Shadow of Faith

There is a concept connected to the Succah that is known as , צלא דמהימנותא, “the shadow of faith.” This expresses the ultimate purpose of sitting in a Succa for seven days.

The way of all men is different from that of Israel. It is the way of all men to feel secure and unafraid under the shelter of their own roofs. When they leave their homes, their sense of security is diminished, and they begin to feel free.

Israel, however, is different. While in their own homes all year, they are apprehensive, that they become haughty at heart, and forget their Maker.

When Succot comes, and they leave their homes and come under the shadow of their Succot, their hearts are filled with trust, faith, and joy-for now they are shielded not by the protection of their roofs, but by the shadow of their faith and trust in G-d.

This is not only the message of Succot, but it is meant to be a constant reminder of where real “security” originates. It is not a comfortable home, or a large bank account, but every breath that we breath, and our very existence, depends entirely on our faith and dependence on Hashem.

This also explains why a Succa is invalidated if it has more sun than shade. Not only must the Succa be a “shadow of faith,” but so must our devotion in serving G-d, must be a “shadow of faith.”

Succot-Jewish Destiny

One of the reasons we celebrate the holiday of Succot, is that the Succah is meant to be a reminder of the ענני הכבוד, the Clouds of Glory, that traveled with the Jewish people in the desert.

These clouds, were in the merit of Aaron, brother of Moshe. They enveloped the Jewish nation, which provided them with safety and security.

According to the Ramchal in Derech Hashem, it was these clouds that elevated the Jewish people, and set them apart from the other nations. And it provided Israel with their ultimate destiny of raising the moral standard of the world. This was the Light of holiness that was transmitted by G-d to His people.

The Ramchal added that this concept was completed when each Jew took his Lulav and Etrog during Succot. G-d’s kingdom is strengthened as the nations of the earth, see this, and are in awe of the Jewish people.

This is the message of Succot. As the Jewish people are elevated, they better understand their role of being a “light unto the nations.” They become respected and admired by all of the nations of the earth.

Isn’t it ironic that Israel has been hosting, on Succot, a parade with participants from all over the world. They march through the streets of Jerusalem throwing candy and kisses, and proudly crying out, “We love you, Israel.”

Perhaps this is also related to the seventy bulls offered in the Temple on Succot. They were meant to include the seventy nations of the world.

Let us hope that Succot fulfills its purpose of light and holiness for the entire world.

Be Wise Sooner Than Later

There is a verse in Parshat Ha’azinu, that expresses a great deal about how the human mind works. It says, “If they only had wisdom, they would have understood.”

There are two interpretations to this Pasuk. The first refers to the nations of the world. If they were wise, they would have realized that the only reason they had domination over the Jewish people, was because they had angered Hashem. How foolish of them to think that it was possible for them to harm the Jews, if not for it being allowed by G-d. In the future, they will pay dearly for their arrogance.

The second interpretation involves man at the end of his life. He regrets not having had the wisdom to focus on the truly important.

Rabbi Twerski, as a rabbi and psychiatrist, encountered numerous individuals who were terminally ill, and expressed their regrets. Sometimes it was the realization that perhaps if they took religious observance more seriously, their kids would have turned out better. Other times, people regretted not spending more time with their wives and children. Never was there an individual who regretted not having spent more time at the office!

Hindsight is twenty twenty, but the Torah is telling us to wake up. We must use our intellect to live our lives to the fullest, and not get to a point of regret when it is too late.

This can come about when we are not lazy, and not rationalizers. It is within us to take hold of ourselves and be wise, and have the determination to do what is right in the eyes of G-d.

Perfect Justice

Parshat האזינו is also known as the “Shira,” the song. It describes the future of the Jewish people in a poetic form.

One of the verses describes Hashem as a G-d who is faithful without flaws. In the book, Derech Hashem of the Ramchal, he makes a very strong emphasis on G-d’s perfection and absolute justice. We must never doubt that there will be perfect justice in a manner that an earthly court could never duplicate. We must be patient, as the justice will come on Hashem’s terms, not ours.

