Get Involved

There is often an accusation that Jews often hold back from getting involved in Jewish activities. Sometimes it’s just apathy that prevents them from being more active. Other times, there could be a fear that being outspoken or taking a position, could make them unpopular or harm them. There is a Pasuk in קדושים that forbids us from standing on the sidelines, when we could make a difference. The words are: לא תעמוד על דם רעך, that we are not allowed to stand by our brother’s blood. The classic example is where a woman is drowning and a “religious” man sees this and ignores the woman both because he doesn’t want to get involved or touch a forbidden woman. He is called a חסיד שוטה, a righteous fool. There are times that going to public prayer or even a demonstration, would require us to participate. Not getting involved might cause us to violate this negative commandment of לא תעמוד על דם רעך.

Remaining Separate and Distinct

After reviewing numerous laws in last week’s two Parshiot, the Torah tells us that one of the purposes of these laws, is that Hashem made a separation between the Jewish people and the other nations. Rashi elaborates on this idea by explaining that we remain separate and distinct by submitting to the demands of the Torah, whether we agree with them or not. This is where this most important principle is brought. גדול המצוה ועושה משאינו מצוה ועושה. This means that it is far greater to do a Mitzva that we are commanded, rather than a Mitzva we are not commanded. One might think he gets more credit for doing something voluntarily, that he didn’t really have to do. But the reverse is true. We get more credit for observing those commandments that we disagree with, than agree with. We are not meant to observe the Torah because we agree with it. We observe the Torah because it is Hashem’s wish that we observe it. When we submit our will to Hashem’s will, only then will we remain a separate and unique people among the nations.

Egypt and Canaan

The two Parshiot of אחרי מות-קדושים, are known as discussing the עריות, forbidden sexual relations. The first Parsha discusses the warnings for such relationships, and the second Parsha lists the punishment. On Yom Kippur at Mincha, we read the section on עריות from אחרי מות. The section is prefaced with a warning not to follow the practices of Egypt from where you are leaving, nor should you follow the practices of Canaan, to where you are going. If we look closely at the various prohibitions, we also see that we must not offer our sons to Molech, which was a form of עבודה זרה. The connection between Egypt and Canaan, is that Egypt was known for its sexual decadence, and Canaan known for its idol worship. These were two areas, idolatry and sexual misconduct were potentially the most damaging to the Jewish nation. They were the primary obstacle to our national goal of achieving holiness. And it is a further warning not to be influenced by those around us who do not see serving Hashem as their first priority.

With a Little Help from His Friends

Shavua Tov. The Netivot Shalom gives a novel explanation of the Kohein Gadol and the secret to his being successful in his mission. It was definitely not a one man show , but he depended on “a little help from his friends.” He depended on the prayers of the other Kohanim and the others in the עזרה, the area outside of the Heichal, main Temple building. The word, “Azara” could also be learned as “Eizer”, meaning, helpers. The Netivot Shalom goes on to explain that when the Kohein Hagadol would enter the Holy of Holies, he hoped to see a white light. If he saw a reddish light, he would give a signal to those outside, that they needed to pray a little harder. When they did, the red light turned white. In addition, we are told that the Kohein Gadol made a party for אהביו, those who loved him. These אהביו, were the ones who helped make him successful in his mission.

Preparing for Entering the Holy of Holies

This week we have another double Parsha of Acharei Mot-Kedoshim. The first Parsha deals with the Temple service on Yom Kippur. The question asked by the Netivot Shalom is why the death of Nadav and Avihu begins the Parsha. We already dealt with this tragedy in פרשת שמיני. He answers that the entrance to the Holy of Holies by the Kohein Hagadol had to be perfect with no flaws. The fate of the Jewish nation was at stake on that day. The success of the mission of the High Priest, would bring atonement, forgiveness, and hope for the people. Therefore, they needed to be reminded of potential pitfalls and obstacles to the success of the mission. By carefully examining what went wrong with נדב ואביהו, it would allow for the correct mindset and preparation for entering the Holy of Holies. This would serve to help guarantee that the Kohein Gadol’s prayers would be answered.

