Be Kind To The Widow

The Torah lists three members of society that require special care and attention. They are, the convert, the orphan, and the widow.

The convert might see himself as an outsider, without family connections. He is often poor and struggling. We must never remind him that he is a convert, and we must not afflict him in any way.

There is a separate verse related to the orphan and widow. Similarly, we are commanded not to inflict them in any way. But here, this is followed by a very stern warning.

If you do afflict the orphan and the widow, your wife will be a widow, and your children will become orphans.

The Ibn Ezra even goes a step further by saying that if you see someone else afflicting the orphan and widow, and you don’t stop it, it’s as if you afflicted them yourselves.

It is interesting to note that the Halacha states that the same law applies whether the widow is wealthy or not. This shows how we must show extra compassion for any widow. Hashem tells us that when they cry out to Him, their cries are heard.

This should be taken very seriously regarding widows as the warnings are very clear. Extra compassion must be shown to them.

Four Watchmen

The Torah describes four different kinds of שומרים, or watchmen. There are those who agree to guard something for free, known as שומר חינם. There are other watchmen who are paid for their services, known as שומר שכר. The other two watchmen are known as a שוכר, a renter, and a שואל, a borrower.

Each of these individuals have varying degrees of liability if the item under their care is lost or stolen.

The Alshich sees a great deal of symbolism connected with these laws. His first point is that every possession that we have, really belongs to G-d. These possessions are entrusted with us, with the hope that they will be used in the right way. If we are given money, it should be used to help the needy or for other Mitzvot.

An even more important entrusting, given to us by Hashem, are our children and students. These are very precious given to us for our care.

It is the duty of every parent and teacher to instill the proper values in their children and students. They need to be given the proper guidance in learning how to cope in a very complex world.

They should be given our top priority in fulfilling our obligation to teach all that is good and proper. We influence our children and students with the genuine love that we give them. They can sense our sincerity and respond accordingly.

The best way to care for our most prized possessions, is to lead by example. Our children and students watch us very closely. Even when they might seem apathetic, they will remember what they saw, and it becomes engraved in their hearts.

Life is all about priorities. We have an obligation to be faithful guards of all that Hashem has entrusted us. But most importantly, we should be faithful watchmen to our children and students.

The Hebrew Slave

The laws related to the Hebrew slave, are quite fascinating and clearly represent that such laws could only come from Hashem.

Aside from creating a system to rehabilitate a convicted thief, it is also designed to help an impoverished person to get back on his feet.

The criminal gains his self respect by living with a Jewish family as a hired hand. It allows him to see himself as part of society, and that breaking the law is counterproductive. Criminologists have even mentioned that this system works much better than putting an offender behind bars.

One is permitted to self himself as an עבד עברי, Hebrew slave, if he is very poor. He works for a defined period of time for pay. The intention was to allow him to re-enter society with more optimism for his future.

It is interesting to note that only a married Hebrew slave is given the opportunity to father children with the Canaanite slave. The single slave might not want to ever leave his master’s care. He needs to perform the Mitzva of, “Be fruitful and multiply,” which does not count with the שפחה כנענית, because her offspring will be slaves.

The Torah emphasizes that this was meant to be a temporary situation. G-d took us out of Egypt in order that we be free and not slaves. This is why the Hebrew slave who insists on staying with his master, must have his ear pierced. The ear that heard in Sinai that we were taken out to be free men, this slave has chosen to neglect.

We see how these complex laws regarding the Hebrew slave, could only come from Hashem.

Divine Civil Laws

The Alshich gives a beautiful explanation of the civil laws that are given in the Torah. Many of these laws are mentioned in Parshat Mishpatim.

He wrote that only Divinely inspired civil legislation can bring peace and harmony. It is important that we recognize the difference between man made laws and Divine laws.

The Alshich goes on to explain that every Mitzva that we perform also adds to the harmony of G-d’s universe.

We are to follow Hashem’s example. Just as He is totally giving and full of kindness, so must we act in a similar fashion. We must realize the satisfaction that we get in knowing that we have eased someone else’s pain. Selfishness brings no satisfaction or joy.

