Sefirot Combination:
Tuesday is the third day of Week 17 and the seventeenth day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Tiferet shebeTiferet shebeTiferet, Balance/Beauty within Balance/Beauty within Balance/Beauty.
Alef-Bet/Psalms:
Tuesday is also the sixth day of the sixth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Kaf and Lamed. The following excerpts from Chapters 112 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the sixth letter, the Vav:
Psalm 112:
... and his righteousness endures forever.
וְצִדְקָתוֹ עֹמֶדֶת לָעַד:
Psalm 119:
46. And I shall speak of Your testimonies in the presence of kings, and I shall not be ashamed.
מו. וַאֲדַבְּרָה בְעֵדֹתֶיךָ נֶגֶד מְלָכִים וְלֹא אֵבוֹשׁ:
Daily Lessons:
Psalms for day 22: 106 and 107. These Psalms list the series of mistakes made by the Jewish people throughout their wanderings through the desert, and Hashem's mercy (in Kabbalah, the sefirah of Tiferet also symbolizes Rachamim, mercy) patience throughout. The Psalms are call to rejoice and appreciate all that Hashem did (and does) for us.
Hayom Yom for the 22nd of Teveth: The Friederker Rebbe quotes his father on the need for every person (whether learned or not) to spend half an hour a day thinking about the Torah-education of one's children and to do everything in one's power to make sure they follow the proper path.
Chumash for Tuesday, 3rd Aliyah of Vaera: The Torah portion returns to the conversation between Hashem and Moshe, in which Moshe shows concerns over his ability to speak to Pharaoh and convince him. Hashem states that he is appointing Moshe as an "Elohim" over Pharaoh and Aharon as Moshe's "Navi." "Elokim" usually means G-d, but can also mean judge, and "Navi" usually means prophet, but in this case means interpreter. (Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk that such comparisons of Moshe to G-d, although somewhat false, were important to get Pharaoh to realize the stupidity of his own belief that he was a god. Many times tzadikim have to act in ways that are below their stature to get others to repent).
Hashem also speaks of how Pharaoh will not listen in order for Him to enact great judgements. Rashi comments that the judgements are also to get the Jewish people to "hear and fear." This appears to be a true act of mercy on the part of Hashem. This way, the Jewish people repent and are spared, no longer requiring to receive punishments themselves.
Rambam, Hilchot Talmud Torah - Chapter One: Maimonides starts delineating the the laws of studying Torah, and the mitzvah of teaching Torah to children, grandchildren, and to all the Jewish people. The Rambam also writes about the laws of hiring a tutor, as well as what exactly we are supposed to learn (1/3 Written Torah, 1/3 Oral Torah, and 1/3 "Gemara). Torah itself is related to the Sefirah of Tiferet. (It is worth noting how well the Rambam ties into the Hayom Yom for today)
Tanya, Chapter 14 (Ending): The Alter Rebbe now explains why before entering the body, the soul makes a double oath which seems redundant: "Be a Tzadik and do not be a Rasha." Because not everyone has the capacity to abhor sin and delight in G-d like the Tzadik, those people are told that if they cannot be a Tzadik, at the very least they should not be a Rasha. Everyone has the potential not to sin at all, even when it comes to the difficult commandment of not wasting time that could be spent on learning Torah. The Alter Rebbe states, however, that even the people that cannot be a Tzadik, should nevertheless attempt to fulfill that part of the oath as well, to the extent possible. They should use tools/meditations that lead them to think material pleasures are disgusting, and also habit may create a "second nature." Delight in G-d can also be attained, even if such delight is somewhat "imaginary." A person must do his/her part, and may even merit receiving the impregnation of another soul (Ibur), which is of a Tzadik.
News:
World: Al Qaida in Yemen claims responsibility for Paris terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo. A new issue of the magazine comes out, with a picture of Muhammad with a tear in his eye and a sign, "Je suis Charlie." On top it is written, "Tout est Pardone'," all is forgiven.
