Chillul Hashem

Shavua Tov. There is a Pasuk in פרשת פרה that tormented me when I was living in America. Actually, it was on Parshat Para in 1983 that I announced to my congregation that I was making Aliya. It was largely because of this Pasuk.

The Pasuk reads עם ה׳ אלה ומארצו יצאו, “ You are G-d’s people, then what are you doing outside of His chosen land.”

The context of this verse is that the Prophet Yechezkel is saying that after defiling the land with their evil ways, the Jewish people were banished from the land. They continued to desecrate Hashem’s name by their very presence in Chutz L’aretz. The nations of the world would mock the Jews living outside of Israel by accusing them that their G-d was weak. If he were strong, His children would not be living outside the land.

Simply put, the presence of a Jew in חוץ לארץ, even if he observes the Mitzvot is a חילול ה׳. Hashem says that He is tired of having His name desecrated among the nations. Therefore, He is rebuilding the House of Israel. No more חילול ה׳. The State of Israel is קידוש ה׳.

For years, I wished this Pasuk would go away. In order to be at peace with myself, I had no choice but to do the right thing and make Aliya.

The Pasuk עם ה׳ אלה ומארצו יצאו, was a great motivator.

פרשת פרה 2

Parshat Para’s Haftarah seems to be discussing the times we are currently living in. The prophet says that there will come a time when Hashem will decide to put an end to the desecration of His name.

Hashem’s name will be sanctified when His children return to Eretz Yisrael, and rebuild the House of Israel. The cities that were desolate will once again be filled with people. The land that refused to produce, will once again flourish. It will be clear to the nations of the world, that there is a special bond between G-d and the Jewish people. They will never be able to accuse the Jews of being rejected by Hashem.

In short, the rebuilding of Israel proves that Judaism is the only true religion, and the others are false.

We are so fortunate to be living in Israel and to be able to witness first hand the fulfillment of these prophecies. Shabbat Shalom

פרשת פרה

This Shabbat is פרשת פרה. It is read before the month of Nissan because everyone needed to be in a state of purity in order to offer the קרבן פסח. The likelihood was that people had come into contact with the dead. The ashes of the Red Heifer were needed for purification.

The Haftarah for פרשת פרה is from יחזקאל, and it is probably the most Zionistic and prophetic Haftarah of the entire year.

Just as the Torah reading speaks of a certain renewal that comes about through the process of the פרה אדומה, Yechezkel speaks of the spiritual renewal that will take place when the Jewish people return to Eretz Yisrael for the final redemption.

The prophet speaks of the pouring of מים טהורים, waters of purification in order to remove our hearts of stone. These hearts will be replaced by hearts of flesh. It will come to pass that Hashem will finally say, “You will be my people and I will be your G-d.”

All of this will come about when Hashem will decide once and for all, that it is time to put an end to the desecration of His holy name. More tomorrow, בע״ה.

Lessons from Eliyahu Hanavi

There are two other concepts learned from the incident of Eliyahu Hanavi and the prophets of Baal.

The first is the concept of הוראת שעה. This refers to a situation where the prophet is entitled to make a one time decision that is contrary to Jewish law. In Eliyahu’s case, he ruled that because of the seriousness of the situation, it would be allowed to offer a sacrifice on an alter outside of the Beit Hamikdash.

The other idea learned from that incident is that it is permissible to mock and belittle idol worshippers. We are generally commanded to be respectful of all people in society. However, idol worshippers need to be mocked to expose the falsehood of their ways. Eliyahu asked the prophets of Baal whether their god was unable to bring down a heavenly fire because he was busy relieving himself. They also made a point of hiring the most grouchy judges to be sure they are convicted. These judges were either old or unable to have children.

Two Sides of Fence

There is a very Pasuk in yesterday’s Haftarah. Eliyahu Hanavi has a showdown with the prophets of Baal. There are many Jews who cannot make up their minds and worship both Hashem and Baal. Eliyahu needs to prove that Baal is false and Hashem is true. He says the following: עד מתי אתם פוסחים על שתי הסעיפים, “How long will you straddle both sides of the fence?” If Hashem is true, worship Him. If Baal, worship it.

