Hakhel Email Community Awareness Bulletin
FEBRUARY 2019 DAILY EMAIL ARCHIVE
23 Adar Rishon
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
If one is especially careful with Shemiras HaLashon on Shabbos, or c’v
violates Shemiras HaLashon on Shabbos--is it a greater Mitzvah when
observing or r’l a worse aveirah in violating? What is your source?
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HOW WILL YOU DEFINE LIFE AS YOU PRACTICED IT TODAY?
Here are two choices: (1) a series of missed opportunities; or (2) a series
of accomplishments?
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TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The following is excerpted from the outstanding work Journey to Virtue
by Rabbi Avrohom Ehrman, Shlita (Artscroll):
“Although leitzanus (ridicule and/or cynicism) is strictly
forbidden, legitimate humor can be of great value, such as that which
creates a cheerful and enthusiastic frame of mind desirable for Torah study
and other worthwhile activities. The type of humor which cheers and
encourages others is included in the mitzvah of doing acts of chesed
(kindness). However, jokes that only serve to belittle or are
excessively light-headed are included in the prohibition against
leitzanus. In summary, jokes are an excellent tool to help pass through
life’s travails, provided they are neither at another’s expense, nor at the
expense of one’s own soul.
Rav Beroka was in the marketplace talking with Eliyahu HaNavi, who pointed
out two men as having a place in the World to Come. Rav Beroka engaged them
in conversation to find out what great merit had made them
so worthy. “We are jolly people,” they said, “and when we see people
who are depressed we speak to them and cheer them up. Furthermore, if we
see two individuals engaged in conflict, we try to restore peace through
good cheer.”(Ta’anis 22A)”
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PURIM MOMENT:
The Chofetz Chaim brings the following teaching from Chazal: The reason
that the Torah was written “She’lo KeSidran--not in order” is because
if it would have been given KeSidran everyone studying it would have
had the power of Techiyas HaMeisim. Such is the inherent power of the
Torah. As we move towards the Kimu VeKiblu of Purim, we should recognize
the inherent greatness of Torah as Hashem’s greatest gift to the entire
world, and treat our precious time for Torah Study with a corresponding
degree of appreciation and reverence. Especially in these months of Adar,
we can regale in the thought that the Torah has been given to us as an
inheritance and burst out in song with the words “Ashreinu Ma Tov Chelkeinu--How
Happy we are--and, quite to the contrary of Haman’s wishes, How Fortunate is
Our Lot!”
Additional Note:
The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 246:18) rules that Talmud Torah is equal to
all of the Mitzvos. Accordingly, one who is in the middle of learning is
not allowed to interrupt his studies to perform a Mitzvah unless there is a
Mitzvah that must be done immediately, and there is no one else who can
properly perform it. In that case, one should interrupt his learning to
perform the Mitzvah, and then, the Shulchan Aruch concludes, “he should
return to his learning” (this is also the language of the Rambam in
Hilchos Talmud Torah). Why is it necessary for the Rambam and
the Shulchan Aruch to add that after one completes the Mitzvah he should
return to his learning--is it not self-evident?? We may suggest that after
one has interrupted his studies to legitimately perform a Mitzvah that no
one else could perform, he may then determine that now is the time to take a
cup of coffee, make that phone call, take care of this thing, speak to that
person....All of this, the Rambam and Shulchan Aruch rule, is inappropriate
and incorrect, for it shows that he was willing to be mevatel for far more
than the Mitzvah. Instead, one should show his high regard for the Torah,
and how serious leaving it even to do a Mitzvah is--by going right back to
learning as soon as the Mitzvah has been completed. Thus, especially
when one has left Torah to take care of a Mitzvah, he should be sure not
to allow himself to be further interrupted with a few additional duties or
tasks, no matter how legitimate they may seem (read: Yetzer Hara hard at
work) by going right back to Torah study--as both the Rambam and the
Shulchan Aruch advise and enjoin.
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REVERENCE AND YOU!
Would
one have his cellphone on the Oval Office table, if he was in a meeting with
the President of the United States?! In many Kehillos, Rabbanim have
already prohibited the use of these phones and related electronic devices in
the Shul itself at any time. In those Holy Places where this is not yet the
case, we urge YOU to take an active role in making it happen. The
Chofetz Chaim brings the significant view of Rishonim that the Mitzvas
Asei DeOraysa of “U’Mikdashi Sira’u--and you shall fear My Sanctuary’
applies to our Shuls and Batei Medrashim today. We cannot allow those
uneducated in the meaning of the reverence one should have for a Shul or in
the importance of communicating with Hashem to spoil (really defile) the
sanctity of the Place for us all. Is there anything wrong with going over
to a person who is talking or typing and asking him to do so outside,
because the walls are imbued with Kedusha? Even if they argue that what
they are doing is for a mitzvah overess, explain to them that others
will not understand and will learn to do likewise in any circumstance. The
Torah in this week’s Parasha does not directly and openly refer to iPads,
iPhones, or any less sophisticated instruments--but it does teach us, in the
form and context of a complete, non-digressing Parasha, how important
the Mikdash is to Hashem and, therefore, to K’lal Yisrael. Let us really
take action--and, in this zechus, may we literally uplift ourselves
from our Mikdash Me’at to the Third and Final, Permanent and Everlasting
Third Bais Hamikdash...speedily and in OUR days!
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IMPORTANT TEFILLAH POINTS:
Please
note that one should speak to his Rav or Posek for specific guidance in his
particular facts or circumstances:
1. By
the following link
http://tinyurl.com/jhloyrw, we provide
an excellent descriptive summary of the Halachos of sitting, standing and
passing around someone who is davening Shemone Esrei. The summary was
prepared by The Halacha Hotline of Far Rockaway and the Five Towns under the
leadership of HaRav Binyomin Forst, Shlita. Spread the word… and the link!
2.
When davening, one should not cross his legs, or stretch his legs out in a
manner which indicates a lack of humility. (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 95:
Mishna Berurah, seif katan 2)
3.
Before beginning Shemone Esrei, one should picture himself as if he is
standing in the Beis HaMikdash itself, and focus his mind towards the
heavens. In fact, the Bach writes that before one begins Shemone Esrei he
should look through the windows in the Shul or room where he is davening in
order to gain a greater appreciation of who he is and what he is about to
do! (ibid., 95:2, Mishna Berurah seif katan 4)
4. If
one must daven in a public place, it is most imperative that he find a spot
in which he will be the least disturbed. If necessary in order to daven with
Kavannah, it is better to daven sitting down in a more remote location than
to daven standing up where one will be disturbed. (ibid., 94, Mishna Berurah
seif katan 30)
5. If
one is traveling and must daven sitting down (or for any other reason must
daven sitting down), then if at all possible he should stand at least when
reciting the first bracha of Avos. Even if one must recite Shemone Esrei
sitting, he should keep his legs together, and not sit back or lean, and he
should keep his head bowed. Additionally, if it is at all possible to stand
in order to bow during one of the four places of bowing in Shemone Esrei and
when taking three steps back at the end of Shemone Esrei, he should try to
do so at these points. Even if one cannot stand at the points of bowing, he
should bend his head down further in his sitting position at these times. (Shulchan
Aruch Orach Chaim 94:4, 5 and Dirshu Notes 14 and 17)
6. If
one does not know the proper direction to daven to--Yechavein Libo
L’aviv Shebashomayim--he should never forget that he is davening to his
Father in Shomayim! (ibid., 94:3)
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22 Adar Rishon
MEGILLAH DIKDUK SHIUR!
By the following audio link we provide a Shiur given by Rabbi Yisroel
Reisman, Shlita, on proper reading of the Megillah (approximately one hour
in length). May we all be zoche to perform Mikrah Megillah properly!
http://www.hakhel.info/ArchivesPrograms/InDepthDikdukShiurMegillah.mp3
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TESHUVAH MOMENT:
In last week’s Parasha, we learned how Hashem was ready to destroy K’lal
Yisrael for the infamous cheit haeigel. Yet, the Pasuk records “Vayechal
Moshe Es Pnei Hashem Elokav”—Moshe davened sincerely to Hashem, and
Hashem listened to his Tefillah, and determined not to destroy the people.
Based upon this, Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita, points out that rather than one
only being dejected while studying the Parasha over the miserable cheit of
the golden calf—he should also be uplifted and astounded by just how much
heartfelt Tefillah can accomplish. Indeed, Rabbi Eisen continues, not
only did Hashem accept Moshe Rabbeinu’s Tefillah—He taught him how to recite
the 13 Middos—for even more effective prayer! The great lesson we must apply
daily is just how powerful the potential of our Tefillos are. Before
starting each Shemone Esrei, take a quick moment to think: “This is a
real and unique opportunity—and will not repeat itself. My
next Tefillah will be its own, special encounter with the Ribbono Shel Olam.”
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PURIM MOMENT:
In Chapter 22 of Tehillim, the moving Kepitel recited by Esther HaMalka with
Ruach Hakodesh as she was about to encounter King Achashveirosh, we find
that Esther unusually compares Achashveirosh first to a dog, and then to a
lion--with the following words: “Hatzileini…Meyad Kelev Yechidasi,
Hoshi’eini MePi Aryeh…--Rescue...my essence from the grip of the dog,
save me from the lion’s mouth...” (Tehillim 22, 21:22). Now, we all know
that there is quite a difference between calling someone a dog and referring
to him as a lion. What did Esther mean by making both comparisons?! Rabbi
Label Wulliger, Shlita, provides a fascinating insight. If c’v one
is attacked by a dog, he will take a stick or any other object that he can
get into his hand and immediately begin to use it to fight off the attack.
With a lion, however, there is no defense, and the thought of taking an
object to battle or thwart him in any way would not even enter the most
desperate mind. By referring to Achashveirosh first as a dog, and then as a
lion, Esther was saying that her initial impression was that through her
personal merit she would be able to stave off, counter and hopefully even
defeat the designs and plans of Achashveirosh. However, as she got closer
to the encounter--and the Emes--she realized that these thoughts were
frivolous. She would not be able to fight Achashveirosh in the same
way she would a dog--by attempting to beat him back with a stick. No, he
was a lion, and her only hope, her sole plan, her exclusive
strategy, was a Yeshua from Hashem. Thus, she walked into Achashveirosh in
Hashem’s Hands, and in Hashem’s Hands alone. The Chapter of Tehillim,
however, records her entire thought process to us for eternity. Even if
and when we think that, at least in some small way it may be “Kochi
VeOtzem Yadi”--my personal wisdom, acumen, knowledge, relationships,
protectzia, money, or other talents or abilities that may get this done--in
truth everything out there is an aryeh, a lion, and we should and must place
our full faith, trust, and reliance upon Him in all circumstances, in all
events, in all challenges, and at all times.
The world out there is all a lion--but on our side we have its very Creator
to keep it in check and at bay…and like Achashveirosh--ready to become our
best friend and ally!
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LIVING A HAPPY LIFE!
Earlier this week, we had posed
the following question: “In last
week’s Parasha we learned that one who observes Shabbos is called a
Shomer Shabbos (VeShamru Vnei Yisrael Es HaShabbos), and we know
that the term for guarding one’s speech is Shemiras HaLashon. What is
unique to the concept of Shemira in these two Mitzvos?” Last Erev Shabbos,
we noted that HaRav Shlomo Mandel, Shlita, teaches that the term Shemira
according to the Torah implies preparation and aforethought. Accordingly,
the term Shomer Shabbos includes, as a general rule, being ready ahead of
time to usher the Shabbos in properly. We can similarly understand that the
specific term Shemira in the phrase ‘Shemiras HaLashon’ indicates that one
is prepared and ready to speak properly and justly, in accordance with
Hashem’s wishes and directives. This means inculcating into one’s person
that not only will he not speak in a negative manner about others unless the
Halacha so dictates, but also that a person will be Shomer--guard
himself against doing so by being committed to not saying something when he
is unsure as to whether it should be said. If one knows that he will go
through his day--at home, at work, on the street…wherever he may be, with
this overlying principle--how happy his life will be, for he will be saved
from so many mistakes, so much regret--and r’l innumerable aveiros
from which it is so difficult and sometimes even impossible to do complete
Teshuvah. In its place--this happy person will be blessed with feeling good
over his control and over his accomplishments, the love of others--and a
quantitatively and qualitatively unfathomable degree of Mitzvos to last
through an unending eternity! What a wonderful daily opportunity--Shemiras
HaLashon!
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A SIMPLE STRIDE IN TORAH STUDY!
We all try to improve our learning, for, after all, “VeTalmud Torah
KeNeged Kulam--Torah study is equivalent to them all.” As we learn
of the Aron’s construction in this week’s Parasha, we realize that we must
also build ourselves to house the Torah within us. Every individual
knows himself best, and can make progress and strides in his own way.
However, one area which may be particularly frustrating to many in their
Torah growth is their inability to remember where they learned something--e.g.,
where exactly it is in Shulchan Aruch or the Gemara, which commentary said
it, or what the particular language may be. If a person would take but
one item a day that he has learned that day, write down its
source, and try to commit the item and its source to memory whether through
memory association techniques or otherwise (it will obviously require
review), then over the course of a year--he will know more than 350
sources! Each and every day has so much potential inherent within it--if we
merely ‘tap’ on it we can accomplish so much over a month, a year, a
decade...120 years!
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PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS ON MIDDOS IMPROVEMENT:
“Kol Adam Nimshach BiSvarosav Achar Midosav--every person’s thoughts
directly result from his Middos, from his personal character traits.” Thus,
an Atzel, a languid person’s, ambitions will be in consonance with his
laziness; a hot tempered person’s thoughts will quickly lead him to anger;
and a haughty or arrogant person will view matters from his (of course, the
only!) perspective. Likewise, a person who feels love towards others will
think in a loving way, and a person who is critical and looks down upon
others will understand events in that vein. Therefore, the Orchos
Tzadikim urges that if one truly wants to be an Eved Hashem, he must
first work on eliminating his bad Middos, so that his thoughts and reactions
will be led in the right--rather than the wrong--direction! It would be
appropriate for a person to make a list of the three or four key negative
Middos that adversely affect him, and think of practical ways that
can help him move away from them. By doing so, one is not merely ridding
himself of bad character--but is cleansing his thoughts, thereby improving
and purifying his actions and deeds on an ongoing basis and an everlasting
way!
To make it a bit easier,
we provide the following brief list of possibly negative traits. Identify a
few key ones for yourself, and write down just a few ways in which you can
improve upon each one of them. It is not just a matter of Middos--it is a
matter of the thoughts and the deeds for the rest of your life (moreover,
your eternal life) that will so splendidly benefit! 1. Ga’avah--being
haughty or arrogant; It’s my way or the highway. 2. Azus--being
brazen and shameless; even the Chofetz Chaim felt that a student with too
much of this destructive Middah could be grounds for being expelled from
Yeshiva. 3. Sinah--hating (check to see how often you use the word hate,
despise, detest, abhor, disgust or even dislike). 4. Ka’as--how often do
you feel anger surging and somehow overtaking you? Are you able to ever
control it even if it comes infrequently? Are there some people toward whom
you especially feel it, and can this relationship or attitude be improved in
some way? 5. Kinah--he is healthier, richer, smarter, nicer looking, more
successful, more accomplished, more fortunate, more talented, more...than
me. So, now what?? What do his Tachlis HaChaim, his rewards and
punishments, his necessary tikkunim, have to do with yours?
6. Atzlus--HaRav Shmuel Berenbaum, Z’tl actually once described this Middah
as the source of all bad character traits--for if one does not appreciate
his value and the value of his time and his accomplishments, then he may
just as well say this, do that, etc. Do I arrive on time to Tefillah and
Torah study? How many times have I had to skip some of Pesukei DeZimra this
month because I came late to Shul? Am I too tired to clean up after myself
or pick something up off the floor (especially when ‘no one is looking’)?
Do my excuses always seem like excellent ones? 7. Tzaikanus--stinginess--erring
on the side of paying less when buying something for Shabbos, or when paying
for a Mitzvah, or when giving Tzedakah. 8. Shichecha--negligent
forgetfulness--not writing down what or how much you borrowed, forgetting to
make the call to help someone else out (such as a shidduch call), not
writing down or constantly recalling what you have to improve in... 9.
Chanifus--supporting or acquiescing to improper ways; letting the
inappropriate joke be told; encouraging or complimenting one in a way which
will allow him to justify or continue his behavior; smiling or nodding at
someone because even though you know he is wrong, you fear what he can do to
you. 10. Sheker--falseness. Even little openings of its darkness can have
devastating results. “Just tell him I’m not in the office” amounts to two
people not telling the actual truth--the boss and the employee. Avoiding
all shades of lying. The Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim writes that if one’s
thoughts are always true, then even his dreams and visions in the night will
be true--and he will even be able to understand events like angels. In Kelm,
where the Middah of Emes was a great hallmark, they placed great
significance and weight on their own dreams--we can now understand why!
As we move towards the close of this month of Simcha towards the next month
of Simcha--we can increase and develop, expand and enhance our personal
joy--through the pleasure and happiness, through the elation--of our own
personal accomplishment! What a great time--and a great day--to begin! Do
you need a piece of paper? Please start your great new Simcha--today!!
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21 Adar Rishon
LEARN FROM HIS TEACHINGS!
Today, is the Yahrzeit of HaRav Elimelech (B’R’ Elazar Lipman)--the famed
Noam Elimelech M’Lizhinsk. As many were unable to daven at his Kever
today--we still have the opportunity to learn from his great teachings. The
Tzetel Koton would be a wonderful place to start!
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TESHUVAH MOMENT: Rabban
Gamliel Rabanovich, Shlita, teaches, “If one looks at his food while he is
eating it--why would one not look at the words of one’s brachos in his
brachos card, siddur or bentscher when thanking Hashem for it?!”
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PURIM MOMENT:
Rabbi
Zev Leff, Shlita, points out that Purim is unique in that the Holiday is
celebrated by some Jews on Purim--and other Jews on Shushan Purim. If Purim
is a day in which we emphasize our unity--then shouldn’t we be on the exact
same page?! That is the point of Purim--to teach us that even if we are not
doing the same thing--that is fine--as long as we are all doing what the
Ribbono Shel Olam wants of us! [Rabbi Ozer Alport, Shlita]
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THE WISE MAN’S EYES:
Chazal teach that ‘Chochom Einav B’rosho--the wise man’s eyes are in
his head.” Of course, as we all know--everyone’s eyes are in their head. It
is the wise man who realizes that his eyes are not in his heart--but in his
head--for a reason! The next time one realizes he is looking at something he
should not--if he is wise--he will remember where Hashem placed his
eyes!
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A MOMENT OF REFLECTION:
After a tasty meal, one realizes he has overeaten. What does he do in order
to ensure that it does not happen again (at least not so readily)?
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ANOTHER MOMENT OF REFLECTION:
The following extremely meaningful quote is excerpted from Questions You
Thought We Were Afraid You’d Ask, by R’ Moshe Speiser (Targum Press):
“The concept of forever is amazing, if one thinks about it. If one would
receive a penny a day, forever, there would not be enough money in the world
to cover it. If every win and loss [against the Yetzer] affects us for
eternity, it sounds like there is an awful lot at stake here!
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A
SIGN OF THINGS TO COME!
On the 21st of Adar, Daryavesh, the son of Esther HaMalka and Achashveirosh,
allowed the Jews to continue the building of the Second Bais HaMikdash--which
had been halted in Achashveirosh’s time! May it be a sign of things to come
for the Third Bais Hamikdash and our final Geulah!
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MORE THOUGHTS ON TEFILLAH:
A. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 92:4) definitively rules that one must
wash his hands with water before Tefillah. The Mishna Berurah (ibid., seif
katan 13) notes that this is true not only before Shacharis, but before
Mincha and Ma’ariv as well. Indeed, the Mishna Berurah writes that according
to the Rambam one is not yotzei Tefillah if he has not washed his
hands prior to davening. If one does not have water, depending upon the
circumstances, one can use some other item in order to clean his hands (see
Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berurah there for specifics). Interestingly, the
Shulchan Aruch also writes (ibid., 98:4) that our Tefillah takes the place
of bringing a Korban, and goes on to explain step-by-step how this is so--
and we know that before a Kohen was permitted to begin Avodah, he would have
to wash with the Kiyor (as taught in last week’s Parasha). We note that it
appears that there is no basis for distinction between men and women in the
requirement to wash before Tefillah. Although one may not in the past have
been very careful with this Halacha, and may not see others particularly
knowledgeable of it, by observing the Halacha we obtain the additional
benefit of properly preparing ourselves to daven--in a similar way to the
Kohanim before they began their special act of Avodah in the Beis HaMikdash
itself!
B. The
Aruch HaShulchan (93:4) writes that one should take a moment before
beginning any Tefillah to engage in ‘Shesikah Vehisbonenus BeLibo”--to
understand before Whom he is preparing to daven. (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim
93, Dirshu Note 1)
C. Chazal teach that “Ain Omdin LeHispallel Elah Mitoch Koved Rosh.”
We usually understand this to mean that one should only begin to pray when
in a mode of seriousness and reverence. Rabbi Eli Mansour, Shlita,
insightfully added that the Rosh, the head, is also a reference to Hashem,
our Head, and that the Koved, or weightiness, is a reference to the severity
and pain of the Shechina in Galus. As we get ready to pray, we should
recognize that the severity of the Shechina in Galus is the most serious,
and the source of, all of our problems today. Hashem’s pain, and the
pain of all around us, may be rectified by the sincere prayer I am about to
attempt! Chazal instruction of Ain Omdin, then, very much
teaches us not only how we should pray, but what we should pray
for!
D. The
Sefer Chassidim (18) teaches that one must forego the attitude or
appearance of fatigue or tiredness when davening, as it is disrespectful
(ibid., Dirshu Note 6).
E. The
Seder HaYom writes that if it is possible one should try to be one of
the last ten in Shul so that he is not the cause of the Shechina’s departure
when the tenth man leaves the Beis Haknesses (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim
93:1, Dirshu Note 1) Hakhel Note: Even if one cannot accomplish this all the
time or even most of the time--he should have it in mind to accomplish it
whenever he can--or at least once a week!
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TODAY’S KETORES:
In this week’s Parasha, we learn of the construction of the Mizbe’ach
HaKetores (Shemos 37:25), upon which the Ketores was brought, which Chazal
teach brought forgiveness for the private sin of Lashon Hara. What can we
do in our day when we cannot bring the Ketores? The Chofetz Chaim, of course
teaches, that the study of the laws of Lashon Hara assist one in staving off
Lashon Hara--for a person more fully appreciates and understands what speech
is permitted, and what speech is not. It is extremely important to note,
however, that the Chofetz Chaim also composed a Tefillah (there are
short and long versions of it) for one to recite, in which one prays for
Hashem’s assistance to be saved from improper speech. As in the past, we
provide the Tefillah by the following links
Tefillah for Shmiros HaLashon (Chofetz Chaim) --
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/TefillasChofetzChaim.pdf
Tefillah for Shmiros HaLashon (Chofetz Chaim) [abridged version] --
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/TefillahL%27ShemirasHaLashon.pdf
There
are so many situations, circumstances and temptations in our lives--that
even those who study the laws still need the extra Tefillah that they be
freed of those who are not careful in this regard, and of those tempting,
instinctive and even unclear situations. Bringing the Ketores was part
of the Avodah every day; we too should be sure to make our Tefillah to be
saved from Lashon Hara an important part of our own daily Avodah as well!
A few
additional important points on Shemiras HaLashon:
1.
HaRav Shmuel Hominer, Z’tl, writes that it is appropriate before reciting
the Parashas HaKetores in the morning to have Hirhurei Teshuvah over
the sin of Lashon Hara and Rechilus. (Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Dirshu
Edition, p. 233, Note 22)
2.
Even if one does not intend to hurt another, and is only joking around in a
way which results in poking fun at another, it is Lashon Hara (Chofetz Chaim
3:3). On the other hand, even if one has publicly given permission to others
to speak about him, it is still forbidden to speak badly about him if the
speaker’s intent is to put him down or embarrass him. (ibid., p. 237, Note
31) Hakhel Note: The lesson--unless Halachically required--don’t
speak badly of another--speak well of him!
3. One
of the leading causes of Lashon Hara is not judging a person favorably.
The Yesod V’Shoresh Ha’avoda (1:7) importantly notes that one can
fulfill the Mitzvah of thinking favorably of others at all times and in all
places--even in places otherwise considered to be unclean. Hakhel Note: What
great ability there is to always practice! (ibid., p. 239, Note 36)
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20 Adar Rishon
GENERATIONS II!
In last week’s Bulletin, we provided a chart
showing how few the generations really are since our receipt of the Torah at
Sinai--and the transmission from generation to generation. A master
mechaneich has provided us with two additional, more professionally
prepared, charts, which we present by the following links:
http://tinyurl.com/zpkbwhq
http://tinyurl.com/hw6bxe5
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
In
last week’s Parasha we learned that one who observes Shabbos is called a
Shomer Shabbos (VeShamru Vnei Yisrael Es HaShabbos), and we know
that the term for guarding one’s speech is Shemiras HaLashon. What is
unique to the concept of Shemira in these two Mitzvos?
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TESHUVAH MOMENT:
We all want to continue to improve our Tefillah, by taking real and
practical steps. For the now less-than one month period between today and
Purim, we provide the following possible and very real and do-able
suggestions for improving one’s Shemone Esrei. You may consider choosing one
or more. In each Shemone Esrei:
1. Have Kavannah for the meaning of the words in the first bracha of Shemone
Esrei.
Hakhel Note: At a Hakhel Shiur, Rabbi Shlomo Pearl, Z’tl, recommended that
we take the fourth word of every Shemone Esrei--“Elokainu”--and
spend five seconds letting the Ol Malchus Shamayim pervade us. This
would then assist us with a greater sense of Hashem during the recitation of
at least the first Bracha, and hopefully would improve even more of our
Tefillah.
2. In Re’eih Nah Ve’anyeinu have Kavannah for redemption from the
tzaros which you face daily.
3. In Refaeinu have Kavannah for your loved ones to stay healthy and
for the sick to be healed.
4. In Bonei Yerushalayim have Kavannah for the Kedushas Yerushalayim
and the Malchus Bais Dovid to be restored.
