Please see the Halacha Guide, relevant to the month of Nissan and Pesach:  https://bit.ly/LCPesach

May we all celebrate the ultimate זמן חרותנו today!
​​​​​​​
Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Please see this link for customs relevant to
the 15th day of Shevat and Shabbos Shirah:
https://bit.ly/15Shevat

May we merit to see a ישועה ונחמה in ארץ ישראל with the coming of Moshiach תיכף ומיד ממש. 

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Please view this link ( https://bit.ly/10Teves ) for a Halacha Guide relevant to this Friday, the fast of Asarah B’Teves.

If you are vacationing outside Melbourne, please note that Zmanim will not be accurate for you, and you need to confirm the correct Zmanim for your location.

Customs of Leil Nittel

For customs of Nittel (this Sunday night) and their details, please see this link: https://bit.ly/Nittell

May we merit that יהפכו ימים אלו לששון ולשמחה ולמועדים טובים – these days shall be transformed into days of joy and happiness – with the coming of Moshiach בקרוב ממש. 

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Halacha Guides

With Rosh Hashanah imminent, the full list of Halacha Guides for the entire Tishrei is included (with the addition of the Sukkos and Simchas Torah Guides, and .a binder containing all the Halacha Guides).
 
Halacha Guides:

1. Tishrei 5784: https://bit.ly/Tishrei84
A binder containing ALL of the Tishrei Halacha Guides.

2. Selichos Guide: https://bit.ly/Slichos
For the period of Selichos, up to and including Erev Rosh Hashana morning (inclusive).
 
3. Rosh Hashana Guide: https://bit.ly/LCRoshH
For Erev Rosh Hashana afternoon, Rosh Hashana, the Aseres Ymei Teshuvah and Shabbos Shuvah.
 
4. Baal Tokeiah Guide: https://bit.ly/Tokeiah
Relevant to anyone who will be blowing Shofar, whether in Shule or on Mivtzoim.
 
5. Tzom Gedalya Guide: https://bit.ly/LCTzomG
For Monday Tzom Gedalya.
 
6. Yom Kippur Guide: https://bit.ly/YomKipp
Including Erev and Motzei Yom Kippur.
 
7. Sukkos Guide: https://bit.ly/LCSukkos
Including the leadup to Sukkos, first days of Sukkos and Chol Hamoied.
 
8. Simchas Torah Guide: https://bit.ly/SimchasT
Including Hoshanah Rabbah, Shmini Atzeres, Simchas Torah and Shabbos Breishis.

Machzor Companions

The Machzor Companions are prepared for those davening at home without a minyan. They include an easy-to-follow guide to the Piyuttim along with explanations, annotations and suggested niggunim. For Yom Kippur, there is also a useful list of Tefillah priorities for those who cannot daven everything.
 
Rosh Hashana Day 1 (Shabbos version): https://bit.ly/RHMachzor1S
Rosh Hashana Day 2: https://bit.ly/RHMachzor2
 
Yom Kippur Book 1: https://bit.ly/YKMachzor1
Yom Kippur Book 2: https://bit.ly/YKMachzor2

With best wishes for a כתיבה וחתימה טובה לשנה טובה ומתוקה – May you be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet new year,

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Please view this link for a PDF guide containing laws and customs of the month of Elul, up to, but not including, the period of Selichos: https://bit.ly/MonthElul

With best wishes for a כתיבה וחתימה טובה,

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Please view this link for a PDF containing laws and customs of the Nine Days (not including Tishah B’Av): https://bit.ly/9DaysAv

Please remember the following before Rosh Chodesh begins (sunset of Tuesday Evening, which is 5:21pm in Melbourne):
Laundry
Dry-cleaning
To “pre-wear” all required garments

May we merit that יהפכו ימים אלו לששון ולשמחה – these days shall be transformed into joy and happiness – with the coming of Moshiach בקרוב ממש.

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Please click here for a Halacha Guide, relevant to Sivan & Shavuos 5783.

And click here for a Guide for Eruv Tavshilin, performed this year on Thursday, Erev Shavuos.

With best wishes for Kabolas Hatorah B’Simcha ub”Pnimiyus, and may we merit the Torah Chadasha with the speedy coming of Moshiach now.

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Please see Halacha Guide, relevant to the month of Nissan and Pesach: https://bit.ly/LCPesach

And a Guide for Eruv Tavshilin, performed this year on Wednesday, Erev Pesach: bit.ly/EruvTav

May we all celebrate the ultimate זמן חרותנו today!

