Hakhel Email Community Awareness Bulletin
JUNE 2019 DAILY EMAIL ARCHIVE
25 Sivan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
In
last week’s and this week’s Parashios, we learn of the devastating and
shattering effects of Lashon Hara. The Chofetz Chaim provides an amazing
teaching. He writes that the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur would enter the
Kodesh HaKedoshim, and as a preliminary matter bring the Ketores as a
Kapparah for the sin of Lashon Hara. He only then would proceed with the
remainder of the Kappara process for K’lal Yisrael to be forgiven for “Tumas
Mikdash V’Kadashov” (the punishment for which is kareis). The
Chofetz Chaim concltudes from this that if one achieves Teshuvah from Lashon
Hara, then “Ahz
Yekubal Teshuvaso—then
his Teshuvah in other areas will be accepted as well!” We thus have an
assurance from the Chofetz Chaim for one’s Teshuvah in all areas to be
accepted—begin with Teshuvah in Lashon Hara!
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WE
CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
This
Shabbos, we begin our annual review of Summer Shabbos Shailos, with the
Teshuvos of Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, Z’tl, to us:
PART I
KABBALAS SHABBOS
QUESTION: On Friday when is the latest that one may leave New York City
for the mountains, on account of the inevitable heavy traffic?
ANSWER:
One
who leaves the City for the Mountains with less than four (4) hours to spare
should take along Shabbos supplies, such as food, wine, tallis, appropriate
clothing, and be prepared to stop at a motel when conditions warrant it.
QUESTION: If a family takes on Shabbos early, when does a woman have to
light her candles?
ANSWER:
Rav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, writes (Igros Moshe, Orach Chayim, 3:38)
that if, as in most cases, the husband makes an early Shabbos because of
convenience, not because he wants to add to the kedusha of Shabbos, then the
woman is not bound by the kahal’s or the husband’s Kabbalas Shabbos and may
light the candles later or even at the time the husband comes home. When an
entire community inaugurates the Shabbos early, such as in a bungalow
colony, regardless of their rationale, no one in the community is exempt
from the kahal’s Kabbala. If there are a few minyanim and people alternate
from one to the other as the need arises, then there is no tzibbur and no
Kabbalas HaTzibbur. If there is indeed one monolithic community, but a few
stragglers continue to ride around in their cars while everyone else is
greeting the Shabbos, these people are being mechalel Shabbos and should be
admonished. If, as the question suggests, the particular family has decided
to honor the Shabbos by adding to its kedusha, then all agree that every
family member is bound by one Kabbalas Shabbos.
QUESTION: During the summer, Plag Hamincha on some Shabbosos is after
7:00PM
and the Mincha minyan is at 7:00PM . What is the proper time for
women to light?
ANSWER:
When Plag Hamincha is at 7:00PM, Mincha should be davened before then and
Maariv afterwards. There is an (important) opinion which allows for both
Mincha and Maariv to be davened after Plag Hamincha on Friday, but the
Mishna Berurah frowns upon it and thus, it should be avoided. If no one in
shul knows how to calculate the time of Plag Hamincha and no chart is
available for guidance, expert help should be sought. Licht bentchen must
be done after Plag Hamincha. In case candles were lit before then, the
brocha is considered levatala and candles must be lit again with a brocha.
Consult with a Rav for guidance in such situations, if possible.
QUESTION: If my husband goes to the early minyan can I still do Melacha?
If so, until when?
ANSWER:
Even where a woman may do melacha after her husband was mekabel Shabbos, she
may not do melacha for her husband. Please note that a wife is never bound
by her husband’s personal Kabbalas Shabbos, only by the kahal’s Kabbala
where both husband and wife belong to the same kahal or by the family’s
Kabbala as explained above.
QUESTION: If my husband returned home from shul after attending an early
Kabbolas Shabbos minyan, can I still light the candles since it is still not
sh’kiah?
ANSWER:
It can be argued that licht bentchen is a melacha done for the husband to
ensure Shalom Bayis and thus should be prohibited as above. You can rely on
the lenient opinion but you should strenuously avoid lighting candles after
the people come home from shul. This is an affront to kedushas Shabbos and
surely not conducive to Shalom Bayis as it belittles your husband. Will the
malochim give their brocha when they accompany your husband home from shul
and find chol there instead of Shabbos? Take your guess. Never, ever allow
for that sort of occurrence.
QUESTION: If we make early Shabbos, am I permitted to finish the meal
before nightfall or do I have to finish it after nightfall? Do I have to eat
a K’zayis after nightfall?
ANSWER:
You should preferably eat at least a K’zayis of challah after tzais
hacochavim and do not rely on leniencies, as explained in the Mishna
Berurah. There is something else to consider when addressing this question.
If one began his early Shabbos davening at 7PM as mentioned earlier, he
should be making Kiddush around 8PM . What will be taking place at his
Shabbosdike tisch? Torah? Zemiros? A joyous, sumptuous family meal in an
atmosphere of relaxed happiness and Shabbos holiness? The very question
suggests a desire to rush, that the Shabbos seudah is being treated as an
interference which must be over and done with as quickly as possible, r’l.
In that case, a K’zayis after tzais hacochavim will not do the trick
(unless we are speaking of merely ensuring that challah is eaten at the end
of a properly-conducted meal). Think about it.
QUESTION: How many candles should my wife light if she normally lights
seven candles in the City? Is there a difference if my kitchen is small or
if I rent a bungalow?
ANSWER:
If there is room for setting up the full measure of lights, it should be
attempted. On the other hand, many lights in cramped quarters with a bunch
of small children K’EH running around is both impractical and downright
dangerous R’L. Safety is also kavod Shabbos. Be careful!
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IMPORTANT NOTES ON PARASHAS SHELACH:
A.
The Torah teaches us that the Meraglim took from the fruit of Eretz Yisrael
and brought it with them to show the B’nei Yisrael. This appears
problematic--did not Avrohom Avinu separate from his student and close
family member, Lot, because Lot’s shepherds were grazing on land that would
belong to Avrohom--but did not belong to him yet? How could the Meraglim
have the license to do so? One cannot simply answer that what they did was
wrong--for Moshe Rabbeinu himself had advised them--”U’Lekachtem MiPri
Ha’Aretz (Bamidbar 13:20)--and you shall take from the fruit of the
land.” How was this possible--it was not ours yet? Your insights are
always welcome!
B.
Chazal teach that the basis for a Minyan consisting of ten adult Jewish
males for a Davar SheBekedusha is from this week’s Parasha. The
Meraglim who came back with negative findings were ten adult Jewish males
whom the Torah refers to as an Aidah, a congregation. Through a gezeria
shavah, Chazal learn that any time Hashem’s Name is--to the contrary--to
be sanctified Besoch Bnei Yisrael then the same number and kind of people
are required. There are great lessons that may be learned from this
teaching. To name just a few: Firstly, one should learn the lessons from
his negative experiences and apply them in a positive way going forward.
Secondly, it is really just as easy to do a good a thing as a bad thing.
It is the Yetzer Hara that convinces you otherwise. Thirdly, we can learn
something from everyone--even those who may be erstwhile reshaim.
Almost everyone has some redeeming qualities--”Aizeh Hu Chochom HaLomeid
Mikol Adam.”
C.
In this week’s Parasha, we find the Meraglim’s complaints against Eretz
Yisrael. Chazal teach that while the Meraglim were gathering their
information, Kalev went to be ‘Mishtateiach’--spread himself out on
the Kevarim of our Avos. HaRav Chaim Boruch Faskowitz, Z’tl, teaches that
Kalev spread himself out on the land so that he could get a greater
appreciation of it--so that he could develop a chiba--an
endearment--of it in a way which was more than that of a spy or just a
visitor. He thus demonstrated to us for all time that we should develop a
special love for Eretz Yisrael--seeing only its goodness, as the Pasuk
teaches “ U’Re’ah BeTuv Yerushalayim--and you should see the good of
Yerushalayim.” Especially in our time when Eretz Yisrael and its residents
are maligned and scorned, we must strengthen ourselves in always feeling its
goodness, and projecting this steadfast and unwavering feeling to others. We
should not allow the world’s treatment of Acheinu Bnei Yisrael to c’v
affect our Ahavas Yisrael.
Let us
now focus on something about the Land that we recite daily-in the bracha of
Ahl HaMichya. In this bracha, we ask that Hashem bring us up to
Yerushalayim and gladden us in its rebuilding. We continue with the words “V’Nochal
MiPirya V’Nisba Metuva--and we will eat from its fruit and be satisfied
with its goodness.” The Tur in Orach Chaim Chapter 208 brings the opinion
that these words--”V’Nochal MiPirya V’Nisba Metuva” should not be
recited. The reason for their deletion--is this the reason that one wants
to come back to Yerushalayim---to be satiated by its fruit!?! The words
appear inappropriate. The loftiness and supernal holiness of Yerushalayim
cannot simply be converted into a stated desire to partake of delicious
grapes or outstanding apples and oranges!
Yet
most, if not all, of us do recite the words “V’Nochal MiPirya V’Nisba
Metuva” in which we categorically proclaim that we wish to be returned
to Yerushalayim to enjoy its bountiful produce. So what do we mean by these
words? The Bach in his commentary to the Tur wonderfully explains their
true meaning. He teaches that the Holiness of the Land, which flows from
the Holiness above, directly affects--and is actually imbibed by--the fruits
of the Land, as well. Incredible as it may sound, when one is nurtured by
the fruits of Eretz Yisrael, he is actually being nurtured, as the Bach
writes, by the “Kedushas HaShechina” which dwells within the Land itself.
When the Land is defiled, the Shechina resting within the Land itself
departs, as well, and we eat fruit missing the Kedushas HaShechina within
it. We pray, then, to return to Yerushalayim--a Yerushalayim in which we
can literally ingest the Kedushas HaShechina which has returned. In this
way, we will eat of its fruits and be satiated from their goodness. This is
what we truly look forward to, and this what we mean.
As we
specifically request in the Ahl HaMichya-- may we become so satiated “Bimeheira
VeYameinu”—speedily and in our days!
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THE
PARASHA CONCLUDES WITH THE MITZVAH OF TZITZIS. WE PROVIDE BELOW SEVERAL
REMINDER NOTES WITH RESPECT TO THIS WONDROUS MITZVAH (BASED UPON SHULCHAN
ARUCH, ORACH CHAIM 24):
1.
Before putting on one’s Talis or Tzitzis, he should have in mind (better
yet, express) that he is doing so in order to remember all of the Mitzvos of
the Torah and perform them--as the Pasuk itself says “Lema’an Tizkeru
Va’Asisem Es Kol Mitzvosai”--one should wear them in order to remember
the Mitzvos and perform them. When making the bracha over the Tzitzis, one
should be looking at the Tzitzis.
2.
When reciting the Shema one should hold the two front Tzitzis in his left
hand between his pinky and his ‘ring-finger’ opposite his heart. This is
true for a lefty as well. Some take all four Tzitzis in between their
fingers (Ahl Pi Kabbalah). According to the Mishna Berura (ibid,
seif katan 5), holding them opposite the heart is a unique Segulah to be
saved from the Yetzer Hara.
3.
When beginning the Parasha of Tzitzis, one takes the Tzitzis into his
right hand as well. Upon reciting the phrase “Ure’isem Oso--you
shall see them” there are those who pass them in front of their eyes and
then kiss them. This is a Chibuv Mitzvah. It is brought in the name of
Kadmonim that one who performs this Chibuv Mitzvah will not become blind.
According to other authorities, it is actually a Mitzvas Aseh, upon
reciting the words U’reisem Oso, to look at the Tzitzis with the
intent of remembering the Mitzvos and performing them, for you are directly
fulfilling the very words you are reciting. The two Tzitzis that one looks
at have sixteen strings and ten knots--which equals the Gematria of the name
of Hashem of Yud-Kay-Vav-Kay.
4.
Some have the custom to kiss the Tzitzis every time the word Tzitzis is
recited. The Tzitzis should be kissed and placed down upon saying the word
Lo’ad (before Uleolmei Olamim) after Kriyas Shema.
5.
One makes the Bracha of Shehechiyanu over a new Talis Gadol, if it is a new
important garment to him. It is forbidden to sew or weave Pesukim onto
one’s Tallis.
6.
The Sefer Piskei Teshuvos cites the opinion of many Rishonim who
rule that one fulfills a Mitzvas Asei every time during the day that
he looks at his Tzitzis, having in mind that he is looking at them in order
to remember the Mitzvos and perform them. The Shulchan Aruch concludes
Hilchos Tzitzis with the words of Chazal: One who is careful with the
Mitzvah of Tzitzis will be Zoche to see the ‘face’ of the Shechina! Let us
learn more and more about this Mitzvah and its proper performance and
hiddurim--and may we all bask in the Shechina’s Light!
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A TIMELY NOTE FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS:
We have received interesting and important comments from readers in the past
relating to the words found at the end of this week’s Parasha, which many of
us recite two and even three times a day: “VeLo Sasuru Acharei Levavchem
V’Acharei Eineichem--And do not go after your hearts and your eyes” (Bamidbar
15:39). Here is their food for thought:
1. One reader commented that she heard in a Shiur that the Mitzvah of not
following your eyes applies only to men. She added on her own--that is why
this Mitzvah is in the Parasha of Tzitzis, which applies to men. Perhaps
she did not hear correctly, or the speaker was making a different point, but
the Mitzvah of not following and falling prey to the desires of your heart
and eyes applies equally to men and women, as the Sefer HaChinuch
clearly writes in Mitzvah 387. We all must control ourselves, and nobody
can make an exception of himself--or herself!
2. Another reader commented that it is “no coincidence” (obviously, one of
our avid readers!) that these words--enjoining us from following our hearts
and eyes--are taught immediately before the summer when the desires and
temptations of the world around us come more to the fore. The Torah tells
us that if others are sinking, it is a time for you to raise yourself up.
Look into yourself and not out to the mistakes of those around you.
Hakhel Note: The Torah, in fact, takes it a step further. The next Pasuk
after Lo Sasuru continues with “LeMa’an Tizkeru Va’Asisem Es Kol
Mitzvosai--If you control yourself you will remember and perform all of
My Mitzvos, and will be holy to Hashem”. Controlling passions and drives is
not only an end in and of itself--it is the path to all of the other Mitzvos--and
to your being considered holy by Hashem, even if you are not a Kohen, Levi,
Rosh Yeshiva or Posek!
3. Another reader wrote that the Mitzvah of Lo Sasuru is actually
not written in the Lashon Yachid--the singular, but in the lashon rabim--the
plural (Sasuru, Levavchem, Eineichem) to teach us that one cannot
justify his actions because “everybody eats there, says that, or thinks
those thoughts.” Your Creator, through the Torah, tells you that you cannot
lose yourself in the crowd and that Hashem thinks very highly of you
individually and knows your capabilities.
4. Finally, a reader wrote that he had read in the name of the G’ra that
the reason the heart is mentioned before the eyes in the Pasuk is because
when it comes to arayos (forbidden relationships), the Yetzer Hara in
thought is working even before the eyes see anything. Accordingly, the
first step is to control the thoughts in this area--even before the eyes.
Hakhel Note: We only would like to point out that our thought process could
be replaced and filled with proper thoughts of Avodas Hashem in lieu of the
inappropriate thoughts that could creep in. Accordingly, it would seem
especially appropriate to have a Pasuk or thought ready when one senses the
wrong environment or feeling entering his thought process. As Hashem
separates the pure from the impure, so must we!
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NOTES ON THIS WEEK’S PIRKEI AVOS (CHAPTER 3):
1.
Rebbi Nechunyah Ben Hakanah (3:6) teaches that: “Kol HaMekabel Alav Ohl
Torah…one who accepts upon himself the yoke of Torah, he will have
removed from him the yoke of government and the yoke of worldly
responsibilities.” Rebbi Nechunyah then continues: “Vechol Haporeik
Mimenu Ohl Torah…but if someone throws off the yoke of Torah from
himself--the yoke of government and the yoke of worldly responsibilities are
placed upon him.” Rebbi Nechunyah teaches us that there are but two
alternatives--and not three, four or more. One either accepts upon himself
the yoke of Torah, or throws it off.
In an
almost identical fashion, Rebbi Chananyah Ben Tradyon (ibid. 3:3) teaches: “Shenayim
Sheyoshvin V’Ein Beineihem…--if two sit together and there are no words
of Torah between them, it is a moshav leitzim….” Whereas, “if two sit
together and words of Torah are between them, the Shechinah rests between
them”. Once again, there aren’t three or four choices--only two. Either the
two sitting together recognize the significance of their being together and
exchange words of Torah bringing the Shechinah into their midst--or they are
like those attending a boxing match. Every person has a choice in life--as
the Torah expressly sets forth (Devorim 30:15) “Re’eih Nasati Lifanecha
Hayom…see I have placed before you today the life and the good, and the
death and the evil…U’vacharta BaChaim--and you shall choose life!”
2. Rebbi Akiva (Avos 3:17) teaches that “Seyag LaChochma Shesika--a
protective fence for wisdom is silence.” This closely follows the teaching
of Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel (ibid. 1:17): “Kol Yomai Godalti
Bain HaChachamim...all my days I have been raised among chachomim and I
have found nothing better for oneself than silence...and one who talks
excessively brings on sin.” The Bartenura on Rebbi Akiva’s teaching
explains that Rebbi Akiva is not talking about sinful speech such as Lashon
Hara or Ona’as Devorim which is in any event forbidden. Rather, he is
speaking about permissible speech, which is still hurtful if left
unchecked. HaRav Avigdor Miller, Z’tl, accordingly teaches that one should
practice every day refraining from saying something (permissible) that he
was otherwise going to say. This, HaRav Miller teaches, demonstrates a level
of Yiras Shomayim, recognizing that one is not in control of his power of
speech--but that it is HaKadosh Baruch Hu who opens our minds and our
mouths. This level of Yiras Shomayim, in turn, will help prevent one from
sin. Indeed, Dovid HaMelech teaches in Tehillim (111:10): Raishis
Chochma--Yiras Hashem--the Chochma referred to by Rebbi Akiva could be
the Yiras Shomayim referred to in the Pasuk. In a similar vein, it is well
known that HaRav Pam, Z’tl, even for the most obvious or simple response
would typically wait for a moment or more--so that the word or words uttered
were uttered with awareness and care. We should take the lesson to
heart--we start off the day with Raishis Chochma--can we try and
follow HaRav Miller’s suggestion-and work on our Chochma and Yiras Shomayim-by
keeping our lips sealed--not making the added comment or excessive
statement, not providing the additional opinion or witticism--just one time
a day--(preferably in the morning)? One may never know when and where the
fruits of this Avodah will blossom and appear!
===================
24 Sivan
BRACHOS QUESTION AND ANSWER:
We
were asked the following “Summer Brachos Question”, and in turn we posed it
to Rabbi Yisroel Pinchos Bodner, Shlita, author of Halachos of Brochos:
Q:
Someone who bikes for a couple of hours and drinks from a water bottle every
so often while biking, does he recite a bracha rishona and achrona every
time he drinks.
A:
Yes. He should make a new brocha rishona every time he drinks, and a brocha
achrona (if he drinks a revi’is within the appropriate time span)
after each drink. See Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 190, seif katan 8 and
Halachos of Brochos, p. 162-163.
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TESHUVAH MOMENT:
During this pivotal week between the misdeed of Miriam and the cheit
of the Meraglim, we continue with our thoughts on strengthening ourselves in
Shemiras HaLashon. The Chofetz Chaim calls the power of speech: ‘Chaviv
MiKol Chaviv’--the most precious of the precious, because with the power
of speech Hashem’s creation of man was completed. Accordingly, just as
someone with silver, gold and precious jewels provides the greatest security
possible for them--so too, must one provide the highest level of security
for his speech. HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, notes that the Meraglim were
held accountable even for speaking ‘Al Eitzim V’al Avanim’--even
against the sticks and stones of Eretz Yisrael--so all the more so must we
display the greatest of care when speaking about others. There is a
fascinating teaching brought in the Sefer Chovos HaLevavos, which
teaches that one who speaks Lashon Hara forfeits his Mitzvos to the person
he spoke against and assumes the aveiros of that very same person. What
happens, in the event that the offended is mochel the perpetrator for having
spoken against him, or if the perpetrator actually does Teshuvah for having
spoken Lashon Hara? HaRav Kanievsky teaches that in the event Mechila is
given to the transgressor, the situation will likely revert to what it was
originally--with the Mitzvos returning to the speaker, and the aveiros
returning to the offended party. However, in the event the transgressor
actually does Teshuvah--his Mitzvos will return to him--and once the aveiros
have left the person who was spoken against, they will mistama not
return! Hakhel Note: Do Teshuva--it benefits everyone!
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WE
PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING WORDS OF INSTRUCTION FROM THE STEIPELER GAON, HARAV
YAAKOV YISRAEL KANIEVSKY, Z’TL, FROM HIS SEFER CHAYEI OLAM:
PA-RT 2
A. In
last week’s Parasha (Bamidbar 12:3), we learned that Moshe Rabbeinu was “Anav
Me’od Mikol HaAdam”. What is Anavah--the Torah’s
definition of humility? It is the true and actual awareness that all of
one’s wisdom, talents and possessions are not owned, but borrowed for a set
period of time from Hashem--for one to use for free to the best of his
abilities. Just as a poor person who borrows a wealthy person’s clothing for
a simcha knows that they are not his--and that he must return them in
excellent condition, so should a person’s real attitude be towards his
abilities and acquisitions in this world. With this ‘humble’ realization--a
person brings upon himself a Ruach Tahara. If one does not allow
himself to develop this awareness--which, once again, we must remember, is
the trait that Moshe Rabbeinu was praised for in the Torah, he will surely
feel saddened by his inability to achieve this or that goal, and
disappointed about his lack of possessions or other ‘successes’. If one
needs guidance or assistance to reach the important goal of Anavah,
he should study the classical Mussar Seforim which teach what a person is
and what he should strive to be--and he should also daven to Hashem to
achieve this awareness. Chazal teach that one who works on himself and
attains Anavah: (i) will have his Tefillos answered; (ii) is
considered on the level of one who has brought all of the different kinds of
Karbanos possible[even without a Bais HaMikdash!], and (iii) will be zoche
to have a Kiyum of his Torah. Hakhel Note: The effort is certainly
worthwhile!
B.
Even though Chazal teach that the sha’arei tefillah have been
closed--this does not at all mean that one should not daven--for Chazal
teach that if one sees that his Tefillos have not been answered, he should
continue to daven and daven, again and again. Indeed, even if many days and
even years have passed with one’s Tefillos seemingly not being answered, one
should nevertheless not stop davening. In the end, one will see that
his Tefillos Ho’ilu Lo Me’od--helped him very much! Even on the
simplest level--one must realize that his situation could have been much
worse--and his Tefillos allowed him to be in his current position. One
should always remember that one of the ikarim of Tefillah is for one
to be a Mevakesh Mamash--one who pleads with Hashem to grant his
request--recognizing that the request is being made to the Only One Who Can
Really Grant It!
C.
Birds that walk on two legs are still bent over when they walk and look
down. The reason that man’s head does not face downward, writes the Rabbeinu
Ta’am (in the Sefer HaYashar) is because he has the ability to reach
great levels in the service of Hashem, and he is the epitome of the world’s
creation. All of the other creatures were created to help man achieve his
goal. Man’s great asset of his Koach HaDibur enables him to serve Hashem by
praising Him, pouring out his heart to Him, learning and teaching Torah, and
to move others to Avodas Hashem with his words. As this is man’s great
goal--he should be conscious of his daily opportunities to reach and
maximize his potential!
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A
TREASURE FOR LIFE:
We
present several excerpts from A Treasure for Life by Rabbi Avraham
Yachnes, Shlita (Feldheim Publishers) which provides an excellent
translation, commentary, and insights into the classic Sefer Orchos
Tzaddikim. Each of the following excerpts provides a real, practical,
and poignant lesson which each one of us can use to grow from:
A. “It
is told about HaRav Yehoshua Leib Diskin, Z’tl, that he was forever
whispering to himself the words “Shivisi Hashem L’negdi Samid—I have
set Hashem before me always”(Tehillim 16:8), to remind himself constantly
that all of his actions and thoughts are always in the presence of Hashem.”
B. “If
one were blindfolded and tried to walk through even the most familiar of
rooms, he would certainly stumble and fall many times. Now imagine traveling
through the unchartered waters of life, blindfolded by the desires and
passions that have been allowed to rule over one’s wisdom. The more a
person’s desires control him, the thicker the darkness--even to the point of
being spiritually paralyzed.”
C.
“People often say “I’m doing the best that I can.” What is considered doing
the best that you can? I remember hearing from my Rebbi, HaRav Henoch
Leibowitz, Z’tl, that on any given day, when you feel that you have reached
the level of doing the best that you can –that is you have invested all of
your resources and every ounce of energy—then you should do a bit more .
This way, when you begin the next day, your starting point is from that
extra bit. Then there will be growth. Otherwise every day is a repeat
performance of the day before with no real growth. This same concept was
expressed differently by Rabbi Joseph Grunblatt, Z’tl, Rav of the Queens
Jewish Center in New York. He said that when people work in a profession for
ten years, they often claim to have ten years of experience. They need to
understand that if they have been doing the exact same thing on the exact
same level during those years, it does not mean that they have ten years of
experience, it means they have one year of experience ten times. Only if
there had been a broader commitment and a deeper level of responsibility
every day during those ten years, can one say that he has ten years of
experience.”
“A few years ago I had the opportunity to be a Kashrus supervisor at a soda
bottling plant. Standing there in amazement, watching 3,200 soda cans filled
and capped per minute, something interesting caught my eye. An inspector
wearing a long, white coat, who was overseeing the operation, randomly
plucked a can or bottle off of the speeding conveyer belt. I followed behind
as he walked into a laboratory and began performing all kinds of experiments
with the beverage. He placed some of the liquid in test tubes, poured some
into a decoding machine, and also drank some to check the taste. Finally, I
asked what all of these procedures were about. “I’m checking for the right
amount of sweetener, the proper measure of syrup, and the correct balance of
carbonation to flavor,” he said. “Quality control, Rabbi, quality control.”
It struck me like a ton of bricks. So much research, so much checking; so
much investigation, effort, and exactness for quality control of a can of
soda. How much more so must one measure the exactness of his thoughts and
actions for the quality control of his Middos!
===================
23 Sivan
TESHUVAH MOMENT: Next
week, we will celebrate Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, inaugurating the last three
months, or final calendar quarter, of the year. In a financial framework,
the last quarter of the year is a time when people begin a review of the
year, think about tax planning techniques, and consider what they can do to
improve the year’s final quarter, so that it ends more successfully, and
they can start the next year off on the right footing and in a positive mode
and direction. All the more so, of course, should we prepare ourselves for
the last quarter of the pivotal year we are living in. We have a week to
ponder and reflect--what have we accomplished thus far; where our goals are;
what can/should we attain in the coming months. It is no coincidence (as it
never is) that as the world slackens off in the summer, we energize
ourselves and achieve--for our calendar--and our agenda, is simply very
different!
---------------------------------------------------
THE
SIXTH BRACHA:
As we
especially dedicate ourselves to the Sixth Bracha of Shemone Esrei this
week, we provide the following words of instruction: The Machzor Kol Bo
teaches that this bracha begins with a Samech and ends with a
Ches which in Gematria totals 68--the Gematria of Chaim, and this
is to teach that one can be forgiven for his sins in the zechus of his
Torah--which is called Chaim (“Toras Chaim”). How exact are the
Brachos of Shemone Esrei--even the first and last letter of our Bracha is
especially determined to convey a message! We note that, just as in the
prior Bracha of Hashiveinu in which the terms Avinu and Malkeinu were
used in the first two phrases of the Bracha, so too, do we follow the same
order again in the first two phrases of this Bracha--”Selach Lanu
Avinu Ki Chatanu, Mechal Lanu Malkeinu Ki Fashanu”. We ask
Hashem, as ‘Avinu’, to forgive us for our chataim--which are
usually taken to mean unintentional sins. By this, we ask Hashem to look
upon our sins--no matter how they may have originated--as
unintentional--just as a Father looks with a loving eye upon His children.
