Schabbesdick to the Kotel

Photo & Article: Be'Chadrei HaCharedim

B"H 

In order to get to the Kotel (Western Wall), the visitor has to undergo the regular security check. There are four entrances to the Kotel Plaza and each entrance is secured by private Israeli security guards. Policemen are around but the cops themselves do not carry out the security checks but a private security company. 

In the past, I have heard many complaints about those private guards. Almost all of them used to be Ethiopians and quite a few religious Jews felt mistreated by them. Especially when it comes to the security scanner being used on Shabbat. During the week, every visitor has to go through an metal detector door where it beeps as soon as someone is carrying a metal device. Then pockets have to be emptied out until the detector doesn't make any noise anymore. But what about Shabbat ? 

There were guards who wanted to force religious Jews going through the detector on Shabbat. The detector itself either gives a green or red light to the guard. Religious Jews refused undergoing this procedure on Shabbat, as causing a light to go on is a Chilul Shabbat. I myself saw many guards running after religious Jews trying to force them into the metal detector and threatening them with getting arrested. As far as I saw, now most guards are born Israelis and not Ethiopian anymore. Visitors who don't want to undergo the detector precedure on Shabbat may empty out their pockets and just pass the security. 

Now some of the leading local Rabbis got together and discussed the issue. The result was that a technology institute developed a kosher metal detector which may be used during the week and on Shabbat. The new device has also gained acceptance by Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch from the "Edah HaCharedit". 

Back in Jerusalem

 Challot for Shabbat at the Machane Yehudah Market

Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H

It will take another two weeks or so to get settled again but I am back in Jerusalem and happy. Not only back but really back: For Shabbat in Batei Ungarin in Mea Shearim. I will see if there are any Tishes going on tonight.

A wonderful Shabbat to everyone. Gut Schabbes and I will let you know about the Mea Shearim atmosphere after Shabbat.:-)

Tel Aviv: The City without G - d

 Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H 

Tel Aviv's Mayor Ron Chulda'i is making another attempt turning our city into a second New York. Last week, the city council decided to let the local buses run on Shabbat. A disgrace and totally unnecessary. However, Chulda'i claims that many inhabitants need a bus on Shabbat in order to travel and let alone all those tourists who are left out on the seventh day of the week. Now the Mayor has to wait and see whether the Ministry of Transportation is going to agree to his request. 

In the meantime, left - wingers have been demonstrating in front of the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa, as they want the Jewish religion to be left out of the public life. 
To all those Israelis thinking the same way:

If Israelis cut G - d out of their lives they will loose their own country.

Ynet: "A City without G - d"

Yedid Nefesh

B"H 

YEDID NEFESH, a song for Shabbat but why not begin this new week with this great Nigun shown in the video:

"Kabbalat Shabbat" in the Ghetto of Lodz / Poland

Further photos HERE !

Escaping one’s frum Life

B”H

Many many times it has happened to me that in Jerusalem, I saw such obviously holy people on Shabbat. I went to different Shabbatot where there were various people. Some giving a Drasha, others just enjoying or mainly eating. When I looked at all those people I thought that they must be really holy. All those Drashot and talking about the holy Shabbat. I wish I could live like that.

This was in Jerusalem, don’t forget.

Some weeks later, sometimes even only one week later, I saw the same person in Tel Aviv. This happened a lot during my Yeshiva days but even until today. In most cases it is guys doing this.

Suddenly I see the same person in Tel Aviv walking at the beach on Shabbat. There are times when the Kipa is gone. Or I see him going into a non – kosher restaurant like “Subway”. Open on Shabbat and dairy and fleishig being served together. 

When I was in Yeshiva and entered a religious crisis or call it depression, I went to Tel Aviv in order to spend the Shabbat “FREE”. I even went to the cinema on rev Shabbat and I was sure that no one from Jerusalem would see me, as everyone else would apparently celebrate Shabbat. However, I was never really alone, as some more people had the same idea, as I had. Back in Jerusalem we were all frum again and no one ever said anything about the other person’s doing on Shabbat. We simply pretended that we had never seen each other in Tel Aviv.

Shabbat in the Desert

B”H

What is happening when a Jew is getting stranded on an island or in the desert having lots his sense of time ? What about Shabbat ?

