DVAR TORAH In Mesechet Taanit (7a), Rabbi Yehuda makes a bold claim - that the day rain graces the earth holds the same weight as the day the Torah was given.
The source of Rabbi Yehuda's statement is Parshat Haazinu, where it said, תזל כטל אמרתי - "Let my doctrine (which is the Torah) come down like the rain." The Maharsha explains this beautifully. Just as water forms the basis of our material existence, the Torah is the cornerstone of our spiritual realm.
But there in Taanit, Rava takes this idea one step further, saying that the day of rainfall might even surpass the day the Torah was handed down to us. This may seem strange, suggesting that rain is even greater than Torah - however, the Maharsha explains that while rain nourishes all, the Torah's blessings only reach those who accept and embrace it.
Interestingly, this confluence of ideas - of rain and Torah finds its expression during Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah when we pray for rain and simultaneously revel in the beauty of Torah.
And while the words of the Maharsha are indisputable, perhaps the challenge of this season is to find the way for Torah to impact our lives and the lives of our community in ways that even surpass the rain that G-d brings to this world. To share our Torah with everyone, just as G-d’s rain showers upon the entire earth.
HALACHA OF THE WEEK: KIDDUSH, HAVDALAH CANDLE LIGHTING ON SIMCHAT TORAH EVENING Those who are staying home Simchat Torah evening or who are leaving their homes after Shabbat has concluded, should recite "baruch hamavdil bein kodesh l‘kodesh" and light candles after 7:16pm [Mishna Berura 299:36]. Preparations for the meal are then permissible. Those who are leaving their homes before the end of Shabbat may light candles when they return home [Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchata vol. 2, chapter 43 note 24].
Kiddush should be recited after tzeit ha’kochavim (7:16pm) and preferably after hakafot have concluded. Due to the length of hakafot, some authorities allow kiddush before or during hakafot – but only if followed with mezonot like cake to be “kove’ah seudah” [Piskei Teshuvot 273, footnote 68 in the name of the Chazon Ish].
Since Simchat Torah follows Shabbat, Havdalah is recited as part of Kiddush. Besamim are omitted but borei me’orei ha’eish is recited using the Yom Tov candles, putting them together side by side while upright. They should not be tilted to touch each other [Mishna Berura 298:6].
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MAZAL TOV * to Susie Robinson on the birth of a great grandson, Bruch Netanel. Proud parents are Moshe and Shalva Ashin.
* to Dov and Pam Solomon on the engagement of their grandson, Natan Solomon, to Oriyah Bracha Goodman. Mazal tov to parents Moshe and Sonya Solomon.
* to Efrem and Neena Holley on the birth of a son. Mazal Tov to big brothers Liam and Avishai. The shalom zachor will be this Friday night at their home, 3117 Fargo after 9:00 pm. The brit will be on Tuesday following the 7:15 minyan. To help with meals – click here https://takethemameal.com/SWKC2582
SPONSORS @ KINS To sponsor a Kiddush, Seuda Shlishit, or to donate to the Kiddush Fund or Learning Fund please click here.
Thank you to our anonymous sponsors for the Simchat Torah candy.
Please note: The Simchat Torah Kiddush will be fleshig.
DAILY & WEEKLY SHIURIM DAF YOMI – Mon.-Fri. after 6:25 Shacharit; Sunday - 6:45am PARSHA PERSPECTIVE – RECORDED Sunday-Friday
MONDAY NIGHT SEDER - 8:00-9:00pm Mondays
FROM THE DAYAN'S DESK - 8:00-9:00pm Mondays DAYTIME DIALOGUES: Wednesdays noon 30 MINUTES OF PARSHA - Wed. 8:00p/Shabbat 8:30a
SEMICHAT CHAVER PROGRAM - will resume after the chagim
SHABBAT WOMEN'S SHIUR - will resume 10/14
TALMUD CLASS – will resume 10/14
SEFER YESHAYAHU - will resume 10/15
BIRTHDAYS Mr. Daniel Stuhlman (10/7) Mrs. Malkie Goldberg (10/7) Avishai Holley (10/8) Mrs. Jenny Landsman (10/8) Mr. Daniel Peikes (10/8) Mr. Yisrael Shapiro (10/8)
BIRTHDAYS (cont'd) Alexander Gelerinter (10/10) Jacob Pick (10/10) Mr. Michael Wilens (10/10) Mr. David Levitt (10/11) Noah Strahlberg (10/11) Mrs. Malka Reich (10/12)
Congregation K.I.N.S. of West Rogers Park Main: 2800 W. North Shore Ave & North: 3003 West Touhy • Chicago, IL 60645 P 773.761.4000 • F 773.761.4959 • www.congkins.org
MONDAY NIGHT SEDER - 8:00-9:00pm Mondays
SEMICHAT CHAVER PROGRAM - w
SHABBAT WOMEN'S SHIUR - w
TALMUD CLASS – 
SEFER YESHAYAHU - 