Interesting Parallel

There appears to be an interesting parallel between the story of Balak and Bilaam, and what has been transpiring in Israel today.

The background to our story, begins after Israel pulled off a miraculous victory over Sichon, the giant King of the Emori, and a second giant king, Og of Bashan.

Some say that Moshe Rabbeinu fought each one of these kings by himself, which adds to the miracle. In any case, the land of Sichon and Og were conquered by Israel. They rested on the other side of the Jordan and might be part of today’s Golan Heights.

Balak is so afraid of the might of Israel, that he makes a treaty with his enemy, Midyan, because he cannot fight might Israel himself.

We see how he is gripped by fear of Israel, and he must come up with a plan before this nation will devour him up as he did to the two mighty kings.

Israel had only left Egypt forty years earlier. How could this nation of slaves strike such fear in the hearts of other mighty nations? We are witnessing the same scenario as a relatively small and young nation, has taken on the giants of Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, and Hamas, and strikes fear in the hearts of these nations.

We must recognize that now, just as then, this could not happen without Hashem’s gracious help.

History repeats itself as we see how Hashem has always been with us. He is the One that is fighting for Israel. The nations of the world are being forced to recognize this truth.

Repetition

The Ramchal explained the purpose of studying books of Mussar. He wrote that most of the ideas that are mentioned in these books, are things that we ought to know on our own. Nevertheless, even the obvious needs to be repeated over and over again.

Rabbeinu Bachye in “Duties of the Heart,” lists no less than thirty ideas for which we are to make an accounting as to their importance.

In essence, what needs to be done is to take these ideas that are in the back of our minds, and putting them in the front of our minds.

Among Rabbeinu Bachye’s thirty item accounting list, are points related to our service of Hashem. We must remember to think of Hashem at all times and realize that everything comes from Him. We must treat Him with greater respect than we would a king or high ranking officer. He is the King of kings.

There are many reminders of the need we have to reach our own full potential. We must see every day as a gift, and know that we will not live forever.

An awareness of our day of reckoning is extremely important. This will allow us to live each day to the fullest, and realize how precious time is.

We should take our prayers more seriously and not be in a rush to get it over with. We must think of ways to make our prayers more meaningful. Our prayers are meant to bring us closer to Hashem.

A final important reminder is that we stay focused on our ultimate goal. This refers to developing such a close connection with G-d, that we are able to feel total bliss. There is nothing better than this in the whole world. This comes with hard work, but is achievable.

I have given a list of ideas that we probably know, but it is a good idea to mention and focus on them on a regular basis. This is the power of Mussar. The repetition brings strength and keeps us focused on our path in this world.

Understanding Hashem

There are various philosophers of religion that have made a similar observation about the nature of G-d. Their basic concept was that , “If I understand Him, then this isn’t a G-d that I would like to worship.”

This is a clear realization that as human beings, we are incapable of understanding Hashem’s ways. Our faith dictates that we trust in His perfection and justice, even though there are times that it is difficult to do so.

This also explains why the Torah contains a number of Mitzvot that fall under the category of “Chok.” This means that we are not even meant to understand these laws.

The Red Heifer is the most difficult of all Chukim to understand. Shlomo Hamelech, with all of his wisdom could not understand the reason why the ashes of this Para Ha’aduma, have the ability to purify the impure, make the pure, impure.

Only Moshe Rabbeinu was on the level of wisdom and spirituality, where the true reason for this law was revealed to him. This teaches us that our appreciation of the laws of the Torah will grow, directly in conjunction with how we grow spiritually.

Observing our faith is certainly challenging. But the realization that this unwavering faith is what is expected of us, will help us overcome life’s challenges. We must recognize that we are not meant to understand G-d’s ways. But if we continue to grow spiritually, we will continue to get glimpses of knowledge as to the intended reasons of our holy Torah.

Aharon’s Priestly Garments

A question was asked regarding the Priestly clothing that Aharon wore to his death. Weren’t these garments only allowed to be worn when he was actively doing Temple service?

The Rabbis answered that the death of a righteous man atoned like a sacrifice. Therefore, we see that it was appropriate for Aharon to be wearing these garments as he left this world.

