HALACHA OF THE WEEK: The Fast of the 20th of Sivan
This Sunday (June 19), some Jewish communities will observe the fast of the 20th of Sivan - a fast established in commemoration of tragedies that befell the Jewish people.
In 4931 (1171), there was a terrible blood libel in France that led to the execution by sword and fire of 31 Torah scholars who were first given the choice of forsaking their Judaism. This episode was but a part of the tragic events of the Crusades that had begun in 1096. Rabbeinu Tam declared the 20th of Sivan a day of fasting "greater than Tzom Gedalia; like Yom Kippur." Selichot and Kinot were composed for 20 Sivan to mark it.
Almost 500 years later, in 5408-5409 (1648-49 – years that correspond to the Hebrew dates of "Tach v'Tat" [Taf-Chet and Taf-Tet]), the 20th of Sivan became associated with the pogroms of the Ukrainian anti-Semite, the Cossack leader Bogdan Chmelnitzky. Those pogroms resulted in the deaths of many tens of thousands of Jews and the destruction of hundreds of beautiful Jewish communities. The Council of the Four Lands, a powerful rabbinic body in Eastern Europe, reiterated the decree of the 20 Sivan as a fast day for males from the age of 18 and females from 15. Even neighboring countries not part of the council's domain accepted upon themselves the fast of the 20th of Sivan and all of its stringencies. The Shach (Rabbi Shabtai Cohen, famous commentator on the Shulchan Aruch) added strength to the fast day by declaring it such, even though he was outside the boundaries of the "Four Lands."
In those communities which still observe this fast, a formal "kabbalat taanit" during the preceding mincha is not necessary [Mishna Berura 574:1]. According to some authorities, if it fell on a Monday or Thursday, the Torah portion for a fast day would be read instead [Orech Chaim, Beer Heitev 566:2; Mishna Berura 566:10].
DVAR TORAH
At the beginning of this week's parsha, as G-d commands Aaron to light the menorah, Rashi (8:2) notes that this mitzvah is the connection with last week's parsha. "Because when Aaron saw the inauguration of the princes (in last week's parsha of Naso), he felt bad, for neither he nor his tribe participated in the dedication. Said, G-d: 'By your life! Your role is greater than theirs, for you will kindle and prepare the menorah.'"
The Ramban asks, why did G-d choose to console Aaron with the mitzvah of lighting the menorah rather than with the twice-daily offering of incense or the privilege of being the only one to enter the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur?
Suggested the Ramban that G-d's consolation of Aaron was not regarding the daily lighting of the menorah but rather the lighting of the menorah on Chanukah - something that resulted from the courageousness of Aaron's offspring, the Maccabim.
Rabbi Yissachor Frand explained that this Ramban teaches that sometimes, quiet things that we do in life, without fanfare and immediate recognition, have a more significant impact. Therefore are of greater importance than those things which occur with great noise, pomp, and circumstance.
For you see, the lighting of the menorah was something that Aaron did inside the Ohel Moed, while the princes' offerings were done in public, surrounded by grand celebration.
Of those offerings, unfortunately, nothing remains. But the menorah continues to illuminate our lives and symbolizes Jewish survival. Thus, what Aaron did was more significant than the acts of the princes and was a comfort to him and his descendants. .
SEMICHAT CHAVER PROGRAM,– Wednesdays at 8:15pm
SHABBAT WOMEN'S SHIUR – 5:00 pm
TALMUD CLASS – 45 minutes before mincha
