As Jews we believe and know that the body is connected and influenced by the soul; that the physical world is affected by the spiritual. This Tuesday, the Fast of the Seventeenth of Tammuz, is the first day of the Three Weeks of mourning that commemorate the destruction of our First and Second Temples. In the haftorah that is read prior to Tisha B’Av Isaiah exhorts us: “Zion will be redeemed through Mishpat (Torah) and its captives through Tzeddakah (charity)”.

Once again the Jewish People have experienced non-ending violence against us and we most certainly require redemption. I ask that, especially during these next three weeks, each of us —men, women and children —make a special effort to put aside a few coins for Tzeddakah each day (to any Israeli cause that you wish) followed by a prayer for the safety and well-being of our brothers and sisters in Israel and our ultimate Redemption through Moshiach. What is important here is not so much the amount, but the regular giving.

Furthermore, I would like to urge once again that all men put on tephilin each day while they recite the Shema. It needn’t take longer than five minutes and is spiritually very effective in neutralizing our enemies. This our Sages made clear when they said that Moses’ statement “All the peoples of the world shall see that the name of G-d is upon you and they will fear you (Deuteronomy 28:10)” refers to tephilin. Should anyone require assistance in learning how to put on tephilin please do not hesitate to call me. Similarly, should anyone wish their tephilin to be checked (this should be done every three or four years) or wish to purchase new tephilin (the shule makes no profit on these high quality tephilin), please call the office so that arrangements can be made.

While world leaders beat their chests and think they know what Israel should do, for our part, we continue to trust in G-d as it is written, “It is better to trust in G-d than to trust in princes (Psalms 118:9)”. And moved by our prayers, charity and Torah may G-d continue to awaken and guide the leaders of the nations to the path of justice and truth as it is written “the heart of a king is in the hand of G-d... charity and justice are more precious to G-d than sacrifices Proverbs 21:1-3)”.

With prayerful wishes that these days (the Three Weeks) be transformed into days of happiness and joy.

On behalf of the Rebbetzin and all of us at South Head, to all our readers the world over, wishing you a safe, peaceful and Good Shabbos. 

Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM ~ Shabbat Pinchas 5774