http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/tags/torah YWN Coffee Room » Tag: torah - Recent Posts en-US Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:53:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/search.php http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/38#post-123416 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 02:31:35 +0000 chofetzchaim 123416@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Mussar HaTorah - Torah Insights into Human Nature – Dedicated in memory of Rabbi A. Henach Leibowitz zt"l</p> <p>Based on the talks of Rabbi A. Henach Leibowitz zt”l, Rosh HaYeshiva of <a href="http://rsaq.us">Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim - RSA</a></p> <p>“If a man (adam) among you shall bring an animal sacrifice…” (Vayikra 1:2)</p> <p>The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayikra 13) questions why this pasuk refers to the man who needs to bring an offering as an ost instead of the more common, aht. The Midrash explains that the Torah was telling us that even if a man as great as Adam HaRishon shall sin; he must bring a korban – a sacrifice. As a second point, the Midrash goes on to comment that the use of the less specific term of an “animal” – as opposed to the more precise term of “cattle” or “sheep offerings” – alludes to the fact that the sinner brings a sacrifice to separate himself from the animals. He must remember that the souls of animals descend to the Lower World, while a human soul ascends to the heavens.</p> <p>The Midrash tells us that this pasuk is refering to a great man sinning; A man as lofty as Adam HaRishon. Adam was so great that the angels thought he was godly. He was on one of the highest levels a human can reach. But yet, the Midrash continues to say that this man who sins must take care to separate himself from the animals, to insure that he does not fall to the lowest of depths. Granted that a man as great as Adam HaRishon may commit a small sin. But would we ever imagine that this sin could drag him to the animalistic depths? Is he truly in danger of sinking so low?</p> <p>The Yetzer Hara is a crafty and sophisticated warrior. When he sees a foothold – even a just a small crack – he grabs on and does not let go. If we do not make every effort to shake him off, it is a quick ride down to the depths of sin. Even the greatest among us are vulnerable to fall down this slope if we do not quickly reverse course. This is why the Yetzer Hara is satisfied with even the smallest victory – he knows that he can easily leverage it for even greater conquests (see Chovos HaLevavos, Shaar Yichud HaMaaseh, Chap. 5). Luckily, the opposite is also true: Any process of growth that we begin can multiply and continue unabated as long as we focus our energies in the direction of advancement.</p> <p>Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that, “The small stuff doesn’t matter.” People think that they can give in to their desires, “Just this little bit, just this one time.” They don’t realize how much they are putting themselves in danger of a continuation of that negative behavior. If we properly view our purpose on this earth, it will enable us to appreciate the importance of every miniscule gain or loss in our lifelong battle for spiritual improvement. Each small achievement is important, not only inherently, but as the beginning of a process. Once the momentum exists in a particular direction, it is even harder to stop and reverse the movement.</p> <p>Let us realize that the Yetzer Hara is the greatest enemy we can ever have, and let us try to learn from our nemesis, who never surrenders without a struggle and fights tooth and nail for the smallest gain. He knows quite well that the stakes are extremely high, because we are dealing with eternity. If we make the effort to be vigilant and to avoid even the smallest lowering of our spiritual level, and seize every opportunity to grow, we will find ourselves making consistent strides forward in the positive direction, onward and upward as we elevate ourselves and everything around us to accomplish the ultimate purpose of our existence.</p> <p>© 2009 by Rabbi Aryeh Striks &amp; Rabbi Shimon Zehnwirth. For more information call (818) 505-7999 or e-mail <a href="mailto:mht@vths.org">mht@vths.org</a> </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/38#post-123290 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:54:21 +0000 shkoyach 123290@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>oy vey! no dvar torah in a week!! Someone do something fast! </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/38#post-122519 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:04:57 +0000 chofetzchaim 122519@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Mussar HaTorah - Torah Insights into Human Nature – Dedicated in memory of Rabbi A. Henach Leibowitz zt"l</p> <p>Based on the talks of Rabbi A. Henach Leibowitz zt”l, Rosh HaYeshiva of <a href="http://rsaq.us?ref=vayakel5769">Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim - RSA</a></p> <p>25 Adar, 5769 Vol. 10, No. 22 Parshios Vayakhel – Pikudei</p> <p>“[Betzalel] and Ahaliav son of Achisamach from the tribe of Dan.” (Shmos 35:34)</p> <p>The Torah tells us that Betzalel and Ahaliav were chosen to create the vessels of the mishkan. A few pasukim earlier (ibid. 30) Betzalel is described as the son of Uri, who was the son of Chur. Rashi points out that Chur was the son of Miriam the prophetess. This seemingly random comment is explained by the Sifsei Chachamim, who states that Rashi is really addressing the following question: Why did the Torah list Betzalel’s lineage beyond his father Uri, and yet only until one generation earlier. Either the pasuk should just say Betzalel’s name and his father’s name, or it should list several generations, perhaps back to Yaakov Avinu. Rashi is answering that Chur is the key figure, representing his mother Miriam, and the pasuk is teaching us why Betzalel was chosen for this job – because he was the great-grandson of Miriam the prophetess.</p> <p>Ahaliav, on the other hand, was chosen for quite a different reason: Ahaliav was from the tribe of Dan – a less significant tribe. Betzalel, however, was from the princely tribe of Yehuda. Hashem chose Ahaliav to fulfill the dictum, “[Show] no partiality to princes, nor regard the rich more than the poor” (Iyov 34:19). Not only would Betzalel – from Yehuda – be appointed, but also Ahaliav – from the less important tribe of Dan (Rashi 35:34).</p> <p>We can understand that Hashem did not want to show partiality to the royal tribe of Yehuda. But, when Hashem picked Betzalel, it was not due to his tribe; it was due to his great-grandmother’s standing as a prophetess. Why, then, would the other tribes feel slighted? Hashem was not showing favoritism to any tribe. How would choosing Betzalel alone be violating the maxim of the pasuk in Iyov?</p> <p>The Torah’s standards for proper behavior include avoiding actions that would cause others to suspect us or feel negatively towards us. From this Rashi we learn a fascinating insight: This concept is not limited to reasonable, well-founded suspicion. It applies even if others will be illogical in their negativity. If Hashem had chosen only Betzalel to work in the mishkan, the other tribes would have felt some sort of resentment. Even though this bitterness would have been uncalled for and incorrect, nevertheless Hashem wanted to forestall these negative feelings. Although there would have been nothing wrong with selecting only Betzalel, if negative feelings would be created – even baseless negative feelings – action must be taken to counteract those emotions.</p> <p>We have an obligation to refine and uplift our conduct so that no one will fall into the trap of suspicion and resentment due to our actions. This care for others extends to protecting them from their own foolish conclusions. Do we think before we act to examine how others will perceive our behavior? Many times we can be completely justified in what we are doing, and yet it “looks bad” to people who tend to view things in a superficial way. Of course, they are obligated to judge us favorably, but we can’t rely on that. We should not give others opportunities to misjudge us, rather we need to elevate our actions beyond the shadow of a doubt of impropriety. If we think twice before we act, and try to anticipate the perspective of fallible and sometimes shallow onlookers, we can avoid their suspicion and act in a manner that shines beyond reproach, and thereby sanctify and bring glory to Hashem’s name.</p> <p>© 2009 by Rabbi Aryeh Striks &amp; Rabbi Shimon Zehnwirth. For more information call (818) 505-7999 or e-mail <a href="mailto:mht@vths.org">mht@vths.org</a> </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/38#post-122281 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:17:49 +0000 Yanky55 122281@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>In Parshas Bo, we read about the last three makos; arbeh, choshech and makas bechoros. The story continues with HKB"H giving instructions for the<br /> preparation and eating of the Korban Pesach and then the actual leaving of Mitzrayim.</p> <p>Right in the midst of this narrative, before the instructions on the Korban Pesach, HKB"H informs Moshe about a new mitzvah. He tell Moshe "Hachodesh<br /> hazeh lachem rosh chadashim".....the mitzvah of Kiddush Hachodesh.</p> <p>The obvious question arises. Why did HKB"H choose to tell this to Moshe right in the middle of the story of leaving Egypt? Couldn't this have waited until<br /> they left Mitzrayim? After all, no immediate action was required of the people when God gave this mitzvah?</p> <p>Rav Soloveitchik suggested the following:</p> <p>What is it that a slave has the least amount of use for? A clock. A slave works all day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Each day is exactly the same as the day before.