Daily Dvar Torah
No Fear
Moshe Rabbeinu made a great effort to help keep the Jewish people focused on their special reality.
He spoke of the time when they will be asked to conquer nations that were greater and far more numerous than them. He tells the nation that they must not be afraid, for they have the power to overcome their enemies, simply by trusting in G-d. They must remember the great signs and wonders that they witnessed in Egypt.
No nation is capable of overcoming the power and might of the G-d of Israel. If they remember this, there is no reason for fear at all.
The Alshich wrote that fear is an emotion of progressing considerations. One brings upon himself a sense of hopelessness and inadequacy. He feels outnumbered and overwhelmed by the threats of foreign nations. One must not allow himself to give in to such fears.
It might be an indication that he has become disconnected from his faith in Hashem’s abilities. If he would only take a step back and realize how Hashem has never forsaken us, he will no longer be afraid.
The reality of the Jewish people is that in every generation, there will be enemies wishing to destroy us. This is our unique challenge as a people. But we must never be afraid. HaShem will always be there to protect us. We must never be afraid.
Reward In This World
There is a well known concept that the real reward for the righteous is in the next world. One is not supposed to observe the Mitzvot because of the reward, but he is supposed to do everything for the sake of Heaven.
The Alshich points out that while this is true in theory, in practice, this is not necessarily the case. He contends that the very observance of a commandment, brings a person a certain sense of joy and accomplishment. This is even more true when one had to struggle in his fulfillment of the word of Hashem.
The Rabbis say, שכר מצוה מצוה, the reward for a Mitzva, is the Mitzva itself. We feel good when we know we made an extra effort to bring another person joy. We are happy in knowing that we made a difference in someone’s life by easing their pain, and helping them in time of need.
One can even ask a child how he felt, when he tried extra hard to please his parents, or help a friend. Ask him how he felt when he knows that he overcame his own needs for the sake of others. He will tell you that it really did feel good.
This good feeling is a reflection of the reward that a person gets even in this world, for sincerely and diligently fulfilling the commandments.
It’s true that the greater reward awaits us in the next world, but the immediate reward in this world, is something that gives us great satisfaction and contentment.
Reward In This World
There is a well known concept that the real reward for the righteous is in the next world. One is not supposed to observe the Mitzvot because of the reward, but he is supposed to do everything for the sake of Heaven.
The Alshich points out that while this is true in theory, in practice, this is not necessarily the case. He contends that the very observance of a commandment, brings a person a certain sense of joy and accomplishment. This is even more true when one had to struggle in his fulfillment of the word of Hashem.
The Rabbis say, שכר מצוה מצוה, the reward for a Mitzva, is the Mitzva itself. We feel good when we know we made an extra effort to bring another person joy. We are happy in knowing that we made a difference in someone’s life by easing their pain, and helping them in time of need.
One can even ask a child how he felt, when he tried extra hard to please his parents, or help a friend. Ask him how he felt when he knows that he overcame his own needs for the sake of others. He will tell you that it really did feel good.
This good feeling is a reflection of the reward that a person gets even in this world, for sincerely and diligently fulfilling the commandments.
It’s true that the greater reward awaits us in the next world, but the immediate reward in this world, is something that gives us great satisfaction and contentment.
Matrilineal Descent
There is a very difficult verse that requires explanation based on the Talmud in Kiddushin. “When your son will be removed from Me, and he will worship foreign gods, My anger will be kindled against you, and you will be destroyed quickly.”
The previous verse warns against intermarriage where you shall not give your daughter to his son, nor shall you take his daughter for your son.
What is interesting to note is that this verse (Deuteronomy 7:4) speaks of “your son” being removed from Hashem.
The surprising explanation of the Talmud is that this verse is directed towards the grandfather of this son. He is removed from Hashem because his father is not Jewish, but only his mother is. This teaches that if someone has a Jewish mother, he is still a Jew, (your son.) This implies that if the mother was not Jewish, it is her son and not your son.
