HALACHA OF THE WEEK:Shnayim Mikra V'echad TargumShnayim Mikra V'echad Targum The Gemara [Berachot 8a] teaches, "one should always finish the Parshiot with the community [by studying] Shnayim Mikra V'echad Targum (the Parsha twice and Targum Onkelos once)." The Aruch Hashulchan [Orech Chaim 285:2] notes that this is a rabbinical obligation.
According to the Sefer HaChinuch, the reason for this custom is to inspire us to observe the Torah. The sages also obligated us to study in our home every week the Torah portion that is read in the synagogue to further enhance our understanding of the Torah.
The aforementioned Gemara notes that all those who engage in Shem"ot "have their days and years lengthened." One may interpret the Gemara as saying that this practice greatly enhances the quality of one's life. Surely, the joy on Simchat Torah of one who has fulfilled his Shem"ot obligation is much greater than one who has not done so. Moreover, the Shabbat of those who observe this Halacha is immensely enhanced. Indeed, the Tur and Shulchan Aruch present this Halacha in the context of Hilchot Shabbat. Rav Soloveitchik felt that the primary time for Shem"ot is Shabbat.
Many individuals do not engage in Shem"ot for a variety of reasons. There is a "Limud Zechut" (limited Halachic basis) for these people. The Bait Yosef [Orach Chaim 285 s.v. Aval Misham] cites the opinion of the Raav"an that Shem"ot is an obligation only for an individual who has not heard Kriat Hatorah in shul. According to the Raav"an, Shem"ot is merely a substitute for Kriat Hatorah.
However, the Bait Yosef points out that almost all Rishonim reject the view of the Raav"an. For example, he cites the Ramb"am [Hilchot Tefila 13:25] who writes that "although one hears the communal reading of the Torah he must study the Parsha every week Shnayim Mikra V'echad Targum." In fact, the Vilna Gaon [Biur Hagra Orech Chaim 285:1] specifically notes that the Shulchan Aruch rejects the opinion of the Raav"an.
DVAR TORAH On nearly every day of Creation, the Torah reports that G-d proclaimed "ki tov" - it was good.
Except on the second day of Creation when G-d did not make this proclamation, and then on the third day, He said "ki tov" twice.
Why? Rashi explains because, on the second day, God created the heavens, which divided the waters of the earth from the water above, a process that wasn't completed until the third day, when G-d gathered the waters into the seas.
Said Rashi, the words "ki tov" could not be pronounced until the work was complete. Therefore "ki tov" is mentioned twice on Tuesday – once for the completion of the division of the water and once in connection with the vegetation that was created.
But why would G-d wait until the third day to finish a task? What is this delay teach?
Rabbi Dov Weinberger, in his Shemen HaTov, explains that G-d wanted us to learn that sometimes we have to wait until whatever is happening in our lives is complete before we pass judgment. Because sometimes, things that appear challenging will ultimately turn out for the best, and things that might seem wonderful will not end that way.
Therefore, before proclaiming success, victory, or even "ki tov", be judicious, and maybe even wait, just as G-d did before He celebrated the creation of the waters.
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MAZAL TOV * to Daniel and Ronit Peikes on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Yonah. Mazal Tov to grandparents Dov and Debbie Peikes and Michael and Tami Schultz. Special Mazal Tov to great grandmother Mrs. Rochelle Schultz. * to Yosi and Aviva Applebaum on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Eliyahu. * to Yoel and Yehudit Goldberg on the Auf Ruf of their son Yonah Shimon and on Yonah’s upcoming marriage to Mimi Sheibein. Mazal Tov to grandparents Norman and Malkie Goldberg and Shmuel and Rivka Brandman. Special Mazal Tov to great grandmother Mrs. Connie Chaitovsky. * to Efrem and Neena Holley on the birth of a son. * to Robert and Lee Matanky on the birth of grandson Asaf Yagel. The proud parents are Gene and Arielle Matanky (Israel). Special Mazal Tov to great grandmothers Mrs. Trude Matanky and Mrs. Sharon Frankel. * to David and Rochie Porush on the engagement of their son Gavi to Nechama Levine (Waterbury, CT). Mazal Tov to grandparents Israel and Esther Porush and Dr. Yudi and Phyllis Garden. Special Mazal Tov to great grandmother Mrs. Ibi Weiss.
REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Etai Rimel who is recovering in rehab * to Shifra Yehudis Orlian who is recuperating at home * to Jack Maryles who is recuperating at home * to Gishie Siegel who is recuperating at Buckingham Pavilion
CONDOLENCES * to Deana Simon on the loss of her mother Mrs. Blanche Simon. Shiva is being observed through Motzaei Shabbat at the Bromberg Residence, 4026 Greenwood Street, Skokie - but by pre-arranged appointment only. All visits will take place in the front yard, masks required.
This week’s Virtual Shiurim are sponsored by the Matanky/Stopek family in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of their husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather Eugene Matanky z”l. DAILY & WEEKLY SHIURIM DAF YOMI – LIVE Mon.-Friday @ 7:30am; Sunday - TBA
ANNIVERSARIES Dr. and Mrs. Max Friedman (10/14) Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dukes (10/18)
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
COVID TRACING In order to assist our community in tracing COVID outbreaks (chas v’shalom) there is a grassroots efforts that has been endorsed by a number of our community organizations. For more information, click here - https://www.communitycounter.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
DAF YOMI – LIVE Mon.-Friday @ 7:30am; Sunday - TBA
3 MINUTE HALACHA – RECORDED Sunday-Friday
DAYTIME DIALOGUES
30 MINUTES OF PARSHA, Wednesdays 8:00pm
SEFER MELACHIM – LIVE Sunday @ 9:00am