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Women as second class Citizens.

the Rama and another is that one may be concerned that when the cup is thrown against the wall to break it, glass would shatter more dangerously than porcelain. He adds that this is the custom and may not be changed.
I would like to add that those who understand the reason for breaking a cup will realize that this is a sad moment during the ceremony. In fact, our custom is for the Hathan (bridegroom) to say quietly, "I will place Jerusalem above my rejoicing" when he throws it against a wall.

san on the birth of their daughter, Danny & Mojgan Goykadosh on the arrival of their daughter, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Moradi on the birth of their daughter, Mr. & Mrs. Haron Shohet on the birth of their daughter, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Blustain on the birth of their granddaughter, Raphi & Ruth Setareh on the birth of their daughter, Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Soleimani on the birth of Rahamim Daniel, Irwin & Lauren Abraham on the birth of their daughter, Eliahou & Dallal Shammash on the birth of their grandchildren.
Bar Miswah: congratulations to the Jacob family on Ariel's Bar Miswah, Reyhanian family on Refael's Bar Miswah, Shirian family on Joseph's Bar Miswah, Basalely family on Raphael Tzvi's Bar Miswah, Barukh family on Adam's Bar Miswah.
Congratulations to the Azarkian family on Yochebed's coming of age.

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Beithah -- the wisdom of women will build her home - (Proverbs 14, 1). This phrase was said about Deborah.
Further examination of the term 'Aqereth Habbayith also suggests another interpretation. The Hebrew verb La'aqor means to "uproot" -- the exact opposite of the original meaning we discussed. How fascinating it is. The same word holds within it two totally contradictory concepts. This is a hint to us of what a woman can do with the enormous potential which lies within her. She can build, or she can uproot. She can make, or she can break. She can create or she can destroy.
Be cognizant of the magical potential within you and then use it in your own unique and loving way. Do not be scared, skeptical or doubt yourself.
You are the essence of your home, your husband and your family.   

Mosi Simhath Torah.

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heritage and traditions of our forefathers.
These last Haqqafoth on Mosei Simhath Torah at Midrash BEN ISH HAI have made a name in New York and elsewhere. Led by the Hakham, you hear the pure, authentic Sephardi songs - loved by all - which you rarely hear nowadays. Many young men and children, all trained by the Hakham, are well versed in the singing and help lead the crowds as they sing with confidence and aplomb.
Feet tap, hands clap or hold the nearest person to form a circle and the Sifrei Torah (Sefer Torahs) are hugged and kissed. The girls and ladies also participate by joining the singing, clapping vigorously and dancing in the ladies' section. Special mention must be given to their ululating as the sound of Kililili has become an integral part of the Simha (rejoicing).

Sympathy.

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Our deepest sympathies go out to our friends who have lost their dear ones:
Maralyn Abada on the loss of her mother, the Schneck brothers on the loss of their mother, the Habousha family on the passing of Hayim V. Habousha, 'a"h, Yehudit & Yoseph Barsky on the passing of their mother, Doris Zilkha on the passing of her mother, Mrs. Benyamin Sdayeb on the passing of her father, Haimov & Mulayev families on the passing of their father, the Bashi family on the passing of their mother Serah, 'a"h.

Ask the Hakham.

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should not stop those who have this custom from doing it their way as is explained in Mekor HaHayyim). An additional problem is that since the "cup" is covered and taped no one sees what is inside. And almost invariably, the caterer has place a burned out light bulb inside instead of a cup. I have even had cases where I have asked the caterer to bring me a cup to break instead of the light bulb, where the caterer absolutely refused. Apparently the cost of a cup was not included in the thousands he charged for the wedding!
In his holy work Ben Ish Hai, Hakham Yoseph Hayyim, 'a"h, writes that the custom of the land is to break a small glazed porcelain cup and he mentions a few reasons for this. One is based on the writings of

We will, with the help of Heaven, be releasing a professional video soon of the Mosei Simhath Torah celebrations and excitement. Look out for it.

It is our earnest prayer that all those you know and love are blessed with health and happiness. But if you know someone who is critically ill, (l"a), Midrash BEN ISH HAI can recite prayers for Refuah (recovery). The simplest way to request that prayers be recited is via the internet at:     www.midrash.org/refuah,  or you can call or write.

Congratulations.

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the birth of Alex, Rabbi & Mrs. Mordechai Kashani on the birth of Ruhama Tehilla, Raphy & Renee Sous

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