Tizku Leshanim Rabbat Neimot Vtovot!! Chodesh Tov Umevorach!
This week’s Parsha Preview is co-dedicated to the refuah of the following people:
Men
Reuven Mordechai Ben Chana Batya, Yaakov David Ben Sarah, Avraham Ben Sarah, Menachem Mendel Ben Faigie Ruchel, Gilon Chaim Ben Yonit, Ofek Ben Tali, Shimon Ben Miriam, Avraham Moshe Ben Miriam Tova, Baruch Kalman Ben Leiben Jacobs, Mendel Ber Ben Sarah, Aharon Ben Tamar, Shmuel Baruch Ben Golda.
Women
Sarah Bat Channah, Chana Leah Bat Esther, Kreindel Bat Esther, Kreynah Leah Bat Rachel, Simcha Bat Mazel, Sara Bat Hodda, Kyla Chaya Bat Sarah Polson, Leiba Bat Devorah Esther, Tova Rochel Bat Chaya and Yocheved Yaakovite bat Leah.
May Hashem grant them all a speedy recovery and a complete healing.
Daven for the release of Gilad Shalit-Gilad Ben Aviva-may Hashem bring him home safe and sound. If you asked to have someone put on the refuah list please update me on how these people are doing. If you would like to add someone to the list please send me an e-mail parshapreview@gmail.com
Once again, you can have this Parshah Preview dedicated in honour or memory of a loved one, you can ask for a refuah or simply acknowledge a milestone. It does not cost a thing all you have to do is ask.
Join my blog @
http://parshapreview.blogspot.com/2010/10/yitzis-parsha-preview-noach.html
or
Join my facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124915804223995
This week’s Parsha Preview is co-dedicated to the refuah of the following people:
Men
Reuven Mordechai Ben Chana Batya, Yaakov David Ben Sarah, Avraham Ben Sarah, Menachem Mendel Ben Faigie Ruchel, Gilon Chaim Ben Yonit, Ofek Ben Tali, Shimon Ben Miriam, Avraham Moshe Ben Miriam Tova, Baruch Kalman Ben Leiben Jacobs, Mendel Ber Ben Sarah, Aharon Ben Tamar, Shmuel Baruch Ben Golda.
Women
Sarah Bat Channah, Chana Leah Bat Esther, Kreindel Bat Esther, Kreynah Leah Bat Rachel, Simcha Bat Mazel, Sara Bat Hodda, Kyla Chaya Bat Sarah Polson, Leiba Bat Devorah Esther, Tova Rochel Bat Chaya and Yocheved Yaakovite bat Leah.
May Hashem grant them all a speedy recovery and a complete healing.
Daven for the release of Gilad Shalit-Gilad Ben Aviva-may Hashem bring him home safe and sound. If you asked to have someone put on the refuah list please update me on how these people are doing. If you would like to add someone to the list please send me an e-mail parshapreview@gmail.com
Once again, you can have this Parshah Preview dedicated in honour or memory of a loved one, you can ask for a refuah or simply acknowledge a milestone. It does not cost a thing all you have to do is ask.
Join my blog @
http://parshapreview.blogspot.com/2010/10/yitzis-parsha-preview-noach.html
or
Join my facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124915804223995
Happy Birthday to:
Joe Elmaleh Thursday, October 7
Arielle Sarah Elbaz Friday, October 8
Shoshana Rivka Saturday, October 9
“Ad Meyah Vesrim Shannah”
Parshah Noach - Genesis 6:9-11:32 Torah Reading for Week of October 3-9, 2010 - Tishrei 25-Cheshvan 1, 5771
Candle Lighting for Toronto is 6:28 P.M.
Candle Lighting for Thornhill is 6:28 P.M.
Number Of Mitzvot in Parshah Noach: 0
0 Mitzvot Aseh (Positive Commandments)
0 Mitzvot Lo Taaseh (Negative Commandments-Prohibitions)
Many mitzvoth are repeated in this week’s Parsha.
Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Friday & Shabbat Parshat Noach - October 8 – 9, 2010. We take out two Sifrei Torah; seven Aliyahs in first Sefer Torah from the weekly Parsha - Noach: Maftir reads from the second Torah from Parshat Pinchat. The Maftir reads the special Haftora for Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh (Yeshayahu / Isaiah 66:1-24, repeating verse 23 at the end).
The Torah Reading on Shabbat day is divided into 7 sections. Each section is called an Aliya (meaning to go up) since for each Aliya, one person "goes up" to make a bracha on the Torah Reading. We invite the Cohen first, followed by a Levite who then in turn is followed by an Israelite. When a Cohen is not in attendance we call an Israelite in their place, if a Levite is not in attendance then the same Cohen is called in their place.
Parsha Summary – Noach
A righteous man is introduced in contrast to a generation that "has perverted its ways". Hashem instructs him to build, an ark and place in it every living creature on the land.
Noach is told to enter the Ark along with all the animals. On Cheshvan 17, 1656 - October 27, 2106 B.C.E. the flood began.
For 40 days and nights the waters increased, destroying all living things. The water raged upon the surface of the earth for 150 days, and then diminished for the next 150. On Nissan 17, May 23, the Ark rested upon Mt. Ararat. Noach sends out the Raven and then the Dove, and on Cheshvan 27,October 27, exactly 1 solar year after it began, the earth was dry.
Noach and his family exit the Tayvah, and offer sacrifices to Hashem. They are commanded to keep the 7 Noahide mitzvot. Hashem promises to never again destroy the world and designates the rainbow as the symbol of that covenant.
The story of Noach, the vineyard, and the subsequent blessings and curses is related. The descendants of Cham, Yefet, and Canaan are listed.
The story of the Tower of Babel in 1996 and Nimrod's world dominance is told. The 10 generations of Shem, culminating in the introduction of Avram and Sarai, are listed. The year is 2023. Note that Avram was 48 years old when the Tower of Babel took place and he was 56 years old when Noach died.
Make yourself an ark of gopher wood; make the ark with compartments, and tar it inside and out with pitch. (Genesis 6:13)
Rashi’s (Shlomo Yitzhaki 1040 -1105, better known by the acronym RAbbi SHlomo Itzhaki), asks why did the Almighty command Noach to build an Ark? Was it not in Hashem’s power to bring salvation through different means. Rashi gives the answer. That people will see Noach building this monstrosity of an Ark and ask Noach what are you doing?
Noach’s answer to his generation. Hashem commanded me to build this Ark because he intends to destroy the world unless you change your evil ways and repent. This is the story that we are all taught as young children. After all it does make an excellent story book to help get children off to sleep. It has everything you need for a Disney blockbuster. Peril, storms, heroes, villains and a happy rainbow. Why is this story included in the Torah and why is it the second important message of the Book of Genesis?
In order to understand this story with greater depth we need to establish some basic ground rules that the Torah follows time and time again.
1. The Torah is not a history book.
2. The Torah does not use flowery or ten cent words to describe situations.
3. No extra words are used.
4. The Torah is not a book of Grammer. Words used are specific and direct.
5. If a person is named specifically by the Torah then they are considered righteous. E.g. Avraham, Yitzchak, and Moshe.
6. If a wicked person is specifically named by the Torah then it had no choice because they were central to the message. E.g. Nimrod, Ephron the Hittite, Balak, and Bilaam.? Otherwise they are given titles, Pharaoh, Potiphar.
What was the terrible sin of Noach's generation that God sought to destroy them? The Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a) tells us that the world was immersed in jealousy, greed, theft, violence, lying, intolerance, deception and fraud. The worst of all transgressions? Explain the great commentators Rashi and Ibn Ezra: People exploited each other sexually. Furthermore, this last item was not just exclusive to mankind but to the Animal kingdom as well.
