Please Say/Whisper the Words out Loud This learning is dedicated liiluy nishmat Adira Chana bas Shais.
I Speech is where the body and soul meet - the soul’s aspirations are given physical form and come into the world through speech.
II Have we done something significant with this precious gift? Have we used it for its ultimate good, letting a child know love, building self-esteem, moving groups toward positive goals, bringing people closer together, correcting an injustice?
(Lessons taken from Gossip - Ten Pathways to Eliminate it From Your Life and Transform Your Soul by Lori Palatnik)
Create a beautiful and holy day! Happy Rosh Chodesh! - Ora
Please Say/Whisper the Words out Loud In merit of this learning may Elka Simcha bat Sara and Chana bat Gittel each be blessed with an immediate refuah shleima bitoch shaar cholei yisrael!
I What we sometimes can forget is that when we judge someone and then talk negatively about them, besides the problem that we are speaking negatively (lashon hara), we are also not fulfilling the commandment of "bitzedek tishpot et amitecha" "with righteousness we should judge our people".
II - example Mr. X tells his friend "look at Y. He is always late for davening/prayers"/ Mr. X doesn’t realize that speaking negatively about Y is much worse than coming late for prayers.
(Lessons taken from Purity of Speech by C.T. Friedman and Hilchot Lashon Hora by the Chafetz Chaim)
THE FAITH AND TRUST OF PSALMS________________11:1______
"In HaShem I have taken refuge; how do you say to my soul, "Flee to the mountain like a bird."
King David was embattled on all fronts. His enemies claimed that soon they would kill him and they slandered him saying that he was evil. They chased him into the wilderness where he took cover in the mountains. Then some of his friends betrayed him and revealed his hiding place to his adversaries.
How does a man react when he is taunted; dismissed as dead; maligned; betrayed; and chased like a fugitive into the mountains by enemies, intent on killing him? It wouldn’t be hard to imagine that, under these trying circumstances, the average person would feel overwhelmed.
However King David did not despair. Conversely, he maintained his composure by trusting in HaShem. Remarkably, as he was running for his life, he called out to his enemies, "How dare you say to my soul, ’Flee to the mountain like a bird." Meaning, "Why do you delude yourselves into thinking that I am vulnerable like a hunted bird fleeing across the mountains? I am neither endangered nor afraid. What’s more, I am confident that I will be delivered!"
What was the source of his unwavering resilience? David was a giant of faith, as he stated, "In HaShem I have taken refuge." He knew, axiomatically, that if he placed his trust in HaShem, i.e., "In HaShem I have taken refuge," he can never be harmed. Therefore, he returned the insults of his enemies by saying, "What audacity you have in assuming that I am on the verge of defeat. Don’t you know that I trust in HaShem - it is for certain that He will save me!
We see that King David’s trust did not have any boundaries. Even when he was running for his life, he maintained steadfast trust in HaShem. Even more, rather than falling to the intimidations of his enemies, he boldly confronted them, challenging their "delusions." May King David’s faith inspire us to strengthen our trust in HaShem so that we always remain tranquil and confident. [Based on the commentary of the Radak to Psalms]
TODAY: Extend and strengthen your trust and faith in HaShem and apply it to every situation.
The Midrash Tanchuma relates that when G-D created the world, the ministering angels asked: “What then is man [enosh] that You remember [zachor] him? And the son of man that You are mindful [pakod] of him (Psalm 8:5).” G-D defends His greatest creation, man, by bringing Avraham and Sarah as His rejoinder.“You speak of man referring to the generation of Enosh, who was unworthy.But I will show you the glory of Avraham, who truly merited remembrance.As is stated in Bereishit 19:29: “And G-D remembered Avraham so He sent Lot from the upheaval.”You say, “And the son of man that You should be mindful [pakod] of him.”Bereishit 21:1-2 states: “And Hashem remembered [pakad] Sarah as He had said, and Hashem did for Sarah as He had spoken.Sarah conceived and bore a son unto Avraham in his old age.”In the future, you will see a father who will sacrifice his son and a son who will allow himself to be sacrificed all for the sanctification of My Name.”
Please Say/Whisper the Words out Loud In merit of this learning may Yenta bat Gittel and Julie bat Marilyn each be blessed with an immediate refuah shleima bitoch shaar cholei yisrael.
