Torah

Based on shiurim given by Rav Yisrael Altusky shlita, Yeshiva Torah Ore, Yerushalayim

What should be our focus during the hot summer months, especially during bein ha’metzarim—the Three Weeks? This time of year, which coincides with camp and “summer fun,” is rarely anticipated with excitement. It begins with the fast of Shiva Asar b’Tamuz, commemorating the breaching of the walls of Yerushalayim, and culminates with Tishah b’Av, the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash. The minhagim and restrictions observed during this period—particularly as Av begins—are far from enjoyable. (Unless, of course, you’re looking forward to all-dairy meals. Just avoid the siyum!)

Journey Through Pesachim Begins 25 Tammuz

When HaGaon HaRav Dov Landau, shlita, wrote a historic letter this past Rosh Chodesh Kislev encouraging Klal Yisrael to begin learning Masechta Eruvin with the Amud HaYomi Program, the idea of completing the long, difficult masechta seemed like a pipe dream for many.

Did you know that if you start Masechta Pesachim this week with the Amud HaYomi, you can complete the entire masechta before the coming Pesach?! Yes, with a relatively small investment of time and effort every day, you can be koneh a masechta and know it well!

The summer season always brings a special atmosphere, especially for kids—camp, swimming, and exciting outdoor activities. But it also brings challenges, such as the heat. For women, maintaining tznius; for men, dressing appropriately for tefilah, wearing tzitzis, and guarding what they see.

In our previous article, we began exploring the mistake and tikkun of the Nesiim. To review: during the chanukas haMishkan (the inauguration of the Tabernacle), the Nesiim (princes) of each Shevet (tribe) contributed spectacular gifts toward the Mishkan (Bamidbar, perek 7). Chazal explain that these donations were intended to be a tikkun (rectification) for their previous sin (see Rashi, Bamidbar 7:3; Sifri, Naso 1:150). Earlier in the Torah, the Nesiim are criticized for their inappropriate approach regarding their donations toward the building of the Mishkan (Rashi, Shemos 35:27). They delayed in donating gifts for the Mishkan, and in the interim the Jewish People donated everything needed for the Mishkan, leaving the Nesiim with nothing to give.

When you wake up in the morning, how do you start your day? Many people immediately take out their phones, look at their messages, and are bombarded by a rush of incoming data. But in doing so, we begin our day in a reactive state, allowing external stimuli to become the foundation of our day. With that starting point, it is all too easy for the entire day to become one long reactive experience.