HALACHA OF THE WEEK: Purim Katan Seven times every 19 years, we observe leap years when an entire month (Adar Alef) is added to the calendar. While Purim and all of its associated mitzvot are observed in the following month of Adar Bet, on the 14th day of Adar Alef (this year beginning Monday night February 14th) we observe Purim Katan.
Unlike Purim, there are no mandatory observances to Purim Katan. Nevertheless, Purim Katan is a day on which eulogies and fasting are prohibited [Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim 697:1] and tachanun is not recited [ibid. and Mishna Berura note 2].
While most identify the source of these prohibitions as the Talmud [Megilla 5b] which quotes the Megillat Taanit that whatever is forbidden on Adar Bet is also forbidden on Adar Alef, another possible source is the mishna [ibid. 7b] which states that there are no differences between the two Adars, except for the reading of the megillah and matanot l'evyonim. Based on this mishna, one can understand that all other things - such as simcha and even the seudah should occur on the 14th of both Adars [B'yitzchak Yikarei 676:5 and Nitei Gavriel Purim 16 note 18]. As a result, the Rema [Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim 697:1] rules that we should have a larger meal and find added simcha on the 14th of Adar Alef.
Interestingly, based on the Talmud Yerushalmi [Megillah 1:5] the year of Purim was also a leap year, and the date that Haman planned to destroy the Jews was in Adar Alef based upon the verse [Esther 3:7] "the twelfth month, the month of Adar" (i.e. the Adar which is the twelfth month of the year and not the one that is the 13th month). However, the Chatam Sofer explained that what the Yerushalmi actually meant was that in that year, it should have been a leap year, but the Rabbis waiting until the following year to add an extra Adar. As a result, the miracle of Purim occurred in a regular year [Responsa Chatam Sofer Orech Chaim 1:163]. DVAR TORAH This week's parsha contains the first reference to the twice-daily sacrifice of the Korban Tamid, but it is not the only reference in the Torah. An almost identical instruction is found in parshat Pinchas with one slight difference. In our parsha, it says "et hakeves HAechad" [lit. THE one sheep], while in Pinchas it says "et hakeves echad" [lit. one sheep].
Why the difference? Why does the definite article ("hey ha'yediah) only appear in our parsha?
Said the Brisker Rav, zt"l, that the Torah is hinting at something - that throughout the history of the Beit HaMikdash, the morning Korban Tamid and the evening Korban Tamid were independent. If for some reason, one could not be brought, the other was still brought. The only exception to this rule occurred the first time the Korban was brought. Because on that day, the two sacrifices had to be brought as part of a pair. That is why in our parsha, dealing with the dedicating offering, the verse uses the extra "hey" - THE sheep.
Added Rabbi Dov Weinberger in his work "Shemen haTov," that there is an important lesson to be learned from this law - that whenever one starts doing something, it must be done right. As he wrote, beginnings are significant and set the tone for something that will last for many years. Therefore, even though, throughout Jewish history, the two sacrifices were not mutually dependent, when the Korban Tamid began, it had to be done in an ideal fashion with both the morning and evening Tamid.
Receive a daily 3 Minute Thought directly to your whatsapp. Click here to enroll
MAZAL TOV * to Henry and Lisa Goldberg on the birth of a grandson. The proud parents are Elana and Sammy Cohen. Special Mazal Tov to great grandmother Mrs. Sonia Goldberg.
REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Etai Rimel – Etai Yaakov ben Tzipporah, who is recovering in rehab. * to Rabbi Michael Myers who is recuperating at home.
SPONSORS @ KINS To sponsor a Kiddush, donate to the Kiddush Fund or Learning Fund please click here.
Seudat Shilishit at KINS North is sponsored by Michael and Evey Margolies in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Michael’s father, Israel Margolies ישראל חיים נן הרב יוסף מאיר ז"ל
A donation to the Learning Fund was made by: * Dr. Harvey and Diane Abramowitz in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Diane’s father, Jack Frank z’l. * Gitelle Rapoport and Gershom Szydlowski in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Gitelle’s mother, Hilda Rapoport z’l.
Congregation K.I.N.S. of West Rogers Park Main: 2800 W. North Shore Ave & North: 3003 West Touhy • Chicago, IL 60645 P 773.761.4000 • F 773.761.4959 • www.congkins.org
SEMICHAT CHAVER PROGRAM, Wednesday 8:15p
TALMUD CLASS – Shabbat, 45 minutes before mincha