Friday - 26 Cheshvan Even when we are upset or grieving or in any other extreme emotional state, we need to be careful of what we say, be aware of who is listening to our words, hear not only what is said but what is implied, and make sure that our deeds don’t leave an opening for someone to speak negatively about us even in the distant future.
Shabbat - 27 Cheshvan Just as we are not allowed to reveal that someone did something wrong or sinned, so too we are not allowed to discuss someones bad character traits such as a strong temper, lazy nature, stinginess etc.
(Lessons taken from Finding the Right Words by Rosally Saltsman and Purity of Speech by C.T. Friedman)
Create a wonderful beautiful and holy shabbat! - Ora
When Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, arrived at Haran to select a fitting wife for Yitzchak, he found Rivka at the well. Eliezer asked her for a little water to drink and she "quickly lowered her jug and gave him to drink. When she finished giving him to drink, she said, ’I will also draw water for your camels until they have finished drinking.’"
On the merit of this kindness, Eliezer chose Rivka to be Yitzchak’s wife. Yet, Eliezer traveled with an entourage of capable attendants. It was their duty to tend to the camels - and they were willing and ready to do so. Therefore, the kindness that Rivka performed was qualitatively small. She did not provide them with goods or services that they themselves were unable to easily attain and achieve.
If so, why was the ’insignificant’ kindness of Rivka the benchmark that made her fitting to be Yitzchak’s wife?
Eliezer was searching for a woman whose kindness was the very essence of her life. Rivka bestowed kindness upon Eliezer, even though it was unnecessary, because she delighted in kindness! The quality of delighting in kindness and the joy of benefiting and serving others is the true measure of righteousness.
If Rivka had not found within herself the goodness to perform this kindness for Eliezer, she would not have merited becoming the wife of Yitzchak, the spiritual and physical heir of Abraham. Not only did her kindness grant her the highest merit in this world, even more, she is one of the Matriarchs of Israel in the eternal World to Come. Moreover, the entire world, which HaShem created for Israel; the holy Temple; and World to Come all emerged on the merit of Rivka’s words ’I will also draw water for your camels.’
May we fill our hearts with the joy of performing kindness. In turn, we will delight in performing acts of kindness which will flow forth from us like a mighty river. Consequently, HaShem will bless us with countless merits in this world, and eternally in the World to Come. (Based on Ohr RaShaz of the Saba M’Kelm)
TODAY: Perform an act of kindness, no matter how small, and know that HaShem will bless you with countless and abundant merit.
In merit of this learning may Pinchas ben Nurit and Shira Shayna bat Bracha Chaya each be blessed with an immediate refuah shleima bitoch shaar cholei yisrael.
I
As we learned, one primary area of negative speech we need to be careful to avoid is degradation, specifically when it comes to speaking about peoples bad character traits. This applies even if we justify the reasons for the trait.
II - examples
"My brother became very lazy since his Yeshiva is so lenient regarding coming on time to classes"
"My grandmother was a very nervous mother since she experienced many hardships in her life"
(Lessons taken from Purity of Speech by C.T. Friedman and Hilchot Lashon Hara by the Chafetz Chaim)
Rav Soloveitchik writes that prayer is an attitude, a state of mind.To truly pray, one must adapt the posture of a child.An adult, who knows his own self-worth and is confident, is not admitted to the palace of prayer.Prayer requires self-negation and demands that one surrender himself and completely trust in Hashem.Prayer is for the one who says of himself: “my heart was not proud, and my eyes were not haughty…my soul is like that of a weaned child (Psalm 131:1-2).”A child instinctively feels the loving embrace of his parents and trusts that they will do right by him.It is those feelings of love and trust that are the very essence of prayer.
Please Say/Whisper the Words out Loud In merit of this learning may Yael Rivka Esther bat Aliza Tzemach and Miriam Hencha bat Nechama Leah each merit their zivug hagun v’nachon, at the right time with clarity and with joy. may it be and eternal home, with a strong foundation of Torah and Mitzvot.
I Revealing that someone lost their temper is considered degradation as we are speaking negatively about someone elses actions/traits. We need to be really careful to avoid this, even if it is said as a "by the way".
II - example You called your neighbor to ask hr if your son could be dropped off at her house after school and she agreed. Later you call to say "Sarah, I called the school in the morning to make the bus change. Oh, you should have heard how the secretary yelled at me for bothering her."
