Table of Contents
Parshas Hachodesh:
When: When [the second day of[1]] Rosh Chodesh Adar falls on Shabbos, Parshas Hachodesh is read on the fifth Shabbos in Adar which is the 29th of Adar.[2] When [the second day of] Rosh Chodesh Adar falls on Monday or Wednesday, Parshas Hachodesh is read on the fourth Shabbos of Adar. When Rosh Chodesh Adar falls on Friday, Parshas Hachodesh is not read in the month of Adar but rather on Shabbos the 1st of Nissan. As a rule, in all cases Parshas Hachodesh is read the Shabbos following Parshas Parah.[3]
Which portion is read:[4] The portion read is from “Vayomer Hashem…Hachodesh Hazeh Lachem”[5] until the words “Bechol Moshvoseichem Tochlu Matzos”[6]. The Haftorah of Hachodesh is read from Yichezkel[7] from the words “Ko Amar Ado-nuy Hashem Barishon Lachodesh..” until the words “Baboker Olas Tamid”.[8]
How many Torah scrolls are removed and what is the order of the reading:[9] When Rosh Chodesh does not fall on Shabbos Hachodesh two scrolls are removed from the ark. From the first scroll the weekly Torah portion is read until the seventh Aliyah. The second scroll is then placed on the Bima which is followed by half Kaddish. [The Mi Shebeirach for the ill is recited after Hagba.] Hagba is then done to the first scroll. One may not open the second scroll until the first scroll is rolled up [and placed in its Meil[10]].[11] For Maftir the portion of Hachodesh is read from the second scroll. [On Shabbos Mevarchim the Chazan for Musaf takes the scroll of Maftir to hold.[12]]
Q&A What is the law if one began reading the wrong Haftorah?[13] If one mistakenly read the wrong Haftorah, such as the Haftorah of Rosh Chodesh or of the Parsha, then he is to read the correct Haftorah. If one only remembered after the blessings, then he is to read the Haftorah without its blessings. |
[1] Levush brought in Kaf Hachaim 685:26
[2] 685:4
[3] Rambam Hilchos Tefila 13:21; Kaf Hachaim 685:19
The Reason: In truth the Parsha of Hachodesh should have been read before Parshas Parah, as the Mitzvah of Hachodesh was given beforehand. Therefore, it is not proper to make an interval between the two Parshiyos. [Ran brought in Kaf Hachaim ibid] Regarding why in truth we read Parshas Parah before Hachodesh, this is because it discusses the purification of the Jewish people and thus is given precedence. [Rashi Megillah 29a]
[4] 685:4
[5] Bo Chapter 12 verse 1
[6] Chapter 12 verse 20
[7] Chapter 45 verse 18
Custom of the Rebbe: The Rebbe would begin the Haftorah from verse 16 “Kol Haam Haaretz Yihyu”. This custom however is not meant as a public directive. [Rishimos Hayoman p. 415]
[8] Chapter 46 verse 15
[9] Mishneh Berurah 685:9 and 12
[10] Orchos Chaim ibid; Kol Bo ibid; Mateh Moshe ibid; Elya Raba 139:9; M”B ibid; Kaf Hachaim 147:42
[11] Michaber 147:8; Mordechai end of Halachos Ketanos in name of Maharam Merothenberg; Tashbeitz 187 in name of Mahram; Orchos Chaim Hilchos Kerias Sefer Torah 54; Kol Bo 20; Mateh Moshe 254; Elya Raba 147:9; M”B 147:25; Kaf Hachaim 147:42; Ketzos Hashulchan 84:2; Halacha Berurah [Yosef] Vol. 2 p. 295
[12] See Shaar Efraim 10:41; Piskeiy Teshuvah 150:4
[13] Luach Kolel Chabad Noach; Hiskashrus 1078; See Dvar Moshe 25:3; Shaareiy Efraim 9:19; Kaf Hachaim 425:18; Ketzos Hashulchan 88:5; Ashel Avraham, in name of Devar Moshe brought in Otzer Hamifarshim 425; Kaf Hachaim 423:9
Chazak Chazak Vinischazeik:[1]
The custom is that after the completion of each of the five Chumashim, the congregation stands and recites Chazak Chazak Vinischazeik[2] prior to the concluding blessing being said. This is then followed by the Chazan who says it out loud after the conclusion of the congregation.[3] [Some Poskim[4] rule that Olah himself is not to recite Chazak and it is to only be said by the congregation. Practically, however, the Chabad custom is also for the Olah to recite it.[5] The Olah is to say it together with the congregation.[6]]
When the Olah should say Chazak Chazak Vinischazeik
Question:
I received the last Aliyah of Shevi’i this past Shabbos and was wondering according to our custom for the Olah to also recite Chazak Chazak Vinischazeik if I should say it together with the congregation or together with the Baal Korei? I saw that in Hiskashrus they wrote to say it with the Baal Korei, although no accurate source was recorded.
