Acquiring Eretz Yisrael

The Gemara in Masechet Brachot points out that the positioning of two consecutive verses, carry a special message. The first Pasuk says that just as a father rebukes his son, so, too, does Hashem rebuke His children.

The second verse speaks of the beauty of the Land of Israel. The connection between the verses, teaches that Eretz Yisrael is acquired through יסורים, or challenges. The word for rebuke in the Torah, is ייסר, which is a form of the word, יסורים.

The תורה תמימה points out that the purpose of living in Israel is not only to enjoy its physical beauty, but to see Israel as a means of walking in the ways of the Torah.

This was the reason why Moshe Rabbeinu longed for settling in Israel. He understood that there were many Mitzvot that could only be observed in Israel.

Even today, there are many Mitzvot that can only be observed in Israel. We have the Priestly blessings every day in Israel. We separate tithes from fruits and vegetables in Israel. The Sabbatical year is observed in Israel with great care. The first born male animals have special sanctity in Israel. Simply walking four cubits, is a Mitzva. And, of course, settling in Israel is a Mitzva in itself.

We are being taught here that something that is precious, is acquired with difficulties. Not only is Israel acquired with Yesurim, but the same is true regarding Torah and the World to Come. We appreciate the spiritual benefits of these things, and it comes with the realization that they are achieved by determination, dedication, and hard work.

Go Up and Inherit the Land

There are beautiful praises of Eretz Yisrael, in Parshat Eikev. The Torah describes the “good land” that awaits the Jewish people. And later in the Parsha, we are told that, “It is a land that Hashem seeks out, from the beginning of the year, to the end of the year.”

In the book of Psalms, in Chapter 106, King David lists many of the transgressions of the Jewish people in the desert. In Verse twenty four it is written, “And they despised the desirable land (ארץ חמדה), they had no faith in His word.”

Many commentators write that David is referring to the sin of the spies, and how they despised the land.

However, the Ibn Ezra seems to be explaining that the verse refers to all Jews of all generations. He says that David is referring to those who failed to believe in the command that originated in Mount Sinai that said, עלה רש, “Go up and inherit the land.”

These two words, עלה רש, are the source for the commandment to live in Israel, or, make Aliya. The words of the psalmist are harsh, when he describes those who ignore this Mitzva, as non-believers, those who despise the land.

This phenomenon has not changed, when so many Jews, who should know better, turn their backs on Israel. This is particularly painful, when we witness G-d’s miracles, and feel His presence, like never before, and Jews would rather in their comfort zones of materialism and complacency.

There will come the day, when we will need to answer and be accountable for our actions. What will the response be when many will be asked, “I gave you this wonderful gift of a Jewish homeland. I did it with open miracles, and the fulfillment of numerous prophecies. Why didn’t you “go up and inherit the land?” Did you not believe in Me? Did you choose to despise this good land?”

Thankfully, over seven million Jews will not have to answer these questions. They appreciate and love Eretz Yisrael. But how will the remaining Jews of the Diaspora be able to answer these challenges? The way to avoid this accountability, is simple. Come home now!

Entitlement

Parshat Eikev might be the most powerful Parsha of Mussar, discipline, in the entire Torah. Moshe Rabbeinu gives strong warnings as to the dangers of arrogance, complacency, and entitlement.

All three of these traits, can lead to an individual’s complete downfall. What these traits have in common, is that there is an abandonment of our total dependence on Hashem.

Moshe clarifies that the Jewish people should not see themselves as so special. He reminds them of the numerous occasions when they rebelled against G-d. It is only because of the evil practices of the surrounding nations, that Israel was chosen.

Although arrogance and complacency are still very much a problem, in harming one’s character and perspective, entitlement may present the biggest challenge today.

Because we live in such an affluent society, and parents and grandparents are able to help their children, like never before, this lends itself to this sense of entitlement. This creates selfishness and ingratitude, which also cause that person great harm.

The Orchot Tzaddikim points out, that we are not entitled to anything. Everything we have is a direct gift from G-d, including gifts from family. This allows us to feel overwhelmed with gratitude for all of Hashem’s abundant gifts.