Personal: Setting up a time for my son's Torah education tutoring. Incredible parallel with Hayom Yom and Rambam chapter. Also taught a class at K-Space, which was really an honor and a privilege.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Monday, January 12, 2015
Monday, 21st of Teveth, 5775
Sefirot Combination:
Monday is the second day of Week 17 and the sixteenth day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Gevurah shebeTiferet shebeTiferet, Might/Discipline within Balance/Beauty within Balance/Beauty.
Alef-Bet/Psalms:
Monday is also the fifth day of the sixth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Kaf and Lamed. The following excerpts from Chapters 112 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the firfh letter, the Heh:
Psalm 112:
3. Wealth and riches will be in his house,
ג. הוֹן וָעֹשֶׁר בְּבֵיתוֹ
Psalm 119:
38. Fulfill for Your servant Your word that is for Your fear.
לח. הָקֵם לְעַבְדְּךָ אִמְרָתֶךָ אֲשֶׁר לְיִרְאָתֶךָ:
Daily Lessons:
Psalms for day 21: 104 and 105. These Psalms truly describe Hashem's might and beauty. They describe the balance and intrecacy of His world, as well as His strong protection of His people.
Hayom Yom for the 21st of Teveth: The Friederker Rebbe states,"When encountering water one should say that the Baal Shem says that it is a sign of blessing." Blessing and wealth come from G-d, just like rain pours down from the sky. The blessings come to those that fear Hashem.
Chumash for Monday, 2nd Aliyah of Vaera: The Torah portion lists the descendants of Reuben, Shimon, and Levi. It also describes the lineage of Aharon and Moshe. Rashi states,
יש מקומות שמקדים אהרן למשה ויש מקומות שמקדים משה לאהרן, לומר לך ששקולין כאחד:
"In some places, [Scripture] places Aaron before Moses, and in other places it places Moses before Aaron, to tell us that they they were equal." A better, literal translation appears to be that "to tell us that they are weighed as one." Moshe and Aharon were so connected to each other that they were counted as a single entity.
Rashi also notes that the Jewish exile of 400 years is counted from the birth of Isaac, not from the time the Jews actually went to Israel. Even while they were in Egypt (210 years), many of those years, durint the time that Jacob's sons were still alive, were actually good years, not years of enslavement. This shows the tremendous mercy of Hashem, even in times of oppression.
Rambam, Hilchot De'ot - Chapter Seven: Maimonides enumerates the laws of proper speech, as well as the prohibition against taking revenge and bearing a grudge. They take a great amount of discipline, and yet the reward is great (the punishment for Lashon Harah is also quite great). These are key teachings for a functioning society. The Rambam writes that not bearing a grudge, "permits a stable environment, trade, and commerce to be established among people."
Tanya, Chapter 14 (Beginning): Discussion of how the trait of a Beinoni can be reached by every person, because it involves a refinement of the mind, not necessarily of the heart. As long as a sinful feeling is not transformed into thought, speech and/or deed, a person can be on the high level of never sinning. A Beinoni does not want to separate him/herself from G-d even for a second. A person who has not attained such a level also does not want to separate him/herself from G-d, and is willing to sacrifice their very life not to deny their Judaism. It's just that such a person does not realize that small sins also create such a separation. The Beinoni says, "I don't want to be fooled like such a person." I will not separate myself from G-d even by committing a "small" infraction. This is not called being a Tzadik though, because a Tzadik has such tremendous love and delight in G-d that he actually abhors materialism. The level of a Tzadik is a gift, and only some souls are created with such a capacity.
News
World: still very much focused on the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris. Funerals began taking place for slain officers and victims. It is in such difficult times that we cry out for Hashem's mercy.
Personal: Attended shiva for the mother of three young men, who had recently also lost their father.
Monday is the second day of Week 17 and the sixteenth day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Gevurah shebeTiferet shebeTiferet, Might/Discipline within Balance/Beauty within Balance/Beauty.
