B'Soch Ha'Emek

Updates!

2008-04-12T20:28:00.001-07:00

Update: Pita Delight is no more...

Also, there is tentatively going to be a Be'in HaZman Chabura on Chol Ha'Moed perhaps a little before Pesach as well. Exact plans and location are in the process of being decided. Some trips, learning, food, other stuff. Email if interested.

O ya, the Phoenix Community Kollel is getting four more yungerleit to its stellar staff. One I think is in according to the J News and Kollel Sources.

DQB

Back in Phoenix

2008-04-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

Updates to come in as I find them out...
New Restaurant!!
Pita Delight http://www.pitadelight.net/pitahome.aspx
480-857-7277
918 North Alma School Road
Chandler AZ, 85224
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11-8, Friday 11-3

Looking for a Seder? Here are some options. Also feel free to contact any local shul also for a personal at-home invite as well (I am sure they will be happy to oblige for the visitor or local Sederless Jew).
List of Public Sedarim
1) Chabad of Anthem R' Yossi Friedman 623-551-8348 or rabbi@jewishanthem.com Both nights
2) Chabad of the East Valley 480-855-4333 chabadcenter.com First-night seder
3) Chabad of Phoenix 602-944-2753 Both nights
4) Chabad of Scottsdale 480-998-1410 Both nights
5) Sephardic Cultural Center Rabbi Pinchas Allouche 480-600-5065 RabbiAllouche@gmail.com First-night seder
6) Young Israel of Phoenix 602-265-8888 or YIofPhoenix@gmail.com First-night seder
(source: Jewish News of Greater Phoenix)

DQB

Good site for the Kosher Traveler

2007-12-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

http://shamash.org/kosher/
This site has a database for kosher restaurants and institutions. I cannot totally vouch for the site, but nonetheless the information on the database is definitely handy.

Happy Hanukkah!

Want to be inscribed in the book of life? Go to Shul!

2007-08-21T22:08:00.001-07:00

Evidence suggests that people who attend synagogue live longer
By Ofri Ilani, Haaretz Correspondent

Adults who attend synagogue regularly live longer than their peers who do not attend synagogue, according to a recently published study carried out by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Whole Article

DQB
Interesting!

R' Horowitz on At-Risk Teens

2007-08-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

Imagine going for a walk one winter morning and finding your neighbor sitting in his car vigorously turning the steering wheel - while the engine is shut off. When you ask him why he doesn’t start the car, he responds that his battery died, and he will soon get jumper cables to ‘give it a boost’. However, before he does that, he would like to turn the front wheels away from the curb so that he can instantly be able to pull out of the parking space once his automobile starts. You may walk away wondering why he is exerting so much energy turning the wheel of a stalled car, instead of waiting until the engine starts and the power steering kicks in.

This analogy reflects my thinking of how parents can be most helpful in assisting their at-risk teens get back on track. Very often, and understandably so, parents start helping their struggling kids by addressing the antisocial behaviors (partying or drug/alcohol abuse) or the rejection of Torah values (not keeping Shabbos or inappropriate attire). I have found, however, that the most effective thing that parents can do to really help their child is to assist him/her in getting his/her life in order. Once that is accomplished, it is far, far easier to help him/her with the other matters...

Continued

Imperial Kosher Market

2007-08-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

A very nice kosher market on Glendale (and 12th Street), nice selection with Pesach, packaged, and other items.

They make sandwiches to go (Circle-K next door has plenty of beverages as well).

Imperial Kosher Market
1145 E. Glendale Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Tel: 602-285-6999

For hours contact store.
I believe open until 3:30pm on Friday.

Sushi!

2007-08-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

For the record, Segal's has SUSHI!
This comes in addition to their new chinese menu. Please contact Segal's (see side link) for information on hours.

It started about a week and half ago, and I can tell you its quite good. I even got it twice just to make sure.

Shearim High School

2007-08-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

Starting tomorrow is the first day of Shearim Torah High School for Girls at 6516 N. Seventh St. It is the only Orthodox high school in the Phoenix area, may it be the start of an increase of Torah learning in the Valley.

Best of Luck to Rabbi Landesman and the rest of the staff!
For More Information: 602-920-3985

DQB

Simply Bread

2007-08-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

Simply Bread (under the O-U)
http://www.simplybread.com/

When it comes to fine breads, Phoenix Frum Community (and the community at large for that matter) is in a league of its own. Simply Bread opened last year. Started by an award winning baker, its breads can be found at most Kosher stores and even non-Kosher ones.

There is a bread bar at the place itself (not to far from New York New York, a Shomer Shabbos barber on 23rd and Indian School). There is rumor of a cafe being opened by them, more if it becomes anything down the road.

The Bread Bar Hours
Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

2117 N 24th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Phone: (602) 244-1778

link on site to where to get bread other than at the bakery itself: http://simplybread.com/get.aspx

ShortVort.com

2007-08-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

I found not to long ago this new site http://www.shortvort.com/. It's still in the early stages, but I think its a great idea.

Here's an example:
Rosh Hashana
Dear Friends Of Hashem

In Ezras Avoseinu, the Tefila in Shachris right before Shmoneh Esreh, we say "V'nasnu Yididim Zemiros V'shiros" - the beloved praised and exalted Hashem. The question can be asked - why do we use the word Yididim - beloved friends? Since when do we refer to ourselves as friends of the Ribbono Shel Olam? Sons, slaves, but friends?

continued

DQB
PS: Everybody add their vorts!

Lessons in Emunah

2007-08-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

Crazy Story.

http://www.jewishpress.com/page.do/22966/Lessons_In_Emunah.html
Lessons In Emunah
By: As told in Hebrew to Yerachmiel Tulles
Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Tied Up

I remember it as clearly as if it happened yesterday. It was Tuesday night, after midnight, Gimmel Adar Rishon 5749 (March 8, ’89) when I had the strangest dream. The [Lubavitcher] Rebbe appeared to me. He was smiling, which is a wonderful sign. He addressed me by my first name and said, “Tomorrow you should wear a necktie.”

Now, even in a dream, that sounded ridiculous. I’m one of those yeshiva guys who go with shirttails hanging out, and I can’t claim that I put on a fresh clean shirt everyday either. I guess you could call me a bit extreme. And I should put on a necktie. Preposterous!...

continue via link.

Kosher Corner

2007-08-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

I went there. It was nice, still seems like its growing.

6701 N. 7th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 266-0555 Other than no hours on Shabbos, not sure.

It's a dry heat...or so I thought

2007-07-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

Back from Yeshiva once more, the weather in New York and Phoenix has been shockingly similar. Weird.

On the horizon, the community is currently hosting multiple programs of SEED (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah_Umesorah). Though they are leaving soon...well can't win'em all.

Young Israel has a new site which is pretty spiffy. http://yiphoenix.org/ By the way, a welcome to Rabbi Gross to the community from all of me at B'Soch Ha'Emek!

Their is a new kosher store (something like Kosher Korner) on 7th Street and Maryland. I have no idea about it nor have I spoken to anyone who has been inside. Hopefully, more to follow.