<br /> He has no need for time. What difference does it make if the clock reads 11 AM or 4 PM? Or if the day is Monday or Friday? The slave is forced to do exactly the same thing at each of those hours. After being in Mitzrayim for 210 years, time certainly had no meaning for Bnei Yisrael.</p> <p>Now HKB"H comes and tells Moshe to tell the people...."You are soon going to be free". And time will suddenly have meaning for you. And I want you to take<br /> time and be mekadesh it!...I want you to make time holy by making Rosh Chodesh and hence the Yomim Tovim holy".</p> <p>If we examine the tefillah of Birchas Hachodesh we find a very puzzling formula. First, we recite the Yehi Ratzon asking for everything good for the coming month.<br /> After "Mi she'asah nisim'......we announce the day of the week Rosh Chodesh will fall out on, and conclude with "Yechadshayhu HKB"H...." which once again<br /> asks for a good month.</p> <p>But this paragraph "Mi she'asah nisim la'avosaynu v'ga'al osom may'avdus lechayrus" is strange.....What is the mention of the geulah from Mitzrayim doing here<br /> in the midst of Birchas Hachodesh? What is the connection???</p> <p>The Rav explained that each and every month, precisely when we remember that a new month is beginning, we must also remind ourselves that we are no longer slaves<br /> in Egypt and time is therefore very important to us. We must remember each and every month to make a commitment to use time wisely and to make it holy!!! </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/38#post-122156 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:08:28 +0000 chofetzchaim 122156@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Mussar HaTorah - Torah Insights into Human Nature – Dedicated in memory of Rabbi A. Henach Leibowitz zt"l</p> <p>Based on the talks of Rabbi A. Henach Leibowitz zt”l, Rosh HaYeshiva of <a href="http://rsaq.us?ref=mhtkisisa">Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim - RSA</a></p> <p>20 Adar, 5770 Vol. 11, No. 20 Parashas Ki Sisa</p> <p>“And Moshe said: ‘Dedicate yourselves today to Hashem, for every man has opposed his son and his brother; that He may bestow upon you a blessing…’ ” (Shmos 32:29)</p> <p>After the sin of the Golden Calf, Moshe told the tribe of Levi to kill all those that had actually committed the sin of idolatry. The Levites followed Moshe’s command and killed approximately three thousand of their fellow Jews. Rashi explains that Moshe told the Levites that since they killed their, “son and brother,” they merited to become the kohanim that serve in the Mishkan and in the Beis HaMikdash. However, if we look a few verses earlier, (ibid. 26) the Torah relates that not a single Levite was involved in the Golden Calf (see Rashi). If so, the Sifsei Chachamim asks, how can this pasuk say that the Levites killed, “their son”? (Rashi on pasuk 27 explains that the “brother” refers to a brother from the same mother, who had been married to a different father that was a Yisrael.) The Sifsei Chachamim answers: the pasuk is telling us that the Levites were so completely dedicated to this holy task - of defending Hashem’s honor - that they would have even killed their own son, if the situation had required it.</p> <p>How can the tribe of Levi become kohanim based on the merit of an action that they didn’t really do? True, they would have even killed their own children if they needed to, but they didn’t actually do it! How can you earn reward for a mitzvah that you didn’t actually perform? Let us assume I am walking to daven in shul, to learn in the beis medrash or to do a chesed to a neighbor, and it’s a sunny spring day outside. As I walk effortlessly in the beautiful weather, I imagine myself on a freezing winter day, fighting my way through a raging blizzard,<br /> plowing through 3-foot-high snow drifts. Will I truly receive the reward for doing the mitzvah with such self-sacrifice when I did not really expend that effort? How could the Levites get rewarded for just participating a non-existent scenario?</p> <p>The Levites understood Moshe’s command to require more than just imagining a theoretical situation. The tribe of Levi internalized the importance of their mission, and developed within themselves such a high degree of dedication for this mitzvah, that they were ready, willing and able to kill, not only their brothers, but even their own children. They went forth with such zeal, such absolute commitment to defend Hashem’s honor, that there was no question how they would have acted if presented with such a choice. Even though they did not need to act on that higher level of dedication, they nevertheless merited becoming kohanim because of this lofty peak of inner greatness that they had scaled. We, too, can develop and deepen our enthusiasm for mitzvos and our resolve to perform them under the most difficult and challenging circumstances, and thereby earn the reward for achieving these higher levels of dedication. Despite the beautiful weather, we can be credited with staggering feats of overcoming obstacles and hardships if we work on ourselves to love Hashem’s mitzvos with fiery passion. These are the treasures of greatness that await us if we focus our energies, as we say every day in Sh’ma, “To love Hashem with all your heart and all your soul.”