The Gemara (rabbinic discussions) in the Talmud Tractate 69b teaches us that the Jew then must count six days and celebrate Shabbat on the seventh day. It doesn’t matter whether the seventh day he counted is really Shabbat or not. However, there is a difference: During the six days he is counting, he is not allowed to perform all kinds of work but only those keeping him alive. Nevertheless, on the seventh day, he should make Kiddush and, when the Shabbat is over, Havdalah.

I just hope that this particular Jew can get hold of some wine / grapejuice, candles or spices.

The Torah in Shemot (Exodus) 20:9 – 10 commands us to work during the first six days of the week and to rest on the seventh day. Here, the Vilna Gaon is asking why the Torah commands us to work during the six days of the week. Why doesn’t it just command us to rest on the seventh day ? The answer lays in “Zachor – To remember the Shabbat”. When we remember what day is Shabbat we will be able to rest and not work. Not even work necessary for our lives.

I am not sure whether I agree to this opinion, as there are many Jews who have to work on Shabbat. Just let us look at the farmer milking his cows, hospital staff or policemen. And what about those Jews working on Shabbat in order to be able making a living ? One always has to look at the background and the circumstances, as, sometimes, life is not that easy.

Shabbat Shalom

At the beach in Tel Aviv

 Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H

Sometimes I am asking myself what is better: Having Friday off, preparing for Shabbat, maybe do some meditation before entering Shabbat, relax and go to the Synagogue or, as I do at the moment, work on Fridays, finish work 1 - 2 hours before Shabbat and then run. Preparing myself, running to the Synagogue and only then relaxing. 


Maybe the first possibility sounds better because you find the time of preparing yourself but what about people who have to work ? I have to say that it does bother me not finding enough time but, on the other hand, there must be something positive in for people like me working. I remember a story where once a family was celebrating the Pessach Seder. It was in Galut and on the first night of Pessach, they just did everything so right. The husband took his time, explained the Haggadah and everything around was just so perfect and holy. On the second night however, somehow the husband overslept and the family started its Seder only an hour before midnight. They were rushing like mad through the Haggadah and nothing seemed to be holy anymore. The husband was upset because he felt so lost und unconfortable before G - d due to his "stupid" mistake. Nevertheless, the second Seder of rushing through was more appreciated by G - d, as the first one. Suddenly there were some true emotions even by rushing through. And I am convinced that I am going with true emotions into Shabbat because I just know that it is Shabbat. I am looking forward to it whether other who relax may just enter it as usua or as a habit. 


"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to all readers !

"Shavua Tov - Have a great new Week !"

B"H

Shabbat is over and I have to say that the Chabad hostel ASCENT in Zfat made a huge effort to "entertain" us. Not only with the "Healing Seminar with content according to the Rambam" but the entire Shabbat programme. 

No, we didn't get brainwashed by Chabad although it was mentioned plenty of times that Friday was the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi.

We had great meals together some teachings (general and not only Chabad !) and we, of course had a good LeChaim: Vodka and Jack Daniel's. 

Most of the Shabbat I spent in my favourite place - the library. However, here are some photos from before and after Shabbat at Ascent. Tomorrow I am going to write about the seminar, including healthy nutrition according to the Rambam !

Before Shabbat: One of the two Ascent founders, Rabbi Shaul Leiter, gave a lecture on the kabbalistic holiness of Zfat. 

The participants in the Shabbat programme usually come from all kinds of ages, countries and religious backgrounds. We had quite a few conservative Americans who enjoyed the programme but will remain conservative. 

At the Havdalah Service

Ascent frequently has soldier's groups coming in. The Ascent philosophy is that Israeli soldiers have to know for what they fight. They have to know about the importance of Hebron, for instance. 

Also the girls were dancing: behind the Mechitzah !

Photos: Miriam Woelke

Shabbat Teachings from Tzfat (Safed)

B"H

Community life, this is what many inhabitants of Zfat's old City emphasize. In fact, most American new immigrants who have moved to Zfat have chosen to live in the old City. Rent is a little higher than in the new city surrounding the old prestigious Kabbalah city but whoever is looking for a quiet life, Zfat should be the place for him.

Last Friday afternoon I arrived at the local Chabad hostel "Ascent" in the old city. Shops close early in Zfat. By two o'clock before Shabbat comes in at about 4.30pm, almost all shops are closed. Real village life compared to the busy Machane Yehudah Market in Jerusalem where, until half an hour before Shabbat comes in, the traders are still active.

