Archive for May 2013

Parshat Ki Tisa

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Spark Of Jewish Experience
 Parshat Ki Tisa
March 1, 2013
17 Adar, 5773
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In This Issue
Parsha Ki Tisa Highlights
Touching Hearts
A Different Kind Of Hero
The Importance of Washing Hands
Kid’s Section by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel
Candle lighting Times

Parshat Ki Tisa Highlights 

deep understanding of a portion of our prayers
 

Introduction: WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED HAVE IT EASY?
This week we read a passage in the Torah (Shemot 31,16) which we recite every Shabbat day, which is “VESHAMRU” the kiddush blessing over the wine at the Shabbat day meal.
When we give a present to someone, one must say (with a smile) “G-d is sanctifying you”.
G-d said to Moshe, “I’m giving you and to the nation a secret special gift and that is Shabbat”. “There are many wonderful things about this day, and some deep spiritual levels can be reached on Shabbat.
It says in Tractate Sanhedren “Angels have six wings and every day of the week, another wing sings praises to G-d. However on Shabbat it’s our turn to lead the concert”. HEY YOU OUT THERE, HOPE YOU CAN HOLD A TUNE!! Throughout the Shabbat, our prayers consist of Psalms and praises which have some of the nicest and most memorable tunes to them.
If one notices in the SHACHARIT-morning prayers before we recite the SHEMA, we recite the prayer of BARCHU, YOTZER KOL. We recite a similar prayer before Shema during our weekday prayers. However, on Shabbat there is a slightly different variation. We add “HAKOL YODUCHA HAKOL YEHSHABECHUCHA  VEHAKOL” etc. It seems like we recite the word HAKOL-all, the whole picture, many times throughout the Shabbat prayers.

 What intention did the sages want us to have when we say HAKOL in our prayers?
We once mentioned that there are four types of life in the world. The lowest level is an inanimate object, called DOMEM. DOMEM consists of rocks, earth, a table etc. Next level up is TZOMEACH-vegetation, for example, flowers. A step higher is CHAI which consists of animals. The highest level is us, Humans, we are called MEDABER. The literal translation means to speak.

Let’s take soil, which is the inanimate object of DOMEM, and plant seeds in it. Within a short period of time, plants and vegetation will grow. This is called TZOMEACH. The animals, CHAI, then proceed to eat the vegetation. Man, MEDABER, then captures the animal, slaughters it, and then consumes it. Now man has nourishment to complete his mission in life and be perfect.  However, the time necessary to achieve perfection was spread out awhile. It’s also interesting to realize how everything is connected and everything flows to one destination, one cause, us.

RAMCHAL teaches us that it’s important to have the right perspective in life. He says that we have to train ourselves to think that there is a broader picture and we should not get caught up in one particular event.

 This week we read in the Parsha that Moshe, when he was up on the mountain receiving the Torah, asked G-d if He can reveal His presence. G-d responded “no one has seen my face and lived”. Many commentaries give various explanations as to what exactly Moshe was requesting. Some suggest that perhaps it was the ability to see the “whole picture clearer”, fulfilling the mandate of Ramchal.
 Returning to Shabbat, G-d said to Moshe “I have a special gift and that is Shabbat”. WHAT DID G-D MEAN BY THIS STATEMENT?
The Malbim says that the pleasures of OLAM HABAH- the heavenly pleasures of the next world, cannot be attained as long as man lives and is connected to the physical body. Physicality acts as a divider to the real pleasures of the future. However, through Shabbat which is a sixtieth of OLAM HABAH, one can taste and feel what pleasure really is. We see that even the physicality taste better. Perhaps through the singing and the learning of Torah one can see through a lens the HAKOL- the whole clear picture.
THE MAIN THEMES OF THE PARSHA

CENSUSES- The unification of the people through the common giving of the half-shekel, combines the merits of the people, raising them to a higher level, and offering protection (atonement) to the individual.

THE GOLDEN CALF- Its hard to understand the episode of the Golden Calf. Having just experienced the Sinai Revelation and the miracles of the Exodus, how could the Chosen people have deteriorated so Quickly as to trade G-d’s glory for an Idol?
THE THIRTEEN ATTRIBUTES OF MERCY-We are introduced to this prayer which contains thirteen names and descriptions of G-d, all of them referring to his compassion in various situations. It is recited in a time of crises and would gaurantee to invoke his mercy

 

First Portion: * ‘When you take a census of the Israelites, each man shall give a ransom for himself to G-d so the census does not lead to plague’ (11:12)

What’s the connection between plague and census? Rashi and many commentaries say that the plague results from the evil eye – not from sin. The tally draws every individual from the general mass, establishing him as a separate unit so he’s judged independently. Therefore, plague strikes him more severely than if he were being watched as part of a community. As a result, G-d instructed Moshe to collect from each individual coins as opposed to counting the individual person. The custom remains today of not counting our brethren individually.

* The reason why a half a shekel is required is to show that G-d has forgiven the Israelites for the sin of the golden calf. They sinned after a half of day when Moshe didn’t return.

* Here is another example that the Torah is not in chronological order: The census took place after the sin of the golden calf which we will read later in the Parsha.

* G-d ordered that a large copper basin with spouts be constructed and put in the yard of the Mishkan. It was filled with water every morning, so the kohanim poured water over their hands and feet before commencing their task. This water was not meant to cleanse them for health hygiene purposes, but more for enhancing them spiritually and to cleanse themselves from impurities. The power of water can change and elevate one spiritually. Here is the source of washing hands whether for the morning ritual, meal ritual and bathroom rituals.

* The shemen hamishcha was prepared by taking numerous spices. Each spice was crushed separately; then they were blended and soaked in water so that their aroma would be absorbed in the water. Olive oil was added to the water, and the mixture was boiled until the water evaporated and only the spiced oil remained. That oil (oil of anointment) was preserved in a flask to be used for the purpose of anointing the kohen gadol and kings from the dynasty of David.

 

Second Portion: * The power of evil strikes again invoking an uneasy feeling that the Israelite leader, Moshe, is dead and therefore confusing the Jews in their calculation of when his return was to be. As a result, they came to their second-in-command, Moshe’s brother, Aharon, and demanded a new conduit, a new go-between to G-d. Apparently Aharon, feeling pressured, instructed them to build a golden calf. The steps Aharon comprised to get to this golden calf was difficult and he believed would take them some time. This delay, Aharon thought, would give Moshe the time needed to return before it was built. However, in their haste and enthusiasm, they finished it rather quickly.

* There is an expression ‘one sin leads to another sin’. Many sages comment that the celebration of the golden calf led to sexual misconduct.

* It’s not exactly clear what was Aharon’s role in this tragedy. The fact that he and his sons remained in the most coveted position in the nation indicates he was not at fault. Although, some commentaries say he did get punished for his role; they hint that there is a link between the sin of the golden calf and the death of Aharon’s two sons, Nadav and Avihu.

The fact, though that the incident occurred under his leadership; even though he personally was not involved, he has to take the responsibility. The captain is responsible for anything that occurs on the ship.

* Moshe breaks the tablets after returning from the mountain and seeing the Israelites in a state of sin. He then punishes the aigel worshipers with death and tests the Israelites with the waters of sotah. This was done by taking the golden calf and burning it; crushed the remains; mixed it with water; and had the Israelites drink it (the sotah was a married woman who was suspected by her husband of adultery. Her integrity was tested by having her drink specially prepared waters, causing her to perish if she was guilty).

 

Third Portion: * Moshe goes up the mountain a second time to get a second set of tablets.

 

Fourth Portion: * Moshe was only able to see the backside of G-d. Apparently seeing the front would be too much for a human to handle. Many commentaries ask what exactly did Moshe mean by saying ‘let me see your presence’.

 

Fifth Portion: * G-d reveals the thirteen attributes of mercy. He informs Moshe a method of guaranteeing mercy in which we invoke as the crux of our Yom Kippur prayers. We frequently apply the virtue of our forefathers Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. However, these thirteen attributes, if said with proper concentration and sensitivity, will be very effective. Sephardic custom is to say it daily as well.

 

Sixth Portion: * Observing Pesach is mentioned.

* Here is the source of pidyon haben; the redeeming of the first-born. If a person becomes a father of a first born, he has to buy his baby back from the kohen.

* The holiday of Pesach is mentioned.

 

Seventh Portion: * The meeting with G-d on the mountain puts Moshe on the status of an angel. He didn’t sleep or eat for that period.

 Touching Hearts
I found this beautiful and inspiring story thanks to Nili Barocas Haimoff. Nili was a childhood friend. She was one of the little rascals, part of a gang that we were a part of. We were a small but intimate group of Bukharian families living in a very uncrowded late 60s and early 70’s Queens. She has a natural gift of spreading Torah, whether in her neighborhood, at work or on facebook. Nili continues to spread goodness in the world.
Touching hearts.

As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children an untruth. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. However, that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did not play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant.

It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X’s and then putting a big “F” at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child’s past records and she put Teddy’s off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.

Teddy’s first grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners… he is a joy to be around..”

His second grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle.”

His third grade teacher wrote, “His mother’s death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn’t show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren’t taken.”

Teddy’s fourth grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is withdrawn and doesn’t show much interest in school. He doesn’t have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class.”

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her holiday presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy’s. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper That he got from a grocery bag Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of perfume.. But she stifled the children’s laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, “Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to.” After the children left, she cried for at least an hour.

On that very day,  she quit teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her “teacher’s pets..”

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling* her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in life.

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he’d stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he had ever had in his whole life.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor’s degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer…. The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.

The story does not end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he had met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the place that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom.

Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. Moreover, she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last holiday together.

They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson’s ear, “Thank you Mrs. Thompson for* believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference.”

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, “Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn’t know how to teach until I met you.”

(For you that don’t know, Teddy Stoddard is the Dr. at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines that has the Stoddard Cancer Wing.)

Warm someone’s heart today. . . pass this along. I love this story so very much, I cry every time I read it. Just try to make a difference in someone’s life today? tomorrow? Just “do it”.

Random acts of kindness, I think they call it?

“Believe in Angels, then return the favor.”

The story is fiction but had been circulating in the 90’s.
This story reminds me of several girls that I knew who had attended Shevach High school and Prospect Park High school for girls. It’s a custom among the girls who attend Jewish schools to do kindness and volunteer to visit an assisted living facility in their spare time. The Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva also sends their students on Shabbat to conduct Jewish prayer services for the elderly.
 A friend of mine, Rafi Fuzieloff, told me over a conversation he had with his daughter. He was concerned that his daughter was not studying enough by attending these assisted living facilities. She said to her father, “isn’t that the main lesson of our Torah, to do CHESSED-KINDNESS”. She was involved in the homework of touching hearts.

A Different Kind Of Hero


 

One of the major questions in the Torah and a story line that’s difficult to comprehend, is how is it possible the Israelites, our ancestors, can sin with the golden calf after seeing so many miracles that G-d has bestowed on them? The whole Egypt experience, the plagues upon their persecutors, and the splitting of the sea was so mesmerizing that all the nations trembled upon hearing what had occurred. However, there were those who spoiled it for the rest. Perhaps an example of the most ineffectiveness of G-d’s revelation is the shameful and pathetic story of Micha. It says that he clung to his idol through the plagues of Egypt and the splitting of the sea. Can you imagine the audacity?

           We read with awe the sages words “even a maidservant was able, at the splitting of the Red Sea, to perceive of the Divine what Yechezkel ben Buzy was unable to grasp”. Our ancestors saw more firepower miracles during that generation, than in any time in history. So how can the Jews be so confused and wither away at the first wimpy test of faith?

            In order to answer the question, we must take a closer look at the statement about the maidservant we just quoted. If indeed a maidservant was capable of such lofty understanding, why is she still referred to as a maidservant; she should be called a prophetess?

            Apparently, these unique events and highly energized spiritual revelations on their own do not create a prophet. The maidservant, after all the hoopla, still remained a maidservant. To develop prophet status or reach spiritual heights, one must go through character development and self-perfection. The sages have a regiment through the guidance of the Torah on how to achieve these goals. It’s humorous to read about these adventurous Hollywood stars, as well as rock and roll artists, studying Kaballah or whatever the organizers of that contraption call it. For one to get to that lofty level, one would have to go through many steps of Torah study and character fixing. Though one can reach a very high level through being nice, considerate, and kind, where he will develop a tremendous sensitivity toward others. Reaching that level of sensitivity to one’s fellow man, to an extent where the world feels a lot more crisp and sharp, along with the conscious effort to progress in learning Torah, will breed a level of contentment, happiness, and perfection. If these Hollywood stars would have gone through the true Torah system, they wouldn’t be called Hollywood stars, they would be called kaballists!

            The Mesilat Yesharim equates us to soldiers, and the true heroes are the ones who can control their desires. Apparently, that’s the definition of a strong man, Ish Chayil, one who is able to grow and develop, then he will appreciate the miracles.

 The Importance of Washing Hands

 

There are two reasons for the washing of the hands. King Solomon instituted washing for sanitary reasons.
     I remember taking a course in college on how to do well in an interview.
  Interviews are generally conducted in a restaurant over lunch or dinner. This is done deliberately to see how one conducts himself among people. Personality and even more so manners is looked at with a magnifying glass. After all, they are hiring an individual who will represent them.
  Not to minimize the sanitation issue, there happens to also be a spiritual importance in washing hands as well.
In this weeks Parsha we discuss the KIYOR, the copper lever, from which the Kohanim-the priests would wash their hands and become pure to enter the Tabernacle.
One may ask why is the Kiyor not mentioned with the other vessels of the MISHKAN-Tabernacle?
The reason is that the Kiyor’s function was different from the others. The other parts and utensils caused the Divine Presence to rest on the Tabernacle. Whereas the lever served to prepare the Kohanim to carry out their mission.
 WHENEVER THE HOLY TORAH WRITES TWO SUBJECTS NEXT TO EACH OTHER, THERE MUST BE SOME CONNECTION.
 What is the connection between the KIYOR and the topic of SHEKALIM?
There were three gifts of a half a silver coin given by the people to cover the cost of the Temple. Two were required and one was voluntary.
 The Kiyor would be filled by rain water. The shekalim were TZEDAKA-CHARITY. In the merit of the charity, abundance of wealth is brought down to the world. The wealth comes from rain water which fills the land and nourishes crops and farm land. That is the connection between the two.
WHAT LESSON DO WE LEARN FROM THE KIYOR?
 We see from the washing of the hands that one has to prepare and ready himself to do a Mitzva-commandment, just like the Kohanim prepared before doing their job for the Temple. We emulate the KOHANIM. Their job was to beg for mercy for themselves and for the Jewish people. Our goal is also to ask for mercy from G-d. We have to feel as if we are in the Temple doing the service.
WHY DO WE WASH OUR HANDS BEFORE WE EAT BREAD?
Prayer and eating go hand and hand. We learn in tractate Brachot (55) “Open with the altar and finish with the table(meal)”. This is in reference to the services performed in the Mishkan. The Avodah began with the bringing of the Korbanos and concluded with the eating of the meal consisting of the Korbanos. When we conduct ourselves properly during meals, we receive mercy as a reward.
WHY DO WE WASH OUR HANDS BEFORE THE MORNING PRAYER, SHACHARIT, AND NOT BEFORE THE OTHER PRAYERS, MINCHA AND ARAVIT?
This is because when one goes to sleep at night, his soul leaves his body. The soul returns when he gets up in the morning. Therefore, he is considered as if he was reborn. We have to thank G-d that we were created for His honor. This is the reason we say so many BRACHOT-blessings in the morning, all to honor him for our rebirth. We wash our hands to start off with a new fresh start.
Washing of the hands carefully will bring PARNASSA-livelihood.
In summation, and in relation to the aforementioned Kiyor, we must realize that we were put into this physical world for a reason. We have to utilize its resources. Water, we learn from the Torah, is a powerful ingredient to become pure. Therefore, the Kiyor and all the sinks since then that help us purify ourselves are means to get close to G-d.

 

 

Kid’s Section  

by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel – Pre 1A – Yeshiva Ketana of Queens

Hi! This is Rebbe speaking:

 

On Purim we read the Megillah, the complete story of Purim. Now that Purim has passed, what lesson can we take with us throughout the year?

 

In the Megillah we read that Esther, a Jewish maiden, was taken as Achashveirosh, the king’s wife. When we think into this we realize that for a Jewish girl this is probably one of the worst things that could happen. But when we read on, we see that only because Esther was the Queen did the redemption of the entire Jewish nation come about.

 

This is the lesson we can take with us. When one finds himself in a hard situation one should think that this just may be the means to a salvation. Or even greater yet; it may be the salvation of another tragedy or hardship.

 

Leibel approached the holy Baal Shem Tov for a blessing for his daughter who was paralyzed in both her hands and feet. The Baal Shem Tov told him “I will be traveling tomorrow. Come with your daughter in your wagon and follow me.” Leibel was up bright and early the next morning. He carried his daughter, Shaina into his wagon and went to the Baal Shem Tov. He followed closely behind the Baal Shem Tov’s wagon until they reached an inn. “Bring you daughter into the inn.” commanded the Baal Shem Tov. He then commanded Dov, the owner of the inn to lock all the doors and windows. Dov, immediately followed the instructions of the Baal Shem Tov. He knew what a great Tzaddik the Baal Shem Tov was, for he frequently stayed at his inn. He knew better than to question the saintly Rabbi. The weather outside was stormy and frigid. No sooner did they hear knocking. “Do not open the door.” The knocking soon turned into pounding accompanied by threatening shouts. “Do not open the door.” the Baal Shem Tov repeated. Dov, Leibel and Shaina were soon horrified to see the door of the inn come off its hinges. “How dare you not open the door! You will pay for this with your life.” The angry man pointed his gun at Dov. “I was commanded to do so by this holy Rabbi. I had no choice.” “Very well. I will kill the Rabbi then.” Leibel could not believe his eyes. His paralyzed daughter, Shaina ran towards the man with the gun. The man dropped the gun and Shaina picked it up. Shaina, who had not been able to move her hands and feet! They then realized that the man could no longer move. He had become paralyzed. Shaina was miraculously cured. She was now able to move about freely. What the innkeeper, Leibel and Shaina had assumed was the worst scenario, really turned out to be a salvation to Shaina’s paralysis.

 

There is another story told about the Baal Shem Tov that brings out this point. The Baal Shem Tov was marrying off an orphan. He had offered a dowry of 2000 rubles. The day of the wedding arrived. “I will not allow the wedding to take place until you give the groom the 2000 rubles that you promised.” said Reb Wolf Kitzis, the rabbi helping the groom who was an orphan too. The Baal Shem Tov had emunah. “Do not worry. I will get it somehow.” But as the day when on there was still no sign of any money. Mid afternoon there was a knock on the Baal Shem Tov’s door. “You are being summoned to the Poritz, the landowner. He says you owe him 500 rubles.” Not only did he not have the money for the dowry but now he had another debt. The Baal Shem Tov hurried to the Poritz. “Are you sure I owe you this money?” The Poritz called his bookkeeper and commanded him to go over the payments that the Rabbi his paid. “There has been a grave error. Not only do you not owe me 500 rubles but I owe you 2000 rubles.” This was the exact amount that the Baal Shem Tov had promised for the orphan’s dowry. The Poritz handed the Baal Shem Tov the money and the wedding was able to proceed. What seemed so despairing had turned into an answer to his first predicament.

 

What have we learned today?

 

What great lesson can we learn from the story of Purim?

When one finds himself in hard times, he should believe that there is a salvation in store. And not only that, but this may just be a salvation for another tragedy or hardship.