(Lessons taken from Purity of Speech by C.T. Friedman and Hilchot Lashon Hora)
Psalm 104 celebrates the creation of the world.The psalmist uses poetry, not science, to express his profound
appreciation of the beauty and wisdom of G-D’s creation.Unlike
scientific theories, the psalmist emphasizes wonder and awe as opposed to
intellectual inquiry and causal explanations.Here, the focus is
on the Creator and the goodness of His creation.The Divine is
front and center, with humans on the sidelines recognizing and appreciating His
grandeur.Yet, the psalm begins and ends with the words- “Bless
the Lord, my soul.”With these words, the psalmist communicates
that despite the grandeur of the universe and the infinite power of the Creator,
G-D is close.He is accessible to us through prayer.He hears and attends to our voices.In the words of Rabbi
Jonathan Sacks, this psalm is “the song of one at home in the world, awed by its
beauty, trusting in the graciousness of existence as G-D’s gift.”
Please Say/Whisper the Words out Loud In merit of this learning may Yael
Rivka Esther bat Aliza Tzemach merit her zivug hagun v’nachon, at the right time
with clarity and with joy. may it be and eternal home, with a strong foundation
of Torah and Mitzvot.
I It is important to be careful not to speak
negatively about someon’e family.
II - examples "I heard that X’s
parents are dishonest" "The X family is having massive fights over their
fathers inheritance" "That family puts on a show but they are really snooty
and not as religious as they make themselves out to be"
(Lessons taken
from Purity of Speech by C.T. Friedman)
The Torah tells us that "Avraham
grew to a ripe old-age, and HaShem blessed Avraham with everything." What was
the secret of Avraham’s longevity and the favor that he found in the eyes of
HaShem?
In order to understand the secret of his longevity, we turn to
the Midrash (Tanchuma Chaya Sarah 2) which states, "There are four things which
diminish the strength of a man: (1) fear; (2) the anguish of rebellious
children; (3) a defiant wife; and (4) war."
The Midrash continues: "The
classic example of a defiant wife who caused the strength of her husband to
diminish is: ’And at the time Solomon grew old, his wives strayed after other
deities.’
"Whereas Sarah, the wife of Avraham, honored him and called
him ’my master.’ She personified the verse (Mishlei 12:4): ’A woman of valor is
the crown of her husband.’ Accordingly, the Torah ascribes the following verse
to the merit of Sarah: ’Avraham grew to a ripe old-age, and HaShem blessed
Avraham with everything.’"
We see that the respect and dignity that
Sarah had for Avraham was the factor that brought about his success and
longevity. A wife has the sensitivity, wisdom, and capability to nurture and
invigorate her husband’s spirit. When she honors him she brings him longevity
and blessing, i.e., And Avraham grew to a ripe old age, and HaShem blessed him
with everything!"
May HaShem give us the insight to encourage, inspire,
and bring out the best in each other. In turn, we will see the fulfillment of
the verse, "And Avraham grew to a ripe old age, and HaShem blessed him with
everything."
TODAY: Strengthen your family members and friends by
honoring them with respect and dignity.
Fifteen psalms, Psalms 120-134, are grouped together under
the common heading: “A song of ascents.”What is
this “song of ascents?”Some explain that this refers to the
fifteen steps that separated the courtyards of the men and women in the Beit
HaMikdash.On these steps, the Levites would stand and
sing.Others comment that these were songs sung by the exiles as
they ascended from Babylon to the Holy Land.The Meiri teaches
that the phrase refers to a musical direction, alluding to a song begun softly
and then increasing in volume.Yet others suggest that this may
refer to the particular poetic form of these psalms, in which the repeated
phrase brings the poem to its culmination- its theme.
THE FAITH OF AND TRUST OF PSALMS 55:23 "Transfer your burdens to HaShem and He will sustain you."
There
was once a royal servant, who knew that the king was extremely
generous, merciful, and kind. What’s more, the king faithfully
compensated his servants according to the difficulty and effort of
their labor. Accordingly, whoever faithfully served the king was
assured of great honor, dignity, and wealth.
In light of the
king’s wonderful qualities, the servant firmly trusted in the king’s
goodness. He rejoiced in whatever task the king assigned him to
perform. Indeed, the harder the task the more he rejoiced, because he
knew the king would remunerate him proportionally to the intensity of
his efforts.
This parable illuminates the relationship between
faith and trust in HaShem. Faith in HaShem is founded upon our
recognition that HaShem is infinitely good, compassionate, and kind.
Even more, He compensates His servants with countless blessings,
splendor, and reward.
