Torah cautions us never to curse anyone, neither
a deaf person, nor even people who can hear.

------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------

Positive Mitzvah 178: Giving Evidence

-Leviticus 5:1 "And he is witness, whether he has seen or known of it"

Shimi was going to spend the weekend with his grand-parents who lived out of town. He was happy that his father and mother agreed let him take the train alone.

His parents drove him to the station and left him to wait on line in front of the ticket counter. Shimi waited patiently. The lady before him was carrying many packages and had difficulty managing them.

Shimi offered to hold her bags so that it would be easier for her to pay for her ticket.

After she purchased her ticket, Shimi's turn came. He felt very independent ordering his ticket and paying for it himself.  When he received it, he put it in his wallet and boarded the train.

Shortly after the train pulled out of the station, the conductor came to punch tickets. When the passengers saw him approach, they took out their tickets, but one woman couldn't find hers.

The conductor demanded that she purchase another one, but she protested; "I bought a ticket. It's just that I can't find it. Why should I have to pay for another one?"

The conductor would not listen: "I've got nothing against you ," he explained. "But, there have been too many people sneaking on trains recently. I've been instructed not to accept anybody's word.  You'll have to purchase a new ticket."

Shimi looked up. This was the same woman who had been standing before him in line. He jumped up from his seat and approached the conductor.

"Please, sir," he called out. "Listen. This woman really did buy a ticket. I saw her. I was standing behind her at the counter.

Do you see all the packages she has? She had trouble carrying them and I'm sure that the ticket just slipped out of her hand."

One of the other passengers piped up: "Mr. Conductor, I'm a lawyer. If I was given this case, I'd convince the judge to accept that testimony." Everybody laughed. Even the conductor smiled and proceeded on to next passenger.

Someone else might have thought: "Why should I speak up, I'll just mind my own business." However, the Torah states that this is his business!

If a Jew happens to witness an incident and it is brought before the judges, he is obligated to testify. He is not allowed to withhold the evidence he witnessed - he is commanded to tell it to the judges.

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>
 
Daily Mitzvah (Maimonides): Thurs, July 20, 2006 * Tammuz 24, 5766
07.20.06 (1:13 am)   [edit]
B"H

Tammuz 24, 5766 * July 20, 2006

========================= =========================
D A I L Y   M I T Z V A H   (M A I M O N I D E S )
========================= =========================

Today's Mitzvot (Day 321 of 339):

Negative Mitzvah 317; Positive Mitzvah 178
------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------

Negative Mitzvah 317: It is forbidden to curse another Jew

-Leviticus 19:14 "You shall not curse (even) the deaf"

We are forbidden to curse any Jew.

Though this Negative Mitzvah mentions the deaf, it applies to all people.

We may think that expressing anger or frustration against a deaf person and uttering a curse is not so bad because the deaf person will not be able to hear us anyway!

However, the Torah cautions us never to curse anyone, neither
a deaf person, nor even people who can hear.

------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------

Positive Mitzvah 178: Giving Evidence

-Leviticus 5:1 "And he is witness, whether he has seen or known of it"

Shimi was going to spend the weekend with his grand-parents who lived out of town. He was happy that his father and mother agreed let him take the train alone.

His parents drove him to the station and left him to wait on line in front of the ticket counter. Shimi waited patiently. The lady before him was carrying many packages and had difficulty managing them.

Shimi offered to hold her bags so that it would be easier for her to pay for her ticket.

After she purchased her ticket, Shimi's turn came. He felt very independent ordering his ticket and paying for it himself.  When he received it, he put it in his wallet and boarded the train.

Shortly after the train pulled out of the station, the conductor came to punch tickets. When the passengers saw him approach, they took out their tickets, but one woman couldn't find hers.

The conductor demanded that she purchase another one, but she protested; "I bought a ticket. It's just that I can't find it. Why should I have to pay for another one?"

The conductor would not listen: "I've got nothing against you ," he explained. "But, there have been too many people sneaking on trains recently. I've been instructed not to accept anybody's word.  You'll have to purchase a new ticket."

Shimi looked up. This was the same woman who had been standing before him in line. He jumped up from his seat and approached the conductor.

"Please, sir," he called out. "Listen. This woman really did buy a ticket. I saw her. I was standing behind her at the counter.

Do you see all the packages she has? She had trouble carrying them and I'm sure that the ticket just slipped out of her hand."

One of the other passengers piped up: "Mr. Conductor, I'm a lawyer. If I was given this case, I'd convince the judge to accept that testimony." Everybody laughed. Even the conductor smiled and proceeded on to next passenger.

Someone else might have thought: "Why should I speak up, I'll just mind my own business." However, the Torah states that this is his business!

If a Jew happens to witness an incident and it is brought before the judges, he is obligated to testify. He is not allowed to withhold the evidence he witnessed - he is commanded to tell it to the judges.

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>
 
Today's Day: Tuesday, July 18, 2006
07.18.06 (8:36 am)   [edit]
B"H

Tammuz 22, 5766 * July 18, 2006

=======================
"T O D A Y ' S   D A Y"
=======================

Sunday, Tamuz 22 5703

Torah lessons: Chumash: Matot-Massai, First Parsha with Rashi.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tehillim: 106-107.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tanya: Ch. 5. Bringing (p. 361)...as will be noted).
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ; (p. 363).

My father said:

    "A chassidic aphorism makes the head clear and the heart clean;
     a chassidic virtuous practice fills the home with light;
     a chassidic melody fortifies hope and trust, brings joyousness,
     and places the home and family in a state of "light."

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Note: day of week and Torah lessons indicated are from 5703 (1943).

For a glossary of terms used in "Today's Day" please click here:
http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" title="http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" target="_blank"http://chabad.org/article.asp...

To view this lesson online with its many features please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...
 
