by Rabbi Yair Hoffman
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If someone were keeping tabs on these things, it is perhaps the Parnassah Segulah that has gone most viral of all other Segulos.
Numerous Torah internet sites will link to the parsha of the Mahn and explain that one will become wealthier if we recite this section (Shmos 16:4 until the Omer is one tenth of an Aifah) on Tuesday of Parshas B’Shalach. It must be said twice in the Hebrew and once in the Targum.
But where does this Segulah come from? Is there truly anything to it? Is it of recent origin or does it date back for many centuries?
THE TUESDAY PART IS NEWish
What is fascinating is that what is of recent origin is the Tuesday of Parshas b’Shalach aspect of it. The earlier sources recommended reciting it daily, and not just one day out of the year. Rabbeinu Bachya (Shmos 16:16) writes, “it is a tradition in the hand of the sages that whoever recites the parsha of the Mahn each day is assured that he will not lose out in this world of his mezonos.”
ORIGINS
The Tashbatz (Siman 184) actually cites the daily reading of it and its effect in the name of the Yerushalmi, and add the words, “And I am the guarantor.” The Tur (in OC Siman 1:5) also cites this tradition in the name of the Yerushalmi in Brachos. The Mishna Brurah (1:13) also cites this source. The problem is that it is not to be found in our version or any manuscript of the Yerushalmi.
To add to the mystery, the Sefer HaManhig in hilchos Shabbos (44) cites the source as a Yerushalmi in Yuma. Yet it is not in our Yerushalmi Yuma either.
OFTEN THE TERM ‘YERUSHALMI’ REFERS TO MIDRASHIM
The traditional answer that is often given when Rishonim refer to Yerushalmis that have disappeared is that the term is used loosely by the Rishon and that Yerushalmi often included Midrashim that were edited in Eretz Yisroel. This won’t work here, because the Tur specifically refers to the Yerushalmi in Brachos. It must be then that the version of the Yerushalmi that the Tur had is lost.
WHY THE MAHN?
Why single out the miracle of the Mahn, more so than the other miracles we experienced? Rav Saadya Gaon in the introduction to his Emunos v’Deyos explains that the Mahn was a miracle that was of a daily occurrence. The other miracles were more transient.
Although not mentioned by Rav Sadya, even after the forty year sojourn in the desert, the Mahn played an important role. The container of the Mahn (Tzintzenes HaMahn)was placed alongside the Aron in both the Mishkan and the Beis HaMikdash until the days of Yoshiahu the King, one hundred years before the destruction of the First Beis HaMikdash. It served as a reminder then too.
NOT FOUND IN SIDDURIM
The Aruch haShulchan points out that in his time, the Parshas HaMan was not found in the siddurim, if it ever was. He explains its absence in the siddur as stemming from the fact that the Parsha mentions a number of times the embarrassing detail that Klal Yisroel nagged and complained, and it would be improper to permanently place that in our Siddurim. Nowadays, many of the siddurim have printed it, notwithstanding the Aruch haShulchan’s ethos on the issue.
HOW IT WORKS
How does it work? What is the exact mechanism involved in bringing in the money? The mechanism is the subject of debate.
TO ENTRENCH WITHIN OURSELVES THAT OUR PARNASSAH COMES ONLY FROM HASHEM
Many of the meforshim explain that it serves to entrench within our minds that our parnassah, our sustenance — comes only from Hashem. It seems that the daily recital of the parsha of Mahn helps us eradicate within our minds and thoughts. The Mishna Brurah writes that it is not enough to merely say it. It’s message must be fully imbibed within us.
IT BUILDS BITACHON
Others write that the principle behind how it works lies in the fact that reciting it will build up our Bitachon in Hashem (Minchas Asher, for example). While some would explain that these are both two sides of the same coin, it seems to this author that they are in fact two separable concepts.
CALMING OUR ANXIETIES VERSION OF #1
There seems to be a third method, taking a less mystical approach. The reading of the Parsha serves to calm a person’s anxieties about struggling for Parnasah, and thus helps him focus better through the understanding that all is from Hashem. This seems to be the understanding of the Tzemach Tzeddek (Parshas HaMan, Shin 5644 referenced in index page 100).
IS THE SHNAYIM MIKRAH PART JUST IDEAL OR A DEAL-BREAKER?
The Shaivet Mussar (Chapter 40) cites in the name of the Mekuballim that it should be recited, as mentioned earlier, shnayim mikra v’echad Targum — twice in the Hebrew and once in the Aramaic of Unkelus. The Noheg Tzon Yoseph (Siman 34), however, quotes the Shnayim Mikrah detail as having been first written by Rabbeinu Tam in his Sefer HaYashar. The Shla’s father in his Yesh Nochlin also writes this. From the Shla’s father, however, this is merely the ideal method to do so. From the Noheg Tzon Yoseph, however, it seems that it will not be effective at all if not done shnayim Mikrah Echad Targum. In other words, it is a deal-breaker.
