In our daily Shemone Esrei, we ask three times a day 'VeSein Sachar Tov L'Chol Habotchim BeSheemcha Be'Emes--and give a good reward to those who truly believe in Your Name.'
What is the meaning of this request--which we make more than 800 times a year? After all, are we not enjoined from 'being like the servants who serve their master for reward' (Avos 1:2)? Additionally, what is a 'good' reward as opposed to a bad reward or just a plain reward? And, to whose standards of good are we referring? Moreover, since Chazal teach that 'Sechar Mitzvah Behai Alma Leica'--that nothing that we know of in this world, olam hazeh, can adequately reward us for a Mitzvah--are we really supposed to know ourselves what we have in mind when we say the words, or is it like going to the ice cream store and asking the proprietor to serve you whatever flavor is 'good' today?
We provide three alternative explanations:
Rav Avrohom Chaim Feuer, Shlita (Shemone Esrai, (Artscroll) page 193), teaches that we are here asking for spiritual rewards--for spiritual growth--and this kind of reward may always be requested. Indeed, Rebbe Yisroel Salanter Z'TL, would always teach that when Chazal said that all gates of prayer were closed, except the gates of tears--the general closure did not refer to the gates of ruchniyus--of spiritual requests--which were never, ever closed. Thus, we ask Hashem to make us reach our potential-our purpose in life--which is our true goal.
A second explanation is provided by the Avudraham who, citing Tehillim 31:20, writes that our request demonstrates our belief that Hashem has ultimately reserved wondrous rewards for the righteous (just as He ultimately will punish the wicked, in accordance with their wickedness). According to this explanation, we can understand the word 'tov' in the phrase 'sochor tov' to mean the same as it does in reference to the Six Days Of Creation where the Torah writes 'ki tov' when some aspect of Creation has been completed. We thus affirm our belief that Hashem's reward of the deserving will ultimately be completed. With this occurrence, all those who trusted in Hashem will rejoice in the sanctification of Hashem's Name, and the deniers and disbelievers will walk away in shame. The reward referred to then is not a purely selfish treat, but the pleasant means to a heavenly end.
Another marvelous insight is provided by Rav Schwab Z'TL in his sefer on Tefilla (Iyun Tefilla, pages 359-361). Rav Schwab suggests that the word 'tov' here is related to the bracha of 'Hatov Ve'Hameitiv'--where we thank Hashem for providing good not only to us, but to others as well. Here, we ask Hashem that He provide those who are 'Bothcim BeEmes'--who are true believers--to be so effusive in their faith and trust that it ignite and awaken within us and others that very same pure and complete belief. With this, we can well understand the next phrase in the bracha, 'And place our lot with theirs'--we are praying that their 'sochor tov' not only reach the leaders, the teachers, the maggidei shiur etc., but that it come and touch us in a wonderful way as well!
PRACTICAL SUGGESTION: Each of the three above explanations fits beautifully into the Ruach HaKodesh-imbued words of this brocha. This week, work on having kavanah in our phrase 'VeSein Sachar Tov L'Chol Habotchim BeSheemcha Be'Emes'--perhaps at each Shemone Esrei, having one of the three kavanos we have mentioned.
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Reprinted with permission from Hakhel MIS
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 580:2) writes that today, the 27th of Sivan, is the day that Rebbe Chananya Ben Tradyon, one of the Asara Harugei Malchus (the Ten Great Martyrs) was burned together with a Sefer Torah--for he was caught learning and teaching Torah in violation of a Roman Decree. The vicious, barbaric Romans placed wet wool around him to slow the process, and despite the urgings of those around him, he refused to speed the process--to voluntarily give up any moments in this world which could never be replaced--by opening his mouth to suffocate or otherwise ingest the flames. Because of his horrifying and tragic passing, the Shulchan Aruch lists today as a Taanis Tzaddikim, a day of fasting by a select few.
The Gemara (Avoda Zara 17B-18A) relates that Rebbe Chananya was a Tzedaka collector. Once, his Tzedaka funds were mixed with money he set aside for Seudas Purim. To avoid any doubt whatsoever that he had misappropriated Tzedaka funds, he gave up all of his own money mixed into the pile, and donated it all to charity. Rashi there explains that this action showed he was a 'mevater with his money'--he did not act strictly when there were doubts as to who money really belonged. The Gemara further relates that Rebbe Chanya's rebbe, Rebbe Yossi Ben Kisma, foretold Rebbe Chananya's execution, and actually advised him that he would be a 'Ben Olam Haba' because of his conduct in the charity mix-up.
The Luach Dovor B'ito suggests that even if we cannot fast, we should do something to recognize the solemnity of the day. Some recommend that being especially careful in speech is a form of substitute for fasting (this would be an appropriate idea in light of the lesson of tomorrow's Parsha resulting from the tragic Lashon Hora of the Meraglim). Others suggest that giving Tzedaka is a form of substitute as well (as when Tefillin, Chas V'Shalom, fall). This would seem particularly appropriate for Rebbe Chananya--as his charitable deed was the act that, according to his rebbe, would make him a 'Ben Olam Habo'(!) Another fitting remembrance may be to discuss a Torah topic with another person today, for not only did Rebbe Chananya Ben Tradyon give his life for Torah teaching, but in this very week's Perek (Avos 3:3)--Rebbe Chananya himself recommends to us all that '...two who sit and speak Torah between them, the Shechinah dwells among them...'