Today's Day: Tuesday, July 18, 2006
07.18.06 (8:35 am)   [edit]
B"H

Tammuz 22, 5766 * July 18, 2006

=======================
"T O D A Y ' S   D A Y"
=======================

Sunday, Tamuz 22 5703

Torah lessons: Chumash: Matot-Massai, First Parsha with Rashi.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tehillim: 106-107.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tanya: Ch. 5. Bringing (p. 361)...as will be noted).
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ; (p. 363).

My father said:

    "A chassidic aphorism makes the head clear and the heart clean;
     a chassidic virtuous practice fills the home with light;
     a chassidic melody fortifies hope and trust, brings joyousness,
     and places the home and family in a state of "light."

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Note: day of week and Torah lessons indicated are from 5703 (1943).

For a glossary of terms used in "Today's Day" please click here:
http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" title="http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" target="_blank"http://chabad.org/article.asp...

To view this lesson online with its many features please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...
 
Today's Day: Tuesday, July 18, 2006
07.18.06 (8:06 am)   [edit]
B"H

Tammuz 22, 5766 * July 18, 2006

=======================
"T O D A Y ' S   D A Y"
=======================

Sunday, Tamuz 22 5703

Torah lessons: Chumash: Matot-Massai, First Parsha with Rashi.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tehillim: 106-107.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tanya: Ch. 5. Bringing (p. 361)...as will be noted).
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ; (p. 363).

My father said:

    "A chassidic aphorism makes the head clear and the heart clean;
     a chassidic virtuous practice fills the home with light;
     a chassidic melody fortifies hope and trust, brings joyousness,
     and places the home and family in a state of "light."

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Note: day of week and Torah lessons indicated are from 5703 (1943).

For a glossary of terms used in "Today's Day" please click here:
http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" title="http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" target="_blank"http://chabad.org/article.asp...

To view this lesson online with its many features please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...
 
Today's Day: Tuesday, July 18, 2006
07.18.06 (7:50 am)   [edit]
B"H

Tammuz 22, 5766 * July 18, 2006

=======================
"T O D A Y ' S   D A Y"
=======================

Sunday, Tamuz 22 5703

Torah lessons: Chumash: Matot-Massai, First Parsha with Rashi.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tehillim: 106-107.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tanya: Ch. 5. Bringing (p. 361)...as will be noted).
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ; (p. 363).

My father said:

    "A chassidic aphorism makes the head clear and the heart clean;
     a chassidic virtuous practice fills the home with light;
     a chassidic melody fortifies hope and trust, brings joyousness,
     and places the home and family in a state of "light."

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Note: day of week and Torah lessons indicated are from 5703 (1943).

For a glossary of terms used in "Today's Day" please click here:
http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" title="http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" target="_blank"http://chabad.org/article.asp...

To view this lesson online with its many features please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...
 
Today's Day: Tuesday, July 18, 2006
07.18.06 (7:16 am)   [edit]
B"H

Tammuz 22, 5766 * July 18, 2006

=======================
"T O D A Y ' S   D A Y"
=======================

Sunday, Tamuz 22 5703

Torah lessons: Chumash: Matot-Massai, First Parsha with Rashi.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tehillim: 106-107.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tanya: Ch. 5. Bringing (p. 361)...as will be noted).
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ; (p. 363).

My father said:

    "A chassidic aphorism makes the head clear and the heart clean;
     a chassidic virtuous practice fills the home with light;
     a chassidic melody fortifies hope and trust, brings joyousness,
     and places the home and family in a state of "light."

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Note: day of week and Torah lessons indicated are from 5703 (1943).

For a glossary of terms used in "Today's Day" please click here:
http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" title="http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" target="_blank"http://chabad.org/article.asp...

To view this lesson online with its many features please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...
 
Daily Mitzvah (Maimonides): Tuesday, July 18, 2006
07.18.06 (7:14 am)   [edit]
B"H

Tammuz 22, 5766 * July 18, 2006

========================= =========================
D A I L Y   M I T Z V A H   (M A I M O N I D E S )
========================= =========================

Today's Mitzvot (Day 319 of 339):

Negative Mitzvah 280; Positive Mitzvah 177; Negative Mitzvot 276, 274
------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------

Negative Mitzvah 280: It is forbidden to pervert justice for a
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ; convert or orphan

-Deuteronomy 24:17 "You shall not pervert the judgment of the
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;   stranger or the or the orphan"

A judge may not consider the sensitive nature of an orphan or "Ger" (convert to Judaism) while siting in judgment.

He must base his verdict on fact.

This Negative Mitzvah cautions the judge not to give a lenient judgment because he has consideration for the sensitive nature of the person he is judging.

------------------------- ------------------------- ----------------

Positive Mitzvah 177: Judging Honestly

-Leviticus 19:15 "With righteousness, judge your neighbor"

In Heddy's school, a student who is sent to the principal's office for bad behavior, does not panic. She knows that the principal is fair.

He treats the students properly and never gives them too severe a punishment.

A Jew who is ordered to be brought before a Beit-Din was assured of fair judgment.

It was not dependent on the nature of the judge nor his mood!

The Torah commanded us to judge in a fair manner.

This is not merely a helpful suggestion or gentle prodding - it is a commandment!

The judge knows he is guided by a higher authority than his own.

------------------------- ------------------------- ----------------

Negative Mitzvah 276: It is forbidden to fear the threats of a man
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ; being accused in judgment

-Deuteronomy 1:17 "You shall not be afraid because of any man"

This Negative Mitzvah encourages the judge to act honestly and bravely in judgment.

The Torah commands him not to fear while judging.

He should not be afraid that the accused person will do him harm or take revenge.  The Torah tells us not to be frightened, but to bring about proper judgment.

------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------

Negative Mitzvah 274: It is forbidden to accept bribery in
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ; judgment

-Exodus 23:8 "And you shall take no bribe"

Occasionally, we hear about people receiving large sums of money as bribes. Whenever a person does a nice thing for a judge so that he will and say good things about him, the Torah considers it bribery.

The Talmud relates that once a judge's tenant brought him the rent a few days early and the judge refused to hear the case because he considered that a bribe.

