LIVING WITH MOSHIACH, Parshat Vayigash
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LIVING WITH MOSHIACH
Weekly Digest About Moshiach
PARSHAT VAYIGASH, 5770
Tevet 8, 5770
Dec. 25, 2009
SPECIAL FEATURE:
The Tenth of Tevet
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5770
"Year of Faratzta"
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THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED TO THE REBBE,
RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON
OF LUBAVITCH
"I BELIEVE WITH COMPLETE FAITH IN THE ARRIVAL OF THE MOSHIACH.
"AND THOUGH HE MAY TARRY, I SHALL WAIT EACH DAY, ANTICIPATING
HIS ARRIVAL." Maimonides, Principles of the Faith, No. 12
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* TABLE OF CONTENTS *
*********************
* Introduction.
* The Weekly Torah Portion.
* The Rebbe's Prophecy.
* Didan Natzach -- "Victory is Ours".
* Buy Jewish Books.
* The Tenth of Tevet.
* In View of the Situation in Israel.
* It Happened Once.
* Walking On A Tightrope.
* Time for Unity; Time for Strength!
* A Call To Action.
* The Weekly Shabbat Calendar.
* "Let There Be Light" - The Jewish Women's Guide to Lighting
Shabbat Candles.
* Laws of Shabbat Candle Lighting for the Blind.
* Shabbat Candle Lighting Blessing.
* Moshiach Information Hotlines.
* Moshiach In The Air -- Electronic Media.
* Subscription Information for this Weekly Magazine:
Living With Moshiach.
****************
* INTRODUCTION *
****************
We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the
blind, the 654-655th issue of our weekly publication, Living With
Moshiach..
*
In this week's issue, we focus on:
1) The auspicious date of Hei Tevet, the fifth day of Tevet
(Tuesday, Dec. 22), a day of celebration and rejoicing known as
Didan Natzach -- "Victory is Ours."
2) The fast day of the Tenth of Tevet, Next Sunday, Dec. 27.
*
Our sincere appreciation to L'Chaim weekly publication,
published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, for allowing us to
use their material.
Also, many thanks to our copy editor, Reb Mordechai Staiman, of
blessed memory ("http://www.torah4blind.org/staiman"), for his
tireless efforts.
*
It is our fervent hope that our learning about Moshiach and the
Redemption will hasten the coming of Moshiach, NOW!
Rabbi Yosef Y. Shagalov
Executive Director
Enlightenment For The Blind, Inc.
E-Mail:y...@torah4blind.org
3 Tevet, 5770
Year of Faratzta
Los Angeles, California
*************************************************
* IN LOVING MEMORY OF *
* Horav Schneur Zalman Halevi *
* ben Horav Yitzchok Elchonon Halevi *
* Shagalov *
* Passed away on 21 Tamuz, 5766 *
* *
* Reb Dovid Asniel ben Reb Eliyahu *
* Ekman *
* Passed away on 5 Sivan - Erev Shavuot, 5765 *
* *
* Mrs. Devora Rivka bas Reb Yosef Eliezer *
* Marenburg *
* Passed away on the second day *
* of Rosh Chodesh Adar, 5766 *
* *
* Reb Yitzchok Moshe (Ian) ben Reb Dovid Asniel *
* Ekman (Santiago, Chile) *
* Passed away on 24 Shevat, 5769 *
* *
* May Their Souls Merit Eternal Life *
* *
* AND IN HONOR OF *
* Mrs. Esther Shaindel bas Fraidel Chedva *
* Shagalov *
* * *
* Dedicated by *
* Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Yitzchok and Gittel Rochel *
* Shagalov *
*************************************************
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* THE WEEKLY TORAH PORTION *
* Adapted from the Works of the Rebbe *
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PARSHAT VAYIGASH
This week's Torah portion, Vayigash, contains the verse, "And
[Jacob] sent Judah...before him to Goshen -- l'horot -- to make
preparations." According to the foremost commentaries, Judah was
sent to establish a yeshivah. (L'horot is from the same root as
hora'a, which means "instruction.")
When G-d told Jacob to go to Egypt, Jacob first ensured the
presence of yeshivot. G-d promised Jacob He would be with him in
the Egyptian exile. Yet, only once the yeshivot were established
did Jacob bring his family with him to Egypt, for Jewish education
is the foundation and mainstay of Judaism.
In all times and places where Jews lived, even in the terribly
harsh exile of Egypt, there were centers where Torah was studied,
for Torah study is the life of the Jewish people.
