Laws of the Three Weeks

Beginning with the 17^th of Tammuz and continuing through the 9^th of Av is the period in the Jewish calendar known as “The Three Weeks”. 

These weeks correspond to the time when the walls of the city of Jerusalem were first breached until the burning and final destruction of the Temple.  Accordingly, we relive this historical experience by adopting certain symbolic behavior commonplace to a state of mourning.  As we approach that final destruction our symbolic mourning grows more pronounced.  It is most intense on the day of Tisha B’av itself.

Jewish Law and tradition have established a pattern of behavior for this period of the year.  This pattern of behavior clearly parallels behavior during the period of mourning following the loss of a family member. The motivating idea behind this is that our emotions are often controlled by the things that we do and ultimately bring about a sense of mourning and loss. The extent to which we are able to follow these patterns of behavior will determine the extent to which we will experience the destruction of our Temple.

Because of the historical implications of this time of year marriages are forbidden during the Three Week period. It seems that the prohibition stems not from the change in personal status, but rather from the celebration which is an intrinsic part of the marriage. Therefore celebratory parties would also be inappropriate during the three weeks. There are several different customs concerning listening to music during the three weeks. Although there is no prohibition to be found in the Shulchan Aruch, this is because music in general was frowned upon after the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash. Its prohibition during the three weeks might be seen as either an intrinsic part of our mourning for the Beit HaMikdash, or as an extension of the prohibition of celebratory events. Many permit music for a functional purpose, such as exercise or staying awake while driving (a good night’s sleep is also recommended). Wearing of new garments which would require the blessing of shehecheyanu is avoided during the three weeks (buying them is permitted).  This is because that blessing allowed us to reach this time, a blessing inappropriate for this time of national calamity.  New fruits and the like whose eating would also require the blessing of shehecheyanu, are not eaten until Shabbat when a shehecheyanu may be recited. New clothing purchased during the week may also be worn on Shabbat. In keeping with the customs of mourning, hair cutting is avoided during the three weeks, and there are many who refrain from shaving as well.

Rosh Chodesh Av ushers in the period known as the nine days.  Following the dictate of the Talmud which specifies that rejoicing is suspended when the month of Av begins, the eating of meat and drinking of wine are avoided during this time.  In Jewish tradition meat and wine have always been associated with celebrations and therefore, with the exception of Shabbat or a festive meal associated with a mitzvah (Brit Milah, siyum, etc.), these foods are now avoided. Additionally the avoidance of meat and wine bring to mind the sacrifices which were ended with the destruction of the Temple. Of course, meat and wine are permitted on Shabbat. This applies even to kiddush being made when Shabbat is accepted early, and to havdala at the end of Shabbat. The custom is to either give the wine from havdala to a child who is not yet old enough to appreciate mourning, but old enough to require a bracha on the wine, or to use grape juice. The Shulchan Aruch records that bathing is prohibited during the nine days. Since this refers to a time when bathing was done at a bath house and took on certain elements of a social event, modern authorities permit washing for purposes of cleanliness. Showers during this time period should be shorter and cooler than usual. There are many people who avoid the pleasure of swimming during these nine days unless it is done for medical reasons or in order to remove perspiration or dirt. Freshly laundered garments should not be worn during the nine days.

In keeping with the theme of increased mourning, the Shulchan Aruch prohibits building and planting for pleasure. This is understood today to refer to decorating (painting, wallpapering, etc.) and landscaping. Necessary house repairs and lawn maintenance are permitted.

UPDATE ON ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE RABBI SEARCH.

UPDATE ON ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE RABBI SEARCH

The following job description is a general overview of what our shul is looking for in a candidate.  The list of responsibilities and qualifications reflect the general consensus among the committee members, as influenced by your comments and the advice of Yeshiva University.   The job description is meant to cast a wide net in an attempt to attract the most outstanding Rabbis.  It is not an exhaustive list, nor does it limit what we are looking for in a potential candidate.  The interview process will be the best time to address the specific, more nuanced needs of our congregation.  As always, you can send your comments and suggestions to assistantrabbisearch@gns.org where it will be read and considered by the committee members.

