Sunday, January 01, 2006

LESSONS IN TANYA: Monday, January 2, 2006

B"H

Tevet 2, 5766 * January 2, 2006

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L E S S O N S I N T A N Y A
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Today's Lesson:

Likutei Amarim
Chapter Six
--------------

[In the previous chapters the Alter Rebbe discussed the divine soul; its ten faculties - three intellectual and seven emotional - and its three garments by which it expresses itself, namely, the thought, speech and action of Torah and the mitzvot.

He explained that the garments of the divine soul are actually on a higher level than the soul itself, inasmuch as Torah and G-d are one, and that by "clothing" itself in these garments, i.e., by studying the Torah and by performing the mitzvot, the soul is united with G-d. This is particularly true of Torah study, in which the soul both embraces and is embraced by the G-dliness contained in Torah.

In chapter 6 the Alter Rebbe begins to discuss the animal soul. He explains that its structure exactly parallels that of the divine soul; it too has ten faculties and three garments; only, unlike the divine soul, the substance of the animal soul is kelipah, and its faculties and garments are impurity. By clothing itself in these garments the animal soul descends to an even lower state of impurity.

Concerning the concept of kelipah, we have noted in chapter 1 that although all existence was created by and receives its life from G-dliness, yet, in order that man be able to choose between good and evil, and that he earn his reward by serving his Creator by his own effort, G-d created forces of impurity which conceal the G-dliness in all of creation.

These forces are called kelipah (plural: kelipot), literally meaning "shells" or "peels": Just as the shell conceals the fruit, so do the forces of kelipah conceal the G-dliness in every created being.

There are two categories in kelipot: kelipat nogah (lit. "a kelipah [inclusive] of light"), and "the three unclean kelipot."

The first category, kelipat nogah, contains some measure of good. It is thus an intermediary level between the realms of good and evil, and whatever receives its vitality via the concealing screen of this kelipah may be utilized for either good or evil.

To this category belong all permitted physical objects; they may be used for a mitzvah and ascend thereby to the realm of holiness, or they may be used sinfully, G-d forbid, and thereby be further degraded.

The second category - consisting of the "three impure kelipot" - is wholly evil. Whatever receives its vitality via the concealment of this type of kelipah cannot be transformed into holiness, nor, in some cases, may it even be used in the service of holiness.

To this category belong all forbidden physical objects; whether forbidden only for consumption, in which case they cannot be transformed into holiness but they may serve it, or whether forbidden for any form of benefit, in which case they cannot even serve any holy purpose.]

(1) "The Almighty has created one thing opposite the other."

[Everything in the realm of holiness has its counterpart in kelipah. In our context, the animal soul, with its faculties and garments, is the counterpart (in kelipah) of the divine soul, with its faculties and garments.]

Just as the divine soul consists of ten holy [faculties, which correspond to the Ten Supernal] Sefirot, and is clothed in three holy garments, [i.e., the thought, speech and action of Torah and the mitzvot], so, too, the soul of sitra achra [defined further in this chapter] derived from kelipat nogah, which is clothed in man's blood -[as explained in chapter 1, the animal soul is clothed in the blood, and thereby animates the body - this soul too] consists of ten (2) "crowns of impurity," [i.e., the faculties of kelipah, called "crowns" in kabbalistic terminology].

These [ten faculties] are: seven evil middot (seven emotional traits), [e.g., lust, the equivalent in kelipah of the middah of Chesed ("kindness"); anger, which expresses the middah of Gevurah ("severity"); boastfulness, the equivalent of Tiferet ("beauty"); and so forth], which stem from the four evil elements mentioned above [in ch. 1.

Spiritual entities have their "elements" as physical objects do; in this case evil elements, since this is a soul of kelipah], and the intellect [seichel] which gives birth to these [seven evil middot], which is subdivided into three, viz., Chochmah, Binah and Daat, the source of the middot.

[The intellectual faculties are described as the source of the evil middot] for the middot are commensurate with the quality of one's intellect.

A child desires and loves [i.e., he expresses his middah of Chesed towards] petty things of little value, for his intellect is too immature and deficient to appreciate more valuable things.

Similarly [with regard to the middah of Gevurah]: he is angered and vexed by trivial things, and likewise with regard to boastfulness [which expresses the middah of Tiferet], and other middot.

[This correlation between middot and intellect indicates that the intellect affects the nature and expression of middot, and for this reason, the three intellectual faculties are said to be the source of the seven middot. (3)]

Now these ten unclean categories, when a person thinks [thoughts originating from] them [e.g., when he thinks of ways of obtaining something he desires], or speaks [words originating from them or does an act which serves or expresses them], then the thought in his brain, the words in his mouth and the power of action in his hands and other organs, are called "impure garments" for these ten unclean categories, which clothe themselves in these garments, during the act, speech or thought.

[But what sort of thoughts, words and action are the "garments" of the animal soul? Earlier, in chapter 4, we learned that the divine soul has specific thoughts, etc., in which it clothes itself, namely, thought, speech and action in matters of Torah and the mitzvot. Are we then to understand that the animal soul, too, has specific garments - sinful thoughts, words or actions, perhaps?

Not so, states the Alter Rebbe presently. All thoughts, words and acts that are not directed toward G-d and the service of G-d, even though they are not actually sinful, are garments of the kelipah, and hence, of the animal soul. In his words]:

These [garments of the animal soul] comprise all the deeds that are done under the sun [i.e., all mundane actions], which are all (4) "vanity and an affliction of the spirit," as the Zohar (5) (Parshat Beshallach) interprets this:"a ruination of the spirit [of holinees]."