Everything is a matter of perspective. But having the proper perspective, is what makes a person kind and considerate, as opposed to arrogant and complacent.

Matrilineal Descent

The prohibition against intermarriage is clarified with the words, “You shall not give your daughter to his son, and his daughter, shall not be taken for your son.”

The very next verse continues, “When your son shall be removed from Me, and he worships false gods, my anger shall be aroused against him.”

The Talmud in Masechet Kiddushin connects the two verses, based on a tradition handed down from G-d to Moshe. When the Torah is specific in stating that “your son turns away,” it is teaching that the offspring of a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother, is “her son,” and not “your son.” Only the son of a Jewish mother, is “your son.”

This is the source for matrilineal descent. If we believe in the authenticity, of the Oral Law, then this point is accepted as indisputable. The definition of a Jew, is one born of a Jewish mother.

In recent years, when the number of converts has increased dramatically, there is a concept of זרע יהודי, meaning, “Jewish sees.” The Beit Din, Jewish court, may show some leniencies in allowing one with Jewish relatives to go through the conversion process a little more quickly.

This does not mean that such an individual gets a pass, and does not have to accept complete religious observance. However, there is a recurring scenario in today’s world, where all a person may have ever known was Judaism. At a later age, he is shocked to learn that he is not Halchacally Jewish. The Jewish court might allow a quicker conversion, as he was never exposed to any other religion. In any case, we must remember this expression, “her son and not your son.”

Truth of Judaism

Moshe Rabbeinu wanted to make it clear to the Jewish people, that although many religions would come into being, none would be able to compare with the truth of Judaism.

His major point is repeated in the Kuzari, written by Rav Yehuda Halevi. In that book, we learn of a king that is searching for truth. He consults Greek philosophers, Christianity, and Islam.

When the king searches for a religion to observe, he starts with the obvious question as to how the religion began. Moshe’s point was irrefutable. He simply pointed out that no religion ever began with signs and wonders, and one nation taken out from the midst of another nation, as Judaism. And this was followed by a revelation, where every Jew actually heard G-d speak.

In the Kuzari, this impressed the king, to the extent that he and his entire kingdom converted. And it certainly should impress upon us that we are so fortunate to be part of Am Yisrael. Gradually, the world will acknowledge that G-d and the Torah, are the only real truth.

Praise Before Requests

Even though Moshe Rabbeinu’s request to enter Eretz Yisrael was refused, we learn a great deal about making requests.

Moshe taught the importance of praising before asking. He praised Hashem by saying how awesome was His greatness, and the strength of His outstretched hand. For there is nothing in existence that is capable of His great acts.

Only after such praise was given, was it acceptable to ask for something personal. This is also the format of our Shmone Esrei prayer. We begin with three blessings of praise, before making our thirteen blessings of requests. We follow this up with three blessings of thanksgiving.

Aside from this being the appropriate manner of seeking Hashem’s favor, this should be our practice in our interpersonal relationships.

We should take care to give sincere praise before asking for a favor. We should certainly remember to do this in our interaction with our spouse. We should learn to regularly give praise, and show appreciation for even trivial things our spouse does for us. Requests should be preceded by a compliment. This teaches us not to take our friends and loved ones for granted.

This lesson was taught to us by Moshe Rabbeinu, and it is a good practice to always give praise before making requests.

Be Proud To Be Jewish

Moshe Rabbeinu’s parting address to the Jewish people, reveals the special role of the Jew in the world. He must never forget this role, and must always be proud of his Jewishness.

Moshe tells the the people that if they live according to the Torah, they will gain great admiration among the nations. When they observe the various practices of Judaism, they will see us as “a wise understanding nation.” Only an intelligent people like Israel, are capable of observing such laws.

We must realize that we gain such admiration of the nations, when we proudly show that we love Hashem and the Torah. History has taught us that we are looked at with disdain, by our non-Jewish neighbors, when we take our Judaism lightly.

We see this phenomenon of genuine admiration for the Jew, among the growing Noachide movement.

