Torah tidbits

TT 471
Shabbat Parshat Naso
11 SIVAN 5761 • June 1-2, '01 
We read/learn the 1st perek of Pirkei Avot

Halachic Times for Jerusalem (Summer time)
Correct for TT #471 • Ranges are for THU-THU, 9 Sivan - 16 SIvan (May 31 - June 7)
For sunrise and sunset, first time takes into account the elevation above sea level of Jerusalem, 825m (the times in parentheses do not take elevation into account).

For the deadlines of Shma and Shacharit, the first times are according to the GR"A, the day being reckoned from sunrise to sunset. (The times in parentheses are according to the Magen Avraham, the day being reckoned from dawn to stars-out.)

Candle lighting - 7:05pm (earliest - 6:16pm)
Havdala - 8:24pm (Rabbeinu Tam - 8:58pm)
Earliest Shacharit • 4:30-4:28am
Sunrise •5:30-5:28am (5:35-5:34am)
Sof Z'man Kri'at Sh'ma • 9:03-9:03am (8:08-8:07am)
Sof Z'man Shacharit • 10:14-10:14am (9:37-9:37am)
Chatzot (halachic noon) • 12:36-12:38pm
Mincha Gedola (earliest Mincha) • 1:13-1:14pm
Plag Mincha • 6:15-6:18pm
Sunset • 7:44-7:48pm (7:39-7:42½pm)

WORD OF THE MONTH

A weekly feature of Torah Tidbits to help clarify practical and conceptual aspects of the Jewish Calendar, thereby better fulfilling the mitzva of HaChodesh HaZeh Lachem. 

By now, just about everyone who says Kiddush L'vana has already said it for this month. Most people will have said it on Motza'ei Shavuot. So there are two people that this reminder is for: [1] That rare individual, the regular K.L. sayer who, because of an unlikely series of circumstances, has not yet said K.L. this month; and [2] The person who rarely or never says K.L. who is finally fed up with the constant reminders about K.L. in this column, and is going to teach us a lesson by finally saying it. And hopefully, making a new habit of it. Kol HaKavod. Keep it up. The Molad of Sivan was Tuesday, May 22nd, 7:49pm Israel Summer Time. 14 days 18 hours 22 minutes after that time is Wednesday, June 6th, 2:11pm. Therefore, the last opportunity for K.L. for Sivan is Tuesday night, June 5th, all night - in Israel. and in NY. But in LA, not later than 4:11am.

What's Still with Us?

With the Jewish date approaching mid-Sivan, a major "busy" section of the calendar is behind us. Pesach and Shavuot were linked by the counting of the Omer, and they sandwiched between them Yom HaSho'a, Yom HaZikaron, Yom HaAtzmaut, Pesach Sheini, Lag BaOmer, Yom Yerushalayim, 3 days of Rosh Chodesh, BaHa"B, and the 3 Preparatory Days (for receiving the Torah). Each special day had its special prayers 
and/or observances and/or thoughts and feelings.

A lot of detail stays behind us. But a lot of the thinking and feeling stays with us, or at least, SHOULD stay with us. And we have to be perceptive enough to know what to keep with us all year long.

Back to the Seder for a moment. In every generation, a person must see it as if he himself came out of Egypt. In other words, don't view the Exodus as a once-upon-a-time story, but rather as a fresh experience that happened to you.

Y'tzi'at Mitzrayim is so central to Torah and mitzvot, that it always must be fresh in our minds, and personalized by each of us, so that it has the proper effect on us and the way we live as Jews.

Similarly, BAYOM HAZEH... teaches us that Torah must be fresh in our eyes as if it was given today. This too is a necessary attitude for proper learning and observance of Torah.

Back to the Seder. The question-answer method of transmission of Judaism from one generation to the next is our year-round style of education, not a 1-night experience. In every generation, enemies rise to vanquish us, but G-d saves us from their hands. This too must not be left behind when we put the Pesach dishes away. This is an all-year, lifelong "policy" of Jewish life.

Yom HaShoa might give us the ability to focus on the Holocaust and other episodes in Jewish History, but the Holocaust's impact upon us requires our attention, thoughts, resolutions, all the time.

The awareness of the cost in lives, of the sacrifices that accompanied the establishment of a Jewish State in Eretz Yisrael and the reunification under Jewish auspices of Jerusalem should be with us always, not just marked annually. 

There really isn't anything that we commemorate once a year that has no place in our consciousness all year long. With the counting of the Omer and Shavuot behind us, a personal stock-taking is appropriate for each of us.

Sedra-Stats

35th of 54 sedras; 2nd of 10 in Bamidbar 
Written on 311 lines in a Sefer Torah (7.4 cols.)
26 Parshiyot; 18 open, 8 closed only 4 sedras have more parshiyot
176 p'sukim, 2264 words, 8632 letters 
Indisputably the longest sedra, however you count length; well below average in length of p'sukim

MITZVOT
18 of the 613; 7 positives, 11 prohibitions. Only 9 sedras have more mitzvot, yet Naso is close to average for the Torah. 613 mitzvot in 245 columns averages to 2.5 m/c. Naso's 18 in 7.4 cols. averages 2.43 m/c. No sedra is closer to average.Naso is the mitzva-leader of Bamidbar, by far.

Aliya-by-Aliya Sedra Summary

A thought... Sefer HaToda'ah says that it is significant that we read the largest portion of Torah right after (or right before) ZMAN MATAN TORATEINU. It is a sign of our sincere acceptance of the Torah.
[Numbers] refer to the Sefer HaChinuch's mitzva-count

Kohen - First Aliya - 17 p'sukim - 4:21-37
The second count of Levi continues with the family branch of Gershon. The first count was of males from 30 days old and up. This count is of males between 30 and 50 years of age only. That constitutes the work-force for the Mishkan. Note: The starting age for a Levi's service is 30. In the Beit HaMikdash, there is no maximum age. In the Mishkan, however, since a Levi's work required carrying Mishkan components in addition to singing and guarding, there was a mandatory retirement age of 50. Also note that the family-branch of K'hat was counted and their tasks were enumerated at the end of Bamidbar. [Speculation: 20 p'sukim earlier looks like it might have been the originally intended beginning of Naso. Although Naso would be even larger than it is, Bamidbar would end on a "proper" note, rather than how it ends now.]

Gershon's tasks include: the three coverings of the Mishkan - the Mishkan (intricately woven, multi-colored, first layer), the Ohel (goat's hair, woven middle covering), and the Michseh (outer covering of skins); the curtain at the entrance of Ohel Moed (same weave as the Mishkan); the linen curtain material that surrounded the courtyard and the entrance curtain of the courtyard; the securing stakes and other related tools. Levi'im were to function only as instructed by the kohanim. The supervisor of family Gershon is Aharon's son Itamar. 