Similarly, all words and all thoughts that are not [directed] to G-d and to His Will and His service [are all garments for the animal soul.]

For this is the meaning of the term sitra achra - literally "the other side," i.e., not the side of holiness.

[Thus, whatever does not belong to the realm of holiness is sitra achra. But what, in fact, does the realm of holiness encompass?]

The side of holiness is nothing but the indwelling and extension of G-d's holiness.

Now, G-d dwells only on that which is surrendered to Him, whether [the surrender is an] actual [one and visible even in that surrendered being's external aspects] as is the case with the supernal angels [whose entire being is constantly and openly surrendered to G-d] or whether [it is a] potential [surrender], as in the case of every Jew here below in this physical world, who has the capacity for surrendering himself completely before G-d, through martyrdom for the sanctification of G-d's Name.

[As explained further in the Tanya, every Jew has the capacity for such self-sacrifice; in the face of an attempt to coerce him to forsake Judaism he will willingly suffer martyrdom. Thus, every Jew possesses internally within his soul the potential for surrender to G-d, whatever his external state; this potential, however, may reveal itself only in the act of martyrdom. Because he is surrendered to G-d, G-d's holiness rests upon him.]

That is why our Sages (6) have said that "if even one individual sits and engages in Torah study, the Divine Presence rests upon him."

[For when one engages in Torah study his surrender to G-dliness emerges, to affect him on a revealed, external level, since such study entails setting aside one's own notions and presumptions in order to understand and accept G-d's wisdom and Will as expressed in Torah. It is this surrender to G-dliness that causes the Divine Presence to rest upon the Torah student.]

Also, (7) "On each gathering of ten Jews the Divine Presence rests" always; [together, ten Jews form a "congregation of Israel," which is a fit abode for the Divine Presence.]

Footnotes:

1. Kohelet 7:14. See Zohar III, 47b.
2. Ibid. 41a; 70a.
3. Comparison of the Alter Rebbe's description here of the faculties
of the animal soul, with his description - in ch. 3 - of the divine
soul, yields several significant differences.
In ch. 3 the seichel faculties are given first; here middot precede
seichel. In both cases the seichel is said to be the source of
middot; yet, whereas in ch. 3 this is explained to mean that
seichel "gives birth" to middot, here it is stated only that middot
are "commensurate" with the quality of seichel.
These variations arise from the fundamental difference between the
nature of the divine soul and of the animal soul. The divine soul
is essentially intellective (wherefore it is called Adam, which, of
the various Hebrew words for "man", means "man, the intelligent
being"). Its middot actually arise out of the seichel; i.e., its
emotions of love and fear of G-d stem from the seichel's
contemplation of His greatness. The animal soul, on the other hand,
is essentially and instinctively passionate. It inclines naturally
towards physical pleasures, and need not ponder their desirability
in order to desire them. Here, the seichel serves merely to steer
and channel the development of middot. Therefore the general
quality of its middot reflects, and is commensurate with, the
general state of its seichel.
4. Kohelet 1:14.
5. II, 59a.
6. Avot 3:6.
7. Sanhedrin 39a.

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Chanukah is here!

Our extensive Chanukah website has how-to’s, stories, lessons, games and even recipes! It's sure to make your holiday more meaningful and insightful! All this at:

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Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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DAILY MITZVAH (Maimonides): Monday, January 2, 2006

B"H

Tevet 2, 5766 * January 2, 2006

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D A I L Y M I T Z V A H (M A I M O N I D E S )
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Today's Mitzvot (Day 122 of 339):

Negative Mitzvah 42; Positive Mitzvah 120; Negative Mitzvah 210
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Negative Mitzvah 42: You shall not wear "Sha'atnez"

-Deuteronomy 22:11 "You shall not wear a garment of Sha'atnez,
of wool and linen together"

Shelly had an allergic rash on her skin that itched badly.

Shelly's mother took her to see the doctor and after the doctor
examined her, he prescribed a cream to ease the itching.

As they were driving home, Shelly asked her mother:
"Are you sure that the medicine works?"
"Well," her mother replied, "I trust the doctor. After all,
he should know what he's doing!"

Usually, we like to understand the reasons for doing things or
how things work, but often, we are content to rely on professional
knowledge.

Can you imagine demanding an explanation every time you receive
a doctor's prescription?

Or a passenger demanding a complete lesson on how a plane flies,
before he is prepared to get on the plane?

We rely on people who are experts in their chosen fields.

If we devoted the time and effort in order to learn about other
areas that interest us, we would probably be able to understand
many things that now seem mysterious to us.

However, until we do so, we must rely on others.

Therefore, a doctor knows the proper medicine to prescribe for
a disease. However, he may not be able to tell you how to fix
a computer because he is not an expert in computers.

Only HaShem, the Creator of the Universe, knows the reason for
everything. He created and assigned to each particle in nature
its own unique function.

We, were given the Torah and its Mitzvot in order to enable us to
fulfill the will of HaShem. We rely on the Torah and that HaShem
knows what is best for His creations.

We can understand the reasons for many Mitzvot.

However, there are other Mitzvot for which we have no
explanations.

These Mitzvot are called "Chukim".

We must keep them, nonetheless, because the Torah tells us to
do so.

One such "Chok", or "unexplained law" - is this Negative Mitzvah
of "Sha'atnez."

We are not allowed to wear a garment that has wool and linen
woven together in it.