</p> <p>© 2010 by Rabbi Aryeh Striks &amp; Rabbi Shimon Zehnwirth. For more information call (818) 505-7999 or e-mail <a href="mailto:mht@vths.org">mht@vths.org</a> </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/38#post-122041 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:15:21 +0000 asdfghjkl 122041@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p><strong>********* asdfghhjkl's DT on Parshas Sisa ******</strong></p> <p>D'Var Torah - Parsha Ki Sisa</p> <p>By Rabbi Baruch Lederman - 5761</p> <p>Moshe urged Hashem, "Let me know Your ways... (Ex.33-13).<br /> The ways of Hashem are indeed puzzling to us - particularly how Hashem runs the world. Things seem to make no sense. This because we only see part of the puzzle at a time. Trying to look at the world today and understand why things happen as they do, is like picking up a thousand page novel, turning to page 463, and trying to understand what is going on. Still, every so often, we are privileged to see how the pieces fit together as the following true story illustrates. </p> <p>Rabbi Henry &amp; Rebbetzin Esther Soille were in their apartment in Paris when they heard a scream. They recognized it as neighbor of theirs - a non-Jewish woman. Feeling the terror in the woman's voice, Mrs. Soille said "Lets get dressed and go help her." Rabbi Soille agreed and added, "If we wait that long she may be dead by then." So, they immediately ran outside, dressed only in their pajamas to help. When they got outside they saw a Nazi car coming toward their building so they dashed out of sight. From their hiding place they could see that the Gestapos were going to none other than their own apartment. Had they not responded with sensitivity and courage to the anguished cries of their neighbor, they would have still been in their apartment for the Nazis to find them and drag them off. Because they engaged in a chessed, their own lives had now been spared. Why was the woman screaming? They later learned that the woman neighbor was screaming because the Nazis had come to seize her husband for smuggling. She told them to spare her husband and take the Rabbi next door instead. Her intention was to trade the Rabbi's life for her husband's life. It didn't even help her because they still took her husband. In attempting to betray the Rabbi, she actually saved him... </p> <p>The ways of Hashem are indeed puzzling to us - particularly how Hashem runs the world. Things seem to make no sense. This because we only see part of the puzzle at a time. </p> <p>Have a wonderful Shobbos!!!<br /> It's Parshas Parah this Shobbos too!!! </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-121052 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:58:34 +0000 Mayan_Dvash 121052@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>oomis, I thought of that. One of the reasons I used XYZ in the post. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120909 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:21:55 +0000 Hashem Is Everywhere 120909@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Mayan, I k ow who it was<br /> cause I was there, </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120900 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:47:59 +0000 oomis1105 120900@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Just because the boy said he was from a certain yeshivah doesn't necessarily mean he was telling the truth. In any case, this was obnoxious behavior. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120887 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:08:09 +0000 jphone 120887@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Mayan. If I were in your position, I would call the Menahel of said Yeshiva and tell them exactly how one of their Bachurim was acting, on their behalf. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120881 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:17:40 +0000 Mayan_Dvash 120881@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>So this kid is stopping traffic in flatbush on East 27 street, (stands in front of your vehicle so you can't proceed). I can tell he's under the influence. I roll down my window and he says "Chayav Inish Livsumi" he probably wanted to say "Kol haposhet yad nosnim lo" He continued to say that he's from Yeshiva XYZ.... so I gave him a small amount. I'm not a rich guy, I don't drive a BMW/Lexus/Infiniti/etc. So he didn't like the amount I gave so he throws it back at my 7 year old son behind me and says "Here's shalach manos for your son" ...meanwhile there are cars behind me honking their horns.... My father taught me that one should not curse (I don't mean th filthy-mouth kind) so let me spin it this way: He should work an honest day in his life trying to support a family and understand my position.