Once a person has attained faith in
HaShem’s goodness, he will then place his full trust in HaShem, just as
the royal servant trusted in his king. His faith and trust in HaShem’s
compassion and care will insure that he is always happy! Even if he has
difficulties he continues to rejoice, because he knows that HaShem will
generously reward him according to level of his exertion.
May
we reflect on HaShem’s infinite goodness and place our sincere trust in
Him. As a result, we will discover the path of a joyous life, as King
David said, "Transfer your burdens to HaShem and He will sustain you."
[Based on Orchos Tzadikim, The Gate of Happiness]
TODAY: Rejoice in HaShem’s love for you and His faithfulness to compensate your efforts with countless blessings and reward.
Please Say/Whisper the Words out Loud In merit of this learning may Rachel bat Masuda be blessed with an immediate refuah shleima bitcoh shaar cholei yisrael!
I A
common pessimistic statement is the one that sometimes greets newly
engaged couples: "You know, after all the excitement dies down,
marriage is just a lot of hard work".
II Rather than
deflating a couple’s exhilaration, one could let them enjoy their
happiness. The best response to someone else’s announcement is just
plain "Mazal Tov, may you have a lot of success!"
(Lessons taken from Positive Word Power by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin)
As we all know, today is the Yahrzeit of Rochel Imeinu.
The Pasuk in Yirmiyahu (31:14) writes that Rochel cried over the exile of
her children and that Hashem, in turn, responded to Rochel that she need not
cry further.
HaRav Chaim Shmuelevitz, Z’tl, while once at Kever Rochel, was overheard to
have said that although Hashem had instructed Rochel Imeinu not to cry, he,
“Chaim,” was asking her to cry for her children. The question is clear--if
Hashem told Rochel Imeinu not to cry, how could HaRav
Shmuelevitz--“Chaim”--seemingly go against this order and ask her to cry?
Some say, that HaRav Shmuelevitz himself answered the question by explaining
that while a father (Hashem) could tell his daughter to calm down and not
cry, a child (such as HaRav Shmuelevitz) could ask his mother to show a
special care and concern for her children.
A second explanation is given in the name of HaRav Moshe Aharon Stern, Z’tl,
who teaches that Hashem, by telling Rochel that she didn’t have to cry, was
actually inviting further supplication and tears. HaRav Stern draws the
parallel to Hashem’s response to the sin of the Golden Calf, where He tells
Moshe Rabbeinu, “Leave me alone and I will destroy them,” even though Moshe
had not yet asked for mercy from Hashem for the Chait HaEgel (See Shemos
32:10 and Rashi there).
There is an extremely important lesson for us here. HaRav Matisyahu
Salomon, Shlita, notes that the Bais HaMikdash is referred to as the “Sukkas
Dovid HaNofoles” (Amos 9:11)--as the falling/fallen booth of Dovid. He
explains that the word “Nofoles” is meant to inspire us to picture a person
or a precious object as it is falling and as it finally falls. He or it is
not in its natural or proper position. Something that is falling or has
fallen, must be picked up and placed where it is supposed to be.
The Navi teaches that Rochel Imeinu cried for her children. HaRav
Shmuelevitz asked her to keep crying. Likewise, the Navi tells us that we
must recognize that the Bais HaMikdash is Nofoles. We, too, must do
everything in our power to pick it back up. How? May we suggest that at
some point in the day we follow in the footsteps of our Mama Rochel. We
should take a moment out to envision the falling in front of us--and do what
we can to stop the fall by asking Hashem to raise up, and keep up, that most
precious possession, to Him and to us, the most special place on earth, the
Bais HaMikdash.
May the words of Hashem to Rochel--“there is a reward for your actions--and
your children will return to their borders” then ring true for our actions,
as well, speedily and in our day!
*Special Note Two*: In the Sefer Sifsei Chaim, HaRav Chaim Friedlander,
Z’tl, provides a common denominator of three special middos that a person
could and should have. These Middos are: (a) being Dan L’Chaf
Zechus--judging another favorably even if the odds seem to be against it;
(b) being Ma’aver Al HaMidos--overcoming one’s initial reaction to a person,
issue or event, being flexible, and overlooking personal affront; and (c)
being a Ba’al Chesed--being known as someone who constantly helps others.
What is the real common denominator among these three middos? It is more,
Rabbi Friedlander writes, than just he is a “nice person” or that he has a
good temperament, or even that he had fine parents or a good upbringing.