Answer:
The Olah is to say it together with the congregation.
Explanation:
The recital of Chazak Chazak Vinischazeik after the conclusion of a book of Torah is recorded in the early Poskim and Rishonim, and based on the Midrash. Now, there is a discussion amongst the Poskim as to whether or not it is permitted for the Olah himself to also recite this statement, and while most Poskim negate it for one reason or another, the Chabad custom is for the Olah to recite it as recorded in Hayom Yom, and Sefer Haminhagim, and the letters of the Rebbe. It is not clear however from these sources as to whether he should say together with the congregation or together with the Baal Korei. However, in the source of this statement in the Reshimos of the Rebbe, it states that the Olah should recite it in order to include himself amongst the simple believers. This implies that he is to say it together with the congregation, and so concludes a number of Chabad publications, including Hiskashrus of previous volumes, unlike the quoted ruling in this week’s volume.
Sources: See regarding the Olah saying it with the congregation: Reshimos 4th Menachem Av 5701; Hiskashrus 927; Chikreiy Haminhagim 65; See regarding the general custom of reciting Chazaka Chazak Vinischazeik: Levush 669; Abudarham Seder Shacharis Shel Shabbos; Custom of Spain brought in Orchos Chaim Hilchos Sheiyni Vechamishi 19; Ketzos Hashulchan 84:13; See Poskim in previous Halacha regarding saying Chazak after each Olah: Rama ibid; Mahariy Mintz 85; Piskeiy Teshuvos 139:17; See Sefer “Amiras Chazak Veyasher Koach” of Rav Yaakov Spiegel p. 344-371 for a thorough analysis on this subject with quotes of all the Poskim and Rishonim; See Sefer Hamanhig Shabbos 56 based on Bereishis Raba 6:18 “The Chazan says Chazak loudly to the person finishing the reading”; See regarding that the Olah should not recite it: Ketzos Hashulchan 84:13 footnote 22; Shulchan Hakeria; Shevet Halevi 7:22; Beir Moshe 3:28; Mishneh Halachos 7:22; 8:18; Piskeiy Teshuvos 139:17; See regarding the Chabad custom for Olah to say it: Reshimos Hayoman p. 402; Hayom Yom 23rd Tishreiy; Sefer Haminhagim p. 61 [English]; Igros Kodesh 4:14, printed in Shulchan Menachem 2:93-94; Chikrei Haminhagim 2:208
[1] Levush 669; Abudarham Seder Shacharis Shel Shabbos; Custom of Spain brought in Orchos Chaim Hilchos Sheiyni Vechamishi 19; Ketzos Hashulchan 84:13; See Poskim in previous Halacha regarding saying Chazak after each Olah: Rama ibid; Mahariy Mintz 85; Piskeiy Teshuvos 139:17; See Sefer “Amiras Chazak Veyasher Koach” of Rav Yaakov Spiegel p. 344-371 for a thorough analysis on this subject with quotes of all the Poskim and Rishonim; See Sefer Hamanhig Shabbos 56 based on Bereishis Raba 6:18 “The Chazan says Chazak loudly to the person finishing the reading”;
[2] Poskim ibid
Other customs: Some say the Nussach is Chazak Chazak Chazak. [Aruch Hashulchan 139:15; See Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid] Others say one simply says the word Chazak. [Mahariy Mintz 85; Possible interpretation of Rama ibid]
[3] Ketzos Hashulchan ibid; See Elya Raba 669:18 regarding Simchas Torah
[4] Ketzos Hashulchan 84:13 footnote 22; Shulchan Hakeria; Shevet Halevi 7:22; Beir Moshe 3:28; Mishneh Halachos 7:22; 8:18; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid
[5] Reshimos Hayoman p. 402; Hayom Yom 23rd Tishreiy; Sefer Haminhagim p. 61 [English]; Igros Kodesh 4:14, printed in Shulchan Menachem 2:93-94; Chikrei Haminhagim 2:208
[6] Hiskashrus 927; Chikreiy Haminhagim 65; See Reshimos Hayoman ibid that the Olah should recite it in order to include himself amongst the simple believers. This implies that he is to say it together with the congregation.
Shabbos Mevarchim Hachodesh:
- Blessing the new month: It is a vintage custom of previous generations that on the Shabbos prior to Rosh Chodesh we bless the new month that it should be a month filled with good tidings for the Jewish people.
- The blessing takes place after the reading of the Haftorah and Yikum Purkan, prior to Ashrei. This Shabbos is cordially known as Shabbos Mevarchim.
- Announcing the Molad: It is proper for one to know the Molad prior to reciting the blessing over the new month. It is therefore customary in all Shuls for the Chazan or Gabaiy to announce the Molad prior to reciting the Birchas Hachodesh.
- If one did not hear the Molad or does not know its date, he is to continue as usual with the Birchas Hachodesh.