---------------------------------------------------
ONE
WORD: The Chofetz Chaim (in the Sefer Chofetz Chai--Mitzvas
Asei 11) teaches that all of the Mitzvos are not equal to one word of Torah.
The phrase: “Talmud Torah K’neged Kulam” is not simply a
special adage or an inspirational phrase--it is a remarkable fact which
provides essential guidance for one’s conduct in life. If all of the Mitzvos
can’t equal one word of Torah--the Chofetz Chaim writes, then how could one
even think of wasting his time with chatter or matters of
non-consequence--and all the more so how could one speak Lashon Hara or
Ona’as Devarim?! The Chofetz Chaim continues that if a person loses some
money--he can hope to either find it, or gain money from another source. If
one loses time, however--he will never, ever find it again. Accordingly, the
Chofetz Chaim concludes: “Ashrei Mi Sheyisbonein Bazeh VeOdo BeChaiav--fortunate
is the person who thinks about this in his lifetime”.
Hakhel
Note: Obviously, the Chofetz Chaim means not only thinking about it--but
acting upon it!
---------------------------------------------------
‘STEALING’ SLEEP?
Is
there actually an aveirah of gezel sheinah--stealing someone’s
sleep? HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, writes that since sleep is not
tangible one cannot really be oveir stealing sleep, which requires
something tangible. Rabbi Dovid Castle, however, notes that the Lo
Sa’aseh of Lo Sonu--not aggrieving our friend would include
stealing his sleep as well, for by doing so one is hurting or at least
disturbing his fellow.
---------------------------------------------------
THE
23RD OF SIVAN:
Today, the 23rd day of Sivan, is one of those special days especially
mentioned in Tanach. Many of you may remember where. In Megillas Esther
(8:9), the Pasuk records that on the 23rd day of the 3rd month--”Hu
Chodesh Sivan” (which is the month of Sivan)--the king’s scribes wrote
all that Mordechai had dictated to them. While we may not have the exact
text of what was written other than that the Jews could destroy their
enemies, we do know that Achashveirosh had permitted them to write in the
letters--”Katov Be’eynechem--whatever is favorable in your eyes, in
the name of the King...”
The
Luach Davar B’Ito writes the following about this very special day:
One
should try to recite the relevant Pesukim in Esther (Esther 8:3-17)
In the
name of the Makover Rebbe, Zt’l, the day is Mesugal for nisim v’niflaos,
as implied by the Pasuk referred to above--”Now, write [on this day] about
the Jews what is favorable in your eyes in the name of the king”--which also
refers to the King of the World. Thus, just as Mordechai subsequently left
the King with many royal garments (ibid., 8:15)…so can we!
In
1940, the Russian Government told thousands of Jewish refugees in Eastern
Galicia that they could register as Russian citizens. Rebbe Itzikel of
Antwerp, Z’tl, advised them not to register. On the night of the 23rd of
Sivan, the Russians exiled to Siberia all those who had not registered as
Russian citizens. The exiled thought this to be a horrible decree, but the
Rebbe told them that the 23rd of Sivan is “Muchan L’Tova--prepared
for the good,” and that no bad would come out of their exile. A year later,
in Sivan 1941, the Nazi’s YM’S, invaded Eastern Galicia and killed the Jews
who remained--the exiles to Siberia remained alive.
Let us
harness the powers inherent in this day, through our own personal Torah,
Teshuva, Tefillah and Tzedaka so that the King writes beautiful letters on
our personal behalf, and on behalf of all of K’lal Yisrael!
Hakhel
Note: Hakhel Note: One may question why it took 70 days--from the 13th
of Nissan when the First Letters were issued, to the 23rd of
Sivan--when the Second Letters which nullified them, to be issued. After
all, was not Haman hanged on the sixteenth of Nissan--just several days
after the First Letters were issued. What took so long?! Why were the Jews
still subject to the scary decree for over two months after Haman and his
sons was taken care of?!
In
fact, Chazal (Yerushalmi Sotah 8A) answer the question, somewhat
enigmatically. Chazal there explain that the 70-day period in which the
First Letters were extant was Keneged--seemingly, in payment or exchange
for--the 70 days that the Egyptians performed Chesed with Yaakov Avinu--from
the time he was Niftar and all the way through the time they escorted him to
his final burial in Meoras HaMachpaila.
This
Chazal requires elucidation. What do the Mitzriyim have to do with the
decree by the Persians? What does the Chesed of Yaakov Avinu have to do
with our nation being in danger and fear for 70 days? What is the
significance of 70 days? We welcome your insights and explanations!
---------------------------------------------------
WE
PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING WORDS OF INSTRUCTION FROM THE STEIPELER GAON, HARAV
YAAKOV YISRAEL KANIEVSKY, Z’TL, FROM HIS SEFER CHAYEI OLAM:
PART 1
A.
K’lal Yisrael is blessed with a general assurance Shelo Tishtakach
HaTorah--no individual, however, has this assurance. Rather, every
person has to make the election of “U’Vacharta BaChaim--you shall
choose life”!
B. A
short Tefillah that every person should constantly request is Lehinatzeil
MiKol Machshavos Ra’os--to be saved from bad thoughts. Purity of mind is
essential to success in life.
C.
Hashem created every creature with its own teva--rabbits are afraid,
doves protect their mates, ants are always in a rush, the ox knows its
master, and the donkey its feeding trough. They are born with all of their
instincts in place. Man is different. When he is born, he has no body of
knowledge or understanding--that he is responsible to attain during his
lifetime. He can have the best character or the worst character--be arrogant
or humble, merciful or cruel, loving or spiteful, bashful or brazen, angry
or calm, generous or stingy, quick to act or lazy, jealous or happy at
another’s success, afraid or courageous, empty-headed or always striving to
learn. It is man’s choice, and it will center around his awareness that it
is not this world that is the ikar--but the next world. The more one
works on himself, the more he, quite literally, is a Ben Olam Haba.
D.
Occurrences in the physical world can be viewed from a spiritual
perspective. When one is thirsty or hungry, for instance, he should consider
how thirsty or hungry he should likewise be for Torah knowledge and Avodas
Hashem. One must live with a feeling of Ruchniyus--for however he expresses
himself in this world will be how he conducts himself in the next. The Sefer
Shomer Emunim brings that he became acquainted with a Ba’al Teshuvah
who was originally very far from Judaism for many years. He became a Ba’al
Teshuvah because he decided to join a cult practicing necromancy--and
learned that the deceased who communicated could only speak in the language
that they spoke in their lifetime. He thus realized that life in this world
is meaningful forever and must be treated accordingly!
E. At
first glance, it is almost unbelievable that--after Makkas Bechoros--K’lal
Yisrael still found favor in the eyes of the Mitzriyim, and they were given
silver and gold vessels and expensive clothing. However, upon
reflection--the reason is very simple. The Pasuk records: “VaHashem
Nassan Es Chein Ha’am B’Einei Mitzrayim--and Hashem made us graceful in
the eyes of the Mitzriyim.” While a person can do his hishtadlus--ultimately
everything--including finding favor in the eyes of a ruthless
enemy--is in the hands of Hashem. The Chovos HaLevavos (Sha’ar
HeBechina, Chapter 5) writes that if one would like to see how closely
Hashem watches over us in our time--he need only consider how we are able to
exist among the overly vast majority [Hakhel Note: billions!] of people in
the world who do not want us here. Yet, in truth, we not only exist but
Hodu LaShem--thrive because of His Hashgacha Pratis!
Hakhel Note: Imagine how much greater the Hashgacha Pratis will be felt upon
the coming of Moshiach Tzidkeinu--let us pine for it in our Tefillos--and in
our thoughts!
===================
22 Sivan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The Sefer Ahavas Chesed (Chapter 21) writes that by hiring Torah Jews
to perform tasks in and about one’s home or business, or for any other
service, one fulfills the Mitzvah DeOraysa of ‘VeHeChezakta Bo’.
Moreover, the Chofetz Chaim adds, that one with Bitachon in Hashem should
realize that Hashem will give him special Hatzlacha in the house that he
is building or fixing, or in the trip that he is taking, utilizing this
worker, which is far over and above the Olam Haba that he will earn for
this thoughtful and care-filled deed!
---------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
In
this week’s Parasha, we learn of the Menachos and Nesachim--the
meal and wine offerings that must accompany every Korban. The Seforno (Bamidbar
15:3) explains why the Halachos of the meal and wine offerings are placed in
the Parasha--it is because after the Cheit HaEgel, every Korban
Tzibbur was required to have these offerings accompany them, and after
the Cheit HaMeraglim every Korban Yachid was required to have
the meal and wine accompaniments. What is the connection between the meal
and wine offerings and these two great sins--how do the Menachos and
Nesachim of a Korban Tzibbur help to effect a Kappara for the
Cheit HaEgel and how do the Menachos and Nesachim of a
Korban Yachid help to effect a Kappara for the Cheit HaMeraglim?
----------------------------------------------------
GETTING READY FOR THIS WEEK’S
PARASHA:
As we quiver from the details of this week’s Parasha, we provide several
additional questions, and would very much welcome your responses:
1. Rashi brings that Moshe Rabbeinu changed Yehoshua’s name from Hoshea to
Yehoshua davening for him “Kah Yoshiacha Mai’Atzas Meraglim--Hashem
should save you from the Meraglim’s plot.” If Moshe Rabbeinu knew of
the plot--why did he send the Meraglim out? Also, why did he only daven for
Yehoshua--and apparently not even for Kalev or anyone else?
2. The people admitted that they sinned with the word “chatanu”-and
even were apparently ready to be moser nefesh and battle their way into
Eretz Yisrael, going up the mountain to do so. Why was their Teshuva not
accepted?
3. Why do Chazal learn out that for a Davar She’Bikedusha we need a Minyan
of 10 men from the 10 Meraglim--who are called an Aida
Ra’ah--an evil congregation? Why do we learn good from evil?
4. Why did Yehoshua send out Meraglim to Yericho after the horrific result
of the first Meraglim--especially since he was so directly familiar with
what happened?
5. Chazal teach that one who is careful in the Mitzvah of Tzitzis will have
700 servants on each corner of his beged--for a total of 2,800. Why does
one need so many servants?
6. Why was Rochov zocha to house the Meraglim, save herself and her
family and even eventually marry Yehoshua Bin Nun?
----------------------------------------------------
WE
CONCLUDE OUR SHORT SERIES FROM THE SEFER KUNTRES CHAIM V’CHESED BY
HARAV KOLODETSKY, SHLITA, OF BNEI BRAK.
PART 3
A.
HaRav Yecheskel Levenstein, Z’tl, would often say that reciting the bracha
of Asher Yatzar with Kavannah is a Segulah for Briyus HaGuf. He would teach
his students how important it was to realize that the health of the body was
a nes like Yetziyas Mitzrayim. It is important to make others aware
of just how important the proper recitation of Asher Yatzar really is.
B.
HaRav Chaim Friedlander, Z’tl, once visited his Rebbi, HaRav Eliyahu Dessler,
Z’tl, at lunchtime. HaRav Friedlander reported that after HaRav Dessler
finished lunch, he turned to his wife and said: “Thank you so much for the
delicious meal that you provided to me.” HaRav Friedlander pointed out that
he learned from this that a person cannot rely on an intermittent ‘thank
you’, but must show HaKaras Hatov on a constant basis. On another
occasion HaRav Dessler entered a bus and a child stood up for him and gave
him his seat. HaRav Dessler turned to him and said: “Ani Me’od Modeh
Lecha MiKerev HaLev--I thank you from the depths of my heart.” Those
accompanying HaRav Dessler asked him why he needed to express such strong
words of thanks. HaRav Dessler responded: “Vechi Atem Rotzim
She’ehiyeh c’v Mushchas B’Middos Ra’os--do you want me c’v to be
a mushchas in Middos Ra’os?!”
C. The
Chofetz Chaim once traveled to the home of the Rav of another city. The
Rebbetzin was very excited with such an honored guest, and together with her
maid prepared a very special meal. Unbeknownst to her, the maid had already
salted the soup, and so she salted it as well. The Rav tasted the soup,
winced, and was about to go into the kitchen to tell the Rebbetzin how
oversalted it was. The Chofetz Chaim took the Rav’s hand and asked him to
finish the soup together with him--”What is the point of making her upset,
let her take pleasure in having served us delicious soup!”
D. The
following are practical suggestions for Chesed B’Ruchniyus:
1. Try
to make sure that not even one day passes without the conscious performance
of an act of Chesed.
2. Say
a Perek of Tehillim for those who are not well.
3.
Learn Mishnayos for Neshamos (especially those who have no known relatives).
4. For
one taking a trip together with others--to bring along some additional small
Chumashim or Tehillim for the trip, and to prepare some Divrei Torah so that
all can perform the Mitzvah of U’V’lechtecha Vaderech.
5.
Helping others with Mitzvos--letting them know about Shiurim, pointing out
to another that his Tefillin moved out of place, etc.
6. If
one is the last one in Shul or in another public place, making sure that all
the lights are out and the doors are locked--for safety and to save the
Tzibbur’s money. Hakhel Note: How many paper towels does one really need to
use outside of the Shul’s restroom or in the Shul’s kitchen?
7. The
Chofetz Chaim would place a sign in his Yeshiva on Erev Yom Kippur that a
way to make the fast easier was to drink a glass of tea composed of a half a
cup of sugar and half a cup of water and tea, and then to drink a regular
cup of tea--as sugar helps alleviate weakness from the fast. One should give
eitzos to people to help make their lives easier!
E. One
should attempt to provide helpful advice to others--especially advice that
has worked for oneself. A bachur once went to a Rav and told him that he did
not really feel a ta’am in his Tefillos. The Rav told him that he
should first try to have Kavannah in short brachos (such as Birchos
HaNehenin--having in mind to thank Hashem for providing this need and
that need, and so many benefits). He also told him that he should accustom
himself to feel that he was talking to Hashem. With these words, the Rav
attempted to provide ‘tried and true’ ways to help the young man advance in
Tefillah.
F.
When HaRav Shach, Z’tl, would pass in between benches in the Beis Midrash,
he would pick up Seforim to his right and to his left and reshelve them.
Others understood from his conduct that Chacham Lev Yikach Mitzvos--one
should not let the obvious Mitzvah opportunities get by....
G. The
Chofetz Chaim once sent a student of his to be a Ba’al Tefillah for the
Yomim Noraim in a town close to Radin which had no Chazzan. The student told
the Chofetz Chaim that he preferred to daven in Yeshiva for the Yomim Noraim.
The Chofetz Chaim responded that a person is not born to take care of his
selfish needs--but to do as much good as he could to others. [This was the
determination of the Chofetz Chaim for this particular bochur; one would, of
course, have to ask a Shailah on a case-by-case basis.]
H. In
his Sefer Ahavas Chesed, the Chofetz Chaim points out that one who
has a Gemach of any kind should not feel burdened by the constant phone
calls and ‘knocks at the door’. Just as a store owner would not be upset on
someone coming to make a purchase or to otherwise inquire as to a particular
product--so too, should the person providing his Gemach realize that with
every knock, with every call, he fulfills a Mitzvas Asei D’Oraysah.
I. The Alter of Kelm, Z’tl, asks what Nochum Ish Gamzu’s fault was in
telling the poor person that he would have to take a moment to alight from
his donkey in order to give him some food--after all, what more could he do?
He certainly was acting with alacrity! The Alter answers that Nochum
realized that he should have had some food more readily available. One
should think about others--before they ask!
===================
21 Sivan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, importantly explains the apparent redundancy
in the Pasuk in Yirmiyah (17:7): “Baruch HaGever Asher Yivtach Bashem--Vehaya
Hashem Mivtacho” to mean that the person who believes in Hashem--and
that only Hashem can bring any and all Yeshuos--is the person who is
blessed! Remember—it is both Yivtach and Mivtacho!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
NINETEEN WEEKS!
We are now in the
sixth of the nineteen week period prior to Rosh Hashana. In past years,
we have proceeded weekly, Bracha by Bracha, through Shemone Esrei with a
special emphasis on Kavannah on that week’s Bracha. This week’s Bracha is
Selicha.
In this bracha, we ask Hashem for selicha (Selach Lanu) and mechila (Mechal
Lanu). HaRav Yonasan Eibeschutz, Z’tl, explains that selicha refers to
the complete extinguishment of the sin, while mechila still requires
yissurim. Accordingly, HaRav Eibeschutz continues, one should sincerely
plead for selicha in this bracha--so that his sins are forgiven
without having to suffer through difficult yissurim which would cause bitul
Torah or Tefillah. As in the bracha of Hashiveinu discussed last week,
we plead with the words Selach Lanu Avinu--asking Hashem
as our Father to mercifully wipe away our iniquity
entirely so that we can begin our lives again without the hurt of
yissurim and with fresh resolve and new dedication. This bracha
contains very powerful requests--and the Kavannah that we have should match
the inherent potency of the bracha!
We provide by the
following link our additional notes to the Nineteen Brachos for the years
5771 and 5772
http://www.hakhel.info/TefillahArchive.html May we highly recommend the
Nineteen Week Program again this year--either based upon your own study
(such as by utilizing the magnificent Rav Schwab on Prayer, the
Tefillah tapes of Rabbi Berel Wein, Shlita, or other wonderful resources),
or by utilizing the link provided on a daily basis throughout the week.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW WE MUST LEARN THE LESSON!:
Chazal give the reason that last week’s Parasha, Parashas Beha’alosecha
concludes with the Chait of Miriam speaking against Moshe Rabbeinu and
Parashas Shelach begins with the Chait of the Meraglim. It is to teach us
that “Reshaim Halalu Ra’u Veloh Lakchu Mussar--these Reshaim saw what
happened to Miriam and did not take the Mussar lesson from it.” HaRav
Yeruchem Levovitz, Z’tl, points out that although the key Aveira of the
Meraglim was Lashon Hara--it all began to roll downhill for the Meraglim
(and for K’lal Yisrael) because they did not take the Mussar that they
should have from the event. It all starts with the proper study of Mussar….
When the colossal Aveira was concluded, it was ultimately one of Lashon
Hara. In order to better perceive and understand the pervasive and
encompassing nature of this Aveira, we provide by the following link --
http://tinyurl.com/22tuarx -- a one-page
listing of the 17 Mitzvohs Lo Sa’aseh, 14 Mitzvohs Aseh, 4 Arurrim--and
their applicability to the speaker and the listener. This chart may serve a
person best if placed near a phone, framed near a table or otherwise put in
a position where it could otherwise help save a person (especially you!)
from a wrong remark once or even several times a day!
Additional Note One: The Chofetz Chaim (Sefer Shemiras HaLashon II,
end of Chapter 6) writes that when a person watches his words, he profits
continuously--for each time that he wants to speak, he considers for a
moment whether what he is about to say is or includes Lashon Hara, Ona’as
Devarim, Leitzanus and the like, and he quashes his desire to so speak.
When this happens, in Shomayim it is considered as if he fulfilled a Mitzvah
with his actions, as Chazal (Makkos 23B) specifically teach: “Yashav
Adam V’Lo Avar Aveirah Ke’sheh Bah L’Yado, Nosnin Lo Sachar Ke’Oseh
Mitzvah--when one has the opportunity to do an aveirah and does not do
so, Hashem credits him with having fulfilled a Mitzvah by his inaction!”
The Chofetz Chaim concludes: over the year, by inaction, one
will amass several thousand more Mitzvos to his credit!
Additional Note Two: One must certainly take leave of the lesson from Miriam
with some real and practical method of improvement. For those who do not yet
recite the short Tefillah on Shemiras HaLashon composed by the Chofetz Chaim--we
once again provide the Tefillah by the following link http://tinyurl.com/pvtdjsd
for your recital at the beginning of the day!
---------------------------------------------------------
CHESED AT ITS FINEST!
We continue our
short series from the Sefer
Kuntres Chaim V’Chesed by HaRav Kolodetsky, Shlita, of Bnei Brak.
PART 2
A.
Chazal (Shabbos 67A) bring that the custom was for someone whose tree was
sick and whose fruits were prematurely falling would be for him to hang a
red string on the tree, as a sign for all to understand that the tree had a
problem. When passersby would see the red string they would then stop and
pray for the health of the tree. Similarly Chazal (Mesechta Semachos,
Chapter 6) teach that if one had lost an object in Yerushalayim--he would
stand in a certain, designated spot in the Beis HaMikdash, so that all who
pass-by would give him a bracha that Hashem return the item to him. The
Mabit concludes that one who has the ability to daven for another and
does not do so can be compared to one who has a storehouse full of grain in
a time of famine--and leaves it locked, rather than opening it for others to
benefit from its plenty.
B.
HaRav Boruch Ber Lebowitz, Z’tl, once said: “When I come to the Olam HaEmes,
and they ask me if I have Torah V’Yirah--then if I say I have Torah,
the Beis Din Shel Ma’alah will respond--‘Is this Torah?’ If I say
that I have Yirah--they will say--’Is this considered Yirah?’ However, I
will be able to make one legitimate claim--that I have Ahavas Yisrael. When
I walk and see a Yid on the street, I have feelings of love and hope that
brachos will be heaped upon him!”
C.
When one passes by a sign or a notice, or reads an advertisement, relating
to someone who needs a refuah or yeshuah, one should take the
moment to stop and daven for that person--after all, if someone has gone to
the extent of publicizing the situation, the person is probably in a
hospital bed attached to different kinds of equipment or taking various
serious medications. Most certainly, if one was asked to go to the pharmacy
to help a sick person--he would run to do so even if he didn’t know the
person. All the more so, when he can help with a Tefillah directly to the
Rofeh Cholei Amo Yisrael.
D.
Similarly, HaRav Eliyahu Lopian, Z’tl, teaches that when one passes by a
hospital or hears an ambulance, one must daven for the sick. HaRav Yecheskel
Sarna, Z’tl, adds that if Tehillim was said B’Tzibur for one who was ill,
one should remain in Shul until after the Mishabeirach is concluded,
in order to answer “Amen!”.
E. The Tur in Hilchos Brachos brings that in the time of Dovid HaMelech
100 bochurim were dying every day, and so Dovid HaMelech instituted that 100
brachos be recited daily--and the mageifah ended. We are to derive
from this that reciting 100 brachos every day with Kavannah is a segulah
nifla’ah to annul gezeiros ra’os.
===================
18 Sivan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
In this week’s Parasha, Beha’alosecha, we are taught that Aharon HaKohen
performed the Hadlakas Haneiros of the Menorah’ ‘KaAsher Tzivah Hashem Es
Moshe’ (Bamidbar 8:3) --as Hashem had commanded Moshe Rabbeinu that it
should be done. Rashi, quoting the Sifri, writes that this constitutes a
praise of Aharon, who did not change or deviate from Moshe’s instructions.
Upon reading this Rashi, everyone asks--I myself wouldn’t change what Moshe
Rabbeinu told me that which Hashem had commanded---why would--how
could--the great Aharon do otherwise—why would he even consider such a
thing?
We suggest the following:
Aharon HaKohen, although older than Moshe Rabbeinu, and the leader of Bnei
Yisrael prior to Moshe coming back from Midyan (See Rashi to Shemos 4:13),
initially greeted Moshe upon his return to Mitzrayim with joy of heart
(ibid, 14). However, after two years with his younger brother, Moshe
Rabbeinu, as the ultimate leader and in charge of Kriyas Yam Suf and
Kabbalas HaTorah, and after finally getting the opportunity to be a leader
on his own as the Kohen Gadol, Aharon might have wanted to demonstrate that
he was a somebody, too--by lighting the Menorah in some special or
distinctive way (which would not even have contradicted any of the specific
instructions of Moshe). Nonetheless, Aharon followed the instructions of
Moshe to the letter--without adding, subtracting, modifying or deviating
from his word.
There is a great lesson here for us. We may have accustomed ourselves to act
and speak properly and/or with patience with a particular person,
understanding either that the person has his own idiosyncrasies, or that the
person is a close relative, and that peaceful family relations, calmness and
breaking one’s middos is of paramount importance. Every once in a while,
however, a person may have a feeling that it would be appropriate to ‘let
loose’--after all, I have controlled myself dozens, scores, even hundreds of
times--now it’s my turn! An infrequent indulgence, a brief ‘lesson’ to him,
a rare demonstration of what you are otherwise capable of…. Aharon HaKohen,
who was the role model for us in Ohaiv Shalom VeRodeph Shalom--in
perfection of human relations—teaches us not to let it happen --even once.
It is interesting to note that the Torah gives us no temporary dispensation
for any aveira. One could make the argument that if he was given one day a
year to do any and all aveiros that he wanted to for the year to get it out
of his system—that he would have 364 days of real control and to greater
success in Kiyum HaMitzvos. Even if all aveiros weren’t permitted—maybe a
day without Kashrus or without Lashon Hara restrictions would take care of
the animal within him, and allow the vast majority of the year to be
celebrated in Ruchniyus. Yet, in fact, the Torah makes no such allowance.
Quite to the contrary, the Torah provides for one day a year of greater
Ruchniyus--Yom Kippur--to raise our level for the coming year. What a
perspective! We are not to look down for the one-time capitulation—but to
look up for those special one-time opportunities for growth.
The Torah goes out of its way to praise Aharon HaKohen—not deviating even
for a good purpose, a real reason, just that one time….. By doing so, the
Torah teaches how we can, and should, follow in his footsteps consistently
and at all times in those circumstances, situations, relationships and
challenges that give us the good opportunity to do so!
----------------------------------------------------------------
REMINDER!
In tomorrow’s Parasha, we learn much about the importance of the Levi’im. We
know that one of their essential avodos in the Beis HaMikdash was their
Shir and musical accompaniment. In preparation for the Binyan Beis
Hamikdash why isn’t every Levi actively involved in improving his musical
talents?
-------------------------------------------------
ON
THE 83RD YAHRZEIT OF HARAV YERUCHAM LEVOVITZ, Z’TL:
Today is the Yahrzeit of HaRav Yerucham Levovitz, Z’tl, the renowned
Mashgiach of the Mirrer Yeshiva from 1910 until his passing in 1936. His
talmidim included HaRav Chaim Shmulevitz, Z’tl, HaRav Dovid Povarsky, Z’tl,
HaRav Shlomo Volbe, Z’tl, HaRav Nosson Wachtfogel, Z’tl, and HaRav Shimon
Schwab, Z’tl. HaRav Levovitz was known for his great seder—organization.
He taught that “if a knot that ties a string of pearls falls apart, the
entire necklace falls apart with it—and the pearls are lost!” If a person is
organized (or makes himself organized), his Torah study, his Tefillah, and
his Mitzvos are performed in a timely manner and with care, and are safely
guarded and secured.
HaRav
Nosson Wachtfogel, Z’tl, related that when he first met HaRav Levovitz, he
studied how the Mashgiach ate a meal--not because he wanted to be rude or
intrusive--but simply in order to understand how a Mashgiach treats the
entire eating process. For a short while, he was puzzled. There was
something that was different about the way the Mashgiach ate, but the young
R’ Nosson could not put his finger on it. The physical motions appeared a
bit different, but the food did enter the mouth and was swallowed. What was
it that the Mashgiach was doing different? Then, it dawned on him--he
realized what was singular and special about the manner of eating! When
HaRav Levovitz ate, it appeared as if he was not feeding himself--but that a
third person was feeding him. It was as if his soul was the party in
action-- doing the Chesed of feeding his body, to which it was so connected,
and in appreciation of the dedicated lodging provided to the soul in this
world.