THE VARIANT BLESSING
What is also interesting is, thus far, our sources indicate that a person will simply not lose out or suffer a loss of Mezonos. In the Midrash Talpios (section on Havdallah) , however, it writes that the entire Parshas HaMahn is mesugal for success and wealth. The nature of the blessing is ratcheted up a bit.
WHEN SHOULD IT BE SAID?
Both the Be’er Heitev and the Mishna Brurah indicate that it should be recited in the morning before the Korbanos are recited before Shacharis. The Otzros Chaim, however, cites the Rekanti in the name of the Zohar that it should be said after Shacharis, athough he does not actually source it. The most likely reference, however, is to the Zohar in Parshas Pinchas (226) – “dparnasa lo chazi l’mishal elah basar tzlusah” — that requesting for one’s parnassah is only viable after praying. Since the rulings of the standard halachic Poskim generally outweigh the rulings of the mekuballim, it would seem that it would be preferable to follow the Mishna Brurah, but, as always, each person should consult his own Rav or Posaik, of course.
OTHER MINHAGIM
The Mishmeres Shalom (14:2), a Sefer written in Yiddish, states that Rav Pinchas Mikoritz cited the minhag and also added that one should further say the thirteen ikkarim of the Rambam each morning too.
THE TUESDAY OF BESHALACH MINHAG
So when exactly did the newer custom of reciting it on one particular Tuesday in the year arise? And who was it that promulgated the new twist on the Minhag? Some trace it to Rav Menachem Mendel of Riminov (1745-1815), one of the five main disciples of the Rebbe Elimelech of Lisensk. Others trace it to Rav Shalom of Stropkov (1855-1940) (See Yisroel V’Hazmanim, Rav Dovid Rossov p. 291). It is clear, however, that Rav Shalom was quoting the Riminover and did not make it up himself. The original SEfer of the Riminover is not easily accessible as only the first volume is readily extant.
IF ONE’S MINHAG IS NOT TO SAY IT
Most people, of course, do not have the minhag to say it on this day, and some remain firm in this Minhag. Rav Ovadiah also writes that this is not their minhag. There is a fascinating Rabbeinu Yonah in his Shaarei Teshuva (3:17) where he writes that it is a Torah Mitzvah to remember the falling of the Mahn. That being the case, it doesn’t hurt to recite it if it will help us focus on this Mitzvah.
A CAVEAT FOR EVERYONE
Rav Shmuel Hominer in his Chumash Eved HaMelech (Shmos page 42) brings out a fascinating and yet obvious point. When reciting the Parshas HaMahn one should take care NOT TO RECITE IT AS A SEGULAH. Why? So that he will not be serving Hashem al menas lekabel pras – on condition of receiving reward. Let’s not forget the yesodos of Yiddishkeit, the fundamentals of our serving Hashem – as found in Pirkei Avos.
The author can be reached at [email protected].
The Lubavitcher Rebbe zt”l teaches a wonderful insight on Parshas Hamann. It can be found in Volume 26 of Likutei sichos, the second sicha on parshas Beshalach.
The ג’ בשלח Segulah,
He never said so
The popular Minhag of פרשת המן on ג’ בשלח
was unheard of just one generation ago. Not even
Riminover Chasidim of the past ever heard of it.
In all of the כתבים of R. Mendel Riminover Zt”l there
is no mention of the ג’ בשלח סגולה
The first מקור (source) of this Minhag is in the
ספר ילקוט מנחם חדש published in 1991. The Sefer
writes that Rav S.W. Weinberger Zt”l heard from the
Stropkover Rebbe Zt”l in the name of R.M.Riminov Zt”l
about the ג’ בשלח פרשת המן סגולה
After the publication of the Sefer, this Segulah spread
like wildfire. All the weekly Torah pamphlets & every
frum internet site and App. reminded us not to forget
to say פרשת המן on Tuesday בשלח.
For a few dollars, you can even have others who will
say the פרשת המן for you.
*At a later date Rav Weinberger’s כתבים were found
in which he writes that he heard from the Stropkover
Rebbe how R,M, Riminover said פרשת המן, שנים מקרא
ואחד תרגום EVERY DAY & had in mind that פרנסה
is מן השמים. R.M.R. claimed that by having this כוונה
while reciting the Parsha you are assured not to ever
lack in פרנסה (As mentioned by the קדמונים)
Rav Weinberger wrote that it was on ג’ בשלח when
he met the Stropkover Rebbe.
