Acknowledging the One True G-d

Rav Kook described the incident with Naaman and the Prophet Elisha, as an indication of what the ultimate future will be for the entire world.

The story mentioned in the Book of Kings, described the many miracles performed by Elisha. When the great army general, Naaman, was stricken with leprosy, he was advised to visit “the man of G-d “ for a cure. Reluctantly, the Gentile idol worshipper asked Elisha for assistance.

He was offended when Elisha would not see him, but simply told him to immerse himself seven times in the waters of the Jordan River. He was in deep distress because of the leprosy, so had no choice but to follow Elisha’s advice.

When he was cured, he openly acknowledged the truth of the G-d of Israel, and vowed that he would never again worship foreign gods.

This is what Rav Kook foresaw as happening in the future. When the Hand of G-d is openly revealed, the world will acknowledge the One true G-d of Israel. Clearly, we are living in such miraculous times. The emergence of the State of Israel is a huge miracle in itself. But the events of the last two years, and most recently, “the twelve day war,” are clear proofs that Hashem is protecting His people Israel. Like Naaman, all will admit and come to embrace the G-d of Israel.

Moshe’s One Major Weakness

In numerous places in the Mussar books of discipline, the importance of overcoming anger is emphasized. Once anger is controlled, good things will follow.

As the Ramban wrote in his famous letter to his son, once כעס, or anger, is conquered, one can achieve himility and fear of Heaven. These are the keys to success in life.

We see from Moshe Rabbeinu, that “Ka’as” has another detrimental effect on a person. When one is overcome with rage, he becomes forgetful and unaware of his surroundings. We see this in the Parsha dealing with the spoils of war that were taken in the battle with Midyan.

Moshe Rabbeinu became very angry when they brought back the Midyanite women. He felt that they should have been put to death for their role in not only seducing Jewish men, but convincing them to participate in a repulsive act of idol worship.

The Rabbis tell us that נתעלמה ממנו הלכה, that the Halacha escaped him, because he allowed himself to reach a negative level of anger.

This is the source in the Torah for dipping new utensils made by a non-Jew in a Mikva. It is also the source for purging utensils that have absorbed a forbidden taste of food, or a mixture of milk and meat.

In any case, we see how anger can be a very destructive personality trait. This was probably the only major weakness that Moshe Rabbeinu had. We must learn from him, the importance of doing serious work at real anger management.

Threefold Destiny

Rav Kook made an observation about the nature of Moshe Rabbeinu’s communication with Hashem. For all other prophets, their message would begin with, כה אמר ה׳, “Thus says Hashem.” When Moshe received a message, it began with the words, זה הדבר אשר צוה ה׳, “This is the matter, that G-d commands.”

Rav Kook goes on to explain that this represents a higher level of attachment between Hashem and Moshe. There actually was some form of prophecy, earlier in the Torah. We see this when Rivka asked Hashem why she had such a turbulent pregnancy. It was explained that she went to the Yeshiva of Shem, son of Noach, for an explanation.

By the time the Torah was given on Mount Sinai, prophecy was limited to the Jewish people. Once we became a nation, we had a special connection and manner of communication with G-d.

Once the Jewish people were designated for their special role, Eretz Yisrael was designated as a unique land with special holiness. G-d’s intention for us was made clear.

We were to become a “Kingdom of Priests and a holy nation.” We were to fulfill this role in a specially designated land. What would bind the people and the land, was the Torah.

This is why there is a quote of the Rabbis that says, “One who dwells in Eretz Yisrael, is as if he has a G-d. One who dwells outside of Israel, is as if he has no G-d.”

We are to be clear of our threefold destiny and our uniqueness as a people. We are Am Yisrael, in the Land of Israel, and bound by the Torah of Israel.

Ideal Character

“The Duties of the Heart” is primarily a book that attempts to help an individual develop a strong connection to Hashem. The emphasis is to explain that true contentment in this world comes when one feels a strong bond with the Creator.

The result of building such a bond is translated by the effect it has on the believing person. He will develop an almost ideal or perfect personality. His interaction with others will be received with deep admiration by all of those who come in contact with him.