King Solomon's and Segal's are looking nicer with some renovations. Nice.

Jewish News of Phoenix is a funloving as ever. Check out this block from the end of an editorial (the one that the publisher writes) about the recent death of Sherwin Wine, the "Atheist Rabbi".

In Israel, where Humanistic Judaism has taken root, the notion of Judaism without God is woven into the very fabric of the state. Doubtless many Americans, Jewish and non, were shocked in the 1960s by Wine's idea of Judaism without God. But the members of the early 20th-century European Zionist youth group Blau-Weiss, who went picnicking on Yom Kippur in defiance of what they were taught to consider antiquated religious superstition, would find Sherwin Wine's philosophy much more familiar than the kind of ultra-Orthodoxy that too often holds sway in the contemporary State of Israel.

The Culture Club

I know the Jewish News is a "community" paper, but I am suprised their selling point is to those who defiantly eat on Yom Kippur (I mean eating is one thing out of ignorance but defiantly...hello). Who cares they'd like Wine better than Orthodoxy, so would Jews who don't like Judaism!

More Updates to Follow!
DQB

Hip Hip Hirhurim

2007-04-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

I am almost back to the sunny, warm weather of New York :(

Before I go, I do wish to mention an excellent blog. Hirhurim.
That is Hirhurim.blogspot.com.

It has many interesting posts from Rabbi Gil Student.

Here is one:

Answering Machine Messages

I once heard R. Feivel Cohen comment on the common message on answering machines "I'll call you back as soon as possible." Are you really going to call that person back as soon as possible? Isn't it likely that you might make a few detours and perhaps delay a little before returning the phone call?

Cont. at http://hirhurim.blogspot.com/2005/08/answering-machine-messages.html

DQB

A Break from Cleaning or a Chol Ha'Moed Treat...

2007-04-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Some Pesach Videos...

Shlock Rock

The Date You Want to Passover.

True Freedom by R' Moshe Levertov

2007-03-31T20:21:00.000-07:00

This piece comes from the Jewish News of Phoenix written by local Rabbi, Moshe Levertov, son of R' Zalman Levertov, founder of Chabad of Arizona. I enjoyed it.

True Freedom

Great Article By R' E. Feldman

2007-03-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

I came across this article: http://www.ou.org/index.php/jewish_action/article/10000/

Pesach Sites

2007-03-27T23:37:00.000-07:00

For Pesach Information:
www.oupassover.org
www.star-k.org
www.crcweb.org
http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/default.asp
www.kosherquest.org
http://jsor.org/ (For Sephardim)

List is likely not exclusive, check with your Rabbi

DQB

Late Minyan Anyone?

2007-03-27T22:54:00.000-07:00

There is interest in a late shacharis (morning) minyan until Pesach and a little after. Any interest, please comment.

As for Pesach, there will be an 8am minyan throughout Pesach including Chol HaMoed.

DQB

The Bochur is Back In Town...

2007-03-26T23:31:00.000-07:00

BS"D

I am back on break from Yeshiva. Had a great part zman B"H! Glad to not be freezing when I walk outside. Phoenix, what a place! What a great place to move. start/continue families, build the community, and read my blog for whats going in that burgeoning heilege shtetl.

Few Things...

1) Let me start, my discussing some current hashkafa (Jewish philosophy) that I feel is necessary about an issue facing our community for far too long. It is matter well addressed in the Poskim, and Pseudoapyropha, and Cornitians. I think Phoenix needs a Kosher Dunkin Donuts, we need to form a committee or something. Its a matter of grave importance for all Klal Yisrael. Think about it a place to talk 24/7 that serves donuts and coffee, have not I blown ye mind? I am thinking email, a mail campaign, signed documents by all 100,000 are so Jews in the Valley. Maybe contact your congressmen or something.
2) Wow, Pesach is coming up, oh boy. I will be posting details (seder goings on, food sellings around the valley, maybe some Halacha).
3) Moed Katan...that Mesechta doesn't get the kavod it deserves. By the way mid-Pesach, the Daf Yomi Cycle ends Seder Moed in the Gemara with Hagigah (I hear good things) [currently doing Mo'ed Katan]. So, if you ever felt the urge to do the Daf, do it. Its a shorter mesechta, lots of quality aggadata (not that all aggadata is great), and after is Yevamos. Where let's say there is Reuven, Shimon, Shimon's Wife, a shoe, Shimon's older brother, younger brother, and midbrother who is a mentally incapicated and 8 years old, Reuven's wife who is also Shimon's mother, and they all need to go to the dry cleaners without taking two trips. The answer is you are the bus driver...I mean it gets complicated.
4) New Updates: Shuls, Restaurants, Places of Interest

DQB

So, you always wanted to daven from the amud?

2007-01-11T19:48:00.001-08:00

Well, with G-d's help, I'll be on my way to Yeshiva Sh'or Yoshuv as of Motzei Shabbos. I have been for some time the main davener at Shaarei Tzedek (11th ave and glendale). Not to sound obnixious, the shul could use some help. If anyone is interested in helping out especially newbies to the davening from the amud scene should contact Shaarei Tzedek (see godaven.com). It is quite heimishe, and is a great place to learn to daven as shaliach tzibur (I know from experience). So, come on, why not?

If you know others who are in the area also, tell them about the shul. Shabbos 8:45am everyweek!

DQB

Haifa is no more

2007-01-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

As of a few days ago, Haifa has been sold to other folks who are switching it to a Mexican restaurant. The Vaad is no longer supervising (though I don't think its open at the moment anyways to boot).

DQB

Praying in the Valley

2007-01-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

I need to add the posts for each shul, some I have began. Here is a list (possibly not all encompassing) of davening times...

M-F
6:30am Beth Joseph (Sunday 7:45am)
6:30am Young Israel (Sunday 8:30am)
6:45am Phoenix Community Kollel (Sunday 8am)
6:45/7:00am Chabad of Scottsdale (6:45 on MTh) (Sunday 8am)
7:00am Chabad of Phoenix (Sunday 8am)
7:15am Shaarei Tzion Ohel Bracha (Sunday 8am)
Occasionally Special Minyans Occur Especially on Federal US Holidays

Shabbos
8am Phoenix Community Kollel
8am Shaarei Tzion Ohel Bracha
8:30am Young Israel
8:30am Ahavas Torah
8:45am Beth Joseph
8:45am Shaarei Tzedek
9:30am Chabad of Phoenix
9:30am Chabad of Scottsdale

Not Complete, Check Federation Page for Addresses

KSP introduces sunday breakfast!

2007-01-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

I have heard through the grape vine King Solomon's Pizza will be open for breakfast as of next sunday (the 14th). The Cafe K at the J and the Scottsdale Cafe both have breakfast served daily in Scottsdale.

