Wednesday, March 25, 2020 – 8pm Pre-Pesach Haggadah Workshop
HALACHA OF THE WEEK: The Ba'al Tefillah - When to Hesitate and When to Volunteer According to the Shulchan Aruch [Orech Chaim 53:16] when a person is approached to lead the davening, he shouldn't immediately agree. Rather, he should wait to be asked a second time (at which point he should begin to indicate his willingness) and then third time before finally agreeing to serve as a "ba'al tefillah"!
The reason for this unusual custom, is because the ideal "ba'al tefillah" is a humble individual, and therefore, should consider himself unworthy to represent the community before G-d. In fact, Rabbi Abraham David Wahrman [Eshel Avraham - Buczacz Orech Chaim 53] notes that custom should not be considered as a contrived display of humility, but rather, as an expression of one's sincere understanding of the responsibilities of a "baal tefillah."
Because of this, it is not unusual that when a gabbai is looking for a person to lead the davening, that it takes a few "tries". Because those who know of this custom will not immediately agree (unless if an important member of the community asks [Aruch HaShulchan 53:15]). Therefore, it is good practice for gabbaim not to "take 'no' for an answer. Rather, to ask second and even a third time!
However, there is an opinion that nowadays, a potential "ba'al tefillah" does not have to refuse. The reason for this is that nowadays a "ba'al tefillah" does not typically bear the burden of fulfilling other's responsibility to pray - rather everyone prays for him or herself. Therefore, serving as a "ba'al tefillah" is not the same type of honor it once was [Teshuvot v'Hanhagot 1:112].
In addition, everyone agrees that when no one else is prepared to serve as a "ba'al tefillah" it is a mitzvah to volunteer, even on Shabbat and holidays when leading the davening is still considered by many a sought-after honor [ibid.].
DVAR TORAH At the beginning of this week’s parsha we read “Vayishma Yitro” – “And Yitro heard." What did he hear? Rashi suggests two possibilities from last week’s parsha: 1) He heard about the splitting of the sea, 2) He heard about the war against Amalek.
It is easily understood how the miracle of the splitting sea could prompt Yitro to join Moshe – who wouldn’t want to join a nation that was saved by G-d? But what was it about the war with Amalek that prompted Yitro to come? But even more why did Rashi write about the war, and not the victory against Amalek?
Perhaps the answer is that what drew Yitro to join the Jews was the fact that after all of the miracles which surrounded the Exodus, after defeat of the Egyptians and miracles of the sea, Yitro was amazed that Amalek would dare to attack G-d’s people. Any other nation would know to stay far away from these "protected" people. Yet, Amalek waged war – which clearly beyond the natural order of things.
For Yitro, as much as the miracle of the sea made him want to join the Jewish people, the inexplicable hatred of Amalek motivated him as well. Because he knew that there must be something very special about a nation that caused others to dare to do the irrational – to wage war with G-d’s people.
Anti-Semitism is a terrible scourge. No one wants it, and we need to be vigilant against it. But the mere fact that small nation such as our threatens others with our mere existence, means that our existence is significant, meaningful and for some, even an unusual source of faith.
MAZAL TOV * to Michael and Tracy Aberman on the bar mitzvah of their son, Gabriel. Mazal tov to grandparents, Arthur and Sandy Aberman and Fran and Ron Schwartz A donation to the Kiddush Fund were made by Rabbi Azi & Shari Feifel in commemoration of the yahrtzeit Shari’s mother Marilyn Alllswang Eisenberg z”l
Main Minyan Kiddush is sponsored by Michael and Tracy Aberman in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son, Gabriel.
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. To help fund the Soup Kitchen,click here
CLASSES @ KINS
FRIDAY 7:05am - Daf Yomi with Yoel Goldberg
SHABBAT 8:30am - Parshat HaShavua with Rabbi Myers 3:30pm - 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
The security committee continues to look for volunteers to help with weekly Shabbat morning shmira rotations (door greeters and security camera monitoring). No experience is necessary - short training sessions will be provided. If you can assist, please email security@congkins.org.
In addition, the shul is looking for additional cell phones that can be used as emergency 911 phones. If you have any unused cell phones to donate, please email security@congkins.org
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
