Nissan 1, 5771 · 4 5, 2011
Happy Rosh Chodesh !!
EDITORIAL
The greatest favor thatALL these tyrants of the Middle East, and Africa can give the people is to LEAVE!! The first step that those Nations should take is to try those men for crimes against the people, and CEASE ALL OF their assets!
They should not leave to live a life of wealth and luxury while their former citizens linger on in misery. MAKE NO COMPROMISES WITH THESE DEVILS!
THE SACREDNESS OF EACH DAY IN TORAH
Genesis Chapter 1
בְּרֵאשִׁית
Yom Shlee´shee.........Third day
ט וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, יִקָּווּ הַמַּיִם מִתַּחַת הַשָּׁמַיִם אֶל-מָקוֹם אֶחָד, וְתֵרָאֶה, הַיַּבָּשָׁה; וַיְהִי-כֵן. 9 And God said: 'Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear.' And it was so.
י וַיִּקְרָא אֱלֹהִים לַיַּבָּשָׁה אֶרֶץ, וּלְמִקְוֵה הַמַּיִם קָרָא יַמִּים; וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים, כִּי-טוֹב. 10
And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters called He Seas; and God saw that it was good.
יא וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, תַּדְשֵׁא הָאָרֶץ דֶּשֶׁא עֵשֶׂב מַזְרִיעַ זֶרַע, עֵץ פְּרִי עֹשֶׂה פְּרִי לְמִינוֹ, אֲשֶׁר זַרְעוֹ-בוֹ עַל-הָאָרֶץ; וַיְהִי-כֵן. 11
And God said: 'Let the earth put forth grass, herb yielding seed, and fruit-tree bearing fruit after its kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth.' And it was so.
יב וַתּוֹצֵא הָאָרֶץ דֶּשֶׁא עֵשֶׂב מַזְרִיעַ זֶרַע, לְמִינֵהוּ, וְעֵץ עֹשֶׂה-פְּרִי אֲשֶׁר זַרְעוֹ-בוֹ, לְמִינֵהוּ; וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים, כִּי-טוֹב. 12
And the earth brought forth grass, herb yielding seed after its kind, and tree bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after its kind; and God saw that it was good.
יג וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר, יוֹם שְׁלִישִׁי. {פ} 13
And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. {P}
Daily Mitzvah (Maimonides)
Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides' classic work
Negative Commandment 63-Desecrating the Name of G‑d
"And you shall not profane My holy name"-Leviticus 22:32.
We are commanded not to desecrate G‑d's Name. This mitzvah has three applications:
a) Martyrdom: If an oppressive government arises and sets for itself the goal of eradicating Judaism and Torah, we are commanded to sacrifice our lives rather than deviate one iota from Jewish law or custom. And, at any time, we are obligated to allow ourselves to be killed rather than transgress one of the three cardinal sins-idolatry, murder, and certain forbidden sexual relations (such as adultery, incest, and homosexuality).
One who allows himself to be martyred under these circumstances has sanctified G‑d's Name. One who transgresses, has desecrated His Name.
b) Sins of Spite: One who transgresses G‑d's command not for pleasure or for the sake of perceived benefit, but simply to demonstrate indifference for G‑d's words, has desecrated G‑d's Name, having displayed open disregard for His wishes.
c) Behavior Befitting a Torah Scholar: One who is renowned for his piety may not do anything that even smells of impropriety-even if there is no transgression involved. One Talmudic rabbi said that if he were to take meat from the butcher on credit, without paying immediately, that would constitute a desecration of G‑d's Name. When a Torah scholar behaves in exemplary fashion, this causes G‑d's Name to be sanctified-and vice versa.
Negative Commandment 65-Destroying a Place of Worship
"This you shall not do to the L-rd your G‑d"-Deuteronomy 12:4.
We are forbidden from destroying G‑d's houses of worship (i.e. the Holy Temple), or any of its utensils-such as the altar or any part of the sanctuary. This prohibition also includes defacing the books of the Prophets or erasing any written Name of G‑d.