The Meshech Chochma described the great love that the people had for Aharon. He was a true lover of peace, and went to great lengths to achieve peace.

The Torah says that the entire house of Israel mourned for him. This was also an indication that during the thirty days of mourning, nobody needed to go to the עיר מקלט, city of refuge, because of an accidental killing.

All were released with the death of Aharon, and there were no new members of the cities of refuge. Everyone including man, woman, and child, felt the loss of Aharon, “the great lover of peace.”

Misjudgment of Halacha

The Yalkut makes a comment that needs explanation related to Moshe Rabbeinu’s hitting the rock. “The Holy One Blessed Be He said to Moshe,

My children are dying from thirst, and you are mourning for that old lady (Miriam).”

The Yalkut further explained that Moshe was to first learn a little bit of Torah. The people would see that in the merit of Torah, the rock would give water.

Moshe thought he couldn’t do that because an אבל, a mourner, is forbidden from learning Torah, so he hesitated from speaking to the rock.

Hashem was telling Moshe that he was exempt from mourning in order to take care of the needs of the people. He was permitted to teach Torah because of the needs of the moment.

Unfortunately, Moshe gave into his anger, and did not listen to Hashem, and hit the rock. We see that he also needed clarification of what his priorities needed to be at that time.

It is a good lesson for all of us. While it is important to carefully observe the Halacha, there are times when the needs of the moment, take precedence over that particular Halacha.

Interesting Observation

The Midrash makes an interesting observation related to the death of Miriam. This demonstrates how much can be learned by carefully examining every word of the Torah.

The Midrash points out that by the time Miriam passed away, the entire generation that was meant to die in the desert, were no longer alive.

This is derived from another Midrash that said that every year on the Ninth of Av, the Jews of the desert dug their own graves, and slept in that grave. Many did not wake up.

Miriam’s death indicated that this process of digging their own graves had ended.

We know this from the simple wording of the Pasuk. ותמת שם מרים ותקבר שם, “And Miriam died there, and was buried there.” We see that she received a regular burial, and not the “dig your own grave” burial.

This clever detail was brought by a commentary known as, “Shnei Hameorot.” It only shows how new insights can be found when we study the Torah again and again.

Interesting Observation

The Midrash makes an interesting observation related to the death of Miriam. This demonstrates how much can be learned by carefully examining every word of the Torah.

The Midrash points out that by the time Miriam passed away, the entire generation that was meant to die in the desert, were no longer alive.

This is derived from another Midrash that said that every year on the Ninth of Av, the Jews of the desert dug their own graves, and slept in that grave. Many did not wake up.

Miriam’s death indicated that this process of digging their own graves had ended.

We know this from the simple wording of the Pasuk. ותמת שם מרים ותקבר שם, “And Miriam died there, and was buried there.” We see that she received a regular burial, and not the “dig your own grave” burial.

This clever detail was brought by a commentary known as, “Shnei Hameorot.” It only shows how new insights can be found when we study the Torah again and again.

Eliminating Death

Parshat Chukat has the subject of death as its major theme. It begins with the rules of the Red Heifer, whose ashes remove the impurity of having come in contact with the dead.

The Parsha also discusses the death of Miriam on the tenth of Nissan, as well as the death of Aharon on the first of Av. When they died, the באר מרים, “the well of Miriam” that gave water, ended.

Similarly, the “Clouds of Glory” that protected the Jewish people in the desert, disappeared with the death of Aharon. Both deaths took place in the last year of being in the desert.

A further reference to death is connected with the “copper serpent.” A plague took place in the camp when the people were tired of eating the Manna. There were serpents that killed many of the transgressors. But when they looked to this “copper serpent,” which represented turning to Hashem, they were spared.

There are many references to the fact that death was not meant to happen. The נחש, snake, in the Garden of Eden is the reason why death was decreed to the world.

It is said that had the Jewish people maintained their high level of holiness that they possessed on Mount Sinai, death would have been abolished. The sin of Adam was rectified. The sin of the Golden Calf, undid that special sanctity.

There is a verse in Isaiah 25:8 that says, בלע המות לנצח, “Death should be eliminated forever.” We do believe that the day will come, when righteous people will live forever.