As part of this recognition of Divinely inspired civil legislation, it is understandable why the Rabbis were strongly opposed to going to a Gentile court, even to settle monetary disputes. They said that if a Jew goes to a Gentile or secular court, it is as if he is saying that G-d’s laws are faulty.

All of the laws of the Torah come to us from Mount Sinai. Even laws that obviously need a remedy, such as murder and theft, also come from Sinai. The peace and harmony that comes from the observance of these laws, depends in large part from the recognition that these laws come directly from Hashem on Mount Sinai.

Honesty In Business

The connection between Parshat Yitro and Parshat Mishpatim is that there is a focus on laws between man and man. There needs to be more emphasis in our studies, on the importance of honesty and integrity in money matters.

One of the definitions in the Talmud of Chillul Hashem, desecrating the Name of G-d, refers to one who is dishonest in money matters. It is worse when he gives the impression of being a pious Jew.

We must be mindful of the Mishna in Pirkei Avot that tells us to cherish other people’s money, just like we cherish our own.

It should be on our minds constantly that we be sure that every penny that we earn, was done honestly without deceit.

Similarly, the fear of Heaven should be with us at all times. If we remember that Hashem is watching all of our business dealings, we will be more careful to be sure that we are acting in the right way.

When we were ordained as rabbis in Chicago, we asked our saintly and elderly rabbi for advice that we could take with us throughout our lives. The rabbi said, “Don’t tell a lie, not even a white lie.”

At the time we were a little disappointed as we thought we might hear something more profound. But as the years went by, we appreciated the wisdom of our Rebbe.

It really is difficult to find people that never lie. Finding people who will be honest at all costs, is too much of a rarity.

Perhaps instead of trying to act “Frume,” religious, by being overly strict in Halachic matters, one should be overly strict in matters of integrity in money matters.

Shabbat-The Day That Makes Is Free

The Ten Commandments appear twice in the Torah. It is found in Parshat Yitro in the Book of Shemot, and again in Parshat Va’etchanan in the Book of Devarim.

There are some differences in the texts in each Parsha. The most glaring difference comes in the description of Shabbat.

In Yitro we are told to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. The reason being that G-d, who does not need rest, created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, so we must rest on the seventh day.

In Va’etchanan it’s written that we are to observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy. We are to remember that we were slaves in Egypt so that we be free men. If we properly observe Shabbat, we demonstrate our freedom.

The double message here is that on the one hand we are to acknowledge that Hashem is the creator of the universe, and we need rest from our daily weekday activities.

We also learn that we are not truly free men, unless we shut things down one day a week. Otherwise, we become prisoners to the technological world, our jobs, or other mundane activities.

These two ideas mentioned about Shabbat, demonstrate the specialness of that day. As the famous saying goes, “More than the Jewish people kept Shabbat, Shabbat kept the Jewish people.”

Unbroken Chain

There is an important concept in Judaism known as Halacha Le’Moshe Mi’Sinai. This is a key principle related to the Oral Law.

When we are told that Hashem dictated the Torah to Moshe on Mount Sinai, some picture him like a secretary taking dictation. But it was much different than that. Moshe was in the highest spiritual state possible in man. He did not need to eat or drink. He was like an angel. Hashem did not need to actually utter the words. He communicated with Moshe in a more telepathic manner. He knew the instructions without being told.

When he came down from Mount Sinai, he was imbued with how the Torah was to be implemented. Most of the forty years in the desert were not spent traveling. That generation was known as דור דיעה, the generation of knowledge, and the time in the desert was spent learning how to live according to this system.

Such ideas as Tefillin and Shechita, ritual slaughtering, were not explained in the Written Law, but were explained in the Oral Law as part of Halacha Le’Moshe Mi’Sinai.

We are still uncovering some of the ideas taught at Sinai. It is our duty to study the Torah in depth. When we do, we might come up with a “Chidush,” a new thought that was not yet revealed.

When one attaches himself to Torah study, he feels connected to the long chain of Torah scholars that began with Moshe on Mount Sinai. It is our responsibility to see that this chain is never broken.

Greatest Day

The greatest day in human history was the revelation at Mount Sinai. The Jewish people that numbered in the millions and they heard G-d’s voice as He gave the first two of the Ten Commandments.

