DVAR TORAH At the beginning of this week’s parsha, we read of the mitzvah to donate the half-shekel coin: "This shall be given by everyone who passes through the counting, from twenty years old and up, a half shekel from the holy shekel coin..." Rashi citing a midrash notes that when G-d said the word “this” He actually showed Moshe a coin made from fire weighing a half shekel and said "this is what they shall give." But why was this necessary? Why did G-d have to show a coin to Moshe?
Rabbi Zalman Sorotzkin, z”l, in his commentary Oznaim LaTorah explained that Moshe had difficulty understanding how money could serve as an atonement. How could something that is the cause of so much evil and trouble serve to bring man closer to His Maker?
Therefore, G-d showed him a coin made out of fire. Why fire? Because fire can be the most destructive thing in the world. But on the other hand, fire also provides us with warmth in the winter and is heat to cook our food. Quite simply, the world could not exist without fire.
And the same is true of a coin. Money is often the root of so many evils in this world - but ity can also be used to spread goodness in this world. It all depends on how it is used.
Which is a lesson we must learn, not only about money, but about all of the blessings that G-d grants us. We must learn to use our blessings wisely, because if we don’t those very blessing can cause us harm. As the Netziv taught on the opening words of the priestly blessing “may G-d bless you and watch over you” - may He give you blessings and protect you from those very blessings!
HALACHA OF THE WEEK: Thirty Days Before Pesach… we begin to review the laws of Pesach According to the Gemara [Pesachim 6a-b], thirty days before a chag, we must study the laws of the chag. The Gemara learns this rule from Moshe Rabbeinu, who taught the laws of Pesach Sheini on Pesach Rishon [Bamidbar 9].
However, Rabbenu Nissim of Gerona (the Ran), in his commentary to Rif, Megillah 2b, points out that the Gemara [Megillah 32a] seems to disagree with the thirty-day rule. Because according to the Gemara in Megillah, Moshe issued an enactment that we should learn the laws of a holiday on the holiday itself.
The answer, wrote the Ran, is that we must speak about and learn the laws on the holiday itself. While thirty days in advance, the rabbis must be prepared to answer any questions people might have. According to Ran, a typical baal habayit does not have to start reviewing the laws of a holiday thirty days in advance.
However, the Chofetz Chaim disagrees and writes in his Biur Halacha [Orech Chaim 429 s.v. sho’alin] that the vast majority of Rishonim disagree with the Ran and believe that there are two obligations — to study the laws beginning thirty days in advance on the holiday and also to study them on the holiday itself.
And the very first halacha we can review is what really needs to be cleaned for Pesach, because cleaning for Pesach is not as hard as it seems. Click here - http://www.congkins.org/pesach---cleaning.html to learn more.
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MAZAL TOV * to Rabbi Yehuda and Yosepha Krohn on the engagement of their son Binyomin to Ori Shulman (Oranit, Israel). * to Chaim and Judy Reich on the bat mitzvah of their grandaughters, Naama and Ilana Ninio. Proud parents are Shira and Motti Ninio.
REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Rachel Silverman who is recuperating at home. * to Mrs. Trude Matanky who is recovering from surgery at Evanston Hospital
CONDOLENCES Condolences to Dr. Julian and Sarah Ungar on the loss of Julian’s father, Mr. Shlomo Ungar z’l. The funeral was in Israel. Dr. Ungar will be sitting Shiva in Israel until Sunday, 6:00 pm at 12 Trumpeldor, 2nd floor, Yerushalayim (Tel: 02-623-5998). He will be returning to Chicago on Monday morning and will be sitting at his home, 3100 W. North Shore through Wednesday morning. Shacharit Monday – Wednesday is at 7:30 am and Mincha/Maariv Monday and Tuesday will be at 6:40 pm.
SPONSORS @ KINS To sponsor a Kiddush, Seuda Shlishit, or to donate to the Kiddush Fund or Learning Fund please click here.
The week of learning, March 11-March 17 is sponsored by Sam and Mimi Seleski in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Sam’s mother, Malvina Seleski z’l שרה מלכה בת שמעיה
The Day of Learning, March 11 – 18 Adar is sponsored by Ronald and Elaine Miller in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Ronald’s mother, Sylvia Miller z’l - צביה בת שלמה ז'ל
Rabbi Yona Reiss’ From the Dayan’s Desk shiur, Monday March 13th is sponsored by Sam and Mimi Seleski in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Sam’s mother, Malvina Seleski z’l שרה מלכה בת שמעיה on the 20 Adar.
A donation to the Kiddush Fund was made by Judy and Chaim Reich in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Judy’s mother, Mrs. Leonore Mendelsberg z’l.
BIRTHDAYS Mrs. Cheryl Karesh (3/11) Dr. Channah Naiman (3/11) Mr. Jonathan Halpert (3/14) Ruti Heifetz (3/14) Mrs. Yafa Levitt (3/14) Naava Bresler (3/15) Sarah Levitt (3/15) Mr. Bradley Widawer (3/15) Mr. Zevi David (3/16) Jonah Levinson (3/17) Rachel Neikrug (3/17)
ANNIVERSARIES Moti and Yaffi Loterstein (3/12) Sandy and Art Aberman (3/16)
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 - Wed. 8:15pm
SHABBAT WOMEN'S SHIUR - 4:00pm 
TALMUD CLASS – 45 minutes before mincha
SEFER YESHAYAHU - Sundays, 9:00pm 