The Egyptian exile was the most severe of all exiles, including
the present one, for several reasons. However, regardless of all
the difficulties, Jews were never without yeshivot.
The Torah is not a history text-book. Every subject and episode,
every letter of the Torah, offers direction for all times and
places.
Some people claim that this is not the time to be sending
children to Jewish day schools; today, afternoon Hebrew schools or
Sunday schools are sufficient.
The Egyptian exile and this week's Torah portion thus instruct
us: Conditions in Egypt were far more difficult than those at
present, but were disregarded and Torah was studied. They
disregarded not only the severe physical conditions of the exile,
they also dismissed the fact that, because the Torah had not yet
been given collectively to all the Jewish people on Mount Sinai,
they were not capable of reaching the tremendous heights to which
we can aspire today.
All of the above applies, too, to the question of support for
Jewish education. There are those who claim that financial
conditions are worse than ever. When conditions improve, they will
support Jewish education and maybe even have the self-sacrifice to
send their own children to a yeshivah.
We must all remember, in Egypt the exile was far worse. There,
our ancestors did not have even stubble for bricks and had to
wander through a foreign land to search for it while Pharaoh's
taskmasters stood over them, lashing out with their whips. They had
no straw, but they had a proper Jewish education!
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* IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND AND COPY EDITOR *
* Reb Mordechai ben Reb Shaul *
* Staiman *
* Passed away on 22 Tamuz, 5763 *
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* THE REBBE'S PROPHECY *
************************
The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of Lubavitch, issued
a call that "THE TIME OF OUR REDEMPTION HAS ARRIVED!" and
"MOSHIACH IS ON HIS WAY!"
The Rebbe stressed that he is saying this AS A PROPHECY, and
asks us all to prepare ourselves for the Redemption, through
increasing acts of goodness and kindness.
LET US ALL HEED THE REBBE'S CALL.
_______________
See "Living With Moshiach" Vol 593:
http://www.torah4blind.org/lwm-5768/593.txt
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* IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR GRANDPARENTS,*
* *
* Reb Shmuel Pesach Ben Reb Yaakov Dovid *
* Passed away on 3 Tishrei, 5755 *
* *
* Mrs. Fraidel Chedvah Bas Reb Zev Wolf *
* Passed away on 4 Adar II, 5755 *
* Pais *
* *
* Dedicated by their grandchildren *
* Rabbi & Mrs. Yosef Y. and Gittel Rochel *
* Shagalov *
*********************************************
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* DIDAN NATZACH -- "VICTORY IS OURS" *
**************************************
Tuesday, the fifth of Tevet (Dec. 22), is a day of celebration
and rejoicing known as Didan Natzach -- "Victory is Ours."
It is the day, 23 years ago (in 5747/1987), when U.S. Federal
Court Judge Charles Sifton rendered his legal decision on the
ownership of the enormous and valuable library of the Previous
Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn. For three weeks during the
previous winter, the judge had listened to testimony concerning
whether the Previous Rebbe's library was a personal possession,
subject to the laws of inheritances, or if it was the possession of
Chabad.
Judge Sifton was tremendously influenced by the statement of
Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, of blessed memory, daughter of the Previous
Rebbe and the Rebbe's wife, that "My father belonged to the
chasidim just as the books belong to the chasidim."
There was great rejoicing on the day of the verdict, lasting for
seven days. Each evening the Rebbe spoke publicly and expounded on
the spiritual ramifications of the victory.
In one of these talks, the Rebbe said: "At the time of his
imprisonment and redemption, the Alter Rebbe (Rabbi Shneur Zalman
of Liadi) found a Divine lesson in everything that had occurred.
One of his conclusions was the need to increase with renewed vigor
and strength the dissemination of chasidic philosophy. The eternal
Divine connection [of the Alter Rebbe's imprisonment and subsequent
release] to this event is obvious. Thus, especially because the
charge was brought against Agudas Chasidei Chabad as a living and
vital organization, we must strengthen even more the dissemination
of the teachings of our Rebbes, learning them privately and in
groups amidst great joy and enthusiasm, joy that breaks all
boundaries...".
May we witness the ultimate breaching of limitations with the
end of the exile and the ultimate joy of being united as one in the
true and complete Redemption.
********************
* BUY JEWISH BOOKS *
********************
The fifth of Tevet, is the 23rd anniversary of the U.S. Federal
Court ruling declaring that stolen books of the Previous Rebbe must
be returned to the library of Agudas Chasidei Chabad. However, part
of the Previous Rebbe's library still remains in Russia "in exile."