5. In Modim, have Kavannah for specific items for which you
thank Hashem (this Kavannah can or should be changing on an ongoing basis).
6. In Sim Shalom have Kavannah for Shalom in Eretz Yisrael, for K’lal
Yisrael and for the entire world!
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PURIM MOMENT:
HaRav Nosson Wachtfogel, Z’tl, was asked: “What is the Avodas Hayom of
Purim?” He responded that it is: “Ke’ish Echad B’Lev Echad--we are to
unite as one person with one heart.” The Mitzvos HaYom of Purim clearly
demonstrate this--Mishloach Manos, which increase love and friendship,
Matanos L’Evyonim to any indigent person who presents himself, whether one
knows him or not and without any further investigations, Seudas Purim in
which people get together (‘misasfin yachad’), and even Kriyas
HaMegillah at which there is a special ma’alah of reading together
with the largest tzibur possible.
How,
then, can we grow in our Achdus, in our Ahavas Yisrael in this preparatory
period of Adar before Purim? The Ahavas Yisrael (the Kapiznitzer
Rebbe, Z’tl), teaches that one need not practice to love the Gedolei HaDor,
or our most revered Talmidei Chachomim--who would not love HaRav Moshe
Feinstein, Z’tl? Rather, one must practice Ahavas Yisrael with those
persons who do not have the same tendencies as he does, who ‘get on his
nerves’, or who always seem to say the wrong things. [Rabbi Ozer Alport,
Shlita] Hakhel Note: Let us not delay--and start today!
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TODAY IS THE 24th YAHRZEIT OF RAV SHLOMO ZALMEN AUERBACH, Z’TL:
There
is a very well-known story that HaRav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach, Zt’l, once
repeated the paragraph of “Nodeh Lecha”(we thank You, Hashem), in
which we list many important things that we thank Hashem for. When he was
asked why he repeated it, he responded that he experienced a momentary lapse
of Kavanna, and that saying “Thank you” without meaning it is not true
thanks. In a related way, as we have noted in the past, Rabbi Yisroel
Reisman, Shlita, teaches in the name of HaRav Pam, Zt’l, that one may put
out a finger and count each one of the things that you are thanking Hashem
for every time you recite “Nodeh Lecha”.
Example: “Al Yisrael Amecha-one, V’Al Yerushalayim Irecha-two
etc.”
If you
try this, you will see that it is a great method of focusing your
appreciation, and rejoicing in what Hashem has given you.
Additional Note:
HaRav Gamliel Rabanovitch, Shlita, teaches that when someone visits the
Kever of a Tzadik, he connects with the Nefesh of the Tzadik, but when he
studies from the Seforim of the Tzadik, he connects with the Ruach of the
Tzadik. Today, for example, one
can study the rulings of HaRav Shlomo Zalmen in the Shemiras
Shabbos KeHilchasa, Halichos Shlomo, Minchas Shlomo, or learn some of
the many lessons that he taught from Rabbi Hanoch Teller’s work, And
From Jerusalem ,
His Word: Stories and Insights of Rabbi Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach.
----------------------------------------------------------
YOU CANNOT DO THAT!
At a Hakhel Yarchei Kallah, Rabbi Ari Marburger, Shlita, discussed the
severity of the issur D’Oraysa of Geneivas Da’as--or ‘stealing
the mind of another’--which does not have to actually involve stating an
untruth directly. The issur of Geneivas Da’as is violated when
one will be machazik tovah bechinam to another, based on false
pretenses. For instance, one cannot place an inexpensive item into an
expensive box and give it as a gift to another. Rabbi Marburger then
mentioned a real-life case in which at a vort, the Kallah’s father re-filled
a Johnny Walker Blue Label (i.e., a very expensive) bottle with the cheaper
Chivas Regal after the expensive ‘Blue Label’ inside the bottle ran out.
When he offered the unsuspecting guests the opportunity to have this ‘very
expensive’ whiskey and ‘make a bracha’--he was over the issur of Geneivas
Da’as with each such guest--notwithstanding that they did not know they
were fooled or enjoyed the taste and exclaimed: “I’ve never tasted a
smoother liquor”. It is not cute or funny--it is assur!
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20/20 VISION!
In last week’s Parasha, Hashem told Moshe Rabbeinu (31:2): “Re’ei Karasi
V’sheim Betzalel Ben Uri Ben Chur LeMateh Yehudah--see I have called the
name Betzalel…” What does the word Re’ei--see, have to do with the
appointment of Betzalel? Rabbi Eliyahu Schneider, Shlita, makes a marvelous
observation. He suggests that millions of people were quite likely very
astonished by the appointment of Betzalel to the highest position in the
building of the Mishkan. After all, he was but a 13 year old young man, with
no stated experience whatsoever in craftsmanship, nor any stated education
or other qualifications. So how did he do it? The next Pasuk gives us the
answer--it continues that Hashem filled Betzalel with Ruach Elokim, Chochma,
Tevunah and Da’as. In short, this was another example of Nifla’os HaBorei--the
wondrous acts of Hashem-- in taking a 13 year old and putting him in charge
of the construction of such a holy place that Chazal teach it will endure
Le’olmei Olamim--forever and ever. There was thus something
very much to see--the amazing workings of Hashem! The lesson in ‘Re’eih’
, which is in the singular, is that we are to look and see, we are to study
and understand--all of the Nifla’os HaBorei that we encounter daily. The
snow, the rain, the sun, the food and gas deliveries, the warm coat,
earmuffs and gloves, the hot shower and the hot drink….and beyond all of
this, the ability to continue one’s daily studies, daily davening, daily
chesed, and daily ‘routine’. It is not enough to recognize it in
broad-painted strokes--as often as we can, let us open our eyes and ‘Re’eih’--let
us see all of the glowing examples!
------------------------------------------
MORE THAN JUST A PAY-BACK:
Dovid HaMelech teaches in Tehillim: “U’lecha Hashem Chosed Ki Atta
SeShaleim LeIsh KeMa’aseihu--Hashem, kindness is Yours, for You repay a
man according to his deeds” (Tehillim 62:13).
The Chofetz Chaim writes that many wonder as to why it is considered a
special Chesed for Hashem to repay a person for that which he has done--for
his performance of the Mitzvos. After all, he did his part--didn’t he? The
Chofetz Chaim answers that the Chesed is much, much greater than
we think, and to elucidate provides the following Mashal: An
inventor created machinery and equipment which were so technologically
advanced that it was capable of building an entire city in one day. He
knew that if he brought his invention to the king, he would surely be given
a wonderful and rewarding gift, and then be sent away to let the king
utilize all of the equipment to its greatest advantage. Never in his
wildest dreams, however, would the inventor imagine that the king would give
him all of the cities that would be built using these machines, and that
they would be named after him, as if he himself had built each and every one
of them. The Nimshal: When we study Torah, we literally keep the world
going through the Torah’s holy words. Because of our studies, Hashem
continues to be “MeChadeish Ma’aseh Bereishis--to renew the acts of creation
every day and every moment.” Dovid Hamelech incredibly teaches us that even
though it is Hashem Who is continuously creating and recreating the world,
He credits us with it as if it is ‘Kemaseihu’--as if we
ourselves are recreating the world daily. It is not only a few cities
that our ours--but the entire world that Hashem deems to be our handiwork!
With this great concept in heart and mind, we should understand and
appreciate how significant our words of Torah really are--and perhaps more
importantly how significantly Hashem Himself views them! After a Shiur or a
study session, look around. The world is still going--it is because of
you!!
=============================
17 Adar Rishon
TESHUVAH MOMENT!
FROM THINK HASHEM DAILY:
“The
essence of free will
is to
choose to
be a
soul not a body.
The
battle is to do
what
your soul wants
(serve
Hashem);
not
what your
body
feels like doing”
(Rav
Noach Weinberg Z”tl)
To subscribe to Think Hashem Daily, please contact
ateresshimon@gmail.com
-------------------------------------------------------
PURIM MOMENT!
Purim,
of course, comes out in the month of Adar. Haman was quite happy when he
found that the Pur, or lot, against the Jews came out on the 7th
of Adar, as he knew that this was the date of Moshe Rabbeinu’s petirah.
Chazal (Megillah13B), however, teach that just as it was the date of Moshe’s
petirah--it was also the date of his birth, and accordingly, a happy
and auspicious time. It is fascinating to note that ‘Adar’ is the last month
(whether it be Adar in a regular year or Adar Sheinei in a
leap year) of the Jewish calendar--with the next month of Nissan being the
first month. Haman viewed Adar as an end--signifying an end to K’lal Yisrael.
Moshe Rabbeinu’s birth, however, signifies that although Adar is the end--it
also leads to the beginning. From Adar, we are to begin again with renewed
force and strength. In a similar vein, we find that the last Shevet to
travel in the Midbar was Shevat Dan--as me’aseif lechol hamachanos--gathering
in the people from the Shevatim who had preceded them and lagged behind,
saving them, and bringing them forward with the rest of the camp--giving
them a new lease on life. Adar and Purim teach us that the Jewish people do
not have an ‘end’--but instead use all that they have gathered to begin
again--hopefully, in a stronger and more successful way. Let us treasure
Adar as a portal for the up and coming season of Geulah ahead of us!
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GENERATIONS!
How
many generations do you think there are from the time the second Luchos were
given in this week’s Parasha--and today? You may be relatively surprised to
see one sample chronology that we provide by the following link--http://bit.ly/huQHEh
you are closer to Sinai then you think--and should be careful to keep the
chain in fine condition!
----------------------------------------------------------
A
TIME OF GIVING!
Parashas Ki Sisah, begins with the zechus of giving money to the right
causes--with one’s Shekalim being used for great and lofty purposes. Chazal
(Bava Basra 9B) teach that one who gives charity to a person in need is
blessed with Six Brachos--as rooted and demonstrated by the
Pesukim in Sefer Yeshaya. What an incredible rate of return! It
really is much better, however, for Chazal add--based upon a continuation of
the words of the Navi Yeshaya--that one who is Mefayso BiDevarim, one
who appeases the poor person with kind words and an uplifting spirit
receives an Additional Eleven Brachos--so that if one gives
money--and on top of that provides words of support and encouragement--He
is Zoche to Seventeen Brachos! With this, we should begin to appreciate
what our “Shekalim” do not only for the Ani--but for our very own Ruchniyus.
Our giving to others--is a gift to us from Hashem. So let us be careful as
we begin to give over the next several days--and always give with the right
attitude!
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EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
A. In
response to a question we posed to him, Rabbi Yisroel Pinchos Bodner, Shlita
rules that: ”Moving muktza even if it moves only in its place is
prohibited. Touching muktza without causing it to move, wobble, or tilt is
permitted.”
B. In
this week’s Parasha, we find that the Torah requires that: “Veshomru Bnei
Yisrael Es HaShabbos--Bnei Yisrael shall observe the Shabbos,” to make
the Shabbos an eternal covenant for their generations (Shemos 31:16). This
Pasuk, together with the Pasuk which follows it, are so essential to our
understanding of Shabbos that we repeat them both at Ma’ariv and in
Shacharis on Shabbos. What is the concept of “Shemiras Shabbos?”
HaRav
Shlomo Mandel, Shlita, once explained at a Hakhel shiur that a “shomer” is
someone who guards, watches out for, is on the alert, and anticipates.
Indeed, the Torah uses the concept of “Shemira” when it describes how
Yaakov Avinu responded to Yosef’s dreams. The Torah states: ”V’Aviv
Shamar Es HaDavar--and his father [Yaakov Avinu] was waiting and
anticipating for [the dreams] to happen.” (Bereishis 37:11, and Rashi there)
This
is an extremely important lesson for us. The Torah requires us to be
“Shomrei Shabbos”. In order to fulfill this properly, we cannot start with
candle lighting and/or “Lecha Dodi”. Instead, we must appropriately prepare
our thoughts and actions, so that, to the greatest extent possible, we can
enter the Shabbos in a state of preparedness and equanimity--watching out
and anticipating for the Shabbos to come.
There
are many practical examples in which one can make strides towards this end.
For instance, one can, as much as possible, undertake Shabbos preparations
on Thursday evening and Friday morning. Additionally, business matters such
as taking care of bills, or even going through the mail, when it does not
require immediate attention, can become part of “Shemiras Shabbos” if they
are put off until Sunday or Monday. Interestingly, it was HaRav Aryeh Levin
Z’tl’s custom not to open letters that arrived Friday afternoon, so that
bothersome thoughts and worries should not trouble him on Shabbos (Growth
Through Torah p. 220, quoting A Tzaddik In Our Time p. 100).
There
are other activities which could help you become a superior “Shomer Shabbos”.
Making a list of the things that have to be done--and especially those
things which you have had issues with in the past--making sure you have
wine, candles, matches, open tissue boxes, clothes (without stains from the
previous week), Torah thoughts for the Shabbos table--and accomplishing
these, and many other items which could truly be taken care of, hours and
hours and even a day before Shabbos.
If a
man is more often late than on time for Mincha in Shul on Friday afternoon,
or if a woman customarily, or even usually, lights the neiros “just a minute
or two” after the published zeman, there is an indication of weakness
in his/her anticipating, watching out for, guarding, longing for, the
Shabbos that is coming. If the scene is one in which the husband is still
in the shower/bedroom area at candle lighting time, or the woman of the
house has to choose between davening Mincha before candle lighting--or
lighting neiros five minutes late, some corrections may be in order.
Indeed, the Shulchan Aruch, rather than requiring raised voices, anger, and
tension, immediately prior to Shabbos, instead requires that a person “arise
early” on Erev Shabbos to properly prepare (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim
250:1). In fact, the Mishna Berurah there requires that some Shabbos
preparation be done after davening Shacharis (and, if necessary, even before
Shacharis--see there). Furthermore--the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 260:2)
actually requires that one speak “B’Lashon Raka” (in a soft voice)--immediately
before Shabbos(!)--even as to those matters which require correction
before Shabbos arrives.
In an
ideal world, Shemira would include being ready a few minutes in advance and
waiting for the Shabbos queen to come, by saying Tehillim, learning Torah,
or the like--just as the watchman watches and anticipates. For the men,
there are undoubtedly great zechusim to be had when one is not
dashing out the door to shul with suit jacket in hand, tie not made, and wet
hair. For the women, there is very much to be gained lighting neiros two or
three minutes before the zeman, instead of a minute or two or
three after the zeman. Each one of us should sit down and think
about how we can improve our quest for a greater appreciation, a greater
understanding, a greater accomplishment, in being a “Shomer Shabbos” Jew!
C. The Sefer Yereim writes that Hadlakas Neiros is “Gemara Gemiri La”--is
actually a Halachah LeMoshe MiSinai! Rebbe Akiva Eiger, Z’tl suggests that
men (Hakhel Note: or other able-bodied person) take part in the Mitzvah by
making sure that the Neiros are in fine order for the woman of the house to
light. We may add that this could include testing the candles and fixing
them well into the leichter, putting the matches in place, making the Sefer
with special Tefillos for the time readily available on the table--as the
time of Hadlakas Neiros is an Eis Ratzon, etc. The moment the Queen enters
is a powerful one--and a proper--and not hurried and hassled-- Hadlakas
Neiros is like the rolling out of a beautiful red carpet to meet her!
D.
For Shabbos morning laining (and when being ma’avir sedra): In the Parasha,
we find the following powerful Pasuk describing Moshe Rabbeinu’s initial
reaction to the events of the Chait HaEigel: ”VaYomer Ein Kol Anos Gevura
VeAin Kol Anos Chalusha Kol Anos Anochi Shomea--Moshe
Rabbeinu told Yehoshua “It is not a sound shouting strength nor a sound
shouting weakness--it is a sound of distress that I hear.” (Shemos 32:18)
HaRav Yisroel Belsky, Z’tl, teaches that the meaning of the word Anos the
third time it is mentioned in the Pasuk is different than the first
two times that it is mentioned. The first two times it means ‘sounding’, and
the third time it means ‘distress’--inui. It is truly a different
word--which is why there is a dagesh in the Nun of the third Anos of the
Pasuk, and not in the first two. Accordingly, to the extent possible--the
ba’al kriyah who is laining, and one being ma’avir sedra should read the
third occurrence as ANNOS and not as ANOS--i.e., with a greater accent or
drawing out of the nun, not actually making it onto a ‘double-nun’--but
extending it a bit--so that one recognizes and demonstrates the different
word being read!
E.
We provide below an extremely important thought provided in the past on our
unique and wonderful relationship to Veshomru Vnei Yisrael Es HaShabbos:
Shabbos is the only day of the week in which each Tefillah of Shemone Esrei
is different.
In the evening, we recite “Ata Kidashta”--You have
sanctified us.
In the morning, we recite “Yismach Moshe”--Moshe was
gladdened.
In the afternoon, we recite “Ata Echad”--You are one…
The
Sefer Avudraham (1:163) asks--why is it only on Shabbos--and not on
the weekdays--or even on Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur or the Shalosh Regalim--that
the text of the Shemone Esrei changes at each one of the Tefillos? The
Avudraham provides an amazing answer. Because Shabbos is called the
“Kallah” (Bava Kama 32B), and Hakadosh Baruch Hu is called the Choson, we
first celebrate our initial participation in the Kiddushin, i.e., the
commencement of the installment of Kedusha into Shabbos--by reciting “Ata
Kidashta” on Leil Shabbos. Indeed, it would seem that we joyously sing
Lecha Dodi just as we escort the Choson to greet the Kallah.
At
Shacharis, we recite “Yismach Moshe”--Moshe rejoiced--as the Choson’s and
Kallah’s and participants’ joy increases after the Chuppah, and as the
Chassuna progresses. We are now invited to take an even more active role in
the joy, as the Choson asks us to take good care of his precious Kallah and
we proudly continue by reciting “Veshomru Vnei Yisrael Es HaShabbos”.”
It is with the greatest honor and pleasure that we take the Choson’s
request to heart, mind and action. As Chazal teach, our Shabbos observance
is more important than even the building of the Bais Hamikdash (see Rashi,
Shemos 31:13). We hope and pray for the Bais Hamikdash daily--yet we cannot
violate Shabbos to attain it, because we have been asked to guard the Kallah!
We
then continue with Mussaf, with the bringing of Korbanos as the “Seudas
Mitzvah.”
Finally, at Mincha we celebrate “Ata Echad”--the conclusion of the Chassuna--and
the resulting unity and oneness of the Choson and Kallah.
We may
add that just as when you come home from a really joyous, nice Chassuna, or
from the Chassuna of a close relative or friend, you bring the joy home with
you (compare this to the Melave Malka), and the joy lasts for a few days--or
even for the week, through the Sheva Brochos, so should our honored
participation in the Simchas Shabbos last for several days, or perhaps even
a week, until the next Shabbos--when we can once again experience
transcendent and sublime joy.
There
is no doubt that a direct correlation exists between the way we celebrate at
a Chassuna and its lasting effect upon us. If our celebration is centered
on the fish crepe, squash soup or well-done prime ribs in duck sauce, there
will definitely be some kind of lasting effect (at least somewhere in--or
on--the body!). But if we feel an internal joy out of genuine warmth and
oneness with the Choson and Kallah, the feeling will have even a greater
impact and most certainly endure for a longer period. The feeling of
closeness will cause you to “stay in contact” with the Choson and Kallah.
Similarly, Rav Shlome Wolbe, Z’tl, once commented, that while a tasty
Cholent is truly an important aspect of Shabbos, it should not in and of
itself be the highlight of this sacrosanct day. Instead, we should actually
try to establish the highlight of the day ourselves--our greatest moment of
joy with the Choson and Kallah at their celebration.
One’s
highlight should be something special and meaningful, and may be:
A heartfelt Lecha Dodi or Zemiros with feeling or even
intensity.
Learning Rashi, Ramban or Midrash or other commentaries
on the Parasha. We can always draw wellsprings of information on how to
conduct ourselves during the week by applying the Parasha’s timeless and
timely lessons.
In Shacharis, reciting Nishmas slowly, word by word, or
feeling moved at “Kel Adon” (not just waiting for the tune the Chazan will
use).
Helping to make the Shabbos table warm and
inspirational with a poignant Devar Torah or lesson-filled story you have
prepared.
Giving meaningful advice or assistance to a Shabbos
guest.
So, as
we shower, shine our shoes, set the table or otherwise prepare for the great
Chassuna this Shabbos, or even when we are at the Chassuna itself, let us go
beyond the delectable kugels and cakes and pleasant and refreshing Shabbos
nap, and think about how and what we will do this Shabbos that will permeate
and elevate us and leave a supernal effect upon us through the week!
-----------------------------------------
A
LESSON FROM THE NECK:
In the Parasha we learn of the horrific sin of the Golden Calf. In its
aftermath, Hashem tells Moshe Rabbeinu: “Say to Bnei Yisrael--you are a
stiff-necked people…” (Shemos 33:5). In fact, this exact same description
of our “stiff-neckedness” is repeated two other times in the Parasha (Shemos
33:3 and 34:9). Likewise, in the Viduy we recite “Kishinu Oref--we have
been stiff-necked.” There is a very important message here for us. The
neck, as opposed to the front, symbolizes the back of the person and shows
that the person is turned away from someone, rather than facing him. It is
our job not to turn away from what we have done, and certainly not to turn
away from Hashem. Instead, we must face that which we have done with a plan
to improve, and face Hashem asking Him for nothing less than Divine
assistance going forward.
We
believe that there is also a vital second lesson: The Torah is teaching
that the heinous “Chait Haegel” is related to being obstinate and
inflexible. In our stubbornness, we must be careful to distinguish between
fact and opinion, between “teaching lessons to others” and learning to
control our self-interest or pride. It is now a very auspicious time to
deal with this middah, in order to indicate that we, on our own personal
level and in our own private way, are looking to correct the
stiff-neckedness within us--and our recognition that obstinacy could
eventually result in something that is catastrophic, r’l. If our
actions are “just because” or “because that is the way I do things” or
because “I know I am right” or “because I don’t do it that way”… (you can
fill in another phrase that better summarizes your own stiff-neckedness)
then we may have to work on some adjustments in attitude.
Of
course, being tough in some areas is good--such as not flinching from the
requirements of Halacha or proper Hashkafa in spite of work, financial or
even social pressures to do so. However, Chazal advise specifically that “a
person should be soft as a reed, and not hard as a cedar tree” (Taanis 20B).
Reeds are malleable and do not break--even in the face of a harsh wind or
thunderous storm. Incredibly, the mighty cedar may fall earlier than the
thin little reed. Let us take this lesson to heart as we practice acting
with more pleasance than presence, the way Hashem would like us to!
-----------------------------------------
MORE NOTES ON THE PARASHA:
We present several additional points from Parashas Ki Sisa to apply (and
hopefully inculcate within ourselves) over the coming week:
A.
The Pasuk teaches that the letters on the Luchos were engraved through and
through, and that, by Miracle, they could be read from both sides although
the writing was not reversed. HaRav Pam, Z’tl, as quoted by Rabbi Sholom
Smith, Shlita, brings the following important lesson relating to this
Miracle: HaRav Chaim Elazar Wachs, Z’tl, (the “Nefesh Chayah”) was a
partner in a paper factory. His partner came to him with an idea that would
bring him a great deal of profit in a short amount of time. When the
partner presented all of the details, HaRav Wachs concluded that the idea
involved some degree of impropriety, and bordered on geneiva. His partner
still wanted to go ahead with the “get-rich-quick” scheme. HaRav Wachs
exclaimed, “Don’t you realize why the Luchos had to be readable from
either side?! Because no matter which way you turn the Luchos--you have
to see the Lo Signov!” [In Yiddish: “Az men dreit a hin, oder men dreit a
heir, es shteit noch ales Lo Signov!”] We may all be faced with the
temptations of improprieties--some bigger and some smaller. We must,
however, realize that the Luchos preceded these temptations and
manipulations--and covers them from whatever angle they may be coming!
B.
Chazal (Rosh Hashanah 17B) teach of the great power of the Thirteen Middos
of Rachamim found in the Parasha (Shemos 34:6,7), which are first introduced
to us after the Chait HaEgel. Indeed, their introduction to us after the
Eigel indicates their great potency--as we are kept going as a nation after
such a devastating aveira. The Netziv makes an amazing point as to one of
these Middos. He writes that it is not correct to read this Middah as “Rav
Chesed” and then simply continue with “Emes”, as the next Middah. Instead,
and in fact, the word “Rav” modifies BOTH Chesed and Emes--for Hashem not
only provides Abundant Chesed but also Abundant Truth. It is this Middah
that we must emulate--not to allow ourselves into the singular comfort of
“Rav Chesed” which we are so incredibly blessed with in K’lal Yisrael--but
also to be the Rav Emes--being an overflowing source of Truth as well!
C.
The Taz asks what is the Attribute of Mercy contained in the word “Lo
Yinakeh”. We know that Yinakeh means that Hashem cleanses the sin of one
who does Teshuva--but how is the Lo Yinakeh--Not Cleansing the Sin--helpful
to us? The Taz answers that it means that Hashem will not eliminate the sin
and may punish the sinner somewhat --but still waits for him to do Teshuva,
and in the interim does not give him the punishment that he truly otherwise
deserves. There are thirteen different levels of Mercy--it is up to us to
determine which levels of Mercy we will be zoche to--we do not have to be at
the bottom of the class--so why should we put ourselves there? Teshuva is a
much better alternative!
D.
HaRav Moshe Rosenshein, Z’tl, approached his great Rebbe, the Mashgiach of
Mir, HaRav Yeruchem Levovitz, Z’tl, and asked him to explain the Chait
HaEigel to him. After much study of the topic, HaRav Rosenshein was
expecting a greatly detailed and long explanation from his Rebbe of what had
transpired here. HaRav Yeruchem answered with Two Words. The Two
Words....Yetzer Hara! After all, could it make any sense that a people who
owed so much to Moshe Rabbeinu would believe that he died--and almost
immediately start to wildly party? As we say in the Lechu Nerannena at the
outset of Kabbalas Shabbos (Tehillim 95) “Va’Omar Am To’ei Levev
Haim...--and I said they are a people who are mistaken of heart...”. The
Yetzer Hara’s effects were so devastating that the sin of the Golden Calf
burdens us to this very day. There is a great lesson for us all here. If
we could remind ourselves when making any daily decision that we must
realize which side of the decision the Yetzer Hara is on--we can take a
great step--on a daily basis--to overcoming, overriding and overruling the
Chait HaEigel itself. What an accomplishment! What a great and enormous
potential every day brings with it!