Nevertheless, Hashem is not pleased with the grandfather who did not prevent his daughter from intermarrying. The result is going to be that it will be difficult to keep this young man in the fold.
The influence of his non-Jewish father might be too great to bring him back.
This verse is very timely to our state of affairs. But it is the source in the Torah for matrilineal descent. A child is Jewish, only if his mother is Jewish.
Sixth Remembrance
There is a custom to recite the six remembrances at the end of the Shacharit every morning. We are to remember the exodus from Egypt, and remember Amalek, and remember our rebelliousness towards Hashem in the desert. We are to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy, and we are to remember what Hashem did to Miriam for speaking against her brother, Moshe.
The sixth remembrance might be the most important of all. We must never forget the day when we all stood at Mount Sinai, and we heard G-d speak. This revelation was the foundation of Judaism.
There was never a day like it in all of human history. Every Jew, heard the voice of G-d, as He uttered the first two of the Ten Commandments.
The Oral Law and Written Law were given on that day, and there was no doubt as to what they were witnessing. All of the Jewish people were elevated to an extremely high spiritual level. They were like Adam before the sin. Had it not been for the sin of the Golden Calf, death would have been abolished forever.
This remembrance should be on our minds as each day begins. It will help give us perspective as to what is truly important and what is not. No religion can make the claim of the Jewish people.
When we began as a nation, every Jew was spoken to, individually. Remembering Sinai, will help us eliminate the doubts that might plague us. The Torah is true, and Moshe’s teachings are true.
There probably is no better way to start the day, except to remember the six remembrances. We will not lose our focus on who we are as Jews, and why we were placed in this world.
Unhappy Critics of Judaism
Moshe Rabbeinu tells the people a word of advice that is the verse recited after calling up the Kohein to recite his blessings upon reading the Torah. ואתם נדבקים בה׳ אלוקיכם חיים כולכם היום, “And those who cleave to Hashem, your G-d, are alive today.”
The idea here is that those who choose to stay close to Hashem, by observing His commandments, are alive, and have a reason for living. They know they have a destiny to fulfill, and achieve great satisfaction, peace of mind, and joy, as they succeed in diligently living the life dictated by the Torah.
Clearly, everyone is seeking to live their lives in a manner in which they feel good about themselves. They learn to rise above their worries and anxieties, and are grateful for their lot in life.
Those that tend to find fault with the way Judaism is observed today, are not likely to be led to a place of inner peace. Their negative experience with religion, and their disappointment with those who have perverted it, makes them feel that they have no place in the traditional world.
They allow themselves to make their own adjustments to religious practices, and they remain outside the mainstream.
Such decisions are far too common, and they are understandable. The sad result of such decisions, is that it creates bitterness and anger when the shortcomings of religious practice are the main emphasis. And the saddest part of all, is that it does not lead to happiness and peace of mind.
“,Judaism is perfect and those who practice it, are not,” should be the correct outlook. When one delves into the beauty of our religion, by devoting many hours towards the intense study of Torah, and his life is filled with acts of kindness, he will find real fulfillment. He is connected to truth.
This was what Moshe was telling the people. If you really want to live and feel alive and vibrant, the secret is to cleave to G-d. This is the essence of man that will bring him the joy and peace of mind that he seeks.
No Adding or Subtracting
The Alshich makes an interesting observation in connection with the wording of a specific Halacha in the Torah.
There is a commandment not to add or subtract from the laws of the Torah. For example, one may not place five sections in the Tefillin or add the number of Tzitzit.
Adjacent to this ruling, the terrible sin of Baal Peor is mentioned. Any man who followed the idol worship of Peor, was destroyed.
The Alshich sees this as an example of what happens when one believes he is able to add or subtract. This will open the person up for rationalizations and justifications for doing things that are clearly wrong. Certainly, this form of idol worship was rationalized as being so outrageous that there was no harm in practicing it.
There is a reason that the Rabbis were so careful to give clearly defined limits in the flexibility allowed in the observance of Torah laws.