In the meantime, we are urged to remember that we will all die. We must live every day to the fullest. And we must remember that there will be a day of reckoning. We will stand before Hashem and we will receive perfect justice. We will be rewarded for our good deeds and we will be punished for our sins. It is time to wake up now, and return to Hashem before it’s too late.

The Study of Mussar

Rabbi Avraham Twerski was a big advocate of the study of books of Mussar. As a psychiatrist, he saw the need of constant reminders related to proper thinking in coping with the difficulties of the world.

The four primary Mussar books as initiated by Rav Yisrael Salanter, the founder of the Mussar movement, are the following, and all are available in English: שערי תשובה, Gates of Repentance, מסילת ישרים, Path of the Just, ארחות צדיקים, The Ways of the Righteous, and חובות הלבבות, Duties of the Heart.

The introduction to Path of the Just, explains how these Mussar books work. The Ramchal confesses that he does not believe that there are such novel ideas in his book. But even though there are ideas that everyone probably knows, they must be stated. Otherwise, they will be forgotten.

For example, every observant Jew know the importance of love of G-d and fear of G-d. But if you ask them the last time they did a self check regarding love and fear of G-d, they might not remember.

It is the job of these Mussar books, to keep our priorities straight. They have a keen understanding of human nature, as well as human failings and weaknesses.

We learn to appreciate everything we have, and to be grateful for our lot. We recognize how anger and jealousy, hinder us greatly. But most important of all, the Mussar books help us get closer to Hashem, and allow us to feel the highest levels of contentment and peace of mind. In short, the study of Mussar, is a most worthwhile endeavor.u

Gifts of the Kohanim

After the authority of Moshe and Aharon was clarified, and there was no doubt as to their being chosen by Hashem, the special gifts of the Kohanim were enumerated.

There were a total of twenty-four gifts given to the Kohanim. Most of them no longer apply since we do not have a Beit Hamikdash.

The Pidyon Haben ceremony is still observed as first born sons are redeemed. The Kohein is entitled to keep the five silver coins as his redemption fee.

We also observe today the sanctity of first born male animals. They may not be consumed until these animals develop a blemish. In some instances, the fetus is sold to a non-Jew and then bought back after birth.

We also observe the redemption of the first born donkey, פטר חמור, as we exchange it for a goat, which is meant to be given to a Kohein. And finally, parts of the thigh, maw, and jaw are given to a Kohein. Nowadays its value is given to a needy Kohein.

The Temple gifts were divided between those that were consumed in the Temple itself, such as sacrifices, those that applied in Jerusalem within the walls of the city, and those given inside Israel.

Examples of gifts given anywhere in Israel, included Teruma, the Challah, and the first of the shearings, ראשית הגז. Pidyon Haben applied even outside of Israel.

We see how a Kohein could even become wealthy if he was popular, as many of these gifts could be given to the Kohein of your choice. The Levites were much more poor as their gifts were limited primarily to מעשר ראשון, the first tithe.

We pray for the day when we again activate all of these twenty-four gifts.

Acknowledging Miracles

There is a custom to make a special blessing if we visit a place where a miracle was done for the Jewish people. One can even make a blessing where an individual experienced a personal miracle. We are always reminded to give thanks to Hashem for His abundant kindness and not take anything for granted.

It would be amazing if we were able to uncover the location of three events mentioned in the Torah and Talmud. We are told that if we could find the exact location where the land swallowed up Korach and his followers, we would hear a strange voice. If we put our ears to the ground at that spot, we would hear, משה אמת ותורתו אמת, “Moshe is truth and his Torah is truth.”

The second location would be on the Jordan River where the Torah was chiseled onto very large stones. That would certainly be an amazing discovery.

But the biggest one of all would be to find the Holy Ark of King Solomon, hidden somewhere in the area of the Temple. It also contained a flask of the Manna eating by the Jews in the desert. And there was also a jar of Moshe’s original anointing oil, and the staff of Aharon, used for many miracles. It blossomed into an almond tree. Wouldn’t that be awesome if we actually found these items.