While
we obviously cannot approach the great thought processes and levels of
accomplishment inherent in HaRav Levovitz’ daily meals, we should at least
from time to time recognize that our act of eating, which to most of the
world is unfortunately only a ‘same-action-as-animal’ time, can be lifted to
a more exalted plane, simply by putting some thought into what one is doing
before and while he is doing it. The recital of Kepitel 23 before the meal,
slow and caring brachos on foods, a dignified rather than ravenous approach,
a brief thought as to what you are eating and why, can raise the bar for you
and those around you. You may not be a Mashgiach, but you certainly can
distinguish yourself as a noble human being!
-------------------------------------------------
WE
CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
Today,
we conclude our discussion on practical situations which could involve the
Melacha of Lisha, or combining substances to form a new mass. There
are two types of possible combinations, which depends upon the thickness and
consistency of the mass.
A.
The first is known as a Belilah Rakah, or a relatively loose
mixture. The Poskim write that a Belilah Rakah is evidenced by the
easy pouring of the mixture from one container to another. In layman’s
terms it is not as liquidy as a drink would be, but it is not a thick
mixture. Although a combination of this kind is not Lisha Mid’Oraysa,
the Poskim nonetheless require two Shinuyim if one intends to combine
such items on Shabbos, as follows: (1) when mixing the two items, they
should be mixed in the reverse order that they would be mixed during the
week (if during the week, one would usually put in a liquid item and then
put in the solid item and mix the two together, he should switch the order
on Shabbos). Moreover, at whatever stage the liquid is put in (first or
second, whatever the opposite of one’s weekday practice would be) it should
quickly be poured in all at once--so that the mixture is always a loose one;
and (2) the mixing itself should be done with a shinuy (for instance,
with a finger instead of with a spoon or a fork, or by merely shaking the
objects together in a container, or if a utensil is needed--by mixing only a
crisscross motion, taking the utensil out between each horizontal and
vertical move) (Shemiras Shabbos KeHilchasa 8:9).
B. A
Belilah Avah, or a thick mixture is not generally permissible, but
may be created under certain circumstances--where the mixture is necessary
for a child, for a sick person, or there is some special need for this food,
and one did not prepare it on Erev Shabbos. In such event, the food could
be prepared with the two shinuyim described in the previous paragraph
(ibid. 8:11).
C. If
one wanted to mix one Belilah Rakah with another Belilah Rakah,
he may do so if the two shinuyim above are met--as the two mixtures
together are not deemed to constitute a Belilah Avah (ibid. 8:14).
D.
Very practical situations arise in a Shabbos home relating to Lisha--making
a child’s bottle of formula; preparing baby cereal; making salad dressing;
mixing chrain, mayonnaise or ketchup with another item, are just a few of
the more common examples. We must remember that if improperly executed,
c’v, Lisha is a Melacha D’Oraysa. Accordingly, the practical
weekly situations that arise in mixing substances (whether in the kitchen or
at the Shabbos table), should be carefully reviewed with one’s Rav or Posek.
We are careful for ourselves, for our guest and for our children with
Bishul, Borer and Tochein--Lisha deserves the very
same scruples and attention.
----------------------------------------------------------------
A
POTENT LESSON FROM THE PARASHA:
At the end of this week’s Parasha, we learn of the incident of Miriam and
Aharon speaking about Moshe Rabbeinu. It is obviously the time to inspire
ourselves in the area of Shemiras HaLashon--for our reading this Parasha now
is obviously with great Hashgacha. Accordingly, we provide a few simple,
but important points:
A.
Firstly, it is important for us to review and review again that which we
have previously learned. The Sefer Chofetz Chaim (Asei 1), notes at
least ten defenses and strong mitigating factors in Miriam’s situation, but
concludes that none alone, nor even all together, could save her--and
Bnei Yisrael--from their difficult punishment. The defenses and mitigating
factors included:
1.
Moshe was her younger brother;
2.
She loved him dearly;
3.
She actually raised him;
4.
She endangered her life waiting to see what would happen to him as a
baby at the Nile River, and spoke to Paroh’s daughter as to how he could
best be saved and raised;
5.
When speaking of him, it was not in a degrading fashion, as she
simply compared him to all other Nevi’im (including herself and Aharon);
6.
She did not speak in front of him to embarrass him, nor did she speak
about him in public;
7.
Instead, she spoke to her Holy brother, the Kohen Gadol, privately;
8.
Moshe Rabbeinu was not makpid--i.e., he did not care;
9.
Her intention was for Kinas HaEmes--for the sake of what was
proper; and
10.
Likewise, her intention was for Binyan HaOlam--for Moshe
Rabbeinu to have more children.
The
Chofetz Chaim concludes that it is for this reason that we have a Mitzvas
Asei of the Torah to remember what happened to Miriam--in order to remind
ourselves to do our utmost to avoid and greatly distance ourselves from the
far baser acts of Lashon Hara which involve no such justifications or
defenses.
B.
Lashon Hara can easily arise because one feels that the other party has hurt
him physically, emotionally, monetarily, or in some other manner. One must
always remember that one’s offender is not different than Shimi Ben Geira--whom
Dovid HaMelech recognized was simply Hashem’s agent, and not the true
perpetrator against him. We should not think and react like dogs--who
believe that it is the stick hitting them--while, of course, in truth it is
the person holding the stick who is doing so. Chazal teach that an
important Middah is ‘Nosei BeOhl Im Chaveiro--to carry a yoke with
one’s friend.’ What yoke are we referring to? We suggest that the Ohl
may be ‘Ohl Malchus Shomayim’--realizing and recognizing that
whatever burdens or demands one’s friend is placing upon him--is really
Min HaShomayim. One should thus demonstrate his Ohl Malchus Shomayim--by
working with and for, and being especially content and understanding with
one’s friend--no matter what the situation, no matter what the circumstance!
C. An
immediate way to rectify an act of Kabbolas Lashon Hara is to reverse the
kabbalah by being Dan LeChaf Zechus. This means that one must change
his understanding of the facts, of the words, of the event--so that what had
previously been Lashon Hara is redirected to an unpainful and perhaps even
positive direction. If the damage had not yet been done--you can still undo
it!
Hakhel
Note: We urge you to make good use of the Chofetz Chaim’s Heritage
Foundation’s Shemiras HaLashon Shaila Hotline, in which expert Poskim answer
your real-life Shailos relating to Shidduchim, business, neighbor relations,
etc. The phone number is
718-951-3696
between the hours of 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM Eastern Standard Time, and on
Sunday mornings from 10:30 am till 12:00 noon, EST.
-------------------------------------------------
ON
SUNDAY, THE 20TH OF SIVAN:
A.
Sunday (the 20th of Sivan) is the very day, described in Parashas
Beha’alosecha, that the 30-day stay at Kivros HaTa’ava ended. We might
think, then, that it is an auspicious time for great events to occur. And
it most likely is. However, to date, two great tragedies are marked by this
date. First, the Second Crusades in France took place. More recently, the
1648-1649 Cossack Massacres (known as the Gezeiros Tach V’Tat) in the
Ukraine/Poland are specifically marked on this date. The Rabbonim of the
time required all able-bodied women over 15 and men over 18, to fast and
recite special Selichos known as the “Selichos of the 20th of Sivan.” In
fact, it is recorded that this day was especially chosen because it can
never (under our current calendar) come out on Shabbos, and the Rabbonim
wanted to make sure that a year did not go by without properly remembering
and repenting on this date.
It is
well known that the Tosafos Yom Tov, HaRav Yom Tov Lipman Heller, Z’tl,
attributed the Cossack Massacres to talking in Shul. He accordingly
composed a special Mi She’Berach to be recited on behalf of those who
refrained from talking in Shul, which is recited to this very day.
A true
story which we have repeated in the past, and which should trouble us every
time we read it: A young man had arrived early to Shul, and, realizing that
there was not yet a minyan, he took out his cell phone and began to have a
friendly telephone conversation. When an onlooker said, “Shmoozing--in Shul--on
a cellphone?!?” He responded, “What’s the difference between talking to a
friend, and talking on the phone?” The absurdity of talking on the cell
phone in Shul did not strike him, but then again, he seemed pretty
comfortable with engaging in ordinary conversation with his friend there, as
well. The young man did, however, comport with the onlooker’s request. In
this regard, we suggest that every reader take part in helping build a new
or higher level of decorum and respect in his/her Shul. Perhaps one can
begin with a sincere remark (NOT “SHUSH”) to a thoughtless congregant, or
requesting the institution of the Tosfos Yom Tov’s bracha, given by the
Rabbi or Gabbai. Let us never forget that, according to the Tosafos Yom Tov,
one of the Gedolei HaDor at the time of the Gezeiros, the direct result of
Shul talk was (if you have learned only a little bit about the calamity)
literally ravage and massacre in its grossest form.
Let us
return for a moment, however, to our departure from Kivros HaTa’ava on this
day--why did it not become an auspicious time forever? Why is this very day
marked by such suffering, such torture, such pain? Perhaps the answer
belies the question. It may simply be that we have not sufficiently left
the taavos--the improper desires--that we began with.
The
story is told of a formerly wealthy man who was so beset by creditors that
he could not leave the confines of his home for fear of his well-being. His
Rabbi came to visit and comfort him while the man was eating dinner, and
noticed the finest French wine on the table. When asked about the wine, the
man replied, “Rabbi, I crave it. I simply crave it. I cannot be without
it.” In truth, it is not the fine wine of this once-wealthy individual that
should concern us, but our own behavior. The Ra’avad writes that breaking a
desire is a key factor and display of Teshuva. From that extra helping of
unhealthy food, that tempting smorgasbord, that unnecessary electronic
(adult) gadget (no, there is no Mitzva to discover every last trick your
cell phone can do), that extra measure of honor... even that extra pair of
shoes are really serious mistakes, as they could (and probably will) mean
the stunting of both one’s physical and one’s spiritual growth. As Akavya
ben Mehallel taught, “I would rather be a fool in the eyes of all my entire
life, rather than a Rasha in the eyes of Hashem for one moment.” Even the
adage: “A second on your lips, forever on your hips” should ring true to our
ears at the moment of temptation. It would seem that if we can consciously
combat one temptation daily--we will be on the road of taking ourselves out
of the graveyard of temptation and its historic tragic aftermath--to the
pinnacles of success. How our world would have been different if Adam and
Chava did not fall prey to the one temptation of the Eitz Hadaas.
B. A reader has made us aware of the following: “The 20th of Sivan is 100
days before Rosh Hashana. It is known that 15th day of Av is 45 days before
Rosh Hashana, which is alluded in the Posuk “Ve’ata, Mah
(45) Hashem Shoel Mimcha”. However, Chazal say, Al Tikra “Mah”
elah “Mei’ah” (100), which is a remez to commence
preparation of Rosh Hashana on the 20th day of Sivan!”
===================
17 Sivan
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
In
this week’s Parasha, Moshe Rabbeinu is described as “Anav Me’od
MeKol HaAdam” (Bamidbar 12:3)--Moshe was very humble, more
than any person on the face of the earth. Maseches Avos, however, teaches
that: “Me’od, Me’od Hevei Shefal Ruach--one should be
very, very humble. Why was Moshe only very
humble, while Chazal implore everyone to be very, very
humble?
-------------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
This week’s Parasha especially highlights the Mitzvah of Shemiras HaLashon
with the ma’aseh of Miriam and Aharon. In the Sefer Shemiras
HaLashon, the Chofetz Chaim spends much time pointing out that the
Mitzvah of Shemiras HaLashon is found in many Parashios of the Torah. The
Chofetz Chaim notes that after 120 years a person will be asked: “Did you
observe the Torah?” If he responds in the affirmative, and then is made to
review lesson after lesson in Shemiras HaLashon on a Parasha after Parasha
basis--he will be more than shame-faced, but shocked and dumbfounded by how
unsuccessful his life had been. On the other hand, if in fact one was
superbly careful in Shemiras HaLashon--those very same Parashios--Parasha
after Parasha after Parasha--will stand in his great stead!
Hakhel
Note: The choice is ours--compounded for eternity!
-------------------------------------------------
IT’S NOT TOO
LATE FOR US! Although the Internet and cell phones have been years
in the running, and many of us realize that we have occasionally overstepped
our bounds in the past (whether intentionally, recklessly, negligently, or
innocently), we can take all of our negative experiences over the years and
rebound from them through our proper actions now. As we focus on the bracha
of Teshuvah this week, we emphasize that Hashem is a Rotzeh BisShuvah.
He anticipates and awaits our corrections and, if necessary, our
turn-arounds. Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman, Shlita, quotes the Satmar Rav, Z”tl,
who explained the statement “Shuvu Bonim Shovavim Chutz MeiAcheir--everyone
can do Teshuvah except for Acheir” to mean that everyone can do Teshuvah
except for someone who considers himself someone else--too far gone--a
different person. Heaven forbid for anyone of us to consider ourselves too
far gone--a different person than the person we were before the technology
explosion began. We should learn from a contractor’s dumpster, placed in
front of a home that is being renovated. Perhaps thousands of pounds of
rubbish and undesired material are thrown in, and the carting company truck
comes and with powerful but sure effort lifts the thousands of pounds up and
carts it away. It is each and every person’s turn to renovate his home!
-------------------------------------------------
TANGIBLE EMUNAH:
The
Navi (Hosheiah 2:22) brings a touching Pasuk: “Vieirastich Li BeEmumah
VeYada’at Es Hashem…[Hashem says:] I will betroth you to Me with
Emunah, and you will know Hashem.” Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita, brings
a fantastic Malbim on this Pasuk. The Malbim explains that as a result of
the Emunah that we demonstrate in this world, we will be zoche to ‘know
Hashem’--He will reveal to us signs and wonders, and will cause the Shechina
to dwell amongst us, so that we will no longer believe in Hashem, but rather
will have a yedi’ah berurah--a tangible knowledge--felt and
understood by our senses--of Hashem. We will no longer have a Kabbalah,
a tradition, regarding Hashem’s existence. Instead, we will have a
personal, clear, and direct awareness of His presence at all times. Let
us daven that we need not wait much longer!
-------------------------------------------------
TEFILLAH REMINDERS:
We
provide the following important reminders relating to Tefillah, as excerpted
from the Dirshu Edition of the Mishna Berura:
1.
Whenever reciting the Posuk “Pose’ach Es Yadecha”, one should have in
mind that Hashem is the ‘Mashgiach Al Briosav U’Mefarnisam’ (M.B.
51:sk15). The Dirshu commentary brings from Rabbeinu Bachya that one should
recognize the Niflaos HaBorei and his Chassadim when reciting these words.
2. It
is more important to recite Kriyas Shema and Shemone Esrei with Tefillin on
than to Daven BeTzibbur without Tefillin (M.B. 66:sk40).
3. If
two Chazzanim are otherwise equal, than a Kohen comes before a Levi, a Levi
before a Yisrael, and a Talmid Chochom comes before an Am HaAretz, even if
the Am HaAretz is a Kohein (M.B. 53:sk36).
4. If
there is a Machlokes as to who should be the Sheliach Tzibbur, one should
not Daven, even if someone who is not haggun will Daven instead (M.B.
581:sk 11). Hakhel Note: !!
5. We
pronounce the last two words of Yishtabach as ‘Chai HaOlamim’. The
Tosfos Yom Tov (at the end of Masechta Tamid) writes that the word ‘Chai’
means that Hashem not only lives in the world, but He is MeChayeh--He
instills life--into all worlds.
-------------------------------------------------
PUTTING CHESED INTO PERSPECTIVE:
Remarkably, the Rabbeinu Yonah (Sha’arei Teshuvah 3:15) writes that
the cheit of not performing Gemilas Chesed is worse than stealing as
is demonstrated by the Pasuk (Yecheskel 16:49): “Hinei Zeh Haya Avon
Sedom Achoseich…VeYad Ani V’Evyon Lo Hichzikah”. According to
Yecheskel--Sedom’s sin was not theft--but rather was not helping those in
need. The clear message to us is that just as we daven and learn every day,
we must be sure to perform Chesed every day as well. As we learned in last
week’s Perek (Avos 1:2) Shimon HaTzaddik teaches that the world stands on
three things: Torah, Avodah and Gemilas Chasodim. We daven every morning
thereby touching upon Avodah. We then learn for at least a few minutes after
davening to fulfill the words of the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 155). After
such a successful beginning to the day--Torah and Avodah, we once again
emphasize that it should behoove us as well to perform an act of Chesed
before one partakes of breakfast or otherwise gets involved in his
regular day-to-day activities. That act of Chesed could simply be a Kepitel
Tehillim for one designated person, a special gift of Tzedaka, a short
conversation with someone who needs Chizuk or taking care of something for
someone else. In order to strengthen our Chesed--in anticipation of the
summer months when there is a tendency in the world-at-large to become more
self-centered, we will be providing a short series from the Sefer Kuntres
Chaim V’Chesed by HaRav Kolodetsky, Shlita, of Bnei Brak.
PART 1
A. If
one has a child in another city who he knows is having some difficulties, he
would certainly want someone in that city to assist his child through his
situation. Hashem is our Father--and His children are here walking, working
and living side-by-side. It gives great Nachas Ruach to Hashem when
He sees you trying to quell the distress of another, and certainly when you
bring him into a more joyful mood!
B.
Hashem did not need to create the world with some in-need and some not
in-need. The world exists in this form in order for Chesed to be
performed--which in turn will arouse Hashem’s Chesed from the
heavens--certainly infinitely greater than the Chesed we provide!
C.
When a person comes over to others in the morning with a hearty “Boker Tov/Good
Morning!” and a smiling face--especially in his own home--he promotes
harmony and happiness among his family and/or among his people, and helps
provide a positive direction to the day for others.
D.
When one makes it a goal to conduct himself pleasantly and happily with his
family, he fulfills a separate Mitzvah of U’MeBesarecha Lo Tisaleim.
Accordingly, Chesed to one’s family takes precedence over all other Chesed.
E. When a person gives the bracha of “Shalom” to his friend, he is blessing
him with the name of Hashem which is “Shalom” (Gittin 61A, Rashi d’h
V’Sho’alin)--enabling the Beis Din Shel Ma’alah to agree to the
blessing. Additionally, when a person sees somebody engaged in work or in
some other activity--he should give him a bracha of “Titzlach Melachtecha”--or
the like. These words of direction were, in fact, given by Hashem to Moshe
Rabbeinu when he came to Shomayim to receive the Torah! (Shabbos 89A, Rashi
d’h L’Azreini)
===================
16 Sivan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
When one leaves Shul (or his/her home) in the morning, it is a time of
transition, and especially in the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere a
time of r’l potential downfall. We accordingly suggest that as one
leaves Shul or his home in the morning, he lift his eyes to the heavens,
thanking Hashem for His wonders (as the Pasuk teaches (Yeshaya 40:26): “Seu
Marom Eineichem U’re’u Mi Vara Eileh”)--and davening to Hashem that his
day and his outlook is a successful one both materially
and…spiritually!
-------------------------------------------------
FROM A MASHGIACH RUCHNI IN ERETZ YISRAEL:
“To
help further our appreciation of Matan Torah, try and express both at the
start and close of your Torah study: ‘I am learning the Toras Hashem and
this is Dveikus in HaKadosh Baruch Hu.’ The world at large instinctively
attempts to connect and identify with their heroes whom they hope to
emulate--we want to fulfill our spiritual selves, and feel close proximity
to Hashem. For further study, see Sefer Nefesh HaChaim, Sha’ar Daled,
Perek Vav. We may not reach exalted levels with fire swirling over our
heads, but it is certainly still worthwhile to constantly alert ourselves
that the Torah connects us with Hashem--it is as if we are learning
B’Chavrusah with the Borei Olam!”
-------------------------------------------------
AHAVA RABBA:
It is
said that the Ba’al Shem Tov advised the Toldos Yaakov Yosef that it was
revealed to him Min HaShomayim that the reason Moshiach was delayed was that
K’lal Yisrael was not spending enough time on the Bracha of Ahava Rabba. Let
us re-focus and re-energize ourselves on this bracha--if not now--then
when?!
-------------------------------------------------
LEHODOS LECHA!
In the Bracha before Shema every morning, very close to the end of the
bracha and immediately prior to Shema we recite the words “Lehodos
Lecha--to offer praiseful thanks to You “(Artscroll translation). The
Magen Avraham (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 60) brings from the Sefer
Kavanos that “HaPeh Lo Nivra Rak Lehodos Velo LeDaber Lashon Hora
VeZehu Zechiras Ma’aseh Miriam--the mouth was created only to give
thanks and not to speak Lashon Hora”--so with these words we remind
ourselves --right before our recitation of Kriyas Shema that we are to keep
our mouths Lashon Hora free--and use our mouth only for its truly intended,
real purpose! The Chofetz Chaim similarly writes that on Yom
Kippur--prior to the Kohen Gadol doing the great Avodos HaYom
in the Kodesh HaKodoshim and in the Kodesh--he first had to bring the
ketores in the Kodesh HaKodoshim to attain Kapara for Lashon Hora--and only
then begin the Avodos HaYom. The unified message is clear--we must
first be clear, very clear about the role of our mouths in our lives--and we
can then take the next step on the road to greatness. As we move
towards the Ma’aseh Miriam in Parashas BeHa’alosecha, and its poignant
message, let us jump ahead and remind ourselves--Lehodos Lecha!
-------------------------------------------------
DEBT COLLECTION, DEFAULTS, AND
HALACHA: We are privileged to provide by the following link --
http://www.shtaros.com/4301.html
an
outstanding article on Debt Collection, Defaults, and Halacha; A
Practical Guide To Hilchos G’vias Chov, By Rabbi Ari Marburger, Shlita,
Dayan in Lakewood. We have permission for our readers to distribute this
important article further.
-------------------------------------------------
NINETEEN WEEKS!
We continue with our focus on the Fifth Bracha of Teshuvah. We
continue with the phrase “VeHachzireinu BiSeshuvah Shleimah Lefanecha--and
help us return in complete repentance before You.” HaRav Chaim Friedlander,
Z’tl, notes that the term Hachzireinu is similar to the term
HaMachazir in the bracha of HaMachazir Shechinaso L’Tzion. In
both cases, we are asking Hashem to bring something back to where it was
originally. In our Bracha, we acknowledge that we have distanced
ourselves from Hashem through sin--and that Teshuvah will bring us
back--close to Hashem--to where we were before the chait. Indeed,
the Mabit writes that Teshuvah means: ‘Kreiva
LeHashem Mei’richuk Hachait--coming closer to Hashem after having
been distanced because of a sin.’ Moreover, we do not ask that
Hashem assist us with minimal Teshuvah--which one may do simply to free
himself of punishment--but rather we ask Hashem to help us with Teshuvah
Shleimah--which is Teshuvah so complete that he will not fall backwards
again. This level of Teshuvah reaches the category of ‘Lefanecha’--i.e.,
a Teshuvah in which Hashem Himself can testify that a person will not revert
to his previous sins. This is especially powerful for us, for
Chazal teach: ”Habah L’Taheir MeSayin Oso--if one wants to
purify himself, he is assisted in doing so.” With these words of
VeHachzireinu BiShuvah Shleimah Lefanecha recited sincerely and
meaningfully, we are exclaiming: ”We want to purify ourselves!”
Hakhel Note: Rabbosai--Kavannah!
-------------------------------------------------
THE TORAH’S VIEW OF YOUR SENSES!
We remind everyone of the following powerful and practical guidance provided
by HaRav Moshe Cordovero, Z’tl, in Chapter 2 of the Sefer Tomer Devorah.
The English translation is by Rabbi Dov Fink and Rabbi Shimon Finkelman (Tomer
Publications):
1.
Ears.
One’s ears should always turn to hear good, while false or despicable
reports should
not enter them at all.
Just
as in the essence of Supernal “listening”, any cry for
strict judgment or any blemish of evil gossip does not enter there; so, too,
one should not listen to anything other than good or of practical use. To
other things, which intensify anger, he should not listen at all.
Just
as the words and speech of the Nachash have no entry Above,
so, too, no despicable thing should have any entry in him (in his ears).
This
is the meaning of the phrase
“Lo Sisah Sheima Shav--you
shall not accept a false report” (Shemos 23:1). How much more so, does this
apply to other despicable things, which should not enter one’s ears at all;
as one should turn his ear only to good
things.
2. Eyes. One’s eyes should not gaze at all at anything
despicable.
Rather,
they should always
be open to watch over unfortunates and have as much mercy on them as
possible.
When
one sees the suffering of the poor,
he should not close his eyes at all.
Rather,
he should give as much thought to their predicament as possible,
arousing the mercy of both Heaven and man upon them. He should distance
himself from noticing evil,
just like the Supernal
‘Eye’
which is open, and forever sees only good.
3. Nose. Regarding the nose, a breath of wrath should never be
found in it. Rather, it should constantly contain the breath of life, good
will and patience, even toward those who are unworthy. One should always
want to fulfill the desire of others, to satisfy every request, and to
revive the broken-spirited. One should always breathe forth from his nose
forgiveness of iniquity and pardon of transgression. One should not be
angry with those who offend him; rather, he should constantly be willing to
be appeased, and he should be desirous of kindness, pleasing everyone.
4. Face. One’s face should always shine, and he should receive all
people with a cheerful countenance.
For
regarding the Supernal keser, it says,
“Be’Ohr Pnei
Melech Chaim--the
light of the King’s countenance is life.”
(Mishlei 16:15).
Just as no flush of anger or strict judgment enters there at all; so too,
the light of his countenance should be unchanging, and all who look into his
face should find nothing but joy and cheerfulness.
No
factor should distract him from this at all.
5. Mouth. One’s mouth should express nothing but good, and the
content of his words should be Torah and constant
expression of good will. No despicable words, curses,
rage, anger, or frivolous talk should escape his mouth. Rather, it should
resemble the Supernal ‘Mouth’ which is never sealed and never refrains from
speaking good at all times. Therefore,
one must not silence himself from speaking well
of everyone,
expressing good words and blessings
constantly.
Hakhel Note: Perhaps we can print out these guides, and keep them near us
throughout the day!
===================
15 Sivan
TESHUVAH MOMENT!
We
have the great ability to connect and establish our deveikus with
HaKadosh Baruch Hu through our Tefillos. May we suggest that each of our
readers today make a greater effort to daven for everything--from acting
properly towards one’s family and close friends, to reciting brachos in a
respectful way, to learning Torah with greater clarity and success….We all
know and acknowledge in our minds that everything, every single
thing is in the hands of Hashem--why not absolutely and definitively
directly express it to our Maker as well?!
-----------------------------------------
SOME THOUGHTS AS WE LEAVE PARASHAS NASO:
A.
The Pasuk (Bamidbar 7:1) teaches: “Vayehi BeYom Kalos Moshe LeHakim Es
HaMishkan--on the day that Moshe Rabbeinu completed the Mishkan….”
Rashi points out that it was Betzalel, Ahaliyav, and the Chachmei Lev
who actually effectuated the teachings of Moshe Rabbeinu--but Moshe Rabbeinu
is nevertheless credited with the building of the Mishkan, because of his
mesiras nefesh in making sure that what he learned from Hashem was
properly conveyed to and implemented by those who were performing the work.
Similarly, Rashi (ibid.) points out that the Bais HaMikdash is named as ‘
Beis Dovid’ (Melochim I, 12:16), because of Dovid HaMelech’s
great undertakings-- his mesiras nefesh in having the Bais HaMikdash
built and completed--even though it did not happen in his lifetime. We
should take a great lesson from this--when we study a Torah topic, we should
proceed with real zeal and drive to implement and effectuate that which we
have learned--for ourselves and for others. It is the mesiras nefesh
which is necessary to complete the job. After learning a Halacha which
you did not know, or which you know others did not know--what steps will you
take to ensure that the new knowledge is properly applied and bears fruits?