The belief that this event actually occurred is the foundation of Judaism. This is the critical point that makes Judaism a Divine religion, rather than a man made religion.

We are taught that both the Oral Law and Written Law were given on Sinai. The authenticity of the event is that it was witnessed by so many people.

Part of the description of the events of Mount Sinai, attests to the uniqueness of that incredible day. After preparing for the giving of the Torah, the Jewish people found themselves elevated to amazing spiritual heights.

This was an indication that embracing the Torah results in total refinement. They achieved such a high level of holiness that it was described as similar to that of Adam and Eve before the sin.

We are to remember the revelation at Mount Sinai every single day. It was meant to serve as a reminder that when we began as a people, Hashem had revealed Himself in a clear and outward manner where there was no doubt of the truth of His existence.

Moshe Rabbeinu spent the next forty days receiving the Torah. He was like an angel in that he did not eat or drink. If we contemplate these events, we realize that this all must be true.

It all began at Sinai, the greatest day in human history.

Yitro’s Advice

After all of the excitement of the exodus from Egypt, reality set in, and day to day life began for the Jewish people in the desert.

Moshe Rabbeinu’s father in-law, Yitro, observed what was going on, and offered some help. He felt that his son in-law was carrying too large of a burden in managing the Jewish people.

He suggested that qualified individuals be chosen, to act as judges. They would deal with issues that they could handle, but if they needed help, they could always go to Moshe for the final word.

The men that were chosen needed to come from the highest moral standards. They needed to be men of truth that were not capable of being bribed. Their fear of Hashem would guide them in making the correct decisions.

The Minchat Chinuch comments on this and gives more specific qualifications to be a judge in Israel.

He simply wrote that any judge who does not have חכמה אלוקית, a certain Divine wisdom, must not judge. He goes on to say that judges that do not possess this, might be very nice people, but, inevitably, they will not be able to judge correctly.

One who does judge correctly is described as one who has become a partner with Hashem in creation.

The number one criteria to be a successful judge, is fear of Heaven. He will have knowledge of Jewish Law and the Torah, but he will allow Hashem to guide him in judging correctly.

Yitro made a huge contribution with his advice. The guidelines established in the desert were meant to be followed for all time. If only we would get to that point. What a wonderful world it would be!

Yitro the Convert

Yitro seems to be known as the father in-law of Moshe Rabbeinu. He is referred to as “The Priest of Midyan.” His connection with Moshe overshadows the fact that he became a convert to Judaism.

The Torah tells us that “Yitro heard.” He heard of all of the miracles that culminated with the splitting of the Red Sea. He was impressed because he once served as an advisor to Pharoah. He knew what Egypt was, and how they were totally devastated by Divine miracles.

He heard and he saw, and was unable to distance himself from the truth. He joined the Jewish people.

The same was true of Rachav the Harlot, when Joshua conquered Jericho. There is a Midrash that says that he eventually married her.

She hid the spies of Israel because she heard and saw all that had transpired. Despite her lowly occupation, she could not deny the truth.

Batya, the daughter of Pharoah also recognized that there was something unique about the Jewish people. She was in the process of converting when she immersed herself in the Nile. She merited being able to raise Moshe, the savior of Israel. (She was also a great investor. She went to the banks of the Nile and came out with a prophet!!!)

We all know that Ruth was probably our most famous convert. But not many are aware that she was a princess of Moab. She opted for truth and Judaism above her royal status. She was rewarded as King David descended from her.

And so it is today, that the number of non-Jews converting is astounding. A rabbi friend in Los Angeles told me that he personally had 150 applicants for conversion over a brief period of time.

Those who “listen and saw,” see that the G-d of Israel is the One true G-d. Contrary to certain religious doctrines that claim the Jews have been rejected by G-d, the emergence of the State of Israel into a superpower, has proved them wrong.

Yitro was the first who “listened and saw.” Ultimately, the whole world will recognize this truth. When this happens, the world will be a much better place.

The Battle With Amalek

The Amalekites are the sworn enemy of the Jewish people. They are descendants of Eisav, and they possess an inborn hatred for the Jews.