We may not have known Rebbe Chananya personally--but we do refer to the Ten Great Martyrs on the solemn days of Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av. It behooves us to in some manner show our recognition and respect for Rebbe Chananya and his teaching--as the Shulchan Aruch--the Code of Jewish Law--itself records this date as a date to remember forever.
May our speech, our Torah, and Tzedaka today also make us 'Bnei Olam Haba'--and may we learn from Rebbe Chananya every day of the year both the importance of being 'mevater' when you are unsure about whose money it may be, and'what the value of a moment of life really means!
The Gemara in Ta'anis (20A) brings the famous story of Rebbe Elazar (the son of Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai) who, after learning much Torah, was riding on his donkey near the river bank, in an ecstatic and satisfied state. Suddenly, a very not-nice-looking man appeared before him and greeted him. Rebbe Elazar, rather than return the greeting, responded by asking the man whether all the people in his city were as bad looking as he. The man responded that that he did not know, but that Rebbe Elazar, being such a noble person, should go back to the man's Maker, and tell Him how despicable His creations are. The Gemara then relates that Rebbe Elazar got off his donkey and begged the man for forgiveness. Rebbe Elazar learned the hard way that by disgracing a creation of Hashem, one is actually Chas V'Shalom, deprecating Hashem's decision as to what and how to create.
Rav Mattisyahu Salomon, Shlita (Matnas Chayim, page 181) explains this great lesson further: everything--meaning **every single thing**--is created by Hashem with His infinite, omniscient, incomprehensible wisdom--and for His honor. Accordingly, there is no room for terms such as 'ugly', 'disgusting' or the like to describe creations--and one who does so displays an arrogance, or at least an air of superiority, which actually touches upon Kefira (Chas VShalom)--denial of Hakadosh Baruch Hu's mastery over the world. Indeed, Rabbeinu Yonah (Shaarei Teshuva 3:175) explains the Posuk 'Loeg LaRosh Cheref Osehu (Mishlei 17:5)--he who mocks a poor man blasphemes his Maker--in this way. It follows that one who views all his successes as due to his skill, wisdom and acumen and another's lack of success as due to his personal incompetence, is truly a denier--for everything--every little thing-- is from Hashem. A Posuk found later in Mishlei (22:2) succinctly concludes, 'A rich man and a poor man met--Hashem is the Maker of them all.'
With this foundation of Emunah, Rav Salomon (based on the Ruach Chaim of Rav Chaim Volozhiner) explains the meaning of the words of Kaddish--'Be'Olma Di V'ra Cheirusay'--in the world that He created according to His will. Even though we do not understand the meaning and purpose of at least some of the creations, and there are things which appear to be missing or do not seemingly reflect Kavod Shomayim in the world, nonetheless, we recognize that since it was and is done all according to His will, it is, in fact, best and L'Kavod Shomayim. Any attempt we would make to belittle, disgrace, look down upon, void or destroy any object, other person, place or thing is an affront to, or perhaps better said--a violation of, our proper Emunah in HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTION: Carefully monitor (or better yet, eliminate) use of the words 'ugly', 'gross', 'disgusting' and the like from your vocabulary, and, from time to time as you look at the sky, the trees, the rocks, the ants, the gnats and even your next door neighbor , remember, or if you can, exclaim 'Ma Rabu Ma'asecha Hashem' (Tehillim 104:24)--Hashem-how great are Your deeds!
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reprinted with permission with Hakhel MIS
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If you start learning Mishnayos Megillah on the fourth day of Adar (Shabbos, March 4th) and learn just three Mishnayos a day (after Maariv, with your son, etc.), you will complete the entire mesechta on Purim, and if you then continue to learn Mishnayos Pesachim starting on Purim (it is a mitzvah to begin learning Hilchos Pesach on Purim, as brought in the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 429; Mishne Berurah seif katan 2), you will complete the entire Mishnayos Pesachim before Pesach!
Three (3) times a day (upon waking, noon time, and upon going to sleep, or breakfast, lunch and dinner, or while walking), say the following words five (5) times, consecutively and slowly: [blue]THANK YOU, HASHEM[/blue]." Each time they are recited, think of something else you are thanking Hashem for.
It may be something:
GENERAL--
your spouse
your children
your health
your sanity
your knowledge
your home
your job, etc.;
or it may be something SPECIFIC--
your keeping up with Daf Yomi or other learning schedule
your son's success in school
your vision
your ability to walk and even run (well, at least when necessary!)
your old and new friends
your loyal clients/customers;
or it may be something RECENT--
your getting up this morning although you were so-so tired last night
any one of the 15 events described in Birchos HaShachar that we experience daily
the opportunity to answer 'Yehei Shmei Rabba'
how about having coffee and milk in the house
a warm coat on a cold day
something that happens reminding you that you are human
getting a compliment from someone
...and...hopefully even for having received this message!