Family-branch Merari was also counted - males between 30 and 50 years of age. They were in charge of the wall-boards of the Mishkan, beams, posts, and foundations. Similarly, the courtyard posts, stakes, foundation sockets, and related tools. Itamar was their supervisor too. (Merari used 4 of the 6 wagons - see towards the end of the sedra - and Gerson used the other 2. K'hat used their shoulders.)

The counts of the work-forces of Levi came to: 2,750 for K'hat... 

Levi - Second Aliya - 12 p'sukim - 4:38-49
...2,630 for Gershon, and 3,200 for Merari. The total work-force of Levi in the Mishkan was 8,580. (The position of "Sheni" might vary in different editions of the Chumash.) 

[SDT] ...LA'AVOD AVODAT AVODA VA'AVODAT MASA... Note the four words in a row with the same root. Rashi says the Avodat Avoda (kind of a strange phrase) refers to playing musical instruments. As far as Avodat Masa is concerned - the Gemara in Chulim comments that only when there is heavy manual labor involved, then there is an age limit for the Leviyim. (This was mentioned above.) And it seems that the age limit of 50 was only for the carrying. In other words, a Levi was able to continue serving in the Mishkan after 50, but only for SHIRA and SH'MIRA.

Shlishi - Third Aliya - 10 p'sukim - 5:1-10
People who are ritually defiled from any of three specific causes, are to be excluded from the camp pending purification [362]. We are taught that the 3 have different restrictions, as follows: A "m'tzora" is excluded from the entire camp of Israel and must remain in isolation until purification. The "zav" and "zava" are permitted in the camp of Israel, but are banned from the Levite camp (and, of course, from the Temple area). [Har HaBayit today, outside the area where the Temple and its courtyard stood, has the sanctity of the Levite camp.] A person who came into contact with a dead body is banned only from the "Camp of the Divine Presence" (Temple and its courtyard) [363]. 

A person who sins is required to verbally confess (when repenting) [364]. He/she must also make restitution (if money was involved) and pay a penalty to the victim. 

SDT - Take a close look at the portion in the sedra dealing with repentance. It speaks of a man or a woman sinning and of THEIR (not his) requirement to confess and do T'shuva. It is often the case that when an individual sins, others are somewhat responsible. Perhaps a parent who did not educate the child properly. Maybe someone who made stealing (for example) too easy and/or tempting. Does the society bear some of the responsibility for a sinner's actions, because of misplaced emphasis on the wrong values? A person is primarily accountable for his actions. But the Torah's use of the plural, reminds us of our duty to develop an environment of Torah values that will be conducive for all members of society to enthusiastically follow a Torah way of life. This is part of KOL YISRAEL AREIVIM ZEH BAZEH.

MITZVA WATCH
According to Rambam (and others), this is the one Torah mitzva in the laws of repentance. When a person sins, and repents (not, when a person sins, he is required to repent, and...), in addition to the various elements of T'shuva (regret for the past, acceptance for the future, changing one's ways), the repentant individual must verbally confess his sins before G-d. One can suggest that Rambam holds that T'shuva itself is not one of the 613 mitzvot, but rather a natural result of a Jew taking advantage of G-d's gift - the opportunity for a second chance. When a person sins and does T'shuva... The mitzva is to confess (when repenting) and not letting the process be exclusively in one's heart and mind. Other mitzva-counters do include T'shuva among the 613 mitzvot. 

R'VI'I - Fourth Aliya - 48 p'sukim - 5:11-6:27 
This long portion primarily contains the topics of the SOTA (wife suspected of infidelity and duly warned) and the NAZIR (one who vows abstinence of a specific type) and Birchat Kohanim. 

If a wife is unfaithful to her husband, and there is no proof of her adultery, or if a man suspects his wife of unfaithfulness and it be unwarranted, he may formally warn her in front of witnesses not to be seen in the company of a particular man. This warning is a precondition to the whole topic of Sota.

Suspicion alone, or even adultery per se, do not produce the conditions for Sota without a formal warning by the husband. Once the warning is issued, it is a mitzva (requirement) to proceed with the Sota-process [365]. The husband must bring his wife to the kohen at the Beit HaMikdash. A barley-meal offering is brought. No oil [366] or spice [367] is used with it since the issue at hand is so serious and unpleasant before G-d. 

The kohen prepares a potion consisting of water from the Kiyor (the washing basin in the Temple), earth from the floor, and the dissolved writing of this portion of the Torah. 

The kohen administers an oath to the woman asking her to swear to her innocence, if that be the case, or to admit her guilt. The woman is warned of serious adverse effects of the potion which she will be given to drink, if in fact she has been unfaithful to her husband, and of the favorable consequences of the potion if she is innocent. 

The seriousness with which the Torah treats the issue of Sota is motivated by a desire to bring harmony between husband and wife (when feasible) and the notion that doubt is extremely detrimental to a relationship. G-d, so to speak, permits His Name to be written and erased in order to advance the cause of marital harmony. 

There are many details, too numerous to include here, concerning the conditions necessary for the Sota-process to go though to its end. In other words, there would be many situations when the oath and potion would not be used.

One interesting and serious warning for today. The first part of Sota, namely the warning in front of witnesses, applies today, even without a Beit HaMikdash. If a man were to give the Sota-warning in front of witnesses today, and his wife subsequently is seen alone with the man named in the warning, he would be duty-bound to bring his wife to the Beit HaMikdash (a slight problem today, unfortunately) and he would be prohibited from having relations with her until then. Big problem. Easy solution: don't do the first part, no matter what the situation.

This is one of several examples of a mitzva that can only partially be fulfilled today, but nevertheless, the part that can work, does. And creates problems in the inability to follow through.

A man or a woman may make a Nazirite vow to G-d. This is usually, but not always, for a period of one month. A Nazir is forbidden to drink wine [368], eat grapes [369], raisins [370], grape seeds [371], and grape skins [372].

A Nazir may not cut his hair [373], but rather must let his hair grow long [374]. A Nazir may not come into contact with a dead body [375], nor become ritually defiled even from the bodies of one of his close relatives [376]. 

The Chinuch explains that since a regular Kohen is born with restrictions of ritual purity, it would be unfair to forbid him to be in contact with the body of one of his close relatives. His grief might be too great to handle that level of prohibition. But a Nazir voluntarily accepts his restrictions, knows what he is getting himself into (as would a candidate for Kohen Gadol), and therefore he can be restricted from contact with the body of even his own father. 

