Wednesday, March 25, 2020 – 8pm Pre-Pesach Haggadah Workshop
HALACHA OF THE WEEK: Mi'shenichnas Adar For an overview of the Laws of Purim – click here
The Talmud in Taanit [29b] notes that just as when the month of Av arrives, we should reduce our joy, so too when Adar arrives we should increase our joy, which, according to Rashi is because these were days of miracles for klal Yisrael. The Talmud continues and says that if one has a court case with a non-Jew he should schedule it to take place in Adar when his "mazal" is good.
Although there are no halachically mandated changes for Adar, the deeper message in "mishenichnas Adar marbim b’simcha" is that we are entering a time of redemption and salvation beginning with Adar and Purim and carrying straight through Pesach.
The Sfat Emet suggests an alternative to Rashi’s explanation. The joy in Adar is not due to the miracles that took place. Rather it is because of the ability to continue to offer the sacrifices in the Beit Hamikdash - something that was enabled by the collection of the half-shekel which began in this month, and something that we recall this week with the special reading of “parshat shekalim.”
DVAR TORAH In last week's parasha, when facing the majestic moment of “matan Torah”, the Jews enthusiastically proclaimed: "We will do everything G-d has commanded" [Shemot 19:8]. But this week, they went a step further, adding the words "and we will listen" to that first proclamation - or in Hebrew “na’aseh v’nishmah” [Shemot 24:7].
According to Rashi, despite its location in this week's parsha, the Jews said “na’aseh v’nishmah” before the Torah was given. This opinion, which is based on a midrash, is the source of many divrei Torah, all of which praise the Jews’ willingness to fulfill the words of G-d “sight unseen”.
Yet, both the Ibn Ezra and Ramban disagree with Rashi and write that the events as presented in these two parashiyot are in chronological order, and that the Jews said “na’aseh v’nishmah” only after the Torah was given, and the laws of Mishpatim were presented.
If so, what lesson can we learn from this post-“matan Torah” acceptance?
Rabbi Yehuda Shaviv suggested that the lesson is an even greater one. For while it is praiseworthy to be enthusiastic about something before it happens, what is even more important is to maintain that enthusiasm after the glory of that event has passed. Therefore, if the Jews proclaimed “na’aseh v’nishmah” surrounded by miracles and overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of Sinai is not as great as proclaiming it even later, when things quieted down, and realities of a life bounded by Torah law was already before them.
But that's what they did! Even after learning of the mundane matters of slaves and damages, oxen, open pits and dietary laws, the Jewish people were true to their promise, and not only repeated their declaration: "We will do everything which G-d commanded," but added "and we will listen." Which may just be a sign of even greater faith and belief!
MAZAL TOV * to Larry and Sheryl Merzel on the birth of a granddaughter, born to Benji and Rafi Merzel (Toronto). Early Minyan Shabbat Mevorchim Kiddush extras are sponsored by Jim and Meira Mainzer.
REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Ephraim Rimel and Itai Rimel * to Shifra Yehudis Orlian * to Joe Samuels who is recuperating at home.
Every Tuesday evening - K.I.N.S. is proud to host a kosher soup kitchen for the less fortunate. To volunteer,click here. NEEDED: “last-minute” volunteers - to be on the list to call when we need more workers, please email, president@congkins.org
CLASSES @ KINS
FRIDAY 7:05am - Daf Yomi with Yoel Goldberg
SHABBAT 8:30am - Parshat HaShavua with Rabbi Myers NEW TIME 4:00pm - Parshat HaShavua with Wisdom of Torah Institute The speaker this week is Dr. Esther Shkop 45 min. before mincha - Talmud Class with Rabbi Matanky 1 hour after havdala - Father and Son Learning
SUNDAY 6:30am - Daf Yomi with Yoel Goldberg 9:00am – Sefer Melachim Alef with Rabbi Matanky 9:00am – Halacha with Rabbi Bresler 8:00pm – SNL for high school boys with YU Torah MiTzion Kollel 8:00pm – Night Seder with YU Torah MiTzion Kollel
MONDAY 7:05am – Daf Yomi with Yoel Goldberg 7:45pm – College Students Learning (every other week) 8:00pm – “Through the Lens of a Modern Day Posek” with Rabbi Meyers 8:00pm - Daf Hashavua Chabura with YU Torah MiTzion Kollel 8:00pm – Night Seder with YU Torah MiTzion Kollel
TUESDAY 7:05am – Daf Yomi with Yoel Goldberg 2:00pm – Chumash Shiur with Rabbi Bresler 8:00pm - Daf Hashavua Chabura with YU Torah MiTzion Kollel 8:00pm – Night Seder with YU Torah MiTzion Kollel
WEDNESDAY 7:05am – Daf Yomi with Yoel Goldberg 12:45pm - Tanach B'Shana with Emma Katz 2:00pm – Chumash Shiur with Rabbi Bresler 7:00pm - Bat Mitzvah Program with NILI 8:00pm - Daf Hashavua Chabura with YU Torah MiTzion Kollel 8:00pm – Night Seder with YU Torah MiTzion Kollel
THURSDAY 7:15am - Daf Yomi with Yoel Goldberg 8:00pm – Night Seder with YU Torah MiTzion Kollel
Daf Hashavua Chabura: The Kollel is learning one daf of Mesechet Moed Katan each week during Night Seder. The Chabura has chavtura learning for men three nights a week in an independent and supportive environment, with Kollel rabbis available for questions and weekly wrap-ups. This is perfect for men looking for consistent Gemara learning. For more information contact DKanter@torahchicago.org.
SECURITY COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Beginning this week, the codes on the main doors will be changed from time to time. Please pay attention to the signs on the doors for new instructions. The shul security committee is looking for volunteers to help monitor security cameras in the office and/or to serve as door greeters for 30-minute periods during services. If you interested in helping, please contact the security committee at security@congkins.org.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT: Chicago Jewish Population Study Every ten years, a study is conducted in the Chicagoland area to measure the size of our Jewish community and determine its unique needs. This spring, NORC at the University of Chicago in partnership with Brandeis University are conducting the Metropolitan Chicago Jewish Population Study – a survey of our Jewish community in the Chicagoland area. The survey asks questions regarding characteristics, behaviors, attitudes, and needs of community members to inform future planning. The study is sponsored by the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago.
You may receive a letter, an email, and/or a phone call from NORC at the University of Chicago asking for your participation in this survey. Because this is a scientific survey, you may or may not receive a survey invitation. If you are invited, we encourage you to respond and participate.
Congregation K.I.N.S. of West Rogers Park 2800 W. North Shore Ave • Chicago, IL 60645 P 773.761.4000 • F 773.761.4959 • www.congkins.org
