THE ORIGINAL FAITH OF THE APOSTLES
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The Month of Nissan

4/10/2016

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The month of Nissan is a joyous time for Israel; it has been in the past, it is in the present, and will continue to be in the future. This is because on the First of Nissan, the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was erected and the twelve leaders of the Twelve Tribes of Israel commenced offering their sacrifices in honor of the inauguration of the Mizbe’ach (altar). The day following the twelfth day, meaning the Thirteenth of Nissan, was Isru Chag for them and the Fourteenth of Nissan was already Erev Pesach.

After this, the seven days of Pesach commenced followed by the Twenty-Second of Nissan which was Isru Chag. The building of the third Bet Hamikdash, which we pray should take place speedily and in our days, will take place on the first day of Pesach and this is why this day will be especially joyous forever.

Although the Bet Hamikdash may not be built on Yom Tov, for building entails several works that are prohibited on Yom Tov, nevertheless, the third Bet Hamikdash shall be built by Hashem which is indeed permissible on Yom Tov. It is written, “In Nissan they were redeemed and in Nissan they shall once again be redeemed in the future,” as the verse states, “As it was in the days you left Egypt, I shall show them wonders.” The inauguration of the third Bet Hamikdash shall last for seven days but will not be able to begin until after the holiday of Pesach, for two joyous occasions may not be combined (it is for this reason that one may not get married during the holiday). Thus, the entire month of Nissan is dedicated to joy and happiness for the Jewish nation. It is therefore improper to recite Viduy and Tachanun (supplication prayers) during these days and it is for this reason that we do not reciteNefilat Apayim (Tachanun prayer) during the entire month of Nissan.

Similarly, a fast cannot be decreed upon the public during this month. Nevertheless, one should customarily fast in honor of the anniversary of the passing of either of one’s parents during this month. (This means that it is customary to fast on the anniversary of a parent’s death and this fast should not be pushed off, even if it falls out during the month of Nissan.)
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Know it in your heart

4/6/2016

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Know it in your heart"Know this day and consider it in your heart that HaShem is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other" (Deuteronomy 4:39 ) .

The only way to know God is through complete faith. Only faith can bring you to true knowledge and perception of God's greatness: "And I will betroth you to Me with faith , and you shall know God ! " (Hosea 2:22) .

Many passages tell us to know God: "Know this day and consider it in your heart ... " (Deuteronomy 4:39 ) . "Know the God of your father" (I Chronicles 28:9) . "Know that HaShem is God" (Psalms 100:3) . These verses teach us to know and be mindful of God's presence at all times and not to forget Him for a moment.

Great kings constantly remind their subjects that they have a ruler. Soldiers in particular are trained to know who their king and master is - "In order that His fear should be on their faces" (Exodus 20:17 ) - so that they should serve their master unconditionally . Subordinates are constantly told, "Know that you have a lord and master." The intention is that they should keep this in mind and never forget it, in order not do anything against his will.

The same is true of the Kingdom of Heaven . We are told: "Know the God of your father!" Know it and don't ever forget it! "Know this day and consider it in your heart, that HaShem is God!" "Know that HaShem is God!"

We need to be reminded time and time again. Everyone knows in general terms that "HaShem is God" . However, the distractions and temptations of this vain world cause many to forget it much of the time. This is why the Torah reminds us: "Know that HaShem is God!" "Know the God of your father!" That is to say: Bring this knowledge deep within yourself until it is bound tightly in your mind and heart at all times. This is the meaning of "Know this day and consider it in your heart that HaShem is God."
Perfect knowledge is when you bind your mind to your heart so that you know in your heart that "HaShem is God." When you bring this knowledge into your heart, you will be filled with deep awe, fear and reverence of God and you will not sin.

Each person's knowledge and awareness of God are unique to himself according to the horizons of his heart. Our basic knowledge of God derives from what we have been taught by our holy forefathers, who struggled all their lives to divest themselves of all material attachments. They conquered all their negative traits and desires, releasing themselves from the root of evil. This was how they came to true recognition and understanding of their Creator.
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They have left this good heritage to us and our duty is to accept it with the utmost joy. "Happy are we! How good is our portion! How pleasant is our lot! How beautiful is our heritage!" (Morning Prayers) .
When the Torah tells us to "know" God, it is teaching us to bring this holy knowledge into our minds and thoughts and bind it in our hearts constantly at all times in order that "His fear will be upon our faces so that we will not sin" (Exodus 20:17) .

Sichot Haran #217 

THE ESSENTIAL  RABBI NACHMAN
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    Author

    Yaakov Bar Yosef 
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