When one bends too much, the system breaks to the point of no return. The Rabbis successfully saw it as their duty, to place safeguards around the Torah. This has been the secret to our survival of being without a Temple for 1,958 years. We must not add or subtract from the Torah. If we do, it could lead to dire consequences .
No Adding or Subtracting
The Alshich makes an interesting observation in connection with the wording of a specific Halacha in the Torah.
There is a commandment not to add or subtract from the laws of the Torah. For example, one may not place five sections in the Tefillin or add the number of Tzitzit.
Adjacent to this ruling, the terrible sin of Baal Peor is mentioned. Any man who followed the idol worship of Peor, was destroyed.
The Alshich sees this as an example of what happens when one believes he is able to add or subtract. This will open the person up for rationalizations and justifications for doing things that are clearly wrong. Certainly, this form of idol worship was rationalized as being so outrageous that there was no harm in practicing it.
There is a reason that the Rabbis were so careful to give clearly defined limits in the flexibility allowed in the observance of Torah laws.
When one bends too much, the system breaks to the point of no return. The Rabbis successfully saw it as their duty, to place safeguards around the Torah. This has been the secret to our survival of being without a Temple for 1,958 years. We must not add or subtract from the Torah. If we do, it could lead to dire consequences .
Longing For Israel
Parshat Va’etchanan begins with Moshe Rabbeinu recounting his plea to Hashem to be able to enter Eretz Yisrael. It was clear that this was his one great desire.
His request was denied and he was buried just outside of Israel on Mount Nevo. He understood that there was something special about this land. His final wish was to travel the length and breadth of the country just as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did. He wanted to breathe the holy air of the holy land. This was a deep yearning of his soul.
Rabbi Berel Wein once said that the Jews of Europe would have crawled across the continent for the ability to get to Israel for even one moment.
We are to recognize that this same yearning is embedded in the soul of every Jew. This yearning is revealed according to the level of one’s spirituality.
It is also important to note that it is not natural for G-d’s chosen people to be living outside of His chosen land. The Galut, the Exile, is a curse we received for forsaking the Torah. All of our suffering as a people came about while we were in exile.
We are to pay close attention to the longings of our great leaders. If Moshe Rabbeinu’s final desire was to enter Israel, this should be our desire as well. We are to trust that incredible benefits and joy will come to those that do the right thing and come to Israel.
Recently, I spoke to a woman who was well into her eighties about her Aliya seven years ago. She said that she felt she was on an extended vacation. Moshe Rabbeinu did not merit being able to enjoy his extended vacation. But an extended vacation awaits all who will only hop on a plane and partake of the beauty and specialness of our very special homeland.
Lessons of Tisha B’Av
The Torah reading for Tisha B’Av comes from Parshat Va’etchanan. It speaks of the time when we will be living peacefully in the land for an extended period of time. It is described as a time when you will be, “Old in the land.”
There is a warning here to stay away from complacency. There is a natural tendency of forgetting the source for the good life we are living. When things are going well, and we are living on a high standard, we might forget that it is Hashem who is providing us with all of our needs.
We must not become haughty and attribute our success to the work of our hands. We must never forget that success also comes from Hashem.
This is a lesson in Jewish History. We have seen this scenario play itself out on numerous occasions. The Rabbis pointed out אין אדם מורד בהקב״ה אלא מתוך שביעה, that man only rebels against Hashem, when he is filled up.”
Arrogance and haughtiness is never tolerated by Hashem. He wants to give us of His שפע, abundance. He only asks that we create within ourselves a type of vessel, to receive His abundance. When the vessel is full of our feelings of grandeur, there is no room in the vessel to receive this abundance.
This was the reading chosen for Tisha B’Av. It is meant to wake us up and realize that all of the suffering connected with this date, came about for this very reason.
It began with the spies losing faith and demoralizing our people. They cried for nothing, and this became a date of crying for generations. The formula is so simple, but it has eluded our people for so long. If we would only rely on Hashem, and serve Him diligently, there would be no more days of mourning or sadness in the Jewish calendar.
Ideal Relationship
The ideal that was spoken of by the prophet Yechezkel, is that we get to the point where we see the fulfillment of, “You will be My people, and I will be your G-d.
