Torah tidbits
ZMAN SIMCHTEINU • SUKKOT • SIMCHAT TORAH
TT 488 - 14 - 23 TISHREI 5762 • October 1 - 10, '01

Halachic Times for Jerusalem Winter (Standard) Time
Correct for TT #488 • 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.)

First day Yom Tov
Candle lighting - 4:49pm 
Havdala - 6:01pm (wine & havdala brachot only) 

Shabbat Chol HaMoed 
Candle lighting - 4:44pm
Havdala - 5:56pm 

Simchat Torah (Shmini Atzeret)
Candle lighting - 4:40pm
Havdala - 5:52pm (wine & havdala brachot only)

Here are the other Jerusalem Z'manim. The range is from Sunday, September 30th thru Thursday, October 11th (that's a range of 11 days rather than the usual 7. Keep that in mind when interpolating). All times are Israel Standard Time. And know that until the States and other countries west of Israel go off of Daylight Savings Time, the time difference between you and us is one hour less than it usually is. Confusing? 
Sep30 Oct11
Earliest Shacharit 4:28 4:35
Sunrise (elevation) 5:28 5:35
Sunrise (plain) 5:32½ 5:40
Sh'ma (GR"A) 8:28 8:30
Sh'ma (Mag. Av.) 7:43 7:45
Shacharit (GR"A) 9:28 9:28
Shacharit (MA) 8:58 8:58
Chatzot (noon) 11:29 11:25½
Mincha Gedola 11:59 11:56
Plag Mincha 4:15 4:03
Sunset (elevation) 5:30 5:16
Sunset (plain) 5:25¼ 5:11½

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.

Last opportunity for Kiddush L'vana this month is Monday night, October 1st — first night of Sukkot. One does not usually say K.L. on Shabbat or Chag. Yet, if and when the last opportunity for saying it falls on Friday night or the night of a Holiday, one is permitted to say it. One should say it. And, of course, on should not purposely postpone his saying of K.L. so that it defaults to Leil Shabbat or Chag. But if it happens that it is cloudy or rainy for many nights in a row, then one should be aware of this rule. (I remember it happening in New York many years ago, that all the nights from Motza'ei Yom Kippur until Leil Sukkot were cloudy. It cleared up, B"H, on Sukkot night, and the mitzva was not lost.) Remember that Tishrei sets patterns for the rest of the months of the year, so try to be diligent with the mitzva of Kiddush Levana. Tishrei's Rosh Chodesh was overshadowed by Rosh HaShana, but as the Moon continues to shine, the identity of month returns to Tishrei.

Sukkot's Unique Role in Judaism
Pesach helps us REMEMBER and RELIVE what happened in Egypt and the miracles of Y'tzi'at Mitzrayim. Sukkot helps us REJOICE in the events of the Exodus.

Shavuot helps us REMEMBER and RELIVE the great experience of Revelation at Sinai, of Maamad Har Sinai, or Matan Torah. Sukkot (Simchat Torah) helps us REJOICE in that great moment and in the legacy of that experience - the Torah.

Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur help us down the path towards sincere T'SHUVA which will hopefully be matched by G-d's forgiveness. Sukkot (Hoshana Rabba) helps us REJOICE in the relationship we have with G-d and in the T'shuva process and in the potential elevation of our T'shuva to the level of Repentance from Love, T'shuva Mei'Ahava.

Sukkot helps us do mitzvot with a greater degree of HIDUR, and consequently with a greater amount of SIMCHA. We beautify our mitzvot more on Sukkot than on any other time of the year. This practice of NOI MITZVA brings with it our sense of HAPPINESS and JOY in our relationship with G-d.

On other Holidays, joy is often a byproduct of other emotions. On Sukkot, JOY is the main focus. This is more than hinted at. The nickname of Zman Simchateinu parallel the Time of our Freedom of Pesasch and the Zman Matan Torateinu of Shavuot. Altough Sukkot's appelation does not seem Holiday-specific, it actually is. In fact, one can say (as we have in Torah Tidbits over the years) that Sukkot reflects the Simcha of Pesach (both 7-day holidays that begin on the 15th of their respective "first month of the year". But on Sukkot, that joy shines brightly, undimmed by the other emotions that we find in following the instructions of the Hagada that in every generation, one has to see it as if he himself (she herself) came out of Egypt. Succeed at reliving and personalizing Egyptian slavery, and one becomes filled with a variety of emotions, including those that actually clash with joy. Not so on Sukkot. We don't relive the Wilderness experience, we REJOICE in our memories of G-d's prtection in the form of the Heavenly Clouds of Glory, and/or in His building actual sukkot (so to speak) because of His love for us and His appreciation of our having followed Him into the "land that was not planted".

SIMCHA is a mitzva on each of the Three Festivals, but the word is mentioned three times with Sukkot, compared to once for Shavuot and not at all for Pesach. CHAG SAMEACH

Sedra Stats

V'zot HaBracha take up only 70 lines in a Sefer Torah (shortest sedra). It has 10 Parshiyot; 2 open, 8 closed. 41 p'sukim - ranks 52nd; 512 words, 1969 letters - ranks 54th

Some of the stats of the Sukkot readings are within the "sedra summary" section, which this issue is more like Tanach Reading.

Torah Readings

On the first day of Sukkot we read from Parshat Emor, Vayikra 23, the portion of the Festivals. We actually start the reading several p'sukim earlier with the mitzvot of not taking an animal from its mother to use it as a korban before it is 8 days old. And the prohibition of slaughtering an animal and its offspring on the same day. This second mitzva applies to korbanot and to "secular" use of animals for food. The first mitzva is specifically for korbanot (but its spirit belongs to profane animals too.).

Next the Torah teaches us the mitzvot of Kiddush HaShem and its opposite.
Then we come to the Festivals portion. The Torah begins with Shabbat, followed by Pesach, the Omer, Shavuot, Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, ansd Sukkot.

This 52-pasuk portion is read for 5 people, the usual number for Yom Tov. (In Chutz LaAretz, the same reading is repeated on the second day.) 
The Maftir is read from a second Torah, from Parshat Pinchas. It is a 5-pasuk presentation of the Korban Musaf of the first day of Sukkot.