The job description is currently being circulated through several channels intended to have the broadest reach for potential candidates. Resumes are already being collected by the committee and promising candidates are being identified. We anticipate that this initial stage of the process will take 3-4 weeks after which the most qualified candidates will be interviewed by the committee. If you know of any candidates who might be interested, ask them to contact Rabbi Ronald Schwartzberg at Yeshiva University or mail a resume to Mr. Howard Silberstein, 77 Brooklyn Terminal Market, Brooklyn, NY 11236-1511

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A prominent orthodox synagogue with over 550 member families is looking for an experienced candidate to join its Rabbinic Team as either an Assistant or Associate Rabbi. Located in a large and highly active Jewish community with several yeshivot, multiple orthodox synagogues and numerous kosher restaurants close to New York City, the 60 year old shul is considered a pillar of its community.  The shul is also known for its very warm, inclusive atmosphere, one that has attracted a growing number of young families and as such boasts a vibrant youth department.  The congregational makeup covers a spectrum of ages and religious backgrounds.  Pervasive within the kehila is a tremendous love and support for Medinat Yisrael, and a dedication to chesed and tikun olam.

This is a full time position; however, the synagogue would consider permitting limited outside employment in a related field.  Working both independently and alongside the Rabbi, the candidate will be required to perform various religious, educational, congregational and administrative responsibilities, including:

Religious Responsibilities:

• Attend daily and shabbat minyanim
• Give a sermon each Shabbat morning in either the Beit Midrash or main Synagogue; and on Rosh HaShanna, Yom Kippur and Yom Tovim
• Poskin on individual questions
• Be involved in pastoral duties and all life-cycle events such as funerals, weddings, brisim, shiva homes, bikur cholim and bar/bat mitzvahs

Educational Responsibilities:

• Prepare and deliver weekly shiurim
• Organize and conduct educational programming, including weekly classes and a summer learning program

Congregational Responsibilities:

• Develop relationships with congregants of all ages, especially young families, potential members, and college students
• Organize informal gatherings for ruach and Divrei Torah, such as a Purim Tisch, and at other opportune times throughout the year
• Supervisory role over youth program

Responsibilities Designated by Senior Rabbi:

• Assist Senior Rabbi with specified administrative duties and with other projects as needed
• Fill in for the Senior Rabbi whenever he is not available

The candidate must have a college degree and smicha.  The candidate must also have pulpit experience as a Rabbinic Intern, Associate or Assistant Rabbi. An energetic, charismatic, dynamic speaker with exceptional people skills is also a necessity.  The successful candidate should be comfortable paskening on individual questions within the guidelines of the general shul psak.  To this effect, the candidate must be able to work independently but also accept mentoring and direction. Because this new addition to the Rabbinic Team will be instrumental in cultivating relationships with young families and new members, the candidate and his wife and family should be enthusiastic about opening their home to these congregants on a regular basis.

Compensation: The shul is offering an excellent compensation package for the right candidate, which includes a generous salary commensurate with experience, health benefits and residence in a shul-owned house in the neighborhood.

Letter to Judge Doris L. Downs

Below is a copy of the letter that I sent to Judge Downs following my sermon on Parshat Emor:

The Honorable Judge Doris L. Downs
Chief Judge, Fulton County Superior Court
185 Central Ave, SW
Justice Center Tower
Suite T-7955/Courtroom 7F
Atlanta, GA  30303

Dear Judge Downs:

Although we have never met, I would consider such a future occurrence to be a great privilege. I serve as the rabbi of Great Neck Synagogue, a modern orthodox congregation in Great Neck, New York, with a membership of close to 600 families. Last week you were the topic of my sermon.

I spoke to the congregation about courageous behavior and how our tradition supports doing the right thing even when it might be unpopular. Although the sermon was based on biblical and rabbinic sources, I used your actions in accommodating the religious needs of the Maimonidies School from Massachusetts in the recent National Mock Trial competition, as a modern example of just such behavior. Your actions were communicated to me not only as an expression of your understanding of the law, but also as an example of a professionally difficult decision made with great courage and compassion. For that and for the example you have set, I and my congregation are grateful.

Thank you for reinforcing the legal and moral values of this great country in which we are privileged to live.

