DVAR TORAH Before the events at Sinai, the Torah reports: "They traveled from Refidim, and they came to Mount Sinai and stopped in the desert. Israel rested there opposite the mountain." [Shemot 19:2]. Because this last phrase ("Israel rested") is written in the singular ("vayichan"), the midrash teaches "that here, in the end, they were all together, as with a single heart" - because, as Rashi reiterates, the Torah cannot be given to individuals or diverse groups, no matter how exalted they are. Instead, the Torah must be given to the entire nation of Israel only when they are together "as one man, with a single heart" [Rashi].
Interestingly, the first of the Ten Commandments ("I am your G-d"), which is also written in the singular, could be interpreted similarly - as if addressed to the entire nation as a single group. However, the Midrash Tanchuma saw it as being meant for each and every individual: "Rabbi Levi said, the Almighty appeared to them like an image which looks back with a different face to each of a thousand people who look at it. So it was when the Almighty spoke: each and every one of Yisrael felt that He had spoken directly to him... Rabbi Yossi ben Chanina said the words were spoken to each and every one of them according to his own level. Do not wonder how this can be; it is similar to the manna which fell from heaven, which tasted differently to each one of Yisrael, according to his level. This will certainly also be true of spoken words."
Why the difference between these two cases of singular forms? The answer explained the Ramban is that while the Torah could only be received at a time of complete unity - it can be given to each individual because each of us has a personal responsibility for them! "The commandments were written in the singular ... to warn that each individual may be punished for transgressing the mitzvot since each and every one was spoken to and was given the commandments." [Ramban, Shemot 20:2] HALACHA OF THE WEEK: Standing for Reading the Aseret HaDibbrot This Shabbat, in the course of the regular Torah reading, we will also read the Aseret HaDibbrot ("Ten Commandments").
The Talmud [Brachot 12a] discusses that while the Aseret HaDibbrot were read daily in the Beit HaMikdash, outside the Beit HaMikdash, it was not. This was to avoid the misperception that this section of the Torah was any more important than any other section of the Torah. For this reason, there is a disagreement among halachic authorities on whether one should stand specifically for the reading of the Aseret HaDibbrot -- perhaps someone would think that this section bears greater importance than other sections of the Torah.
Those who advocate that one should stand during the reading of this section suggest that this is reminiscent of the moment when the Torah was given and all of the people stood around Mt. Sinai [Shaarei Ephraim 7:37; Tzitz Eliezer 7:26; Yaskil Avdi 2:1 and 7:1] Others are concerned that standing may be misunderstood and therefore forbid any special mode of reading/listening to the Aseret HaDibbrot [Rambam Teshuvot 46; Kaf HaChayim 194:30; Yichave Daat 1:29 and 6:8].
A compromise position is suggested by both Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and Moshe Shternbuch, that if one were to stand for a bit BEFORE the reading of the Aseret HaDibbrot that it would be permitted to remain standing for this section as well [Yichave Daat 6:8; Teshuvot V'hanHagot 1:144]. However, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein does caution us that whatever custom exists in the community should remain and not be swayed by opposing positions [Iggrot Moshe Orech Chayim 4:22].
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MAZAL TOV * to Joel and Jenny Jacobson on the birth of granddaughter, Dina Bracha.. The proud parents are Rafi and Ariella Jacobson (Israel.) Special Mazal Tov to great grandmother Mrs. Naomi Jacobson.
* to Jonathan and Hannah Halpert on the birth of a son. Mazal Tov to grandparents Alan and Brenda Halpert and Kevin and Lisa Klein. The Shalom Zachor will take place at 8:00 pm at the Halpert home, 2901 W. Jerome. The bris will be Shabbat following Musaf at KINS North. Kiddush at KINS North is sponsored by the Halpert and Klein families in honor of the bris. REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Rachel Silverman who is recuperating at home. * to Esther Meyers who is recuperating at home * to Shelley Stopek who is recuperating at home.
SPONSORS @ KINS To sponsor a Kiddush, Seuda Shlishit, or to donate to the Kiddush Fund or Learning Fund please click here.
Seuda Shlishit at KINS Northis sponsored in commemoration of Tanielle Miller's 18th yartzheit by Glenn, Ruth and family.
A donation to the Kiddush Fund was made by: * Shari and Azi Feifel and family in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Shari’s mother, Marilyn Allswang Eisenberg z’l.
* Efrem and Neena Holly in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Neena’s sister, Chana Tziporah Klein z’l.
* Joel and Jenny Jacobson in honor of the birth of their granddaughter, Dina Bracha.
The Week of Learning, February 12 – February 18 is sponsored by Sam and Mimi Seleski, in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Sam’s grandmother, Gitza Scheiner z’l גיצע בת גרשון חיים.
The Day of Learning, Monday, February 13th (22nd Shevat), is sponsored by Liliane Dayan and the Shiner, Zalta and Afilalo families in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of their husband, father and grandfather, Raymond Dayan, Shimon Rachamim ben Chana z’l.
DAYTIME DIALOGUES: Wednesdays at noon 30 MINUTES OF PARSHA - Wed. 8:00pm/Shabbat 8:30am
SEMICHAT CHAVER PROGRAM - Wed. 8:15pm
SHABBAT WOMEN'S SHIUR - 4:00pm
TALMUD CLASS – 45 minutes before mincha
PARENT-CHILD LEARNING - 1 hour after havdala
SEFER YESHAYAHU - Sundays, 9:00pm
BIRTHDAYS Yonatan Greenberg (2/12) Abie Jacobs (2/12) Dr. Gita Resnicoff (2/12) Mr. Marshal Meyers (2/14) Mr. Steve Lavenda (2/15) Shmuel Horowtiz (2/16) Sadie Weinberger (2/16) Mazhira Bleichman (2/17) Mrs. Ahuva Horowitz (2/17)
ANNIVERSARIES Brian and Michelle Levinson (2/14)
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
PARENT-CHILD LEARNING - 1 hour after havdala
SEFER YESHAYAHU - Sundays, 9:00pm