TODAY IN JUDAISM: Wednesday, April 20, 2011

B"H

Nissan 16, 5771 * April 20, 2011

=================================
T O D A Y I N J U D A I S M
=================================

* Laws * Customs * Jewish History * Daily Quote * Daily Study *

Today is: Wednesday, Nissan 16, 5771
Passover - 2nd Day * Omer: Day One - Chessed sheb'Chessed

======================
Today's Laws & Customs
======================

· Passover Torah Readings

Click here [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=E27D6F87C53FBA5C517AE42DF7392F3D&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ] for a summary of the Passover Torah readings.

· V'Ten Berachah (tonight)

In the evening prayers tonight, we begin substituting the phrase v'ten berachah... ("and grant blessing....") in place of the winter version of the blessing ("and grant dew and rain for blessing"), in the ninth blessing of the Amidah. This, in conjunction with the similar change enacted in the second blessing on the first day of Passover [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=6C7C6D5DEC105E16C724AE60D6BC362D&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ].

· Count "Two Days to the Omer" Tonight

Tomorrow is the second day of the Omer Count. Since, on the Jewish calendar, the day begins at nightfall of the previous evening, we count the omer for tomorrow's date tonight, after nightfall: "Today is two days to the Omer." (If you miss the count tonight, you can count the omer all day tomorrow, but without the preceding blessing).

The 49-day "Counting of the Omer" retraces our ancestors' seven-week spiritual journey from the Exodus to Sinai. Each evening we recite a special blessing and count the days and weeks that have passed since the Omer; the 50th day is Shavuot [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=39181DCB4259088E30DAAEB0159739DB&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ], the festival celebrating the Giving of the Torah at Sinai.

Tonight's Sefirah: Gevurah sheb'Chessed -- "Restraint in Kindness"

The teachings of Kabbalah explain that there are seven "Divine Attributes" -- Sefirot -- that G-d assumes through which to relate to our existence: Chessed, Gevurah, Tifferet, Netzach, Hod, Yesod and Malchut ("Love", "Strength", "Beauty", "Victory", "Splendor", "Foundation" and "Sovereignty"). In the human being, created in the "image of G-d," the seven sefirot are mirrored in the seven "emotional attributes" of the human soul: Kindness, Restraint, Harmony, Ambition, Humility, Connection and Receptiveness. Each of the seven attributes contain elements of all seven--i.e., "Kindness in Kindness", "Restraint in Kindness", "Harmony in Kindness", etc.--making for a total of forty-nine traits. The 49-day Omer Count is thus a 49-step process of self-refinement, with each day devoted to the "rectification" and perfection of one the forty-nine "sefirot."

Links:
How to count the Omer [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=D0573235E8C0FB7F9FE7EBFE5BEF5D0B&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ]
The deeper significance [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=AC32D2F394594CE349409D8CE700EE8E&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ] of the Omer Count

=======================
Today in Jewish History
=======================

· Sodom Overturned (1714 BCE)

The wicked cities of the Sodom valley, including Sodom, Gemorrah, Admah and Zevoim, were overtuned in punishment of their sins. Only Lot, his wife and two daughters were saved. Lot's wife, however, turned into a pillar of salt [ ef= ] when she failed to heed the Divine warning not to look back at the burning cities.

Links:
The Biblical account with commentary [ ef= ] of Sodom's destruction
The Sins of Sodom [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=14758A7F0506DBDBA389D9917754A1D3&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ]

· Manna Ends (1273 BCE)

On the 16th of Nissan of the year 2488 from creation (1273 BCE), six days after the Children of Israel entered the Holy Land under the leadership of Joshua [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=FE13E0FAE3AF40DF24472AEF7DCC249F&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ], their remaining supply of the miraculous "bread from heaven," which had sustained them since shortly after their exodus from Egypt 40 years earlier, ran out. (The manna had ceased falling on the previous Adar 7, the day of Moses' passing.) After bringing the "Omer" offering (see "Counting of the Omer [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=82A3C42139AD7B820D59AF901298AF30&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ]" in Laws & Customs for yesterday, Nissan 15) at the Sanctuary they erected at Gilgal, the people prepared their (unleavened) bread for the first time from the produce of the land.

Links:
Bread From Heaven [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=8E9BA258D99657DD3CE7DEC55489F3B7&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ]
More on the Manna [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=94E8528CC31216883B18F38BAF7EFB2C&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ]

· Esther Appears Before Achashverosh (357 BCE)

On the 3rd day of the fast proclaimed by Mordechai at her behest (see "Today in Jewish History [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=F268C297422C8DA8857D6E4BE41DA060&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ]" for Nissan 13), Queen Esther appeared unsummoned before King Achashverosh--a capital offence. The king, however, extended the royal sceptre to her, signifying his consent that she approach him. Esther requested that Achashverosh attend a private wine party with her and Haman (according to one opinion in the Talmud, her plan was to make Achashverosh jealous of her apparent friendship with Haman so that he would kill them both, thus saving the Jewish people from Haman's decree).