Such an individual will acquire true humility. Everything he does will be motivated by his sincere desire to act in a way that is pleasing to G-d.

The one possessing this “ideal personality,” will always have a positive and cheerful disposition. He is eager to help others in need, but never seeks recognition or positions of power.

He does not bear a grudge and controls his anger. He does not like asking for favors, but shows gratitude when a kindness is shown to him.

He is always polite and courteous, even when dealing with others that have different opinions than he has.

He is a true and loyal friend. He does not speak harshly against someone who wrongs him. He does not rejoice at the misfortune of others.

He is wise and never complains about his troubles. He is close with those who remember Hashem. He is a friend to devotees of righteousness, faithful towards devotees of truth. He feels the pain of the needy, and shows respect to the poor.

I am not sure how many people that we might know have all of these wonderful personality traits. But it is certainly something that we must strive towards. But we must remember that achieving such a level can only take place when we develop this sacred bond with G-d. This is the עבודת נפש, the work of the soul, that every Jew is obligated to do.

Moshe’s Successor

When Moshe Rabbeinu saw that the issue of inheritance came up with the Daughters of Tzlofchad, he realized that he must choose a replacement to lead the Jewish people after his own death.

It is interesting to note that he was not the one to suggest his faithful servant, Yehoshua, as his successor. He asked Hashem to help him find a leader who will, “Go out before them in war, and come before them in public affairs, who will bring them out and bring them in.”

Moshe also requested that the new leader be one who understood the spirits among men, and how they differ from one another. He needed to be patient and tolerant in handling a difficult nation.

The Avnei Ezel explained what was meant by “bring them in, and take them out.” The “taking them out, referred to being able to raise the spirit of the people from feeling of lowliness. And take them out from their impurities.

“Bringing them in,” referred to the ability of the leader to bring the people to levels of spiritual elevation and sanctity.

Hashem chose Yehoshua to be Moshe’s successor, as he possessed all of these lofty qualities.

We desperately need leaders that are able to lift the spirits of the people. Everyone needs encouragement and inspiration that we will achieve our lofty goals as individual and as a nation.

Inheritance Laws

The laws of inheritance are learned following the request of the “Daughters of Tzlofchad,” to also receive a portion of Eretz Yisrael.

This was a precedent setting case, as it was clear that “son inherit, and daughters do not inherit.” Here was a case where there were no sons. Two issues needed to be clarified. The first was an examination as to the motive for the request. Was it based on a sincere desire to have a piece of the Promised Land, or was it motivated by a desire to acquire land for the purpose of acquiring wealth.

The second issue was the need to establish guidelines for inheritance for all future generations. It may have been clear that if one had no sons, then his daughters inherit. But who is next in line if there were no sons or daughters. And there was the issue of the double portion given to the first born son.

We learn that Moshe Rabbeinu was convinced of the sincerity of Tzlofchad’s daughters. He personally presented their case to Hashem, who agreed that they had a legitimate claim.

Following this case, the Torah continues with the words, “And so shall you speak to the Children of Israel. These are the laws of inheritance.”

Clearly, we see how the incident with the Daughters of Tzlofchad, was the precedent setting case that led to the laws of inheritance.

One and Only Jewish Homeland

We learn in the Torah how G-d commanded Moshe Rabbeinu to deal with the division of the Land of Israel according to tribes. This is a clear proof that Eretz Yisrael was given to the Jewish people directly from Hashem.

This is also a direct proof that there is only one homeland for the Jewish people. When they live in lands outside of Israel, they are merely “guests.” As Jews, we have only one permanent home. This is the land that was promised by Hashem to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that will be an everlasting inheritance to their children.

There are times when the most obvious needs to be said. It should be clear and simple that the ultimate intention of the Torah, was that all Jews were to live in their one and only homeland.

I had a conversation with a friend this week, who is presently spending time in New York. I asked how the Jewish communities are responding to the possibility that there could be, G-d forbid, an anti-Semitic, anti-Israel mayor in New York.

He answered that many Jews will probably move to New Jersey or Florida. He said that the obvious response that “it’s time to come home,” does not enter their minds as an option.

