In Perek Shira 6, the dogs say: “Come let us prostate
ourselves and bow, let us kneel before the G-D, our Maker (Psalm 95:6).” Rav Kanievsky, Shlita, comments that it
is the nature of a dog to prostrate itself before anyone who gives it
food. Such is the gratitude of the
dog towards its caregiver. We, who
are provided with every need from Hashem, have an even greater obligation to
thank G-D and bow down before Him.
Not only is Hashem our Maker, but He is also our constant Caregiver and Sustainer.
“Of Hashem’s kindness
I will sing forever, I will make Your faithfulness known to every
generation with my mouth (Psalm 89:1).” One can readily sing of G-D’s
kindnesses, for it is easy to share the good and celebrate the
positive. We have been blessed with so much kindness from Hashem that
we can sing forever. But what of the more challenging circumstances
of our lives? G-D not only graces us with His kindness, but He is our
faithful companion in our times of distress. He neither abandons nor
rejects us, but stays close so that when we turn to Him, we find Him.
It is incumbent upon us to share this very deeply personal connection
with our children, to testify to Hashem’s faithfulness to the next
generation. Through our words and by our deeds, they will be able to
forge their connection to Him and teach their children in turn.
6th of Cheshvan, October 24, 2009
“But the
kindness of Hashem is forever and ever upon those that fear Him, and
His righteousness is upon the children’s children (Psalm 103:17).”
Man’s time on this earth is short. But for the man who fears Hashem,
the reward in the World-to-Come is everlasting. The Radak teaches that
they are also rewarded in this world; the merit of the G-D fearing is
bestowed on their children’s children. Rav Hirsch explains that the
G-D- fearing achieve immortality in This World through their
descendents. The legacy they bequeath to their children is the
continuation and completion of their own Divine mission on this earth.
In merit of this learning may Rivka bat Chesiba be blessed with an immediate refuah shleima bitoch shaar cholei yisrael!
Friday - 5 Cheshvan
People
vary in what they consider personal information. For the majority of
people, details about health, marital relations, difficulty with
children, finances, and uncertain future plans fall within this
category. Being asked questions that seem to delve too deeply into
one’s personal matters is a source of discomfort and sometimes
resentment as well.
Shabbat - 6 Cheshvan
One’s right to
inquire about personal information depends on many factors: how close
one is with the other person, how open or reserved that person tends to
be, norms within one’s family or community etc.
(Lessons
taken from Positive Word Power by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin)
AROUND THE SHABBOS TABLE\THE SAGES OF MUSSAR -L’ilu’i Nishmas Rav Faivel ben Laibel Rodin-
The
Torah (Bereishis 6:9) states: "And Noah was a righteous man." The Torah
could have simply stated "Noah was righteous." Why is it necessary for
us to be told, "Noah was a righteous man?"
Before a
person aspires to conduct himself as a tzadik, i.e., a righteous
person, in the realm of Mitzvoth between man and G-d, he must first be
a "man." That is, a compassionate, sensitive, and kind human being. A
"man" - who conducts his interpersonal relationships with warmth and
his monetary dealings with integrity.
Accordingly, our Sages
teach, "Common decency precedes Torah study." Just as a baby must crawl
before he walks, so too, a person must serve man on earth before he can
serve G-d in Heaven. In light of this, the Torah confirms that Noah was
a "man," i.e., a caring, refined, dignified human being.
A
"man" whose heart is filled with love and compassion for HaShem’s
creations, can effectively serve the Creator. Indeed, the very essence
of all Divine service is to perform the Mitzvoth in order to awaken the
goodly blessings of HaShem to descend upon all of His creations.
HaShem
selected Noah to preserve His creations, because Noah valued,
cherished, and cared about each creation that HaShem made. His
devotion, compassion, and kindness to HaShem’s creations was the very
essence of his Divine service. Accordingly, the Torah states, "Noah
found favor in the eyes of HaShem."
May we develop good
character traits and perform kindly deeds to all of HaShem’s creations,
in turn, we will "find favor in the eyes of HaShem."
[Based on the writings of Rabbi Yisrael Salanter]
TODAY:
Awaken feelings of compassion within your heart for all of HaShem’s
creations and fill your days with good deeds and acts of kindness.
Please Say/Whisper the Words out Loud In merit of this learning may
Efraim Menashe ben Miriam be blessed with an immediate refuah shleima
bitoch shaar cholei yisrael. I When someone purchases a new
item, one must be careful not to unnecessarily rob them of the joy of
their new purchase. Unless there is a constructive purpose in
criticizing the purchase, one should find something about it to praise.
