A place for Torah and spirituality. A place to learn by reading - or by meeting Reb Eliyahu to learn one-on-one online with Skype and Webcam. Note: All articles and photographs are copyright. Should you wish to make use of them in a publication or a private website, you are requested to contact the author directly for permission.
If you've been following this blog and know about Chessed Ve'Emet, you'll know that one of our projects - Bayit Chadash - "A New Home" is all about helping those who lack the financial means to begin their own homes and able to have the necessities let alone those special items in their homes that so many of us take for granted.
We've got a special request to make and we're offering you the opportunity to take part in this Mitzvah of kindness. You're welcome to give as much as you are able to - knowing that whatever you give will make a huge difference in being able to obtain the special item we're asking for today.
The Chatan is a Torah scholar and would like to own a set of Tur - the most basic set of books necessary for learning the roots of all Halacha - as codified ultimately in the Shulchan Aruch. He is working on the path of Semicha (rabbincal ordination) and is in need of these books.
You're welcome to take part in our Mitzvah - and we certainly encourage you to. We're aiming to raise ₪2500 to make this a reality.
Make your difference in the life of a couple set on building their home with the most beautiful Jewish values - holy books, holy items and the preparation for bringing holy children into the world.
Artscroll publications have kindly partnered with Chessed Ve'Emet in publishing 2000 copies of their Seif edition of the transliterated and translated pocket size Tehillim. This is a major undertaking for Chessed Ve'Emet and we want you to be a part of it!
Chessed Ve'Emet run an international women's united Tehillim project, bringing women from all over the world together - wherever they may be - in the recitation of Tehillim each week every Shabbat. There are currently more than 130 ladies involved in this project with new ladies joining all the time.
We decided to push forwards with a motivator to encourage even more ladies to join - by offering a free stunningly attractive Artscroll Tehillim to every lady that joins. Right now, the printing press is HOT and ready for these books to be printed.
We are still in need of donations to make the project a reality. We'd like your help - but we'd like to give back something too.
Your donation will give you the opportunity to dedicate a portion of these books in memory of a loved with your dedication appearing inside the book.
Some time ago, the Israeli government were considering releasing 1000 terrorists for the release of Gilad Shalit. At that time, we made it a goal to find 1000 women taking part in this Tehillim group in order to secure his release (from Above!) without their being any need of releasing 1000 terrorists!
We now offer everyone the opportunity to donate for the release of Gilad Shalit. A full page inside the Tehillim will be dedicated to all those who take part in this part of the project, together with a prayer for the immediate release of a Jewish prisoner held captive - one of the greatest Mitzvot of charity. Be a part of this project TODAY!
You can find out more about this project by visiting "Eternal Memory."
The project is URGENT and donations must come in by no later than the end of today! It is our final opportunity to make this project happen. We are seeking donations from everyone. Those who are able to contribute significantly will receive more space in the book for their dedications.
Need more info? Contact Rav Eliyahu - and he will be happy to call you back - anywhere in the world and discuss this amazing and once in a lifetime opportunity!
As Moshe our teacher prepares to leave the world, he leaves each of the tribes with a blessing fitting to the qualities most inherent in each. Moshe tells each tribe that there is something unique that they have to offer the world. When each does the job they're supposed to, there is an air of peace within the Jewish people. Twelve tribes bring twelve approaches to life in general. Working together and uniting brings peace to them all. Each tribe applies the talents they have been blessed with – from the unique soul position in the world of souls – and through this, in this world the tribes get along well with each other, bringing complete perfection to the world.
The two tribes that stand out as showing this approach of unity are the tribes of Yissachar and Zevulun. Moshe blesses them (Deuteronomy 33:18):
"And to Zevulun he said, 'Rejoice Zevulun in your excursions, and Yissachar in your tents.'"
Zevulun and Yissachar are a team. Together they succeed. In this world there are two vital ingredients for any Jew – Torah, and earning a living to be able to live! If there is no Torah, there is no flour, and if there is no flour, there is no Torah. In the days of the giving of the Torah – over 3300 years ago, this was true, all the more so today, we see how difficult it is to be able to do both – to be able to master the entire Torah and spend the necessary time working to earn a living just to be able to live like ordinary people.
