Men and Women and the Shofar

24th of Elul , 5770


Men are commanded to listen to the Shofar from the Torah, while for women it is a matter of Minhag (tradition). In practical terms, however, there is no difference between the two. Although a woman is formally exempted from every positive Mitzvah (Torah commandment) which is time bounded, Jewish women took upon themselvesvery strictly to attend Synagogue on Rosh haShana to hear the voice of the Shofar.

Why?

Because besides the formal Mitzvah involved, listening to the Shofar, as Maimonides explains, 'wakes us up from our spiritual lethargy' and help us to repent and improve our actions. The Shofar inspires all of us, men and women, to repent and do Teshuba.

Regarding the recitation of the Berakha, in Synagogue, the Tokea (the man that blows the Shofar) says the Berakha asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lishmoa kol shofar for all the community, women obviously included. However, when a woman cannot attend Synagogue for any reason and she listens to the Shofar she (or the Tokea) shouldn't say a Berakha. In the case of a man that could not attend Synagogue, he or the Tokea should say the Berakha.

Shabbat Shalom!

ROSH HASHANA: Men and women and the Shofar

24th of Elul , 5770
Halakha of the Day
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Men are commanded to listen to the Shofar from the Torah,
while for women it is a matter of Minhag(tradition). In practical terms, however,
there is no difference between the two. Although a woman is formally exempted
from every positive Mitzvah (Torah commandment) which is time bounded, Jewish women
took
upon themselvesvery strictly to attend Synagogue on Rosh haShana to hear the
voice of the Shofar.

Why?

Because besides the formal Mitzvah involved, listening to
the Shofar, as Maimonides explains, 'wakes us up from our spiritual lethargy'
and help us to repent and improve our actions. The Shofar inspires all of us,
men and women, to repent and do Teshuba.

Regarding the recitation of the Berakha, in Synagogue, the
Tokea (the man that blows the Shofar) says the Berakha asher kideshanu
bemitzvotav vetzivanu lishmoa kol shofar for all the community, women obviously
included. However, when a woman cannot attend Synagogue for any reason and she listens
to the Shofar she (or the Tokea) shouldn't say a Berakha. In the case of a man
that could not attend Synagogue, he or the Tokea should say the Berakha.

Shabbat Shalom!

Candle Lighting: 7:07 PM

Shabbat Ends: 8:13 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We and the Chinese Bamboo [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=jp7o69dab&et=1103657459915&s=689&e=001bwTU--4_1Ty1gMVmxDvoMwe6fUUbspac2pfZRi_DpHzpXAoVICcGtba-TWYpoPYJe7oe5dk7nWJC7DJsnhvmMF4EiBRmsy5Se1dmmj9z4ZT3Kv5xT9ZbiMfQPTj3YpaID1_6H2WG2AU=]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Forward email
http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=jp7o69dab&m=1103636165097&ea=halakhaoftheday.hotd@blogger.com&a=1103657459915

This email was sent to halakhaoftheday.hotd@blogger.com by halakhaoftheday@gmail.com.

Update Profile/Email Address
http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=jp7o69dab&v=001qie9IeSPzo7ebT39DTi_kzXbFd66T4U-0trr8IaIMZ6wFgqj0JDIug%3D%3D&p=oo

Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe(TM)
http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=jp7o69dab&v=001qie9IeSPzo7ebT39DTi_kzXbFd66T4U-0trr8IaIMZ6wFgqj0JDIug%3D%3D&p=un

Privacy Policy:
http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp

Email Marketing by
Constant Contact(R)
www.constantcontact.com

Rabbi Yosef Bitton. YMJC | 130 Steamboat Rd. | Great Neck | NY | 11024

Antelope's or ram's Shofar?

23rd of Elul , 5770


Traditionally, in all Sephardic communities, the most common Shofar is the ram's Shofar. Lately, however, the 'antelope' horn, which is 3 to 4 times longer than a ram's Shofar became very popular. Probably because it is easier to blow than the ram's Shofar and it has a beautiful 'deep' sound.

Can we use the 'antelope' Shofar for Rosh haShana?

Our sages mentioned the ram's horn as the ideal Shofar for Rosh haShana, because on Rosh haShana we also remember akedat Yitzchak (the binding of Yitzchak). Abraham found a ram 'caught in the thicket by its horns', which he then offered it as a sacrifice in place of Yitzchak.

Now, is the ram's horn the onlyShofar suitable for Rosh haShana or the best one?