The Haftara comes from Zechariya and contains the famous prophesy of the time in the future when other nations will recognize the One G-d and those nations that persecuted Israel will be severely punished. There is a universal message of Sukkot in that people from other nations will also be challenged with the mitzva of Sukka. The universal nature of Sukkot can also be seen by the 70 PARIM of the Musafs of the seven days. So too, the fact that the world is judged for rainfall on Sukkot gives the holiday a universal flavor.

The Torah reading for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday is the "same". 4 people are called to the Torah and the same set of p'sukim is read for each of the Aliyot. Each Aliya consists of three p'sukim (the minimum length), comes from Parshat Pinchas and deals with the Musaf offering of each day. Unlike Pesach, whose days have the same Musaf, those of the days of Sukkot differ in the number of bulls offered. One Torah is used on Chol HaMoed Sukkot, in contrast to the two Torahs of Chol HaMoed Pesach.

Shabbat Chol HaMoed

Before Torah reading, many communities have the custom of reading Kohelet. See the box on BackPage VI for details.

The reading in the first Torah - to 7 people - is the same as Shabbat Chol HaMoed. (BTW, last year, 5761, there was no Shabbat Chol HaMoed for either holiday, a very rare occurrence. This year we have the usual two.) The 38-pasuk portion is from Ki Tisa and begins with Moshe "reminding" G-d that He told Moshe to bring the People to Eretz Yisrael. What follows is the presentation of the 13 Divine Attributes (which ironically are omitted at Torah-taking-out time because of Shabbat, but are the focus of the Sh. Chol HaMoed reading). Towards the end of the reading, we find Chag HaMatzot, Chag HaShavuot, and Chag Ha'Asif, plus the command to appear in the Beit HaMikdash on the Three Pilgimage Festivals. Bikurim are mentioned too, as is the prohibition of Meat in Milk.

The Maftir is read in the second Torah - this year it will be the 3-pasuk Musaf of the 5th day of Sukkot.

The Haftara of Sh. Chol HaMoed Sukkot deals with prophecies of the "End of Days" and the Battle of Gog and Magog, which will cleanse the Earth. In light of the recent attacks in the U.S. and the talk of war between Moslems and Christians, one cannot help but wonder if that is this.

On Shabbat Chol HaMoed Mincha, we read the first parts of V'ZOT HABRACHA, which we read on Simchat Torah.

Simchat Torah

Speaking of which... On the night of Simchat Torah, we also read the beginning of VZOT HABRACHA. This is the only night of the year that we read from the Torah, after joyously dancing with the Torahs and making Hakafot around the Bima. It reflects the joy and love we feel towards the Torah on this day of its celebration. The Old Minhag Yerushalayim (GR"A) is not to read the Torah on Simchat Torah night. And, just for your knowledge, Shulchan Aruch does mention Torah reading on Leil Simchat Torah, but not from V'zot HaBracha. Rather different Parshiyot are read for each Aliya. (I don't know if anyone does that, but its still on the books.

On Simchat Torah morning, after Hakafot, we read the sedra of V'Zot HaBracha, first to 5 people (as on all Yom Tov days). The reading goes through Moshe's brachot to the Tribes. These five portions are reread over and over again, many times with several Torahs being read simultaneously at different locations in shul. This allows everyone to receive an Aliya on Simchat Torah. There are shuls that read only five Aliyot, treating Simchat Torah the same as any other Yom Tove day. Following the five Aliyot (once or many times through), the Chatan Torah is called for the last Aliya in the Torah. A chupa is often made over the Bima by four tall guys with a talit, as the Torah is completed. There is a custom that the last of the 5 Aliyot over and over again, the last one, is given to one of the oldest men in shul, and with him, all young boys (who cannot take their own Aliya) are invited to share this KOL HA'NE'ARIM Aliya. 

After V'zot HaBracha (and the Book of D'varim, and the whole Torah) is completed, it is lifted, closed, and "dressed" and a second Torah is read from. This time, the honor of the Aliya goes to the Chatan B'reishit, for whom will be read the beginning of the Torah. We never finish with the Torah. Again a Chupa is made for this Aliya (customs might vary from shul to shul). The whole first chapter of B'reishit is read, plus the first four p'sukim of the 2nd chapter, which describes the first Shabbat.

Then Maftir is read from a third Sefer Torah. It comes from Parshat Pinchar and presents the Musaf of Shmini Atzeret.

Finally, the Haftara of Simchat Torah picks up where the Torah left off - with the beginning of the Book of Yehosha. Aside from it being the natural choice for Haftara of V'zot HaBracha because it is its continuation, it also contains G-d's encouragement to Yehoshua to cling to the Torah and immerse himself in it day and night. This portion is particularly suited for Simchat Torah.

The Brisker Rav, Yosef Ber, explain the name SIMCHAT TORAH as follows: Not only must we approach Torah with joy, but the Torah must also derive pleasure and joy from us. Hence the name Simchat Torah, literally, the joy of the Torah.

What & Where 

The Vilna Gaon points out that there are two mitzvot that a person fulfills with his whole self - Sukka and Eretz Yisrael. Both of these mitzvot are performed by "living", not just doing a specific act. One enters his Sukka and fulfills the mitzva. He makes Kiddush and HaMotzi and enjoys a sumptuous Yom Tov meal, and he continues to "get the mitzva". After Birkat HaMazon, he opens a sefer and learns in the Sukka and adds to the performance of the mitzva of Sukka After learning for a while, he plays a game of chess with his child in the Sukka and is still performing the mitzva.

Then he sits back in a comfortable chair and reads (a permitted) magazine article - and continues to fulfill the mitzva. And when he doses off and falls asleep, the person is still "getting" the mitzva. There is no other mitzva like this one. Except the mitzva of living in Eretz Yisrael. The Vilna Gaon cites the pasuk in T'hilim (76:3) as a "hint" to these two special, all-encompassing mitzvot. VAYEHI B'SHALEM" - What mitzvot are performed with "completeness"?, SUKO - the mitzva of Sukka, U'M'ONATO B'TZION - and when a person's place of residence is Eretz Yisrael. 
ASHREINU - happy and fortunate are we who are privileged to perform the mitzvot of Sukka and Yishuv Eretz Yisrael. 

Rain Check

Why are we exempt from Sukka if it rains? Should we not be required to perform the mitzva of Sukka with extra sacrifice, even in the rain? There are many examples of mitzvot that we are expected to go out of our way to perform. Even if it is inconvenient and difficult. Why are we not required to don rain gear and eat in the Sukka in the rain? 