The confusion came about from this one line.
that he heard about this סגולה on ג’ בשלח
from the Stropkover Rebbe
R.M.M. never said that ג’ בשלח is a
special day to say the פרשת המן
Left out a paragraph, sorry
I want to share something remarkable that happened to me this year, which I attribute to reciting Parshas Hamahn.
I have two jobs and typically live from paycheck to paycheck. From September until January, I was without an afternoon job and had to rely on my savings to pay my bills. In the mornings, I don’t have time to recite Parshas Hamahn, but starting after Sukkos and continuing until January, when I found a new job, I made a point of reciting Parshas Hamahn and a few kapitilach of Tehillim after Mincha.
For many years, I’ve kept track of my monthly expenses, which usually amount to around $10,000. By November, I had exhausted my savings and had no idea how I would cover my bills for that month. However, on November 30, 2024, I somehow managed to pay all my bills. When I totaled my expenses, they came to a little over $7,000—$2,000 less than usual. My only explanation is Parshas Hamahn.
(THIRD TRY)
I want to share something remarkable that happened to me this year, which I attribute to reciting Parshas Hamahn.
I have two jobs and typically live from paycheck to paycheck. From September until January, I was without an afternoon job and had to rely on my savings to pay my bills. In the mornings, I don’t have time to recite Parshas Hamahn, but starting after Sukkos and continuing until January, when I found a new job, I made a point of reciting Parshas Hamahn and a few kapitilach of Tehillim after Mincha.
For many years, I’ve kept track of my monthly expenses, which usually amount to around $10,000. By November, I had exhausted my savings and had no idea how I would cover my bills for that month. However, on November 30, 2024, I somehow managed to pay all my bills. When I totaled my expenses, they came to a little over $7,000—$2,000 less than usual. My only explanation is Parshas Hamahn.
1) TashbEtz
2) Probably should be said Thursday.
3) 13 Ani Maamin – not from the RambaM .
I’m doing my hishtadlus today. I’m:
1) Davening for parnasa
2) buying a lottery ticket
3) pledging to give lots of צדקה (more than 20%) if I win. I’ll keep you updated.
Excellent exposition. Thank you!
Rav Shalom of Stropkov ZT”L told Manny people who immigrated to the U.S.A after WW2 and were struggling to put food on the table to say Parshas Hamon every day and especially “TUESDAY OF BESHALACH” like people did before the world War because it was Mekubel from Rav Menachem Mendel of Riminov ZT”L that it was a big Segula for Parnusa
I want to share something remarkable that happened to me this year, which I attribute to reciting Parshas Hamahn.
I have two jobs and typically live from paycheck to paycheck. From September until January, I was without an afternoon job and had to rely on my savings to pay my bills. In the mornings, I don’t have time to recite Parshas Hamahn, but starting after Sukkos and continuing until January, when I found a new job, I made a point of reciting Parshas Hamahn and a few kapitilach of Tehillim after Mincha.
For many years, I’ve kept track of my monthly expenses, which usually amount to around $10,000. By November, I had exhausted my savings and had no idea how I would cover my bills for that month. However, on November 30, 2024, I somehow managed to pay all my bills. When I totaled my expenses, they came to a little over $7,000—$2,000 less than usual. My only explanation is Parshas Hamahn.
This is a stain on all of us. Saying Parshas Haman is wonderful, but the idea that someone can invent a segula out of nothing and it goes viral like that, shows that our beliefs are quite weak. We do not have the strength to stop nonsensical segulos, and if a new Shabsai Zvi came along, we would all fall for it. The only reason we didn’t fall for Lubavitch was because it was a different party to ours, not because we were so wise. If some SZ manages to get over that hurdle, we are lost. Say no to nonsense!
(FOURTH TRY) VIN A PARAGRAPH KEEPS BEING DELETED)
I want to share something remarkable that happened to me this year, which I attribute to reciting Parshas Hamahn.
I have two jobs and typically live from paycheck to paycheck. From September until January, I was without an afternoon job and had to rely on my savings to pay my bills. In the mornings, I don’t have time to recite Parshas Hamahn, but starting after Sukkos and continuing until January, when I found a new job, I made a point of reciting Parshas Hamahn and a few kapitilach of Tehillim after Mincha.
For many years, I’ve kept track of my monthly expenses, which usually amount to around $10,000. By November, I had exhausted my savings and had no idea how I would cover my bills for that month. However, on November 30, 2024, I somehow managed to pay all my bills. When I totaled my expenses, they came to a little over $7,000—$2,000 less than usual. My only explanation is Parshas Hamahn.