PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO EAT ON YOM KIPPUR

English

Hebrew

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Monday- Sept. 8

Ba’al Korie for leining should be careful to point to Parshas Ki-Tzasei and not to the words Ki-Tzaisei in Parshas Shoftim.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Sunday- Sept. 7

It is sited in Sefer Chasidim not to make a wedding on this day. At night, it is the seventh complete day since the moon and it is customary to begin saying Kiddush Levana.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Shabbos, September 6 2008

The Haftorah is Yishayahu (NA)(51). It is also from the seven Haftoros of consolation. Perkei Avos is learned: Perek 6

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Friday, September 5 2008

Parshas Shoftim, Candle lighting: 7:03

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Thursday, September 4 2008

If one removes a Mezuzah from their home and returns it the same day, they do not have to make a Beracha.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Wednesday, September 3 2008

There is a Minhag to have Tefilin and Mezuzos checked during Chodesh Elul.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Tuesday-September 2 2008

The days of Elul are of Ratzon and Rachamim, therefore, we prepare ourselves in doing Teshuva and say Selichos to merit Selicha and Kapara. Everyone should try to inspire their hearts to do Teshuva and search through our deeds to begin the preparation for the Yomim Nora’im.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Monday, September 1 2008

Repeat the seder of tefilla like yesterday and begin blowing the Shofar and saying “Ledovid Hash-m Ori..”

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Sunday, August 31 2008

Rosh Chodesh Elul. We do not blow the Shofar or say “Ledovid Hash-m Ori…” on the first day of Rosh Chodesh; we begin on the second day. Hallel, KirI’as Hatorah, and Mosaf are said.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Shabbos, August 30 2008

Bentch Rosh Chodesh Elul. The Haftorah is Yishayahu (ND)(54). It’s one of the seven Haftotos of consolation. Av Harachamim is not said. Perkei Avos is learned: Perek 5. One should remember to add Ya’alei Ve’Yavo in Maariv.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Friday, August 29 2008

Parshas Re’aeh, Candle Lighting: 7:14

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Thursday, August 28 2008

It is Yom Kippur Katan. The service of Yom Kippur Katan is said on this day as Rosh Chodesh falls out on Sunday and Monday.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - August 27

26 Menachem Av

Some communities have a minhag to check sifrei Torah weekly to make sure that the sefer is perfectly kosher. Especially during Elul, we review the sifrei Torah to ascertain whether they are in need of any repair.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - August 26

25 Menachem Av

We begin preparations for the days of Elul. It is suggested that a person begin to prepare a calendar to chart a course of teshuvah for each day of Elul.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - August 25

24 Menachem Av

Today is the yahrzeit of R’ Ephraim Zalman Margulies, known as the Mateh Ephraim who was niftar in the year 5558.
He is quoted as saying that the ikar chiyuv of drinking on Purim is to be happy, like it says in the pasuk, “yayin yesamach levav enosh – wine gladdens the heart of the person.”

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Sunday, August 24 2008

23rd of Av. From chaf Gimel Av to the end of the month, it’s known as Sof Chodesh.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Shabbos, August 23 2008

The Haftorah is Yishayahu (MT) (49). It’s one of the seven Haftoros of consolation. Perkei Avos is learned: Perk 4

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Friday, August 22 2008

Parshas Eikev, Candle lighting: 7:25

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Thursday, August 21 2008

Many people begin to prepare and go through the year with a Cheshbun Hanefesh in preparation for Elul.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Wednesday, August 20 2008

Some say that this is the day the Ner Mearavi was distinguished and therefore, some people fast.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Tuesday, August 19 2008

Reminder: That as the nights become longer after Chamishe Asar B’Av, we increase our learning at night.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Monday, August 18, 2008

7:00 PM
Shemiras HaLashon Shiur, Second Perek
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Monday August 18, 2008

The Sefarim cite that some people are accustomed to fast on, because Ner Mearavi went out.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Sunday, August 17, 2008

9:00 AM
Halacha Shiur Basar B’Chalav
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Shabbos, August 16, 2008

5:45 PM
Pirkei Avos Shiur, Chapter 4
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Friday, August 15, 2008

