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Archive for the ‘Torah’ Category

Parshos Va’Yakhel-Pekudei: The Mishkan Was Built With These Two Words.

Posted in Hadracha, Hashkafa, Parshas Hashavua, Torah, tagged , , , , , , on March 6, 2011 | 1 Comment »

“Thank You”.

Yes indeed, “Thank You”.

These Parshos reiterate and enumerate the building of the Mishkan and the manufacturing of the Bigdei Kehunah.

In Parshas Pekudei, when Bnai Yisroel completed the building of the Mishkan and Bigdei Kehunah, the Posuk tells us: “Va’Yi’re Moshe Es Kol Ha’melochoh Ve’Heenai Osuh Oy’soh Ka’Asher Tzee’voh Hashem Keyn Osuh, Va’Yevoreich Osum Moshe“. (39, 43).

Rashi on  Va’Yevoreich Osum Moshe says:  Omar Lo’Hem: Yehi Rotzon She’Tishreh Schechinah Be’Ma’aseh Ye’deichem.

Asks Rav Shimshon Pincus, ZT”L, what reason was there for Moshe Rabbeinu to bless Bnai Yisroel for completing the building of the Mishkan? After all, they were commanded to carry out the Tzeevui Hashem; for them to have not done so would have been a grave Aveirah resulting in severe punishment.

Further, says Rav Pincus, we see in Parshas Shemini, after Moshe and Ahron completed the cycle with the Avodas Hakorbonos to inaugurate the Mishkan, the Posuk tells us that they again blessed Bnei Yisroel with the very same Brocho: “Va’Yovoh Moshe Ve’Aharon El Ohel Moed Va’Yeitzu Va’Yevorchu Es Ho’ohm”.  And says Rashi, the Brocho was the same: “Yehi Rotzon She’Tishreh Schechinah Be’Ma’aseh Ye’deychem”.

Why did Bnei Yisroel merit to receive this Brocho twice? Once after they had completed their own hishtadlus in building the Mishkan, and second,- after Moshe and Aharon followed up by completing their own Avodas Ha’Mishkan?  What connection did Moshe and Aharaon’s own Shimush Hamishkan have to do with Bnai Yisroel?

Says Rav Pincus, indeed all of this is intertwined and connected; Moshe and Ahahron’s Avodas Hamishkan would not have been possible without the foundational work done by Bnai Yisroel.

We therefore learn a most valuable lesson in Hakoras Hatov from this: In the same way we show Hakoras Hatov to Hashem by making a Brocho before and a Brocho after-for all the Chasodim He does for us; so too are we required to show Hakoras Hatov to those of our friends, family, and work colleagues that do us a favor by saying “Thank You” twice: Once before the favor is done and then after the favor has been completed. Chazal tells us that failure to acknowledge the good done for us by our friends, family, and acquaintences will ultimately lead to deny and ignore the good Hashem does for us.

Showing Hakoras Hatov before and after receiving a Chesed is the foundation of Yahadus and brings Sholom (Peace), Satisfaction, and Happiness.

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Parshas Ki Sisah: What’s In Your Wallet?

Posted in Chinuch, Hadracha, Hashkafa, Parshas Hashavua, Torah, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 18, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

A popular Ad/Commercial playing nowadays in the secular media is from a well-known Bank that touts the benefits of owning their credit card and all of the wonderful products and services you can purchase with it; their hook tag line is the question, “What’s in Your Wallet”.  It’s certainly a catchy phrase designed to increase a consumer’s conspicuous consumption; but lest the Madison Avenue advertising company responsible for this campaign preen for kudos, be it known that this weeks Parsha was first to pose and answer this question from the perspective of  Torah Hadracha and Hashkafa.

Bnai Yisroel were commanded to give a Ma’chatzis Ha’Shekel for the purpose of carrying out their Census.

The Posuk tells us: “Zeh Yitnu Kol Hoh’Oveir Al Hapekudim Ma’chatzis Ha’Shekel Be’Shekel Hakodesh…Lo’seis Es Terumas Hashem Le’Chapear Al Nafshoseichem“.