DQB

Shiur 3: 4a/4b

2006-12-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

Another Cool Mentionable:
The Whole Sukkah Misnayos, Quickly Reviewed
http://www.shemayisrael.co.il/mishna/archives/sukka.htm

From Ohr.edu (Ohr Somayach)
Upwards and Sideways

A succah must have at least three walls. Certain laws were given at Sinai to Moshe, even though they were not recorded in the Torah, which allow us to stretch the definition of a wall. One of these is the concept of "gud asik" which enables us to see as reality an imaginary, upward extension of an existing wall.

Two examples of this are mentioned: 1) The succah has the required number of walls of the required minimum height. However, they do not reach up to the schach (roofing) which is supported by tall poles. We therefore apply "gud asik" and view the walls as extending upward and reaching the schach. 2) Four poles are placed on the corners of a roof and upon them the schach is placed. There are no visible walls supporting the schach, but (according to one opinion) by applying "gud asik" we extend the walls of the house upward so that they form the necessary walls.

Both of these cases are cited in Shulchan Aruch. Regarding the first case, the halachic authorities point out that "gud asik" applies even if there is a sideways gap between the (imaginary) upward extension and the schach, provided this gap is less than three tefachim (handbreaths). This is made possible by applying another one of those aforementioned oral laws, called "lavud," which allows us to view any gap of less than three tefachim as non-existent. (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 630:9)

Regarding the second case, however, "gud asik" applies only if the poles in question are at the very edge of the roof. If they are not at the very edge, even if they are less than three tefachim away, we cannot "come to the rescue" with "lavud," and such a succah is invalid. (See Mishna Berura 630:31)

What is the difference?...

Entire Article: http://ohr.edu/yhiy/article.php/312

Some More From Alfasi.blogspot.com
http://alfasi.blogspot.com/2006/09/rif-succah-1b-succah-2b-continues-3b.html

From Dafnote:
Sukkah 4 Highlights: http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-4-highlights_06.html

Less than Ten

Sfas Emes quotes from the sefer Beis Yisroel that asks on the fact that the Gemora cites sources from the Torah that a sukkah is invalid if it's less than ten tefachim. Shouldn't it be passul because one cannot dwell comfortably in such a sukkah? The Sfas Emes answers that the possuk is needed for a case where the schach is higher than ten, but the walls are not. If not for the passuk, this would be valid for the schach is higher than ten.

The Brisker Rav states (similar to the Sfas Emes) that there are two aspects of this halacha. There is a requirement that the walls must be at least ten tefachim and that the sukkah must be one where a person can dwell comfortably. A difference would be in a case where one would rest his sukkah on bedposts. The sukkah has walls that are ten tefachim, however it would be passul for the bed inside the sukkah creates that one cannot live comfortably there.

Original Post: http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-4-less-than-ten.html

Bent Walls

If a sukkah is higher than twenty amos and a platform is built next to three walls of the sukkah, this will reduce the size of the sukkah and it will be valid. If the platform is built less than four amos away from the walls, it will still be kosher due to the principle of dofan akumah.
...More on Dofan Akumah

There are two explanations in the Rishonim as to the mechanics of dofan akumah...

Entire Post: http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-4-bent-walls.html

Sitting or Standing

If the sukkah is higher than ten tefachim and some of the leaves from the schach hang down within ten tefachim and those leaves by itself would not have more shade than sun, there is an argument if the sukkah is kosher or not. Rava maintains that it is not valid for this is considered a dirah seruchah.

The Reshash asks how can a sukkah which is precisely ten tefachim high be valid, the height of a regular person is eighteen tefachim? A person will not be able to stand straight in this sukkah and it will be extremely uncomfortable?...

Entire Post: http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-4-sitting-or-standing.html

Thoughts from the Aleph Society on Sukkah 4a-4b: http://www.steinsaltz.org/dynamic/DafYomi_details.asp?Id=373
Diagram as described in Gemara: http://www.steinsaltz.org/dynamic/content.asp?id=124
See Diagrams of the various scenarios on the the first link, very good...
2a-5b On OU, same summary as the Aleph Society
http://www.ou.org/shabbat_shalom/article/masechet_sukkah25/

Question and Answers
Why no protective fence? http://www.mail-archive.com/daf-discuss@shemayisrael.co.il/msg01117.html
Itztava: http://www.mail-archive.com/daf-discuss@shemayisrael.co.il/msg01118.html

Shiur 3: 3a/3b

2006-12-12T23:18:00.000-08:00

Please reference above for listening to the daf.

Halacha from the Daf: http://jbuff.com/Sukka3.pdf

DafNotes
Daf Yomi - Sukkah 3 - 49 Total or 7 by 7?
Tosfos, according to our version, rules that a sukkah that its length is longer than seven handbreaths, yet its width is less than seven would still be valid. It would seem that a sukkah that has over fortynine square tefachim would be valid. There is a version in Tosfos, brought down on the side of our Gemoros that disagrees with this and holds that a sukkah must have seven tefachim by the length and the width.
Original Link: http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-3-49-total-or-7-by-7.html

Daf Yomi - Sukkah 3 - Sukkah Corners

The Magen Avrohom 634 rules that if one has a corner in a large sukkah that does not have seven square tefachim, one cannot sit in that portion of the sukkah for the space is too cramped to sit comfortably. He sites our Gemora as proof to this, for the compartment where Hilni was sitting was not deemed as part of the large sukkah.

Biur Halacha quotes the Bikurei Yaakov as asking on the proof...

Entire Post:
http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-3-sukkah-corners.html

Daf Yomi - Sukkah 3 - Tableless Sukkah

The Gemora concludes that Beis Shamai and Beis Hillel argue in two cases. They argue as to what is the minimum size a sukkah can be to still be valid. Beis Shamai holds that the sukkah must be large enough to contain the person's head, a majority of his body and the table. Beis hillel maintains that it is sufficient even if it cannot contain the table. They also argue on a large sukkah that is next to a house and the table is in the house. Beis Shamai states that one does not fulfill his mitzva in this manner for there is a concern that he will be drawn after his table, which is in the house and Beis Hillel disagrees...

Entire Post: http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-3-tableless-sukkah.html

Daf Yomi - Sukkah 3 - Mitzva of Maakeh

The Gemora states that if one has a house that is less than four amos squared, he is exempt from building a fence around the roof, for this is not considered a house. The commentators ask that it is still a stumbling block and if one doesn't build a fence there, it will endanger people's lifes? The Gemora in Bava Kamma 15b learns from the passuk of lo sasim damim beveisecha that one should not raise a wild dog in his house or a rickety ladder. Shouldn't he be required to build a fence here because of the possibility of someone falling?...

Entire Post: http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-3-mitzva-of-maakeh_05.html

More: Daf Yomi - Sukkah 3 - Highlights

Q&A regarding Helena story, why not just remove the walls?
http://www.mail-archive.com/daf-discuss%40shemayisrael.co.il/msg01116.html

Q&A regarding the word Posul, isn't it posul to use the word with d'rabanans?
http://www.mail-archive.com/daf-discuss%40shemayisrael.co.il/msg01119.html

Written Shiur 3a
Daniel Z Feldman
The Power of the Rabbis to Override Torah Law (Yesh Koach B’Y’dei Chachamim L’Akor Davar Min HaTorah B’Shev V’Al Ta’aseh)
http://www.yutorah.org/daf/dialogs/text.cfm?shiurID=710395&shiurSeforimSourceID=6001025#

More tomorrow...