- Standing during Birchas Hachodesh: It is customary to stand [throughout Birchas Hachodesh] while the date of Rosh Chodesh is announced in Shul.
- Holding the Sefer Torah: The custom is for the Chazan to hold the Sefer Torah upon reciting Birchas Hachodesh. [When there are two Sifrei Torah’s, the Chazan is to take the Sefer of Maftir.]
- Av Harachamim: Av Harachamim is not recited on Shabbos Mevarchim.
- The Rebbe Rayatz instituted that the entire Tehillim be recited prior to Shacharis on Shabbos Mevarchim.
- Following the Seder of Shabbos Mevarchim is extremely pertinent to the public, and is a great and lofty Mitzvah which brings an abundance of blessing in physical and spiritual matters.
- The saying of Tehillim daily after Davening and on Shabbos Mevarchim has future effects on one’s children and grandchildren.
- With a Minyan: The institution was for the Tehillim to be recited specifically together as a congregation, and not each person individually.
- For all Chassidim: The above institution applies for all Chassidim, even those that spend their time learning Chassidus and Davening in length. They are nevertheless to say the Tehillim specifically with the congregation.
- For all Jews: This institution is relevant for all sects of Jewry and not just for Chabad Chassidim. The Rebbe Rayatz placed due effort to bring other groups to recite the Tehillim on Shabbos Mevarchim. The Rebbe once stated “When Moshiach comes he will not accept any excuses, and he will ask how many Jews did you influence to participate in the Tehillim of Shabbos Mevarchim.” This institution is to be publicized to all Jews, in the name of the Rebbe Rayatz.
- Kaddish: If there is a Chiyuv present [an Avel within 11 months of a parents passing or one who has a Yartzite of a parent that day] then Kaddish is to be recited after each Sefer. If a Chiyuv is not present, then Kaddish is not to be recited between each Sefer, although at the conclusion of the entire Tehillim, Kaddish is to be recited by one who does not have any parents.
- Yehi Ratzon: In the event that Kaddish is being recited between each Sefer, the Yehi Ratzon for each Sefer is to be recited prior to each Kaddish. At the very least, it is to be recited by the person saying the Kaddish. Today, the Yehi Ratzon is customarily recited by the entire congregation, however some are accustomed not to say it, unless they are saying Kaddish or are leading the Tehillim. The Rebbe was not accustomed to recite the Yehi Ratzon after each Sefer, but rather only once after the entire Tehillim. In the event that there is no Chiyuv present and Kaddish is not being recited between each Sefer, it is implied that one does not recite the Yehi Ratzon between each Sefer.
- Verses before and after the Tehillim: It is not customary to recite the verses of Lechu Neranena printed prior the start of the Tehillim, nor the verses printed after the completion of the Tehillim.
- Shabbos Mevarchim Tishrei: The entire book of Tehillim is recited before Shacharis just as on any other Shabbos Mevarchim.
- Does the recital of Tehillim on Shabbos Mevarchim push off Davening with a Minyan? The age-old custom of saying the entire Tehillim prior to Davening does not take priority over Davening with a Minyan. This applies likewise to the Tehillim recited prior to Davening on Shabbos Mevarchim, that it certainly does not take priority to Davening with the Minyan. One is thus to be very careful that if he arrives to Shul while they are up to Davening, that he does not make the secondary primary and primary secondary [and say Tehillim while they are Davening].
- When is one to recite the Tehillim if he is unable to complete it before Shacharis? It may be said after Shacharis, after Mincha, and anytime throughout the day until nighttime. It is not to be recited on Motzei Shabbos until after midnight. If necessary, it may even be completed on Sunday, or even the next Shabbos. One may also begin saying it on Shabbos morning prior to the start of the Minyan. It is questionable whether it may be said on Friday night before midnight.
- Mamar Chassidus before Davening: After the completion of the Tehillim, the congregation is to study for approximately one hour a Chassidic discourse that is understood to all.
- After Davening on Shabbos Mevarchim, the congregation is to hold a Chassidic gathering.
- When: The gathering is to take place in accordance to the time that best fits the community, and for this purpose, can be delayed until the third meal or Melaveh Malka. During the summer months the Farbrengen is to take place during the day of Shabbos while during the winter months [it can be arranged to take place] on Motzei Shabbos.
- Eating the Shabbos meal with one’s family: The Shabbos day meal with one’s family is not to be exchanged for the Shabbos Mevarchim farbrengen. The Farbrengen is to be arranged in a way that the participants can return home to their families and join them for the Shabbos meal.
- Sharing the content of the talks with one’s family: Upon returning home, one is to share with one’s family the content that was spoken by the Farbrengen, and hence continue the Farbrengen with his family at home.
- Women: It is proper that also the women and girls establish a Chassidic gathering amongst themselves on Shabbos Mevarchim, or on Motzei Shabbos.
- Children: It is proper for even little children of three years of age to attend Farbrengens in order so they squeeze themselves between the Chassidim [and learn from them].