Harav Shimshon Pincus, ZT”L poses three questions on this Posuk:

1.  What is the Torah’s message that this small amount of a half shekel had and has the power to atone and save one’s Nefesh and to prolong life and the quality of it?

2.  Why does the Torah describe the Macahtzis Ha’Shekel as “Shekel Hakodesh”?

3. Why does Hashem emphasize  a specificity in the coin type of Machatsis Ha’Shekel with “Zeh Yitnu”?

Rav Pincus brings the Rashi; “Zeh Yitnu”- Heroh Hakodesh Boruch Hu L’Moshe Ke’min Matbeyah Shel Eish U’Mishkoloh Ma’chatsis Ha’Shekel, Ve’Omer Lo: Ko’Zeh Yitnu”.

The Torah’s message, says Rav Pincus, is that our Tzedakah should be with Matbeiyos Shel Eish to be given with a bren, with enthusiasm, with a Simchas Ha’Chaim, and with an empathy and kind words to and for the recipient; “Ko’zeh Yitnu”.  The characteristic of Eish is that it cleanses and does not allow impurities and foreign particles to enter the mix.

And the sources of our monies as well as its expenditures must be “Shekel Ha’Kodesh”; the power of Tzedakah and hekdesh of money is not only in the support of Torah, Chessed organizations, and needy individuals but also as much in the avoidance of that which is antithetical to Torah values and Hashkafah. Such negative expenditures, says Rav Pincus, diminish ones Beis Mikdash Me’At and devalues his “Shekel Ha’Kodesh.

The Torah’s message to us, say Harav Pincus, is that Kesef Yehudi is not a Mah Be’Kach but are “Matbeiyos Shel Aish” and we therefore have a Choiv Kodesh to preserve, protect, and use  it Be’Kedusha; “Ve’Oz YeShamshu Le’Chapear al Nafshoseinu, Ve’Yoveeyu Berochos Merubos El Boteinu”.

“Zeh Yitnu”

“What’s in your wallet”?

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Parshas Tezaveh: Do Clothes Make The Man Or Man Make The Fashion?

Posted in Chinuch, Hadracha, Hashkafa, Parshas Hashavua, Torah, tagged , , , , , , , on February 11, 2011 | 1 Comment »

Is the question often posed by the fashion cognoscenti in the secular Fashion capitals of the world; Paris, Rome, Milan, and Madison Avenue. Their answers and the “fashionable” clothes they manufacture cater to and elicit from the baser human instincts.

Le’Havdil, our Torah Hakedosha takes a different perspective. In this weeks Parsha, Hashem commands Moshe: Ve’Ohsisa Bigdei Kodesh L’Aharon Oh’Cheey’choh L’Chovod U’Lesifores.

Rav Shimshon Pincus, ZT”L  says that the Torah’s message on Fashion re: the singular, beautiful, and holy clothing worn by the Kohanim during their Avodas Hashem in the Bais Hamikdosh applies to all of us for we are all “Kohanim”.  ‘Ve’Atem Tiyu Lee Mamleches Kohanim V’Goy Kodosh’. Each one of us, Klal Yisroel, stand and serve constantly before Hashem with our Tefilllos, Kiyum HaTorah, Mitzvos, and in our interactions with the secular society we live in.

And therefore says Rav Pincus, we are just like the Kohanim in the Beis Hamikdash, each one of us has the obligation to be clothed in “Levushei M’Yuchad”, so that we are recognized as Me’Shorsei Hashem.

What is the definition of a Jewish “Levushei M’Yuchad” asks Rav Pincus: They have three characteristics:

1.  The clothes should be Tzenua-modest,

2.  They must not contain Shatnez,

3.  They should contain a Levush of Mitzva, i.e.; Tzitsis.

Clothes, says Rav Pincus, protects us not only from the external elements, cold, heat, etc. but also protects us internally, our Neshama from succumbing to our baser human instincts and behaviors. The proper clothing has a level of Kedusha that serves to protect us from harmful external influences.

Rav Pincus notes that the first people to wear clothes were Odom and Chava as it says: VaYa’as Hashem Elokim Le’Odom U’LeIshto Ketonos Ohr Va’Yalbeesheim”.

Rav Pincis references the Chazal in Bereishis Rabbah that notes the Milah “Ohr” (with an Eyin) is a remez for the word Ohr ( Aleph-light) to indicate that one who clothes himself with clothes that are “Levush M’Yuchad” will be zocheh to be clothed and protected in and by the Ohr-Light of the Torah.

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Today, Zayin Adar, is the Yahrtzeit, Lzecher Nishmas our Zaide, R. Avrohom Ben R’ Yechiel Mechel ZT”L, one of the founders and Gabbaim of the Chevrah Kaddisha Morya, West Side, New York. Yehei Zichro Baruch.

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Parshas Yisro: Can We See A Sound? Can We Touch Emunah?

Posted in Chinuch, Hadracha, Hashkafa, Parshas Hashavua, Prayer, Shabboss, Torah, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on January 20, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

It appears from this weeks Parsha that indeed we can.

At Har Sinai the Posuk tells us: Ve’Chol Ha’Om Royen Es Hakolos V’Es Halapeydim. Rashi Z”L explains that Bnei Yisroel  ‘Roiyen Es Hanishma”, they saw the sounds- that which is heard- the Aseres Hadibros emanating from Hakodesh Boruch Hu and Moshe Rabbeinu.

The Sfas Emes Z”L asks how is this possible, how can we see a sound?

Answers the Sfas Emes that to appreciate this, we need to understand the differing characteristics of seeing and hearing.

When one sees an object, the object and stimulus remains external to the viewer and is not incorporated within the person.

On the other hand, when one hears a sound, it is internalized and becomes one with the person.

At Har Sinai, says the Sfas Emes, when Hashem said the words  “Ohnochi Hashem Elokecho”  Bnai Yisroel saw their shoresh chiyuso and as a part of their ‘Nishmas Hashem’ that resides within every Jewish soul, the Mahus of every Jew, the “Pintele Yid”. Their response was “Na’aseh, Ve’Nishmah!”, the external actions required to fulfill Mitzvos became internalized and woven into the Neshamah of every Yid.

How is Emunah acquired asks Harav Gamiliel HaKohen Rabinowitz, Shlita. By constantly speaking of Emunah; the external of speech will internalize and make it a part of us. Rav Gamliel brings the Posuk:

“He’Emanti Key Adahber Le’ma-an Tesaper B’oznei Bincho U’ben Bincho Es Ahsher His’ahlalti Be’Mitzrayim Ve’Es Ohsosei Ahsher Samti Bom Vee’Datem Key Ani Hashem.”

Emunah is strengthened by constantly speaking of it, “He’Emanti Key Adahber…” to the point where it becomes part of you.

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Parshas Bo: Why Did Hashem Orchestrate 10 Makkos?

Posted in Hadracha, Hashkafa, Parshas Hashavua, Torah, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on January 7, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Asks Rav Shimshon Pincus Z”L and not go directly to Makkos Bechoros?

The first nine Makkos brought by Moshe Rabbeinu against Pharaoh and the Mitzriyim did not accomplish their goal of  Bnai Yisroel being sent out of Mitzrayim. Pharaoh maintained his extreme stubborness throughout until Hashem B’Kevodo, U’Vatzmo;  Ani V’Lo Malach,  Ani V’Lo Sorof, took Bnei Yisroel out of Mitzrayim.

Says Rav Pincus, Hashem is teaching us the proper Seder Hanhagah we are to follow in our Avodas Hashem and in strengthening our Emunah, Bitachon, and Tefillah: It is incumbent upon us to make our Hishtadlus and effort to our fullest capabilities and then will Hakodesh Boruch Hu bring the Yeshuas.

The Mesillas Yeshorim in this regard tells us that ” Techiloso Histadlus, V’Sofo Matanah”.  And the Gemoroh in Maseches Yuma ( 39 A)  tells us: “Adom Mekadesh Atzmo M’At, Mekadshim Oso Harbeh, Milmatah-Mekadshim Oso Milmalah”.