Dedications

Mr. Michael Assouline, in loving memory of his father, Rephael ben Yehuda; may Michael have success in all his endeavors.

Mr .and Mrs. Rafi Fouzailoff for peace and unity in the world especially among our Jewish nation

Mr.and Mrs. Michael Gad hatzlacha to all

Malidani Jewelers Mr.and Mrs.David Meirov for the refuah shelema of Liza bat Sarah, Moshe ben Adina and the entire Jewish nation

Mr.and Mrs. Reuben Yosipov for the refuah shelema of his mother Raya bat Mazal and to all of Klal yisrael

Mr. David Bodenhiem in loving memory of his father Naftali ben Avraham MENUCHATO BEH GAN EDEN
Thank you to my freind David bodenhiem for his tremendous help and guidance
Anonymous

REFUA SHELEMA
Shoshana Roza bat Ester
Shura Yoshua bat Chusni
Frumit bat Esther Malka
Yissachar dov ben Tzipora Faiga
Nissim ben Rachel
Oshrat bat Esther
Aliza Ruchama bat orly
Rachel Esther bat Mirriam
Ruth bat Keshuar

 

NETS MINYAN AT BET GAVRIEL SHABBAT MORNING!!!   
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Parshat Terumah

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“Cup of Coffee 

 

&

a Quick Thought”

Spark Of Jewish Experience
 Parshat Terumah 
February 15, 2013
5 Adar, 5773
at MyBukharian.com and Pinhas Rockove, for helping publishing this week’s newsletter.

 

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In This Issue
Parsha Terumah Highlights
Pagen Ritual or the Truth
Essence of a Perfect State of Mind
Father and Son Relationship
Kid’s Section by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel
Candle lighting Times

Parshat Terumah Highlights 

Introduction: One has to have faith every moment of the day. When the destruction of the Temple took place and the enemy was taking apart the building, they came across the KODESH HAKADASHIM- the holiest part of the Temple containing the two KERUVIM which were, strangely, embra-cing one another. This was odd because we all know that when they embrace each other it is a sign that G-d loves us and is embracing us. However, it didn’t seem like that was happening!! The destruction was one of if not the darkest times in our history. How can they be embracing?

 

Rav Baruch Dopelt quotes from the Chassidic sources saying that the month of Av, when the destruction took place, is when G-d is with us the most.

 

There is a Torah law that when a husband is about to go away for an extended period of time, he has to spend time with his wife, physically. The reason is be-cause before any separation; the love shown has the longest lasting impression.

 

G-d too is with us in a very intense way before separation. Perhaps, one has to maintain faith in times of trial and despair as well, for it to materialize.

 

One such person was Palti ben Layish. When one does what is expected, the Torah adds a name to him. Palti’s name was amended to Paltiel, adding the name of G-d. He was truly a man of faith who passed a very difficult test. He was forced to marry the King’s daughter, Michal, even though she was technically still married to David. Throughout the seven years of marriage to Michal, or I should say seven years of just being with her as “friends”, he refrained from having any relations with Michal.

How did he control himself?

 

Rav Chaim Shmuelvitz quotes the Gemara who says that he stuck a knife in the middle of the bed the first night and declared “whoever crosses this line deserves death”.

How can a sword alone deter them in a time of passion?

 

Obviously, Rav Shmuelvitz explains, it’s not the sword; it’s the reminder to a moment of strength. The sword will remind one of the holiness he experienced at that moment. The Gemara says that when he had to give her up to David, her true husband, he wept as he escorted her out. It was bittersweet; he passed the test, however he got used to looking at the beautiful Michal. One gets used to someone and feelings develop.

 

This period was Paltiel’s most troubling. It was a tremendous test and he passed it!

Presumably, this is when Paltiel felt that G-d was embracing him the most. After all, G-d added his name as a stamp of approval. Conversely, during a difficult time is when we should embrace G-d the most.

 

First Portion: * The Jew of today goes to Synagogue daily; some go weekly; there are those who go less frequent. In essence, we are practicing what the Torah describes ‘And I (G-d) will dwell among them’ the question is asked why does it say ‘them’? it should say ‘dwell among it ‘; the subject is the sanctuary, the one central Temple. However, the spirituality of the sanctuary has been transmitted to every local synagogue and study hall where optimally the Mikdash brings a man so close to G-d, all feel Him within them, where G-d approaches each being according to what he can endure. Although our great nation is part and parcel with each other and we all follow the same central laws; however communicating with G-d is also very personal.

 

* When one is considering moving to a new neighborhood, one of the first and foremost items on his list are that he should seek is a temple of his liking.

 

* It is odd that G-d instructed us to make a sanctuary and limit the spirituality and to confine G-d to a concrete area, the Mishkan. It sounds like a contradiction to the essence of Judaic belief of G-d, which is, G-d is everywhere. However, it became essential because man needs that central figure to reinforce the strong commitment to G-d. Unfortunately the lack of temple added to the temptation that caused the Israelites to sin at the golden calf incident. For this reason, now we can answer why the sequence of events is in question because apparently the sin of the golden calf was brought before the building of the Mishkan, and here the parshiot are lined up the opposite. As we know, the Mishkan was enacted because of the sin of the golden calf. Rav Zalman Zorotzkin suggests perhaps we see a pattern how G-d runs the world; He never gives the diseases before the cure.

 

* Mikdash – according to Maimonides and other commentaries – means ‘house of appointment. The main purpose is to prepare oneself for tomorrow.

 

* Every person volunteered something that was from thirteen raw materials that was found in the Mikdash.

 

* The Aron (Arc) was the most essential part of the Mishkan and therefore discussed first. Apparently, it was constructed before the Mishkan itself.

 

Second Portion: * The Keruvim were the most intriguing part of the Mishkan. They were set on top of the Aron. The two Keruvim were baby-faced and had wings. If at times, the Israelites’ prayers were accepted, the Keruvim would embrace each other, and at times when the prayers were not accepted, they would turn away from each other. Their wings thrust upward signifying that man should always aspire for spiritual heights.

 

* Atzai Sheetim/cedar wood was the wood used for the Mishkan. Why did G-d prefer the wood of the Sheetim above all other kinds of cedar? The Sheetim were picked since it bears no fruit. G-d wanted to set an example for people who build a house. They should reason that if G-d constructed His Mishkan from the wood of a barren tree, we certainly should not use the wood of a fruit tree for this purpose. (One should note it is not permissible to cut down a fruit tree.)

 

Third Portion: * The menorah had seven lamps, which corresponded to the constellation of the seven stars. The seven stars represent the course of all natural events in the universe. The flames, which were lit with the purest of olive oil, symbolize the illumination of the intellect, and will rise above the mundane nature of the world. The center flame represents Shabbat, and the other six flames; three before and three after represent the days of the week, which get all their power and resources from Shabbat. The Shabbat represents time, and the Mishkan represents the place where G-d brings down spirituality.

 

Fourth Portion: * There is a tremendous emphasis on wood in the Mishkan. The Temple represents peace and all the components that go with it. Our Father, Abraham, received guests, the three Angels, under difficult circumstances. The kindness which he performed by serving them under a tree; this is the kind of tree that is represented in the Mishkan. Later, Our father, Yaacov instructed his children to plant these trees in Egypt, knowing they will not find trees in the desert, where they would take the cedar wood with them.

 

Fifth Portion: * The Shulchan (table) was the medium through which the blessing of nourishment flowed to the entire world. G-d therefore commanded it should never be empty since His blessing rests on substantial matters. This was hinted by Elisha the prophet who told an improvised woman that she must have something in the house upon which G-d’s blessing could rest. It’s also important to note never to say that the bracha is finished; one should conclude ‘the bracha is plenty’.

 

* Some communities have a tradition to place the twelve breads that were presented in the Mishkan, and place them to say the bracha ‘Hamotzi’ at their Shabbat table.

 

Sixth Portion: * The Altar is where the sacrifices take place. Many miracles were performed in the Mishkan. It’s fascinating how a fire from the heavens comes down and consumes the sacrifice in which the individual brings; that signifies that it has been accepted. Imagine, I can’t help but think how that’s a very significant way to get close to G-d.

 

Seventh Portion: * If one notices there is no metal or steel in the temple, that is because metal symbolizes war and the Mishkan represents peace. There are communities that remove the knives from the Shabbat table meal before birkat hamazon because the Shabbat table represents the Mizbeach, and believe it or not, is a great way to get close to G-d.

Pagen Ritual or the Truth
 

The obvious question that everybody on the planet asks is: “aren’t the KERUVIM-the angel like statues on the ARON a form of idol worship?”

 

Even if the Jews of that time period were 100% believers, wouldn’t it still be putting a stumbling block in front of a blind man, considering that this was the number one temptation of that time period?

Boy, the KERUVIM sure seem to go against a prime directive of “do not make for yourself any carved idols or any likeness of anything that is in the heaven above or here on earth below” (Shemot 20:4). We all know how our forefather, Avraham, broke all the idols in his father’s store. Then he placed the hammer into the hand the the biggest idol and when his father came in, Avraham simply pointed to the last remaining idol, and said he did it!

 

Speaking of Avraham, we find a similar incident. What made the test of the AKAIDA (G-d told Avraham to slaughter his beloved son) more difficult was that all his life he was preaching to  the world “it’s not proper to sacrifice your children to your gods” and here he is, Mr. self-righteous doing the same!

 

Similarly, the Romans ridiculed us after they conquered and destroyed our Temple. They brought out the KERUVIM and said “look they worship idols just like we do, they are no different”.

 

The Abarbanel explains that images were only forbidden if it was the intention to worship them.

 

The KUZARI explains regarding the sin of the Golden calf that the Israelites did not deny G-d’s existence rather they only wanted to make their worship of Him more concrete.

 

Interestingly, G-d issued two commandments regarding engraved images that seem to contradict each other. This is reminiscent of the Talmudic dictum that “whatever the Torah forbade, it made permissible by other means”. Thus, when G-d said “do not make for yourself carved idols” He also said “make two KERUVIM”. Likewise, one is prohibited to marry the wife of his deceased brother, but is commanded to do so if he dies childless. We are forbidden to wear any garments made of wool and linen, but the next verse states “make yourself tzitzit on the four corners of your garment” and these garments may wool even if the corners are linen. The Torah states that “those who violate the Shabbat shall be killed”, yet He commands “On the Shabbat day, a two year old lamb without a blemish shall be brought”. Such an offering involves acts that violate the Shabbat.

 

All of the above do not come close to the wonderment expressed regarding the commandment of placing the KERUVIM on top of the ARON which mimics idol worship. It sounds heretical, but mustn’t we ask-“what was G-d thinking?”

 

Perhaps that’s exactly the point. We have no authority or right to probe into something that G-d did not provide us answers for. We just have to follow the commandment and do G-d’s will. We tend to forget the proper outlook we should have; our religion is a belief. That’s the challenge. Belief comes from the heart. So one should not say “HEY MAN PROVE IT”. We answer to him ” WELL CHABIBI HOW DO YOU FEEL?”

 

Still, the KERUVIM remain one of the most perplexing mysteries in our religion.

 

This Dvar Torah is the fruit of a quick conversation had with Rabbi Lenny Bromberg plus some thoughts culled from the Nachshoni.

 

Essence of a Perfect State of Mind  

Starts at Home

  

Rabbi Baruch Dopelt quoting the Ramban.

 

It’s important that when we leave our home in the morning we should depart with the right and healthy frame of mind. The home is an important setting in our attempt to attain spirituality.

The book of BERESHIT is called the book of YETZIRA- creation, while the book of SHEMOT is called HAGEULAH- the redemption. Really, the book should finish at the end of Parshat BESHALACH, after G-d split the sea and the Jews were saved and they lived happily ever after as they entered the desert. However, the book doesn’t end there. A parsha later, our parsha this week, Teruma, the narrative begins teaching us about the Temple, the building of it. Even the clothing of the high priest is discussed. What does the redemption from Egypt have to do with the pants of the Kohen Gadol? What’s the common thread that connects them together? Is there one?

As we know, our forefathers were the pinnacle of perfection. We read about them in the book of Bereshit. They endured many challenges in their life, but they persevered. We should learn a lesson from them and try to emulate their strong belief.

When Avraham lost his wife, Sarah, after passing the most crucial test ever THE AKEDA or sacrificing of his son, he subsequently found a wife for their son, Yitzchak. Yitzchak brought Rivka, his new wife, back to his mother’s tent and he loved her. Thus, Yitzchak was consoled over his mother’s death.

The commentaries say that there were three special brachot in Sarah’s tent. Firstly, the candle lit again from Shabbat to Shabbat. Secondly, there was a bracha in the dough. Lastly, there was the special cloud over the tent.

The three things appear in this week’s parsha as well. The ANAN- the cloud of glory hovered over the Jewish people commensurate to the cloud above the tent. The miracle of the long lasting LECHEM HAPANIM, the bread baked in the Temple, corres-ponded to the bracha in the dough. Finally, the NER HAMAARAVI- the light of the Temple was equivalent to Sara’s candle.

The cloud was the source of protection, the bread was the source of sustenance and the light represents the eternal soul of man.

These three are understood as representing the achieving of perfection. Sarah passed the baton onto Rivkah as a sign that the tradition continues. Our mothers and wives are called the BAYIT-house, as we see in the Megillat Esther, when we refer to Esther who, according many, was Mordachai’s wife, as the house. The women are the foundation of the house. They raise the children. They are the backbone while the fathers are front and center of the family. The husband and wife shape the family to perfection, raising the children in the right path.

One cannot merit redemption without attaining perfection. There has to be a protection – a cloud of glory. The Malbim says that the KERUVIM protected the ARON. Similarly, the Angels in heaven who are also called KERUVIM surround the heavenly throne. Our protection for our home is the MEZUZA. The dough, as we mentioned, is the sustenance. In order to achieve satisfaction, one has to give 10% of his earnings to charity. It is also crucial to maintain a peaceful home. Light is another name for the Torah. Once we accomplish these goals utilizing the light, the cloud and the dough, can we be mentioned in the same category as our forefathers and ultimately be redeemed. It seems that indeed the second half of the book of Shemot if fulfilled correctly will lead us on the path to redemption, just like the first half of the book. 

Father and Son Relationship

 

The most intriguing and fascinating items of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) are the Keruvim. They were found on top of the Aron. They were two child-like faces with wings pointed upwards. When the Israelites were close to G-d, they would embrace each other, and when the Jews were not on the standards that they should be, the Keruvim would face away from one another.

The sages say, when G-d wanted to give the Torah to the Jews, he asked for a guarantor. So the Israelites replied “Our Forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Yaacov would be perfect.” G-d refused, stating “They owe me. How can they be guarantors?” An example was given, if a man wants to borrow money from someone and demands a guarantor, and the potential borrower says how about Joe? The potential lender refuses stating “how can he be a guarantor? He owes me money himself.”

G-d said to the Jews” bring me someone that doesn’t owe me.” The Israelites answered back “We know someone who doesn’t owe You a thing, the children; they’ll be the guarantors.”

Apparently, there are a number of different opinions as to who exactly were the Keruvim; some say it’s a boy and a girl; others say it was a boy and a man. Yechezkel’s vision was that of a boy and a man.

What’s the meaning of having a boy and a man on the faces of the Keruvim? Rabbi Noach Isaac Olbaum explains this is the essential part of

Judaism. It’s the father and son relationship that’s crucial to the continuous existence of our nation. It’s the father’s obligation to pass down the tradition to his son. Without a doubt, the fact that the Keruvim were placed in the holies of holies on top of the Aaron shows the importance of the relationship between the father and son. You can’t get holier than that place.

Therefore, we have to examine and fortify our relationship with our children. It should be healthy and communicative. The parody of the American dysfunctional family is brought out very well in the satirical TV series, The Simpsons. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen television and that show in particular. The show, indeed, well written, was very funny but very sad; but most important, a very true portrayal of many family structures, or I should say dis-structure in the western world.

The Torah emphasis the importance of the bond of father and son and the crucial treasure the Torah, passing down the tradition, that’s at stake. So perhaps what we could do is go out for a burger with our son; have a catch when the weather gets nice and most important, learn Torah with him. It’s important and it’s a priceless moment.

 

Kid’s Section  

by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel – Pre 1A – Yeshiva Ketana of Queens
Hi! This is Rebbe speaking:

In this week’s parsha, Parshat Terumah, it speaks about the building of the Mishkan, a resting place for Hashem. Today we do not have the Mishkan, but we have the opportunity to make our homes into a Mishkan. When we do the will of Hashem and we have harmony in our homes we allow Hashem to dwell there thus creating a Mishkan. A synagogue is also called a Mishkan. We must make sure to have the utmost respect for a synagogue since it sanctified and holy.

There were many Tzadikim that were the caretakers of their synagogues. No matter how many times others offered, they did not want to give up the privilege of sanctifying the Mishkan.

A Shul, a synagogue, is a place for prayer. One must refrain from speaking during prayers. Some are stringent not to speak about mundane matters even before or between prayers. Some believe that certain synagogues were destroyed because their congregants spoke during Tefillah, prayers. There are those that have a custom to kiss the wall of the shul every time they enter.

Reb Chananya Yom Tov Lipa Heller, the Tosfos Yom Tov, made a special blessing that is said when we read the Torah, blessing all those that refrain from speaking in Shul.

There was a famous shul in the town of Brod that had learning sessions 24 hours. There was never a moment without Torah learning or prayers in that Shul. It is stated that this is where Hashem’s presence truly rested. Many great Tzaddikim learned in Brod. The Baal Shem Tov used to periodically give a gold coin to upkeep the Shul in Brod.

There are stories told of people who tried their utmost to make their prayer house a Mishkan. They would donate candles. They would spend extra time after prayers to return the Siddurim to the bookcase. Some spent extra time straightening the chairs or tables.

There was an inspiring story about a simpleton. Gershon heard the Rabbi say that in the time of the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple, there were Lechem Hapanim, twelve loaves of fresh bread.  When Gershon decided he wanted to sanctify his synagogue, he thought of a great solution. Thursday evening Gershon’s wife set aside two of her freshly baked Challot.  Gershon lovingly sneaked into the shul before dawn and placed these two loaves into the Aron Kodesh, the Holy Ark. Unbeknownst to Gershon, the Gabbai, the caretaker, cleaned the shul Friday before the morning prayers and removed the mysterious Challot. Gershon excitedly return to his wife and announced “Hashem has accepted our gift. He has taken the Challot.” This scenario repeated itself week after week. Gershon and his wife were ecstatic. One Friday morning the Rabbi of the shul entered a few minutes earlier than usual just in time to see the caretaker remove the Challot from the Holy Ark. “What is the meaning of this?” asked the Rabbi. “I do not know. Each Friday there are two Challot in the Holy Ark.” The Rabbi decided to come much earlier the next week to see who was behind all this. When Gershon returned the next week and was lovingly placing the Challot in the Ark, the Rabbi emerged from his hiding place in the woman’s section. “What is the meaning of this?” Gershon excitedly replied, “Each week on behalf of myself and my wife, I place a gift for Hashem, two fresh Challot into the Holy Ark. I see Hashem really appreciates this gift for he takes it each week.” “Hashem does not take your Challot. The caretaker removes it.” Gershon walked home dejected. He gloomily told his wife his naïve mistake. Both Gershon and his wife were inconsolable.  The holy Arizal saw what had transpired through Ruach Hakodesh and reprimanded the Rabbi of the Shul. “Do you realize the repercussions of your actions? You have dejected and embarrassed Gershon. You have taken away Hashem’s greatest pleasure. In heaven they had stated that since the time of the Holy Temple no one had brought an offering to Hashem until the loaves from this simple couple. Gershon was able to accomplish the unachievable.” His seemly silly offering of two Challot brought great joy and merit in Heaven.