They will even speak to Jewish groups, telling them how lucky they are to be born Jewish. They might say, “Our job is to be righteous. Your job is to be holy.”

We have suffered a great deal at the hands of anti-semites over the generations. Those days are over. A new Jew has emerged, who is genuinely proud and willing to fight for his Jewish beliefs.

This feeling must spread to all Jews everywhere. Moshe told them this before his death. And today we must re-state the idea of how fortunate we are to be Jewish. Such pride is essential for our spiritual growth and happiness.

Torah Study Makes One Disciplined

We are now beginning the period known as שבעה דנחמתא, the seven weeks of comfort. Each Shabbat, between now and Rosh Hashanah, has a Haftarah that speaks of a glorious future for the Jewish people.

The Torah readings during this period are more geared towards the necessary mindset in settling the land. There is a constant repetition and reminders that amazing good awaits us, as long as we are careful to observe the commandments.

The Baal Haturim makes an interesting observation in his commentary on the words, “And now Israel, listen to all of the laws that I am teaching you to observe.” He makes a simple point by saying that התלמוד מביא לידי מעשה, that studying leads to action.

I am often shocked when I see bad behavior and bad Midot among adult Jews. I shake my head in disbelief and wonder why these people never studied. Didn’t their parents teach them basic rules of being honest, polite, and considerate of others?

Rabbi Avraham Twerski, always emphasized the importance of studying books of Mussar. It provides an individual with the tools to know how to act in an upright manner.

Such learning not only translates into action, but it gives a person direction and peace of mind. He knows what is important in life, and learns to be happy with his lot in life. We must take this point very seriously. Torah study leads to actions and behaviors that we would, otherwise, be without.

The Real Tragedy of Tisha B’Av

Tisha B’Av is known as the saddest day of the Jewish calendar. We mourn for the destruction of our two Temples, as well as other tragedies that occurred on this date.

The greatest reason for mourning today, is facing the reality that most Jews do not realize what we had. The glory that we once knew, when the Temples were in existence, goes beyond comprehension. The level of the entire nation was extremely high, on a spiritual level. The bliss that was felt in feeling Hashem so close, created a sense of security and well being, not realized in our times.

The fact that the Jewish people are scattered all over the world, and the ignorance of basic Jewish concepts, is reason for morning. Contrast this to a time when the Torah represented the law of the land. Every Jew understood his role, and proudly accepted his special mission in the world.

Thankfully, despite the turmoil represented by the media, things are getting better. The nation as a whole, are returning to their roots. Israel is gradually becoming more and more observant. The Torah is again being studied with great diligence, and with great numbers. This has not been seen since the period of the second Temple.

When we recite the special prayers of Kinot on Tisha B’Av, we should focus on the refrain of מה היה לנו, that we should remember what we once had, so that we can mourn for its absence.

The situation is not so bleak. Our rebuilding of the State of Israel, seventy five years ago, represents a major change. More than seven million Jews have come home. The House of Israel, is being restored, and we are coming closer than ever to a time when these days of sadness, will turn into days of joy. May it come speedily in our days.

Prayer Instead of Sacrifices

The Haftarah for Shabbat Chazon, the Shabbat preceding Tisha B’Av, is very moving. It is a strong rebuke from the Prophet Isaiah, for having turned away from G-d, and the Torah.

Later in this chapter, there is a verse that has significance in our times. The prophet asks in the Name of G-d, למה לי רוב זבחכם, “What need do I have for your sacrifices?”

The bringing of sacrifices without true intent, is abominable in the eyes of G-d. Hashem would rather not receive such sacrifices, that were not offered with the desire to seek forgiveness and getting closer to Him.

This is relevant today when we are confronted by missionaries, who ask the same redundant question. If there is no Temple today, and no sacrifices to atone for one’s sins, then there must be the need to embrace a religion that allows an individual to find atonement.

Our response is that according to Isaiah, even when the Temple existed, sacrifices were meaningless if not offered with the right intent.

Today, prayer takes the place of sacrifices. True atonement can be achieved by returning to G-d sincerely, by showing remorse, and the resolve to mend one’s ways.

