Special Features ASK THE REBBE from the virtual desk of the OU Vebbe Rebbe The Ask the Rabbi project is a joint venture of the OU, Yerushalayim Network, Eretz Hemdah... and the Israel Center. The following is a Q&A from Eretz Hemdah... Question: On the seventh day of Pesach, the gabbai called up someone for a hosafa (additional aliya). There was some commotion as to whether it is proper to make hosafot on Yom Tov. What is the halacha/minhag on the matter? Answer: On Shabbat, one is allowed to make hosafot (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 282:1). However, even on Shabbat, it is preferable to avoid hosafot for two reasons. Firstly, some say that only in the time of the gemara, when only the first and last called people to the Torah made brachot, were hosafot permitted since no berachot were added (see Magen Avraham 282:1). Nowadays, the additional brachot are not sanctionable. Secondly, if there are too many hosafot, the toll on the patience of the community is detrimental (Mishna Berura 282:5). Despite these reservations, one is allowed to make hosafot, especially if there are many people with chiyuvim (obligations) or the aliyot bring in donations or prevent fights (ibid.). On Yom Tov, there is an additional problem, which causes the Rama (282:1) to bring two opinions, one of which prohibits hosafot. The Ran in Megilla explains that since the number of aliyot is decided based on the significance of the day, adding aliyot distorts the hierarchy. Thus, adding an aliya on a regular Yom Tov would make the day seem as prominent as Yom Kippur. On Shabbat, which is anyway the top of the pyramid, adding more aliyot doesn’t change the hierarchy. Therefore, on Yom Tov (except on Simchat Torah), we don’t make hosafot unless there is great need. However, if Yom Tov falls on Shabbat, then the Ran’s reservation does not apply since there is anyway the maximum number aliyot and one can make hosafot (Mishna Berura 282:6). On Yom Kippur there is an additional reason not to make hosafot. The breaks in the aliyot are carefully chosen and should not be tampered with (Magen Avraham 282:2). This factor applies even if Yom Kippur falls on Shabbat. In your case, since the 7th of Pesach fell on Shabbat, the gabbai was correct. On the other hand, many shuls do seem to refrain from hosafot on Yom Tov which falls on Shabbat. It is not clear if that is out of ignorance or because of an added concern on Yom Tov which falls on Shabbat, with its long davening and mitzva of Simchat Yom Tov, not to drag out the davening (see Mishna Berura 529:1). [Ed. note: Also when we read from 3 Sifrei Torah, e.g. Shabbat-Chanuka-Rosh Chodesh, some insist that the reading of the 2nd Torah be part of the 7, namely Sh'vi'i, so no hosafot should be made.] “Ask the Rabbi” Q&A is part of Hemdat Yamim, the weekly parsha sheet published by Eretz Hemdah. You can read this section or the entire Hemdat Yamim at www.ou.org or www.eretzhemdah.org. If you would like to receive Hemdat Yamim by email, on a weekly basis, please send an email to lists@eretzhemdah.org with the message: Join Hemdatya - Please leave the subject blank.Hasidic Wisdom, from the book by Simcha Raz (Elkins/Elkins) Sometimes one hears of another person's sin, and has more pleasure in knowing about it than the one who did the sin. In such a case, what difference does it make who committed the sin, since both of them take pleasure from it. - Rabbi Moshe HaKohen of Razvadov Speech is the pen of the heart. Music is the pen of the soul.
- Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi The tribe’s placement reflected the role the tribe was to play; so Judah as the future leader was assigned to the east, the direction from which light comes to the world. Dwelling closest to Judah was Issachar who represented Torah scholarship and then the wealthy Zevulun known for their support of Torah study. This was appropriate for a king who had to appreciate both qualities, yet maintain priorities. There was also meaning to the entire encampment of Israel. The Midrash teaches us that Israel’s earthly camp mirrored the Heavenly Court where four companies of angels surround Hashem’s throne. And the Chizkuni observed that the seemingly random letters embossed on the banners of the four tribal formations collectively spelt the names of Avra(ha)m, Yitzchak and Yaakov.
It seems then that there is virtue in maintaining our unique family traditions; but it is only through unity that we deserve the merit of the Avot. This is indeed a pleasant thought to see us through the Shabbat. WATER CONSERVATION TIP #5: Check for leaks monthly by closing all faucets and then observing the water meter. [The Bamidbar Homepage]
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