Very little is known of Noach. We have no description of his youth, and the bulk of his life. What we do know is the following:
Noach lineage is given and at the age of 500 Hashem commands him to build the Ark. Noach finds favour in the eyes of G-d. Noach is a Tzaddik and perfect in his generation.
Hashem entrusts Noach with a tremendous responsibility. You are to save the world!
It took Noach 120 years to build the Ark. Its size to give you perspective was 21 NBA regulation basketball courts. It had three floors. It was built on a mountain top for all the people to see and thus aid them to repent. Could you imagine Noach building his Ark today say at Bathurst and Lawrence and advising each passerby “repent from your wicked ways, G-d is sending a flood to destroy the world”. How many text messages or emails would Noach have sent to save people of his generation? How many did Noach save? A grand total of eight!!! They were all his family.
Noach saw the Ark as his own ticket to survival ― a chance to build a big wall and insulate himself from the evils of society. He did not reach out to his fellow person.
Avoid contact with the general population, insulate your children, and interact with only those you see eye to eye with. Do business with only those of your kind. How far has this insular perspective gotten our people.
Happy Birthday to:
Joe Elmaleh Thursday, October 7
Arielle Sarah Elbaz Friday, October 8
Shoshana Rivka Saturday, October 9
“Ad Meyah Vesrim Shannah”
Parshah Noach - Genesis 6:9-11:32 Torah Reading for Week of October 3-9, 2010 - Tishrei 25-Cheshvan 1, 5771
Candle Lighting for Toronto is 6:28 P.M.
Candle Lighting for Thornhill is 6:28 P.M.
Number Of Mitzvot in Parshah Noach: 0
0 Mitzvot Aseh (Positive Commandments)
0 Mitzvot Lo Taaseh (Negative Commandments-Prohibitions)
Many mitzvoth are repeated in this week’s Parsha.
Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Friday & Shabbat Parshat Noach - October 8 – 9, 2010. We take out two Sifrei Torah; seven Aliyahs in first Sefer Torah from the weekly Parsha - Noach: Maftir reads from the second Torah from Parshat Pinchat. The Maftir reads the special Haftora for Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh (Yeshayahu / Isaiah 66:1-24, repeating verse 23 at the end).
The Torah Reading on Shabbat day is divided into 7 sections. Each section is called an Aliya (meaning to go up) since for each Aliya, one person "goes up" to make a bracha on the Torah Reading. We invite the Cohen first, followed by a Levite who then in turn is followed by an Israelite. When a Cohen is not in attendance we call an Israelite in their place, if a Levite is not in attendance then the same Cohen is called in their place.
Parsha Summary – Noach
A righteous man is introduced in contrast to a generation that "has perverted its ways". Hashem instructs him to build, an ark and place in it every living creature on the land.
Noach is told to enter the Ark along with all the animals. On Cheshvan 17, 1656 - October 27, 2106 B.C.E. the flood began.
For 40 days and nights the waters increased, destroying all living things. The water raged upon the surface of the earth for 150 days, and then diminished for the next 150. On Nissan 17, May 23, the Ark rested upon Mt. Ararat. Noach sends out the Raven and then the Dove, and on Cheshvan 27,October 27, exactly 1 solar year after it began, the earth was dry.
Noach and his family exit the Tayvah, and offer sacrifices to Hashem. They are commanded to keep the 7 Noahide mitzvot. Hashem promises to never again destroy the world and designates the rainbow as the symbol of that covenant.
The story of Noach, the vineyard, and the subsequent blessings and curses is related. The descendants of Cham, Yefet, and Canaan are listed.
The story of the Tower of Babel in 1996 and Nimrod's world dominance is told. The 10 generations of Shem, culminating in the introduction of Avram and Sarai, are listed. The year is 2023. Note that Avram was 48 years old when the Tower of Babel took place and he was 56 years old when Noach died.
