Miriam's Yahrtzeit and The Mysterious Well

The 10th of Nissan is the day upon which Miriam - the sister of Moshe Rabbeinu, died. Miriam's greatness lies not only in the fact that she was a prophetess and that she led the women in song after the Jews crossed the Red Sea as they fled Egypt, but also due to an event that occurred in her youth. 

When just a child, her father Amram, and mother Yocheved had separated from each other due to the harsh decree of Pharaoh to kill all first born sons - to have them thrown into the River Nile. She explained to her parents that while Pharaoh had made his decree only upon the sons who would be born, he had made no such decree against daughters! Surely their decree was even harsher than Pharaoh's! Her words found favour in their eyes, and they united again. Through the union that took place - her brother Moshe would be born - the man responsible for being the leader of the Jewish people some 80 years later, receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai, and thereafter taking them out of Egypt to lead them into the Promised Land (which Joshua would ultimately do.)

Indeed, after Moshe was born, and Pharaoh's guards kept a watch out for any "transgressors", Miriam watched her brother as he was placed in a basket that was placed on the river - in order to save his life. She wanted to continue to care for her brother and to find out what would happen to him. She watched as Pharaoh's own daughter (Batya) drew Moshe out the water, taking him in to the palace in order to be taken care of!

Miriam was 126 years old when she died, making her approximately 5 years old at the time she had encouraged her parents to unite, and just about 6 years old when her brother Moshe was born!

When the Israelites journeyed through the desert, three miraculous things accompanied them. There was the Manna (the food which rained from heaven) that came down to them in the merit of Moshe. There were the Clouds of Glory that protected the Israelites through their 40 year journey. These were granted to them in the merit of Aharon. Then there was the Well. The Well was given to them in the merit of Miriam through her righteous acts and her piety. The Well brought the Israelites water while they journeyed.

A mysterious story is told about that Well which teaches us a fascinating teaching about the study of Torah. The Well would end up in the Lake Kinneret - where it is to this day...

Many years ago - the great kabbalist known as the Arizal lived (1534-1572). He was told through mysterious Divine inspiration that he was to journey from his home in Egypt to Sefad where he would find a great man by the name of Rabbi Chaim Vital (1542-1620) - who he would have to teach his Torah to. The Ari revealed that it was in fact for this purpose that his soul descended to the world - in order to teach the secret teachings of the kabbalistic tradition to Rabbi Chaim Vital. We must remember the level of both these giants in Torah - both who were very young when they met - Rabbi Yitzchak Luria being only 36 years and Rabbi Chaim Vital, just 28! When Rabbi Chaim Vital met the Ari for the first time, he felt he was more qualified to study and teach Kabbalah than the Ari - though his thoughts would change swiftly! 

In just two years, the holy Ari taught Rabbi Chaim Vital everything we have today of the teachings of the Ari - including the 8 Gates (the Shemonah Shearim), the Eitz Chaim (the Tree of Life), the Otzrot Chaim and other various manuscripts. It is incredible to believe that not only was this material taught, but that it would be transcribed in such detail - through just two years of teaching! Even the seasoned student of Torah today knows just how difficult the material is, how abstract the concepts are and how ultimately they include the secrets of Creation, the secrets of how the world is directed by G-d (in a theoretical context) and the "magic" that exists in life.

When Rabbi Chaim Vital met the Ari and the Ari began to teach him, Rabbi Chaim Vital would sit, listen, and then simply reply that he understood nothing of what the Ari was talking about. True humility from a scholar who had once thought himself greater than his teacher! The Ari told him to take a journey with him one day. They went in a boat in Lake Kinneret and began sailing. At a certain point, the Ari stopped the boat, scooped out some water and gave it to Rabbi Chaim Vital to drink from. He told Rabbi Chaim Vital that right there - where they were - was the Well of Miriam - and that the water he was drinking, was from this mystical well which accompanied the Israelites throughout their 40 year journey in the desert!

From that day onwards - says Rabbi Chaim Vital - he was able to understand everything that the Ari told him!

Torah is not always easy to understand. Sometimes we cannot remember things. Other times we cannot understand the abstract points being mentioned. Other times, nothing seems to make sense at all! Sometimes there are just too many opinions on the same matter, making us retreat wondering what the correct approach should be to take!

Rabbi Chaim Vital merited to understand the Ari's teachings, only because he drank from the Well of Miriam - and again - these teachings that he could not understand before, are the very teachings the serious student of the mystical tradition of Torah will learn today! Our Rabbis teach us that when Moshe went on to Mount Sinai to receive the Torah, he was only able to understand it when G-d eventually gave it to him as a gift!

We too should realise that the gift of Torah is ultimately something that G-d gives to each of us when we thirst for it enough. We must never give up. We must never think it is in *our* hands to succeed in either. Rather, we must realise, that ultimately the blessing of understanding Torah comes from G-d. In the merit of our efforts and in the merit of the greater souls who we connect with throughout the generations - we are able to merit the beauty of Torah, whether the simplest parts with the most basic of meanings, to the most mysterious secrets of life and creation. Ultimately, our lives, and everything we have are a gift from G-d. Let us be grateful for all of this. With this - let us become stronger in our learning and know that our success, our health, our wealth, our intelligence and actually - everything - is not ours by the strength of our hands, but rather, it is a gift from G-d.