=============================
16 Adar Rishon
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
As we all
know, the Yetzer Hara goes to great lengths to stop a person from learning
Torah. This is simply because the study of Torah destroys the Yetzer Hara—The
Gemara states, “Barasi Yetzer Hara, Barasi Torah Tavlin K’nedgo” (Kiddushin
30B). An important reminder that one of the Bad One’s great tricks is either
to make noise, have someone enter the room or otherwise cause the Torah
student to raise his head and look up and around in order to interrupt his
limud HaTorah. In Kelm, this would most certainly have been the subject of a
k’nas. In a similar vein, the Sefer Lev Eliyahu (Volume 1, page 27) states
that Rav Eliyahu Lopian Z’tl was once waiting for a considerable amount of
time for a bus. He looked up to see if the bus was coming, although his
looking up would not have made the bus come sooner. As a result, he felt the
need to do teshuvah for the needless act of looking up. The Chazon Ish (Kovetz
Igros, Part I, Letter 3) writes “Constant (uninterrupted) learning is the
secret of holiness and…one should figure out ways to learn without
interruption, and to daven for this always.”
--------------------------------------------
PURIM MOMENT:
The Maharal (Ohr Chadash 56) explains that we read the Megillah both
at night and in the morning because there were two different aspects to the
tzara gedola: 1) K’lal Yisrael itself was in a lowly, dark,
humiliated state in galus; and 2) Haman Harasha was in an extraordinary
worldwide position of power. We accordingly read the Megillah at
night--representing the dismal darkness of our galus and Hashem’s drawing us
out from the depths of despair to an Ohr Gadol. (Hakhel Note: …something we
recognize can happen to us as well at any moment.) We then read the Megillah
in the morning to recall how Hashem caused Haman’s extraordinary power to
collapse and paradoxically for Mordechai to reign in his place--so that we
bask in the daytime sunshine of Hashem’s love and compassion for us!
Hakhel
Note: The Tefillah of Aleinu L’Shabeiach is the basic conclusion of all
three of our daily Tefillos. In it, we recognize Hashem’s greatness and in
the resounding effect of the ultimate Geulah. What a wonderful preparation
for Purim it would be to better focus on Aleinu L’Shabeiach three times
daily (perhaps reading it from a siddur or concentrating on a word-by-word
or phrase-by-phrase basis).
--------------------------------------------
THE PURPOSE OF TECHNOLOGY:
A Rav advised us that he believes that technology has a very positive
purpose--it is a Nisayon to prove our real Yiras Hashem!
Hakhel Note: Whether or not you necessary agree--one should certainly use
the tests one faces in the world of technology as an important stepping
stone for growth in Yiras Shomayim. Remember--Reishis Chochma Yiras
Hashem!
--------------------------------------------
HOW
WAS THE SPEECH?
Can
one who missed a lecture, shiur, drasha or class ask an attendee “I
couldn’t make it--how was it?” The Dirshu Edition of the Sefer
Chofetz Chaim (p. 207) brings an opinion that unless it is likely that
the attendee will respond negatively, one is not oveir the
prohibition of Lifnei Iver by asking him. Others, however, rule that even if
the prohibition of Lifnei Iver is not violated, asking someone who is
not a Yerei Shomayim this question or a question like it would involve
Avak Lashon Hara, which prohibits a person from causing another to speak
negatively about someone. Hakhel Note: The great lesson here is that one
must be quite circumspect as to what and whom he is asking about the shiur.
--------------------------------------------
AMEN: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
QUESTION 1: One enters a room after a bracha has been made and hears people
answering ‘Amen’—Should he answer ‘Amen’ as well?
QUESTION 2: One is already in a room, and does not know what bracha everyone
is responding’ Amen’ to, whether because he missed some words or was not
listening—Should he answer ‘Amen’ anyway?
ANSWERS: No, one should not answer Amen to a bracha if he does not know
which bracha is being recited, as this is one form of Amen Yesoma (Rema,
Orach Chayim 124:8). However, if he knows the bracha that is being made,
even if he did not hear all the words, he must answer
‘Amen’
(Mishne Berurah 215; seif katan 6). Moreover, when he hears someone davening
or blessing another Jew (even without mentioning Hashem’s name), one should
answer Amen
(Ibid,
seif katan 9).
NOTE:
If a person is called to the Torah and recites Borchu so softly that ten
people do not hear him, the tzibur should not respond with Boruch Hashem
Hamevorach but instead should simply answer Amen to the Baal Koreh’s
response of Boruch Hashem Hamevorach (Rema, Orach Chayim 139:6).
--------------------------------------------
TEACHING AKUM TORAH:
It is
forbidden to teach an akum Torah—or even the Aleph Bais—as the posuk
(Tehillim 142) states, “Lo Asah Chen L’chol Goy” (Chagiga 13A, Yorah
Deah 246:6, Gloss of Shiurei Bracha). Many times a person may be faced with
an akum at work or in the neighborhood who has a “question on the Bible” or
who states that there is “something I don’t understand about Jewish ritual.”
One must, in a polite way, immediately divert the topic of conversation,
just as if it were any other prohibited activity, like Lashon Hora. There is
also a second potential issur of Lifnei Iveir (Tosfos, Chagiga 13A dibur
hamaschil Ain Mosrin). Rav Moshe Feinstein Z’tl (Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah
3:89, 90) adds that the prohibition even includes relating the Agados of
Chazal. However, in a situation where an akum is present in the room when
Yidden are learning together, they need not necessarily stop learning until
the akum leaves (See Ibid.). For the tape of a masterful Hakhel shiur on
this topic entitled “Ambassadors of Torah” given by Rabbi Yosef Viener,
Shlita, call 718-252-5274.
--------------------------------------------
MONEY AS A SOURCE OF GOOD:
The Mishna
Berurah (Orach Chayim 584:2 seif katan 8) writes that a mitzva is more
elevated if one spends money on it than a mitzva that comes for free.
Indeed, the Yesod V’Shoresh Ha’Avoda (11:2) writes that the ikar of a
mitzva is to purchase it with money, “as is mentioned in the Zohar HaKodosh
in many places—see Parashas Terumah 128A.” Similarly, the Chayei Odom
(68:16) quotes Dovid HaMelech (Shmuel Beis 24:24) who insisted on paying
Aravna for the land of the Beis HaMikdosh “so that sacrifices to Hashem
would not be free.” Indeed, we recite in the Shema daily—we are to love
Hashem “with all of our heart, all of our soul (our lives) and all our
resources” which Chazal teach us includes our money. The dedication of our
money to Hashem is equated with the dedication of our heart and even our
very lives! Because a person is close to his money, it is difficult to make
proper judgments as to monetary issues that arise. It is for this reason
that our Gedolim have always urged us to ask a Rav help us decide and
resolve monetary matters, including claims and disputes.
NOTE: Any
person involved in business should know and understand that their Rav cannot
be expected
to
approach
them
and ask
them how they deal with onaah, ribis, hasagas g’vul, etc. Firstly, the
Rabbonim do not, of course, know the details of each one’s business.
Secondly, our Rabbonim are like our spiritual doctors. No doctors knock on
our doors and ask us how they can help us! WE HAVE TO MAKE THE EFFORT
OURSELVES TO SIT DOWN WITH OUR RAV AND REVIEW BASIC HALACHOS AND MAKE SURE
WE PROPERLY CONDUCT OUR PARTICULAR BUSINESS. We are all familiar with the
story of R’ Yisroel Salanter’s ZT’L talmid who wanted to leave his position
as a shochet because he was worried that perhaps he would cause a shechita
to be improperly performed. R’ Yisroel responded, “What will you become? A
businessman? Shechita involves only the prohibition of neveilah—business
involves many prohibitions, such as stealing, coveting, cheating, lying and
keeping inaccurate measurements.” We must always remember that the Torah is
Hashem’s guide for us—at home, in the streets and in our business. There are
currently many practical seforim in English relating to Choshen Mishpat. For
several series of excellent Hakhel tapes on the halachos and hashkafos of
Choshen Mishpat, please contact 718-252-5274.
SECOND NOTE: There has been a proliferation of “women’s stores” both in
storefronts and basements in our communities. It is important that the women
proprietors (who are as equally bound to Torah law as men) be familiar with
the same parameters of Choshen Mishpat and ribis as men who are involved in
business, including such areas as Hilchos Onaas Mamon (overcharging),
Gneivas Da’as (not disclosing mislabeling and hidden defects),
responsibility for defective merchandise and the obligation to accept
returned merchandise, fair competition, Dina D’Malchusa Dina (including
sales and income tax laws), not selling D’varim HaAsurim (shatnez or goods
from a questionable source), and clothing which meets the requirements of
Tznius (such as sleeves past the elbow, dresses past the knees even when
sitting, and no slits). Let us not forget what sealed the decree of the
Mabul (Beraishis 6:13 and Rashi there); what causes Amelek to come upon us (Rashi
on Devorim 25:17); and what we plead for at Neilah on Yom Kippur (L’Maan
Nechdal Mai’oshek Yodeinu, See the Chofetz Chaim’s Sefas Tamim, Chapter 3).
Instead, we should remember that Rashi explains the first word of Birchos
Kohanim, “Yevorechacha (May [Hashem] Bless You)” as “a blessing for wealth.”
Money comes only as a result of Hashem’s blessing, and not through acumen,
cunning and guile, or even wisdom.
=============================
15 Adar Rishon
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
A bracha must be recited loud
enough so that one clearly hears himself say the entire bracha. B’dieved,
if a bracha was whispered so quietly that he could not hear it, as long as
the words were actually recited, it is valid (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim
206:3). We note, however, that if one fails to recite the bracha out loud:
A. He may unknowingly slur or skip words, rendering the bracha invalid;
B. He fails to take advantage of the “Kol Rom” arousing Kavana (Mishna
Berurah 185, seif katan 3); and
C. He loses the opportunity for achieving the shleimus (completeness) of a
bracha which results from others answering Amen to his bracha (Rema, Orach
Chayim 167:2 and Mishne Berurah seif katan 20 and 85).
Hakhel Note: Who would want to recite something so essential as a bracha--
in a B’dieved way? One should instead rejoice with a Simcha Shel Mitzvah
over the opportunity and knowledge to recite a Bracha with kavana and
meaning!
---------------------------------------------------------
PURIM MOMENT:
Beginning today, Shushan Purim
Katan, and continuing through Purim we hope to provide a brief, meaningful
thought gleaned from Purim:
The Megillah begins with the words “Vayehi Beyemei Achashveirosh”.
Chazal (Megillah 10B) teach that the phrase Vayehi Beyemei indicates
that tzaros were about to come. HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, brings
a Mashal from the Dubno Maggid, Z’tl, to explain: A pharmacist who owned a
drug store was advised that his young son got into a locked cabinet of drugs
in the store. The pharmacist began frantically running to the store. As he
was running, a close friend accompanying him tried to calm him down, and
asked him what he had to worry about--after all, why did he think that his
son caused damage or swallowed something-- rather than straighten out the
medicines or do something constructive or worthwhile with them. The father
responded: “When a child plays with these kinds of things, certainly no good
can result.” This, explains the Dubno Maggid, is why Chazal knew that
Vayehi Beyemei Achashveirosh indicates tzaros--for when a
person like Achashveirosh does something, certainly no good can come out of
it. Hakhel Note: We can take the lesson today--as we encounter leaders and
politicians worldwide (each person can look at his own country, in
particular) whose aims, goals and messages have nothing to do with a Torah
Jew’s attitudes and goals. We must be careful to stay away from their words,
their mores, their teachings, and stand on our firm ground--so that only
good will result!
---------------------------------------------------------
NOTES FOR SHUSHAN PURIM KATAN 5779:
1. Reminder--Your Daf
Megillah! Don’t let yourself down--a glorious Siyum lies ahead! Hakhel Note:
If you need resources…please let us know.
2. The Mishna Berurah (Shulchan
Aruch Orach Chaim 697, seif katan 1) rules l’halacha that if one
recited Ahl HaNissim today in davening or in bentsching--he would not have
to repeat Shemone Esrei or bentsching, as mi’dinah Purim would have
been in Adar Rishon, but for a final determination that it is better to
place the Geulah of Purim in Adar Sheni--closer to the Geulah of Pesach.
Indeed, Rebbi Eliezer B’ Rebbi Yosi (Megillah 6B) is of the opinion
that the Megillah is read only in Adar Rishon--even when there is a second
Adar. Hakhel Note: A Ba’al Keriya also pointed out to us that the
Megillah specifically states that Haman wanted to annihilate us B’Chodesh
Sheneim Asar (Megilas Esther 3:13), and that the Jews were victorious
against their enemies also in the twelfth month (Megilas Esther 9:1). The
twelfth month correlates to Adar Rishon (Adar Sheini would be the thirteenth
month) and seems to send a strong message to us that even if we do not
celebrate Purim itself this month--the initial gezeirah and the yeshuah
should certainly have a strong impact upon us--as we experience Shushan
Purim Katan today.
3. As Purim is 30 days away, each and every one of us should most
definitely have a plan of action--a goal--in counting up to Purim. We of
course suggested above the Mesechta as a beautiful goal (after all, Chazal
teach us that a reason for the gezeira against us was our weakening
in Mitzvah performance)--V’Talmud Torah K’negged Kulam. Another
important possibility is your keeping a Hava Nireh Es Yad Hashem
diary for the next 30 days. What greater lesson from Purim could there be
than Hashem’s Hashgacha Pratis even in the most hidden ways. Yet another
thought would be a re-dedication to your original commitments from the Yomim
Noraim--after all, it is still 5779s! Finally, as we have mentioned in the
past, the Pasuk in Tehillim 150 for Adar (both Adar Rishon and Adar Sheni)
is “Kol HaNeshama Tehallel Kah Halleluka”; let us have special
Kavannos of thanks when reciting these words in Shacharis every morning, and
think about it during the day as well--with a wonderful climax on Purim
itself! As Chazal teach, Dovid HaMelech emphasizes to us with this pasuk
that Ahl Kol Neshima V’Neshima--for each and every breath--we should
give hallel to Hashem!
---------------------------------------------------------
ON HIS 70TH BIRTHDAY!
Someone once told
HaRav Elchanan Wasserman, Z’tl H’yd, that the Chofetz Chaim had just
celebrated his 70th birthday. Rav Elchanan couldn’t believe that
his modest Rebbi would ever celebrate or allow anybody else to celebrate his
birthday. Research of the matter revealed, that there was indeed a
celebration for the 70th birthday of the Chofetz Chaim, however
for a different reason. The Chofetz Chaim explained that all his life he was
worried that he would be niftar young, despite how careful he was with
Shemiras HaLashon. Since he spent his whole life advocating the zechus of
Arichus Yomim for being careful with Shemiras HaLashon, a r’l
early petirah would cause a great Chilul Hashem. For this reason, he
celebrated his 70th birthday, since past this age he felt his
death would not be a cause for a Chilul Hashem. This is the greatness of our
great Gedolim--who only celebrate Kavod Shomayim. (A teaching of Rabbi
Mordechai Schmeltzer, Shlita)
---------------------------------------------------------
NISAYON ATTITUDE:
One’s initial reaction--especially to a difficult Nisayon--may be a negative
one. “This is too difficult for me..., why is this happening..., there is so
much hurt....” HaRav Yecheskel Levenstein, Z’tl, constantly taught his
students that one must strengthen himself in Emunah on a daily basis. The
more one hears about Emunah and Bitachon, and the stories of others, the
more he strengthens himself. For those who do not yet listen or subscribe,
we remind our readers that Rabbi David Ashear,
Shilta, continues to provide wonderful and meaningful essential Emunah
lessons on a daily basis.
To
join and for further information contact:
emunadaily@gmail.com. The
recording is available via telephone as well: Dial
(605) 475-4799,
access code 840886#. For those who already subscribe--we urge you to invite
others to join you!
---------------------------------------------------------
TODAY’S BA’AL TESHUVAH!
Can one speak about another, saying that ‘he is a Ba’al Teshuvah’ without
violating the laws of Lashon Hora? The Dirshu Edition of the Sefer
Chofetz Chaim (p. 199) brings various valuable opinions and contexts
regarding this question. Of particular note is the opinion of HaRav
Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita (Mattisyahu Chaim Ben Ettel L’Refuah Sheleimah)
who writes that in our days Ba’alei Teshuvah are like Gerei Tzedek--lifting
themselves up from a lack of knowledge of Torah Judaism (Tinok She’nishba)
to a wonderful new plane of existence. Accordingly, referring to someone as
a ‘Ba’al Teshuva’ in and of itself --can only be an expression of praise!
Hakhel Note: For additional points by poskim--as to the Kavannah of the one
speaking, the possible reaction of the listener, and whether or not the
Ba’al Teshuvah himself is makpid, we urge you to see there.
---------------------------------------------------------
SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET?:
One’s
realization of the gadlus of a Ba’al Teshuva in our day should also
bring to the fore an essential point regarding all of our friends and
acquaintances--and even people we have just met. That is, while the negative
character traits and characteristics of another may be easily observed or
noticed, there is still good (in many cases--much good) that the person does
which is hidden from the eye, and known only to the person himself or
revealed to a select few on a need-to-know basis. There is so much in every
person’s mind and heart that we simply cannot get to. Yes, there are the
negative points that are obvious--and there are also likely to be even more
‘skeletons in the closet’--but the Torah Jew’s attitude is to acknowledge
and (rightfully) assume that above and beyond all of that there is hidden
tzedakah, chesed, middos tovos, Tefillos and Torah study, which is not
evident and not intended to be evident--and appreciate and value the
goodness of another and the genuine Tzelem Elokim with which he has
been endowed. If one can ignore all of another’s ‘skeletons’--it would seem
that he will be blessed middah k’neged middah with others
seeing--rather than so easily overlooking--the good within him as well!
=============================
14 Adar Rishon
LAST CALL--THE MEGILLAH DAF! As
we count up from 14 Adar Rishon to 14 Adar Sheini--we can inject very
special meaning into our short journey by learning just one blatt of
Mesechta Megillah a day--and rejoicing with the Simcha of Torah on Purim. A
Siyum of the Mesechta won’t make you the life of the party--it will
be the life of the party! Please take us up on our
suggestion--today is the last day before you would have to double up on a
Daf. What a beautiful way to connect Purim Katan to Purim! Resources to
learn with a free Shiur are available in many forms. You can start with 718-906-6400 for
a multitude of Mesechta Megillah Shiurim, or obtain mp3’s on line. BeHatzlacha!
----------------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The Pasuk we recite before beginning Shemone Esrei is “Hashem
Sifasai Tiftach U’Fi Yagid Tehilasecha” (Tehillim 51:17). It is
fascinating to focus on the fact that this Pasuk is found Tehillim 51 which
is known as the Kepitel of Teshuvah and perhaps its recitation alludes to
the fact that we should have a thought of Teshuvah—or at least coming closer
to Hashem prior to starting Shemone Esrei. Indeed, if we divide the Pasuk
into three, it provides us with three thoughts we are to have immediately
prior to Shemone Esrei—(i) we are standing before Hashem (“Hashem”);
(ii) that Hashem is All-Powerful (“Sefasai Tiftach”); and (iii) our
own personal humility and fragility (“U’fi Yagid Tehilasecha—I myself
am incapable and I praise and thank You for giving me everything that I
have”). Let us focus on this Very Important Pasuk prior to beginning Shemone
Esrei!
----------------------------------------------------
PURIM KATAN!
Today,
14 Adar Rishon and tomorrow 15 Adar Rishon--or Purim Katan and Shushan Purim
Katan--are the subject of the entire last Siman of Shulchan Aruch Orach
Chaim (697). The Rema there concludes that one should in all events have a
bit more for his seudah this morning (or for those living in
Yerushalayim--Shushan Purim Katan and tomorrow’s Seudah) in order to fulfill
the opinion of those who rule that on Purim Katan one should increase his
mishteh and simcha. The Mishnah Berurah brings that when one
does so, he increases the Kavod HaNes--the honor of the miracle that
happened in those times. Hakhel Note: If one has already eaten his
morning seudah--then at least he should be marbeh b’simcha today…and
remember the Nes!
IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR TODAY:
As we noted yesterday, we must remember that Chazal in Mesechta Megillah
raise the question as to which 14 Adar is to be observed as Purim--the 14th
of Adar Rishon or the 14th of Adar Sheini. We know how the Halacha resolves
the issue--by putting the Geulah of Purim into Adar Sheinilkeas, which is
closer to the Geulah of Pesach. Otherwise, it is not a simple issue at
all! We must appreciate and understand the inherent Kochos of the
day. May we suggest that in addition to feeling the Simcha of the day, that
we also remember the Koach of Tefillah and recite Tehillim Chapter 22, which
is what Esther recited BeRuach Hakodesh as she attempted to enter the
presence of Achashveirosh. We know how she was answered--may we be answered
in equal measure! We received the following from a reader, who wrote it from
a Shiur given by HaRav Avrohom Schorr, Shlita: “THE MISHNA IN MEGILLAH THAT
SAYS “EIN BAIN ADAR RISHON L’ADAR SHENI ELLA KRIYAS HAMEGILLAH U’MATANOS
LE’EVYONIM BILVAD” Translated: THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FIRST
ADAR AND THE SECOND ADAR EXCEPT THAT THERE IS NO OBLIGATION OF READING THE
MEGILLAH AND PRESENTS FOR THE POOR. IT FOLLOWS, THEN, THAT THE POWER OF
TEFILLAH REMAINS EXACTLY THE SAME; HOWEVER, ON PURIM KATAN CHAZAL DID NOT
IMPOSE AN OBLIGATION TO DRINK. SO HERE WE HAVE A DAY THAT HAS THE
TREMENDOUS POWER OF PRAYER AND THE CHACHOMIM DID NOT LIMIT IT WITH AN
OBLIGATION TO DRINK. LET US USE IT TO OUR UTMOST!
---------------------------------------------------------
QUOTABLE QUOTES:
1. The Rema ends Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim (discussing
Purim Katan) with the term”V’tov
Lev Mishteh Tomid.” What does this mean in a practical sense?” The Aruch
HaShulchan (Orach Chaim 697) writes that with this the Rema teaches us that
“Ikar Avodas Hashem He B’Simcha”.
Hakhel Note: Repeat this teaching to yourself five times before
moving on--and perhaps at least five times a day!
2. In a similar vein, the Chayei Adam (68:13) teaches that when the
Torah (Devorim 28:47) reprimands Bnei Yisrael for not serving Hashem
B’Simcha U’Vetuv Leivav--it is teaching us that we should have rejoiced
in our Avodas Hashem more than had we enjoyed most of this world’s pleasures
and a multitude of precious stones and pearls.
3. HaRav Shach, Z’tl, once asked the Brisker Rav, Z’tl, a question:
“How is it that Hashem gave us a Mitzvah of Emunah? It is so clear to me
that the Ribono Shel Olam created the world--that I
don’t believe in Hashem--I see Hashem!” The Brisker
Rav told him that he once asked the same question to his own father, HaRav
Chaim Brisker, Z’tl, who answered: “It is true that we see Hashem; however,
believing in Hashem begins when seeing Hashem ends.” This means that
a moment may come when a person has a particularly difficult Nisayon and a
question may come to mind as to whether Hashem is watching over him with
love and care. If the question arises, it means one’s usual vision of Hashem
has ended. This is when unconditionally belief and trust begins...and this
is what we mean by ‘Emunah Sheleimah’! (Rabbi Mordechai Schmeltzer, Shlita)
4. With this last teaching in mind--how are we to approach our
Tefillos? HaRav Ezriel Erlanger, Shlita, teaches: “Storming the heavens is
right--fighting the heavens is wrong!”
5. The Chofetz Chaim brings the famous Chazal “Lemi Nosei Avon
Lemi She’over Ahl Pesha”--whose sin is forgiven, one who has been
wronged but ignores it or overcome his immediate
reaction to the wrong committed against him. The Chofetz Chaim adds that one
who acts with patience and prevails over himself can actually be rewarded
with additional life in this world. Chazal (Rosh Hashana 17A) bring that
Rav Huna B’Rei D’Rav Yehoshua was so weak that it appeared that he would not
continue to live. He miraculously recovered and reported to one of his
visitors as the time that he understood that he was supposed to pass on from
this world, but heard HaKadosh Baruch Hu told the Beis Din “Since he
forgives and does not stand in a strict and uncompromising manner against
others--do not be strict with him.” The Chofetz Chaim concludes: “Therefore,
if someone sticks closely to this holy midda of patience and
compromise-rising above any initial hurt or bad
feelings--it will be good for him in this world and the next!”
Hakhel Note: IT IS NOT EASY--BUT IT IS LIFE-GIVING, AS CHAZAL
ATTEST! LET US GET STARTED--PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!
---------------------------------------------------------
TRULY PAVING THE WAY TO THE FINAL REDEMPTION!
The following is an extremely important excerpt from the Sefer Geulah
B’Rachamim by Rabbi Pinchas Winston, Shlita: “The Jewish people are on a
mission and it can be summed up in two words: Kiddush Hashem, to sanctify
the Name of Hashem. This is not just something we do on the side, something
that is supposed to result from everything we do, whether alone or in
public. Rav Papa asked Abaye, ‘Why is it that for the former generations
miracles were performed and for us miracles are not performed? It cannot be
because of their learning, because in the years of Rav Yehudah, their
learning was confined to Nezikin, and we learn all six orders. And yet,
when Rav Yehudah took off one shoe [during a drought on a fast day], rain
used to come. We torment ourselves and cry loudly, and no one pays
attention to us!’ He answered, ‘The former generations used to sacrifice
themselves for Kiddush Hashem; we do not sacrifice ourselves for Kiddush
Hashem’ (Brochos 20a). What does it mean to sanctify the Name of Hashem?