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Please see this link for customs relevant to the 15th day of Shevat: https://bit.ly/15Shevat

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Please view this link (https://bit.ly/10Teves) for a Halacha Guide relevant to the fast of Asarah B’Teves.

If you are vacationing outside Melbourne, please note that Zmanim will not be accurate for you, and you need to confirm the correct Zmanim for your location.

May we merit that יהפכו ימים אלו לששון ולשמחה ולמועדים טובים – these days shall be transformed into days of joy and happiness – with the coming of Moshiach בקרוב ממש. 

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Please view this link for a Halacha Guide relevant to Chanukah: https://bit.ly/LChanukah
Wishing you לשנה טובה בלימוד החסידות ובדרכי החסידות,
And a Freilichen Chanukah.

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Please view this link for a PDF containing laws and customs for Tishah B’Av: https://bit.ly/TishahBav

[A Halacha Guide relevant to the Nine Days can be viewed at this link: https://bit.ly/9DaysAv.]
 
May we merit that the Halachos in this Guide remain theoretical, and that יהפכו ימים אלו לששון ולשמחה – these days shall be transformed into joy and happiness – with the coming of Moshiach בקרוב ממש.

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Please view this link for a Halacha Guide relevant to 17 Tammuz and the 3 weeks:
https://bit.ly/Tammuz17

Also, a reminder to arrange the following before the Three Weeks begin (i.e. before this forthcoming Shabbos):
1. Take any necessary haircuts
2. Purchase/wear any new clothing
3. Begin packing for any permitted journeys that will occur during the Three Weeks

May we merit that יהפכו ימים אלו לששון ולשמחה – these days shall be transformed into joy and happiness – with the coming of Moshiach בקרוב ממש.

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches
Yeshivah Shule – Young Yeshivah

Please see Halacha Guide, relevant to Sivan & Shavuos 5782: https://bit.ly/Shavuos

With best wishes for Kabolas Hatorah B’Simcha ub”Pnimiyus, and may we merit the Torah Chadasha with the speedy coming of Moshiach now.

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

Please see Halacha Guide, relevant to the month of Nissan and Pesach: https://bit.ly/LCPesach

And a Guide for Eruv Tavshilin, performed this year on Thursday, Erev Shvii Shel Pesach: bit.ly/EruvTav

May we all celebrate the ultimate זמן חרותנו  today!

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

Please see this link for customs relevant to Shabbos Shirah and the 15th day of Shevat: https://bit.ly/15Shevat

This year, Leil Nittel coincides with Friday night.
For related customs and their details, please see this link:
https://bit.ly/Nittell

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

Halacha Guides

Please view this link for a Halacha Guide relevant to Chanukah:
https://bit.ly/LChanukah

Wishing you a Freilichen Chanukah!

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

With Shabbos Selichos just a week away, please see a list of Halacha Guides from Elul until Aseres Ymei Teshuvah, a separate guide relevant to lockdown, and an online Pruzbul facility.
 
1. Tishrei 5782 and Lockdown: https://bit.ly/TishreiVic
Although we remain hopeful this does not eventuate, this guide focuses on many details relevant to lockdown, for the entire month of Tishrei.
 
2. Elul Guide: https://bit.ly/MonthElul
For the month of Elul, up to, but not including, the period of Selichos.
 
3. Selichos Guide: https://bit.ly/Slichos
For the week of Selichos, up to and including Erev Rosh Hashana afternoon.
 
4. Pruzbul Online: https://bit.ly/Pruzbul
The upcoming year, 5782 is a Shemittah year. There are various ways to perform Pruzbul; one option is through this online facility.
 
5. Rosh Hashana Guide: https://bit.ly/LCRoshH
Including the afternoon of Erev Rosh Hashana, Rosh Hashanah, Shabbos Shuvah and the Aseres Ymei Teshuvah.
 
6. Baal Tokeiah Guide: https://bit.ly/Tokeiah
Relevant to anyone who will be blowing Shofar, whether in Shule or on Mivtzoim.
 
7. Tzom Gedalya Guide: https://bit.ly/LCTzomG
For Monday Tzom Gedalya.

Each of these respective Halacha Guides will be resent shortly before it becomes practically relevant.