There are special Sha'atnez laboratories that will check any
garment for this forbidden mixture.

Often, the threads can be removed and then the garment may be
worn. The people who work in these laboratories are highly-skilled
in their job.

It is very important to check the manufacturer's label on clothing
in order to find out what material it is made of.

If Sha'atnez is found, the laboratory may be able to remove the
problematic material. In this way we are able to fulfill the
Mitzvot that HaShem commanded us to keep, even though we do not
understand the reasons for such Mitzvot.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Introduction to Positive Mitzvot 120 - 124:

Giving Tzedakah from our Fields

When your father makes a deposit in the bank, he hands the money
to the teller who in turn, credits it to his account.

Everyone knows that he is not giving the money to the teller as
a gift!

The bank saves and manages the money and gives it back to your
father when he asks for it.

Every person has different needs and HaShem provides for everyone.

He organized a system in which He gives people a "deposit" - money
or possessions - for them to manage properly.

They must distribute some to the poor, and provide others from the
"account" which HaShem has blessed them with.

In this way, everyone is taken care of, while those who are able
to give to the poor are fulfilling the will of HaShem.

When HaShem gave our people Eretz Yisrael, we were commanded to
be generous with the crops that grow in the fields.

A farmer must realize that his field is given to him as a deposit
and he must manage it wisely, giving others a chance to benefit
from it as well.

The following Mitzvot describe gifts which we must give from our
fields in Eretz Yisrael.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Introduction to Negative Mitzvot 210-214:

Giving Tzedakah from Crops

One morning, the principal brought a new girl into Tammy's class.

"This is Nadia," she said as she introduced the new pupil who
nodded shyly. "Nadia just came from Russia. She's very happy to
be able to go to a Jewish school. I'm sure you'll help her and
she'll catch up to the class quickly."

Tammy's class burst into song "Hayveinu Shalom Aleichem."

They wanted to make Nadia feel welcome. She seemed like
a very nice girl, but her long braids tied with bows and
her old fashioned outfit made her look a bit different.

During recess, all the girls gathered around Nadia, talking
excitedly and inviting her to play jump-rope with them.

After school, Tammy offered to study with Nadia every day and
help her do homework. They soon became good friends.

One day, during recess, when all the girls ran outside to play,
Tammy stayed in the classroom, pretending to organize her
school bag. She actually wanted to talk to her teacher privately.

"Morah," she approached the teacher when the pupils had all
gone out, "I'd like to speak to you about Nadia."

"Yes, Tammy," her teacher said with a smile.

"I want to compliment you for spending so much time with her!
It's a very big Mitzvah, you know."

"I like to be with her," answered Tammy. "But I have a problem and
I want your advice about what I should do.

You see, every day when we come to school, I notice her looking
enviously at all the girls' school-bags. They're all so colorful
and Nadia carries her books in a plastic bag."

Tammy's teacher thought for a moment and then said, "Nadia's
family just came from Russia and her parents must be concerned
with getting settled here. They probably can't afford to buy her
a better bag to carry her books right now."

"Morah," Tammy said slowly, "I just got a new bag for Chanukah,
but I like the one I'm already using. It's wider and has more
compartments and pockets. Maybe I could give Nadia the new bag."

"Tammy, that's very kind of you, but think for a moment. Nadia
may be ashamed to receive such a gift."

"That's just the thing I wanted to speak to you about" said Tammy.
"How can I give it to her without embarrassing her?"

"Well," replied her teacher, after a moment of thought. "I think
I have an idea. Did you notice anything Nadia is very good at?"

"Oh sure!" exclaimed Tammy. "She's very artistic. She often begins
to doodle on her notebook and before you know it, she sketches
a beautiful drawing."

"That's it! We'll have a drawing contest for Tu-B'Shvat and the
winner will get a brand new school bag as first prize," the
teacher said, while winking at Tammy.

"That's a great idea because then the winner will feel that she
earned the prize and it won't be just a gift. I bet I know who's
going to be the winner!"

HaShem wants us to share what we have with people who are needy.

This is the great Mitzvah of Tzedakah. There are many ways of
keeping this Mitzvah.

If a person owns a field, he is commanded to share his harvest
with needy people. But this sharing must be done in a modest
and respectful manner.

If the farmer just gave a poor man a basket of food, the poor
person might feel hurt and be to embarrassed to take it.

The Torah teaches us how we can provide for others by allowing
them to come and collect from the fields themselves.

This makes the needy person feel better because he is taking the
trouble to work in the field and, thereby, "earn" his portion.

The following Mitzvot describe different ways of giving Tzedakah
from our fields.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Negative Mitzvah 210: It is forbidden to reap the entire harvest

-Leviticus 23:22 "You shall not reap the corners of your field
when you reap the harvest"

The owner of the land is commanded not to reap the harvest of the
entire field. He must leave one corner - the "Pe'ah" - where any
needy person may come and reap the crops for himself.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chanukah is here!

Our extensive Chanukah website has how-to’s, stories, lessons, games and even recipes! It's sure to make your holiday more meaningful and insightful! All this at:

http://www.Chanukah.org

Tip: Join a public menorah lighting or Chanukah event in your area too!

http://www.chabad.org/103839

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http://www.chabad.org/225487

New! Featured Chanukah Videos:

SEASONS: A Chanukah Thought: http://www.chabad.org/335975
MIRACLES: A Chanukah Film: http://www.chabad.org/329867
MIRACLE LIGHTS: An Animated Production: http://www.chabad.org/339352

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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"TODAY'S DAY": Monday, January 2, 2006

B"H

Tevet 2, 5766 * January 2, 2006

=======================
"T O D A Y ' S D A Y"
=======================

Thursday, Tevet 2, Seventh Day of Chanuka 5703

Torah lessons: Chumash: Mikeitz, Chamishi with Rashi.
Tehillim: 10-17.
Tanya: Therefore has the Torah (p. 15)...and its
commandments (p. 17).