There are many ways to do it, but they all result in the same thing: more
of Hashem’s Presence in Creation. The opposite term, ‘Chillul Hashem,’ the
profanation of Hashem’s Name, comes from the word ‘challal,’ which means a
‘void.’ Something that profanes Hashem’s Name has the impact of making
Creation somewhat void of the Presence of Hashem, the extent to which
depends upon the severity of the Chillul Hashem. Kiddush Hashem has the
opposite effect, by drawing more Divine Light into Creation, thereby making
the Presence of Hashem more pronounced. That’s why a Kiddush Hashem can
occur even when a person is alone, and no one else is around to witness it;
it will still impact Creation in a positive way. The longer the Jewish
people remain in exile, the more we begin to mimic the host nations amongst
whom we live, blurring the distinction between Jew and gentile. Eventually,
our actions, even as Torah Jews, may fall into the category of those which
are acceptable by world standards, but not by Torah standards, resulting in
a Chillul Hashem, and sometimes, severe ones. This is very dangerous for
everyone. Reducing the Shechinah in Creation, L’havdil, is like not keeping
up sanitary conditions in a hospital--unhealthy stuff fills the void,
endangering the lives of everyone. The more Creation becomes void of the
Presence of Hashem, the more spiritual impurity fills the void, corrupting
man and Creation, a situation that Heaven will put up with for only so long.
We’ve seen what results when we cross that line. As the Gemora says, doing
that which sanctifies the Name of Hashem brings special Divine Providence,
anything from success in business to good relationships, to, perhaps,
personal salvation from a life-threatening circumstance. Aside from being a
Torah mitzvah, it is a wise step in the direction of the Final Redemption.”
As we
continue through this auspicious time, let us purposefully do all that we
can…to bring us to that Final Redemption!
=============================
13 Adar Rishon
IT’S NOT TOO LATE!
If you begin by tomorrow (Tuesday) and learn one blatt a
day, you will be able to make a Siyum on Mesechta Megillah
at the Seudas Purim! What a wonderful way to prepare for
Purim--much Agadeta about the Megillah is contained
in the Mesechta. As in the past, for women, or those who find the task too
difficult, may we suggest that one begin the study of the Megilla through a
Sefer or Seforim that he/she has not previously studied--and continue daily
through completion until reaching the Purim milestone!
----------------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
We
bring you a Teshuvah in Simcha message (of course, especially ripe for
Adar) from the Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim: “Veyargil Ess Libo Liheyos
Sameach Keshe’Yeish LeAcheirim Tovos U’VeYosair Yismach Bi’Reoso Bnei Adam
HaMechazrim Al HaMitzvos La’asos Retzon HaBoreh Yisborach--One should
accustom himself to feel the Simcha when good things happen to others, and
one should be especially happy when he sees people performing Mitzvos--to do
Hashem’s will. Please read this important teaching again, for it can change
one’s approach and attitude many times during the day upon witnessing an
occurrence or event or hearing news. Let us now reflect for a moment about
a situation in which you don’t even personally know the ‘Ba’al Simcha’ and
you practice the middah of Simcha--how noble, how spirited, how uplifting!
----------------------------------------------------
WHAT IS THE JOY OF THE WORLD TO COME?
“We have a description of the happiness in the world to come. It is the
happiness of seeing, recognizing of understanding. Seeing and recognizing
and understanding what? The great truth about Hashem. This is the great
truth that no one could understand in our world. Even Moshe Rabbeinu begged
Hashem [in this week’s Parasha]: ‘Hareini Nah Es Kevodecha--Hashem,
please show me Your Glory.’ Hashem said: ‘Even you, Moshe, will not be able
to see that in this world, you have to wait for the world to come.” (From
Simcha Minute--Inspiring Quotations by Rabbi Avigdor Miller, Z’tl)
Hakhel Note:
There is something extremely simple and straightforward that we can do in
this world in order to better prepare ourselves for this great joy in the
next world. It is to recognize Hashem’s Presence and involvement in our
daily lives--His direct and personal Hashgacha Pratis over each and every
one of us. Approximately 45 years ago, HaRav Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl,
published a pamphlet entitled Hava Nireh Es Yad Hashem--in which a
person was asked to write in a brief summary format Hashgacha Pratis that he
had experienced on a daily or weekly basis, in order to better appreciate
the Yad Hashem in one’s daily life. As we approach the 30-day point to
Purim, and the 60-day point to Pesach--let us carefully consider and work on
a great common denominator between these two chagim--Hashem’s loving
Hashgacha Pratis!
----------------------------------------------------
ASHER YATZAR REMINDER!
The Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 7, seif katan 1) rules that
if one takes care of his bodily needs, forgets or delays the recitation of
Asher Yatzar, and then has to take care of his bodily needs again--he has
forever lost the opportunity to give Shevach V’Hoda’ah to Hashem for
his previous opportunity in taking care of his needs. It would be truly
absurd for a person to negligently forfeit this unique and special
opportunity. Accordingly, although one may be tempted to ‘just make this
phone call’ or ‘answer this one text’ or say this or do that--he should
instead dedicate and reserve the time immediately after taking care
of one’s needs to give one’s sincere and heartfelt thanks to Hashem for the
miracle performed on his behalf!
----------------------------------------------------
QUOTABLE QUOTES:
1. From HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita, (Mattisyahu Chaim Ben
Ettel l’refuah sheleimah): “Kavod HaBeriyos is Kavod Shomayim!”
2. Why is the Mizbeiach in last week’s Parasha (Shemos 29: 38)
described only as the place from which the daily Korban Tomid is
brought--after all, do we not also bring Chata’os and Ashamos on the
Mizbeiach to bring us Kappara for our sins?! The Abarbanel explains that it
is to emphasize that: “Our ikar relationship with Hashem, as
represented by the Mizbeiach, is one of Hoda’ah--thanks to Hashem for His
loving kindness to us.” The daily Korban Tomid is not for Kapparah--it is
for thanks!” Hakhel Note: It is fascinating to note that our daily Shemone
Esrei of Shacharis and Mincha, which take the place of the Korban Tomid, are
preceded by Pesukei D’Zimra and Ashrei, respectively, emphasizing our
relationship of Shevach V’Hoda’ah to Hashem!
3. In whose zechus will the final Geulah come? The Ohr HaChaim
HaKadosh on last week’s Parasha (Shemos 27:20) writes that of our four
Geulos, the first Geulah was in the zechus of Avrohom Avinu, the second was
in the zechus of Yitzchok Avinu, the third was in the zechus of Yaakov
Avinu--and that the fourth and final Geulah which we so await will be in the
zechus of Moshe Rabbeinu. Moshe Rabbeinu, continues the Ohr HaChaim
HaKadosh “is not interested in bringing the Geulah to batlanim--he
wants us to actively and powerfully be involved in the study of Torah.” When
he sees how serious we really are….
4. From a Reader: “Why do you only ‘urge’ your readers to
recite 100 brachos a day. After all--the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 46:3)
requires it?!” Hakhel Note: There is a discussion among the Poskim
as to whether women are obligated to recite 100 brachos.
----------------------------------------------------
A HEARTFELT CHESED:
A reader provided a very meaningful suggestion to us. Although he
does not currently have a daughter involved in Shidduchim, he felt that
caring members of K’lal Yisrael should do something to help the ‘Shidduch
Crisis’ affecting B’nos Yisrael. His suggestion was to take the Tefillah
provided by the following link http://tinyurl.com/j5qtstd
(which is recited by a girl looking for a Shidduch)--and change the
dikduk--instead reciting it for one or more girls whom you know are
looking for Shidduchim--specifically mentioning their names at the
outset--i.e., Miriam Bas Sara, Rivka Bas Chana, etc. Perhaps one can bli
neder commit to do so from today until Purim. Ahavas Yisrael--it should
be penetrating our very being!
Hakhel Note:
In this week’s Parasha, Moshe Rabbeinu was taught by Hashem to invoke the
Thirteen Middos of Mercy (Shemos 34:6, 7) because of the danger facing the
Bnei Yisrael. Remarkably, the first four of these Attributes relate
directly, as you may have guessed, to Hashem’s Compassion. We present below
the basic meaning of each one of these four Attributes--which are “Hashem,”
“Hashem,” “Kel” and “Rachum,” (as published by the Irgun Harbotzas HaTorah
of Lakewood, New Jersey):
1. Hashem--Compassionate before one has sinned. Even before a person has
sinned he still needs Heavenly Compassion, for Hashem owes us nothing; all
that we have is only due to His grace and compassion. Also, even when
Hashem sees that a person will sin in the future, His Compassion for him at
present remains, since the person has not yet sinned.
2. Hashem--Compassionate after one has sinned and repented. Even after a
person has sinned, after repentance, Hashem’s compassion is immediately
rekindled towards him. This is unlike the behavior of a human being, who
will distance himself from a person who has wronged him, and will often
never accept him back. Hashem’s Being, however, is unchanging (as hinted in
this word), and therefore even after a person sinned (even seriously) His
Compassion still remains.
3. Kel--This, too, is an attribute of compassion. There are different
levels of compassion. This is not the same type of compassion as is denoted
in the name Hashem. Some explain that the two letters of this
Attribute--Alef and Lamed--denote total mercy.
4. Rachum--Compassionate to ease even the punishment of sinners when they
call out to Him.
THIS IS A WAKE UP CALL! If
we can back up our Tefillos with our personal empathy and feeling for
others--and with kind words and quiet actions which stave off their need to
ask us for Chesed from us--in the end, we will be in a better position, a
much better position, to beg Hashem to shower His Compassion upon us and all
around us!
----------------------------------------------------
TEHILLIM CHAPTER 22 TOMORROW: As
tomorrow is Purim Katan, we must remember that Chazal in Mesechta Megillah
raise the question as to which 14 Adar is to be observed as Purim--the 14th
of Adar Rishon or the 14th of Adar Sheini. We know how the Halacha resolves
the issue--by putting the Geulah of Purim into Adar Sheini, which is closer
to the Geulah of Pesach. Otherwise, it is not a simple issue at all! We must
appreciate and understand the inherent Kochos of the day. May we suggest
that in addition to feeling the Simcha of the day, that we recite Tehillim
Chapter 22, which is what Esther recited BeRuach Hakodesh as she attempted
to enter the presence of Achashveirosh. We know how she was answered--may
we be answered in equal measure! Hakhel Note: We received the following
from a reader, who wrote it from a Shiur given by HaRav Avraham Schorr,
Shlita: “THE MISHNA IN MEGILLAH THAT SAYS “EIN BAIN ADAR RISHON L’ADAR SHENI
ELLA KRIYAS HAMEGILLAH U’MATONOS LE’EVYONIM BILVAD” Translated: THERE IS NO
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FIRST ADAR AND THE SECOND ADAR EXCEPT THAT THERE IS
NO OBLIGATION OF READING THE MEGILLAH AND PRESENTS FOR THE POOR. IT
FOLLOWS, THEN, THAT THE POWER OF TEFILLAH REMAINS EXACTLY THE SAME; HOWEVER,
ON PURIM KATAN CHAZAL DID NOT IMPOSE AN OBLIGATION TO DRINK. SO HERE WE
HAVE A DAY THAT HAS THE TREMENDOUS POWER OF PRAYER AND THE CHACHOMIM DID NOT
LIMIT IT WITH AN OBLIGATION TO DRINK. LET US REMEMBER TO USE IT TO OUR
UTMOST!”
HAKHEL NOTE--PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO OTHERS!
=============================
10 Adar Rishon
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Today
is the fifth-month anniversary of Yom Kippur--Teshuva Bechol Yom--let us be
driven by Yosair Mi’mah She’hayisi!
Incredibly, we are also in the
last week of Shovavim! What can we do before this special period takes
leave of us? May we suggest that one take out his Viduy booklet or Yom
Kippur Machzor--why view it as ‘out-of-season’--if we can use it so well
now to review our personal status more than five complete months into the
year? Perhaps each Ahl Cheit can be recited in a standing, bent
over position, with feeling and resolve to do better. These are the
unwavering elements of Teshuvah: Charata--remorse over the past;
Kabbalah--the resolve to turn over a new leaf; and Viduy--expressing
it to Hashem…and to ourselves!
--------------------------------------------
REMINDER--START MESECHTA MEGILLAH TOMORROW!
If you
begin on Shabbos and learn one blatt a day, you will be able to make
a Siyum on Mesechta Megillah at the Seudas Purim! What a wonderful
way to prepare--much Agadeta about the Megillah is contained in the Mesechta.
As in the past, for women, or those who find the task too difficult, may we
suggest that one begin the study of the Megilla through a Sefer or Seforim
that he/she has not previously studied--and continue daily through
completion until reaching the Purim milestone!
-------------------------------------------
A
GREAT UNDERSTANDING OF THE MISHKAN:
At a
Hakhel Yarchei Kallah, Rabbi Eli Mansour, Shlita, provided a remarkable and
cogent explanation as to the four Parashiyos of the Mishkan (Terumah,
Tetzaveh, Vayakhel and Pekudei)--as separated by Ki Sisa which discusses the
Mishkan in part as well. To obtain a CD of the outstanding Shiur, please
call: 718-252-5274.
-------------------------------------------
WE
CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
A.
Chapped Lips. During the winter months, many suffer from dry or chapped
lips. Although there is at least one kosher lip balm on the market, please
note that it is prohibited to use any lip balm on Shabbos because the
rubbing of the balm stick onto the lip constitutes the melacha of memachek.
Additionally, special care must be taken not to bite the skin off the lips
on Shabbos.
In
fact, according to The Shabbos Home (Rav Simcha Bunim Cohen, Shlita),
biting skin off the lips “does fall under the Biblical prohibition [of
gozez] since this skin is normally removed by biting.” Note: With regard to
lipstick itself, we note that from a kashrus perspective, one should consult
with her Rav as to whether lipsticks require proper kashrus certification.
On Shabbos, once again, use of lipsticks would be prohibited because of
memachek.
B.
Inexpensive Tissues, etc. We once again remind our readers that some less
expensive brands of facial tissues are manufactured in a less-than perfect
manner which results in some or many of the tissues in a box being attached,
at least partially, to the tissue(s) underneath, frequently at one or more
of the tissue’s corners. When one quickly or in a rapid movement pulls
tissues out--he may be separating the tissues--which may involve issues of
Koraya or Mechatech (one should consult with his Rav on this serious topic).
Accordingly, one should check the tissue brand one has available before
Shabbos. There is a similar issue with pre-cut toilet paper in Shuls and
Yeshivos which are in some instances put into dispensers--they may be
attached at corners, and be prone to ripping as one removes them from their
container or dispenser. One should urge the person in charge of tissues and
paper in Shul to purchase only the right brands to avoid all such issues,
and one should advise his Shomer Shabbos supermarket to especially stock the
“Shomer Shabbos” brands in which the issues do not exist.
C.
Muktza items may be touched as long as they are not moved. Thus, one may
touch most appliances and put things on them, as the appliance will not move
as a result. What if an appliance such as a refrigerator has a door with
Muktza and non-Muktza items on its shelves, or an oven which is not turned
on has some food left inside from Erev Shabbos --can you open the appliance
door? The Sefer Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa (Third Edition 20:79)
rules that it is permissible to open the door to take food out--but that if
possible lechatchila one should remove the muktza items (such as
medicines that will not be used on Shabbos) off the refrigerator door (or
frozen meats off the freezer door) before Shabbos--because by opening the
door one would be moving muktza. We once again remind our readers of the
special care and regard for Shabbos that the cautious observance of Hilchos
Muktza demonstrates--as one carefully guards his actions within the 25 hours
of Mai’ain Olam Haba--much as one would when in the grand and
palatial palace of...the King of the World!
-------------------------------------------
THE FIRST WORD OF THE PARASHA:
The following moving message is excerpted from V’shee-Non-Tom,
by Rabbi Elias Schwartz, Shlita: “Ve’atah
Tetzaveh Es Bnei Yisrael--and
you shall
command
the children
of Israel.” (Shemos 27:20) “The
first
word
of this pasuk, Ve’atah,
and
you,
is entirely
unnecessary,
because
the
second word
Tetzaveh
starts
with a Tav,
and that in itself
means you. The word Tetzaveh
in itself means
“and
you shall command.”
What do we
need
the
first word, Ve’atah
for? In reality,
Hashem
is teaching
us how to command
others;
how to
inspire
others;
how to teach
others.
Ve’atah,
and
you:
The way
you
act,
the
way you
walk,
the
way
you
talk,
will be
the
measure
of success
you
will have
in Tetzaveh,
in your
commanding
others
to do.
If you
want
others
to follow you,
then
watch
yourself
first.
If you
want to
impress
good deeds
and good
characteristics
upon others,
then
practice
what
you preach.
Character
cannot
be taught.
It must
be
caught.
You
must want
to emulate
the character
of your
parents,
Rabbonim or leaders because
you have
become
impressed
by them.
A Rebbi
must
inject
his own
personality
into his
students
if
he wants
them to
follow in his
footsteps.
The students
must be
captivated
by
his Midos,
by
his characteristics.
The degree
of indoctrination
is not
in
proportion to the
knowledge
acquired.
It is
the
personality
of the
Rebbi
that becomes
part
of his
students.
They
are caught
up in the aura
of the greatness
of their
Rebbi. Thus is character
molded.
Yehoshua
was
the
foremost student of
Moshe
Rabbeinu.
He became
the leader
of K’lal
Yisrael
after his Rebbe
passed
away,
after Moshe
Rabbeinu died.
Nowhere
in the
Torah
do we refer
to Yehoshua
as the
talmid
(student)
of Moshe
Rabbeinu.
He is
rather
called
“Meshareis
Moshe”--he
is referred
to as
the person
who
served
Moshe.
Yehoshua
was always
with
Moshe.
He
observed
Moshe
all the
time.
This
molded
Yehoshua
into the
great
leader
that he
became.
How
can I ever
forget
the influence
that my
Rebbi,
Reb
Shlomo
Heiman,
Z’tl, had on
all of
us.
When
I think of the
way he
spoke,
the
way he
smiled,
the way
he walked
in the
street,
I can
actually
visualize
him.
Good Midos
shone
on his face.
It became
much
easier
to grow
up with
good
character
when
you
had
a Rebbi
like
him to
inspire
you.
As you left Rebbi’s
home,
there
was one
little
step,
by
itself,
before
you reached
the entire
flight of steps
leading
to the
outside.
Rebbe always walked
with
you till
that one
step.
Besides
the
mitzvah
of walking somebody
to the
door (which Rebbe
always
did), he
would say: “Watch
that
step,
don’t
trip and fall.” The
greatest
obligation
that we
have
to students
and
children
is to
inspire them
with wanting
to become
men
of
character
and goodness.
We may
not always
be successful
in the
teaching
of the
various
phases
of Torah,
but we
can be
successful
in teaching
others to behave and grow
properly.”
-------------------------------------------
A
FEW ADDITIONAL BRIEF POINTS RELATING TO THIS WEEK’S PARASHAS TETZAVEH.
Although we cannot supply you with food for the meal--perhaps with some food
to accompany the meal:
1. At
the outset of last week’s Parasha, Teruma, Hashem commands B’nai Yisrael
with the words “VeYikchu Li Teruma --they shall take for Me
Teruma. This week’s Parasha however begins with the words “VeYikchu
Eilecha--they shall take for you Shemen Zayis, highly refined
olive oil. Rabbi Schwartz explains why the Parasha begins with Ve’atah--but
what is the explanation for this change from the great Li-Lishmi
lesson of Parashas Terumah to Moshe Rabbeinu’s personal involvement with the
Shemen Zayis here?
2.
The Bigdei Kehuna Gedola of Aharon as Kohen Gadol are described in the Torah
as clothing which is LeChavod U’LeSifores--clothing that brings and
displays honor and glory to the position. The clothing of the regular
Kohanim are also described in the Torah with the very same words of
LeChavod U’LeSifores. There is a moving message--even if one does not
don the garb of a Rav or the zekeinim of the congregation--he is
still an important part of the K’lal and brings Kavod V’Sifores to
himself and his people in his own way. With this privilege comes the
responsibility. Although Aharon’s sons did not wear Eight Garments--they
did wear Four Garments of special dignity. One must therefore be
mindful--especially when going to daven or even when making a bracha in his
own home that he also bring Kavod V’Sifores (or c’v the
opposite) to his Avodas Hashem by his dress and comport. A man who wears a
baseball cap to Mincha or Ma’ariv with the emblem of a sports team, or
touting a Bluetooth-equipped ear during Shemone Esrei, or the young man clad
in an outdoor jacket which proudly displays a western world brand insignia
may not be in comport with the LeChavod U’LeSifores expected
of every Torah Jew. This Shabbos is a time to reattach ourselves to the
dignity of the Avodah --by rethinking the regard we intend to give to it in
our everyday lives!
Hakhel
Note: The concept of wearing proper clothing for davening is actually
codified in Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 98:4): “VeRaui Sheyiheyu Lo
Malbushim Na’im Meyuchadim LeTefillah Kemo Bigdei Kehunah--it is
befitting for a person to have nice clothing especially for davening like
the Bigdei Kehunah.” The Shulchan Aruch explains that this is because
our Tefillos are in the place of Karbonos--each person is his own Kohein!
3.
The first of the Kohen Gadol’s Eight Garments listed in the Parasha
is the Choshen. Chazal (Zevachim 88B) teach that the Choshen brings
forgiveness for injustices in monetary matters. We can well understand why
this article of the Bigdei Kehuna is listed first--for, after all,
the first question that a person will be asked after his 120 year
stay in this world is Nossasa VeNosata Be’Emuna--did you deal
honestly with people? Straightening out our actions in monetary and
financial matters is a primary matter --a matter of first
concern. As we get set to do the Avodah-we must first be a N’Ki Kapayim--as
our living in Olam Hazeh requires that clean hands be the pre-requisite for
elevation of our spirit. When we think of what to do or how to conduct
ourselves in a particular monetary matter--let us visualize the holy
Choshen--and let us remember it as the very first of the Kohen Gadol’s Eight
Garments!
4.
HaRav Ezriel Erlanger, Shlita, explains how Parashas Tetzaveh is very much
related to Purim, which typically falls out close to its leining--there is a
great common message between the Parasha and the Holiday. It is not just
that Achashveirosh dressed himself in the garments of the Kohein Gadol.
Rather, it is the lesson of how a Jew must act with his body. Unlike
Chanukah, in which we celebrate our Geulah from the Galus Yavan--the battle
for spirituality, Purim is a day in which we celebrate our Geulah from the
Galus of Paras U’Madai, which emphasized the physical world. They
drank from gold and silver containers, for example--even though these kinds
of containers adversely affect the taste of the wine, in order to emphasize
the importance of the physical world. Achashveirosh, as king over 127
provinces, could have worn the most finely tailored garments at all
times--and especially at his royal bash. Nevertheless, he wanted to
demonstrate victory of the Paras U’Madai concept of the body over the
Jewish concept of the body, so he wore the garments of the Kohein Gadol as
he engaged in the basest of physical pleasures. The Jews who attended
demonstrated their acquiescence with his conclusions--they were ne’heneh--they
enjoyed the party in the same way as a party is enjoyed by the Paras
U’Madai world. How different we in fact are! Chazal point out that
when a Jew starts a Shabbos meal, he begins with a D’var Torah or words of
Shiros V’Sishbachos to HaKadosh Baruch Hu. At Achashveirosh’s party,
the conversation turned around to who were the fairest of maidens. By the
Jews participating, they succumbed to the attitude of superiority of the
enticements of the physical world. If they would have separated themselves,
they would have demonstrated that the true goal of the physical world is to
bring Hashem into its midst--which is exactly the meaning and symbol of the
Mishkan. On Purim, by dedicating the Seudah, the Mishloach Manos, the
Matanos L’Evyonim--even the drinking to the Kedusha, which it represents, we
build a Mishkan in which Hashem resides--even as we are still in a temporary
Galus. Our food, our clothing, our very being is sanctified!
-------------------------------------------
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THIS WEEK’S PARASHA?
How
well do you know this week’s Parasha? We provide below a portion of the
questions and answers on this week’s Parasha as presented in the outstanding
English Sefer Torahific! By Rabbi Maimon Elbaz, Shlita:
“1. Why were there two Mizbachos in the Mishkan and in the Beis
Hamikdash? (Kli Yakar, Taam V’daas quoting Yoma 21a)
The human body has two main decision-makers: the brain and the heart. The
two mizbachos (altars) symbolized that just as we offer sacrifices to Hashem
on two vessels, we should always sacrifice our minds and heart’s desires to
Hashem to fulfill His will! It has been said that the best Korban to
sacrifice on the mizbeiyach of your heart is the Yetzer Hara itself!
2. Why were the Avneitim (belts) of the Kohanim so long (32
amos = approximately 50 feet)?
(See Shita Mekubetzes to Erchin 15a, see Baal Haturim 28:6)
The numerical ‘value of the word Lev is 32. The Kohanim had a very
long belt tied around the middle portion of their body to remind them that
no matter how hard you work to do mitzvos, the main objective is that your
heart should be involved in the mitzvah! One must do mitzvos
wholeheartedly. If someone performs mitzvos superficially, the mitzvah
loses its value in Hashem’s eyes. The Kohanim, the official servants of
the King and the role models of Bnei Yisrael, must be very careful that all
their avodah is performed with their heart. It should be pointed out
that adults have 32 teeth because Hashem wants our mouth and our heart to be
in sync, especially when we daven. The 32-amah belt also acts as a
separation between the upper, more spiritual part of the body, and the
lower, more physical half. This divide reminds the Kohanim that they must be
more involved in spiritual pursuits than physical pleasure. [It is for that
reason Chassidim wear a gartel when they daven, which is
called avoda shebelev, the work of the heart.]
3. When should you imagine that you are standing inside the Kodesh
Kodoshim?
(Mishnah Berurah Hilchos Tefillah 94:3)
When you daven before Hashem and take three steps forward, you are supposed
to imagine that you are walking into a new world: that of the Holy of
Holies, where you stand before the King of kings! (If we only knew how holy
and powerful prayers really are!)
4. How do we know that money donated for community projects should be
collected by at least two people? (Bava Basra 8b; see Rav Ovadyah
Mi’Bartenura on Peah 8:7)
The pasuk uses the plural, “they collected” when speaking about the
collection of gold, silver, etc., for use in the Mishkan. The procedure was
to collect in pairs to avoid anybody suspecting a collector of pocketing
money for himself. In order that there shouldn’t be anyone in “yichud”
(seclusion) with the money, they collected in groups!