If a Nazir does become defiled, he must purify himself (following 7 days of defilement), shave his hair, bring 2 doves and a lamb as korbanot, and begin his period of Nazir anew. When a Nazir successfully concludes the term of his vow, he brings 2 lambs and a ram plus various types of flour- oil offerings and wine for libation [377]. Included with these korbanot is a sin offering. (This implies that it is not entirely proper for one to accept upon himself a Nazirite vow. The Torah often provides extreme measures for one who feels he must live a stricter life in order to correct certain shortcomings, but still reminds us that it is not a preferable way of life.) Part of this mitzva is for the Nazir to shave off his hair, which is put into the fire under his korban. Afterwards, he may drink wine. 

It is interesting to note that the many details of a Nazir's prohibitions are counted separately among the Torah's mitzvot. For example, does it not seem strange that the prohibition of a Nazir's eating grapes and raisins and grape skins and seeds should be counted separately? In contrast, look at the many examples in the Torah where a huge number of details are all subsumed under one mitzva - building the Mishkan, the melachot of Shabbat, to name just two. Perhaps the answer lies in the usual circumstances of a Nazir. Here is an individual who might be having more than regular difficulty controlling his physical urges. The Torah permits him to take vows of abstinence (which would ordinarily be frowned upon) in order to help him "straighten himself out". The Torah further "bombards" the Nazir, and his troubled soul, with mitzva upon mitzva to scrupulously adhere to. This process will hopefully bring the Nazir back "on an even keel". (This is clearly an over- simplification of the Nazir issue, but hopefully, it will give you something to think about.) 

Next, the Torah presents the "three-fold blessing" which forms the text of "Birkat Kohanim". (We also say these p'sukim every morning as part of Birchot HaTorah, and we "borrow" the bracha for our children on Leil Shabbat, even though we are not all Kohanim.) When the kohanim pronounce this blessing, G-d will bless them and the people of Israel. Birkat Kohanim is a mitzva upon kohanim, daily [378]. 

Chamishi - Fifth Aliya - 41 p'sukim - 7:1-41
The reading from this point until the end of the sedra and into the beginning of the next portion, constitutes the readings for the eight days of Chanuka. (Some start from the Birkat Kohanim portion at the end of R'vi'i.) Some communities also read "the gifts of the tribal leaders" on the first 12 days of Nissan. 

On the day the Mishkan was completed, it and its furnishings, altar and its utensils, were anointed and sanctified. The tribal leaders gave to the Mishkan 6 wagons and 12 oxen, two to pull each wagon. The wagons were to be distributed to the Leviyim proportional to the tasks of the different families. Gershon received two wagons and four oxen. Merari received four wagons and eight oxen (because their loads were consider ably heavier and bulkier). No wagons were given to K'hat, since they were responsible for the sacred articles which had to be carried by shoulder. That the Aron was to be carried on the shoulders of Leviyim from family K'hat is a mitzva [379]. 

Next follows 12 portions of 6 p'sukim each, which are practically identical. Each portion contains the name of a tribal leader and a description of the gifts of gold and silver vessels and animals for sacrifices that were presented on one of the twelve days of dedication of the Mishkan.

Nachshon b. Aminadav of Yehuda was the first to present his gifts. The leaders of Yissachar, Zevulun, Reuven, and Shimon presented their gifts on the 4 following days. Although the gifts are identical to each other, there are sources that teach that each leader brought his gifts with special kavanot and symbolisms unique to his tribe. 

Shishi - Sixth Aliya - 30 p'sukim - 7:42-71
The leaders of Gad, Ephraim, Menashe, Binyamin, and Dan brought their gifts on days 6 thru 10 respectively. 

Sh'vi'i - Seventh Aliya - 18 p'sukim - 7:72-89
Bamidbar 7 is the longest perek in the Torah. 
The leaders of Asher and Naftali brought their gifts on days 11 and 12. The Torah presents totals and summaries of the "Dedication". 

From this point, contact by G-d to Moshe emanated from between the two cherubs atop the (kaporet of the) Aron.

HAFTARA - 24 p'sukim - Shoftim 13:2-25 
The sedra teaches us the laws of the Nazir. The haftara tells us of the first Nazir, namely Shimshon. The nazirship of Shimshon is not typical. His was "ordered" by G-d via a heavenly angel and was to be a Nazir from birth, for Shimshon's entire life. "Regular" nazirship is proclaimed by a vow and is for a limited time, usually one month. The nazir's outward appearance - his unshorn hair - should be the external evidence of an inner sanctity. In Shimshon's case, his nazirship was accompanied by miraculous feats of heroic achievements against the Philistines who were Israel's major adversaries of the time. 

Side point. The angel instructs Shimshon's mother (wife of Mano'ach of the tribe of Dan) as to how she must behave when she becomes pregnant. She must not drink wine or any other alcoholic beverages, nor eat anything Tamei. Interesting how long ago it was known that alcohol intake of a pregnant woman affects her child. 

THE JERUSALEM INSTITUTE OF JEWISH LAW

Rabbi Emanuel Quint, Dean
Lesson # 88 •Property that May Be Traced
When the creditor makes a levy on the assets of the debtor, all assets in the hands of the debtor may be levied upon, whether or not they were owned by him when the loan was made. If the debtor does not have sufficient assets to pay the creditor, the creditor can trace realty of the debtor that he owned at the time that the loan evidenced by an instrument of indebtedness was made. If the debtor, after the loan was made, sells or transfers such realty by gift, the creditor can trace it to the purchaser or the donee. However. if the debtor acquires the assets after he borrows the money, the creditor does not have a lien on such assets and cannot trace them to purchasers or donees, except as stated in the next paragraph. 

The creditor may not levy on realty sold by the debtor if it is acquired by the debtor after the loan is made unless the instrument of indebtedness expressly places a lien on the after-acquired realty. If the instrument includes such a lien, then the creditor may trace such after-acquired realty to a purchaser from the debtor. The clause regarding after-acquired realty must be specific and cannot be inferred, i.e., the omission thereof cannot be ascribed to an omission of the drafter of the instrument. There is a strong dissent that holds that just as failure to include a lien clause in the instrument is attributed to the error of the draftsman of the instrument and the instrument is treated as if the lien clause were contained therein, so an instrument, without any lien clause (for owned or after-acquired property) is deemed to contain an after-acquired property lien clause. Even according to this last view, if the instrument includes some lien clause and omits a clause regarding after-acquired property, then there will be no presumption that the after-acquired realty clause was omitted in error. 