The Torah gives a judge this special commandment because he is charged with declaring justice.

A judge is forbidden to accept any form of bribery, even if the bribe is offered from an innocent man and the judgment is truthful and correct.

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

Brought to you by Chabad.org

To listen to an audio version of today's lesson, please click one of the following links:

MP3: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=seferhamitzvot&a mp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=seferhamitzvot&a mp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...;tDate=07/18/2006&for mat=m3u
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To view this lesson online with its many features please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/seferHamit zvos.asp" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/seferHamit zvos.asp" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...

For more daily Torah study, please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>
 
Lessons in Tanya: Tuesday, July 18, 2006
07.18.06 (7:12 am)   [edit]
B"H

Tammuz 22, 5766 * July 18, 2006

========================= ======
L E S S O N S   I N   T A N Y A
========================= ======

Today's Lesson:

Iggeret Hateshuvah
(Conclusion of Chapter Seven)
-------------------

The Alter Rebbe now goes on to say that even sins which do not carry
so harsh a penalty may still have the same effect].

Even one who has never violated a sin punishable by excision or a sin
incurring death by divine agency, such as vain emission and the like,
but other less severe sins, nonetheless, since they cause a defect in
the spirit and Divine soul, as in the analogy of the fine strands of
rope that are defective or severed, as noted above - [in chapter 5,
which describes the 613 strands that together comprise the lifeline of
the soul, and when one transgresses one of the 613 commandments, one
of these strands is severed],  - therefore, through an accumulation of
sins there can eventually be a defect as grave as from one prohibition
involving excision or death.

This would be true even when a single sin is repeated numerous
times. (22)

[Far from merely damaging the selfsame strand repeatedly, the
repetition of even the same sin weakens and jeopardizes the rope as
a whole].

In this manner the prophet compares sins to a cloud that dims the
light of the sun.

As the verse states, (23) "I have erased your transgressions like a
thick cloud" [that can dissipate].

This refers to the grave sins (24) (that are barriers) between the
internal aspect of the power flowing forth from the Tetragrammaton,
and the Divine soul.

This is like the separation of a thick, dark cloud that stands between
the sun and the earth with its inhabitants. (25)

[The above verse continues:] ".... and your sins like a cloud."
These are the lesser sins that man tramples under his heel, [sins]
that obscure as does a thin and wispy cloud.<

In the illustration, if one obscures the sunlight streaming through
a window with many fine and flimsy curtains, they will darken as much
as one thick curtain will, and even more.

This is exactly so in the analogue, with all those [cloud-like] sins
upon which man tramples indifferently, [because they seem to be of
little import: they obscure the Divine light by their multitudinous
repetition as do many fine curtains, "darkening as much as one thick
curtain will, and even more"];

And certainly with those sins that our Sages often warned against,
that are actually like idolatry, immorality and bloodshed.

For example: (26) ignoring the needy, concerning which Scripture
writes, (27) "Beware lest there be in your heart something
unworthy ....."

Beliyaal [here translated "unworthy]" is used in reference to
idolatry ......(28), from which we learn that ignoring the needy
is likened to idolatry].

Or talebearing, the evil tongue, that is equated to idolatry,
immorality, and bloodshed. (29)

Likewise, the vile-tempered is like the idolatrous, (30) and so is
the arrogant. (31)

There are many such cases described in the Talmud - [of sins whose
punishment is not as severe as that of idolatry and the like, but
which nonetheless effect a similar spiritual blemish], and [the sin
of neglecting] the study of the Torah equals them all.

As our Sages assert, (32) "G-d has overlooked idolatry, [immorality
and bloodshed, but has not overlooked the sin of neglecting Torah
study]."

[Thus, sins such as ignoring the needy, talebearing, and so on,
though not carrying the punishment of excision or death by the hand
of heaven, nonetheless sever the soul from its Divine source].

For this reason it was ordained that in the course of Keriat Shema
at the bedside (33) one should accept the four executions of the
court, and so on.

[This acceptance is recited even by those who have never committed
capital sins, because many other sins blemish the soul to the same
degree as do those which are punishable by any of the four executions
administered by the court].

Besides, according to Sod, [the mystical dimension of the Torah],
causing a defect in the yud of the Tetragrammaton is like incurring
lapidation; causing a defect in the hei is like incurring burning;
[causing a defect] in the vav is like incurring the sword;< and
[causing a defect in] the latter hei is like incurring strangulation.

Neglecting the Shema impairs the yud, and tefillin the hei, tzitzit
the vav, and prayer the latter hei, and so on.

[We thus see that according to the Kabbalah the soul can be blemished
through other sins just as by a capital sin. Undertaking the "four
executions" clears the soul of these blemishes].

From this a thinking man can infer for other sins and transgressions

[The Rebbe adds: "..... which one of the letters of the
Tetragrammaton they are related to, and thus, to which manner of
execution"].

And for [the sin of] neglecting the study of the Torah, which is
equivalent to them all.

[All the above lends the thinking person a contrite heart, as he grows
aware of the blemish caused even by his supposedly lesser sins.

This contrition is the second preparatory step along the "true and
direct" path to the lower level of repentance. For contrition crushes
the kelipot and sitra achra and enables a man to repent truthfully,
earnestly regretting his past misdeeds and firmly resolving to better
his future ways.