5. Which two creatures appeared upon the Eiphod?
(Midrash Halachah)
The lion and the eagle were embroidered into the Eiphod. This surely
reminded the Kohen Gadol and all those who beheld him of Yehuda ben Teimah’s
maxim: “Be bold as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as a dear, and mighty
as a lion, to carry out the will of your Father in Heaven!” (Avos 5:23)
6. Why was the Menorah situated on the left of the·Shulchan, and
not on its right side?
(Peninim-Rabbi A.L. Scheinbaum shlit’a)
To one who stands outside the Kodesh Hakodashim, it appears that the Menorah
is on the left of the Shulchan. However, to one who is more spiritual and
views things from the Kodesh Hakodashim’s vantage point, the Menorah is on
the right! The Menorah represents wisdom while the Shulchan represents
wealth. We must never forget which is more important.
7. What else was inside the courtyard of the Mishkan, besides the vessels
mentioned explicitly in the Torah?
(Mi’shulchan Gavo’ah quoting the Brisker Rav)
The Brisker Rav, Z’tl, said that there must have been a mikveh
in the courtyard of the Mishkan. He bases this on the pasuk that says
Moshe was commanded to bring Aharon and his sons to the entrance of the Ohel
Moed and then immerse them in water to purify them.
8. Why were there 72 bells on the Me’il? (Zevachim 88b,
Ramban, Toras Ha’olah, Rabbeinu Bachya)
Rabbeinu Bachaya calculates that the world was created in 72 daylight hours
during the six days of creation. The 72 ringing bells should remind us that
the entire world was created for one purpose--Avodas Hashem!
9. Why is it common practice for Bnei Torah to wear black hats?
(Ben Torah V’Yeshivah, Rabbi Avigdor Miller zt’l; see Shir Hashirim 1:5)
A hat is a symbol of one’s affiliation. A baseball player, police officer,
or the guards at Buckingham Palace proudly wear their hats. A black hat
represents the class of Bnei Torah, the group of Bnei Yisrael completely
dedicated to the study of Torah as transmitted by Roshei Yeshiva.
Rabbi Avigdor Miller, z”tl, once said, “I am prouder of a boy wearing
a black hat than his wearing Tefillin. Although Tefillin is a mitzvah
d’oraysa and a black hat is only a custom, it is an idealistic
expression of commitment to Torah scholarship!”
10. What does Hashem love even more than the bringing of Korbanos?
(Shemos Rabbah 38:4)
Hashem loves when we learn Torah more than when we bring Korbanos!
Indeed, Hashem told Dovid Hamelech, “I appreciate your words of
Tehillim and Torah more than the thousands of Korbanos that your son
Shlomo
will offer in the Beis Hamikdash!”
=============================
9 Adar Rishon
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Imagine someone told you that you were going to earn a fee or a commission
of $36,500.00 this year. Even to a wealthy person, $36,500.00 is money. We
are urged to make 100 Brachos a day. Over the course of a year this amounts
to 36,500 brachos. This is true wealth. Every time we make a bracha, we
are building on the previous bracha we have made--building
our investment in Ruchniyus. If we don’t take the extra moment to
appreciate the bracha as we make it, we may be
demonstrating that we don’t appreciate the great capital that we are
building. In just over 27 years of making 100 brachos a day, we will have
made one million brachos. In addition to the quantity, let us
not forget the quality--which adds so much to
their uniqueness and sanctity. What an accomplished millionaire!
--------------------------------------------
BREAKTHROUGH!
For those not
aware, a sefer
on how to respond to the youth
of our generation,
written by Rabbi
Uri Zohar,
Shlita, has been
published in English by
Feldheim Publishers.
May the sefer’s
title, “Breakthrough!” provide the help needed by
those so hopeful for guidance in this area!
--------------------------------------------
PURE JOY! The Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim in Sha’ar
HaSimcha writes: “V’Chol Ha’Oseh HaMitzvos BeSimcha Yaish Lo Sechar
Eleph Yados Mi’Mi She’Hamitzvos Alav LeMaso--One who performs Mitzvos
with joy receives 1,000 times the reward of one who treats the Mitzvos as a
burden.” Many of us can easily become drained because of all of
our daily tasks--as despite all of the machines and
devices which are intended to save us time and make life more convenient and
accomplishment-filled, we are left with a seemingly unending list of
modern-man meanderings. Our Mitzvah performance is
truly threatened daily by the rush, the haste, the rote and habit, the
weariness, and the hurried and harried environment around us. If we can
instead get into the habit of taking a moment to STOP and SAVOR a MITZVAH
before performing it, a second to inhale the wonderful opportunity and
benefit before davening, reciting a bracha, studying Torah, helping another,
consciously refraining from Lashon Hora, paying a compliment to lift
another’s spirit, helping a child or elderly person even if they are
immediate family, then we will perform Mitzvos with the unabated joy that
they deserve. What a special Avodah for Adar--to work on appreciating
our G-D Given Daily Opportunities and taking them
out of the mode of something that ‘I have to do’ into something that ‘I am
happy and spirited to do’. Ivdu Es Hashem BeSimcha (Tehillim
100:2)--let Dovid Hamelech’s guiding words be a meaningful mantra and beacon
of bright light for us in the coming weeks as we move towards Purim!
--------------------------------------------
MOSHE RABBEINU’S NAME:
In this week’s Parasha, we find that Moshe
Rabbeinu’s name is not mentioned, and
we understand that this occurred because--in his
defense of B’nai Yisrael--Moshe Rabbeinu said to Hashem: “V’Im Ayin
Mechaini Na… (Shemos 32:32) that in the event Hashem would
not bear the iniquity of K’lal Yisrael for the sin
of the egel, then he should be erased from the Torah. Because he said these
words--in our defense--his name was “erased” from the Parasha.
We may suggest that although we
may not be able to compare ourselves to Moshe’s
Rabbeinu sublime and supernal madreigos and the chut hasa’arah
for which he was held responsible, there are certain words which
we can also avoid in our own level and in our own
way. A few examples: “My tooth is killing me.”, “I am really
dead now.” or “I am finished.”, “I would give my right arm
for that”, “I am going to cheat a little bit on my diet.”…are a few
examples. Let us keep our words precious--for they
really are!
--------------------------------------------
READ ALL ABOUT IT!
The Chofetz Chaim teaches that the issur of Lashon Hora applies
not only to the spoken word, but to the
written word as well. While many
may already now take that as an obvious given, the Chofetz Chaim
brought to light for us that the term ‘Lashon’ is not
to be taken literally to mean the tongue--but instead refers to the
communication of a negative message. The recently
published Dirshu Edition of the
Sefer Chofetz Chaim (p.155), provides some important insights
into the written form of Lashon Hora:
1. The Maharsham writes in the name of the Rema that
Lashon Hora in writing is more chamur than Lashon Hora that is
spoken--for the writing strengthens the negative words by giving it a more
powerful and obvious lasting effect. Hakhel note: LET THE EMAIL OR TEXT
WRITER BEWARE!
2. The Nesivos Chaim rules that one who writes
Lashon Hora does not violate the issur until
a second person reads what he has
written. Even if one has remorse over what he
has done before the Lashon Hora is read by another,
once the second person reads it--he must ask the person harmed or pained for
forgiveness. If a person writes Lashon Hora and passes away, and it is then
read by another, it would appear that he will be punished for his sin in the
next world--and this is an example of how Mitzvos and r’l Aveiros can
continue to accrue to a person in the next world.
3. HaRav Nissim Karelitz, Shlita,
rules that unless there is a Halachic to’eles, one cannot give
another’s handwriting sample for handwriting analysis, as it
may lead to negative commentary.
4. The Afikei Yam writes that when one writes
Lashon Hora in a newspaper or periodical, it is obviously
not only the publisher who is oveir for spreading the Lashon
Hora, but the writer as well--for he knew all along that this would be the
result. Moreover, the writer should know that he is oveir the
prohibition of Lifnei Iveir hundreds or thousands of times, depending
on the readership and their acceptance of the prohibited words. Even if a
reader does not believe or accept the words as
true--the reader is nevertheless oveir an issur of reading the words
without to’eles (just as one is oveir an issur for
listening to Lashon Hora without to’eles), even if he does
not believe it--and the writer is responsible for
each such violation.
Hakhel Note One: This is something very real about ‘the power of
the pen’. When one is r’l oveir an issur 622 times or 3,458
times--it does not mean that the Heavenly Court
lumps everything together and he is judged on a ‘wholesale’ basis--it means
that each count is separately considered and dealt with, one by painful one.
Hakhel Note Two: How important it is to make sure that the
newspaper or periodical you are reading has a Rav or
Posek reviewing its content!
Hakhel Note Three: Based upon the foregoing, one must be especially
careful and circumspect about reading or participating in items of a blog
nature--as words of an irretrievable nature pass around the world in
seconds.
-----------------------------------------------------
IT MEANS A LOT TO BE FIRST:
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 90:14) writes that one
should arise early in the morning to be among the first ten to shul in the
morning. The Dirshu Edition of the Mishna Berurah (ibid., note 46) provides
the following valuable additional insights:
1. Chazal (Brachos 47B) teach that one who is among
the first ten receives reward equivalent to that of all
those who come after him (with the larger the minyan, the larger the
reward). Hakhel Note: While we certainly do not
perform Mitzvos with a focus only on reward, it should be clear to us that
if the reward is so great, the chavivus of the act to Hashem is must
be great as well. We had pointed out yesterday that one should take daily
strides towards the life goal of Deveikus B’Hashem--a goal that
determines one’s closeness to Hashem in the eternal world. Demonstrating
one’s desire to be among the first ten to meet Hashem in prayer would seem
to indicate how strongly one seeks a closeness and relationship with his
Maker.
2. According to the Ma’adanei Yom Tov,
the earlier one is among the first ten, the greater his reward as well--so
that the second person to Shul gets the reward of the next eight, the third
the reward of the next seven, etc. Once again, the concept of reward should
also be taken in its pristine sense. The Zohar at
the outset of Parashas Terumah teaches how great the first person who
arrives is....
3. Even if one is not
going to make it as one of the first ten, the Aruch Hashulchan writes that
one should strive to come to Shul early--so that he is closer to Yenikas
HaKedusha.
4. When leaving Shul, one should endeavor to be
one of the last ten out of Shul--keeping the special Kedusha with him as
long as he can.
5. The Kaf HaChaim writes that the elevated
nature of being among the first ten applies not only
to Shacharis--but to Mincha and Ma’ariv as well.
Hakhel
Note: One can take the lesson to be among the first to learn, the first to
give tzedaka, the first to compliment another...don’t follow the leader--be
the leader!
=============================
8 Adar Rishon
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The Chofetz Chaim instructs:
Machmas Sofek Lo Ledaber--if one is in doubt as to whether to speak
or not--do not speak. This is a simple, golden rule--which we can all make
use of--many of us on a daily basis--and one has the Chofetz Chaim himself
to rely on and back him up! Hakhel Note: There are of course times when
hurt can come from not saying something--and it is for those potential
situations that one should consult his Rav or Posek, or contact the Shemiras
Halashon Shaila Hotline....
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUACH ADAR!:
In this propitious month, we must strive to find new
and different ways to serve Hashem through Simcha.
Not every move or attempt towards this goal has to
involve major or earth-shattering events. May we
simply suggest approaching a friend or colleague and asking him “Did you
smile today?” Hopefully, this will evoke a smile. One can then follow up
with asking them to think about something in their life that
they can smile about now--and hopefully
they will smile again! Their smile(s) could be
fleeting--or they could take the uplifted feeling
with them a little while longer--and your Ruach
Adar may have changed their day. You, in turn,
have much cause for sublime rejoicing--in having
made someone else’s day a happier one! Keep up the
Ruach Adar in others--and most certainly don’t allow yourself to
falter!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GETTING CLOSER! If you begin THIS SHABBOS and learn one blatt a day, you
will be able to make a Siyum on Mesechta Megillah
at the Seudas Purim! What a wonderful way to prepare--much Agadeta
about the Megillah is contained in the Mesechta. As in the past, for women,
or those who find the task too difficult, may we
suggest that one begin the study of the Megilla through a Sefer or Seforim
that he/she has not previously studied--and continue
daily through completion until reaching the Purim milestone! Hakhel
Note: Zerizin Makdimin--start today!
-------------------------------------------
QUOTABLE QUOTES:
At a Hakhel Shiur on Shidduchim, Rabbi Zev Smith, Shlita provided
many essential halachos and hashkafos. We provide
just a few points made:
1. There is no such thing as ‘the best
Shidduch’--it is the best Shidduch for your son or for your daughter.
Accordingly, if one is called as a reference and (inappropriately) is asked
the general question of “Tell me all about ....”,
he/she should respond with--”Why not tell me what
your son/daughter is looking for--and I will be able to better respond to
you....”
2. Shlomo Hamelech teaches us “Lev Tzadik
Yehega La’anos”--the righteous person thinks before he responds.
Responses that are not weighed, sometimes referred
to as ‘shotgun’ responses, might be exactly that--and cause injury to
all concerned.
3. Similarly, the Ramban on Chumash writes
that the term Pessi in Hebrew, which is translated as an
unwise person, is related to the word Pisom--sudden, for he acts or
speaks without thinking. Accordingly, if one is unsure what to say to an
inquiry over the phone--he should simply say that he can’t talk now...and
take a number to call the person back after thinking it through, or asking a
Shaila (The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation Shemiras Halashon Shaila
Hotline phone number in the United States is 718-951-3696, evenings from
9-10:30 pm, New York time).
4. One should be sure to give accurate
information. Using vague terms, or terms which could be misinterpreted, is
not fair to anyone. Saying that a boy is a B’aal
Shitah, or ‘laid back’ or using other labels without defining them is
patently incorrect.
5. A parent should make
all necessary inquiries before a first date--and
not say that he will look into it more after the
second or third date, once it is determined that the boy and girl are more
serious. When inquiring, one need not ask the same
question to more people then necessary--instead one should carefully choose
who he/she is asking the question(s) to.
To listen to the complete essential Shiur, one can obtain a CD by
calling 718-252-5274.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GETTING CLOSER TO HASHEM!
At the outset of the Sefer Mesilas Yeshorim, the Ramchal
teaches that one’s goal in life should be to grow in his Deveikus to Hashem.
Perhaps the most common way to meet this essence-of-life goal is to
have the concepts of Shivisi Hashem Lenegdi Samid
and Ain Ohd Milvado with oneself (and better yet on his lips)
throughout the day. There is an additional important daily avodah in this
area. HaRav Naftali Kaplan, Shlita, brings from the Alter of Kelm, Z’tl,
that any ‘small’ act that we do
during the day--if consciously done for the sake of Heaven--forges the very
same bond. Thus, even when one puts on or ties the appropriate shoe first
(depending on whether he is a righty or a lefty), not
because it is easier or more convenient--but because he wants to
do the will of Hashem--he is taking a very real step
closer to the essence of man. Just as a fine young chosson or kallah would
like to do anything to please or demonstrate their
love to their mate--so too should one proceed though the day with the
awareness of his pursuit of this supernal aspiration. One should especially
remember that the degree of Deveikus--albeit so snubbed and rejected by
western society as life’s purpose--will dictate and define his closeness to
Hashem in Olam Haba--forever!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CHOSHEN AND AIFOD: Two articles of the Kohen Gadol which had to stay together
when worn--were the Choshen and the Aifod--the breastplate and the apron.
Thus, the Choshen was tied on all four corners to
the Aifod. This requires some explanation. After
all, the Choshen was intended to provide forgiveness
for the sin of “Kilkul Hadin--perverting justice.” On the other hand, the
Aifod was to provide forgiveness for the sin of Avoda Zara. Why did these
two articles--which brought about kapara for such diverse sins need to be
tied together?
HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, explains that these two avairos are
very much “connected”, for they both involve the
grave sin of kefira--denial of Hashem. When one worships Avoda Zara, even
if he joins it with service of Hashem, he is denying Hashem’s Omnipotence.
So too, with someone who deals dishonestly in monetary matters. If he feels
that he can outsmart his colleague, customer or competitor, if he purchases
a product with “shtick” in order to save money, if he takes advantage of a
big company “because everybody does”, or if he gently pads his
time…--all of these provide
indication that the person believes that he is in control of his financial
destiny--that it is he, his mental prowess, or his technical skill, who will
determine whether he is or will be poor, middle-class or wealthy.
We are therefore, enjoined to always remember to
keep the Choshen together with the Aifod--for we
must always realize that just as we would never,
ever, think of worshipping an idol, or the sun, or the stars in any form
or manner--for that matter, so, too, should we
never, ever cheat, lie or steal in any form or manner in our lives.
-----------------------
YOSHPHEH:
As we have noted in the past, the Chasam Sofer explains that the month of
Adar, according to his reckoning, is representative of Shevet Binyomin. He
explains that the stone on the Choshen for Binyomin is Yoshpheh--which can
be split into two words--Yesh Peh--he has a mouth. This, the Chasam Sofer
explains, is what allowed Mordechai from Shevet Binyomin to be victorious
over the Lishna Bisha--the evil words of Haman which were set to literally
destroy K’lal Yisrael. Mordechai was a descendant of Binyomin who had a
mouth--but kept it closed and did not tell his father Yaakov what his
brothers had done to Yoseph; Binyomin’s descendant, Shaul Hamelech also had
a mouth, but once again kept it closed until the time came to be declared
King; Esther HaMalka as well did not reveal ‘moladata’ where she was
from despite the immense pressure from the king for her to do so--and as a
result all of K’lal Yisrael was saved. The closed mouth of Binyomin--the
Yoshpheh literally brought salvation to us all. By following in the
Yoshpheh tradition (you may even very well be from Shevet Binyomin!), you
are not only saving your mouth from evil, you are not only immensely
improving your words of Torah and your words of Tefillah--but you are
bringing us all one step closer to the Bais Hamikdash --Hashem’s
House--especially nestled to a great and special extent in the nachala of
Shevet Binyomin!
---------------------------------------------
MORE
THAN A SUMMER HOME!
Chazal
(Vayikrah Rabba 11:3) teach us on the Pasuk “Chochmas Nashim Bansa
Beisa” that the Pasuk refers to the study of Torah--for one who has
acquired Torah has acquired a home for himself in Olam Haba. Some might view
it as a special level of success in this world to have a ‘summer home’,
‘winter home’ or even second home--whether in the country, Florida or even
Eretz Yisrael. Chazal teach us that if one has to be selective in the type
of additional home he is working on--he should focus on the home that will
last forever, and ever and ever. The focus starts with improving some aspect
of one’s Torah study…! Getting to the Shiur on time, not getting sidetracked
while learning, having goals…everyone in accordance with his particular need
for ‘home improvements’!
=============================
7 Adar Rishon
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The
Pasuk teaches us that after Shimi Ben Geirah cursed Dovid HaMelech at
Avshalom’s rebellion, Dovid’s reaction was: “Elokim Amar Lo Kalel”--it
was from Hashem that he cursed me. Thus, rather than unleashing back at
Shimi, or taking revenge against him in a way that many believed he should
have--Dovid instead took a step back and recognized that all of his life’s
experiences were messages from Hashem. Each and every one of us can take
this lesson to heart when someone speaks to him in a put-down, nasty, rude,
disgracing, disrespectful or humiliating manner. Rather than react in
kind--which could even be recognized or understood by those around you,
react with the words of “Elokim Amar Lo…”--this is from Hashem,
and end the incident before it goes any further. Apply it even to close
family members and friends. One can thereby turn a dishonor of Hashem into
an act of sublime Emunah. This is an elevating and elevated concept for one
to incorporate into his daily life!
---------------------------------------------
KABBALAS OHL MALCHUS SHOMAYIM:
It is interesting to note the times that we recite at least the first Pasuk
of Shema--before Pesukei DeZimra in the morning; before
Shemone Esrei in the morning and evening; before laining from
the Torah on Shabbos and Yom Tov, before going to sleep every
night--and at the conclusion of the Yom Kippur Katan and Yom Kippur tefillos--which
is really before the new month and before the newly
renewed ensuing year will begin. It would appear that Shema is the portal,
the entranceway, to approach a new and next stage in life--for it is the
essence of Kabbalas Ohl Malchus Shomayim--the recognition that whatever you
are about to do or undertake is in the presence and service of the One and
Only Hashem Who loves you and watches over you. One may want to add other
occasions before which he recites this Pasuk--such as before
heading out to work, before going out on a date, and other situations and
circumstances before one is going to start something new. Your Kabbalas Ohl
Malchus Shomayim at that time is a clear statement of your recognition and
awareness that whatever you do and whatever results --you are in and under
Hashem’s great and loving care!
---------------------------------------------
7
ADAR:
Today is 7 Adar--and as we know 7 Adar is the Yahrzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu. It
is the Minhag among Bnei Ashkenaz to observe the first Adar as the ikar
Yahrzeit (although some are machmir to even fast a ta’anis yahrzeit
in the second Adar as well). We note a great lesson that our Chazal provide
from 7 Adar: Chazal teach that Haman was elated when the lottery of the
month in which he would annihilate the Jews fell upon the month of
Adar--particularly because it was the month of Moshe Rabbeinu’s Yahrzeit--and
whose petira was undoubtedly a great calamity for K’lal Yisrael.
Haman concluded, therefore, that c’v the month was opportune for
further Jewish catastrophe. He was very much mistaken, Chazal continue,
because he did not know that Moshe Rabbeinu was also born on 7 Adar, as
Hashem completes the years of Tzaddikim to the day. The month of Adar was
then an incredibly successful one for K’lal Yisrael --for where would any
of us be for all of eternity --without Moshe Rabbeinu coming into this world?!
He may have temporarily expired from Olam Hazeh, but he is still working
hard for us in the upper world; he will be back soon in the Techias Hameisim
of Tzaddikim (which some say will occur first before the general Techias
Hameisim); and he left the legacy of ‘Toras Moshe Avdi’--for us all
to live by generation after generation! In reality, the month of Adar is a
time of joy--a time very much befitting for the salvation of the Jewish
people. Most certainly, then, we unlike Haman, should recognize the
inherent might and greatness of this month and especially endeavor to
fulfill the Mishna’s teaching: ‘MiShe’Nichnas Adar Marbin BeSimcha’
in whatever way that we can. May we suggest that one begin by absolutely
banishing sad, troublesome or disheartening thoughts that may enter his mind
(Yetzer Hara, hard at work) and replace those thoughts with positive and
appreciative realizations of the elevated and unique position any one
reading this has in relation to the many, many billions of humans and other
creatures on this planet. Our elevated Simcha period will then lead (sooner
than you think!) into the incomparably potent Geulah Period of Purim and
Pesach--and hopefully along with it into the Final and Everlasting Geulah--so
bring the Simcha in--and be sure let it out and share it with all around you
as well!
---------------------------------------------
STAVING OFF LASHON HARA:
In the Parasha, we learn of the construction of the Mizbe’ach HaKetores,
upon which the Ketores was brought, which Chazal teach brought forgiveness
for the private sin of Lashon Hara. The Chofetz Chaim writes that the study
of the laws of Lashon Hara assist one in staving off Lashon Hara--for a
person more fully appreciates and understands what speech is permitted, and
what speech is not. It is extremely important to note, however, that the
Chofetz Chaim also composed a Tefillah (there are short and long
versions of it) for one to recite, in which one prays for Hashem’s
assistance to be saved from improper speech. There are so many situations,
circumstances and temptations in our lives--that even those who study the
laws still need the extra Tefillah that they be freed of those who are not
careful in this regard, and of those tempting, instinctive and even unclear
situations. We once again provide the Tefillah at the following link -
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/TefillasChofetzChaim.pdf
Bringing the Ketores was part of the Avodah every day; we too should be
sure to make our Tefillah to be saved from Lashon Hora an important part of
our own daily Avodah as well!
---------------------------------------------
WEARING HASHEM’S CROWN JEWELS:
Rabban
Gamliel Rabinovich, Shlita, notes that every morning, before putting on his
Tefillin, he reminds himself that unlike the Tzitz--one of the Eight
Garments of the Kohen Gadol which had Hashem’s name on it one time
(in the words Kodesh LaShem), one’s Tefillin has the name of Hashem in it
42 times. This is a great source of inspiration and appreciation when
donning Tefillin. The Bi’ur Halacha in Hilchos Tefillin adds that
when we tie the knot on our arm every morning--we are tying the “Kesher
HaYichud VeHaKedusha--the knot which declares Hashem’s Oneness and
Mastery, and the knot of Holiness.” A Rav once saw his Mispalel with a
tired and distracted face as he was about to don his Tefillin. He turned to
him and said--in the Megillah what you are about to do is referred to as “Yekar”--something
very honored, and very precious. You should be smiling from ear to ear that
you have an opportunity now to wear not any crown jewels--but Hashem’s crown
jewels!
Hakhel
Note One: One of the reasons the events which called for our annihilation
at the time of Purim occurred is because “Yoshanu Min HaMitzvos--we
were asleep with the Mitzvos”, for the Mitzvos were ‘old hat’ to us;
rephrased just a bit-- we were doing the Mitzvos in our sleep. The threat
of annihilation woke us to realize that Torah was not an instruction book
with many details--but was true Orah--the infinite and pervasive light,
that Yom Tov was not an interruption from the daily routine, forced
vacation, or expensive--but real Simcha, a human’s ultimate joy
together with his Creator even in this world; that a Bris Milah was
not simply the mark of a Jew--but was Sasson, the reality that 24/7 one
could be bonded with Hashem. So, Re-feeling the Yekar of
Tefillin each and every day before we put them on--especially at this time
of year is an important step in making us worthy to eventually observe and
celebrate Purim. It only takes an extra moment or two of reflection--and
the difference may very well be phenomenal.
Hakhel
Note Two: For women who do not don Tefillin, their Yekar may easily
be seen as the honorable Bigdei Tznius--the clothing and attire that befits
an Am Hashem. After all, Shlomo Hamelech, the wisest of all men, describes
this clothing with the words “Oz VeHadar Levusha--her dress is
powerful and beautiful” --quite similar to the Yekar of
Tefillin--no? In truth, men are supposed to wear their Tefillin all day,
but most are not capable; women, then, whose clothing is with them
throughout the day, succeed to sustain their Yekar far beyond the
average man. It definitely follows that just as men must spend a little
time to appreciate their Yekar, women too--especially when they see the
deportment of other females in stores and businesses--should not sleep
through--but very much appreciate, and be very grateful for the badge of
honor that envelops them daily. Let us start practicing now--so when we are
ready to sing the words LaYehudim Hoysa Orah...they have very, very
special meaning to us!