Positive Commandment 172-Heeding a Prophet
"You shall listen to him"-Deuteronomy 18:15.
We are commanded to obey the instructions of a prophet. This as long as he doesn't instruct to permanently abolish any mitzvah. But we are commanded to listen to a prophet if he tells us to temporarily suspend the observance of a biblical precept.
Today in Judaism Dedicate an email
Today is: Tuesday, Nissan 1, 5771 · April 5, 2011
Rosh Chodesh Nissan
Today's Laws & Customs
• Rosh Chodesh Observances
Today is Rosh Chodesh ("Head of the Month") for the month of Nissan.
Special portions are added to the daily prayers: Hallel (Psalms 113-118) is recited -- in its "partial" form -- following the Shacharit morning prayer, and the Yaaleh V'yavo prayer is added to the Amidah and to Grace After Meals; the additional Musaf prayer is said (when Rosh Chodesh is Shabbat, special additions are made to the Shabbat Musaf). Tachnun (confession of sins) and similar prayers are omitted.
Many have the custom to mark Rosh Chodesh with a festive meal and reduced work activity. The latter custom is prevalent amongst women, who have a special affinity with Rosh Chodesh -- the month being the feminine aspect of the Jewish Calendar.
Links: The 29th Day; The Lunar Files
• Blessing on Blooming Trees
A special mitzvah, which can be fulfilled only once a year, is to recite the berachah ("blessing" or prayer) made upon seeing a fruit tree in bloom: Blessed are you G-d our G-d, king of the universe, who left nothing lacking in His world, and created within it good creatures and good trees with which He gives pleasure to people. Today is the first opportunity to make this blessing, but it can be done anytime during the month of Nissan (referred to by the Torah as "the month of spring" ). Many visit botanical gardens during this time, so as to avail themselves of an opportunity to observe this beautiful mitzvah.
Link: Trees
• 'Nasi' of the Day
Beginning today, and continuing through Nissan 13, we recite the verses (from Numbers ch. 7) describing the offerings made by the "princes" (nesi'im) of the 12 tribes of Israel (see "Mishkan inaugurated"). Today we read of the gift bought by Nachshon ben Aminadav, the nasi of the tribe of Judah, on this date. Tomorrow we read of Issachar's gift, and so on for the 12 tribes. On the 13th of Nissan we read G-d's instructions to Aaron regarding the kindling of the menorah, which represents the participation of the priestly tribe of Levi.
Following the verses of the day's "Nasi," we recite a short prayer in which we say, "...if I, Your servant, am from the tribe of ___ whose section of the Nasi I have read today in Your Torah, may all the holy sparks and holy illuminations that are included within the holiness of this tribe shine upon me, to grant me understanding and intelligence in Your Torah and my awe of You, to do Your will all the days of my life...."
Text of today's Nasi in Hebrew and English.
Links: Tribes.
Today in Jewish History
• Creation of man (in thought) (3761 BCE)
The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 10b-11a) cites two opinions as to the date of G-d's creation of the universe: according to Rabbi Eliezer: "The world was created in Tishrei" (i.e., the sixth day of creation--the day on which Adam and Eve were created--was the 1st of Tishrei, celebrated each year as Rosh Hashanah); according to Rabbi Joshua, "The world was created in Nissan." As interpreted by the Kabbalists and the Chassidic masters, the deeper meaning of these two views is that the physical world was created in Tishrei, while the "thought" or idea of creation was created in the month of Nissan. (see "Links" below)
Link: Our Other Head
• The Patriarchs (1813-1506 BCE)
According to the Talmud, the three Patriarchs of the Jewish people-- Abraham (1813-1638 BCE), Isaac (1713-1533 BCE) and Jacob (1653-1506 BCE)--all were born and passed away in the month of Nissan.
