Today is: Yom Shaynee, Av 15, 5771 • 8 15, 2011
.
Topics in the news
.
The Saint Petersburg Dam, aimed to protect Saint Petersburg from catastrophic flooding, is completed in the Gulf of Finland.
.
Scientists discover the first evidence of live birth among plesiosaurs.
.
In an intellectual property dispute, Apple wins a temporary injunction blocking the sale of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 in most of the European Union.
.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania report preliminary success in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia using gene therapy.
.
Rioting, initially sparked by a fatal police shooting in London, spreads across parts of England.
.
Current events
.
Armed conflict and attacks
.
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi gives a live address to the nation after rebels claim a number of victories in the 2011 Libyan uprising. (CNN)
.
A double bombing in the Iraqi city of Kut kills at least 34 and injures 68 people. (CNN)
.
Business and economy
.
Japan's economy shrinks by 0.3% in the April-June quarter confirming the country is in a recession caused in part by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and subsequent Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. (Market Watch)
.
Authorities in the north-eastern Chinese city of Dalian order a petrochemical plant, which produces paraxylene (PX), to be shut down and relocated, after tens of thousands of local residents protested through the streets on Sunday, fearing a potential pollution. The protests resembled to a similar case, when citizens went on a protest "stroll" in the southeastern city of Xiamen in June 2007. (China Daily) (The Guardian) (The Atlantic) (The Wall Street Journal)
.
Disasters
.
Tropical Storm Gert is expected to pass Bermuda today. (National Hurricane Centre)
.
A cold snap in New Zealand causes widespread snow on both the North and South Islands, disruption to power supplies and the closures of roads and Wellington International Airport. (TV New Zealand)
.
Politics
.
Japan's Cabinet approves a plan to establish a new energy watchdog under the Environment Ministry. (Japan Today)
.
Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is due to appear in the second session of his trial with his two sons Alaa and Gamal who share corruption charges with him. (PressTV)
.
News Supplement
August 15, 2011
Glasgow, Scotland shooting leaves two hospitalised
Syrian naval vessels, ground troops attack port of Latakia
.
Great Event of 8 15:
Victory over Japan Day; Independence Day in India (1947) and the Congo (1960); Liberation Day in South Korea (1945)
1517 – In the Pearl River Delta, Portuguese diplomat Fernão Pires de Andrade met with Ming Dynasty officials, marking the resumption of direct European contact with China.
1534 – Ignatius of Loyola and six others at Montmartre near Paris took the vows that led to the establishment of the Society of Jesus.
1843 – Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, today the most popular amusement park in Scandinavia, opened.
1945 – The Gyokuon-hōsō was broadcast in Japan, announcing the unconditional surrender of the Japanese army and naval forces, bringing World War II to a close.
1948 – The Republic of Korea was established with Syngman Rhee as its first president.
.
Judaism-Today's Laws & Customs
.
• Joyous Day; Tachnun Omitted
.
Because of the joyous events which occurred on this day (see "Today in Jewish History"), our sages regarded the 15th of Av to be one of the two most auspicious days on the Jewish calendar (the other being Yom Kippur--Talmud, Taanit 26b). Nevertheless, no special Av 15 observances or celebrations are ordained by Halachah (Torah law) or custom, other than the omission of the tachnun (confession of sins) and similar portions from the daily prayers, as is the case with all festive dates.
.
• Increase Torah Study
.
Beginning on the 15th of Av one should increase one's study of Torah, since at this time of the year the nights begin to grow longer and "the night was created for study" (Talmud and Codes).
.
Today in Jewish History
.
• End of Dying in Desert (1274 BCE)
.
In wake of the incident of the "Spies," in which the generation that came out of Egypt under Moses' leadership demonstrated their unpreparedness for the task of conquering and settling the Holy Land, G-d decreed that entire generation would die out in the desert (see "Today in Jewish History" for Av 8 and Av 9). After 38 years of wandering through the wilderness the dying finally ended, and a new generation of Jews stood ready to enter the Holy Land. It was the 15th of Av of the year 2487 from creation (1274 BCE)
.
• Ban on Inter-Tribal Marriage Lifted (13th century BCE)
.
In order to ensure the orderly division of the Holy Land between the twelve tribes of Israel, restrictions had been placed on marriages between members of two different tribes. A woman who had inherited tribal lands from her father was forbidden to marry out of her tribe, lest her children -- members of their father's tribe -- cause the transfer of land from one tribe to another by inheriting her estate (Number 36). This ordinance was binding only on the generation that conquered and settled the Holy Land during the 14-year period 2488-2503 from creation (1273-1258 BCE); when the restriction was lifted, on the 15th of Av, the event was considered a cause for celebration and festivity.