Footnotes:

22. Note of the Rebbe: "The proof of the Ran is well known
    (and it appears as an actual point of law in the Shulchan Aruch
    of the Alter Rebbe, Orach Chayim 328:16)-that the repeated
    transgression of a prohibition of the Torah involving a quantity
    that is less than the minimal punishable amount, is more serious
    than transgressing a prohibition that incurs death by lapidation!
    (Incidentally, this serves to prove (cf. below) that a multitude
    of seemingly lesser sins can `darken as much ....., and even
    more.")"
23. Yeshayahu 44:22.
24. Parentheses are in the original text.
25. Note of the Rebbe: "This phrase would appear to be
    superfluous. Possibly it relates to two details in the analogue:
    the lower hei (Malchut, earth); the divine soul (`with its
    inhabitants')."
26. Note of the Rebbe: "Ketubbot 68a."
27. Devarim 15:9.
28. Note of the Rebbe: "Until here, as in the Gemara, loc.
    cit., and Sanhedrin 111b."
29. Note of the Rebbe: "Arachin 15b."
30. Zohar II, 182b; Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 2:3.
31. Cf. Sotah 4b.
32. Introduction to Eichah Rabbah, beg. of Sec. 2; Yerushalmi,
    Chagigah 1:7.
33. Note of the Rebbe: "Even though it is not the function
    of Iggeret HaTeshuvah to explain the prayers, this comment is
    relevant here because one of the themes of the bedside Keriat
    Shema is stocktaking and teshuvah. (See also Part I, end of
    chapter 7.)"

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Israel: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

To listen to an audio version of today's lesson, please click one of the following links:

MP3: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&" title="http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/dailyst...;tDate=07/18/2006&for mat=m3u
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Daily Lift # 1001 - If Someone Else Can Do It, I Can Do It Too
07.09.06 (10:55 am)   [edit]

Daily Lift #1001

If Someone Else Can Do It, I Can Do It, Too




We might think that we won’t be able to do or accomplish something. But seeing that someone else can do it tells us, “If this person can accomplish that, I will be able to do it also.”

The Sages (Pirkei Avos 4:1) define a wise person as someone who learns from every person. Develop the habit of interviewing people you meet to find out exactly how they learned to do what you would like to learn to do. What are the thoughts that go through their mind? What are the actions they take? What are their attitudes and mindsets? What are the mental pictures they see? What are the books they read? What are the classes and recordings they heard?

(From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin’s new book: “Building Your Self- image and the Self-image of Others” (Artscroll) Chapter 27)
 
Daily Mitzvah (Maimonides) Shabbat, July 8, 2006 Today's Mitzvot (Day 309 of 339): Positive Mitzvot 246, 248
07.09.06 (10:16 am)   [edit]
B"H

------------------------- ------------------------- --------------------
*PLEASE NOTE*:
Due to Shabbat observance, the Shabbat edition of Daily Mitzvah (Maimonides) is sent on Friday.  Shabbat Shalom!
------------------------- ------------------------- --------------------

Tammuz 12, 5766 * July 8, 2006

========================= =========================
D A I L Y   M I T Z V A H   (M A I M O N I D E S )
========================= =========================

Today's Mitzvot (Day 309 of 339):

Positive Mitzvot 246, 248
------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------

Positive Mitzvah 246: Laws of Claims

-Exodus 22:8 "In every case of trespass...in which one can say:
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp; This is it"'

Ari and Izzy were playing ball on the lawn.

Suddenly, Ari felt his glove beginning to slip of his hand.

He shouted to Izzy to wait a second, but Izzy threw the ball anyway. It landed in the street sewer because Ari wasn't ready to catch it.

"Hey! I asked you to wait!" Ari yelled.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you," Izzy answered.
"Yes you did. I could tell! Now you've got to buy me a new ball!" Ari demanded. "No I don't" Izzy protested.

In cases like these, where an argument arises and people disagree about who bears responsibility for a loss or damage, the Torah teaches us how to come to a fair decision.

------------------------- ------------------------- --------------------

Positive Mitzvah 248: Laws of Inheritance

-Numbers 27:8 "If a man dies and he has no son..."

HaShem blesses us with life and possessions.

When someone passes away, the property which HaShem has granted him is inherited by his children or next of kin.

This Positive Mitzvah concerns the many detailed laws of inheritance.

We should always remember that material possessions are not only things that are passed on to us by our parents.

The greatest inheritance we receive is our Jewish soul and connection to our Torah heritage. Thus, we add one more link in the everlasting chain of the Jewish People and in our devotion to the greatest gift of HaShem - the Torah.

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Gaza: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

Brought to you by Chabad.org

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>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>
 
Daily Dose: Father's Anticipation
07.09.06 (10:14 am)   [edit]
B"H

Father's Anticipation
---------------------

Delight lies at the core of heart and mind.

Deep within a father's soul, even the father who's face is stern and heart is cold, yet without doubt there lies the spark of the child, his innermost delight.

Within the child the spark lies as well, perhaps more dormant, quieter, without a flicker, yet there.

The Master of All Things sits in judgment over His world, awaiting the moment His children will call Him 'Father.'





A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe
-words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman
Tammuz 11, 5766 * July 7, 2006
 
Today's Day: Sunday, July 9, 2006
07.09.06 (10:13 am)   [edit]
B"H

Tammuz 13, 5766 * July 9, 2006

=======================
"T O D A Y ' S   D A Y"
=======================

Friday, Tamuz 13, Festival of Liberation 5703

Tachanun in not said.

Torah lessons: Chumash: Balak, Shishi with Rashi.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tehillim: 69-71.
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Tanya: Ch. 2. However, (p. 347)..."desirable day."
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ; (p. 349).

On this day the Rebbe (R. Yosef Yitzchak) was actually freed.

The imprisonment began at 2:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Sivan 15, 5687
(June 15, 1927). He remained in exile - in the town of Kostrama -
until one half-hour past mid-day, Wednesday, Tamuz 13, 5687
(July 13, 1927).

From a letter of the Rebbe to mark the Festival of his Liberation:


     "I send you a Maamar ...which is my participation - for their
    & nbsp; success -  with my beloved friends the Chassidim wherever they
    & nbsp; reside, (which is my way of) being united with you in your
    & nbsp; Farbrengen for the purpose of strengthening the practices of
    & nbsp; Chassidus, in fixing and observing periods for studying
    & nbsp; Chassidus and to be stimulated to pragmatically implement those
    & nbsp; studies...

    & nbsp; May our G-d and G-d of our Fathers bless the whole community
    & nbsp; of Chassidim - them, their households, their children and
    & nbsp; grandchildren among all our brothers the people of Israel
    & nbsp; (G-d grant them eternal life) (1) with all good things of
    & nbsp;  soul and of flesh."