Sacrifices were once a means to achieve a special connection with G-d. They will be reinstated when the third Temple is rebuilt. In the meantime, prayer and sincere repentance, takes the place of sacrifices. This point was made very clear by the Prophet Isaiah.

Fear of the Nation of Israel

As Moshe Rabbeinu recounts the later events of the forty year journey in the wilderness, he pointed to a recent great day. He uses the words, היום הזה, that on this day great things took place.

He was referring to his battle with the giant, Sichon, King of Emori. The similar wording used here and in the Book of Joshua, points to the fact that the sun stood still for Moshe, as it did for Yehoshua. Extra hours were needed to finish off the enemy, and it was provided by way of miracle.

It is interesting to note that the text points to the time when both in the past and in the future, the same phenomenon will occur.

It is referring to the fear and awe that the nations of the world will have for Israel. It will be something inexplicable how mighty nations will be gripped by genuine fear of little Israel.

Somehow the nations of the world will realize that the G-d of Israel is with the Jewish people. He is the One that fights their battles, and He is invincible. It may be a subconscious recognition, but the time will come, just as it did in the past, that the world will tremble and be in awe of Israel.

These are incredible times that we are witnessing. One needs to merely open his eyes to see the miracles, and realize that we are fast approaching the time of admiration and outright fear of the nation of Israel.

Go Up and Inherit

Before the request of the nation to send spies to check out the land, it appeared that their entrance to Israel was imminent. Tragically, this was put on hold for forty years, because of the sin of the spies.

This can be seen by how Moshe Rabbeinu tells the people to be aware that Hashem has given them this land, and it is up to them to go up and inherit it. These words, עלה רש, are seen by some commentators as the source of the Mitzva to make Aliya.

Throughout our history, it was always the fulfillment of a Torah commandment to live in Israel. We can see this from the Talmud, where rabbis kissed the ground upon entering Eretz Yisrael. We can also see this from the Kuzari, where there was a tremendous longing for the Holy Land.

Nowadays, where making Aliya was never so easily within grasp, does this Mitzva become more pronounced. Anyone whose eyes are open, will clearly see the miracles and the generous gift from Hashem, that is the State of Israel. Therefore, it seems so wrong to reject this gift in the name of comfort or any other excuse.

We must do the right thing in the eyes of G-d, whether it is easy or not. Israel is Kiddush Hashem, and now more than ever, is the time for עלה רש, “Go up and inherit it!”

Carrying the Burden

At the beginning of Moshe Rabbeinu’s address to the nation, he recounts how difficult it was for him to be the head of the Jewish people. Rashi elaborates on this and explained that Moshe had to deal with trouble makers, who were relentless in their criticism of their saintly leader.

He refers to these individuals as אפיקורסים, generally translated as heretics. They watched his every move, to be able to find fault in all that he did. If he left early in the morning, they assumed that things were not stable at home. If he left late, they made assumptions that he was receiving bad advice, that would ultimately, harm them. They were also referred to as רוגנים, constant complainers.

This was the reason he asked for help from the pious and righteous of the people, to help him carry the burden. The Midrash refers to these men as כיסופים and ותיקים. The Vatikim were elder statesmen that had a great deal of life experience. The Kisufim were people who were loved and displayed kindness to everyone.

These character traits were badly needed for a budding, new nation. These men also served as judges, in helping people work out their disputes. They were also ידועים, in that they were known to all by way of their reputations.

It sounds like Moshe Rabbeinu went through similar aggravation that our leaders go through today. Imagine how much worse it could have been for him, if he had to deal with the media of today!

We need to appreciate the dedication of those fighting for the good of the country. It is important to encourage, rather than criticize and tear down. Too often we forget how we are weakened as a people, when we lack unity. We need to take this very seriously, as we do not have a Moshe Rabbeinu, nor do we have the caliber of people that helped ease his burden.

Children of Hashem

A theme of this difficult period of “the nine days,” is that Hashem still loves us even though we have turned away from Him. We are referred to as בנים לה׳, “G-d’s children.