When we are commanded to blot out the memory of Amalek, we are being asked to destroy everything that they represent.

They are pure evil and they are synonymous with Satan, the Angel of Death, and the Yeitzer Hara, the evil inclination. The numerical value of the word, Amalek, in Hebrew, as well as the word, “Safek,” that means doubt, are equal.

We are tormented when we are placed in a position of doubt. We wonder what the next day will bring, and we are filled troubling uncertainties. This is the work of Amalek.

It really is a lifetime struggle to defeat these forces of evil.

We must not be passive in this struggle. We must realize that these negative forces are constantly at work, to harm us.

The Talmud says that Hashem created the Yeitzer Hara, as its antidote. If we feel it is harming us, we should drag this despicable character into the Beit Midrash.

When one commits sins and violates the Torah, he is giving strength to Satan. When we do Mitzvot, we drive him away.

The Torah tells us that Yehoshua was chosen to fight Amalek, and they were weakened. Amalek appeared again through Haman when he tried to annihilate the Jewish people.

It is our task to completely obliterate Amalek. This is necessary for the Mashiach to come for the final redemption. With Hashem’s help, that day will be soon.

Earning a Living

The “food from Heaven,” known as Manna, was meant to teach a lesson about our attitude about money and earning a living.

Those who had faith that the Manna would come each day, had it delivered to their doorstep. The less faith an individual had, the further he had to go to collect it.

The Alshich wrote that the pursuit of wealth is not a good thing. Each person must remind himself that his livelihood comes from G-d. He is only going through the motions, but success is only from Hashem.

This explains why earning a livelihood for some people comes easy, and for others, it comes with difficulty.

It does give people a sense of security when they are financially stable. And some lose their faith when they struggle to make ends meet.

The Orchot Tzaddikim wrote that money can be a blessing, a curse, or a test. When a person is happy with his lot in life, and he feels that he is blessed with all of his needs, then money is also a blessing.

When one is constantly struggling and worried that he doesn’t have enough, it is a test to see if he can overcome the struggle.

And when a person has an over abundance of wealth, and he still feels that he doesn’t have enough, and he believes that everyone is after his money, it is a curse.

It takes a great deal of spiritual work on ourselves, to develop the right attitude and appreciation for all that we have.

The goal is to see our money as a blessing. And we are to realize that we have the right amount of faith, it will even be delivered to our doorstep.

Irrational Laws

The Jewish people are a difficult, stiff necked people. The Mishna in Pirkei Avot lists ten events where they tested Hashem and Moshe.

Shortly after they left Egypt, they confronted Moshe because the water was bitter and they had nothing to drink. Moshe cried out to G-d and he was shown a tree, that he was to throw in the water, to sweeten it.

There was a great deal of symbolism to this story. The desire for water, was really a desire to already receive the Torah. The tree is symbolic as to how the Torah is a “tree of life,” for all those who observe it.

We are also told that they were given חוק ומשפט, certain understandable laws, as well as laws that were not understandable. This second type of law, is known as “Chok.”

Rashi wrote that they were given Shabbat, some civil laws, and the law of the Red Heifer, which is the most difficult law in the Torah to understand.

The Alshich explained that at this time, Hashem wanted to implant in Israel, a conscious readiness, to accept irrational sounding laws.

Faith in G-d meant that we would receive a greater reward for observing the Mitzvot that we did not understand, rather than those that made sense to us.

There needed to be a clear understanding of Hashem’s exalted state, that as human beings, we could never achieve.

This point needed to be clarified right at the outset, as we were developing into nationhood. We had an important role to play in the world. Complete faith and reliance on G-d was the message Israel needed to teach the nations. But they had to first learn this message themselves.

The Sicknesses of Egypt

After the Jewish people crossed the Red Sea, Moshe Rabbeinu made a promise to the Jewish people. It is a simple formula that if followed, will bring good health and peace of mind.

He simply told them that if they shall surely listen to the voice of G-d, and you shall act in a manner that will be pleasing to Him, and you will listen to the Mitzvot, and observe the commandments that have no apparent reason, all of the sicknesses that were placed in Egypt, will not be placed on you. It ends with the words, that Hashem is the true healer.