There is an opinion that even if the instrument contains a clause liening after-acquired realty, the borrower may rescind this clause until such time that he actually acquires property after the loan. The later commentators reject this view. 

The debtor borrowed money from lender on January 1, which loan is due on March 1, and the instrument of indebtedness does not include a lien on after-acquired realty. The debtor sells his realty to Reuven on February 1.

On March 1 the debtor has no assets to pay the lender. The lender wishes to levy on the realty purchased by Reuven from the borrower. Reuven pleads that the realty purchased from the borrower was not owned by the borrower on January 1 but was purchased by the borrower after January 1 and is therefore not covered by the lien of the lender on the borrower's realty. The lender pleads that the realty was owned by the borrower on January 1 and is therefore covered by his lien and is subject to the levy of the lender. The lender has the burden of proof that the borrower did own the realty on January 1. However, there is an opinion that if there are witnesses that the debtor owned the realty for a long time and he was possessed of it when Reuven purchased it, then Reuven has the burden of proof as to when the borrower purchased the realty. The first opinion is the preferred view.

On January 1 Reuven makes a gift of all his realty to Shimon to take effect: "from today but after my death.” It is not known which realty was owned by Reuven on that date. Reuven dies and the heirs claim that the realty they inherited was not owned by their father Reuven on January 1. Shimon pleads that the realty the heirs inherited was owned by Reuven on January 1 and therefore belong to Shimon. Shimon, the recipient of the gift. has the burden of proof that the realty was owned by Reuven on January 1.

Reuven loans $100 to borrower on January 1 and on February 1 Shimon loans $100 to borrower, both loans being payable on April 1. On April 1 the borrower does not have sufficient assets to pay both of the debts except for one parcel worth $100. Reuven pleads that on January 1 the borrower owned the realty the borrower holds, and therefore Reuven should be able to make the first levy on the realty in the hands of the borrower. Shimon pleads that the borrower did not own any realty until February and therefore neither Reuven nor Shimon have a lien or priority on the realty owned by the borrower on April 1, and therefore each should receive $50. Absent proof of either creditor's position, Reuven will receive $75 and Shimon will receive $25.

The same facts as in the above paragraph, except that Shimon pleads that the borrower purchased the realty on January 15. Reuven and Shimon will each receive $50. 

Reuven loans $100 to Shimon and the instrument of indebtedness does not contain an after-acquired property lien clause. Shimon dies and leaves only a daughter who inherits his assets and is then married. Reuven pleads that the assets inherited by the daughter were owned by Shimon on the date of the loan and were therefore liened to Reuven. The daughter and her husband plead that the assets were not owned by Shimon on the date of the loan and were therefore not liened to Reuven. Reuven cannot levy on the inherited assets in the hands of the daughter's husband because the husband stands in a position equivalent to any purchaser of the assets of the borrower from the heirs of the borrower, which assets were not liened.

Reuven could trace the inherited assets to the daughter if she did not marry.
Reuven loans money to Shimon on January 1, and on that day Shimon owns a valuable gold watch. The loan is due on March 1. On February 1 Shimon sells the gold watch to Levi. On March 1 Shimon has no assets to pay Reuven. Ruven may not trace the gold watch to Levi. The law is the same if Shimon gave the gold watch to Levi as a gift. rather than by sale.

Even if Reuven, the lender, warns Levi not to purchase the gold watch from Shimon, Reuven cannot trace the watch to Levi.

If the borrower gives away the watch as a gift made in contemplation of death, then the lender can trace the watch into the hands of the recipient of the gift. If the instrument of indebtedness contains a clause liening the personal property of the borrower along with the lien on the realty, then the lender obtains a lien on the personal property owned by the borrower on the date of the loan. The lender can trace the personal property to a purchaser if the borrower sells the personal property and does not have sufficient assets to pay the lender.

If the lien clause also specifies that it covers after-acquired personal property along with the lien on realty, then it will be given affect. This holds true even if the borrower sold his realty before he acquired the personal property.

The lien will be effective if the instrument contains the words that the lien "is not an illusory contract8 nor a draft form” or if the lien clause should contain the words that the lien is effective ''as of now." 

In order for the lien along with realty to be effective, the borrower must own some realty, however small. It is not necessary that the personal property be on the realty. The lien also attaches to things that move about on their own, such as cattle. 

If the borrower does not own any realty, the lender may transfer to the borrower a small piece of realty among his own realty. Or he may loan or lease some realty to the borrower. The precise location of the realty need not be designated for the lien on the personal property to be effective. If neither the borrower nor the lender has realty, the lender may still state that he transfers realty to the borrower and takes a lien on the borrower's personal property along with the lien on the realty. 

The laws of liening the borrower's personal property along with the lien on the borrower's realty are not in effect today in order to protect the purchasers of personal property and thus encourage the free flow of commerce. 

The subject matter of this lesson is more fully discussed in Vol. IV, Ch.118-119 of A Restatement of Rabbinic Civil Law by E. Quint, published by Jason Aronson, Inc. and on sale at local Judaica bookstores. 
Questions to quint@inter.net.il

MEANING IN MITZVOT by Rabbi Asher Meir

Each week we discuss one familiar halakhic practice and try to show its beauty and meaning. The columns are based on Rabbi Meir's commentary Meaning in Mitzvot on Kitzur Shulchan Arukh.

BIRKHAT KOHANIM
Our parsha contains the special mitzva to the Kohanim to bless the people each day with the familiar three-part priestly blessing. (Bamidbar 6:22-27.) We often refer to this blessing as “nesiat kapayim” referring to the raised hands of the Kohanim or as “duchaning” referring to the platform from which they often bless. 

Before we can examine the special nature of the priestly blessing, we should ask, what is any blessing? What does it mean for one person to bless another?

The word berakha or blessing particularly refers to a material undertaking which is granted special success by special Divine favor. This suggests that the key to a blessing is creating a connection between the spiritual and the material. The material world isolated from holiness is bereft of blessing, but spiritual attainments also translate into blessing only when they are channeled into this world.

So in order to be a conduit of blessing, a person needs to be on the one hand elevated above this world, so as to maintain a living connection with the transcendent world of holiness, yet maintain a connection with this world so as to maintain the ability to infuse this holiness into the material world. Various aspects of birkhat kohanim exemplify this duality.