Make yourself an ark of gopher wood; make the ark with compartments, and tar it inside and out with pitch. (Genesis 6:13)
Rashi’s (Shlomo Yitzhaki 1040 -1105, better known by the acronym RAbbi SHlomo Itzhaki), asks why did the Almighty command Noach to build an Ark? Was it not in Hashem’s power to bring salvation through different means. Rashi gives the answer. That people will see Noach building this monstrosity of an Ark and ask Noach what are you doing?
Noach’s answer to his generation. Hashem commanded me to build this Ark because he intends to destroy the world unless you change your evil ways and repent. This is the story that we are all taught as young children. After all it does make an excellent story book to help get children off to sleep. It has everything you need for a Disney blockbuster. Peril, storms, heroes, villains and a happy rainbow. Why is this story included in the Torah and why is it the second important message of the Book of Genesis?
In order to understand this story with greater depth we need to establish some basic ground rules that the Torah follows time and time again.
1. The Torah is not a history book.
2. The Torah does not use flowery or ten cent words to describe situations.
3. No extra words are used.
4. The Torah is not a book of Grammer. Words used are specific and direct.
5. If a person is named specifically by the Torah then they are considered righteous. E.g. Avraham, Yitzchak, and Moshe.
6. If a wicked person is specifically named by the Torah then it had no choice because they were central to the message. E.g. Nimrod, Ephron the Hittite, Balak, and Bilaam.? Otherwise they are given titles, Pharaoh, Potiphar.
What was the terrible sin of Noach's generation that God sought to destroy them? The Talmud (Sanhedrin 57a) tells us that the world was immersed in jealousy, greed, theft, violence, lying, intolerance, deception and fraud. The worst of all transgressions? Explain the great commentators Rashi and Ibn Ezra: People exploited each other sexually. Furthermore, this last item was not just exclusive to mankind but to the Animal kingdom as well.
Very little is known of Noach. We have no description of his youth, and the bulk of his life. What we do know is the following:
Noach lineage is given and at the age of 500 Hashem commands him to build the Ark. Noach finds favour in the eyes of G-d. Noach is a Tzaddik and perfect in his generation.
Hashem entrusts Noach with a tremendous responsibility. You are to save the world!
It took Noach 120 years to build the Ark. Its size to give you perspective was 21 NBA regulation basketball courts. It had three floors. It was built on a mountain top for all the people to see and thus aid them to repent. Could you imagine Noach building his Ark today say at Bathurst and Lawrence and advising each passerby “repent from your wicked ways, G-d is sending a flood to destroy the world”. How many text messages or emails would Noach have sent to save people of his generation? How many did Noach save? A grand total of eight!!! They were all his family.
Noach saw the Ark as his own ticket to survival ― a chance to build a big wall and insulate himself from the evils of society. He did not reach out to his fellow person.
Avoid contact with the general population, insulate your children, and interact with only those you see eye to eye with. Do business with only those of your kind. How far has this insular perspective gotten our people.
The Kabbalists explain that "taiva," the Hebrew word for "ark," also means "word." We need to use our words to influence our friends, relatives and neighbor’s. We all want to “protect” our families and our homes to build our own personal ark. Yet at the same time we are obligated to use the power of words to reach out and influence others. Noah was given 120 years to build his "taiva." We are given 120 years-ad meyah vesrim shana ― a full lifetime ― to do the same.
What can we do? We can attend a Torah class and teach over what we've learned to others. We can open our homes to the unaffiliated Jew. Invite a friend to attend a lecture on a Jewish topic. Invite a friend out during the week to a kosher dinner.
How successful do you think Noach would have been had it been our generation? We can ask the question of our generation. Since Noach built the Ark has mankind changed its ways?
We just spent the better part of a month engaged in the act of self-inspection. Looking at our actions and planning how we need to change. Making plans and promises to ourselves. Perhaps the story of Noach and his ark is presented here at this time and as the second major encounter with Hashem is too stir us to action. To put all of that self-inspection into action. Tou came closer to G-d through Tefilah (Prayer), Tseuvah (repentance) and Tzadakah (Charity), now go out and put it to good use.
