This Shabbos is Rosh Chodesh Av, Hallel is said and a second Torah is taken out to the dedicated Rosh Chodesh portion. It is also when the "Nine Days" begin. The Talmud (Tannit 26b) teaches "When Av begins, we diminish [our] rejoicing". On the 1st of Av, "The Three Weeks" mourning period over the destruction of the Holy Temple--which began 13 days earlier on Tammuz 17--enters an intensified stage. During "The Nine Days" from Av 1st to the Ninth of Av, a heightened degree of mourning is observed, including abstention from meat and wine, music, bathing for pleasure, and other joyous and enjoyable activities. (The particular mourning customs vary from community to community, so consult a competent Halachic authority for details).
Consumption of meat and wine is permitted on Shabbat, or at a Seudat Mitzvah (obligatory festive meal celebrating the fulfillment of a mitzvah) such as a Bris (circumcision), or a "Siyum" celebrating the completion of a course of Torah study (i.e., a complete Talmudic tractate). The Lubavitcher Rebbe initiated the custom of conducting or participating in a Siyum on each of the Nine Days (even if one does not avail oneself of the dispensation to eat meat). Citing the verse (Isaiah 1:27) "Zion shall be redeemed with mishpat [Torah] and its returnees with Tzedakah," the Rebbe urged that we increase in Torah study (particularly the study of the laws of the Holy Temple) and charity during this period. Links: When and (How) to be Sad, www.thethreeweeks.com
Join us next week on July 17-18 to commemorate the Fast of Tisha B'av. The fast begins on Shabbos, Sat. 8:23 pm and ends on Sunday 8:50 pm. We will send out a complete schedule next week.
Upcoming Events:
- Sat. July 17, 9:15 pm - Tisha B'Av - An evening of film, study and personal reflection. Screening "The Wave" (44 min., 1981) - CLICK FOR MORE
- Thurs. July 22 - The White Party - Tu B'Av Axe Throwing www.yjphouston.org/whiteaxe
- Sunday August 15, 2021, 7 Elul - Community Siyum Sefer Torah Celebration & Parade www.chabaduptown.org/torah
Why is it important to list the journeys? The Torah isn’t a history book, nor is it a travelogue, so what’s the purpose of this list? more…
SHABBOS ROSH CHODESH AV PARSHAS MATOS-MAASEI
Friday, 29 Tammuz - July 9
Mincha at 7:30 pm
Light Shabbat candles at 8:07 pm
Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh Av - July 10
Chassidus at 9:00 am
Shacharis at 10:00 am
Mincha at 8:05 pm
Ethics of Our Fathers, Ch. 2
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 9:06 pm
Living Torah