Hashem seeks only that we put forth our earnest efforts and He will do the rest. In Yiddish it’s phrased this way: Mir Darfen Tohn, Und der Aibeshter Vet Auf-Tohn. We must do, and Hashem will bring us to accomplishment.

Gut Shabbos.

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Parshas Voh’Eyroh: The ‘Rx’ and Efficacy of Tefillah Is In The Dosage Used.

Posted in Hadracha, Hashkafa, Parshas Hashavua, Prayer, Torah, tagged , , , , , , on January 2, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

During the second plague of Tzvardiem even though Pharaoh’s magicians were successful in duplicating this feat, Pharaoh nevertheless implored Moshe to daven (“Hateeru”) to Hashem  to stop and remove this Makeh.  And as Rashi Z”L tells us “Kol Loshon Ater Pheelel Hu”, comes  M’Loshon Tefillah and as in “Va’yetar Yitzchok”,  a strong urging and importuning B’Tefillah.

The Ohr Hachaim Hakodosh, Z”L asks why did Pharaoh uncharacteristically ask Moshe to daven for him.  Says the Ohr Hachaim the answer can be found in the words of Pharaohs request: “Ve’Yoser Hatzvardiem Memeni”.  The Tzvardiem in addition to being all over the land causing overpowering noise and destruction, had also invaded inside the bodies and entrails of the Mitzreeyim. Pharaoh’s concern was self-preservation; he was afraid he would die. Interestingly in the next plague of Keenim, Pharaoh’s magicians could not duplicate it,  proclaiming it an “Etzbah Elokim” but as Pharaoh’s life was not endangered, he was unimpressed and refused to let Bnai Yirsoel leave.

There were two additional instances of Pharaoh imploring Moshe to daven to Hashem to save him.

The plague of Oroiv. Pharaoh requests that Moshe “Hateeru Ba’adi”, daven for me.

The plague of Bohrud. Pharaoh asks Moshe that he “Hateeru El Hashem”, daven to Hashem on my behalf.

Moshe Rabbeinu  responded positively to each request and davened on behalf of Pharoah with great Mesirus Nefesh.

Harav Shimshon Pincus Z”L tells us that we can learn a great deal from Moshe’s patient endurance and positive response to Pharoah’s stubborness , about the power of Tefillah, and the proper way we should approach  davening to Hashem.

1. In response to Pharoah’s first request at the plague of Tzvardiem, the posuk tells us: “Va’Yitzak Moshe El Hashem Al Dvar Ha’Tzvardiem“.  Moshe understood that a regular tefillah would be insufficient to overcome Pharoah’s evil deeds, decrees, and stubborness, and therefore Tzo’okoh was necessary to bring a yeshua to Pharaoh.

2. To Pharoah’s second request at the plague of  Oroiv, the posuk tells us: Va’Yetze Moshe Me’im Pharaoh Va’yetar El Hashem”. Rashi gives the pshat  “”Nis’Ametz B’Tefillah Ve’Yirbeh Le’Hispallel”. Moshe realized that the situation had exacerbated and that a Tzo’okoh was no longer sufficient; he strengthened and increased his Tefillos.

3. To Pharaoh’s third request at the plague of Borud, the Posuk tells us that Moshe Rabbeinu’s response was: “K’Tsesi Es Ho’Ihr Efroish Es Kapiy El Hashem”.  Rav Pincus brings the Targum that Prishas Kapiyim is B’Tefillah and as it is brought in Megillas Eichah (3, 41) Nosoh Le’Voveinu El Kapayim El Keyl Bashomayim”. Says Rav Pincus that this is an incredible high level of Mesirus Nefesh in Tefillah as if one is separating himself from his corporeal body and standing before Hashem.

The Mussar to be learned by us from Moshe Rabbeinu’s approach to Tefillah says Rav Pincus is clear.  We are all, in one way or another, at some point touched by the “Etzbah Elokim” with nisoyon. Our response and approach is to be that of  deep and strong Tefillah with Deveikus and Emunas Hashem.

