1. This Shabbos has many facets. Mevarchim Mar-Cheshvan presents the first blessings we bestow with the power of Tishrei. As Shabbos Bereishis it appropriates blessing to all the months of the year.
2. Rosh Chodesh will be Tuesday and Wednesday the third and fourth days of the week. This symbolizes giving kindness to the poor. We must take the blessings of Tishrei and bestow them on MarCheshvan and the rest of the year.
3. Why was it suggested to start studying Bereishis on Simchas Torah? If every moment is not used to increase joy — then the time should be spent in studying Bereishis. Some matters crystallize only after “an awakening from below.”
4. In today’s Rambam section we see how his concluding explanation on the general theory of statutes will explain the halachah that when a partner substitutes an animal for a dedicated beast it does not become holy.