He spoke of a time when there will be an ingathering of the exiles, and we will no longer suffer the humiliation of the nations. Waters of purification will be poured upon us, and we will recognize where we have strayed, and will return to our Jewish roots.
It will become clear that all of man’s pursuits are futile. All of those rainbows that people are chasing end with frustration. There is one primary pursuit that brings an individual that sense of contentment and peace of mind. It can only come when we feel Hashem’s closeness as we diligently worship Him.
We got a glimpse of this during the period of the reign of King Solomon. It was the fifteenth generation after the exodus from Egypt. The number “15” corresponds with the day of the lunar month when there is a full moon.
There was both physical and spiritual wealth for a brief period of time. Solomon’s Temple was one of the great wonders of the world. People served G-d and felt Him close.
We must pray for a permanent return to those days when Jews truly experienced, “You will be My people, and I will be your G-d.
Jewish Survival
The readings connected with Tisha B’Av, are known as “Kinot.” Usually a small pamphlet is handed out to be read both at night and in the morning.
The Kinot is a collection of lamentations depicting the long and bitter exile, suffered by the Jewish people. It speaks of the pogroms and crusades aimed at the Jewish people.
In recent years, a chapter was added describing the horrors of the Holocaust, and most recently a chapter was added in connection with the tragedies of October the seventh.
When one looks back at all of the sufferings of our people at the hands of various enemies, he should be awe struck by the fact that these enemies no longer exist. Yet, the Jewish people have survived.
Rav Yakov Emden once commented that this survival of our people against all odds, is a greater miracle than the splitting of the Red Sea.
The secret of our survival is absolutely connected with our unshakable faith in the Al-mighty, and our strict adherence to the Torah and its laws. What may have been most important is the continued diligence in Torah study.
Despite the conditions and the threat of serious punishment for Torah study and its observance, Jews pushed forward and realized that an abandonment of our tradition, would mean an end to our people.
This should be our focus at this time. We must learn the lessons of history. Our secret weapon of survival is very simple. “Fear G-d and keep the commandments, for this is the essence of man.”
Feeling the Pain of Another Jew
The period of the “nine days,” and Tisha B’Av itself, is a period where we recount all of the suffering of the Jewish people, during our long and bitter exile. As a people, we were humiliated in every way imaginable.
As Jews, we are taught to feel the pain of others. It appears that there is a group in society who are going through constant pain, but are neglected and often do not even know how to cry out for help.
In 2016, a book was written in French and Hebrew by an attorney, Sophie Cohen, titled, “The Predator Spouse.” At the time, she had twenty years of experience dealing with divorce cases where one of the spouses clearly fit the definition of a “Predator Spouse.”
Ms. Cohen outlined this personality disorder known as “narcissism.” She gave numerous examples of case studies with uncanny duplications of how one spouse is capable of completely destroying the other.
This is not done with physical abuse, which is taken more seriously by the police and the courts. We are speaking of a systematic verbal abuse that gnaws away at the victim, where in the end, they lose all sense of self worth, self confidence, and dignity.
The situation is so serious that it often can lead to suicide and mental illness. These predators are found everywhere, and are very cunning and manipulative. They prey on weaker and more naive personalities. I recently heard of a case, where a woman freed herself from a horrible marriage that lasted fifty years. Finally, she is happy and free. Better than late than never.
As we focus on the suffering of our people, we should also focus on the silent sufferers of “Spousal Predators.” We must do all that we can to help these unfortunate individuals free themselves from their personal bondage, and be able to live their lives with dignity and self respect.
Proper Judges
It is interesting to note that in Moshe Rabbeinu’s final address to the nation, he placed the subject of proper judges among the first topics discussed.
It was clear even from the days of Noach that there be proper courts of justice. Without them, society would fall apart. This is why there was such great emphasis by Moshe, to be certain that there be a true system of justice.
People needed to know that if they had a dispute, and they felt that they were treated badly by another individual, they had recourse to know that their grievance could be heard.
