Community Magazine September 2019

Elul 5779 September 2019 49 encouragement and guidance, and then proceeds to lead a special prayer service. The service consists of several passages from Tehillim, the verse of “ Shema Yisrael ,” the pronouncement of “ Baruch Shem Kevod… ” three times, and then the proclamation of “ Hashem Hu Ha’Elokim ” seven times. Selected passages from the Selihot service are then recited, during which Rav Kolodetsky at one point sounds the shofar . He explains that this is done to arouse the people repent. The service continues with a special “ Misheberach ” prayer, the reading of Parashat Ha’mann (the section in the Torah that tells of the miraculous manna falling for Beneh Yisrael in the desert), and the special prayer for success in childrearing composed by the Shelah (Rav Yeshayah Horowitz, d. 1630). Baruch Hashem , many people have received the help they needed and celebrated semachot following these events. …And the Power of Hesed Rav Kolodetsky also shared with me his insights into the significance of the role of shadchanim in bringing singles together. Of course, Hashem can do everything Himself. He does not need any help. But He wants “partners” to participate in the sacred endeavor of making matches in order for people to perform hesed for one another. And one of the greatest kindnesses a person can perform is bringing a man and woman together to the marriage canopy, and guiding them towards a happy and harmonious relationship. Performing hesed provides great merit through which we earn Gd’s assistance in all areas of life. Gd helps those who helps His beloved children. Rav Kolodetsky explained to me that Yocheved and Miriam – the mother and sister of Moshe Rabbenu – helped the Jewish women in Egypt give birth and risked their lives to save the newborn babies, and they were rewarded by becoming the matriarchs of the kohanim and of the Jewish kings. Rav Kolodetsky emphasized that performing hesed for mothers of large families, or of children with special needs, is rewarded by being granted the privilege of building one’s own large, happy family. Honoring Shabbat Another important source of merit, the rav taught, is giving proper respect to Shabbat – the “Shabbat Queen,” as our tradition refers to this day – by properly preparing for and greeting her. This brings great blessing and salvation to singles searching for their soulmate. Proper preparation for Shabbat means careful planning – allowing oneself plenty of extra time, especially when traveling or commuting for work on Friday, and preparing the Shabbat meals as early as possible, to ensure everything is ready on time. Rav Kolodetsky cited Rav Haim Palagi as teaching that the Satan makes a special effort to sow tension and strife in the home on Friday. The pressure of Shabbat preparations can easily lead to anger and tension between husband and wife, and between parent and children, making for a very unpleasant welcoming of Shabbat. This can be avoided by beginning Shabbat preparations early, and enlisting the help of children or of people from the outside. Beginning Shabbat in a peaceful, joyous atmosphere – and especially if it can be begun 10 minutes early – brings serenity and great blessing to the home. The topic of shidduchim is a very delicate one, and is something which concerns each and every one of us. We all want to build happy Torah homes, and to see all our children – and all children in the community – do the same. Rav Kolodetsky would be happy to help our community in this quest, through his inspiration, guidance, blessings, and prayers. Individuals or groups interested in sponsoring a kinnus should contact Rabbi Gedalya Berlin at kollelderechemunah@gmail.com or 718-576-1179. May Hashem bless all singles in Am Yisrael , and bring them quickly to their intended soulmate and help them build beautiful Torah homes that will be forever worthy of His presence and grace. Rav Yitzchak Kolodetsky speaking. Rav Kolodetsky with Rabbi Yisraeli, the Chief Rabbi of the Bukharian community. Rav Kolodetsky and Rav Attia. Rav Chaim Kanievsky with his son-in-law Rav Kolodetsky.