The answer is based on the definition of the Mitzva of Sukka. IF the mitzva were to EAT or SIT in the Sukka, we would have to, even in the rain or other adverse conditions. But the mitzva is neither to EAT nor to SIT; it is the DWELL, to LIVE in the Sukka. Just as a person would not tolerate a leaking ceiling above his head in his own home, so too, we are not expected to live in the Sukka under adverse conditions. Add to the above the SIMCHA-factor of Sukkot. We cannot be commanded REJOICE and NOT be exempted in adverse condition.

And speaking of rain...

We say T'FILAT GESHEM on Sh'mini Atzeret, in Israel a.k.a. SIMCHAT TORAH. Most communities around the world say GESHEM as part of the beginning of the repetition of the Musaf Amida. Minhag Yerushalayim (followed by some shuls, not all, in Jerusalem) say GESHEM when the Torah's are being returned to the ARON KODESH just before the doors and Parochet are closed. 

T'FILAT GESHEM inaugurates the "mention" of G-d as "the One Who causes the wind to blow and the rain to fall" in our thrice (or four-times) Daily Amida. We start saying MASHIV HARU'ACH U'MORID HAGASHEM at Musaf of Sh'mini Atzeret (Simchat Torah). If T'FILAT GESHEM was said when the Torahs were being put away, then we need no special announcement by the Gabbai before the silent Musaf. Otherwise we get a loud "clop" and and announcement of MHUH.

THE JERUSALEM INSTITUTE OF JEWISH LAW

Rabbi Emanuel Quint, Dean
Lesson # 105 (Part 4) • Presumptions regarding real estate
We continue with the third was that the occupier may plead that he has good title to the land, by color of title by purchase from a third party who was the true owner at the time of purchase.

(3) The owner brings a lawsuit to evict the occupier. The occupier pleads that he purchased the realty from Levi and occupied it for the three-year period of presumption. The occupier must prove that Levi occupied the realty for at least one day or had owned it. Failing that, he will lose the case brought by the owner if the owner can produce proof that the realty was his. 
Owner brings a lawsuit to evict occupier from the realty. Occupier pleads that he knows that the owner once owned the realty but that he purchased the realty from a Levi, a purchaser from the owner. Although the owner has no independent proof that he was the owner, the admission of the occupier that owner once owned the realty, and later sold it to Levi, and he purchased from Levi, a purchaser from the owner, is an admission that the owner was at one time the owner and he (owner) does not have the burden of proving that he was the owner.

The sole question before the Beth Din is did the occupier come into the possession of the realty legally, and the three years of presumption will apply. The owner pleads that Levi is a thief and never purchased the realty from the owner. Occupier has no proof that Levi purchased the realty from owner. Beth Din will find in favor of the owner to evict the occupier and the occupier will have to pay for the profits that he took from the realty during the period he was on the realty. The occupier has no cause of action against Levi. since Levi can plead that the occupier did not have to admit that Levi had purchased the realty from the owner. 

If the occupier pleads that he was present when the owner sold the realty to Levi, and Levi then sold the realty to the occupier who occupied it for the three-year period of presumption, then the occupier will win the case of eviction brought by the owner. 

The owner brings a lawsuit to evict the occupier. The occupier in defending against the eviction action of the owner pleads that he purchased the realty from Levi and has occupied the realty for three years. He also produces witnesses to testify that Levi occupied the realty for at least one day. Based on the foregoing, the occupier should win the lawsuit. However, the owner produces witnesses that Levi had offered to purchase the realty from the owner after the time when he was on the realty. Levi pleads that he offered to purchase the realty from the owner just to stop the owner from alleging to all that Levi was not the owner and that he, the owner was the true owner. Levi’s excuse will be accepted by Beth Din. 

The owner brings a lawsuit to evict the occupier. The occupier pleads that he purchased the realty from Levi. The occupier fails to prove that Levi occupied the realty for at least one day, and the owner pleads that Levi stole the realty from him. Or the occupier proves that Levi did occupy the realty for at least one day, but the owner produces proof that Levi stole this parcel of realty. The occupier now proves that before he purchased the realty from Levi he consulted with the owner if he should do so, and the owner told him to do so. The occupier now pleads that if Levi had stolen the realty from the owner, why did the owner advise the occupier to purchase the realty from Levi? The owner will win the case. The fact that he gave the occupier this advice is not enough to change the facts that Levi did not own the realty. His excuse to the occupier is that he thought it would be easier for him to evict the occupier from the realty than it would be to evict Levi from the realty.

However, if the owner denies making such a suggestion to the occupier and the occupier then produces witnesses who heard the owner tell the occupier to purchase the realty from Levi. then the occupier will win the case against the owner. 

The owner brings a lawsuit to evict the occupier. The occupier pleads that he purchased the realty from Levi, who occupied the realty for at least one day. and he himself occupied the realty for three years. The owner pleads that the night before he brought the lawsuit the occupier offered to purchase the realty from him. If he already owned it, why would he offer to purchase it again? The occupier will win the case, if he pleads that he wished to spend some money to buy the realty and prevent the owner from continually alleging that the occupier did not have good title thereto and spare himself a lawsuit that might be brought by the owner. 

Rabbi Moses Isserles in his glosses to this law as it appears in Shulhan Aruch adds the following: A person [Reuven] purchased the same piece of realty two times and he demands that the seller [Shimon] refund the second purchase price for the second sale. If the seller [Shimon] pleads that he repurchased the realty from the purchaser [Reuven] after the first sale, and therefore was able to sell it to him a second time, his [Shimon's] plea is accepted. If the seller [Shimon] does not so plead, then the purchaser [Reuven] may explain why he purchased the realty a second time. If he pleads that he did it in error, his plea is accepted.

If he [Reuven] pleads that he knew [that he already owned it] and [nevertheless] purchased it a second time, then the seller [Shimon] will win the case and the second purchase price is deemed a gift from Reuven to Shimon]. 

