Parsha Mitzvot-Terumah-Poeil Tzedek: Mitzvah 96

The 1st of Adar is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Shabsai HaKohen Katz, (Shach) author of Sifsei Kohen, recognized as one of the most basic and authoritative commentaries on the Shulchan Aruch (1622-1663). Born in Vilna. He learned in Tyktizin, Cracow and Lublin. He married a great grand-daughter of the Rema. In 1648 the communities of Russian Poland were devastated by Chmielnicki, and Rav Shabsai haKohen was among the sufferers. He authored selichos in tragic memory of the events. He was nifter at the age of 41 in Holleschau, Germany, having completed his commentary to 2 of the 4 sections of the Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah (at age 24) and Choshen Mishpat. Among his other works are Sefer Ha’Aruch on the Tur, Poel Tzedek on the 613 mitzvos, and Gevuros Anashim, on cases in which a wife can legally compel her husband to give her a get.

Mitzvah 96: The Mitzvah that there should always be the Show-Bread on the Shulchan in the Mishkan.

This teaches us that we should always have something that represents the blessings in your life out for all to see so that more blessing can rest in your home.

Tool: I keep a Thank You Machine, a.k.a. Tzeddaka Box specifically to acknowledge the blessings in my life.