When Mashiach will come we will merit the building of the Beit Hamikdash, the most magnificent dwelling place.

 

What have we learned today?

 

How can we create and upkeep a resting place for Hashem? We can build a Mishkan in our homes by living in the ways of Hashem and we can sanctify a prayer house by refraining from speaking during prayers and keeping the shul clean and neat.

 

What are some of the things that we can do to sanctify our synagogue, our place of prayer? We must make sure never to talk during Tefillah, prayers. We must be extremely careful to act properly and respectfully. We should help keep our synagogue neat and clean. Do not throw garbage on the floor or on the tables. Help put the prayer books back on the shelf after Tefillah. Even children can be a part in making their synagogue holy.

Dedications

 

Mr. and Mrs. Rafi Fouzailoff for peace and unity in the world especially among our Jewish nation

 

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gad hatzlacha to all

 

Mr. David Bodenhiem in loving memory of his father Naftali ben Avraham MENUCHATO BEH GAN EDEN

 

Mr.and Mrs Johnny Errman for refuah shelema Refael Ozer ben Chaya Malka

 

Anonymous in loving memory Leah Luba bat Bitiya, Moshe ben Azizoi, Ogul bat Sara MENUCHATAM BEH GAN EDEN

 

Mr. and Mrs. Joey Alibayof in loving memory of his mother Nurit Zulecha bat Malka and refuah shelema to his father Shmuel Naaman ben Yael

Mr. & Mrs. Joe Ambalu in loving memory of his father Eliyahu ben Yosef  HaCohen.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Aharon Ambalu in loving memory of his father Eliyahu ben Yosef  HaCohen.

 

The Matmon family in loving memory of father, grandfather and husband Yaacov ben Mazal, and grandmother and great grandmother Mazal bat Tamar MENUCHATAM BEH GAN EDEN

 

Anonymous

 

REFUA SHELEMA

Shoshana Roza bat Ester

Shura Yoshua bat Chusni

Frumit bat Esther Malka

Yissachar dov ben Tzipora Faiga

Nissim ben Rachel

Oshrat bat Esther

Refael ben Rochel

 

 

NETS MINYAN AT BET GAVRIEL SHABBAT MORNING!!!   
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Parshat Yitro

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 Parshat Yitro
February 1, 2013
20 Shevat, 5773
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In This Issue
Parsha Yitro Highlights
What’s so special about the Torah?
Careful About Giving Advice!
Important to Be in a Safe Environment
Kid’s Section by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel
Candle lighting Times

Parshat Yitro Highlights 

The Power Of Torah

This article contains excerpts from a shiur given
by Rabbi Isaac Oelbaum Shli”ta.

The Yakut Shemoni mentions an incident in which a talmid chacham – a wise man – Rebbi Pinchas ben Yair, who, in light of an urgent matter, wanted to cross a river. He approached the waters and said “split”. However, the waters disregarded his request. He then demanded firmly, “I am Rebbi Pinchas ben Yair and I order you to split or else I’ll dry you up”! His threats frightened the waters and they were forced to split, making way for him to cross. Pretty cool, wasn’t it! He split the river with no effort! Strangely though, if one would ask your average run -of the mill Torah knowledgeable  Jew if they ever heard of Rebbi Pinchas ben Yair, the answer would be “no”. It seems like not a lot of fan fair was attributed to his little miracle. Apparently, there also wasn’t much attention given to the important event where the Israelites on their final journey before entering the Promised Land were required to cross the Jordan River. “NO PROBLEM”, YEHOSHUA SAID. As soon as the Kohanim, who were in front leading the way, stepped foot into the Jordan River, the waters split. WHAT A MIRACLE… WELL…NO BIG DEAL, REALLY!! 

Never the less, a lot of emphasis is placed on Moshe and the Israelites when they participated in the much talked about historic event, “the splitting of the sea”. Dramatics par-excellence! We read about it every day, including on the Shabbat in AZ YASHIR. That is the song which refers to the great miracle. Some children in grade school even had to memorize the song, including yours truly! However, it seems like Yehoshua and R’ Pinchas Ben Year’s splitting were ignored. Perhaps they too should be discussed and sung on a daily basis? Rebbi Pinchas ben Yair should be a house hold name!  Why is AZ YASHIR, the Jews crossing the sea during Moshe’s time, singled out?

Interestingly, it seems like it wasn’t such an easy task for the sea to split during Moshe’s time. Moshe raised his hands and prayed, but to no avail. It wasn’t until Nachshon ben Aminadav, showing true belief in G-d, jumped in and when the waters reached his mouth, in conjunction with Yosef the tzadic’s coffin being visible, then, and only then, did the waters cooperate. Their kishkas came out till the waters split, a real nail biter! Talking about working up a sweat!

The key to understanding all this is hinted in the dialogue between Moshe and the waters. Moshe said “split”. The waters retorted, “We don’t have to listen to you for man was born on the sixth day and the waters were created on the third day, we’re older and therefore we are superior to man”. However, we learned that the first thing G-d created was the Torah. The Torah is the blueprint of the world. G-d looked at the Torah and created the sea, the land etc. After the revelation at Mount Sinai when the Jews received the Torah, the entire dimension of “who was created first” changed. If a Jew is ensconced in Torah study, if he’s committed, then he is considered as if he was created first. This is where the concept of being a BEN TORAH-a son of Torah, comes from. If one immerses himself in it, he becomes a living Torah. Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair and Yehoshua and his generation had an advantage over Moshe and his generation; they received the Torah. Therefore they can claim, “We were created first”. The power of Torah is such that whoever is an expert in it has the ability to manipulate nature. Whoever is created first has the ability to control whatever is chronologically inferior.

Therefore, in Moshe’s time when the sea split, that was indeed a true miracle and one to sing about every day. When the sea split for Rebbi Pinchas ben Yair and for Yehoshua generation that was just another act of Torah scholars changing the course of nature.

——————————————————-

 
First Portion: * Yitro was Moshe’s father-in-law as well as a former advisor to Pharaoh. Yitro actually advised favorably for the Jews on the subject of the Israelites’ fate. However, his advice was not taken well, and he was forced to flee. He also was a high priest in Midyan.

 

* Many nations had seen and heard the miracles that G-d performed for the Jews in Egypt and at sea. However, Yitro comprehended what G-d had done. He was impressed to the point that it changed him and he was ready to convert to Judaism.

 

*Originally, Yitro’s name was Yeter, only later the letter VAV was added to his name, making it Yitro. This served as both as a sign of his having become a Jew and to indicate that the parsha of appointing Judges was added to the Torah in his honor. In many instances, the Torah adds a letter to a person’s name as a sign of his having acquired greatness. Conversely, a letter is omitted from someone’s name if he fails to maintain his spiritual status.

 

* Moshe sends a message to Tziporah, his wife, to meet him at a certain point in the desert. Yitro arrived with Tziporah and Moshe’s two sons at the scheduled meeting place.

 

* A meal offering was initiated by Yitro commemorating his circumcision and his introduction to Judaism. We see many years later that the King of Israel, Shaul, warned the Canaanites, who were the descendants of Yitro, to leave their residence within Amalek (enemies of the Jews) because war was imminent. The reason for such concern as to not to harm them stemmed from this meal celebration between Moshe, Aharon, Yitro, and other high-ranking officials. We see the power of a sit down meal celebration when done for the sake of mitzvah, and how positive it can be so that it has long lasting effects, even hundreds of years later.

 

Second Portion: * Yitro’s experience in public office where he had had a high ranking position in Pharaoh’s super power government, enabled him to advise Moshe on how to be more proficient in his duties and make the justice system run better.

 

* There is a question as to why Moshe wasn’t able to derive the advice that Yitro gave him from the Torah itself? We have to understand that although the Torah provides us with great wisdom, there will be, on occasion, an individual who can provide sound advice. G-d’s purposely teaching us that it’s not the intellectual superiority which is the main part, nor are we more culturally advanced than the other nations, rather the focal point is the spiritual superiority.

 

Third Portion: * Moshe took the advice of his father-in-law.

 

* Yitro decided to return to Midyan.

 

* Why did Yitro decide to return to Midyan? Wouldn’t he feel more comfortable with his new comrades (his fellow circumcised Jews)? (See one of my schmooze in the email newsletter). One should note that Ruth the Midyanit convert decided to go to Israel with her former mother-in-law rather than go back to her former home. It would be most difficult to maintain one’s religious level among people who do not have the same goals as you. So indeed, why did Yitro return to Midyan?

 

Fourth Portion: * The Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai and Moshe went up to receive the Torah.

 

* G-d told Moshe to tell the people, “If you keep My Torah, I will hold you in great esteem”.

 

Fifth Portion: * Moshe came down from the mountain and related everything that G-d is demanding of us. The elders, the leaders, all answered back “We will do whatever G-d says”.

 

* Moshe gave instructions for the preparations necessary to receive the Torah.

 

* The nation gathered at the bottom of the mountain.

Sixth Portion: * G-d’s aura had descended and rested upon the Israelites. This was the closest the Jews have ever been to the presence of G-d.

 

* The first two commandments were recited by G-d. However, the people weren’t able to withstand the rays of G-d’s presence. Therefore, Moshe recited the last eight.

 

* The Ten Commandments are divided into five and five. The first five on the right are commandments between G-d and man, while the second five are commandments between man and his fellow man.

 

Seventh Portion: * One cannot even imagine what a special moment in history this was. The scripture says they actually saw the voices!!

 

* Only three Jews did not witness the revelation at Mount Sinai, Yitro and Moshe’s two sons. How can that be – Moshe’s sons? This was designed by G-d so that Moshe can perform what every father and Rabbi is commanded to do, to pass down the Torah to the next generation. Almost the whole nation experienced the Sinai experience, so there was no passing down for a while. Still, they learned from the best teacher and the best lesson; Moshe taught his two sons.

 

* Three million Jews witnessed the receiving of the Torah. No other religion has witnesses of this magnitude that have seen the revelation of their religion.

What’s so special about the Torah?
 

If one goes to a Yeshiva study hall, one will see a whole bunch of guys immersed in their books studying. SO BIG DEAL!  WHY ARE ALL THESE RELIGIOUS JEWS MAKING SUCH A HOOPLA OUT OF LEARNING TORAH?!

 

Another question one has to ask is regarding the famous SHEMA that we say every day. In that prayer we start off, immediately after the proclamation of the sentence SHEMA, “VEH AHAVTA ET HASHEM ELOKECHA”- “and you should love your G-d”. How can one love G-d? One has never seen him or touched him?!

 

Rabbi Baruch Dopelt quotes many sources as saying that the essence of G-d can be found in the Torah and if one wants to get to know Him, one has to study the Torah. This idea is brought out by the Zohar based on the first word of the Ten Commandments, ANOCHI. The four letters of the word ANOCHI represent ANA NAFSHI KETUVIM YAHAVAT-“My essence is in the scriptures that I gave”. Learning Torah is different from any other subject. When one learns Gemarah or Chumash, for example, one becomes attached to G-d. We have all lit candles for a deceased loved one. The departed soul is represented by the fire; fire connects to fire, spirituality connects to spirituality. By learning His Torah we become infused with the essence of G-d.

 

The SHEMA continues and says “VEHAYU HADVARIM HA ELEH”-“and these words”. This is referring to the Torah.

 

There is a preconceived notion that people who learn the Talmud become smart. The Torah is G-d and G-d is infinite. Therefore, if one studies the Torah, which is His CHUCHMA-intelligence, he ultimately becomes infinitely more intelligent. This is the reason why there are so many explanations of each word of Torah. All are correct; each one is just a different facet and angle. Hence, it is infinite.

 

This is the way for us to show that we love G-d. In any relationship, one needs two sides to participate. When we pray, we talk to him. When we learn Torah, He talks to us.

Careful About Giving Advice!

D’var Torah heard from Rabbi Shalom Ber Hecht
and Rabbi Offer Davidov.

Yitro was a very smart man, and when he came to the Israelite camp in the desert, he saw a severely overworked leader in his son-in-law, Moshe.

Yitro advised him to spread the wealth of knowledge and to assign the task of judging the people to others. Although Yitro’s advice was successfully implemented, one has to be careful in giving advice. It could be devastating to the person receiving it and even more damaging to the one giving it.

 

There was a story about two young, ambitious, Jewish business partners who were looking to make it big. They would buy here and sell there and make a few dollars. However stressful and difficult, they would never give up on their dream.

 

One day, the opportunity came their way. One of the partners, Moshe, received a tip from a lawyer friend from the next town that his rich client had

passed away and had left a warehouse full of good merchandise. His daughter, however, did not want to burden herself with the business and was looking to sell the entire stock of merchandise for a bargain price. It would be an opportunity that would take these boys to a different tax bracket and would change their financial lives’ drastically.

 

After agreeing on the price, through this lawyer friend, the boys borrowed money to pay for the tremendous shipping expense of the enormous stock of merchandise as well as for the purchase of a nice size warehouse. They figured it was a “done deal” and all that was left was just to sign on the dotted line. They would be well prepared.

 

Before traveling to the next town where the business transaction was to take place, the lawyer prepped them as to what to say and how to act when they meet his client, the daughter. They must be extremely polite because his client never met Jews before. At first, she was hesitant to go forth with the transaction, however, the lawyer assured her that the Jews do not have horns and don’t bite. In those days, Jews and non-Jews almost never interacted.

 

They met the lawyer at the house of the deceased man where his daughter now lived alone. The papers were drawn up and the partners already signed, all while waiting for the young lady to come down. Again the lawyer reiterated that they must act properly and be polite. When they finally met, the boys made such a good impression and the daughter was really impressed. She was especially taken by one of the partners, David, noting that he had a great smile. The meeting was a huge hit and the papers were signed. Moshe told David that he will go back home to wait for the shipment, while he should stay and make sure the shipment is sent properly.

 

The next day, David gets a message saying that there is one important document that the daughter forgot to sign and he should meet him and the daughter at the same place that night.

 

When David entered the house that evening, he was greeted by just the daughter. “Where is our lawyer friend?” he asked. “We really don’t need him tonight; he gave me the document this morning”. David asked if she could sign because it was getting a little late, however the daughter had different plans. “If you want me to sign this document and transfer the merchandise, you have to sleep with me tonight” she said to him. David was taken aback. He tried to persuade her to reconsider, however she was adamant; either she sleep with him or the deal is off.

The next morning the merchandise was on their way to the partners’ home town where Moshe greeted David with such enthusiasm. However, the enthusiasm was not so shared by David. Over the next four months, Moshe witnessed a change in David. He became more serious, he started to attend Torah lectures, he was more diligent in going to minyan, and he dressed more modestly. He wasn’t the same fun loving David.

One day Moshe confronted him and asked him why he is acting so differently ever since they came back from the business trip. Dave confessed that he had slept with the non-Jewish woman. Moshe thought about it and advised David, “You’re missing out on all the fun stuff, especially now that we’ve accumulated so much wealth. I’ll tell you what; I’m going to buy your sin with the woman for your portion of the partnership. What do you say? Deal?”

 

Eventually, David agreed. The two wrote out a contract, shook hands and went their separate ways.

Forty years later, the wealthy Moshe became ill and after a few months he died.

 

When Moshe came to be judged, he was given a very harsh judgment. Surprised, Moshe was reluctant to accept it and asked why. The answer was because he slept with the non-Jewish woman. He complained that “it wasn’t me; it was my partner”. He was begging. “I swear it was him not me!” Bet Din said, “If you are correct, prove it!!”

That night, Moshe appeared to David in a dream and told him that “I need you to come up here to testify on my behalf”.

 

David shrugged it off as a bad dream. However, the next night Moshe again appeared to David in a dream, only this time it was a bit more intense. It was after the third time when he felt Moshe was choking him and demanding that he join him in the heavenly court, did David seek help. He approached the leading rabbinical figure of the generation, the Maharsha, HaRav Shmuel Aidels (some say he was the last Rabbi to write commentary with RUACH HAKODESH-Divine inspiration).

 

The Maharsha instructed David that next time Moshe appears in your dream demanding that you go there, tell him, “this issue can only be resolved in this world. If he wants, he has to come here in BET DIN OF YISRAEL”.

 

The next night, Moshe indeed appeared and received the Maharsha’s instructions. A date was set to stand trial against David.

This is one of the few times in the history of the world where a person who had gone to the other world came back.

 

In the court there was a section where Moshe would sit alone. The courtroom was very crowded. The Maharsha heard both testimonies and concluded: “Moshe you are guilty of giving the wrong advice. David committed a sin and he was repenting. He became a changed man. However, you interfered with his growth in Torah and spirituality. After the transaction when you purchased his sin, he became more lax; he regressed in his AVODAT HASHEM-serving of G-d. You have not only interfered with his life, but you also affected his future generations. Therefore, your purchase of the sin will be dealt with severely”.

 

Everyone in the courtroom heard as they were dragging Moshe away to Gehinnom.

Important to Be in a Safe Environment     

The sages say that one of Moshe’s grandchildren didn’t turn out up to par like the rest of his family. One may ask, “What went wrong?” After all, Moshe was very close to G-d; a perfect leader. In fact, there is no argument; he was the best leader we ever had. Actually, perhaps one can argue and say we see very often, the children of some of today’s leaders have a hard time with their famous parents.

 

We learn something astonishing about the relationship between Moshe and his father-in-law, Yitro. Apparently, Yitro made a deal with Moshe that his firstborn would be educated by the Grandfather through idol worship. Yes, you read it correctly, idol worship. But how can that be? Didn’t Yitro convert to Judaism? We also learn that he was a great believer. So that really doesn’t make sense. Furthermore, how can Moshe allow his son to participate?

 

Yitro was a very smart man who came to the realization that Judaism and the Torah is the real deal. But Yitro came to that conclusion through experimenting with every type of idol worship that exists in the world and at the end, when the smoked cleared, only the Torah remained standing. The greatest spiritual high and the closeness to G-d were attained through this method.

 

Yitro wanted his grandson to reach the same conclusion as he did and he persuaded Moshe to permit his son to attempt to reach this exclusively high level of closeness to G-d. However, this was very dangerous and it backfired. Although Yitro felt his grandson had a similar personality to his himself, nevertheless, apparently that was not the case. Everybody’s different.

We find that Ruth (the convert) realized that if she would go back to her country, she would regress in her spiritual quest to Judaism, and therefore decided to go travel to Israel with her former mother-in-law.

 

The sages teach us one can find all the wisdom that other religions offer, in our Torah, and there is no need to venture out.

 

We often think we are infallible and are able to maintain a level in any place, whether it is at work or moving to a new neighborhood where the level of religion is not so strong. We are human and are vulnerable and are influenced by the society around us. It’s an element of survival to surround oneself with a community, proper schooling, and friends.

 

There was only one Yitro; his uniqueness was singled out. It would be unsafe – to say the least – to do what he did.

Kid’s Section  

by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel – Pre 1A – Yeshiva Ketana of Queens
Hi! This is Rebbe speaking:

In this week’s parsha, Parshat Yitro, when Yitro saw all the miracles that Hashem had performed, he said “Baruch Hashem – blessed are you Hashem”.  We too must make it habit to say “Boruch Hashem.” When one says these two words they are confirming that Hashem is running the world and He is behind all that occurs.

 

One is also thanking Hashem for all that happens. The Baal Shem Tov used to ask others, “How are you?” just so that he can hear people answer “Baruch Hashem”.

One also should get into the habit of saying “B’Ezrat Hashem – if Hashem wills it to be”. We cannot do or accomplish anything without the will of Hashem.