When Moshe spoke of the “sicknesses of Egypt,” he was not only referring to physical ailments. He was also speaking of the social ills that plagued Egypt. It was a place of immorality and decadence, like nowhere else in the world.

If we want to be immune from the meaningless pursuits of others towards materialism and self gratification; If we want to protect ourselves of the contagious nonsense of values based on “feeling good,” and doing whatever “makes you happy; then follow the path of holiness.

Do what is upright and pleasing in the eyes of Hashem. Diligently follow all of His commandments. Develop a closeness with Him and recognize that we are meant to be His faithful servants.

If we can do this, we will not fall in the way of the Egyptians. Our lives will be meaningful and we will have a healthy perspective on life. We will have peace of mind and contentment that cannot be attained by any other pursuit in this world.

The Exodus

The details of the exodus from Egypt, was filled with drama. There was the great excitement of finally being released from bondage after 210 years. The Jewish people left with great haste and did not have time to allow their dough to rise. They ate unleavened bread, known as Matza.

They also fulfilled the promise that Hashem made to Avraham Avinu. They received kind of reparations from the Egyptians, so that they left with great wealth.

They could have taken the short journey to Israel, but were led in a circuitous path by the “clouds of glory,” towards the desert. They even looked as though they were backtracking towards Egypt. This was done for three reasons according to the Alshich. They were not ready to fight a war with the Philistines. It was a way to deflect Pharoah’s pursuit. And it was necessary to go in the direction of the Red Sea, so that the Egyptians would receive their just punishment.

It was necessary that there be one final supernatural event that would demonstrate to the entire world that there was only one true G-d in the world.

The Midrash says that when the Red Sea split, all the waters in the world, also divided. The Kuzari pointed out that it is remarkable that this event of the splitting of the Red Sea, is not disputed by Christians or Muslims.

We remind ourselves of this great event as we recite אז ישיר, in our daily morning prayers.

We officially began as a nation in Egypt when the Hand of G-d was revealed in a glorious fashion. No other religion can make such a claim.

Finding Yosef’s Remains

Parshat Beshalach tells the exciting story of the exodus from Egypt. In the third Pasuk of the Parsha, we are told that Moshe took the bones of Yosef with him, as they left Egypt.

Many have commented on the timeliness of this verse, with the miraculous recovery of the remains of the last hostage in Gaza, Ron Gvili. We believe that there are no coincidences, and everything is part of a Divine plan.

In Yosef’s case, the Egyptians held Yosef’s remain “hostage,” thinking that as long as his remains were hidden, the Jewish people would never leave Egypt.

They placed Yosef in a sarcophagus, a stone coffin, somewhere in the Nile. There are two versions that explain how Moshe was able to locate the remains.

The first involves Serach Bat Asher, who was among the seventy Jews that originally went down to Egypt with Yakov Avinu. She was still alive when the Jews left Egypt, which meant that she was more than 200 years old!

She kept the secret during that entire time of where Yosef was hidden. At the proper time, she revealed these details to Moshe.

The second explanation is that there were certain “magic words,” that were given to Moshe that were known from Yosef’s time. These words, פקוד יפקוד, “He will remember,” served two purposes. The first was that when Moshe said them, the people knew that this was a sign that he was the true redeemer. The second time he said פקוד יפקוד, the remains of Yosef floated to the top of the Nile.

As Jews, it is clear that we are a people that cherish every human life, living or dead. The promise to Yosef that his remains, and those of his brothers, that they be buried in Israel was fulfilled, just as we have witnessed this in our time.

Egypt Twice Daily

The story of the exodus from Egypt is mentioned twice daily in our prayers. The Rabbis inserted the chapter discussing Tzitzit in the nighttime Shema because of the mention of יציאת מצרים, the exodus from Egypt.

We recite this reference in the Haggadah when we quote the verse that tells us to remember Egypt, all the days of our lives. This includes morning and evening.

The reason why this is so important is because it reminds us of the time when Hashem revealed Himself with open miracles. No other nation or religion, began with such signs and wonders, as witnessed by our ancestors.