Rashi teaches, "Zevulun and Issachar made a partnership, Zevulun dwelt at the seashore and would go out to engage in commerce in ships, earning a living, and feeding Issachar – and they (Issachar) would sit and study Torah. Therefore the Torah preceded Zevulun to Issachar (in the giving of the blessings) because the Torah of Issachar only came about through Zevulun… Zevulun would be successful in business, and Issachar would be successful in the tents of Torah, to sit and calculate the years and fix the months."
The Torah is vast and complex. Every sincere Jew wants to master it in its entirety. Those who spend time learning know only too well just how much one needs to spend time learning with a clear mind in order to master the Torah and to know what it is that is demanded from each of us. Many will never reach these higher levels of understanding the complexities of Jewish law and mysticism, but we often turn to our leaders to guide us in the right direction. Without the means for these giants in Torah to be able to learn, not only will they not succeed in learning, but those desiring the advice they so often need, will be unable to gain this when the time comes. The relationship must be an equally responsible one. One in which each party has respect for the other.
Earning a living does not exempt one from learning Torah, and learning Torah does not exempt one from earning a living. Those, however, who feel ashamed of our Torah giants for having "wasted away" their lives "irresponsibly" while "being dependant on others" to support them may wish to take another look at the relationship that brings happiness to the world and to G-d. It is one where the Torah scholar – knowing his strengths, applies them to studying, so that he will be able to teach others and thus bring about a world filled with knowledge, growth and upright living. The businessman in turn, knowing that his blessing of wealth comes *only* from G-d, continues to pursue his life earning the means for him to live – and also to provide for the Torah scholar – who also provides for this world in ways most of us can never begin to understand.
While we read these passages of the Torah, we may wish to look up from the book for a moment and think about our lives today. Where is the real tribe of Zevulun today? And where is Issachar?! Those who have studied Jewish history know fully well that they no longer exist – certainly not in a revealing way, anyway. We know about the tribe of Levi, and encounter this tribe often, especially when the Levi is called to the Torah in second place. We know of the descendants of Aharon the Kohen (also the tribe of Levi) because they are called to the Torah for the first reading. And we know that the majority of Jews living today are from the tribe of Yehuda – that tribe that cleaved to the true ways of Torah living as instructed by the better kings of Yehuda, beginning with King David and continuing through his son Solomon. It seems that many living today are also from the tribe of Benjamin. Though the other tribes have disappeared, we await our reuniting with them with the revelation of the Messiah.
But what ever happened to Zevulun and Issachar?! Surely this pair should likewise have continued to exist?! This was a powerful team. Brothers who cared for each other with immense love. Surely the unique relationship – the financial support of the one together with the Torah learning of the other should well have continued its relationship throughout the generations?!
Perhaps it should have, but perhaps something else happened along the way. Perhaps the partnership fell through. Perhaps it could be that Zevulun finally earning his millions of dollars chose to keep it for himself. And perhaps, the tribe of Issachar totally immersed in Torah study could simply not continue learning anymore – when there is no flour, there is no Torah. And so, the tribes disintegrated, to be lost for thousands of years.
Today, we may well only have the tribe of Yehuda and Levi (and perhaps Benjamin too) spending time studying Torah and fulfilling Mitzvot. But what will be if the attitude taken in days gone by continues? Could it be that those studying Torah could simply fall away (once again?!) And if so, it may be that those spending their days in earning millions (for themselves) could find themselves abandoned from the true values of Torah, ultimately assimilating into the nations of the world – just as happened to the tribe of Zevulun thousands of years ago.
We can take a great lesson from the history of the Jewish people. When we as a team – work together – when we realise our strengths and the strengths of others, and help support each other as best as we can, with the talents and knowledge that we have… perhaps then we will have the greatest happiness possible. G-d blesses some with abundant wealth, while others, no matter how hard they try, earn the barest minimum to live. The Torah scholars are still consulted for answers to life's most basic questions, they are asked to pray for their brothers and sisters too, but they lack the financial means to continue learning and praying in peace, to be able to provide those answers and prayers when they are needed.
