Chassidim stink at being sad. But, sometimes we have no choice.
When Av begins, we diminish [our] rejoicing" (Talmud, Taanit 26b). On the 1st of Av, "The Nine Days" begins, from Av 1st to the Ninth of Av, when a heightened degree of mourning is observed, including abstention from meat and wine, music, bathing for pleasure, and other joyous and enjoyable activities.
However, consumption of meat and wine is permitted on Shabbat of the Nine Days, especially when it is First Fridays Shabbat #JeSuisJuif - YJP!! Come celebrate aHappy Shabbat "in France" with other Young Jewish Professionals in their 20s & 30s at this month's French Inspired Shabbat Dinner & Cocktails
Meat is also permitted at a Seudat Mitzvah (obligatory festive meal celebrating the fulfillment of a mitzvah) such as a Bris 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). You can join a LIVE daily siyum broadcast on our website here.
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) andcharity during this period. Links: When and (How) to be Sad, www.thethreeweeks.com
Shabbos Parshas Matos-Massei
Friday, August 5
Rosh Chodesh Minyan at 6:45-8 am
followed by breakfast sponsored by the Melniks
Services at 7:30 pm
Candle Lighting at 7:53 pm
French YJP First Fridays - RSVP here
Shabbos, August 6
Chassidus at 9 am
Services at 10 am
Followed by Shabbos Kiddush sponsored by the Sands family in memory of Marc's father, Yaakov ben Avraham, a"h for the Shloshim period that concludes this week.
Mincha at 7:50 pm
Ethics of our Fathers, Ch. 2
Maariv, Havdalla & Shabbos Ends at 8:48 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, August 7
Shacharis at 8:30 pm
Followed by the real BLT = Bagels, Lox & Tefillin
Have a good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie