Matot

This week's Parsha, Matot, has the discussion between Moshe Rabbeinu and the two and a half tribes of Reuven, Gad and half of Menahe and their request to remain on the east side of the Jordan. Moshe's initial reaction was very negative. He asked: "Shall your brothers go to battle and you will remain here? (In Chutz L'aretz) Moshe was afraid that such an action would demoralize the people the same way that the report of the spies harmed the nation.It was only after they reassured Moshe that they would do their part in fighting the war to conquer the Land, that they were granted permission to stay. They kept their promise and joined the fight before returning to the Golan where they lived.Maintaining a positive morale and staying away from negativity is a good way to maintain a healthy outlook on life. Pessimists and whiners should be kept at a distance for they can tend to bring us down. Shabbat Shalom

Maintaining Dignity

The Tosfot in Chagiga makes an interesting observation regarding our exile and the suffering that the Jewish people have had to endure over the generations.Hashem's love for His people is so strong that even when He punishes us, He wants us to have our dignity. For this reason, Tosfot says, the messengers chosen to carry out this punishment, are first elevated to high positions before they unknowingly fulfill their mission.It would be a disgrace for the Jews to fall at the hands of some insignificant anonymous oppressor. Instead He chooses a viceroy to the king like Haman to torture the Jews. Or He might take a Roman Caesar to afflict the Jews. This was true of Sancheiriv of Assyria and Nebuchadnezzar. These were leaders of great prestige to still give honor to the Jews.This also made their demise more significant because time after time, those that even attempted to harm the Jews, were brought down in great humility.

Torah Study Elevates

There is a fascinating Gemara in Brachot 8a that speaks about bringing down the Shechina, the Divine Presence in a world that no longer has prophecy or great people as there were during biblical times or even Talmudic times.The Talmud says the following: "Ever since the Temple was destroyed, the four cubits of Halacha-i.e. Torah study is the only sanctuary and abode which the Holy One Blessed Be He has in this world. That is, Torah study is the only abode for the revelation of His unity.This quote is meant to teach us what is the vehicle in which we can attain a real connection to Hashem. It seems that it is only through intense Torah study that we become spiritually attached to holiness.It is not easy to learn with this intensity where we feel transformed. If one can achieve this, he will realize that he is pursuing the only real truth. The Ramchal said it best when he described the study of Talmud as, "an exercise in the pursuit of truth."Study Torah. The spiritual rewards are limitless.

Seventeenth of Tamuz

Today is the Seventeenth of Tamuz which is actually the eighteenth of Tamuz as we do not fast on Shabbat. This begins a period of mourning until Tisha B'Av that is known as בין המצרים or the Three Weeks.During this time, we refrain from listening to music, shaving and cutting our hair, no weddings, and no reciting the blessing of Shehechyanu (which means no buying new clothes.) We avoid making business transactions during this time as well. Only when there is a loss of money, such as a once a year super sale, may one make an exception.Five things occurred on the Seventeenth of Tamuz: Moshe broke the tablets on this day. The evil Apostomus burned a Torah scroll on this day. An idol was placed in the Temple on this day. The walls of Jerusalem were breached on this day. And the daily sacrifice called the Tamid, was no longer offered from this day onward.May our fast days turn to days of joy speedily.

Shimush

Shavua Tov. One of the points of Parshat Pinchas was that Moshe was concerned who would lead the people after his death. Hashem told Moshe that Yehoshua was the most worthy to lead primarily because of his loyalty.The Hebrew word describing Yehoshua's unending devotion to Moshe was "Shimush." The Midrash goes so far to say that Yehoshua was the guy who set up the benches in preparation of Moshe's public discourses. He was the first to arrive and the last to leave.Traditionally, this idea of "Shimush" has been handed down from generation to generation from Rabbi to student. The student learns from up close how his mentor puts Judaism into practice and how he analyzes Jewish Law. This is something unique to Judaism in that it is far more than theoretical. It is also far more than practical in that each generation the two are combined, the practical and theoretical in a way that began from Moshe to Yehoshua until today.

Jewish Unity

The act of heroism of Pinchas which stopped the plague that killed 24,000 Jews, was the intent he had. He was thoroughly bound to Hashem and his motivation was to bring honor to G-d and to sanctify His name. Hashem appreciated this act and rewarded Pinchas with Shalom. He lived with inner peace and tranquility.This week we lost a brave soldier in the IDF, Shlomo Rindenau ז״ל, who was killed in a tragic army accident. I attended the funeral and the Shiva and I was greatly moved and inspired. The outpouring of love and concern from Jews of all backgrounds was very moving. I was particularly impressed by the holy soldiers of the IDF. Whether they wore a Kippa or not, their pain and deep devotion to a fellow soldier was heart warming. It infuriates me that there are so many Shules who refuse to say a prayer for Tzahal and all of the Pinchases that defend us. It is inexcusable.One of the visitors to the Rindenau family told Mrs. Rindenau: "The Mashiach has to be coming soon because of the incredible Achdut that has been demonstrated at the Shiva." The Jewish people truly are one family. Shabbat Shalom

Lessons from a Funeral

Yesterday I attended the funeral of a fallen IDF soldier, Shlomo Rindenau ז״ל. The Book of Kohelet says that it is better to attend a funeral than a party. This is because there is a lesson to be learned at a funeral while a party is just a party.There were three messages that were expressed that are worth remembering that were mentioned yesterday. The first is that everything that Hashem does is for good. This is true even when it is difficult for us to see it.The second point was that we are put in this world in order to fulfill a specific תפקיד or purpose. When this תפקיד is fulfilled, we may be taken from this world, even at a young age.And the third point is that we need to remind ourselves that G-d is just. He is not cruel and does not do things just to cause pain. We must possess the humility to believe that there are things that happen in this world that are beyond our comprehension. We must never judge Hashem.These are points that need to be reiterated all the time. It's a shame that it had to be taught at the funeral of a brave Jewish soldier.

Loving Every Jew

The Tanya tries to offer different suggestions as to how we are to motivate ourselves to do Mitzvot. Sometimes it is helpful to remember the satisfaction we felt when we overcame temptation. If we hold on to that feeling, it could help keep us in check.Other times the feeling of failure can push us forward. We never want to experience that emotion again and it, too can be a motivator.The Tanya further suggests the importance of loving our fellow Jew. This love begins with one loving himself. It should be followed by a spiritual connection with our fellow Jews. If it is only a connection based on materialism, it will not last. For example, connecting to someone because of their money or their athletic ability, will not create a lasting friendship. But sharing goals and ideals that creates a more spiritual connection, will endure.When we think of loving every Jew, we should attempt to make a spiritual connection of our common destiny and the Torah that we are all meant to observe.

Blessing Israel

One final message of yesterday's Parsha came from a Pasuk that is found two other times in the book of Breishit as well as in Balak. " Those that bless you will be blessed and those that curse you will be cursed."In essence, this is a three pronged warning to the nations of the world, that they had better treat the Jewish people in a favorable way. If they support the Jewish people and the State of Israel, they will be blessed. If they turn against Israel, they will pay a heavy price.We are a nation that dwells apart. When we rejoice, the nations of the world are sad. When we mourn, they rejoice. This has been our reality.A hopeful sign of Mashiach's arrival is the number of people and even nations, that are openly embracing Israel and Judaism. Ultimately, the whole world will recognize the truth of G-d and the Torah. In the meantime, those who support us will be blessed, and those who curse us will be cursed.

Loyalty

Shavua Tov. One of the messages of today's Parsha is loyalty. We have the very strange situation of Bilam's donkey speaking to him. Her first question was why did Bilam strike her three times. After all, she argued, she was his faithful companion for a long period of time. Had she ever done anything to harm him in the past?The donkey was really making two points. The first is that Bilam should have given her the benefit of the doubt and assumed that there must have been a good reason why she strayed from the path.The second reason is the lesson of loyalty. Rav Elazar Abuchatzeira זצ״ל, often emphasized this point. Too often people turn on a loyal friend or even spouse for something petty. In one moment, all of the years of loyalty and devotion is thrown out the window.This was what made חטא העגל, the sin of the Golden Calf so severe. After all that Moshe Rabbeinu promised and fulfilled, they turned on him for a short delay. We must never minimize the importance of loyalty.

Balak

The story of Balak and Bilam have many prophetic visions and is one of the more difficult Parshas to understand. The Alshich speaks of how Bilam had his free will taken away from him after three warnings as opposed to Pharoah who had five warnings before his free will was taken away.The Rambam adds that even today if a person acts consistently to turn away from Hashem and ignore His Mitzvot, his free will can also be taken away from him as Hashem will have decided to bring down such a person.A further message along the same lines is brought from the Talmud in Makot 10. There it is written that Hashem takes a person along the path that he wishes to take. If one chooses the path of righteousness, he will be helped from above. If he chooses the path of evil, that is where he will be led.Bilam chose the path of evil and went down in history as one of the most evil people that ever lived. He is mentioned as one of the individuals who lost his share of עולם הבא. Shabbat Shalom

Humility

The Orchot Tzaddikim spends a great deal of time emphasizing the importance of ענוה or humility. This ענוה is the key to all kinds of blessing. A person becomes a vessel towards being able to receive abundance from Hashem. When one is too full of himself, he has no place for this שפע, abundance, to enter.He further says that a true sign of humility is the ability to seek the counsel of a rabbi. One must realize that the wisdom that the rabbi possesses is coming from a high place. Especially today, when wisdom is measured by college degrees, it takes a certain degree of humility to take advise from a rabbi rather than a professional.Another example of ענוה is on the rabbi or teacher. He must have the humility and patience to explain things over and over again to students who don't understand things the first or second time. He should appreciate the student's desire to learn, and encourage him with love, patience, and humility.

Prohibition to Erase G-d's Name

The Rambam in הלכות יסודי התורה explains the Mitzva not to erase or destroy one of Hashem's holy names. There are primarily seven names that are forbidden to destroy. They are: the two ways of spelling Ado-nai, א-ל אלוקים אלוקינו ש-די and צב-אות. For erasing these names, one gets lashes.We are also not allowed to erase suffixes but prefixes such as the ב in בא-לוקים is not forbidden.If one tattooed one of these holy names, it is highly problematic as it cannot be defiled or disgraced. One should cover the name when he bathes or goes to an unclean place.If a Torah was written by an אפיקורס, a heretic, or an idol worshipper, or missionary, even though it contains one of these seven names, it should be burned. It has no sanctity and is highly טמא, impure.

Respecting Shabbat

The Talmud in Gittin speaks of people who may lose their wealth because of bad behavior related to Shabbat observance.One of the examples refers to one who examines his properties on Shabbat. He may examine his field to see what needs to be done after Shabbat such as weeding or irrigating. He is already planning for after Shabbat on Shabbat.The other example refers to one who cheapens Shabbat by having a large meal right before Shabbat begins. He is not able to have a proper meal because he has no appetite. We are commanded to only eat a סעודת ארעי, a temporary meal or snack on Friday. The rule is that one should stop eating three hours before candle lighting in order to show proper respect for Shabbat.Just as we are to observe the 39 מלאכות, we are to also observe that which Isaiah spoke of regarding the spirit and anticipation of the holiest day of the week.

Praying With a Miinyan

There is a great emphasis on the importance of davening with a Minyan. It's no small thing to be able to say Kaddish and Kedusha and Barechu with ten Jews. Simply put, such prayer brings down the Shechina, the Divine Presence.The Talmud in Gittin proves this point during its discussion of the Canaanite slave and the prohibition of letting him free. The Torah commands us that we are to enslave them under the heading of בהם תעבודו, that they should work for you.Nevertheless, the Gemara brings a case of Rabbi Eliezer who brought his Canaanite slave to Shule only to find nine people for the Minyan. He freed his slave to make the Minyan.The Rabbis ruled that even though it is a Torah commandment of בהם תעבודו, the needs of the community, even though prayer is rabbinical, overrides the Torah's positive commandment.