For those interested in learning more about some of the teachings of Rabbi Chaim Vital, contact Reb Eliyahu for more information.

For the serious student of Torah wanting to learn some of the wonderful books of Rabbi Chaim Vital such as the Shaarei Kedushah (Gates of Holiness), the Shaar HaGilgulim (Book of Reincarnations) or others - in the original Hebrew, make a time to learn with Reb Eliyahu Online today with Skype and Webcam!

Why Learn Rambam Every Day - A Video Shiur by Rabbi Levi Garelik

Make sure you are part of the new cycle of learning!!!

If you're in need of a learning partner,

schedule a time to learn on Skype with Reb Eliyahu!

Enjoy the Shiur! 

Don't forget to download the notes (PDF link.) 

Learn the Basics about Talmud Through These Animated Videos

Are you getting ready for the new Daf Yomi cycle? Not sure what it's about? It's about learning a page of Talmud every day - for some 7 and a half years... and turning around to say you've been through it all! Learning is not enough - as "Action is the Main Thing!" - but still it's a great goal to strive for of course. If you're new to it all, you may be wondering what exactly the Talmud is in the first instance! Once that's clear, you may want to understand a little about how it all works and how to get a start in learning it. For those not yet familiar with learning Talmud, the task can look daunting! Before even understanding the language, you might want to familiarise yourself with books that speak about how it came about, who wrote it and what you might find in it... and only then actually venture into learning it!

The videos found at www.animatedtalmud.com are a great way to get started in learning the basics in a fun way. There's much more to learn - of course - but getting a visual show of how it all fits is a great way to get started! Here's the first of the videos for you to sample. Then head over to the site to watch the remainder - and make a start into learning just about everything in life - as you swim through the sea of the Talmud!

Artscroll or Koren Talmud Bavli - or Both?!

What an amazing generation we are living in! For those unable to study Gemara from the original texts for lack of not being able to read, to understand (Hebrew/Aramaic) or being unable to understand the concepts, there are now two revolutionary ways to learn. Artscroll are just about to release their complete English translation of the Talmud onto digital format allowing one to interact with the page in a variety of ways - and Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz is currently launching his first complete translation with explanation of his already outstanding Hebrew edition. The new English edition looks amazing!

Gemara is becoming easier to learn and follow than ever before and we all have the opportunity to obtain these news works (money allowing!) and begin our learning for the new Daf HaYomi cycle beginning shortly. So which one is best for you?! Both!  Ben Bag Bag (Pirkei Avot 5:21) teaches, "Learn it and learn it, for everything is in it! Look deeply into it! Grow old and grey over it, and do not stir from it, for there is nothing more edifying for you than it." Ben Zoma (Pirkei Avot 4:1) teaches, "Who is wise? One who learns from everyone!" The more one learns - and from the more who one can learn from -the better!

These two videos show just how beautiful both these editions are. I'd get them both... if I could afford them!

TALMUD BAVLI - KOREN EDITION

For a more detailed article sharing the differences between the Artscroll Schottenstein Talmud edition and Koren edition, see Englishing the Talmud

Good Manners... Before Torah!

During the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot we concentrate a part of our learning on the teachings of Pirkei Avot – Ethics of Our Fathers. These 6 chapters of Mishnayot (teachings) deal with everyday life for the "everyday" type of person. There's no need to be a serious Torah scholar to master these teachings. Yet even the greatest Torah student should be involved in internalizing the powerful messages revealed and hidden in these global essentials of life.

There is no Talmud to the teachings of Pirkei Avot. There are no arguments of the general give and take found in the Talmud. One finds only the simply teachings of what life is and should be all about. In fact, were these teachings not actually included in the Torah, even the "average" person could come to realize their importance on their own. Such a person would even think these values as simply just "the right thing!"

We might ask ourselves though – why it is here, at this point in time, that we concentrate on these teachings. We could learn these teachings any time of the year. Why do we concentrate on them at this particular period of the Jewish year?

Many of us are quick to forget – even though our entire purpose of counting the Omer is to awaken us to it – that we left Mitzrayim (Egypt) to enter the Land of Israel. Through our journey to Egypt, we would ultimately become the nation we were destined to become. From being slaves of Pharaoh, we were to become "slaves" of G‑d Himself. But the journey and the transition from one master to Another would not just take time, it would also take knowing what would be required to make the transition a successful one. Though on our way to Israel – there was one important stop along the way. Just 50 days after leaving Egypt, we would receive the Torah itself. This day would be celebrated as Shavuot – the day that we received the Torah.

49 days of another kind of journey were experienced even before the actual receiving of the Torah. Likewise, as we move across from the festival of Pesach to the festival of Shavuot, we journey through these 49 days each year. During this time we concentrate on these special teachings of Pirkei Avot.

Pirkei Avot teaches us about simple life manners. Certainly, having one's fork on the left side of the plate, and knife on the right may well be important. Opening the door for a lady to walk through first may well indicate proper etiquette in life (though it's highly unlikely this would ever have reached a real Torah standard!) Not leaving the dinner table before everyone has finished their meal may also indicate upright conduct and one that should be upheld by all… And sitting up straight when eating may certainly show dignified table manners! But it's more.

