Raize Guttman 07-05-20 (13 Tamuz 5780)

Parsha Toldot - Chapter 25 - Verse 24 - 26
Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, cont. Halachot of dressing & conduct.
Tamuz 17 Fast


Rivka filled all the days of her pregnancy and she gave birth. We discuss the naming of of Esav and Yaakov and their very different natures. Esav was born asui (fully-made) / and a ba'al gaavah (follower of haughtiness/arrogance). Yaakov on the other hand had humility. All good things come from the middos of humility. Arrogance leads a person to a bad place. This is the difference bt Yaakov and Esav.

2 Halachot from the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch cont.
1. One should be careful not to dress like the goyim. One should try to be different than them not only in in dress, but also in speech and actions. i.e. no foul language, speak in a refined manner. Act in a refined manner.
2. A married woman must cover her hair when she goes outside. It is especially commendable to keep hair covered even in one's own home and the Zohar writes that if one is scrupulous in this mitzvah, she will merit good children.

We are entering the period called The Three Weeks beginning this Thursday, July 9, 2020. It is the 17th of Tamuz and it is a fast day (from sunrise until nightfall). These are days of five tremendous tragedies. One should utilize this day for introspection and teshuva. The sadness and mourning should lead us to closeness to Hashem as we re-examine and improve our ways. We should try to work on loving each other unconditionally since the Temple was destroyed because of baseless hatred.
May we merit to see the rebuilding of the Holy Temple very soon!