The campaign of the Greeks was aimed to "make them forget Your Torah and violate the decrees of Your will" (Sidur p. 59); as the Midrash (Bereishit Raba 16) puts it, (the Greeks demanded) "Write...that you have no share in the G-d of Israel."

It was a war against G-d.

"Let them study Torah," the Greeks implied. "Let them practice the justice-mitzvot and the `testimonial' observances. But they must not mention that the Torah is G-d's Torah and the mitzvot are the decrees of His will. Torah and mitzvot must be severed from G-dliness."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chanukah is here!

Our extensive Chanukah website has how-to’s, stories, lessons, games and even recipes! It's sure to make your holiday more meaningful and insightful! All this at:

http://www.Chanukah.org

Tip: Join a public menorah lighting or Chanukah event in your area too!

http://www.chabad.org/103839

Send Chanukah Greeting Cards to friends and family:

http://www.chabad.org/225487

New! Featured Chanukah Videos:

SEASONS: A Chanukah Thought: http://www.chabad.org/335975
MIRACLES: A Chanukah Film: http://www.chabad.org/329867
MIRACLE LIGHTS: An Animated Production: http://www.chabad.org/339352

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Note: day of week and Torah lessons indicated are from 5703 (1943).

For a glossary of terms used in "Today's Day" please click here:
http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867

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TODAY IN JUDAISM: Monday, January 2, 2006

B"H

Tevet 2, 5766 * January 2, 2006

=================================
T O D A Y I N J U D A I S M
=================================

* Laws * Customs * Jewish History * Daily Quote * Daily Study *

Today is: Monday, Tevet 2, 5766
Chanukah Day 8

======================
Today's Laws & Customs
======================

• "Zot Chanukah"

The eighth day of Chanukah is also known as Zot Chanukah (lit., "this is Chanukah"), after the opening words of the special Chanukah Torah reading for this day (Leviticus 7:54-8:4). For the deeper significance of this name, see link to "Accumulating Lights" below.

In the Jewish calendar, the day begins at nightfall; thus, the last kindling of the Chanukah lights is held on the evening preceding the 8th day of Chanukah, when eight lights are lit (see "Laws & Customs" for yesterday's date). The festival of Chanukah concludes at nightfall this evening.

It is customary, however, to light candles during the daytime as well, in synagogues, in public spaces, and at gatherings held in honor of the festival. These lightings are done without recitation of the blessings as they do not constitute an observance of the mitzvah of kindling the Chanukah lights.

Other Chanukah observances include the inclusion of Hallel and Al Hanissim in the daily prayers, eating food fried in oil and dairy foods, playing with the "dreidel" and giving gifts of money ("Chanukah gelt") to children.

Links: Accumulating Lights [http://www.chabad.org/102902]

=======================
Today in Jewish History
=======================

• 8th Day of Chanukah Miracle (139 BCE)

On the 25th of Kislev in the year 3622 from creation, the Maccabees liberated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, after defeating the vastly more numerous and powerful armies of the Syrian-Greek king Antiochus IV, who had tried to forcefully uproot the beliefs and practices of Judaism from the people of Israel. The victorious Jews repaired, cleansed and rededicated the Temple to the service of G-d. But all the Temple's oil had been defiled by the pagan invaders; when the Jews sought to light the Temple's menorah (candelabra), they found only one small cruse of ritually pure olive oil. Miraculously, the one-day supply burned for eight days, until new, pure oil could be obtained. In commemoration, the Sages instituted the 8-day festival of Chanukah, on which lights are kindled nightly to recall and publicize the miracle.

Link: The Story of Chanukah [http://www.chabad.org/102816]

===========
Daily Quote
===========

A little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness

- Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi

===========
Daily Study
===========

Chitas and Rambam for today:

Chumash: Vayigash, 2nd Portion Bereishit 44:31-45:7 with Rashi
• English Text:
http://www.chabad.org/parshah/rashi/default.asp?tDate=1/2/2006&src=ds

Tehillim: Chapters 10 - 17
• Hebrew text:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tehillim.asp?tDate=1/2/2006&Lang=HEB
• English text:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tehillim.asp?tDate=1/2/2006

Tanya: Likutei Amarim, beginning of Chapter 6
• Lesson in Tanya:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tDate=1/2/2006
• RealAudio:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&tDate=1/2/2006&format=rm
• Windows Media:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&tDate=1/2/2006&format=m3u

Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvos:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/seferHamitzvos.asp?tDate=1/2/2006
• 1 Chapter: Mechirah Chap. 14
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/rambam.asp?tDate=1/2/2006&rambamChapters=1
• 3 Chapters: Kil'ayim Chap. 9, 10, Mattenot Aniyim Chap. 1
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/rambam.asp?tDate=1/2/2006&rambamChapters=3

Hayom Yom:
• English Text:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp?tDate=1/2/2006

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Chanukah is here!