• Jewish Calendar Inaugurated (1313 BCE)
On the first of Nissan of the year 2448 from creation (1313 BCE--two weeks before the Exodus), G-d showed Moses the crescent new moon and told him, "When you see the moon like this, sanctify [the new month]." This ushered in the first Jewish month, and commenced the lunar calendar Jews have been following ever since.
Links:
Jews Commanded 1st Mitzvah
Our Other Head
• Mishkan Inaugurated (1312 BCE)
On the eighth day following a 7-day training and initiation period, the portable Mishkan ("Tabernacle" or "Sanctuary") built by the Children of Israel in the Sinai desert was erected, Aaron and his sons began serving as priests, and the Divine Presence came to dwell in the Mishkan; special offerings were brought, including a series of gifts by Nachshon ben Aminadav, the Prince of the Tribe of Judah (similar offerings were brought over the next 11 days by the other tribes of Israel).
Link: The Mishkan
• Death of Nadav and Avihu (1312 BCE)
On the day the Mishkan was inaugurated (see above), "Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aaron, took each of them his censer, and put fire in it, and put incense on it, and offered strange fire before G-d, which He commanded them not. A fire went out from G-d, and consumed them, and they died before G-d" (Leviticus 10:1-2).
Link: The death of Nadav and Avihu: The biblical account, with commentary; the mystical insights
Daily Quote
The court is obligated to straighten the roads to the cities of refuge, to repair them and broaden them. They must remove all impediments and obstacles... "Refuge, Refuge" was written at all crossroads so that the murderers should recognize the way and turn there...
- Mishneh Torah, Laws Regarding Murder and the Preservation of Life, 8:5
Daily Study
Chitas and Rambam for today:
Chumash: Metzora, 3rd Portion Leviticus 14:21-14:32 with Rashi
Tehillim: Chapters 1 - 9
Tanya: Likutei Amarim, middle of Chapter 39
Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvos:
• 1 Chapter: Tum'at Okhalin Chap. 16
• 3 Chapters: Yesodey haTorah Chapter Seven, Yesodey haTorah Chapter Eight, Yesodey haTorah Chapter Nine
Hayom Yom:
NEWS SUMMARY
Armed conflicts and attacks
Two suicide bombings at a Sufi shrine in Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan, leave 50 people dead and 120 wounded.
The Cricket World Cup concludes with India defeating Sri Lanka in the final.
Japan's MEXT announces that it found evidence of match fixing in the Japanese Sumo Association.
Arturo Chávez (pictured) resigns as Mexico's Attorney General amid the ongoing Drug War.
At least fourteen people are killed in an attack by demonstrators on a UN compound in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan.
Mayotte officially becomes France's 101st department, as approved by 95% of the population in a 2009 referendum.
2010–2011 Ivorian crisis: Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara claim to have captured Laurent Gbagbo's Presidential Palace in Abidjan. (BBC)
1,000 students protest at Kabul University as protests continue in Afghanistan over the burning of a Qur'an "found guilty" by Jones' tiny church in the U.S. state of Florida. (CNN)
Arts and culture
The whereabouts of Ai Weiwei remain undetermined 48 hours after his disappearance as the U.S., France, Germany, Britain and Amnesty International ask that he be released immediately. (Al Jazeera)
Sathya Sai Baba is reported to be in a critical condition as thousands of flowers gather outside the hospital. (BBC) (The Times of India) (AFP via The Asian Age) (news.com.au)
Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb cancels performances in Brazil due to abdominal pains. (BBC)
Business and economy
The United States Federal Trade Commission considers taking antitrust action against Google. (Bloomberg)
Wayne Swan, the Treasurer of Australia, advises that he is inclined to reject a proposed merger of the Australian Stock Exchange and the Singapore Stock Exchange. (AFP via Sydney Morning Herald)
Disasters
Japan sets a maximum level of radiation for fish after a catch from Ibaraki prefecture is found with a high level of radioactive iodine from the Fukushima I nuclear accidents. (AP)
Crimes
Serial killer suspected loose in New York, more bodies found
Happy Rosh Chodesh !!