Alef-Bet/Psalms:
Monday is also the fifth day of the sixth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Kaf and Lamed. The following excerpts from Chapters 112 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the firfh letter, the Heh:
Psalm 112:
3. Wealth and riches will be in his house,
ג. הוֹן וָעֹשֶׁר בְּבֵיתוֹ
Psalm 119:
38. Fulfill for Your servant Your word that is for Your fear.
לח. הָקֵם לְעַבְדְּךָ אִמְרָתֶךָ אֲשֶׁר לְיִרְאָתֶךָ:
Daily Lessons:
Psalms for day 21: 104 and 105. These Psalms truly describe Hashem's might and beauty. They describe the balance and intrecacy of His world, as well as His strong protection of His people.
Hayom Yom for the 21st of Teveth: The Friederker Rebbe states,"When encountering water one should say that the Baal Shem says that it is a sign of blessing." Blessing and wealth come from G-d, just like rain pours down from the sky. The blessings come to those that fear Hashem.
Chumash for Monday, 2nd Aliyah of Vaera: The Torah portion lists the descendants of Reuben, Shimon, and Levi. It also describes the lineage of Aharon and Moshe. Rashi states,
יש מקומות שמקדים אהרן למשה ויש מקומות שמקדים משה לאהרן, לומר לך ששקולין כאחד:
"In some places, [Scripture] places Aaron before Moses, and in other places it places Moses before Aaron, to tell us that they they were equal." A better, literal translation appears to be that "to tell us that they are weighed as one." Moshe and Aharon were so connected to each other that they were counted as a single entity.
Rashi also notes that the Jewish exile of 400 years is counted from the birth of Isaac, not from the time the Jews actually went to Israel. Even while they were in Egypt (210 years), many of those years, durint the time that Jacob's sons were still alive, were actually good years, not years of enslavement. This shows the tremendous mercy of Hashem, even in times of oppression.
Rambam, Hilchot De'ot - Chapter Seven: Maimonides enumerates the laws of proper speech, as well as the prohibition against taking revenge and bearing a grudge. They take a great amount of discipline, and yet the reward is great (the punishment for Lashon Harah is also quite great). These are key teachings for a functioning society. The Rambam writes that not bearing a grudge, "permits a stable environment, trade, and commerce to be established among people."
Tanya, Chapter 14 (Beginning): Discussion of how the trait of a Beinoni can be reached by every person, because it involves a refinement of the mind, not necessarily of the heart. As long as a sinful feeling is not transformed into thought, speech and/or deed, a person can be on the high level of never sinning. A Beinoni does not want to separate him/herself from G-d even for a second. A person who has not attained such a level also does not want to separate him/herself from G-d, and is willing to sacrifice their very life not to deny their Judaism. It's just that such a person does not realize that small sins also create such a separation. The Beinoni says, "I don't want to be fooled like such a person." I will not separate myself from G-d even by committing a "small" infraction. This is not called being a Tzadik though, because a Tzadik has such tremendous love and delight in G-d that he actually abhors materialism. The level of a Tzadik is a gift, and only some souls are created with such a capacity.
News
World: still very much focused on the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris. Funerals began taking place for slain officers and victims. It is in such difficult times that we cry out for Hashem's mercy.
Personal: Attended shiva for the mother of three young men, who had recently also lost their father.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Wednesday, 16th of Teveth, 5774
Sefirot Combination:
Wednesday is the fourth day of Week 16 and the eleventh day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Netzach shebeGevurah shebeTiferet, Victory/Endurance within Might/Discipline within Balance/Beauty.
Alef-Bet/Psalms:
Tuesday is also the twenty-first day of the fifth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Tet and Yud. The following excerpts from Chapter 111 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the twentieth letter, the Shin:
Psalm 111:
good understanding to all who perform them
שֵׂכֶל טוֹב לְכָל עֹשֵׂיהֶם
Psalm 119:
166. I hoped for Your salvation, O Lord, and I performed Your commandments.
קסו. שִׂבַּרְתִּי לִישׁוּעָתְךָ יְהֹוָה וּמִצְוֹתֶיךָ עָשִׂיתִי:
Wednesday is the fourth day of Week 16 and the eleventh day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Netzach shebeGevurah shebeTiferet, Victory/Endurance within Might/Discipline within Balance/Beauty.