To free these books, now held captive, the Rebbe urges everyone to
purchase Jewish holy books. By following the Rebbe's advice, we can
actually help create the right spiritual climate for the release of
these precious books.
On Shabbat Parshat Vayigash, 7 Tevet, 5752, the Rebbe said: "Our
efforts to show regard for Jewish holy texts will have an effect on
the future of the Previous Rebbe's library. By purchasing
comparable texts, such as the ethical and philosophical literature
of Chabad Chasidus... we can hasten the return of that library to
its rightful owners. Even little children should be given Jewish
holy books as gifts" (in the hope that what is not yet fully
appreciated today will be studied before long).
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* THE TENTH OF TEVET *
**********************
Next Sunday, Dec. 27, is the fast day of the Tenth of Tevet, and
we neither eat nor drink, from approximately 72 minutes before
sunrise until 40 minutes after sunset. [1]
*
This fast day commemorates the beginning of the siege of
Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, which ultimately
resulted in the destruction of the First Holy Temple.
The strength -- both of the obligation to fast and its positive
influences -- of the Tenth of Tevet stems from the fact that it
commemorates the first of the tragedies associated with the
destruction of the Beis HaMikdash.
Thus, this date begins the process of destruction. It is well
known that the beginning of any process contains more power than
the subsequent stages and for this reason, there is added power to
the Tenth of Tevet. The positive influences of the Tenth of Tevet
are connected to the fact that a fast day is a "day of will" when
our prayers and teshuvah are more willingly accepted by G-d.
As we are taught that "the beginning is wedged in the end," and
the ultimate "end" purpose of the destruction of the Holy Temples
will be the rebuilding of the Third and Eternal Holy Temple, the
Tenth of Tevet is an auspicious day to hasten the coming of the
Redemption.
Of course, our most fervent prayer is that the Tenth of Tevet
not be a day of mourning, but be turned into a day of celebration
and joy with the coming of Moshiach. Thus, by our immediate
decision to increase our acts of goodness and kindness, our
performance of mitzvot, study of Torah, and specifically the giving
of charity, which brings the Redemption closer, we are showing G-d
that our actions are in consonance with our heartfelt prayers. May
the realization of those prayers happen in the immediate future.
_______________
1. In New York City, at 5:11 p.m.
**************************************
* IN VIEW OF THE SITUATION IN ISRAEL *
* Adapted from a Letter of the Rebbe *
**************************************
5 Tevet, 5736/1976
In reply to your inquiry and request for instructions in
connection with the forthcoming Fast of the Tenth of Tevet, in view
of the situation in and around Israel --
You will surely be instructed by the rabbi of your congregation.
However, since you have also approached me in this matter, I will
set forth at least several suggestions -- after the following
introductory remarks:
Regrettably, there are people who claim that it is necessary to
think and act "big," in terms of global dimensions and stupendous
undertakings, etc. Surely they mean well; and to the extent that
such resolutions are practical and are actually carried out -- they
are very helpful in improving the situation.
Yet, we must never overlook -- indeed, rather greatly emphasize
-- the so-called "small and unsophisticated" things that each
modest congregation, moreover each individual, can and must do --
beginning with the old, yet ever-anew, Jewish way, collectively as
one people and also as individuals. This is the action of "the
voice is the voice of Jacob" -- Torah and prayer -- which G-d
Himself has shown us to be the first effective action to nullify
the power of "the hands of Esau" -- in whatever shape or form they
are raised against us.
Certainly this should find the fullest expression in a day that
the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) declares to be a day of
fasting, one to which the prophet Isaiah refers to as a "chosen
fast...a fast and time favored by G-d."
Now, in answer to your inquiry, and since the Fast of the Tenth
of Tevet is specially connected with the Holy Land and the Holy
City of Jerusalem (recalling the siege of Jerusalem), my suggestion
-- in addition to the regular "observances" on fast days, as set
forth at length and in detail in Poskim [halachic adjudicators] and
in books of Musar and Chasidus -- is as follows:
During this day -- expressly for the sake of the security and
strengthening of the Holy Land, materially and spiritually, and for
the material and spiritual benefit of all Jews wherever they are --
in the Holy Land as well as in the Diaspora -- and particularly for
the benefit of our brethren behind the "Iron Curtain" [2] -- a
special effort should be made in the areas of Torah, prayer, and
tzedakah (charity).
