פרשת חיי שרה

Parshat חיי שרה speaks of the tragic death of שרה אמנו. The main explanation is that her soul left her when she heard of עקידת יצחק. She is praised for her modesty, humility, and saintliness.There are two unusual Midrashim related to this Parsha. One speaks of the special magical trees that surrounded Avraham Avinu's tent. The trees told Avraham if the people who sat under the tree were righteous or not. If they were righteous, the tree spread open its branches. If they were not, the tree contracted. This is why the angels were asked to sit under the tree so that Avraham could check them out.The other Midrash had to do with Lavan's blessing to Rivka. When he told her אחותינו, את היי לאלפי רבבה, that she should be the mother of tens of thousands, he really intended the descendants of עשו as well. Eisav's descendants are referred to as אלוף, which instead of referring to generals, it means that thousands descended from Eisav, just as Lavan hoped. Shabbat Shalom

Embracing Judaism

The ספר הישר makes an interesting analogy between beginning a new career and embracing Judaism. There are similar pitfalls and obstacles that need to be overcome in order to achieve success.In both situations, it is essential to focus on the goal. With a job, one needs to be reminded constantly of the ultimate potential that this particular work can lead to. It could be financial independence, or satisfaction and enjoyment at what one is doing. There could even be the feeling that the world could be a better place because of what this career choice can bring.With Judaism, the focus would be on spiritual contentment and a sense of purpose in knowing that an individual is taking his rightful place among the Jewish people.The other similarity mentioned by Rabbeinu Tam is how to deal with the frustrations along the way. If the career choice required an investment of many years, there will be obstacles. Perhaps the long hours involved or the fact that it's taking longer than one thought might make one want to quit.With Judaism as well, many find the change in lifestyle to be difficult. They may despair of ever reaching that level of peace of mind.In both situations, the worst thing to do is quit. When frustration is at its peak, do not disconnect completely. Maybe lightening one's load for a while might help. After this slight break, one will be able to come back with renewed vigor, where now all of the goals will be met. In other words, when one feels a sense of "burnout", ease up a bit and then try again.More sage advice from a great sage.

Sleep and Laziness

The ארחות צדיקים devotes an entire chapter to the subject of laziness. Often laziness can become a serious obstacle towards achieving one's goals. The lazy person is expert at finding excuses to avoid doing what he needs to do.It is most interesting that the ארחות צדיקים says that there is a connection between laziness and sleep. The best way to hide from responsibilities is to convince oneself how tired he is and how badly he needs rest. Sleep begins to be an obsession.On the other side of the coin, you have a person who is filled with energy and motivation. He often pushes himself further than his own limitations. He tends not to look after himself as he should. For him, sleep is a necessity because he probably doesn't get enough.But for the lazy person, sleep is a huge hindrance. This is another example of the wisdom of the rabbis and their keen insights to human nature.

Categorizing Mitzvot

The Rambam gives very definite guidelines as to how we are to know which Mitzvot are part of the 613 and which are not. He claims that there is great ignorance regarding the way to categorize the various commandments.One such mistake comes from the specific blessings known as ברכות המצוות. It is only logical to assume that if a ברכה begins with the words, אשר קדשנו במצוותיו, where we bless Hashem for sanctifying us with His Mitzvot, that we are speaking of a Torah Mitzva and one of the 613.This is not always the case. For example, we use this format for saying Hallel or lighting Shabbat candles or Chanukah candles or reading the Megillah on Purim. We even use it when we wash our hands.All of these are rabbinical laws but we say אשר קדשנו במצוותיו, because we are following the Torah commandment to listen to the teachings of the rabbis.Being able to properly organize and categorize is important for us to be able to know how to prioritize the various Mitzvot.

עקידת יצחק

There are many mystical explanations to עקדת יצחק, the binding of Isaac. The של״ה הקודש describes intense crying by both Avraham and Yitzchak.The whole incident was instigated by the שטן who challenged Avraham's dedication to Hashem now that he finally had a son. The tragedy of the whole episode led to the death of Sarah Imeinu.The one who was affected the most by the Akeida was Yitzchak. Some opinions say that he actually died and was brought back to life, while others say that that he was transformed into a different type of being. The holiness was like Adam before the sin.He was referred to as an עולה תמימה, a holy sacrifice. A man who achieved that level of holiness was not allowed to leave Eretz Yisrael.The Akeida stands out as the outstanding episode of faith and devotion that has brought great merit. Therefore, we read it daily in our morning prayers.