On the one hand, we are to recognize that we were sent into exile because of our sins, but we are to remember that although we have strayed, we never stopped being like children of Hashem.

This awareness is meant to give us hope in the face of great difficulties that we might encounter. If we take this period of mourning as a time of reflection of how far we have come as a people, we should be filled with hope.

We are to recognize that life is really two tiered. We have events that apply on a personal level, as well as events that affect us on a national level.

For example, when we speak of the Galut, the Exile, this can apply on both a personal and national level. As individuals, we must be released from being imprisoned by our fears and shortcomings. We become free when we let go of our attachment to materialism and self indulging, and connect to spirituality and the Torah.

We leave the Galut as a nation, when we focus on the future and see the Redemption as within grasp. We no longer see ourselves as beaten down, but we stand with pride as believing Jews.

G-d has been very patient with us throughout the generations. It is time for us to stay close to Him, and no longer go astray. The Redemption is nearer than we realize.

Rebuke Before Death

The Book of Deuteronomy, or דברים, is actually a thirty-seven day farewell address by Moshe Rabbeinu to the Jewish people.

We are also told by way of Midrash that Moshe wrote thirteen complete Sefer Torahs during this time. He gave one copy to each of the twelve tribes, and the thirteenth was placed on a special shelf, extending from the Aron Hakodesh.

The words spoken by Moshe were very harsh and direct. He took full advantage of his right to give rebuke, as he fully understood that his death was imminent.

The Rabbis understood the difficulty in rebuking another person. The Pasuk regarding תוכחה, or rebuke, ends with the words, ולא תשא עליו חטא, that the one giving rebuke should not be carrying a sin.

He must not come across as being overly righteous, and insulting.

The rebuke that is given before one’s death, is most effective. The realization that a loved one is leaving this world, makes this final dialogue, that much more effective.

Relatives or friends, might ask what was their final conversation with their loved one about. This will never be forgotten for the rest of their lives.

Shortly before my father of blessed memory, passed away, he had a day of lucidity. He asked me to learn with him, the אגרת הרמב״ן, the Ramban’s letter to his son. The end of the letter has the Ramban urging his son to read this letter once a week, and he will succeed in life.

For nearly twenty-nine years, I have been reading this famous letter, every Friday. Perhaps if my father made his suggestion at an earlier time, it may not have been taken seriously. Moshe Rabbeinu taught the power of rebuke, before one leaves this world, and from personal experience, I learned how true this really is.

Thorns In Your Eyes

Rabbi Meir Kahane was a controversial figure, who loved the Jewish people. I had the privilege of knowing him personally. He spent Shabbat with me two years in a row, when I was a pulpit rabbi in Los Angeles.

He was criticized greatly, and even accused of being a racist, in his attitude towards our Arab neighbors. He wrote a book titled, “They must go,” that suggested just what the title said.

The original title of the book, was simply, “Numbers 33:55.” Everything Rav Kahane preached, was based on Torah teachings. Unfortunately, he did not pass on these teachings, in a very diplomatic manner. He did say, but perhaps not often enough, that he would welcome anyone to convert and become part of the Jewish people. They only needed to show their sincere intentions, and they would be accepted.

Contrast this to real racists, like the KKK. Would they accept a Black Jew that wanted to join their organization.

The verse of Numbers 33:55, warns that if we do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, they will be as “ thorns in your eyes, and a pain in your sides.” This warning did not apply to any non-Jew who accepted the Seven Noachide Laws, and accepted Israel’s sovereignty.

Rav Kahane was annoyed when he would hear an argument between a Jew and a Palestinian. Inevitably, the Jew would offer some territory for the sake of peace. The Palestinian would be more adamant, and say that all of the land belonged to him.

An onlooker would watch the argument and might easily conclude that if one side says that all is mine, and the other offers to share some land, the first argument would seem stronger.

We must not be afraid to declare that all of the Land of Israel belongs to Hashem. He made it abundantly clear that he gave this land exclusively to the Jewish people. No apologies, and no thorns in our eyes, and pains in our sides.