Rather, it is that a person with these three Midos together has successfully
overcome the selfish element of “I” within him and has included those around
him as part of himself. Because such a person is so successful at life, Rav
Friedlander concludes that there is simply no way that this person will be
judged in Shomayim in the same manner as other people. It is for this
reason that we are urged to work on these particular Middos prior to the
Yemai HaDin.
When we had suggested to our readers that they review the Sefer Mesilas
Yesharim in Elul, a reader wrote to us then as follows: “It seems that it
would be more appropriate for people to learn Mesilas Yesharim and Sefarim
of Mitzvos Bein Adam Le’Chaveiro between Succos and Rosh Chodesh Elul and
begin acting properly during the year so that from Rosh Chodesh Elul through
Yom Kippur we will already know what it means to be a Mentsh. Lo Hamidrash
Haikar Ela Hamaase!”
An excellent point! Why wait until next year prior to the Yemai Hadin when
you can work on this “Three-in-One” Midos combination far in advance. Your
thin and limited , narrow one-line of an “I” will certainly be much broader
and larger--and may very well be as wide as a “We” (also compare the word
“Ani” to the word “Anachnu”)!
*Special Note Three:* As we begin to study the actions and words of Avrohom
Avinu, we continue our notes on the first brocha of Shemone Esrei, “Avos”:
1. The Brocha is so primary to a person’s day that HaRav Tuvia
Goldstein, Z’tl, made it a point in his later years, whenever he spoke at a
public gathering on any topic, to devote the first part of his Shiur to the
importance of proper Kavannah in the first Brocha, with detail as to that
proper Kavannah.
2. One should understand the difference between “Elokei Avraham”,
“Elokei Yitzchak”, and “Elokei Yaakov”, and the parallel distinction between
“HaGadol”, “HaGibor”, and “HaNorah”. We are not using extra words or being
mellifluous. The distinctions are important, and most certainly assist us
as we draw and learn from the zechus of each of our Avos!
3. The commentaries note that the words “U’maivi Goel L’Vnei
V’neihem--and brings a Redeemer to their children’s children” is recited in
the present tense. Two suggestions are offered for this. First, that every
day we move a step closer to the Geulah Shelaima--that the Geulah is
occurring as we speak! Second, that Hashem gives us each our own personal
Geulos--redemptions and yeshuos from issues and matters affecting us in our
daily life. We can certainly have both intentions in mind.
4. There are, of course, two ways that the Geulah can come--through our
own merit or even if we do not merit it, “Lema’an Shemo”--so that the Chilul
Hashem of Golus comes to an end. Even if Hashem must redeem us “Lema’an
Shemo”, it will, the bracha teaches us, still be “Be’ahava”--with love. His
love for us will be unaffected. From this, we should begin to appreciate
how great His love for us really is (HaRav Chaim Friedlander). Hashem was,
is, and always will be, the “Ohaiv Amo Yisroel”!
Eretz
Israel is holy because the Shechinah - the Presence of HaShem - dwells
there. In this light, the Zohar reveals a great secret about the
unique spiritual quality of the Land of Israel.
"Rabbi Shimon
bar Yochai said, Avraham Avinu came to Israel in order to attach
himself to the place of faith and to know the wisdom of how to attach
himself to HaShem."
A person can develop faith in HaShem,
regardless of his or her location. However, the true fertile ground of
faith is in Israel. Therefore, when a person living in Israel seeks to
strengthen his faith "he attaches himself to the place of faith." Like
a tree planted by the riverside, he connects himself to the source of
faith. The good waters of faith fill his soul and strengthen his heart
with live and dynamic faith in HaShem.
In addition, the
holiness of Israel transmits special spiritual secrets to those that
dwell upon her land. Specifically, it reveals "the wisdom of how to
attach oneself to HaShem." Can you imagine such a precious gift? There
is no greater joy than connecting to the holiness of HaShem!
Avraham
journeyed to Israel in order to partake of the spiritual treasures of
the land. He came there and developed towering faith in HaShem. In
addition, he gained the incomparable wisdom of how to attach himself to
HaShem, the Living G-d.------- May we all merit attaching ourselves to the spiritual wellsprings of Eretz Yisrael.
TODAY: Envision yourself standing in the Temple in Jerusalem - enhance your faith and attach yourself to HaShem.