What will be your mesiras nefesh to bring the Mitzvah to a new level
in your life, and in the lives of others? We too, can be like Moshe
Rabbeinu and like Dovid HaMelech--it is our own personal mesiras nefesh
which can get us there! Hakhel Note: The term ‘mesirus’ should
not be viewed as connoting that one is giving-up something—but rather
that one is giving to the proper cause—reaching one’s purpose
and potential in life!
B.
The Karbonos of the Nesi’im described at the end of the Parasha reached such
a high level that they were able to each bring a ketores (which does
not otherwise exist as a Korban Yachid), and they were even able to bring it
on the outer Mizbe’ach, where the ketores is not otherwise
brought. Yet, these were the very same Nesi’im who ‘delayed’ in bringing
their donations to the Mishkan. Now, the Torah seemingly goes out of its
way, to provide for us in great detail, the great Kavod afforded to the
Nesi’im and their extraordinary Karbonos. There is an extremely powerful
lesson here. The Nesi’im fell badly in delaying their donations, yet they
did not allow themselves to ‘fall by the wayside’ and wait for another,
different or later opportunity to pick themselves back up after they had
learned their lesson. Rather, as soon as possible in whatever way they
could, they came back to the very Mishkan where they had fallen and
glorified it in a manner which is recorded for eternity. We must always
take this lesson to heart as the Yetzer Hara tries to push our recovery to
‘next time’, ‘tomorrow’ or ‘next week’. The key is to bounce back--as
quickly and as powerfully as possible!
C. By
popular request, we provide a thought we had previously published on
U’Mafli La’asos. Within the Haftarah of Parashas Naso, the Pasuk states
that upon hearing the news from the angel that Shimshon would be born,
Manoach brought a Korban. The Pasuk continues “U’Mafli La’asos--and
a wondrous thing happened,” as fire came out of a rock to consume the
offering that Manoach had brought (Shoftim 13:19 ). The Metsudos and other
Meforshim there explain that the word Mafli is rooted in the word
Peleh--an amazing and phenomenal event had just occurred--something
shocking, astonishing and miraculous--fire out of a rock!! Chazal then
remarkably “borrow” this two word phrase “UMafli La’asos,” as the
conclusion and climax of the Asher Yotzar Bracha, which we recite several
times a day in recognition of Hashem giving us the capability to take care
of our needs. By using this phrase, Chazal may want us to understand that
it is the same “Mafli La’asos” that Manoach and his wife witnessed as
they saw fire coming out of a rock to consume a Karbon--as we witness every
time we successfully take care of our bodily needs. It is a Peleh--wondrous
and extraordinary--like fire out of a rock!
We
should not, chas veshalom, have to wait for an occasion when it is difficult
or temporarily impossible for us to witness the daily Peleh we
experience in ourselves in order for us to appreciate the miracles inherent
in the Asher Yotzar. Each and every time we conclude Asher Yotzar, it
should not be with a feeling that we are just about ready to move on to
something else…. Rather--it should be with a huge acknowledgment--with a
climactic recognition and blissful declaration—”UMAFLI LA’ASOS!”
-----------------------------------------
THE
BIRTH DATE OF YEHUDA:
Today
is the birth day of Yehuda, the son of Yaakov Avinu. We all know what his
mother Leah exclaimed upon his birth--”Hapa’am Odeh Es Hashem (Bereishis
29:35)--this time I will gratefully praise Hashem!” Rashi comments that
Leah expressed this because she knew that she had received more than she was
otherwise entitled to. Today is an especially auspicious day for us to
express our humble appreciation and gratitude to Hashem for that which we do
not deserve as well. Thank you Hashem! Thank You Hashem! should be an
important hallmark of the day. Additionally, if you have a moment, the
Luach Davar B’Ito suggests that one take the favorable occasion to
read the Brachos given to Yehuda in the Torah --in Parashas Vayechi and in
Parashas Vezos HaBeracha--perhaps with the prayer that today be a special
‘Eis Ratzon’ for the brachos to take effect!
-----------------------------------------
HALACHOS OF NETILAS YADAYIM:
We
provide below several points and pointers relating to the Halachos of a
meal--including Netilas Yadayim and HaMotzi, as excerpted from the Mishna
Berurah, Dirshu Edition:
A. If
one intends to eat with only one hand, he nevertheless must wash with both
hands, as this is the Takanas Chachomim (Chazon Ish, Orach Chaim 23 seif
katan 13).
B.
Seltzer is kosher for Netilas Yadayim, because the appearance of the water
has not changed, nor has the taste been ruined (S’u’T Ohr L’Tzion
46:4).
C. If
one initially uses water to clean dirty hands--or even only one finger which
is dirty, the water can no longer be used for Netilas Yadayim (Kitzur
Shulchan Aruch 40:9). Similarly, if a dog drank from the water, the Mishna
Berurah rules that the water is pasul because it is ma’us.
However, b’sha’as hadechak one can rely on the opinions that permit
it (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 160, Mishna Berurah seif katan 23).
D.
Vaseline on one’s hand is considered to be a chatzizah and must be
removed prior to washing. Similarly, a clear glue which is otherwise
unnoticeable is considered a chatzizah--for it too has substance (Chut
HaShanim, Niddah p.279).
E.
When washing Netilas Yadayim, it is extremely important that one pour at
least a revi’is (approximately 3 ounces) at one time on each hand.
This avoids many issues of ‘yadayim temei’im’, and the revi’is,
the Mishna Berurah writes then becomes a ‘mikvah metaheres’ for
Netilas Yadayim purposes (Orach Chaim 162, Mishna Berurah seif katan 21).
F. If
one cannot wash his hands because he has no water, he can wrap his hands in
a towel or cloth. It is the hands that are wrapped--and not the
bread, because if the bread is wrapped we are still concerned that the hands
may touch the bread. It is for this reason that eating the bread with a
fork would not help as well (Avnei Yosphei 2:11 , anaf 6).
G.
One should ask a Shailas Chochom if he will be in a situation in which non-frum
individuals will be offered bread or other food products, and they will not
wash or make brachos upon them. Even though one may believe that it is
mutar for kiruv purposes, and in order to avoid a Chilul Hashem,
different facts and circumstances may nevertheless require different
responses (see, for example, Igros Moshe, Orach Chaim 5:13; Minchas Shlomo
1:35; and Shevet HaLevi 4:17).
H.
The Zohar HaKadosh teaches that it is a Mitzvah for a person to daven for
his Parnassah every day before eating. By reciting Mizmor L’Dovid
(Tehillim 23) after HaMotzi--one has both prayed for food, and learned Torah
at the table (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 170, Mishna Berurah seif katan
1). Hakhel Note: It would certainly seem appropriate to know this chapter
of Tehillim very well, as it is a mainstay of the Torah and Tefillah at our
meals!
I.
One should cut the bread at the place where it is best baked (hardest), but
not the place that it is burnt. Cutting the bread in the best possible
place is, the Mishna Berurah writes, Kavod for the bracha (ibid., 167,
Mishna Berurah seif katan 1). Hakhel Note: Even when cutting bread--we can
have the right Kavanos! Ashreinu Mah Tov Chelkeinu!
J. It
is appropriate for a person to eat a Kezayis of bread at the time that
HaMotzi is made (ibid. Mishna Berurah seif katan 15).
K. If
one recited HaMotzi, he should not hum a tune before partaking of the bread,
but BeDieved if he did, he does not need to make a new bracha (Minchas
Yitzchak 7:9 and Shevet HaLevi 5:16). Likewise, after making HaMotzi, one
should not motion with his eyes or snap his fingers--and even answering
‘Amen’ to someone else’s HaMotzi is a matter of dispute. HaRav Shlomo
Zalmen Auerbach, Z’tl, rules that if one answers Amen to the HaMotzi of
another, then it is not a hefsek Bedi’eved, but answering ‘Amen’ to
any other bracha would be a hefsek (Shemiras Shabbos KeHilchasa 48:7
and footnotes 38-39).
L.
Unlike other brachos over food, in which one holds the food in his right
hand (or left hand, if he is a lefty), when making HaMotzi, he should hold
the bread with both hands. The Shulchan Aruch itself explains that by this
his ten fingers are holding the bread, which represents the ten Mitzvos
which could be performed in order to prepare bread, and the ten words in
various apropos Pesukim, including “Einei Chol Eilecha Yesabeiru” and
“VeYitein Lecha”--both relating to one’s Parnassah. It is no small
wonder then that the bracha of HaMotzi itself has ten words! (Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 167:4).
M.
The Mishna Berurah brings in the name of the Mekubalim that one
should dip the piece he made HaMotzi on three times in salt (ibid. seif
katan 33).
N.
Although everyone is familiar with the requirement to feed his animal before
he feeds himself, HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, adds that one’s young
children who cannot take food on their own do indeed come before one’s
animals (Igros Moshe 2:52).
O. If
one makes a bracha and then realizes that there may even be a suspicion of
the food not being permissible--he should not eat it even though he will
have made a bracha levatalah--for it is forbidden for one to eat
something that may be prohibited in order to save himself from a bracha
levatalah. However, if one made a bracha on a dairy product and it was
more than four hours after he ate meat, he should eat a little bit of the
dairy product to avoid the bracha levatalah, and rely on those
who rule that four hours is a sufficient time period to wait between meat
and milk. The same would be true if one made a bracha on pas akum by
mistake--he should eat a little bit, even though he is machmir the
rest of the year (Shevet HaLevi 1: 205 and note to 206).
P. A
Ba’al HaBayis takes precedence even over a Kohen in making HaMotzi, because
he will hand out the bread “BeAyin Yafeh--with a good eye” (Shulchan
Aruch 167, Mishna Berurah seif katan 73). Nevertheless, the Ba’al HaBayis
should give the first piece of bread to the Kohen (ibid. 128, Mishna Berurah
seif katan 175).
Q. If
there is no Ba’al HaBayis or Kohen present, it is appropriate to allow a
Levi to recite the HaMotzi or lead Birkas HaMazon, if the Levi is equal to
the Yisraelim present in Torah knowledge (ibid. 201, Mishna Berurah seif
katan 13).
R.
The Rema writes that when one is being Motzi others, he states: “B’Reshus
Morai V’Rabosai” (ibid. 167, Mishna Berurah seif katan 14).
S. An
adult can make a bracha with the child of another (i.e., even not his own
child), if they do not know how to make a bracha on their own--and even if
the adult will not be eating (ibid. 167, Mishna Berurah seif katan 73).
T. The Shelah HaKadosh writes that one should leave a little bit of bread
from his HaMotzi to eat at the end of his meal so that he is left with the
taste of the ‘HaMotzi’ in his mouth (ibid. 167, Mishna Berurah seif katan
97). Hakhel Note: On Pesach there is the taste of the Afikoman, the rest
of the year there is the taste of the HaMotzi. What a great lesson! For
the Torah Jew--the taste we are to be left with--is the taste of Mitzvos!
===================
14 Sivan
YOU’RE NOT GETTING
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--------------------------------------------------
NINETEEN WEEKS!
We are now in the
fifth of the nineteen week period prior to Rosh Hashana. In past years,
we have proceeded weekly, Bracha by Bracha, through Shemone Esrei with a
special emphasis on Kavannah on that week’s Bracha. This week’s Bracha
is
Teshuva.
How fortunate we are that we think of Teshuva every day --at least three
times a day--and that we can actually ASK FOR HASHEM’S ASSISTANCE in
doing Teshuva! The Sefer Olas Tomid notes that both in this bracha
and in the next bracha of Selach Lonu-we approach Hashem as Avinu--asking
for that extra level of mercy that a Father can grant. Accordingly, we
should be sure not to skip over the words quickly--but instead stop and
recite the bracha with the kavannah that it deserves! Rebbi Yonasan
Eibeschutz, Z’tl, in the Sefer Ya’aros Devash writes that when
reciting this bracha, a person should ask Hashem to extend His hand--His
sharvit hazahav to accept one’s Teshuva, and plead that even if one’s
Teshuva is tested, Hashem will assist him the second time as well. The
Ya’aros Devash adds the Teshuva we are being mispallel for is not only
our own--but that of all of K’lal Yisrael. Let us think of our
brethren--relatives and friends and those across the globe who have to be
brought closer to Avinu--our Father--each in his own way.
We provide by the following link our additional
notes to the Nineteen Brachos for the years 5771 and 5772
http://www.hakhel.info/TefillahArchive.html May we highly recommend the
Nineteen Week Program again this year--either based upon your own study
(such as by utilizing the magnificent Rav Schwab on Prayer or another
similar work), or by utilizing the link provided on a daily basis throughout
the week.
Additional Note: It is no coincidence, at it never is, that the
Mitzvah of Vidui was found in last week’s Parasha. Let us implement last
week’s Parasha in a measurable way this week!
--------------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
As we look around us, we will notice that there are those whose Ruchniyus in
life appears to be greater, and others whose Gashmiyus seems more expansive,
than our own. We can well understand that each and every person has his own
Nisyonos and his particular purpose and mission in life. What is more
difficult to fathom, however, is when to accept, and when to reject, the
advice, the guidance and the direction of others. HaRav Chaim Kanievsky,
Shlita, provides the following parable, which he believes to be an ancient
and time-tested one: “Once a father and son were traveling, with the father
riding on a donkey and the son accompanying alongside, walking by foot. Soon
after setting off, a passerby looked up to the father and said: ‘Is this how
you treat your son--have you no mercy on your own progeny?!’ The father
quickly alighted off the donkey and put his son on it instead. Soon after, a
second passerby looked up to the son riding high and shouted: ‘Is this your
Kibbud Av?!’ The son reacted quickly, urging his father to join him for the
ride on the donkey’s back. Traveling a bit further, they encountered a third
pedestrian who looked up at them and shouted: ‘Have you no mercy on this
poor donkey?!’ They promptly both descended from the donkey and walked
alongside it. A short while later, a fourth passerby looked at the scene and
said to his friend--loud enough for all to hear: ‘Look at this--three
donkeys walking next to each other!’ The father and son realized there was
only one other alternative left--they jointly took the donkey and put it on
their shoulders, carrying it for the remainder of the trip!” This is the end
of a person who takes each and every person’s influence as to how he should
lead his life, what he should be accomplishing-and how and what he should be
doing, . One cannot be influenced by all of his surroundings, and all those
that surround him. Does he need this or that because it is indispensable to
the next person, or because ‘there is no other way to live’ according to
that person. Instead, he should look into himself, understanding who he is
and who he should be, take the suggestions and advice of others--and look to
direction from his Rav or Posek to guide his needs, his conclusions and his
actions!
--------------------------------------------------
ON THE YAHRZEIT OF HARAV CHAIM
VOLOZHINER:
Today
is the Yahrzeit of HaRav Chaim Volozhiner, Z’tl, the awesome founder of
Yeshivas Volozhin, and Mechaber of the classic Sefer Nefesh HaChaim,
among other works. In honor of HaRav Chaim, we present several of his
teachings below:
1. A
person must always know and appreciate that his deeds are not ‘shefalim’--low
and unimportant. Rather, every part of one’s life is consequential and
important in this world and to this world, and has far-reaching consequences
in the heavenly spheres as well. A person is not ‘a world onto himself’
only in an allegorical sense-but in a literal way. His heart, as the source
and place of his thought, is the Kodesh HaKodoshim--the epicenter of his
world, which acts in tandem with all of the other worlds around him.
Accordingly, if one allows anger or desire to enter his being even
temporarily--it is as if he is, c’v, setting a fire, albeit only
temporarily, in the center of his world--in the Holy of Holies. On the
other hand, of course, performance of Mitzvos and Ma’asim Tovim bring
unimaginable (because it is not physical) Kedusha into oneself, which is his
world at large--and actually raises the level of Kedusha of the heavens!
Indeed, even the Malochim benefit from a person’s proper actions through a
‘Tosefes Kedusha Ahl Kedushasom’-- their Kedusha actually becomes
increased as well. It is especially appropriate for a person to have in
mind when learning Torah or performing a mitzvah that he intends to bring
Kedusha into himself and into all worlds through his actions. This teaching
may not appear to be very light--but it is very real!
2.
Following from the previous point: Some raise themselves up when reciting
Kedusha. The reason for this may be that one is in effect demonstrating
that he is connecting to the upper worlds, and raising their level of
Kedusha (which they themselves cannot do)--by and through his earthly words
and actions of Kedusha!
3.
Through the recitation of Perek Shira, one enables the Malochim and the
Sarim of these creatures to sing their respective Shiros, and these heavenly
beings are thereby enabled to continue influencing the lives and continued
existence of each of the creatures they were created to represent. Hakhel
Note: It is perhaps for this reason that the Torah teaches us that the
animals will fear us--for they may especially recognize that their survival
is dependent on our actions!
4.
Chazal do not teach that everyone has a part “BaOlam” Haba--but
rather “LaOlam” Haba. BaOlam Haba would indicate that there is a set
and designated place which one goes to if he earns it. That is not the
case, however. One’s Olam Haba is ‘Ma’aseh Yedei Adam Atzmo’--the
handiwork of the person himself--who actually constructs his own
personalized Olam Haba through the quantity and quality of his individual
and specific Ma’asim Tovim.
5.
Conversely, when one sins he creates a Ruach Hatumah which one does not
sense but remains present with him until the aveira is completed. If one
does not undo what he has done in his lifetime, the Ruchos Hatumah will be
fully sensed upon death, and their envelopment of him will be real
punishment. These Ruchos Hatumah will not exist eternally, however--whereas
the Kedusha created by Ma’asim Tovim will benefit the person forever and
ever.
6.
The word “Baruch” at the outset of a bracha is translated by many as a word
of tribute or praise. The word actually means ‘Tosefes Ve’ribui’--addition
and increase. Through our bracha, we express our awareness and appreciation
that Hashem is the ultimate source of all influence and the absolute cause
of all existence in all worlds. We do not understand His limitless powers or
His infinite strength--but we know enough to recognize that the item or
event upon which we are reciting the bracha emanates only from His utter
graciousness and goodness to us. Through our proper expression and
recognition of this, we can hopefully bring more shefa--more of His
Divine Influence into the world around us.
7.
When Chazal teach that Moshe Rabbeinu (Bamidbar 11:2, as explained in
Brachos 31B), or Eliyahu, or Chana cast words ‘against the heavens’ when
they davened to Hashem for a Yeshua--it does not mean that they complained
or were even perplexed by Hashem’s actions. Rather, it means that they
davened to Hashem not out of concern for their own tza’ar-- but
‘against the heavens’--out of concern for the tza’ar of the Shechina
which was suffering along with them. One must look beyond himself when
davening to the much broader picture of all that he is really davening for.
Moreover, one is mechuyav--obligated to find eitzos as to how
he can fight the ‘Milchemes Mitzvah’ of having Kavannah while
davening. Our Tefillos take the place of Karbanos--the effectiveness of
which were wholly dependent on the Kohen’s thoughts. Through his
thoughts--the Korban could become permanently disqualified as ‘pigul’--or
rise-up gracefully as a ‘Reiach Nichoach’. We must also
remember that each one of our Tefillos constitutes its own stand-alone
Korban--creating its own benefits and tikunim which had previously
not been brought into the world from the time of the institution of Tefillah
--and will never be replicated again in the future. Accordingly, we should
treasure each irreplaceable Tefillah for what it really, truly is--something
that is ‘Omed B’rumo Shel Olam--standing at the height of the
world’--ready and able to bring holiness and light into the world through
the proper recitation of its purified and refined words!
8. As
provided in the past, the following link
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/SegulahGedolah.pdf
is one of his most famous writings in the Sefer Nefesh HaChaim--a
Segula Gedolah VeNifla’ah on the topic of Ain Od Milevado.
Try to go through the day today with a special emphasis on everything
happening around you based only in Ain Od Milevado--it is all
Hashem’s Will and no one else’s; no other consideration, no other force--not
an army, not a dictator, not a pronouncement, not a decree is of any
independent meaning or consequence!
===================
11 Sivan
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
If the
Bais HaMikdash is rebuilt, then one certainly would hope to! We add,
however, that there is still something we can attempt today--even without a
Bais HaMikdash standing. The Rema (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 167:5)
writes as follows: “It is a Mitzvah to bring salt to the table before one
makes Hamotzi, because the table is like a Mizbe’ach and eating is like
consuming a Karbon--and the Torah teaches that we should put salt on all
of our Karbanos.” The Mishna Berurah (ibid., seif katan 31) explains that
the reason ‘eating is like consuming a Karbon’ is because a person eats to
strengthen himself in order to be healthy and strong to serve Hashem. We
can well understand, then, why many have the custom of reciting the words:
“Hineni Rotzeh Le’echol V’Lishtos Kedei She’eheyeh Bari VeChazak
LeAvodas Hashem Yisborach--I am about to eat and drink in order to be
healthy and strong for the service of Hashem Yisborach.”(See also Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 231, Mishna Berurah, seif katan 5 in which this exact
nusach is brought) Hakhel Note: Remember--Achilah KeKarbon--today
and every day!
---------------------------------------------
OBSERVATION!
In
this week’s Parasha we find Mitzvah 364, the Mitzvah of Vidui--verbally
confessing to Hashem that one has sinned. The Chidushei Harim points out
that the Mitzvah of Vidui is found in the Parasha in the course of
discussing a stolen item (Vehisvadu Es Chatasam--Bamidbar 5:7)
because whatever the sin might be--when one sins he is stealing--stealing
Hashem’s aspirations of him, and stealing from his own potential! The
Sefer HaChinuch writes that Vidui is a separate requirement in the
Teshuvah process because through orally admitting his sin, one demonstrates
that he believes that Hashem knows all of his thoughts and actions and one
cannot hide from Hashem, or even pretend that Hashem does not see him.
Additionally, when one verbally expresses his sin and his remorse, it will
aid him to not return to his previous misdeeds. We are now less than four
months…to Yom Kippur! If we know of a sin that we have committed, why wait
until then, when we can purify ourselves today. Most certainly, whenever we
realize we have sinned (whether it be Bein Adam LaMakom or Bein
Adam LeChaveiro)--the order of the day…and the order of the hour should
be the immediate Vidui!
------------------------------------------------------
B’KOL!
At the
end of the first Perek of Mesechta Avos, the classic
Mishnayos commentary Tiferes Yisrael provides general Kelalim for
Hatzlacha in Torah study. One of the very important points he makes is that
Kol--studying aloud causes foreign, side-tracking thoughts to
disperse--focusing oneself entirely on the Torah before him. Moreover, adds
the Tiferes Yisrael, learning aloud makes a special
Roshem B’Nefesh--which causes one to better remember his learning as
well!
Additional Note:
The
Mincha Chadasha learns that because the Mishna (Avos 1:2) teaches that
the world stands on three pillars--Torah, Avodah and Gemilas Chasodim--one
should therefore try to accomplish all three as soon as possible every
morning to do his/her part in keeping the world going! One’s ‘Avodah’ can
be accomplished by his/her Avodah of the heart--i.e., davening, the pillar
of ‘Torah’ is accomplished by especially learning even if only for a few
moments before or after davening--and the pillar of Chesed can be performed
by making sure to perform some act of Chesed (for an individual or if you
are in Shul for the Tzibbur) before you leave your ‘davening time’ or
otherwise start your day. Avos teaches us at its very outset that each and
every person should keep the world going --and we can all easily do our part
as we start the day ahead of us!
---------------------------------------------------
FINAL POST-SHAVUOS POINTS AND POINTERS:
A. It
is reported that the Gerrer Rebbe provided a remarkable contrast between
Pesach and Succos, on the one hand, and Shavuos on the other. At the
conclusion of Pesach, we immediately begin to eat Chometz again (although,
contrary to popular opinion, the Halacha does not require that pizza be
consumed on Motza’ei Pesach). When Succos ends, we promptly leave the
temporary booths and snuggle-up in our homes for the Winter. When it comes
to Shavuos, however, we do not conclude, end, or terminate anything. Quite
to the contrary, we all know that we are to continue that which we
began on Shavuos, which is to dedicate and rededicate ourselves to Torah
study and a refined Torah lifestyle.
B. One
practical, easy and important post-Shavuos recommendation is to think about
the Ma’amad Har Sinai --in which we unfathomably ‘heard’ the
lightening and ‘saw’ the thunder, the unrelenting Shofar blast, the literal
shaking of the hills and mountains, the fearful and wondrous awe, the
stillness of creation, the fire pillaring from Har Sinai into the heights of
heaven--all so that we would forever realize and appreciate the moment of
Hashem revealing Himself to man in this world--and the incomparable gift and
inestimable privilege we thereby received forever. Every morning--no matter
how tired we are, how many things we have on our head, how much we have to
do in the morning alone, and even if we are terribly late--we must remember
that those few short moments of Birchos HaTorah are the moments that we have
to testify that we realize that we are a precious and irreplaceable part of
the most valuable chain that the world has ever known--conveying Hashem’s
personal and direct message as to the purpose of man and the meaning of
life. We owe it to ourselves to treasure these few moments, in great
appreciation and thanks, as we visualize the event, and dedicate ourselves
to Torah and Mitzvos in the day ahead in a manner befitting the grandeur and
glory--and sheer unparalleled importance--of the most precious of heavenly
possessions that was gifted to us then--and is gifted to us anew every
single day!
C.
Shlomo HaMelech, the wisest of all men, teaches us in the last, ultimate,
chapter of Mishlei, known to us as Aishes Chayil, that the key,
perhaps concomitantly most elusive and elevating, element of Torah study,
the aspect that brings one to the height of service, is “Chayil”,
valor or strength, in Torah learning. [Please recall our point
yesterday--that both Boaz and Rus were described in the Megillah with this
term--Chayil!] We must put our efforts, our strengths, our
wherewithal into Torah study in no less measure than into our business
goals, monetary objectives and anything else in life that is very important
to us. It is no coincidence (as we know, there is never a “coincidence”,
and there never can be one) that the Gematria of Chayil is equal to 48,
symbolizing the need to strive for all 48 Ways. Moreover, the number 48 (Mem
Ches) spells Mo’ach, indicating the necessity of seriously putting
one’s entire mind to attaining Torah knowledge and practice. Chazal teach
that “Torah weakens the strength of a person”. In truth, most activity
weakens a person, whose soul is housed in flesh and blood. If something is
to weaken a person, it is certainly much more preferred that it be Torah
than...
D. As
we approach the first Shabbos away from Shavuos, we note that the Parashas
HaShavua is Parashas Naso. Among other mitzvos, the Parasha contains some
enormous lessons on why and how to control the Yetzer Hara, and the kinds of
brachos we should look to give and to receive. We would like here to only
point to the fact that this Parasha is almost always read on the Shabbos
after Shavuos, and that it is the longest Parasha in the Torah. Part of the
reason it is the longest Parasha is that each of the 12 Nesseim’s private
donations to the Mishkan is separately detailed, notwithstanding that the
donations are otherwise fully identical in object, kind and amount. Chazal
(at length in Bamidbar Rabba on these Pesukim) teach that this
individualized detail was not done so that we can simply stay more attached
to Yom Tov by reading more and more Pesukim of Torah right after Shavuos
(although this, in and of itself, would be a sufficient reason). Rather,
the Midrash teaches that behind the otherwise identical and seemingly (c’v)
repetitive Pesukim is a lesson for eternity--that they all looked the same,
but that they were all very different, because each Nassi had his own
Kavanos, his personal thoughts, when he brought his Korban. We can derive a
very important lesson from this relating to the study of Torah itself.
While many people may appear to learn similar Torah topics, as they may be
among the tens of thousands who study the Parasha with Rashi weekly, or the
thousands who learn two Halachos of Shemiras HaLashon every day, or part of
the 15 people attending a local Daf Yomi shiur, there really is a
difference, because the manner of study of no two are the same--and we need
each and every one of them! My Torah Study, your Torah Study, his Torah
Study--it is all essential for oneself, and for K’lal Yisrael!