Alef-Bet/Psalms:
Tuesday is also the twenty-first day of the fifth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Tet and Yud. The following excerpts from Chapter 111 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the twentieth letter, the Shin:
Psalm 111:
good understanding to all who perform them
שֵׂכֶל טוֹב לְכָל עֹשֵׂיהֶם
Psalm 119:
166. I hoped for Your salvation, O Lord, and I performed Your commandments.
קסו. שִׂבַּרְתִּי לִישׁוּעָתְךָ יְהֹוָה וּמִצְוֹתֶיךָ עָשִׂיתִי:
Monday, January 5, 2015
Tuesday, 15th of Teveth, 5775
Sefirot Combination:
Tuesday is the third day of Week 16 and the tenth day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Tiferet shebeGevurah shebeTiferet, Balance/Beauty within Might/Discipline within Balance/Beauty.
Alef-Bet/Psalms:
Tuesday is also the twentieth day of the fifth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Tet and Yud. The following excerpts from Chapter 111 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the twentieth letter, the Reish:
Psalm 111:
10. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord;
י. רֵאשִׁית חָכְמָה | יִרְאַת יְהֹוָה:
Psalm 119:
157. Many are my pursuers and my adversaries; from Your testimonies I did not turn away.
קנז. רַבִּים רֹדְפַי וְצָרָי מֵעֵדְוֹתֶיךָ לֹא נָטִיתִי
Tuesday is the third day of Week 16 and the tenth day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Tiferet shebeGevurah shebeTiferet, Balance/Beauty within Might/Discipline within Balance/Beauty.
Alef-Bet/Psalms:
Tuesday is also the twentieth day of the fifth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Tet and Yud. The following excerpts from Chapter 111 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the twentieth letter, the Reish:
Psalm 111:
10. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord;
י. רֵאשִׁית חָכְמָה | יִרְאַת יְהֹוָה:
Psalm 119:
157. Many are my pursuers and my adversaries; from Your testimonies I did not turn away.
קנז. רַבִּים רֹדְפַי וְצָרָי מֵעֵדְוֹתֶיךָ לֹא נָטִיתִי
Monday, 14th of Teveth, 5775
Sefirot Combination:
Monday is the second day of Week 16 and the ninth day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Gevurah shebeGevurah shebeTiferet, Might/Discipline within Might/Discipline within Balance/Beauty.
Alef-Bet/Psalms:
Monday is also the nineteenth day of the fifth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Tet and Yud. The following excerpts from Chapter 111 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the nineteenth letter, the Kuf:
Psalm 111:
His name is holy and awesome.
קָדוֹשׁ וְנוֹרָא שְׁמוֹ:
Psalm 119:
148. My eyes preceded the watches to speak of Your word.
קמח. קִדְּמוּ עֵינַי אַשְׁמֻרוֹת לָשִׂיחַ בְּאִמְרָתֶךָ:
Monday is the second day of Week 16 and the ninth day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Gevurah shebeGevurah shebeTiferet, Might/Discipline within Might/Discipline within Balance/Beauty.
Alef-Bet/Psalms:
Monday is also the nineteenth day of the fifth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Tet and Yud. The following excerpts from Chapter 111 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the nineteenth letter, the Kuf:
Psalm 111:
His name is holy and awesome.
קָדוֹשׁ וְנוֹרָא שְׁמוֹ:
Psalm 119:
148. My eyes preceded the watches to speak of Your word.
קמח. קִדְּמוּ עֵינַי אַשְׁמֻרוֹת לָשִׂיחַ בְּאִמְרָתֶךָ:
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Sunday, 13th of Teveth, 5775
Sefirot Combination:
Sunday is the first day of Week 16 and the eighth day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Chesed shebeGevurah shebeTiferet, Kindness within Might/Discipline within Balance/Beauty.