II If one cannot find something to praise, at least
acknowledge that the item is bringing the other person satisfaction.
Ex: "It must be so great to talk into the living room and see a new
couch". (Lessons taken from Positive Word Power by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin) Create a wonderful
day!
Rabban Yochanon ben Zakkai said to his
students, “Go out and find the straight path – to which a person should devote
himself.” Rabbi Eliezer said, “A good eye.” Rabbi Yehoshua said, “A good
friend.” Rabbi Yosi said, “A good neighbor.” Rabbi Shimon said, “To foresee the
repercussions of your actions.” Rabbi Elazar said, “A good heart.”
Rabbi Yochanon responded, “I concur with
the view of Rebbi Elazar, for all of your ideals are contained in a “Good
heart.”
A “Good
Heart” refers to a person who is pleasing – and pleasant – to others. Primarily,
he has endless reserves of patience, distancing himself from every manner of
anger. He responds to everyone with gentleness, regardless of the circumstance.
What’s more, even if someone wrongs him, he bears it, without issuing a harsh
word. All of the words that flow from his lips are sweet and
pleasant.
A person
of such inner excellence is good to his family, friends, neighbors, as well as
to the entire world. He also possesses the golden trait of generosity. For if he
dedicates his heart and spirit to fulfill the will of others, he will surely
grant them financial assistance.
“A Good
Heart” includes every other good virtue because the steadfast desire to do
absolute good, regardless of circumstance, is more difficult to attaint than the
performance of a good deed. For it is easier to move one’s body to do a good
deed, than to devote one’s entire heart – unequivocally – to goodness, decency,
and bringing joy to others.
May we
merit the wonderful character trait of a Good Heart,” then we will be pleasing
and pleasant to all of our family, friends, neighbors as well as the entire
world.
[Based on
the commentary of Rabenu Yona]
TODAY: Make a special effort to say a kind
and pleasant word to every person with whom you come in contact.
“Hashem is good to all; His mercies are on all His works
(Psalm 145:9).” In Perek Shira, Chapter 6, the scorpion voices
this thought: “G-D is good to all and His mercies are on all His works.”
Rav Kanievsky, Shlita, explains that the scorpion poses a great danger
such that all who see him hurry to kill him. Therefore, in order that the
species not die, G-D granted him the kindness that seventy scorpions are born at
one time. The scorpion acknowledges the gift that he has been
granted. Were it not for his multiparity, he would vanish from the
earth. To him, G-D is both merciful and good.
In merit of this learning
may Devorah Leah bat Yosepha Liba be blessed with a zivug hagun v’nachon, at the right time with clarity and
with joy. May they be zoche to build an eternal home, with a strong foundation
of Torah and Mitzvot.
I When someone wanted something
kept a secret, the realization that the word has gotten out is a painful one.
Therefore, if one happens to accidentally find out something that has not yet
been made public, try not to repeat it to anyone.
II If you find out
information not yet made public, don’t discuss it even with the person whose
secret is, unless there is some constructive purpose for doing so.
(Lessons taken from Positive Word Power by Rabbi Zelig
Pliskin)
Please Say/Whisper the Words out Loud In merit of this learning may Rochel Etel bat Yita be blessed with an immediate refuah shleima bitoch shaar cholei yisrael!
I While
it might be a difficult concept to accept in our media-saturated age,
people’s lives are their own business. Sometimes it is good news,
sometimes it is bad, that a person wants to keep to themselves.
II For
instance, some people may not want others to know they are ill, lost
their job, got engaged, or got a new job. These are all things we need
to respect.
(Lessons taken from Positive Word Power by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin) Create a wonderful day! - Ora
Moshe
Rabenu was mystified. As he reviewed the Torah he noticed that one
verse might be misinterpreted. The verse that caught his attention
records a statement that HaShem said to the angels, just before He
created Adam, the first human. Specifically, HaShem said to the angels,
“Let us create man in our image.”
Yet
HaShem is the sole Creator. The angels are His ministers, who are bound
to carry out His will. They did not assist in the creation of man. If
so, why did HaShem say, “Let us create man”?
The
answer is profound. HaShem consulted with angels in order to express
His respect for them. Even though they took no part in creation, HaShem
shared His plans with them and acknowledged their presence. In effect,
He asked them for their permission before He created man!