EDITORIAL
The greatest favor thatALL these tyrants of the Middle East, and Africa can give the people is to LEAVE!! The first step that those Nations should take is to try those men for crimes against the people, and CEASE ALL OF their assets!
They should not leave to live a life of wealth and luxury while their former citizens linger on in misery. MAKE NO COMPROMISES WITH THESE DEVILS!
THE SACREDNESS OF EACH DAY IN TORAH
Genesis Chapter 1
בְּרֵאשִׁית
Yom Shlee´shee.........Third day
ט וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, יִקָּווּ הַמַּיִם מִתַּחַת הַשָּׁמַיִם אֶל-מָקוֹם אֶחָד, וְתֵרָאֶה, הַיַּבָּשָׁה; וַיְהִי-כֵן. 9 And God said: 'Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear.' And it was so.
י וַיִּקְרָא אֱלֹהִים לַיַּבָּשָׁה אֶרֶץ, וּלְמִקְוֵה הַמַּיִם קָרָא יַמִּים; וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים, כִּי-טוֹב. 10
And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters called He Seas; and God saw that it was good.
יא וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, תַּדְשֵׁא הָאָרֶץ דֶּשֶׁא עֵשֶׂב מַזְרִיעַ זֶרַע, עֵץ פְּרִי עֹשֶׂה פְּרִי לְמִינוֹ, אֲשֶׁר זַרְעוֹ-בוֹ עַל-הָאָרֶץ; וַיְהִי-כֵן. 11
And God said: 'Let the earth put forth grass, herb yielding seed, and fruit-tree bearing fruit after its kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth.' And it was so.
יב וַתּוֹצֵא הָאָרֶץ דֶּשֶׁא עֵשֶׂב מַזְרִיעַ זֶרַע, לְמִינֵהוּ, וְעֵץ עֹשֶׂה-פְּרִי אֲשֶׁר זַרְעוֹ-בוֹ, לְמִינֵהוּ; וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים, כִּי-טוֹב. 12
And the earth brought forth grass, herb yielding seed after its kind, and tree bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after its kind; and God saw that it was good.
יג וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר, יוֹם שְׁלִישִׁי. {פ} 13
And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. {P}
Daily Mitzvah (Maimonides)
Today's Mitzvah
A daily digest of Maimonides' classic work
Negative Commandment 63-Desecrating the Name of G‑d
"And you shall not profane My holy name"-Leviticus 22:32.
We are commanded not to desecrate G‑d's Name. This mitzvah has three applications:
a) Martyrdom: If an oppressive government arises and sets for itself the goal of eradicating Judaism and Torah, we are commanded to sacrifice our lives rather than deviate one iota from Jewish law or custom. And, at any time, we are obligated to allow ourselves to be killed rather than transgress one of the three cardinal sins-idolatry, murder, and certain forbidden sexual relations (such as adultery, incest, and homosexuality).
One who allows himself to be martyred under these circumstances has sanctified G‑d's Name. One who transgresses, has desecrated His Name.
b) Sins of Spite: One who transgresses G‑d's command not for pleasure or for the sake of perceived benefit, but simply to demonstrate indifference for G‑d's words, has desecrated G‑d's Name, having displayed open disregard for His wishes.
c) Behavior Befitting a Torah Scholar: One who is renowned for his piety may not do anything that even smells of impropriety-even if there is no transgression involved. One Talmudic rabbi said that if he were to take meat from the butcher on credit, without paying immediately, that would constitute a desecration of G‑d's Name. When a Torah scholar behaves in exemplary fashion, this causes G‑d's Name to be sanctified-and vice versa.
Negative Commandment 65-Destroying a Place of Worship
"This you shall not do to the L-rd your G‑d"-Deuteronomy 12:4.
We are forbidden from destroying G‑d's houses of worship (i.e. the Holy Temple), or any of its utensils-such as the altar or any part of the sanctuary. This prohibition also includes defacing the books of the Prophets or erasing any written Name of G‑d.