The message here is very powerful. Many people are very torn between two worlds- the secular and the religious. They think it’s possible to live in both worlds. Such a belief creates turmoil and confusion.

Obviously, we need to function in the real world. But our priority needs to be to live Judaism 24/7. Then one has a much more clear understanding of his purpose in the world. Hashem is his guide and he knows how to live his life.

Straddling the fence is not a solution. We must heed the rebuke of אליהו הנביא.

Loyalty

Rav Elazar Abuchatzeira was troubled as to why the חטא העגל was considered such a terrible sin.

The Midrash says that Satan showed the people what they thought was Moshe’s casket floating in the sky. In addition, the nation had only been freed for seven weeks. Wouldn’t it be natural to expect that they have doubts.

The Rav answered his own question by saying that much could be learned from Bilaam’s donkey. She couldn’t understand why he would strike her three times. After all, she had been his faithful donkey for many years. Rav Elazar said that not showing loyalty, is inexcusable. Everything Moshe promised that he would do, he fulfilled. Now after being only six hours late, would they turn to עבודה זרה.

We must never forget kindnesses done to us and become ingrates. A lack of loyalty to people who have been there for us, is inexcusable. This is why the חטא העגל was so severe, and we must learn its lessons.

חטא העגל

Shavua Tov. The three biggest sins in the Torah were the selling of Yosef as a slave, the sin of the spies, and חטא העגל, the sin of the Golden Calf.

Rashi explains that there were three groups who sinned with the Golden Calf. Those who were warned and had witnesses, were punished with death by the sword. Those who had witnesses but no warning, died in a מגפה, a plague. And those who had no warning and no witnesses, had to drink the water that had the melted calf in it. They drank the water and if guilty, their stomachs exploded like the סוטה.

The Kabbalists say that this sin was so grievous that death returned to עם ישראל. The Jewish people on הר סיני reached the status of Adam and Eve before their sin, and at that time, as well, there would not have been death to humanity.

When Mashiach comes, we will once again return to that  level once again. May that day come speedily.

Mordechai- Not Approved By All

The point of the Megillah that is most striking to me, is the very last Pasuk. It says that Mordechai was viceroy to אחשורוש, and he was רצוי לרב אחיו, and he found favor among MOST of his brethren.

The Talmud in מסכת מגילה makes a point of saying לרב אחיו אבל לא לכל אחיו. Most of the Jews approved of Mordechai’s tactics that led to his great ascent. However, despite the great salvation that he brought to the Jewish people, he was second guessed. This is just another indication that leading עם ישראל is no small task. Even when there was a happy ending and great celebration, there were those who probably didn’t like Mordechai’s style.

He was too provocative. He insulted Haman instead of bowing to him. Maybe he even made nicknames like “lying Haman”, or “sloppy Haman”, or even “crooked Haman.” Maybe he and his students shouted at Haman and said, “lock him up!”

He was questioned because they didn’t like his methods. And even when he brought results and lowered taxes and made life significantly easier for the Jews, he was still ridiculed. Isn’t interesting how history repeats itself? Purim Sameach and Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat

This week’s Parsha, כי תשא, gives us the source for the Thirty Nine מלאכות of Shabbat. It is learned from the words, אך את שבתותי תשמור, “But you shall observe my Shabbat.” This is positioned right in the middle of all of the discussions related to the construction of the Mishkan.  The lesson here is that one might think that building the Mishkan should take priority over the Shabbat laws. We are taught that this is not the case.

Rabbi Soloveitchik points out that we learn from here, the importance of Shabbat. The Jewish people have been able to survive without a בית המקדש, but we cannot survive without Shabbat.

Along with Kashrut and family purity, Shabbat is one of three pillars that Judaism is based on.

With the help of saintly Rabbis, they have managed to create a מקדש מעט, a small sanctuary, during our exile. However, Shabbat attests that Hashem is the true Creator of the universe. Abandoning this affirmation, is an abandonment of all that is sacred to our people.