The Kohanim themselves are elevated in holiness above the people through various restrictions, including special sanctity in marriage, prohibition on becoming defiled to the dead, and the need to maintain purity in order to eat truma, challah, and sacrifices which are their portion. Yet the Kohanim are not hermits; like other Jews they marry, make a living, and engage in most ordinary activities. This makes them specially suited to be a vehicle of blessing.

The posture of the blessing also shows this idea. On the one hand, the Kohanim raise and obscure their hands, symbolizing the connection to the lofty and hidden world of holiness above. Yet at the same time they remove their shoes, demonstrating that they have their “feet on the ground”, that they maintain a firm connection to this world.

The choreography of the blessing carries the same message. The Kohanim ascend the platform facing the Ark, the abode of the Torah scroll, showing their connection to the Author of the Torah. But just before they pronounce the blessing they demonstrate their connection to mankind, as they turn their faces away from the ark and face the congregation. “Rav Yitzchak said, Always be in awe of the community, for the Kohanim face the people and turn their back on the Divine Presence.” (Sota 40a.)

A NATION OF PRIESTS
This understanding of the role of the Kohanim can help us understand the role of the Jewish people as a whole, whom the Torah refers to as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation”. (Shemot 19:6.) We are priests and holy, set apart from mankind by our covenant with HaShem and by the commandments of the Torah. Yet at the same time we are a kingdom and a nation, so that we are able to imbue human activity with holiness.

This is one explanation of why, among Ashkenazim, there is no birkhat kohanim outside of the Land of Israel except on Yom Tov. Our national priestly blessing to mankind is only complete when we are elevated above other nations, as the kohanim ascend the duchan to bless the people. Yet the general state of the Jewish people in the diaspora is one of subordination. Outside of our land, we can overcome this handicap only on Yom Tov, when we particularly celebrate our special status among the nations. The Yom Tov prayer emphasizes that HaShem “chose us from all of the nations, loved us, and favored us, and elevated us above all of the languages”. (This is intimately connected to what we wrote last week, that Yom Tov is the time when we have a special ability to subdue our material natures, including subduing the harmful effects of alien culture.) 

But in the land of Israel we never have a feeling of subordination. On the contrary, we are conscious of a special sense of elevation. A Jew who moves to the Land of Israel always speaks of going on aliyah; we consider Eretz Yisrael the highest place on earth. (See Rashi on Bereshit 45:9.) 
From the land of Israel we are particularly able to spread blessing to the whole world, and indeed Chazal tell us that all other lands receive their providence via Eretz Yisrael. (Sifri on Devarim 11:12; see Taanit 10a.)
Rabbi Meir HAS JUST COMPLETED writing a monumental companion to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch which beautifully presents the meanings in our mitzvot and halacha.

The Israel Center conveys our best wishes to Rabbi Meir upon the completion of this work, and wishes him continued success in all his endeavors.

Rabbi Meir authors a popular weekly on-line Q&A column, "The Jewish Ethicist", which gives Jewish guidance on everyday ethical dilemmas in the workplace. The column is a joint project of the JCT Center for Business Ethics, Jerusalem College of Technology - Machon Lev; and Aish HaTorah. You can see the Jewish Ethicist, and submit your own questions, at www.jewishethicist.com or at www.aish.com.

ASK THE REBBE from the virtual desk of the OU Vebbe Rebbe 

The Orthodox Union – via its website – fields questions of all types in the areas of kashrut, Jewish law and values. Some of the questions are answered by Eretz Hemdah, the Institute for Advanced Jewish Studies, Jerusalem, founded by HaRav Shaul Yisraeli, zt"l to prepare rabbanim and dayanim to serve the National Religious community in Israel and abroad. 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: I have read a lot about the negative effects of a diet that contains dairy and/or meat. Is it halachic to be a vegetarian? What does one do on the holidays when the celebration of our faith includes meat?
Answer: There’s nothing whatsoever wrong with refraining from milk and/or meat for health reasons. If one does not want to eat these foods, it is possible to do without them on festivals as well. Rambam (Maimonides) gave much advice regarding the healthy foods to eat. It is not for us to give advice about what is or isn’t healthy, but if you are convinced that a given kosher diet is healthy (and have a reasonable basis for your conviction), then halacha looks on your efforts to keep healthy most favorably. Let us now deal with Shabbat and Yom Tov (festivals). Even though we have not merited in our time to have a Beit Mikdash and bring and eat from the festival sacrifices, we still have a mitzva to indulge in festive meals. On Shabbat, this is referred to as “oneg” (delight) (Rambam, Shabbat 30:7); on Yom Tov, as “simcha” (joy) (Rambam, Yom Tov 6:17-18). Classically, this includes eating meat and drinking wine (for children, candies) (ibid).

However, if someone has a dislike for meat, he need not force himself to have it. If one prefers fish or some other food, it is halachically valid to use it as a substitute. What is crucial is to treat the meal with the proper festive mood, which is to a great extent affected by the menu. The specifics depend on the particular person (Mishna Berurah 242:2). If one enjoys meat but refrains from eating it for health reasons, then the matter depends on how important the dietary considerations are. If one anyway bends his dietary “rules” for special occasions from time to time without significant consequences, then Shabbat and Yom Tov would be the time to do so, at least in moderation. If one is strict about his diet, one may refrain from meat and find an appropriate substitute. Editor's note (added without consulting with the Vebbe Rebbe. Responsibility for the following statements are mine - Phil Ch.) If one generally enjoys meat and refrains from eating it on Yom Tov because of convenience, or because he doesn't feel like bothering with an elaborate meal, then this would probably be an improper disregard of the mitzva of SIMCHA on Yom Tov. It would similarly probably be a lack of ONEG and/or KAVOD for Shabbat. If one does not enjoy eating for meat, and, let's say, loves lasagna (or peanut butter, cheese, and onion omelettes), then he/she should make lasagna (or...) in honor of Yom Tov, and it might be improper to make, let's say, chicken instead, if they don't care for chicken that much. There is a subjective aspect to the details of SIMCHA, ONEG, and KAVOD.

“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)

True fear of sin: To be afraid of the sin itself, even more than of the punishment that comes in its wake.
- Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk 

Just as the wicked will stand trial for ruining the world with their evil, there are those who will stand trial for ruining the world with their righteousness.
- Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin

Rite and Reason by Shmuel Pinchas Gelbard

It is customary to name a baby boy at his brit mila.
REASON Avraham Avinu was given his name on the day he was circumcised. (Mateh Moshe)
It is customary to name a newborn girl when her father is called up for an aliya to the Torah.
REASON In accord with the pasuk (Yeshayahu 62:2): "And a new name shall be given to you expressed by the mouth of HaShem." The Torah is the word of HaShem, and the reader serves as the mouth of HaShem.