Shiur 2: Sukkah 2a/2b cont.

2006-12-11T22:24:00.000-08:00

Other Places to Here the Daf:
The Orthodox Union: http://www.ouradio.org/daf/P96/
DafYomi.org: http://www.dafyomi.org/index.php?masechta=succah&daf=2a&go=Go
HaDaf HaYomi (Meorot HaDaf): http://hadafhayomi.co.il/index.php?l=en&a=homepage/archive&id=44&shortcut=1

Great Resources cont.

Daf Yomi Digest for Sukkah 2: http://dafdigest.org/sukkah/Sukkah%20002.pdf

Halacha for Sukkah 2: http://jbuff.com/Sukka2.pdf

Interesting Question and Answer about the comparision of Mavoy and Sukkah in Daf 2a
http://www.mail-archive.com/daf-discuss%40shemayisrael.co.il/msg01113.html

Interesting Question and Answer about what does it mean that the walls reach the S'cach: http://www.mail-archive.com/daf-discuss%40shemayisrael.co.il/msg01120.html

It states in Succah 2a, the pasuk from Isiah (4:6) that is basis of the opinion of R' Zeira regarding the reason why the Sukkah cannot be more than 20 amos tall. Later, this is disregarded by the other two opinions on the next amud (though R' Zeira has a backing based on the wording) as incorrect due to the pasuk describing the times of Moshiach. Rabbeinu Chananel has a note on this in the bottom corner of 2a (v'R Zeira sukkah limut hamashiach he. Klomar... asbout 10 lines from the bottom), for English see Artscroll Schottenstein Edition 2b1, note 4.
The following drasha explains this idea further amongst related ones:
http://dafyomi.shemayisrael.co.il/parsha/archives/sukkos1.htm (section IV quotes from Sukkah 2a the 3rd opinion of Rava interstingly enough too)

R' Shlomo Singer has a b'iyun shiur collection YU's site. Beginning with this http://www.yutorah.org/remoteShowShiur.cfm?shiurID=716353
You need the Ran to follow along. Analyzing the Mishna's Sun v. Shade matter (2a), Rashi's comment on them by the Ran, mentions other sources too.

Shiur #1: Sukkah 2a/2b

2006-12-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

I have done the daf yomi mostly since Meseches Pesachim...yet I need to review. So, I am setting up a calendar to review beginning with Sukkah. I will publicize this, so others can use the resources I cite. Please send additional ones, I will update if necessary posts if I find other resources of interest.

To See the Gemara
Visit e-daf.com also YU has a magnifying glass for enhanced viewing (see http://www.yutorah.org/daf.cfm?masechta=6010&daf=2&amud=a)

2a/2b
Shiurim: Daf 2 (see which you like)
YU: http://www.yutorah.org/showShiur.cfm?shiurID=715963
Daily Gemara: http://www.dailygemara.com/Default.asp?MasechetID=11&PageID=623

Intro to Mesechta: http://www.steinsaltz.org/dynamic/DafYomi_details.asp?id=370

Links: http://alfasi.blogspot.com/2006/09/rif-succah-1a-succah-2a-b.html
http://alfasi.blogspot.com/2006/09/rif-succah-1b-succah-2b-continues-3b.html

From Kollel Iyun HaDaf
Background: http://dafyomi.shemayisrael.co.il/sukah/backgrnd/su-in-002.htm
Insights: http://dafyomi.shemayisrael.co.il/sukah/insites/su-dt-002.htm
More Later...
Point by Point Outline: http://dafyomi.shemayisrael.co.il/sukah/points/su-ps-002.htm

Blog Posts:
Dafnotes
Daf Yomi - Sukkah 2 - Shade at Twenty Amos
The Chachamim maintain that a Sukkah that is higher than twenty amos is invalid. One of the reasons offered by the Gemara is that one is obligated to sit in the shade of the Sukkah, which refers to the s’chach. When the Sukkah is higher than twenty amos, there will be no shade from the s’chach. Rather, the shade will be from the walls. Ritva wonders about this, because in the middle of the day, when the sun is directly above, the shade will be from the s’chach and not from the walls?...
Entire Post: http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-2-shade-at-twenty-amos.html

Daf Yomi - Sukkah 2 - Spelling of Sukkah
The Cheishek Shlomo notes that the word Sukkah is always spelled in the Talmud with the letter vav, yet in Scripture the word Sukkah is always spelled without a vav. The word Sukkos in the plural form, however, is spelled with a vav...
Enire Post: http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-2-spelling-of-sukkah.html

Daf Yomi - Sukkah 2 - A Little Bit Shady
A Sukkah is designed to provide shade. The Mishnah states that if the sunny area of a Sukkah is greater than its shaded area, the Sukkah is invalid. Rashi explains that the minority of shaded area on the Sukkah floor is negated by the majority of sunny area. The commentators wonder why it was necessary for Rashi to offer this reason. Is it not obvious that a Sukkah that does not have the necessary amount of shade is invalid?...
Enire Post: http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-2-little-bit-shady.html

Daf Yomi - Sukkah 2 - Chanukah Derived from the Torah
The Gemora brings a Mishna in Eruvin which contains an argument regarding a mavuy which is higher than twenty cubits. The sages hold that it not valid and one should lower it and Rabbi Yehuda maintains that lowering it is not necessary. The Gemora explains why our Mishna states that the sukkah is unfit and the Mishna in Eruvin states how to fix the mavuy. One of the distinctions offered is that sukkah is a halacho from the Torah and therefore it says psula, however mavuy which is only from the sages, we do not utilize the word 'pasul,' rather the Mishna states what the options are.

Tosfos asks from a Gemora in Shabbos that states if one placed the menorah for Chanukah higher than twenty cubits from the street, it is passul. Lighting the menorah on Chanukah is only from the sages, so how can we state pesula?...
Entire Post: http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-2-chanukah-derived.html

Daf Yomi - Sukkah 2 - Chinuch with all the Pitchevkes
There is an argument regarding a sukkah that is more than twenty amos high. The sages hold that it is invalid and Rabbi Yehuda maintains that it is kosher. The Gemora proceeds to bring a proof by relating a story where the sages went to visit Hilni the Queen. Her sukkah was more than twenty cubits high. The Gemora could not bring a proof from her for a woman is exempt from the obligation of sitting in a sukkah. However, there is a proof nonetheless, for Hilni had seven sons and certainly one of them was of the age of chinuch and hence Hilni had an obligation to ensure that her son was sitting in a kosher sukkah.
Entire Post: http://dafnotes.blogspot.com/2006/09/daf-yomi-sukkah-2-chinuch-with-all.html
See Also: Posul is Posul
Sukkah 2 Highlights

News

2006-11-28T18:54:00.000-08:00

This site is not another political blog interested in stating its author's opinions on the latest house vote and presidential address. But, I do wish to discuss some news organizations that are more traditional in nature for the political junky amongst us.