Our extensive Chanukah website has how-to’s, stories, lessons, games and even recipes! It's sure to make your holiday more meaningful and insightful! All this at:

http://www.Chanukah.org

Tip: Join a public menorah lighting or Chanukah event in your area too!

http://www.chabad.org/103839

Send Chanukah Greeting Cards to friends and family:

http://www.chabad.org/225487

New! Featured Chanukah Videos:

SEASONS: A Chanukah Thought: http://www.chabad.org/335975
MIRACLES: A Chanukah Film: http://www.chabad.org/329867
MIRACLE LIGHTS: An Animated Production: http://www.chabad.org/339352

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Check out our other Calendar Tools:

Candle Lighting anywhere: http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=6226
Zmanim - Halachic Times: http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=143790
Jewish/Civil Date Converter: http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=6225
Jewish Birthday Calculator: http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=6228
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Yahrtzeit Calculator: http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=6229

Copyright © Chabad.org, 2005

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DAILY MITZVAH (Maimonides): Sunday, January 1, 2006

B"H

Tevet 1, 5766 * January 1, 2006

==================================================
D A I L Y M I T Z V A H (M A I M O N I D E S )
==================================================

Today's Mitzvot (Day 121 of 339):

Negative Mitzvot 217, 218
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Negative Mitzvah 217: It is forbidden to breed two types of
animals together

-Leviticus 19:19 "You shall not let your cattle breed with a
different kind"

We are not allowed to breed one type of animal with another animal
of a different species. This is also known as Kelayim.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Negative Mitzvah 218: It is forbidden to work with two different
kinds of animals together
Deuteronomy 22:10 "You shall not plow with an ox and donkey
together"

This is another type of "forbidden mixture" or Kelayim, concerning
animals.

We are not allowed to do any work while harnessing two different
kinds of animals together.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chanukah is here!

Our extensive Chanukah website has how-to’s, stories, lessons, games and even recipes! It's sure to make your holiday more meaningful and insightful! All this at:

http://www.Chanukah.org

Tip: Join a public menorah lighting or Chanukah event in your area too!

http://www.chabad.org/103839

Send Chanukah Greeting Cards to friends and family:

http://www.chabad.org/225487

New! Featured Chanukah Videos:

SEASONS: A Chanukah Thought: http://www.chabad.org/335975
MIRACLES: A Chanukah Film: http://www.chabad.org/329867
MIRACLE LIGHTS: An Animated Production: http://www.chabad.org/339352

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Brought to you by Chabad.org

To listen to an audio version of today's lesson, please click one of the following links:

MP3: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=seferhamitzvot&tDate=01/01/2006&format=m3u
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To view this lesson online with its many features please visit: http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/seferHamitzvos.asp

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DAILY DOSE: The Last War

B"H

The Last War
------------

Some people are waiting for a final, apocalyptic war. But the final war is not fought on battlefields, nor at sea, nor in the skies above. Neither is it a war between leaders or nations. The final war is fought in the heart of each human being, with the armies of his or her deeds in this world. The final war is the battle of Chanukah and the miracle of light.

A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe
-words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman
Tevet 1, 5766 * January 1, 2006

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chanukah is here!

Our extensive Chanukah website has how-to’s, stories, lessons, games and even recipes! It's sure to make your holiday more meaningful and insightful! All this at:

http://www.Chanukah.org

Tip: Join a public menorah lighting or Chanukah event in your area too!

http://www.chabad.org/103839

Send Chanukah Greeting Cards to friends and family:

http://www.chabad.org/225487

New! Featured Chanukah Videos:

SEASONS: A Chanukah Thought: http://www.chabad.org/335975
MIRACLES: A Chanukah Film: http://www.chabad.org/329867
MIRACLE LIGHTS: An Animated Production: http://www.chabad.org/339352

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Brought to you by Chabad.org

To purchase a copy of "Bringing Heaven Down to Earth: Meditations and Everyday Wisdom from the Teachings of the Rebbe", or other books by Tzvi Freeman, click here:

http://www.chabad.org/240099

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A7news: Terrorists Succeed in Rocketing Jezreel Valley

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Islamic Jihad: We're Back
As of today, the "period of calm" to which Islamic Jihad agreed to several months ago is officially over. Israeli forces are on alert. Hamas is remaining quiet, for the meanwhile.
Full Story Below

Headlines:
 1. Islamic Jihad: We're Back
 2. Terrorists Succeed in Rocketing Jezreel Valley
 3. Feiglin Withdraws Knesset Candidacy
 4. Sharon to Undergo Heart Procedure on Thursday
 5. Symbolic Candle-Lighting Ceremonies
 6. Peres Challenges Sharon´s One-Man Rule
 7. Two-Thirds of PA Arabs Support Al Qaeda Attacks
 8. Israel’s Economic Growth Highest in Western World

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Editor: Hillel Fendel
Sunday, January 01, 2006
1 Tevet 5766

 

1. Islamic Jihad: We're Back
By Hillel Fendel

As of today, the "period of calm" to which Islamic Jihad agreed to several months ago is officially over. Israeli forces are on alert. Hamas is remaining quiet, for the meanwhile.

Known as a "tahadiye," it began in March 2005, at a meeting of terrorist leaders in Cairo. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak at the time that the agreement was an "important first step." Some said the agreement was downright dangerous for Israel, however. Hisham Abdel Rezak, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, explained at the time that as opposed to a "hudna," which remains in effect until one of the sides feels it can defeat the other, a tahadiye is even less binding, and is really only a "calming" of the situation that allows the sides to easily "get down from the ladder."