 

Shifra could not manage. It was already a week since her washing machine broke and the repairman had promised to come two days ago. The dirty laundry was taking up every spare inch of space and her children were starting to complain that they did not have clean clothing. After more than one attempt by phone, Shifra made up her mind to travel to Tel Aviv to complain to the manager personally. “I am going to Tel Aviv. I will give the manager a piece of my mind! Then he’ll surely send someone immediately. There is no reason for this delay. The machine is still covered under warranty”, Shifra pronounce determinedly. “Say B’Ezrat Hashem you will go to Tel Aviv. We cannot do anything without the will of Hashem.” said Ephraim, her husband, patiently. “There is no need to say B’Ezrat Hashem. I am leaving immediately.” Shifra took her purse; made sure she had enough money for her bus fare, and headed toward the bus station for Tel Aviv. After a 45 minute bus ride, Shifra arrived in Tel Aviv. But as soon as she stepped off the bus she no longer could remember why she traveled all the way there. She had simply forgotten the reason for her trip. Shifra took the 45 minute return trip home without having accomplished a thing. “One must always remember that nothing can be attained without the will of Hashem. Remember always say B’Ezrat Hashem.” reminded Ephraim when his wife told him what happened.

 

The Shelah Hakadosh stated that when speaking about the journey of the Jews in the desert, the Torah states “Al Pi Hashem – with the words of Hashem” twice, once when they traveled and once when they rested. This teaches us that they could not travel or rest without the consent and order from Hashem. All that happens requires Hashem’s command.

 

When one sets out on a journey he recites Tefillat Haderech. He asks Hashem to allow him to arrive safely. This prayer shows us that all that occurs is up to Hashem. One can plan, know all the ways and yet not arrive at his destination. Hashem is in charge and orchestrates everything.

 

Throughout one’s day one should ask for Hashem’s assistance in all that he does and then he should thank Hashem for having accomplished his task. There is no limit to the amount of times one should use the phrases B’Ezrat Hashem and Baruch Hashem on a daily basis.

 

What have we learned today?

 

From whom do we learn the importance of saying “Baruch Hashem”?  

Yitro said “Baruch Hashem” after he heard about the great miracles. He realized that Hashem is the one that runs the world and that all that occurs is only because Hashem willed it to be that way. We see how important this concept is. When one wakes up each morning the first thing that he must do is recite Modeh Ani. He must realize that it is Hashem that has returned his soul and gave him the opportunity of a new day.

 

When should one say “B’Ezrat Hashem and Baruch Hashem?

Throughout the day one can and should say B’Ezrat Hashem and Baruch Hashem. We say B’Ezrat Hashem before we do something. We must realize that nothing can be accomplished without the will of Hashem. For example: when one goes out shopping one should say “B’Ezrat Hashem we will find what we need.” One should ask Hashem for his assistance. And then when done shopping he should remember to say “Baruch Hashem” and thank Hashem for allowing him to succeed.

Dedications

Mr. and Mrs. Avi and Bracha Behar, MAZAL TOV!! upon the engagement of their daughter, Sarah to Jonathan Mechael Yunatanov, may the Behar and Yunatanov family see much NACHAT and BRACHA

 

Rabbi Uri and Ricki Sklaar in loving memory Avraham Yosef ben Sarah   and a refuah shelema to Mila Yaffa bat Devorah Mendle

 

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gad hatzlacha to all.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Rafi Fouzailoff for peace and unity in the world especially among our Jewish nation

 

Mr. David Bodenhiem in loving memory of his father Naftali ben Avraham MENUCHATO BEH GAN EDEN

 

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Abraham in loving memory of his father Shalom Yitzchak ben David and Yocheved and his sister Tamara bat Shalom Yitzchak and Sara Malka MENUCHATAM BEH GAN EDEN

 

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Abraham in loving memory of his father Shalom Yitzchak ben David and Yocheved and his sister Tamar bat Shalom Yitzchak and Sara Malka MENUCHATAM BEH GAN EDEN

 

Mr.and Mrs. Herbert Livi refuah shelema to all of klal Yisrael

 

Mr.and Mrs. Shlomo Shimonov for the health, parnasa, and hatzlacha for the entire Shimonov and Matat family and all of klal Yisrael

 

Mr.and Mrs. Yaacov and Sarah Nager for refuah shelema Tovah bat Mirriam Leah, Sarah bat Shulamit

 

Mr.and Mrs. David Hodzibekof in loving memory of his father Efraim ben Yeshua MENUCHATO BEH GAN EDEN

 

Anonymous

 

REFUAH SHELEMA

Shoshana Roza bat Ester

Shura Yoshua bat Chusni

Frumit bat Esther Malka

Yissachar dov ben Tzipora Faiga

Nissim ben Rachel

Oshrat bat Esther

 

NETS MINYAN AT BET GAVRIEL SHABBAT MORNING!!!   
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Parshat Beshalach

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Spark Of Jewish Experience
 Parshat Beshalach 
January 25, 2013
14 Shevat, 5773
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In This Issue
Parsha Beshalach Highlights
The Essence of Bircat Hamazon
The Influence of the Evil Empire
Why did Pharaoh Chase the Jews One Last Time?
Kid’s Section by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel
Candle lighting Times

Parshat Beshalach Highlights

First Portion: JEWISH PRIDE!!!!  One cannot help but to get excited when reading Parshat Beshalach. G-d showed Pharaoh and the Egyptians who’s boss!! Then we made our long antici-pated exodus out of Egypt. The Israelites left with pride and dignity; they left by daylight and not sneaking out at night; we left when G-d wanted, not when Pharaoh wanted. G-d took pride in us and took us out in first class; HE chose the Jewish people to be his ambassadors in this world; we are the reason the world exist.

 

Mark Twain, a classic American writer, had anti-Semitic views which were quite well known, as he wrote numerous unsavory articles about the Jews. However, he was quite impressed with their accomp-lishments. Twain writes, and I paraphrase, “many empires came and went, however, the Jews, despite all the persecution they’ve encountered in history, not only survived but their contributions to the world dwarf many other.

 

It’s evident that G-d wants us to be his ambassadors, He took us out of Egypt with pride, HE split the sea – one of the most astonishing acts in history, and finally, the revelation at Mount Sinai. In fact, we read at the Seder on Pesach when we sing DAYENU, EILU KEREVANU LIFNAI HAR SINAI VELO NATAN LANU ET HATORAH DAYENU – “If You, Hashem, just gave us the opportunity to stand at Mount Sinai and not even given us the Torah that would have been enough”. Just the ability to stand with pride at Mount Sinai brought on a level of spiritual high; it raised us above the rest. The fact that we got the Torah, the fact that we got the ultimate prize, should make us feel very good about ourselves.

 

However, with the superiority comes responsibility. The world looks at us with a magnifying glass. A survey was taken by the New York Times as to what graced the headlines most frequently. Unequivocally, besides for the USA, Jews and the State of Israel were the most frequent in the past forty years!

 

We are Jews and we’re number 1……Let’s hold our heads high…and be proud!!

 

* We see the selflessness and the leadership skills of Moshe. While the Israelites were busy with their personal needs in leaving Egypt, Moshe

retrieved the bones of Yosef to be brought to the Promised Land as had been promised.

 

* G-d led them out guided by the Cloud of Glory, which was chosen to be their tour guide until they reached the land of Israel.

 

* Pharaoh, once again, has a change of heart and declares that they must return. He unleashes his army, including 600 elite chariots, and chases after the Israelites.

 

Second Portion: * The Israelites were afraid as they saw the Egyptian army in tremendous unison.

 

* In his assurance to the Israelites, Moshe said ”you shall not see them again”. “Their status of superpower will be taken away and they will never be a threat again.” The Rambam (Maimonides), who lived in Egypt for a period of time, mentioned in his writings that that he lived in Egypt. He writes, “I am transgressing the commandment of ‘it’s forbidden for Jews to travel or live in Egypt on a permanent basis”’. One of the sources for this commandment is found here, ”you shall not see them again”. It’s astonishing how there was a thriving Jewish community in Alexandria many years back, which hosted one of the biggest Synagogues in Jewish history (5000 seats). The Rabbi had to raise a flag indicating that the congregants should say Amen.

 

Third Portion: * The Israelites, who had the sea in front of them and the Egyptians chasing behind them, were ordered and reassured by Moshe, via G-d, to jump into the water, for it will split and you will walk on dry land.

 

* In one of the most amazing moments in history, Moshe raised his rod as ordered by G-d and the sea split!

 

* G-d said to Moshe, “My name will be glorified through Pharaoh and the Egyptian army; the Egyptians will be in fear, for they will know that I am G-d”. Who will be in fear? Is it the people who stayed behind in Egypt? The ones that will be in fear are none other than the Egyptian army before they perished at sea. G-d said that it is worth it to split the sea merely to have the Egyptians soldiers realize the truth as the waters come together sealing their death. After all, how often does one have the opportunity to clearly see the truth?

 

* The Israelites walked through the sea on a dry surface with walls of water to the left and right of them.

 

* The Egyptian army pursued the Israelites, going through the water.

 

Fourth Portion: * After the last of the children of Israel walked through the sea, and as the whole Egyptian army were now positioned between the walls of water, G-d ordered Moshe to raise his hands once more and the water will go back to its original state. Moshe did as G-d commanded and the Egyptian army was decimated.

 

* After seeing the miraculous events that G-d had done on their behalf, the Israelites had the ultimate belief in G-d and they reciprocated by singing a song, ”Az Yashir”.

 

* This is the most famous of the ten songs found in the scripture.

 

* There are a number of hints in the Torah about the redemption. ”Az Yashir”, i.e. “then he will sing”. The commentaries question that it should say Az Shar – and then he sang. It means, they deduce, that he will sing in the future, in the Messianic era.

 

* Another explanation of ”Az Yashir” is that Moshe’s singing came naturally; it wasn’t forced. Singing is the ultimate form of appreciation that one can give G-d.

 

* Many recite this song when in need of a mate and for Parnassa (livelihood). It says that it’s harder for G-d to match two people for marriage than it is the splitting of the sea. The fact that match finding and Az Yashir are linked together hints that there is tremendous merit for reciting, particularly for this purpose.

 

* We learn a lesson from Miriam, Moshe’s sister. She gathered the women and they danced amongst themselves separately  from the men. Our Jewish mothers and ancestors throughout history, in every continent, took pride in their modest behavior.

 

* To maintain trust in G-d is brought out in these passages through the laws of ‘Chok’ (laws that have no reason, it just has to be done). At Marah, one of the stops the Jews made after leaving the sea, the water was bitter. G-d told Moshe to place the bitter tree into the bitter water and it will turn sweet. There was no logic (as opposed to the cases in Parshat Mishpatim); just do it, no questions asked.

 

Fifth Portion: * G-d introduces us to Mann, His heavenly food. Mann has characteristics of Olam Habah; it has no side effects and no relieving of you is necessary. The more spiritual one got, the better the Mann tasted. It can taste like any food you desire.

 

* This is another sign of G-d’s power. Even in the wilderness, G-d provides and serves His people like they’re in heaven.

 

Sixth Portion: * Every morning, Mann was “placed at the doorstep along with the morning paper”.

 

* It was not delivered on Shabbat. However, on Friday there would be a double portion.

 

* Shabbat represents Olam Habah and the bread (that we say Hamotzi on) represents the Mann. This is one of the reasons why we cover the challah. If one notices, every Jewish home has a tablecloth for their Shabbat table. One reason, besides being fancy-shmancy! is that we replicate how the Mann came down to our ancestors covered with a top and a bottom layer (the tablecloth).

 

Seventh Portion:  * After all the open miracles that happened to the Jews, there was a certain respect which the nations of the world had for the Israelites who represented G-d. It goes without saying that today, when the Jews have the Torah, they represent G-d as well. So when someone starts up with the Jews, they actually start up with G-d. Fresh from one of the most miraculous, hands-on, G-dly events in history, the Amalek nation had the audacity to wage war with G-d’s representatives, the Jews, and in the process desensitized the nations of the world from the awe of G-d. For this reason, Amalek is despised by G-d and orders the Israelites to wipe them out.

The Essence of
Bircat Hamazon (grace after meal)
In this week’s Parsha, we rid ourselves of Pharaoh and of Egypt as we leave and start our journey to the Promised Land. It was a monumental event and one that we remember often in our prayers and holidays.

If one is sensitive and smart enough, he will realize that man is here on earth for a very brief time and is given opportunities to accomplish his mission. While he’s working on fulfilling his goals, he is provided with nourishment to sustain himself. The sustenance which G-d provides should be appreciated. We show appreciation by saying brachot before and after we eat. Food is the fuel that keeps us going. As a matter of fact, perhaps the appreciation we demonstrate for the food might be part of man’s mission.

 

The Sages enacted Bircat Hamazon-Grace after Meals, so that we can thank G-d for that pastrami sandwich. It says in the Torah “VE-ACHALTA VE-SAVATA UBERACHTA” – “one eats then he’s satiated then he blesses”. This is the main biblical source for the grace after meals.

 

Looking carefully at Bircat Hamazon, one realizes that we mention how G-d took us out of Egypt. The exodus was a miracle and it showed His mighty hand. However, what is the purpose of mentioning this in Bircat Hamazon?  Yes, I quenched my desire and am now able to perform the duties which HE placed on me, but what does the exodus from Egypt have to do with thanking HIM for my meal? What does my pastrami sandwich have to do with the price of tea in china?

 

In order to understand, we have to learn a fundamental Jewish concept. There are four types of life in the world. The lowest level is an inanimate object, called DOMEM. DOMEM consists of rocks, earth, a table etc. Next level up is TZOMEACH which is vegetation, for example, flowers. A step higher is CHAI which consists of animals. The highest level is us, Humans, we are called MEDABER. The literal translation means to speak.

 

Let’s examine the main biblical source of Bircat Hamazon. It is important to understand what the root of the word ACHILA- to eat, is. ACHILA could come from two roots, let us explore both.

One meaning is to break down, to devour. The root word in Hebrew is KILAYON. For instance, an animal tears apart its prey.

 

Another root that ACHILA can be derived from is the word KALAH, which means complete, perfect.

The Sages found two roots of the word ACHILA-to eat. We see with our own eyes how both roots of ACHILA are correct and it depends on us as to how we utilize and “label” it.

 

Let’s take soil, which is the inanimate object of DOMEM, and plant seeds in it. Within a short period of time after planting the seeds, plants and vegetation will grow. This is called TZOMEACH. The animals, CHAI, then proceed to eat the vegetation. Man, MEDABER, then captures the animal, slaughters it, and then consumes it. Now man has nourishment to complete his mission in life and be perfect. This is what ACHILA is intended for, to reach perfection.

 

We can also use the other definition and eat like an animal by tearing apart the food for pleasure only without reaching any goal and without reaching perfection. Clearly, the choice and power is ours.

G-d kept on telling Moshe to tell Pharaoh, “let my people go so that they shall serve me”. Hashem was demanding, “Let them go so that they can be complete in their mission”. This is the only reason why the Jews were let go, to achieve perfection.

 

The essence of BIRKAT HAMAZON is chiefly to bless and appreciate G-d for what he gave us. The only way to bless Him is to have our freedom. For this reason G-d took us out of Egypt. Secondly, and equally as important, to fuel us so that we can complete our mission in life and truly attain perfection.

The Influence of the Evil Empire

There are two interesting questions pertaining to the Jews leaving Egypt. Firstly, one would think that when leaving Egypt, the Parsha would start off with trumpet-like-fiesta introduction. After all, it’s been two hundred and ten years under slavery and now the Jews are free; free to serve G-d, free to keep Shabbat, free to do all the mitzvot, free to have nice kiddushes on Shabbat!! Instead the Parsha begins with the word VAYEHI, which connotes negativity. WHY ARE WE NEGATIVE? WE JUST LEFT SLAVERY!!!

 

The second question is, if one notices, in all our prayers we say ZECHER YITZIAT MITZRAYIM – “remembrance of the exodus out of Egypt”. However, that translation is not correct. It should say YETZIAT MEMITZRAYIM – “going out from Egypt. Why do we say YETZIAT MITZRAYIM?

 

The answer is that Pharaoh was a wicked man and Egypt was the most impure country in the history of the world. In fact, the Rambam, Maimonides, who lived in Egypt, mentions in his Introduction to his books that “I am sinning every moment that I’m residing here”. Pharaoh purposely escorted the Israelites out of Egypt. In the process, he put a seal of the impurity that was the essence of the evil empire. That’s the reason why it starts off with the word Vayehi – bad. The impurity, the negative energy, continued into the nation of Israel. Most of the Jews who left Egypt died in the desert. It was only the next generation that entered the Promised Land.

 

When we say YETZIAT MITZRAYIM, that means that Egypt should go out of you, the impurity shall depart. We should be free and clear of the impurities of that evil empire and we shall be the pure souls that will achieve greatness as the chosen Jewish people.

Why did Pharaoh Chase the Jews One Last Time? 

One of the old time questions that one has to scratch his head and ask, why did Pharaoh, after getting beat up with all the plagues, choose to reconsider and chase after the Jews. If that’s not the ultimate HELLO!! Then try this – he sees the sea split! Yes, that’s right; G-d accommodates the Israelites big time and rolls out the red carpet in the middle of the sea for them to pass. Now, if I’m not Jewish and I see those events before my eyes, I would call up, or look up on the internet the nearest mohel, because I’m sold. Nevertheless, Pharaoh, with all his force, with all his firepower, pursues the Jews and still thinks he can beat them; go figure.

 

If we look at the events more carefully, we’ll be able to see the measure for measure, which G-d dictates on this world. Although sometimes G-d’s measure for measure requires more than one lifetime, but that’s for a different discussion.

 

In essence, the message to Pharaoh “you threw and killed Jewish babies at sea; I’ll kill you (the Egyptians) at sea!” We know the reason why Pharaoh was motivated to instruct his soldiers to do such a monstrous act because of his horoscope advisors who warned him of a threat. An Israelite born at a certain juncture in time will have the power to destroy you, and his demise will be from water. Therefore, Pharaoh chose the method of destruction for the Jewish babies, who were born at a certain time, through the NileRiver, water. After the death of the first born, the last plague, Pharaoh was ready to finally give up on the Jews. However, when his sources informed him that the Israelites were in course, en route towards the sea, he figured the horoscope was coming into fruition. This is where Moshe, the Jewish leader, was destined to die and he, Pharaoh, will have the glorious task to finish him off at sea. The horoscope, however, was correct though, but Pharaoh’s calculation of time was premature, indeed; Moshe’s demise was water. When G-d told him to speak to the rock and Moshe, instead, hit it and water came out. For this reason, he was punished by not entering the Promised Land, Israel.

Kid’s Section  

by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel – Pre 1A – Yeshiva Ketana of Queens
Hi! This is Rebbe speaking:

In this week’s parsha, Parshat B’Shalach, the Jews left Egypt in a hurry. The Egyptians were close behind them when they reached a dead-end. Or so it seemed. There was water ahead of them. Nachshon Ben Aminadav did not hesitate. He jumped into the deep water of the Yardein and the water split creating a path for them to cross. In last week’s Parsha, Parshat Bo, the Jews were commanded to eat the Karban Pesach dressed and ready with their sticks in their hands so that they can leave Egypt immediately. They did not even wait for their bread to rise. They took the dough with them on their backs. Why all the rush?

 

In Judaism a person is taught to do things with calmness and clarity.  One should not hurry into things. In this case, when they were leaving Egypt they are told to rush. We learn from here that we should do all mundane things slowly with clarity and thought, but when it comes to a Mitzvah, a good deed, one must immediately rush to do it. Do not wait, do not think twice.