The Chafetz Chaim spoke to a very depressed Jewish community after World War One. He emphasized the importance of not wavering in their faith in G-d, who would help through the difficult times ahead. He said, “For those with strong faith, there are no questions. For those who lack faith, there are no answers.”

Parshat האזינו is meant to help us stay focused on how we are to live and believe. As the Propher Chavakuk said, צדיק באמונתו יחיה, “And the righteous shall live by his faith.”

Setting the Record Straight

The goal of Yom Kippur is that we successfully clean our slate both in connection with laws between man and G-d, as well as those laws that are between man and man.

According to the Rambam, the essence of Teshuva is Viduy, or confession. Verbally expressing our remorse for our actions is a major step towards achieving atonement. It takes a great deal of humility to have the courage to say the words, “I was wrong.”

It is probably more difficult to say those words to another human being than it is to say it directly to G-d. It is less formal than having to swallow our pride and own up to our bad behavior.

The hope is that we give our interpersonal relationships a good, hard look. It is never too late to ask another person for forgiveness, even if many years have passed.

We need to enter Yom Kippur being at peace that we made things right in all of our interactions with others. It is only then that we are able to face our Creator with a clear conscience, so that we are worthy of His forgiveness.

What might be most important of all is that we do not hold a grudge against those who have wronged us. We should also pray for those who are unable or unwilling to make amends, and hope that one day, they, too will do a sincere Teshuva.

It is not an easy task before us, but we are grateful for this day of Yom Kippur where we have the possibility of making things right, between man and man, and man and G-d.

Yom Kippur in the Temple

Yom Kippur during the days of the Temple, was an incredible day of sanctity. It was a convergence of the holiest day of the year, in the holiest city in the world, Jerusalem, celebrated in the holiest building in the world, the Temple.

The officiating of Temple service was conducted by the holiest individual in the world, the Kohein Hagadol, the High Priest. He went through a week long preparation for this great day of forgiveness. He was the messenger of the Jewish people, who had the responsibility of achieving a clean slate, and fresh start for everyone.

We can only read about this Temple service, known as the “Avoda” in Mussaf on Yom Kippur. When we get to the description of how the Kohein Hagadol uttered the holy name of G-d, we bow on our faces as they did in the Beit Hamikdash.

We are meant to imagine what the scene was at that time, and how the nation was elevated to incredible spiritual heights. And we describe how memorable it was to see the radiant face of the High Priest at the end of the fast, as it was clear that he succeeded in his mission.

It is useful to use a Machzor that has pictures depicting these Temple scenes. The desired outcome of carefully reading of this Temple service, should be a longing for the rebuilding of the Third Temple. May it come speedily in our days.

Angels on Yom Kippur

On Yom Kippur, there is a custom that men wear a white robe, known as a “Kittel.” Along with the prohibitions of the day, of not eating and drinking, and no leather shoes, we are meant to feel like angels.

Just as angels do not have any physical needs, we put our needs on hold for the twenty-five hours of the Day of Atonement. Some say that we do not even have the temptation of the Yeitzer Hara, on this day, either.

Rav Shlomo Mann pointed out that there are two primary characteristics we know about angels. They are always given only one assignment at a time, and their strength is a G-d given gift.

These two characteristics should be emulated by us, all year round. We must never lose our focus on the primary task at hand. Certainly our goal is to become true servants of G-d. But we should also learn to stay focused on one task at a time. When we try to do too much, we end up accomplishing very little. Like the angels, one task at a time, proves to be very effective.

Like the angels, we must never forget that our strength comes as a gift from G-d. Rav Mann wrote that this simple realization, allows us to tap into strengths we did not realize we even possessed. Although we are concerned that the fast itself is challenging, somehow we are given the ability to get through it each year. We need to remind ourselves at all times that it is Hashem alone that gives us the strength to succeed, and overcome obstacles that we thought to be insurmountable.

So we need to take with us our angelic spirit of Yom Kippur throughout the year, and not forget its messages.

Feeling Israel’s Spirituality

In Parshat וילך, Moshe Rabbeinu tells the people that he is now 120 years old, and he is no longer able to continue with his life.