6:00 AM
Review of Talmud Kiddushin, Second Perek
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Thursday, August 14, 2008

9:00 PM
Maariv
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY
Followed by taped lecture on Self-Esteem

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Wednesday, August 13, 2008

6:30 AM
Shacharis
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY
Followed by Halacha Shiur on Tu B’Av

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Tuesday, August 12, 2008

8:00 PM
Shiur in Mesilas Yesharim
Followed by Question-and-Answer period
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

8:00 PM
Shiur in Mesilas Yesharim
Followed by Question-and-Answer period
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Monday, August 11, 2008

7:00 PM
Shemiras HaLashon Shiur, Second Perek
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Tisha B'Av - Sunday, August 10, 2008

Tisha B’Av
8:00 AM Shacharis
Followed by comprehensive explanation and inspiring commentary on the entire Kinos by Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser.
1:40 PM Mincha
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Shabbos, August 9, 2008

11:00 AM
Shiur in Aggadata Mesechta Gittin
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser - Friday, August 8, 2008

6:00 AM
Review of Talmud Kiddushin, Second Perek
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi dovid Goldwasser - Thursday, August 7, 2008

6:30 AM
Shacharis
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY
Followed by Halacha Shiur on Hilchos Tisha B’Av

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

9:00 PM Maariv at
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY Followed by Siyum celebration Mesechta Gittin by Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser Schedule for Monday, August 4, 2008

11:00 AM
Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser will be speaking in Belmar, New Jersey
on the topic of Parenting

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser Schedule - Sunday, August 3, 2008

9:00 AM
Shiur on the Halachos of the Nine Days
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser Schedule - Shabbos, August 2, 2008

5:45 PM
Special Pirkei Avos Shiur, Chapter 2
Fascinating biographies of lives of great Gaonim
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser Schedule - Friday, August 1, 2008

6:00 AM
Review of Talmud Kiddushin, Second Perek
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser Schedule - Thursday, July 31, 2008

Maariv 9:00 PM
at Khal Bais Yitzchak, 2016 Avenue L (between Ocean Ave. and E. 21st Street)
Brooklyn, NY

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser Addresses Kinus on Shivah Asar B’Tammuz

On Shivah Asar B’Tammuz, Sunday, July 20, an inspiring kinus hisorerus took place at Khal Bais Yitzchok in Brooklyn, focusing on churban haBayis and related themes. The mara d’asra, Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, shlita, addressed the crowd.

In his drashah, Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser cited the well-known statement of the Yerushalmi (Yoma, first perek) “Kol dor she’eino nivneh Beis Hamikdash b’yamav ma’alin alav k’ilu hecherivo — Every generation in which the Beis Hamikdash is not rebuilt is considered as if that generation had destroyed it.”

This statement warrants elaboration. After the churban, there were many generations in which exemplary tzaddikim and kedoshim surely did their part to contribute to the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash. Why would the churban be attributed to the people of a particular dor simply because it wasn’t rebuilt in their time?

The Sfas Emes explains that one cannot realistically expect that any given generation, as extraordinary as it might be, would have sufficient merit to bring the geulah sheleimah. Rather, each generation has contributions to make, through the avodas hakodesh of its members, that will collectively lead to the geulah. This truth is alluded to in Birkas Hamazon, in which we say, “Uvenei Yerushalayim ir hakodesh bimheirah v’yameinu,” asking Hashem to rebuild Yerushalayim in our days, on which one of the meforshim comments that v’yameinu also means “with our days,” implying that spending our days serving Hashem with mitzvos and maasim tovim will bring the geulah.

Redemption is an ongoing process, and every generation has its responsibility to add another brick, as it were, to the edifice in Shamayim that represents the structure of the Beis Hamikdash.

Therefore, the intent of Chazal is that if, in any given generation, no “construction” takes place, meaning no deeds are done to bring the geulah, the geulah is then pushed off, chas v’shalom, and that dor, in effect, causes the churban of the Beis Hamikdash.