From the Desk of the Director

In our parsha Moshe is commanded to instruct Aharon and his offspring to bless the Children of Israel. As in ancient times, the Kohanim act as a conduit through which Hashem’s blessings are bestowed on us. Today, this enduring mitzva seems to be cloaked with special meaning as we envelop our children under the Tallit while the Kohanim chant the berachot. 
Their blessings refer first to material prosperity, second to Torah knowledge and inspiration, and then to Hashem’s compassion. It is interesting to note the concept that without a strong material foundation, it is difficult to free one’s mind for Torah study. Intriguing is the notion that Hashem will respond to the Kohanim even though we are found wanting.
Moshe is initially bidden to tell the Kohanim: Ko tevarchu et Bnei Yisra’el – ‘So shall you bless the Children of Israel.’ The Ba’al Haturim notes that the numerical value of the word KO (kaf-hei) is 25; it matches the number of times that the word “Shalom” - which concludes the priestly blessings - appears in the Chumash. 

Shalom is also one of the names of Hashem. Clearly then, "peace" is a function of Hashem’s higher will. May Hashem guide us to true peace in these difficult times.

Sincerely yours, Menachem Persoff, Director, Israel Center

ParshaPix

Hard to improve on this one. Fork lift stands for the work of the Gershon and mostly the Merari family.The Abacus is for counting the Leviyim. Stop signs are for T'MEI'IM - 3 different kinds of Do Not Enter. The grapes, wine, and shaver are Xed out for the Nazir. The potion of the Sota is under the abacus. The animals and golden spoon with Ketoret are part of the gifts of the N'si'im.

TTriddles

TTriddles are Torah Tidbits-style riddles on Parshat HaShavua (sometimes on the calendar events of the week). The best solution set submitted each week (there isn’t always a best) wins a double prize — a CD from...Noam Productions 8 Malchei Yisrael, Geula & the Rav Shefa mall CDs, tapes, equipment - broad selection, good prices, personal attention and a gift (game, puzzle, book, etc.) from...Big Deal•15 Malchei Yisrael in Geula• Rechov Lunz right off the Ben Yehuda Midrachov in the center of town• Rabbi Akiva Street in Bnei Braq. You never really know what you’ll find there A fun place to shop.

Even if you can’t solve any, they are fun (and sometimes informative) to read about in the weekly TTriddles report (which is what you’re reading now).

Last week's (Bamidbar-Shavuot) TTriddles:

[1] What's the number of the train from Sanaa?
[2] Who followed Horace Greeley's advice when it was time to for Bnei Yisrael to camp?
[3] Neither father nor son are palindromes, but these are
[4] Almost ending with the end, they end with the beginning
[5] 26,208 GAG

The envelope please...
[1] Sana’a (or San’a or Sanaa) is the capital of the Republic of Yemen. Many Yemenite Jews came on Aliya from there and other cities in Yemen in the early years of the State of Israel. Aramaic is associated the Teimanim. Targum Onkeles for the number 30 is TREIN (the way Hebrew is transliter- ated in Torah Tidbits) or TRAIN, the way that word is pronounced. So the number of the train from Sana’a would be 30.
[2] Horace Greeley’s famous advice was “Go west, young man”. The tribes of Efrayim, Menashe, and Binyamin camped to the west. And the Leviyim from the Gershon family also camped to the west. Full points are awarded only if the solver did not forget Gershon.
[3] This was a Shavuot TTriddle, rather than a Bamidbar one. Megilat Ruth, to be specific. Palindromes are words or phrases (or numbers) that read the same forwards and backwards. The words bib, noon, and civic are palindromes. So are, “Is that a cat I saw?” and “Madam, I am Adam”. And even though neither the word “father” nor the word “son” are palindromes, the names Yishai and David, a father and son, are both palindromes - in Hebrew, that is. 
[4] This too was a Shavuot TTriddle, this time relating to Akdamut. Each of the 90 lines of the poem almost end with the end of the Alef-Bet, the letter TAV. In fact, TAV is the next to the last (penultimate) letter of each line. The ending of each line is the beginning of the Alef-Bet, the letter ALEF.
[5] GAG stands for grams of silver, g for grams and Ag for silver, as in the chemical symbol. Each of the 273 “extra” firstborns (above the number of non-firstborn Leviyim) paid 5 shekel HaKodesh for redemption. According to a book I have, the Shekel HaKodesh was 19.2 grams of pure silver. That means that each B’chor gave the equivalent of 96 grams of silver, for a total of 26,208 grams.

In addition to the TTriddles, there was an good oldtime PPP, ParshaPixPuzzle. It was part of the ParshaPix on page 3 and was announced in the PP explanation on page 23.
There is a beach scene and a diamond ring on the beach. Both refer to the Haftara of Bamidbar. The opening pasuk states that the people of Israel were too numerous to count; they were like the sand of the sea. The final p’sukim speak of the engagement (so to speak) between G-d and the people of Israel. These are the p’sukim we recite when making the turns of the T’filin strap around our fingers.

This week's TTRIDDLES:

[1] He's our Javier Sotomayor, Mike Powell, and Jonathon Edwards
[2] Watch out for Naso, Bo, and Ki Teitzei
[3] The confused children NASHIR TIKRA U'G'MAR
[4] Not FIFO nor LIFO... but FIFI

NCSY B'YISRAEL NEWS

Now in its 3rd year! •Kollel in Kharkov
For whom? Graduating 10-12th grade boys
When? July 23 - August 13
What? A three week, unforgettable experience in the Ukraine, learning, teaching, working with, and touching local Ukrainian kids. Visit the great Chasidic centers of old – Berdichev, Uman, Mijbijzh – connecting your own Jewish roots at the same time as those of the Jewish Kharkov community.
How? Call the NCSY office, 5667787 ext. 240.
Limited registration.•Option for 4-5 day trip to Poland (July 18-23) •Stay tuned for more exciting summer programming!