If so, our duty is a clear one. When we see that we are blessed in our commerce, we must push ourselves more and more, to give more and more so that those who lead our nation can continue to do so with clear heads, being able to enjoy the satisfaction of learning and teaching, helping others to grow and cope with life's daily battles. In return, those giving may well find themselves with the greatest of rewards, as they finally see themselves making a contribution to this world that has its effects around the entire world. It is through this that we have ultimate peace. It is a world of giving and taking. A world of business and a world of Torah. A world of appreciation for each other and the talents we can give each other – without any criticism whatsoever. Through mutual understanding and mutual giving, we are able to benefit others, and in turn benefit ourselves so that each of us is able to feel blessed each day with our contribution to the world.
Those wishing to learn more about the projects we are involved in, are highly encouraged to take a look at our main pages www.lovingkindness.co
We encourage everyone to take part – no matter how much you can. Become a partner with us so that together we can be even more successful in helping others. Together we can do it. We need your support.
Shabbat – Observing the holiness of the 7th day of the week by refraining from certain things and by actively doing others.
Niddah – Family Purity – Those laws concerned with the time periods when husband and wife can be together, when they must separate, and how they conduct themselves with each other during all these periods – including those times they spend completely alone with each other only.
If a Jewish home is in need of peace, it is of utmost necessity that as a basis, these three areas are observed in the best possible way. This does not detract from the husband praying 3 times daily, wearing Tefillin and Tzizit (all day,) not speaking inappropriate things etc.
However, in order to fulfil these Mitzvot money is required. Not to mention the rare cost of purchasing a Sukkah, the yearly cost of a beautiful Esrog and Lulav, the regular cost of purchasing new Tzitzit, the cost of Tefillin and Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin for those wishing to follow the Chassidic custom of wearing two pairs of Tefillin, the cost of food(!) and the additional costs for Shabbat, there is one most special Mitzvah which costs money once a month.
In fact, without this Mitzvah being performed properly, one can literally say goodbye to the holiness that surrounds a Jew throughout his life. The Alter Rebbe in Tanya explains that through the observance of the laws of Niddah correctly, one merits to draw down beautiful souls. Of course, he also mentions in the name of the holy Arizal that these same holy souls can enter bodies even when things were not observed correctly. However, there is a garment that surrounds the soul which interacts with it continuously. When the laws of Niddah are fulfilled as they should be, this layer is pure and as a result, the way that a Jew thinks throughout his/her life is so much clearer. The ability for such a person to connect with G-d becomes easier.
We could think of this layer as a literal thick or think garment that protects (surrounds) the soul (much like a garment can protect the body during summer or winter depending on its thickness.) A thick garment during the summer is about as good as a thin garment during the winter. In order to live correctly, one needs the correct garment for the season.
In this world, the season for the soul is summer. It needs a thin garment that allows it to still feel the presence of G-d. The more gross and thick this garment is (dependant on the parents fulfilment of the laws of Niddah right up until the very moment of conception – and onwards) the more difficult it becomes for the soul to recognise G-d in the world and to feel drawn to fulfilling the Mitzvot. The garment is formed particularly at that time when the couple are completely alone and together.
Before being together, a Jewish woman must immerse in a kosher Mikveh – a body of a specified minimum amount of natural rain water. There are many laws to the kosher Mikvah which can be learned about through a variety of books. Nevertheless, much like a driver does not need to know how his car works, but simply steps on the gas and goes (leaving the mechanics to the mechanics!) so too does a Jewish woman immerse in a kosher Mikvah whether she knows the mechanics of it or not.
The cost involved in constructing such a pool of water is enormous! While many families today may be able to afford Jacuzzis and the like, it is unlikely that the average woman will purchase her own Mikvah (although there are indeed a few who do!)
Instead, one communal Mikvah is constructed in each area where Jewish people live, and when women use this Mikvah, they contribute a nominal sum which helps in the construction fees and upkeep.
Although nominal, it can be quite expensive to the average woman to have to pay. Costs for every day items today are high, let alone the “extra” amounts we must pay to fulfil Mitzvot.
Imagine however, that a Jewish woman would love to be able to fulfil this Mitzvah, but lacks the funds. As a result, she may choose not to follow through with all the Niddah laws (Rachmana Litzlan,) and as a result be unable to take part in the process of drawing down a soul from above in a way of holiness. As a result, the soul drawn down into this world lacks the necessary sensitivity to experience the G-dliness – gained by those brought down into the world in ways of holiness.