As sourced on the site previously, JewishWorldReview.com is a source of many editorialists and columnists mixed in with Torah articles. Another site is from the Shema Yisrael Torah Network called Dei'ah veDibur (which has a connection to the print Yated see http://chareidi.shemayisrael.com/akenesststld67.htm). It is published weekly. For other news sources, see later.

Here are two article from Dei'ah veDibur:
Thousands Join Gedolei Yisroel for Gathering to Strengthen Modesty
By Betzalel Kahn

A major gathering on Motzei Shabbos at Ramat Tamir Halls in Jerusalem was attended by a number of gedolei Yisroel led by Maran HaRav Eliashiv shlita, roshei yeshivos, roshei kollelim and thousands of avreichim.

Speeches were given by HaRav Dovid Cohen, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Chevron, HaRav Shmuel Betzalel, one of the roshei yeshiva of Yeshivat Porat Yosef, HaRav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz, HaRav Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman, HaRav Boruch Shapira and HaRav Aviezer Piltz, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Tifrach.

HaRav Lefkowitz said Torah cannot be sustained in a home where standards of modesty are inadequate. "If modesty is lacking at home, chas vesholom, can the mother inculcate Torah values in her children? As she prepares to recite the blessings over the candles on Erev Shabbos, a fitting time to pray that her sons grow up to be talmidei chachomim and yirei Shomayim, can her prayers be accepted if she is dressed in immodest clothes? In honor of Shabbos one should wear nice, modest clothes. But is it possible to make requests of HaKodosh Boruch Hu regarding one's sons and daughter dressed in today's fashions?"

Speaking briefly, HaRav Shteinman endorsed the remarks of the rabbonim who had spoken earlier and also cited the verse, "Velo yeiro'eh becho ervas dovor," saying that if women are not properly covered the Divine Presence will not be in our midst. "At least the bit of Divine Presence we have, we should try not to lose," he said.

The final wording of the practical recommendations of the kenes was not available at press time, and the Vaada Ruchanit said that we should not publish a draft on something this sensitive.

Original Link: http://chareidi.shemayisrael.com/akenesststld67.htm

CBS: Children Make Up One-Third of Israel's Population
By G. Kleiman

Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) figures show that at the end of 2005 there were 2,326,400 children (ages 0-17) living in Israel: 1,608,300 Jewish children, 643,000 Arab children and more than 70,000 "other" children from immigrant families whose religion is not listed in the population registry.

Like in 2004, children constitute one-third of the total population. In most of the Western world the percentage of children is considerably smaller, whereas in many Arab countries children constitute half of the population.

In 2005 there were 143,900 babies born, of which 51.4 percent were boys. 100,700 were born to Jewish mothers, 34,200 to Muslim mothers, 4,000 to mothers whose religion is not listed, 2,500 to Druse mothers and 2,500 to Christian mothers.

The highest child-adult ratio of any municipality is in Beitar Illit, where children constitute 63 percent of the population. In Modi'in Illit and Elad as well, the percentage of children is approaching the 60 percent mark. Similar figures were recorded in Bedouin towns in the South, such as Tel Sheva, Rahat and Kasifa.

As in past years Jerusalem has the largest child population in absolute numbers, with 291,700 children representing 40.5 percent of city residents. Tel Aviv-Jaffa is second with 75,400 children, but there they represent a mere 20 percent of the overall population — the lowest child-adult ratio of any urban center in Israel. In Givatayim, Bat Yam and Ramat Gan as well, the ratio hovers around the 20 percent mark.

In contrast Bnei Brak's 67,500 children constitute 47 percent of the population. In Modi'in-Maccabim and Re'ut, both of which have a large concentration of (non-chareidi) young couples, the portion of children is 43 percent and 41 percent respectively.

Of the 574,468 children enrolled in Jewish sector primary schools in 5765, 25 percent studied at chareidi schools (up from 21.9 percent in 5763) compared to 56 percent at government schools (down from 59 percent in 5763) and 18.9 percent at government-religious schools (down from 19.1 percent in 5763).

Original Link: http://chareidi.shemayisrael.com/TLD67ademog.htm

DQB

B'Soch Ha'Emek thought of the day: Study Torah :)

A BH Shiur?

2006-11-25T22:04:00.000-08:00

I know that this site is still getting built... as well as I don't know if anyone has caught on to it...nonetheless, I wish to see if anyone wants to study a particular topic from a particular source. I imaginge using resources online as well as Rebbeim in Phoenix depending on the matter decided.

Any comments, thoughts? No need to be a Phoenician!

The Importance of Jewish Melodies

2006-11-25T21:58:00.000-08:00

Melodies and prayers
By Rabbi Berel Wein
Does it really matter if liturgical music is "authentic"?

On Saturday night I was listening to one of the programs on Israel radio while waiting for some inspiration to write my weekly article on a Jewish topic. The program featured prayers, hymns and melodies sung by a young Sephardic cantor. The young man had a beautiful lyric tenor voice but the melodies that he sang were certainly strange to my Ashkenazic ears. The music was exotic sounding, distinctly Middle Eastern in tone and pitch and in a strange way, very provocative and unsettling. I then wondered whether this music and melodies, put to the words of Psalms and our traditional prayers, was perhaps more authentic than the melodies that I am accustomed to hearing being sung in our synagogue.

Full Article: http://jewishworldreview.com/wein/wein_liturgy.php3

Collection of "Jewish" Quotes (from Simple to Remember)

2006-11-25T21:48:00.000-08:00

Interesting Read!
http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/quotes.htm
One of the quotes:
Until today (1888), no people has succeeded in establishing national dominion in the Land of Israel. No national unity, in the spirit of nationalism, has acquired any hold there. The mixed multitude of itinerant tribes that managed to settle there did so on lease, as temporary residents. It seems that they await the return of the permanent residents of the land.

- Professor Sir John William Dosson
Modern Science in Bible Lands, London: Harper and Brothers, 1889, pp. 449-450.

Torah Article for Thanksgiving?!?

2006-11-21T17:04:00.000-08:00

I came across this article on YU's site. Looks interesting..., a PDF, so you must click the link to read.

God in History and Halakha from the Prospective of American History
by Rabbi Zevulun Charlop
Date: January 1, 1989
Publication: Torah U'Madda\Volume 1: 1989

Not made I believe for Thanksgiving, but seems a tad germane, eh?

Written Shiur by Moshe Goldberger from Torah.org

2006-11-21T16:56:00.000-08:00

Blessings after a Meal

You shall eat and be satisfied, and you shall bless Hashem, your God, for the good land that He gave you. (Devarim 8:10)

One is obligated to recite Birkas HaMazon (Grace after Meals) after every meal eaten with bread. Although the blessings are a Torah obligation, the Talmud explains that the text we have was formulated at different points in our history:

• The first blessing was formulated by Moshe Rabbeinu in gratitude for the mon, the miracle food which the Jews ate for forty years.

• The second blessing was formulated by Yehoshua when the Jews entered Eretz Yisrael.