Lessons from פרשת וירא

The של״ה הקודש lists certain lessons to be learned from פרשת וירא. Here are a few:When one does a favor for someone as Avraham did for the angels, he should make the recipient feel that it is actually HE that is doing the favor.Avraham fulfilled the Mishna in Pirkei Avot, אמור מעט ועשה הרבה, "Say a little. Do a lot." He told the angels he was giving them a little bread. His meal was a feast.It is important to have good manners in someone else's home. The angels pretended to eat in order to be good guests.And lastly, a father should write written instructions for his children to read after his death as to how to lead their lives. We learn this when Hashem says that He knows what Avraham will instruct his children.Interesting and practical lessons from a very holy rabbi. Shavua Tov

פרשת וירא

There are two ideas to share from פרשת וירא. The first is learned from Avraham Avinu and the manner in which he prayed for Sdom and Amora. We learn from this that we are never supposed to pray that our adversaries or those that cause us grief should perish. Even for the biggest רשעים, we should sincerely pray that they do Teshuva. This is not always easy to do but something to strive towards.We also learn from Yitzchak how because of the merits of the Akeida he was the only one of the Patriarchs who was able to save עם ישראל. There is a Midrash that says that Hashem turned to all three of the Avot and told them that בני ישראל had sinned and they needed to be destroyed. Yitzchak's successful argument that saved the nation was that he said to Hashem, "But they're your children, too." Important messages from the Parsha. Shabbat Shalom

Maintaining Our Faith

Continuing with the ספר הישר from yesterday, a further clarification is in order. If an individual is seeking truth and he is convinced of the truth of the Torah, which he would now like to begin observing, Rabbeinu Tam suggests two preliminary ideas before commencing with actual observance.He first gives a list of fourteen items that are potential pitfalls that might prevent this newfound observance from coming to fruition. He includes such obstacles as lust, anger, bad choice of friends as examples in this category.The second category are a list of things to be aware of that will help maintain this new observance. His advice here would be to study Torah on a regular basis. Or, to read stories of heroism and faith that shows Hashem's special bond with the Jewish people. And a third example would be to concentrate when one prays.There are many examples in both categories but the ones mentioned are to show how our sages tried to help their students keep their direction and grow in spirituality.

Breaking Bad Habits

The book ספר הישר, written by Rabbeinu Tam, the grandson of Rashi, has some unique insights into human nature. He is very much in tune with human failings and the difficulties that people need to overcome.An example given by ספר הישר refers to a person who is convinced of the truth of the Torah and he wants to begin observing Mitzvot diligently. He even learns about all of the pitfalls that could turn a person away from observance. He is now completely ready to start his spiritual, observant life.Rabbeinu Tam points out that his next major obstacle is to break his previous bad habits. Discipline and creating new good habits, is very hard to attain. So many people want to do the right thing but are so fixed in their ways that they are unable to make the changes they desire.The suggestion is to first get psyched up to make the transition and then resolve to discipline oneself. This can lead to success in one's spiritual mission.

Two Aspects of Shabbat

Regarding the laws of Shabbat, it is often overlooked that there are two aspects to these laws. The first are the 39 מלאכות that are learned from the construction of the Mishkan. These carry with it very severe punishments from the Torah. One can get סקילה if warned and כרת if not warned and a קרבן חטאת if violated accidentally.The other aspect of laws is learned from Isaiah 58 where the words אם תשיב משבת רגלך come into play. This refers to the idea that our overall demeanor is meant to be different from the other days of the week. The way we walk and the topics of conversation and the emphasis on even having our animals rest, falls under this category. This is where we learn the idea of not doing things that are not "in the spirit" of Shabbat.

