Thursday Kislev 12 5704
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: Vayishlach, Chamishi with Rashi. Tehillim: 66-68. Tanya: As to the (p. 615)...suffice for the knowing. (p. 617).

Baruch Shepetarani [1] (Sidur p. 70) is said without mentioning G-d's Name or Kinghood. It is said on Mondays, Thursdays or Rosh Chodesh, not only on Shabbat.

We have a tradition attributed to the Baal Shem Tov: When one hears an uncomplimentary report about another Jew, even if he does not know the individual referred to, he should be very deeply pained. For one of these two is certainly in the wrong: If what they are saying about the individual is true, then he is defective; and if it is not true, then the talebearer is in an unhealthy situation.

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) B'racha recited by the father of a 13-year-old boy, at the first Torah-reading following his son's attaining the age of Bar-Mitzva.