Yom Ha’atzmaut

Today is Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. This is a great day in Jewish History. It is a celebration of the miracle of the State of Israel. There is a statement that applies today. “When one is standing next to a mountain, it is difficult to see how high it is.” We are living in such miraculous times, that we seem to take this for granted. Two of the obvious miracles are related to Israel’s population and the ingathering of the exiles, קיבוץ גלויות. The Jewish population in the year 1800 was only 7000. Today in 2020, the Jewish population is 6.8 million. These numbers boggle the mind. This is all in a relatively short period of time. The ingathering of the exiles has seen Jews returning from all corners of the world. On numerous occasions in Machon Meir, I might teach a class of ten to fifteen students and each student is from a different country. There are many more prophecies that have been fulfilled during the past seventy-two years. But the biggest reason to celebrate יום העצמאות is that it represents a קידוש ה׳. Israel has answered the challenge of the nations of the world, that G-d has rejected the Jewish people. The incredible growth and development of Israel in such a short time, proves without a doubt, that Hashem has returned together with His people. We certainly do not look very rejected today. Israel is קידוש ה׳ and Israel proves that Judaism is the one and only true religion. חג העצמאות שמח!

Leprosy and גאוה

A final idea related to the case of צרעת, leprosy, is that there must be a realization of the danger of גאוה and גסות הרוח, haughtiness and conceit. This is the main reason why individuals are led to sin. The Rabbis remind us that הרהורי עבירה קשה מעבירה, that contemplating sin is worse than sin itself. It is part of this overwhelming feeling of superiority and greatness, with no accountability. Hashem has very little tolerance for the conceited individual. The Gemara in סוטה points out that Hashem says that he and I cannot live in this world together. Either he is running the world, or I am. The leper in particular, must overcome his גאוה, and accept that he acted wrongly, and repent. Only then will he be cured of his disease. Today is יום הזכרון, the day we remember our fallen soldiers. I saw a great quote that says it all: “Jews have two memorial days. יום הזכרון reminds us the cost of having Israel. יום השואה reminds us the cost of not having Israel.” May the memory of our brave heroic soldiers, be for blessing.

The Role of the Kohein

An interesting idea that was learned from last week’s Parshiot, was the role of the Kohein at the time of the Beit Hamikdash. He did much more than perform Temple service a few weeks of the year. Regarding leprosy, the Kohein needed to be a kind of dermatologist. He needed to have knowledge of various growths, sores, and wounds on the body. He knew which of them were insignificant and which represented not only leprosy, but the need for the patient to do some serious soul searching. After diagnosing the disease, the Kohein would serve as a rabbinical figure who would try to inspire the leper, to mend his ways. In general, the Kohein was an educator. He was instructed to maintain a high level of Kedusha by separating himself from death and funerals. He was able to inspire and elevate people. The Kohein fulfilled this role wherever he lived throughout the Land of Israel. People gave their תרומה to their favorite local Kohein. And the כהנים were constantly blessing the עם. So we see that the Kohein fulfilled his various roles every day of the year.

Longer Separation for Baby Girl

Another question that is asked related to פרשת תזריע is why there is double the time of impurity and separation for a woman who gives birth to a female, than when she gives birth to a male. The Torah describes how initially there is a seven day separation for the birth of a male, and fourteen days for a female. Following this, there is a thirty-three and sixty-six day period for male and female respectively, regarding the recovery period following the birth. Rav Shimshon Refael Hirsch attempts to explain why there is such a dramatic difference. He wrote that giving birth is a major ordeal for a woman with a mixture of emotions, and highs and lows. The spiritual experience of bringing the baby boy into the holy ceremony of Brit Milah, speeds up the rehabilitating process. The joy of bringing a boy into the Jewish world who will carry on another generation of Judaism, is so uplifting, that the new mother is more prepared to end this period of separation and get things back to normal. This is a purely subjective interpretation to a troubling segment of the Torah.

Wealth in Leprous Homes

Shavua Tov. The Meam Loez answers the question as to why were Jews blessed with finding treasures when they had to take apart the stones of a leprous house. We are told that when the כנעני would be driven from the Land, they would leave treasures in the walls of their homes. They would be discovered by way of leprous homes. The מעם לועז says that if we examine the texts, we will notice that the wording is very different regarding leprosy on the body or on one’s clothing. Regarding leprosy of the home, the Torah prefaces the case with, כי תבוא אל ארץ כנען, “When you enter the Land of Canaan.” It has a tone of good news with it. Although the leprosy does come with sin, Hashem does Chessed even at a time of punishment. The other forms of the disease were not accompanied by any hopeful news. Another answer is that כנעני homes were built with stones dedicated to עבודה זרה. Such stones would pollute the home and prevent the שכינה, Divine Presence from entering that home. Hashem sent these blemishes on the walls of the house so that those impure stones would be removed, so that holiness could now enter that home.

