Hebrew | Francais

Shabbat Parashat Chayei Sarah | 5769

Chayei Sarah | 24 Cheshvan 5769 | 16/11/2008

The People’s Choice

This week’s haftara deals with the issue of succession of David’s kingdom. While Adoniyahu took steps to claim the throne, Natan the prophet was convinced, apparently based on prophecy, that Shlomo should be king. David had previously sworn to Bat Sheva that Shlomo would succeed him (Melachim I, 1:11-14).

Two Out of a Group Who Want to do a Zimun

If two people want to do a zimun and a third does not want to yet, the two can force the third to answer. What about if there are, say, five people? Can two pick one to force to join?

Help Not to Lose One’s Level

Whoever regularly comes to the beit k’nesset and one day he does not come, Hashem asks about him, as the pasuk says: “Who among you fears Hashem and listens to the voice of His servant, who went in the darkness and there was no light for him... (Yeshaya 50:10)”

Regretting Allowing a Relative to Testify

A husband demands that his wife accept a get because her abusive behavior has made it impossible for him to continue living with her. He wanted to bring his wife’s brother as a witness. The wife signed an agreement to accept him as a witness despite the fact that, according to halacha, he is invalid to testify about his sister. Later she backed out of her agreement.

This edition of Hemdat Yamim is dedicated to the memory of George Weinstein

and

in loving memory of Tamar Lichtenstadt z”l. May her memory be a blessing.

As well as

R ' Meir ben Yechezkel Shraga Brachfeld

o.b.m

Hemdat Yamim is endowed by Les & Ethel Sutker of Chicago, Illinois in loving memory of
Max and Mary Sutker

and Louis and Lillian Klein, z”l.

A weekly divrei Torah leaflet: A Glimpse at the Parasha, Ask the Rabbi, From the writings of Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen Kook, zt”l, Pninat Mishpat (Jewish Monetary Law).