 

When the disciples of the Kotzker Rebbe came to tell him the great news that a train was being built to Warsaw, the Rebbe was not impressed. “Your followers will no longer have to travel with horse and buggy. They will have a much shorter trip.” The Kotzker Rebbe answered, “What’s the big deal? Must we always be in a rush?”

 

The only time one must hurry is to do Mitzvot. Today we live a rush society. Everything can be achieved, received or sent immediately. This often does not allow us to think clearly. If you walk in the streets you will see everyone is in a hurry.

 

One must do a mitzvah quickly as if running away from a burning fire. But we must also make sure that we do not just start the Mitzvah, we must complete it.

 

The Chazon Ish asked one of his disciples of go from Bnei Brak to Yerushalayim to help another Jew. “No problem, tomorrow I have a wedding in Yerushalayim.” The Chazon Ish berated him and said, “You must not put off helping another Jew. You must immediately rush to do a mitzvah. Your wedding tomorrow has nothing to do with it.”

 

There is much that can be accomplished if one does Mitzvot with speed. Reb Meir Shapiro (founder of the world-wide Daf Yomi) founded the great Yeshiva, Yeshivat Chachmei Lublin. The students wanted to do something in honor of Rabbi Shapiro’s birthday. Reb Meir requested that they try to make a Siyum Hashas (finish learning all of Shas) in one day. They divided the entire Shas among all 250 students. Each student took as much as he felt he could accomplish. One boy, Daniel, took the entire tractate of Baba Batra. When evening came they looked for Daniel. He had not attended dinner, nor did he participate in any activities. Daniel was located in his dorm room finishing up the last few lines of Baba Batra. We see from here how much one can accomplish with an enthusiastic rush into Torah learning and Mitzvot.

 

It was an hour before Shabbat when the Brisker Rav summoned Reb Menachem Puresh, a well-known writer. Reb Menachem hurried to the home of the Brisker Rav. “Can you please write up a nice letter asking people for their assistance in helping an unfortunate Talmid Chacham (learned man). Reb Menachem took to the task of the Brisker Rav but could not help but wonder what the urgency was. Couldn’t it wait till after the holy Shabbat? Upon completion he asked the Rav why the letter had to be written immediately. His response was, “One does not put off doing a Mitzvah. Do we know what tomorrow will bring? Can we be sure that if we put off doing a Mitzvah we will not lose the opportunity to do the good deed?”
What have we learned today?
What are some examples of when the Jews rushed before they left Egypt? They were told to eat the Korban Pesach when they were all prepared to leave. They should even have their walking sticks in their hands. They did not have time to bake their bread. They ended up taking it with them and it turned into Matzah from the heat. We also see this with Nachshon Ben Aminadav. He did not wait; he immediately jumped into the water and merited having the water split so that the Jews could safely cross over.

 

When is one supposed to hurry and when must one remain calm and do things at a slower pace? One must rush to do Mitzvot. Do not delay. Do not wait to think it through. Don’t put off doing a good deed for a more convenient time. At all other times one should practice doing things at a much slower pace. One is told to think before he speaks or acts.

Dedications

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pinkhasov – Mazal Tov on the birth of a baby girl.

 

Rabbi and Rebetzin Gedalia Fogel, MAZAL TOV! upon the bar mitzvah of their son Shimon

 

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gad hatzlacha to all.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Rafi Fouzailoff for peace and unity in the world especially among our Jewish nation

 

Mr. David Bodenhiem in loving memory of his father Naftali ben Avraham MENUCHATO BEH GAN EDEN

 

Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Innoyatov for the health, parnasa, and hatzlaha to Rafael ben Yehuda, Gavriel ben Yehuda, Yehuda ben Avraam, and entire Innoyatov family and all of klal Israel.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Mordechay and Ricky Hafesov in honor of their son Gavriel upon his bar mitzvah MAZAL TOV!

 

Kimyagarov family David, Rachamim,Shmuel and all the grandchildren in loving memory of their Mother the ESHET CHAIL Raya bat Frecha

 

Mr. and Mrs. Joey Alibayof in loving memory of his mother Nurit Zulecha bat Malka and refuah shelema to his father Shmuel Naaman ben Yael

 

Dr. and Mrs. Arkadiy Izrailov in loving memory of his father Emanuel ben Chusni MENUCHATO BEH GAN EDEN

 

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Murdakhayev in loving memory of his father Baruchai ben Berucha and Refael ben Beitya MENUCHATAM BEH GAN EDEN

 

The Matmon family would like to wish a happy birthday to Yakoby Matmon AD MEAH VEH ESRIM!! and it should be full of MITZVOT!!

 

Anonymous

 

REFUAH SHELEMA

Shoshana Roza bat Ester

Shura Yoshua bat Chusni

Frumit bat Esther Malka

Yissachar dov ben Tzipora Faiga

Nissim ben Rachel

 

NETS MINYAN AT BET GAVRIEL SHABBAT MORNING!!!   
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Parshat Bo

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Spark Of Jewish Experience
 Parshat Bo
January 18, 2013
7 Shevat, 5773

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In This Issue
Parsha Bo Highlights
The Light of the Plaque of Darkness.
Holding on to Power
Candy Man
Kid’s Section by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel
Candle lighting Times

Parshat Bo Highlights

“I DON’T WANT TO OFFEND YOUR-MAJESTY, YOUR-HIGHNESS, BUT YOUR FIRST BORN BOYS WILL DIETONIGHT” said Moshe to Pharaoh.

 

That’s a weird way to address a king: respect and a fist in the mouth!  Before the tenth plague, Moshe informs Pharaoh that all of his servants will be looking for Moshe begging him to stop the plague. Turns out, it was actually Pharaoh himself who, in the middle of the night, in pajamas, went door to door trying to find Moshe to beg that he and the Israelites should leave.

Moshe was very accurate and meticulous when speaking to Pharaoh. If so, why wasn’t he more accurate by proclaiming that indeed it would be Pharaoh himself who will be parading in his nightly attire seeking him?

 

Moshe acted properly in treating the king with respect and not hurting an authoritative figure. By pointing a finger at Pharaoh and telling him “this will happen to you” is a gross lack of respect.

 

RESPECT?!-EXCUSE ME CHABIBI! Pharaoh was a RASHA! He tortured and enslaved the Jews; he ordered the execution of Jewish babies! You want to give this monster respect?! On the contrary, Pharaoh should be dragged around town and humiliated!!

However, the Torah is trying to teach us about respecting authority, any authority. There has to be respect for the leaders, teachers and parents. This is a very hard and foreign concept for us Americans to fathom, as we live in a democratic society where every time a politician slips, we scream “throw the bum out”!

 

The National Rifle Association has taken an unfathomable position after the Newtown tragedy, in which twenty six people, mostly children, were killed; they are in favor of guns. Truth be told, the NRA represents the epitome of democracy. The NRA was created as the result of the second amendment which permitted guns to be possessed. This was to ensure that no government will turn tyranny; hence there should be an armed militia accessible, just in case.  Initially, this seems very appropriate. However, although there are plenty of positives to a democratic system, all of them are at the expense of the watering down of respect for authoritative figures.

 

The Torah wants to emphasize the importance of having respect for authority; a king, a president, no matter how much the late show hosts poke fun of them. They represent the people and they enforce order in society. G-d loves an orderly society, even at the expense of believing in Him.

 

First Portion: * Even Pharaoh’s advisers suggested that he release the Israelites, but he refused. Unfortunately, the advisers still followed his command. History often repeats itself; this is the first of many times where “they just followed orders” from their evil leader. One cannot do that; opposition groups should have arose if they thought Pharaoh was wrong; grass roots should have begun to make themselves known. However, they didn’t, and therefore the Egyptian nation as a whole was responsible for their actions, just as Pharaoh was.

 

* Moshe and Aharon threaten to bring another plague, locusts.

 

* Pharaoh’s response was to let just the men go, and leave the women and children. Moshe obviously refused, setting the stage for the locusts.

 

Second Portion: * Pharaoh runs to find Moshe to beg him to stop the plague, stating, “I have sinned to G-d”. Sounds sincere, no?! Ha! Only a short time later, Pharaoh returns to his stance of refusal to let them go.

 

* Moshe brought upon Egypt the next plague, darkness, through the command of G-d.

 

* Many of the Israelites who were not following in the way of G-d perished in this plague. The reason why G-d chose this particular plague is because He did not want the Egyptians to say, “We’re not the only ones being punished”. By the time the Egyptians arose from the darkness, those Jews were already buried.

 

Third Portion: * Pharaoh said to Moshe, “You can leave, but your flock and cattle shall remain”. Moshe retorted back, “We will leave with all we have”.

 

* G-d made it so that the Jews were able to take gold, silver, and clothing from the Egyptians. The Egyptians themselves honored the requests of the Israelites to “lend them” gold, silver etc.

 

Fourth Portion: * G-d informs Moshe of the last plague, death of the Egyptian firstborn children.

 

* G-d instructs Moshe and Aharon how to fulfill the first commandment of the Torah. G-d informs them starting with “This month, I will implement a calendar system”. The calendar is based on the moon and is regulated by the sun. The time span between one new moon and the next is 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 3 ½ seconds. Since a month has to be composed of complete days, the months alternate between 29 and 30 days. So a 12-month year contains 354 days, as opposed to 365 days in a solar year. In order to make up the eleven day difference which, after many years, will cause a problem because Nissan, a spring month (Pesach has to be in the spring), will fall out in the winter. Therefore, the Torah instituted a leap year, which adds a 13th month (Adar ll) to the year, seven times every nineteen years. This will ensure that Pesach will fall out in the springtime each year.

 

* The Seder night of Pesach, which we still commemorate today, is a very powerful night because that was when G-d showed tremendous mercy on our ancestors many years ago. On that night, back then, we were instructed to perform the Pesach offering, which consists of roasting a lamb or sheep (these animals were sacred and were the Egyptian gods, by slaughtering them, it’s a slap in the face to the Egyptians). The blood from the offering was to be painted on the doorpost. While we were eating the Pesach offering in our homes, G-d skipped over our houses. Only the Egyptians were struck when He killed the firstborns.

 

* We are introduced in this portion as to how to perform our obligation on the holiday of Pesach.

 

Fifth Portion: * Interestingly, the Israelites were commanded not leave their homes on the night of the death of the firstborns of the Egyptians, “or else the angel of death will smite you too.”  One must ask, wasn’t it understood that G-d himself would kill the Egyptian firstborns? Still, the angel was specifically instructed to kill any Jews who left their homes. We learn an important lesson; one is not permitted to feel good in watching their enemy being tortured or killed. Although the Egyptians tortured the Jews, G-d still made sure not to let them see what was done to the Egyptians.

 

Sixth Portion: * Pharaoh ran out in his pajamas in the middle of the night to find Moshe and begged him to stop the plagues and to leave. He said the whole Jewish nation should leave.

 

*There were 600,000 men between the ages of 20 and 60 who left Egypt.

 

*In their haste, they left while the bread did not finish baking. This bread is called matzoh.

 

*The Jews were in exile 210 years.

 

Seventh Portion: * We conclude the Parsha with two passages, one is about the firstborn and the other is teaching the future generations. As we got prepared to leave Egypt, we were in essence graduating to a “nation” status. The narrative is directing us from slave status to a bright future where, now, the father of the household has a say and influence, and will be able to pass down the tradition of the gift that was given by G-d – the Torah.

The Light of the Plaque of Darkness
What’s the reason that “darkness” was one of the ten plagues?

 

Rashi, one of the main commentaries on the Torah, mentions that there were Jews who weren’t worthy of leaving Egypt and died during the plague of darkness. G-d didn’t want the Egyptians to say “you see, the Jews are also dying”. All the Jews who perished were buried during this plague.

Our Sages give us another reason for the darkness. The scripture mentions that the Egyptians were struck with darkness. Furthermore, the Passuk adds an extra statement that the Israelites had light. The commentaries explain that this particular darkness and light were very unusual.

 

We learned in Bereshit that G-d created light on the first day. Later on, the scripture again mentions that He created light on the fourth day. The Sages explain that the “first day light” was a magnificent spiritual light that was taken away and brought into the world for the righteous to seek it.

Just how is this light seen? Who has the privilege to see it?

Actually, one can see very clear and far with this hidden light.

When Yitzchak gave the bracha to Yaacov, who he thought was Eisav, he knew it was the right son because he smelled the apples of Gan Eden. He also envisioned two shining lights in the future, Yosef of Shisa and Yakum of Tzaroros.

 

When the enemies of the Jews desired to enter the Temple Mount, they declared “let a Jew enter first”. This Jew was Yosef of Shisa. They told Yosef that whatever you bring out of the Temple is yours. When he brought out the golden candelabra they told him, “it’s not fitting for a commoner to use this, enter again”. Realizing the magnitude of what he had just done, he refused. “Enough! I have angered my Creator once already” he cried. Consequentially, they killed him for disobeying.

 

Yakum was the nephew of R’ Yossi ben Yoezer. Once, he was riding a horse on Shabbat when he came across his uncle who was being carried on a horse on his way to the gallows. He exclaimed: “Look at the horse that my master  let me ride and look at the horse your master let you ride, I am indulging in sin and am fortunate in my lot, while you are engaged in Torah all your life and will probably be hanged”. R’ Yossi replied: “If this is the lot of those who anger G-d, how much more is the reward of those that do his will?” Countered Yakum: “Has anyone done his will more than you?” R’ Yossi replied: “If this is how G-d acts towards those that do his will, how much more so to those who anger him!”

The impact of this reply entered his heart like a serpent’s venom. Where then he went and killed himself.

Yakum had watched his uncle being led to his execution without displaying the slightest bit of compassion. On the contrary, he mocked him. Still, in the darkness that enveloped Yakum, R’ Yossi’s words made him see the light. The same is true of Yosef of Shisa. The sages say that they both entered Gan Eden for realizing and connecting to G-d at their last moments in this world.

 

Why are these two people the ones that Yitzchak envisioned when he gave the brachot to Yaacov, aren’t there greater Tzadikim and martyrs in our history?

 

The answer is that Yitzchak saw that even the worst of the worst have potential to see the light. Because of these future descendants, he gave the Brachot to Yaacov.

 

What happens when one looks straight at the sun? It blinds you. This is what happened to the Egyptians and to the Jews who didn’t survive. G-d said, “I’d rather blind and kill them with the spiritual light than with other plagues”. It seems like the darkness was the glare of the hidden light that can only be seen and benefited by the righteous. However, it’s detrimental to the unworthy.

 

We have to strengthen the light and minimize the darkness, the glare, the confusion. This can only be accomplished by putting value in the Torah. The Torah is written on parchment which in Hebrew is called OR with the letter AIN. OR is also called light when spelled with an ALEF. One can transform the darkness of this world into a bright light and have a clear vision straight to the heavens.

Holding on to Power 

How Pharaoh could not let the Jews out sooner?

I’m sure he comprehended the awesome power of the Almighty. Even after seeing the first couple of Plagues one can figure out there’s somebody up there. One doesn’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure out that G-d is powerful. A few frogs on one’s plate and blood in their beer mug would be pretty convincing. However Pharaoh chose to go the distance, ten plaques.

Who did he think he was Muhammad Ali?

 

One can easily relate to the powerful little King. (He was reportedly very short). Today our news is full of people like him. We’ve seen Lance Armstrong, the cyclist who lied for many years about taking performance enhancing drugs. He finally admitted it on the Oprah Winfrey show.

 

Ironically he was on the Larry King Show, a prominent talk show host, a number of years ago and got angry, unequivocally denying and mocking his accusers. Here he is years later admitting his guilt.

 

How can one face people after denying so convincingly? That’s embarrassing.

 

One of the greatest catchers in the game of Baseball was not elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame because he is suspected of using performance enhanced drugs. The writers, by not electing him,(the writers vote for players) indirectly accused him of taking the drugs. Piazza has not spoken or showed any protest in their decision not to induct him.

 

The Talmud teaches us in Tractate Ketubot-Silence is similar to admission-SHTEEKAH K’EHODA-AH.

All three of the individuals that we’ve discussed above have held powerful, pressurized, and prominent positions. It is not easy to let go of these powerful positions.

 

King Saul was known for his modesty. In fact when he was to be anointed as king, he hid to avoid being chosen as King.

 

Saul sinned by not killing the entire nation of Amalek. He was punished for that and lost his Kingship. When the prophet Samuel told him that he would no longer be King he requested to be King for a little longer because he felt so bad about losing the power.

 

At the end Pharaoh eventually admitted that G-d was great as we read every day in the famous song Az Yasheer….”Me Chamocha …..Me Kmocha …” The commentators state that the reason the first Chamocha is with a Chaf and the second with a Kaf is because Pharaoh was drowning as he stated “Who is like you … G-d …”It took ten plagues, the splitting of the sea and then the waters returning for Pharaoh to finally admit that G-d was the greatest and most powerful.

We are called Jews (Yehudeem) because of Yehudah. Yehudah had the important trait of admission. When Tamar sent over his staff, he admitted that he was wrong. He embarrassed himself by doing so, but he admitted to the truth.

 

It is very difficult to relinquish power. Power is very enticing and addicting. Once someone has tasted it, he does not want to give it up. However, we must always remember that, there are certain things which are more important than power. The truth and admitting to one’s faults are seen by G-d as the more important traits. In fact it is from the tribe of Judah that all Kings after Saul are descended from.

Candy Man 

Where is the candy man? Is the candy man here today?

 

No, I’m not referring to Sammy Davis, Jr. and the famous hit he had in the early 1970s ‘The Candy Man’. Most shuls (Bait Hakneset) have a designated candy man. I must emphasize that it’s important that a shul have one!!! It motivates the children to come. I remember the shul I grew up in, the Sefardic shul on 67th off Queens Blvd in Queens. The shul had a candy man named Nissimico, z’l. He was a feisty old man who had a tremendous love for the shul and its congregants. I remember every time a kid would approach him for candy, he would ask them ‘Are you a good boy or bad boy?” and we would answer back “a good boy”. Then he would say with a mean face holding back a smile “No, you’re a bad boy”, and he would give us a lollypop. We would always sneak a peek over our shoulder and see him winking and smiling at our fathers.

 

Today, my son and I go to a number of shuls Shabbat morning; my son looks forward to get his candy from Rabbi Friedman at the Chofetz Chaim or Simcha at Abramov’s shul. It’s important that the grown-ups (my wife might disagree if I’m referring to myself) not munch on the candies before Kiddush. One might think since I’m allowed to have my coffee or tea in the morning, then one would be allowed to have the candy, since the bracha is also a shehakol. Rav Ovadia Yosef says, one is allowed to have the coffee or tea as long as there is no sugar in it. Sugar has the ability to make a person feel full which will result in a ‘confident I’m okay’ attitude. One has to approach prayer with a broken heart, with a feeling of “Boy, it’s a tough world out there”. If one is a little hungry, his body gives him that message. He then would be in the proper frame of mind to pray and to ask G-d for his needs.

 

Today, kids get taffy pops instead of hard candies. (How many of you remember the Elite taffies with the white wrappers?) There are many types of candies out there, so much more so than the conventional lollypops Nisimico gave us. But I, must confess from what I remember, the lollys tasted just as good. There are many great memories of the shul of my youth; getting lollypops from the candy man was one of them.

 

I wanted to mention to Dr. Neil Levey who is one of the psychologists I use to enhance the quality of our newsletter and lectures, that your grandfather Nisimico was a very special man who put a lot of smiles on children’s faces.