.
The Twelve Tribes of Israel
.
• Tribe of Benjamin Re-Admitted (circa 1228 BCE)
.
Av 15 was the day on which the tribe of Benjamin, which had been excommunicated for its behavior in the incident of the "Concubine at Givah," was readmitted into the community of Israel (as related in Judges 19-21). The event occurred during the judgeship of Othniel ben Knaz, who led the people of Israel in the years 2533-2573 from creation (1228-1188 BCE).
.
• Jeroboam's Roadblocks Removed (574 BCE)
.
Upon the division of the Holy Land into two kingdoms following the death of King Solomon in the year 2964 from creation (797 BCE), Jeroboam ben Nebat, ruler of the breakaway Northern Kingdom of Israel, set up roadblocks to prevent his citizens from making the thrice-yearly pilgrimage to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judea. These were finally removed more than 200 years later by Hosea ben Eilah, the last king of the Northern Kingdom, on Av 15, 3187 (574 BCE).
.
• Betar Dead Buried (148 CE)
.
The fortress of Betar was the last holdout of the Bar Kochba rebellion. When Betar fell on the 9th of Av, 3893 (133 CE), Bar Kochba and many thousands of Jews were killed; the Romans massacred the survivors of the battle with great cruelty and would not even allow the Jews to bury their dead. For 15 years their remains were left scattered on the battlefield. When the dead of Betar were finally brought to burial on Av 15 of the year 3908 from creation (148 CE), an additional blessing (HaTov VehaMeitiv) was added to the "Grace After Meals" in commemoration.
.
• Matchmaking Day
.
In ancient Israel, it was the custom that on the 15th of Av "the daughters of Jerusalem would go out in borrowed linen garments (so as not to embarrass those without beautiful clothes of their own)... and dance in the vineyards" and "whoever did not have a wife would go there" to find himself a bride (Talmud, Taanit 31a).
.
• "The Day of the Breaking of the Ax"
.
When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, the annual cutting of firewood for the altar was concluded on the 15th of Av. The event was celebrated with feasting and rejoicing, as is the custom upon the conclusion of a holy endeavor, and included a ceremonial breaking of the axes which gave the day its name.
.
Daily Quote
.
Remember what Amalek did to you on the road, on your way out of Egypt. That he encountered you on the way and cut off those lagging to your rear, when you were tired and exhausted; he did not fear G-d. And it shall come to pass, when the L-rd your G-d has given you rest from all your enemies round about, in the land which the L-rd your G-d is giving you for an inheritance to possess it, that you shall obliterate the memory of Amalek from under the heavens. Do not forget.
.
- Zachor reading, Deuteronomy 25:17-19
.
Daily Study
.
Chitas and Rambam for today:
.
Chumash: Eikev, 2nd Portion Deuteronomy 8:11-9:3 with Rashi
.
Tehillim: Chapters 77 - 78
.
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 5
.
Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvos:
• 1 Chapter: Zechiyah uMattanah Chapter One
• 3 Chapters: Maaser Sheini Chapter 11, Bikkurim Chapter 1, Bikkurim Chapter 2
.
Hayom Yom: "Today's Day"
.
From my father's notes: The superior quality of 15 Av over the fifteenth of every other month is this: The fifteenth represents the visible completeness (of the moon), but (the moon) is still only a recipient1 (of light). However, on 15 Av the light is firmly fixed in it, for the ascent is in reverse proportion to the drastic descent of Tisha B'Av...
This then is the meaning of "The sun's power is weakened" (on 15 Av after its summer intensity). The idolators calculate their calendar by the sun of evil, which on the 15th is weakened... In the days of the Sanctuary they (the nations) were subservient to Shlomo (King Solomon); certainly it shall be so in the Time-to-Come when "(the nations) will flow to Him"2 in a state of total bitul (nullification), and "I will remove the spirit of impurity etc." A token of this is expressed on the 15th of Av when the sun is weakened...
FOOTNOTES
1. The moon reflects the sun's light; it is not a self-engendering light-source as is the glowing orb of the sun.
2. Yeshayahu 2:2
.
Today's Mitzvah
.
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
.
Positive Commandment 131
.
Declaration of Tithes
.
"And you shall say before G‑d, your G‑d: 'I have removed the holy from the house, and I have also given it to the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow...'"—Deuteronomy 26:13.
.
