COVID-19 Update In consultation with our medical committee. this Shabbat we will resumק food service at shul. There will be snacks served at the children's groups, kiddush at all minyanim and seudah shlishit at both KINS Main and North. However, when not eating please you wear a mask, and try to keep young, unvaccinated children with their "family pod."
HALACHA OF THE WEEK: Can a Chazan Repeat Words in the Davening? In the Mishna [Berachot 33b] we read that one who says “Modim modim” is silenced, because it appears as if one is addressing two deities. However, the Beit Yosef [Orech Chaim 61] ruled that this does not apply to most passages of Shema and Shemona Esrei. Nevertheless, many authorities rule that it is derogatory to unnecessarily repeat words. [Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz, ztz”l used to illustrate this via a story of a person approaching the president of the United States and greeting him in the following manner: "Hello, President, President, Hello, President, Biden, Biden, Biden, Hello"!]
Howevere, the Maharam Schick [Orech Chaim 31] objected to repeating words, for a different reason, ruling that it may be a "hefsek" (an unnecessary interruption) during a part of davening where such interruptions are prohibited. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein [Iggrot Moshe, Orech Chaim 22] while objecting to repeating words, ruled that is not a "hefsek" as long as one keeps the order of words intact. However, he did rule that if one repeats out of order and the meaning of the phrase changes, it is a "hefsek" which requires one to restart the prayer. Rabbi Ovadia Yosef [Yabia Omer 6 Orech Chaim 7:4-5] after reviewing all of the opinions, concluded that it is clearly a bad practice to repeat words and one who has the power to stop it, without embarrassing the chazan, should do so. [See also Responsa Sheilat Shlomo 1:24; and 7:32]
The Aruch Hashulchan [Orech Chaim 338:8] does find justification for repeating words, suggesting that it may only be a problem in the places the Talmud mentions explicitly (e.g. modim and shema). In addition, the 17th century sage, Rabbi Yehuda (Leon) Modena, in his responsa, Ziknei Yehuda [131] does permit repeating words if the chazan does so in order to enhance the kavanah of the davening.
Nevertheless, it is the custom of our K.I.N.S. community not to repeat words during davening, especially in the course of brachot and other sections of the tefillah, where added or repeated words would be considered a “hefsek”. DVAR TORAH This week's parsha of Terumah stands in stark contrast to last week's parsha of Mishpatim, which was all about monetary laws – about the physical world, while Terumah is about the relationship we have with G-d and building a sanctuary for Him.
Of course, this contrast is not a coincidence. But what was G-d trying to teach us by putting Terumah immediately after Mishpatim?
Rabbi Yosef Poznovsky, hy" d, (1875-1942) in his commentary on Chumash "Pardes Yosef," offered a fascinating explanation. The reason, he explained, is to teach us that whenever there is an opportunity to donate money to a Mishkan (or a shul), we must always be sure that the money we give is from sources that are legal and above board.
It's a theme found in the Maharsha [Ketubot 6] who wrote: "Many in this generation gather their wealth through means which are without faith in G-d and involve a chillul HaShem such as stealing from idolaters. Afterward, they donate this money to receive annual honors for themselves so that the community will bless them. Such behavior is nothing but a mitzvah that comes via a sin [mitzvah ha'baah b'aveirah]. Such money will not last."
This is the reason Mishpatim comes before Teruma – to ensure that we understand the prohibitions of theft, corruption, and usury from Jew and Gentile alike. Only when we do so can we think about pledging to build a Tabernacle for G-d.
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MAZAL TOV * to Brian & Michelle Levinson and Jeremy & Rebecca Amster on the engagement of their children Sarah & Avery. Mazal Tov to the grandparents Dr. Stephen & Cheryl Karesh, Howard & Shoshana Benditzson, Sid & Faye Levinson & Jean & Stan Kalb. * to Larry and Sheryl Merzel on the birth of a grandson. The proud parents are Tzuri and Deena Merzel (NY). * to Mrs. Bernice Novick on the birth of a great-grandson. Proud parents are Shimmy and Marni Auman.
REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Etai Rimel – Etai Yaakov ben Tzipporah, who is recovering in rehab. * to Rabbi Michael Myers who is recuperating from surgery
SPONSORS @ KINS To sponsor a Kiddush, donate to the Kiddush Fund or Learning Fund please click here.
Main Minyan Kiddush is sponsored in honor of Rabbi Aaron & Ayelet Leibtag and family, welcoming them to the KINS Family and in honor of Rabbi Leibtag's first drasha at KINS Main
Seudah Shlishit at KINS North this Shabbat and Father & Son Learning this Motzaei Shabbat is sponsored by Mr. Eric Rothner in memory of his father on his upcoming Yahrzeit – Nathan Rothner – Naftali Michoel ben Nesanel.
Rabbi Matanky’s Sunday shiur on February 6, is sponsored by Dr. Yaakov (Jordan) and Leah Hupert in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Yaakov’s father, Yeruchem ben Zerach z’l.
BIRTHDAYS Shalhevet Engelson (2/6) Meira Greenberg (2/6) Mrs. Naomi Samber (2/7) Binyomin Bachrach (2/8) Mr. Sam Kahan (2/8) Zeke Nussbaum (2/8) Chani Applebaum (2/9) Mr. Irwin Gold (2/10) Huvie Peikes (2/10) Ranan Starck (2/10)
ANNIVERSARIES Alan and Leah Cohen (2/6) Neil and Joanie Harris (2/9)
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