It was also a lesson about the nature of G-d. He only acts with outward miracles when our survival is at stake. Otherwise, He acts in a more subtle or secret manner. The miracles are still there, but we need to open our eyes to recognize them.

It is interesting to note that one of the Messianic prophecies was that the miracles that we will witness in the future, will make the miracles of Egypt look very small.

We will praise Hashem for those miracles that will “come from the North,” rather than the miracles of Egypt. We are living in miraculous times. The events of the last two years demonstrate this.

We will continue to mention the exodus from Egypt twice daily. But our responsibility is to acknowledge all present miracles just as we acknowledge the miracles of the past. Hashem will not sleep or slumber. He will always protect His children, Israel forever and ever.

The First Seder

The Jewish people in Egypt celebrated the first Passover Seder. They ate Matza and bitter herbs, and celebrated their freedom that was to take place the next day.

The Seder was established as one of the most significant days in the Jewish calendar. It was meant to be an evening of affirmation of our unique history, and the miracle of survival.

The focus of the evening was the children and encouraging them to ask questions. The Torah itself hinted to the fact that there are different kinds of children that have different needs and backgrounds.

It was the task of the leader of the Seder to find a way to get the less interested child involved in the events of the evening. The Haggadah describes these children in terms of the “four sons.”

All of this points to the importance of presenting Judaism not only to our children, but to all Jews, in the most appealing fashion. We need to find a way to inspire the uninspired.

Students who have complained about what did not appeal to them about Judaism, often shared one important point of what was missing. They claimed that they had not met even one saintly or pious Jew that they could emulate.

This would have put many of their concerns to rest. If they could connect with even one beautiful Jew that exuded warmth and kindness, it would make all of the difference in the world.

This shows how parents and teachers should be so careful to become role models for others to see. It isn’t the preaching that is going to effect change. It is showing by our actions how Judaism helps us to be more spiritual and find happiness and meaning.

The Seder is the learning tool to help teach about our great heroes of the past. It comes with the hope that we will emulate their path, just as we emulate the great heroes of today.

The Tefillin

There is a connection between the Mitzva of putting on Tefillin, and the exodus from Egypt. The Tefillin contain four chapters from the Torah.

The first two chapters are the same two chapters as those found in the Shema. They are an acknowledgement of the Oneness of G-d and the consequences if one does not observe G-d’s commandments.

The third and fourth chapters that speak of being brought to the land, and the sanctification of the first born of Jewish males and their first born animals, end with the command to place them as “a sign upon their hands, and frontless between your eyes.”

The Tefillin was meant to remind us that the Torah shall be in our mouths. It was also to serve as a reminder that Hashem took us out of Egypt with a “strong hand.”

We see that when one wraps himself with the Tefillin, he is creating a special bond with Hashem. He ties the straps so that G-d’s holy name is bound on his body.

When one does this particular Mitzva, he feels elevated. He is affirming his belief in Hashem and recognizes His greatness when He took us out of Egypt.

The Tefillin might be the most prized possession of an observant Jew. He senses the need for this method of attaching himself to the G-d that is One and took us out of Egypt, every day of the week other than Shabbat.

The Korban Pesach

There were many details given in the Torah regarding the offering of the Korban Pesach. A lamb was taken on the tenth day of Nissan and was tied to the bed posts. It was an act of defiance as it was a declaration to the Egyptians that the animal they worshipped, would be slaughtered four days later, and would be eaten at the Seder on the night of the fifteenth.

There would be groupings of families who would gather together at their Seder and partake of the roasted meat of this sacrifice. It was eaten together with bitter herbs, to show that it was being consumed for the sake of the Mitzva, and not for pleasure.

It was also accompanied with the obligation to tell the Pesach story.

We were to acknowledge the way that we were redeemed, after suffering the humiliation of being slaves in Egypt. Now we were free men and fulfilling the Mitzva of eating of the flesh of the Korban Pesach.

This Mitzva was observed throughout all of the years that the Mishkan or Temple were standing. Its fulfillment represented that we understood our unique role in the world, of teaching all that is right and sacred in the eyes of G-d. The Korban Pesach carried this message, which made it the most unique of all of the sacrifices.