Footnote: 1. C.f. Yeshayahu 38:16; the verse there refers to
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;    T'chiyat Hameitim, Resurrection.

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>

Crisis in Gaza: A Call to Action!

The hearts and minds of Jews all over the world are with our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.

Most of us are hundreds or thousands of miles away; yet our very being cries out: What can we do?

Click here to take action: http://www.chabad.org/397164" title="http://www.chabad.org/397164" target="_blank"http://www.chabad.org/397164

>>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>> ;>>>>>> >>>>>>& gt;>>>>>&g t;>>>>>

Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Note: day of week and Torah lessons indicated are from 5703 (1943).

For a glossary of terms used in "Today's Day" please click here:
http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" title="http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867" target="_blank"http://chabad.org/article.asp...

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In the Garden of Torah - Pinchas
07.09.06 (10:11 am)   [edit]
 B"H
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ;         & nbsp;  -----

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ; In The Garden Of The Torah

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Insights of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Shlita
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;    on the weekly Torah Readings

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ;         Pinchas 5754

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p; Electronic version provided free at:
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ;  www.SichosInEnglish.org

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp; 
************************* ************************* *******************

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ;    Publisher's Foreword

Our Sages identify Pinchas with Eliyahu, the prophet charged with
heralding the redemption.

Moreover, as emphasized in the essay which follows, Pinchas is
identified with a unique fusion of potentials, zealousness tempered
with peace, which is fundamental to making that redemption a reality.

As the Rebbe often mentioned, the most effective catalyst in bringing
the Redemption is experiencing a foretaste of it in our lives at
present.

By integrating these two thrusts - the powerful inner commitment
implied by zealousness, and the warmth and care implied by peace - we
can add richness and depth to our lives in the present and plot out a
path leading us to the future.

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ;       Sichos In English
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ;     17 Tammuz, 5754

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;   ------------------------- -----

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ;     Touching the Core

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ;        Adapted from:
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp; Likkutei Sichos, Vol. II, p. 344ff, 609ff;
    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;  Vol. IV, p. 1070ff; Vol. XVIII, p. 318ff

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;    Can Priesthood be a Reward?

This week's Torah reading begins: [1] "Pinchas, the son of Elazar...
turned My wrath away from the children of Israel by zealously taking
up My cause among them.... Therefore,... I have granted him a covenant
of peace. He and his descendants will possess an eternal covenant of
priesthood, because he zealously acted on behalf of his G-d."

The question arises: Pinchas' deed, the execution of Zimri as
described in the conclusion of last week's Torah reading, [2] involved
self-sacrifice and courage.

Certainly, it is worthy of praise and reward. Nevertheless, it is
problematic that Pinchas was granted "a covenant of eternal
priesthood," as a reward.

For priesthood cannot be attained through man's endeavors; it is not
at all dependent on our spiritual accomplishments.

As Rashi comments, [3] just as one cannot change morning into evening,
one cannot alter the definition of priesthood.

Since Pinchas was not a priest beforehand, how could his conduct,
however virtuous, earn him that distinction?

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   Unbounded Service Evokes an Unbounded Response

The resolution of this question revolves on the understanding of the
trait for which the Torah praises Pinchas: zealousness.

Why does the Torah describe Pinchas with this term?

Firstly, Pinchas risked his life.

Although Zimri was supported by his entire tribe, and they could have
easily killed Pinchas, [4] Pinchas did not consider the danger he
faced at all.

What concerned him was the spiritual danger facing the Jewish people
and he was willing to sacrifice his life to eliminate the hazard
confronting them.

There was, moreover, a deeper dimension to Pinchas' commitment.

Our Sages relate [5] that when a Jewish man is cohabitating with a
non-Jewish woman, "the zealous have [the right [6] to] strike him."
Nevertheless, "although this is the law, a ruling is not delivered."

If a person were to ask a Jewish court if he should kill a person who
commits such an act, the court should not instruct him to do so.

Thus not only did Pinchas risk his life, he did so even when there was
no obligation.

If he had let the situation pass, nobody would have criticized him. On
the contrary, he had to take the initiative himself, and he aroused
criticism by taking the step he did.

Our Sages state [7] that he acted against the sages' desires, and that
had not G-d praised him as quoted above, they would have placed him
under a ban of ostracism. [8]

What motivated Pinchas?

He wanted to "turn [G-d's] wrath away from the children of Israel."

He understood what had to be done to accomplish this goal, and was
willing to undertake any risks involved.

This is zealousness: putting one's own welfare - both spiritual [9]
and material - on the side, and making an unbounded commitment to
carry out G-d's will.

And when a person makes a genuine commitment of this nature, the inner
G-dly spark which every on e of us possesses is given expression.

Similarly, such an approach evokes an unbounded response from G-d.

For when man goes beyond his natural limits in his Divine service, G-d
grants him rewards that are not confined within the limits of nature.
For this reason, Pinchas could be granted the status of a priest.

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;  Temporing Zealousness with Love

Our Sages identified Pinchas with Eliyahu. [10]

Eliyahu's Divine service was also characterized by zealousness, as it
is written: [11] "I have been very zealous for the sake of G-d, the
L-rd of Hosts."

When making this statement, however, Eliyahu contrasted his own
conduct with that of the Jewish people at large whom he criticized for
"forsaking [G-d's] covenant."

G-d refused to accept these words of criticism.

He appointed Eliyahu as "the angel of the covenant" [12] and charged
him with attending the circumcisions of the Jewish people for all time
to come, so that he would attest to their faithful adherence to G-d's
covenant. [13]

G-d taught Eliyahu that his zealousness must be tempered with ahavas
Yisrael, love for every member of our people, and that he must
endeavor to seek out our people's virtues.

These traits became such an integral part of Eliyahu's personal
mission that when the prophet Malachi describes Eliyahu's return to
announce the coming of the Redemption, he states [14] that Eliyahu
will "turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts
of the children to the fathers."