Women Doing Men's Mitzvot

Mrs. Leah Golomb, a well known educator, gave her take on women who insist on trying to do those Mitzvot that are reserved for men. She was referring to women who wear Tallit and Tefillin or need to get Aliyot to the Torah or even hold a Torah.Mrs. Golomb explained the concept of גדול המצוה ועושה משאינו מצוה ועושה definitely applies here. One who does certain Mitzvot because they appeal to them, does not nearly get the reward of one who does the Mitzva solely because he is commanded to do so.The Torah is not a popularity contest. We are meant to submit and surrender to the demands of the Halacha whether we agree with them or not. Leah's point is well taken.

Lessons from לך לך

Shavua Tov. A few more ideas from Parshat לך לך: It's written, ולאברם היטיב בעבורה, that it was good for Avraham because of her. The Talmud in בבא מציעא says that if one shows respect to his wife, it is the key to financial success. If it worked for Avraham, it can work for us, too.A second point that was learned from the Parsha is to avoid strife at all costs. Avraham set the example in the way that he handled the disagreement between Lot and himself. Even though he was right, he set the example that it wasn't worth the fight.And the final example learned from Avraham was that he refused to take spoils of war after his military victory. He felt that he would be minimizing the miracle if he made material gain from it. He is teaching us that all of our worldly possessions are a gift from Hashem and we are not entitled to anything.All three of these points are valuable lessons to take with us as we begin the new week.

Appreciating Eretz Yisrael

This week's Parsha, לך לך speaks a great deal about the specialness of Eretz Yisrael. Hashem promises Avraham an everlasting promise that this land belongs to the Jewish people.In the ברית בין הבתרים, that took place in הר חרמון, Hashem makes a covenant with Avraham that Israel will be ours after the exodus from Egypt.The של״ה הקדוש says that the word כנען comes from the word הכנעה, which means surrender, or is another word for humility. We are able to merit the beauty and holiness of the land if we act with humility.We are to see Eretz Yisrael as the closest thing to גן עדן as one day it will actually be the Garden of Eden. We are never to take it for granted and we are to seek out its holiness.Hashem has a special connection with the Jewish people in Israel. This is why the של״ה הקודש says that one who lives in חוץ לארץ is דומה, like someone with no G-d. It's not as if there's no G-d but it seems that way in comparison to Eretz Yisrael.The של״ה suggests that we see ourselves as strangers in ארץ ישראל so that we will never take it for granted. Let's make this Shabbat, "Eretz Yisrael appreciation Shabbat." Shabbat Shalom

Acquiring Love and Fear of Hashem

The מסילת ישרים speaks of certain things that we know instinctively and others that need to be learned. Nobody needs to be taught the need to eat and sleep. A person will satisfy these needs without being taught.However, matters such as love and fear of Hashem are not automatic. One needs to find the means to achieve these cherished qualities. One must work very hard and receive guidance from holy people in order to get there.The Ramchal reminds his readers that one day when one reaches 120, he will be asked why was it that he spent so much time and effort in other endeavors, and did not put forth the effort to acquire love and fear of Hashem.Sometimes we need to be reminded of the obvious or otherwise the obvious could be forgotten or overlooked.

Circumcision

This week's Parsha, לך לך speaks of the Mitzva of ברית מילה. The של״ה הקודש says that there is a connection between circumcision and inheriting the land.From the Kabbala, the foreskin represents the impurity of the sin of the serpent. Removing the foreskin means removing the קליפה, or shell, that might have prevented holiness from entering.We cannot lay claim to the land if such impurity exists on our bodies. With מילה, our 248 limbs are whole.When Yitzchak died, Eisav's descendants stopped performing circumcision. The מילה is a clear sign of the special connection between Hashem and עם ישראל. This is why the nations of the world have continuously tried to prevent Jews from performing this Mitzva.