Link: See Timeline [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=AF446B0A06DC9BDF90E55E2FFF45452C&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ] of the events connected with the Purim miracle

· Haman Hanged (357 BCE)

At the 2nd wine party she made for King Achashverosh and Haman, Queen Esther revealed her identity to the king and began to plead for her people, pointing to Haman as the evil schemer plotting to destroy them. When Charvonah, a royal servant, mentioned the gallows which Haman had prepared for Mordechai, the king ordered that Haman be hanged on them, opening the door for the Jews' salvation from Haman's decree (Book of Esther [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=47595A74A7C4CA616974CE74364F3EB8&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ], chapter 7).

Link: See Timeline [ http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=AF446B0A06DC9BDF90E55E2FFF45452C&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2 ] of the events connected with the Purim miracle

===========
Daily Study
===========

Chitas and Rambam for today:

Chumash: Kedoshim, 4th Portion Leviticus 19:33-19:37 with Rashi
· English Text:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=9936C01B378AAE0548AE9EDAC85BAEBA&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

Tehillim: Chapters 79 - 82
· Hebrew text:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=6FC9E17394E18B809450B4EBCEB4EC7D&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
· English text:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=6E8085B81A97CDD8A8C8098427FB3746&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

Tanya: Likutei Amarim, middle of Chapter 41
· Lesson in Tanya:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=55793A2CA6256D5727FFE76BCD7C3DEB&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
· Tanya Audio Class:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=2C22C355A0BF8E990D58A0063CA29FDF&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

Rambam:
· Sefer Hamitzvos:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=EE129C397738D7CAECEA3F5A8F29CE2C&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
· 1 Chapter: Kelim Chap. 15
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=37DEF70C946AED99C0FF53F29D5A911F&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
· 3 Chapters: Tefilah and Birkat Kohanim Chapter Two, Tefilah and Birkat Kohanim Chapter Three, Tefilah and Birkat Kohanim Chapter Four
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=F8B1018ADF5E3C342C524387093BBF77&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

Hayom Yom:
· English Text:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=CDD0AD881342B7A5FD03E89CC2CB069A&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Check out our other Calendar Tools:

Candle Lighting anywhere: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=F9B186CA77EB417013165542CA9FD605&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
Zmanim - Halachic Times: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=575E86AA1ED6E28B5B3C06DD1A3EC80C&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
Jewish/Civil Date Converter: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=41DD40A07600682226878A1A9960539F&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
Jewish Birthday Calculator: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=8A4EA7B1767191483570EE8CCFFE5CE2&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Calculator: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=BED6E7E0853FB91C3AFB15ED38B6327B&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
Yahrtzeit Calculator: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=45C8CE331CF68AF868BB03F15425AD75&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

Copyright © Chabad.org

For more Torah study and inspiring articles, please visit:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=9043283F644D594A2211B396569B0E39&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

** Enjoyed this email? Please help us continue sharing the
study of Torah and Jewish traditions:

Dedicate or sponsor an email to mark your special occasion!
Please click here: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=7F9EAEBB124C91ED022122957B8A7432&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

Please click here to make a donation to Chabad.org:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=700244F7A1A7FFAE8F9133AE81131DDB&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

** Important Tip: In order to guarantee that your Chabad.org subscription
emails continue to be delivered to you, please make sure to add our
address, subscriptions@chabad.org, to your address book, or "whitelist"
it in any spam filters or spam programs you may have.

** Manage your complete subscription profile online: Subscribes,
unsubscribes, address changes, vacation holds, and more. Register here:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=B1087BADDCFCAF11EC3EAE272E178606&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2&emailpk=_189173_1826535@

** To subscribe to more Chabad.org email lists please click here:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=D2E5C63D43F7A91C2BC9D73A2E953281&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

** To be removed from this email list please click here:
http://www.chabad.org/unsub.asp?i=5AF4698367548130F573812C6E1217613327B7CE829A65904FF4F88719A0B70C
If you would just like your email suspended and resumed at a later
date, please let us know here:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=78F3288FB517562EA2708A105632C295&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2&email=yurochkadrugach.yurochka@blogger.com

** You are subscribed to the "Today in Judaism" email list as:
yurochkadrugach.yurochka@blogger.com. If your e-mail address is changing
please send us your new email address here:
http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=C15FDBF8743B7A9A95C05712F90040EB&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2&email=yurochkadrugach.yurochka@blogger.com

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chabad.org
Chabad Lubavitch Media Center
770 Eastern Parkway * Brooklyn, NY * 11213
Web: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=9B5A31F831A0DF4B0D24BF9CE363268F&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2
Feedback: http://link.Chabad.org/go.asp?li=8220D6D4C8443BDD96A40A00C5BBE0CE&ui=F8C16ABBBCDB72AD0024EE2F647D78D2

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>