To underscore how important it is for each individual to feel responsibility for the klal, the Rabbi Goldwasser quoted Hagaon Harav Aharon Steinman, shlita, who cited the Gemara (Gittin 57a) which relates that in the city of Tur Malka, 300,000 soldiers went around killing for three days and three nights, while on the other side of the city a festive party was taking place. The people on each side knew nothing of what was transpiring on the other side.

There is an important lesson for our times in this incident. We are confronted with numerous tzaros today — the precarious situation in Eretz Yisrael, the recent tragedies that took place there, the long list of cholim, the deteriorating economic situation that makes it hard for many to find parnassah … the list goes on and on. A person living in America who hears of a tragedy in Eretz Yisrael or an unfortunate occurrence in Paris is liable to feel complacent because he is far away, not linked to these events.

Such an attitude is inappropriate, he said. A Yid must react to such news by feeling a sense of achrayus to take action that has the potential to arouse rachmei Shamayim and cause gezeiros ra’os to be annulled, as well as contribute to the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash.

To demonstrate the imperative of doing peulos (acts) to deal with the challenges of our times, Harav Steinman said that involvements such as limud haTorah, hachzakas haTorah, and chessed are akin to making efforts to extinguish a great conflagration.

The period of Bein Hametzarim is a zeman that is mesugal for cheshbon hanefesh, a time to reflect upon which aspects of one’s ruchniyus need rectification. Harav Goldwasser pointed out that an essential part of that agenda is to make kabbalos to improve in specific areas. Some suggestions included expanding one’s learning commitments, being more sensitive in our interactions with others, working to combat undesirable middos such as envy, making a concerted effort to increase our acts of chessed for acheinu Bnei Yisrael — such as involving ourselves in hachnasas orchim, bikur cholim, and shidduchim — and working to be mekarev others l’Avinu shebaShamayim.

As is well known, the Gemara tells us (Yoma 9b) that the First Beis Hamikdash was destroyed because of the aveiros of gilui arayos, shefichas damim, and avodah zarah, while the churban of the Second Beis Hamikdash was brought about by sinas chinam. Harav Goldwasser cited Harav Nosson Wachtfogel, zt”l, the longtime Mashgiach of Beis Medrash Govoha, who noted that the galus following churban Bayis Rishon, which was caused by the three cardinal sins, lasted only seventy years, while the exile after churban Bayis Sheini, which was due to baseless hatred, has already lasted for thousands of years. This, he said, emphasizes the severity of the sin of sinas chinam.

Our avodah today is to be mesaken this major shortcoming by increasing our ahavas Yisrael.

One way to work on this objective is by being vigilant in shemiras halashon. Harav Goldwasser suggested learning two halachos of shemiras halashon each day, according to the seder halimud instituted by Harav Yehudah Zev Segal, zt”l, the Manchester Rosh Yeshivah. He also suggested participating in mishmeres campaigns to generate zechuyos for cholim and others in need.

A weighty matter upon which to reflect during these weeks, said the Rav, is that the single greatest mitzvah one can perform in this world is kiddush Hashem, while the single greatest aveirah is chillul Hashem. Accordingly, we must ask ourselves: Have we done our share to create a kiddush Hashem in the world, and have we distanced ourselves from that which could possibly be a chillul Hashem?

By utilizing this zeman to ponder this question and strengthen ourselves in Torah, tikkun hamiddos, and chessed, we will surely find opportunities for kiddush Hashem, wherein we can glorify Hashem’s Name in the world.

A collection of Torah tapes of Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser at http://learntorah.com

A collection of Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser daily torah at http://nachumsegal.com

Pirkei Avos Shiur provided by Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser at Khal Bais Yitzchok a summertime inspiration

With the arrival of the summer, in shuls throughout Brooklyn there is a lull in activity as numerous families head for the Catskill Mountains to spend the summer, and Rabbanim move their sphere of activity of learning and teaching Torah to venues in the mountains or in Eretz Yisrael. At Khal Bais Yitzchok in Flatbush, however, the opposite is the case for it is during these weeks its much-beloved mara d’asra, Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, shlita, delivers his ever-popular Pirkei Avos shiur to a large and much appreciative audience.