On January 2, 1998, the owner brings a lawsuit, to evict the occupier from the realty. The occupier pleads that he purchased the realty from Levi, who occupied the realty for at least one day and that he, the occupier, occupied it for the presumption period. The owner counters that he has a deed from Levi dated January 2, 1994, a year before the protest period began. The occupier replies that when he pleaded that he had occupied the realty for the presumption period, he did not limit himself to just three years immediately prior to the commencement of the lawsuit. In fact he occupied the realty for seven years commencing January 1, 1994. Thus he had three years of occupation prior to the date of the deed from Levi to the owner. If the occupier can prove that he occupied the realty for seven years, which includes three years before the deed to the owner, the occupier will win the lawsuit. But if he cannot prove that he occupied the realty for at least three years prior to the deed from Levi to the owner, then the owner will win the eviction lawsuit.

The subject matter of this lesson is more fully discussed in Vol. V, Ch.140 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.

THE LULAV
At Sukkot we fulfill the mitzva of taking the four species - etrog (citron), lulav (palm), hadas (myrtle) and arava (willow). While we must take all four kinds to fulfill the mitzva, we refer specifically to the mitzva of “lulav”. The lulav is also the central species and the longest, and the berakha refers only to it. We can relate this halakhic fact to the special symbolism of the lulav.

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabba on Vayikra 23:40) likens the etrog, which has both taste and fragrance, to Jews who have both learning and good deeds; the palm, which has taste (the date) but no fragrance to those who have learning but lack good deeds; the myrtle, which has fragrance but no taste to those who do good deeds but lack Torah; and the willow to those who lack both Torah and good deeds. At Sukkot we bind all of these species together to emphasize that all Jews are united and interdependent.

Clearly the etrog, which represents Torah scholars who also do acts of lovingkindness, has a special advantage over the lulav because of its taste, fragrance and special beauty. We can relate this to the fact that the etrog is held separately in the left hand while all the other species are bound together in the right.

Even so, the community as a whole is generally organized around the lulav: those Torah leaders who are devoted mainly to Torah, even at the expense of expanding their acts of chesed. The values of the Torah are what give us the inner strength to devote ourselves to acts of lovingkindness, and not to acts of selfishness.

Another Midrash (on the same verse) relates each species to a different human organ. The etrog is like the heart, the lulav like the spine, the myrtle and willow leaves remind us of the eyes and mouth. This analogy complements the previous one. The heart is certainly more important than the spine; yet it is around the spine which the structure of the body is organized, and it is this organ which gives us our ability to stand upright.
Likewise, Jews who have both learning and good deeds are the heart of our people. Yet is is specifically Torah learning which is at the center of our national organization and which gives us the might to stand tall among the nations.

So while Sukkot is the holiday of universal harmony and brotherhood, in which all the different types of people join together in a single bond, Torah learning remains at its center.

Rabbi Meir has recently completed writing a monumental companion to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch which beautifully presents the meanings in our mitzvot and halacha.

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: How does the consumer approach buying lulav and etrog this year (the Sukkot directly after Shmita)? 

Answer: Let’s start with the easiest point. Aravot, which are not food, do not have kedushat shvi’it, (sanctity of Shmita - see below) and, thus, do not have restrictions. It is possible that they were improperly handled during Shmita, but this is not so common and, in any case, according to most poskim, they are not prohibited b’dieved (after the fact). 

Although, classically, it is edible produce which has kedushat shvi’it, the gemara (Sukka 40a) says that branches which are used for benefit before they are destroyed (hana’ato u’bee-uro shaveh), as opposed to wood for burning where the burning precedes the heat, have kedushat shvi’it.

Rishonim already discussed the status of the lulav (which once was used for a broom) and hadasim (which can be used for their fragrance). Practically, the assumption is that lulav and hadasim, which are used primarily for mitzvot (which are not considered worldly benefit), do not have kedushat shvi’it (Minchat Shlomo 51.23). 

An etrog, as an edible fruit, certainly has kedushat shvi’it. There is significant discussion from the Tana’im to our day, whether its status follows its budding (chanata) or its harvest (l'keeta). To avoid problems, most etrogim were harvested last year before Rosh Hashana and, will be this year, after it. However, all agree that we assume that an etrog which grew during Shmita has kedushat shvi’it. 

The main complication regarding an etrog with kedushat shvi’it is how to buy it (normally there is a problem of weighing such fruit, but I never saw etrogim sold by the kilo). There are three basic, valid approaches which are used. One is to buy the etrog b’havla’ah, which means that the price of the etrog is included in the price of some other commodity, perhaps one of the other minim. In this way, the money does not receive kedushat shvi’it, which would cause problems. Those who rely on the heter mechira can do so regarding the etrog as well. The otzar beit din system, which we encourage all during the Shmita year, is fine for etrog as well. Under this system, a beit din (rabbinical court) supervises the handling of the orchard and sets the price of the fruit according to the cost of expenses (including permitted labor), not according to the fruit’s value to the consumer. Whenever one buys an etrog, he should demand rabbinical approval of the validity of the etrog. This year, the supervisors have a few more things to verify (there is a serious issue of shamur ve-ne’evad concerning how the laws of Shmita were kept in regard to the growing the fruit, but this is beyond the scope of our discussion). 

After Sukkot, one should either eat the etrog, make jam from it, or wait until it is inedible before disposal. 

“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 ww.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.orgwith the message:JoinHemdatya- Please leave the subject blank.

Hasidic Wisdom, from the book by Simcha Raz (Elkins/Elkins)

The plain and simple meaning of the Torah is the secret of the Torah.
- Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk 

Good deeds done in self-interest and not for their own sake are better off not being done at all. Except for charity. The poor gain benefit from charity regardless of the intention of the giver.
- Baal Shem Tov 

A Jew is like a golden coin. If at times it gets rusty or mired, all you have to do is wash and scour it and its luster will return.
- Rabbi Mordechai of Lechovitz 

One must constantly renew oneself.
- Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav 

Rite and Reason by Shmuel Pinchas Gelbard

For some it is customary to decorate the Sukka with onions embellished with feathers. 

REASON In accord with the pasuk (T'hilim 36:8) B'TZEL KENAFECHA YECHESAYUN, they shall find shelter under the shadow of Your wings. The word B'TZEIL is similar to the word BATZAL (onion). 

Ed. note: Don't know anyone who has this minhag, but I have a feeling that more people (some TT readers?) will try it this year. Let me know if you do. 
It is customary to read Megilat Kohelet on Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot...(Rama). 