Please Say/Whisper the Words out Loud In merit of
this learning may Maor Ben-Nissan and Alan ben Helene Lassry* each be
blessed with an immediate refuah shleima bitoch shaar cholei yisrael!
Friday- 12 Cheshvan From
this weeks Torah portion, parshat lech lecha, where G-d tells Avraham
very specifically what to leave and where to go, we learn how important
it is to be specific in order to avoid misunderstandings. Every word we
say is important. When we say something, the more specific we are, the
less chance there is of misunderstanding occurring.
Shabbat - 13 Cheshvan How
many arguments include the words "But i thought you meant..."? How much
lashon hara/negative speech is caused by ambiguity or by one word
misquoted and substituted for another? Many tragedies have been brought
about through a misplaced word?
(Lessons taken from Finding the Right Words by Rosally Saltsman) Create a spiritual, joyous and holy shabbat! Shabbat Shalom!
* Maor Ben-Nissan and Alan ben Helene Lassry are the two people injured in the shooting at the synagogue yesterday.
THE WISDOM OF THE TALMUD\BRACHOT 12a
The Temple service was performed by Kohanim (Priests). The Kohanim were divided into groups and each group was assigned to perform the service during a certain time period. When one group finished their service, the next group would enter the Temple and begin their shift.
On the Sabbath, the Kohanim that had finished their shift said a special prayer to the incoming group:
"May the One, Who dwells in this house dwell amongst you - and bless you - with love, brotherhood, peace, and friendship."
The Divine Presence dwelt in the holy Temple. When the Nation of Israel worshiped HaShem in the Temple, blessings and light descended from Heaven upon the Temple. In turn, the divine blessings filled Jerusalem, permeated the Land of Israel, and HaShem’s blessing spread upon all the nations of the world.
The highest blessing is peace, as our sages remarked, "Without peace there is nothing." The Sabbath is a day of rest.; a time to commune with the Creator and recognize His eternal and infinite goodness. Moreover, on Shabbos the very angels of peace bless us with peace. Accordingly, Shabbos carries the blessing and manifestation of peace, itself.
Since the service of the Kohanim in the Temple brings the blessings of peace into the world, it is important that they be at peace and friendship with each other during their service. To be sure, the more the Kohanim were at peace with each other, the more peace would descend upon the world.
Therefore, on Sabbath - the day of peace, the Kohanim - the lovers of peace, would bless each other with peace in the Temple - the place of peace. Resultantly, blessing of peace would descend from HaShem - the Source of Peace. These sweet blessings of peace would fill the Temple and spread throughout all the nations of the world.
May HaShem rebuild His holy Temple in Jerusalem so that we will perform our service to HaShem. Then, Israel and all mankind will be united with love and friendship. Peace - the greatest of HaShem’s blessings - will fill the hearts of all mankind!
TODAY: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Israel, and all mankind.
After
settling in the Land of Israel, Avraham was blessed with abundant
flocks and herds. Avraham’s nephew Lot, who accompanied Avraham on his
journey to Israel, also had a great number of livestock.
In
time, a dispute over grazing rights, broke out between the shepherds of
Lot and the shepherds of Avraham. Lot felt that since HaShem had
promised the Land of Israel to Avraham, it was Avraham’s rightful land
- even before the promise was fulfilled. Accordingly, Lot instructed
his shepherds to allow his flocks to graze on privately owned fields.
Although
there was an element of truth to Lot’s line of reasoning, Avraham
wisely disagreed. At the present, Avraham was enjoying peace with his
neighbors, who were powerful nations, far greater in number than him.
However, if he allowed the flocks to graze on his neighbor’s fields,
they would feel threatened by his "imperialistic yearnings," and rise
up against him.
Therefore, for the sake of peace, Avraham asked
Lot to part from him. Lot chose to live with the immoral people of
Sodom, who would not be concerned with his grazing policy.
Avraham
valued peace above everything, as our Sages said, "If there is no
peace, there is nothing." It was Avraham’s love of peace that made him
beloved in the eyes of man and G-d. Just as he pursued peace, his life
was blessed with every manner of peace and tranquility.
May
we follow in Avraham’s footsteps of loving and pursuing peace in all of
our relationships. In turn, HaShem will bless us with peace, happiness,
and a pleasant life.
[Based on the commentary of Rashi and the Kali Yakar]
TODAY: Maintain
peace by not making "waves" in your personal relationships. Foster
peace by avoiding all behavior which could be interpreted as
antagonistic.
Important Numbers
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