We read this week, in the Haftorah, the very last chapter of the prophets. The last verse famously describes how Eliyahu HaNavi will come 'and restore the hearts of the fathers to children and the heart of children to their fathers…' Why is this relevant to Shabbos HaGadol, the Shabbos preceding Pesach? The Skverer Dayan, Rav Steinmetz, offers a creative interpretation of a verse in Tzav that shed lights on this question. Tzav — Command, es Aharon, Aharon, v'es banav — and his sons, laymor —saying: zos toras — this is the law of haOleh — ...
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Schoolyard bullying. We’ve all seen it, experienced it and hope our children never have to endure it.  But we can eliminate bullying and change children’s lives. Come see for yourself (video based on real life stories): Partner with us by genuinely appreciating those around you, bringing Buildup to your staff, emailing your support, or by becoming a donor* by going to:  https://www.reyus.org.  *we are a 501(c)(3) organization and ma’aser may be used MORE RESOURCES:  Letter from Rabbi Hopfer and Testimonials from schools:  https://www.reyus.org/letters-of-support/  Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention Newsletter Supporting Camp Chaverim (scroll down after clicking): https://conta.cc/3JJfju6
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Baltimore, MD – Mar. 29, 2023 - It is with regret that Baltimore Jewish Life (BJL) informs the community of the petira of Avi Mandelbaum, z’l, brother of Mrs. Esti Ziffer. Shiva is being observed at 2710 Bartol Avenue, through Tuesday morning. Esti Ziffer can be reached at (410) 800-8385.   The aveilim kindly request no visitors between 2:30-5:00 PM and after 9:30 PM.  On Friday, no visitors after 3:00 PM. On Motzei Shabbos, no visitors after 10:30 PM please.    Davening Schedule Mincha/Maariv on Wednesday and Thursday at 7:10 PM.   Shachris on Thursday and Friday at 7:00 AM.   Additional minyanim, if any, to be determined.
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 17, 2023 - Seven Mile Market will be open on Motzaei Shabbos April 1st, from 9 pm to 11:30 pm for your Pesach shopping convenience.
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Baltimore, MD - Mar. 27, 2023 - Reposted upon request:Baltimore, MD - Mar. 26, 2022 - Kashering is certainly one of the most critical aspects of preparation for Pesach. To many, the process may seem daunting for a variety of reasons: It is not something people do regularly, there are serious safety risks involved in handling hot items and boiling water, and potential to damage the kitchen. Also, if not accomplished correctly, there is a risk that after all the work is done, with hot water running all over the place, the kitchen may not actually be really kosher for Pesach! However, it really does not need to be that difficult and with a little know-how and effort, most people can be capable of kashering their kitchen. For a full step-by-step guide to proper kashering procedures, consult ...
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Baltimore, MD - Mar. 24, 2023 - The State of Maryland has announced a program where you can submit a claim to recover a portion of the funds that were stolen from an EBT card. Please see link below, and please note that there is a deadline to file the claim. https://dhs.maryland.gov/ebt-reimbursement/
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Baltimore, MD - Mar. 28, 2023 - After being dormant for the pandemic (remember Covid??), O'Fishel's Mitzvah Motivators is happy to announce that the pined All-The-Brachos-You-Care-To-Make buffet will be open in a double shift: first for our Mitzvah Motivators who not only made brachos but had people answer amen and carefully documented them, and second for our new Mitzvah Motivators MDY R' Eli Stefansky recruiting program. Don't be a shoteh, start Maseches Sota!This Buffet is also open to anyone who had their wedding catered by O'Fishel and won 3 rounds of Jeopardy!
There is a long-standing tradition that the Shabbos before Pesach is referred to as Shabbos Hagodol – The Great Shabbos.  Virtually every commentary relates this title all the way back to Yitzias Mitzrayim.  The year Bnei Ysroel left Mitzrayim, Pesach fell on a Thursday.  Hence, the preceding Shabbos was the 10th of Nissan.  This was a particularly special day.  It was on the 10th of Nissan that Bnei Yisroel were commanded to take the lamb which would eventually be used as the first Korban Pesach.  (Shemos, 12:3)  Accordingly, we mark the Shabbos which precedes Pesach as Shabbos Hagodol.  (Tur Orech Chayim, Siman 430). The Halachic authorities go into great detail as to the reason for the obser...
Parsha Hashavua
Parshas Tzav/ Shabbos HaGadol: Secret Mission

We read this week, in the Haftorah, the very last chapter of the prophets.


The last verse famously describes how Eliyahu HaNavi will come 'and restore the hearts of the fathers to children and the heart of children to their fathers…'


Why is this relevant to Shabbos HaGadol, the Shabbos preceding Pesach?


The Skverer Dayan, Rav Steinmetz, offers a creative interpretation of a verse in Tzav that shed lights on this question.


Tzav — Command, es Aharon, Aharon, v'es banav — and his sons, laymor —saying: zos toras — this is the law of haOleh — the elevation-offering.


Although this verse is merely a teaching being instructed to Aharon regarding the details of how to offer the Oleh, it has a homiletic meaning as well.


Command Aharon, to implement the instrument of v'es — the word 'es' used as a connecter between two subjects, prefaced with a vov, which is the letter of connection — banav — to first bond with his children, laymor to effectively convey lessons, zos toras this is the sole method of teaching, haOleh the world oleh often is used to mean 'successful' — that will bring results in inculcating children with Torah.


The Toras Kohanim states that the verb Tzav — command, is implemented to connote extra zealousness in carrying out a directive especially when there is a situation of   חיסרון כיס— monetary loss, being that the Oleh is totally consumed by fire on the Altar, with the Kohanim receiving no meat.


The Dayan cleverly interprets this idea as relating to those times when a parent 'takes off from work' to spend time with the children in preparation for Yom Tov, hoping to instill within them many vital practical Torah lessons and positive attitudes, yet oftentimes find themself challenged by the pressures and tensions associated with the myriad of details to tackle, that turn into conflict and stress.


It is in these moments that the message of 'v'es', to focus on the need to bond, is so vital to succeeding.


The goal of Pesach is to 'tell the story' of the redemption to our children.


If we are to succeed in inculcating within our children the depths of our faith, we must remain ever conscious of our mission to 'restore the hearts of the fathers to children and the heart of children to their fathers', conveying love despite the difficulty in the task, because without that our greatest efforts will fall on deaf ears.


There are many suggestions as to why we call this Shabbos, Shabbos 'HaGadol'.


Avraham Avinu is called 'the אדם הגדול — greatest man among the 'Anakim' — giants. (יהושע יד טו)


Avraham is the paradigm father, who was selected for that honored role precisely because 'he commands his children and his household after him that they keep the way of Hashem'. (בראשית יח יט)


On this Shabbos as we prepare for the upcoming Sedorim and reassert the critical need to 'return the hearts of the children', we conjure up the inspiring image of that 'giant' among men, the father of our nation, hoping to emulate his skill in carrying the message forward.


Indeed, the Shabbos of 'The' Gadol!


How did he accomplish that task? What can we learn from his methodology?


Ironically, the very first celebration of Pesach alluded in the Torah, was that of Lot in Sedom who shared his Matzah with the visiting angels. Who was his 'father'? To which children did he convey the message of Matzah to? Was he successful?


These and other questions will be explored, G-d willing, at the Shabbos HaGadol drasha. (6:20PM)


Hope to see you as we journey to discover the 'secret' to fulfilling this vital command!


באהבה,


צבי יהודה טייכמאן







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