It is all the more disappointing when Israel is witnessing daily open miracles, and even the observant Jews, are too blind to see.

Among the miracles of the “Twelve Day War,” that gets overlooked, is how 150,000 Israelis who were abroad, were fighting to come home during the war! This makes no sense except that these Jews understood that they needed to be “home” with their brothers during the war. They couldn’t tolerate being away, despite the danger.

They clearly understood what Israel means to the Jewish people. If only, all of the Jews of the Diaspora would wake up and realize that the “Promised Land” is promised to them as well. Time for all Jews to come home!

Bringing G-d Into Our Homes

There was a final census taken at the end of the forty years in the desert. The difference between this census and the one taken after leaving Egypt, is that the families within each tribe, were also mentioned.

It was decided that each family would have the letter, “ה” placed at the beginning of the name, and the letter, “י” at the end of the name.

For example, Reuven had a son named, Chanoch. His family name would be known as the “Hachanochi Family,” as we see how the “Hey” was added at the beginning, and the “Yud.”

It should be clear that these two letters spell one of the holy names of Hashem. The assumed purpose in adding these letters, was in order to bring holiness into every Jewish home.

A Jewish home becomes special when Hashem is allowed into the home. The goal is to make the home a “Midrash Me’at,” a small sanctuary.

When G-d is in our home, we conduct ourselves on a higher level. We want the home to be filled with love and mutual respect. There is no place for profanity or anger. All of the members of the household remember to act in a way that is pleasing to G-d.

The sanctity of the Jewish home has been the envy of the world. The secret comes from adding that “Hey” and “Yud,” for it represents allowing Hashem to enter our homes. When this happens, only good things will follow.

Difficult To Be a Zealot

Pinchas had many hurdles to overcome after his heroic act of stopping the plague. Great people are often challenged for acting in a non-conventional manner.

Mordechai of the Purim was questioned by many Jews, for rocking the boat too much. Even when he succeeded, he was not accepted by all of the Jewish people.

The nation did not know how to absorb Pinchas’s act. After all, he took the law into his own hands, and killed a head of a tribe and a Midianite princess. They were afraid of what the repercussions might be. They thought that greater impurity would be brought to the Jewish people.

Rav Kook felt that ultimately Pinchas was a unifying force among the people. It took time for them to realize that taking a drastic step was necessary to bring peace.

Hashem blessed Pinchas with a “covenant of peace.” He was also told that his descendants would live forever.

The Talmud in Masechet Zevachim said that all of the Kohein Hagadols, the high priests in the first and second Temples, descended from Pinchas.

There were a total of 380 High Priests. Eighty served in the First Temple that lasted 410 years, and 300 in the Second Temple which lasted 420 years. (There were many corrupt High Priests during this period.)

The Torah spells the word, שלום, with the letter “Vav” broken. It makes the word look like שלים, which is a hint to these High Priests. The numerical value of שלים, is 380, the exact number of High Priests that descended from Pinchas.

The truth wins in the end. Despite the obstacles Pinchas had to overcome, he emerged as a great leader in Israel.

Dangers of Materialism

There is an interesting statement made in the Talmud about people with unrealistic expectations. “They act like Zimri and expect a reward like that of Pinchas.”

Zimri was the head of the tribe of Shimon, who had sinned in public, and Pinchas did the heroic act that stopped the plague.

This Talmudic was brought in the “Duties of the Heart,” in the context of describing individuals who have their priorities wrong.

Rabbeinu Bachye is emphasizing the importance of not being too heavily involved with the material world. The obsession with comforts and materialism can ruin a person.

This book was written about a thousand years ago, but human nature hasn’t changed. It speaks of parents who do not teach the right priorities to their children. Their home is one of emptiness. Great emphasis is placed on beautifying one’s home ostentatiously. One who is content with a modest livelihood is lacking the drive to amass a fortune.

They draw their pride and esteem from their physical achievements. They live a lifeless routine of satisfying selfish desires.

They do not realize that their path is not in line with what is expected of them from Hashem. They are devoid of spirituality, which leaves them sad and lonely.