• The third blessing was formulated by David HaMelech, who focused his prayers on the Jewish nation and on Yerushalayim, and by Shlomo who added the prayer for the Beis HaMikdash.

• The fourth blessing was added by the Sages of Yavneh, when they were granted the right to bury the deceased of Beitar and they saw the great miracle that the bodies had not decomposed.

Rav Shimshon Refael Hirsch explains that when the Jews were exiled the other nations claimed that the Jews had been rejected by Hashem. To demonstrate that Hashem never forsakes us, the Sages added a blessing to bentching upon the first major miracle in exile.

Before eating, one is required to recite a blessing for each type of food, unless he eats it as part of a meal, in which case it is covered by the HaMotzi blessing. This is a Rabbinical ordinance.

Text Copyright © 2006 by Rabbi Moshe Goldberger and Torah.org.
For more Torah go to Torah.org
Exact URL of Article: http://torah.org/learning/mitzvah/13.html

Divrei Torah 24/6

2006-11-19T22:36:00.000-08:00

There is a guy who maintains a stellar Jewish site at http://eparsha.com/ that contaiins an assortment of quality and not so quality Jewish websites, at its beginnning it was exclusively for Dvar Torahs but not anymore. Please be aware that I am not supporting any particular person linked nor even respect for those linked.

DQB

Parshas Chayei Soroh: Reciting Sheva Berachos

2006-11-14T22:40:00.000-08:00

Parshas Chayei Soroh: Reciting Sheva Berachos
Halachic Dvar Torah from tzemachdovid.org

The Torah tells us that after Rivkah agreed to return with Avraham's servant to marry Yitzchak, her family gave her a Beracha as they sent her away (Bereishis 24:60). The Beraisa at the beginning of the first Perek of Maseches Kallah states that this Posuk is the source of our practice to recite the Birchas Chassanim, better known as the Sheva Berachos, at a wedding. We likewise read in Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer (Perek 16) that Rivkah's family stood and gave her a Beracha just as a Chazzan stands and recites Berachos in the presence of the Kallah under the Chupah. The Gemara there in Maseches Kallah (Perek 1 Ibid.) as well as in Kesubos (7b) cites other Pesukim which similarly hint at the practice of reciting these special Berachos.

The Mishnah in Megillah (23b) indicates that a Minyan of ten men is required in order to say these Berachos; the aforementioned Gemara in Kesubos (Ibid.) derives these points from the Pesukim as well. On the next page in Kesubos (8a) the Gemara states that the Chosson himself may be counted toward the Minyan. Rabbi Pinchas HaLeivi Horowitz, in his Sefer Haflo'oh on Maseches Kesubos (Ibid. s.v. Kol Zeh), suggests that this may depend upon which Posuk is the actual source for requiring a Minyan altogether; the Shulchan Aruch, however, (Even HaEzer Siman 72 Sif 4) rules clearly that the Chosson may indeed be counted. The Netziv, in his commentary to the She'iltos (HaEmek Sheilah on Sheiltos 16 Ot 11), explains that the Chosson can be part of the Minyan because he too has an obligation to be "MiSameach" the Kallah, which apparently is accomplished by saying these Berachos. However, the Mordechai in Kesubos (Siman 131, 1a) quotes from one of the Geonim that it is preferable that the Chosson himself not be the one to actually recite the Berachos.

For More: http://www.tzemachdovid.org/thepracticaltorah/chayeisoroh.shtml

Aruch HaShulchan Online!

2006-11-14T22:24:00.000-08:00

B'H

It is my quest partially to try to find great oppurtunities of Torah study online. I found this site: http://www.halachaonline.com/. Its focus is the Aruch HaShulchan (not to be confused with the Shulchan Aruch), a more recent digest of halacha.

What is the Aruch HaShulchan?
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aruch_HaShulchan

The site has audio shiurim regarding tefillin, hanukkah, torah shel peh, and a few others. The Head of the program is Rav Bar Hayim who "is the head of Beit Din Beit Vaad Lechachamim, the head of Machon Ben Yishai, and a member of the Vaad HaTorani of Manhigut Yehudit." One needs the Aruch HaShulchan to follow along.

DQB

Building on a Foundation in Mexico (great!)

2006-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

Building on a Foundation in Mexico By Rabbi Paysach J. Krohn

In this week's Torah (Bible) portion, we recount the first Sabbath. Throughout the ages, Jews have sacrificed much to "honor" and "guard" the holy day. A true story of how one individual, in the face of great temptation and pressure, was rewarded abundantly for doing so

The negotiations were taking much longer than expected. Two representatives of a real estate conglomerate were trying to complete the purchase of an office building in downtown Mexico City, but the lawyers were belaboring the details slowly and meticulously. Every office had to be inspected, the insurance policies verified, and the terms of payment specified to the last penny. Jacobo Sherem, the managing partner of the owners' group, was desperate to complete the transaction. With every passing moment, he was becoming more impatient and exasperated.

An architect by profession, Jacobo had been trying to sell this particular office building for months, so that he could finally turn a profit on his investment. He had designed, bought and sold buildings in the past, but this building on Calle Presa Salinillas had been his biggest investment, and so far it had been a losing proposition for his group. Due to the depressed financial climate in Mexico, most of the office space was unoccupied.

As the hours passed, Jacobo became increasingly nervous. The buyers had told him unequivocally that they were leaving Mexico on the first plane out the next morning, which was Saturday. They would not delay their trip. If they could complete the purchase that day, that would be wonderful; otherwise they would cancel the negotiations and move on to prospective deals in other countries.

It was the late hour of the day, Friday, that was putting pressure on Jacobo. For the last year he had been attending evening study classes in the Aram Tzovah Kollel in the Polanco section of Mexico City. He studied Torah a few nights a week, but he was not as yet shomer Shabbes (Sabbath observant). After many discussions and much introspection and inspiration from the Kollel fellows at Aram Tzovah, Jacobo and his wife Sophia were inching closer to total commitment to Shabbes observance. Jacobo had already started going to shul every Friday night and his office was closed on the Sabbath, but he and Sophia were not yet complete Sabbath observers.

Continued at http://www.jewishworldreview.com/1006/krohn_foundation.php3

Great Story, I'd suggest reading on!

Greater Phoenix Va'ad Hakashruth

2006-11-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

The Va'ad has been around to my knowledge as long as Rav David Rebibo has been around (60's that is), and supervises the majority of Kosher institutions in the Valley. It does hotels (including the Arizona Biltmore for Pesach), restaurants, and factories. It also kashers homes upon request for free to my knowledge.

The Va'ad is from what I here now shifting more into the domain of R' Michael Dubitsky (also of the Academy) as well as Rav Rebibo.