According to Maimonides, we can use onlya ram's horn for Rosh haShana and all other Shofarot are invalid. The Shulchan Arukh took a more lenient approach, saying that a ram's horn is preferable to any other Shofar, but other Shofarot are acceptable too.

In conclusion:

On Rosh haShana -when listening to the Shofar is a Mitzvah from the Torah- we should use exclusively a ram's Shofar. If for any reason, no ram's Shofar is available, then we could use other Shofarot.

For the Tekiot that we perform during Selichot and for the Terua Gedola at the end of Yom Kippur, any Shofar is acceptable.

ROSH HASHANA: Antelope's or ram's Shofar?

23rd of Elul , 5770   Halakha of the Day Traditionally, in all Sephardic communities, the most common Shofar is the ram's Shofar. Lately, however, the 'antelope' horn, which is 3 to 4 times longer than a ram's Shofar became very popular. Probably because it is easier to blow than the ram's Shofar and it has a beautiful 'deep' sound.   Can we use the 'antelope' Shofar for Rosh haShana?   Our sages mentioned the ram's horn as the ideal Shofar for Rosh haShana, because on Rosh haShana we also remember akedat Yitzchak (the binding of Yitzchak). Abraham found a ram 'caught in the thicket by its horns', which he then offered it as a sacrifice in place of Yitzchak.   Now, is the ram's horn the only Shofar suitable for Rosh haShana or the best one? According to Maimonides, we can use only a ram's horn for Rosh haShana and all other Shofarot are invalid. The Shulchan Arukh took a more lenient approach, saying that a ram's horn is preferable to any other Shofar, but other Shofarot are acceptable too. In conclusion: On Rosh haShana -when listening to the Shofar is a Mitzvah from the Torah- we should use exclusively a ram's Shofar.  If for any reason, no ram's Shofar is available, then we could use other Shofarot. For the Tekiot that we perform during Selichot and for the Terua Gedola at the end of Yom Kippur, any Shofar is acceptable.  The tipping point for Rosh haShana

Forward email This email was sent to halakhaoftheday.hotd@blogger.com by halakhaoftheday@gmail.com. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Rabbi Yosef Bitton. YMJC | 130 Steamboat Rd. | Great Neck | NY | 11024

Why Shofar?

22nd of Elul , 5770


The most important Mitzvah of Rosh haShana is listening to the Shofar.

The Torah does not explain the reasons for the Shofar but our rabbis did.

1. The Shofar was used in ancient Israel for the King's coronation. In Rosh haShana we state that God is our King ('ol malkhut shamayim), we are His subjects and follow His rules. The King had the power to sentence or sparesomeone's life. In Rosh haShana we realize that our lives are evaluated by God, the supreme King/Judge. The key word added/emphasized in the prayers of Rosh HaShana and Yamim Noraim is: King/judge.

2. The Shofar also reminds us of akedat Yitzchak. Abraham Abinu was ready to sacrifice his own son to follow God's commandment. At the end, God told him to hold back because the test was over. Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket and he offered it as a sacrifice to God Almighty.

3. The Shofar was also used as a siren, alerting people the enemy was about to attack and their lives were in danger. In Rosh haShana the Shofar serves as a spiritual 'alert call' inviting us to introspect on the fragility of our existence and repent. The Shofar is a wake up call urging us to plead with haShem and request His mercy when judging us.

A modern narrative of akedat Yitzchak and the Shofar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEOya0ZG0I0

ROSH HASHANA: Why Shofar?

22nd of Elul , 5770   Halakha of the Day The most important Mitzvah of Rosh haShana is listening to the Shofar. The Torah does not explain the reasons for the Shofar but our rabbis did.   1. The Shofar was used in ancient Israel for the King's coronation. In Rosh haShana we state that God is our King ('ol malkhut shamayim), we are His subjects and follow His rules.  The King had the power to sentence or spare someone's life.  In Rosh haShana we realize that our lives are evaluated by God, the supreme King/Judge. The key word added/emphasized in the prayers of Rosh HaShana and Yamim Noraim is: King/judge.    2. The Shofar also reminds us of akedat Yitzchak. Abraham Abinu was ready to sacrifice his own son to follow God's commandment.  At the end, God told him to hold back because the test was over. Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket and he offered it as a sacrifice to God Almighty.   3. The Shofar was also used as a siren, alerting people the enemy was about to attack and their lives were in danger. In Rosh haShana the Shofar serves as a spiritual 'alert call' inviting us to introspect on the fragility of our existence and repent.  The Shofar is a wake up call urging us to plead with haShem and request His mercy when judging us.   A modern narrative of akedat Yitzchak and the Shofar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEOya0ZG0I0