Human nature has not changed. People must not be influenced by a friends or a society that does not appreciate living a modest life of Torah and acts of kindness. This is what ultimately brings joy and contentment. When this becomes clear, they will no longer expect the reward of Pinchas when they act like Zimri!

Zimri’s Taunting

The incident at Ba’al Peor, was one of great tragedy. It led to a plague that took the lives of 24,000 men of the Tribe of Shimon.

These men were guilty of both idol worship and sinning with the forbidden Midianite women. The incident ended when Pinchas stepped forward and killed Zimri, the head of the Tribe of Shimon, and Kozbi, a Mudianite princess. They showed no shame and committed the forbidden act, “before the eyes of Moshe, and the eyes of the entire congregation.

This strange wording of the Torah regarding the eyes of Moshe and the eyes of the congregation is explained by the Talmud in Sanhedrin. Zimri was taunting Moshe and asked if Kozbi was permitted or forbidden. If you say she is forbidden, what justification do you have for marrying Tziporah, also from Midyan. This attack left Moshe confused, and he momentarily forgot the Halacha.

Moshe’s great-nephew, Pinchas remembered the Halacha that קנאים פוגעים בו, that a zealous person must strike down such a couple who are brazenly violating the Torah. He killed them both strictly for the sake of Heaven, to stop the desecration of Hashem’s Name.

The people were not sure if Pinchas acted correctly, until Hashem told Moshe that Pinchas was to be blessed for his heroic act that stopped the plague.

When one acts with zealotry, he must be certain that he is acting strictly for the sake of Heaven. This is not an easy thing to do. The risks are great if he does not have the right motivation. We must remind ourselves to be clear that everything we do, is for the sake of Heaven.

Donkey Teaches Humility

The Keli Yakar has an interesting explanation as to why Bilaam’s donkey was given the right to speak. This was one of the last items created at the end of the sixth day of creation.

Bilaam demonstrated an extremely high level of arrogance. We see this in the way that he had the “Chutzpah” to openly disobey the word of G-d. He was also arrogant as he realized that he was one of a few individuals granted the gift of prophecy.

In order to remove this arrogance, Hashem gave the gift of speech to his lowly donkey. And the donkey was able to see the angel of G-d, while Bilaam could not see him.

Bilaam was shown that he has nothing to boast about. Prophecy could even be given to a lowly animal. Hashem had a plan for Bilaam’s prophecy. It was in order to bless the Jewish people.

He also taught the world that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed. This has been proven true throughout our history.

Hashem hates the arrogant. They bring about their own demise. Bilaam was taught his lesson by his donkey. We must remember that humility is our ticket towards achieving good in the world.

Bilaam and Prophecy

The Midrash tells us that Pharoah had three primary advisors in Egypt. They were Iyov, Yitro, and Bilaam.

The Midrash goes on to explain the fate of each of these three men. Iyov was silent and did not protest the injustices done to the Jewish people. He was punished for this with serious suffering and tests of faith.

Yitro ran away and was not willing to be a party to such terrible treatment of the Jews. He was rewarded by becoming the father in-law of the redeemer of Israel.

Bilaam made the recommendation to throw all of the Jewish baby boys into the Nile. He was punished with death by the sword.

Rashi asked why such an evil man as Bilaam would be given prophecy. He knew the exact moment when his curse of the Jewish people could do harm. He answers that prophecy was given to the Gentiles so that they would not be able to claim that they were deprived of a prophet. Perhaps if they had one, they could also have developed a closeness to G-d like the Jews.

When Moshe Rabbeinu prayed for forgiveness for the sin of the Golden Calf, he asked Hashem to no longer give prophecy to the nations of the world.

We learn this from the words, ונפלינו אני ועמך, “Let me and and your nation remain separate.” Moshe understood that prophecy in the wrong hands, could be dangerous.

Some even say that either Bilaam and Lavan were related, or they were the same person.

This was before Bilaam later succeeded in getting the Jewish men to sin, where 24,000 died in a plague.

