by
Rabbi Michael Laitner

60 Days for 60 years - closing thoughts (www.60for60.co.uk)
Parshat Tzav

'The sage Rava said, 'at the time that a person goes to their final judgement in heaven, the Heavenly court says…did you set aside fixed times for Torah study…?' (TB Shabbat 31a)

Rashi, the premier Talmud commentator, explains the background to this question. We must work so that society functions. Additionally, if we do not, no Torah would be studied or practiced. Amidst the vicissitudes of everyday life, we must apportion dedicated time to Torah study, so that the whole day is not consumed with all our other obligations, displacing Torah study.

Rashi does not give us targets for our study, rather recommending that we apportion time daily, each person according to their own abilities and aptitudes, even if it is just for a five minute slot! Rashi’s emphasis is on consistency. Find a topic of interest, and fix it for your daily study. If you want guidance, speak to Rabbi Shlomo, Rebetzin Lynndy, Eli, Lauren, or Rabbi Michael.

For the last 60 days, we have been fortunate to fix time daily to study the 60 days for 60 years book produced by Tribe. We have been enlightened and inspired. May this poignant project encourage us to always fix time for daily study of our heritage.

We each read the book in memory of a martyr of the Holocaust. The Talmudic sage Rabbi Yochanan states, ‘Jacob our forefather never died’ (TB Ta’anit 5b). Rashi explains that Jacob lives forever. Other commentators, such as Rabbi Yeshaya Acharon and Rashba, explain that since Jacob has a legacy, his memory and values are still vibrant. May our study and actions, in memory of the martyrs of the Holocaust, perpetuate their legacy. As we celebrate the salvation of Purim, and the renewal of the Jewish people, we thank G-d that ‘Am Yisrael Chai’ - the people of Israel live!

Purim Samech - Happy Purim