You can start right now - slowly, please:
[blue]THANK YOU, HASHEM FOR: __________________ THANK YOU, HASHEM FOR: __________________ THANK YOU, HASHEM FOR: __________________ THANK YOU, HASHEM FOR: __________________ THANK YOU, HASHEM FOR: __________________[/blue]
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reprinted with permission from Hakhel MIS
Rav Yechezkel Levenstein Z'TL (Letter 208) writes that an absolute prerequisite to come close to Hashem is appropriate dealing and proper conduct with other people. Specifically, he writes that if one makes a point to look for the m'alos, the good qualities, of others and honors them because of these very qualities, 'how close he has come to honoring Hashem.' Rav Shlomo Wolbe Z'TL (Alei Shur 1:118-119) further guides us in this area 'honoring friends is not simply good manners and proper courtesy, but is revealing the honor of a Tzelem Elokim (someone created in Hashem's image). In fact, when Rebbe Eliezer was asked by his students, 'Rebbe, teach us the ways of life so that we will be merit the World to Come', his first response was 'Be careful to honor your friends.'
How can we begin displaying the honor due to another, the honor of his qualities, the honor of his Tzelem Elokim, the honor that will lead us to proper honor of Hashem' the honor that will lead us to true life in the World to Come?
We suggest the following fundamental, initial step. The Orchos Chaim of the Rosh (Paragraph 57) writes that one should not show a sullen face towards others, but rather should greet people with 'panim mei'iros'--a glowing face, a welcoming smile. Indeed, the posuk in Koheles (8:1) states 'Chochmas Odom Ta'ir Panav'-the wisdom of a person brings his face to glow. We may understand this to mean that one who wants to be a wise person, i.e., he wants to attain his purpose in life of d'veikus (cleaving) to Hashem (as clearly explained in Mesilas Yeshorim, Chapter 1), will shine his face to others, for honoring another--his qualities and his Tzelem Elokim--is a very necessary step in drawing close to, and properly relating to, Hashem.
The brocha given by Yaakov to Yehudah (Genesis 49:12) was 'U'leven Shinayim Mei'chalav'-and his teeth white with milk. The Gemara (K'subos 111B) states that the posuk can be read as 'When one shows his teeth by smiling to his fellow man, it is better than giving him milk to drink.' Giving someone milk, with all the essential nourishment it provides, cannot compare to the feeling of humanity and respect given to another Tzelem Elokim with a warm countenance and a nice pleasant smile. We may add that the beneficiary of your smile may likely feel so uplifted that the person, too, may smile to someone elseso your smile may literally progress to many others geometrically.
Rabbi Avigdor Miller Z'TL writes that, in addition to the feeling of respect that a smile engenders, 'The smile enters the recipient's mind and body and stimulates all the glands to produce their secretions in the most beneficial proportions. Every one of the thousands of intricate processes of physical functions is optimally motivated' (Sing You Righteous page 294).
We can now well understand why Yehudah, a leader of his people who was responsible for them, was given this fundamental brocha, and why many of the common pictures of Gedolim show a very pleasant countenance and sincere, warm smiles. Those who recall the special honor-filled manner of Rav Segel Z'TL, Rav Wolbe Z'TL, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach Z'TL, Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky Z'TL, among other Gedolim, will certainly appreciate this point.
Practical Suggestion: Choose a family member, friend or acquaintance and focus on this person's ma'alos-and on his/her Tzelem Elokim. When you see this person, show him respect with a loving face and a warm, meaningful smile, not merely out of common courtesy or even etiquette, but out of a sincere and true desire to properly honor him for his qualities and for his Tzelem Elokim, which, in fact, is such a fundamental first step in our drawing close to Hashem Himself, and realizing our own purpose in life.
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Reprinted with permission from Hakhel MIS
"A man's job is not to be in complete control of all situations, but to be in control of himself in all situations."
From [u]A Candle by Day [/u]by Rabbi Shraga Silverstein
Think of someone, who need not be a relative, who perished in the Holocaust, or in Eretz Yisroel in a terrorist bombing or in war, and learn a Mishnah, give tzedakah, or buy a sefer needed by your shul on his or her behalf.
Perform an ultimate in chesed.
[c]“Never fear shadows – it means that there’s light nearby.”[/c]
[c]“Whether you think that you can, or that you can’t – you are usually right.”[/c]
[c]“Stick up for what’s right, even if you’ll stick out.”[/c]
[blue]3rd of Elul [/blue]which falls this year on Wednesday Sept 7th, is the [i][b][blue]yarzeit of HoRav Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook zt"l.[/blue][/b][/i]
Rav Kook was the first chief Rabbi of "Palestine." A visionary who foresaw many of the movements of today, Rav Kook managed combine the mystical and rational in a unique way and due to his great bredth of Torah knowledge, was acknowledged by the spectrum of Jewry to be a great Torah luminary.
May the memory of Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook zt"l be a blessing for us all.
Important Numbers