For The summer of your Life! •Imagine… Two glorious weeks living, learning, dancing, swimming & hiking
WHO? 6-11 graders Boys/girls SEPARATE LOCATIONS • Special “ETGARI/Survival” program for 9-11 graders
WHEN? July 9-22
WHERE? Girls: Keshet, Ramat HaGolan
Boys: Shadmot Mechola, Jordan Valley 
WHAT? Chugim, daily Torah learning, camping, water hikes, Shabbat NCSY ruach, sports, & more
Safety precautions and procedures per Ministry of Education and Chevra L’Haganat HaTeva
For more information and registration call the NCSY office 02-5667787, x240 
Rabbi Michael Fredman, Director Daniella, Ilana, Sara, B'not Sherut 22 Keren Ha'Yesod, POB 37015, Jerusalem (02) 566-7787 ext. 242 • fax: (02) 566-0156 ncsy_isr@netvision.net

NESTO•Native English-Speaking Teen Olim

End-of-the-Year Banquet
On May 29, the end of the year banquet took place at the Israel Center. Just a year ago there was barely a minyan of kids who attended events, and the one or two madrichim who were still active were disenchanted. Just a year ago, NESTO had been without a director for over six months and there was no concrete budget. This past Tuesday night, in the middle of high school bagriyut, and with some parents not willing to let their kids travel at night, and with the commencing of papers due on university campuses, over 40 participants celebrated a year of growth, stability and excitement in NESTO.

The evening began with hors d’oeuvres on the upstairs balcony of the Center. After a welcome by Rabbi Silverman, Rabbi Michael Fredman, Director of NCSY B’Yisrael gave the kids a yashar koach for all their achievements.. Rabbi Menachem Persoff, Director of the Israel Center then offered greetings on behalf of the Center and spoke of the pivotal role that the Center plays in the facilitating of NESTO programs throughout the year. Yoel Kahn set a more somber tone by reciting a mishaberach for those who are still healing from the fighting in the country, and then said Tefila L'Shlom HaMedina aloud. Sefer Tehillim was divided amongst the participants who recited their selected perakim in memory of those who have lost their lives over the course of these past eight months. The students then went down to the ZULA where we meet throughout the year.

The ZULA was no longer the ZULA we were used to, but rather a festively set banquet room. Balloons, colorful confetti, and tons of interesting and wonderful candles were laid throughout the room. Board members Yoel Kahn and Aviella Trapido gave a warm welcome to those assembled. A dinner buffet was served and the kids had a great time socializing and reminiscing about fun events over the past year.

As dinner came to a close Rabbi Silverman and board member Jeremy Saltan presented our graduating seniors with a present, and they in return presented the group with a dvar Torah and words of thanks to NESTO for all it has done for them over the past four years.

Rabbi Silverman and Ilana Milo presented each board member with a personalized leather siddur and thanked them for a productive year together. The new board was officially initiated into their new positions by members of the old board, to the applause of all present.

After dessert, the advisors were formally thanked, and a special presentation was made to Ilana Milo, our bat sherut. Prizes were awarded for the tackiest costume, and tacky prizes were raffled off to an enthusiastic group. Daniel Gindis gave a roaring end-of-the-year farewell speech, and every one had a chance to sing happy birthday to Katie Deutsch. Following bentching, the group was loathe to leave and spent the rest of the evening hanging out and enjoying one another’s company. 

It was a great way to end a great evening and we thank all those who helped to organize and coordinate the banquet for all their efforts.
The Zula will remain open on Tuesday nights until the end of June from 7:00-9:00pm. All NESTOers are welcome to stop in to get a break from their studying. Madrichim and food will be there each Tuesday night. 
The Israel Center's youth program for Anglo-Israelis tel. 566-7787 ext. 245 • fax: 561-7432 silvera@mail.biu.ac.il • www.zyworld.com/nesto Rabbi Avi Silverman, director

Daniel Stambler, asst. dir. • Ilana Milo, Bat Sherut

TIYULIM 

Call the TIYUL HOTLINE Dial the Israel Center's number 5-66-77-87, then press 211. You'll hear "thank you, one moment please", and then the phone system's music for 15 seconds. Then the Tiyul Hotline message begins. You can listen to the whole message and then press 2 to leave your message, or you can interrupt by pressing 2 right away and then leaving your message.

THE TRAVEL DESK • The TRAVEL DESK of the Israel Center exists...
to make registration and detail-receiving for Israel Center tiyulim more efficient and less head-achy for you.

To help you - whether you live in Israel or are visiting - plan private tiyulim and make in-Israel travel arrangements 

Rivka, Malka or Sarah will be happy to assist you on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Call them at the Center, 566-7787 ext. 249. 

Note: When a tiyul says "Bring your own lunch", you can do that... or this: Call the TRAVEL DESK or the TIYUL HOTLINE up to the day before the TIYUL and order a box lunch from the Israel Center Cafe. 20 shekel will get you a delicious sandwich, a refreshing drink (specify regular or diet) and a dessert. Your box lunch will be ready for you when you board the bus.

TIYUL TALK

SHAVUOT REPORT
Shavuot night learning program at the Israel Center was the very first program of the Israel Center, taking place a long, long time ago, even before the floors were laid down at 10 Straus. Throughout the years, it has been a well-known and well-attended program on the Leil Shavuot scene in Jerusalem.

This year, the Center in its new quarters, the Seymour J. Abrams Orthodox Union Jerusalem World Center, has taken the program to new heights. In addition to shiurim and refreshments, we became the full-service venue for Shavuot night. beginning with candle lighting and mincha & maariv, close to 120 people (including a group of students from Hecht Synagogue on the Mt. Scopus campus of Hebrew U.) enjoyed a festive dairy meal, lovingly prepared by the Center's caterer Chaim Sh. This was followed by 5½ hours of shiurim and dozens of additional participants, culminating with a brisk walk to the Old City for Vatikin. 

Our next in-house Shabbaton will take place IY"H on Shabbat Parshat Chukat, June 29-30. We've almost finalized plans with a guest scholar, but we'll wait until next week to announce. The price is 160NIS for members and 180NIS for non-members. As a special bonus, those who reserve by Sunday, June 10th will receive a gift from us for easing the many headaches caused by late calls. When you call, let us know if you have your own housing arrangements or you want us to house you. That can be done either with a family in the neighborhood or at the Windmill (for an extra charge of 300NIS per couple. Remember, reserve early (as some have already done) to avoid disappointment. 