There are no prophets among the nations. They are all false prophets practicing witchcraft and sorcery. We learned our lesson in Egypt when we first heard of Bilaam. The message from Moshe was that there would no longer be prophets, except for Israel. That prophecy ended forty years into the Second Temple. We believe that prophecy will return with the coming of the Mashiach.

Balak and Lot

The alliance that developed between Moav and Midyan was significant from the perspective of the story of Lot and his two daughters.

Balak was the King of Moav, but was also a descendant of an individual named Moav. He was the son of the older daughter of Lot, who was not ashamed to announce that her son was Moav. In Hebrew the word means, “from father.”

Rav Kook pointed out that although Lot’s two daughters actually believed that they were the only ones left in the world, and they had children with their father for altruistic purposes, this incestuous act brought טומאה, impurities to the world.

Nevertheless, Moshe Rabbeinu was commanded not to lay siege or make a war with Ammon or Moav. There was a certain degree of protection given in the merit of Lot’s loyalty to Avraham. Lot’s younger daughter was more modest and named her son, Ben-Ami, who was the father of Amon.

It is interesting to note that Moshe eventually waged war against Midyan. He did not fight against Moav, as commanded. The Midyanites acted in a more provocative manner, and deserved to be defeated.

The Torah hinted to the Halacha that only a Moabite or Ammonite male is forbidden from entering the congregation of Hashem.( meaning they cannot marry a born Jewess.)

Perhaps it is for this reason that Ruth of Moav was able to marry Boaz and live to see her descendants David and Shlomo become kings. (The Midrash says that Ruth lived more than 300 years and she sat on a throne near Shlomo.)

Na’ama was a descendant of Ammon, who also converted to Judaism. She had a son named Rechavam, who was the king after Shlomo’s death.

Somehow, we see how the biblical stories are somehow intertwined. The battle with Balak and Moshe took place many years after the incident of Lot and his daughters, but there were still details related to that incident that were still relevant.

Interesting Parallel

There appears to be an interesting parallel between the story of Balak and Bilaam, and what has been transpiring in Israel today.

The background to our story, begins after Israel pulled off a miraculous victory over Sichon, the giant King of the Emori, and a second giant king, Og of Bashan.

Some say that Moshe Rabbeinu fought each one of these kings by himself, which adds to the miracle. In any case, the land of Sichon and Og were conquered by Israel. They rested on the other side of the Jordan and might be part of today’s Golan Heights.

Balak is so afraid of the might of Israel, that he makes a treaty with his enemy, Midyan, because he cannot fight might Israel himself.

We see how he is gripped by fear of Israel, and he must come up with a plan before this nation will devour him up as he did to the two mighty kings.

Israel had only left Egypt forty years earlier. How could this nation of slaves strike such fear in the hearts of other mighty nations? We are witnessing the same scenario as a relatively small and young nation, has taken on the giants of Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, and Hamas, and strikes fear in the hearts of these nations.

We must recognize that now, just as then, this could not happen without Hashem’s gracious help.

History repeats itself as we see how Hashem has always been with us. He is the One that is fighting for Israel. The nations of the world are being forced to recognize this truth.

Repetition

The Ramchal explained the purpose of studying books of Mussar. He wrote that most of the ideas that are mentioned in these books, are things that we ought to know on our own. Nevertheless, even the obvious needs to be repeated over and over again.

Rabbeinu Bachye in “Duties of the Heart,” lists no less than thirty ideas for which we are to make an accounting as to their importance.

In essence, what needs to be done is to take these ideas that are in the back of our minds, and putting them in the front of our minds.

Among Rabbeinu Bachye’s thirty item accounting list, are points related to our service of Hashem. We must remember to think of Hashem at all times and realize that everything comes from Him. We must treat Him with greater respect than we would a king or high ranking officer. He is the King of kings.

There are many reminders of the need we have to reach our own full potential. We must see every day as a gift, and know that we will not live forever.

An awareness of our day of reckoning is extremely important. This will allow us to live each day to the fullest, and realize how precious time is.

We should take our prayers more seriously and not be in a rush to get it over with. We must think of ways to make our prayers more meaningful. Our prayers are meant to bring us closer to Hashem.