Forward email This email was sent to halakhaoftheday.hotd@blogger.com by halakhaoftheday@gmail.com. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by Rabbi Yosef Bitton. YMJC | 130 Steamboat Rd. | Great Neck | NY | 11024

The pre meal Seder

21st of Elul , 5770


During the two nights of Rosh haShana we celebrate a 'Seder'. Unlike the Pesach Seder, which involves the performance of several Mitzvot(commandments) the Rosh haShana Seder is a Minhag (tradition). The purpose of this Seder is to wish each other, ourselves and the Jewish people a good new year.

The main blessing we wish for is peace. That is why the motif of 'save us', 'protect us' from our enemies, is said once and again.

Following an ancient custom, we associate the names of foods or fruits we eat, with a key Hebrew word which alludes to each blessing. For example, when we eat dates (in Hebrew temarim) we ask haShem to make all our enemies disappear (in Hebrew itamu). Notice, the Hebrew words for "dates" and "disappear" share the root T / M.

We also wish each other to have a year of blessings (may we have as many merits as the pomegranate's seeds; may we multiply like fish); goodness and sweetness (apple with honey).

One of the blessings comes directly from the Torah, (ki tabo): "shenihie lerosh velo lezanav," "May HaShem help us to be at the head (top of our potential as individuals and as a nation) and not at the tail (bottom)."

Similar to Pesach, this Seder takes place after the Kiddush and before the formal meal.

Some families say this Seder before, and some families after hamotzi.
Both traditions are acceptable.


Recipes for Rosh haShana 'Simanim' Seder:

http://www.ou.org/shabbat_shalom/article/segura_the_rosh_hashanah_seder/

Rosh haShana: The pre meal Seder

During the two nights of Rosh haShana we celebrate a 'Seder'. Unlike the Pesach Seder, which involves the performance of several Mitzvot (commandments) the Rosh haShana Seder is a Minhag (tradition). The purpose of this Seder is to wish each other, ourselves and the Jewish people a good new year.

The main blessing we wish for is peace. That is why the motif of 'save us', 'protect us' from our enemies, is said once and again.

Following an ancient custom, we associate the names of foods or fruits we eat, with a key Hebrew word which alludes to each blessing. For example, when we eat dates (in Hebrew temarim) we ask haShem to make all our enemies disappear (in Hebrewitamu). Notice, the Hebrew words for "dates" and "disappear" share the root T / M.

We also wish each other to have a year of blessings (may we have as many merits as the pomegranate's seeds; may we multiply like fish); goodness and sweetness (apple with honey).

One of the blessings comes directly from the Torah, (ki tabo): "shenihie lerosh velo lezanav," "May HaShem help us to be at the head (top of our potential as individuals and as a nation) and not at the tail (bottom)."

Similar to Pesach, this Seder takes place after the Kiddush and before the formal meal.  

Some families say this Seder before, and some families after hamotzi. In our community, both traditions are acceptable.

A happy day or a serious day?

20th of Elul, 5770

In less than ten days, the night of Wednesday September 8thwe will be celebrating Rosh Hashana, (New Year) 5771.
To understand the dual aspectof this Holiday let me share with you a question that was asked to Rabbi Obadia Yosef. A Chazan (cantor) asked Rabbi Yosef if the melodies of Rosh haShana’s prayers should be joyful or grim and solemn?

If we understand the nature of this question we will understand the nature of Rosh haShana.
From one side, Rosh haShana is a Yom Tob, a very happy festive day in which we bless each other wishing to have a good and sweet year. For this we do a Seder that B’H we will explain tomorrow.
We also convey to each other a second wish: ‘life’. We wish each other literally to be alive, ‘one more year’. We realize our fragility and absolute dependence on God’s mercy, thus, recovering our dormant sense of mortality.Upon realizing that ‘life’ is not a given but a delicate gift from God, Rosh haShana becomes a serious day. It becomes ‘Yom haDin’, the day of judgment. We are judged –and we must judge ourselves-if we do deserve another year of life.
Rabbi Yosef answered that the melodies of Rosh haShana should be joyful melodies.

Why?
Because although we are judged, our Judge is our own loving Father, who is ready to forgive, forget and grant us another chance!

Israel is one of the happiest countries of the world: http://www.aish.com/jw/id/101741303.html