E.
HaRav Matisyahu Salomon, Shlita, [Matisyahu Chaim Ben Ettel, may he have a
Refuah Sheleimah Bekarov] explains why the particularly moving Niggun for
Mussar is different than the tune that we otherwise use when studying. The
Niggun for Mussar is intended to especially penetrate into one’s heart so
that the Yiras Shomayim is deeply implanted there. The Yiras Shomayim
generated then serves to open one’s heart to his Torah studies.
F.
The Yiras Shomayim so necessary for learning by no means detracts from the
Simcha we are to experience over Torah Study--as the privilege of eternity.
As we have recommended in the past, a wonderful way to inspire one’s
learning Torah B’Simcha is to recite or sing the words “Ashreinu
Mah Tov Chelkenu U’Mah Na’im Goraleinu--how fortunate is our portion,
how fortunate is our lot!”--with sincerity and feeling, before beginning to
learn!
------------------------------------------------------
WE
CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
A. On
Erev Shabbos, one of the most common aspects of preparation for Shabbos is
cleansing oneself Lekavod Shabbos--as the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 260:1)
writes: “It is a Mitzvah (Shabbos 25B) to wash oneself with warm water [the
Rema adds one’s entire body, and if one cannot, then his face, hands and
legs], and it is also a Mitzvah (Shabbos 31A) to shampoo one’s head as
well.” When taking a shower on Erev Shabbos, there are several items that
one can remember which would help to distinguish the shower of a Torah
Jew--from the shower of others, and even of animals who find ways of
cleaning themselves. Beyond the Mitzvah of Kavod Shabbos, any time one
takes a shower or bath, one is taking good care of his Tzelem
Elokim--and is thus demonstrating Kavod Shomayim as well. Moreover, one
showering or bathing should remember his Ruchniyus in other areas as well:
(1) As the Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 2, seif katan 7)
writes, one washes his head first as the melech or king of the other
limbs of the body, and then his right side first, as the side that is more
chashuv; (2) One should appreciate the ability to become clean, and
the pleasure of feeling clean--which are great gifts; (3) One should
remember that just as we wash our bodies, we must cleanse our souls--as we
should use the lessons of Olam Hazeh for everlasting purposes. Indeed, the
Sefer Tomer Devorah in commenting on the Pasuk Ki Imcha HaSelicha
teaches that [with our Teshuvah] Hashem Himself washes away the filth of our
sins; (4) It is a wonderful time for Hisbodedus--and need not as a
matter of course and habit be frittered away with ‘waste of time’ thoughts.
Indeed, as we have noted in the past, HaRav Scheinberg, Z’tl, would urge his
students to think Torah thoughts while taking a shower (if the shower room
is clean), rather than allowing important time every day get wasted away.
If one thinks about it, 10 or some minutes a say in the shower amounts to
approximately an hour a week--more than 50 hours (or two full days) a year!
Yes, to the Torah Jew--even a shower can and should be a Torah experience!
B. We
continue to discuss practical situations which could involve the Melacha of
Lisha, or combining substances to form a new mass:
1. If
combining the two items together simply results in a complete liquid, then
it is considered to be a davar hanozel--a liquid substance, which is
not a solid mass at all. Accordingly, one can mix two drinks together.
2.
When one takes a drink while food is still in his mouth, the combination of
the solid and liquid within the mouth is considered to be derech achilah--in
the course of eating, and not a Lisha issue. Note: There was a gum
produced several years ago in which the object of the gum was to produce a
type of Lisha in the mouth through its combination with one’s saliva. The
gum, which was especially produced in this way for this reason, did raise a
Lisha MiD’oraysah issue according to some Poskim.
3.
Although Borer and perhaps Tochen are permitted close to the
Seudah, the Shemiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa (8:2) rules that there is no
such Heter relating to Lisha. Thus, it would be prohibited to mix
honey and cheese together, even if one intends to serve the mixture
immediately. (ibid., 8:16)
4. It
is permitted to mix cinnamon together with rice to make the food
tastier--for this is not a new combination but just a better tasting rice
dish. This is considered to just be only a tikun ochel--an
improvement to the original food. (ibid., 8:25)
5. If
one had previously cooked potatoes and mashed them (mashed potatoes), one
can pour gravy on them and mix the gravy with the potatoes--as this will
have the effect of softening the mixture rather than turning it into a new
mass, provided that one does so le’at, le’at--in small quantities at
a time, so as to clearly distinguish it from an act of Lisha [one
should consult with his Rav or Posek as to what a small quantity would be
considered in this context]. (ibid, 8:24)
---------------------------------------------
WE
PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING POINTS AND POINTERS ON THIS WEEK’S PARASHA, PARASHAS
NASO:
A.
Rebbi Tzadok HaKohen, Z’tl, asks a simple but perplexing question. Why is
it that in the Torah She’Bichsav, in the written Torah, the Parasha of Sotah
is placed before the Parasha of Nazir, but that in the Torah She’b’al Peh,
Mesechta Nazir precedes Mesechta Sotah--why the juxtaposition? He
beautifully answers that the written Torah teaches us that we must realize
that the events that we witness or experience have occurred in front of (or
to) us because of Hashgacha Pratis--with Hashem especially placing
them there for us to learn from--because we simply need the lesson. If
someone sees the sad and difficult Sotah procedure--it will leave a real
impact upon him, and he will learn to better quash and regulate his own
desires going forward. The Torah She’b’al Peh, however, which places
the Nazir ahead of the Sotah teaches us that while indeed we must learn from
the events around us--it is truly better to be in control before the event
even happens--be a Nazir, so that you don’t have to get to the step in which
Hashem must show you the Sotah to learn from. In fact, this is what Chazal
often look to accomplish with their Gezairos and Takanos--avoiding the
temptation and keeping that extra step away from the Yetzer Hara’s
stretching grasp. Of course, it is our sacred duty to learn from our
experiences, because it demonstrates our Bitachon in Hashem’s watchful eye
and guiding hand --but it would be better yet if we taught ourselves the
personal lessons we need to be successful in our own lives. As Hillel
teaches in Avos (1:14)--“If I am not for myself--who is for me?!” before
taking that extra helping at the smorgasbord, before engaging in an extra
indulgence or purchasing that item that you “really don’t need”--remember
that Chazal recommend that you put yourself first--the Nazir staying one
step ahead of the Sotah!
B.
Chazal teach that if a person undertakes to be a Nazir and does not provide
a time frame for his nezirus--then “Stam Nezirus, Sheloshim Yom--a
standard Nezirus is 30 days”. After spending much effort in contemplating
the source of this Halacha, Chazal conclude that the source is the term ‘
Kodosh Yiheye--he shall be holy’ (Bamidbar 6:5)--in which the gematria
of ‘Yiheye--he shall be’ is 30. How long ‘shall he be’ a Nazir
unless he specifies otherwise--30 days. The Chofetz Chaim points to how
precious one word of Torah is--the mere numerical value of a word comprised
of only four letters teaches us the laws of Nazir for all of time! We must
accordingly take and treat each and every word of Torah with the utmost
consideration and regard--each and every word is a spiritual atom from which
great kedusha can be infused and processed into our lives and being. Look
at a single word of Torah--think about it and contemplate it--there is
absolutely nothing that can compare!
C.
There is a wonderful lesson learned from the fact that Birkas Kohanim was
first recited in the desert --before Aharon and his sons received Terumos,
Bikkurim and the like as the Matanos Kehuna. If they would have already
been receiving these gifts, then in blessing the people they would also be
blessing themselves--for when the people had more bounty, so would they.
This is not the optimum way of giving a bracha--blessing someone else with
one’s own interests in mind as well. Rather, the Torah teaches--when giving
a bracha give it with a full and selfless heart--focusing exclusively and
entirely on what is best for the recipient of the bracha, and not regarding
for the moment how you could ‘also’ benefit from the very same blessing. Be
effusive in your bracha--but also make sure to make it wholesome, untainted
and pure!
---------------------------------------------
SOME ADDITIONAL POINTS ON BIRKAS KOHANIM:
A.
The Mishna in Sotah (37B) provides a list of differences between the Birkas
Kohanim as we know it today and the Birkas Kohanim in its pristine form in
the Bais Hamikdash:
1.
Outside of the Mikdash, they are three separate Brachos--whereas in the
Bayis it is one uninterrupted bracha.
2.
Outside of the Mikdash, the Shem Hashem is pronounced in the same manner as
when we make all other brachos, whereas in the Mikdash the Ineffable Shem is
used.
3.
Outside of the Mikdash, Kohanim lift their hands to shoulder height,
whereas in the Mikdash the hands are raised above their heads with the
Shechinah above their fingers.
Thus,
even what we can do now will simply be performed on a more sublime and
supernal level when the Bais Hamikdash returns. We have much to look
forward to!
B. The
first word of Birkas Kohanim is Yevarechecha, which Rashi (quoting
the Midrash) explains as referring to monetary blessing. As a primary
matter, we must remember the Source of even all of our physical and worldly
blessings. This very same bracha ends with VeYishmirecha--it is one
thing to have a bracha--it is another thing to have it safeguarded and
preserved. We must remember that this too comes from Hashem--and only from
Hashem!
C.
Finally, Rashi emphasizes that the word Emor--tell the Kohanim to
give the bracha is spelled maleih--with a vav. This teaches
that the bracha should not be given quickly and in haste--but B’Kavannah
U’V’Lev Shaleim--with feeling and a complete heart. Oh, how we should
remember these words when we give a bracha!
---------------------------------------------
ONE FINAL POINT ON THE PARASHA.
In carefully following the Kriyas HaTorah, one may have recognized that the
Nasi of Shevet Gad was Elyasaf ben Deu’el (Bamidbar 7:42). Elsewhere, the
Torah refers to his father’s name not as Deu’el, but as Reu’el (Bamidbar
2:14)--with the Raish and Daleth being interchanged. If one follows this
Raish-Daleth interchange elsewhere--then what word would one discover within
the word Torah? Todah—Thanks--for ultimately the Torah teaches us the great
Thanks we owe to Hashem for each and every moment of opportunity in our
lives--and for the Torah itself which guides us through each and every step
of the way!
===================
10 Sivan
NINETEEN WEEKS! As we forge through the Fourth Week of our
Nineteen Weeks of Shemone Esrei Improvement, we focus on the fourth bracha
of Atta Chonein.
By the following link, we provide a wonderful review (in Hebrew) of the
powerful fourth bracha by Rabbi Ronen Shaharabani,
Shlita.
http://tinyurl.com/j6xkoff
-------------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
The Bracha of Ahavas Olam is especially significant in that it movingly
begins by describing Hashem’s love for us in giving us the Torah and the
Mitzvos. It continues by us, in turn, expressing our dedication to Torah as
we exclaim: “Ki Heim Chayeinu V’Orech Yameinu U’Vahem Ne’hegeh Yomam
Valaylah--for they [Torah and Mitzvos] are our life and length of our
days…. Because of the significance of this Bracha, HaRav Matisyahu Salomon,
Shlita, gives a phrase-by-phrase explanation of it in his Sefer Matnas
Chelko. One important post-Shavuos Kabbalah (bli neder) would be
to recite Ahavas Olam with feeling--no matter how tired or rushed one
may be. A Hiddur Mitzvah would certainly be to convince the Ma’ariv
Minyan at which he davens at to do likewise--rather than rush through this
beautiful bracha to get to Shema. How many times a day do we have the
opportunity to formally declare together with other members of K’lal Yisrael
“Ki Heim Chayeinu”?!
-------------------------------------------------
POST-SHAVUOS POINTS AND POINTERS:
A.
We had previously discussed the concept of Shavuos being only one day, to
emphasize the importance of even one day of Torah study. A mashal provided
by Rav Yaakov Neiman, Z’tl, in the Sefer Darchei Mussar, further
enlightens us on the concept of Shavuos being one day. Before navigation
systems (and even street lights) were invented, a Jew once traveled at night
along a dark highway, hoping to reach his important destination peacefully.
He came upon a fork in the road, and a sign in front of it. However, because
it was the middle of the night and rain clouds blocked the light of the
moon, he could not even read the sign. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning shot
forth and illuminated the sign for a very brief moment. Success!! He now
knew where he was going. The road to the right was his path! He needed no
further instruction. Shavuos provides us with that incredible short-term
illumination that was needed. All we need to do now is keep ourselves on the
road. Hashem has done what He had to do--it’s now up to us!
B. At a Hakhel Shiur, Rabbi Jonathan Rietti, Shlita, beautifully explained
what he believed to be Rebbi Akiva’s greatest legacy to us: Looking back,
what was it that turned around Rebbi Akiva’s life from being an am
ha’aretz who ‘wanted to bite Talmidei Chachomim’ to a Talmid Chochom of
such massive and world-changing proportions. Rabbi Rietti teaches that
when Rebbi Akiva saw the water dripping on the rock, and the cavity that had
been dug by the drips, he came to the great realization that every
drop--every single drop--made a perhaps unnoticeable--but real difference.
No drop was insignificant. Although one could not tell what any particular
drop had accomplished, nor the difference between one drop and another--it
was clear that without every single drop, the large hole in that mighty rock
would not have been carved out. As a result of what he saw and understood,
Chazal teach: “MiYad Chazar Lilmod Torah--he immediately decided to
leave his status as an am ha’aretz and go to study Torah.” From the
powerful sight and through his powerful vision, Rebbi Akiva understood for
himself and taught the world forever after that every effort makes a
difference--and that $1 million is not a gross number--but one million times
one. While a person in a real depression would say that nothing he ever
does makes a difference, that nothing he ever does counts--Rebbi Akiva
understood that to be the opposite of the real truth--for it all counts.
One should never, ever give up--for there is no such thing as a wasted
smile, a wasted good word, or a wasted effort. As we take leave of the
Sefira period and will soon even conclude the Shivas Yemei Tashlumin
after Shavuos--let us remember this great teaching of Rebbi Akiva--and drive
ourselves forward with every additional Pasuk, every additional Mishna,
every additional Dvar Torah, so that we can reach the depths of the
wonderful and powerful natural spring within us--drop by drop by drop!
--------------------------------------------
MEGILAS RUS--PRACTICAL POINTS AND POINTERS:
How can one not be overawed by the tremendous lessons contained in the short
Megilah known as Megilas Rus? In only 85 Pesukim, one can glean so many
practical and vibrant lessons. We provide below 15 short thoughts. We
encourage our readers to make their own list of teachings and share them
with us, for there are oh, so many! We note that we read Rus in
public on Shavuos after having read Shir HaShirim on Pesach. Perhaps
if we can take and apply that which we have learned--we will prevent the
need for the next Megilah reading which would have otherwise been
Eicha on Tisha B’Av.
1. Why
does the Moshiach need to come from two unions which are so similar to Yibum:
Yehuda and Tamar beget Peretz and Boaz and Rus beget Oved? HaRav Mattisyahu
Salomon, Shlita, brings from the Chasid Ya’avitz that the Geulah will
come from simple Chesed performed to family members. When Hashem sees Chesed
performed because of one’s feelings of closeness and not necessarily based
on another’s merits, Hashem too will provide His Chesed to us not based upon
our zechusim--but based upon His feeling of closeness to us. The act
of Yibum is the epitome of this kind of familial Chesed---when one knows
that the progeny born will be attributed to the deceased, and is accordingly
a selfless act of the one performing the Yibum on behalf of a family member.
2.
Chazal teach that the name Rus was appropriate, for her descendant would be
Dovid HaMelech who would provide so many Shiros V’Sishbachos to
Hashem. We see two things. Firstly that one’s purpose in life, which is
symbolized by his name can be fulfilled generations later, and secondly that
the great accomplishment of Dovid HaMelech was his Shiros V’Sishbachos
to Hashem.
3.
What a difficult beginning Rus had--her husband passing away; leaving her
native land penniless; accompanying an elderly woman who was also penniless
and bereft of her family; starting off in a new land taking charity. Yet,
there was never any inkling of despair at any point--only courage and
determination. All beginnings are difficult. It is the end that counts.
4.
Chesed pervades Megilas Rus. All of the Chesed that Rus performed to Na’ami
and the Chesed that Na’ami performed towards Rus--directing her to the right
husband and ultimately to Moshiach. Then there is the Chesed that Boaz
performed to Rus in the course of her gleanings from his field, and
directing his workers as to how to deal with her. There is also the Chesed
of Rus to Boaz--as Boaz himself states ( 3:10 ): “Heitavt Chasdeich
Ha’acharon Min HaRishon Levilti Leches Acharei HaBachurim--in not
looking for a younger husband, but in taking him”. In contrast, there is the
apparent lack of Chesed shown by Elimelech in leaving the land when the
people seem to need him. All of this is codified in Megilas Rus. Perhaps
this is to teach us that Chesed is not a social requirement, a social skill
or a social ambiance to the Torah Jew, but is very much part of the Torah
itself. As we recite in Eishes Chayil--it is Toras Chesed Ahl Leshona.
5. The
Megilah spends time to teach us that Bo’az greeted his workers with the
words (2:4): “Hashem Imachem”, and that his workers responded: “Yevarechecha
Hashem”. We must take the time to bless others. It is not only a Chesed,
but also has practical effects in bringing the bracha. Note that both Bo’az
and the workers used the name Hashem in their bracha. The Rashbam in this
week’s Parasha (on Birkas Kohanim) explains that one should bless another
saying: “Hashem should bless you”--recognizing the Source of
blessing--within the bracha itself.
6.
While the name Rus indicated much about her, Orpah, who decided not to
accompany Na’ami seems to have her name based in the name Oref--which means
back of the neck. She turned her back on Na’ami. The consequences of what
she did were disastrous--not only for herself, but for her descendant,
Galyas. Before turning your back on anyone, for any reason--think twice or
three times!
7. We
know that Na’ami and Rus returned because the famine stopped, and the crops
returned to Eretz Yisrael. What caused this to occur? The Targum to Rus
emphasizes several times that it was the Tefillos of Bo’az. We see the
incredible power of one person’s Tefillos. One person can leave a nation in
a time of crisis, and one person can save the nation at the very same time.
8. The
Megilah (3:8) records: “Vayehi Bachatzi HaLailah”--Bo’az realized
Rus’s presence at midnight. This is identical to the Torah’s description of
Makas Bechoros, which was also Vayehi Bachatzi HaLailah. Geulah
begins to burgeon at the epitome of night. Let us be especially aware of
this in our times--and conduct ourselves accordingly!
9.
Upon Rus taking leave of Bo’az, he gives her food for Na’ami--explaining
(3:17): “Ahl Tavo’i Reikam Ehl Chamoseich”. Although this was a
tremendous moment--Bo’az was about to be involved in the geulah of his
uncle, Elimelech’s Nachalah and the Yibum-like marriage of Rus--he did not
forget about the needs of others.
10. We
learn that Tov or Ploni Almoni told Bo’az that he could not marry Rus (4:6):
“Pen Ashchis Es Nachalasi--lest I destroy my inheritance”. The Targum
explains that he was worried that taking on a second wife would cause
marital rife with his first wife. Rashi explains that he was unsure whether
one could marry an Amonis. Either way, he lost one of the
opportunities not only of a lifetime, but of the world’s entire existence.
When making important decisions, one cannot rely on his own thinking and
rationales--but must consult Da’as Torah. It is life-changing--and
life-giving!
11.
The Pasuk (4:13) records: “Vayitein Hashem Lah Heirayon--and
Hashem gave her [Rus] conception”. In the Sefer Let There Be Rain,
the story is brought of a young man who had a baby girl and went to tell
HaRav Shach, Z’tl. HaRav Shach asked him if he had made a Kiddush and he
responded that he had not yet thought about it. HaRav Shach told him that if
a person had to wait eight years before having a child--he surely would have
thought about it. All the more so should a person who did not have to wait,
think about a Kiddush--giving appropriate prompt thanks and recognition to
Hashem!
12. We
are familiar with the naming of the baby with the words (4:14): “Veyikarei
Shemo (or Shemah) B’Yisrael”. This does not simply mean that his or her
name will be ‘called’--but is a bracha that the baby become great--as the
Targum (ibid.) puts it--may his name become great-may he be known as one of
the Tzaddikei Yisrael. Let us keep this in mind when responding
Amen at a bris--or to the Mishabeirach upon the naming of a baby
girl.
13.
The baby born to Rus was named Oved (4:17). This would appear to be a
surprise--after all was he not to be named after Rus’s first husband,
Machalon? The Targum (4:21) explains that the word Oved means that he served
Hashem with a full heart. For one to be called after the name of the
deceased is not ultimately what is significant--it is to fulfill one’s
purpose in life, which is to be an Oved.
14.
The Megilah refers to Bo’az as a “Gibor Chayil” (2:1) and to Rus as
an “Eishes Chayil” (3:11). The common denominator is, of course,
Chayil--that they served Hashem with all of their strength and all of their
capabilities. The effect of doing so not only turns them into great people--
but brings greatness to future generations and to all of K’lal Yisrael.
15. Na’ami provides us with a tremendous example of the Koach HaTeshuvah.
From the lowest depths of an impoverished and embittered widow in a foreign
land--she is brought to the heights of “Yulad Ben L’Na’ami”. The
progenitor of Moshiach is named after her! Hakhel Note: Let us each have a
Hirhur Teshuvah--and act upon it!
===================
9 Sivan
NINETEEN WEEKS!
We are
now in the fourth of the nineteen week period prior to Rosh Hashana.
In past years, we have proceeded weekly, Bracha by Bracha, through Shemone
Esrei with a special emphasis on Kavannah on that week’s Bracha. This
week’s Bracha is Binah--Atta Chonein L’Adam Da’as (what an
appropriate study for the week after Shavuos, as we plead with Hashem to
grace us with insight, wisdom and understanding!). We provide by the
following link our notes to the Nineteen Brachos for the years 5771 and 5772
http://www.hakhel.info/TefillahArchive.html
May we highly recommend the Nineteen Week Program again this year--either
based upon your own study (such as by utilizing the magnificent Rav
Schwab on Prayer or another similar work), or by utilizing the link
provided on a daily basis throughout the week.
As we
especially dedicate ourselves to the fourth Bracha of Shemone Esrei this
week, we provide the following words of instruction from the great
Praying with Passion Series (in order to go through this entire
outstanding series on Tefillah, please visit
http://prayingwithfire.org/archives.html
):
“This
Bracha, which begins with “You graciously endow man with knowledge,” is the
first of six blessings in Shemoneh Esrei in which we voice our
requests for personal needs. Yet, Atta Chonein is the only request in
Shemoneh Esrei that does not immediately begin with a request but
rather, with a statement of praise
Atta
Chonein L’Adam Da’as:
“You graciously endow man with knowledge.” The Meiri
(on Avos) writes that the word
Chonein
which means that Hashem “grants favor” by giving us knowledge, refers to our
innate ability to think which is granted at birth, and which is unrelated to
our efforts. Whatever Hashem gives us in the way of knowledge is
Chonein,
a free gift (Sefer Baruch She’amar). At times we tend to view our
ability to think and to reason as man-made, as thought is internal. We say
it all the time. “Sure, I thought of that.” “That is my
decision.” Or, “Hey, that was my idea.” Other functions, such as
making a living, are external and therefore, it is more readily apparent
that Hashem is involved. That is why this blessing must begin with a
statement of praise
Atta
Chonein L’Adam Da’as--You
graciously endow man with knowledge.” (Hasidur Ha’miforash
Hashalem, Atta Chonein, note 9). In fact, the verb of
Chonein
is
used three times in this short blessing in order to emphasize that all of
our knowledge, insight, perception and understanding is an absolute gift
from Hashem.”
--------------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Most of us are familiar with what HaRav Dessler, Z’tl, did when he learned
that smoking was dangerous to one’s health. He immediately stopped
completely, although he had previously been a heavy smoker. In order to
assure that he would remain ‘smoke-free’, whenever he had an urge for a
cigarette, he would approach someone and tell him: “Do you know that I have
stopped smoking?” Saving himself the embarrassment in then lighting up a
cigarette would overcome his urge to do so. Here is our post-Shavuos
application of this lesson. Many of us felt inspired over Shavuos to
improve or heighten our Torah studies or Torah observance in some way. How
can we help ourselves along after the initial inspiration and intention to
improve? One way may be to tell others--not out of haughtiness--but simply
to help yourself stay committed bli neder to: [learn one Mishna a day
until Rosh Hashana] [review the previous day’s daf once before learning the
new daf] [be Ma’avir Sidra no later than Shabbos morning and
preferably on or by Friday] [fill in here what you were inspired to do or
what is appropriate for you]. In this way, not only will you have activated
yourself by verbalizing a commitment to others--but you will also inspire
them as well!
------------------------------------
FROM A READER:
“Many are aware of Rav Chaim Volozhiner’s suggestion to work on one kinyan
on each day of the Sefira, with review of all 48 on Erev Shavuos (cf.
Mishnas Rav Aharon Vol. 1 p.65). I’ve found that beginning on Shavuos,
working on one Kinyon throughout each week (which leaves us with 2 weeks in
a shana p’shuta for review before the next Shavuos) is a fine alternative!”
Hakhel Note: What a wonderful project!
------------------------------------
REMINDER!
Let us
not forget to redeem any Yizkor pledges that were made, before thoughts of
summer (and summer spending) come upon us. We especially note that in last
week’s Pirkei Avos, Rebbi Yosi Ben Kisma reminded us all--Li HaKesef VeLi
Hazahav--the silver and gold is Hashem’s…. By giving Tzedaka when we are
supposed to--we are truly fulfilling our agency. For those who Boruch Hashem
did not need to recite Yizkor--they may give Tzedaka for that alone! For an
easy fulfillment, visit
www.yadeliezer.org. In the comment
section, if you so choose, you can write: For Amalei Torah--for those
who toil in Torah!
--------------------------------------------------
SEVERAL POST-SHAVUOS POINTS AND POINTERS:
A. Something to keep in mind: The Bartenura (Rus 3:13) writes that in
every generation there is a person born from the zera of Yehuda who
is ra’ui--perfectly fit--to be the Moshiach for K’lal Yisrael!
Hakhel Note: The new outstanding Sefer on Tefillah VaTispallel Chana
brings an essential thought from the Toldos Yaakov Yosef, a student of the
Ba’al Shem Tov: The Ba’al Shem Tov related to The Toldos that the reason for
Moshiach’s delay was revealed to him Min HaShomayim--and it is that
K’lal Yisrael does not have sufficient Kavannah in Ahava Rabba when pleading
to Hashem to bestow Torah knowledge upon us (V’Sein BiLibeinu Binah
Lehavin U’Likhaskil Lishmo’ah Lilmod U’Lelameid…). Additional Note: This
would appear to be relatively easy for us to do--bli neder let us take it up
as a commitment!
B. In
his Sefer Matnas Chelko, HaRav Matisyahu Salomon, Shlita, points out
that there are certain Mitzvos which appear to be absolutely
counter-intuitive. For instance, “Lo Sikom VeLo Sitor--do not take
vengeance and do not harbor a grudge.” Why not--this person did something
so dastardly to me, it is natural and normal for me to dislike him?!
Similarly, “Es Kaspecha Lo Sitein B’Neshech--do not take ribis”.