We learn from this statement that Moshe’s reason for living, was to constantly work at growing spiritually. If there was no spiritual growth, life was not worth living.

This is the reason why he longed to enter Eretz Yisrael. He saw that there were a number of commandments that could only be observed there. And their observance would allow him to grow spiritually, as he would be able to feel a closeness to G-d, not felt anywhere else in the world.

There were many more Mitzvot that were possible to be observed in Moshe’s time than there are today. There was a Mishkan, that was a portable Beit Hamikdash, with the Jews from the time they were in the desert. They were able to offer sacrifices, and do the daily Temple service.

For those of us who are privileged to live in Israel today, we are meant to feel that same spiritual elevation. Despite not having a Temple, there are numerous Mitzvot today, that are only observed in Israel.

We have just completed the Shmitta, or Sabbatical year. Fruits that came from fields left fallow, have intrinsic holiness, or Kedushat Shviit, the holiness of the Sabbatical year. It is quite special to partake of these fruits.

The Priestly blessing is recited every day in Israel, and only recited around ten times for Ashkenazi Jews outside of Israel. Fruits and vegetables in Israel need to be tithed, even today. There are even rules applicable today only in Israel, regarding first born animals, and gifts to the Kohanim.

In addition, the air of the Land of Israel is holy. And every four cubits we walk in this land is a Mitzva.

We should see ourselves as being fortunate to have these opportunities for sanctity that we did not have for nearly two thousand years. It is truly miraculous and remarkable that there are over seven million Jews now living in Israel.

It is my hope and prayer that all Jews will have this longing to grow spiritually in our Holy Land, as we observe Hashem’s commandments, and feel His closeness.

Always Room for Teshuva

This Shabbat is known as “Shabbat Shuva,” and is viewed by many as one of the most important Shabbats of the year. The Haftarah begins with the words, שובה ישראל, “Return Israel.” It is the Shabbat of repentance.

The Talmud has a strange dialogue between Hashem and Eliyahu Hanavi. The Prophet Elijah spoke with G-d and told Him that it was His fault that people sinned. If they were not constantly challenged by the יצר הרע, the Evil Inclination, they would never sin. Hashem agreed with this claim.

He said that it was for this reason that He gave us Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as a time to ask for forgiveness. We are to view this opportunity of Teshuva as a gift. No matter how far we have strayed, we can always return. It reminds me of an old commercial, “there’s always room for Jello.” Well, there’s always room for Teshuva.

It should give us comfort that there is a realization from Above, as to what are the obstacles that man must face.

A well known Chassidic Rebbe once said that had G-d placed Gehennem, Hell, before us, instead of the Yeitzer Hara, man would never sin.

We must also realize that our fate, and the fate of our loved ones, very much depends on our prayers and sincere repentance, during the coming days. May we all be inscribed for a happy and healthy New Year.

Choose Life

There is a very famous verse in the Torah, that says the following. “It shall come to pass, that life and death, and the blessing and the curse, shall be placed before you, you shall choose life.”

This would seem to be a pretty obvious choice. Why wouldn’t anybody choose life and blessing, over death and a curse?

The painful answer applies to those whose free choice has been taken from them. This refers to those who are prisoners to their addictions and lusts. They lose their ability to make decisions that will be in their best interest.

Rabbi Twerski included in his list of addicts, not only those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, but he included workaholics, smokers, and eating disorders. This could also apply to those who cannot control their lusts and passions.

All of these individuals are unable to see clearly. They are unable to see the harm they are causing themselves. It is very difficult for their loved ones to reason with them, and get them on the proper path.

A little self analysis, should tell us where we are at this time. The ultimate goal is to have our “Sechel,” intellect, have more power over us than our “Regesh,” emotions. When we are able to do this, we will certainly, “choose life.”

Hatred

Hatred

The Torah does not place a great deal of emphasis on the emotion of hatred. We are told that we are not permitted to hate our brother in our heart.

We are to work on removing these very strong feelings against another person by rebuking him. That is, we are to let that person know why we are hurt by their actions. This gives them the chance to make things right. And if they don’t, we will feel some relief by getting things off our chest, and expressing our feelings.