=============================
6 Adar Rishon
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The
Chofetz Chaim in the name of the Sefer Chareidim writes that when one
does not judge another favorably, he becomes the merkava, the carrier
or bearer, of a K’lipas HaTumah known as Chovah. Important
Recommendation: Today, as you are about to experience that situation in
which you do not at all understand how or why that person could have said
this or done that, resolve that instead of devolving into a merkava for
Chovah, you will instead fulfill the Mitzvas Aseh D’Oraysa of Betzedek
Tishpot Amisecha--judging another favorably even under the most puzzling
or extremely difficult set of circumstances. It follows that, in that
event, rather than becoming a bearer of Tumah--one will instead be the
bearer of the special spirit of Tahara. Chazal teach that Hashem’s
Midah Tovah is at least 500 times greater than his Middah of Puraniyos. Let
us re-examine each and every one of these daily meetings, situations and
circumstances. Far more than being a thorny challenge or trying time--each
one is more truly an incredibly great opportunity--which should not get
away. Every day--every time--go for the purity that will come upon you and
your Neshama in such great measure!
----------------------------------------------
YOUR OWN QUEST FOR GREATNESS!
“What role do others play in our quest for greatness? Your generation is
your world. It is your sole opportunity. One’s parents, one’s brothers and
sisters, one’s kin, one’s wife, one’s children, one’s neighbors and
employers and employees: all are his opportunities. To fritter it away is
the greatest of catastrophes. By his relations with them he gains the
success for which he came into this world!”
(From
Simcha Minute--Inspiring Quotations by Rabbi Avigdor Miller, Z’tl).
----------------------------------------------
REMEMBER--THIS IS ADAR:
Every day one should go out of his way to do something to make yourself
and others happy--learn and/or tell a D’var Torah, give someone a
compliment, show somebody that you were thinking about them...each person
should set a daily goal over this period of Mishe’nichnas Adar, so
that when he leaves Adar Rishon and Adar Sheini to the freedom of Nissan and
Pesach he will have uplifted his mind and spirit to new and special
heights. May we strongly urge that you keep a record of your joyful
accomplishments. In the secular world, it is software and electronic
devices that get updates and upgrades, and then only it is from time to
time--in the Torah world we can and should move to upsurge in wonderful
measure each and every day. Remember--a real Simcha upgrade--today!
----------------------------------------------
BRINGING KEDUSHA INTO OLAM HAZEH:
Every
day, several times a day, we may recite the Pasuk Kadosh, Kadosh,
Kadosh...Meloh Chol Ha’aretz Kevodo--Hashem You are Holy--and Your Glory
fills the World--every part and aspect, and every minute of it. The most
mundane, if we take it properly, will be seen to truly be among the sacred.
The Chasam Sofer notes that the Torah’s command to build the Shulchan
in last week’s Parasha comes before the command to build the Menorah.
He explains that Olam HaZeh, symbolized by the Shulchan which housed the
Lechem HaPonim must perforce come before Olam Haba--symbolized by the
Menorah as the supernal radiance and illumination of Torah. Only if we are
successful with our attitude and approach to the holiness of the
Shulchan--to bringing Kedusha to Olam Hazeh-- will we merit the Menorah of
Olam Haba. The Shulchan, after all, was in the very same Ohel
Moed/Heichal--known as the Kodesh--as the Menorah itself. Let us
remember how important each and every aspect of our lives is--so that we
personally demonstrate throughout our entire day our true
recognition, our complete belief, our whole and resounding awareness that
Meloh Chol Ha’Aretz Kevodo--His Glory Fills the World and Every Part of It--Every
Single Part of It!
----------------------------------------------
PESOKIM OF HARAV YISROEL BELSKY, Z’TL:
We provide the following pesokim of HaRav Yisroel Belsky, Z’tl, L’ilui
Nishmaso, excerpted from the pamphlet Piskei Shulchan Halevi
compiled by R’ Shmuel Tzvi Cohen, with an approbation from HaRav Belsky. As
with all pesokim, one should ask his Rav or Posek for a final ruling:
A.
One must wash his hands after touching leather shoes, even if he touched
only the upper half of the shoe. For shoes made of other materials, one need
wash his hands only if he touched the bottom of the shoe. One need not wash
his hands if he touches shoelaces or socks only.
B. If
one came late to Shul for Shacharis, after davening he should recite that
which he skipped in accordance with the ruling of the Mishna Berurah. If
this occurs, one should feel embarrassment over having to skip part of
Pesukei D’Zimra--not reciting it in its proper order--and should resolve to
try with all his might to arise on time so that he does not need to skip in
the future.
C.
When reciting Shema, one should be careful to recite the ayin in nishba,
and in va’avadetem--otherwise the words will have different
meanings.
D.
When placing his head down at the nefilas apayim of Tachanun, one’s
head should face the Aron Kodesh.
E. If
one is in the middle of Shemone Esrei when the Torah is being read, he
should not stop to listen to Kriyas HaTorah-if it is reasonably possible to
then hear leining from another minyan, one should endeavor to do so.
F.
For netilas yodaim, a plastic disposable cup is preferable to a
Styrofoam cup (which can really be used only once, while a plastic cup can
be used more than once). B’sha’as hadechak, one can even use a paper
cup.
G. It
is not derech eretz to bite directly into a piece of pizza which is
larger than a k’beizah. Instead, one should take a smaller piece off
with his fingers if feasible, or cut a piece off. One should
likewise conduct himself in this way if he is going to eat a large piece of
melon or even an apple.
H.
One does not recite the bracha of Hatov V’Hamaitiv over a second ‘wine’--if
the original Borei Pri Hagefen was made over grape juice.
I. One
recites a Borei Pri Ha’eitz over cooked fruits (compot) in the course of a
meal, in spite of the famous story in which the Chofetz Chaim is reputed not
to have recited the bracha.
J. If
one recited a Borei Pri Ha’adamah instead of a Borei Minei Mezonos, he is
yotzei bedieved.
K.
Pearled barley is a sofek as to whether the appropriate bracha is Borei Pri
Ha’adamah or Borei Minei Mezonos and accordingly one should make a Mezonos
and Ha’adamah on other items, having it in mind when reciting the
bracha--and then can consume the pearled barley. Because the after bracha on
pearled barley may be an “Ahl Ha’adamah, V’ahl Pri ha’adamah”--which we do
not recite (see Brachos 37A, Tosfos d’h’ Hakosses), it is preferable to eat
this product during a meal [or speak to your Rav about alternatives].
L. One
would not make a bracha over lightning if he saw only a small
flash--especially if he saw it from inside his home.
M. If one arose in the morning and found meat in between his teeth, one
should not be concerned with it--as it is not called meat. One should
remove it, and need not wait to eat dairy products.
N. It is very appropriate to use toothpaste and mouthwash with a hechsher.
Unflavored gold Listerine is currently kosher, but Scope has unkosher
ingredients, and one should not rely on those who say that it is nosein
ta’am lifgam.
O. One should stand before a parent who enters the room every time there is
a chiddush in doing so (such as upon his entering the home), and not only
morning and evening.
----------------------------------------------
BEING A TRUE SERVANT:
The Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim teaches that the Middah of Boshess, of
being reserved rather than brazen, shamefaced rather than shameless, is
essential to a person’s character and conduct. However, the Orchos
Tzaddikim continues, there are certain circumstances where reticence is
the incorrect reaction or response. In the strongest of terms, he
writes: “V’Ain LeHone’ach Shum Mitzvah Avur HaBoshess”--one should
not fail to observe or perform a Mitzvah because others are not doing so, or
others are not careful in its performance--for a true servant of the King
would not leave His service even if he was mocked or ridiculed, and
certainly if only smirked upon or if his actions would not be understood by
those who lack sufficient Yiras Shomayim to appreciate the eternal
importance of each and every Mitzvah--and each and every Mitzvah
performed properly! In the words of the Orchos Tzaddikim, it is
a “Boshess Ra’ah Me’od”--a very bad Boshess if one is more ashamed of
a person than of Hashem. If one sees laxity in others--whether it be in
areas of Kashrus or Bedikas Tolaim (which from all of the recent findings
seems to be one of the real and final tests of our generation), of failing
to eat Shalosh Seudos, of batala during the course of Torah Study, of
questionable financial meandering, of zip-zap Brachos or Tefillah, one
should not join the crowd but instead stand up for Hashem and demonstrate
what and how it should be done. Of course, if one feels that the people
around would be far from receptive or would be ‘hurt’ or ‘insulted’ by his
actions , one should consult with his Rav or Posek on a definitive course of
conduct--but action of some kind must most definitely be taken. A ganev,
as someone who steals secretly, is more scared of man than of Hashem and
must therefore must pay kaifel or double for his actions. Let us not
c’v fall into a ganev mode by being more shamefaced of man
than of Hashem --but instead serve Hashem in each and every Mitzvah with the
dignity and honor--with the unwavering nobility--that is attached to
being part of the Mamleches Kohanim Vegoy Kadosh!
=============================
3 Adar Rishon
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Every day in Shemoneh Esrei (including
Shabbos, Yom Tov and Yom Kippur), we recite in the third bracha:
“U’Kedoshim Bechol Yom Yehallelucha Selah”—and holy ones praise You
every day, forever.” The Avudraham and other meforshim write that ‘the holy
ones’ referred to in this bracha are actually the members of K’lal Yisrael—each
and every one of us. We must appreciate how holy we really are, and we are
reminded of this, and aver it every day in our Tefillos! One should use the
springboard of the phrase: “U’Kedoshim Bechol Yom…” to energize and
elevate himself in the rest of his Shemoneh Esrei, and to remind himself
during the day—as one who is Kadosh--to do this and not to do that, to say
this, and not to say that, and even to think this, and not to think that.
-------------------------------------------------------------
ADAR I OR ADAR II?
When
did the nes of the Milchama on Purim occur--in Adar I or Adar II?
Rabbi Shlomo Pearl, Z’tl, brings three shitos:
1.
Rebbi Eliezer B’ Rebbi Yosi (Megillah 6B) is of the opinion that the Nes
happened in Adar I and the Megillah is read in Adar I--even though there was
then a second Adar.
2.
Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel (ibid.)--according to the Rosh holds that the
miracle occurred in Adar II, and so there is no Kedusha to Adar I.
3.
Rebbi Shimon Ben Gamliel (ibid.)--according to the Rambam holds that year
was going to have two Adars and the gezeirah was going to happen in Adar I,
but in the end there was only one Adar, and because it is preferable to
place the Geulah of Purim close to the Geulah of Pesach, Purim is observed
in Adar II.
-------------------------------------------------------------
WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
The
following Halachos are culled from the Mishna Berurah Dirshu Edition. Of
course, one should in all events consult with his own Rav or Posek
pertaining to his particular facts or circumstances:
A.
Frozen food in the freezer which his edible if one would defrost it is not
Muktzah. Even if one has no intent of defrosting it on Shabbos--because one
is able to defrost it if he would like (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 310,
Dirshu Note 29).
B. The
Igros Moshe (Orach Chaim 4:78) rules that a closed carton (such as a milk or
juice carton which is opened by separating the folds) may not be opened on
Shabbos, as we do not view it as an original opening which has been closed.
This is because the seal is done very well and the original opening is
considered to be no longer existence.
C. If
after taking care of one’s bodily functions, he realizes that by cleaning
himself blood will come out, HaRav Nissim Karelitz, Shlita, rules that it is
nevertheless permissible to do so because it is a pesik reisha d’lo
neichalei k’lal and it is Kavod HaBriyos (Orach Chaim 312 and Mishna Berurah
Note 4).
D..
One should be very careful not to hit another person (or an animal) in a way
which will cause a wound (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 316, Mishna Berurah
seif katan 30). The Ben Ish Chai rules that even hitting a friend in jest or
‘play fighting’ or holding on to one’s or another’s flesh so that the skin
reddens is assur (ibid., Dirshu Note 55)
E. The
Chazon Ish rules that one may remove a fly from food together with a portion
of the food to avoid Borer issues even though the fly is otherwise muktzah,
because this is not considered to be tiltul muktzah, but instead making the
food edible to eat. One cannot, however, kill spider or other small insects
on the pretense that they would be dangerous if they went into someone’s
food. Instead, one should cover the food (especially if we do not know that
they are, in fact, dangerous). Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim
216 seif katan 48).
F. In
one owns a cat or dog, he can close the door in the room there are in, as
they are considered as domesticated and living in the home and not subject
to the Melacha of tzad--trapping (SA OC MB seif katan 53 and Dirshu Note
101).
G.
HaRav Elyashiv and yblch’t HaRav Nissim Karelitz rule that one should not
tie any kind of knot in something which one does not intend to open again.
For instance, when one has finished with a garbage bag--the fact that he has
tied it up and does not intend to open it again renders it a Kesher Shel
Kayama.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POINTS AND POINTERS ON THIS WEEK’S PARASHA--PARASHAS TERUMAH:
A. This week, we are introduced for the first time to the Mishkan, which we
sometimes view as only a “temporary” structure (actually used for over 400
years). Chazal, however, teach us that the Torah emphasizes that the
Mishkan was made from “Atzai Shitim Omdim”--”standing” Shitim
wood--in order for us to know that the Mishkan will “stand” forever. The
question we pose is--why is this so? After all, once the first Bais
HaMikdash was built, were there not many more miracles and much more glory
to Hashem there, being the holiest place in the world? Why must the Mishkan
“stand”--remain with us forever? We look forward to your thoughts.
B. As we see in tomorrow’s Parasha, the Aron consisted of solid wood, plated
inside and outside with gold. In spite of the fact that the Aron was plated
with gold much more valuable than the wood it covered, the Aron is
nevertheless referred to in the Torah as the “Aron Atzei Shitim--the
acacia wood Aron”. Why is it that the Aron is described as wooden--and not
as a more valuable and respected golden Aron? HaRav Shimshon Dovid Pincus,
Z’tl, answers that, in fact, wood more aptly describes the Aron because wood
is something that grows and that regenerates. Indeed, even if one cuts down
a tree to the ground, its roots are left and a new tree can sprout forth.
Gold may be valuable in this world, but it has no inherent capacity to live
or grow. Our Torah is much more aptly described with wood for “Etz Chaim
He--it is a living tree”--it enables one--even one who was down and
out--to reinvigorate himself and renew his life. Rav Pincus notes that this
is the special nature of the month of Adar, and eventually of Purim, as
well. It is a time of Hischadshus--of a new lease on life both
physically and spiritually. It is no wonder then, that after experiencing
the miracles of Purim, our people’s immediate reaction was “Kimu V’kiblu”--a
rededication and revival to Torah commitment.
C. Chazal teach that one who gives money to a poor person is misboreich
with six brachos, while one who additionally gives him words of
encouragement and support is blessed with eleven brachos by Hashem. A
wonderful explanation of the concept is presented in the Sefer MiShulchan
Gavoha, on this week’s Parasha: There is a commodity more precious to a
human being than even money--it is his time. When a person takes the
time to encourage another, he is giving of himself something more precious
than gold. At a Hakhel Yarchei Kallah, Rabbi Dov Brezak, Shlita, once
noted that he passed a man whom he had not seen in a while on the street.
In passing, he asked him how everything was. As they were walking by each
other the man responded: “Lo BeSeder--things are not well.” Rabbi
Brezak heard these words as he was already past the person and had a quick
debate in his mind. He was in a rush, in fact an absolute rush, to get to a
store that was going to close. The matter was urgent for him. But, how
could he leave a man who just said that things were not well--and now 20 or
30 meters behind him?! His Yetzer HaTov got the best of him, he ran
back towards the distraught person, and gave him words of care and Chizuk
for a few moments. A few days later the man called him to express his
Hakaras HaTov to Rabbi Brezak for stopping to talk with him. Because of the
desperateness of the situation at the time, the man was actually
contemplating suicide--and Rabbi Brezak’s thoughtfulness and words--reversed
his thinking and frame of mind! This is literally Chaim BeYad HaLashon--and
we are all capable of it!
D. The Shach writes that it is possible that on every utensil made in the
Bais HaMikdash, a separate Bracha was made of “Asher Kideshanu
BeMitzvosav Vetzivanu Al Asiyas Kli Ploni” so that kedusha would come
on to the Kli not only through its making-but also through the dibbur of the
Bracha! Accordingly, we once again remind our readers that every time we
say the words “Asher Kideshanu BeMitzvosav Vetzivanu...” we are
bringing kedusha on to the Mitzvah we are performing or upon the item on
which we are performing the mitzvah.
E. We learn that those who were Nedivei Lev--givers from the
heart--were able to accomplish an incredible task--the building of a house
and its furnishings the likes of which were never built before--and which is
in fact hidden away to this very day and forever thereafter. The Sefer
Orchos Tzaddikim teaches us that there is something even more special
than a Nadiv, a giver--it is a Nadiv HaShalem--a complete giver.
He writes that a Nadiv HaShalem is one who gives--whether large or
small amounts before being asked to do so. By doing this, he
performs the act of giving not out of coercion or embarrassment, not to be
‘left alone’, and not even out of rethinking or reconsideration--but purely
because he is a giver. It may take a little time to get used to--but
if one could sway his charitable donations, even if in only small amounts,
in this direction--he will actually move towards Shleimus in the act
of giving. The Torah teaches us the value of the Nedivei Lev...let’s
see if we can make this attribute a part of ourselves in the most
complete way possible!
-------------------------------------------------------------
NOT HIDDEN AWAY IN A TOWER: Why was the Torah put
into an Aron and
then into the
Kodesh HaKodoshim
seemingly isolated from the
people? When we posed this question in the past, we
received the following excellent responses from readers:
A. “If the Torah would just be “there” for
us, it wouldn’t make us want it at all. One must view and seek out the
Torah just as one would a hidden treasure in order
to properly appreciate how invaluable it is to our lives”. Hakhel Note: We
can apply this lesson daily by treating our Maggidei Shiur and Seforim with
an added level of appreciation, care and respect--for they are very much
helping us to reach an essential part of our life--the ‘VeSein Chelkeinu
BeSoresecha’--uncovering and revealing the Torah
for us, so that we can attain our life’s potential and portion in
Torah knowledge and study. One should very much try
to improve his hakara, his recognition and affection to those who
help him take the Torah out of the
Aron and imbibe Hashem’s Wisdom into his
being daily-and everlastingly!
B. “The Declaration of Independence is kept under lock and key in a
pneumatically sealed chamber with atmospheric conditions perfect for its
preservation, and back in the times when it was written, copies were
disseminated among the states for their publicizing the Declaration.
Lehavdil, we need to have one copy of the Torah
that is sacrosanct as a proof that over all of these millennia, not a dot
has been changed in the Torah. We will need this
proof one day when the nations that surround us make the final accusations,
and the original scroll will appear and we will be able to compare that the
scrolls that we read in Shul today are exact copies of the original scrolls
written by Moshe Rabbeinu and dictated by Hashem Yisborach. And since that
will be Y’may Mashiach, Am Yisrael--and the very same
Torah will continue to live L’olam Va’ed!”
Hakhel Note: We look forward to your responses as well!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
MIKDASH ME’AT:
At this moment in our lives, although we may not have the ultimate
Mishkan or Bais HaMikdash, we do have our Bais Haknesses and Bais HaMidrash,
as our Mikdashei Me’at. According to many Rishonim, the Mitzvas Asei
MiD’oraysah of Mikdoshi Tira’u applies to our Mikdashei Me’at
as well. We provide below several points and pointers from Hilchos Bais
HaKnesses (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 150-153), as excerpted from the
Dirshu Edition of the Mishna Berurah:
A. It is a great Mitzvah to donate Sefarim to a Shul or Bais
Midrash for study. The Chasam Sofer (Yoreh De’ah 244) writes that one
fulfills the words of “Oseh Tzedaka Bechol Ais--doing an act of
righteousness at all times” by doing so.
B. The Shulchan Aruch (151:1) itself rules that simply sitting in
our Mikdash Me’at is a Mitzvah, as Dovid Hamelech writes: “Ashrei
Yoshvei Veisecha”.
C. Chazal teach that if a person embarrasses another in front of a
Talmid Chochom, then he is an apikores and does not
have a chelek in Olam Haba. All the more so, writes the Mishna Berurah,
would this apply to one who disgraces his friend in front of the Sefer
Torah and the Kavod Hashechina--in Shul. (151:
Mishna Berurah, seif katan 2)
D. One should not enter a Mikdash Me’at with a knife or
similar object, because the Torah lengthens a
person’s days, and a knife shortens a person’s days in this world. (151:
Mishna Berurah, seif katan 22, Dirshu Note 20)
E. It is inappropriate of antennas to be placed on top of a Shul,
and if it was done against the will of those who daven there, they should
not take rent or a fee for the antenna--for it is forbidden to make profit
from the bizayon of a Shul. (Shevet HaLevi, quoted in Dirshu Note
26)
F. It may be permissible to sell a Sefer Torah
in order for a Shul to acquire Gemaros and Halacha Sefarim--because this may
be considered putting one’s study into practice.
G. One fulfills a Mitzvah if he enters and leaves a Shul by
different entranceways; this is based upon the pasuk relating to the Bais
HaMikdash: “HaBa’ah Derech Sha’ar Tzafon LeHishtachavos Yetzeih Derech
Sha’ar Negev” (Mishna Berurah, ibid., seif katan 21). The Mishna
Berurah explains that this demonstrates your chavivus to the Bais
HaKnesses.
Hakhel Note: To get a better feeling of the awe and empowerment we
should feel upon entering a Shul, we provide some of the closing words of
HaRav Moshe Cordevero, Z’tl, to the Sefer Tomer Devora:
“As one enters the Bais Knesses, he should recite the verse “V’Ani
B’Rov Chasdecha…--and I, through Your abundant kindness, come
into Your house; I bow toward Your holy sanctuary in
awe of You” (Tehillim 5:8). With this, one binds himself to the three Avos,
as “Your abundant kindness” corresponds to Avrohom, “I bow toward Your holy
sanctuary” corresponds to Yitzchok, and “In awe of You” corresponds to
Yaakov. His prayer will then be in a propitious
time, for the outflow of His Compassion will be drawn downwards towards
him.”
During the upcoming weeks, as we learn more and more about the holy
Mishkan, let us make a special effort to have the proper regard, respect and
appreciation for the sanctuaries of Hashem that are in our midst!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BUILDING AN ARON:
One last thought: We all try to
improve our learning, for, after all, “VeTalmud Torah
KeNeged Kulam--Torah study is equivalent to them
all.” As we learn of the Aron’s construction in
this week’s Parasha, we realize that we must also build ourselves to house
the Torah within us. Every individual knows
himself best, and can make real progress and strides in his own way.
However, one area which may be particularly frustrating to many in their
Torah growth is their inability to remember where
they learned something--e.g., where exactly it is in Shulchan Aruch or the
Gemara, which commentary said it, or what the particular language may be.
If a person would take but one item a day that he has learned that
day, write down its source, and try to commit the item and its source to
memory whether through memory association techniques or otherwise (it will
obviously require review), than over the course of a year--he will know more
than 350 sources! Each and every day has so much potential inherent within
it--if we merely ‘tap’ on it we can accomplish so much over a month, a year,
a decade...120 years.
=============================
2 Adar Rishon
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The Chofetz Chaim and Rebbe Yisroel Salanter,
Z’tl, advise those that have committed a particular aveira and want to do
Teshuva should study the Halachos well relating to the particular Mitzvah
that was violated and to review it several times. By doing so, in the future
the Mitzvah will be deep-rooted in the person’s mind, and the Yetzer Hara to
commit a related Aveira will be weakened and even quashed.
Hakhel Note: In furtherance of the Teshuvah Moment, the following Question
and Answer has been excerpted from the Kollel Toras Chaim Questions &
Answers Email. To subscribe, email: qa@rabbitravis.org
Waking Up
Question:
I find that one of the most challenging parts
of the day is when the alarm goes off in the morning. Inevitably, I will try
and shut it off and go back to sleep. I was wondering if the rov can advise
me on how to navigate this difficult nisayon.
Thank you.
Moshe A.
Answer:
HaRav Azriel Auerbach:
There are a number of practical techniques
that I would like to share with you that I believe will be very helpful.
Rav Yisroel Salanter writes (Ohr Yisroel 7)
that if one wants to improve in any area of Divine service, the optimal way
to do so is to learn the halachos relevant to that area. Studying the
halachos gives a person a desire to fulfill them. Once you are imbued with a
heartfelt desire to put the halachos of waking up in the morning into
practice, you will definitely see great improvement.
Which halachos should one learn in regards to
waking up in the morning? The first halacha in Shulchan Aruch states, “A
person should wake up in the morning like a lion in order to serve his
Creator” (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 1:1). Every night, before going to
sleep, you should learn this halacha numerous times, until it is literally
ringing in your ears.
Even while you are lying in bed, by going
over this halacha in your bed numerous times, this will have a major impact
on your next morning. One of the great tzaddikim of Yerushalayim once
revealed to me the great power that this practice has. He told me (in
Yiddish), “Whoever goes to sleep like a Jew wakes up like a Jew.”
Another important idea to keep in mind is
that which Rav Chaim Volozhiner writes in his sefer Keser Rosh. He says that
as soon as a person wakes up, he should think to himself that he accepts
upon himself the yoke of Torah and mitzvos. Starting off the day on the
right foot will impact one’s entire day.
Once you have woken up, you should say Modeh
Ani with great fervor and joy. Starting off the day on the right foot
ensures that the day will be filled with success.
-------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT SUGGESTION: Every day, Hashem’s kindnesses to
us are so great that we describe them in Shemone
Esrei as “Ki Lo Samu Chasodecha--Hashem’s
Chesed is Unending”. When reciting these all-encompassing words we should
feel the bliss of the many (countless) blessings we have at that
moment--relating to the body, soul, family, personal miracles and
experiences, etc. One can and should sense a shower of Chasodim upon him,
just as one senses the pleasure of a hot shower on a tired or perspired
body--the water keeps on coming and coming-bringing salvation, relief and
renewal! Indeed, even throughout the day--as one realizes the specific
blessing here and the definite blessing there--exclaim ‘Ki Lo Samu
Chasodecha--Your Chesed keeps coming and coming!’