We had a Kabbalat Shabbat service at the hostel and then received families where we ate the Shabbat meal. A miracle happened and it started to rain heavily in the early afternoon. A real miracle because there is hardly any rain that early in October.

As soon as the rain started, the electricity went off in many households of the old city. Another sign of the local "village - like life".

Me and some other people were put together in one group and we went to a really nice family inside the old city. The family lives right next to the Synagogue of Chassidut Lelov. I have to admit that I didn't even know that the Lelover are located in Zfat.

We were told that one of the two Lelover Rebbes from Bnei Brak spent this particular Shabbat here in Zfat and I already "smelled" a chassidic Tish coming up. I got excited because I have never really been to Lelov.

We ate our meal and then it started raining again. "Don't worry, said our host, in Zfat is usually rains heavily but never for too long. You will get back to "Ascent" dry." And so it was. Except for our feet because we stepped in countless puddles on the way back. The electricity had gone off again and the entire old city was completely dark. No street lights, no nothing and we were staggering around through the old cobblestone alleyways.

I had a look into the Lelov Synagogue but there was no Tish going on. It seemed as if everyone had just ran home due to the rain. Today the sun is back and it is getting warm

However, I learnt that today is the Yahrzeit of the old Ruzhin - Boyaner Rebbe Israel of Rizhin. The one who lived in a castle - like building and where people tell that the Rebbe wore golden shoes but without soles. This way, people got the impression that he was so terribly posh and wore golden clothes. However, underneath he was humbled and cut off the soles from his shoes. Nevertheless, there is a huge controversy about the Rizhiner Rebbe until today. Did he order the death of some youth or did he not ? I don't want to go into the whole case taking place in Ruzhin in the days of the Rebbe. However, the Rebbe got arrested and later escaped to a different country.

Last Shabbat was "Shabbat Noach" and we read the Parasha with the famous Flood and the Tower of Bavel. One of the Chabad Rabbis working at "Ascent" said that "ARK - TEVA" can also be interpreted as "WORD". When Noach said "Come into the Ark" it could also stand for "Come to the Word" - meaning come close to Torah where you are protected.

Eli Naiditch from "Ascent" had a very nice and helpful teaching regarding "making Aliyah to Israel". He quoted the Lubavitcher Rebbe who once said that a Jew making Aliyah to Israel should not only look at his material well - being. Making Aliyah doesn't only include material matters but also a spiritual preparation. We cannot just compare Israel to our former country and criticize. Instead we have to look at the spiritual sides as well and try to sum up all the positive aspects. Only then we will make it in Israel.

"LECHA DODI" - Ashkenaz

Sephardi Kabbalat Shabbat

A different kind of Shabbat

B"H

Usually celebrating Shabbat means Mitzvot, Synagogue, festive meals, meeting friends, going to chassidic Tishes or Synagogues but also rest. Last Shabbat, however, a friend of mine and myself were busy doing something completely different.

Jerusalem is full of outdoor cats giving birth to little kittens all the time and walking around between garbage cans and houses. Many times the cats go on everyone's nerves, as there are so many of them. The Jerusalem Municipality is sending out a team from time to time catching outdoor cats and either kill them or hand them over to a special organization for adoption.

A few days ago, my friend found a little kitten (only a few days old) squeezed into the neighbour's roof. First she thought about calling the municipality but eventually she managed to get the kitten out of its roof trap, bathed her and took care of her. The kitten was hurt and has a swollen eye due to an infection. Today my friend is going to the vet with the kitten.

 

The entire Shabbat we were busy taking care of this little cat. Muktzeh yes or no, the kitten didn't feel well because of the infection. Moreover she has a cold. The animal world is cruel and only the strongest survives. The same with today's human world, by the way.

It was just an amazing how this kitten had survived the fall and the burning sun. It still has a trauma and we don't even know whether it is a HE or a SHE.

This was our Shabbat !

The spiritual thought may be that, if you go according to Kabbalah, the kitten's soul rectification and reincarnation may have been listening to our Kiddush. Who knows ?

However, I very much hope the tiny cat is going to be fine. My friend is now looking for a loving person who would like to care care of that kitten. We are also looking for a name. If you have any idea, please comment !