The Leper

This Shabbat we have a double Parsha of תזריע-מצורע as well as ראש חודש. Parshat תזריע deals with a description of the disease called צרעת, leprosy. Parshat מצורע discusses the remedy for this disease. The מצורע is referring to one who is deep in sin. The name מצורע is an acronym for מוציא רע, that he pulls out evil. The Torah describes the leprous blemish as עמוק מן העור, very deep in the skin. This implies that we are not dealing with a dermatological problem, but a physical proof of how far off the path, this individual has gone. The Gemara in ערכין says that seven different sins can cause צרעת. Aside from Lashon Hara and acting improperly towards one’s fellow man, a false oath, theft, and immorality, all can cause this disease. Once diagnosed, the leper is put in lockdown for as long as it takes for him to be cured. He is involved with the Kohein who will not only give a diagnosis, but he will also help rehabilitate the מצורע, and help him do Teshuva for his bad behavior. Leprosy is very unusual in that it is clearly a physical and spiritual illness.

Aharon Hakohen

Aharon Hakohen always seemed to take a back seat to his younger brother, Moshe Rabbeinu. His greatness is often overlooked. In Parshat שמיני, we are given a glimpse to this greatness. We learn that he was hesitant to begin Temple service as he did not see himself as worthy. He accepted guilt for his role in the Golden Calf. Nevertheless, a fire from Heaven only came down when he joined Moshe in serving. We must also admire his faith when he quietly accepted the sudden death of two of his sons. The Torah says וידם אהרון, that Aharon remained silent and never questioned Hashem and humbly dealt with his tragedy. And what may be most admirable is that he was never jealous of his brother. His love for Moshe was unshakable and they worked together כאיש אחד בלב אחד, like one man and one heart. Aharon was indeed very special.

Laws of Mourning

The incident of the death of Nadav and Avihu teaches us some of the rules regarding אבלות, mourning. We learn this by way of אסמכתא, an indirect way to draw conclusions. Specifically, Aharon and his remaining sons, Elazar and Itamar, were told that despite their great loss, they were not to avoid cutting their hair, and they were not to tear their clothes. Based on this commandment, we can derive that normally, mourners are not supposed to cut their hair or shave. Similarly, doing קריעה, or tearing one’s clothes, is the appropriate behavior during one’s time of grief. There is still some debate as to whether קריעה is a Torah or Rabbinic law. In general, Halachot that are learned by way of אסמכתא, even though they are derived from the Torah, are still considered Rabbinical. Aharon and his sons were given special orders because of the dedication of the Mishkan to avoid normal mourning practices.

Music, Corona, Sefirat Haomer

Nowadays, it is unusual to hear of Rabbis giving out a decision that represents a קולא, or leniency. In our generation, I always felt that Rav Ovadia Yosef, זצ״ל, was the most open and willing, to issue decisions that reflected such leniencies. Rav Ovadia’s son, the current Sephardic Chief Rabbi, Yitzchak Yosef, has followed in his father’s footsteps. He has made a ruling regarding listening to music during Sefirat Haomer because of the Coronavirus. The Psak allows listening to recorded music for several reasons. The basis for the prohibition to hear music was connected to weddings. At a wedding, music is played that is meant to encourage dancing. Therefore, music that leads to dancing remains prohibited. However, playing music to keep children in lockdown entertained, is now permitted. Singing to children is also permitted. In addition, the Chief Rabbi noted that since we are living in a time of צער, pain, music can be viewed as therapeutic and necessary, and, therefore, permitted. It should be emphasized that this is not a blanket Heter, but each individual should look at this objectively, and honestly. If he truly needs to hear music that does not lead to dancing, he is justified in doing so. But if he is able to continue to observe the Halachot of Sefira, he should continue as he does each year. Objectivity and honesty is the key. Kol Hakavod to Rav Yitzchak Yosef for his sensitivity to the needs of the people.

ארנבת

Parshat שמיני also discusses the laws of Kashrut. It lists some of the specific animals that we are not allowed to eat. One of these animals mentioned, is the ארנבת, or rabbit. It chews its cud but does not have split hooves. It is interesting to note that one of the miracles that took place in the translation of the Torah into Greek, as initiated by King Ptolemy, had to do with this word, “ארנבת”. When seventy-two elders went into seventy-two homes with the assignment of translating the Torah into Greek, ארנבת presented a unique problem. This was because the name of the wife of Ptolemy, was ארנבת! Incredibly, all seventy-two translated ארנבת as “צעירת הרגליים”, young of legs, in order not to insult the queen. Truly amazing.