Positive Commandment 172-Heeding a Prophet
"You shall listen to him"-Deuteronomy 18:15.
We are commanded to obey the instructions of a prophet. This as long as he doesn't instruct to permanently abolish any mitzvah. But we are commanded to listen to a prophet if he tells us to temporarily suspend the observance of a biblical precept.
Today in Judaism Dedicate an email
Today is: Tuesday, Nissan 1, 5771 · April 5, 2011
Rosh Chodesh Nissan
Today's Laws & Customs
• Rosh Chodesh Observances
Today is Rosh Chodesh ("Head of the Month") for the month of Nissan.
Special portions are added to the daily prayers: Hallel (Psalms 113-118) is recited -- in its "partial" form -- following the Shacharit morning prayer, and the Yaaleh V'yavo prayer is added to the Amidah and to Grace After Meals; the additional Musaf prayer is said (when Rosh Chodesh is Shabbat, special additions are made to the Shabbat Musaf). Tachnun (confession of sins) and similar prayers are omitted.
Many have the custom to mark Rosh Chodesh with a festive meal and reduced work activity. The latter custom is prevalent amongst women, who have a special affinity with Rosh Chodesh -- the month being the feminine aspect of the Jewish Calendar.
Links: The 29th Day; The Lunar Files
• Blessing on Blooming Trees
A special mitzvah, which can be fulfilled only once a year, is to recite the berachah ("blessing" or prayer) made upon seeing a fruit tree in bloom: Blessed are you G-d our G-d, king of the universe, who left nothing lacking in His world, and created within it good creatures and good trees with which He gives pleasure to people. Today is the first opportunity to make this blessing, but it can be done anytime during the month of Nissan (referred to by the Torah as "the month of spring" ). Many visit botanical gardens during this time, so as to avail themselves of an opportunity to observe this beautiful mitzvah.
Link: Trees
• 'Nasi' of the Day
Beginning today, and continuing through Nissan 13, we recite the verses (from Numbers ch. 7) describing the offerings made by the "princes" (nesi'im) of the 12 tribes of Israel (see "Mishkan inaugurated"). Today we read of the gift bought by Nachshon ben Aminadav, the nasi of the tribe of Judah, on this date. Tomorrow we read of Issachar's gift, and so on for the 12 tribes. On the 13th of Nissan we read G-d's instructions to Aaron regarding the kindling of the menorah, which represents the participation of the priestly tribe of Levi.
Following the verses of the day's "Nasi," we recite a short prayer in which we say, "...if I, Your servant, am from the tribe of ___ whose section of the Nasi I have read today in Your Torah, may all the holy sparks and holy illuminations that are included within the holiness of this tribe shine upon me, to grant me understanding and intelligence in Your Torah and my awe of You, to do Your will all the days of my life...."
Text of today's Nasi in Hebrew and English.
Links: Tribes.
Today in Jewish History
• Creation of man (in thought) (3761 BCE)
The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 10b-11a) cites two opinions as to the date of G-d's creation of the universe: according to Rabbi Eliezer: "The world was created in Tishrei" (i.e., the sixth day of creation--the day on which Adam and Eve were created--was the 1st of Tishrei, celebrated each year as Rosh Hashanah); according to Rabbi Joshua, "The world was created in Nissan." As interpreted by the Kabbalists and the Chassidic masters, the deeper meaning of these two views is that the physical world was created in Tishrei, while the "thought" or idea of creation was created in the month of Nissan. (see "Links" below)
Link: Our Other Head
• The Patriarchs (1813-1506 BCE)
According to the Talmud, the three Patriarchs of the Jewish people-- Abraham (1813-1638 BCE), Isaac (1713-1533 BCE) and Jacob (1653-1506 BCE)--all were born and passed away in the month of Nissan.