Machzor Companion (Piyutim): For those davening at home without a minyan, Young Yeshivah is preparing an easy to follow guide to the piyutim from chazoras hashatz – with explanations, annotations and suggested niggunim. These are being updated and improved from last year's version (for both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), and links will iy"h be made available when completed.
 
With best wishes for a כתיבה וחתימה טובה לשנה טובה ומתוקה – May you be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet new year,

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

Please view this link for a PDF containing laws and customs for Tishah B’Av: https://bit.ly/TishahBav

[A Halacha Guide relevant to the Nine Days can be viewed at this link: https://bit.ly/9DaysAv .]
 
May we merit that the Halachos in this Guide remain theoretical, and that יהפכו ימים אלו לששון ולשמחה – these days shall be transformed into joy and happiness – with the coming of Moshiach בקרוב ממש.

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

Please view this link for a Halacha Guide relevant to 17 Tammuz and the 3 weeks: https://bit.ly/Tammuz17

Also, a reminder to arrange the following before the three weeks begin (i.e. before this forthcoming Shabbos):
1. Take any necessary haircuts
2. Purchase/wear any new clothing
3. Begin packing for any permitted journeys that will occur during the Three Weeks

May we merit that יהפכו ימים אלו לששון ולשמחה – these days shall be transformed into joy and happiness – with the coming of Moshiach בקרוב ממש.

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

Please see this link for a Guide to Sefiras Haomer and the period between Pesach and Shavuos: bit.ly/LCSefirah
 
If you still require it, please see this link for the Pesach Guide: bit.ly/LCPesach

May we celebrate the ultimate זמן חרותנו  today!

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

Please see this link for a Halacha Guide relevant to
Parshas Zachor, Taanis Esther and Purim:
http://bit.ly/PurimLC

There are a number of variations when Purim coincides with Erev Shabbos. On such a year, the Rebbe emphasised that extra foresight and planning is required to ensure that all Purim and Mivtzoim activities do not interfere with Shabbos.

With best wishes for a Freilichen Purim and much Simcha year-round too. 

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

As a preparation for Yud Shevat, please see this link for a booklet containing: 
• Letters of the Rebbe in Hebrew (page 3) or English (page 9)
• Bosi Legani 5710 (page 15) 
• Bosi Legani 5711 (page 27) 
• Mishnayos (Hebrew/English) of the Frierdiker Rebbe's name (page 37) 
• Tanya Igeres Hakodesh (page 81)
 
The customs of Yud Shevat can be found in the Rebbe’s letter printed in Hebrew on pages 5-7 and in English on pages 11-14.
 
Additionally, please see this link for a separate booklet containing the Bosi Legani Maamorim of 5721 and 5741, which correspond to this year, 5781. For more resources in relation to Basi Lgani, please visit: basilgani.com.
 
For many more wonderful resources to prepare for Yud Shevat, please visit: YudShevat.org.

May we merit the coming of Moshiach תיכף ומיד ממש. 

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

Please view this link for a Halacha Guide relevant to Chanukah:
http://bit.ly/LChanukah.

Wishing you a Freilachen Chanukah,

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

With Selichos quickly approaching, the full list of Halacha Guides is being resent.

Please note the addition of the Yom Kippur Guide.

Matters relevant to lockdown have been expanded and appear later on in the email.
 
1. Elul Guide: http://bit.ly/MonthElul
For the month of Elul, up to, but not including, the period of Selichos.
 
2. Selichos Guide: http://bit.ly/Slichos
For the week of Selichos, up to and including Erev Rosh Hashana morning.
 
3. Rosh Hashana Guide: http://bit.ly/LCRoshH
Including the afternoon of Erev Rosh Hashana, Rosh Hashanah, Shabbos Shuvah and the Aseres Ymei Teshuvah.
 
4. Baal Tokeiah Guide: http://bit.ly/Tokeiah
Relevant to anyone who will be blowing Shofar, whether in Shule or on Mivtzoim.
 
5. Tzom Gedalya Guide: http://bit.ly/LCTzomG
For Monday Tzom Gedalya.
 
6. Yom Kippur Guide: http://bit.ly/YomKipp
Including for Erev and Motzei Yom Kippur.

__________________________________________________________________

On the uniqueness of Tishrei 5781:
 
1. This year, the first day of each Tishrei Yom Tov coincides with Shabbos. The last time this occurred was eleven years ago, in the year 5770. As such, it is important to look out for all of the variations that arise on such a Kvius. The Halacha Guides include much additional information relevant to the unique Kvius this year.
 