HaShem
teaches us an important lesson in human relations. That is, one who has
authority over others should consult with them and ask permission from
them before he takes action. Sensitivity to others is the very essence
of all interpersonal relationships.
Yet,
Moshe was concerned that some readers might mistakenly take the plural
tense, “Let us create,” as an indication that there are two Creators.
However,
HaShem considered it more important to teach the lesson of sensitivity,
care, and respect; than to be concerned that someone might misinterpret
the verse!
Astounding! HaShem values the lesson of respectful humility towards others, even more important than His own honor!
[Based on Ohr Meir, of Rav Meir Chadash]
TODAY: Do your best to be respectful, sensitive, and considerate of others – even if they are younger or subordinate to you.
Many of our our
commentators were bothered by the question as to what could be the special
significance of this additional assembly.
All the various answers
point out the fact that this was a special token of love from Hashem himself to
the his children. The Yalkut Shemoni in Parshas Pinchas compares
Shemini Atzeret to Shavuous, which is also called " solemn assembly".
The fact that Shemini Atzeret comes immediately after the festival of Succos,
while Shavuous falls 50 days after the festival of Pesach, is explained by R.
Yoshua ben Levi with a parable.
A certain king had married children who
lived in different places. Some lived near to him and some far
away. The sons who lived in the neighborhood came and went when they
wanted, but when the distant sons gathered, he always kept them back for another
day before they departed, because they lived so far away and could not come so
often. Now in the summer, after Pesach, people can come to Jerusalem
whenever they wish, therefore there are 50 days separating Pesach from
Shavuot. But during the rainy Succas season one cannot come whenever one
wants, and therefore the Jewish people are kept back for an extra day.
I don’t know about you, but my boys are in
Yeshivas all over the country most of the year and when they do come home,
finally after Yom Kippur all I want to do is be with them. So as you see
from the attached picture, how happy I was, that three of my boys
simultaneously finished a tractate of Gemorra. I didn’t have the merit to
finish a Gemorra with them, but I picked up a sefer for the picture. My
son Shlomo on the left finished Baba Basra, Reuven in the middle finished
Nazir and Nedarim, and Eliezar next to me finished Gittin. I made a Seuda
in my Succah for about 25 people. One big grilled Namura, ( I’ll spare
you the fish picture, but its beautiful) and grilled chicken wings for the main
course.
May we all be Blessed to be together in rebuilt Yerushalayim
for the Chug next year.
Please Say/Whisper the Words out Loud Mazal tov Masha bat Ella!
May you be zoche to build an eternal home, with a strong foundation of
Torah and Mitzvot. May you and your chatan be blessed with health,
happiness, and only revealed good!
I Since every person is
made up of a plethora of positive and negative traits, someone making
an unfavorable comparison is basically ignoring all the victim’s
positive traits and zeroing in on only the negative to conclude that
the victim is inferior to someone else.
II If we were
looking at the whole person, we would see that while one person has
certain strengths, the other person has other strengths.
(Lessons taken from Positive Word Power by Rabbi Zelig
Pliskin)
“Open for me the gates
of righteousness, I will enter them and thank Hashem.This is the gate
of Hashem, the righteousness shall enter through it (Psalm 118:19-20).”The psalmist begins by speaking
of“gates” in the plural, and
closes by referring to “gate” in the singular.Rav Chaim Kanievsky, Shlita, explains that there was one
gate in the Beit HaMikdash through which no one but G-D could enter.“Hashem said to me: “This gate
shall be closed; it shall not be opened, because Hashem, the G-D of Israel, has
come through it; it shall be closed (Yechezkel 44:2).”This verse teaches that in Heaven, there too exists a gate through
which only G-D is permitted to enter.
Please Say/Whisper the Words out Loud In merit of this learning may Gaya bat Gabriella be blessed with an immediate refuah shleima bitoch shaar cholei yisrael.
Friday Once
a person knows confidential information about another, s/he is
obligated to treat that information with the greatest sensitivity. We
are not allowed to use it against the person who trusted us, even if we
become angry or annoyed at them.
Shabbat - Shmini Atzeret It
is no the listener’s secret to do with as they please. A secret is not
an appropriate topic for a joke or even a cryptic reference that others
won’t understand.
Sunday - Simchat Torah Someone who can be
trusted with a secret can, just through listening and acting
responsibly with what is told to them, provide others with an
invaluable benefit. You can be a great source of comfort and
understanding: The person to go when there’s nowhere else to turn.
