HALACHA OF THE WEEK: When Does the Mitzvah of Affixing a Mezuzah Begin? The mitzva of placing a mezuzah on the "doorpost of your home and gates" begins as soon as a person moves into his or her home. If there is a delay between when you move your belongings into the house and when you begin living there, you should wait until you begin to live there to affix the mezuzot [Mishna Berura 19:4].
However, if that home is only rented, the obligation to affix a mezuzah is delayed until thirty have passed. The reason for this is that outside of Israel, a rented home is not considered completely "yours" until thirty days have passed [Yoreh De'ah 286:22].
However, since most of our rented homes involved a long-term lease (a year or more) many authorities suggest that we act more stringently and, even in a rented house affix the mezuzot immediately - WITHOUT a beracha. Then after thirty days remove one mezuzah, recite the blessing, and return it to its proper place. (If it is difficult to do so, then the mezuzah need not be removed -- merely touching it is sufficient for the blessing to be recited.) [Igrot Moshe, Yoreh De'ah vol. 1, no. 179]
One final issue, regarding those who sell or rent their homes to other Jews. There is a common misperception that the sellers/renters must leave their mezuzot for the next tenants. This is true, however, it is also true that the new tenants/buyers can be asked to pay for the mezuzot [Shulchan Aruch Yore Deah 291:2]. If they refuse to do so, the sellers/renters may remove the mezuzot. Ideally, however, this issue should be dealt with in advance in the contract/lease.
DVAR TORAH In this week’s Torah portion we read the saga of Yitzchak and the wells. At first, Yitzchak visits the wells that his father had used and were destroyed by the Philistines. In response, Yitzchak instructs his workers to repair them.
The Torah then relates that an additional series of three wells were dug in the area of Grar. The first two became a source of dispute (‘Esek’ - contention and ‘Sitna’ -enmity) while the third (‘Rechovot’ - open space/peace) was enjoyed without any acrimony.
Clearly, there is deep symbolic meaning in the discussion of these wells, as the Torah devoted ten verses to discuss these events.
According to the Ramban, and based upon a verse in Jeremiah (17:13), the wells represented the spirituality that emanated from the Batei Mikdash. Just as the first two wells were destroyed because of disputes, so too were the first two Temples destroyed because of dispute. However, the third Beit HaMikdash will be built at the end of days - at a time of peace, thus the name ‘Rechovot.’
The Kli Yakar adds to the insight of the Ramban, explaining that a careful reading of these verses reveal that regarding the first well, the shepherds were the ones arguing, while the term used in the argument of the second well seems to indicate that all were involved in the disagreement. Which, suggests the Kli Yakar foreshadows the story of the first two Batei Mikdash. In the first, it was the kings (the shepherds, or leaders) who created the conflict, as the Jews became divided into a northern and southern kingdom. While the second Mikdash was destroyed due to sinat chinam (baseless hatred among Jews). In this case, the dispute was more widespread, as the masses became embroiled in senseless arguments.
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MAZAL TOV * to Oren and Noemy Skidelsky on the birth of twin grandsons. Proud parents are Noam and Avigayil Skidelsky. Mazal tov to great-grandparents, Shoshana & Howard Benditzon, and Sharon Skidelsky. * to Emily Morris on the recent Bar Mitzvah of her grandson, Charlie Morris. * to Jim and Terri Rosenwasser on the upcoming marriage of their daughter Gila to Ben Smillie. Mazal Tov to grandparents, Mrs. Jackie Rosenwasser and Mr. and Mrs. Merrill Raul. * to Rabbi Kenny and Shelley Zisook on the birth of a grandson. The proud parents are Rabbi Josh and Talia Zisook. * to Dean and Roz Isaacs on the birth of a grandson. The proud parents are Sarah and Eli Greenberg. REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Etai Rimel – Etai Yaakov ben Tzipporah, who is recovering in rehab.
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DAILY & WEEKLY SHIURIM Please note: Rabbi Myers' Parsha Class will not meet Shabbat morning 10/23
ANNIVERSARIES Daniel and Alida Harris (11/9)
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, Wednesday 8:15p
TALMUD CLASS – Shabbat, 45 minutes before mincha
