The Portions of Acharei Mot-Kdoshim The fast days of Monday, Thursday and Monday Last Shabbat an announcement made in many synagogues concerning the upcoming fast days of Monday, Thursday and Monday which were established to follow the festivals of Pesach and Sukkot. There are those who explain that the reason for the establishment of these three fast days is to atone for what might have transpired during the holiday meals where men and women dined together (Tosafot Kidushin 81a). The consecutive verses in our portion (Leviticus 19;29-30) "…lest the land fall into harlotry and the land be filled with immorality" and "You shall observe My sabbaths…" allude to the fear that certain behavior on Shabbat (and festivals) may lead to immoral actions. (Rokeiach) The extra "tag" (crown) seen at the bottom right side of the letter "zayin" in the word "zima" (immorality) perhaps alludes to this interpretation of the Rokeiach.
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