Especially after prayer (both in the morning and at the
afternoon service) one should learn (and where there already are
daily study groups, to add) a subject in Torah, including final
ruling of Jewish law. Immediately following the prayers, even
before learning, one should say several chapters of Psalms (in
addition to the regular portion).
Before and after praying -- one should give tzedakah (in
addition to the regular donation), including tzedakah for a sacred
cause or institution in the Holy Land, the "Land of Living."
Needless to say, one who repeats the above again and again in
the course of the day is to be praised.
And the more one does it (in quantity and quality), the more
praiseworthy it is.
And, as in all matters of holiness, it is desirable that all the
above be done b'tzibbur (with at least a minyan).
May G-d accept, and He will accept, the prayers and
supplications of Jews wherever they are.
And soon, in our very own days, may the Promise be fulfilled
that "These days will be transformed into days of rejoicing and
gladness," with the true and complete Redemption through our
righteous Moshiach.
________________
2. This letter is dated 5 Tevet, 5736/1976. Ed.
********************
* IT HAPPENED ONCE *
********************
The Holy Temple lay in ruins, its resplendent beauty plowed
under by the conquering Roman Legions. The remnants of the
population were in despair. The Talmud relates that four great
rabbis were walking along a road in The Land of Israel. Suddenly
they heard a rumbling sound rising from the distance. One rabbi
inquired of the others, "What is that noise?"
"That is the sound of a multitude of Romans far away in the
distance," replied another.
Three of the rabbis began to weep; the fourth, Rabbi Akiva,
began laughing. The others were surprised by their colleague's
reaction and asked, "Akiva, why are you laughing?"
He countered: "Why are you three crying?"
They said: "Here we see that the Romans, who worship idols and
burn incense to them, are living in safety and prosperity. And we
[who worship the true G-d], the House which is G-d's footstool [the
Holy Temple] lies burned in fire. Why shouldn't we weep?"
Rabbi Akiva replied: "That is precisely why I'm laughing. For,
if this is the lot of those who violate the will of G-d, how much
more joyous will be the future for us Jews who do His will?"
On another occasion the same four Sages were traveling together
to Jerusalem. When they reached the point of the Mount of Olives,
they tore their clothes [in mourning] as is prescribed by Jewish
law. Proceeding further they arrived at the desolate Temple Mount,
and as they gazed toward the Holy of Holies -- where the sacred
incense had been offered to the Al-mighty -- they saw a fox
emerging. Three of the rabbis began to weep at the sight of the
degradation of the holy place. Rabbi Akiva, however, laughed. They
turned to Akiva and asked, "Why are you laughing?"
He asked in return, "Why are you weeping?"
They answered him, "This is place of which it is written, 'And
the stranger who approaches will surely die.' Yet, now we see foxes
strolling about. Why should we not weep."
Replied Akiva, "That is precisely why I am laughing. In the
prophecy of Uria it says, 'Therefore, because of you, Zion will be
plowed like a field, Jerusalem will be desolate and the Temple
Mount will be a forest.' The prophecy of Zecharia says, 'Aged men
and women will yet sit in the streets of Jerusalem.'
"Before I saw the prophecy of Uria fulfilled I worried that the
prophecy of Zecharia would not be realized. But now that I have
witnessed the fulfillment of the first, I know surely that the
second will come to pass as well."
They turned to him and said, "Akiva, you have comforted us!
Akiva you have comforted us!"
**************************
* WALKING ON A TIGHTROPE *
**************************
Why all this hubbub about Moshiach? Why the constant talk,
classes, publicity campaigns? Isn't focusing on it once a year --
when we say, "Next year in Jerusalem" at the Passover seder --
enough? Or once a week, as on Shabbat, which is sort of a taste of
the Messianic Era? Or, let's say, even three times a day in our
prayers? Isn't that enough?
By way of explanation, there is a story about Reb Mendel
Futerfas, the mashpia, spiritual advisor of the Lubavitcher
yeshivah in Kfar Chabad, Israel.
Reb Mendel was imprisoned in Soviet prisons for 14 years. He
spent most of his free time in prayer and study. Nevertheless, he
was not totally aloof from the non-Jews who shared his lot, and
spent a few hours a day in conversation with them.
Included in this group were many types of people: political
idealists, university professors, and many ordinary people jailed
for "crimes," of which neither they nor others understood the
criminal nature.
In the latter category was a circus performer whose claim to
fame was his feats as a tight rope walker. He and Reb Mendel had a
standing argument. For this was before safety nets had become
standard circus practice, and Reb Mendel could not understand why a
person would risk his life walking on a rope extended several
stories above the ground. "There must be," Reb Mendel maintained,
"some hidden ropes holding you in case you slip."