(Lessons taken from
Positive Word Power by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin) Chag Sameach! - Ora
"Protect my soul and rescue me, let me not be ashamed for I have taken
refuge in You. Integrity and uprightness will protect me, for I have hoped in
You."
In this heartfelt supplication for deliverance, King David reveals the secret
of his steadfast faith in HaShem. "Protect my soul and rescue me,"
that is, I will not be put to shame because I sincerely desire to be a
"Servant of HaShem." Since HaShem knows that my every desire is to
serve Him - He will grant my request.
Regardless of the responsibility of his kingship as well as the many troubles
that He endured, King David always kept focused on the purpose of his existence
- to serve HaShem with a full heart. Therefore, he knew that HaShem would
answer his prayer - "protect and save him" so that he could
continuously advance in his Divine service.
In addition, King David realized that the purity of his heart and his upright deeds
would keep him on the path of humility. Therefore, he also prayed,
"Integrity and uprightness will protect me, for I have hoped in You."
Accordingly, not only was he a dedicated servant of HaShem, even more, his good
deeds and sterling character were pleasing to HaShem.
The combination of his devotion to HaShem and his spiritual purity assured King
David that he would find great favor and compassion in the eyes of HaShem. He
was absolutely confident that HaShem would protect and rescue him.
Mussar study awakens our hearts to both strengthen our service to HaShem and
purify our souls. May our study of Mussar spiritually uplift us so that all of
our prayers are answered. (Based on the commentary of the Ibn Ezra)
TODAY’S IMPLEMENT: Rededicate yourself to serve HaShem and offer a prayer
- filled with confidence that HaShem will answer you.
This week’s parsha begins: “And when you come into the
land which the Hashem your G-d gives you for an inheritance, and you
inherit it and settle it. And you shall take from the first fruit… to
the place that Hashem will chose.” (Devarim 26:1-2)
This is the Mitzvah of “bikurim,” first fruits.
This is one of the Mitzvos connected to Eretz Yisrael. When a person
grows one of the seven species of fruit for which Eretz Yisrael is
distinguished, he must bring a sample of the new crop to the Beis
Hamikdash. There he gives the fruit to a Cohen, the representative of
the Almighty. He then makes a recitation describing how the Almighty
took us out of Egypt and brought us to Eretz Yisrael. Our Rabbis teach
us that the purpose of this Mitzvah is to give us the recognition and
appreciation that all the blessings in life come from the Almighty.
Our Rabbis further derive from the words “you inherit it and settle it”
that this Mitzvah didn’t apply when the Jewish People first entered the
land. Only after fourteen years of conquering and settling did bikurim go into effect. Not only bikurim,
but in fact all the Mitzvos of Eretz Yisrael such as tithes and gifts
of the field for the poor were learned from this Mitzvah and weren’t
applicable until after the Jewish People settled down.
Why weren’t the Mitzvos of Eretz Yisrael applicable until after the settlement of the land, and why was the Mitzvah of bikurim singled out to teach this rule?
To properly appreciate the goodness of the Almighty we
must be in the proper frame of mind. Only after the war with the
Canaanites, after everyone settled onto his own parcel of land, did the
People have the peace of mind to truly recognize the blessing of the
Almighty. Indeed performing any Mitzvah needs a calm, peaceful state of
being. This is certainly true regarding the Mitzvah of bikurim, which is in essence showing appreciation of the Almighty.
From here we learn the importance of peace of mind. The
Mitzvos can only be fulfilled in their totality in a calm state of
mind. It takes a lot of work on oneself to attain a calm state of mind
amidst the trials of life. It comes from faith and trust in the
Almighty that all our needs are cared for. When we attain this
character quality we will have truly attained a wonderful virtue.
Towards the end of his life, Moshe Rabenu informed Klal Yisrael of his
impending death (Devarim 31:2): He said to them, "I am a hundred and
twenty years old today." Rashi comments: "Today my days and years are
filled on this day; on this day I was born and I this day I shall die (i.e., he
died on his birthday)."
In these words, Moshe revealed the secret of completeness. The Midrash
(Bereishis Raba 58:1) explains this idea from the verse (Tehillim 37:18):
HaShem knows the days of those who are complete... Says the Midrash: "Just
as they are complete, so too, their years are complete; HaShem completes their
years from the day of their birth to full years, so that the day of their death
falls on the day of their birth."
The worthiness of tzadikim is expressed in the term that HaShem calls them,
i.e., they are called ’complete’. The Midrash continues: "The essential
principle of days is completion of a life cycle. As Rebe Yochanon stated: The
days of the righteous are like a complete circle."