הפקר בית דין הפקר

There is a concept in the Talmud called הפקר בית דין הפקר. This idea is very similar to the principle of eminent domain in American law. This gives special rights to the courts to enact laws for the betterment of society.The betterment of society in Talmudic terminology is referred to as תיקון עולם.Masechet Gittin is filled with numerous examples of תיקון עולם which is enabled by הפקר בית דין הפקר.An example of this would be a case of damages. The Rabbis wanted to devise a deterrent for people to be more careful so as not to cause damage to one another. Therefore, the law was established that one must pay for damages from his most exclusive property.Similarly, they arranged a system to encourage lending by creating a method for repayment of loans. They were allowed to adjust the legal system in a way that would have society running more smoothly with people co-existing in a healthy productive way.The study of Talmud is fascinating as one is able to appreciate the depth of the wisdom of its authors. It is not only the knowledge that they possessed but it is also the sensitivities used in putting it into practice.

More on Parshat Noach

Two more points from פרשת נח: The first is that we learn that one should always speak with clean language, בלשון נקיה. The Torah used extra words to describe the unclean animals by saying, "And the animals that are not clean", instead of saying the word טמא, which is a much more derogatory word. In Hebrew: ואת הבהמה אשר איננה טהורה instead of simply saying הבהמה הטמאה. Always speak in a clean way.The second point is from the של״ה הקודש who said that the משיח, who is sometimes referred to as בן דוד, will atone for the sin of the Tower of Bavel. In our פרשה it said ונעשה לנו שם, "and we will make a name for ourselves". And by David, as he became known as a great warrior, it was written, ויעש לו שם, that he made a name for himself.

Seven Noachide Laws

Shavua Tov. Today's Parsha lists the seven Noachide Laws or the שבע מצוות בני נח. The seven laws are: No idolatry, murder, immorality, stealing, tearing the limb from a live animal, blasphemy, and setting up courts of justice.The penalty for violating any of these commandments is death. Because they only have seven laws, we are very strict about enforcing them.Special courts were set up to judge cases of בני נח. When there was a Sanhedrin, and Israel ruled, these laws applied to the גר תושב, who was expected to observe these laws.The Rambam in הלכות מלכים, explains the details of these laws. For example, under the heading of immorality, the Rambam writes that there are six that are prohibited in this category. They are: mother, father's wife, a married woman, sister from mother, homosexuality, and bestiality.These seven laws represented the minimum for a society to function on a level where there is law and order.

פרשת נח

In פרשת נח, we typically compare Noach to Avraham Avinu in terms of their both being called צדיק. The take of the של״ה הקודש is that נח did have certain holy traits, such as being born circumcised, that made him a צדיק, but he was far from the level of Avraham Avinu.Noach was not very good at Kiruv, influencing his peers. Avraham was very effective at convincing the people of his generation of the Oneness of Hashem. Noach was afraid that if he mingled with others, he would be brought down by them.It is written that נח "walked with Hashem". He waited for Hashem to lead him or hold his hand to give him direction. Avraham was self propelled. Avraham "awakened" himself in his service of Hashem. Noach waited for Divine inspiration.The של״ה equated Noach with אלישע בן אבויה also known as ״אחר״, who became a heretic after entering the Pardes. Noach witnessed Hashem's protection and had many merits in providing for the animals for a year. However, he fell when leaving the ark, when he planted the vineyard.These comparisons are useful in understanding human nature and learning about the many obstacles we are meant to overcome. Shabbat Shalom

Rabbinic Wisdom

The introduction to מסילת ישרים, Path of the Just, has a fascinating relevance to today and the ongoing lack of morality in today's society.The Ramchal, Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, author of מסילת ישרים points out a very real human tendency to forget basic truths if they are not repeated. He uses the example of love and fear of Hashem and Dveikut, cleaving to Hashem, and acting in the way of Chassidut, doing acts of kindness.All of these are simple basic concepts known very well in Judaism. However, if these basic ideas of Judaism are not repeated on a regular basis, they become forgotten. A righteous person will no longer be viewed as one possessing these character traits, but someone who acts in an extreme way. He will fast all of the time or dip in Mikvaot if snow. All because of a failure to repeat the basics.And so it is today. Because such basic moral points as marriage and raising a family, being of supreme importance; or, "living together" before marriage is wrong; or, saving one's virginity for marriage is right, are not reiterated on a regular basis, they are forgotten.Morality has taken on a new definition of feeling good and doing whatever makes you feel good for the moment.The Rabbis always had such a keen insight into human nature. If we only listened to them!