Shavua Tov!

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Parshas Shemos: What’s In Your Name?

Posted in Hadracha, Hashkafa, Parshas Hashavua, Prayer, Torah, tagged , , , , , , , on December 29, 2010 | 1 Comment »

The Parsha begins with the words: V’Eleh Shemos Bnai Yisroel.

We know that the letter Vov is Mosif and comes to add something important. Rashi Z”L asks what is this Vav in the word V’Eyleh coming to tell us since the Shevatim were already counted at the end of Parshas Vayechi. Rashi answers that Hashems love of the Shevatim was so great, comparing them to the stars, that even though he counted them by name when they were alive, Hakodesh Boruch Hu returned to count them again by name after they died.

The Sfas Emes Z”L on the words  V’Eyleh Shemos brings the Posuk from Mishlei: “Toiv Shem Tov M’Shemen Tov”; it is better to have a good name then good oil; and explains that Family Yichus is a great thing and a high standard, a Shemen Tov; but it is even a greater madreigah to have a good name that is developed by ones own yegiah and Avodas Hashem, ‘Shem Tov’, bringing the Pshat from Midrash Koheles of the comparison between that of the personification of a good name that is Chananiah and Mishoel who stemmed from a family of idolaters yet proclaimed “Hashem Echad” and thereby survived the Kivshan Ha’Esh to that of Nadav and Ahveehu who although stemming from the great Yichus of Aharon HaKohen and  themselves anointed Kohanim to do the Avodah, yet they brought Aish Zorah onto the Mizbeiach.

Says the Sfas Emes that developing a ‘Shem Tov” through ones own efforts at Avodas Hashem and Yegiah is a much more difficult level to attain, demanding constant effort, and is therefore held to a much higher level than Yichus.  This was demonstrated by the Shevatim who descended to Mitzrayim not only with the Yichus of the Avos and the subsequent example set by their father Yaakov on what it means tzu leiben Ve ah Yid… VaYechi Yaakov B’Eretz Mitzrayim…but also with their own developed “Shem Tov”  and showed that it was possible to live a life of Kedushah in the midst of the severe Golus of Tumas Mitzrayim.

Harav Shimshon Pincus, Z”L on these words V’Eyleh Shemos tells us that it is well known from our Kadmonim that Parshas Shemos heralds the weeks of Shovavim, which are the Roshei Teivos of these ensuing Parshos; Shemos, Va’Eyrah, Boh, Ba’Shalach, Yisro, Mishpatim, Terumah, and Tetzaveh.

This period of Shovavim, says Rav Pincus, corresponding to Golus Mitzrayim which the Torah refers to as Koor Habarzel that served to cleanse and purify Am Yisroel,  is therefore a propitious time known to be Mesugal B’Yoiser to work on developing and raising our ‘Shem Tov” through our Teshuvah, Tefillos, Yegiah B’Loshon U’Bmaiseh, and Avodas Hashem.

Therefore in these days of Shovavim, says Rav Pincus, it is important for us to strengthen and work on raising our ‘Shem Tov’ and in this zechus we will be zocheh that Hakodeh Boruch Hu will be a “Ner L’Rosheinu Lishmor Derocheinu’.

Netzach.

V’Eyleh Shemos, What’s In Your Name?

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God’s Lesson From The Birds – Shiluach Hakan

Posted in Torah, tagged on December 14, 2009 | 2 Comments »

Shiluach Hakan 

One of the positive commandments in the Torah, is the Mitzva of Shiluach Hakan. This is the commandment to distance the mother bird from her offspring, before removing the eggs from the nest.

The Torah teaches us that the reward for this Mitzva is Arichas Yamim – the blessing of long life.

On the surface, this mitzva seems to be a complete paradox and a mystery. How can a Jew be rewarded for the seemingly harsh act of actually removing eggs from the nest? This act seems to indicate a total lack of empathy, sympathy and feeling for the mother bird??

There are various explanations and answers to this question which are offered by Chazzal.