The significance of this concept is that just as a circle has no angles, rather
it is completley round - so too - the deeds and affairs of those who are
completely righteous are whole and complete. This wholeness is reflected in the
days and years of their lives - which span a complete cycle - from day of their
birth to the day of their death.
A tzaddik lives every moment to the fullest, and gives his whole heart to serve
HaShem - in Torah, Mitzvoth, and deeds of loving-kindness. Hence, there are no
’side moments’ in his life. He treasures every second of life that HaShem
bestows upon him. Therefore, he recognizes the opportunity in every moment -
and - lives it to its highest potential.
Therefore, just as he fulfills his days, so too, HaShem blesses him with days
and years that are complete.
[Based on Da’as Torah of Rabenu Yerucham HaLevi]
TODAY:Consider every second of your life of as an opportunity to perform a
vital service to HaShem or your fellow.
1. As noted immediately above, an absolutely essential aspect of every Mitzvah is the intent, attitude and approach. The Mishne Berurah (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 244, seif katan 35) provides the following approach to Hilchos Shabbos: “Fortunate is one who is a Boteach Ba’Hashem, and does not search for kulos on Shabbos.”
2. The Mishne Berurah (ibid., 250, seif katan 3) writes that one should be Meharher BiTeshuva on Erev Shabbos and look into his deeds, because one is going to greet the Shabbos Malkasa, and one does not go to greet the Queen in sullied clothing.
3. The Sha’arei Teshuva to Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim (250:2) brings from the Kavannos Ha’Ari that when one sweats on Erev Shabbos in preparing for Shabbos, it is a segula for “Mechikas Avonos”--erasure of sin--equivalent to tears.
4. The Sha’arei Teshuva (ibid., 267:2, and 290:2) brings from HaRav Chaim Vital, Z’tl, that when one recites the words in Ma’ariv on Leil Shabbos of “Ufros Aleinu Sukkas...”, one should rise to be mekabel upon himself his Neshama Yesaira, and that when the Neshama Yesaira returns to its place on Motzei Shabbos, Hashem asks it for what it learned anew or developed over Shabbos (after all, it is coming to our world, and to our body, for a reason!)
5. Even though one cannot otherwise be engaged in physical exercise on Shabbos, the Shulchan Aruch (ibid, 90:12) rules that one is permitted to run to do a Mitzvah, even on Shabbos!
Please Say/Whisper the Words out Loud In merit of this learning may Yeshayahu ben Miriam be blessed with an immediate refuah shleima!
Friday - 15 Elul Timing is a major factor in communication. When you try to discuss an issue of major importance with a person when s/he is angry/tired/hungry/upset/worried, you have a good chance of not being listened to.
Shabbat - 16 Elul When you try to outtalk someone who feels an intense need to explain their position to you, you also have a good chance of not being listened to. And when you are so upset you cannot control your speech, you stand an excellent chance of not being listened to. What does this add up to? Get your timing right! :)
"In the day when I fear, I will put my trust upon You! In Elokim, I will praise His word; in Elokim I have put my trust - I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
This exuberant declaration of King David’s steadfast trust in HaShem reveals one of the great secrets of faith. Mainly, the master of faith utilizes the challenges of life to raise himself to new levels of faith and empowerment. Even if he temporarily fears when faced with a difficult test, he immediately rebounds and channels that fear into a stronger level of trust.
In this light, King David said, "In the day I fear, I will put my trust in You." That is, when the day brings me to a fearful situation, I immediately "put my trust in You." Rather, then let the fear rule over me, I rule over the fear by strengthening my faith.
Then King David said, "In Elokim I have put my trust - I will not fear." This statement seems to contradict the first statement, in which King David states "In the day when I fear."
Rather, King David teaches us the dynamics of faith. "In the day when I fear" refers to a new challenge that required him to attain a stronger level of faith. Like a weight-lifter that strains for extra power to lift heavier weights, so too, King David, struggled for a new dimension of trust to bear his new trial.
His fear did not reflect a lapse of faith. Rather his fear revealed his courageous effort to take on a new level of trust in HaShem, i.e., In the day when I fear, I will put my trust upon You. Once he adjusted to the "heavier load" he devotedly declared, "In Elokim I have put my trust - I WILL NOT FEAR."
TODAY: Reframe your situation - and channel your fear - into a new, fresh level of faith and trust in HaShem.
Important Numbers
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