Kid’s Section  

by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel – Pre 1A – Yeshiva Ketana of Queens
Hi! This is Rebbe speaking:

In this week’s parsha, Parshat Bo, we continue to see the great Emunah, trust in Hashem that the Jews had. Pharaoh and his people still did not trust in Hashem, even after seeing the first nine Makot. From where do we see this? Hashem told Moshe Rabbeinu to warn Pharaoh that he will bring Makot B’Chorot. He should warn Pharaoh that at 12:00 midnight Hashem will strike every single household in Egypt. He will kill their firstborn. However, when Moshe told Pharaoh he said “at around 12:00, Hashem will bring Makot B’Chorot.” Why did he say “around 12:00”?  Moshe Rabbeinu knew that the Egyptians still did not fully believe in Hashem and if their clocks strike 12:00 and their first born was not yet dead then they will call him a liar. Of course Hashem performed this plague exactly 12:00 midnight, but Moshe was afraid that their clocks may be a minute or two off.

 

On the other hand, the contrast is clearly seen with the Emunah, belief that the Jews had. They so strongly believed that they were willing to do, with Mesirat Nefesh, what Hashem had commanded them. Hashem told the Jews to slaughter and roast a sheep. This meant that they would slaughter and roast the very God of the Egyptians, the sheep. And yet they did not hesitate. They did just that. Hashem skipped over their houses and they were not affected by Makot B’Chorot.

 

Reb Moshe Leib Sassover was traveling through the woods when he was captured by a group of bandits. They were about to kill him. He pleaded with them and they relented on the condition that Reb Moshe Leib teaches a young child that was with them, the chief’s son. Reb Moshe Leib Sassover sat with this child and proceeded to teach him, but the young lad did not grasp what he was being taught. Each time the youngster would receive a severe beating. The Rabbi noticed that the child did not flinch or cry while being beaten. “How is it that you can receive such lashings and do not cry out in pain?” “I think of three things at the time I’m being whipped. The first thing I must remember is that it is my father who is hitting me. He must surely be doing this out of love. The second is that I always tell myself this must be the last beating that I will receive. And thirdly, how long can this go on? This situation will not be forever. If I have these three things in mind I don’t feel the pain so immensely.” Reb Moshe Leib Sassover repeated this story. “We must remember the great lesson that this young boy taught us. When all seems terribly hard and frustrating we must remember that it is all orchestrated by our Father in Heaven. And he is putting us in this situation out of love. And we should believe that this will be the last hardship and Hashem will surely bring Moshiach speedily in our days.

 

The Jews were greatly rewarded for their belief in Hashem. They left Egypt with all the valuables and precious possessions of the Egyptians.

 

Reb Moshe Friedman opened a Gemach, a free loan society, to be able to help other Jews in need. He saw that the economic situation in Eretz Yisrael, where he lived, was very difficult. But the amount of money that he had was not enough. There were some that he had to turn down, due to lack of funds. Reb Moshe traveled to America to collect money for his Gemach. He hired David to drive him around. “You can try to go to Mr. Crassberg. He is extremely wealthy but practically impossible to reach. There are only few that were lucky enough to get a donation from him. Actually, it’s probably a waste of time.” “Drive me to his home immediately. I must do my utmost to help my fellow Jews.” replied Rabbi Friedman.  They arrived shortly at the beautiful estate of Mr. Crassberg. They gently pressed the ringer at the gate’s entrance. “Whom may I say is here?” “Moshe Friedman.” They were escorted into the mansion and treated with great dignity. “Serve cake and fruit, and I will be with him momentarily. Moshe Friedman was seated on the most elegant sofa. He did not have to wait long. Mr. Crassberg entered. “Oh, you’re Moshe Friedman. I’ve actually been expecting a Mr. Moshe Friedman, a contractor with whom I am to close on a big deal. But since you’re already here, tell me what can I do for you?” Reb Moshe Friedman told Mr. Crassberg all about his gemach. Mr. Crassberg took out his checkbook and wrote out a check for $150,000! When Reb Moshe returned to the car he announced to his driver. “When one truly believes then Hashem truly helps.”

 

A small congregation had a flood in their local synagogue. As a result they had to do major construction. Aharon, the manager, took out the Sefer Torah from the ark before the construction and brought it to the scribes, Reb Yosef and Reb Shlomo. They carefully checked the Sefer Torah and saw that there were many mistakes. It was approximately $10,000 to fix. “The synagogue does not have the funds now. We will use it as is.” said Aharon. “If there is even one error in the Sefer Torah it may not be used.” Reb Yosef replied. “How can we allow the shul to use such a Torah?” Reb Shlomo and Reb Yosef decided to do the corrections without any pay. “Hashem will surely help us.”

 

After painstakingly and meticulously correcting all the errors, Reb Yosef and his partner, Reb Shlomo joyously traveled to this small town. On the way, they stopped in a cemetery to use the restroom. An officer came over to them and asked to see their license and registration. Not knowing what they did wrong, they nervously handed the documents over to the officer. “Okay, you may go.”

 

Two months later they received a court order from the police officer commanding them to come down to the precinct near the cemetery. They had no choice but to go. “There was a wealthy (non-jew) man that died. He had no close relatives. He instructed that his wealth be divided among all those that attend his funeral. And you two were there at the time.” They received $62,000. If one has Emunah, belief, Hashem helps.

 

What have we learned today?

 

What do we learn from this week’s Parsha? Emunah is a fundamental part of Judaism. When one believes, he will always gain. He will often see clearly that Hashem has helped him.

 

Why do we mention Yetziat Mitzrayim in our daily prayers? Yetziat Mitzrayim, our redemption from Egypt, is mentioned in our prayers since it is a clear example of something that strengthens our Emunah, belief in Hashem. The Plagues and the rest of the miracles that Hashem performed for us clearly demonstrate who runs the show. We must remember to have Emunah at all times.

 

Dedications

Kimyagarov family David, Rachamim,Shmuel and all the grandchildren in loving memory of their Mother the ESHET CHAIL Raya bat Frecha

Mr. and Mrs. Rafi Fouzailoff for peace and unity in the world especially among our Jewish nation

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gad in loving memory Sason ben Yosef and Frecha Borochov MENUCHATO BEH GAN EDEN

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gad in loving memory Sason ben Yosef and Frecha Borochov MENUCHATO BEH GAN EDEN

Mr. David Bodenhiem in loving memory of his father Naftali ben Avraham MENUCHATO BEH GAN EDEN

Anonymous May the brachot from upcoming TU BEESHVAT give briyut and parnasa throughout the year

Mr.and Mr Eddie Levi refuah shelema for all of klall Yisrael

Dr. and Mrs. Avraham Rambod for the gratitude, appreciation and hatzlacha to Rabbi Gedalia Fogel, and hatzlacha to all.

Mr.and Mrs Robert Eiss in loving memory of his mother Golda bat Maya and Chaim MENUCHATA BEH GAN EDEN

Dr. Joseph Blum wishing health and happiness to yours trully and all of the world

Mr.and Mrs. Michael Aharonoff wishing briyut,bracha,hatzlacha lehkol ha olam including yours trully

Anonymous

 

REFUAH SHELEMA

Shoshana Roza bat Ester

Shura Yoshua bat Chusni

Frumit bat Esther Malka

Yissachar dov ben Tzipora Faiga

Nissim ben Rachel

 

NETS MINYAN AT BET GAVRIEL SHABBAT MORNING!!!   
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Parshat Shemot

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Spark Of Jewish Experience
 Parshat Shemot
January 4, 2013
22 Tevet , 5773

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In This Issue
Parsha Shemot Highlights
Relying on that one day of the week to get your spirits up
The Beauty of Hope
Modern Workforce, Old Concept
Kid’s Section by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel
Candle lighting Times

Parshat Shemot Highlights

 First Portion: * Self preservation  for Jews in this great, big country is difficult!! How can we guarantee that our children will stay Jewish? How do we protect ourselves from being swept away by the western culture? The inter-marriage in the United States is at a staggering 60%. The illiteracy in basic Jewish knowledge is pathetic and unacceptable.

 

On Pesach, we read in the  Hagada that ” VAYARED MITZRAYMA ANUSE….. The Jews had no choice but to go down to Egypt. VAYAGAR SHAM-and they lived there. Yaacov, our forefather, did not intend to “live there”. There was hunger in the land where Yaacov and his family lived and G-d gave his blessings to go down to Egypt. However, He also said that He will bring them back. Therefore, Yaacov  instructed his children not to unpack their bags. “We are just here temporarily” Yaacov said. “After the famine is over, we are taking the first flight out of here”. As a matter of fact,  VAYAGAR connotes temporary dwelling as apposed to LEH HISHTAKEYA which implies to live in a place long term. Yosef purposely bought houses for them ONLY in the land of Goshen. One reason for this is so that they should not intermingle with the natives. Another reason is that Goshen is in close proximity to Israel. The plan was to be in and out. The last reason for this is that the land of Goshen was given as a gift to Sarah by Pharoah. Sarah withheld herself from the advances of Pharaoh and thereby elevated herself spiritually. In her merit, the land of Goshen was on a different spiritual plane. When the Mashiach comes, Goshen will be part of ERETZ YISRAEL proper.

 

Perhaps if the Jews would have stayed in Goshen, in the user-friendly and protective ghetto, they indeed would have been out in a short period of time. However, the Pasuk says (Shemot1,7) “and the Israelites blossomed and prospered and filled the land”. They began to live outside the ghetto, in the heart of where the Egyptians lived, in the center of town.

 

The Maharal points out that if they would have had the frame of mind that they are going to live in Egypt, they would have never left. The redemption would have never happened. It seems that G-d prefers us to be strangers in other lands. It’s designed that way.

We should not contemplate “are we an American first or a Jew first”. We have to maintain the attitude of our immigrant parents, who, for 40 years always said “we’re going back to Israel soon”. Although they never did, they subconsciously protected themselves from becoming an American and thereby getting too comfortable and making them susceptible to the dangers of losing their Jewishness.

 

The key is to feel that this is not our land. Our land is Israel. We are strangers here and the goal is to eventually return to our homeland. This frame of mind will protect us. How dangerous it is to talk like them, think like them, enjoy the same foods and entertainment they do. If one doesn’t hang on to his Jewishness, what will prevent him from pursuing the attractive Irish girl in the class. One can be an American. We must,  however, act like an immigrant; a perfect stranger.

 

Second Portion: * Amram, from the tribe of Levi, remarried his ex-wife Yocheved, heeding the advice of their daughter Miriam. They bore a son, Moshe. Amram had initially divorced Yocheved because of Pharaoh’s decree to kill all the Jewish boys. We learn a lesson from the sages; no matter how cruel the world can be, one should not refrain from having children.

 

* Moshe’s parents hid him in a basket and let it float in the Nile.

 

* Batya, Pharaoh’s daughter, discovers the child and adopts the Jewish baby. Batya needs assistance, and unknowingly, “drafts” the boy’s biological mother and sister.

* Pharaoh wanted to kill all Jewish baby boys because he was concerned about the predictions of the horoscope. Ironically, the person who was the threat to his kingdom, the one who he’s most afraid of, is unknowingly being raised in his own palace. Who says G-d doesn’t have a sense of humor?!

 

* The trait of kindness was evident in Batya, Pharaoh’s daughter, who saved the little Jewish infant. She called him Moshe; it describes the act in which she stretched out her arm to grab the basket with the infant inside.

 

Third Portion: “Moshe went out to his brethren and observed their suffering”(Shemot2:11) We see how his personality is developing and how his leadership skills, the intolerance to injustice for instance, is sprouting and maturing. Although other traits are later described, all stem from his fierce longing for justice. Throughout his trials and travails, the spiritual light is being developed through these experiences.

Nachshoni points out a passage from the RAMBAM’S Moreh Nevuchim which is quite fascinating.

 

“Prophecy begins when a man is divinely guided in the performance of a major good deed, such as delivering a large group of people from attack, saving a highly important person or influencing many persons and guiding them towards righteousness. When an individual is inspired in this way and finds within himself the impetus to act, we say that he has been “cloaked in” and “invested with” a Divine spirit. This such inspiration never departed from Moshe, even once he reached manhood. Through it, he was aroused to kill the Egyptian and to deter the wrongdoer in the quarrel of the two Jews. So strong was it in him, that even after he fled to Midyan, frightened stranger that he was, he could not bare injustice.

 

Rambam emphasizes that not everyone that has this capacity is a prophet. Rather, whoever G-d chooses has the final say. However, if one is chosen, that alone is the first of the eleven levels of prophecy.

 

Forth Portion: Moshe worked for his father-in-law as a shepherd. One day, a little calf runs away from Moshe’s flock. After trying to catch it, Moshe finds the calf drinking water. He then realizes that the calf was thirsty and was looking for the pond. Reasoning that the calf was tired after the chase, he then carried it over his shoulder back to the herd. G-d Said that this is the type of leader He wants to lead the chosen people.

 

* Much has been written about the burning bush. One “feel good” lesson I read in Or Gadalyahu and actually many commentaries also talk about it. The bush which was on fire but never burnt represents the Israelites; they can be punished and tortured, however they will never be destroyed.

 

Fifth Portion: Moshe at first refused to take the position because he thought he was unqualified, but G-d refused to take no for an answer. G-d then proceeded to give him instructions which were to notify the elders of Israel that they will leave the perils of slavery and go to the Promised Land. he was then commanded to go to Pharaoh and tell him to “Let my people go”.

 

* Moshe was concerned, “Perhaps they might not believe me.” To solve this, G-d instructed Moshe to perform three signs to show his legitimacy, one of which was to take his staff and throw it to the ground and it will turn into a snake. This was a sign to show that G-d has the power to take something that has no life and make it into a living being.

 

* Moshe was concerned that his older brother might be jealous of his important position, but G-d assured him Aaron would be very happy for Moshe.

 

Sixth Portion: On the way to Egypt, G-d attempts to kill Moshe for not performing the commandment of Brit Milah on his son. His wife, Tziporah, immediately grabs a sharp stone and cuts her baby’s foreskin. We learn a lesson; never delay performing commandments. In general, better to do something today than procrastinate and do it tomorrow.

 

* Moshe meets his brother Aaron and tells him the plan of action. They both then meet the elders and reveal the miracles that G-d had instructed him. After seeing them, the people believed him.

 

Seventh Portion: Pharaoh said, “Who is your G-d that I should listen to him?” responding to  Moshe and Aaron’s request.

 

* Pharaoh imposes tougher working and living conditions on the Israelites because of the “incitement” with Moshe and Aaron.

Relying on that one day of the week to get your spirits up.
From the lectures of Rabbi Isaac Oelbaum Shli”ta 

It’s always important to understand what we are saying in our daily and Shabbat prayers. After all, it’s not lip service. A friend of mine who is currently saying Kadish for his mother, once commented to me how he observed once as he participated in one of those minyan factories, how the chazzan, without a siddur, just rattled off the tefillah like a machine gun, in a monotonous emotionless voice; it was quick and painless. He said that by the time he raised my head from the siddur for a breather, it was over. How many of you readers remember the old Fedex commercials with the fast talking guy?

 

 In the Shabbat morning  Amida (Shemoneh Esrai) we read “YISMACH MOSHE BEH MATANAT CHELKO”, Moshe was happy. It would be nice to know exactly what Moshe was happy about; maybe he can share the joy, spread the wealth of happiness!!

By the way, the owner’s father of the bagel place on Main St. in Queens, Joe Amar, who passed away a number of years ago, was a famous singer in Israel in the 1960’s. He had a big hit song singing those words “Yismach Moshe”, please You tube it, if you like Sephardic chazzanut.

 

It says in tractate Bava Kama(10:2) that G-d was speaking to Moshe and said ” I have a present in my secret chamber and it is Shabbat, and I want to give it to the Jewish people. So please, Moshe, go and bring the good news to them”. It was for this reason that “Yismach Moshe”, that Moshe was ecstatic to be the one to deliver the news.

 

Well that’s beautiful, but why do we read it on Shabbat morning? The reason is because we received the Torah on Shabbat morning.

 

In addition, when the Jews were in Egypt, Moshe saw how torturously overworked they were, so he convinced Pharaoh to give them one day off to rest. He reasoned that ” if one wants to maximize the production of his workers, one has to give them a rest. That day was the seventh day, Shabbat. Therefore, Moshe was happy.

 

This day, Shabbat, which Pharaoh gave them to rest, was a very significant day for them in the spiritual growth and hope for the redemption. They would congregate and read from Megilot (scripts) about how G-d was going to redeem them; it was a very inspirational day. However, when Pharaoh discovered what was being conducted on these Shabbat gatherings (not sure if Chullent was served!!) he discontinued them. After this disclosure, he made them work double on Shabbat with no straw to work with.

Pharaoh overworked the Jews so that they could not even comprehend what Moshe was saying. By not having the Shabbat for inspiration, they inevitably sank into depression. It seems like Shabbat fueled their EMUNA- belief in G-d.

 

The Mesilat Yesharim states that we are like horses who ride without looking as to what is transpiring to their left and right. We need that one day to rest. We need that one day to break the monotony from our everyday, hectic lifestyle. It’s a day to reflect on what’s happening in our lives. It’s a day to spend time with the family and tell them “I love you”. It’s a day to have a nice meal with loved ones at the Shabbat table with no electronic distractions.

 

Perhaps this is what Moshe was happy about. He was joyous because of the potential of what one can achieve in improving their quality family life and their spiritual elevation. We hope this happiness of Moshe will rub off on all of us. Amen.

The Beauty of Hope 

We all, every once in a while, have had the chance to reflect upon our lives, both the good times that we’ve had and the bad ones. It’s a real pleasure to remember the good and it’s quite important and healthy to try to consciously remember them often.

 

Human nature is such that G-d gave us the gift of forgetting and therefore those bad memories don’t resurface as often. We also learned that, as the result of the sin of Adam, there is never 100% pleasure; they’re always mixed with a degree of negativity. The same is true with the bad memories; they’re often mixed with some of the most pleasurable moments in life.  For example, I don’t have good high school memories. Nevertheless, the time I spent with my parents during that period was unforgettable.

 

However, recently, after conducting my early Shabbat morning meditation, I discovered surprisingly

pleasurable feeling I had even during those bad times of high school. It was a feeling of tremendous hope, although it never materialized, it had a certain excitement to it.

 

The Sages teach us (Midrash Raba Bereshit) that everything in life has a certain degree of hope, whether it be preventing hardship, getting help from the merits of our forefathers (a major and effective method of prayer),  the pursuit of pleasure of OLAM HABAH, etc. etc. This is the mindset of having a strong feeling of hope that “G-d will provide”.

 

The SHA’ARAI TESHUVA by Rabbeinu Yona discusses what happens after 120 years when we go up to the heavens to be judged. One of the questions we will be asked, aside from the question of if we learned our daily dosage of Torah, is if we had our daily dosage of hope!!. The Gemarah in Brachot quotes Rav Chanina who says that if one prayed to G-d and had no pleasure in doing so, he should pray again.

The Chida says that even if we’re not worthy of Mashiach coming, if we have the strong urgency of hope, we will merit his arrival.

 

It is crucial that when we recite the Amida three times daily, to have the feeling of hope in the BRACHA of ET SEMACH AVDECHA. When one reaches the words in that bracha of “KEE LEE SHUATCHA KEH VINU KOL HAYOM-for we HOPE for your salvation all the day”, he should capitalize on the opportunity.

 

Hope is an important feeling to have and is the essence of survival. It’s a positive energy and one that is vital to possess.