It is for this reason that it says that a judge who judges accurately, becomes a partner with Hashem in the creation of the world.
Therefore, Moshe made it clear that judges must be the most upright members of society. They must not take bribes, and they must not fear another human being.
It is shocking to know that the Supreme Court of Israel, has had judges openly admitting to being atheists. The highest court in the land, should be composed of G-d fearing individuals. Their fear of G-d should motivate them to be certain that justice would be served
It is very disheartening to see how the courts are overloaded with cases, and it takes so long for cases to even be heard. Victims of spousal abuse, are not given the priority and support they deserve.
In the time of King Solomon, the courts did consist of the most prominent members of society. The Talmud wrote that even if someone lost his case in court, he would leave in a state of joy, for he knew that true justice was served.
Moshe understood just how important a fair and dignified legal system must be. When we long for the “days of old,” we are also longing for those days when going to court really meant something, and not an exercise of “rolling the dice.”
The Mitzva To Live In Israel
The Alshich commented on Moshe Rabbeinu’s charge to the Jewish people of עלה רש, “Go up and inherit the land.” Some commentators wrote that these two words are the source for the Mitzva to live in Israel.
The Alshich felt that every Jew knows in his soul that there is only
one place where he can truly feel at home. If he is in touch with his spiritual side, he will realize that he can only feel at peace in Israel. It is simply not natural for a Jew to be living anywhere else than the land promised by Hashem to His people.
Forty three years ago I began to have strong feelings that I did not belong in America. I am not sure what spurred it on, as I was a synagogue rabbi at the time in Los Angeles.
I had the feeling that although I was born in the United States, I stopped thinking that America was mine. I now saw myself as a guest that really didn’t belong there. I knew that moving to Israel would give me the peace of mind that I was living according to my ideals.
Despite many difficult years, and many disappointments, I never regretted the decision to come home to the Promised Land. The Alshich believed that these feelings exist in the soul of every Jew. They only need to tap into their spiritual side, to uncover the yearning that Jews have always had throughout history. They needed to come home to the one and only place where they belonged.
Moshe’s Final Days
The Book of Devarim is actually a thirty-seven day farewell address from Moshe Rabbeinu to the Jewish people. It began on Rosh Chodesh Shvat, and continued until his death on the seventh day of Adar.
The Midrash also tells us that Moshe Rabbeinu personally wrote thirteen Torahs during this period. He gave one to each of the tribes, and one was placed on a shelf connected to the Holy Ark.
There is a further lesson to be learned from Moshe’s final days. He was able to rebuke the Jewish people in a manner that they took his words seriously.
The Alshich suggests that he had greater credibility at that time, because he personally defeated the giants, Sichon and Og, and inherited their land.
A further point is that תוכחה, rebuke, given on one’s death bed, has a greater impact than is usual. Moshe Rabbeinu was in perfect health until his 120th birthday, but it was clear to all that he would soon pass away, as did his brother, Aharon, and his sister, Miriam, earlier that year.
His message was simple and clear. The Jewish people would remain strong as a nation, if they stayed close to Hashem by studying His Torah and doing acts of kindness.
Moshe’s final days were quite remarkable. But what else could we expect from the greatest man who ever lived!
Death of High Priest
The Abarbanel gives a beautiful explanation as to why the accidental murderer is allowed to leave the City of Refuge upon the death of the Kohein Hagadol.
The High Priest was the spiritual leader of the Jewish people. He was the central figure each Yom Kippur who brought about atonement for the Jewish people. Those who followed the path of Aharon, were greatly loved and admired.
When the Kohein Hagadol passed away, it was devastating news for the entire Jewish people. It also shook up the ג׳ואל הדם, the redeemer of blood. He was permitted to kill the one being protected by the City of Refuge, if he ever left the City of Refuge. The killer did not kill his brother intentionally, but was careless, nonetheless.
The realization that death was inevitable for all human beings, including the High Priest, created an awakening for all.
This collective trauma, allowed the avenger of blood to calm down. He no longer felt the urgency to avenge his brother’s death. He realized that eventually, everyone would die.