Why not, it is a simple and reasonable business technique--I rent
cars, I rent boats, I rent houses…I rent money?! HaRav Matisyahu explains
that this is why the other nations of the world who were offered the Torah
rejected it--when they heard that there were Mitzvos which went against
their nature, they simply stated it could not be accepted. We, Bnei Yisrael,
on the other hand, exclaimed: “Na’aseh V’Nishmah”--putting the word
‘we will do’ ahead of the word ‘we will hear’. With this, we
expressed our understanding that Hashem Who was giving us the Torah would
also give us the strength to fulfill its words. We did not act hastily
at all--as the other nations of the world claimed we did. Rather, we acted
with the understanding that through our acceptance of the Torah, Hashem
would give us the fortitude and ability to overcome our frail human
instincts and humanity and abide by the Torah’s divine and eternal teachings
and guidelines. The strength for us not to hate, not to take revenge, not
to take interest…would come from none other than Hashem Himself--imbued
directly to us and instilled directly within us. The Torah is the
Gezeiras HaMelech--and Hashem Himself imparts us with the ability to
adhere to and fulfill the very words that the Malochim fought for to remain
in the Heavens--and that Moshe Rabbeinu struggled to be brought down to
us--to elevate us back up to the Heavens!
C.
Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita, points out that at the
end of Shemone Esrei we recite: “Pisach Libi BeSorasecha--open my
heart to Torah”. What do we mean by this phrase? Everyone’s heart ‘opens’
from time-to-time by different events in life, or perhaps by a piece of
music that he has heard or work of art that he has seen. We ask Hashem that
our heart--which represents the core of our existence--be opened ‘for
Torah’. Indeed, we make this request three times a day--at the end of each
Shemone Esrei--because we do not want to lose sight of the importance of our
heart opening for this most premiere reason. We need Hashem’s help here to
make sure that we do not become distracted by the wiles of the Yetzer Hara
as he waves Olam Hazeh in our path to eternity. Each time we open our heart
to Torah--we open it forever and ever!
D. Torah is compared to both gold (Hanechemadim Mipaz) and to pearls
(Yikara Hi MiPeninim). The Sefer Otzros HaTorah explains the
need for both comparisons. Gold is valuable even in incomplete form, such as
in gold dust. Pearls are, however, valuable only as finished products. When
one studies Torah, whether or not he completes a topic or fully understands
it--he nevertheless experiences its preciousness as one appreciates gold
even when in particle form. When one does complete a sugyah, a mesechta, or
even a thought in Torah, he experiences the unique and special beauty of the
finished pearl. When one does so many times--he can rejoice in the many
‘pearl necklaces’ that he has created!
===================
8 Sivan
BIKKURIM!
With
the arrival of Shavuos, Bikkurim can now be brought in the Bais HaMikdash!
Accordingly, it is a particularly propitious time for the daily study of
Mishnayos Mesechta Bikkurim. Mesechta Bikkurim is a short Mesechta,
actually the last Mesechta in Seder Zeroim--and one can demonstrate his real
will and desire to bring Bikkurim today (U’neshalma Parim Sefaseinu
as well) by learning the Mesechta. Moreover, since one has until Sukkos
(or, the latest, Chanukah) to bring the Bikkurim--and we certainly hope the
Bais HaMikdash will be here by then we will each know much more about what
we have to do and how we have to do it--and it is always better to be
learned than (unnecessarily) unlearned! If you learn just two (2) Mishnayos
a day of Bikkurim--you can still make a Siyum this month! Let’s do it--Zerizin
Makdimin!
--------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
HaRav Tuvia Goldstein, Z’tl,
teaches that there was one trait that brought about the Malchus Beis Dovid--which
will lead us to Moshiach. That trait is revealed in the Pasuk that we read
in Rus over Shavuos: “Vateireh Ki Misametzes…she was
determined to go” (Rus 1:18). When Na’ami realized how determined Rus was to
follow her, she let her come along…and Dovid HaMelech was born just a few
generations later. On the other hand, Orpah was not as determined, and
turned back, with her progeny to be Golias instead. A great lesson we are to
take with us from Shavuos, then, is dedication, drive and determination in
Torah and Mitzvos….For if it will bring about the Moshiach--it will
certainly help each and every one of us in our daily lives! (Heard from
Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita)
--------------------------------------------
A REFINED UNDERTAKING!
Sometimes when removing one Sefer another Sefer which is adjacent to or on
top of it gently drops because it is no longer being held or supported in
the same way. Perhaps one can hold on to the second Sefer to ensure that it
is properly placed or moved into its new position--rather than letting it
fall or be moved on its own....
--------------------------------------------
ISRU CHAG:
Isru Chag means that we are still tied to the Chag--that we simply don’t
want to let go. In fact, when it comes to Shavuos, we are blessed with
Shivas Yemei Tashlumin--seven days after the Chag in which to
bring the Karbanos that could not be brought on the Chag. There are
obviously very many great lessons here. To name but a few--(1) Shavuos is
only one day and all of the effort to be Oleh Regel for a man and his
family was worth it to come for one day if one could accomplish his
tasks--but if he couldn’t or didn’t--Hashem understands and gives him the
opportunity to make it up; (2) When it comes to the primacy of Torah in our
lives, we need only one day to learn, appreciate and understand it--but we
need the next seven days to solidify and bolster that knowledge--and bring
it to ongoing reality; and (3) If one did, in fact, accomplish his tasks in
the Bais HaMikdash on the day of Shavuos itself, he really only had to stay
in Yerushalayim overnight and then could go home--and any remaining stay for
the next several days or week was “voluntary” or “optional.” A great secret
of success in Torah study is learning not because you have to--but because
you want to. You want to accomplish; you want to know; you want to bask in
Hashem’s wisdom; you want to do what Hashem says is the right thing to do.
It is not only Shavuos night--but the week after Shavuos that is an
important element in demonstrating the new and renewed verve and vitality
that you have for Torah study. You have just received your annual recharge
at the power station--but must realize that every time you engage in Torah
study--you are, in fact and in deed, re-charging your very life!
Additional Note: The Chidushei HaRim explains that the reason Shavuos is
called Z’man “Matan” Toraseinu, and not Z’man “Kabbalas” Toraseinu--the
day that the Torah was “gifted” to us, and not the day that we “received”
the Torah--is because this indicates that the gift began on that date--and
the actual receipt of the gift continues to take place daily--day after day,
every time we learn another perek, another daf, another pasuk, another word
of Torah--the Streaming Heavenly Flow of Torah continues.
--------------------------------------------
WE
PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING POST-SHAVUOS NOTES TO OUR READERS:
1. We
had discussed the concept of Shavuos being only one day, to emphasize the
importance of even one day of Torah study. A mashal provided by HaRav
Yaakov Neiman, Z’tl further enlightens us in this area. Before navigation
systems (and even street lights) were invented, a Jew traveled at night
along a dark highway, hoping to reach his important destination peacefully.
He came upon a fork in the road, and a sign in front of it. However,
because it was the middle of the night and rain clouds blocked the light of
the moon, he could not even read the sign. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning
shot forth and illuminated the sign for a very brief moment. Success!! He
now knew where he was going. The road to the right was his path. He needed
no further instruction. Shavuos provides us with that incredible
illumination. All we need to do now is keep ourselves on the road. Hashem
has done what He had to do--it’s now up to us.
2. Chazal
(Shabbos 88B) teach that the Malochim protested Hashem’s gift of the Torah
to mankind, for the Torah was so divine, it belonged only in Heaven. Moshe
Rabbeinu was able to best them by showing that the Torah’s Mitzvos and
prohibitions were (at least on a simple level) directed to human beings--do
not steal, do not kill, do not speak Lashon Hara, etc…. The Malochim knew
this, but they still believed that there was no place for the holy among the
profane. So how was Moshe Rabbeinu able to win his debate? HaRav Neiman,
Z’tl, explains that Moshe Rabbeinu was able to convince them that while the
Torah remaining in Heaven would make Heavenly life more beautiful, the Torah
on Earth was much more than that--for it was as essential to life on this
planet as the very air we breathe.
In
fact, the Gemara (Pesachim 112A) relates that Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai
visited Rebbi Akiva in jail and asked Rebbi Akiva to teach him Torah. Rebbi
Akiva refused to do so flagrantly in the presence of the Roman authorities,
fearing for Rebbi Shimon’s well-being (Rebbi Akiva was already incarcerated
for the very teaching of Torah). Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai, unbelievable as
it may sound, threatened his Rebbi with trumped-up charges against him to
the government (apparently even worse charges than he had been jailed
for)--unless he would teach him Torah! What was this all about? After all,
Rebbi Akiva was only trying to protect Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai from the
authorities! And how could Rebbe Shimon threaten his Rebbi in this gross
way?! The answer seems to be that Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai was complaining
to Rebbi Akiva that, without Torah to breathe, he faced such lowliness, such
decadence, such a meaningless life, that he could actually become the lowest
of lows-a moser--an informer--against his very own Rebbi!
Moshe
Rabbeinu gave the Malochim an understanding of how the Earth--whose creation
was also Hashem’s will--simply could not function without the life breath of
Torah. As we study Torah daily, we should really take a moment before,
and/or during and/or after our study to recall Moshe Rabbeinu’s debate with
the Malochim--and realize that we have Torah’s precious words because it is
our air, our joy, and because it put us on the road to our glorious
destination.
--------------------------------------------
TORAH AND TEFILLLAH:
HaRav
Matisyahu Salomon (Matisyahu Chaim Ben Ettel L’Refuah Sheleimah), Shlita,
points out that the ma’alah of Tefillah is not listed by Chazal as
one of the 48 ways to acquire Torah (Avos 6:6). He explains that this is
because Tefillah is so vital to acquire Torah, that it is needed for,
and is a part and parcel of, each and every one of the 48 ways. In fact,
the Mishna in Brachos (28b) provides that we are to recite a Tefillah every
morning prior to study and a Tefillah in the evening after the conclusion of
our studies. This is brought L’Halacha in Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim
(110:8). One can likewise daven before any study session that his learning
be as sweet and successful as possible. In contrast, one can (and should)
daven if he is having difficulty in studying, listening or understanding.
Indeed, it is said in the name of the Rav Chaim Sanzer that the reason the
Ketzos HaChoshen became such a highly accepted Sefer in the Torah
world, was because prior to learning, its author would go into a special
room and cleanse himself with tears and Tefillah. Torah is not a field of
academics; as Chazal (Megillah 6B) teach: Even after all the effort is put
in, we require “Siyata D’Shmaya”--actual Heavenly assistance to
retain our learning. This is why a proper attitude--and heartfelt Tefillah--is
so important in attaining what Shlomo HaMelech (the wisest of all men)
called our most precious treasure (see Mishlei 3:15).
--------------------------------------------
BIRKOS HATORAH INSPIRATION:
The Ramban (Devorim 4:9) writes that the Torah provides such great detail as
to Ma’amad Har Sinai (please review the vivid Pesukim referred to in
yesterday’s bulletin) in order to impress upon us the absolute need to
constantly visualize and envisage this unparalleled event in our minds--and
permanently plant it in our hearts.
Indeed, just as we believe in the “Splitting of the Sea” in all of its
detail, so, too, must we realize that, among all the other miracles that
took place at the time the Torah was given, the mountains actually shook (“Heharim
Rakdu K’Ailyim”, Tehillim 114:4), Har Sinai itself was literally burning
with fire up to the heart of the heaven, and Hashem Himself spoke to us
(which is otherwise unimaginable) from the midst of the fire. It is so
important for us to remember the Ma’amad that the Torah very unusually
writes, “Rak Hishamer L’Cha U’Shimor Nafshecha Meod (Devorim
4:9)--only beware for yourself and greatly beware for your soul” lest you
forget the things that your eyes have beheld and lest you remove them from
your heart all the days of your life….
The Ramban writes that our recollection of the Revelation at Sinai as
described in this Pasuk actually constitutes the fulfillment of a Mitzvas
Asei (in remembering the Event) and a Mitzvas Lo Sa’asei (in not forgetting
it).
How can we properly fulfill the Torah’s teaching here? HaRav Matisyahu
Salomon, Shlita, brings the words of the Tur and the Bach (Orach Chaim 47)
to guide us. The Tur writes that there are, unusually, two Brachos on the
Mitzvah of Talmud Torah that we recite every morning. This is because the
first Bracha refers to the Mitzvah of learning Torah, while the second
Bracha reflects upon the Ma’amad Har Sinai itself. The Bach in explaining
the Tur writes that the second Bracha is, in fact, not a Bracha on the
Mitzvah of learning Torah, but a Brocha of praise and thanks to Hashem for
giving us His special treasure in such a phenomenal fashion--no other nation
ever claimed or could claim such a revelation from Hashem Himself, with the
explicit details of the Event passed on from generation to generation.
Every day, then, when reciting “Asher Bochar Banu” in the morning, we
should awaken ourselves from our slumber and put our heart and feeling into
visualizing and appreciating the stature, the legacy, and the enormity of
the relationship of Hashem, the Torah and Bnei Yisrael, as we re-experience
Sinai!
===================
4 Sivan
LEARN FROM ACHISOFEL!
In this week’s Pirkei
Avos (6:3) we learn that Dovid HaMelech showed special respect to Achisofel
because he taught him two things--the first being that when one walks into
Shul, he should not enter in an upright position--but bowed --as Dovid
HaMelech learned to exclaim (Tehillim 5:8): “V’Ani Berov Chasdecha Avo
Veisecha Eshtachaveh Ehl Heichal Kadshecha B’Yirasecha--as for me,
because of Your abundant kindness I will enter Your House, I will prostrate
myself toward Your holy sanctuary in awe of You.” It is certainly our turn
to take this lesson now from Dovid HaMelech--reciting this Pasuk each and
every time we enter our Mikdash Me’at in a contrite and meaningful
way!
-------------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
“Included among the apikorsim are those who say, “Of what use to us are the
scholars with their studies? Is there anything about which they say, ‘See
this is new? They have never permitted us to eat raven, nor forbidden us to
eat a dove.” People such as these have not heard, nor known, nor opened
their ears to the values that lie in occupation with Torah. Because of
this, occupation with Torah is lowly in their eyes; they have become rebels
against the light of its nobility, and have no share in the World to Come.
We have, therefore, been obliged to teach the sons of Yehudah the values
that lie in occupation with Torah….those who do not have the ability to
learn--let them recognize the beauty of the honor of occupation with Torah,
and let them acquire merit through this realization.”
This
appears to be Rabbeinu Yonah’s 700 year old comment on those who disapprove
of Kollel study. We now present you with a more recent perspective.
An outstanding story is brought about Rebbe Yisroel Salanter, Z’TL, who
spent significant time with a simple, elderly poor man advising him of all
the merits of learning in Kollel. Reb Yisroel was questioned by his
students as to the necessity of talking to him about this--after all, the
man was poor and could not support anyone in Kollel, and was simple and
elderly and himself not prepared for Kollel study. Reb Yisroel responded
beautifully as follows: ”I wanted this man to have a feeling and a desire,
a longing, to learn in or support a Kollel. Obviously, he does not have the
actual means to do either, but to HaKadosh Boruch Hu, he has fulfilled
whatever he could by his feelings, desires and longings. It is for this
reason that I spent the time I did with him.”
At this time of year, as we move closer to our receiving the Torah anew, let
us give special consideration, thoughts, and appreciation for those who
study Torah day and night, and who keep the world going with their Torah
study. Perhaps one way we can demonstrate our feelings is by providing some
new or additional support or charity to an: institution of Torah learning.
Why not write that special Kollel check, or check for a Talmid Chochom--today--!
-------------------------------------------------
YOUR ENCAMPMENT!:
The Divrei Siach provides the following question on the Parasha
presented to HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, and his response:
Question:
Rashi brings Chazal who teach that the Shevatim which encamped to the south
of the Mishkan (Degel Reuvein) were neighbors with Korach, and accordingly
fell prey to his distortions, joined with him and of them it is said “Oy
L’Rasha, V’Oy L’Shecheino”. In taking a step back, however, Chazal teach
that the Shevatim encamped in accordance with the instructions previously
given to them by Yaakov Avinu. Why was it then, Degel Machane Reuven’s
fault--after all, they were placed next to the Reshaim--and did not ask to
be there?
Answer:
If a person is in the
company of people who are suspect or who are performing suspect acts, he
must be especially careful and vigilant not to fall prey to their conduct
and to their deeds. Hakhel Note: We can perhaps analogize to one who must
work in Manhattan, or in another big-city business district, in which much
non-Torah conduct and practices occurs. One cannot excuse himself by simply
saying ‘I have to earn a living’--this is what I must do and it is not my
fault. Instead, he should use his best efforts to take whatever steps he can
knowing that he is dangerously close to the spiritual equivalent of a lion’s
den. Perhaps when one is eminently successful in this regard, he has done
even better than the one who is encamped next to the Tzaddik (such as Degel
Machaneh Yehudah next to Moshe and Aharon), upon whom we can immediately
comment Tov L’Tzaddik V’Tov L’Shecheino.
--------------------------------------------------------------
LEKET YOSHER:
The Leket Yosher writes in the name of the Terumas HaDeshen
that one should make the effort to get a Sefer, rather than swing around his
chair or swivel a table--for the extra effort exerted will bring about a
greater Kiyum in the Torah one is learning. The effort invested in
Torah--that is what it is all about!
-------------------------------------------------
RETAINING TORAH LEARNING:
How
can one retain his Torah learning? The following is based upon the Piskei
Teshuvos (Volume 2, p. 305) who provides sources in detailed footnotes:
A. Simply putting in the time to toil and review, as Shlomo HaMelech
(the wisest of all men) teaches in Mishlei (16:26) “Nefesh Amel Amlo Lo--the
soul of a laborer labors for his needs….” Nothing, absolutely nothing, can
replace one’s own efforts;
B. Having Kavannah in “Ahava Raba/Ahavas Olam” every
morning--especially as we recite the words “V’Sein B’libeinu…”--instill
in our hearts [the ability] to understand and elucidate, to listen, learn,
teach, safeguard, perform, and fulfill all the words of Your Torah’s
teaching with love. And enlighten our eyes in your Torah…(translation from
the Complete Artscroll Siddur);
C. Voicing the words of the Torah you are studying, rather than only
reading them;
D. Learning in a set or designated place especially in the Bais Midrash,
and even in one’s home;
E. As a Segulah, kissing the Sefer when opening and closing it; and
F. Avoiding actions and items which Chazal/Halacha teach cause
forgetfulness, which are enumerated in the Piskei Teshuvos (ibid. p.
486-487), and which include leaving a Sefer open on the table and walking
out of the room.
--------------------------------------------
WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EREV SHABBOS--HALACHOS OF SHABBOS SERIES:
1. Rebbi Menachem Mendel of
Vorki, Z’tl asked if Shabbos HaGadol is the Shabbos before Pesach and
Shabbos Shuvah is the Shabbos before Yom Kippur, what is the Shabbos before
Shavuos known as? He answered that it is Shabbos Derech Eretz--a Shabbos in
which one works on his Middos--because Derech Eretz is Kadma L Torah!
2. There is a beautiful
connection between Shabbos and the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah that is brought
in the introduction of the Sefer Eglei Tal by the Sochotchover Rav.
The Rav brings the words of Chazal (Sotah 37A), who teach that for each
Mitzvah four separate brisos, or covenants were made: one, Lilmod-
to learn about it; two, Lilamed-to teach it to others; three,
Lishmor-to observe it (guard against violating it); and four,
La’asos-to practice it (actively performing it). The Rav then
explains that just as Shemiras Shabbos is equal to all of the Mitzvos--so
too, is the Lilmod and Lilamed of Hilchos Shabbos equal to the
Lilmod and Lilamed of all of the Mitzvos. If we study and
learn Hilchos Shabbos with others, we are accomplishing something oh so
great--equivalent to that of all the other Mitzvos! It behooves us this
Shabbos, bli neder, to try to institute some Hilchos Shabbos study at
each meal--at least relating a few Halachos of Shabbos. What a great
Kabbalah, bli neder--before the Matan Torah of the morrow!
3. The Sefer Mincha Chadasha
writes that the teaching in Avos: “Knei Lecha Chaver”--usually
translated as acquire a friend for yourself, could be interpreted to mean
“Purchase for yourself a Chibur, a Sefer.” Today is an especially
auspicious time to purchase a new Sefer or set of Sefarim for yourself--or
for your Shul! Hakhel Note: If one has purchased new Seforim for use on
Yom Tov, he should go through them on Erev Shabbos to make sure that the
pages are not stuck together.
4. In one’s Shabbos preparations
(haircut, nail cutting, shower, etc.), he should have in mind that he is
also doing so LeKavod Yom Tov. Even if one does not regularly do so on Erev
Shabbos, he should go to the Mikvah after Chatzos in order to purify himself
for the Regel (if he cannot or will not do so on Shabbos).
5. Do not forget to buy wine for
Simchas Yom Tov, and also those special last minute dainties and surprises,
to make your immediate family members happy for Yom Tov!
6. If you have not yet done so,
please remember your Yom Tov donation to assist poor families in celebrating
the Chag. Please reach out to yadeliezer.org.
7. Some have the custom of
buying nice and beautiful candles for candle lighting on Shavuos
corresponding to the Pasuk: “Ki Ner Mitzvah V’Torah Ohr”.
8. For those who want to light
Yizkor candles on the second day of Yom Tov, but are hesitant to do so
because of the question of whether this is truly ‘Ochel Nefesh’,
there are now three-day candles which are manufactured--so that one
can light the Yizkor candle before Shabbos and it will remain lit until
after the second day of Yom Tov. One may want to light a second three-day
candle so that he has a lit flame available throughout Yom Tov.
9. At Birkos HaTorah on Shabbos,
one can have in mind that he only wants to be Yotzei through Alos HaShachar
of Sunday morning. In this way, he will be able to recite his own Birkos
HaTorah even if he stayed awake all night. If one has any questions, he
should consult with his Rav or Posek.
10. One should be careful not to
say that he is going to sleep on Shabbos ‘so that he can stay up on Motza’ei
Shabbos (Shavuos night)’, as he would thus be preparing on Shabbos for after
Shabbos. Similarly, one should be careful not to tell his children or
others to go to sleep in order to stay up as well.
11. Shabbos Day, as the Fifth
day of Sivan, is the day that we recited in unison: “Kol Asher Diber
Hashem Na’aseh VeNishma--all that Hashem says we will do and we
will hear!” May these words joyfully reverberate within us throughout
Shabbos and Yom Tov!
12. On Motza’ei Shabbos/The
First Night of Yom Tov, one should be careful not to do any Melacha
until he/she has either recited Vatodi’enu in Ma’ariv, recited or
heard Havdalah, or recited the words Baruch HaMavdil Bein Kodesh L’Kodesh.
13. One should
remember that the first day of Shavuos is the Yahrzeit of Dovid HaMelech--and
the first meal of Yom Tov is also the Mitzvah of Melaveh Malka on Motza’ei
Shabbos--which is known as the Seudas Dovid HaMelech!
------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT POINTS FOR YOM TOV:
A. Remember when making
She’hechiyanu to have in mind that you are reciting it over the Mitzvah of
Yom Tov, the Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov, and the completion of the Mitzvah
of Sefira (which is like the building of the Sukkah before Sukkos!). If you
can, remember to focus on the difference between those three precious
words--She’hechiyanu, Kyemanu and Higianu!
B. The Ya’avetz writes that the
Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov on Shavuos is greater than on all the other
Chagim, as it is the day that we received the world’s Prized Treasure--the
Torah. The Yesod V’Shoresh HaAvodah powerfully comments that it is fitting
for every member of Klal Yisrael to bring “Simcha Atzumah--great Simcha”
into his heart and mind, and to remember to give thanks to Hashem for giving
us a portion and lot in the Holy Nation.
C. It is the custom among many to
eat honey (such as Challah dipped in honey, or foods with honey) on Shavuos
because the Torah is compared to honey, as the Pasuk in Shir HaShirim
teaches, “D’vash VeCholov Tachas Leshoneich--honey and milk (the
Torah) is under your tongue.”
D. Since we are judged on fruits
of the tree on Shavuos, many have the custom to daven for a beautiful Esrog
on the Chag.
E. As for Ashkenazim in Chutz
LaAretz, until the Moshiach comes, Shavuos is the last time Birchas Kohanim
is recited in 5779. We wish to remind our readers that the Bi’ur Halacha
(Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim: 128, Introduction) brings from the Sefer
Chareidim that just as the Kohanim fulfill a Mitzvas Aseh when they bless
K’lal Yisrael, so, too, do the Bnei Yisrael have a part of the Mitzvah when
they stand in silence and have Kavanna to receive the Bracha from the
Kohanim!
F. Let us remember that just as
the Aseres Hadibros were first heard in Fear and Awe, we, too, no matter how
tired we may be should feel the awe and power of the occasion, for we are
re-living through the moment once again!
G. Remember that those very
issues involved with moving mail are no different on Yom Tov than on
Shabbos.
H. For those who have trash
pick-up over Yom Tov, please review with your Rav or Posek the
permissibility of bringing trash cans out to the front of your home, or of
bringing them back, on Yom Tov.
I. Chazal teach: “HaKol
Modim BeShavuos DeBa’inan Nomi Lochem…”. Everyone agrees that on Shavuos
one must partake of the physical pleasures of the Yom Tov, and cannot
engage only in 48 hours of Torah study, without an appropriate accompanying
Seuda. Simply understood, the reason Shavuos especially requires this is
because we must demonstrate that the Torah guides our lives not only in
matters of Ruchniyus, but in matters of Gashmius as well—and that one’s
physical existence can, and must, be sanctified. Accordingly, we provide the
Halachos of the Brachos –on cheesecake!
HaRav Binyomin
Forst, Shlita, in The Halachos of Brachos (Artscroll) writes that the bracha
on cheesecake with a crust added for flavor “as is generally the case” is a
Borei Minei Mezonos. However, if the crust is added solely to hold the
cheese, then the bracha on the cheesecake is Shehakol. HaRav Yisroel Pinchos
Bodner, Shlita in The Laws of Brochos (Feldheim) writes that if the
cheesecake is made with a thin layer of dough which is being used merely to
enhance the appearance of the cake, then the bracha is Shehakol. However, if
the dough is being used for substance or flavor, the bracha is Borei Minei
Mezonos. The after bracha on cheesecake will usually be Borei Nefashos and
not Al HaMichya, as one can (and will!) eat a kezayis combination of cheese
and flour within a kedai achilas peras of three minutes, but it is
unlikely that one will consume a kezayis of Mezonos within the three minute
span. Regarding Kubakim, the peanuts in the Kubakim do not count towards the
shiur of kezayis for an Al HaMichya, and the same is true for the cheese in
the cheesecake not being added to the flour layer to allow for an Al
Hamichya. In sum, on cheesecake, one bracha rishona is recited, which may
likely be a Shehakol, but even if a Borei Minei Mezonos is recited, the
bracha achrona will in ordinary circumstances be a Borei Nefashos! We note
further that the recitation of Shehakol on cheesecake will impact on it
being served as dessert at a meal, since even one who does not make a Borei
Minei Mezonos on cake at the end of a meal, will make a Shehakol at the end
of a meal.
If you are in doubt
as to the appropriate brachos on the cheesecake you will be consuming—why
not bring two to your Rav—one for the Shaila—and one to him for Shavuos!
-------------------------------------------------
FOR THE SHAVUOS TABLE:
We once again provide below from the Sefer Ma’amad Har Sinai
(by Rav Shlomo Rosner, Shlita) a small portion of the description of Matan
Torah, as culled from the Gemara and Midrashim--which, we reiterate, forever
changed world history, our history--and each of our lives. The import,
extent and unparalleled nature of the event is described by the Torah itself
(Devorim 4:32, 33) with the words: “Ki She’al Na …--When you ask of
the earlier days from the day Hashem created man on the earth, and from one
end of the heaven to the other…has there ever been anything like this…has
a people ever heard the voice of Hashem speaking from the midst of a fire as
you have heard….?!”
Just some of the wondrous events brought by Rav Rosner, Shlita:
1. The lightning bolts and thunder
were not uniform and consistent, but were different from each other to add
to the reverence and uniqueness of the occasion. The thunder could be seen,
and the lightning bolts heard.
2. The Shofar blast could be heard
worldwide.
3. 600,000 ministering Melachim came
to attend, and rested on Har Sinai itself.