<br /> ; </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120839 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:41:12 +0000 Talmid_lo_Chacham 120839@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>B''H i didn't see his post, Hashem spared me from tzoros of seeing yidden doing mitzvos with no kovonoh </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120818 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:00:29 +0000 Jothar 120818@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Chayey Adam says "nohagin ktzas simcha" at night. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120785 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 01:31:14 +0000 ronrsr 120785@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>angryJB makes an excellent argument against giving young people their first drink on Purim. Hope he is now sleeping it off and has learned his lesson. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120774 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:17:27 +0000 oomis1105 120774@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Nope, there is NO hope for the Senate or any other part of the government. :)</p> <p>re: the accident seen by PY - OY. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120772 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:03:25 +0000 Pashuteh Yid 120772@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>I guess all the warning about not drinking this year did a lot of good. My family just passed a car accident in a frum neighborhood. Hope nobody is hurt. When will people learn? </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120770 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:26:03 +0000 bombmaniac 120770@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>YAY :D now onto the US senate...lol </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120765 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:37:49 +0000 oomis1105 120765@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Ben Levi - finally, B"H. Simchas Purim. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120764 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:33:24 +0000 Ben Levi 120764@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>oomis Thats is one thing we can agree on </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120761 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:13:18 +0000 oomis1105 120761@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Angryjewboy - maybe you would not be so angry if you learned a little self control. This is not some teenybopper blog where anything goes. And btw, this is a perfect example of someone who should not be drinking on Purim. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120760 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:07:53 +0000 bombmaniac 120760@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>personally id IP ban... </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120759 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:03:37 +0000 BEST IMA 120759@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Hes been posting for hours someone had to see it by now </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120758 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:59:23 +0000 bombmaniac 120758@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>they changed the system to allowing every post on the board and THEN moderate them. i dont think they anticipated this. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120757 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:49:34 +0000 BEST IMA 120757@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Mods how in the world did that post go through?? </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ywn-coffee-room-nightly-dvar-torah/page/38#post-120672 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:01:09 +0000 asdfghjkl 120672@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p><strong> *****~~~~~asdfghjkl's DT on Purim: ~~~~*****</strong></p> <p>Sobering Stories for Purim</p> <p>by Rabbi Yehudah Prero </p> <p>One of the customs associated with Purim is drinking at the Purim feast. This custom serves as a commemoration of the essential role wine played in the miracle of Purim: For example, Vashti was killed because of the intoxicating effects of wine, which allowed Esther to become queen, and at a wine party, Esther was able to turn the tables on Haman. The Talmud (Megillah 7b) states "One is obligated to drink (alcohol) on Purim until one does not know the difference between "Blessed is Mordechai" and "Cursed is Haman." As drinking to excess seems out of place with the norm of Jewish practices, this directive is explained in many ways. Some explain that the "until" is not to be interpreted as an expression of inclusion. Rather, the drinking is to be until the point of incapability to differentiate, exclusive of that state. Others explain that the inability to differentiate arises because one falls asleep from drinking alcohol, and it is in that state one should fulfill this commandment. Whatever the interpretation, all agree that the drinking has to be done with the intent to praise G-d for His miracles and thank Him for saving us. If this is kept in perspective, the celebration can be a truly joyous one, both spiritually and physically.