Purim and Charity

The obligation to donate a half shekel to the Temple had nothing to do with Purim. This began in the desert and was an annual obligation every year during the month of Adar.

Every year starting with Rosh Chodesh Adar, tables were set up all of Israel for the collection of the half shekel. This donation was used for the maintenance of the Temple throughout the year. It was also set up in such a way that all of this money needed to be used up before Rosh Chodesh Nissan.

Shekalim were mentioned in Megillat Esther as part of Haman’s plot. For this reason, we have the custom of giving a מחצית השקל before reading the Megillah.

Rabbi Soloveitchik points out that sin represents selfishness, where sin overrules sacred principles. Giving צדקה as in half shekel, is the opposite. This act demonstrates sympathy, compassion, and sharing with others. This is why forgiveness from sin can only be attained through צדקה.

Charity or מתנות לאביונים is certainly one of the themes of Purim.

ליבי אומר לי

Rabbi Soloveitchik was impressed with how Rashi had to use his intuition to figure out exactly how the priestly garments were made.

In one of Rashi’s comments he writes, ליבי אומר לי, my heart tells me. This is the language he sometimes uses to announce that he’s basing his commentary on “his gut feeling.”

The Rav tries to explain how this special knowledge is passed over to Torah scholars. He says that when one wears the כתר תורה, the crown of Torah, he is granted access to this remarkable intuitive knowledge.

He quotes his grandfather, רב חיים סלובייציק who once described the process of understanding a difficult Rambam. It is like traveling in the direction of a distant light. Somehow you are guided to that light that helps answer all of the difficulties.

Swimming in the world of Torah brings countless insights and benefits. We all need to not only get our feet wet, but not be afraid to go in the deep water!

Tragedy of Shaul

The Haftarah for פרשת זכור is very tragic indeed. The Prophet Shmuel truly believed that Shaul was worthy of being the king of Israel.

He was handsome, tall, modest, brave, and G-d fearing. He was worthy of prophecy because of his character. David always respected him and despite his obsession with killing him, David refused to harm “the anointed one of Israel.”

Shaul’s ultimate downfall came from one simple weakness. He feared the people more than he feared Hashem. For this, Hashem regretted having made him king.

The great leaders among the Jewish people and in the world for that matter, achieved their greatness because they feared G-d more than trying to please the people. In this way, they truly led. May we merit such leaders in our day as well.

Clothes Make the Man

Shavua Tov. Today’s Parsha spoke about the clothing of the Kohanim. They were to be worn לכבוד ולתפארת, for honor and for glory. The Kohein Gadol wore eight garments whenever he wanted to. The regular Kohein wore four garments and was only allowed to wear them while he was actually serving in the Temple.

Rabbi Soloveitchik notes that uniforms in our society, endow that person with authority. The policeman, the doctor, the judge, and many others are treated with respect because of their uniform.

The Rav was very clear on this point when he made the following observation. Clothing is an expression not of the intellect of man, but of the dignity of man. The uniform shows that one was selected for this position of authority.

The Torah also made a point that one should not lose his humility because of his authority. The king certainly wore special royal garbs but was reminded to remain humble by having a Torah scroll on his right arm.

The exception to this rule was Moshe Rabbeinu. He ruled for seven days as כהן גדול and did not wear special clothing. He mastered humility. We must always remember that despite the position we are in, we must never lose our humility as well.

זכור

And עין הרע and יצר הרע, are all one and the same. They all represent evil. We are to try to eliminate all of them.

The numerical value of עמלק equals the word, ספק, doubt. It can be tormenting to be in a state of doubt and uncertainty. It is a great relief when we achieve clarity.

May we be זוכה to eliminate the Hamans and Amalekites, evil, and doubts. Shabbat Shalom

פרשת זכור

This Shabbat we read פרשת זכור. It is really the only Shabbat of the year that there is a Torah obligation to hear the reading about עמלק.

We are commanded to remember Amalek and we must erase any remembrance of Amalek. The explanation here is that even though there is no more actual Amalek, as they were once known, what they represent, still exists. They are the epitome of pure evil in the world.

