HALACHA OF THE WEEK: Reciting l’David During During Elul and the High Holidays Beginning Motzaei Shabbat, the first day of Elul, we began reciting the 27th chapter of Psalms, “L’david Hashem Ori,” twice daily and will continue to do so until Shemini Atzeret [Mishna Berura 581:1; Mateh Ephraim 581:6].
Interestingly, the Chid”a actually recommended reciting l’David at all three of the daily prayers throughout the year - [Piskei Teshuvot 581 note 72], while the Vilna Gaon did not recite l’David even during the month of Elul!
The origin of this custom is a midrash [Vayikra Rabbah 21] which teaches that this chapter of Psalms specifically refers to the High Holiday season. For example, the word “Ori” refers to Rosh Hashana, “Yishi” to Yom Kippur, and “Ki Yitzpeneni B’sukko” to Sukkot. It is also noted that the Psalm contains thirteen references to God’s name which correspond to the “Thirteen Attributes” which are recited as part of the Selichot in Elul and Tishrei [Minhag Yisrael Torah, Orech Chaim 581:5].
Although there are a number of customs and themes that characterize the month of Elul, it might be that the repeated recitation of “l’David” which encapsulates them all. For example, the Malbim notes that “l’David” emphasizes the natural desire of every Jewish soul to further its relationship with God, a concept referred to as deveikut. Elul is the ideal time to work on one’s relationship with God, as Elul is the month in which “the king is in the field” for all to approach him [Rosh Hashana 18b]. It is also noted that the last line of “l’David” contains the word “lulay” which consists of the same letters as the word “Elul” and further alludes to the connection between this chapter of Tehillim and the month of Elul [Ziv Haminhagim].
A small number of Chassidic communities do not recite “l’David” in Elul, citing the fact that it is not mentioned in the works of the Arizal or even in Shulchan Aruch. Nevertheless, the custom of reciting “L’david” twice daily in Elul is virtually universal today.
DVAR TORAH This week's parasha opens with Moshe challenging the Jewish people by saying - "Re'eh anochi notain lifneichem bracha u'klala" - Behold [see] I place before you a blessing and a curse.
The Or HaChaim asks why this opening phrase is presented not only in the singular "anochi" but even using the verb - "re'eh" - to see?
Among the answers the Or HaChaim offers is that this verse is phrased in this fashion as if Moshe was telling the Jews - "Look at me" - look at me, as he tried to convince them to choose the eternal values of Torah and the rewards of the world to come.
Said Moshe to the Jews, "Look at me. I had it all—power, wealth, prominence, and status—but I chose to spend 40 days and 40 nights without any physical pleasures—just to experience a taste of eternity. Look at me, and learn from me to value the true blessings of life."
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MAZAL TOV *to Dr. Yigal and Donna Yahav on the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Talia to Dani Roz, son of Yitzy and Tammy Roz. Mazal Tov to grandfather, Irving Wishner. *to Henry and Lisa Goldberg on the birth of a granddaughter. The proud parents are Yonah and Ronit Sturmwind. *to Noam and Daniela Domsky on the birth of a son. Mazal Tov to grandparents Oron and Judy Domsky. Special Mazal Tov to great-grandmothers, Marilyn Domsky and Rita Horovicz.
CONDOLENCES * to Annette Frankenthal, Tzvi & Orah Frankenthal, Dr. Hilel & Shifra Frankenthal, Rabbi Netanel & Shaindy Frankenthal, Itamar & Hadassah Frankenthal, and Tzuriel Frankenthal on the loss of their beloved husband and father, Elchanan Frankenthal z’l. Shiva Information: Thursday, August 29 beginning with Shacharit at 7:30am. Shiva from 9am-12 Noon, 3pm-5pm and from 6:30pm-9:30pm Mincha/Maariv at 7:25pm via Zoom from 2pm-3pm Meeting ID: 408-943-0200 Passcode: 1234 Friday, August 30 beginning with Shacharit at 7:30am. Shiva from 9am-12 Noon, and from 1pm-4pm. Mincha at 2pm Motzaei Shabbat, August 31 beginning with Maariv 8:05pm. Shiva from 8:30pm -10pm Sunday, September 1 beginning with Shacharit at 8:00am. Shiva from 9am-12 Noon, 2pm-5pm and from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Mincha/Maariv 7:25pm via Zoom from 1pm-2pm Meeting ID: 408-943-0200 Passcode: 1234 Monday, September 2 Shacharit at 7:30am
SPONSORS @ KINS To sponsor a Kiddush, Seuda Shlishit, or to donate to the Kiddush Fund or Learning Fund -please click here.
Kiddush at KINS North is sponsored by David Strulowitz in commemoration of the 1st yahrtzeit of his father, Herb Strulowitz – חיים מאיר בן אלטר אברהם ז'ל .
The Kiddush Extras at the Early Minyan are sponsored by Jim and Meira Mainzer. A Donation to the Kiddush Fund was made by: Henry and Lisa Goldberg in honor of the birth of their granddaughter, Gavriella Sarah Chana. The proud parents are Yonah and Ronit Strumwind.
DAILY & WEEKLY SHIURIM DAF YOMI – Mon.-Fri. after 6:25 Shacharit; Sunday - 6:45am PARSHA PERSPECTIVE – RECORDED Sunday-Friday MONDAY NIGHT SEDER - Mondays - 8:00-9:00pm
PARSHAT HASHAVUA - Tuesdays - 12:30pm DAYTIME DIALOGUES - is on summer hiatus
SEFER MELACHIM- Wednesdays - 1:00pm
SEMICHAS CHAVER PROGRAM - Wednesdays 8:00pm
SHABBAT WOMEN'S SHIUR - Shabbat 5:00pm
TALMUD CLASS – Shabbat 45 minutes before mincha
SEFER YESHAYAHU - Sunday 9:00am
BIRTHDAYS Mr. Abe Bajtner (8/31) Mrs. Sara Stopek (8/31) Mrs. Meira Gottesman (9/1) Nili Heifetz (9/1) Ms. Leah Gold (9/2) Mrs. Ilana Dress (9/3) Aaron Katz (9/3) Mrs. Marlene Wasserstrom (9/4) Mr. David Aberman (9/5) Mr. Alan Gershman (9/5) Ephraim Karp (9/5) Mrs. Debbie Bajtner (9/6) Noa Kleinman (9/6)
ANNIVERSARIES Rabbi Ilan and Leora Heifetz (8/31) Steve and Linda Lavenda (8/31) Robert W. and Lee Matanky (9/1) Alan and Devora Sorscher (9/1) Tzvi and Orah Frankenthal (9/4) Howard and Clara Nochumson (9/4) Seymour and Sharon Gertz (9/5)
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 - Mondays - 8:00-9:00pm
PARSHAT HASHAVUA - 
SEFER MELACHIM 
SEMICHAS CHAVER PROGRAM 
SHABBAT WOMEN'S SHIUR - Shabbat 5:00pm
TALMUD CLASS – Shabbat 45 minutes before mincha
SEFER YESHAYAHU - Sunday 9:00am