לזכר עולם יהיה צדיק - לש אשידק אלוליהד אמוי הר"ר משה לייב סאסאווער - ז"סקת טבש 'ד וממשפחת נמשך זקיני אדמור"י שידלוב והמגיד מסטאשוב זיעועכי"א טבש םיכרבמ תבש
This week is Shabbos Mivorchim Chodesh Shevat. It is when we Bentch (bless) the upcoming Chodesh of Shevat. Tzaddikim were very happy when Chodesh Shevat came. Firstly, it is months forthcoming of Hischadshus and Ge’ulah (renewal and redemption). Secondly, it is the beginning of a period in which at least every two weeks, there is a Yom Tov, if not more often so. Additionally, one must dissect each advantage separately and more so when they are together which gives it extra chashivus (importance), and not take it for granted.
Shabbos is a most elevated day. We Klall Yisroel are privileged that it comes on a weekly basis. As we said, on Shabbos Mivorchim, (the Shabbos before Rosh Chodesh), we Bentch (bless) the upcoming Chodesh (month). It is brought down that the reason we stand is because it is a remembrance and symbol of Kiddush Hachodesh (sanctify of the month). Beis Din in Yerushalayim would renew the first day of the new month and make it Holy. The extent of Shabbos Mivorchim goes that far, that we do not say the Tefilla of Av HoRachamim on this Shabbos.
ןטק רופיכ םוי
Yom Kippur Koton, - The small Yom Kippur is a day of Prayer and Fasting in numerous communities. It is on the day before Rosh Chodesh (or earlier, if it falls out on Friday or Shabbos).
On the travels of The Chofetz Chaim ZY”A, he found himself in a Chasidisher Poilisher Shtetel (Chasidic town in Poland). It was Yom Kippur Koton and the Chofetz Chaim asked a Chosid if there is a Minyan for Yom Kippur Koton in this town. The Chossid answered that it is not our custom to say this Tefilloh (prayer). We go to our Rebbe for Rosh Hashonoh, and it carries us the whole year. The Chofetz Chaim answered with a Moshel (parable):
Two men were traveling, one rich and one poor. The rich man bought a full ticket for his complete journey. The poor man, not able to afford a straight ticket, used the money he had to bring himself to the next town, where he earned some money to continue traveling. And so, the Chofetz Chaim continued with his great piety. Your Rebbe is a great Tzaddik and can carry his flock with Rosh Hashanah alone. But I must stop every Erev Rosh Chodesh to carry me through the month, one at a time . .ונילע ןגי םתוכז May the merit of these great Tzaddikim stand for us.