However, I heard a beautiful pshat from Rav Shmishon Pincus Z”L, which I’d like to share with you.

I believe he quoted a Zohar Hakadosh who explains this phenomena as follows:

Hakadosh Baruch Hu in his infinite wisdom, creates every living being with a certain inherent “techuna” – or midda/trait/characteristic.

The special characteristic of a mother bird is defined by her overwhelming love and sympathy for her children and her desire to protect and shelter them until they are ready to take on the world by themselves.

Hashem, who is our Tatty and our Mommy also has a tremendous love (this love is blind and without restrictions or boundaries. Chazzal teach us, that just as two lovers feel a blind love for each other and do not have the ability to find fault with one another, so to, Hashem feels a blind love for his children. This is called by Chazzal “Ahava she’eino teluyah B’davar”) for us, his children.

Therefore, the explanation for this special mitzva which is offered by the Zohar hakadosh is as follows:

When the mother bird, who was forced away from her nest, returns to find it empty of her offspring, she lets out a tremendous scream of wailing for the plight of her missing children.

This cry infused by the severity of her natural pain and feelings, floats all the way up to the heavens where it reaches the Kisei Hakavod – the heavenly throne.

At that moment, Hakadosh Baruch Hu, is (kaviyachol) influenced and inspired to have a similar reaction to the plight of his own precious children (all of us in Klal Yisroel) who have strayed from their proper path and who find themselves assimilated and downtrodden in this bitter exile.

Like that mother bird, Borei Olam cries out in pain and screams “WHERE ARE MY CHILDREN”!! WHERE ARE YOU, WHERE DO YOU FIND YOURSELVES AND WHEN WILL YOU RETURN TO ME!!

This selfless act of beauty from our Father in heaven is simply unfathomable. Hashem literally fashioned a mitzva – commandment, for the purposes of inspiring him (kaviyachol – whatever that means according to Hashem) to reach out to his suffering children in all of the exiles.

<Heard From Rav Erlanger>

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Two Types Of Perfection

Posted in Torah, tagged , , on December 11, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

The pasuk says, “Toras Hashem Temimah M’shivas Nafesh” – “The words of Torah are complete/pure/straight, and soothes the soul. The pesukim continue with various aspects describing the individual beauty and facets of the Torah….. “Aidus Hashem Ne’emana” Pekudei Hashem Yesharim” “Mitzvas Hashem Barah” etc.

The question is, if the first Pasuk has already described and designated the entirety of the Torah as being complete and “shaleim” (Indicating and referring to the “Shleimus/perfection” of Torah), why then is there a need for the subsequent Pesukim to continue describing the individual beauties and facets of the Torah which were already included under the umbrella of the original pasuk?

The answer is that there are two types of “Shleimus” “Perfection”. Perfection comes in two forms; complete in its entirety and complete in its individuality.

This is best descibed with the following example:

When you look at a utensil made out of pottery and compare it with a utensil made from pure gold, you notice how both items are complete and shaleim and have intrinsic worth, albeit of different values. Now, if both untensils fall to the floor and brake into a thousand individual shards, there would be a tremendous difference between these broken utensils. Whereas the individual pieces of gold may not still be worth its original value as a complete piece, each individual piece of gold still has significant and intrinsic worth. Conversely, the pottery which used to have value as a “complete” utensil, is now rendered useless and worthless by virtue of having been shattered. In other words, its only value was in its original completeness.

We learn a valuable lesson from these pesukim. Torah is like the gold in the aforementioned example. Although the Torah has a beautiful element of completeness and shleimus alluded to in the first pasuk of “Toras Hasem Temima”…However, each individual facet of the Torah, is also considered to be complete, with its own measure of worth – value and shleimus.

The following pesukim of “Eidus Hashem, Mitzvas Hashem’ etc are teaching us precisely this lesson. This is to say, that even if one cannot grab the entire “shleimus” of the Torah in its completeness, there is still much shleimus to be found in each individual facet of the Torah by itself!

<Heard From Rav Shimshon Pincus>

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