</p> <p>Rav Elazar Rokeach of Amsterdam was a respected confidant of the Queen of Holland. One year, on Purim, the Queen learned that the dikes around Holland were in danger of collapsing, posing a serious threat of flooding to the entire country. She sent messengers to Rav Elazar, requesting that he pray on behalf on the entire country. Rav Elazar, who was in the midst of his Purim feast, heard the request, and the messengers returned to the Queen. Immediately, he ordered that many more bottles of wine, of the finest wines, be brought to his table, and instructed all those at his home to partake of them and to rejoice. Soon, all were engaged in drink and song, celebrating Purim to the fullest. Later that evening, the Queen wanted to let Rav Elazar know that the dangerous situation was over. When the messengers bearing this message arrived at Rav Elazar's' house, they were shocked: Everyone was singing, feasting, and drinking! The messengers immediately returned to the Queen, who was taken aback at this report. She sent a message to Rav Elazar: "I thought that when you heard the terrible news, you would proclaim a fast day, call for mass prayer, act in a way that was illustrative of how dire the situation was. How, then, could you go about your merriment when you knew that the entire country was in peril!"</p> <p>Rav Elazar explained that "The best way to appease G-d is to do His will. When we listen to His word and fulfill His dictates to the fullest, He acts to us in similar fashion and grants us our requests. On this day, we have the holiday of Purim. We were commanded to rejoice and celebrate. I figured that the best way to ask G-d to help us was to obey His word to the best of my ability. I therefore celebrated today for the honor of G-d, to the best of my ability. In this way, I hoped that in the merit that I fulfilled G-d's wishes today, so too would He fulfill ours. And indeed, that appears to have happened."</p> <p>Although we are commanded to engage in merriment on Purim, this commandment does not supersede others. The Rem"a was worried that because his fellow Jews in Krakow were drinking to celebrate Purim, they might forget to recite Ma'ariv, the evening prayers. To assure that this did not occur, he used to go visit the residents of Krakow after nightfall, when the Purim feasts were concluding. The Rem"a would knock on an individual's door, and request water so he could wash his hands. He would then say to himself, yet loud enough that his hosts could hear, "Oh, I need to go pray Ma'ariv!" He went from house to house, repeating this act, to provide a gentle reminder that everyone should not forget, due to the merriment, to pray Ma'ariv.</p> <p>As with all celebrations in Jewish life, our happiness is not complete because we are in exile, and the Bais HaMikdosh, The Holy Temple, remains in ruins. Rav Nosson Adler used to recite Psalm 137, "Al Naharos Bavel," on Purim. This psalm speaks of our exile and how we will always lift the memory of Jerusalem above our moments of joy. He explained that we have a long standing tradition to temper all moments of joy with the remembrance of the destroyed Jerusalem. Therefore, on Purim, when we have a commandment to celebrate, this custom is not abandoned and we must remember the sad state of the Jewish nation. However, he added that we need to be sure that we raise the memory of Jerusalem above our happiness at the peak of our joy - the time when we are still intoxicated during the Purim feast.</p> <p>May this be a most joyous Purim for everyone, and may it be the last one we have to spend in Galus!!!!</p> <p>A Freilichin Purim!!!!!!!! </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120664 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:10:59 +0000 volvie 120664@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Women are obligated to hear the Megillah and to rejoice and partake in the Seuda on Purim, for they were part of the neis. As far as ad d'loi yoda, however, the Rivevois Ephraim (Vol.1 Ch.161) and others rule that it is inappropriate for women to become intoxicated.</p> <p>Indeed the Mishna Brura (OC 199:6, in Sha'ar HaTzion), in the laws of birkas hamazon, explains that the reason women are not obligated to make a mezuman is that a mezuman should ideally be performed on a cup of wine and it is unseemly for a woman to do this. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120663 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:08:21 +0000 ronrsr 120663@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>why not? </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120662 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:07:22 +0000 volvie 120662@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>annie: No. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120661 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:05:19 +0000 annie 120661@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>What about women? Are they permitted in drinking 'ad d'lo yodah'? </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120659 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:45:57 +0000 Jothar 120659@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>From my post in the "minors and alcohol" thread:</p> <p>I went through the poskim in order, with all of the major poskim covered- no cherry-picking or selective quoting. Feel free to double-check. </p> <p>Let's start off with the Tur, Orach Chaim 695.<br /> 1. The Beis Yosef (aka the mechaber in Orach chaim and the Mishna Brurah) quotes the Ran and Rabbeinu Ephraim- idchi ley maamar derava based on story of Rava and Rav Zeira. In other words, chayav inish is NOT lehalacha. </p> <p>2. He then quotes the Orchos Chaim- levsuem IS kehalacha, but it doesn't mean rolling on the floor drunk in your own vomit. To quote the lashon hakodesh,<br /> שכרות איסור גמור, ואין לך עבירה גדולה מזו שהוא גורם לגילוי עריות ושפיכות דמים וכמה עבירות זולתן, אך שישתה יותר מלימודו מעט<br /> "drunkenness is completely prohibited, and you do not find a bigger aveirah than it, as it causes illicit relations, murder, and many other sins besides. however one should drink a bit more than he is used to". (translation mine)<br /> 3. On another point, the Beis Yosef says that there is no mitzvah to drink at night because it says YEMEI mishteh vesimcha- the DAYS of drinking and happiness.<br /> 4. The Bach says punkt fakehrt of how you quoted it. He does start off saying what you said, but lehalacha says like Rabbeinu Ephraim and the Ran- idchi ley. However, one should drink enough to be happy, and one should still have one's wits about him ("daato alav") even if he can't stand in front of a king. This is NOT rolling on the floor in the vomit drunk. Furthermore, even THIS level is lemitzvah velo le'ikuva.<br /> 5. The maharsha in Bava metzia 21 agrees with this, and says a tzurva meirabanan (A real talmid chochom) is allowed to claim he reached a level of ad delo yada on Purim even though he was yada. Clearly no issur in remaining sober according the the Maharsha.<br /> Now we move on to the Shulchan Aruch.<br /> 6. The Taz says a deep vort about how elevated arur haman is, but Baruch mordechai is even more sublime. you drink until you can't comprehend this fine difference. This isn't ROFIV (rolling on the floor in vomit) drunk either.The Taz explains the Rema like his shver the Bach- ein laasos kein- it's assur to take the gemara literally as idchi ley like the Ran- we don't pasken that way.<br /> 7. The Mogen Avraham says that Ad delo Yada means you can't calculate gematrios of arur haman and baruch mordechai. Not ROFIV drunk either.<br /> 8. The Pri Megadim in the Mishbitzos Zahav approves of the Taz, and quotes the Pri chadash who agrees with this that "ein laasos kein" and says "vechein raui linhog". See later for more on the exact wording of the Pri Chadash.<br /> 9. the Yad Ephraim says that one should drink to be happy, but not beyond that.<br /> 10. To be fair and honest, the Shaarei Teshuva quotes the Amudei Shomayim that his father used to be mekayeim the words kepshuto when he was younger. However, one shouldn't do so if it leads to devarim shelo kehogen.</p> <p>11. The Pri Chadash (the one quoted by the Pri Megadim in the mishbitzos) argues on Rabbeinu Ephraim whop said idchi ley, and holds that ad delo yada kepshuto is technically how we pasken. So theoretically one is doing a mitzvah by doing ROFIV. HOWEVER, now that the doros are mukulkalim (his words, not mine- since the generations are ruined, one SHOULDN'T drink so much, and by not drinking so much he'll see blessing from heaven since he's doing so lishmah. So he argues THEORETICALLY on the Ran and Rabbeinu Ephraim, but agrees PRACTICALLY.<br /> 12. Someone in the back of the Friedman edition Shulchan Aruch asks on the Rema why he wrote it the way he did, if it's based on Rabbeinu Ephraim, and one SHOULDN'T drink that much. Regardless, the mishna brurah paskens like the Pri Megadim who paskens like the Pri chadash that one shouldn't drink so much.<br /> 13. The Sefas Emes quoted by Volvie is on Megilla 7b, according to the Piskei teshuvos. I read it as saying one doesn't need to get to ROFIV. The Piskei Teshuvos reads him as saying that one SHOULDN'T, just like the Yad Ephraim.<br /> 14. I did not look up the Chacham Tzvi.<br /> 15. As for the Shlah, I looked at the Kitzur Hashlah and he mostly rips the drinking going on as being sechok vehollelus instead of simcha shel mitzvah, and that people think the Torah doesn't apply over Purim, and this is an "avon pelili-" a tremendous sin. </p> <p>Bottom line- the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of mainstream poskim hold that one shouldn't drink himself to ROFIV. The Pri chadash, who is halacha according to the Pri Megadim and Mishna Brurah, says that with the destruction of the generations, ad delo yada is like the mitzvah of yibum, NO LONGER APPLICABLE.