• Jewish Calendar Inaugurated (1313 BCE)
On the first of Nissan of the year 2448 from creation (1313 BCE--two weeks before the Exodus), G-d showed Moses the crescent new moon and told him, "When you see the moon like this, sanctify [the new month]." This ushered in the first Jewish month, and commenced the lunar calendar Jews have been following ever since.
Links:
Jews Commanded 1st Mitzvah
Our Other Head
• Mishkan Inaugurated (1312 BCE)
On the eighth day following a 7-day training and initiation period, the portable Mishkan ("Tabernacle" or "Sanctuary") built by the Children of Israel in the Sinai desert was erected, Aaron and his sons began serving as priests, and the Divine Presence came to dwell in the Mishkan; special offerings were brought, including a series of gifts by Nachshon ben Aminadav, the Prince of the Tribe of Judah (similar offerings were brought over the next 11 days by the other tribes of Israel).
Link: The Mishkan
• Death of Nadav and Avihu (1312 BCE)
On the day the Mishkan was inaugurated (see above), "Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aaron, took each of them his censer, and put fire in it, and put incense on it, and offered strange fire before G-d, which He commanded them not. A fire went out from G-d, and consumed them, and they died before G-d" (Leviticus 10:1-2).
Link: The death of Nadav and Avihu: The biblical account, with commentary; the mystical insights
Daily Quote
The court is obligated to straighten the roads to the cities of refuge, to repair them and broaden them. They must remove all impediments and obstacles... "Refuge, Refuge" was written at all crossroads so that the murderers should recognize the way and turn there...
- Mishneh Torah, Laws Regarding Murder and the Preservation of Life, 8:5
Daily Study
Chitas and Rambam for today:
Chumash: Metzora, 3rd Portion Leviticus 14:21-14:32 with Rashi
Tehillim: Chapters 1 - 9
Tanya: Likutei Amarim, middle of Chapter 39
Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvos:
• 1 Chapter: Tum'at Okhalin Chap. 16
• 3 Chapters: Yesodey haTorah Chapter Seven, Yesodey haTorah Chapter Eight, Yesodey haTorah Chapter Nine
Hayom Yom:
NEWS SUMMARY
Armed conflicts and attacks
Two suicide bombings at a Sufi shrine in Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan, leave 50 people dead and 120 wounded.
The Cricket World Cup concludes with India defeating Sri Lanka in the final.
Japan's MEXT announces that it found evidence of match fixing in the Japanese Sumo Association.
Arturo Chávez (pictured) resigns as Mexico's Attorney General amid the ongoing Drug War.
At least fourteen people are killed in an attack by demonstrators on a UN compound in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan.
Mayotte officially becomes France's 101st department, as approved by 95% of the population in a 2009 referendum.
2010–2011 Ivorian crisis: Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara claim to have captured Laurent Gbagbo's Presidential Palace in Abidjan. (BBC)
1,000 students protest at Kabul University as protests continue in Afghanistan over the burning of a Qur'an "found guilty" by Jones' tiny church in the U.S. state of Florida. (CNN)
Arts and culture
The whereabouts of Ai Weiwei remain undetermined 48 hours after his disappearance as the U.S., France, Germany, Britain and Amnesty International ask that he be released immediately. (Al Jazeera)
Sathya Sai Baba is reported to be in a critical condition as thousands of flowers gather outside the hospital. (BBC) (The Times of India) (AFP via The Asian Age) (news.com.au)
Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb cancels performances in Brazil due to abdominal pains. (BBC)
Business and economy
The United States Federal Trade Commission considers taking antitrust action against Google. (Bloomberg)
Wayne Swan, the Treasurer of Australia, advises that he is inclined to reject a proposed merger of the Australian Stock Exchange and the Singapore Stock Exchange. (AFP via Sydney Morning Herald)
Disasters
Japan sets a maximum level of radiation for fish after a catch from Ibaraki prefecture is found with a high level of radioactive iodine from the Fukushima I nuclear accidents. (AP)
Crimes
Serial killer suspected loose in New York, more bodies found
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