For just a few dollars (together with women observing all the laws of Niddah), a Jewish woman is able to bring even further goodness into the world by simply immersing in a Mikvah – a beautiful and welcoming experience which most often makes a woman feel special for the unique role she plays in the Jewish family – nothing less than bringing holy Jewish souls into the world who illuminate it with goodness and kindness.
We have begun a “Mikvah Project”. The aim is simple: We provide additional funds to Mikvah centres, so that those who cannot afford the monthly expense, can immerse absolutely free!
It is a great merit to learn in memory of a person who has left this world, on the very day of this anniversary each year. One of the parts of Torah that is learned in particular is the study of Mishnayos. Our Rabbis teach us that the word Mishna - משנה - has the exact same letters as the word Neshama - נשמה - soul. For this reason, many people have the custom of spending part of the day involved in the learning of Mishnayos for the memory of the person whose Yahrtzeit it is. Some people even have the custom of reciting Mishnayos that begin with the initials of the name of the person.
While the learning of Mishna is perhaps the most well known custom of learning for aiding in the ascension of the soul to higher worlds, one can learn any piece of Torah in memory of this soul.
While we ourselves may be unable to devote the time we would like to on these special occasions, there are many Torah scholars who constantly involve themselves in learning all areas of Torah all day long.
This makes for a wonderful Shidduch, something akin to the relationship between Jacob's two children - Issachar and Zevulun. While Issachar would spend his days immersed in Torah study - being totally unable to support himself this way, Zevulun spent his days at sea involved in business and commerce, making certain to be successful (via the blessing of G-d Almighty) in generating enough profit to support himself as well as his brother Issachar.
This partnership continues until today for a variety of reasons. Being involved in business does not exempt one from learning Torah - even if one is supporting a Torah scholar. However, the fact that Zevulun aids Issachar certainly accounts for an extremely meritorious act, through which both Issachar and Zevulun share in the respective rewards. Zevulun blesses Issachar with wealth, allowing him to continue to learn and teach the Torah of G-d, while Issachar blesses Zevulun to be successful in business, and in addition shares part of his reward for Torah learning with Zevulun.
This by no means helps Zevulun to know how to behave according to Torah standards - as he must learn on his own as well. It does however create a wonderful unified relationship between the two brothers, allowing each to contribute to the other in ways that both will certainly benefit. When Zevulun are indeed in need of Torah advice, they will have Issachar to turn to.
Were it not for this unique and special relationship, many Jews who have become successful Torah scholars and teachers, would have been unable to continue the heritage of our Torah in teaching it's values in the most upright and beautiful manner. In fact, we well owe it to them for having so successfully passed down the fullness and richness of the entire Torah as we know it today.
So too today, these relationships continue.
If you would like to partake of this relationship and make a contribution to the Yeshiva, we would be happy to arrange a learning session on your behalf for the memory of a loved one - or for any other beneficial purpose. Many people share their wealth with Torah scholars so that through the learning done on their behalf, they too will benefit further in terms of Parnassah, finding a Shidduch (marriage partner), or receiving a Refuah Sheleima (healing from a sickness) which they may be in need of.
We would be happy to learn a section of Torah for you - from all areas of Torah, from Mishna to TaNaCh, Gemorah, Chassidus, Kabbalah etc. We offer learning in sessions i.e. per hour, per day, per month etc. We would be happy to negotiate a learning session suitable for your purposes. Alternatively, why not join Rav Eliyahu for a one on one live Internet learning session or learn in person, a subject or book of your choice, in memory of a beloved one (or for any of the above choices?)
The Yeshiva is in need of additional books, siddurim and a variety of other necessities. If you would like to contribute in some way - whether in a memory of a loved one or for any other reason, all donations - no matter how small - would be greatly appreciated.
There are new students wishing to join the Yeshiva continually - some younger single men wishing to come through to learn as well as to stay in a dormitory. There are other married Talmidei Chachamim who have expressed their desire to be able to come through to learn as Avreichim earning a monthly stipend in the Kollel. And there are even students from overseas with disabilities who would very much love to be able to make Aliyah and stay near the Yeshiva to be able to spend their days in learning and contributing in whatever ways they can. We would like to be able to help all these people and give even more to all of Klal Yisrael. Your donations can go to any of these worthy causes, or alternatively to a cause that you would find beneficial to have within the Yeshiva itself.