It’s time to speak up, change, reach out and influence….
Halacha of the Week
Please note that the Halachot discussed here are according to Sephardic Tradition as outlined by The Maran Shulchan Aruch. This is just a summary and in no way deemed as a Halachic ruling. Please contact your local Orthodox Rabbi for help.
I will be reviewing the laws concerning Shabbat observance.
Allowing a Gentile to Voluntarily Perform a Melacha on Shabbat; Making an Indirect Request to a Gentile on Shabbat
Generally speaking, Halacha forbids instructing a gentile to perform Melacha (activity forbidden on Shabbat) on a Jew's behalf on Shabbat (The exception to this rule is to safeguard life). Moreover, as noted by the Mishna Berura (commentary to the Shulhan Aruch by Rabbi Yisrael Kagan, 1839-1933) in Siman 276 (11), if a gentile voluntarily offers to perform a Melacha on a Jew's behalf, the Jew must object and instruct the gentile to desist. Even though the gentile acts voluntarily, and not at the Jew's behest, the Jew must nevertheless voice his objection since the gentile seeks to perform a Melacha on his behalf. (Needless to say, one need not stop a gentile from performing Melacha on Shabbat for his own purposes.) This applies even if the Jew has no intention of deriving any benefit from the action the gentile seeks to perform. If the gentile acts in order to do a service to the Jew, the Jew must object.
One common example of this Halacha arises when a non-Jewish housekeeper volunteers to turn on a light in a dark room for her Jewish employer. Not only does Halacha forbid instructing or asking her to turn on the light, it also requires the Jew to tell her not to turn on the light if she offers to do so. Similarly, if the gardener arrives on Shabbat to work on the lawn, one must instruct him not to do so. (Of course, one should clarify from the outset when hiring a gardener that no gardening work should be done on Shabbat or holidays.)
If a person sits in a dimly-lit room, where there is sufficient light for whichever activity he wishes to perform in that room (e.g. reading or eating), he may indirectly ask a gentile to turn on a light by indicating his desire for additional illumination. Thus, for example, if the lights are turned off but the sunlight from the windows provides enough light to read, one who wishes some additional light may say to his gentile housekeeper, "This room could use some more light." Although he may not explicitly request that she turn on the light, he may, in this situation, express his request indirectly. This is the ruling of several authorities, including the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) in his Birke Yosef (307:6), the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) in his Rav Pe'alim (Orah Haim 83), and Hacham Ovadia Yosef in Halichot Olam (vol. 3, p. 179).
If the room is dark, however, such that one cannot perform the desired activity in the room, then he may not ask a gentile even indirectly to turn on a light. Indirect requests are allowed only in cases where there is sufficient light and one seeks additional illumination.
This Parsha Preview is sponsored by Cars And Trucks 4 Less, Sales, Leasing and Financing. If you are in the market for a New or Used Vehicle give us a call “we will steer you in the right direction”. Please call 416-829-1761.
If you would like your company or service listed here please do not hesitate to ask. I do not take a fee for this. It is very important for us to support and promote local Jewish businesses. We spend so much time looking for the best deal possible that we lose sight of obligation to support our “brothers”. It’s forbidden to give business to others; we are obligated to do business with fellow Jews. Trust me when I say that the other nations put the welfare of their own first and not looking for the best deal in town. Again, there is no charge and would be my pleasure to list your service, product or business. All you have to do is ask.
Shabbat Shalom Umevorach-A peaceful and Blessed Shabbat
Yitzchak Alloul
What can we do? We can attend a Torah class and teach over what we've learned to others. We can open our homes to the unaffiliated Jew. Invite a friend to attend a lecture on a Jewish topic. Invite a friend out during the week to a kosher dinner.
How successful do you think Noach would have been had it been our generation? We can ask the question of our generation. Since Noach built the Ark has mankind changed its ways?