Allegedly, there are one or two individuals who know exactly where the ark is hidden. If you think you are one of these people, you are not!

In any case, we must keep blessing and acknowledging Hashem’s great miracles each and every day.

The Good Wife

One of the side points learned from the episode with Korach, is the positive influence of a good wife, and the negative influence of a bad wife.

The good wife was married to און בן פלת from the tribe of Reuven. She convinced her husband that he had nothing to gain by joining the rebellion. He would end up subservient to Korach instead of Moshe Rabbeinu. And if things went badly, it would not be good for him or his family.

Korach’s wife influenced him negatively. She riled him up into thinking that he wasn’t getting a fair shake. She convinced him that Moshe and Aharon were power hungry, and he needed to make things right.

The Talmud in Masechet Yevamot discusses the importance of marriage, and how fortunate is the man who is blessed with a good wife. There are very candid and even humorous discussions. In one discussion, Rav Yehuda read a verse to his son that said, “I have found the woman to be more bitter than death.” Rav Yitzchak asked his father to whom this verse was referring. Rav Yehuda answered, “Your mother!” This answer was puzzling because Rav Yehuda, himself, was quoted as saying that one of the joys of life is to grow old with the wife of your youth. He clarified his position by saying that his wife had a bad temper but got over it quickly.

The Rambam gives detailed suggestions for a happy and holy Jewish marriage. It is based on love, honor, and mutual respect for one another. Each one makes great efforts to act in a way that is pleasing to their spouse . This is the way for more wives to be like On Ben Pelet, rather than the wife of Korach, who brought about his demise.

Good Influences

The rebellion of Korach was assisted by members of the tribe of Reuven. They joined because they were still upset that the birthright was taken from Reuven and given to Yosef.

They also joined because they were neighbors of Korach. The Rabbis said, אוי לרשע אוי לשכינו, “Woe to the wicked, and woe to his neighbor.

This is an extremely important point made by the Rabbis, and it is found repeatedly in the books of Mussar. It is absolutely essential that we surround ourselves with good people, and distance ourselves from negative influences.

The “Duties of the Heart” recommends being a loner, rather than spend time with the gossipers and the unmotivated. Everyone is affected by their environment.

We even see this by Avraham Avinu. He had to leave his home of idolatry and come to Israel, where he would be able to grow spiritually, and emerge as one of the great leaders of his generation.

One of the incidental points that stood out during these past incredible weeks of seeing daily open miracles, was how the entire country was elevated.

In every walk of life and in every situation, we are constantly hearing people praising G-d. Over and over, the words, “B’ezrat Hashem,” with the help of G-d, or “Baruch Hashem,” bless G-d, is heard everywhere.

Despite the attempts of the leftist, secular media, trying to cover it up, there has been an incredible reawakening of spirituality since October seventh, with a major increase during the last two weeks.

Doesn’t it make sense that every Jew would want to live in the best environment with the best influences? Now more than ever, Jews need to come home to their families. We wouldn’t want to wait for an anti-Semitic Muslim, to become mayor of New York. Come home now and be part of the dream!

Korach’s Poor Judgement

Rav Kook has an interesting explanation as to why Korach made the horrible mistake that led to great controversy and his own demise.

He explained that there were two forms of communication between G-d and man. One came by way of prophecy, and the other, Divine Inspiration, or רוח הקודש.

Moshe and Aharon possessed prophecy, while Korach possessed, the lower level of communication of Ruach Hakodesh.

The message that Korach saw was that Shmuel Hanavi would descend from him. He would anoint King Saul and King David. He mistakenly thought that a dynasty was meant to come from him.

The nature of prophecy is that the message received is more of an eternal nature. It reflects a warning or preparation of what was to take place. For example, the Torah was received by way of prophecy, and it is eternal.

Korach did see into the future, but what he saw was in the category of הוראת שעה, an instruction for the moment. It was true that his descendant, Shmuel, was on the level of Moshe and Aharon. However, his big moment was for the moment. Korach’s limited vision of the future, deceived him.

This led him to make the claim that all of the nation is holy, so why should Moshe and Aharon have a higher position than his.

The real tragedy of the story was that Korach may have been the wealthiest man on earth, and he was given a very important position as a Levite. He carried the holy vessels.

