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<DIV><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" face=Arial color=#000000
size=2><BR>>>It is clear that this custom, although widespread, is by no
means<BR>universal, and the implication posted that not saying L'Dovid
is<BR>tantamount to a lack of yirat shamayim is most
unjustified.<<<BR><BR><BR>Saul Mashbaum<BR></FONT></DIV></DIV>
<DIV></DIV></DIV>
<DIV>>>>>><BR>It all depends /why/ you don't say it.
Certainly, if one is following the custom of the Vilna Gaon, one cannot be
suspected of lacking yiras Shamayim.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>If you prefer one authority over another or you have one community minhag
and not another, then there is no problem. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>The problem is when a young person says, "All those authorities who have
the custom to say it are simply ignorant, as they are unaware of a
significant piece of information that I have uncovered, namely, that this
custom is of Sabbatean origin. If they knew what I know, all Torah
authorities without exception would discontinue the saying of l'Dovid
Hashem Ori during Elul. I can't follow those who do say it because
they simply speak out of ignorance." </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>It is this attitude which I fear may suggest or may lead in some cases to a
lessening of yiras Shamayim -- the subtle disparagement of Torah
authorities.</DIV>
<DIV><FONT lang=0 face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF"
PTSIZE="10"><B><BR></B><BR><B>--Toby
Katz<BR>=============<BR><BR></B><BR></FONT></DIV></FONT><BR><BR><BR><DIV><FONT style="color: black; font: normal 10pt ARIAL, SAN-SERIF;"><HR style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px">Psssst...Have you heard the news? <A title="http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014" href="http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014" target="_blank">There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com</A>.</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>