The Gemara in מסכת ראש השנה says that עמלק, שטן.

Erase My Name

This week’s Parsha, תצוה, is the only Parsha from שמות until the end of the Torah that does not have Moshe’s name in it.

The classical answer as to why this is the case, is because when Moshe pleaded with Hashem to forgive the Jewish people for the sin of the Golden Calf, he gave a threat to Hashem. He said that if the Jews were not forgiven, then,”erase my name from Your book.” He was not erased entirely but was erased from פרשת תצוה.

The Vilna Gaon gave a different reason for Moshe’s name not appearing. He said that there was a connection with this Parsha and Moshe’s Yahrtzeit, as it always falls close to the seventh of Adar, the day that Moshe died.(Wednesday night and Thursday is the seventh of Adar.) His name being erased, may be a hint to his ultimate demise.

A third answer could be that it was in this week’s Parsha, it became official that Moshe was erased from being the Kohein Hagadol. He served in that capacity for seven days before the Mishkan dedication. After this, the position was handed over to his brother Aharon. Interesting explanations as to why Moshe’s name does not appear in our Parsha.

Holy Ark

It is important to learn the lessons of the building of the ארון קודש, the holy Ark. There are two specific ideas learned here.

The first is that the measurements were half measurements. They were two and a half cubits by one and a half cubits. The Rabbis explained that the reason for this was to teach how we are incomplete and need to constant work on self improvement. This is a lifelong task to try to grow and go higher in spirituality.

The other lesson is that the Ark had gold on the inside and outside. This was to teach that one should not be אחד בפה ואחד בלב, one way in one’s mouth and another in one’s heart. We are not to be fake or hypocritical. We are to be honest and truthful in all that we do. Two important lessons from the holy Ark.

I Don’t Deserve That

Recently, I was called upon to console a student who was having a difficult time coping with life. In desperation, he said, “I don’t deserve all of this.”

While I tried to show compassion and understanding for this person’s plight, it occurred to me that something was wrong here.

It is a great lack of faith to ever say, “I don’t deserve this.” Such a statement implies a dissatisfaction with the way that Hashem is running the world.

It is important to realize that Hashem owes us nothing and we are not entitled to understand how Hashem conducts our lives. We must remind ourselves that Hashem is the ultimate of justice, even though it’s difficult, at times to see it.

Similarly, we are to feel the same with the blessings we receive from Hashem. The goal in acquiring happiness and peace of mind, is accepting with love, everything that comes our way. This is how we gain humility. And humility is the most admirable of all personality traits.

Coercing to Give Charity

Parshat תרומה begins by telling us that those who donated to the Mishkan, needed to do so with a giving heart. That is, that their contributions were given totally willingly and with love.

We contrast this with a Gemara in בבא בתרא that says that there are times when one may coerce someone to give צדקה. The Gemara says that if there was a situation where the Beit Din learned of a Jew who was very wealthy and never gave charity, they would send messengers of the court to forcibly take his possessions.

The exact situation is not one that could be duplicated today, but it is interesting to note that such miserliness was not tolerated, especially when there were so many poor Jews.

Rabbi Berel Wein claims that 80% of American Jews do not give a penny to any Jewish cause. The lesson from this is to be charitable within our means and to give with love.

480

Shavua Tov. Today’s Haftara discusses the Beit Hamikdash built by Shlomo Hamelech and the 150,000 laborers that he used to get it done.

I often point to the significance of Kings l, Chapter six verse one, as being an important connector in understanding the timeline of Jewish history. The Pasuk simply tells us that it came to pass at the end of 480 years from the exodus from Egypt, that the Temple of Shlomo was completed.

This number of 480 also tells us the number of years that the Mishkan was in operation. We know that the Mishkan stood in Shilo for 369 years as well as Gilgal, Nov, and Givon.

The 480 helps us get to the year 5778 if we start with 2448 as the year we left Egypt. We add the 480 plus 410, the number of years of the first Temple, plus 70, the prophecy of Jeremiah as to how long of an exile between the two temples, and 420, the number of years of the second Temple.

So, remember 480 as a very important number in Jewish history.