This only proves what can happen to a person who is not satisfied with his lot. His jealousy and greed led to his own downfall. This is what happens to a person who allows his judgement to be flawed by the wrong motivation. It swallows him up, and destroys him.

The Mitzva of Tzitzit

The Mitzva of wearing Tzitzit on a four cornered garment, is a reminder Mitzva. The numerical value of the word, ציצית, is 600. When we add the eight strings and five knots on each corner, we get 613, the number of Mitzvot in the Torah.

The continuation of the instructions in fulfilling this commandment, has an additional Mitzva, forbidding us from “turning after our hearts and our eyes.”

This is a warning that we not be led astray by the thoughts in our hearts. This refers to allowing ourselves to be exposed to heretical teachings, that might make us question our faith. We must be careful what we read and we must be strong in knowing how to answer the heretic.

We must not allow ourselves to give in to our lusts, by guarding our eyes. We must not look at the enticements of the material world. This is very difficult nowadays when so much is readily available.

An individual needs to know his limitations and weaknesses. The Torah is telling us to protect ourselves from those things that might get us off the right track. There are times when it might be necessary to take added precautions when a person is aware of his own vulnerabilities. Some of the holiest rabbi’s practice שמירת העיניים, guarding their eyes. Even a brief sight of something profane, can affect one’s level of spirituality.

The Mitzva of Tzitzit reminds us who we are as Jews, and the precautions that we must take so that we stay focused on our mission of bringing light to the world.

The Mitzva of Challah

The Mitzva of הפרשת חלה, the separating of the dough when baking bread, was a Torah law in Eretz Yisrael. The Rabbis enacted that this law also be observed outside of Israel, so that it should not be forgotten.

There are those who held that even in Israel it becomes a Torah law when the majority of the Jewish people are living in Israel. This is derived from the wording of the Torah itself. There is an extra word used when describing this Mitzva. First we are told, כי תבואו אל הארץ, “When you enter the land.” This is followed by an extra word, בבואכם, “When you enter.” This redundancy teaches that when the majority of Jews enter the land, it becomes a Torah law.

The Sefer Hachinuch explains that since bread is such an important staple in our diets, Hashem added a Mitzva related to the dough, so that there will be a Divine blessing when we eat bread.

There is a commentary known as “Or Lechaim” that says the word חלה, is a hint that we begin elevating and educating our children from birth.

The ״ח״ in the word, חלה, hints to the Brit Mila at eight days. The ״ל״ hints to the Pidyon Haben that takes place at thirty days. And the ״ה״ refers to ה׳ שנים למקרא, that we begin teaching Torah to children at five years old.

There are many Halachic details related to our separating from the dough, and the blessing we make while doing so. Nevertheless, it is clear that we can sense the added level of sanctity that is added to the bread we eat, when this Mitzva is observed.

The Courage of Kalev

The courage of Kalev Ben Yefuneh, the husband of Miriam, was seen in the episode of the spies.

He reassured the people that we would be successful in going up and inheriting the land. He reminded them that Hashem would never forsake them, and He would keep his promise that we would inherit the land.

Kalev also added the words, סר צלם, “Their shadow or protection has left them.” He was explaining that there may have been a time that the land was meant to be inhabited by the Seven Nations, but they no longer have any protection. Their sins and corrupt behavior have become so intolerable, that their time is up. It is part of the Divine plan for the Jewish people to inhabit the land promised to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaacov.

The Prophet Yechezkel saw the future that we are experiencing, unfold. There would come a time when Hashem will have had enough. Even if the Jewish people may have gone astray, the arrogance and smugness of the enemies of the Jewish people and G-d, would no longer go unpunished.

They have acted in a way where they ignored Hashem’s might and awesome power. Now they would fall in a very painful manner. They will be humbled and humiliated. They will realize that the G-d of Israel, neither sleeps nor slumbers. He will pour out His wrath against the scoffers and non-believers.

His Name will be sanctified through His people. His army and brave fighters, will be the envy of the world. Kalev saw the glorious days that were ahead for Am Yisrael. We are fortunate to be witnessing the glorious days that soon await us, with the help of Hashem.