Nadav and Avihu

Shavua Tov. We read today of the tragic deaths of Nadav and Avihu, on the day of the dedication of the Mishkan. There are many reasons suggested as to what exactly was the sin that brought such a harsh punishment. The תורה תמימה asks why the punishment had to take place specifically at that time and not at a later date. The answer that is given is that it was meant to remove any misconceptions regarding sin. In order to avoid the erroneous assumption that sin was now forgiven with the dedication of the Mishkan. The punishment of Nadav and Avihu was to teach that there was still accountability for one’s actions. The Mishkan had the potential to atone for one’s sins, but it did not give permission for individuals to act freely without consequences.

First of Nissan

This Shabbat we read פרשת שמיני. The word, “שמיני”, refers to the first day of the month of Nissan. It was the eighth day of training for the operating of the Mishkan. Moshe Rabbeinu, for seven days, acted as High Priest, in making sure how Temple service was meant to be practiced. On the first of Nissan, the Mishkan was dedicated and its operation was handed over to Aharon and his sons. This date was an important one in Jewish history. Officially, we became a nation on this day, and this was like a Rosh Hashanah for the Jewish people. Nissan was considered the first month of the Jewish calendar. In מסכת ראש השנה, there is an argument between Rabbi Eliezer who said that the world was created on the first of Tishrei, and Rabbi Yehoshua, who said that the world was created on the first of Nissan. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev said that there was really no argument. The first of Tishrei represented the actual date of creation. And the first of Nissan represented the “purpose” of creation. On the first of Nissan, the world came into fulfillment with the creation of the Jewish nation. Although today is the twenty second day of Nissan, our Parsha teaches the significance of the first of Nissan. And, by the way, שמיני is often read before Pesach.

Hashem’s Ways

Moadim Lesimcha. There is a fascinating story told of the Kotzker Rebbe. When he was asked why Hashem did this or that, he answered in his own blunt fashion: “ A G-d of whom any stinking human can understand, is not worth worshipping.” The Kotzker is showing how we are not meant to understand the depth of Hashem’s ways. If things were so easily understandable by any simple Jew, it would detract from Hashem’s ultimate greatness. We are not meant to truly comprehend Hashem’s ways. We are to be satisfied with getting a slight glimpse. A similar story is told of a great rabbi whose grandson came crying to him. The boy told his grandfather that he was playing hide and seek, and nobody bothered to look for him. The wise grandfather said that Hashem feels the same way. He hides and waits for His children to look for Him. He, too, is saddened when they forget about Him.

שביעי של פסח

We have now reached שביעי של פסח, the seventh day of Pesach, where we focus on the miracle of קריעת ים סוף, the splitting of the Red Sea. We acknowledge the mighty hand of Hashem, as He changed the rules of nature. All who witnessed this incredible sight, were given a degree of prophecy. There was no doubt that Hashem was the King of the Universe. The Corona virus seems to be showing the world again, that Hashem controls the world, and He can cripple every country in a moment. The story of Titus keeps ringing in my head. Titus challenged G-d and said that He was only powerful at the sea, and dared Hashem to fight him on dry land. Hashem sent a gnat that literally caused ringing in his head and tormented Titus for many years. Could Corona be like the gnat? Perhaps Hashem is waiting for the world to acknowledge that He alone rules the world, just as the Jewish people did at the Red Sea. חג שמח.

Subterfuge

The Rabbis were given a great deal of leeway in protecting the Halachic system. It seems that most of these safeguards translate into stringencies and decrees as the need arises. However, there are a number of cases that border on subterfuge when one looks at how far the Rabbis will go to care for the needs of the people. The selling of Chametz to a gentile is one example of a situation devised by the Rabbis that was meant to prevent a great loss of money. It was originally enacted to benefit Jews that sold alcoholic beverages. It was unreasonable to expect them to discard their valuable merchandise as Pesach approached. Hillel’s Prozbul was a sort of guarantee to lenders that the Sabbatical year would not be used to avoid paying back loans. Hillel realized that a society must be able to encourage the distribution of loans. Individuals could not be expected to lend money, if they knew they would not be paid back. The Heter Iska that is mentioned in the Talmud, was a means of avoiding the taking of interest. Israeli banks are supposed to have this document available for their clients to see. This agreement was constructed as a device to share profits rather than charge interest. And this year a new problem arose because of the Corona Virus. Jews were unable to dip their new utensils in a Mikva, because of the lockdown. The solution the Rabbis proposed was either to set up a quasi Beit Din making all new utensils “Hefker”, or ownerless, or, making some kind of stipulation to be included in the selling of Chametz. We see from all of this the sensitivities of the Rabbis to make life more manageable. But we must also remember that this is a situation of, “Don’t try this at home.” This means that only qualified, G-d fearing Rabbis are able to make such adjustments, and they may not be done randomly.