From the way we greet each other (this includes an actual "Good Day" to a fellow man we may pass by on the street) to throwing our garbage in the bin (and not having to feel it's someone else' job to do) – to acknowledging that someone else might actually know more than we do and humbling ourselves to their wisdom. From considering our own worth in this world – and preparation to the next to appreciating the value of another human being – whoever they may be. From respecting another driver on the road, to acknowledging that our friend's money is as important to them as ours is to us! From simply being polite and non-judgmental of everybody else in the world, to being able to consider that when wrongs were done – there is always room to allow for forgiveness. The concepts are of course infinite!

It's about good manners and being a decent human being. Etiquette?!  Humbled behaviour and a recognition of others may be a more suited expression. It takes the artificiality out of societies norms and puts an emphasis on being a decent human being.

Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the Prophet) in the very first chapter of his teachings (Tana Devei Eliyahu) teaches us that "Proper conduct comes before Torah." If one is truly interested in acquiring Torah (which takes 48 ways to obtain), one cannot even begin to approach this task, unless one precedes the undertaking with the acquisition of being a decent human being. 

Though water can cause beautiful plants and tress to grow – this is only true when the seeds are suitable from the beginning. As for weeds, watering them will produce nothing less than bigger weeds! Those expecting sweet smelling roses after watering their weeds, may find themselves sadly disillusioned when they see just what has grown!

So too does the Torah produce the person who is ready to accept it. If this person has refined themselves and is already a fine human being, then the Torah will refine him further elevating him to the level of angels. But the "Torah scholar" (even when dressed in the finest garments sporting the longest beard) who has not yet understood the value of good behaviour will amount to nothing more (in the long run) than a bigger weed. 

Though the Torah scholar may be filled with the holiest of books in his "insides', a trip to the Mikvah accompanied by pushing every other person, throwing one's garbage on the floor, and literally kicking another out of the shower so that *they* can shower will do little to show the value of what the Torah is doing to him. If anything, it clearly points to his inconsistency in understanding that the Mikvah – the place he wishes to visit to pure himself – has become a place of much impurity!

Torah can only be acquired if one has first mastered the basics of decent human behaviour. Since Shavuot is a time of receiving the Torah, we are granted 7 weeks first, in which to spend learning about simple decent conduct, so that we can be prepared to receive the Torah and grow as human beings. Therefore there is no greater time period to begin learning these teachings than the period leading to Shavuot – the time of receiving the Torah. Derech Eretz Kadmah LaTorah. Proper behaviour – proper human conduct and respect – precedes Torah. You don't need to be a giant of a scholar to understand this… but you must at least be a decent human being.

The Chayei Adam on Torah Study

The Chayei Adam – Rabbi Avraham Danzig (1748-1820), Dayan (Rabbinic judge) in Vilna towards the end of his life – teaches in his first Halacha on the laws of Torah Study:

"It is a positive commandment from the Torah to study Torah, as it says, 'And you shall teach them to your children.' And it is written, 'And you shall teach them.' And it is written, "This shall be the reward when you listen…" There are many other such similar verses.

"Therefore every Jewish person is obligated to study Torah, whether he is poor or whether rich, whether completely healthy or filled with pain (G-d forbid), whether young or very old. Even a poor person who goes around collecting money from house to house, even a husband with children is obligated to set for himself a time to learn Torah – both during the day and at night, as it says, 'And you shall meditate in it day and night.' A person who does not know how to learn should support others who are able to learn, and it will be considered to him as if he was learning himself. A person can make a stipulation with his friend that he should study Torah and he will provide for him his living, and they will divide the rewards of Torah and the reward of livelihood so that they will both profit."

All are obligated to learn. Nobody is exempt. Those who lack the time or who find they cannot understand as much as they would like – and therefore feel the need to concentrate more on work than on Torah – they too can take part in the Mitzvah of Torah study – by supporting those who truly wish to learn and to teach.

Yissachar or Zevulun - Who are You?

YISSACHAR OR ZEVULUN– WHO ARE YOU?

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.

The Most Powerful Source of Blessing

THE MOST POWERFUL SOURCE OF BLESSING

Being involved in outreach and a variety of Torah projects, we are asked for assistance in many areas. To such a degree, one would think that those writing to us think of us as nothing less than magicians and Rebbes – each of which will be discussed briefly later in this article.

Imagine the scene for a moment – an easy one, which we can all relate to. The news is in: The market has crashed, and there's no money left. Or perhaps a Shidduch fell through. Or perhaps there is some hopelessness in the family in general. What do we do?! Life is filled with tests on a daily basis. Not just daily – but hourly and every single minute as well. We are in this world to be involved in some sort of major rectification and test for our entire lives. Throughout our lives each of us will experience the ups and downs of so many factors, that ultimately we get to "enjoy" the full gamut of what life truly has to offer. Some seem to receive more. Others seem to have it harder. But what do we do when we've simply had it with everything and no hope seems to be on the horizon?

At this point in time, many people begin to panic about what to do. Some turn to magicians, "psychics" and fortune tellers in the hope that they will restore our trust in a bright future! Others believe that the "Kabbalists" have all the answers. Some feel that anybody who is more religious than they, have some sort of mystical unique connection to the Creator of the world and can make things happen better and faster – if only they will recite their name in prayer.