In fact, during the nearly nine months since the tahadiye was agreed upon, Palestinian terrorism and warfare claimed no fewer than 35 victims. These included 5 victims of Kassam rockets and mortar shells, 11 murdered in shooting and stabbing attacks, and 16 people killed in three suicide attacks.

A spokesman for Islamic Jihad announced last night that the tahadiye would not be renewed "because Israel has continued its operations in the territories and has not released security prisoners [terrorists - ed.]."

Other terrorist organizations, such as the Popular Resistance Committees, the PFLP, and most of the armed gangs of Fatah's Al Aqsa Brigades, joined the Islamic Jihad's declaration. Blatantly missing from this list is Hamas, which is running for office in the upcoming Palestinian Authority elections. The Israeli defense evaluation is that Hamas will refrain from attacking Israel at least until the PA elections, currently scheduled for late January.

IDF forces killed two Palestinian terrorists attempting to fire a Kassam rocket from northern Gaza last night. This was the first IDF success since it announced Operation Blue Skies, in which anyone seen walking around areas from which rockets are launched at Ashkelon and environs is fired upon. Operation Blue Skies began last Wednesday.

Earlier yesterday, terrorists fired a Kassam rocket towards the western Negev. It exploded in an open area on the northern edge of the city of Sderot, causing no injuries or damage.

  Comment on this story

2. Terrorists Succeed in Rocketing Jezreel Valley
By Hillel Fendel

Confirmed: A rocket was fired at a town near Afula, in the Jezreel Valley of Israel-proper, 3 weeks ago. Three Kassam rockets were fired at Sderot and environs today, causing no casualties/damages.

pictured: a previous bombing in Afula

It was reported today that a Kassam rocket had landed near an Israeli community near Afula three weeks ago. it was the first time a rocket fired from the Shomron had hit a target in Israel-proper.

Security experts had long warned that the unilateral withdrawal from northern Samaria would allow terrorists to develop Kassam-rocket capabilities against central Israel.

Gilboa Regional Council chief Danny Atar complained that he had not been informed of the attack in real-time, and was forced to learn of it today via the media. However, the news item actually appeared three weeks ago on Arutz-7, which reported on Dec. 12, "Fatah said it fired a Kassam rocket last night at a town near Afula in the Jezreel Valley... The Al-Aksa Brigades, the military arm of Fatah, released an announcement that on Sunday evening, a Jenin-1 Kassam rocket was fired towards an Israeli community west of Jenin."

It is an open secret that the Palestinian terrorist organizations have been working feverishly over the past number of years to build rocket-firing infrastructures in the northern Shomron. Hamas terrorists Kayis Adwan and Said Awad built a rocket factory in Shechem four years ago, and succeeded in firing two rockets from Tul Karem. Their efforts were laid to waste during Israel's Operation Defensive Shield of May 2002, when the two terrorists and many others were killed and the manufacturing infrastructure was destroyed.

In March of this year, the IDF and the Shabak (General Security Service) discovered another Kassam manufacturing operation, in the Jenin region. The Hamas facility was hidden in a secret room 15 feet below a metal works shop, and contained seven pipe bombs, chemicals and explosives - and a completed Kassam rocket, as well as others in various stages of preparation. The factory was located in a village that came under full PA control after Israel's unilateral withdrawal last summer.

Security experts warned throughout the months before Sharon implemented his Disengagement Plan that the northern Shomron was likely to become even more dangerous than Gaza. General Security Service Chief Avi Dichter - who has since joined Sharon's Kadima party - said that the area would become “Fatah-land." The Shomron area that has now come under full PA control is some 700 square kilometers (270 square miles), approximately double that of the entire Gaza Strip.

  Comment on this story


A New CD Lights from the Darkness
The wonderful people that were expelled from their homes taught us something new - in their darkest hour - they sang! The Disk includes a video of the last days and 12 songs which were sung in the Batei Knesset in Gush Katif.
Buy Now at the Arutz Sheva Mall
3. Feiglin Withdraws Knesset Candidacy
By Hillel Fendel

Moshe Feiglin, head of the Likud's Jewish Leadersip faction, announced that he would not run for a spot on the party's list of Knesset candidates - if the party "koshers" his anti-Olso conviction.

Feiglin said that his decision not to run is contingent upon a ruling by Likud Elections Committee Chairman Judge Tzvi Cohen that the anti-Oslo crimes of which he was convicted do not bear a "badge of shame."

The party's Central Committee will vote today to accept a proposal to bar from Knesset candidacy anyone who was sentenced to at least three months in prison for a "shame-bearing" crime. This proposal, initiated by party leader Binyamin Netanyahu's as an anti-corruption gesture, was originally meant to be aimed at Feiglin.

Feiglin was sentenced in the past to six months in prison (but performed public service works instead) for having organized anti-Oslo activities against the Rabin government. However, the proposal's "shame" clause was inserted later, and would likely have enabled Feiglin to run.

"Why then did you quit?" Arutz-7 asked Feiglin.

"For reasons that had to do with what we felt would be better for our movement," he explained. "Freed of all sorts of political and factional obligations, I will be much better able to dedicate my time to building Manhigut Yehudit (Jewish Leadership). Don't forget, our goal is not necessarily to be in the Knesset, but to take leadership. We have come quite far - I received 12.5% of the vote for party leader, which is only 40-something-thousand votes less than Netanyahu received."

Feiglin explained to Arutz-7 that all talk of "heavy pressure" upon him by Netanyahu and other Likud elements was groundless. "I didn't succumb to pressure to quit during the race for party leader," he said, "so why would I give in this time?" He acknowledged that some senior party members had requested that he withdraw, and that these requests were taken into consideration.

