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...

We’re between KL and Rosh Chodesh Benching, so let’s take a look at some Men. Av history. The 19th of the month is the 272nd yarhzeit of R’ Yaakov Kuli, better known as the author of Me’am Lo’ez. The 21st is the 86th yahrzeit of R’ Chaim b. Yosef Soloveitchik, the famous R’ Chaim of Brisk. And back to the time of the Chashmona’im (a bit over 2000 years ago), there was an interesting minor holiday on the 24th of Menachem Av. (according to Megilat Taanit; the Gemara puts it in Tevet.) During Greek rule over Eretz Yisrael, there was a decree requiring the Jews to follow the law of inheritance according to Greek law, and not Torah law. Greek law was the same as the rulings of the Tzedokim... The voiding of the decree by the House of the Chashmona’im was considered a victory for Torah Judaism and a cause for celebration.

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