[This mitzvah is observed on the eve of Passover on the fourth and seventh year of the seven-year Shemitah (Sabbatical) cycle.]
We are commanded to declare before G‑d that we have separated the requisite tithes. We must verbally clear ourselves of these tithes, just as we have physically parted with them.
.
Positive Commandment 125
.
The First Fruits
.
"The first fruits of your land that ripen you shall bring to the house of G‑d, your G‑d"—Exodus 23:19.
.
We are commanded to separate the first fruit that ripen and bring them to the Holy Temple, where they are given to the priests.
This mitzvah only applies when the Temple is standing, and only to produce of the "Seven Kinds" [wheat, barley, grapes, figs, dates, pomegranates, and olives] that grew in Israel (on the east or west bank of the Jordan) and certain lands that adjoin Israel.
.
Daily Dose
.
Marriage as Microcosm
Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson
.
Marriage is a microcosm of the soul's descent into this world:
If you are here looking for what you can get out of this world, then the world and all its trappings will only drag you down.
But if you are looking for what you can give, then you, your part of the world, and your soul, all are uplifted and filled with light.
So too, when you enter a marriage:
Look for what you can give, and reap harmony and love.
.
THE SACREDNESS OF EACH DAY IN TORAH
Genesis Chapter 1
בְּרֵאשִׁית
Yom Shaynee ............Second day
CREATION DAY THE HEAVENS EARTH, AND WATERS
.
ו וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, יְהִי רָקִיעַ בְּתוֹךְ הַמָּיִם, וִיהִי מַבְדִּיל, בֵּין מַיִם לָמָיִם.
6And God said: 'Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.'
ז וַיַּעַשׂ אֱלֹהִים, אֶת-הָרָקִיעַ, וַיַּבְדֵּל בֵּין הַמַּיִם אֲשֶׁר מִתַּחַת לָרָקִיעַ, וּבֵין הַמַּיִם אֲשֶׁר מֵעַל לָרָקִיעַ; וַיְהִי-כֵן. 7
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so.
ח וַיִּקְרָא אֱלֹהִים לָרָקִיעַ, שָׁמָיִם; וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר, יוֹם שֵׁנִי. {פ} 8
And God called the firmament Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.
.
Topics in the news
.
The Saint Petersburg Dam, aimed to protect Saint Petersburg from catastrophic flooding, is completed in the Gulf of Finland.
.
Scientists discover the first evidence of live birth among plesiosaurs.
.
In an intellectual property dispute, Apple wins a temporary injunction blocking the sale of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 in most of the European Union.
.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania report preliminary success in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia using gene therapy.
.
Rioting, initially sparked by a fatal police shooting in London, spreads across parts of England.
.
Current events
.
Armed conflict and attacks
.
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi gives a live address to the nation after rebels claim a number of victories in the 2011 Libyan uprising. (CNN)
.
A double bombing in the Iraqi city of Kut kills at least 34 and injures 68 people. (CNN)
.
Business and economy
.
Japan's economy shrinks by 0.3% in the April-June quarter confirming the country is in a recession caused in part by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and subsequent Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. (Market Watch)
.
Authorities in the north-eastern Chinese city of Dalian order a petrochemical plant, which produces paraxylene (PX), to be shut down and relocated, after tens of thousands of local residents protested through the streets on Sunday, fearing a potential pollution. The protests resembled to a similar case, when citizens went on a protest "stroll" in the southeastern city of Xiamen in June 2007. (China Daily) (The Guardian) (The Atlantic) (The Wall Street Journal)
.
Disasters
.
Tropical Storm Gert is expected to pass Bermuda today. (National Hurricane Centre)
.
A cold snap in New Zealand causes widespread snow on both the North and South Islands, disruption to power supplies and the closures of roads and Wellington International Airport. (TV New Zealand)
.
Politics
.
Japan's Cabinet approves a plan to establish a new energy watchdog under the Environment Ministry. (Japan Today)
.
Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is due to appear in the second session of his trial with his two sons Alaa and Gamal who share corruption charges with him. (PressTV)
.
News Supplement
August 15, 2011
Glasgow, Scotland shooting leaves two hospitalised
Syrian naval vessels, ground troops attack port of Latakia
.
Great Event of 8 15:
Victory over Japan Day; Independence Day in India (1947) and the Congo (1960); Liberation Day in South Korea (1945)
1517 – In the Pearl River Delta, Portuguese diplomat Fernão Pires de Andrade met with Ming Dynasty officials, marking the resumption of direct European contact with China.