Granted, the Jewish people are blessed with Tzaddikim – righteous individuals whose entire lives are dedicated to G-d – every single moment of the day and night. Indeed, in almost every situation, their word literally has an effect in the world and can turn everything upside down in a second! But these are unique people, who most of us never really get in touch with. So instead we feel that there must be someone else who can answer our difficulties for us.

Sadly, we give up on the "Ikkar" – the Main (sic) thing, for the "Tafel" – the second best. Imagine being frustrated with a purchase you're about to make or have just made at a large chain-store. You see someone packing the shelves and immediately approach him with your problems. "There's no price on here," – you tell him. Or perhaps, "This product is damaged," you say. Or maybe, "I bought this product and it exploded in the home when I opened it," you tell him. He looks at you… You begin shouting, raving and ranting that things should be different and you expect better service, better products and a better price. It doesn't take a genius to realise such a customer will get nowhere.

If the customer is smarter, he might think to take his problem to the main teller and explain the problem to them. Of course, in all likelihood, he'll be met with a blank stare! He could look around and see some sort of central manager area and take his problem there. Realistically he'd probably get involved in a really good discussion with them, though it may not meet with a positive solution. He could take his problem to the financial manager of the store, the marketing manager, the product manager, the operations manager, the human resource manager – or just about any other manager, in the hope of sorting out his problem… but it may be that even this will not help.

One who wants to make sure that his problem really gets addressed should take his issue right to the top. He needs to speak with the very owner of the store. After all, it's HIS store. He knows what type of products should be in it. He knows the type of people working there. And if he's committed to making sure things run smoothly and wants to keep in business, he knows what the prices of everything are. Should anything be reported incorrect, he'll be the guy to get things changed – and fast!

When it comes to our own difficulties, we must attune ourselves regularly to behave in the same way. Of course, the "managers" (the students of Torah) and administrators (Rabbis, Rebbis, Tzaddikim etc.) of the "store" can often work wonders. But then, keep in mind, they're really doing nothing more in life than the exact same thing that every other Jew is obligated to do.

We have a Torah filled with 613 Mitzvot to perform. Whether we were born into a religious family or not. Whether we were born and brought up our entire lives with every value opposite to the Torah – or not. Each of us is equally responsible for every commandment in the Torah. From how we eat (kosher), to how we conduct our business. From how we rest one day of the week (Shabbat) to respecting the laws of Family Purity (Niddah). From not charging another Jew interest, to honouring and respecting them. From honouring our parents, to giving a loan or charity to a Jew in need (without the barest resemblance of causing embarrassment!) We are given the opportunity to truly do what the King wants from us – every single second of the day.

Our duty is to focus on what we are required to do – by G-d Himself. Though we can always try to take short cuts by asking those who may be working harder on themselves to do the hard work for us, we must realise that at the end of the day, what's most important for each of us is to examine realistically where we stand in terms of doing the right thing – under the kingship of G-d Almighty.

What good would it do to ask the shelf-packer to speak to the manager of the store on our behalf regarding receiving a discount on a product, when just two days before we were caught stealing from the managers own store – by the manager himself?!

Yet we try to achieve our same goal in this world by miraculously hiding G-d away from us, and then asking others to intercede with Him on our behalf. Those connecting with "psychics", witchcraft and hoping for hocus-pocus blessing to descend directly from the King Himself, while ignoring His own requests to improve their behaviour and deeds, is not much different than the thief who asks the shelf-packer to convince the manager to give us discounts on our goods (shortly after having been caught!)

Where does blessing come from? It comes from G-d Himself. What does He require from us? To fear Him and to do His commandments. If we're still not up to par (or just having a hard time getting there!) and there's something blocking the channel for blessing, it is certainly high time to ask those greater than ourselves to help us, to daven at the graves of the Tzaddikim (if they have left this world) or to ask in person if we can find these giants of the Jewish people.

Every Jew – no matter who he is – is considered in G-d's eyes to be as an only child born to elderly parents in their old age – says the Baal Shem Tov. If so, we are certainly all equal – and equally as great! If so, it is our duty to call upon Him ourselves to begin with, imploring with every possible excuse we can come up – why we are deserving of nothing less than the best! Are we praying three times a day?! Are we spending some time alone with G-d speaking out our difficulties – every single day?! We are to implore for the very best for ourselves – and for our friends in need. When these steps are in place, we should feel the need to move a step closer – to do even more, by making certain that we connect with those who are indeed far greater than us, asking them to daven for us and to intercede Above so that blessing should flow down even faster.

But, it takes that first step to realising that our main duty to elicit blessing from above is already clearly laid out for us. It begins with Modeh Ani in the morning. An acknowledgement that G-d is here with each of us every single second of the day. And in every move that we make, every word we speak, and every thought we think – we are to connect ourselves with nothing less than becoming servants to G-d, so that our every being becomes a vessel for G-d's light to shine in, ultimately delivering the blessing to the right address.

Are you ready for the challenge? Or are you looking for the quick fix? Are you in need of blessing in your life?! We all are! That real blessing can come and certainly will (at some point in time!) when we connect ourselves to Torah as we should – when we connect ourselves to our fellow Jews as we should. When there is unity between ourselves and unity with G-d, and all the parts of the "machine" are oiled and lubricated as they should be… then the blessing we need, will certainly flow.