Very cordially yours,

Rabbi Dale Polakoff

New Saturday Afternoon Class

As Shabbat afternoon grows longer, Great Neck Synagogue is pleased to offer you two learning opportunities to help fill your time and your mind.

1)      Talmud Shiur - our ongoing shiur in Masechet Avodah Zarah continues to meet one hour before Mincha every Shabbat afternoon. Come and immerse yourselves in the intricacies of Talmudic logic and reasoning and develop a greater depth and appreciation for classical Talmud study.

2)      NEW Pirkei Avot Shiur - 45 minutes before Mincha each Shabbat afternoon between tomorrow and Shavuot, come join us as we delve into the wisdom of Pirkei Avot. Each Shabbat a section from the chapter of that week will be analyzed in depth offering new insights into making the lessons of Pirkei Avot a part of our everyday living.

Both classes are open to men and women and both will be taught by Rabbis Polakoff, Axelrod and Weinberg on a rotational basis. We hope to see you - starting May 2!

Dinner Video

A Dinner Video highlighting the past dinner is available on the home page in the featured video section.

Israel Responds

After years of absorbing more than 10,000 missles, Israel has responded to the threat Hamas presents to the citizens of Israel, and to the stability of the entire Middle East. We need to be supportive of Israel in these efforts to defend herself and to dismantle the terrorist threat of Hamas, and we need to be grateful for the unparalleled support Israel has received from the United States, and especially from President Bush. So what can we do:

1) As always, Israel, her soldiers and citizens have to be in our daily prayers. Add a chapter of tehilim to your davenning, and dedicate yourself to greater involvement in mitzvot, greater generosity in tzedakah and a greater commitment to Torah study and chesed.

2) Be informed, and be an advocate for Israel. The battle rages on, not only in Gaza, but in the streets of cities throughout the world, and increasingly, even here in our own country and city. It rages in the newspapers and on the internet, in chat groups and in the blogosphere. We need to be the voice that defends the actions of Israel, that presents in a reasonable and rationale way the right of Israel to defend her citizens and to fight this terrorism. For your information I’ve included here a publication from AIPAC that will give you the background and the arguments you need to be effective and to have your voice heard.

3) Express your gratitude to the leadership of the United States. They have been a true friend of a democratic Israel trying to survive in a really bad neighborhood, and that friendship should not be taken for granted. Send an email to President Bush and let him know that we appreciate the support of the United States. I’ve also included here a statement from AIPAC on that support.

Finally, there are many sources that can provide important background for us in this effort to support Israel. Please send us a comment with your sources referenced and we’ll post it for the benefit of our membership.

Video update

A new featured video has been posted to the site.

Thoughts on the Madoff scandal

There’s no question that the larger Jewish community in general and the Orthodox community in particular is reeling from the recent revelations of the Madoff scandal. Everywhere one turns there’s commentary on the scandal, from the excessive greed that blinded some of the most astute investors, to the power of personality and reputation, to the incompetence of government organizations charged with protecting the public from this type of scandal.

There’s also no question that this is a terrible chilul Hashem. Whether Madoff was identifiably Orthodox or not, he is clearly identified with the lay leadership of the Orthodox world. That someone in such a position could ruin so many lives and steal from so many charitable organizations helping both Jew and non-Jew, ranks among the most egregious examples of chilul Hashem.

And this is bound to fuel the flames of anti-semitism, not only here in the United States, but around the world as well. Financial scandals of this magnitude don’t happen every day. One of our members sent me an article from Ha’aretz that speaks to just this point. You can click here for the article.

So how much do we have to beat ourselves up about Bernie Madoff. Is this indicative of a pervasive lack of ethics in the Jewish (read, Orthodox) community, just another incident like Chasidic money laundering, Yeshiva corruption, and Postville (I don’t mean to minimize any of these). Is there something that we are doing wrong, are our values as a community corrupt, is our education deficient? Or, do we say that our community has bad apples like any other community and that just because this guy happened to be involved in the Jewish community, its not an indictment of the community or an indication of something intrinsically wrong with our values?

I’d like to hear what you have to say. Leave a comment below, and inspire some conversation about this important subject.