Alef-Bet/Psalms:
Sunday is also the eighteenth day of the fifth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Tet and Yud. The following excerpts from Chapter 111 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the eighteenth letter, the Tzadik:
Psalm 111:
He commanded His covenant forever;
צִוָּה לְעוֹלָם בְּרִיתוֹ
Psalm 119:
141. I am young and despised; I have not forgotten Your precepts.
קמא. צָעִיר אָנֹכִי וְנִבְזֶה פִּקֻּדֶיךָ לֹא שָׁכָחְתִּי:
Sunday is the first day of Week 16 and the eighth day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Chesed shebeGevurah shebeTiferet, Kindness within Might/Discipline within Balance/Beauty.
Alef-Bet/Psalms:
Sunday is also the eighteenth day of the fifth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Tet and Yud. The following excerpts from Chapter 111 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the eighteenth letter, the Tzadik:
Psalm 111:
He commanded His covenant forever;
צִוָּה לְעוֹלָם בְּרִיתוֹ
Psalm 119:
141. I am young and despised; I have not forgotten Your precepts.
קמא. צָעִיר אָנֹכִי וְנִבְזֶה פִּקֻּדֶיךָ לֹא שָׁכָחְתִּי:
Friday, January 2, 2015
Friday,11th of Teveth and Shabat, 12th of Teveth, 5775
B"H
Friday is the sixth day of Week 15 and the sixth day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Yesod shebeChesed shebeTiferet, Foundation within Kindness within Balance/Beauty.
Friday is also the sixteenth day of the fifth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Tet and Yud. The following excerpts from Chapter 111 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the sixteenth letter, the Ayin:
Psalm 111:
... made in truth and uprightness.
עֲשׂוּיִם בֶּאֱמֶת וְיָשָׁר:
Psalm 119:
קכה. עַבְדְּךָ אָנִי הֲבִינֵנִי וְאֵדְעָה עֵדֹתֶיךָ:
125. I am Your servant; enable me to understand, and I shall know Your testimonies.
Shabat is the seventh day of Week 15 and the seventh day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Malchut shebeChesed shebeTiferet, Kingship within Kindness within Balance/Beauty.
Shabat is also the seventeenth day of the fifth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Tet and Yud. The following excerpts from Chapter 111 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the seventeenth letter, the Peh:
Psalm 111:
9. He sent redemption to His people;
ט. פְּדוּת | שָׁלַח לְעַמּוֹ
Psalm 119:
133. Prepare my steps with Your word, and do not allow any iniquity to rule over me.
קלג. פְּעָמַי הָכֵן בְּאִמְרָתֶךָ וְאַל תַּשְׁלֶט בִּי כָל אָוֶן:
Friday is the sixth day of Week 15 and the sixth day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Yesod shebeChesed shebeTiferet, Foundation within Kindness within Balance/Beauty.
Friday is also the sixteenth day of the fifth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Tet and Yud. The following excerpts from Chapter 111 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the sixteenth letter, the Ayin:
Psalm 111:
... made in truth and uprightness.
עֲשׂוּיִם בֶּאֱמֶת וְיָשָׁר:
Psalm 119:
קכה. עַבְדְּךָ אָנִי הֲבִינֵנִי וְאֵדְעָה עֵדֹתֶיךָ:
125. I am Your servant; enable me to understand, and I shall know Your testimonies.
Shabat is the seventh day of Week 15 and the seventh day of the cycle of Tiferet (Balance/Beauty), Malchut shebeChesed shebeTiferet, Kingship within Kindness within Balance/Beauty.
Shabat is also the seventeenth day of the fifth 22-day cycle of the year, related to the letters Tet and Yud. The following excerpts from Chapter 111 and 119 of the Book of Psalms are connected to the seventeenth letter, the Peh:
Psalm 111:
9. He sent redemption to His people;
ט. פְּדוּת | שָׁלַח לְעַמּוֹ
Psalm 119:
133. Prepare my steps with Your word, and do not allow any iniquity to rule over me.
קלג. פְּעָמַי הָכֵן בְּאִמְרָתֶךָ וְאַל תַּשְׁלֶט בִּי כָל אָוֶן:
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