The most powerful blessing available – the one each of us is looking for, is found in nothing less than our holy Torah. Through observing her Mitzvot and through learning her ways, every person is able to clearly grasp the truth of blessing. You're welcome to try the hocus-pocus – because you have free choice – though it's clearly forbidden by the Torah. Real, truthful and everlasting blessing comes through no other source than the Torah herself.

If you would like to learn more about this awesome, honoured and beautiful responsibility or take part in any of our projects, or have us learn or daven on your behalf, be sure to tune in to our main site to find out more, or contact Reb Eliyahu rebeliyahu@gmail.com directly.

Dedicate a Period of Torah Learning (or a book) in Memory of a Loved One

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For more info regarding updates of this learning, see Learning the Entire Shas Mishnayot during the Shloshim (30 days after burial) period.

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Due to the varied schedules of our daily lives, we don't always have enough time to dedicate to Torah learning - and especially when it comes to wanting to spend certain days involved in more learning eg. Yahrtzeits - the annual day of the passing of a person.

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.

Email Reb Eliyahu:

rebeliyahu@gmail.com

for more information.

Learn About the Holy Temple - Between 17 Tammuz and 9 Av

RACHEL CRIES FOR HER CHILDREN...

As with all the different periods of time throughout the year, there are certain parts of the Torah that need to be studied further – at those points in time.

SUGGESTED READING FOR THE THREE WEEKS:

1. Ezekiel Chapters 40-end. These chapters discuss the vision that the prophet Ezekiel saw as an angel took him to the site of the 3^rd Temple, showing him it’s every chamber. Although the Second Temple had still to be built, Ezekiel was already being shown the 3^rd Temple – as this would be the final House that G-d would/will build to dwell in. For a more complete understanding of Ezekiel – it is suggested that the reader learn the entire book from the beginning, as the mysteries of the Maaseh Merkava – the Divine Chariot are spoken about in the first chapter – the means through which Ezekiel – and all prophets enter in order to experience their visions. For more information about this see “InnerSpace” by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan.
2. Rambam Hilchot Beit HaBechirah (Laws of the Chosen House) found in the Rambam’s Halachic work “Yad HaChazaka” under the section of “Avodah” – “Service”. The Rambam teaches the laws concerning the Temple, its dimensions, contents and more.
3. Tractate Midot – “Measurements” – the section of Mishna dealing with the measurements of the Second Temple.
4. “Secrets of the Future Temple” – Mishkney Elyon by the Ramchal – translated into English by Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum (see picture below). This book discusses the vision of Ezekiel (Chapters 40-end) explaining the kabbalistic mysteries to every part of the 3^rd Temple to be built. Diagrams of the various parts of the Temple are included. (This book can be purchased directly through this site. Please contact us for more information.)
5. “The Third Beis HaMikdash – The Third Temple” by Rabbi Shalom Dov Steinberg – with complete diagrams of everything discussed.

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STUDYING IN ORDER TO DO…

BUILDING THE BEIT HAMIKDASH

We are taught to study the laws of the upcoming festival 30 days before it arrives. This blog points out a number of other worthwhile learning projects to work through – for example learning the entire Rambam within a one year period. One learns Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) between Pesach and Shavuot – and in fact should continue with one chapter a week every Shabbat after Minchah right up until Rosh HaShanah. One should learn Tractate Sotah during the period between Pesach and Shavuot.

During the 3 week period beginning with the 17 Tammuz until the 9^th day of Av – known as Tisha Be’Av (9 Av) there are also certain parts of Torah we need to concentrate our learning on. The idea is to keep up with the times – learning those parts of Torah most relevant to the time we find ourselves in, so that the learning we do should impact us the most at that point in time. This focuses us on the time period we are in and makes us unify much easier with what is required of each of us at that point in time. The learning in and of itself is only the start. The main thing is that it should lead us to improve our ways, to understand what we need to do – and to actually do as “Action is the Main Thing!” But “Torah is greater than action… because it LEADS to action!”

On the 17^th of Tammuz began the destruction of the Holy Temple which culminated in absolute destruction on the 9^th of Av – three weeks later.

In fact there were 5 things that happened on the 17^th of Tammuz:

1. The first tablets which Moses was carrying to give to the Jewish people, were destroyed. This was due to the Jewish people serving the Golden Calf as they awaited Moses who had been on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights, thinking that he had already died.
2. The offering of the daily sacrifice was suspended in the First Temple.
3. The wall of the city was breached in the time of the Second Temple.
4. Apostomus the wicked burned the Torah.
5. An idol was placed in the Sanctuary.

While G-d was busy bestowing the Torah to the Jewish people and giving them a place in this world to connect with Him in the highest ways possible, the Jewish people were off on their own mission, allowing various idols to obstruct their vision of G-d. (Are we changing?!) Whether it was the Golden Calf, allowing an idol to be placed in the Sanctuary, or allowing the sacrifices to stop being offered, the Jewish people had given up on the value of what it meant to have a Torah – and more importantly a place to house it in, in the lower worlds below.

What can we do today – what can we learn today to help us appreciate what it means to have a Beit HaMikdash – a Holy Temple? What were the mysteries behind this apparently physical structure? Was it just a large, magnificent building designed by man?