Halacha: "Candle Lighting on Shabbat"

B"H

A Sephardi Rabbi on Israel's haredi radio channel "Kol HaRama" explained the following:

First, the Rabbis asked the question whether a Jewish woman has to say a blessing over the Shabbat candles which were lit by a Gentile. In some cases it can happen that a Jewish woman is unable (e.g. an illness, etc.) to light her Shabbat candles and, instead, asks a Gentile to do this for her.

The answer is that a Jewish woman should only say her blessing over the Shabbat candles when she actively lit them herself. Halacha demands a person to do something. Do it with one's own hands. When the candles were lit by someone else the woman cannot say a Bracha (blessing).

Second question:

Is a Jewish woman instantly accepting Shabbat when she lights her candles ? 

Meaning, is she after candle lighting forbidden to do any further work in order not to break Shabbat ?

Answer: 

The Shulchan Aruch says that if a woman lights her Shabbat candles with the intention of not yet accepting Shabbat, she is allowed to do further work even after candle lighting !

We light Shabbat candles in order to cause a special Shabbat atmosphere and fill the house with light. However, lighting the candles has not entirely to do with accepting the Shabbat.

A Key on the Challah

B"H


Last Shabbat I was invited in Mea Shearim where my hosts told me about a special custom in chassidic circles taking place on the Shabbat after Pessach:


When the Challot (Shabbat bread) is baked, a separate piece of dough is formed into a key shape and put on top of a Challah. The key represents an opening for the "Gate of Income" for another year.


I had never heard about this kind of custom before and my host was very proud presenting me the key on top of the Challah.


By the way, the key is being eaten in the end.

Relaxing

B"H


The Shabbat turned out to be sunny and warm. Not too warm but something like a European April day.


I spent the Shabbat in the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Nachlaot which is located next to the huge Sacher Park. On a sunny Shabbat, the park usually attracts countless visitors. When I arrived, several Hundred people were already sitting on the grass or walking around. Most of them were talking a walk to the nearby famous Rose Garden.


The secular made barbecues, others were banging on their bongo drums and several Haredim (Ultra - Orthodox) were laying on the grass. No one bothered anyone and everything went more than peaceful.

"Lecha Dodi" Likrat Kallah

"Lecha Dodi" is sung during the evening prayer Maariv on Erev Shabbat (Friday night). With this song, we are welcoming the "bride" Shabbat !

See you on Shabbos !

B"H

A new project has been launched in order to connect Jews to Shabbat, Shidduchim and Judaism.

Those of you (all over the world) interested, here are the details:

http://www.seeyouonshabbos.com/

I was told by the organizers that the entire service is FREE OF CHARGE !

Rabbi Mordechai Machlis on Parashat "Bo"

B"H

After a longer period of time, I went to one of Rabbi Mordechai Machlis' Shabbatot (Jerusalem) last night. I came late and his house was packed with people. At least sixty or seventy Shabbat guests were there. The atmosphere was very nice although I found myself squeezed in at one of the tables. Together with a mother and all her daughters. Next to us were lots of American seminary (frum) girls seated.

The Rabbi had a very good teaching which should make all of us think. Usually we go from one Torah Parasha to the next. Study one Parasha after the other and as soon as one Shabbat is over, its Parasha seems a kind of forgotten.

"Coming out of Egypt" - We all know that the Israelites left their spiritual darkness in order to start a new life and receive the Torah. The question is: "What about us today ?"

Are we that much better ? Don't we live in our own darkness even with the Torah ?

Rabbi Machlis said that every Shabbat we are leaving Egypt. Our "Egypt" meaning the weekdays where we are busy and sometimes full of worries. Shabbat comes in and we enter (or should enter) a completely different world. Uplifting ourselves and forgetting our worries for a few hours. 

Sometimes the simple teachings are the best because they really relate to our daily lives.

However, Rabbi Machlis had another Rabbi as a guest. Rabbi Aryeh (unfortunately I didn't get his last name) from Detroit (Michigan). Rabbi Aryeh stated that a Torah believing Jew has his questions but do they keep him away from keeping the Torah ? A wise Jew has his questions and may ask them but not abandon Torah.

Rabbi Machlis answered with a teaching from Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach:

There are so many people in this world walking around with answers. All they have is answers. Other people only walk around with questions but don't have an answer.

If those two groups met each other, Meshiach would come immediately !

Latest Pashkevilim: Keeping Shabbat in Jerusalem !

The fight INTEL versus EDAH HACHAREDIT continues !