A final important reminder is that we stay focused on our ultimate goal. This refers to developing such a close connection with G-d, that we are able to feel total bliss. There is nothing better than this in the whole world. This comes with hard work, but is achievable.

I have given a list of ideas that we probably know, but it is a good idea to mention and focus on them on a regular basis. This is the power of Mussar. The repetition brings strength and keeps us focused on our path in this world.

Understanding Hashem

There are various philosophers of religion that have made a similar observation about the nature of G-d. Their basic concept was that , “If I understand Him, then this isn’t a G-d that I would like to worship.”

This is a clear realization that as human beings, we are incapable of understanding Hashem’s ways. Our faith dictates that we trust in His perfection and justice, even though there are times that it is difficult to do so.

This also explains why the Torah contains a number of Mitzvot that fall under the category of “Chok.” This means that we are not even meant to understand these laws.

The Red Heifer is the most difficult of all Chukim to understand. Shlomo Hamelech, with all of his wisdom could not understand the reason why the ashes of this Para Ha’aduma, have the ability to purify the impure, make the pure, impure.

Only Moshe Rabbeinu was on the level of wisdom and spirituality, where the true reason for this law was revealed to him. This teaches us that our appreciation of the laws of the Torah will grow, directly in conjunction with how we grow spiritually.

Observing our faith is certainly challenging. But the realization that this unwavering faith is what is expected of us, will help us overcome life’s challenges. We must recognize that we are not meant to understand G-d’s ways. But if we continue to grow spiritually, we will continue to get glimpses of knowledge as to the intended reasons of our holy Torah.

Aharon’s Priestly Garments

A question was asked regarding the Priestly clothing that Aharon wore to his death. Weren’t these garments only allowed to be worn when he was actively doing Temple service?

The Rabbis answered that the death of a righteous man atoned like a sacrifice. Therefore, we see that it was appropriate for Aharon to be wearing these garments as he left this world.

The Meshech Chochma described the great love that the people had for Aharon. He was a true lover of peace, and went to great lengths to achieve peace.

The Torah says that the entire house of Israel mourned for him. This was also an indication that during the thirty days of mourning, nobody needed to go to the עיר מקלט, city of refuge, because of an accidental killing.

All were released with the death of Aharon, and there were no new members of the cities of refuge. Everyone including man, woman, and child, felt the loss of Aharon, “the great lover of peace.”

Misjudgment of Halacha

The Yalkut makes a comment that needs explanation related to Moshe Rabbeinu’s hitting the rock. “The Holy One Blessed Be He said to Moshe,

My children are dying from thirst, and you are mourning for that old lady (Miriam).”

The Yalkut further explained that Moshe was to first learn a little bit of Torah. The people would see that in the merit of Torah, the rock would give water.

Moshe thought he couldn’t do that because an אבל, a mourner, is forbidden from learning Torah, so he hesitated from speaking to the rock.

Hashem was telling Moshe that he was exempt from mourning in order to take care of the needs of the people. He was permitted to teach Torah because of the needs of the moment.

Unfortunately, Moshe gave into his anger, and did not listen to Hashem, and hit the rock. We see that he also needed clarification of what his priorities needed to be at that time.

It is a good lesson for all of us. While it is important to carefully observe the Halacha, there are times when the needs of the moment, take precedence over that particular Halacha.

Interesting Observation

The Midrash makes an interesting observation related to the death of Miriam. This demonstrates how much can be learned by carefully examining every word of the Torah.

The Midrash points out that by the time Miriam passed away, the entire generation that was meant to die in the desert, were no longer alive.

This is derived from another Midrash that said that every year on the Ninth of Av, the Jews of the desert dug their own graves, and slept in that grave. Many did not wake up.

Miriam’s death indicated that this process of digging their own graves had ended.

We know this from the simple wording of the Pasuk. ותמת שם מרים ותקבר שם, “And Miriam died there, and was buried there.” We see that she received a regular burial, and not the “dig your own grave” burial.

This clever detail was brought by a commentary known as, “Shnei Hameorot.” It only shows how new insights can be found when we study the Torah again and again.