And when the Rambam describes [15] Eliyahu's mission, he states that
"he will come solely to establish peace."

To emphasize this direction from the outset, G-d tells Pinchas that in
reward for his zealousness, he is being given "a covenant of peace."

    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;     ;     Taking Initiative

These two thrusts - zealousness and peace - are of fundamental
relevance at present.

Many of our people live estranged from their Jewish roots, and our
national future depends on zealous commitment to maintaining our
heritage.

For it is the inner conviction that stems from the spark of G-dliness
we all possess which will make an impression on others.

Intellectual arguments cannot penetrate to the core of another
person's heart.

The heart opens to the heart, and it is zealous commitment, as
tempered by warmth and loving outreach, which will spur others to
discover the Jewish spark within their own being. [16]

There is a further dimension to Pinchas' zealousness.

Pinchas was not the leader of the Jewish people.

Moshe, Elazar, and the elders occupied higher positions of authority.

When, however, the need arouse, Pinchas did not wait for the leaders'
guidance, he took the initiative himself.

The same applies with regard to every individual today, for every one
of us has a unique contribution which he himself can make.

With the confidence that comes from the truth of one's inner
conviction, we must all take the initiative and spread good and peace.

These efforts will hasten the coming of the time when Eliyahu -
identified with Pinchas - will come. And then, "the voice of the
herald will announce good tidings," [17] the coming of Mashiach, and
the redemption of our people and all mankind.

Notes:

1. Numbers 25:11-13.

2. Numbers 25:1-9.

3. In his commentary to Numbers 16:5.

4. Indeed, our Sages (Sanhedrin 82b) relate that it was only because
   six miracles occurred that they did not kill him.

5. Sanhedrin 82a.

6. I.e., he is not obligated to do so, he is merely given license to
   do so. Therefore, the Shulchan Aruch does not mention an obligation
   for a zealous person to strike a man who engages in intimate
   relations with a gentile woman, it merely mentions (Even HaEzer
   16:2) that one has such a right.

7. Jerusalem Talmud, Sanhedrin 9:7.

8. Sanhedrin 82a.

9. In this light, we find numerous stories of tzaddikim who were
   willing to sacrifice their portion in the World to Come for the
   benefit of another Jew.

10. Targum Yonason, Exodus 6:18; Yalkut Shimoni, vol. I, sec. 671;
    Zohar II, 190b.

11. I Kings 19:10.

12. Malachi 3:1; Pirkei d'R. Eliezer end of ch. 29.

13. Yalkut Shimoni, vol. I, sec. 71.

14. Malachi 3:24.

15. Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Melachim 12:2.

16. Figuratively speaking, a parallel can be drawn to the story of
    Pinchas. The widespread assimilation of the present age can be
    compared to the plague which killed thousands of the Jewish
    people. Pinchas' zealousness which stopped the plague can, as
    above, be considered an analogy to the heartfelt dedication to our
    Jewish heritage which will turn this tide.

17. Cf. Siddur Tehillat HaShem, p. 334.

************************* ************************* *******************
    & nbsp;  End of text - In The Garden Of The Torah - Pinchas 5754
************************* ************************* *******************
 
A7News: They Paved Paradise .... & Put Up a NASCO Super Highway
07.03.06 (5:27 pm)   [edit]
A7Radio: They Paved Paradise... & Put Up a NASCO Super Highway
 A7 Radio's "The Tamar Yonah Show"
How to use XML?

Tamar speaks to a Texas couple who may lose their property to the NASCO super highway slated to be built for a 'North American Union'. The strange thing is, hardly anyone knows why, but you will, after hearing this show! www.NascoCorridor.com. Plus: Prof. Paul Eidelberg speaks on, "Kill for Peace?"

Listen Now -or- Download


For more A7 Radio visit www.IsraelNationalRadio.com.
 
A7News: Construction Freeze in Yesha? Not in Beitar Illit
07.03.06 (5:25 pm)   [edit]
Construction Freeze in Yesha? Not in Beitar Illit
 By Hillel Fendel

Over 500 housing units in the western Gush Etzion community are set to be filled in the coming weeks.
The Tamar neighborhood in the hareidi-religious city is set to absorb over 2,000 people in the coming weeks - and the city of Beitar Illit is doing all it can to make sure it happens smoothly. For the first time, reports Ladaat.net, Mayor Yitzchak Pindrus has established a "Planning Team for Population Solutions." The objectives of this group are to coordinate all the various bodies in order to smoothly ease the new residents into their new apartments.

Among the services to be ensured for the new residents are: a high-standard Sabbath eruv [incorporating and enclosing the public domain, in a Halakhic [Jewish-legal] manner, to enable the carrying of objects from one area to another]; preparations for temporary synagogues; early link-ups to phone, electric and water infrastructures; postal services; bus stops; and more.

With over 27,000 residents, Beitar Illit is already the third-largest city in Judea and Samaria, following Maaleh Adumim and Modiin Illit.

In other housing news, a Geocartographic Institute survey shows that Jerusalem is the most popular city in the country among those looking to purchase apartments. In addition, the Jerusalem Municipality has released statistics showing that requests for building permits in the capital have increased 72% over the past three years. Mayor Uri Lupoliansky says he has set himself a goal of encouraging young couples to move to Jerusalem, and is working with many government offices to this end.
 
A7News: Hamas Charity Closed for Terror Activity
07.03.06 (5:20 pm)   [edit]
Hamas Charities Closed for Terror Activity
 By Hillel Fendel

IDF forces in Judea and Samaria, accompanied by Civil Administration officials, closed down last night nine public Hamas charity institutions apparently serving as fronts for terrorist operations.
The organizations were issued with orders closing them down for one year. Army Radio reports that the IDF has received intelligence information indicating that the charity activities were only a cover for the streaming of monies to terrorists and families of suicide bombers.

"Instead of the money going to real charitable purposes and to needy people," said a high-ranking officer leading the mission, "it is used for terrorist purposes, suicide bombers and their families."