1534 – Ignatius of Loyola and six others at Montmartre near Paris took the vows that led to the establishment of the Society of Jesus.
1843 – Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, today the most popular amusement park in Scandinavia, opened.
1945 – The Gyokuon-hōsō was broadcast in Japan, announcing the unconditional surrender of the Japanese army and naval forces, bringing World War II to a close.
1948 – The Republic of Korea was established with Syngman Rhee as its first president.
.
Judaism-Today's Laws & Customs
.
• Joyous Day; Tachnun Omitted
.
Because of the joyous events which occurred on this day (see "Today in Jewish History"), our sages regarded the 15th of Av to be one of the two most auspicious days on the Jewish calendar (the other being Yom Kippur--Talmud, Taanit 26b). Nevertheless, no special Av 15 observances or celebrations are ordained by Halachah (Torah law) or custom, other than the omission of the tachnun (confession of sins) and similar portions from the daily prayers, as is the case with all festive dates.
.
• Increase Torah Study
.
Beginning on the 15th of Av one should increase one's study of Torah, since at this time of the year the nights begin to grow longer and "the night was created for study" (Talmud and Codes).
.
Today in Jewish History
.
• End of Dying in Desert (1274 BCE)
.
In wake of the incident of the "Spies," in which the generation that came out of Egypt under Moses' leadership demonstrated their unpreparedness for the task of conquering and settling the Holy Land, G-d decreed that entire generation would die out in the desert (see "Today in Jewish History" for Av 8 and Av 9). After 38 years of wandering through the wilderness the dying finally ended, and a new generation of Jews stood ready to enter the Holy Land. It was the 15th of Av of the year 2487 from creation (1274 BCE)
.
• Ban on Inter-Tribal Marriage Lifted (13th century BCE)
.
In order to ensure the orderly division of the Holy Land between the twelve tribes of Israel, restrictions had been placed on marriages between members of two different tribes. A woman who had inherited tribal lands from her father was forbidden to marry out of her tribe, lest her children -- members of their father's tribe -- cause the transfer of land from one tribe to another by inheriting her estate (Number 36). This ordinance was binding only on the generation that conquered and settled the Holy Land during the 14-year period 2488-2503 from creation (1273-1258 BCE); when the restriction was lifted, on the 15th of Av, the event was considered a cause for celebration and festivity.
.
The Twelve Tribes of Israel
.
• Tribe of Benjamin Re-Admitted (circa 1228 BCE)
.
Av 15 was the day on which the tribe of Benjamin, which had been excommunicated for its behavior in the incident of the "Concubine at Givah," was readmitted into the community of Israel (as related in Judges 19-21). The event occurred during the judgeship of Othniel ben Knaz, who led the people of Israel in the years 2533-2573 from creation (1228-1188 BCE).
.
• Jeroboam's Roadblocks Removed (574 BCE)
.
Upon the division of the Holy Land into two kingdoms following the death of King Solomon in the year 2964 from creation (797 BCE), Jeroboam ben Nebat, ruler of the breakaway Northern Kingdom of Israel, set up roadblocks to prevent his citizens from making the thrice-yearly pilgrimage to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judea. These were finally removed more than 200 years later by Hosea ben Eilah, the last king of the Northern Kingdom, on Av 15, 3187 (574 BCE).
.
• Betar Dead Buried (148 CE)
.
The fortress of Betar was the last holdout of the Bar Kochba rebellion. When Betar fell on the 9th of Av, 3893 (133 CE), Bar Kochba and many thousands of Jews were killed; the Romans massacred the survivors of the battle with great cruelty and would not even allow the Jews to bury their dead. For 15 years their remains were left scattered on the battlefield. When the dead of Betar were finally brought to burial on Av 15 of the year 3908 from creation (148 CE), an additional blessing (HaTov VehaMeitiv) was added to the "Grace After Meals" in commemoration.
.
• Matchmaking Day
.
In ancient Israel, it was the custom that on the 15th of Av "the daughters of Jerusalem would go out in borrowed linen garments (so as not to embarrass those without beautiful clothes of their own)... and dance in the vineyards" and "whoever did not have a wife would go there" to find himself a bride (Talmud, Taanit 31a).
.
• "The Day of the Breaking of the Ax"
.
When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, the annual cutting of firewood for the altar was concluded on the 15th of Av. The event was celebrated with feasting and rejoicing, as is the custom upon the conclusion of a holy endeavor, and included a ceremonial breaking of the axes which gave the day its name.
.
Daily Quote
.