Paradox

The ways of G-d are very difficult for us to understand. Rav Kook pointed out a strange paradox. On the one hand, the Jewish people went into Galut, exile, because of the sin of the spies. But, on the other hand, it was necessary that Jews be scattered throughout the world.

We see the complexity of the Divine plan. Rav Kook added that the purpose of the Galut was to increase the number of converts to Judaism.

This is another paradox. On the one hand, Judaism is against proselytizing, but we now hear that our exile was for this purpose. We are also told that in the time of Mashiach, we will not accept converts. This was the case during the reign of David and Shlomo. Converts were not accepted because it was easy to want to be part of a Jewish people led by these two great men.

The conclusion to all of this is that we must submit our will to the Divine Will. Hashem’s ways are not meant to be understood by man. We must also understand that the Jewish people do have a special destiny. We must teach the world what is right and wrong, and sacred and profane. If there are non-Jews that are moved by this truth, and they want to become part of Am Yisrael, we welcome them after they prove their sincerity and commitment.

The Spies Despised the Land

The sin of the spies speaking badly about Eretz Yisrael, was one of the worst sins in our history. Rav Kook wrote that this was the primary reason that Jews went into exile.

The fear that overtook these so called leaders of Israel, was inexcusable. How was it possible to doubt the power of Hashem, when they had witnessed so many incredible miracles in Egypt and in the desert?

Their complaints and negativity, succeeded in ruining the morale of the people. Only Yehoshua and Kalev were able to stand up and proclaim that, “It is a very, very good land.

We can see Moshe’s disappointment and disgust with the spies. He prayed for forgiveness of the people, but did not ask for forgiveness of the spies.

He convinced Hashem that He must not take things out against the nation, because He would look weak and it would be a desecration of His holy Name.

People need to learn their lesson about speaking badly about our homeland. It is insulting Hashem, Who gave us this beautiful and holy land. The spies all died a horrible death because of their lack of faith, and the damage they did.

It is clear that there is a special bond with Hashem, the Torah, the people, and the land. As the Torah says, “The eyes of Hashem or on this land from the beginning of the year, to the end of the year.”

We are witnessing this bond as we see our enemies and their threats, being driven from the land. We must love and cherish Eretz Yisrael. And we must never speak badly of this sacred land.

The Revealed Hand of G-d

The Talmud in Masechet Yevamot 63a, mentions a historical fact regarding the nations of the world and Israel. “Punishment will come to the world because of Israel.”

This is followed by a verse in Zephania 3:6 that says the following: “I have eliminated nations, their towers have become desolate; I have destroyed their streets… their cities.”

The context of the Gemara was to teach the Jewish people that when this inevitable situation unfolds, we are to learn the lesson that we must fear Hashem and be close to Him.

We are witnessing incredible miracles of biblical proportions, as we this inevitable consequence unfolding before our eyes.

As we have witnessed throughout our history, when mighty nations rise up to gloat and speak of our destruction, the G-d of Israel rises up and brings about their humiliation and demise.

It began in Egypt, when the superpower of the world was devastated with Ten Plagues. The great empires of Babylonia and Rome, who destroyed our first and second Temples, are only a memory. We see numerous similar stories in the Tanach. The same gloating and threats of our destruction, that led to their own ultimate destruction and humiliation.

Our focus at this time, should be an awareness and appreciation that we have merited the witnessing of open miracles in our lifetimes. The discomfort of running to shelters and sealed rooms, is about to end for good, with Hashem’s help.

The Mishna states that there is no difference between this world and the time of Mashiach, except for שעבוד מלכיות, being under the rule of kingdoms.

We should be focused on the new reality that we will soon live without threats to harm us. All of our enemies have been silenced right before our eyes. No more Hizballah, no more Hamas, no more Syria, and very soon, no more Iran and Houthis.

The mind can play tricks on us. If we focus on our bright future, and the great things that lie ahead, we will be happy. We must not give in to negativity and worries, no matter how frightening this temporary situation might be. It is abundantly clear that the G-d of Israel has not forsaken us. He is leading us to great victory and salvation. Am Yisrael Chai!