------------------------------------------------
AN IMMEDIATE LESSON FROM THE KERUVIM:
Rebbi
Yisroel Salanter,
Z’tl,
explains that the Keruvim
had the appearance of
children--for us to
realize that in our
relationship with Hashem and
with others we should view ourselves as
children--not stuck in any kind of bad habit or
rut--and always willing to try something new, always trying to explore--to
get up and grow. Let us be guided by the light of
doing more than in the past, in our daily quest
for Yoseir MiMah She’Hayisi--not being a
Kacha Jew--but being like Keruvim
--better today than the day before!
Hakhel Note: During Shovavim, some have raised their level in an
area or areas in which they felt a faltering. If one feels the special
time has passed by without making a real mark on him this year, may we
propose the following brief but potent idea: The Sefer Chovos Halevavos
explains that the essence of a person is his
thoughts--and this is where his Bechira Chofshis really lies,
for whether or not (and in what manner) one
effectuates his thoughts will be determined by Hashem’s
especially dedicated Hashgacha Pratis over him. One’s thoughts are
therefore his true and very personal and personalized expression of self.
HaRav Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl,
in Sefer Sifsei Chaim especially emphasizes the importance of
‘Rikuz HaMachshavos’-consistently focusing one’s thoughts towards what
is right and away from wrong. Failure to develop in this area affects one’s
entire being, for it is not just the brief or
passing improper thought that has entered and spoiled, but it is the
impervious downgrade of one’s character and attitude that results from the
improper notion or thought. Accordingly, may we suggest that one attempt to
go through a day (starting today, perhaps here and now) resolving not to
have or allow a thought today that he would be embarrassed about in front of
a close family member or friend--and certainly not in front of
Hashem Who knows all thoughts. When one is aware
that the thought is coming or has come--he should quickly banish it by
reminding himself that the thought is not him--but like a foreign bacteria
or virus, is there to harm him--in this case in a spiritual and everlasting
way. The gauge of ‘will this embarrass me’ is a simple but effective
one. Even if one feels that this is not possible for
it is too much of a ‘cold turkey’ response to his thoughts until now--it
should definitely be made a part of one’s day when he becomes aware of an
unbecoming, unacceptable or inappropriate thought--and, realizing it, moves
to cleanse and clarify his thoughts--and his life.
-------------------------------------------------
ANOTHER LESSON FROM CHILDREN--THE CHILD’S
CRY: A toddler is
happily playing with a little rattle or toy. Suddenly, its mother enters the
room. It turns--and realizing its mother is now present begins to painfully
cry--after all it needs to be picked up, held, hugged kissed, fed.... At any
point in the day, we may be actively engaged in chesed, learning,
parnassah--however, when the time comes for Tefillah
does it not make the greatest of sense to follow the child’s great lesson,
and put everything aside--in order to pursue Hashem’s
warm and caring embrace. The child has made the real and right
decision--so should we!
Hakhel Note: As the outstanding work Praying With Fire (Artscroll)
reminds us: “Rav Elimelech M’Lizhensk (cited in
Nefesh Shimshon, p.35) would say the following words before entering
Shul to daven: ‘Know where you are entering, What you will do there;
Who is in this house; Whose house it is; and Who empowered you to enter this
house.’”
------------------------------------------
TRUE JOY!
Dovid HaMelech exclaims: “Tashmieinu Sasson VeSimcha…Make me hear
joy and gladness...” (Tehillim 51:10). This Pasuk teaches
us that the increasing Simcha that we would like to
attain this month is a gift from Hashem, and we
should daven for it! Indeed, Rabbi Moshe Tuvia
Lieff, Shlita, notes that because we have a double Adar this year we can
take 59 days of joy, add on a 1 representing the month of Adar Sheini, and
attain 60. We thus have a possibility of Bittul BeShishim--we have
enough to be mevatel, to nullify an attitude and feeling of atzvus,
sadness... for the rest of the year!
There are some great additional steps we can take towards
attaining Simcha this month. HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita (Mattisyahu
Chaim ben Ettel lerefuah sheleima), suggests in general that everyone study
the concept of Simcha as related in the Sefer Mesilas Yesharim,
Chapter 19. There, the Mesilas Yesharim teaches that a person should
recognize that the true Simcha is Simcha Shel Mitzvah, which is the
recognition and appreciation of one’s entitlement and privilege to daven to
Hashem who is all-powerful, to study
Hashem’s Torah, and to serve Him through the
performance of Mitzvos. Simcha Shel Mitzvah is not simply a Simcha that
is contained in our life--it is the
Simcha that actually sustains our life.
Indeed, the Kuzari writes that each Mitzvah opportunity should be
viewed as an incredible invitation by Hashem Himself
to be taken out of emptiness and squalor and instead to sit and eat at the
King’s Table! Moreover, the more Hashem wants to
invite you to Olam Haba, the more opportunity of Mitzvah--the more
invitations--he gives to you. Each such invitation brings you to a
position at the table which is closer and closer to the King. Remember,
your ultimate stay at the King’s table will not be for
a short meal or even a banquet--rather, your final position at the
table--will be an everlasting one!
HaRav Salomon brings one way in which one can determine whether
in fact he experienced Simcha Shel Mitzvah. He analogizes to one coming
home from a Chasunah. How did you feel when you came back--” I
had nothing to do” “I was bored” “I am still
hungry”--or “I am so happy for the Chosson
and Kallah” “What a great Simcha” “I felt real Achdus there.” Your
feelings after the Chasunah will give you the insight as to how meaningful
it was for you. Similarly, after you Daven, after
you study Torah, or after you perform the other 611 Mitzvos--Do you feel
uplifted? Do you feel happy? Do you feel accomplished? One can help himself
grow in attaining Simcha Shel Mitzvah with some Hachana, simple
preparation before doing a Mitzvah. Reflect for
a moment--what a great opportunity doing this Mitzvah is--what a great
right--what a great privilege--from Hashem Himself!
Adar is an
especially graced time for growth in Simcha Shel
Mitzvah--for this is the Avodah of the Month. Let
us work on this great accomplishment together by
taking a moment to reflect before we perform a Mitzvah--and then feel
the joy after we have performed it…and forever thereafter!
=============================
1 Adar Rishon
THE MAGNIFICENT OPPORTUNITY STARTS TODAY!
By the following link, we provide a truly magnificent opportunity to review
the Chovos Helevavos Sha’ar Habitachon in 30 short segments over the month
of Adar Rishon
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/Sha’arHaBitachonScheduleAdarOne.pdf
You will then have the ability to review this Sha’ar over the month of Adar
Sheni. What a special way to connect Purim, Pesach and our daily lives!
Spread the word!
--------------------------------------------------------
ADAR RISHON VAAD:
By the following audio link,
we provide Rabbi Eliya Brudny, Shlita’s recent Va’ad
on Adar Rishon:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/eocqw42kngdc351/022%20Rav%20Brudny%20Vaad%20Adar%205779.MP3?dl=0
--------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT: HaRav
Yecheskel Levenstein, Z'tl, teaches that being mevater does not apply to
major life decisions, but to the day to day 'little things' in life, and is
really based upon a life outlook as to what is truly important--putting less
emphasis on one's personal desires and what a person feels he deserves, and
instead being a giver--giving to the other person whether or not he feels
that the other person deserves it or is right--for ultimately if the other
person will benefit, and one gives in, then he is not only benefiting the
other--but improving himself as well. One should put vatranus into life's
practice when challenged daily as to whether or not to do something or say
something--and when making a decision as to who is right. As HaRav Matisyahu
Salomon, Shlita, teaches, Vatarnus is a hallmark of Middos improvement!
--------------------------------------------
SIYUM!
This year, the Siyum of Mesechta Chulin in Daf Yomi will occur the day
before Erev Pesach (Ta’anis Bechorim), and Mesechta Bechoros will
begin—there is no such thing as coincidence!
--------------------------------------------
THE
FIRST DAY OF ADAR RISHON:
Now
that we are at the first day of Adar Rishon (!), we are reminded of the
words of Rav Dessler, Z’tl in Michtav Mai’Eliyahu (Volume 2, p.123).
Rav Dessler teaches that just as there are stages in the aveilus of Av
beginning with Rosh Chodesh --which climax on Tisha B’Av, so too is there an
increase in the Simcha one is to feel as he moves daily through Adar-
reaching a pinnacle on Purim and Shushan Purim. This avodah is not
something that we wait until the last moment with. This year, with the
extra month of Adar, we are given more and greater opportunity to develop
this joyfulness. Our joy is never marked by a one-time chuckle at a joke or
one-liner, but at the Simcha of our relationship with HaKadosh Baruch Hu, as
the world turns on the axle of His Hashgacha Pratis over us.
In
connection with this fundamental point, we received the following
correspondence from a reader: “HaRav Avrohom Schorr, Shlita, brings the
Sefer Chovos Halevavos which teaches that one who trusts Hashem,
i.e., a Ba’al Bitochon, is always BeSimcha. It follows that if wants to be
Marbeh Besimcha, it would mean that he should work on increasing Bitachon
(such as by studying the Chovos Halevavos Sha’ar HaBitochon) in
Chodesh Adar”. Hakhel Note: The Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim,
which consists of 28 She’arim or Chapters, each of which is named by and
describes a particular Midah, also contains a discussion of
Bitachon--can you guess the name of the Sha’ar--the topic, in which the
discussion of Bitachon is contained? The Sha’ar HaSimcha! Let
us get the message from these most classic of Seforim--and let us use this
precious time period to expand our Simcha horizons!
------------------------------------------
WHY
DO WE READ HALLEL ON ROSH CHODESH, AT THE BEGINNING
OF EVERY NEW MONTH?
As we have noted
in the past, the Tanya Rabosi (quoted by the
Sefer Taamei Dinim U’Minhagim) provides us
with the following answer: Dovid HaMelech in the
last Chapter of Tehillim (Chapter 150--Halleluka Hallelu Kel B’Kadsho),
which we recite every
morning, uses the word “Hallelu” twelve separate times
in order to express the different kinds of Hallel
that we are to give to Hashem during each of the
twelve corresponding months of the year. Thus, for example, the sixth
time Hallelu is used in this chapter, is
in the phrase “Hallelu B’Teka Shofar”, corresponding
to the sixth month of the year--the
month of Elul--in which we
blow Shofar the entire month, and
the seventh time Hallelu is used is “Halleluhu B’Nevel V’Chinor” (with lyre
and harp), corresponding to the Simchas Bais
Hashoeva of Sukkos, so befittingly culminating the month
of Tishrei. Now, the twelfth Hallelu, which corresponds to the 12th
month of the year--Adar I--is climactic--”Kol
HaNeshama Tehallel Ka”--Let
all souls praise Hashem! In
fact, the reason we repeat the same Pasuk--Kol
HaNeshama (i.e., a thirteenth Hallelu) when reciting
this Chapter in the morning is to take into account
second month of Adar--the thirteenth
month of the year. What appears clear from this is
that our Avoda, our sacred
and wonderful task, for this month
(and continuing into Adar II), is to raise
our souls
in the service of Hashem. Kol
HaNeshama Tehallel Ka!
This
coming month, as
we recite “Kol
HaNeshama” daily,
let us feel
within ourselves a
raising of our
souls, a heightening of
our spiritual
awareness, a supernal
inner joy--in
our lot (pun
intended)--and
in our life!
------------------------------------------
AMAZING LESSONS!: HaRav Yaakov Galinsky, Z’tl, brings the
following story with HaRav Yosef Feimer, Z’tl, the
Rav of Slutsk. The governor of Slutsk approached him, as the Rav of the
city, and asked HaRav Feimer: “Why do you Jews
glorify yourselves as ‘The Chosen People’--how are you different than all of
the other nations?” The Rav responded: “What do you mean--how are we
different?--with everything--we are especially circumspect in Kashrus and
what we eat--being careful to check even our vegetables; we are vigilant
regarding forbidden relationships; and we are even careful as to what we
say--so what is your question?” “True” responded the governor, “but all of
this is an aside. The majority of our days are spent in earning a living.
In this, Jew and gentile are alike. I believe, in fact, that Jews have a
greater desire for money than us.” The Rav readily responded: “Yes, we
spend a good portion of our day with our livelihood--but we have an entire
code of Jewish law--Choshen Mishpat, which guides and binds us in
monetary matters. Furthermore, no matter how much we are pressed by
Parnassah, when Shabbos comes we stop everything, and try not even to think
about our business--which is a separate Mitzvah in and of itself! Can you
claim any of this?” “No”, said the governor, admitting his defeat. “You are
right--you are The Chosen People!” In this vein, as we take leave of
Parashas Mishpatim and its lessons of how we must guide ourselves, we
provide for review--and inspiration--certain Halachos of Ma’aseh U’Matan, as
excerpted from the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, relating to the way a Jew
conducts his business in this world. The excellent English translation of
the Kitzur is provided by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger, Shlita, Moznaim
Publishing:
1. Great care must be taken not to deceive or cheat a
colleague. Whoever cheats or deceives a colleague violates a Torah
prohibition. This applies whether the seller deceives the purchaser or the
purchaser deceives the seller,
as the Pasuk [Vayikrah,
25:14] states: “VeChi Simkaru Mimkar…when you sell something to a
colleague or buy something from a colleague, do not wrong each other.” [Shabbos
31a] relates that this will be the first issue about which a person will
be questioned [by the Heavenly tribunal] in his ultimate judgment.
He will be asked: “Have you dealt and traded honestly?”
2. Just as one is forbidden to cheat a colleague with regard to
a sale, so, too, there is a prohibition against cheating with regard to
hired work, contracted labor,
and exchange of currency.
3. A person who trades faithfully need not worry about the
prohibition against cheating a colleague. What is meant by “trading
faithfully”? A person who says: “I bought this article for this amount and
I want to make this much as a profit.” Even if he
was cheated when he purchased the article--though a person who was cheated
has no right to cheat a colleague--nevertheless, the above-mentioned
practice is permitted. He clearly tells the purchaser not to consider the
worth of the article,
but the amount which he
had paid for it.
4.
One must weigh and measure
generously, giving the purchaser slightly more than the required measure, as
implied by the Pasuk [Devarim, 25:15] “Aipha Shleimah VaTzedek…a
full, honest measure.” What is meant by “honest”? The Torah teaches: Seek
honesty at your expense and give him from your own (Bava Basra 88b).
Hakhel Note: This would appear to apply to “billing by the hour” as well.
5. When a
person seeks to buy or rent a certain object, whether land or goods, from a
colleague - whether Jew or gentile--and they have already agreed on the
price, but before they have completed the transaction, another person comes
and purchases it or rents it, the latter is considered a wicked person. The
above applies only when a price has already been agreed upon. However, when
a sale has been discussed, but the purchaser seeks to pay a lesser sum than
requested by the seller, another person is entitled to purchase it. It is
forbidden to encroach on a colleague’s rights with regard to the rental of
property from a gentile and other similar matters.
6. When a person makes even a small down payment on a purchase
or marks a desired object as his own in the presence of the seller, or the
seller tells him: “Make a mark on your purchase” - even if the transaction
has not been formally concluded--should either the seller or the purchaser
desire to renege upon his commitment, he is considered to have performed an
act unbecoming to a Jew and must receive a Mi She’Porah. The latter
term implies that he is brought to court and cursed, as follows: “Mi
She’Porah …may He who exacted retribution from the generation of the
f1ood, the generation of the Tower of Babel, the inhabitants of Sodom and
Amorrah, and the Egyptians whom He drowned in the sea, also exact
retribution from a person who does not fulfill his word.”
7. It is proper for a person to abide by his word even when he
gave no money, made no mark on the object of sale, and did not complete the
transaction. As long as the buyer and the seller agreed on the price,
neither should renege on his commitment. If either the purchaser or the
seller reneges, he is considered as “a faithless person,” and the Sages do
not approve of him. It is fitting for a Jew to fulfill his word, as [Tzefania,
3:13] states: “She’eiris Yisrael…the remnant of Israel will not act
perversely, nor will they speak with lies. “A person who fears Hashem
should even carry out a commitment which he made in his heart--e.g., if he
decided to sell an object to a colleague at a particular price and the
latter was not aware of his decision and offered a higher sum, he should
take only the sum which he had originally decided upon, in fulfillment of [Tehillim,
15:2]: “Dover Emes B’levavo…he speaks truth
in his heart.”Similarly, a purchaser who made a commitment to purchase an
object at a particular price should not renege on his commitment.
Similarly, with regard to other dealings between a person and a colleague,
he should carry out the decisions of his heart--e.g., if he decided to do a
favor for a colleague and it is possible for him to do so, he should carry
out his commitment.
8. In All Events:
A
person should not invite a colleague
to dinner
when he knows that the colleague will not eat.
Similarly,
he should not offer him
a present which he knows he will not accept.
It is also forbidden
to perform any action in which one’s statements do not express his true feelings--e.g.,
to make it appear that
he honors a colleague when he does not feel
that way.
One
should speak truth and act with upright feelings and a pure heart.
Hakhel
Note: With a proper understanding of this, we can move on to the next
level--Parashas Terumah--donating funds to build the Mishkan!
=============================
30 Shevat
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The
Birchos HaShachar is an amazing listing of Brachos, thanking Hashem for so
many important, life-giving gifts that he grants us daily. Yet, they are
typically recited at the outset of davening, when we are tired, and may not
have yet particularly gotten ‘in’ to the davening, or when we are still
subject to distraction. How can we save these very, very special Brachos
from not being given their due care and kavana? Here is a Teshuvah
suggestion which is not time-consuming: Before reciting each bracha, simply
look at and place your fingers on the words which constitute the end of the
bracha, such as “Pokayach Ivrim” “Malbish Arumim”, “She’Assa
Li Kol Tzorchi”. In this way, you will know what you are making your
bracha on--and this will give you a sense of focus and appreciation as you
recite the important words of each and every bracha--properly thanking and
praising Hashem for what He gives you-- and truly acknowledging that He is
the Source of this blessing among all others!
---------------------------------------------------------
STARTS TOMORROW-- MAGNIFICENT OPPORTUNITY!
By the
following link, we provide a truly magnificent opportunity to review the
Chovos Helevavos Sha’ar Habitachon in 30 short segments over the month
of Adar Rishon
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/Sha’arHaBitachonScheduleAdarOne.pdf
You will then have the ability to review this Sha’ar over the month of Adar
Sheni. What a special way to connect Purim, Pesach and our daily lives!
Spread the word!
-----------------------------------------------------
FIVE MONTHS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT!
Since
the inception of 5779, we have hopefully succeeded in five months of real
accomplishment. Whether or not we have succeeded to the extent we wanted
to--we have eight more months of accomplishment left in the
year--let’s go to it--Teshuvah Bechol Yom!
Hakhel
Note: As the month of Shevat ends and the month of Adar Rishon begins--today
or tomorrow may be a very good time to review who is owed money and to whom
Seforim or articles of clothing must be returned.
----------------------------------------------------------
BARCHI NAFSHI:
Every
Rosh Chodesh, in addition to the regular Shir Shel Yom, we also recite
Barchi Nafshi (Tehillim 104). The Tur writes that this is because this
Chapter contains the phrase “Asa Yorayach L’Moadim--He made the moon
for the festivals”--for through the new moon and the new month, we know when
to properly celebrate our Moadim. The Zohar (Midrash HaNeelam, Parashas
Vayera) also adds to our understanding of this Chapter--writing that every
Rosh Chodesh the souls of the Tzadkim in Gan Eden recite this very same
Mizmor!
It
behooves us to recognize and reflect upon the power and profundity of what
we may sometimes view as “nice” Minhagim--and appreciate each and every one
of our Minhagim for the sublime and purifying effect it truly has upon
us--whether we know it or not!
----------------------------------------------------------
PRACTICAL PROBLEMS OF MEZONOS BREAD:
The
following exceptional excerpt is from the outstanding work The Laws of
Brachos (Artscroll) by Rabbi Binyomin Forst, Shlita:
“Practical problems of “mezonos” bread:
A. Franks,
falafel and sandwiches: One who eats a filling meal of “frank-on-roll,”
falafel
or
salami sandwich, regardless of the fact that the breads are kneaded with
apple juice, is required by Torah law to recite Birkas Hamazon.
Consequently, one who treats “mezonos bread” as cake often neglects a
positive commandment of the Torah. The responsibility for this transgression
is shared with the proprietors of the restaurants, since they serve these
foods to a public often unaware of these halachic problems….
B.
“Mezonos challos”: Some caterers even serve “mezonos challos” at wedding
banquets to save their guests the ‘inconvenience’ of al netilas yadayim and
Birkas Hamazon. This practice is regrettable since the guests are encouraged
to neglect their requirement of Birkas Hamazon. These challos are eaten
before or during the meal in the place of normal challos, and are thus
considered as pas ha’ba b’kisnin eaten together with other foods,
which effects a k’vias seudah. However, one who eats cake or cookies
for dessert need not be concerned with this problem. The cake is not eaten
as part of the meal and does not combine with the other foods to effect a
k’vias seudah (unless one eats a considerable amount of cake, in which
case the cake alone may constitute a k’vias seudah).
C. Airline
meals: Airlines usually serve packaged kosher meals. These meals are
commonly accompanied with a roll or bun marked “mezonos.” This practice is
misleading and improper. Although the bun by itself may require only a
mezonos (which is by no means certain), the fact that the bun is eaten with
the other foods as a meal gives it a status of k’vias seudah. One
must certainly wash, recite al netilas yadayim and hamotzi. One may eat the
meal without the bun, recite a bracha achrona and eat the bun as a snack
later during the course of the flight. In this case, one may perhaps rely on
opinions which hold that one may recite mezonos on a roll of this type even
if the taste of the fruit juice is not noticeable.”
Hakhel
Note: Every person is faced with the challenge of Mezonos bread in various
contexts--and must realize that there is no one to fool. Rather, he
should consult with his Rav or Posek as to the appropriate conduct in the
various circumstances with which he is presented.
------------------------------------------------
WITH CLEAN HANDS AND A PURE
HEART: Why is last week’s
Parasha of Mishpatim, which contains the basis of so much of our financial
and civil law, brought in the Torah prior to the building of the Mishkan,
which is the core of this coming week’s Parasha? It seems like such a stark
contrast between two items at opposite ends of the spectrum--the Aron
HaKodesh on the one hand--and $ on the other! One simple suggestion to
explain this paradox may be that before we can even begin to
establish our bond with Hashem, we must first properly conduct our
relationships with humans in the way Hashem tells us is correct. If you
want to further elevate your human existence--first get to the point at
which you can elevate it, as you can’t get to the second floor without
passing through the first. The Bais Halevi, however, explains the
juxtaposition in a different way. He teaches that Hashem is indicating to
us that the money that we use to build our spiritual goals in this
world--cannot be just any money--but money that is pure and clean. A
person cannot ‘bless’ or justify tainted actions for tzedaka or spiritual
causes. The money given--as the giver himself--must be wholesome. This
lesson is beautifully furthered by Dovid Hamelech in Tehillim (24:3) with
the moving words, fervently recited on the Yomim Noraim: ‘Mi Ya’aleh
BeHar Hashem U’Mi Yakum Behar Kodsho---N’ki Chapayim ... Who may ascend
the mountain of Hashem, and who may stand in the place of his sanctity? One
with clean hands and a pure heart....
In fact, the Chofetz Chaim (in the Introduction to his Sefer Ahavas
Chesed) writes that Hashem said that he loved Avrohom Avinu because he
would teach his family ‘La’asos Tzedakah U’Mishpat...to
do charity and justice. Tzedaka, righteousness, appears to be beyond
the letter of the law whereas Mishpat is the letter of the law.
Avrohom Avinu would not be giving his children two contradictory
messages--what does the Torah mean? The Chofetz Chaim explains that there
are two parts to a relationship--how a person acts to his fellow man, and
how his fellow man acts towards him. One should use Mishpat--the strict
letter of the law for everything that one is doing that involves someone
else’s money, and be sure to avoid taking a penny that is not his. On the
other hand, when considering how another person is reacting to him, one
should use tzedaka--employing a degree of flexibility and compromise--so
that not everything is a fight or the ‘principle of the thing’, and so that
one does not leave behind open, jagged potholes as he travels life’s road.
This is not simple or easy--but it is the path described Dovid HaMelech in
Tehillim, the path originally paved by Avrohom Avinu for all of his
descendants, and the very way we can leave Parashas Mishpatim and arrive
very quickly at the portals of the Mishkan! Let us remember that money is
not useful currency in Olam Haba unless you exchanged it properly--very
properly--when you had the chance and when the bank was open--in the here
and now!
Additional Note One:
As we noted yesterday, our mandate to strive for honesty and integrity is
recorded in Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 231:14) which requires us to err
and give a little more from our side when weighing or measuring for
another--as the Pasuk teaches “Vatzedek Yiheye Loch” (Devorim 25:15),
which Chazal teach means “Tzadek Mishelecha Vetitten Lo” (Bava Basra
68B).
Additional Note Two:
HaRav Pam, Z’tl, would often quote the teaching of the Chofetz Chaim
applicable when hiring workers of any kind: One should try to describe
exactly what has to be done, and how much will be paid for doing it.
Otherwise, it is highly probable that a problem will develop, and in the end
a tinge (or more than a tinge) of ill will and gezel, may develop. Be
clear--up front, to avoid any avoidable wrangling and aggravation.
The goal of being a N’ki Chapayim is not for the Rabbis and Scholars,
and not left to the high Holy Days. It is the calling of the descendants of
Avrohom Avinu--and it is the basis for our building a Mishkan in this
world. How mighty are our challenges--but how immense are our
accomplishments!
It is no secret to anyone that Parashas Terumah this week follows Parashas
Mishpatim of last week--ostensibly shouting out to us that if we follow the
Torah’s teachings in money matters--then we get to the immediately following
step --building the Mishkan!
=============================
29 Shevat
MAGNIFICENT OPPORTUNITY:
By the
following link, we provide a truly magnificent opportunity to review the
Chovos Helevavos Sha’ar Habitachon in 30 short segments over the month
of Adar Rishon http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/Sha’arHaBitachonScheduleAdarOne.pdf
You will then have the ability to review this Sha’ar over the month of Adar
Sheni. What a special way to connect Purim, Pesach and our daily lives!