2. Another unique element this year is Tishrei in lockdown. The Halacha Guides therefore include more information than usual regarding a person davening without a Minyan. In addition, a couple of pointers (not incorporated in the guides) are included below.
 
Matters relevant in lockdown:
Points 1-4 were already included in the previous email. Point 5-12 are new, and are mainly relevant to Yom Kippur.

The Halacha Guide contains all the usual information regarding davening in Shule or with a Minyan, as well as Mivtzoim, for a number of reasons. First, it is still our hope that we will BE”H somehow be able to conduct Minyanim and Mivtzoim one way or another, even if in small groups with limited numbers. Second, this guide BH reaches various other communities who are able to daven with a Minyan. Finally, it is important to review practical Halachos even in the temporary situation that they cannot be kept. Some points relevant to lockdown which are not elaborated upon in the Guides:
 
1. Shofar during Elul: The Minhag of Shofar during Elul is to hear it in person. For those in lockdown without any viable option, hearing Shofar via Zoom does not seem to fulfil the core Minhag, at least not to the fullest degree. Nevertheless, it may still be apt to hear Shofar live via Zoom, because Shofar during Elul reminds us that Rosh Hashanah is coming, and its sound arouses within us feelings of Teshuvah and fear of heaven. Similarly, it may be appropriate to blow the Shofar in such a manner for children in an educational setting, while explaining to them why it is being done this way.
 
2. Hataras Nedarim: Although Minhag Chabad is to perform Hataras Nedarim in the presence of a full Minyan, the bare minimum is three men. There is a debate whether Hataras Nedarim can be performed via a Shliach, letter, phone call or Zoom, and this may be relied upon only when there is no other choice. Nevertheless, even according to the lenient opinion, this is valid only when the three men serving as Dayanim are physically present together.
 
3. Piyutim: For someone who davens without a minyan, there is no obligation to say Piyutim, but it is certainly appropriate to do so. This may not be done during one’s personal Shmoneh Esrei, but may be recited afterwards. Most Piyutim are said in entirety by both the Chazzan and congregation, and that is how the individual would recite them as well. [Although parts of Piyutim are often marked as “Chazzan” and “Kohol” in the Machzor, this is only in order to highlight which parts the Chazzan says aloud.] Exceptions: A non-Chazan does not say the paragraph of Misoid that appears at the beginning of Chazaras Hashatz, and in Shacharis he also does not say the paragraph that follows Misoid.
 
4. Krias Hatorah: When one davens alone because there is no Minyan available, it is appropriate to read Krias Hatorah in private between Shacharis and Musaf.
 
5. Kapparos: The early Achronim (Levush, Magen Avraham etc) state that, in the absence of a chicken, another animal should be substituted, adding that some even use fish. Although all the objectives of Kapparos are achieved only through a chicken, at least some of the objectives are achieved by using other livestock. Nevertheless, what needs to be considered is that these Poskim are in all likelihood talking about fish that will in any case be used for human consumption. Using a goldfish, for example, would seem questionable if it will afterwards go to waste. Another option mentioned by the later Achrohim is to perform Kapparos over money, substituting the words “Zeh Hakesef Yelech Litzdakah.”
 
6. Vidui: One who is not davening with a Minyan must still recite Vidui throughout Yom Kippur the same number of times as it is recited in Shule. He will therefore need to recite it during the quiet Shmoneh Esrei, and again afterwards, in lieu of the time we ordinarily recite it during the Chazzan’s repetition. This applies to both men and women.
 
7. Kol Nidrei: Where possible, this should be recited together with three men. In the absence of that, Kol Nidrei should still be recited individually.
 
8. Yud Gimmel Midos (in Maariv and Neilah): A person who davens without a Minyan should omit the Yud-Gimel Midos-Harachamim.
 
9. Hand sanitiser: Although it is generally forbidden to wash, bathe and apply ointments on Yom Kippur, there is an exception for sanitary and medical purposes. Therefore, one may use hand sanitiser, but only if the situation warrants it. (E.g. After touching high-contact surfaces shared with others, and one would regularly use hand sanitiser in such situations for health protection.)
 
10. Daily quota of 100 Brochos: As we can’t eat or drink on Yom Kippur, one substitute is by concentrating on the Brochos that are recited during Krias Hatorah and Haftorah. For those davening without a Minyan, this is not an option, and one should be extra attentive to find other ways to meet this quota, such as or by reciting Besomim over fragrant spices.
 