The tightrope walker, for his part, maintained that there was no
need for ropes. It was not all that dangerous. A person began
practicing on low ropes and once he gained experience, the chance
of falling was minimal.
The argument continued for years until, after Stalin died, the
prison authorities relaxed their rules slightly. Several months
prior to May Day they allowed the prisoners to prepare a makeshift
circus in celebration of the day. The circus performer suddenly
came alive, becoming the center of attention in the prison. He
organized various performances, with the highlight of the show his
tightrope walk.
He made sure that Reb Mendel was in the audience. As the drums
began to beat, he climbed the pole and approached the line. His
first steps were somewhat hesitant; after all it had been several
years since he had walked the ropes, but after a few seconds, he
felt at home.
It all came back to him. He began to twirl a hoop and wave to
his friends. As he reached the end of the rope, he hesitated for a
moment, made a fast turn, and then proceeded to the other side. On
his way back, he exuded confidence and performed several stunts.
After he reached the end of the rope, he climbed down and ran to
Reb Mendel.
"You see, no ropes holding me up," he gleamed in satisfaction.
"Yes, you're right, no ropes," agreed Reb Mendel.
"You're a smart man," the performer continued. "What is the
trick? Is it in the hands, the feet?"
Reb Mendel paused to think. "You moved your hands freely and it
appeared that your footwork was not the determining factor."
After reviewing the scene in his mind several times, Reb Mendel
said, "It's the eyes. At all times, your eyes were riveted on the
opposite pole."
The performer nodded in agreement, "When you see your
destination in front of you, you know where to put your feet."
What is our destination that we must concentrate on and keep
constantly in front of our eyes so that we don't lose our balance
as we walk the tight rope of life? It is Moshiach and the Messianic
Era for which we Jews have hoped and prayed for 2,000 years. It
will bring a world of peace and unity, material and spiritual
prosperity, and a knowledge of G-d and G-dliness never before
experienced. It is the ultimate purpose -- destination, if you will
-- for which the world was created.
Keeping your eyes riveted on Moshiach and the redemption is the
only safe way to walk the tightrope.
**************************************
* TIME FOR UNITY; TIME FOR STRENGTH! *
**************************************
The most important principle in the Torah is the protection of
Jewish life.
It's more important than Shabbat, more important than holidays,
even fasting on Yom Kippur.
Right now, in Israel, and everywhere, Jews must stand together
in unity and do whatever possible to protect Jewish life.
The Rebbe teaches that there are TEN important MITZVOT we can do
to protect life. See what you can do:
1) AHAVAT YISROEL: Behave with love towards another Jew.
2) LEARN TORAH: Join a Torah class.
3) Make sure that Jewish children get a TORAH TRUE EDUCATION.
4) Affix kosher MEZUZOT on all doorways of the house.
5) For men and boys over 13: Put on TEFILLIN every weekday.
6) Give CHARITY.
7) Buy JEWISH HOLY BOOKS and learn them.
8) LIGHT SHABBAT & YOM TOV candles. A Mitzvah for women and
girls.
9) Eat and drink only KOSHER FOOD.
10) Observe the laws of JEWISH FAMILY PURITY.
In addition the Rebbe urges that:
Every Jewish man, woman and child should have a letter written
for them in a SEFER TORAH.*
Every person should study either the Rambam's Yad Hachazakah --
Code of Jewish Law -- or the Sefer HaMitzvos.
Concerning Moshiach, the Rebbe stated, "The time for our
redemption has arrived!" Everyone should prepare themselves for
Moshiach's coming by doing random acts of goodness and kindness,
and by studying about what the future redemption will be like. May
we merit to see the fulfillment of the Rebbe's prophecy now!
_______________
*. There are several Torah scrolls being written to unite Jewish
people and protect Jewish life.
Letters for children can be purchased for only $1. Send your
Hebrew name and your mother's Hebrew name plus $1 to:
"Children's Sefer Torah," P.O. Box 8, Kfar Chabad, 72915, Israel
or via the Internet, at: http://www.kidstorah.org
***************************************
* In loving memory of *
* HORAV CHAIM YEHUDA KALMAN *
* Ben Horav Avrohom Yehoshua Marlow, *
* head of the Bet-Din (Rabbinical *
* Court) of Crown Heights, *
* Passed away, on Friday Morning, *
* 20 Sivan, 5760 (June 23, 2000) *
***************************************
********************
* A CALL TO ACTION *
********************
The Rebbe's slogan is: "The main thing is the deed." We
therefore present from the Rebbe's talks, suggestions of what we
can do to complete his work of bringing the Redemption.