Modern Workforce, Old ConceptSomething interesting occurred in this week’s parsha. The mastermind of the Egyptians’ governing body cleverly designed a plan where the Jews would be so overly exhausted and therefore won’t be able to pick up their heads and realize their situation. What was this ingenious brainstorm that kept the Jews at bay? Well, guess what, it’s similar to the modern revised workforce of today’s America.

 

Pharaoh instructed his enforcers to make the men do traditional women’s tasks and the females doing what the males were accustomed in performing. By the time the end of the day arrived, both genders were psychologically exhausted. The chores of the day threw them off focus, off balance, and made them lose their identity; to the extent they were unable to verbalize their feelings.

 

The plan of the Egyptian caused Jews to be scarred where they were labeled as unworthy to enter Israel because of their slave mentality. It was only their children who were cleansed in the desert who were allowed to enter the Promised Land.

 

Obviously, they were unprepared for the role reversal, for if they were, maybe it would be an entire different ball game.

 

Similarly today, there is a change in the traditional gender jobs. Plus, there is a slow shift where the traditional male breadwinner has also changed. Women, in some homes, now bring home the bacon…ooops I mean the brisket. Men were not made to stay home and women prefer to be at home at least for some of the time.

 

Both men and women whom have fallen into this predicament must have strong character to find respect in themselves and their spouses. It’s not easy; one should know they are both in good company. One has to have strong self-esteem to withstand any criticism. One of the major factors in saving marriages in these situations is falling into the traditional male, female religious role. Men make kiddush, hamotzi, and learn traditional male scriptures, while women do the same by lighting candles, etc. This will enable the genders to fall back on the things that are most natural.

 

Making adjustments is an art. It says G-d doesn’t create a problem without the remedy. We have to be aware of the changes in society; one has to lower their pride for the sake of the family and be aware that changes are inevitable.

Kid’s Section  

by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel

Hi! This is Rebbe speaking:

In this week’s parsha, Parshat Shemot, we learn the very important concept that through the tzarah (tragedy), comes the yeshua, salvation. Pharaoh commanded that all Jewish boys be thrown into the Nile River. Moshe Rabbeinu was put into a box in the water and Pharaoh’s daughter, Batya, found him and took him home with her to the royal palace. That was how Moshe Rabbeinu was able to have influence on Pharaoh and was eventually able to redeem the Jews from Mitzrayim. Moshe Rabbeinu pleaded on behalf of his Jewish brethren and said to Pharaoh, “The Jews are working too hard.” Pharoah then answered, “Oh, you say they’re working too hard. You’ll see what hard work means!” And he commanded that the Jews make their own cement and carry very heavy bricks. This seems like only bad came out of this. But this was not so. As a result of this hard labor, Pharaoh allowed the Jews to shorten their workday. They were able to join their families earlier in the day. Previously when their work was not as strenuous, their workday was very long.

 

A prime example of this is the story of Purim. When King Achashveirosh chose Esther as his queen this seemed to be the worst scenario. But it was only through this that Esther was able to save the Jews from the wicked Haman.

 

In the time of the Bais Hamikdash, the Holy Temple, when one spoke Lashon Hara, evil words against someone else, they received a negah, spot on the wall (clothing or person themselves). When there was a spot on the wall the person had to knock it out. Often they would find a treasure that the Roman’s had hidden in the walls. So this spot turned out to be a savior for them. Through the bad came out good.

 

Even today, if we look, we can see that many times Hashem brings about the good from what seems bad.  Ruth was an artist. She drew beautiful pictures and paintings. One day she awoke to find a pain in her hand. At first she ignored it, but as the days went on the arthritis got worse and worse. She drew and painted with throbbing pain in her right hand. She could barely lift her hand to her head. She made up her mind that she would have it checked out. Before she got a chance to make the phone call, Ruth tripped on the steps in her home and fell. She felt excruciating pain in her right hand. She broke her hand and needed surgery. “What will be with my paintings? If I thought it was bad before, what will be now?” Ruth slowly recovered from her surgery and she miraculously felt completely cured. The arthritis pain she had before the fall was completely gone.  Ruth was able to continue her beautiful artwork.

 

Hurricane Sandy left many without electricity. But one of the main concerns was the Hospitals. NYU Medical Center was without electricity and the patients had to be carefully transferred to nearby hospitals.  Pearl lay in the ICU of NYU. She had cancer and there seemed to be no cure for her. They were just observing her and hoping for the best. When the electricity was down, Pearl was transferred to a different hospital. There they looked over Pearl’s records and were astounded. This woman lay in the ICU with no chance at all? They had a surgeon that was willing to try to operate on Pearl. He did just that and Pearl was given a second chance. Shortly after the operation Pearl was transferred to the recovery room and today she is home on her own two feet. I don’t think anyone thought there was any good to the outage in NYU.

 

When the winds were howling and the rain was coming down, we watched from our windows the trees swaying back and forth. There were many trees that fell in the storm, but did we think for a moment about the chesed, the kindness of Hashem. Hashem created Hurricane Sandy so that people would stay indoors. They would not be hurt when trees in their neighborhood fell. These trees obviously were not strong. They could have fallen on an ordinary day when there were many pedestrians out. Hashem wanted to protect us so he created a storm that would confine people to their homes.

 

What have we learned today?

 

Where in past generations do we see that the redemption came about through something that seemed like a tragedy?

Moshe Rabbeinu grew up in the Pharaoh’s palace. Esther HaMalka was sure that it was a curse that she was forced to be Achashveirosh’s wife but was the one that was able to redeem all the Jews from Haman.

 

How can we strengthen our Emunah, belief in Hashem, in a time of tragedy or strife?

If one finds himself in hard times, he can wallow in sorrow, or he can strengthen himself in belief that this hardship may be a pathway to his salvation.

 

Dedications

Mr. and Mrs. Rafi Fouzailoff for peace and unity in the world especially among our Jewish nation

 

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gad hatzlacha to all

 

Anonymous, in honor of our NETS MINYAN AT BET GAVRIEL SHABBAT MORNING

 

Mr. and Mrs Lev Kimyagarov for refuah shelema of his grandmother Raya bat Frecha

 

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Gil in honor of his parents Akiva and Ester Gil MENUCHATAM BEH GAN EDEN

 

Mr. and Mrs. Joey Alibayof in loving memory of his mother Zulecha Basanda Nurit bat Yaffa, and refuah shelema Shmuel Naaman ben Yael

 

The Wenger family in loving memory of his father Yisrael ben Moshe may the neshama have an aliya

 

Anonymous, in honor of Mordechai and Ricki Hafesov for the bar mitzva of their son Gavriel MAZAL TOV!!

 

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Nektalov wishing that the parent who lost children in the Newtown massacre would be consoled

 

Mr. David Bodenhiem in loving memory of his father Naftali ben Avraham MENUCHATO BEH GAN EDEN

 

Mr.and Mrs. Roman Aminov may G-d grant bracha and we should see an extension of klall Yisrael

 

Mr.and Mrs. Leo Yonatanov in loving memory of his beloved mother Mira bat Osnat

 

Mr. and Mrs. Ouri and Nancy Amar for hatzlacha to all of klall Yisrael

Anonymous
REFUAH SHELEMA
Shoshana Roza bat Ester
Shura Yoshua bat Chusni
Frumit bat Esther Malka
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Pesach Seder Guide

“A Cup of Coffee 

 

&

A Quick Thought”

Steaming Cup of Coffee
Spark Of Jewish Experience
 Tzav
March 29, 2012
6 Nisan, 5772
Dear Friends,

 

If you would like to receive our newsletter every week, click on the ‘Join Our Mailing List’ button (located on the right side column – below the ‘Quick Links’ section and above the ‘Advertisements’ section).

 

We have expanded the Parsha Highlights section.

 

In appreciation to the staff of The Afikim Foundation for all their help, and to Torahanytime.com for giving us the mic.

 

We are now displaying business ads in our newsletter. If you are interested in placing an ad, please email me or call 917-804-7692. It’s completely tax deductible and the proceeds go to teaching people Torah. Be a part of the Mitzvah!

 

Please print out this newsletter and say over a great D’var Torah at the Friday night Shabbos table.

 

Please forward to a friend and be a partner in spreading Torah.

 

Dedicate a newsletter, shuir and a CD in memory of a loved one.

In This Issue
Pesach Seder Guide – Part 1
Pesach Seder Guide – Part 2
Pesach Seder Guide – Part 3
Pesach Seder Guide – Part 4

Pesach Seder Guide – Part 1
            Americans have their Thanksgiving and us, Jews, have our Passover. Pesach is a holiday of extreme importance where we make it our business to get together with family or be part and parcel with our fellow brethren. The Seder nights are designed to seek that togetherness so that by the end of the 15th step of the Seder (starting with kadesh, urchatz), we accomplished completeness within ourselves and as a nation and are ready for the redemption.

Why do Jews put such importance on this holiday? Even the most secular Jew wants to connect to the Seder table. In popularity, Pesach is head to head with Yom Kippur. Rabbi Akiva Tatz, quoting the mystics, made an interesting observation. The most intense part of anything; the most concentrated, powerful, the most strongest, is the inception, the root is where everything sprouts from. A person’s childhood is crucial for his development. Any action and reaction to an accordance would most likely be magnified and indebted in his psyche  and influence his adult decisions.

Pesach was the inception of us being a nation; it’s the root of camaraderie; it’s our birth as a people. The root is intense and the feeling of togetherness we experienced then for the first time is brought back every year. In the heavens, the concept of time is different; years are not a factor. If one experiences Pesach or Purim, it’s as if he’s experiencing it when it actually happened for the first time. G-d showered us with kindness and mercy when we left Egypt, even though we didn’t deserve it. In order to receive that Pesach experience with the same warm feeling that G-d bestowed on us, and perhaps ask Him for our wanting needs, then one has to accomplish certain steps on the Seder night. We have to reach a perfect, complete, heavenly state of Shalem in order for our requests to  be granted. On this night, that reach is a lot easier because of the power of the moment in which G-d was kind to us then, or I should say then is now. The number 15 is a significant number which represents completeness. Although we try to reach that throughout the year in our prayers (15 steps in yishtabach, 15 emet veyatziv, king davids 15 shir hama’alot), the path is a lot easier on Pesach; perhaps we should take advantage of the opportunity.

 

Let us explore the 15 steps:

 

Kadesh

In every happy joyous occasion, we make kiddush. Kadesh means to sanctify and here we sanctify time. Kadesh also means to separate; we are separating time. Perhaps this is where we get the expression “make something out of nothing.” We elevate the time because of the beautiful occasions. Why is wine the preference for the Kiddush? Rabbi Akiva Tatz reminds us of the famous phrase that we say for wine, “nichnass yayin yatza sod” – wine goes in, the secret comes out. The most popular explanation is we can determine by one’s drinking his true nature because wine takes away the mask, the barrier. However R’ Tatz says the secret here is something deeper. There is a very fine line in drinking in the early stage. If one drinks slightly more than he should, he makes a fool of himself. At a certain point however, the person drinking has a vision well beyond the usual state of mind, he has the ability to think clear and to develop ideas and formulate concepts; he has the ability to use creativity to the highest caliber. Perhaps the fact that wine decreases the paranoia and sadness in one’s heart, gives way for opportunity to develop and to boldly go where one could not reach before. A Jew has the ability to sanctify time through his vision and bring down happiness at kiddush time.

 

Urchatz

            This washing is in preparation for eating the karpas dipped in salt water. In the times of the temple when people were able to observe the laws of ritual purity in full, they were required to wash their hands before any produce that has been dipped in water or certain other liquids. So why do we wash our hands today? There is no temple; we don’t do it throughout the year. Why all of a sudden do we wake up now and say hey let’s wash our hands, and not  throughout the year?   Again, one of the themes of the Seder is to pursue the goal and increase, rekindle the hope of the final redemption where we will have a temple and we will be required to do the command that’s not required today.

Pesach Seder Guide – Part 2
   

Karpas

 

No double dipping please, with the exception of George. The custom of karpas is to dip a vegetable into salt water. This apparently was a sign of freedom, comfort, and indulgence. Yet we dip it into the salt water to remind us of the bitterness of the bondage. Those who are meticulous and detail-oriented should be asking a fairly obvious question. If the Seder (which means order) is in its proper order, then why is karpas here and not in the section of magid telling of the story of the exile? It appears out of sequence. In order to get a clearer understanding of this, we must examine the word karpas.

The word karpas is also associated with clothing. Rashi, one of the main commentaries on the Chumash, associates it with one of the threads of the coat that Yaacov, our forefather, gave as a present to Yosef.  One of the main ingredients of the galut (diaspora) is disunity, separation, and strife. This is the reason why throughout history, when the Jews were united, we flirted with having the Messianic time at our doorstep. It seems like the order of the haggadah is actually quite precise. You see the galut didn’t start when the Jews were in Egypt; it started way before that. When Yaacov gave only one of his sons a coat made out of karpas/wool for a present, all the other brothers got jealous and the harmony and unity among the brothers was shattered. The coronation of the disunity between the brothers was when Yehuda, the brother they looked up to, brought Yosef’s karpas coat, after selling him to the Arabs, to Yaacov, asking him if he recognizes this, referring to the ripped coat in which they dipped in animal blood.

 

The antithesis of the dipping of Yosef’s coat is the dipping of the vegetable in the salt water. We regret the sin of our ancestors and the disunity it caused. That incident was the beginning of the exile.

 

Yachatz

 

We are now preparing ourselves to start the telling of the story of Pesach by laying the matzoh in front of us. We take the middle of the three matzot and break it in half leaving the smaller half in between the two, and the larger is put away for the afikoman. The patriarch of the family usually does this task. There is a mystic source that when the patriarch is breaking the matzoh, he should concentrate on many brachot for his family and for Klal Yisrael. There are different opinions as to what the three matzot represent; Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaacov (our patriarchs) or Kohen, Levi and Yisrael (the three status levels of the Israelites), are two opinions of what these matzos represent. The middle of both Yitzchak and Levi represent din – harsh judgment. Symbolically, we nullify the harsh judgment on us by breaking the middle matzoh. Matzoh is called lechem oni – bread of affliction; the phrase can also be interpreted by our sages as lechem she’onim bo – bread that you answer to it. Therefore, it’s always present when we discuss the story of the redemption from Egypt.

 

Magid

 

The whole Seder is orchestrated to be a kid-friendly atmosphere. The goal is to keep the children interested. We play hide and seek with the afikoman. In some communities, the participants of the Seder playfully hit each other with scallions when the prayer dayenu is recited to keep the children awake. The reason of the strong emphasis on the children is pretty obvious – they are our future. The second half of the haggadah’s primary focus is the future. Our children will carry the baton to the messianic time, although we might see him in our time period. Dealing with children is the primary agenda. There is such delicacy when dealing with the four sons. The Torah hints that every son should be approached differently. One must realize education cannot be taught the same to everyone. I excelled in the class in third grade but didn’t learn a thing in the fourth. The Rabbis’ styles of teaching were different; their personalities were different. Naturally, I gravitated to the one I was most comfortable with. The sages don’t suggest a different teacher for every student. Economically, it’s not possible; however it’s making one aware that there is a difference.

 

The importance of passing down the tradition is quite important. In the temple, in the Holy of Holies, the keruvim, which stood on top of the aron, had the image of a father and son. This relationship, if healthy, is the essence of Judaism.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pesach Seder Guide – Part 3
   

 

 

Rachtza

We always wash our hands before bread. Although the health conscience advocates applaud the act because it promotes better hygiene, its main purpose, though, is to wash away spiritual impurities. The act and its blessing is associated with eating bread. The Torah says bread is the most satisfying food, more than meat, cheese and sushi, and therefore it is considered very important. By removing any spiritual impurities through washing of the hands, one can elevate an ordinary meal with bread to a highly energized spiritual experience. We are considered physical human beings with the purpose to use the physicality tools that G-d has given us to promote excellence in all worldly areas.

 

Motzi Matzoh

The question is asked, if chametz is so evil that one can’t even possess it during the holiday of Pesach and matzoh has such tremendous spiritual qualities, why eat chametz altogether? Perhaps one should eat the spiritual matzoh all year long. We’ll definitely score brownie points in the great adding machine in the heavens. In fact, the sages do agree it would be ideal, but find it impossible to deprive one of bread. There is a concept in the Torah involving the number seven which is defined by the Sages as being complete. There are seven days to a week; harvest occurs on the seventh year, etc. The Torah teaches us if one keeps Pesach with the utmost intensity and meticulousness during the complete seven days (8 days outside of Israel), he will fulfill his requirement of going full circle of not consuming chametz and eating matzoh

 

Maror

Although some of our brothers, the Ashkenazim have a tougher time with maror then the Sefaradim, one has to taste some level of bitterness in the maror. One does not fulfill his requirement if he swallows the maror without chewing. In fact, the Gemarah says he has to bite it into pieces with 22 teeth corresponding to the 22 letters of the alef bet, which is found in the Torah. Life is bittersweet. One can find the Torah very useful and helpful in dealing with the difficulties one receives in his lifetime.

 

Korech

We can look at the ma nishtana as one question instead of four – why are we mixing the bitterness of matzoh and maror with the majestic royalty of dipping and leaning at the Seder night? The same paradox can be found with Hillel who combines the matzoh (freedom) with the maror (servitude).

This is the taste Hillel is left with at the end of the night. Taste is one of the senses we are given and tonight it’s a tool to connect to the feeling our ancestors had. When Adam sinned by eating from the tree, one of his punishments was that goodness which he will now experience, will be always be mixed with a degree of bad. If one notices any happy occasion in the history of the world, was interrupted by some negativity. This is the true feeling of life and is one that our ancestors realistically experienced on their way out to freedom. One should not be disillusioned and get depressed that life has turned out the way it has.

 

Shulchan Orech

Enjoy the meal!! After Pesach, G-d willing, we will occasionally feature recipes of various cuisines.

 

Tzafun

One opinion of why we eat the afikoman is in memory of the Pesach offering. The definition of afikoman means dessert. The matzoh of the afikoman was eaten at the end of the meal replacing the desert. As mentioned earlier, it represents the redemption as well as servitude .The taste of the matzoh is the last taste in out mouths before going to bed. One should have the taste of the servitude matzoh humbling him and he should also have the taste of the redemption. We play hide and seek with our kids as we try to find the afikoman. What are we trying to find? When our forefather, Yaacov, was on his deathbed, he called all his sons and apparently was ready to reveal the secret when the Moshiach will come. However, apparently G-d hid the thought and Yaacov forgot. It’s symbolic – the kids and the grown-ups trying to find afikoman and reveal the coming of the redemption. This is why we open the door of our home to usher in Eliyahu, the prophet, who will take the role of the Moshiach.

 

 

 

 

Pesach Seder Guide – Part 4

Barech

We say the grace after meal (birkat hamazon – bentching). In the last paragraph of birkat hamazon, we read “oseh shalom bim’romav” – G-d makes peace in the heavens between fire and water then He shall surely make peace among us and He’ll make peace on all of Israel and they would say amen. If we believe in G-d the way we’re supposed to, then G-d will inject in us a portion of unity that will lead to the redemption. Just like fire and water are opposites and they are able to co-exist in the heavens; so too, no matter how different people are from one another, we’ll co-exist as well. There are many couples that are opposites (fire and water), however they get along because there is a certain commitment to the one above. It’s interesting that this passage is in the benching, where one says after being satiated. My father always said, “son, never come home after a day’s work hungry.” Always put something in your mouth before walking in the door. A hungry person gets agitated quickly and a fight is imminent. After one eats and benches, then he’s able to accomplish the goal of unity.