REASON Because these are joyous days, and it is written in Kohelet 2:2, "And of joy, what does it accomplish? (Magen Avraham) 

REASON We find an allusion to Sukkot in Kohelet (11:2), "Distribute portions to seven, or even eight." Our Sages expounded (Eruvin 40b) Distribute portions to seven — this refers to the seven days of Sukkot. Or even to eight — this refers to Shmini Atzeret. 

REASON Melachim Alef 8:2 says, "And all of the men of Israel gathered to King Shlomo in the month of the mighty ones, the seventh month." 
In Ashkenazic communities it is customary to eat cooked cabbage in water on Hoshana Raba. 

REASON Since in the piyutim of Hoshana Rabba we recite several times the phrase KOL MEVASER V'OMER. In German, the phrase sounds like KOHL, cabbage, MIT VASSER, with water.

SDT
KOHELET will be read in many shuls before the reading of the Torah on Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot. When Kohelet is read from a parchment megila (common in Jerusalem), brachot are recited on the reading. No brachot are said if it is read from a printed book. The megila by Shlomo HaMelech in his later years takes a serious look at the Life we all live, and his conclusions boil down to there being nothing of real value in this World. Except to be G-d fearing. Kohelet provides a sobering balance to the levity of the Chag and hopefully focuses our joy in the proper direction.

SDT
By the nature of the mitzva of Sukka, it is very easy to not have KAVANA. Of course, when one first enters the Sukka, Kavana comes easily. But after the introductory readings and Kiddush and HaMotzi, comes the meal. And the warm atmosphere of family and friends. And social conversation and the familiar routine of enjoying a meal. That's when it's easy to forget you're in a Sukka, in the process of doing a mitzva. It is therefore recommended that every so often during a meal in the Sukka, you pause, look up at the S'CHACH & actually say L'SHEIM MITZVAT SUKKA. Then think about or discuss the reasons – the Heavenly Clouds and/or "actual sukkot". 

Shofar Via Hearing Aid: Revisited

by Rabbi Dr. Aaron AdlerRav, Kehillat Neve Orot, Ramot Alef; Halachic Consultant for Hadassah, Audiology Dept., Ein Kerem

The "Ask the Rabbi" Q & A from Eretz Hemdah, published in Torah Tidbits 486 (pre-Rosh HaShanah issue) dealing with the acutely sensitive issue of Shofar blowing and its relevance to the hearing-impaired community, requires a fair measure of modification and update in order to secure a Halachically sound directive.

[1] Indeed, as quoted, "The great majority of poskim have ruled that one cannot fulfill the Mitzva of hearing the Shofar by means of a hearing aid". 
[2] However, as implied in the above-mentioned quote, dissenting Halachic opinions do exist on this critical issue. The Chazon Ish, for one (referred to in Rabbi Mordechai Shuchatowitz's fine summary on "Halacha Concerning Jewish Deaf and Hard of Hearing" - an NCSY - "Our Way" publication) "suggested that since the reproduction of the Shofar's sound is made by that original sound, and is heard simultaneously with the first sound, and is exactly similar to that sound, it might be considered that this too is the sound of the Shofar. Accordingly, it meets the requirements of listening to the Shofar's sound". Secondly, HaRav Moshe Feinstein (Iggrot Moshe, Or.Ch 2, ch. 108) was inclined to adopt the view that electronic rechanneled/reconstituted sound was to be regarded as bonafide sound for various Halachic purposes. Furthermore, even HaRav Shlomo Z. Auerbach's correctly stated opinion that one must hear the Shofar without a hearing aid, dismisses the possibility that the hearing aid is to be considered as an "echo sound" (the "popular" rationale for disqualifying the use of hearing aids in the Shofar context).

[3] Therefore, Q & A's absolute definitive conclusion as stated: "If one cannot hear the Shofar at all without a hearing aid, he is totally exempt from the mitzva", falls short of a "complete" P'sak, for the Halachic dictum: "Safek D'Oraita L'chumrah" must be applied in both directions (Halachic literature being relete with illustrations of such double-edged Piskei Halacha). Namely, from the point of view of one's personal obligation, certainly the hearing-impaired individual should be encouraged to see himself as being obligated in the mitzva in accordance with the above-mentioned lenient opinions. However, regarding his communal standing in blowing for others, we would certainly adopt the stingent view in this case and not allow this individual to blow for others.

[4] It goes without saying, that if the hearing ability is sufficiently adequate for one to hear the Shofar on any level without the use of the hearing aid (whether in Shul or at home), this would be preferred.

[5] On a related note, the past two decades have witnessed the development of a variety of cochlear implants. A successful implant patient, with proper rehabilitation procedures, gains access for the very first time to the wonderful world of sound. In private conversation with my Rebbe, HaRav Prof. Moshe D. Tendler, the following trailblazing opinion has emerged. The cochlear implant procedure is to be regarded Halachically as "by-pass road" to the natural hearing mechanism of the ear. Sound is perceived by the stimulation of the auditory nerve - bypassing the impaired sensory hair cells of the inner ear - and is subsequently transmitted to the brain for perception and interpretation of sound. Hence, the individual is to be regarded as "hearing" in every sense of the word. Rav Tendler went so far as to declare such a person not only a "Bar Da'at" (intellectually worthy for mitzva purposes), but also as a "Shoma'ah" (a person with competent hearing) for Shofar purposes. Not only would such an individual be obligated personally to hear the Shofar, but he may actually blow for others as well.
Rav Tendler concluded that he would have no trouble having such a "ba'al tokai'a" blow the Shofar in his Monsey community!

From the Desk of the Director

How wonderful is the symbolism of Sukkot! How delightful are the meanings embedded in the Arba Minim that we wave on this holiday! 

Take, for example, two of Rabbi Akiva’s references to the names of individual species and their allusion to Hakadosh Baruch Hu. The etrog - Pri Etz Hadar – reminds us of Hashem who is recalled in the verse “Hod Vehadar Lavashta” – ‘You are dressed in majesty and splendor.’ And likewise there is a reference to Hashem in the phrase, “Tzadik katamar yifrach” – ‘The righteous shall blossom like the date palm (the lulav).’ 

The four species have also been likened to the three Avot and Yosef, the four Mothers, four kinds of Jews, and to different parts of the body. The seven collective items that make up the entire set of Lulav and Etrog have been compared to the seven heavenly spheres. And it has been said that the observance of the mitzva matches all the others since “Etrog” (Gematria 610), when added to the remaining three species, yields the 613 commandments.

The most popular analogies invoked by the Arba Minim revolve around the notion of Jewish unity: All the disparate elements of the Lulav seem to converge in the service of Hashem despite their intrinsic differences. It appears that in our purified state following Yom Kippur, Hakadosh Baruch Hu is ready to remember the devotion of our youth (Yirmiyahu 2:2). And we are then prone to heed each other and cling to one another as, in the spirit of Sukkot, we ready ourselves to make sacrifices on behalf of an entire world.

Sincerely yours, enachem Persoff, Director, Israel Center

TTRIDDLES...

are Torah Tidbits-style riddles on Parshat HaShavua (sometimes on the calendar). They are found in the hard-copy of TT scattered throughout, usually at the bottom of different columns. In the electronic versions of TT, they are found all together at the end of the ParshaPix-TTriddles section. Some TTriddles are also presented for call-in solution on Torah Tidbits Audio (Arutz-7, Thursday night). The best solution set submitted each week (there isn’t always a best) wins a double prize — a CD from Noam Productions and/or a gift (game, puzzle, book, etc.) from Big Deal 

Last week's (Nitzavim, etc.) TTriddles:

[1] Lessons in the winter; sayings in the summer?
[2] HaShem, Avram, Avraham, Yitzchak, Eisav, Reuven, Yosef, Bil'am, Moshe
[3] The one of the 6 that might have been there anyway
[4] Mostly to Yehoshua, but also to whom?
[5] The word and the name that connect Shabbat Shuva with Purim

And the envelope please...

[1] MATAR, rain, is associated with the winter, rainy season. At the beginning of Haazinu, we find YAAROF KAMATAR LIK'CHI, let my lessons fall like rain. Then it says, my saying shall flow down like dew. TAL is associated with the summer (even though we ask for TAL U'MATAR, we do (dew) find MORID HATAL for the summer season). Lessons in the winter, sayings in the summer.

[2] This one was kind of obvious. The answer is VAYEILECH. Searching (with the help of computer) for VAYEILECH in just the Torah, and counting only those VAYEILECHs followed by a name, the list in the TTriddle resulted.

[3] This one wasn't so easy. It was the only TTriddle that RHM failed to get. RHM is the winner again this week. Please be in touch concerning the prizes we owe you. B'KA SH'MO, BET-YUD-HEI-SHIN-MEM-VAV, is the mnemonic for the six letters/words that by Scribal Tradition, are at the head of a column in a Sefer Torah. The BET is for B'reishit, which is obviously at the top of a column. The HEI is in HABA'IM, which tops the SHIRAT HAYAM column in B'shalach. The MEM is from MA TOVU in Balak. The VAV is from V'A'IDA, the column-topper of the other SHIRA, namely HAAZINU. Since most Torah's today have VAV at the top of practically all the columns (this too is a sofer's tradition, but not of the same "requiredness" as B'KA SH'MO), V'A'IDA (as opposed to the other five) might have been at the top of a column anyway.

[4] A computer search throughout Tanach will reveal that the blessing CHAZAK V'EMATZ, be strong and courageous, is given to Yehoshua many times. Most of the time, he is the recipient of that blessing. Some suggest that the person to lead the people after Moshe Rabeinu, and the one to take the people into Eretz Yisrael needs that encouragement more than most people. Also to whom? Shlomo HaMelech is the answer. So is Bnei Yisrael. And there is one more answer in Yeshayahu 28.

[5] The name - that was the easy part - is ESTHER, as in G-d's prophecy/threat to "hide his face". The word is HAMELECH, as in HaMelech HaKadosh for Shabbat Shuva and all of Aseret Y'mei T'shuva, and the many occurrences of HaMelech in the Megila.

This week's TTriddles:

[1] 16.7 - Here 1, there - all of them
[2] The Torah, the Mitzva, the Blessing to Yehuda
[3] the fourth is often the child's first

Israel Center Notes:

Our best wishes for Bracha, Hatzlacha & Mazal to Harvey & Naomi Wolinetz and Family upon the dedication of the Wolinetz Family Beit Knesset "Ohel Shmuel" at the Israel Center

We have had Shiurim on Shabbat afternoon for the past 23 weeks. B"H the Pesach to Yom Kippur season of 5:00pm shiurim was very successful.
Help us go "from strength to strength" by joining us this Shabbat - Parshat Haazinu - at 3:30pm for a shiur with Yaacov Peterseil.

The Israel Center is pleased to anounce the opening of a Beth Din to Adjudicate and arbitrate monetary disputes, according to Jewish law.
The Beth Din will begin to function IY"H after Sukkot.

Apart from a registration fee of 200NIS (per case), there will be no charge for this service.
Please call 566-7787 ext. 204 for further information.Yitzhak Fund, Esq. • Rabbi Emanuel Quint, Chairpersons

The Israel Center has built a new Sukka on the third floor mirpeset. We are also putting up another sukka in the "back yard". You are cordially invited to help us decorate the sukkot. Please bring a decoration or two on Motza'ei Shabbat or Sunday and join in the mitzva (and fun).

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 pressing2 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
Sarah will be happy to assist you on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Call Sarah 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. 18 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.

IY"H, our next Israel Center In-House Shabbaton, Shabbat Parshat Vayeira November 2-3, '01 Scholar-in-Residence: Rabbi Emanuel Quint (and the Quintessential Players)

WILDLIFE in JERUSALEM • The Jerusalem Bird Observatory • A wild, action-packed adventure for the whole family Visit the bird "Club Med"between the Knesset & the Supreme Court Right in the City Center A unique glimpse of our secret bird life • Wed. Oct. 3rd, Chol Hamoed Sukkot - 10:00-11:30am • Price: 36NIS for members / 50NIS for non-members 