We just spent the better part of a month engaged in the act of self-inspection. Looking at our actions and planning how we need to change. Making plans and promises to ourselves. Perhaps the story of Noach and his ark is presented here at this time and as the second major encounter with Hashem is too stir us to action. To put all of that self-inspection into action. Tou came closer to G-d through Tefilah (Prayer), Tseuvah (repentance) and Tzadakah (Charity), now go out and put it to good use.
It’s time to speak up, change, reach out and influence….
Halacha of the Week
Please note that the Halachot discussed here are according to Sephardic Tradition as outlined by The Maran Shulchan Aruch. This is just a summary and in no way deemed as a Halachic ruling. Please contact your local Orthodox Rabbi for help.
I will be reviewing the laws concerning Shabbat observance.
Allowing a Gentile to Voluntarily Perform a Melacha on Shabbat; Making an Indirect Request to a Gentile on Shabbat
Generally speaking, Halacha forbids instructing a gentile to perform Melacha (activity forbidden on Shabbat) on a Jew's behalf on Shabbat (The exception to this rule is to safeguard life). Moreover, as noted by the Mishna Berura (commentary to the Shulhan Aruch by Rabbi Yisrael Kagan, 1839-1933) in Siman 276 (11), if a gentile voluntarily offers to perform a Melacha on a Jew's behalf, the Jew must object and instruct the gentile to desist. Even though the gentile acts voluntarily, and not at the Jew's behest, the Jew must nevertheless voice his objection since the gentile seeks to perform a Melacha on his behalf. (Needless to say, one need not stop a gentile from performing Melacha on Shabbat for his own purposes.) This applies even if the Jew has no intention of deriving any benefit from the action the gentile seeks to perform. If the gentile acts in order to do a service to the Jew, the Jew must object.
One common example of this Halacha arises when a non-Jewish housekeeper volunteers to turn on a light in a dark room for her Jewish employer. Not only does Halacha forbid instructing or asking her to turn on the light, it also requires the Jew to tell her not to turn on the light if she offers to do so. Similarly, if the gardener arrives on Shabbat to work on the lawn, one must instruct him not to do so. (Of course, one should clarify from the outset when hiring a gardener that no gardening work should be done on Shabbat or holidays.)
If a person sits in a dimly-lit room, where there is sufficient light for whichever activity he wishes to perform in that room (e.g. reading or eating), he may indirectly ask a gentile to turn on a light by indicating his desire for additional illumination. Thus, for example, if the lights are turned off but the sunlight from the windows provides enough light to read, one who wishes some additional light may say to his gentile housekeeper, "This room could use some more light." Although he may not explicitly request that she turn on the light, he may, in this situation, express his request indirectly. This is the ruling of several authorities, including the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) in his Birke Yosef (307:6), the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) in his Rav Pe'alim (Orah Haim 83), and Hacham Ovadia Yosef in Halichot Olam (vol. 3, p. 179).
If the room is dark, however, such that one cannot perform the desired activity in the room, then he may not ask a gentile even indirectly to turn on a light. Indirect requests are allowed only in cases where there is sufficient light and one seeks additional illumination.
This Parsha Preview is sponsored by Cars And Trucks 4 Less, Sales, Leasing and Financing. If you are in the market for a New or Used Vehicle give us a call “we will steer you in the right direction”. Please call 416-829-1761.
If you would like your company or service listed here please do not hesitate to ask. I do not take a fee for this. It is very important for us to support and promote local Jewish businesses. We spend so much time looking for the best deal possible that we lose sight of obligation to support our “brothers”. It’s forbidden to give business to others; we are obligated to do business with fellow Jews. Trust me when I say that the other nations put the welfare of their own first and not looking for the best deal in town. Again, there is no charge and would be my pleasure to list your service, product or business. All you have to do is ask.
Shabbat Shalom Umevorach-A peaceful and Blessed Shabbat
Yitzchak Alloul
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