Remember what Amalek did to you on the road, on your way out of Egypt. That he encountered you on the way and cut off those lagging to your rear, when you were tired and exhausted; he did not fear G-d. And it shall come to pass, when the L-rd your G-d has given you rest from all your enemies round about, in the land which the L-rd your G-d is giving you for an inheritance to possess it, that you shall obliterate the memory of Amalek from under the heavens. Do not forget.
.
- Zachor reading, Deuteronomy 25:17-19
.
Daily Study
.
Chitas and Rambam for today:
.
Chumash: Eikev, 2nd Portion Deuteronomy 8:11-9:3 with Rashi
.
Tehillim: Chapters 77 - 78
.
Tanya: Iggeret HaKodesh, beginning of Epistle 5
.
Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvos:
• 1 Chapter: Zechiyah uMattanah Chapter One
• 3 Chapters: Maaser Sheini Chapter 11, Bikkurim Chapter 1, Bikkurim Chapter 2
.
Hayom Yom: "Today's Day"
.
From my father's notes: The superior quality of 15 Av over the fifteenth of every other month is this: The fifteenth represents the visible completeness (of the moon), but (the moon) is still only a recipient1 (of light). However, on 15 Av the light is firmly fixed in it, for the ascent is in reverse proportion to the drastic descent of Tisha B'Av...
This then is the meaning of "The sun's power is weakened" (on 15 Av after its summer intensity). The idolators calculate their calendar by the sun of evil, which on the 15th is weakened... In the days of the Sanctuary they (the nations) were subservient to Shlomo (King Solomon); certainly it shall be so in the Time-to-Come when "(the nations) will flow to Him"2 in a state of total bitul (nullification), and "I will remove the spirit of impurity etc." A token of this is expressed on the 15th of Av when the sun is weakened...
FOOTNOTES
1. The moon reflects the sun's light; it is not a self-engendering light-source as is the glowing orb of the sun.
2. Yeshayahu 2:2
.
Today's Mitzvah
.
A daily digest of Maimonides’ classic work "Sefer Hamitzvot"
.
Positive Commandment 131
.
Declaration of Tithes
.
"And you shall say before G‑d, your G‑d: 'I have removed the holy from the house, and I have also given it to the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow...'"—Deuteronomy 26:13.
.
[This mitzvah is observed on the eve of Passover on the fourth and seventh year of the seven-year Shemitah (Sabbatical) cycle.]
We are commanded to declare before G‑d that we have separated the requisite tithes. We must verbally clear ourselves of these tithes, just as we have physically parted with them.
.
Positive Commandment 125
.
The First Fruits
.
"The first fruits of your land that ripen you shall bring to the house of G‑d, your G‑d"—Exodus 23:19.
.
We are commanded to separate the first fruit that ripen and bring them to the Holy Temple, where they are given to the priests.
This mitzvah only applies when the Temple is standing, and only to produce of the "Seven Kinds" [wheat, barley, grapes, figs, dates, pomegranates, and olives] that grew in Israel (on the east or west bank of the Jordan) and certain lands that adjoin Israel.
.
Daily Dose
.
Marriage as Microcosm
Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson
.
Marriage is a microcosm of the soul's descent into this world:
If you are here looking for what you can get out of this world, then the world and all its trappings will only drag you down.
But if you are looking for what you can give, then you, your part of the world, and your soul, all are uplifted and filled with light.
So too, when you enter a marriage:
Look for what you can give, and reap harmony and love.
.
THE SACREDNESS OF EACH DAY IN TORAH
Genesis Chapter 1
בְּרֵאשִׁית
Yom Shaynee ............Second day
CREATION DAY THE HEAVENS EARTH, AND WATERS
.
ו וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, יְהִי רָקִיעַ בְּתוֹךְ הַמָּיִם, וִיהִי מַבְדִּיל, בֵּין מַיִם לָמָיִם.
6And God said: 'Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.'
ז וַיַּעַשׂ אֱלֹהִים, אֶת-הָרָקִיעַ, וַיַּבְדֵּל בֵּין הַמַּיִם אֲשֶׁר מִתַּחַת לָרָקִיעַ, וּבֵין הַמַּיִם אֲשֶׁר מֵעַל לָרָקִיעַ; וַיְהִי-כֵן. 7
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so.
ח וַיִּקְרָא אֱלֹהִים לָרָקִיעַ, שָׁמָיִם; וַיְהִי-עֶרֶב וַיְהִי-בֹקֶר, יוֹם שֵׁנִי. {פ} 8
And God called the firmament Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.