THE FAST OF TEVET 10:
"In addition to the regular observances of fast days...
expressly for the sake of the security and strengthening of the
Land of Israel, materially and spiritually... a special effort
should be made in the areas of Torah study, prayer and charity...
specifically: to learn or add to one's learning after the morning
and afternoon prayers; to say several chapters of Psalms after the
prayers (even before study); to give charity before and after
prayers, including charity for a sacred cause or institution in
Israel."
(From a Letter dated 5 Tevet, 5736/1976
-- the full text is printed above)
*******************************
* THE WEEKLY SHABBAT CALENDAR *
*******************************
** JEWISH WOMEN AND GIRLS LIGHT SHABBAT CANDLES **
*******************************************************
* FOR LOCAL CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES: *
* consult your local Rabbi, Chabad-Lubavitch Center. *
* or: *
* http://www.candlelightingtimes.org/shabbos *
* *
* FOR A FREE CANDLE LIGHTING KIT: *
* contact your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center. *
* *
* FOR A LISTING OF THE CENTERS IN YOUR AREA: *
* http://www.chabadworld.net *
*******************************************************
>>>> Times Shown Are for Metro NY - NJ <<<<
FRIDAY, DEC. 25, EREV SHABBAT PARSHAT VAYIGASH:
* Light Shabbat Candles, [3] by 4:16 p.m.
SATURDAY, DEC. 26, SHABBAT PARSHAT VAYIGASH:
* Shabbat ends at NIGHTFALL, at 5:20 p.m.
_______________
3. The Shabbat candles must be lit 18 minutes *BEFORE* sunset.
IT IS PROHIBITED AND IS A DESECRATION OF THE SHABBAT TO
LIGHT THE CANDLES *AFTER* SUNSET.
*********************************************
* May the Shabbat candles, of the millions *
* of Jewish women and girls around the *
* world, illuminate our way, until we very *
* soon see the fulfillment of G-d's promise *
* (as it is written in the Midrash *
* (Yalkut Shimoni, Beha'alotecha)): *
* "If you will observe the kindling of the *
* Shabbat lights, you will merit to see *
* the lights of the redemption of the *
* Jewish people," speedily in our days, *
* NOW! *
*********************************************
***************************************
* "LET THERE BE LIGHT" *
* - The Jewish Women's Guide *
* to Lighting Shabbat Candles *
* http://www.torah4blind.org/ltbl.htm *
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* LAWS OF SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING *
* FOR THE BLIND *
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Edited by Rabbi Y. K. Marlow O.B.M.*
* A blind woman who lives alone should light her Shabbat
candle(s) with a blessing.
* If she is married to a non-visually impaired person, HER
HUSBAND SHOULD LIGHT THE SHABBAT CANDLES WITH THE BLESSING.
* If she is eating and lighting in the company of others who
are non-visually impaired, and they lit the Shabbat candles,
she should light her own Shabbat candle(s), BUT WITHOUT SAYING THE
BLESSING.
* (If at all possible, she should not be the last one to light
the Shabbat candle(s), so that she can be absolved by the latter's
blessing.)
_______________
*. Head of Bet-Din (Rabbinical Court) of Crown Heights.
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* SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING BLESSING *
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* First light the candles. Then spread your hands out around the
candles, drawing your hands inward in a circular motion three times
to indicate the acceptance of the sanctity of Shabbat. You then
cover your eyes and recite the following blessing:
BO-RUCH A-TOH ADO-NOI E-LO-HEI-NU ME-LECH HO-OLOM
A-SHER KI-DE-SHO-NU BE-MITZ-VO-SOV VE-TZI-VO-NU
LE-HAD-LIK NER SHEL SHA-BOS KO-DESH.
Translation:
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments, and
commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.
* Uncover your eyes and behold the Shabbat lights.
* The time of lighting is considered especially propitious for
praying to G-d for health and happiness. The prayer is readily
acceptable because it is offered during the performance of this
great mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles.
CAUTION:
The candles must be lit 18 minutes *BEFORE* sunset. IT IS
PROHIBITED AND IS A DESECRATION OF THE SHABBAT TO LIGHT THE
CANDLES *AFTER* SUNSET.
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= End of Text: Living With Moshiach, Parshat Vayigash, 5770 =
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