Feiglin said that the #2 man in Manhigut Yehudit, Michael Fuah, would be running for Knesset. "He will be a better parliamentarian than I would be," Feiglin said. Asked to estimate Fuah's chances of being elected to a realistic spot on the list, Feiglin said, "About 50-50. But once again, don't forget our goal - leadership, not the Knesset."

Netanyahu and Feiglin did not meet directly to discuss the issues, Feiglin clarified.

He explained that he wished to be in the Knesset only as head of the Likud: "The sovereign body in this country is not the people, but rather the Supreme Court, which turns every government more to the left... I fear that if I become just a regular Knesset Member, I will undergo the same process that all the other right-wing and religious parties did, and become part of the problem, giving a democratic veil to 'enlightened Israeli dictatorship.'"

  Comment on this story

4. Sharon to Undergo Heart Procedure on Thursday
By Scott Shiloh

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, 78, Israel’s aging leader who was hospitalized two weeks ago with a minor stroke, is scheduled to undergo a heart catheterization on Thursday.

The procedure, to take place at Hadassah Hospital-Ein Karem in Jerusalem, is designed to repair a birth defect that was discovered in the prime minister’s heart while he was being treated at the hospital for his Dec. 18 stroke.

Sharon’s doctors believe that the defect, a small hole in the wall between the upper chambers of his heart, allowed a blood clot to travel to his brain, causing the minor stroke. Doctors will use a catheter to plant a device in the heart to seal the hole, which is less than an inch wide.

Prof. Chaim Lotan, chief cardiologist at Hadassah, will oversee the operation to be performed by the hospital’s top cardiologists. Sharon will not be conscious during the procedure.

The Prime Minister’s Office has yet to announce who will be in charge of the government while Sharon is undergoing the catheterization, a procedure that normally takes only a few hours. The prime minister’s hospital stay is not expected to exceed 24 hours.

While hospitalized for his stroke, Sharon temporarily lost the ability to speak. Sharon’s capacity did not return to normal until just before he was released the following day. Doctors say, however, that Sharon suffered no lasting damage from his stroke.

  Comment on this story


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5. Symbolic Candle-Lighting Ceremonies
By Hillel Fendel

Candle-lighting ceremonies on behalf of northern Gaza, the abandoned Shomron communities, and at the murder site of terror victim Yossi Shok are being held as the 8-day Chanukah holiday winds down.

At the site where Yossi Shok was shot to death by drive-by terrorists two weeks ago, south of Hevron, his family and friends lit Chanukah candles each night of the holiday. A menorah was set up at the site, and each night members of another of the neighboring communities - Beit Haggai, Otniel, Carmel, etc. - took part.

Tonight's ceremony is expected to be particularly large, with participants from all over the country.

Shok was murdered as he was driving home to Beit Haggai on Friday, Dec. 16. He is survived by his wife and five orphans, aged one month to nine years, and served as a member of the town secretariat and commander of the local emergency response team.

Northern Gaza
At 4 PM, a convoy of vehicles carrying former Gush Katif residents, rabbis and other public figures will arrive at a spot overlooking the ruins of the three demolished northern Gaza communities - Elei Sinai, Dugit and Nisanit - and will prepare to light eight Chanukah candles. Under the theme, "The light will emerge victorious over the darkness," the group will call upon the government to physically retake the area of northern Gaza.

"The three communities in this area," said Avi Farhan, a leader of the initiative and an expellee from Elei Sinai, "never should have been destroyed. There is simply no logic to it. These were state-owned lands, not near any Arabs; we didn't displace anyone, and we didn't bother anyone. The government had built a 70-million shekel fence around them - and then simply gave it all away. We call upon the government to recognize its mistake and rectify it - not by taking control of its air space [as in Operation Blue Skies - ed.], but by sending the IDF physically in and rebuilding the area."

The rabbi of the three communities, Rabbi Yishai Bar-Hen, will also be on hand. The rabbi is currently living in the temporary pre-fab community of Nitzan, together with several hundred of the expelled families. "We are willing to give up all the compensation that the government said it would give us," he said, "as long as they simply return us to the ruins that were our homes, and we'll build them from scratch."

Aware that this is not a very realistic option, Rabbi Bar-Hen said, "The problem is that much of the public is no longer aware of our plight; the problem has dropped from the public eye. The public is willing to let Sharon take responsibility, while it is interested in other things. But this won't make us give in - we are like the Maccabees, the few against the many, and as long as we can breathe and act, that's what we will do. Here in Nitzan, for instance, we have set up a Torah study program during the morning and evening hours for the unemployed farmers; we don't receive government money, and are trying to do it ourselves."

Sa-Nur
Some 15 former residents of northern Shomron and other supporters snuck back into the destroyed communities of Homesh and Sa-Nur during the Chanukah holiday, and lit candles there as well. Miriam Adler, one of the expellees, said, "We were thrown out, but we have not abandoned Sa-Nur, and we will continue to go back there until we are able to return for good."

Sa-Nur was found to be totally destroyed. "The Arabs continue to return here and destroy what they can," Adler said. "They looted and burnt walls, and cut down trees for firewood. Aside from the mountain of sand covering the synagogue [by the soldiers before they left] and the paved roads, nothing is left."

Yossi Dagan of Radio Kol Chai reported that the candle-lighters were in Sa-Nur for three full hours before being detected by Israeli security forces. "If they were able to sneak past all the roadblocks without being detected," Dagan noted, "this does not bode well for our security control of the area.

