Parshas Matos-Massei, 1 Menachem Av, Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, Shabbos Chazak, 5785
The Rebbe urged for siyumim to be made on each of the Nine Days, and that they be attended by as many people as possible. A siyum should be made today as well.
Display an even greater joy than on a regular Shabbos, so that no one will suspect you are mourning on Shabbos. Eat meat and drink wine as usual this Shabbos.
Additions When Davening and Bentching
Say Yaaleh Viyavo during Shemoneh Esrei and when bentching. See below, “Hosafos,” for the laws that apply if you forgot to say Yaaleh Viyavo. When bentching, add the Harachaman for Rosh Chodesh (as well as Retzei and the Harachaman for Shabbos). There is no need to repeat bentching if the Harachaman was omitted.
When saying a Berachah Acharonah Mei’ein Shalosh (e.g., Al Hamichyah), add the additions for Shabbos and Rosh Chodesh. There is no need to repeat the berachah if they were omitted.
Shacharis, Krias Hatorah, and Musaf
After Shemoneh Esrei, say Half Hallel. (For more on Hallel, see below, “Hosafos.”) This is followed by Kaddish Shalem, Shir Shel Yom and Barchi Nafshi.
Next, two Sifrei Torah are removed from the aron kodesh. From the first Sefer Torah, seven aliyos are read in Parshas Matos-Massei. It is customary to stand when the last possuk of the Chumash is read.
After the baal korei finishes reading the seventh aliyah, the entire congregation recites aloud, “Chazak chazak venischazek!” This is then repeated by the baal korei. (The one receiving the aliyah says these words as well.)
The second Sefer Torah is then placed next to the first one, and Chatzi Kaddish is recited. This is followed by hagbah and gelilah of the first Sefer Torah. From the second Sefer Torah, Uveyom hashabbos is read for Maftir (Bamidbar 28:9–15). This is followed by hagbah and gelilah of the second Sefer Torah.
The haftorah of Shimi’u d’var A-donai is read (Yirmyahu 2:4-28 4:1-2). Additionally, we add the first and last verse of the haftotrah Hashamayim kis’ee (Y’shayahu 66:1, 23-24, 23). We do not say Av Harachamim.
At Musaf, say Atah Yatzarta (instead of the regular Tikanta Shabbos). See below, “Hosafos,” for the laws that apply if you said Tikanta Shabbos.
Kiddush/Farbrengen
The Rebbe encouraged the minhag that the gabbaim prepare a kiddush/farbrengen on Shabbos Chazak. At this farbrengen, share words of Torah, accept positive hachlatos, and celebrate the conclusion of the Chumash (similar to Simchas Torah).
“On Shabbos Chazak, every Jew should strengthen himself, his family, and all those in his vicinity in all matters of Yiddishkeit, Torah and mitzvos.”
-Sefer Hasichos 5750, Vol. 1, p. 233
Rest of the Day
The Frierdiker Rebbe cites an “ancient custom” to study a possuk from the kapitel corresponding to one’s age each Rosh Chodesh, along with Rashi’s explanation (and additional commentaries). If there are less than twelve pesukim in your kapitel (or less than thirteen in a leap year), when you finish the kapitel, learn it a second time. If there are more than twelve (or thirteen) pesukim in your kapitel, study enough pesukim each Rosh Chodesh to finish the kapitel over the course of the year.
The Rebbe encouraged arranging farbrengens (in shul) on Rosh Chodesh.
At Minchah, omit Tzidkas’cha.
Minchah
After Minchah, read the second chapter of Pirkei Avos.
Motzoei Shabbos
Make havdalah on wine, and give the wine to a child to drink. The child should be old enough to understand the concept of making berachos (so that your berachah will not have been said in vain), but young enough that he/she does not understand the concept of mourning (allowing him/her to drink the wine). If no such child is present, you may drink the wine yourself.