In fact, our Sages teach us that not only was this Temple for the Jewish people, but for the benefit of the entire world completely! The 70 lambs that were offered as sacrifices during the festival of Sukkot were actually to atone for the nations of the world – and to bring blessing to them! As our Sages teach, the nations of the world had no idea what they were doing to themselves when they destroyed the Holy Temple!

The Temple is the root source of all blessing in this world. Without it, we are left wandering around this world wondering what life is all about. With the Temple, we become aware of the manifestation of G-d in the lower worlds. Through our service in it, we bring blessing to all.

Today, we have lost touch with the value of a massive building structure used to slaughter animals in it – on a mass scale! So much so, we have even left its remains to be owned by the other nations of the world who destroy it’s purity by planting trees and other “structures” upon it, totally against what it actually stands for. In addition many Jews unknowingly walk upon holy areas of the “abandoned” building not realising the prohibitions involved.

We, as human beings and not angels, see with our physical eyes, judging everything in accordance with our own minds, not realising the reality of the holiness of this building – what was actually done in it, and how as a result of all this, blessing is bestowed into the world.

Therefore, at this period of time, during these three weeks, we should focus our learning on this neglected – but core and most vital topic of Torah – the Beit HaMikdash. That “building” that was destroyed in this time. As the Torah teaches, a generation in which the Temple is not built in – it is as if they themselves destroyed it! Therefore our sole mission and focus should be in learning about its beauty. This should awaken us to realise just what it is that we have lost.

After all, one who loses something without even knowing what he had in the first place will certainly not miss his “loss”. Instead we are to study the gift that was given to us, in the hope that we will come to appreciate its value, so that we are able to literally cry over the loss. This should inspire us to rebuild the Temple spiritually through our acts of goodness and kindness, so that when it is built spiritually, the form from on-high will descend downwards from heaven to earth, building the final physical structure.

May we merit through our learning during these three weeks and our focus on the subject of the Temple, that indeed it be rebuilt before this Tisha Be’Av and that our righteous redeemer appear, revealing himself, taking each of us out of the exiles we all find ourselves in, bringing us into the King’s True Palace, a place of mysteries, beauty beyond the greatest physical delights, and most of all the place where each of us will literally be able to experience and feel the connection and closeness between us as human beings, and G-d Himself. And then we will see and know, that G-d is One and His Name is One. Amen!

Find a Torah Learning Partner or Teacher Anywhere in the World!

FIND A LEARNING PARTNER TO STUDY TORAH WITH

LEARN IN PERSON OR VIA THE INTERNET

CONNECT WITH ANYONE - IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD!

If you're in need of finding a Torah teacher - just perfect for you, or a Chavrusa - learning partner, who'll want to learn what you're interested in at your pace - this is the group for you to join!

If you'd like to teach others, whether in person, on the phone, or via the Internet - using a Webcam to see each other as well, post an advert sharing with others what you'd enjoy teaching, the times best for you, or any information relevant to your abilities and wishes.

It's all about finding the right person to learn from or with - no matter where you - or they - are in the world.

BeHatzlacha.

The Torah says that a change in place makes a change in Mazel - fortune. We have since migrated and are no longer working through the Yahoogroups link. Our new group has now moved to:

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO JOIN:

http://groups.google.com/group/global-torah

Learn the Entire RAMBAM in Just One Year!

NEW CYCLE FOR LEARNING RAMBAM
BEGINS 13 SIVAN 5768 - 16 JUNE 2008!!!

One of the aims of this blog is to set out realistic attainable goals in being able to work through learning the main works of Torah.

Many of these works seem insurmountable. Yet with diligence and effort, one can manage to work through many of these main works of Torah in good time.

Some may think learning all these works may be unattainable even through their entire lives, but when one follows the advice of our Sages, one can readily see that many times, one can work through major works in just one year.

All it takes is steady learning each day.
Sometimes just two chapters a day. Sometimes three. But with a realistic goal in sight, one can indeed manage these schedules and succeed in learning huge amounts of Torah, building up a storehouse of knowledge of the fullness and richness of the entire Torah.

While working through just one page of Talmud a day will allow one to work through the entire ShaS (the entire oral Torah,) in about seven and a half years - there is another way of gaining the essential laws from Shas by working through another major classic.

The Rambam - the Yad HaChazaka - the Mishneh Torah: the Magnum Opus written by Maimonides (1135-1204) includes 1000 chapters of Jewish law summarizing the full gamut of laws as brought in the Oral Law of Torah - the Talmud.

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In the year 5742 (1982), The Lubavitcher Rebbe began a new campaign asking all Jews to unite in their learning of the Rambam each day in order to complete the learning of all the laws of the Torah together. He allowed for three schedules:

1. Those wishing to complete the cycle of learning Rambam in one year could do so by learning 3 chapters a day.
2. If one is unable to do this, one can learn one chapter a day and complete the cycle over 3 years.
3. And if one is still unable to cope with this schedule, one can learn the relevant chapters from the Rambam's more concise code of law - the Sefer HaMitzvos. This is recommended especially for women and those people starting out in learning the basic laws of the Torah in an easily digestable form.