Even when dealing with those that wish us great harm, we are not meant to sit around and talk about how much we despise that person. It is upon us, to take action. If it is a bad neighbor or friend, we separate from them. If it is an enemy of our people, we try to eliminate them. It is a huge waste to sit discuss how much we can’t stand that person.

I suddenly came to the realization that people who allow themselves to get worked up to the point, that they obsess about their hatred for another human being, demonstrate very weak character.

In politics, my candidate doesn’t always win. When someone I believe to be less competent takes office, I am disappointed and disturbed when I see my worst fears were realized. That individual may be causing great damage to that which I hold dear. However, I will never say that, “I hate that guy,” or wish that bad things happen to him. I will wait until the next election and hope for better days.

As we approach the High Holidays, the haters need to do some serious introspection. When I hear someone spouting their great animosity towards another person, it is a warning to keep away from that person. Such behavior shows a serious character flaw of intolerance and self righteousness. And that is certainly something worthy of repentance and asking for forgiveness.

Rosh Hashanah-Acknowledging Hashem as King

There are simple rules regarding the order of our prayers. The Shemona Esrei, or Amida, is the most sacred prayer, and is a form of meditation and connection to G-d.

The weekday Amida, consists of nineteen blessings. They are divided into three categories: three blessings of praise, thirteen blessings of requests, and three blessings of thanksgiving. On Shabbat and holidays, we do not make requests, so that the Amida contains the same three blessings at the beginning and end, but only one blessing describing the sanctity of the day.

The only exception to this rule is on the two days of Rosh Hashanah. Instead of one middle blessing, there are three blessing in the Mussaf service.

These blessings are known as Malchiot, describing G-d as King, Zichronot, where we point out the times when G-d remembered us, and Shofarot, the various times when the Shofar is sounded.

But the main focus of Rosh Hashanah, is the acknowledgement that G-d is King, and all that we have, including every breath we take, depends on Him. This acknowledgement cries out today in the upside down world we live in. Darkness is light, and light is darkness. People are wandering aimlessly, trying to create substitute philosophies that they foolishly believe, will benefit mankind.

It is clear from traditional Jewish sources, that accepting the Kingship of the Al-mighty, is the only thing that will bring light and goodness to the world.

This is why, establishing this Divine Kingship, is the prerequisite for the prayers and celebrations of the coming holidays, to bear fruit. G-d was always the King. He is the King, and will be the King, forever and ever. Shana Tova. Happy New Year.

It Is Near to You

Parshat Nitzavim has a definite focus on the Mitzva of Teshuva, Repentance. All of Chapter thirty, is focused on returning to G-d, after having become distant from Him.

There is a verse that tells us, “that this matter (of repentance) is not in the Heavens, or across the sea. It is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart to do.”

Moshe Rabbeinu is encouraging the nation and telling them that if they go astray from the dictates of the Torah, they should not feel that they are too far away and a lost cause. This return, is much closer than we think.

We only need to begin with a certain resolve in our hearts, to begin the process of Teshuva. This is such a relevant message as we tend to get down on ourselves, and feel that it’s too difficult to change. We might rationalize that we are too old, or too much set in our ways, to make this spiritual decision that we need to get close to our Creator.

We must remember that each of us has the spark of Jewishness from Sinai, known as the “Pintele Yid.” It is found in the soul of every Jew. It yearns to return to that special moment on Sinai, when we were elevated to the level of angels.

Rosh Hashanah is a time for introspection. It is a special time given by G-d to return to Him. We must work hard this coming year to grow in our service of Hashem, and grow in spirituality. It is much closer to us than we realize.

Suffering Affords Greatness

This week we read פרשת נצבים. We are told that Moshe Rabbeinu spoke his words of encouragement immediately after the frightening rebuke.

He was telling the nation that despite their disobedience, they would not be forsaken. A major part of this encouragement, was to also explain that there are benefits to adversity.

This lesson was first learned in Egypt, when the Torah tells us that, “the more they were afflicted, the more they multiplied.” Rabbi Avraham Twerski said that history has proven that suffering affords greatness.