Clean With Hashem

We learn of a deal that was worked out between the two and a half tribes, and Moshe Rabbeinu. They could not settle the other side of the Jordan River, before they helped conquer the Land of Israel. Ultimately, they kept their side of the deal.

It is interesting to note Moshe’s wording, when he spoke to Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe. He said that if you fulfill your obligation, you will be, נקיים מה׳ ומישראל, “You will be clean from Hashem and Israel.”

There is a great deal implied by these words. There is a responsibility placed on every Jew, to act in a way that is “clean” in the eyes of G-d, and the rest of the Jewish people.

We must conduct our lives in an exemplary fashion, so that we bring honor to G-d and the rest of the Jewish people.

The Rambam in Hilchot Deot, gives a long description of the specifics of how we are to conduct ourselves. This applies to how we eat, sleep, do business and interact with society. The goal is to be a person that Hashem can say, “Through him, I am glorified.” We must constantly remember to be “clean” with Hashem and the rest of the Jewish people.

Always Have a Purpose

We learn a great deal from the actions of Moshe Rabbeinu. He was the greatest person who ever lived, and achieved more than any person who ever lived.

He reached such a high level of holiness that was on the level of angels. He defied the rules of nature when he went forty days without eating bread and drinking water.

It was made clear to him that after completing his final task, he would leave this world. Perhaps someone else would have hesitated to buy more time. But Moshe did not hesitate and took vengeance on Midyan, as he was commanded.

We learn another lesson from Moshe as to how we are to interact with this world. We must have a reason for living. Without a purpose and clearly defined goals, it is even possible that one may shorten his life.

Moshe had achieved all that was humanly possible to achieve. Rav Elazar Abuchatzeira said that if one has completed one goal in his lifetime, he must immediately make another goal. Typically, this applies when one retires from a job he has been working at for many years. He must plan for his next task, as soon as he completes the previous one.

When one goes from one task to another, he acquires a reason for living. It literally can add years to a person’s life. And this certainly true if the task is spiritual and helps the Jewish people.

Canceling Vows

There is a ceremony done before Rosh Hashana, called “Hatarat Nedarim.” The text is found in most Siddurim. Three men act as judges, and they agree to nullify any possible unfulfilled vows, that may have been made.

This procedure is not limited to the High Holiday season, but could apply all year. This nullification of vows, can either be done by a court of three learned Jews, or a woman’s husband.

Once I was confronted by a very distraught individual, who pleaded for my help. He had been involved in a heated argument with his brother. He vowed that he wanted no part of his brother, to the extent that he would not attend his son’s wedding. The day that he approached me, was his nephew’s wedding.

I asked two of my esteemed students to join me in forming a Beit Din. My question to the regretful vower, was simple. “Had you known that you would one day feel such remorse for your vow, would you have made it?” His regret allowed me to declare that he could now attend the wedding that evening.

On another occasion, a woman was conned into commuting to a very large contribution that was way above the family’s means. Her understanding husband, later that day, used his veto power of her pledge, and declared, מופר לך, that your vow is canceled. The wife was greatly relieved, and appreciated the wisdom of the Torah.

Jewish Sensitivity

It is always fascinating to see how the Torah emphasizes the importance of sensitivity we are supposed to have, in our interaction with others.

We see this by closely examining the text of the Torah. Moshe Rabbeinu is given his last command, before leaving this world. He is told to take revenge against Midyan, for their role in causing a deadly plague against Israel.

Moshe is to gather one thousand warriors from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. The wording of the text is the use of the word, וימסרו, “they were handed over.” The Baal Haturim pointed out that it should have written, that the heads of each tribe helped Moshe gather his army.

The reason the word וימסרו was used, was to show sensitivity to the Tribe of Shimon. Their leader, Zimri, who was also known as Shlumiel Ben Tzurishadai, was put to death in disgrace by Pinchas. And the 24,000 that died in the plague, were all from Shimon.

By using the words, “that they were handed over,” it was clearly with the intent of not adding insult to injury. The Tribe of Shimon, had suffered enough. The Torah is teaching compassion and sensitivity, that is a clear sign of the true nature of a Jew.