The Rambam, in his introduction to his work, speaks openly about the difficulties of even his generation (1000 years ago) understanding the Talmud properly. He thereby gives the student of his work the opportunity to get a full grasp of the laws contained in the Talmud without the need for having to learn the entire Talmud.

This is no excuse for not learning Talmud - and one must put in effort to learning all parts of Torah.

The Talmud is the absolute root of the entire Oral Law. One can never exempt oneself from learning it because it appears difficult.

Nevertheless when we wish to progress in actual law, the Rambam is by far the greatest main root source for understanding what the Law of the Torah is all about. Indeed, it is the absolute royal road to understanding all aspects of Torah Law (including the Shulchan Aruch and onwards.)

On the other side, one who learns Talmud while referencing back to the Rambam gains an even greater appreciation of just how great the Rambam was in setting up his work as he had done.

Someone with a solid foundation of Rambam literally carries the basic keys to opening up all of Jewish Law. Nevertheless, one who learns Rambam, by no means becomes an Halachic authority of any kind - as in many cases we do not follow the Rambam. But he certainly has the advantage of being aware of all aspects of Jewish law as they are dealt with in the root Oral Law itself - the Talmud.

The Rambam includes laws that are applicable in our times, as well as those laws applicable only at the times that the Temple is standing. And being that life changes and the Torah needs to be understood for the particular generation living at that time (i.e. as is dealt with by the Halachic authorities of the generation) - many things that the Rambam speaks about need to be questioned and applied and re-learned so that we can understand his words better for our times. All these matters need to be spoken of in much greater detail and cannot be dealt with adequately in a short column such as this.

The above points in no way allow for not learning Talmud - nor for following the ways of conservative and reform Judaism or any other practice of Judaism foreign to traditional Orthodox values as taught by the leading sages of the generation. Rambam is not the final authority in Jewish law, yet he definitely contains the roots for truly progressing in one's own learning.

The beauty of learning Rambam includes:

1. One can complete learning the entire Oral Law in ONE YEAR and become an expert in the entire Torah!!!
2. It contains the root to all Jewish Law - it is the royal road to Jewish law!
3. The language is clear and easy to follow.
4. The laws are straight forward without the need to debate the issues (at root level.)
5. One can unite with tens of thousands of Jews around the world in learning the same piece of Torah each day

For more information:

See the study schedule for this year:

http://www.sichosinenglish.org/books/study-schedule/01.htm

For further interest read about "Unity through Rambam"

http://www.sichosinenglish.org/essays/57.htm

To become more involved with audio Shiurim and more, see:

http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/rambam.htm

and

http://www.jewishcontent.org/daily/

To receive the Sefer HaMitzvos in your inbox in English, - go to:

http://lchaimweekly.com/general/subscribe.html

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LIFE OF THE RAMBAM SEE:

http://www.campsci.com/iguide/rambam.htm

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FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MISHNEH TORAH:

"And I saw to compile... all the laws in a clear language and in a short manner so that the Oral Torah in it's entirety is organised in the mouths of all.

"Without questioning and resolving... the point of it is in order that no person will need any other work... but rather this compilation is a compendium to the entire Oral Torah with enactments and customs and decrees that were made from the days of Moses our teacher up until the compilation of the Gemara, and just like the Geonim explained to us in all their compilations that they compiled after the Gemara.

"Therefore I have called the name of this compilation "Mishneh Torah" (Second Torah) - since a person reads the Written Torah first and afterwards he reads this and he knows from it the ENTIRE ORAL TORAH!!! AND HE DOESN'T NEED TO READ ANY OTHER BOOK BETWEEN THEM!!!"

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COMMENTS ABOUT LEARNING RAMBAM FROM OUR RABBIS:

"A person should learn Jewish law (Halacha) every day from the book "Yad HaChazaka" according to an order."; "In the evening after the evening prayers (Maariv) he should learn the holy RAMBAM, for I received from my holy techer (i.e. the Baal Shem Tov) that it is a Segula (a charm and treasure) for obtaining fear of heaven and to destroy the external evil forces (Chitzonim)!!!"

--- The Maggid of Mezritch. Rabbi Dov Ber (? - 1772)

"A person needs to complete 613 Mitzvos in action, in speech and in thought. And therefore one should learn "The Great Hand" of the RAMBAM... that in it is the explanation for the 613 Mitzvos."

--- Sefer Ohr Tzaddikim by Rabbi Meir Poppers of the students of the Ari

"I added that every day they should learn... a few laws from the RAMBAM. and Maharash ben HaRashbatz wrote in his responsa Simon 52 that if one learns two laws of RAMBAM, he fulfills "Learning Halachos each day" and it is assured that he has a place in the world to come!!!"

--- The Chida - Rabbi Chaim Dovid Azulai

"Be careful and enthusiastic in the study of RAMBAM"

--- Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotsk

"At the Seer of Lublin they would delay in davening Mincha each day - and also on Shabbos... and before Mincha the holy Rabbi of Lublin would enter his room and studied one law of the RAMBAM - and so was his holy way"

--- Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Horwitz (the Seer of Lublin)

"I heard from the mouth of the Chassid Rabbi Yitzchak Landau that Rabbi Aharon of Belz was strict in not letting one day pass without learning a few laws in RAMBAM, and this study was considered by him in the category of a 'statute that one does not transgress'"

--- Concerning Rabbi Aharon of Belz

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OUR CONTEMPORARY SAGES:

"I bless all those who join in the study of RAMBAM, and at their head the holy honorable ADMOR of Lubavitch, may Hashem lengthen his days and years with pleasantness and make the Torah great and glorious - Amen, so may it be His will... And upon them should come the blessing of good in the spiritual and material, Amen, so may it be His will."

--- Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri - head of the Kabbalists in the Holy Land (? - 2006)

"In the study of RAMBAM there is a great thing like the learning of ShaS. Firstly that the entire community of Israel will learn all the Mitzvos, and in addition to this, there is the great and wonderous matter that the community of Israel will learn together one thing, because the united responsibility that all Israel are mutually responsible for each other and intertwined with each other... And it is definitely worthwhile to join and to learn, and afterwards they'll feel the pleasantness and the sweetness of RAMBAM"

--- The Pnei Menachem - Rebbe of Ger (said at the concluding ceremony of the learning of Rambam)

"The essential thing of fulfilling the covenant with our Father in heaven is by studying Torah in depth, in order to learn and teach, to guard and to do and to fulfill. Certainly it is impossible to guard and to do if not through the decisions of our Rabbis - the Rishonim through whose mouths we live. To study the final rulings of the RAMBAM, great intensive study of Shas - this is a great essential in the fulfillment of the Mitzvos "You shall go in My statutes - you should toil in Torah", to make the Torah great and glorify it. WELL DONE TO THE ADMOR OF LUBAVTICH THAT HE MERITED AND HAS CAUSED THE MULTITUDE TO MERIT THE COMMANDMENTS OF STUDYING TORAH FOR IT'S OWN SAKE - WHICH IS WEIGHTED OUT AGAINST EVERYTHING!"

--- Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Halachic Rabbinical authority of our generation)

"From the time that the ADMOR of Lubavitch instituted the daily learning of Rambam, my grandfather the Gaon began to learn a lesson in Rambam every day in a fixed manner."

--- A grandchild of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein

Hayom Yom - Sivan 9 - Purify the Air with Your Mishna Learning

HAYOM YOM

SIVAN 9

PURIFY YOUR AIR - FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS!

"The world is in need of purified air. Purifying the air can only take place through the letters of the Torah. The letters of the Torah are a general protection and a protection for the individual. The division of the 6 Orders of the Mishna (off by heart) is - "And in your going on the way." One who learns and recites a Mishna or two wherever they may be, in whatever place one may be - illuminates the connection of the Jewish people with the Holy One Blessed be He. The word Mishna "משנה" has the same letters as the word "נשמה" Neshama - soul. It is very difficult to find the words to express the enourmous benefit, with the help of G-d, in general protection and individual protection that the regular repetition of Mishnayot brings, with the help of G-d, and there are no words to express the tremendous pleasure that they cause to the Creator of the world, blessed be He."

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While we may think that the air we breath is equal wherever we are, the teaching for today shares with us that the purity of air is created by the very words we say. When we speak words of purity - and especially words of Torah - and especially words of Mishna study, we literally purify the air around us.

How easy it is to think that we are all able to simply live by breathing the free air around us. yet there are many people unable to do this. Such people walk around with oxygen tanks and tubes running through their nostrils allowing them to breath PURE AIR!

Perhaps it may be that such people are even allergic to the bad air around them and require a pure oxygen that satiates their bodies (and souls!) Yet, with just a little effort on our part, we can all take part in purifying the air around us. (Who knows what effect this may have even on the Ozone layer?!)

This is achieved with kind words being said, words of holy Torah being spoken - and where one is able to, to literally recite Mishnayos off by heart - no matter where one is. Thereby one is able to fulfill the teaching of Torah we recite at least twice a day "... and in your going on the way". We are to learn Torah when we get up in the morning, when we go to sleep, wherever we are, and even when we are moving about all day (as passengers in a car or on a bus!) Through this, we create an environment around us filled with absolute purity.

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DID YOU KNOW?!

Did you know that the Oral Law is known as ShaS?

ShaS stands for Shisha Sedarim. The Six Orders of the Law. This is so because there are six sections of law to master:

1. Zeraim - Laws of Agriculture (and the laws for blessings)
2. Moed - Laws of the Sabbath and Festivals
3. Nashim - Laws Pertaining to Marriage and Divorce
4. Nezikin - Laws Pertaining to Damages
5. Kodashim - Laws Pertaining to the Temple, and Dietary laws
6. Taharot - Laws Pertaining to Purity and Impurity

While there are 6 orders in total, each order is broken up into numerous tractates, each tractate into numerous chapters, and each chapter into numerous Mishanyot.

Did you know that there are 525 chapters in the total system of the Oral Law?

By learning just TWO CHAPTERS a day - one can complete the entire Oral Law (in Mishna) in LESS THAN ONE YEAR!

For more information see:

http://www.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/TalmudMap/Mishnah.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mishna

Scroll to the bottom of the page of the bottom link for a list of further links for more information in learning Mishna in accordance with a proper structured program.

The Internet provides numerous sites that teach each Mishna - both in writing and in audio - allowing you to maximise your learning even if you find it difficult to find someone in person to learn from (which of course is always the best!)