11. Tallis after the break: Someone davening without a Minyan is likely to have a longer break than usual. After the break, one does not make a Brocho when putting his Tallis back on, unless the break lasted more than “several hours”. Defining the length of “several hours” is unclear, but is no less than three hours. Therefore, it is appropriate to ensure that no more than three hours goes past without wearing a Tallis. If one’s break is longer, he can put it on for a few minutes in the middle.
 
12. Shofar at the fast’s conclusion: This is not obligatory, so one who does not have a Shofar does not need to go out of his way to hear it.
 
With best wishes for a כתיבה וחתימה טובה לשנה טובה ומתוקה - May you be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet new year,

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

Please view this link (http://bit.ly/10Teves) for a Halacha Guide relevant to the fast of Asarah B’Teves. 

Anyone vacationing outside Melbourne should note that Zmanim in the Halacha Guide will not be accurate for them, vacationers need to confirm the correct Zmanim for their location.

May we merit that יהפכו ימים אלו לששון ולשמחה ולמועדים טובים – these days shall be transformed into days of joy and happiness – with the coming of Moshiach בקרוב ממש. 

Rabbi Shmuel Lesches

One begins reciting V’sein Tal Umotor this Thursday night.

If one forgot V’sein Tal Umotor Livrocho:

• If one realized before saying Hashem’s name at the end of the Brocho, he goes back to V’sein Tal Umotor Livrocho and continues from there.
• If one already concluded the Brocho, he says V’sein Tal Umotor Livrocho before starting the Brocho of Teka B’Shofar.
• If one already began the Brocho of Teka B’Shofar, he says V’sein Tal Umotor Livrocho in the Brocho of Shma Koleinu, immediately before the words Ki Atoh Shomea Tefillah.
• If one forgot to say it then, but realized before saying Hashem’s name at the end of the Brocho of Shma Koleinu, he should say V’sein Tal Umotor Livrocho and continue with Ki Atoh Shomea Tefillah.
• If one already concluded Shma Koleinu, he says V’sein Tal Umotor Livrocho before starting the Brocho of Retzei.

If one already began Retzei, there is a difference between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
In the Southern Hemisphere:

• If one already began Retzei, he does not go back, and instead relies on the opinions who maintain that one does not daven for rain during the local summer months.

In the Northern Hemisphere:

• If one already began Retzei, he must go back to the beginning of the Brocho of Borech Aleinu, and continue from there until the end of Shmoneh Esrei. If he already began reciting (the second) Yih’yu L’ratzon, he must repeat the entire Shmoneh Esrei.
• If one did not realize his omission until the time for that Tefillah has passed, he must daven the next Tefillah twice. [E.g. If one forgot to say V’sein Tal Umotor Livrocho during Shacharis, he must recite the Shmoneh Esrei of Mincha twice.] Between the two Tefillos, he should wait the span of time to walk four Amos (approximately two metres), and preferably, he should recite words of supplication between them.
• If one forgot V’sein Tal Umotor Livrocho in Mincha of Erev Shabbos, he does not repeat Shmoneh Esrei of Friday night.

Laws & Customs: Shabbos Zachor, Taanis Esther and Purim 5779

Please view this link for a PDF containing a Halacha Guide relevant to: Parshas Zachor, Taanis Esther and Purim.

Laws & Customs: Chanukah 5779

Please view this link for a PDF containing laws and customs relevant to Chanukah. 

Best wishes for a Freilichen Chanukah.

Laws & Customs: Sukkos 5779

Please view this link for a PDF containing laws and customs for Sukkos Including the leadup to Sukkos, first days of Sukkos and Chol Hamoied.

Laws & Customs: Tzom Gedalya 5779

Please view this link for a PDF containing laws and customs for Wednesday Tzom Gedalya.

Laws & Customs: Rosh Hashana & Aseres Y’mei Teshuvah 5779

Please view this link for a PDF containing laws and customs of Rosh Hashana & Aseres Y’mei Teshuvah 5779: Including the afternoon of Erev Rosh Hashana, Rosh Hashanah, Shabbos Shuvah and the Aseres Ymei Teshuvah.

Laws & Customs: Month of Elul 5778

Please view this link for a PDF containing laws and customs of Elul (up to but not including the period of Selichos).