Spread the word!
-----------------------------------------------------
TESHUVA MOMENT:
In explaining the Mitzvas
Asei of V’Ahavta
L’Reiacha
Kamocha, the Chofetz Chaim makes a point
of emphasizing that one accomplishes this Mitzvah through Lachos Ahl
Kavod Chaveiro U’Lesaper Bishevacho--to cherish his friend’s honor,
and to speak his praises. This is a great litmus test. When speaking or
otherwise relating to someone--is it with Lachos Ahl Kavod Chaveiro
U’Lesaper Bishevacho very much at the fore…?
-----------------------------------------------
THE YAHRZEIT
OF THE HARAV NOSSON
ZVI (B’R’MOSHE)
FINKEL, Z’TL--THE ALTER OF SLABODKA: Today
is the Yahrzeit of the HaRav
Nosson Zvi (B’R’Moshe)
Finkel, Z’tl--the Alter of Slabodka--who merited
being the teacher of so many of the next generation of Gedolim--HaRav
Aharon Kotler, z’tl, HaRav Yaakov Kamenetsky, Z’tl,
and HaRav Yitzchok Ruderman, Z’tl, to name only a
few. His towering personality encompassed all areas of personal growth.
Here is just one incident (brought in the SeferMe’oros HaGedolim):
The Alter approached a recently married student, and asked him if he helped
his wife on Erev Shabbos to prepare for Shabbos. The student proudly
affirmed to his Rebbi that of course he did, for after all, did not Chazal
teach that the greatest Rabbanim undertook activities LeKavod Shabbos--to
honor Shabbos (Shabbos 119). The Alter responded to his student with a pasuk
from last week’s Parasha: “The Torah (Shemos 23:5) instructs us to help even
a donkey which is crouching under its burden--’Azov Ta’azov Imo...you
should repeatedly help him’. If this is true regarding a donkey, said the
Alter--all the more so must one provide assistance to a human being, and
certainly one’s wife to whom one has even greater obligations, and for whom
it is even a greater Mitzvah. When performing a Mitzvah Bein Adam
LaMakom--one should never forget the Bein Adam L’Chaveiro so
often very much a part of proper conduct!”
Hakhel Note: Let us try to apply
the Alter’s teaching (at least today!), as we
remember all that he did for the generations that succeeded him.
------------------------------------------------
IN
HONOR OF LAST WEEK’s PARASHA:
We
continue today a short series culled from the Sefer Hizharu BeMamon
Chaveireichem, by Rabbi Avraham Tovalsky, Shlita.
PART II
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
1. Q:
If one avoids a line of waiting customers because he knows a worker or the
store owner--has he done something wrong? A: If that person has the
authority to allow someone to avoid the line, then he may do so.
2. Q:
Can a person who does not have to be on a line serve as a ‘shaliach’ to
save a space on the line for a friend? A: Yes--just as he could save a
space for himself--he can save a space for a friend who is not yet there.
3. Q:
If one waited a moment on line, and asked the person in front of him to
watch his place--may he come back a little while later? A: Yes, the purpose
of the line is for there to be order--nothing is being done to disrupt that
order.
4. Q:
One is waiting on a line and is approached by a relative or friend to buy
something for him, so that he does not have to wait on line. Is one stealing
the time of others in back of the line by doing so--or will this lead to
unnecessary suspicion, anger, machlokes and chilul Hashem?... A: Perhaps you
can provide the answer yourself.
5. Q:
If one wants to open a window on a bus--need he ask the person in back of
him or to the side of him in order to do so? A: One need not do so, for if
the open window bothers another, he will ask for the window to be closed and
in that event it should be closed.
B. One
time, Rebbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin, Z’tl, heard a Kel Malei Rachamim
prayer recited for the Neshama of a niftar. In the course of reciting the
Tefillah, the reciter stated that the Tefillah for an aliyas neshama was
being made in the zechus that those present were giving Tzedakah on its
behalf (ba’avur she’nosnim Tzeadaka ba’avuro). Rebbi Yehoshua Leib
promptly gave the shammash of the Shul some money--advising him that he was
giving it on behalf of those present, so that the words of the reciter were
true and that nobody stumbled in the halachos of pledges.
C.
Among the Kabbalos of Rebbi Moshe Teitelbaum, Z’tl (the Yismach Moshe): To
correct matters relating to money--and only afterwards to correct
matters Bein Adam LaMakom!
------------------------------------------------
WE PROVIDE SEVERAL OTHER IMPORTANT TEACHINGS FROM LAST WEEK’S PARASHA:
1. A Shomer Chinam is one who performs the Chesed of watching an object
(including money) as a favor to you. The Shomer Chinam must treat articles
you leave in his possession to a standard of care which may even be higher
than he has for his own possessions. For instance, if he keeps his car door
open and leaves his own possessions inside without worry, he could not do so
for possessions that you leave with him. If he did, he would be a
poshe’a-negligent and would be responsible to you if it was damaged or
stolen. What if you give a Shomer Chinam some cash to watch and he put it
into his back pocket? Is this a satisfactory safeguarding--or is he
obligated to reimburse you for his negligence if he is pick pocketed? This
question came before the Bais Yitzchak of Lemberg, who ruled that since in
his day people keep money in their back pocket, there was no liability. He
was advised, however, that the Chasam Sofer had ruled to the contrary-and
that it was, in fact, negligence. The Bais Yitzchak thought for a moment
and explained as follows. In the Chasam Sofer’s area, men wore short coats,
so that the back pants pocket was easily accessible to a thief--and it
would, then, be negligent, to guard someone’s money by placing it there.
However, in Lemberg (Galicia), the men wore long jackets, so the back pocket
was difficult to access--making it a reasonable place to safeguard another’s
money. Hakhel Note: Think about what you are watching (or what you have
borrowed) from someone else--are you taking good care of it?
2. Unlike the world’s misinterpretation of an ‘eye for an eye’, Chazal (Bava
Kamma, Chapter 8) prove that monetary payment , as opposed to physical
blemish, is what the Torah means here for someone who has injured another.
Yet, the Torah uses this language, which many mistake, for a reason--what
would you suggest that reason is?
3. The Torah teaches us that we may discard treif meat by ‘throwing it to
the dogs--’LaKelev Tashlichun Oso’. (Shemos 22:30). Rashi brings
that this is in appreciation for the dogs not barking on the night we
readied to leave Mitzrayim. The Chofetz Chaim brings from the Maharal of
Prague that we are to take important lesson from these dogs and control our
speech. HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita adds that there was a nes--a
miracle-- involving the dogs here. What was that Nes? It was not, teaches
Rav Chaim that the dogs did not bark in spite of the natural consternation
and fear arising from the death and yelling and screaming of Makkas Bechoros
all around them. After all, if that was the miracle--why would they be
rewarded with meat--they had done nothing, as Hashem had simply sealed their
mouths. Instead, Rav Chaim explains, the miracle was that Hashem gave them
the sechel to understand that if they refrained from barking despite
all that was going on around them, they would enhance the Geulah--including
the Kavod Shomayim and Kavod Yisrael. This then is the lesson that the
Chofetz Chaim wants each and every one of us to learn--if dogs who were
temporarily granted sechel made the right decision and guarded their
mouths--all the more so should we , who are blessed with sechel all
of the time. Moreover, if the dogs of that generation only, located in
Mitzrayim only, and for one night only merited reward to dogs all over the
world for all future generations--imagine the zechusim we can build over a
lifetime of care-- for ourselves and for the world. Let us remember then
that unlike the dogs who had a night of sechel, we are blessed with
it every day--and it is our sublime duty and merit to put it to the best
possible use. As we are about to say something that we are not sure is
appropriate --remember the word-- sechel!
-----------------------------------------------------
CHOSHEN MISHPAT APPLIED:
The Sidras Mishpat Moshe on many practical topics in Choshen
Mishpat was published in 5758 under the auspices of HaRav Yisroel Belsky,
Z’tl (in memory of Rabbi Moshe Sherer, Z’tl, by Ruach Country
Publications). Before taking leave for the moment of the vast amount of
Hilchos Choshen Mishpat contained in and encompassed by Parashas Mishpatim,
we provide below but a few significant points from this wonderful
publication.
1. To
appreciate the broad scope of Choshen Mishpat, one must recall that its
Halachos apply every day of the week--even on Shabbos (!)--in
contrast even to the essential Halachos of the 39 Melachos on Shabbos--which
apply one day a week.
2. A
non-Torah person thinks of possessions and money as being items to
accumulate in any way possible. This attitude is described by Shlomo
Hamelech (Koheles 2:26) with the words “Velachotai Nassan Inyan Le’essof
VeLichnos...To the sinner He gave the urge to gather and collect.” Such
a person thinks that accumulating wealth is a goal unto itself, and
accordingly pursues a path based upon terminology such as ‘sharpness’ and
‘shrewdness’ which r’l taint all of his possessions with at least a touch
of theft or misappropriation in some form or nature.
3. The
Torah’s attitude towards possessions and money should be studied well. In
English, we have the verb ‘to have’. One says, for instance, “ I have a new
car”, or “I have a new phone”. HaRav Shamshon Refoel Hirsch, Z’tl, points
out that the verb ‘to have’ does not exist in Lashon HaKodesh. One says
instead “Yaish Li”--there is to me--instead of I have. Rather than
saying “I own this pen”, in Lashon HaKodesh one says “There is a connection
between me and this pen”-we call this connection ownership--but all the
connection really means is that a person has some right to control the pen.
4. If
one is able to develop a fear of having someone else’s money in his
possession--and learns to feel a repulsiveness for it, one will be well on
his way to protect himself from even a small gezel--which always, of
course, leads to a larger gezel.
5. A Torah Jew’s need for possessions and to own property should be
motivated by one’s desire to take care of one’s needs and responsibilities,
to have a place to live, to provide for one’s family, and to support the
community in a way that is filled with Torah and Mitzvos. If one’s
aspiration for money and possessions is correct, and one is careful that
they are acquired without any taint of gezel, then each one of them is a
Cheifetz Shel Mitzvah, just like a beautiful Esrog--without any
blemish. One does not have to wait until Sukkos--he can be surrounded by
the beauty of his Mitzvos --with his Chafatzim Shel Mitzvah --every
day--at home and wherever he goes!
=============================
26 Shevat
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The Shelah HaKadosh provides an amazing insight from the
Zohar into the power of Teshuva. In this week’s Parasha,
we are taught that “VeChi Yiftach Ish Bor”--if
a man digs a pit in a public area he is responsible and must pay for all of
the damage that it causes. If someone caused another to sin, which has far
greater ramifications because it can permanently affect his Olam Haba
forever and ever, one would think that the damages he is liable for are much
larger and exceedingly great. Yet, this is not so for the power of Teshuva
is so great that it repairs the damage done above, the damage done below,
the damage done to oneself--and the damage done to the world! Let us think
of the pit and all the responsibility that it entails--and realize that with
Teshuva one does not have to fall in it or anywhere
near it!
---------------------------------------------------------------
WE
CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF
SHABBOS SERIES:
A. This is the
third Parasha in a
row containing a
reference to Shabbos.
Once we
have left Mitzrayim--the
great importance of Shabbos is repeated and repeated
again--almost as if to give it a chazaka in the Torah! In any event,
the classic Sefer Eglei Tal on the melachos of
Shabbos provides a remarkable conclusion in its Hakdama.
We noted last week that Shabbos
is shekula--weighs against all of the other Mitzvos and that Chazal
teach that Shabbos is alluded to in Shema with the
words of “Va’Asisem Es Kol Mitzvosai!” This, the Eglei Tal
writes also applies to the study of Hilchos Shabbos--with
the study of its Halachos weighing against the study of all other Halacha!
Hakhel Note: What an important reason to learn Halachos of
Shabbos! Once again, if you need a format to
help guide you, we strongly recommend the Sefer
Shabbos Beshabbato (arranged by
Parasha) in Hebrew, and The 39 Melachos by
Rabbi Ribiat, Shlita, in English. Imagine if only one
Shabbos act is improved upon by only one person at the table--what a
wonderful accomplishment...and even if everyone already knew everything,
aren’t you showing a special chiba and affection for
Shabbos by showing that you want to get it right!
B. HaRav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski,
Z’tl, asks in the name of HaRav Chaim Brisker, Z’tl why it is that the Torah
specifically enjoins us from allowing children to do work on
Shabbos--after all, are we
not already restricted across-the-board from allowing children to violate
the Torah with the words of “Lo Sochilum--do not feed them, do not
allow them to do prohibited acts?” HaRav Chaim Brisker answers that the
prohibitions of Shabbos are more chamur--they
are more strict and severe, and accordingly by violating
Shabbos laws, one is going even one step beyond what is already
wrong. It follows then that being especially careful with the Halachos of
Shabbos brings one to an elevated level of Torah
observance--and draws much ruchniyus and reward into one’s life!
C. There is an amazing ruling
contained in the Shemiras Shabbos KeHilchasa
(46:5). If one realizes that because he is davening Mincha on Erev
Shabbos he will not be able to be mekayem the
Mitzvah of tosefes Shabbos for even two or
three minutes--then it is better to daven beyechidus--privately and
not with a Minyan--earlier--in order to be mekayeim the Mitzvah of
Tosefes Shabbos. A close talmid asked HaRav Shmuel
Kamenetsky, Shlita about this Halacha--and he responded that ‘avada’--of
course --it is correct--for this is the Mitzvah of tosefes
Shabbos which according to many is a Mitzvas Asei
D’Oraysa!
D. Last week, we
had noted that if one has already been yotzei Havdala he should not
be motzi a woman (see Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 296, Mishna Berurah
seif katan 36). A reader asked us to affirmatively state that one who was
already yotzei could be motzi a man in Havadala, based upon the
principle of arvus. We accordingly so note,
with the caveat that as in all matters of Halacha, one should consult with
his Rav or Posek.
-----------------------------------------------------
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE
PARASHA:
We provide
the following short questions and answers relating to this week’s Mitzvah
filled Parashas Mishpatim, which have been gleaned
from the Divrei Torah compiled by Rebbi Yissocher Dov Rubin, Z’tl, in the
Sefer Shnayim Mikrah, published by his family after his Petirah
(available in Seforim stores).
Q: The first Pasuk in the Parasha teaches us to
obtain decisions from Batei Dinim. Typically, we
make a Bracha on a Mitzvah prior to its performance. Mitzvos
have Brachos Why is there no Bracha of “Asher
Kideshanu BiMitzvosav V’Tzivanu Al HaDinin” made before judges issue a
decision?
A: Many answers may be given to
this question. A simple one we may suggest is that
the parties can settle the dispute peshara (compromise)--obviating
the need for the judgment or decision.
Q: Why does the Parasha begin with a Vav--connecting
the Aseres HaDibros especially to Jewish Civil Law (relating to monetary
matters)?
A: The civil law of all the
other nations of the world is based on man’s own reasoning. The “Vav “at
the beginning of our Parasha teaches us that our
laws relating to monetary matters emanate from the same divine source as the
Aseres HaDibros--”Anochi Hashem Elokecha” (Alschich Hakadosh in Sefer
Toras Moshe).
Q:
Chazal teach that the first question that a person is asked after 120 years
is whether he did business with Emunah. Why aren’t Chazal more concerned
with what one spent his money on--such as Tefillin, Shabbos,
Chinuch, Esrog, Chesed, etc.?
A: A person must determine
whether the money in his possession is truly his to spend. One cannot talk
about Mitzvos or Ma’asim Tovim that one performs with money--unless
it is his money! (Kesav Sofer)
Q: If a person finds money in the street without any special markings, can
he keep it in the first instance--or is it better to put up signs, or
otherwise try to locate the person who lost it?
A: The Chazon Ish (brought in
the Sefer Pe’er HaDor) told his students that there is not even a “lifnim
meshuras hadin” to try and find the original owner--and that the money
belongs to the finder. The Chazon Ish explained that losing and finding
money is part of Hashem’s way of moving funds from one party to another for
a particular reason (which could even include left
over monetary matters from the loser’s and finder’s previous lifetimes--the
Sod HaGilgul).
Q: Why does the Torah begin the Parasha of monetary
matters with the laws of a Ganav--would it not have
been more pleasant to start with Chesed such as loans or acting as a Shomer
Chinam, etc.?
A: The Alter of Kelm answers
that if a father has several children, all of them acting normally except
for one who is going off the derech, he is going to put a great deal of
attention on the wayward child. He will search for Eitzos and ways to help
him. So too, does Hashem place His attention on the Ganav, and alerts us to
help him as well.
Q: The Torah teaches that if one person hits another, he has to compensate
him with up to five different kinds of payments. However, if the hit causes
damages of less than a perutah, then the one who inflicted the
damages must get Malkos, as there is nothing to pay. How could this be that
one who inflicted a $100.00 worth of damage pays $100.00 and does not get
Malkos--yet a comparatively light tap which inflicts no monetary damage gets
up to 39 lashes?!
A: Rav Elchanan Wasserman, Z’tl
said in the name of the Chofetz Chaim that the Torah teaches us with this
how careful we have to be
about showing the proper respect for our friends and not hurting them in
even the slightest way.
Q: The Parasha teaches (Shemos 23:25) that if
we serve Hashem, he will bless our food and drink
and remove sickness from our midst. What is the connection between Hashem
blessing our food and drink and removing sickness from our midst?
A: There are two types of foods
that we consume--a ma’achal mevorach and a
ma’achal which is not mevorach. A ma’achal which is not
mevorach weakens a person and brings impure and evil influence upon him,
even sickening him. On the other hand a ma’achal mevorach can remove
sickness and is a great medication. What can one do (other than obviously
eating the right foods and in proper amounts) to make his food a ma’achal
mevorach? Bentsching and making proper Brachos with simcha and tuv
laivav. The health of the other nations of the world is dependent on
their mazel. Our health is dependent on our Avodah! (Rebbi Moshe Dovid
Valli, a student of the Ramchal in his Sefer Bris Olam).
-----------------------------------------------------
POSSESSIONS, POSSESSIONS:
The Seforno at the outset of Parashas Mishpatim explains that the entire
Parasha is really a continuation of the last of the
Aseres HaDibros--which is Lo Sachmod--not to covet another’s possessions.
Once we respect the fact
that someone else’s possessions are not ours--then the next step is to
recognize all of his rights in those possessions.
Hakhel Note: The Mishna in Avos
(4:1) first teaches “Who is a Gibor--who is strong? -He who overcomes his
Yetzer Hara”, and only afterwards teaches “Who is rich? He who is satisfied
with his lot.” One must first vanquish the Lo Sachmod within him
(which is so important that it culminates the Aseres HaDibros)--and only
afterwards will he properly regard money and possessions in this world. At
a Hakhel Yarchei Kallah, Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Shlita taught that people
are very mistaken about Jewish Law in monetary matters. Choshen Mishpat
provides us with detailed laws as to what to do in particular
circumstances. We do not follow peshara-compromise-if
a person asserts a specious or meritless claim, or a claim that is lacking.
We follow peshara when both sides
have relative equities in their positions--which
each party may very well be blinded to. When Dayanim make a decision, their
role, Rabbi Reisman explained, is not to effectuate what they may think
works out nicest for both sides--it is to rule in accordance with the
teachings of Hashem as put forth by Rebbi Yehuda HaNassi in the Mishna,
Ravina and Rav Ashi in the Gemara, and as promulgated by the Tur and
Shulchan Aruch and their commentaries. Unlike other bodies of law which are
left up to the foibles of fallible mortals, our
monetary laws are actually G-d given, developed by extraordinary men imbued
with Ruach Hakodesh, and applied by spiritual guides--Rabbonim, Dayanim and
Poskim who must realize that being a Yirei Elokim is part of their role in
life--as opposed to secular jurists with no pure knowledge of truth, who
state what they feel is right based upon their upbringing and own ideas,
often resulting in marred conclusions. When it comes to monetary matters,
we must know that Hashem wants us to follow his
laws, and we must understand that not everything is
based upon one’s good sense, business practices or custom in the community.
We should ask those who know what the right thing to
do is. Rabbi Reisman’s sefer on Ribbis, Rabbi Marburger’s sefer on Business
Halacha, and Rabbi Bodner’s sefer entitled The Halachos of Other People’s
Money are starters for everyone’s home. Rabbi Reisman, in fact, pointed
out that when Yirmiyahu Hanavi was exhorting the people to prevent the
Churban Beis Hamikdash, one would think he would spend all of his time
convincing them to rid themselves of all of the avoda zara that was then
being practiced. Yirmiyahu, however, focused to a great extent on proper
dealings with money--honesty and integrity in business matters according to
Torah law-- and the Churban could have been
prevented.
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LISTEN TO THE MESSAGE:
In his
commentary in this week’s Parasha on the requirement of boring a hole in the
recalcitrant Eved Ivri’s ear, the Sefas Emes (5645) notes that the measure
of reward, or Midda Tova, is always greater than Middas Puraniyus.
Accordingly, if an awl must be bored through the ear of one who wants to
stay an Eved to another human, then the reward for one who accepts upon
himself the service of Hashem and expresses the words “V’Ahavta Es Hashem”
with fervor will be granted divine assistance to be able to clearly hear the
voice of Hashem. We must make sure that we use our ears for the right
reasons--so that they be amply rewarded! Hakhel Note: It is no
coincidence (as it never, ever is) to note that our very same Parasha
contains the mitzvah of Lo Sisa Sheima Shav--do not listen to/accept Lashon
Hara or falsehood (Shemos 23:1). Fascinatingly, this prohibition against
listening to Lashon Hara is found in the Torah even before the
prohibition against speaking Lashon Hara, which does not occur until
Parashas Kedoshim! We suggest that the reason for this may be actually
quite simple--without a listener there is simply no Lashon Hara at all to be
spoken-- notwithstanding that it is at the tip of someone’s tongue already
mixed with venom, pride, disregard and anger! This is the one occasion in
which one should not at all be a good listener. Conversely, we note
that of the 48 Ways in which Torah is to be acquired are set forth in Pirkei
Avos (6:6)--and the first is Torah study, the second is Shemiyas
HaOzen--attentive listening, and only the third is Arichas
Sefasayim--appropriate speech. Thus, an extremely important Avodah for the
coming week--taught to us at the outset of the Parasha so that everybody
appreciates and gets to it-- is to reevaluate and reconsider how we treat
and use our ears. Getting within earshot of an argument between
people, a conversation between two people who are of a lower element of
society, or someone screaming on a cell phone allows destructive foreign
influences to enter into your body and soul through those precious and
miraculous apertures placed on either side of your brain for good
reason. Stay Away--don’t become an Eved Ivri! On the other hand, if you
see a lively Torah discussion taking place--listen in! Our ears heard the
Voice of Hashem at Har Sinai--let them continue in the way of their bold and
royal tradition and upbringing each and every day--let us remember
that we say Shema Yisrael for good reason!
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VERAPOH YERAPEH:
The story is told of how a Gadol of our generation visited someone in the
hospital, who told the Gadol--”I am not worried, Hashem will help.” The
Gadol responded: “Actually, Hashem will heal you, it is the doctor who will
help.” The Torah, with the words VeRapoh Yerapeh (this week’s
Parasha--Shemos 21:19), simply allows the doctor to
be involved in the process (See Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 336:1). Modern
technological advances test our Emunah in this regard. Sickness comes from
Hashem, who also heals us in the very same way. The purpose of the sickness
may very well be for us actually to come closer to Hashem through Tefilla.
HaRav Yechezkel Sarna, z’tl, when in the hospital in Switzerland, wrote that
all physical ailments are related to spiritual matters. Through a particular
zechus that a person may have he may be healed, but
the spiritual cause may still exist—this is called, he writes, a refuah,
without a yeshua, and could lead c’v to a recurrence of the illness
again. The ultimate goal is dveikus--and Teshuvah! (Sefer Talelei
Oros ) Hakhel Note: A clear reminder and incentive for Teshuvah Bechol
Yom!
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HOLINESS OF HOLINESSES:
The Shelah HaKadosh teaches
on the Pasuk “Ki Seitzeh Aish--when a fire goes out and finds
thorns....” The Shelah explains that one might think that he is not
responsible for a fire that unintentionally went out on its own from his
property. The Torah teaches that this is not the case, and that one must be
especially circumspect with fire and its power--where even for an ‘accident’
or an ‘unintentional’ act will one be held fully responsible. This, the
Shelah continues (in the name of Rebbi Menachem HaBavli, Z’tl) is an
important allusion to the ‘fire’ of machlokes or anger--where
one simply must guard himself with greater effort and care, even if
it ended up happening by accident or without intention. The Shelah
concludes with these important words: “U’Klal Gadol Hu Zeh Lehavio
LiHeyoso Kadosh Bechol HaKedushos--this is a great principle--the
recognition and practice of which will bring him to holiness of
holinesses.” Hakhel Note: These are the Shelah’s words--not ours!
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FOLLOWING THE LEAD:
The Pasuk in this week’s Parasha teaches: “Lo
Siheye Acharei Rabim L’raos--Do not go after the majority to do evil.” (Shemos
23:2.) Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Shlita, in Growth Through Torah teaches
the following vital lesson:
Rabbeinu Bachya explains that the
plain meaning of this Pasuk is that if you see many people doing something
that is wrong, you should not follow their example.
“It is very natural for a person
to follow the behavior of others, when many people do something that is
wrong it is easier for a person to tell himself ‘so many other people are
doing this, it can’t be so wrong if I do it also.’ In this Pasuk, the Torah
is teaching us the principle that each person is responsible for his own
behavior. Even when many others do something that is improper, you
have an obligation to be careful with your own
behavior. It takes much courage and strength of character to be different
from others for one’s ideals. However, anyone who appreciates that the most
important thing in the world is to do the Will of the Almighty will not be
impressed by the fact that many people are doing something. He will weigh
his own behavior against the Torah standards and not the standards of
others, regardless of how numerous they are.”
The importance of the lesson
is clear--let us take common situations in which we may each individually
fall prey to following inappropriate leads--such as care in Kashrus and
Shabbos observance, proper Kavannah in Tefillah and take this crucial
message into our everyday lives!
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