Pirkei Avos is a tractate of the Mishnayos that contains the ethical teachings of our Sages which contains six chapters, one of which is customarily learned each Shabbos during the summer months. Since there are limitless jewels of wisdom in each word of this work, Rav Goldwasser has developed a unique format over the eight years he has been delivering the shiur to unearth these precious nuggets. The Rav selects one of the mishnayos of that week’s perek and explains it in detail, thus enabling his listeners to come to a fuller appreciation of the chachmah contained therein. Perhaps one of the reasons that the shiur draws such large and varied crowd throughout the summer is that this format enables him to include something for everyone. During a typical shiur, Rav Goldwasser relates divrei Chazal, insights from Gedolei Yisrael across the spectrum, thoughts of the great Chassidic Rebbes, relevant halachos and interesting stories that illustrate the gems found in each mishnah of Pirkei Avos.

The following thought is just a sampling of the inspiring ideas that Rav Goldwasser gives over each Shabbos in the shiur. The Mishnah (chapter 4, mishnah 17) tells us in the name of Rabbi Shimon that there are three crowns – Kesser Torah -- the crown of Torah, Kesser Kehunah -- the crown of priesthood, and Kesser Malchus -- the crown of sovereignty; but the crown of good name surpasses all of them. We see here that there is special importance attached to Kesser Torah that puts it above Kesser Kehunah and Kesser Malchus. The Rambam in Hilchos Talmud Torah (3:13) accentuates the significance of Kesser Torah when he comments that one who wishes to acquire the Crown of Torah must utilize his nights properly, exclusively for immersion in Torah.

Hagaon Harav Aharon Kotler, zt”l, comments on this that if one were to envision the crown of a king, he would see that each part of the crown is adorned with precious jewels and pearls. However if one were to notice a patch in the front of the crown that covers a part that is cracked or open, then the value of the crown would be diminished in his eyes. Similarly, says Rav Aharon, every night that a person loses in his pursuit of Kesser Torah is akin to a crack in his crown. A person who wants to be zocheh to the Kesser Torah has to be careful not to be miss a night devoted to Torah study.

The Pirkei Avos shiur takes place each Shabbos throughout the summer at Khal Beis Yitzchok, located at 2016 Avenue L, between Ocean Avenue and East 21st Street, at 5:45 p.m., followed by Minchah at 6:30. Both men and women are invited to attend.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser Inspirational Moment

One good word can brighten a person’s day. Nowadays, with all the negativity that frequently surrounds us, I find myself in search of a good word – something to inspire, something to encourage, something to uplift.

With the appearance of inspirationalmoment.com, we have the answer to our prayers. Inspirationalmoment.com gives us a moment to take time out of our day, sit back, and receive words of inspiration. The message is delivered by popular Torah personality, Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser. The timely message is always uplifting and contains food for thought.

Recently, a friend visited the website on my recommendation. He was so moved by the message that he wanted to do more in-depth studying on the topic. It turned out that he decided he would write his thesis for his PhD on this topic. If you think about it, it’s quite amazing that a short Torah thought could be the springboard for many great things.

Inspirationalmoment.com has something for every day, so that one can look forward to seeing the new day’s message. This site ensures that a person will at least have some Torah in their daily schedule. It seems very user-friendly.

I hope that it will be a source of daily inspiration, information and news to the greater community.

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser Pirkei Avos

Pesach Schedule

Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser Drashah Draws Huge Crowd

One of the highlights of the pre-Pesach season in the Flatbush Jewish community is the annual Shabbos Hagadol Drashah of Klal Bais Yitzchok delivered by its much-beloved mara d'asra, Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser. The drashah took place this past Shabbos Parashas Metzora, 7 Nisan/April 12 at Edward R. Murrow High School. Yidden walked in from outlying areas as well to attend this kiddush Hashem.

The Rav began his drashah by noting that preparations for Pesach are taking place on the heels of various tzaros that have rocked Klal Yisrael recently – in Eretz Yisrael, in the United States and in Europe. In addition, many people presently face daunting challenges in their private lives.