During adverse situations, there is much more motivation to overcome. Somehow it brings out the best in people. Rabbi Twerski further said that luxury and comfort are not conducive to Torah scholarship. Our greatest scholars lived under very meager conditions of, “eating bread and salt, and sleeping on the floor.”

It has been claimed that the majority of the numerous Jewish Nobel Prize winners, achieved their success under difficult conditions.

As Jews, we are taught to see the silver lining in every situation. Moshe Rabbeinu’s parting words to his people, was that they would face many challenges in the future. But they will learn to turn these challenges into gains. It is this suffering that began with our slavery in Egypt, but out of it, we emerged as the great Nation of Israel.

Accepting Criticism

The end of Ki Tavo contained the section known as the תוכחה, or rebuke. The Jewish people are given a stern warning as to what the consequences will be if they abandon the commandments.

In today’s world, accepting criticism is not very popular. If rabbis of congregations, give too much rebuke, they could lose their jobs. This is because we live in a “feel good” environment. People would rather escape reality, rather than face reality. Rebuke is a sobering reminder that we need to look at ourselves and realize there are things we need to correct.

There is a verse in the Book of Proverbs that says, “Rebuke a wise man, gain a friend. Rebuke a fool, gain an enemy. The message here is that no matter our age, there is always room for improvement. There is another verse in the Torah that has a little play on words. It says, מפני שיבה תקום, which is normally translated as the obligation to stand and show respect for the elderly. Some interpret it to mean, “Before you become old, wake up!” We need to accumulate Mitzvot, as long as we are alive.

Self improvement comes up about when we are willing to accept that we need improve. The Mishna in Pirkei Avot tells us that one of the forty-eight ways to acquire the Torah is, אוהב את התוכחות, loving rebuke.

It is obviously much more pleasant to be told how wonderful we are. But it is much more productive for us to keep trying to be better. This is related to an overall awareness of our own reality. We will be appreciative of all that G-d has given us, and appreciative of every kindness that comes our way.

Loving rebuke falls under a general category of עבודת נפש, “working on our soul.” This is a lifelong task with the goal of coming closer to G-d, and fulfilling our life’s mission.

The Covenant

After the ceremony on Mount Gerizim and Mount Eival, the Jewish people renewed their covenant with Moshe Rabbeinu to accept the precepts of the Torah.

The ceremony was most impressive. There were six tribes on each mountain and the Leviim down below. The blessings were given on Mount Gerizim, and the curses on Mount Eival. The entire nation answered Amen to all that they heard. They affirmed their resolve to cherish and keep the covenant under all conditions that would confront them.

As the High Holidays approach, we must realize that we are part of that covenant. It is our duty to uphold it, just as our ancestors did over three thousand years ago.

The Jewish people are like no other nation on earth. Never in human history has any nation had a rebirth after being banished from their land and scattered all over the world.

The secret of our survival is that there were always Jews that maintained the sanctity of that covenant.

Rav Yakov Emden, one of the great sages of the eighteenth century, said that a greater miracle than the splitting of the Red Sea, is how Jews continued to exist under the worst conditions.

Today, we see our rebirth in a miraculous way as we see how the State of Israel has emerged. Nearly seven million Jews live here. We are reaping the benefits of the adherence to that covenant.

We must continue to cherish it, and instill the love for G-d and His Torah, to our children and grandchildren, and all of the Jewish people, wherever they may be.

Fear G-d Like You Fear Man

The Torah speaks of a declaration that was made twice every seven years. This was called, “Viduy Maaserot,” the confession regarding the tithes.

There were certain tithes taken every year, while others on the third and sixth year of the Shmitta cycle. Therefore, on the fourth and seventh years on Pesach, Jews would declare or confess, that they carefully observed the Mitzva of tithing meticulously, without leaving out any details.

The question was asked why we only make this declaration for tithes. Why not make an annual declaration regarding stealing, or cheating in business, that we were careful to observe all of the details demanding honesty and integrity?