Join us for a most interesting tiyul to Gush Etzion Thursday, Oct. 4th, Chol Hamoed Sukkot • 9:00am-4:00pm (approx.) Guided in English by Leah Solter: Kibbutz Kfar Etzion - Multi media Sound & Light Show - A Touching account of the History of Jewish Settlements in Gush Etzion and the bravery of Gush Etzion's pioneers and defenders "The Lone Tree" - The ancient Oak Tree, reputed to be 700 years old. The symbol of Gush Etzion The path of the Patriarchs A special mikva used for purification upon "Aliyat L'regel to Jerusalem for sacrifice offerings The Even Ha'Mil -a stone which the Romans used as a landmark A tour of Efrat plus lookout over the Dagan and Tamar Hills The Etzion Judaica Center - Exhibition and sales of Israel's finest Judaica artisans & artists, from throughout Israel and Gush Etzion A lunch at the Alon Restaurant A tour of Yeshivat Har Etzion, Hesder Yeshiva of HaRav Lichtenstein Tour of "Machon Tzomet" - specializing in patenting Shabbat elevators, wheelchairs and other Shabbat minded tools & appliances • Price: 165NIS (mem)/175NIS (non-mem) includes hot lunch

Travel Desk Specials

Sheraton Moriah Dead Sea • Min. stay 3 nights: Oct. 1-4, 4-7, 7-10 980NIS per couple per night, child 2-12 in parents room - 150NIS 2 night stay: 1150NIS per couple per night 
Ruth Rimon Inn, Tsfat Valid Oct. 1-10, 3 night stay - 2160NIS per couple child 2-18 in parents room - 270NIS 
Paradise Negev, Beersheva , Glatt/Mehadrin • Valid Oct. 1-10 555NIS per couple per night, no minimum stay, child 2 -12 in parents room - 140NIS
All hotels H/B (breakfast/dinner daily) 
Kibbutz Lavi Sukkot Specials 
Min. night stay: 4 nights - 3500NIS, 6 nights - 5075NIS, 8 nights - 6535NIS, H/B Chol Hamoed, F/B Chag & Shabbat 1st night Chag or Shabbat: Min. 2 nights stay 2015NIS, 1 night F/B, 1 night H/B Chol Hamoed - 1 night stay, H/B Simchat Torah - Oct. 8-9
1 night stay F/B - 855NIS 
Regular children's discounts apply • Rates for all packages per couple in New Wing rooms Deduct 70NIS per couple per night for main building

Artzeinu Tours in conjunction with the Israel Center presents...
Daily Artzeinu Tours General Schedule
Sundays: Jeep Excurison - or - City of David • Mondays: 1day to Galil- Golan • Tuesdays: Massada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea - or - 2 day to Galil-Golan • Wednesdays: Amatzia underground city • Thursdays: Negev • Fridays: Kotel tunnels, Old City, South Wall excavations or J'lem neighborhoods

Artzeinu Tours in conjunction with the Israel Center presents...Sukkot Tours
Sun. Sep. 30 • Jeeps (full day) • Jeep excursion in the Judean Hills • 09:30-17:30 • $59
Mon. Oct. 1 • Kotel Tunnels plus • • Kotel tunnels - Old City, South Wall excavations • 09:20-14:00 • Yeshaya Jacobs • $33*
Thu. Oct. 4 • Massada • Massada & Ein Gedi, Dead Sea (separate swimming) • 08:45-18:00 • Moishe Oberman • $73*
Fri. Oct. 5 • Jeeps (½ day) • Jeep excursion in the Judean Hills • 10:00-14:00 • $42
Fri. Oct. 5 • Amatzia • Amatzia - underground city • (Bar Kochba hideout) Tel Azekah(site of confrontation bet. David & Golyat) • 09:30-14:30 • Yeshaya Jacobs • $47
Sun. Oct. 7 • Galil • Meron: R' Shimon bar Yochai, Tzfat,: Old City, ancient alleyways, shuls Rosh Hanikra: grottos, cable car Amuka (time permitting) • 08:45-21:45 • Chaim Sidor • $77*
Mon. Oct. 8 • Ir David • Warren's Shaft, Area G,water tunnel • 10:30-14:00 • Moishe Oberman • $32*
Thu. Oct. 11 • Kotel Tunnels plus • Kotel tunnels - Old City, South Wall excavations • 09:20-14:00 • Yeshaya Jacobs • $33*
Prices include all entrance fees • min. group: 12 participants • return times approx. • cancelation 24 hrs. in adv. • * 10% discount for children under 12 • Special rebates and/or credits for future tiyulim for Israel Center members depend upon registration for each specific tiyul. Call the Travel Desk for furtherdetails.
Reservations: call the Travel Desk (ext.249) or ARTZEINU 02-5871718 fax: (02) 587-1719 • email: artzeinu@netvision.net.il • www.artzeinu.co.il

MYSTICAL TZFAT (rescheduled for Shabbat B'reishit • • October 1-13 • Exciting, dynamic tour guide: Chaim Sidor scholar & expert on Tzfat
Friday: Departure from Israel Center at 8:15am, guided tour along the coast
(bring packed lunch or order from cafetaria), arrive hotel approx. 12:30pm •
1:15pm - Meet with artist Noach Greenberg, witness his magnificent Shtender (Ma’agal HaShana), Visit the Art Galleries, Candle Factory,(Optional: Ari z"l Mikveh - men; Kever Leib Baal HaYisurim - women) • Leil Shabbat: Davening - Bresslov, Kossov, Carlebach (your choice) • After the Seuda: Mystical Tour- Old City w/stories&legends of Tzfat (1½-2 hrs.) • Shabbat Morning: Davening in Shul of your choice •
After the Seuda - 1½ to 2 hrs. TOUR of Tzfat - Shuls, stairs of “Mashiach”, Crusaders to 1948 – the story of Davidka in Tzfat • Cost: $115 (505NIS) per person double occupancy ($20 single supplement), Children: 50% discount under 12 years old, Non Members add $20 includes: Full Board (Shabbat) at the Tel Aviv Hotel inTzfat,Glatt; round trip transportation, all guided tours Return on Motza'ei Shabbat • Minimum group: 10 couples Reservations: call the Travel Desk (ext.249) or ARTZEINU 02-5871718

ISRAEL CENTER SCHEDULE

"Regular" Israel Center classes & lectures - 15NIS for members, 20NIS for non-mem. Life members, free. • No one will be turned away for lack of ability to pay.