He cited Chazal who tell us that on Pesach, which is the chag ha'geulah, the festival of redemption, one in enjoined to regard himself as if he had come out from Mitzrayim. Yet, the Sefas Emes tells us that the inyan of geulah applies at this time not only on a communal level but on a personal one as well. This zeman gives a person the potential to extricate himself from his own personal "Mitzrayim," each with its attendant hardships. We see from here that Pesach is a time of hope and encouragement for the individual as well as for the klal.

There is a custom mentioned by the Shelah to kiss the matzah and marror before eating them, to show the simchah and the chavivus (preciousness) with which we approach these mitzvos. Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Hutner, zt”l, commented that while this custom in regard to the matzah is readily understandable since matzah brings to mind our redemption one may wonder why it applies to marror which represents the bitterness of Egyptian bondage. He explains that kissing the marror implies kabbalas yissurim b’ahavah, acceptance of suffering with love. Such willingness on the part of those undergoing adversity will serve as a powerful zechus which can cause the yissurim to be lessened or even removed.

Rav Goldwasser noted that in passage “Matzah Zoh” in the Haggadah we read that Bnei Yisrael left Mitrayim with matzos since upon Hashem’s revelation that the time of redemption was at hand they had to leave imminently and had no time to allow the dough to rise or to prepare other provisions. We learn from here that when considering a worthwhile undertaking, we should be careful not to be overcautious, burdening ourselves with questions and calculations and thereby risk losing a valuable opportunity. An example of this is the irrelevant, foolish questions people ask in regard to a shidduch possibility or not attending a shiur because of minor inconveniences. Bnei Yisrael’s hasty exodus from Mitzrayim is a model for us to avoid overcomplicating our lives and thus missing opportunities.

On Echad Mi Yodei’a in the Haggadah, the Rav quoted Hagaon Harav Elazar Shach, zt”l, who said that the words Echad Ani Yodei’a and Shnayim Ani Yodei’a which refer respectively to knowing Hashem and knowing the Torah, represent everything a person needs to know; all else is nonessential.

He related that a yungerman once came to Rav Shach with the idea that the Rosh Yeshivah should get involved with a scandalous situation. The Rosh Yeshivah asked him, “Why is it that you are aware of this and I am not?” While Rav Shach was unsparing in the guidance he provided Klal Yisrael, he felt involvement with this particular matter would be unnecessary and a distraction from the ikkar – Torah and avodas Hashem.

Rav Goldwasser spoke about how the wonderful middah of savlanus (patience) enhances one’s life. Fathers sometimes wish to convey lengthy, profound divrei Torah at the Seder, and have little patience for their children’s more elcmentary Torah thoughts they were looking forward to share. The father should muster the patience to give the spotlight to his children even if he won’t be able to cnvey all that he prepared, he said.

In a similar vein, the Rav spoke about how important it is to be mevater (give in) to others in daily situations and insisting on “one’s rights.” This could be in shalom bayis situation or even when drivers contend over a parking space. To illustrate the tremendous zechus that is generated when one is mevater to another, the Rav related that in a certain shul two bar mitzvah bachurim were erroneously scheduled to lein on Shabbos Parashas Yisro of that year. Shortly beforehand, after both bachurim had spent months preparing, the mistake was discovered. Fortunately, one bachur volunteered he would step aside and let the other read the parashah.

Several years later this bachur who gave up the honor found himself in the hospital with his mother who faced a critical medical situation. A decision had to be made with the input of daas Torah.

That Friday Hagaon Harav Elyashiv, shlita, entered that very hospital for observation where he would remain for Shabbos. It was the week of Parashas Yisro and someone was needed to lein for Rav Elyashiv. Having once carefully prepared this parashah the bachur volunteered for their privilege and was accepted. After leining for the Rav, the bachur was able to speak to the Rav about his mother’s predicament and came away with a psak and a brachah for her full recovery.

Rav Goldwasser commented that Hashem never forgets a commendable deed and always pays back at some point in time.
As every year, the Rav concluded with a request for assistance in providing Yom Tov provisions for the families in need.

The drashah was dedicated in part by Kosher Palace of Avenue U in Brooklyn.

Shabbos HaGadol Drasha by Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser