At the beginning of 5781, I sent out a list of fascinating facts about this year’s unique calendar, including many events that haven’t happened in 13 years, including Purim on Friday and Erev Pesach on Shabbat. One fact I neglected to mention was that, for the first time in 13 years, Rosh Chodesh Av falls on Shabbat. This means that Tisha B’Av will actually be on Sunday, as opposed to the far more common occurrence, in which Tisha B’Av falls on Shabbat and is delayed (nidecheh) to Sunday.
This also provides a fascinating answer to a Torah Trivia Question. In this week’s Torah reading (Bemibar 33:38), we read about Aharon’s death on the 1st day of the 5th month- the month now known as Av. If anyone asks you "What is the only date in the Torah that can be read on that date (as part of the regular Shabbat Torah reading)?" It is this Shabbat (this does not count Torah readings of the Yamim Tovim, which often mention the date of the Yom Tov).
The Torah reading of Matot-Mas'ei + Rosh Chodesh is also the longest possible Torah reading, as measured in number of verses (251 verses). This Torah reading can only happen in *non-leap* years when Rosh Chodesh Av falls on Shabbat, because in leap years with this configuration, Matot and Mas'ei are separated. We haven’t had this configuration since 2001- but all the above will happen again in 2025!
For more fascinating Hebrew calendar facts, and much of the above information in its original context, see here.
Hakarat HaTov Corner
I am grateful to Ari Reubin for sharing a milestone Torah achievement with me this week. Ari finished Tractate Taanit after five years of weekly study with Rabbi Hillel Muller and made a SIyum on July 4. His dedication to Torah learning is inspiring- consistency and dedication are the key to success in acquiring Torah and I hope everyone will be inspired by his example.
I am also grateful for the participants in the daily Daf Yomi study, who have completed Masechet Yoma and will begin Masechet Sukkah tomorrow, Friday, July 9. This is a wonderful opportunity to jump on board and complete seven masechtot of Talmud in eight months-Join us daily at 6 AM at Shaare Tefilla!
Rabbi’s Recommendations
1. This piece by Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin, who was a virtual guest of ours last year, is a fascinating perspective on the masechta we just finished in the Daf Yomi.
2. An interview with Eli Stefansky , a businessman and Daf Yomi teacher who has created a diverse virtual and personal community around the study of Daf Yomi.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Ariel Rackovsky
Congregation Shaare Tefilla 6131 Churchill Way Dallas, TX 75230