Hundreds of documents, dozens of computers and technical equipment were confiscated and are now being studied and analyzed to find connections between the institutions and the Hamas terror activity.

Matthew A. Levitt, a former FBI counterterrorism intelligence analyst and a senior fellow in terrorism studies at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, has written widely on U.S. findings linking Hamas' charitable activities with its terrorist intentions.

In addition, IDF forces arrested nine wanted terrorists in various areas throughout Judea and Samaria overnight. Four Hamas terrorists were arrested in Hevron and Kalkilye, and two Islamic Jihad members were taken in Bethlehem. Another terrorist was apprehended south of Shechem when he arrived at a checkpoint with 14 knives in his possession.

In other security news:
Al-Aksa Brigade terrorists, of Fatah, shot at an Israeli car near Ofrah last night. The driver was not wounded, but the windshield was pierced by two bullets... An IDF soldier was lightly hurt by Arab-hurled rocks northwest of Ramallah... An armed terrorist was shot and killed by IDF forces in northern Gaza; another terrorist may also have been killed...
 
A7News: Youth Answer Terrorism With Trans-Samaria Hike
07.03.06 (5:19 pm)   [edit]
Youth Answer Terrorism With Trans-Samaria Hike
 By Ezra HaLevi and Hillel Fendel

Hundreds of young men and women took a two-day march across Samaria, from Elon Moreh Tapuach past Shilo, in response to the recent kidnappings and murders.
Some 400 young hikers left from the Samaria community of Elon Moreh on Sunday morning, walking in the direction of Tapuach along trails and paths unused by Jews for nearly twenty years. After a night's rest, they set off early this morning for Shilo and an outpost-in-formation, Kol Tzion (Voice of Zion).

The young people, enjoying their just-begun summer vacation, hailed from communities across Judea and Samaria, as well as from Haifa, Rehovot, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Posters had been put up and distributed in schools by the grassroots Youth for the Land of Israel movement in the final days before the summer break.

The posters read: “Like Abraham our forefather, who walked the length and breadth of the land; like our fathers who walked from Shechem to Hevron and from Jerusalem to Beit El; like King David who walked the fields of Bethlehem; like Rabbi Akiva and his students who walked throughout Judea; like Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his students, lovers of the Galilee; like the students of the Vilna Gaon and the Baal Shem Tov who saturated the land with their blood, tears and love – against the strangulation policies, we will take to the roads on a Land of Israel hike.”

“We finally feel like we are conquering the land,” one of the organizers, Sheva Ratzon, told Arutz-7. “We don’t need to ask anyone where to place our feet.”

The youth group has strengthened and spread its influence in schools on both sides of the Green Line. “There are those of us who are no longer youths who want to spread this enthusiasm and this fearlessness among adults as well,” Land of Israel Faithful spokesperson Datia Yitzchaki told Arutz-7. “We are breaking out of the paradigm of hiding behind concrete walls. The youth are going back to hiking through the mountains and the fields, and reminding our community and all of Israel that every retreat behind cement walls – like we saw in Kerem Shalom and we see at Netiv HaAsarah – leads only to tragedy.

“Our public, which suffered a great blow this past summer, cannot sit back and say 'we are tired' [a reference to a phrase used several months ago by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert]. We must lift the flag back up and counter the feeling of hopelessness and defeat being sown by the heads of the government. We have concentrated on reopening roads that have been closed to Jews, such as the Wallerstein Road and the Jerusalem-Tekoa road. We intend, through our feet, so show that the land is ours.”

By Sunday afternoon, the girls had passed through the Scali outpost - currently endangered by Defense Minister Peretz's latest outpost-destruction plans - as well as the Avri outpost, and then to Neriah Spring. The boys, for their part, passed through the new Sulami hilltop neighborhood until they reached Tel Aroma, opposite the Itamar mountain ridge, enjoying the view of the region from above.

How was the mood? "One of joy and uplifting," said Nechemiah, "- the joy of the Land of Israel." "Girls are singing and happy," Emunah said.

After they reached the community of Itamar Sunday evening, the boys were bused to Tapuach, and the girls to Eli.

Monday, with sunrise, the hikers continued once again: the boys from the Tapuach Junction southward, past Rechelim, Eli and Shilo, and to the hilltop communities in the Shvut Rachel region in northern Binyamin. They were joined by less-rugged hikers as they passed the larger communities, and were on their way this afternoon to a festive ceremony in Kol Tzion.

The girls made their way from Eli to Shilo to Shvut Rachel, and from there to Kol Tzion, 4-5 kilometers east of Shvut Rachel in the direction of the Jordan Valley.

Though planned before his murder, the march is dedicated to the memory of Eliyahu Asheri, the 18-year-old Itamar resident kidnapped and murdered by Arab terrorists last week.

Marchers listened on transistor radios to media reports that Arab fields had been vandalized, allegedly by them. Outraged, they contacted the news agencies and were told that Arabs had made the allegations. They said that there had not even been any friction with local Arabs during the course of the march. The marchers said they plan to bring charges against at least one of the media agencies that chose to continue to broadcast the allegations even after they received the facts from participants.

The hikers informed the IDF of their plans in advance, but did not request security from the army, opting to hire private security guards and rely on volunteers. “Had we requested assistance from the army they would want to surround us with barbed wire and have us walk along the roads and communities,” Yitzchaki said, “but that is exactly the world view we are trying to change.” In the end, the army provided security on its own volition for part of the hike.
 
A7News: Expelled Families Hope New SELA Head Will Bring Change
07.03.06 (5:18 pm)   [edit]
Expelled Families Hope New SELA Head Will Bring Change
 By Hillel Fendel

Changes at the helm of the SELA Disengagement Authority: Tzvia Shimon replaces Yonatan Bassi. The expelled families, stuck in "refugee camps," hope she will remedy the injustices they are suffering.
SELA is charged with implementing the "compensation" and rehabilitation aspects of the Evacuation-Compensation Bill governing the withdrawal from Gaza. Most of the expellees have strong complaints against Bassi for the way in which his office handled their situations, and the State Comptroller's report concurred with many of their gripes.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced Mrs. Shimon's appointment a month ago, on the eve of the Shavuot holiday. She had been serving at the time as a senior Deputy Director in the Prime Minister's Office. Awarded a management degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, Shimon filled senior positions in the Israeli Embassies in New York, Cairo, Chicago and elsewhere.