Rabbi Twerski answers this question by saying that tithing is strictly between man and man, and the only accountability is from G-d, Himself. The other violations involve accountability to man, which eventually will catch up with a person.

This is similar to the parting words of the great sage, Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai. He told his students that their fear of G-d should be as great as their fear of man. The students were surprised that such a simple message was given. But the Rabbi insisted that, in time, they will realize what a powerful lesson this was.

We need to be consistent in our observance of the Torah and be equally diligent in both the laws between man and man, as well as between, man and G-d.

Being Happy

One of the themes of Parshat Ki Tavo, is the importance of being בשמחה, in a state of joy. We see this idea at the end of the section on Bikurim.

The Torah gives a command to rejoice for all of the good that G-d has bestowed upon us. Happiness comes together with being grateful. People who do not know how to appreciate all that is done for them by Hashem and others, tend to be miserable people.

If they adopt an attitude of entitlement, it prevents them from feeling humility. The benefit of humility, is that the humble person has no expectations. Therefore, when a kindness is done for him, he is able to show appreciation, and be in a state of joy. His whole personality is one where he feels overwhelmed by the kindnesses shown to him, and he is happy.

It is also important to note that a great obstacle to happiness, is selfishness. This explains how there could be people that have vast material possessions, but happiness alludes them. If one is not giving of himself, and doing acts of kindness on behalf of others, he will never be happy.

We need to be reminded of the joy we feel, not only when we bring a smile to the face of one less fortunate, but also to the faces of our loved ones, that we might take for granted.

The end of our Parsha implies that many Divine curses can come to us, simply because we did not serve the Creator with joy, when He gives us so much.

It may be that happiness does not come easy for some people. But it’s worth working on this positive character trait. Not only will it give a person a sense of contentment, but the benefits of such happiness will prove immeasurable.

They Made Us Bad

There is a declaration made when offering the Bikurim to the Kohein. This is called, “Viduy Bikurim.” In it, we briefly recount our history, the obstacles we needed to overcome, and express gratitude that we are in Eretz Yisrael, offering our first fruits.

When we mention our experience in Egypt, the Torah says, וירעו אותנו המצרים, which is commonly translated as, “The Egyptians afflicted us.”

But there is another possible translation to וירעו, that simply means, “they made us bad.” This is a powerful warning for all time, to stay away from negative influences. A good person that “hangs out” with a bad crowd, will be negatively affected.

This is what makes parenting so challenging nowadays. There are so many things that young people might find enticing, while, in reality, going in a particular path, might make them bad.

The Rabbis constantly urged their students to run away from a place with negative influences. This is particularly true today, when the lack of values runs rampant, and “darkness is called light, and light is called darkness.”

The only exception to this rule, is living in Israel. For even if one lived in a place of idol worshippers, but it was in the Holy Land, he will not be affected. The holiness of the Land, will protect him, and still allow him to grow spiritually. One certainly shouldn’t take that chance, because the overall point must be taken seriously. We must put ourselves and our children in the best possible environment for teaching right and wrong. If we do not do this, we will be made bad!”

Giving Generously

This week we read Parshat Ki Tavo that begins with the Mitzva of Bikurim. We are commanded to bring the first fruits of our produce as a gift to the Kohanim.

The fruits of the Seven Species are placed in a basket according to the means of the contributor. A wealthy person would bring a basket of gold or silver, and the poor might bring a basket of reeds.

It is interesting to note that the baskets of reeds were kept in the sanctuary, while those of gold and silver were returned. The lesson learned here is that it’s not enough to give charity. It is “how” we give that is important. The assumption is that for the wealthy to give in a gold or silver basket, does not require much effort. But for the poor to find the means to put together a basket of reeds, might require effort and ingenuity.

It is not the amount of a donation that finds favor with Hashem. Even a small amount can go much farther, when done with love and a full heart. This is an important lesson in our dealings with our fellow man. Whether it is charity for the poor, or even a gift to a loved one, the recipient should always be made to feel special. A gift given begrudgingly, not only can diminish the effectiveness of a Mitzva, but it can also defeat the whole act of giving.

The Mitzva of Bikurim teaches us to give with a generous and loving heart.