Struggle for Torah

Shavua Tov. There is a Pasuk that is very popular to analyze by way of exegesis from today's Parsha. In reference to the Red Heifer and the impurity of having come in contact with the dead, we are also taught the rule about "אהל", literally meaning "tent". The law is that this impurity is also transmitted by being under the same roof with a corpse.This is the reason why hospitals in Jerusalem have a warning sign for Kohanim not to enter until a deceased person is removed from the building. The text reads: זאת התורה אדם כי ימות באהל. The translation would be: " This is the teaching regarding a man who would die in a tent."The hidden message would be to paraphrase the verse and say, "This is the nature of Torah. A person needs to die for it." This is used to encourage students that in order for Torah to be absorbed, one must be prepared to die for it. This means that the fruits of learning Torah comes when one struggles for it.

Parshat Chukat

Parshat Chukat has many interesting stories including the Red Heifer, the death of Miriam and Aharon, the copper snake, and the fall of Sichon and Og.The main focus seems to be the sin of Moshe and Aharon and the hitting of the rock. There are many theories as to what exactly was their sin.The Alshich gives an unusual answer by saying that the talking to the rock symbolized the importance of discussing matters of Halacha. Moshe and Aharon missed the opportunity of planting a strong faith in Halacha to the nation. The Kabbalists say that if Moshe had not hit the rock, there never would have been disagreement in Halacha.There is further symbolism in the Parsha to the Written Law as evidenced by the well of Miriam, and the Oral Law as symbolized by the Mann.The Halacha was meant to be a balance between the Written and Oral Law, and ultimately we were to understand that the observance of Halacha was a fulfillment of G-d's will in this world. Moshe missed his chance to have this ingrained more strongly in עם ישראל. Shabbat Shalom

Bringing Honor to G-d

Chodesh Tov. The Rambam emphasizes that חילול ה׳, desecration of Hashem's name, is the most difficult sin to atone for. There are known cases of חילול ה׳ such as when one must risk his life rather than violate a commandment.However, there are lesser known cases that also fall under the category of חילול ה׳ where only one's death brings about complete atonement.There are three such examples from the Rambam. The first applies to one who violates a Mitzva for no other reason than to annoy, which is called, להכעיס, to anger. The second type of חילול ה׳ is making a false oath which shows no regard for Hashem and the Torah. And the third type is when one should have run away from sin as Yosef did, but his weakness in succumbing to the sin, shows his inability to show regard for Hashem and his Torah.In general, we should pay attention to act in a way that brings honor to G-d rather than making G-d embarrassed or ashamed by our actions.

Motivation

The Tanya gives advice as to how we are to motivate ourselves to keep away from sin. The recommendation is for us to have our sins right in front of us.This means that we should focus on the feeling of disappointment that we had with ourselves at the moment when we made bad choices and we did things that we are not proud of. That feeling of even disgust with ourselves should stay with us as a motivation that we never fall again as we once did.Years ago I was reprimanded by a young lady who I thought was being overly strict on a Halachic matter. She told me that I must not judge her for I have not been where she was. She told me that she was a Baalat Teshuva and she was being extra careful as she never wanted to go back to the place where she came from. This was the idea of having one's sins before him at all times.

Convictions

I was very moved by the Mussaf Davening this past Shabbat. It struck me that we say every week the following prayer: "May it be your will Hashem, the G-d of our fathers that You bring us up to our Holy Land and plant us within your borders."In addition, in all of our Shmone Esrei's we say, ותחזינה עינינו, May our eyes see a return to Zion in mercy. We must take pause and appreciate the reality that exists today that the doors are open to come to Israel to whoever wants it.It is important that we have peace of mind in knowing that we remain true to our convictions. It is also important not to take for granted that we have our own Land to come home to.It truly is a wonderful feeling to know that we had the courage to do what is expected of us as Jews. May the other part of the Mussaf come true where we experience the intense joy of the Temple service being reinstated with rebuilding of the Third Temple.