<br /> It is an AVEIRAH, according to many poskim (Ran, Rabbeinu Ephraim, Beis Yosef, Bach, Pri chadash, Pri Megadim, Mishna Brurah, Yad Ephraim, Shla"h), to drink to the point of shichruso shel lot. And NOBODY holds the Torah becomes hefker.<br /> It is an AVEIRAH to give alcohol to any minor, even forgetting about dina demalchusa, as you would be causing them to violate the words of the poskim. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120652 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:05:56 +0000 bombmaniac 120652@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>apparently not...i think its more of the netiyah towards fulfilling their teivos rather than real zeal in performing the mitzvah...and we all have to work on our teivos </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120647 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:57:35 +0000 ronrsr 120647@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>What about the obligation to obey the just laws of the state and country which we live in? Is that a factor? </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120645 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:50:38 +0000 bombmaniac 120645@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>yes...for some reason...people chuck the mishna berura out the window on purim...yet in the rest of the year its naaseh v'nishma... </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120632 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:45:32 +0000 Jothar 120632@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>hudyrox, correct. No difference. The psak of ad delo yada doesn't mean literal "shichruso shel lot" according to the mishna brurah, the poseik of the yeshivish world. It means drinking a bit more than usual and napping. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120615 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:05:18 +0000 hudyrox 120615@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>i dont find the difrence between a 14 year old and a 17 year old were both machayuv till adi lo yada </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120551 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:30:02 +0000 bombmaniac 120551@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>lets bear in mind that the tragedy that almost took place instead of the miracle on purim, began because of basically a drinking party. we have to be careful with our alcohol consumption. alcohol has a tremendous power. we all know, nichnas yayin yatzah sod. however if a person gets too drunk, the effect is muddled. a person who is "high" has a great power to improve hgimself on purim. it lowers your inhibitions, which not only makes us do stupid things at times, but also gives us the ability to get past our own inhibitions in terms of teshuva. it gives us the opportunity to look past our inflated egos, and look within ourselves and see that we really need to change and it allows us to truly make a powerful kabala al ha'asid. it gives us the ability to feel a true charata for things we may have done, which is why yom kippur is only "k'purim" we dont have that aid on yom kippur, we dont have this loosening of our inhibitions, we dont have the ease that we do on purim to do a real teshuva. but if you overdo it, of you drink yourslef totally drunk, if you drink yourself sick, if you drink yourself to the point where you have absolutely no control over any of your actions, you lose that positive benefit that the alcohol gives us. hashem gave us a tremendous opportunity to improve ourselves on purim, who are we to throw it in his face??? </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120164 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:31:45 +0000 lavdavka 120164@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>JOTHER-LETS NOT GO THERE </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120158 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:02:12 +0000 Jothar 120158@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Aries, the ikker mitzvah is the day, but we drink the night before due to the chumra of the Ohr Zarua :-) </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120151 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:37:24 +0000 Ben Levi 120151@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Aries, please see Otzer Midrashim Chelek Beis the first or second Medrash. </p> http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/drinking-on-purim/page/3#post-120148 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:21:14 +0000 aries2756 120148@http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/ <p>Jothar, which halacha says you should drink the night before???? </p>