Information: http://www.jewishphoenix.com/content_display.html?ArticleID=151192
KOSHERING YOUR KITCHEN
Call the Vaad at 602-277-8858 for instructions

Va'ad Hakashruth
515 E. Bethany Home Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 277-8858

Mikva Chaya Mushka

2006-11-09T08:03:00.000-08:00

The only current Mikva in Phoenix is located at Chabad of Phoenix and is a mainly-woman Mikva. For Kelim (utentsils), it is my understanding that one can immerse them in the morning as the evening is for the ladies. On Erev Yom Kippur, Erev Rosh Hashana, the Mikva was open for men until passed Chatzos. As for erev Shabbos, I am not sure. For men, one can use their swimming pool even to my understanding with swimming trunks.

More Info to Be Added Later

From Chabad's Site: http://www.chabadaz.com/templates/articlecco.html?AID=106585

Reservation must be made 24 hours in advance!
Sunday: Mindy Wolfe 602-265-5552
Monday: Tzippy Levertov 602-749-1101
Tuesday: Mindy Wolfe 602-265-5552
Wednesday: Devorah Hayman 602-665-8770
Thursday: Devorah Hayman 602-665-8770
Friday: Tzippy Levertov 602-749-1101
Saturday: Devorah Hayman 602-665-8770

Suggested Donation of $25 for Using Mikvah Chaya Mushkah.
To obtain more information, please call 602-944-2753, or Email Us [chabadaz@aol.com].

the Phoenix Community Eruv

2006-11-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

The Phoenix Community Eruv is a joint project of the Central Phoenix Jewish Community. It goes at this time from 16th Street to 15th Ave (east-west), and Northern to Camelback (north-south) encompassing Beth Joseph (the PH Academy), Young Israel of Phoenix, the Kollel, a few Bukharian places, and the Shaarei Tzedek Minyan.

For Kashrus: to be updated
To see if up: to be updated

for now, contact Rabbi Rebibo, the Rav of Phoenix and Beth Joseph or Rabbi Holland, the Rosh Kollel...as for how, that's for you for now.

"A different campaign" - Eric Fingerhut

2006-11-09T00:38:00.000-08:00

B"H

A different campaign By Eric Fingerhut
Orthodox congressional candidates bring Jewish text study techniques to campaigning

Given the vagaries of gerrymandering, somewhere over the years there might have been congressional candidates from separate districts who lived on the same street.

It's unlikely, though, that the two candidates also belonged to the same Orthodox synagogue, and ran a campaign platform originating with Torah lessons they delivered at shul.

But, that is just what is happening in Maryland's Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

The candidates are Jeff Stein and Moshe Starkman. They live on opposite sides of the congressional district dividing line of Arctic Avenue in Rockville, and they are the Republican candidates for U.S. Congress in Maryland's 8th and 4th Districts, respectively, facing Reps. Chris Van Hollen (D) and Albert Wynn (D).

Rest of Article: http://www.jewishworldreview.com/1106/frum_candidates.php3

Unfortunately they appeared to have failed: http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/states/MD/
What can you do?

Coffee Joints

2006-11-08T23:57:00.000-08:00

This list shall expand...

see Starbucks.com for Starbucks (info on Kashrus of products to be added)

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has at least 2 locations, also check them for more info

Others and more Kashrus information will be added later.

Cafe K (Meat, Chabad of Scottsdale)

2006-11-08T23:33:00.000-08:00

Cafe K: Cafe K is the place in JCC. Its new thus very lowkey especially in the Phoenix area at the moment (I believe there have been at least 3 or 4 places that have come and gone in the new JCC since it opened). Its owned by the same person who owns The Scottsdale Cafe. Not only do they share the same owner and similar name, but they are both very nice eating establishments. In fact, I think they share the same tune on their respective websites :).
There are two parts of Cafe K. One is the main cafe that has a meat menu including chinese, deli, salads etc. The other is a dairy express bar that has many food items from breakfast to salads to pizza and sandwiches (see http://www.thecafek.com/expressmenu.pdf).
Address: 12701 N. Scotsdale Rd., Suite 8 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (warning in the Jewish Community Center, will need to have ID, upsides lots of parking, secure, and easy to spot!)
Hours: Cafe k main Su 11-6, M-Th 11-8, Friday 11-3 Cafe k express Su-Th 7-3
Phone Number: 480-659-9609
Website: www.thecafek.com
Kashrus: Under Chabad of Scottsdale and the Vaad (?) at least the express seems to be under the Vaad. Not sure... Check with the Vaad or R' Levertov of Chabad of Scottsdale

Ice Cream Stores

2006-11-05T11:17:00.000-08:00

For Cholov Yisrael Ice Cream, see King Solomon's.

Non-Cholov Yisrael Ice Cream is as Follows (not fully updated):

Carvel
742 East Glendale Ave Phoenix, AZ 85020 Suite 122 (602) 395-5800
13637 North Tatum Blvd Phoenix, AZ 85032 (602) 404-3300
1821 South Country Club Drive Mesa, AZ 85210 (480) 610-2902
All these locations to my knowledge are under Va'ad supervision with no exception to their menu. Packaged Carvel cakes that are Kof-K can be found at Safeway (7th Street and Glendale) from California and possibly in other locations as well.

Baskin Robbins
3031 E Indian School Rd Phoenix, AZ 85016 USA 602-957-4978
2007 W BETHANY HOME RD PHOENIX, AZ 85015 USA 602-242-7548
3953 E CAMELBACK RD PHOENIX, AZ 85018 USA 602-468-9931
3519 W Glendale Ave Phoenix, AZ 85051 USA 602-841-8103
5834 W CAMELBACK RD GLENDALE, AZ 85301 USA 623-931-2043
8841 N.19th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85021 USA 602-997-5144
4021 N. 75th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85033 USA 623-846-2944
4230 W Dunlap Ave Phoenix, AZ 85051 USA 623-931-3137
5035 E. ELLIOT ROAD PHOENIX, AZ 85044 USA 480-893-1158
3108 S. McClintock Dr Tempe, AZ 85282 USA 480-820-3916
25 E. CHANDLER BLVD PHOENIX, AZ 85048 USA 480-704-2731
1715 E Guadalupe Rd Tempe, AZ 85283 USA 480-839-5154
4547 E Cactus Rd Phoenix, AZ 85032 USA 602-996-2904
11435 W. BUCKEYE RD AVONDALE, AZ 85323 USA 623-643-9000
10629 N. SCOTTSDALE ROAD SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85254 USA 480-991-5431
4326 W. Bell Rd Glendale, AZ 85308 USA 602-978-4249
4727 E BELL RD PHOENIX, AZ 85032 USA 602-992-0637
6501 E Greenway Pkwy Phoenix, AZ 85254 USA 480-991-3192
880 E. Van Buren St Goodyear, AZ 85338 USA 623-932-4420
10135 E. VIA LINDA SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258 USA 480-816-8631
7665 W Bell Rd Peoria, AZ 85380 USA 623-486-5447
1146 E Main St Mesa, AZ 85203 USA 480-890-1008
20229 N 67th Ave Glendale, AZ 85308 USA 623-362-2175
8275 WEST LAKE PLEASANT PKWY PEORIA, AZ 85382 USA 623-561-9988
Baskin Robbin's ice cream is supervision of the VKH or KVH (Masschusetts) and is to my knowledge reliable. The problem of BR store (not under indiviual supervision) are nonetheless present especially since not all ice creams are kosher. All other products are though as delineated by a sign in every store by the KVH.
Two Opinions:
Baskin Robbins ice cream is nationally certified kosher by the Vaad Hakashrut of Massachusetts, save a number of specific, mostly marshmallow-containing, flavors. To date, a small sign delineating these non-kosher flavors hangs on the glass frame of the ice cream counter. Provided that the ice cream scooper is rinsed by an employee prior to its use -- an action meant to ensure that no marshmallow residue seeps into a kosher ice cream flavor -- and the ice cream being served is indeed from Baskin Robbins, its kashrut is legitimate. http://www.yuobserver.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/04/14/425f105e65d2c
The cRc would like to take this opportunity to reiterate its policy and opinion regarding the purchase of ice cream from non kosher certified shops. Unless the shop is under a reliable hashgacha, no open product should be purchased without the consumer personally inspecting each item. Any ice cream must first be determined to be kosher and in some cases, the scoop must be first washed clean. Any other products purchased, such as cones, toppings, milk or any other additives, must also be inspected to determine if it is kosher. Asking the store attendant is not sufficient as they may not be aware of specific kosher regulations that may effect the kosher status of the item. As the average person may also not be aware of all of the kosher regulations, it is always preferable to only buy these products from shops under a reliable kosher supervision. http://www.kashrut.com/consumer/ice_cream/
Please ask your Rabbi for guidance as well as being aware when in store...

