HALACHA OF THE WEEK:Shaving during Sefirat HaOmer According to the Shulchan Aruch, there are two components to the observance of Sefirat HaOmer. The first is the actual counting of the Omer, something which should be done each night between Pesach and Shavuot.
However, the second component of Sefirat HaOmer, is the period of mourning that we observe during this time. While there are many different customs related to exact dates on which we must mourn, during this period, we have accepted the custom not to perform weddings, not to dance or play live or recorded music and not to get haircuts or shave.
Yet, on this final point there is some debate among contemporary poskim, especially for men who shave daily.
According to Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, if not shaving would lead to significant problems in the business environment, a person can shave during Sefira [Igrot Moshe Choshen Mishpat 1:93].
According to Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Braun, it is permitted to shave on Fridays in preparation for Shabbat [Shearim Ha Mitzuyanim B'halacha 120 note 5].
According to Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein, since the level of mourning during Sefira is analogous to the mourning period following shloshim (i.e. "yud bet chodesh), and because the honor due to Shabbat takes precedence over the mourning of Sefira [Taanit 26b], therefore it is an obligation for those who regular shave, to shave for Shabbat during Sefira.
According to Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, and Rabbi Ahron Soloveichik, since a day-old beard for a person who shaves daily is considered unkempt ("k'dei she'yigaaru bo chavereirav"), a person can shave every day of Sefira. [Nefesh HaRav p. 191].
DVAR TORAH This week’s parsha contains the first detailed list of all the kosher and non-kosher animals.
The two signs that determine the permissibility of an animal are whether it has split hooves and whether it chews its cud. Which seems simple enough, but then the Torah identifies four animals that have only one of the two signs and therefore are no kosher: the camel, hyrax, rabbit and pig. (The first three chew their cud, but do not have split hooves, and the pig has split hooves, but does not chew its cud.)
The midrash notes that when identifying these four animals, the Torah first lists which sign it has that could make it kosher, and then the one that it does not have, leading to its designation as a non-kosher animal.
Why does the Torah do this? After all, given the disqualifying sign, why even mention the kosher sign, and why mention it first?
Comments the midrash - that even when the Torah says something is not-kosher it does so by first presenting the positive description. Because G-d wants us to learn to find something good about everything. And if this is true of animals, how much more so of human beings who were created in the "image for G-d!"
Which is the message of these four animals - not only that they are non-kosher, but that when we look at someone or something, we should always try to accentuate the positive and see the value in the person or the situation before we "write it off" as unimportant, meaningless, or simply treif!
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REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Etai Rimel – Etai Yaakov ben Tzipporah, who is recovering in rehab * to Anne Maryles – Chana bat Baila
The Full day of Virtual Learning Programs on Thursday April 15th are sponsored by: * Eva Gertzfeld in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of her mother Ilona Grunfeld – Fraedel bat Zalman Leib z’l.
A Donation to the Virtual Learning Fund was made by: * Dr. Rachelle Gold in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of her father Jacob V. Gold z’l. * Dr. Dean and Juli Bell in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Juli’s mother Rheta Weisberger Harrison z’l. * Rabbi Sidney and Jacob Pick in honor of Sharon’s birthday.
BIRTHDAY Mrs. Esther Cardash (4/10) Aron Isaacs (4/12) Mrs. Esther Porush (4/12) Dr. David Spindel (4/13) Mr. Reuven Stein (4/13)
BIRTHDAYS Michali Goldberg (4/14) Mrs. Sharon Pick (4/14) Mr. Barry Smith (4/14) Mr. Josh Ross (4/15) Mrs. Louise Mayefsky (4/15) Avraham Neikrug (4/16)
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