Dagan also noted that a group of army reservists in the area also made their way into Chomesh, where they lit candles in honor of the Jewish presence in the area.

Miriam Adler summed up, "Israel's return to northern Shomron is more than possible; it all depends on the public's determination."

  Comment on this story

6. Peres Challenges Sharon´s One-Man Rule
By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu

Shimon Peres, the 82-year-old long-time Labor Party leader who recently joined the Kadima party, criticized PM Sharon's decision to decide single-handedly the new party's slate of MKs.

Peres, speaking on the Israeli television program Meet the Press, said he would have chosen candidates differently, and that it was not necessary for Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to decide alone who will represent the Kadima party. Every other party holds primaries or designates its central committee to nominate candidates.

Peres's aides later denied that he asked the Prime Minister to place him in the top 10 list of candidates. Peres refused to tell the television program which candidates have been nominated, but Channel Two television reported that Peres is in the first ten on the list.

The top candidate after the Prime Minister, according to Channel 2, is Finance Minister Ehud Olmert, followed by Justice Minister Tzippy Livny.

In fourth place is former security agency director Avi Dichter, followed by Minister Meir Sheetrit, Chaim Ramon, Peres, Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz, Tzachi HaNegbi and Minister Avraham Hirchson.

Kadima party officials responded, "The list is in the hands of the Prime Minister, and no final decision has been made on the matter."

  Comment on this story


7. Two-Thirds of PA Arabs Support Al Qaeda Attacks
By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu

A Norwegian poll reveals that two-thirds of Palestinian Authority Arabs support Al Qaeda terrorist attacks, and 50 percent back suicide bombings.


The poll, which was originally not reported in Israel, was carried out by Fafo, an independent Norwegian research foundation that receives donations for Norway's trade union and Norwegian corporations.

Fafo headlined its press release by stating, "Palestinians support the cease-fire, but actions against Israel [are] still seen as legitimate."

However, the survey results buried toward the bottom of the release state, "Sixty-nine percent of Palestinians see violent action as a legitimate means in the current political situation and half of them believe that suicide attacks are necessary to force Israel to make political concessions."

The last survey figure shows that 65 percent of the respondents support Al Qaeda terrorist attacks in Europe and the United States, both of which recently have increased financial aid to the PA.

The respondents, while supporting the terrorist attacks, contradicted themselves, with 57 percent believing the Intifada should stop. In addition, 83 percent stated it is in their best interest to keep the "ceasefire" decided upon earlier this year. According to the pact, the PA was to stop incitement and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure, while Israel promised to withdraw from Arab urban centers and release 900 prisoners, including jailed terrorists.

Shortly after the agreement, the Sharon government released the prisoners on provision that they do not engage in terrorist activities, but several have since been involved in terrorist attacks. The IDF has withdrawn from Jericho, east of Jerusalem, and in Tul Karem, in Samaria, where it has returned several times following suicide bombings and terrorist attacks. Incitement in the PA has reached record highs instead of coming to a halt.

Another result of the Fafo survey reveals that only 35 percent of Arabs in Judea and Samaria feel more secure following the IDF withdrawal from the Gaza and northern Samaria regions, which followed the expulsion of Jewish residents in the areas and the destruction of their homes. Only 42 percent reported an improvement in their economic situation. Results from the Gaza area were the opposite.

Contradictions also were evident in opinions of the PA, with a majority thinking their government is doing a good job, but with less than one quarter expressing confidence in the PA.

An overwhelming majority wants the legislative elections to take place as scheduled on January 25, with 38 percent saying they will vote for Fatah and only 17 percent for Hamas. Other opinion polls have showed far higher support of Hamas, which recently swept several municipal elections in Samaria.

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8. Israel’s Economic Growth Highest in Western World
By Scott Shiloh

Israel’s economic growth for 2005 was the highest in the western world. Gross domestic product rose by 5.2%, and per capita income jumped by a healthy 3.3%.

With the past year’s economic growth following GDP gains in 2004 of 4.4%, Israel produces nearly 10% more goods and services than it did just two years ago. Though not rising as fast as some developing countries, like those in the Far East, growth in Israel’s GDP now exceeds that of half the world’s industrialized nations.

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, private consumption rose by 3.3%, and the country’s standard of living increased by 2.1% in 2005.

Israelis’ love of electrical products dampened significantly in 2005, despite the economic boom, with purchases of such items rising by only 1.6%. In 2004, purchases of electrical goods jumped by 12.3%.

Despite the efforts to cut government expenditures, public sector spending rose by 2.7% in 2005. Much of that increase was due to the costs of destroying 25 Jewish communities in Gaza and northern Samaria, and building the security barrier, roughly along the former 1967 border.

Money spent on security also rose substantially in 2005, by 5.5%. This increase is also attributed to the disengagement and the security barrier.

Not surprisingly, foreign investment, one of the major components of economic growth, set a record level this year, peaking at $11.5 billion. The level for 2005 exceeded the previous record set in 2000, just before the Oslo War sent the economy into deep recession. Other reasons for the drop in foreign investment were the high tech bubble, the crises on the Nasdaq securities exchange, and the global economic slowdown.

Foreign investment in Israel has been rising steadily since 2003, when it totaled $5.9 billion. In 2004, that number grew to $7.4 billion, and jumped to $11.5 billion in 2005. In 2002, when the slowdown was at its peak, foreign investment was only $3.4 billion.

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