4. Har Sinai was raised from its
place, and was suspended in midair with the Bnei Yisrael standing underneath
it.
5. Although many were wounded and
maimed from the years of slavery in Mitzrayim, they were all healed.
Moreover, they were healed from spiritual and mental illness as well, and
there were no zavim, metzoraim, or shotim. The zuhama, the spiritual
contamination planted in man by the nachash was removed from us, so that we
would have the quality of Adam before the cheit.
6. The mountain itself was burning,
with its fire reaching the heavens.
7. The Seven Heavens opened up to the
Kisei HaKavod--with more being revealed to the Bnei Yisrael than was
revealed to Yechezkel HaNavi and Yeshaya HaNavi in their visions of the
Merkava.
8. The Seven Tehomos (depths) below
also opened, so that Bnei Yisrael understood that Hashem was singular in all
worlds, and most definitely that “Ain Od Milevado--there is nothing
else but for Hashem.”
9. The mountains of Tavor and Carmel
in Eretz Yisrael were uprooted from their place and came to Midbar Sinai.
10. The World was still and silent--the
sun remained in one place, seas did not move, birds did nor chirp or fly,
the animals were silent. Even the Serafim did not say “Kadosh, Kadosh,
Kadosh….”
11. Tal, a special dew, fell to revive the
Bnei Yisrael after their souls had left them from the awe of the Dibros.
12. The letters of each of the Aseres
HaDibros could be seen as they were said.
13. Every nation heard each Dibur in its
own language, so that it could not later claim that “had it heard…”
14. With each Dibur, the World became
filled with the aroma of besamim.
We have provided above 14 special details of Matan Torah at Har
Sinai. In fact, there are 14 Azkaros--Hashem’s name is mentioned a total of
14 times--in the Aseres HaDibros. The Tashbatz writes that there are also
14 Azkaros in the Sheva Brachos that we recite at a Chasuna and the days
following in celebration. Indeed, a Great Wedding is taking place this
Shavuos--and you are one of the Ba’alei Simcha--so prepare--and
celebrate!
-----------------------
ADDITIONAL RELATED POINTS AS WE APPROACH THIS AWESOME AND JOYOUS CHAG:
A. REMINDER!
We previously noted HaRav Elyashiv Z’tl’s, teaching that one should daven
for a Refuah Sheleima when the Aseres HaDibros are read on Shavuos
morning--as Bnei Yisrael were healed then and we are re-experiencing that
very Mattan Torah anew! A Rav advised us that he feels one can actually
think about the Refuah Sheleima needed at the time the Aseres HaDibros are
themselves being read. If you would like to utilize the Eitzah of a Gadol
HaDor, you may want to consult with your Rav or Posek in advance as to his
opinion on the optimum time and method of accomplishing this great task! Bracha
VeHatzlacha!
B. Let us make sure
that we remember to have special Kavana when reciting Birchos HaTorah. The
Shulchan Aruch actually teaches (Orach Chaim 47:1): “One must be very
careful with Birchos HaTorah.” The Mishna Berurah explains that, according
to many Rishonim, Birchos HaTorah is Mid’Oraysa, and that one must make the
Brachos “BeSimcha Gedola--with great happiness,” recognizing that
Torah is not just another study--and adds that we must be sure to express
our special thanks to HaKadosh Baruch Hu in choosing us to be the
recipient of His “Kli Chemdoso”--His treasured possession.
Additional Note:
Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Shlita, urges us all to pay attention in our daily
davening for the times we ask Hashem for His assistance in learning Torah.
Clearly, we need Siyata DiShmaya to reach our life’s potential in Torah
studies. Accordingly, let us pay needed attention to these special requests
found throughout Shacharis (starting with Birchas HaTorah)--and sincerely
ask Hashem for His help--so that we can reach our own unique and individual
chelek in Torah that we are supposed to. Remember--”Ata Chonen LeOdom
Da’as” is the VERY FIRST unique bracha in the weekday Shemone Esrei for
good reason!
C. Since the term
“Bais Yaakov” is first mentioned right here at Kabalas HaTorah, women must
also be astute to study that which they especially need to know as the
Mitzvos of women. We may add that one of these crucial areas--as learned
from Rus on Shavuos--is Tznius. Women may not realize this--but men,
whether or not justifiably, may not know the Halcahos of Tznius--and
rely upon women (including their wives and daughters) to be doing the right
thing. As all kinds of exercise garments worn under or with clothing become
more prevalent, as shorter and closer fitting becomes more in secular vogue
making it difficult to obtain other styles, and as the warmer summer months
approach--every Jewish woman as a charter member of the Bais Yaakov--should
view it as her responsibility to know what to do, and to help others
that she is close to as well. The Halachos that she knows and
practices--(from age 5 to age 120) have an impact not only upon her--but
LITERALLY on all of K’lal Yisrael--for as we know in the order of the Pasuk
(Shemos 19:3), FIRST the Bais Yaakov is addressed...and only afterwards do
we get to the Bais Yisrael! It is the Bnos Yisrael who start the rest of us
on the track of Kedusha and Kabalas HaTorah. Accordingly, perhaps now is
the special time to likewise be mekabel bli neder something new and special
in the area of Tznius! May the zechus stand by and for you, your family and
K’lal Yisrael in its stead.
D. We provide the
following wonderful quote from this week’s Perek (6:2): “VeChol Mi
She’Osek BeSalmud Torah Harei Zeh MisAleh--and anyone who engages in the
study of Torah becomes elevated.” Let us remember these poignant words of
the great Rebbi Yehoshua Ben Levi before we study or listen to a Shiur by
really feeling elevated! We certainly shouldn’t have our elbow on the table
with our head perched in the cup of our hand anymore--for instead we are
perched together with something the Malachim didn’t want to give up--right
here in front of us!
E. Chazal (once again, tomorrow’s Avos--6:9) bring the story of Rebbi Yosi
ben Kisma who was asked to take a lucrative position in a city devoid of
Torah scholarship. The person making the offer was obviously doing so not
because he wanted Rebbi Yosi to become mayor or chief of police--but because
he wanted Rebbi Yosi to bring some level of Torah into the town. Yet, Rebbe
Yosi insisted that he would only live in a place of Torah. Undoubtedly,
Rebbi Yosi knew enough to learn and grow on his own in a distant city, and
could have probably used the endowment he would have received to write
dozens of seforim and learn on his own 24/7 for the rest of his life, yet
none of this--none of this--could replace being in a Torah
atmosphere. Of course, Rabbonim, teachers and Kiruv professionals fulfill
their roles and goals in far-flung places in fabulous and unfathomable ways,
but there is a special lesson here from Rebbe Yosi for each and every one of
us in our daily lives. We must endeavor to the extent that we can to put
ourselves in a Torah atmosphere. We must make the effort to acquaint
ourselves with those above us in Torah scholarship…to sit in the right
locations, to stand among the right people in Shuls, at Simchas, where
shopping, when commuting or traveling. We must make sure we are “living” in
a place of Torah when we have the choice between this block and that block,
this friend or that friend, this conversation or that conversation, this
situation or that situation. A very important part of the Torah is our
Torah atmosphere. We should recognize the situations in life--and they come
up often enough--where we have the choice--and make the right one. At any
such time or occasion, we need only think--what does the Rebbi Yosi ben
Kisma within me say?!
===================
3 Sivan
AN
INTERESTING CONTRAST:
It is
interesting to note that if one leases a brand new automobile, he would not
recite the bracha of Shehechiyanu (or HaTov V’Hameitiv in the case of a
family vehicle) because it is not his, but if one purchases a used car with
which he is very happy—even if he fully finances the purchase, as a new
owner, he would recite the bracha of Shehechiyanu (or HaTov V’Hameitiv) [see
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 223:3].
--------------------------------------------
BE
HAPPY--
AND MAKE OTHERS HAPPY! If you have not yet done so, please
remember your Yom Tov donation to assist poor families in celebrating the
Chag. Please reach out to
yadeliezer.org. PLEASE!
---------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
Today
we begin the Sheloshes Yemei Hagbalah--the three days of more intense
preparation for Kabalas HaTorah. On the Third of Sivan itself, Moshe
Rabbeinu comes back to Hashem and related to Him that the people have
responded “Na’aseh--we will do!” Hashem, in turn, told Moshe
that He Himself will come to Moshe Rabbeinu in a thick cloud to give the
Torah (Shemos 19:9): “Ba’avur Yishmah Ha’am BeDabri Imach VeGam Becha
Ya’aminu LeOlam--so that the people will hear when I speak with you,
so that they and their descendants will always believe in Toras Moshe.”
The Luach Davar BeIto brings the following important points and
pointers relating to this special period:
1.
Hasmadah in learning should be especially emphasized in final
preparation for our new Kabbalas HaTorah on Shavuos. [Practical
Suggestion: Try to learn at least one special hour every day through
Shavuos without any interruption--even if the interruption is another
matter of Torah.]
2.
The Chosid Ya’avetz writes that in the Sheloshes Yemei Hagbalah
the Tahara that existed before Matan Torah sparks again--even in our times!
3. To
mark the special level of Tahara of the period, the Kaf HaChaim
writes that even if one does not attend the Mikvah daily, he should do so
during these days. [Hakhel Note: Even if one does not find this
possible--let him go back to No. 1 above!]
---------------------------------------------
WE
PROVIDE SOME POINTS AND POINTERS ON TORAH STUDY:
A.
Especially for today and tomorrow, one should have Kavannah in the words: “Hashiveinu
Avinu L’Sorasecha”--pleading with Hashem to allow him to grow in his
learning, and be a source of Nachas to Hashem.
B. It
is reported that the Rogotchover Gaon, Z’tl, said about HaRav Meir Simcha of
D’vinsk (the Ohr Someiyach) that the reason he was so successful in
his Torah studies was that whenever he learned it was with the energy and
drive as if he had just been given a shot of adrenaline. He always had
adrenaline flowing through his veins! Hakhel Note: We can try, at least to
some extent, the same approach!
C.
When one sits down to study Torah he may feel anxious, nervous, or frazzled
because of the events of the day until that point. A person may have so
many obligations and stresses that the times used for Torah study may be
beset by personal, financial and other concerns. Imagine you had $1 billion
in Tzedaka funds to give away (this is not as far-fetched a scenario as you
think). Imagine how much calmer and at ease you would be, how much more
focused and directed. Now, let’s think about it--you do have $1 billion in
your Tzedaka fund to give. Seriously. How so? Because just as the person
in your neighborhood who has $1 billion in Tzedaka to give away has what
Hashem determined are the needs and necessities of his life, so too, do you
have all of the needs and necessities that Hashem has determined to be what
is necessary in your life. And who knows better than Hashem? One should
maximize the time spent learning--without perturbation or disturbance from
the outside factors and pressures that the Yetzer Hara sends to adversely
impact on his Torah Study. Remember--you’re rich, very rich--when you are
studying Torah!
D.
One should take the time to review the 48 ways in which Torah is acquired,
as found in this week’s Pirkei Avos (6:6). There is obviously great depth
between each one of these qualities. We mention only a few here as
examples:
The
second quality needed to acquire Torah is Shemiyas HaOzen--attentive
listening. One must realize that a Chochom is one who learns from all
others--Rebbeim, friends and students alike. One should not and cannot
dismiss their suggestions or explanations as mistaken, wrong or silly.
Rather, one should spend the time to listen and understand what they are
saying. Take what they say and work with it--not against it. This will
help both parties come to the truth quicker on the Torah topic being
discussed. Immediately following Shemiyas HaOzen is the third
quality of Arichas Sefasayim--articulating the words of one’s Torah
by speech. The Sefer Orchos Tzaddikim actually refers to one who
does not speak out the Torah as he is studying it as an atzel (a lazy
person)--and describes him in the Sha’ar Ha’atzlus! In his words:
“As to one who is lazy and does not articulate his words of Torah, he
writes: “Ain Lecha Atzlus Gedolah Meizuh--there is no greater
laziness than this!” This is why the Torah (Devarim 30:14) especially
writes: “Ki Karov Ailecha HaDavar Me’od Beficha U’Belevavecha La’asoso--the
Torah is very near to you--in your mouth and in your heart--to perform it.”
Finally, the quality of Erech Apayim, or slowness to anger, is also
crucial to one’s Torah. Chazal teach that: “Kol HaKoeis Chochmaso
Mistalekes Mimenu--one who gets angry loses his wisdom’--and we know the
examples of this that are provided in the Torah itself. This very sorry
result should be a means for a person to control his anger--knowing this his
most precious commodity--the Torah in his possession--is at stake! On the
other hand, Divrei Chachomim BeNachas Neshmaim--when one is calm, not
only will he be able to study and retain his Torah--but others will listen
to it as well!
---------------------------------------------
TORAH IN THE DESERT:
Many are familiar with the question as to why the Torah was given in the
Midbar. HaRav Shimshon Pincus, Z’tl, however, looks at the question from a
different perspective. HaRav Pincus asks not why the Torah was actually
given in the Midbar, but rather why the Torah was not given in Eretz Yisrael.
After all, does not the very air of Eretz Yisrael itself make one wise?
Wouldn’t the intense Kedusha of Eretz Yisrael per se have a unique and
special effect on those receiving the Torah? Is not the complete
performance of the Mitzvos dependent on their performance in Eretz Yisrael
in any event?!
HaRav
Pincus answers that we must put the Giving of the Torah in its proper
perspective. On Pesach, HaKadosh Baruch Hu chose us as His Kallah, as His
bride. The Shidduch was made, and we celebrate our new relationship over
Pesach. The days of Sefirah are the equivalent of the engagement
period--between the Vort and the Chasuna itself. Shavuos is then, the Great
Wedding, where Hashem came out to greet us as a Chasan steps forward to
greet his Kallah. The period after Shavuos is the time in which the
newfound relationship was to be firmly and eternally established.
We can
now understand why the Torah had to be given in the desert. The proverbial
Choson and Kallah needed time with each other, without any distractions
whatsoever--not even holy or important ones--in order to form an eternal
bond. Giving the Torah in Eretz Yisrael would be the equivalent of getting
married in a kitchen, even if it was Glatt Kosher LeMehadrin--As soon as the
Chupa was over, the Choson would soon be learning how to use the Shabbos
Clock, and the Kallah would start figuring out how to make cholent! Just as
the Yichud room follows immediately after the Chupa so that the newlyweds
can focus on each other and only on each other, so, too, did we need our
special time to be separated from everything else and unite with HaKadosh
Baruch Hu.
Baruch
Hashem our relationship started off properly. We had the proper Yichud, our
connection with Hashem was developed without interruption or disturbance.
As a result, our potential for dveiykus--for a close and tight
bond--with Hashem is, and always will be, at a maximum level.
So, we
are now like the Choson and Kallah several days before the Chupa. The
anticipation, the last minute preparations, the prayers that everything goes
right…but we must also remember that the goal to be achieved when Shavuos
arrives is not only the marvelous and incomparable moment of the Wedding
itself, but also the raising of our own personal ever-special and
eternally-lasting relationship that must follow, as expressed by the
love that we have for Hashem, the improved way in which we study His Torah
and the devoted manner and especially warm care in which we perform His
Mitzvos!
---------------------------------------------
PISKEI HALACHA OF HARAV ELYASHIV, Z’TL, RELATING TO SHAVUOS:
We once again provide several Piskei Halacha of HaRav Elyashiv, Z’tl,
relating to Shavuos, as provided in the three volume work of HaRav
Elyashiv’s Pesakim, entitled Ashrei HaIsh authored by Rav Yechezkel
Feinhandler:
1. On
Purim, we read Megillas Esther after Kriyas HaTorah, because of the
principal “Tadir VeSheaino Tadir, Tadir Kodem--what occurs more often
comes first.” Nevertheless, we read Megillas Rus before Kriyas HaTorah
because there is already a Maftir after the Torah reading, and we don’t want
Megillas Rus to be confused with the Maftir. If one did not hear the
beginning of Megillas Rus, he need not go to another Shul, for the reading
of the Megilla is an obligation on the Tzibur, and not on the Yachid.
2.
LeChatchila, one should eat meat both at night and for the day meal on
Shavuos, and in the morning, one should eat dairy. One should not forgo the
Mitzvah to eat meat on Yom Tov.
3. If
one’s custom is to stand for the Aseres Hadibros, he should stand a few
Pesukim before the Aseres HaDibros begin so that people should not think
that one part of the Torah is more important than another. Although some
have the custom of standing for the Haftarah of the Ma’aseh Merkava, Rav
Elyashiv himself sits.
4. If
one has a cheesecake which consists of significant amount of cheese on a
layer of cake, one should make two separate Brachos, Mezonos on the cake and
Shehakol on the cheese.
5. If
one wants to learn most of the night of Leil Shavuos and then go to sleep so
that he can daven with Kavanna, he should be careful to go to sleep more
than a half an hour before Amud HaShachar. In fact, it is better to sleep
all night than it is to learn and go to sleep prior to Shacharis.
6.
Some have the custom to stop learning at Alos because they understand that
it is assur to learn without reciting Birchos HaTorah--and they
cannot make Birchos HaTorah (if they did not sleep on Erev Yom Tov)
misofek until someone who slept comes and recites the Birchos HaTorah
for them. This is a misconception--one can continue to learn. The
prohibition of learning before reciting Birchos HaTorah stems from the
Mitzvah to recite Birchos HaTorah itself--and if someone cannot make the
Birchos HaTorah for a legitimate reason (such as in this case, because of
the sofek as to whether one who has not slept recites Birchos HaTorah
the next day)--then there is absolutely no issur to learn.
7.
HaRav Elyashiv once visited a Talmid Chochom on Erev Shavuos, and reminded
him that before Hashem gave the Torah on Har Sinai, all those who were sick
were healed. HaRav Elyashiv continued that every year when Shavuos arrives,
this Hashpa’ah of Refuah is renewed, and one can ask Hashem for a Refuah
Sheleima at this time for any illness. When Rav Elyashiv was asked when
this Special Segulah is effective, he responded that it is the time when the
Aseres HaDibros are read in Shul (although obviously not during the Kriyas
HaTorah itself!) This great teaching of Rav Elyashiv is brought by Rav
Elyashiv’s son-in-law, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, Shlita, in the renowned
Sefer Aleinu LeShabeiach 5, p. 201).
---------------------------------------------
MORE SALIENT POINTS ON TORAH FROM HARAV CHAIM KANIEVSKY, SHLITA!:
In keeping with our spirit of Talmud Torah enhancement, we provide
additional points and pointers from HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, relating
to Talmud Torah (Derech Sicha):
1. HaRav Chaim was asked how long one could delay a Siyum on a Mesechta in
order to wait for a Simcha or other event? HaRav Chaim answered: “Kamah
Yamim VeLo Yoser--only a few days and not more.” However, if one left
over an entire Perek of the Mesechta until close to the Simcha, and
completed it within the few days before, he could then make the Siyum.
2. HaRav Chaim was once seen learning Mesechta Kinim in several minutes and
then drank wine and said the Hadran. When he was asked why he had done
so--after all, would he make a Siyum on the Mishnayos of Mesechta Pe’ah as
well--he responded that Mesechta Kinnim is different because it is located
(and printed) between two Gemaros.
3. As we have noted in the past, HaRav Chaim is of the opinion that if
someone does not make a Siyum on the Mishnayos of Seder Zeraim and Seder
Taharos together with all the Mesechtos of Gemara that he has studied, then
it is not called a Siyum HaShas. He explained that the reason HaRav Meir
Schapiro, Z’tl, did not include Zeraim and Taharos as part of Daf Yomi
study, was because the printed Gemaros at that time were not the same as to
their presentation of the Mishnayos of Zeraim and Taharos. HaRav Chaim
therefore advises that one learn these Mishnayos in order to accomplish a
complete Siyum HaShas.
4. A student once saw HaRav Chaim making a Siyum on the four Chalakim of
Shulchan Aruch, at which he recited the Hadran that is recited at the end of
a Mesechta. He explained that the Shulchan Aruch is Halacha LeMa’aseh
to the Torah for us today, and is accordingly very worthy of a Siyum.
5. HaRav Chaim explained that the reason we especially express a “Mazal Tov!”
at a Siyum--even though we usually do not say Mazal Tov to someone when he
performs another Mitzvah, is because by making a Siyum one performs a
special Mitzvah which he is not obligated in, and it is accordingly a
Zeman Mesugal for the bracha of Mazal Tov to be fulfilled. Moreover,
once, when HaRav Chaim made a Siyum on Mesechta Menachos, he drank some
wine. There was a man present who had come to ask for a bracha for
Shidduchim for his children. HaRav Chaim gave him some wine to drink,
advising him that to drink from a Seudas Mitzvah is also a Segulah.
6. HaRav Chaim explains that when one is helping to support another in
Torah study, the zechusim he attains as a result cannot be greater than that
of the person who studied. This means that if Zevulun is supporting
Yissocher, but Yissocher does not have sufficient Yiras Shomayim or Middos
Tovos, the lack of which impede his Torah study, then Zevulun’s merits will
be limited by this as well. So too, the merits of a woman who sends her
husband out to Torah study are bound up in what her husband actually
accomplishes. If he ‘schmoozes’, or wastes time--he is doing so for the
both of them. On the other hand, of course, if he values his time--the
value will be doubled! Note: HaRav Chaim also adds that if the Yissocher
does his job well, but the Zevulun is lacking Yiras Shomayim and Middos
Tovos, then he will be impeding the levels he could have otherwise achieved
in Olam Habba from the zechusim he would have otherwise had.
7. HaRav Chaim advised a well-to-do individual to spend more time
learning. The g’vir followed HaRav Chaim’s advice, and studied in
the morning and went to his business in the afternoon. He then realized
that he had become even more successful in his business affairs. When
advised of this, HaRav Chaim responded--”Of course, it is an express Chazal:
‘Kol Me SheOsek BaTorah Nechasav Matzlichin--one who learns Torah
will be blessed monetarily!”
8. There was a situation in which a Kollel’s budget was $90,000 per month,
and the Kollel had only $50,000. HaRav Chaim was asked whether one who
would give the $40,000 needed could be considered as if he gave the entire
$90,000--for without the $40,000, there would be no Kollel. HaRav Chaim
responded in the affirmative--and that one could rightfully apply the
phrase: “Ain HaMitzvah Nikreis Ela Al Sheim Gomra--a Mitzvah is
regarded as having been accomplished by the person who completed it.” HaRav
Chaim added that one could tell the $40,000 benefactor--”Yesh Koneh Olamo
B’Chodesh Echad…one can acquire his Chelek in Olam Habah--because
of one month!”
9. A person took upon himself to learn LeIluyi Nishmas a Niftar, but forgot
his name, would it be sufficient for a person to learn and think that he is
learning for the “sake of the person who he committed to learn for?” HaRav
Chaim answered: “Klapei Shamayah Galyah--Hashem knows”, and that is
sufficient.
10. A reader conveyed to us that he asked HaRav Chaim what he should
learn. HaRav Chaim answered: “Mah Shelibo Chafetz”--that which he
felt a particular affinity to. In fact, HaRav Chaim stated that while in
Yeshiva he learned another Mesechta, besides for the Mesechta the Yeshiva
was learning--as it was a Mesechta that he wanted to study at that time. As
we continuously progress from study-to-study--may all of Torah fall within
our personal Mah Shelibo Chafetz!
===================
2 Sivan
LINK
TO RABBI BRUDNY BEAUTIFUL SHAVUOS VAAD:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/a8gj253fs4gww05/026%20Rav%20Brudny%20Vaad%20Shavuos%205779.MP3?dl=0
--------------------------------------------------
TESHUVAH MOMENT:
As we
move closer to the great day of Kabalas HaTorah 5779, we remind our readers
that at the end of the Sefer Shemiras HaLashon, the Chofetz Chaim
provides outstanding practical advice as to how one can bring Ahavas Hashem
into his daily life. We provide the Chofetz Chaim’s words of instruction at
the following link:
http://www.hakhel.info/archivesPublicService/AhavasHashemChofetzChaim.pdf
You will note that he recommends that this be undertaken as a matter of
course as a pre-breakfast activity. What a wonderful few moments to add to
your day!
--------------------------------------------------------------
THE
SECOND DAY OF SIVAN!
Today, the second day of Sivan, is the Yom HaMeyuchas--the day upon which
Hashem told Bnei Yisrael “V’Heyisem Li Segulah Mikol Ho’Amim (Shemos
19:5, and Rashi there)--you shall be to Me the most beloved treasure of all
peoples. What a great day--to be declared the greatest treasure of all
peoples by the Creator of all! Today, we should try to perform at least
one Mitzvah with at least a little more preparation, Kavannah, and
zeal…glowing--while knowing and showing that you are--literally--Hashem’s
prized possession!
Hakhel
Note: Some say that the second day of Sivan is known as the Yom HaMeyuchas
because it does not have its own Segulos, but rather because it views itself
simply as being connected with the day before (Rosh Chodesh) and the days
after (the Sheloshes Yemei Hagbalah). This is a tremendous level--looking
to and joining together with-- the maalos of others, and it is this
that we must emulate!
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THE
TREE OF LIFE:
Shlomo Hamelech, the wisest of all men, teaches us in Mishlei “Eitz Chaim
Hi Lmachazikim Bah” (Mishlei 3:18)… it is a tree of life for those who
grasp it.” Many raise the question-shouldn’t the phrase be Lmachazikim
Osah--it is a tree of life to those who support it? One beautiful P’shat
related is that we do not support the Torah—it is the Torah that supports
us--if we grasp on to it. Just as the Aron is “Nosei Es Nosav”—the
Kohanim were even carried over the Yarden River by the Aron (!)--, so too
does the Torah carry us through our Olam Hazeh, if we are ‘Machazikim Bah’.
Based upon this thought, it is very well understood why we recite this Pasuk
as we put the Torah away into the Aron HaKodesh--for we indicate that
although we may be putting the Torah back in the Aron, we continue to cling
to it as we face our daily needs and challenges-- until the next time that
we read from it again.
--------------------------------------------------------------
THE
SHELOSHES YEMEI HAGBALA:
Tonight will inaugurate the “Sheloshes Yemei Hagbala”--the three-day
preparatory period before Shavuos in which we surrounded Har Sinai to begin
to appreciate and inculcate within us the enormity of the Event we were
about to experience. We celebrate this very same period today. Just as the
days before Pesach and before Sukkos are full of their particular Pre-Yom
Tov preparations, and the days before Rosh Hashana and then Yom Kippur have
their special meaning, so too do we have the three designated days prior to
Shavuos to “surround the mountain”, in order to ensure that when Shavuos
arrives, we will absorb the Event in all of its holiness and meaning.
Indeed, Chazal (Shabbos 129B) teach that it is prohibited to be “makiz
dam”--to let blood for healing purposes, on Erev Shavuos, lest the person
put himself in sakana--in danger, by letting blood while not having properly
prepared for his receiving of the Torah on Shavuos. This is not
homiletics--as the Rema in Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim (468:10) brings this
Chazal l’halacha--and the Mishna Berurah there even explains that it is
forbidden to let blood on every Erev Yom Tov, so that one does not forget
and let blood on Erev Shavuos. (See Teshuvos V’Hanhagos 4:109 for a
further discussion.) While we may not let blood in our times as a matter of
course, the importance that even the halacha attaches to proper preparation
of each and every one of us to receive the Torah on Shavuos is self-evident.
HaRav Moshe Feinstein, Z’tl, likewise explains that it is no coincidence (as
it never is) that the Parasha almost always read before Shavuos is Parashas
Bamidbar, which counts the individual members of Bnei Yisrael. The Torah is
teaching us that each and every one us counts, and that no one can
hide behind his Rabbi’s frock, his profession’s desk, or his living room
sofa. Furthermore, Rav Shimshon Dovid Pincus, Z’tl, explains the Pasuk
which states that the Torah was given in front of “Kol Yisrael” teaches us
that even if one member of K’lal Yisrael had been missing, the Torah would
not have been given(!).