SHABBAT
3:30pm • Shabbat Shiur • Men and Women are invited • This week: Yaacov Peterseil • Cold drinks will be served • Mincha follows Shiur

Friday & MOTZA'EI SHABBAT
The Israel Center's Annual Arba'a Minim Sale Ready made sets from 45NIS and up • Competitive prices Friday, September 28th (day after Yom Kippur) • 9:00am-1:30pm and Motza'ei Shabbat, September 29th • 7:30-11:00pm at the Israel Center (in the garden) 10% discount for Israel Center members

DAF YOMI in English 3:00-4:00pm • Sunday-Thursday - resumes after Sukkot

SUNDAY
9:30am (women) • Mystical Insights into the Yamim Nora'im • Golda Warhaftig
N'shei Library • 10:30-12:45pm - reopens IY"H Oct. 14
10:30am (women) • The Yom Kippur Machzor, please bring a machzor • Tonia Frohwein
11:30am • (men & women) • Parshat HaShavua • Shprintzee Herskovits
12:30pm • Great Jewish Stories • Rabbi David Zitter
Sept. 30 • Movie Time at the Israel Center

MONDAY & TUESDAY • The Center will be closed (except for 10:00am to noon on Monday for last minute TT pick-ups and last minute Sukka decorating)

Attention visitors from abroad within walking-distance of the Israel Center: We are hosting a group of boys from the States who are spending Sukkot at the Center for a BEIN HA'Z'MANIM SEMINAR They will be davening "Yom Tov" on Tuesday night (6:00pm) and Wednesday morning (8:00am) You are invited to join themfor davening in the Wolinetz Family Beit Knesset OHEL SHMUEL at the Seymour J. Abrams Orthodox Union Jerusalem World Center (the Israel Center) 

WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday Chol HaMoed, 10:00am Shiurim on... Sukka, Arba'a Minim, Chol HaMoed, Yom Tov, Kohelet, Hoshana Raba, Simchat Torah, Nisuch HaMayim, Hak-hel... and more Phil Chernofsky 

Judaica Art Fair at the Israel Center Wednesday, Chol HaMoed6:00-10:00pm • Music & Fun for the Family • Activities for Children Participating... Sara Sefton Shor - Jerusalem fine art • Archie Granot Papercuts Gallery • Myra Mandel - fine art & giclee prints • Gush Etzion Judaica Center • Jerusalem House of Crafts, nettle point , new & exciting fiber craft • Bottle Tree, Unique havdalah fragrances • Gold of Jerusalem in the Cardo • Madeline's Gallery Judaica & Gifts • Sunshine Yisrael Judaica • Magician & Juggler, Raphael Harris, 6:30-8:00pm • 3000 Years of Jerusalem in Jewish Art , Slide Show Presentation with Artist Sara Sefton Shor - 8:00pm • Music with Howie Kahn • Refreshments available (for purchase) in our Sukka • Sponsored by Jewish Action Magazine • Further details, call Lisa 056-383-154 adults: 20/25, children: 10/15, family 50/65 

THURSDAY
Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday Chol HaMoed, 10:00am See Wednesday for details 

Thursday Chol HaMoed, 8:00pm “Witness To Terror” How the Palestinian Authority radio really reported the World Trade Center and its aftermath... and how Powell, Peres and Arafat have engaged in a misinformation campaign to cover it up David Bedein witness to the World Trade Center disaster and media analyst of the story from inside the P.A. 

FRiDAYand SHABBAT
The Center will be closed 

Motza'ei Shabbat Chol HaMoed, 7:30pm • Naftali Abramson Ha'Ayala Ha'Shlucha Band All invited - separate dancing 15NIS

SUnDAY
Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday Chol HaMoed, 10:00am See Wednesday for details 

Sunday, October 7th, from 8:30pm Leil Hoshana Rabba Shiurim • 8:30pm, Rabbi Sholom Gold, Rav, Kehilat Zichron Yosef, Har Nof, Dean, Avrom Silver Jerusalem College for Adults • 9:30pmRabbi Aharon Adler, Rav, Kehillat Neve Orot, Ramot Alef, Rosh Yeshivat Ner Tamid, Hashmona'im • 10:30pm, Rabbi Yosef Carmel, Rosh Machon ERETZ HEMDA • 11:30 pm, Rabbi Efraim Sprecher, Faculy, Diaspora Yeshiva, Har Tzion • Refreshments in the Sukka 

MONDAY and TUESDAY
The Center will be closed HOWEVER... TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY
Attention (again) visitors from abroad within walking-distance of the Israel Center: We are hosting a group of girls from the States who are spending the last days of the Chag at the Center for a BEIN HA'Z'MANIM SEMINAR They will be "Yom Tov" davening and HAKAFOT on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning You are invited to join them... Tuesday, 4:50pm Mincha, Shiur, Maariv & Hakafot Wednesday, 8:00am Shacharit, Hakafot, Musaf 

Wednesday, October 10th • Regular classes at the Center (call to be sure) 

THURSDAY
Thursday, OCT 11, 9:30am - 9:30pm The Temple in Jerusalem, A full-day conference, co-sponsored by theJewish Values Education Institute and the Temple Institute 
Thursdays at 10:30am, Shiur while you fold, Parshat HaShavua and/or the Calendar Thursdays at 10:30am SLIM FOR LIFE Libby 651-8061 • Elisheva 999-6479 Thursdays at 8:00pm Shir HaShirim Reb Yosef Schreiber 
Torah Tidbits Audio Israel National Radio (Arutz-7), 98.7FM and 1539AM, Thursdays, 10:07-11:00pm or anytime on www.israelnationalnews.com 

FRIDAY
Friday, October 12, 9:00am A Look at the Beginning • Phil Chernofsky 
Friday, October 12, 9:30am • The Temple in Jerusalem, Conference Tour Please note: You can attend any or all of the Thursday conference and/or you can go on the Friday tiyul to the Old City with Aharon Horowitz Advance reservations are required for the tiyul 

UPCOMING
Wednesday, October 17th Hold this date for a Rosh Chodesh Luncheon Plus Watch for details 
Wednesdays October 17, 24, 31 Memory Enhancement Workshop with Estha Jacobs Watch for further details 
Starting Wednesday October 17th 8:00pm - pre-registration required Call 08-926-5247 ANGER:The Inner Teacher Ongoing workshops with Rachel Trugman, MA Watch for further details 
Starting Thursday, October 18th TRUTH, An open forum with Daniel

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
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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