DVAR TORAH In the middle of this week's parsha, we read G-d's promise of the manna: "Behold I will rain down for you, food from heaven... to test you, whether you will follow My Torah or not."
But, if G-d is providing ALL their needs, what kind of test could that possibly be?
According to Rashi, the G-d's test was whether the Jewish people would observe all the mitzvot associated with the manna (e.g., only collecting a certain amount, not collecting it on Shabbat, etc.)
However, Sforno suggested a very different answer. He wrote that the test was whether the Jews would continue to follow the Torah even when they were given all their needs. According to Sforno, there are great temptations that come with affluence, which puts a tremendous responsibility on a person -- determining how he will deal with his disposable income and his free time. This is the test of the parsha of the manna.
Or, as the Netziv wrote in his commentary to the priestly blessing - "may G-d bless you and keep you" - may G-d bless you and protect you from the new challenges that these blessings will now present. HALACHA OF THE WEEK: Shabbat Shira There is a custom on this Shabbat, Shabbat Shira, to place food outside for the birds to eat. This custom is to commemorate the Midrash, which states that during the Exodus the Jews fed the birds as they crossed the Sea, and these birds joined in Israel’s song of praise to G-d.
However, the Magen Avraham [324:7] writes that this custom violates the halacha against feeding wild animals on Shabbat. This is also the position of Elyah Rabbah, the Machatzit Hashekel, the Shulchan Aruch Harav, and the Mishnah Berurah [324 note 31].
Nevertheless, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef wrote [Chazon Ovadia-Shabbat, Volume 3, page 24 and Volume 4, page 270] that many of the great authorities question the words of the Magen Avraham. Since this is a time-honored custom, he ruled that one may feed the birds on Shabbat Shira. This too is the approach of the Tosefet Shabbat and the Aruch HaShulchan [324:3]
Nevertheless, the Shmirat Shabbat Kehilchata (27:21) ruled that one should follow the approach of the Magen Avraham and the Mishnah Berurah. Nevertheless, he suggested a way of fulfilling the custom without creating any halachic problem. His advice was to shake out the tablecloth after the meal in a place where the birds can eat the crumbs.
This position is based on the ruling of the Eishel Avraham of Butchatch [324:11 s.v. Gam], who ruled that, when throwing or discarding food, there is no requirement to make sure that one does not throw it in front of animals. As he explained, the only prohibition is doing extra work on behalf of animals that otherwise will be able to fend for themselves easily.
Finally, Rav Eliezer Waldenberg wrote that feeding birds on Shabbat Shirah was an old, venerated practice. In fact, he remembered this being done in the homes of many gedolei Yisroel, without anyone questioning ever questioning this practice [Shu”t Tzitz Eliezer, Vol. XIV, #28].
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MAZAL TOV * to Malka Loterstein on being named Hartman Family Educator of the Year by the Associated Talmud Torahs. REFUAH SHLAIMA * to Rachel Silverman who is recuperating at home. * to Esther Meyers who is in Evanston Hospital.
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The Week of Learning February 5-11, is sponsored by Dr. Shmuel and Chana Goldstein in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Shmuel’s father, Dr. Allen Goldstein z’l, אברהם בן מנחם משה
A Donation to the Kiddush Fund was made by: * Eva Gertzfeld in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of her father, Solomon Grunfeld z’l.
* Irwin and Deedie Gold in honor of Irwin’s birthday and in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Deedie’s father, Kievie Hirsch, Akiva ben Yehoshua z’l.
* Steve and Malka Miretzky wishing mazal tov to Coach Miretzky and the Yeshiva Junior Varsity on their victory over the Academy.
The Parent/Child Learning this week is sponsored by Josh and Chaia Miller.
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 - 3:30pm SPECIAL PLACE
TALMUD CLASS – 45 minutes before mincha
PARENT-CHILD LEARNING - 1 hour after havdala
SEFER YESHAYAHU - Sundays, 9:00pm
BIRTHDAYS Mr. Michael Dukes (2/4) Rockie Frankenthal (2/4) Mr. Fred Goldman (2/4) Asher Gelerinter (2/4) Yehudit Mostofsky (2/4) Shalhevet Engelson (2/6) Meira Greenberg (2/6) Mrs. Naomi Samber (2/7) Binyomin Bachrach (2/8)
BIRTHDAYS Mr. Sam Kahan (2/8) Zeke Nussbaum (2/8) Mr. Irwin Gold (2/10) Huvi Peikes (2/10) Ranan Starck (2/10)
ANNIVERSARIES Alan and Leah Cohen (2/6) Neil and Joannie 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
SEMICHAT CHAVER PROGRAM - Wed. 8:15pm
SHABBAT WOMEN'S SHIUR - 3:30pm 
TALMUD CLASS – 45 minutes before mincha
PARENT-CHILD LEARNING - 1 hour after havdala
SEFER YESHAYAHU - Sundays, 9:00pm