It is likely that SELA will be charged with overseeing the resettlement of 70,000 additional residents, if Olmert continues with his plans to unilaterally withdraw from most of Judea and Samaria. Some say that the appointment of Shimon is a sign that Olmert is serious about preparing in advance for the plan - which has been gathering increasing number of opponents of late.

Others say that her appointment has to do only with those expelled last year, and not with those who might be expelled in the future. The Land of Israel Legal Forum, which has been closely accompanying the legal battles of the expelled families for over a year and a half, has called upon Shimon to replace the "worn-out clerks in SELA" and bring new life - and solutions - to the administration.

Some 50 expelled families still remain in the most temporary of quarters - in Ashkelon and Yad Mordechai - to which they moved or were moved directly from Gush Katif. Five families left their Jerusalem hotel rooms just this past week.

Well over 1,000 other families are "digging in" for a long haul in their temporary quarters. Close to 500 of them live in Nitzan, the largest of these new "camps." Half of them are from N'vei Dekalim, 90 are from Nisanit, and the others are from nearly every other former Gush Katif community.

Yad Binyamin, between Ashdod and Beit Shemesh, is the 2nd-largest concentration, with over 200 families. They include the entire community of Ganei Tal, Yeshivat Torat HaChaim of N'vei Dekalim, and others. Until a year ago, Yad Binyamin was a sleepy high-school community of some 20 families, but it is now becoming a regional center, with new apartments and roads constantly under construction.

The third-largest former Gush Katif site is just outside Kibbutz Ein Tzurim, with families from N'vei Dekalim (60), Netzer Hazani (44) and Gadid (18).

One new resident of Ein Tzurim is David Banjo, formerly of N'vei Dekalim and currently the "mayor" of the N'vei Dekalim community of Ein Tzurim. Asked about his future plans, Banjo told Arutz-7, "We are a group of more than 200 families, mostly from N'vei Dekalim, that are trying to build our permanent community in Egoz, in the Amatzia region. But we are making no progress, because the State does not want to unfreeze the area, which is currently listed as a protected forest site."

Banjo said he hopes that new SELA director Tzvia Shimon, "who has said that her main priority will be to get the permanent communities off the ground," will be able to obtain the proper permits for Egoz.

For now, however, the families - most of whom do not yet have work - can expect to remain for several years in their pre-fab structures in Nitzan, Yad Binyamin, Ein Tzurim, and elsewhere.
 
A7News: Kidnappers Issue Ultimatum; Limited IDF Offensive Begins
07.03.06 (5:16 pm)   [edit]
Kidnappers Issue Ultimatum; Limited IDF Offensive Begins
 By Hillel Fendel

An announcement issued by three terror organizations gives Israel until 6 AM Tuesday to release 1,000 terrorists, in addition to women and young terrorists - or else.
The announcement was signed by the Hamas-affiliated Popular Resistance Committees, the Izaddin Al-Kassam Brigades, and the Islamic Army.

"If our demands are not met by 6 AM Tuesday," the declaration states, "we will view this stage of our operation as being over, and the Zionist enemy will be the one to bear the responsibility for the consequences."

Israeli officials say they will study the announcement and then decide on their next steps. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has emphasized several times, including yesterday, that Israel will not negotiate with the kidnappers nor give in to their demands. Taking the offensive, he further said that "no one will be immune" to Israel's long arm.

IDF forces entered northern Gaza in several places this morning, after having been deployed on the border since Wednesday night. The stated goal of the operation, which is still described as "limited," is to find underground tunnels and enemy-planted explosive devices. As of now, the forces - tanks, armed personnel carriers and bulldozers - are not going further than several hundred meters into Gaza. One bulldozer cleared away concrete barriers from one of the roads.

An analyst for Army Radio, which first broke the story at around 9:20 this morning, said that the ultimatum could be the terrorists' reaction to the news that Israel might be planning to take "weeks or months" in its attempts to obtain the release of the kidnapped soldier. "The terrorists don't have that much time," said commentator Shimrit Meir, "as food has to be brought in, and they fear that the Israelis are closing in on them, etc. That's why they want to close this and go to the next stage right away."

Knesset Member Ruby Rivlin (Likud) said, "We must not give in, and there must be no blackmail; blackmailers exist only where there are blackmailees."

MK Uri Ariel (National Union) said, "To give in now is a direct recipe for another kidnapping of another soldier."

Unsurprisingly, Arab MK Ahmed Tibi said, "I call for the immediate beginning of negotiations for the release of prisoners [held in Israeli jails]."

Eight days after Corp. Gilad Shalit was kidnapped in a military-style operation by Hamas Authority terrorists - two soldiers were killed in the attack - there is still no concrete news as to his condition. The Arabic-language London-based Al-Hayat newspaper reports today that an Egyptian delegation visited Shalit, and that a PA doctor treated him. Similar recent reports of observers having seen the abducted soldier have turned out to be false.

The Egyptians threaten to end their attempts to mediate a negotiated solution if Hamas does not respond to the latest proposals by tonight.

Overnight, Israel Air Force aircraft bombed a warehouse used to manufacture and store Kassams and other war materiel. The building serves as a jump-off base for Kassam launching cells.

Three Palestinian Hamas terrorists were killed during the night, while trying to attack the IDF forces that have been in the southern Gaza Dahaniye airport area for several days. The Israelis noticed the three approaching them, and opened fire. One of them managed to return fire, while another one blew himself up with the explosive suicide vest he was wearing. The third terrorist was also found to be wearing an explosive suicide vest.

 
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