A Day in the Life of Shmita with Barnea Levi Selavan Tuesday, June 5th•8:00am-7:00pm (approx.) •The Shmita year of 5649 (1888-89) was the first of the "modern" era of Aliya. We will enjoy a fascinating and largely unknown perspective and historical account of this formative time. We will go to the fields and see where it all began including: Ekron, Mazkeret Batya, and the Miqve Yisrael Training School. On the way we will learn from shmita stories of today and yesterday. We will raise up our cups of l'chaim to these Rishonim B'tzion at the Rishon Le'Zion Winery to enjoy all the fruits of this story.• Price: 150/165

THU June 7, 5:00-9:00pm •The Magical Jewish History Tour • Do you think you know the Israel Museum? Its diversity and 30 new exhibits a year will keep your visit fresh and exciting. Would you think it's the place to walk with a Tanach and Mishna in hand? Let's take a fresh look at some treasures and gain a whole new perspective? Next morning we will see ourselves as Jews and appreciate our heritage, and being in Eretz Yisrael, just that much more...•Price 60/65 NIS with Barnea Levi Selavan 

Remember the unusual storm that postponed a tiyul? Well, here it is... even better! The Wonder Tiyul • Wed. June 13th 8:00am to 7:00pm •[1] Azrieli Observatory, 49th floor of the Round Tower, Tel Aviv. Highest spot in center of country, unbelievable, magnificent, 360° view [2] Ayalon pre-State secret munitions plant, near Rehovot. Underground spot with camouflaged exits. A hidden bullet factory with an amazing story [3] The national home of JNF, video presentation, special tour, on the 100th birthday of KKL [4] plus one more special site - a surprise! plus Shulamit's Choices & Sweets 80/100 NIS • Bring your own lunch Sponsored by Moadon Sanhedria in conjunction with the Israel Center

Jerusalem - A Nature Reserve?! Lesser Falcons in Yerushalayim a species on the world’s endangered species list – and efforts to save it •Tue. June 19, 3:30-7:30pm (approx)• Meet at Beit Ha’am (Gerar Behar Center on Betzalel Street) with guide Rabbi Zalman Cohen, a rabbi very much involved in conservation efforts• Starting at the most unlikely birds nest of all in the neighborhood that never was! Proceeding to observe feeding doves and nestling hawks, We’ll then go on to a tree that supports a shul, Rainwater cisterns that helped purchase neighborhoods The great railway scare… of windows and widows, time and shoelaces… We will visit inside an original home Souvenirs of efforts to save a species 100 yr. old chessed, Batei Rand Who hewed these stones? Batei Gorde How to feed 1,000 people Mazkeret Moshe Beit David and Harav Kook Nesting - the spectacular night life of the kestrels •We are pleased to present a program that is certainly musical and informative. And since we want many to participate, we are keeping the fee quite low •Sign up immediately 25/30nis 

Artzeinu Tours in conjunction with the Israel Center presents...
June 14 - 9:15am to 1:00pm •½-day tour around the Jerusalem neighborhoods with tour guide Bosha Zussman, to include: highlights of Me'ah She'arim, Bucharim... done in a most expressive manner. See the little "vinkelach" (alleyways) and experience the personal touch of the guide. •Meet at Moniyot Geulah on Straus •9:15-1:00 •$15 for members ($26 non-members)
June 15 or 29 - 9:30am to 1:30pm•Kotel Tunnels, Southern Wall excavations and the Old City with Rabbi Yeshaya Jacobs •Meet at entrance to the Kotel tunnels •$20 for members ($33 non-members) Option: without Kotel Tunnels - $15 mem ($22 non members)
June 19 - 2:00pm to 12:30am •Massada night audio visual presentation along with Arad and Be'er Sheva with tour guide Moshe Oberman •meet at Israel Center •$45 for members ($72 non members)
June 21 - 9:15am to 1:00pm •½-day tour around the Jerusalem neighborhoods with tour guide Bosha Zussman to include: highlights of the courtyards around Shaarei Chesed See where Rabbi Arye Levin lived and experience an unusual encounter with Jerusalem neighborhoods •Meet at the Davidka (opp. the Klal Bldg.)•$15 for members ($26 non-members)
Advance registration required • Minimum for member price 23-25 participants Call 02 5871718 for more details 
Grand Spectacular Weekend • 4 FULL DAYS, 3 NIGHTS at the Kinar Hotel•THU-SUN, July 12-15 with Rabbi Yeshaya Jacobs• Shabbat - full board; Thu & Sun - half board • THURSDAYmeet at the Israel Center at 8:15am •Tour the north - Caesaria aqueduct; Tsfat -- ancient alleyways,Stairs that the Mashiach will ascend in the future; candle factory; meet with artist of the unique "shtender" - Noach Greenberg with an unusual demonstration; daven at the Kever of Choni Hama'agel' visit Chatzor Haglili (bring packed lunch) •FRIDAY •Leisure - enjoy the pool and beach (all separate swimming) as well as the sports room with modern equipment, jacuzzi and sauna of the Kinar Classic Hotel (game room and activities for children)• SHABBAT•Enjoy the atmosphere -- both spiritual and physical, including optional story hour for children and shiurim for adults • SUNDAY•Take advantage of the KINAR services in the morning (pool, gym etc.); leave for the Golan Heights - tour to include Yom Kippur war sites and a meaningful audio visual presentation, as well as Syrian bunkers at Tel Fachar; experience the refreshing "Big Apple" cider factory; return for dinner at the KINAR before heading back to Yerushalayim (arrival approx. 9:30pm pm)• Cost for entire package (includes hotel, meals, round trip transportation; tours and all entrance fees) Garden rooms: $285/1180nis (299/1235 non-mem)•Brand new deluxe rooms $315/1310nis (330/1365)•Special prices for children Call the travel desk•Advance registration and deposit required•min. 25 participants 

11th Annual Macrobiotics Health Seminar MON-THU July 23-26, at Yad Binyamin Expert lectures and demonstrations in nutrition, reflexology, cooking, medicinal herbs, exercise... and more Shulamit: 02 5811958, 050 937932•Ruth Brand: 02 5353973 •Sponsored by Moadon Sanhedria

OU ISRAEL CENTER
Seymour J. Abrams • Orthodox Union•Jerusalem World Center 
Yitzhak Fund, President
Rabbi Emanuel Quint, Senior Vice President
Dr. Meni Koslowsky, Vice President
Harvey Tannenbaum, Secretary/Treasurer
Sandy Kestenbaum, Vaad member
Rabbi Eddie Abramson, Vaad member
Rabbi David Cohen, Director General, OU in Israel
Menachem Persoff, Director, Israel Center
Rabbi Michael Fredman, Director NCSY b'Yisrael
Phil Chernofsky, Educational Director and TT editor
22 Keren Ha'Yesod • POB 37015 • Jerusalem 91370
Phone: (02) 566 7787 • Fax: (02) 561-7432
email: tt@ou.org • website: www.ou.org/torah/tt 
Orthodox Union • National Conference of Synagogue Youth
This publication and many of the programs of the Israel Center and NCSY b'Yisrael are assisted by grants from The Jewish Agency for Israel 
TT is published and printed "in house" at the Israel Center


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