To be added:
Dippin Dots
Haagen Daz
maybe others...

The Scottsdale Cafe: Deli and Market (Meat, Chabad of Scottsdale)

2006-11-05T11:06:00.000-08:00

Scottsdale Kosher Market: Scottsdale Kosher is a meat restaurant under supervision of Chabad of Scottsdale, which happens to be right next door (and by that, I mean directly next door). Its restaurant has a nice selection including breakfast options, mexican food, and other fixings. The restaurant is part of the larger market which has a nice selection of groceries, Judaica, and seforim. For reviews, see the website of the Cafe.
Address: 10211 N Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85253
Phone Number: (480) 315-8333
Website: http://www.scottsdalekosher.com/
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 7:30am - 8pm Friday 7:30am - 5pm (Motzei Shabbos has been opened on certain occasions...)

Please be aware Besok Ha'Emek is not your Rabbi

Commentary on the Parsha (Vayera)

2006-11-05T00:04:00.000-08:00

Interesting commenty by Rabbi Yissocher Frand:
A Man's Level is Determined by His Wife's Level
At the beginning of the parsha, during the description of the dialogue between the Angels and Avraham, we find the verse, "And they said to him 'Where is Sarah your wife?'" [Bereishis 18:9] If one looks in a Chumash, he will notice that the 4 letter word "eilav" - "to him" has 3 dots on top of it.

Rash"i quotes a famous Chazal that when there are more dotted letters in a word than undotted letters, one should (homiletically) expound only those letters that have dots on top of them. In this case, the reading would be "And they said to him, where are you (ayo)? Meaning they turned to Sarah and asked where Avraham was.
Continued

King Solomon's Pizza (Dairy, Va'ad)

2006-11-04T23:48:00.000-08:00

King Solomon's Pizza: KSP is Cholov Yisrael, under the Va'ad. KSP has pizza, pastas, garlic bread, ice cream (also C"Y), salads, some sandwiches, fries, and also does catering (for Bris Milahs etc). It has a laid back atmosphere that is great for family outings, gatherings of young adults, and everybody else. To be perfectly biased, KSP is great (the food, the owner, the ambience etc.) All Positive Reviews From Shamash.org's Kosher Restaurant Database
Address: 4810 N. Seventh St. Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone Number: (602) 870-8655
Hours: Su, Tu, Wed, Thurs 11-8, Mon 11-7, Fri 12-3, Motzei Shabbos until 11:30ish
Mashgiach: Owner is Shomer Shabbos as well as the workers who help out, talk to the owner or the Va'ad for Kashrus information

Please be aware Besok Ha'emek is not your Rabbi

Haifa Restaurant (Meat, Vaad)

2006-11-04T23:25:00.000-08:00

Haifa Restaurant: Haifa restaurant is a meat restaurant under supervision of the Va'ad. It is an experience. There are pictures of Haifa, a pleathora of chandeliers, and an assortment of food dishes. Great for more fancy dining (has Bar Mitzva, Wedding, and other receptions for example) including business and such. It also serves as a place for many events in the Bukharian community including Hanukkah parties, Yahrzeit meals etc. Grey Goose is on hand for all occasions. Arizona Republic Review
Address: 7822 N. 12th St.
Phoenix, 85020
Website: http://www.segalskosherfoods.com/
Phone Number: (602) 944-9600
Hours: Su-Th 12pm-10pm Friday Close Motzei Shabbos 7pm-2am (call if after 12am)
Mashgiach: Multiple. Talk to Rabbi Michael Dubitsky of Va'ad and Beth Joseph (http://www.phoenixbethjoseph.org/)

Additional Note: There are parties (simchas etc.) at Haifa, and those parties do not mean the restaurant closes. It is open. The partying is not under supervision. Call to see if one is going on.

Please be aware that Besok Ha'Emek is not your Rabbi

Segal's (Meat, Vaad)

2006-11-04T22:58:00.000-08:00

Segal's New Place (ie Segal's): The oldest continuing Kosher restaurant in the Valley, which until recently was run by the same family (the Segal's). Segal's is also a market with wines, packaged goods, baked goods, Pesach stuff as well as a restaurant. The Restaurant is under the Va'ad, and I believe is completely Glatt. The menu includes traditional deli cuisine (sandwiches, soups, burgers etc.) as well a new Chinese menu (including a newly hired Chinese chef). The other Chef is Ken Knox or as one local Rabbi calls him Special K, and is renown for his excellent cooking. Also, the new the wife of the Chinese Chef is running a new sushi bar; its very good.
Arizona Republic Review
Address: 4818 N. 7th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014
Website: http://www.segalskosherfoods.com/
Phone Number: (602) 285-1515
Hours: Now Expanded, Open Most Weekdays until 8pm(ish) as well as Motzei Shabbos until late, call for more
Mashgiach: Michael Wolfe is the main mashgiach as well as being the butcher. Questions of Kashrus can be directed to him as well as the Va'ad.

Please be aware that Besok Ha'Emek is not your Rabbi

What is B'Soch Ha'emek?

2006-11-04T22:45:00.000-08:00

B"H B"SD

B'Soch Ha'emek (into the midst of the valley) is a news and resource website for Jews in and visiting the Metro Phoenix Area. Its purpose is to inform Jews of basic goings on in the community, keep an updated list of Jewish organizations (shuls, restaurants, mikvehs, etc.), improve Torah learning, and be a forum for traditional Jewish thought.

May the community grow strong in numbers, Torah, chesed, and avodah, and may we merit to see the anointed one in our days. Amen, Selah.

Daniel R. Serbin,
Editor-in-Chief