This change in attitude due to the death of the Kohein Hagadol, allowed the accidental murderer to leave the City of Refuge. He was no longer in danger, and he could continue living life as a free man.
Driving Out The Nations
Moshe Rabbeinu gives a serious warning to the Jewish people that they must not be foolish and they must realize the importance of driving out the nations that were inhabiting the land.
He tells them that if they do no drive them out, and inherit their land, they will be as “thorns in your eyes and a pain in your side.” You must not have compassion towards them, for allowing them to live among you, will cause you great grief.
Moshe is really trying to explain that misplaced compassion can be dangerous. If we are not tough with our enemies, they will see our kindness as weakness, and they will take advantage of it.
This is why in several places it is written that destroying our enemies is actually a merciful act. The elimination of evil makes the world a better place.
This lesson was learned in a most painful way on October the seventh. Many of the victims of the nearby Kibbutzim had bent over backwards to try to help the residents of Gaza. They used information about where they lived and their general moving about, against them during the massacre.
Many couldn’t believe how these same people could turn against them, and act like brutal savages. Had they taken Moshe’s warning more seriously, perhaps many lives could have been saved.
Misplaced compassion can be very dangerous as the undeserving recipient of such compassion, does not appreciate these gestures. It makes them even more angry and they become the predators that Moshe warned us about.
Hashem gave us a beautiful land. If we want to keep it, we must drive out those who wish to take our land from us.
Travels of the Jewish People
In Parshat Masei, Moshe Rabbeinu recounts the numerous journeys of the Jewish people. When he referred to a place where they had sinned, it was alluded to by way of רמז, hinting.
This was said during the last week’s of Moshe’s life, just before they had reached their long awaited destination, of entering the Promised Land.
Moshe wanted the people to remember the hardships that were involved at getting to that point. They tested Hashem with their rebelliousness on ten different occasions. Their forty years in the desert actually decreased their population rather than increase it. The various plagues and punishments, prevented the growth in population.
We see this same phenomenon in America today. Because of the plague of intermarriage and assimilation, the number of Jews in America, still hovers at around six million Jews, after at least fifty years. Contrast this with Israel whose total population was six million in 1988, but is around ten million in 2026, with 7.7 million being Jewish.
Moshe Rabbeinu wanted us to go back in history so that we could learn from our mistakes. We must do this all of the time so that past mistakes are not repeated.
One lesson that must not be ignored is the lesson of anti-Semitism. When it is there, it is real and doesn’t go away. The solution is to get out before it gets unbearable. And thankfully, we now have a homeland where all Jews are welcome. It is clearly time to come home.
Ruining Morale
The request of the tribes of Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe, to settle on the other side of the Jordan, was not taken well by Moshe Rabbeinu.
Initially, he was shocked by such a request, and a strong reprimand would soon follow. He reminded these tribes what a devastating blow the sins of the spies was for the young Jewish nation. The spies succeeded in ruining the morale of the people. Their excitement about entering the Land of Israel, turned to fear of walking into a devastating trap.
Even though this took place nearly forty years before, the nation had not fully recovered. Moshe continued to explain that he didn’t believe the people could handle more trauma in the desert.
The most powerful accusation that Moshe made was, האחיכם יבואו למלחמה ואתם תשבו פה, “Shall your brothers go off to battle, and you will stay here?” It is so wrong to expect that others will fight the enemies of the Jewish people, in order to conquer, while they will stay on the sidelines and not participate.
This verse rings loud and clear today and it has caused a decrease in morale in Israel. We lost so many beautiful young men, who were also Torah scholars since October the seventh. Many were fathers of large families, who gave their lives defending our beloved State of Israel.
They must be held in the highest esteem, and anyone who does not see this is blind to the truth. There is nothing more holy than dying, while sanctifying the Name of G-d.
The two and a half tribes kept their promise and fought courageously. They did not shirk their responsibilities. We need unity in this country and if all citizens participated in joining the IDF, this would be the biggest step towards raising the morale and bringing unity to our people.