So what are we really to do? We could try to review the 48 ways to acquire
the Torah found in the last chapter of Pirkei Avos (6:6) which we will learn
this week immediately prior to Shavuos, and select at least one way to work
on. HaRav Shmuel Berenbaum, Z’tl, suggests the following, as well: Work on
the honor due to Torah study itself. He explains that the reason the Torah
was given “B’Kolos U’Verokim”--with loud noise and thunder--is to
forever instill within us the attitude and approach that one should not
learn Torah with his face leaning on his elbow, or slouched over, head back,
sefer on lap....you get the picture(s). This could be a very significant
Kabbala--resolution, for a person to monumentally increase the quality of
his Torah study.
Over the next three days, let us remember that we too will be receiving the
Torah this Shavuos. We know that Hashem counts us and is counting on us.
Now, let us take the time to count ourselves in!
--------------------------------------------------------------
THE
POWER OF ONE DAY:
The Sefer Kav HaYashar (Chapter 92) poses the question: If the Yomim
Tovim of Pesach and Sukkos span seven days, why is it that Shavuos, over
which there is so much to celebrate, is observed for only one day? The
Sefer brings an answer, ahl pi kabala, that Shavuos is rooted in
Hashem’s oneness, and that our oneness as a “Goy Echad Ba’Aretz” then stems
from Hashem’s oneness, all of which is symbolized by the oneness of Shavuos.
Of course, the profundity of this concept is enormous, and we are already
ahead by just acknowledging its depth. We may add an additional simple
suggestion as to the one day nature of our beloved Zeman Matan Toraseinu:
It teaches us the power of One Day. In just one day, one can go up to
Shomayim and receive a Torah--in only one day one can accomplish so much in
Torah study, and yes, just one day can mean the difference between you and
billions of others on this planet--so how can we let even one day go
by without some kind of meaningful Torah study?
Indeed, the Chofetz Chaim (Chomas HaDas, Chapter 8) writes that
through Torah study, each person in accordance with his potential, one
builds his palace in Olam Haba, day by day, brick by brick. Have you ever
noticed houses undergoing construction which stop and start, stop and start,
stop and start, their construction? Some days there are no workers there,
some days just a few. The building process seems almost endless, and, in
some cases does not get completed, or at least completed properly, because
of all the inconsistency, the delays, the jumps and reversals, otherwise
absent in the day-to-day consistency to completion. You do not need 20
workers there, if everyone has his job, and knows what to do--DAILY, until
completion.
A wise
person once noted that the last posuk of the second Parasha of Shema states:
“LeMa’an Yirbu Yemeichem....Kimei HaShomayim Al Ha’Aretz...--[In the
merit of Mitzvah observance your days will be] increased like the days of
the Heavens on the Earth” What do increased days have to do with Heavens on
the Earth? The answer may be that if we look up to the Heavens for our
days, if we make each day heavenly, by learning and living what Moshe
Rabbeinu was able to wrest away from the angels on high, then our days are
literally Heaven here on Earth.
We
must always remember that the Torah especially uses the word ‘Simcha’ in
discussing the holiday of Shavuos. Our joy is truly twofold, for we not
only received the Torah on that great day more than 3,300 years ago, but we
commit to take this remarkable gift, compared to water and fire, to bread
and wine, to milk and honey, and use it as our daily guide to navigate the
pathways of Heaven on Earth. A real Shavuos inspiration should bring us to
remember this primacy throughout the year--especially at those very times
when the Heavens feel oh so distant. A Torah ‘bite’ at lunch, a shiur on CD
in the car between errands, a vort before going to sleep, sharing a
Torah thought with a friend while exercising, all serve to remove those
roadblocks, eliminate the weighty sandbags, and raise us up very high--as we
see the Earth meeting our Heaven!
--------------------------------------------------------------
CONCLUDING POINTS ON PARASHAS BECHUKOSAI:
A. On the first Pasuk of the Parasha (Vayikra 26:3), Rashi brings the
Torah’s Pasuk for the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah. Rashi likewise brings this
Pasuk in a similar context in the sugyahof Talmud Torah (Kedushin
29B). One may also see the Rambam at the outset of Hilchos Talmud Torah.
What Pasuk is it? (Hint: See Devarim 5:1)
B. The Parasha begins with the phrase: “Im BeChukosai Teileichu”. Im,
of course, primarily means ‘if’ to us. Why are we being given a
choice--shouldn’t the Torah say ‘Ka’asher BeChukosai Teileichu--when
you study Torah and fulfill its Mitzvos’--when and not if? We
suggest that the Torah emphasizes to us that it is imperative for us to
exercise our bechirachafshis properly--recognizing our constant
confrontation, our constant battle with the Yetzer Hara. Indeed, one should
not become overconfident--and try to make each and every situation of ‘if’ into
a success!
C. Paradoxically, the beginning of the Parasha continues that if we study
the Torah and fulfill its Mitzvos, Hashem will give us the physical bounty
of Olam Hazeh. Spirituality is not left to Hashem--and gashmiyus to man. It
is just the opposite--our role is ruchniyus--and Hashem’s role is gashmiyus.
If we can keep this in focus throughout the day our learning and davening
may improve--and our Parnassah issues will be viewed in a much different
light!
D. Continuing the previous thought: The Torah teaches that if we are zoche
to the Bracha, then “Eitz Hasadeh Yitein Piryoh--the tree of the
field will give its fruit.” Rashi says that this refers to non-bearing fruit
trees which will in the future bear fruit. Not only is Hashem in charge of
giving us gashmiyus ‘within nature’--but also through extraordinary
‘out-of-nature’ experiences as well. This serves as a second, forceful
reminder--it is the ruchniyus that is our responsibility.
E. The Pasuk continues: “VeNasati Shalom Va’aretz”. Rashi here
explains that Shalom is equal to everything--this is the ultimate bracha.
Every day we are given the opportunity to daven for this ultimate bracha
three times at the end of Shemone Esrei. If we remember that it is the
ultimate bracha--equal to all other brachos, then how can we not gird
ourselves to utter the powerful words of Sim Shalom/Shalom Rav with
heartfelt feeling each and every time!
F. On the Pasuk of ‘5 chasing 100 and 100 chasing 10,000’, Rashi teaches
that the disproportion can be explained by the Halachic fact that one cannot
compare a Mitzvah which is performed by a few, to a Mitzvah which is
performed by the many. Accordingly,
a Gemach that is established by more than one person (such as a loan fund to
which many contribute) is a more powerful Mitzvah than a Mitzvah performed
by one individual. The source for this, writes the Chofetz Chaim, is
actually the Sifra (10:4) on this Pasuk. The Chofetz Chaim continues that
it appears ‘pashut’ that Hashem will consider each person’s
contribution as if he himself was performing the Chesed of the entire Gemach,
since without him the Chesed would not have been possible.
G. In the Tochacha, the Torah (Vaykirah 26:23) writes: “Ve’Im
Be’eileh Lo Sivasruh Li--and if through these punishments you have not
taken mussar from Me.” There is a special lesson here--in order to obviate
punishment--one should study mussar--and his own, motivated self-improvement
will prevent the need for excess pain or suffering.
H. The Tochacha continues (26:33): “V’eschem Ezareh Vagoyim--and
I will scatter you among the nations.” The great curse here is that K’lal
Yisrael is exposed to all kinds of different ‘junk’ from the nations. The
Jews who live in France are not exposed to the sametumah as the Jews
who live in the United States, and the Jews who live in Argentina are not
exposed to the same tumah as the Jews who live in England. We are
fighting all kinds of different battles. It is like the different kinds of
boils or lice that the Mitzriyim were afflicted with. It makes our terrible
galus all the more difficult and all the more horrifying.
I. The Tochacha continues (26:39): “Ba’avonos Avosam Itam Yimaku--when
the iniquities of their forefathers are with them, they will disintegrate.”
Chazal (Brachos 7A) teach that we are only punished for the sins of our
forefathers if we ‘inherit’ and follow their sins. On the other hand, the
reverse is also true. If we do Teshuvah for the sins we know that our
forefathers had, we bring zechus not only to ourselves but to the previous
generations who had in fact sinned as well. If one knows, for instance, that
an ancestor was weak in a particular area--and accordingly makes a conscious
effort to excel in it--he has taken this kelala--and turned it into a
bracha!
===================
1 Sivan
NINETEEN WEEKS! As we forge through the Third Week of our
Nineteen Weeks of Shemone Esrei Improvement, we focus on the third bracha of
Attah Kadosh. By the following link, we provide a wonderful review (in
Hebrew) of the powerful third bracha by Rabbi Ronen
Shaharabani, Shlita.
http://tinyurl.com/zjxfjdf
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YEHI RATZON:
By the following link we provide a beautiful, concise Tefillah to be recited
(daily) by children on behalf of their parents
http://tinyurl.com/jzyo54s.
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TESHUVAH MOMENT:
It is
told that HaRav Chaim Shmuelevitz, Z’tl, Rosh Yeshivah-Mir Yerushalayim,
once noticed two chavrusos who continued to learn Gemara, even though Mussar
seder had begun. He approached them and asked that they now study Yiras
Shomayim. “Rebbi,” they asked, “if the study of Mussar is so important, why
do we study Gemara for ten hours a day, and Mussar for only twenty minutes
during the same day?” He responded--”The study of Mussar may be likened to
the Kadosh HaKadoshim. One need only enter for a few moments for it to have
a very lasting impact upon him.” So, too, if we study the Mesilas
Yeshorim, or the Orchos Tzaddikim, or the Shaarei Teshuva,
or other similar classic works for only a few minutes a day, it will leave
an indelible impact upon our Torah study, and raise us to new heights, as we
not only observe what happened at Sinai, but actually climb the mountain
ourselves!
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ROSH CHODESH SIVAN!
Today is Rosh Chodesh Sivan, the day upon which Bnei Yisrael entered Midbar
Sinai, and changed the history of the World. This month’s mazal is Teumim
(Gemini, or twins). The Sefer HaTodaah by Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov, Z’tl,
suggests that the reason for this is that both Moshe Rabbeinu and Aharon
HaKohen were together essential in bringing the Torah to our people.
The
following is excerpted from the sefer Let My Nation Serve Me by Rabbi
Yosef Deutsch, Shlita, (Artscroll) a wonderful work which provides both
depth and feeling to the events in the Midbar leading up to Mattan Torah,
and to Mattan Torah itself, as culled from Chazal in the Midrash and Gemara,
and from the Rishonim. It is highly recommended for all in proper
preparation for Shavuos. Rabbi Deutsch writes as follows:
“There
is a special significance to the Torah being given in the month of Sivan.
The astrological sign for Sivan is Gemini, twins. The gentile nations
would one day have to give an accounting for their rejection of the Torah
when Hashem offered it to them, and Hashem wanted to anticipate the
arguments they would offer in their own defense and refute them from the
very beginning. He knew that the gentile nations would say that they
thought that the Torah did not relate to them. It was designed for the
Jewish nation, a nation with which they have no kinship or connection.
Therefore, Hashem chose to give the Torah in the month of Sivan, a month
characterized by the sign of twins, as if to say, “The Jewish people are
not, from their origin, a nation apart. They are descended from Yaakov, who
had a twin brother Eisav, and the gentile nations, at least those descended
from Eisav, cannot claim that the Torah is not destined for them.
The
sign of twins is also especially propitious for the Giving of the Torah. Hashem
did not want to give it in Nissan, whose sign is Aries, the sheep, because
the Egyptians worshipped sheep. He did not give want to give the Torah
during Iyar, whose sign is Taurus, the bull, because the Jewish people would
worship the Golden Calf, a young bull. Hashem did not want an everlasting
association between the idol and the Torah. Therefore, he chose to wait
until Sivan, whose sign is the twins, a symbol of fraternal love and
solidarity. These are virtues that qualified the Jewish people to receive
the Torah.
There
is also a special symbolism in the Torah being given on the sixth of Sivan
rather than any other day of the month. The original creation of mankind
took place on the sixth day of Creation. The Giving of the Torah would be
the act of national creation for the Jewish people, and therefore it, too,
was to take place on the sixth day. Furthermore, that year, 6 Sivan fell on
a Shabbos, which was also significant. Just as Shabbos provided the
spiritual protection of the newly-created Adam, so did the Shabbos on which
the Torah was given provide the spiritual protection for the newly created
Jewish nation.”
Hakhel
Note: These thoughts help us focus on the profundity of Mattan Torah. When
one has an audience with the King, he prepares well in advance for the
occasion. Unlike other audiences, where the commoner gives the King a gift,
on Shavuos, Hashem will be giving us a remarkable, life-giving, infinite and
irreplaceable gift. We would do well to begin preparing for this incredible
event--at least by studying about it from a beautiful sefer such as this--or
from the original sources--today!
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SEEDS OF A LIFETIME!
HaRav Shimshon Pincus, Z’tl, provides the following famous and fascinating
Mashal:
A
young man, eager to have a successful future, is advised to go to the local
gardening store, and to purchase all kinds of fruit tree seeds. Even though
he may not see the benefits of his investment immediately, over the years
those handfuls of seeds will produce many trees and a wonderful abundance of
fruit for consumption and sale. The young man eagerly purchases many
different kinds of seeds. Upon realizing how easy and cheap they were to
buy, and how the profits to be reaped are highly disproportional to the
investment of time and physical effort, the young man was not as careful as
he should have been. He lost some seeds here, threw some seeds at some
birds there, planted some seeds too close to each other, and then did not
properly take care of the trees that did eventually begin to grow.
The
easy, almost “sure” investment, was nearly squandered largely due to a lack
of use of his intelligence, a simple failure of adequate care and an almost
surprising degree of flippancy. True, a small part of his final relative
failure may have been due to bad weather, occasional illness and other
factors, but they were minor compared to his carelessness, inattention and
perhaps even negligence.
That
is the Mashal. The Nimshal cries out to us. Each one of us is given the
incredible opportunity to harness our unique and individual portion in Torah
during our lifetime. The little seedlings with which we begin--”Torah
Tziva Lanu Moshe”, “Shema Yisrael”, “Bereishis Bora”--must be wisely
planted and nurtured. Even when they grow into full-sized trees, they must
be properly watered, pruned and harvested.
Yet,
many unfortunately do not follow the road to personal success. A person
drops seeds here, needlessly throws away seeds there, and does not take care
of the tree when planted--by failing to keep his daily study commitment; not
buying or reading a new Torah book or Sefer even if it is of interest to
him; not joining a new shiur in Shul or watching a Shiur on
www.torahanytime.com when he has some time at his computer and not
progressing (or feeling advancement) on a yearly basis in the Parashas
HaShavua or in other topics of Torah study. There are other examples--a
five-minute chevrusa, a telephone shiur (718-906-6400, is one example),
Shmiras Halashon HaYomi, etc. The possibilities are almost endless. So
much of our opportunities are free, and much of our learning can be done in
a group setting, which also makes it easier. We just have to be diligent,
and care.
We are
at the threshold of Shavuos, where we must evaluate and re-evaluate Torah’s
place in our life. Chazal (Chagiga 3A) actually provide one definition of a
“shoteh” (an insane person) as one who loses what is given to him. We
should not, c’v, place ourselves anywhere near that
category--squandering those seedlings which can be nurtured into such big
and beautiful fruit-bearing trees.
Rabbi
Pincus actually teaches that we should view every five or ten minutes as one
seed. That is literally how powerful and meaningful every short period of
Torah study can be. If one throws away a “seed” of his time, then he has
discarded not only the seed, but all of the neutrons, protons and electrons
within it, the entire DNA , all of the life-filled potential bound within.
We
have made the Cheshbon in the past: Five minutes a day is 1,825 minutes a
year. Over twenty years, this amounts to 36,500 minutes, which is more than
600 hours. According to the Vilna Gaon’s calculation, as explained by the
Chofetz Chaim (see Shenos Eliyahu to P’eah 1:1), if one would have been
learning during these five minutes every day, he would have accumulated over
7 million mitzvos! We now can appreciate how taking care of that seedling
could produce such a beautiful and glorious tree!
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BUT--WHY THE THUNDER AND LIGHTNING?:
HaRav
Matisyahu Salomon, Shlita (Matisyahu Chaim Ben Ettel, may he have a Refuah
Sheleimah B’Karov), notes that the Torah expends many infinitely valuable
words on describing the scene at Har Sinai as the Torah was being given.
Indeed, while the Event may not now be in the forefront of our short term
memory, the Torah teaches that the covenant was made with us all there (See
Devorim 5:3). What was the scene like? Rather than obtaining some third
party account, we urge you to refresh your recollection, either before or on
Shavuos, by reviewing the Pesukim describing the Ma’amad, which powerfully
describe the surroundings. Specifically, we refer you to Shemos 19: 9, 16,
18, 19, and 20:15 , and then to Devorim 5:19 -26. The world never before,
and never again, would witness such awe, as the Torah itself testifies (Devorim
4:32 -34). Moreover, Rashi (Devorim 4:35) brings Chazal who describe that
the seven heavens, and the deepest depths, all opened wide on this
day--specifically in order for us to get a once-in-a-worldtime full view!
The
opening of the Heavens and the Earth--the thunder and lightning--the
blasting Shofar-- the great fiery fire--the fearsome darkness!!! And then,
as Dovid HaMelech writes in Tehillim (114:4--part of the Hallel we will
recite on Shavuos)--even [the mighty] “mountains trembled like rams, the
hills like young lambs.” It is no small wonder, then, that the millions of
people present recoiled a great distance. Why is the giving of the Torah a
day of such literally unparalleled trepidation?
Rav
Salomon answers that, when we receive the Torah, it is not a “stand-alone”.
It is not simply “lamdus”, or a body of halacha, a guidebook to success in
life, a set of eternal instruction, an inspired and meaningful life outlook,
an all-encompassing world philosophy, or any one more of the myriad aspects
of its Divine wisdom--a wisdom so beyond us that Chazal teach that there are
600,000 explanations to each Pasuk in the Torah (!) (cited by the Chofetz
Chaim in the introduction to Etz Pri). So, what is it that must
stand side-by-side with the Torah--it is Yiras Shomayim--the enveloping,
inspired awe of Hashem that must accompany the study and observance of Torah
if one is to succeed (Shabbos 31A-B). As the Navi teaches (Yeshaya
33:6)--”Yiras Hashem HE OTZARO”--it is the fear of Hashem that precedes and
is the storehouse of Torah, for without a treasure house, there is no
treasure--at least for very long.
With
this we can understand why the bracha one makes over a Torah Scholar is
“...Who gave of His wisdom to THOSE WHO FEAR HIM (L’YEREIOV)”. For it is a
profound and powerful awareness of Hashem that must accompany our Torah
study and our Torah observance. Indeed, the Torah itself commands us (Devorim
4:9-10) that we MUST REMEMBER ALL THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES the day that we
stood before Hashem at Har Sinai.
Rav Salomon therefore concludes that it would be a mistake to think that the
proper observance of Shavuos is limited to total immersion in Torah study,
without a rededication to the ever-necessary Yiras Shomayim that is the
Torah’s special partner in our life. The Shofar, the thunder, the
fire--they must all accompany our Torah study daily!
====================
29 Iyar
NINETEEN WEEKS!
We are now in the third of the nineteen week period prior to Rosh
Hashana. In past years, we have proceeded weekly, Bracha by Bracha, through
Shemone Esrei with a special emphasis on Kavannah on that week’s Bracha.
This week’s Bracha is Kedusha--Attah Kadosh (how appropriate in the week of
Matan Torah). We provide by the following link our notes to the Nineteen
Brachos for the years 5771 and 5772
http://www.hakhel.info/TefillahArchive.html
May we highly recommend the Nineteen Week Program again this year--either
based upon your own study (such as by utilizing the magnificent Rav
Schwab on Prayer or another similar work), or by utilizing the link
provided on a daily basis throughout the week?
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THE
LINK
TO PROPER SPEECH: We provide by the following link -
http://tinyurl.com/l9b42zd -- an easy-to-print comparison of that which
we had previously published on What To Say, and What Not To Say! Please feel
free to post in an important place and share with others!
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YOM KIPPUR KOTON FOR ROSH CHODESH SIVAN:
Today is the Yom Kippur Koton for Rosh Chodesh Sivan. The Shelah HaKadosh
composed a Tefillah to be recited by parents for their children—especially
on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan. Of course, the Tefillah can be recited any time
as well. The Tefillah is available at the following link
http://tinyurl.com/4u6epl
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A GUIDE TO TRAVELLING:
“And the man’s name was Elimelech and his wife was Naomi. Their sons were
named Machlon and Kilyon.” Rus 1:2. The word Shem (name) falls on three out
of the four people mentioned in the verse: Elimelech, Machlon and Naomi.
The first letter of these three names spell Amein. This is 91 in gematria
which equals the four-letter name of Hashem and the Adnus name. When they
travelled together, they travelled under the unity and protection of Hashem.
They would ultimately encounter Rus and bring her into the fold of the
Jewish people. [Light of the Ben Ish Chai on Megillas Rus, page 36]
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KASHRUS NOTIFICATION FROM KEHILLAH KASHRUS OF FLATBUSH:
“Due to increased level of produce infestation especially leafy vegetables,
one must stay away from produce checked by those who are not fully-trained
by experts. Expertise, experience and patience are required to properly
inspect vegetables. We urge the use of purchased pre-checked brand
vegetables approved by your Rav or Posek.”
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LESS THAN ONE WEEK AWAY!
It is now less than one week to Shavuos…and counting (Baruch Hashem)! We
should remember that in addition to our commemoration of receiving the
Torah, there are other mitzvos associated with Shavuos.
Firstly, although Shavuos is only one or two days, the Mitzvah of Simcha is
no different on Shavuos than on Pesach or Succos. To properly prepare for
this Mitzvah, we must make sure that everyone has what they need to be in
the proper state of Simcha on Yom Tov (including sleep!). This especially
means that meat, wine, new clothing and special treats must be purchased as
needed. Indeed, the Mishna Berurah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 529,
seif koton 2) quoting Chazal (Baitza, 16A), writes that a person’s exact
income is determined on Rosh Hashana, except that if one expends additional
monies on certain designated Mitzvos, his income will be increased “dollar
for dollar” for the additional monies spent on these Mitzvos. One of these
Mitzvos is additional money spent for the sake of Yom Tov. [One should
consult with his Rav or Posek if he is already in credit card or other debt,
or cannot pay his bills in the ordinary course, for Halachic instruction on
Yom Tov purchases.]
Secondly, the Shulchan Aruch (ibid.) writes that one must make sure that the
“Ger, Yasom, Almanah, together with other poor people, are taken care
of on Yom Tov, as well.” Accordingly, we must give Tzedaka now (i.e.,
today!) to make sure that others less fortunate than ourselves have the
opportunity to celebrate Simchas Yom Tov in Eretz Yisrael and abroad. Tzedaka
organizations in Eretz Yisrael are especially hurting—hurting--for funds to
feed the poor. You can go to
www.YadEliezer.org right now to help a family in the Holy Land smile and
be happy on Shavuos together with you, to fulfill Chazal’s teaching--”I was
happy, and I made others happy too.”
Thirdly, we should remember that there are certain mitzvos relating to the
Yom Tov--actually, essential to the Yom Tov--which we will be unable to
perform this Shavuos unless the Moshiach arrives first. The Mitzvos of
Aliyah L’Regel to the Bais HaMikdash--yes, even for only the one day of
Shavuos; the various Karbonos, including the one-time-a-year
Kivsei Atzeres and Shtai Halechem, the Olas Re’iya,
Shalmei Chagiga and Korbanos Musaf are all physically and
spiritually, shatteringly and irreplaceably, lost from us if the Moshiach
does not come. At the very least, we should attempt to study these Mitzvos
as a preparation for or at least on Yom Tov itself, so that we are not
totally forsaken of them. For starters, one can study the Sefer
HaChinuch, the Siddur Bais Yaakov of HaRav Yaakov Emden, or even
easier, the Parashios of the Torah relating to these many Mitzvos. We should
also purposefully daven over the next week that we fully and finally
celebrate this Shavuos with the Shechina in Yerushalayim Ir H
akodesh!
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TESHUVAH MOMENT:
In
just a few days, we will celebrate Matan Torah with Shavuos. Much in the
same way as we get closer and closer to Yom Kippur do we feel a need to do
Teshuva, or as we get closer and closer to Pesach do we feel a need to rid
ourselves of our Chometz, so too, should we demonstrate our recognition of
the advent and approach of Matan Torah. One should not take lightly the
need to ready himself for receiving the Torah. Indeed, Chazal (Pesikta
D’Rav Cahana, Piska 12) teach:
“HaKadosh Baruch Hu said to Klal Yisrael--when you read this Parasha [of
Ma’amad Har Sinai] to Me every year, I will consider it as if you were
standing before Me on Har Sinai and receiving the Torah.”
So, we
must do something. Just as Klal Yisrael were conscious that they were
traveling directly from Egypt to Har Sinai, and that they required several
days of further preparation upon their arrival at Har Sinai, so, too, must
we begin to sense the need to draw near and experience and inspire ourselves
with Torah anew.
One
easy method to accomplish this is to simply take the time out in the week
before Shavuos to learn an extra ten to fifteen minutes a day. If one were
told that he was going to be receiving the Crown Jewels as a gift in less
than a week, he would most certainly begin to demonstrate a newfound special
love and care, a unique concern and appreciation--and a desire to learn more
about it!
A
second, more difficult, but likewise more rewarding and lasting, manner of
demonstrating awareness of the time period that we are now in, is a point we
have touched on in the past--properly fulfilling what Chazal describe as one
of our important purposes in life--setting aside time for Torah study (Shabbos
31A). Indeed, every night in Maariv we recite “Ki Heym Chayeinu--for
they are our life”… Likewise, Shlomo HaMelech (the wisest of all men)
writes in Mishlei (3:18) “Eitz Chaim Hi…”--it is the Tree of Life for
those who grab hold of it. So, just as one may need, on a daily basis, to
imbibe oxygen, to take a particular treatment, to ingest a particular
medication, in order to remain alive, we, too, must be sure--very sure--that
we, too, are dutifully taking our daily dosage of Torah study, as well.
There are several important points made by the Mishna Berurah (Shulchan
Aruch, Orach Chaim 155) relating to Kevius Itim--designating those special
times during the day. Below are the Mishna Berurah’s recommendations.
Please consider how you can apply them to your own Torah study, or to help
others in their Torah study.
A. One should set aside time for Torah Study immediately after
davening in the morning and in the evening so that he is not sidetracked (or
hoodwinked) by the Yetzer Hara and his emissaries;
B. One must be sure in addition to any daily study of Tanach/Mishna/Gemara,
to study books of Halacha. In fact, if one does not learn several hours a
day, it is proper for one’s “Ikar Limud”--primary study--to be in Halacha
L’Ma’aseh, in a way that he will understand and practically apply his
studies;
C. If something happened which prevented him from his regular
designated time of study, he should make it up as soon as possible, but the
latest before going to sleep. Even if one cannot study at all, because of
some event beyond his control, he should not depart from his place after
davening until he has at least learned one Pasuk or one Halacha;
D. It is recommended that the set time for Torah study, if at all
possible, be in a particular, designated place, and that the place should
preferably be in Shul;
E. If one learns as part of a group of people, it brings greater Kavod
Shamayim (Bei’ur Halacha there); and
F. The Mechaber (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 238) writes that one
should be even more careful with this set time for Torah study at night than
by day (see Mishna Berurah there for a detailed explanation).
Let us take the time out to rededicate and reinvigorate ourselves with our
Tree of Life, as we properly utilize this wonderful preparatory period for
our very own, our very personal, Kabalas HaTorah!
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