 

Hallel

We’re close to the end or perhaps shaping up the future. One has to be at an advanced state at this juncture of the night where showing praise and appreciation to G-d comes natural. The focus is clearly the future; however to get there, one has to realize the goodness that G-d has bestowed upon us. One of the passages we say in the Hagaddah is an important praise we sing early Shabbat morning called nishmat kol chai. In most communities, it’s the main focal of their cantorial singing. What makes it unique in its praise and appreciation is that its composer was a Jew in the highest caliber named Shimon Khafa. About 2000 years ago, an offshoot religion started called Christianity. The great Sanhedrin (71 judges great court of Israel) was concerned that Jews will abandon Judaism for this new belief. Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel, the president of the Sanhedrin, who is quoted earlier in the Haggadah, approached Shimon Khafa to perform a difficult but important task; they wanted him to infiltrate the hierarchy of this new religion and alter, make a clear distinction between Judaism and Christianity; this way Jews won’t mistaken it as part of their own and won’t be lured in off guard. Shimon accepted and became one of the most important spies we’ve had. He successfully altered their day of rest from Saturday to Sunday, as well as, dehumanized their savior. Eventually many years later Khafa was exposed and was executed. Some say he was none other than Peter. As one can imagine, a spy cannot express his feelings outwardly. In fact, a spy has to take on a different identity; play the part. What often happens in the spy world is they play their role too well where there is confusion of who is the real person inside of you. We often have an identity crisis as is could one imagine what spies go through. However, Shimon had so much love for Hakadosh Baruch Hu (G-d), His nation, and Judaism, he composed a long and eloquent praise affirming his belief and great appreciation to life and to his master. It’s a tremendously moving piece and deeply inspiring whether it be Shabbat morning or at the Seder.

 

Nirtza

 

We conclude the Seder by asking G-d to accept our prayers and for our enthusiastic loving participation in this beautiful night. Many years ago, G-d showed us tremendous kindness and took us out even though we didn’t deserve it. It’s obviously a special night of tremendous potential kindness in which G-d can continue the flow of this good. We have to take advantage of this night. On any other night to get to a spiritual height, we have to work very hard to accomplish that task. However, tonight, the connection to the heavens is strong. (4g)

 

 

 

 

 

 

G-d willing, our prayers will be accepted and next year we will sit in Yerushalayim in happiness with spiritual abundance and the Moshiach. Amen.

To all those who participated in our mock singing Seder including Chazan Ruben Ibragimov and the baal tefilos Ari Hoch and Rabbi Uri Sklarr.

 

To my wife and family who had to put up with me and my odd hours on the computer…. a debt of gratitude.

 

I would like to thank G-d for the chance He has given me to spread Torah.

 

Thank you to all the Rabbis and tremendous Jewish brethren who have helped me with Torah shmoozam for this issue, and the ones throughout the year.

 

Thank you to The Afikim Foundation for their dedication and hard work.

 

Thank you to my family and to you – the readers.

 

 

May you all have a chag kasher v’sameach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sincerely,
Rabbi Avi Matmon
Spark of Jewish Experience

Parshat Ki Tisa

“A Cup of Coffee 

 

&

A Quick Thought”

Steaming Cup of Coffee
Spark Of Jewish Experience
 Parshat Ki Tisa
March 8, 2012
14 Adar, 5772
Dear Friends,

 

HAPPY PURIM!!!!

 

If you would like to receive our newsletter every week, click on the ‘Join Our Mailing List’ button (located on the right side column – below the ‘Quick Links’ section and above the ‘Advertisements’ section).

 

We have expanded the Parsha Highlights section.

 

In appreciation to the staff of The Afikim Foundation for all their help, and to Torahanytime.com for giving us the mic.

 

We are now displaying business ads in our newsletter. If you are interested in placing an ad, please email me or call 917-804-7692. It’s completely tax deductible and the proceeds go to teaching people Torah. Be a part of the Mitzvah!

 

Please print out this newsletter and say over a great D’var Torah at the Friday night Shabbos table.

 

Please forward to a friend and be a partner in spreading Torah.

 

Dedicate a newsletter, shuir and a CD in memory of a loved one.

In This Issue
Parshat Ki Tisa Highlights
A Different Type of Hero
Show Me Your Glory
Are Colognes and Perfumes Allowed on Pesach?

Parshat Ki Tisa Highlights
First Portion

* ‘When you take a census of the Israelites, each man shall give a ransom for himself to G-d so the census does not lead to plague’ (11:12)

What’s the connection between plague and census? Rashi and many commentaries say that the plague results from the evil eye – not from sin. The tally draws every individual from the general mass, establishing him as a separate unit so he’s judged independently. Therefore, plague strikes him more severely than if he were being watched as part of a community. As a result, G-d instructed Moshe to collect from each individual coins as opposed to counting the individual person. The custom remains today of not counting our brethren individually.

* The reason why a half a shekel is required is to show that G-d has forgiven the Israelites for the sin of the golden calf. They sinned after a half of day when Moshe didn’t return.

* Here is another example that the Torah is not in chronological order: The census took place after the sin of the golden calf which we will read later in the Parsha.

* G-d ordered that a large copper basin with spouts be constructed and put in the yard of the Mishkan. It was filled with water every morning, so the kohanim poured water over their hands and feet before commencing their task. This water was not meant to cleanse them for health hygiene purposes, but more for enhancing them spiritually and to cleanse themselves from impurities. The power of water can change and elevate one spiritually. Here is the source of washing hands whether for the morning ritual, meal ritual and bathroom rituals.

* The shemen hamishcha was prepared by taking numerous spices. Each spice was crushed separately; then they were blended and soaked in water so that their aroma would be absorbed in the water. Olive oil was added to the water, and the mixture was boiled until the water evaporated and only the spiced oil remained. That oil (oil of anointment) was preserved in a flask to be used for the purpose of anointing the kohen gadol and kings from the dynasty of David.

 

Second Portion

* The power of evil strikes again invoking an uneasy feeling that the Israelite leader, Moshe, is dead and therefore confusing the Jews in their calculation of when his return was to be. As a result, they came to their second-in-command, Moshe’s brother, Aharon, and demanded a new conduit, a new go-between to G-d. Apparently Aharon, feeling pressured, instructed them to build a golden calf. The steps Aharon comprised to get to this golden calf was difficult and he believed would take them some time. This delay, Aharon thought, would give Moshe the time needed to return before it was built. However, in their haste and enthusiasm, they finished it rather quickly.

* There is an expression ‘one sin leads to another sin’. Many sages comment that the celebration of the golden calf led to sexual misconduct.

* It’s not exactly clear what was Aharon’s role in this tragedy. The fact that he and his sons remained in the most coveted position in the nation indicates he was not at fault. Although, some commentaries say he did get punished for his role; they hint that there is a link between the sin of the golden calf and the death of Aharon’s two sons, Nadav and Avihu.

The fact, though that the incident occurred under his leadership; even though he personally was not involved, he has to take the responsibility. The captain is responsible for anything that occurs on the ship.

* Moshe breaks the tablets after returning from the mountain and seeing the Israelites in a state of sin. He then punishes the aigel worshipers with death and tests the Israelites with the waters of sotah. This was done by taking the golden calf and burning it; crushed the remains; mixed it with water; and had the Israelites drink it (the sotah was a married woman who was suspected by her husband of adultery. Her integrity was tested by having her drink specially prepared waters, causing her to perish if she was guilty).

 

Third Portion

* Moshe goes up the mountain a second time to get a second set of tablets.

 

Fourth Portion

* Moshe was only able to see the backside of G-d. Apparently seeing the front would be too much for a human to handle. Many commentaries ask what exactly did Moshe mean by saying ‘let me see your presence’.

 

Fifth Portion

* G-d reveals the thirteen attributes of mercy. He informs Moshe a method of guaranteeing mercy in which we invoke as the crux of our Yom Kippur prayers. We frequently apply the virtue of our forefathers Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. However, these thirteen attributes, if said with proper concentration and sensitivity, will be very effective. Sephardic custom is to say it daily as well.

 

Sixth Portion

* Observing Pesach is mentioned.

* Here is the source of pidyon haben; the redeeming of the first-born. If a person becomes a father of a first born, he has to buy his baby back from the kohen.

* The holiday of Pesach is mentioned.

 

Seventh Portion

* The meeting with G-d on the mountain puts Moshe on the status of an angel. He didn’t sleep or eat for that period.

A Different Type of Hero
   

One of the major questions in the Torah and a story line that’s difficult to comprehend, is how is it possible the Israelites, our ancestors, can sin with the golden calf after seeing so many miracles that G-d has bestowed on them? The whole Egypt experience, the plagues upon their persecutors, and the splitting of the sea was so mesmerizing that all the nations trembled upon hearing what had occurred. However, there were those who spoiled it for the rest. Perhaps an example of the most ineffectiveness of G-d’s revelation is the shameful and pathetic story of Micha. It says that he clung to his idol through the plagues of Egypt and the splitting of the sea. Can you imagine the audacity?

 

 

 

We read with awe the sages words “even a maidservant was able, at the splitting of the Red Sea, to perceive of the Divine what Yechezkel ben Buzy was unable to grasp”. Our ancestors saw more firepower miracles during that generation, than in any time in history. So how can the Jews be so confused and wither away at the first wimpy test of faith?

 

In order to answer the question, we must take a closer look at the statement about the maidservant we just quoted. If indeed a maidservant was capable of such lofty understanding, why is she still referred to as a maidservant; she should be called a prophetess?

 

Apparently, these unique events and highly energized spiritual revelations on their own do not create a prophet. The maidservant, after all the hoopla, still remained a maidservant. To develop prophet status or reach spiritual heights, one must go through character development and self-perfection. The sages have a regiment through the guidance of the Torah on how to achieve these goals. It’s humorous to read about these adventurous Hollywood stars, as well as rock and roll artists, studying Kaballah or whatever the organizers of that contraption call it. For one to get to that lofty level, one would have to go through many steps of Torah study and character fixing. Though one can reach a very high level through being nice, considerate, and kind, where he will develop a tremendous sensitivity toward others. Reaching that level of sensitivity to one’s fellow man, to an extent where the world feels a lot more crisp and sharp, along with the conscious effort to progress in learning Torah, will breed a level of contentment, happiness, and perfection. If these Hollywood stars would have gone through the true Torah system, they wouldn’t be called Hollywood stars, they would be called kaballists!

 

The Mesilat Yesharim equates us to soldiers, and the true heroes are the ones who can control their desires. Apparently, that’s the definition of a strong man, Ish Chayil, one who is able to grow and develop, then he will appreciate the miracles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Show Me Your Glory
   

One of the most intriguing and philosophical passages in the Torah is in this week’s Parsha, when Moshe, who was on the mountain receiving the tablets, asks G-d .”Let me see Your glory”. The response was “No man has seen my face and lived.” The sages say that G-d had only showed him His back. Many commentaries asked what exactly was Moshe’s request? It’s a loaded question with many different angles that we can explore. There are many interesting ideas (since we are such a creative people), which the sages raise as to what Moshe’s intent was.

Let’s start with a Gemarah (Brachot 7). The sages state that Moshe wished to know why there are righteous people that suffer and wicked people who seem to be rewarded. This is an age-old question that G-d seemingly refused to answer. The Chofetz Chaim offers a telling parable in this regard. A Shabbat guest noticed how the shamash distributed honors to members seated all over his host synagogue. Puzzled, he asked the Shamash, “Why didn’t you distribute the honors in a more orderly fashion?” The shamash answered ‘How do you know there is no order in my system? What do you know about our synagogue anyway? Do you know who was honored in previous weeks?”.  This is just what G-d told Moshe. “You ask me why the righteous suffer and the wicked enjoy reward. Yet, do you really know when reward begins and when it ends? Do you have any idea what was yesterday? Do you have any idea of what events happened in the past and who the righteous and evil were in former incarnations?

 

“Everything we see”, says the Chatam Sofer, “we see vaguely.” A person does not know beforehand what present events will lead to in the future as is demonstrated by the miracle of Purim. “You shall see my back” (Shemot 33:23) can be figuratively read, as “You shall see my ending”. Only in the end, do we grasp the purpose of any act,  “My front cannot be seen”, we cannot know the reason for an event ‘up front” before its conclusion.

 

Here’s another idea of ‘show me your glory’. We know we are destined to reach potential goals. However, there is a percentage of effort one has to make in order for the bracha to kick in. One cannot stay at home and say; oh it’s destined for me to receive that. This is a common dilemma when dating to get married. Is there a set amount of dates one has to go on? Is there a certain amount of pursuit in which one has to do to receive a date? When does trying stop and nuisance begins? In regard to having children, to what extent does one have to go in order to accomplish that goal? This question can be applied in many variations in making a living and health issues.

 

Moshe asked, “Show me Your glory.” Show me the fine line between effort and it’s in G-ds hands now.”

 

Interestingly, we often play, what would you say and do if you are in his shoes? Although, we talk to G-d every day, what would you ask G-d if you had the honor to bring down the Torah?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are Colognes and Perfumes Allowed on Pesach?

 

With the holiday of Purim coming to a close, the race is on to CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN for Pesach. Although we are still wearing our winter coats, spring training has already started in Florida where the Mets and the Yankees are practicing. The enthusiasm of spring, especially when we flirt with a 60-degree sunny day, is so great that we forget to take our bulky winter coat. We often pay the price toward the evening hours where temperatures dip to the 30’s. I remember going to a baseball game in early April at the old Shea Stadium. It was a beautiful nice day but it was freezing with a ferocious wind at the ballpark. But the thought of spring, as well as Pesach, gives many of us such an energetic boost. The anticipation of Pesach, a beautiful holiday that personifies spring, is welcomed by many.

 

To get us in the mood for the holiday, a discussion about some of the things that are and are not permissible would be kind of interesting.

One may ask, are we allowed to put on perfumes and colognes on Pesach? Why would it be an issue, one may ask?

First and foremost, one has to know a basic concept on the rules of chametz. The Rambam (Maimonides) rules, and it’s also stated in the Shulchan Aruch, that “if a dog will not find it edible then it is permissible to use”; so it seems like there’s no problem. However, Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l many years ago, who revolutionized the practical applications, rules “even if something in its present state is inedible but if you can possibly distill it and produce edible chametz,  then we would call it chametz.” Many unnatural alcohols mixed with various chemicals if they can be restored to their original fit, then its chametz. Methanol and isopropyl are not chametz. Perfumes and colognes though, are unfit and have no chance of becoming chametz. Some say the scent of the perfume might be considered fit and since it is the primary ingredient of the perfume then its problematic. However most incline to consider perfumes and colognes permissible. This application is only for pure liquid state.

 

 

 

 

Sincerely,
Rabbi Avi Matmon
Spark of Jewish Experience

Parshat Teruma

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“A Cup of Coffee 

 

&

A Quick Thought”

Steaming Cup of Coffee
Spark Of Jewish Experience
 Parshat Terumah
February 23, 2012
30 Shevat, 5772
Dear Friends,

 

If you would like to receive our newsletter every week, click on the ‘Join Our Mailing List’ button (located on the right side column – below the ‘Quick Links’ section and above the ‘Advertisements’ section).

 

We have expanded the Parsha Highlights section.

 

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Dedicate a newsletter, shuir and a CD in memory of a loved one.

In This Issue
Parshat Terumah Highlights
Taking Pride in Being Real
Father & Son Relationship
Million Dollar Smile

Parshat Terumah Highlights
 

First Portion

 

* The Jew of today goes to Synagogue daily; some go weekly; there are those who go less frequent. In essence, we are practicing what the Torah describes ‘And I (G-d) will dwell among them’ The question is asked why does it say ‘them’? it should say ‘dwell among it ‘; the subject is the sanctuary, the one central Temple. However, the spirituality of the sanctuary has been transmitted to every local synagogue and study hall where optimally the Mikdash brings a man so close to G-d, all feel Him within them, where G-d approaches each being according to what he can endure. Although our great nation is part and parcel with each other and we all follow the same central laws; however communicating with G-d is also very personal.

* When one is considering moving to a new neighborhood, one of the first and foremost items on his list are that he should seek is a temple of his liking.

* It is odd that G-d instructed us to make a sanctuary and limit the spirituality and to confine G-d to a concrete area, the Mishkan. It sounds like a contradiction to the essence of Judaic belief of G-d, which is, G-d is everywhere. However, it became essential because man needs that central figure to reinforce the strong commitment to G-d. Unfortunately the lack of temple added to the temptation that caused the Israelites to sin at the golden calf incident. For this reason, now we can answer why the sequence of events is in question because apparently the sin of the golden calf was brought before the building of the Mishkan, and here the parshiot are lined up the opposite. As we know, the Mishkan was enacted because of the sin of the golden calf. Rav Zalman Zorotzkin suggests perhaps we see a pattern how G-d runs the world; He never gives the diseases before the cure.

* Mikdash – according to Maimonides and other commentaries – means ‘house of appointment. The main purpose is to prepare oneself for tomorrow.

* Every person volunteered something that was from thirteen raw materials that was found in the Mikdash.

* The Aron (Arc) was the most essential part of the Mishkan and therefore discussed first. Apparently, it was constructed before the Mishkan itself.

 

Second Portion

* The Keruvim were the most intriguing part of the Mishkan. They were set on top of the Aron. The two Keruvim were baby-faced and had wings. If at times, the Israelites’ prayers were accepted, the Keruvim would embrace each other, and at times when the prayers were not accepted, they would turn away from each other. Their wings thrust upward signifying that man should always aspire for spiritual heights.

 

* Atzai Sheetim/cedar wood was the wood used for the Mishkan. Why did G-d prefer the wood of the Sheetim above all other kinds of cedar? The Sheetim were picked since it bears no fruit. G-d wanted to set an example for people who build a house. They should reason that if G-d constructed His Mishkan from the wood of a barren tree, we certainly should not use the wood of a fruit tree for this purpose. (One should note it is not permissible to cut down a fruit tree.)

 

 

Third Portion

 

* The menorah had seven lamps, which corresponded to the constellation of the seven stars. The seven stars represent the course of all natural events in the universe. The flames, which were lit with the purest of olive oil, symbolize the illumination of the intellect, and will rise above the mundane nature of the world. The center flame represents Shabbat, and the other six flames; three before and three after represent the days of the week, which get all their power and resources from Shabbat. The Shabbat represents time, and the Mishkan represents the place where G-d brings down spirituality.

 

 

Fourth Portion

 

* There is a tremendous emphasis on wood in the Mishkan. The Temple represents peace and all the components that go with it. Our Father, Abraham, received guests, the three Angels, under difficult circumstances. The kindness which he performed by serving them under a tree; this is the kind of tree that is represented in the Mishkan. Later, Our father, Yaacov instructed his children to plant these trees in Egypt, knowing they will not find trees in the desert, where they would take the cedar wood with them.

 

 

Fifth Portion

 

* The Shulchan (table) was the medium through which the blessing of nourishment flowed to the entire world. G-d therefore commanded it should never be empty since His blessing rests on substantial matters. This was hinted by Elisha the prophet who told an improvised woman that she must have something in the house upon which G-d’s blessing could rest. It’s also important to note never to say that the bracha is finished; one should conclude ‘the bracha is plenty’.

* Some communities have a tradition to place the twelve breads that were presented in the Mishkan, and place them to say the bracha ‘Hamotzi’ at their Shabbat table.

 

 

Sixth Portion

 

* The Altar is where the sacrifices take place. Many miracles were performed in the Mishkan. It’s fascinating how a fire from the heavens comes down and consumes the sacrifice in which the individual brings; that signifies that it has been accepted. Imagine, I can’t help but think how that’s a very significant way to get close to G-d.

 

 

Seventh Portion

 

* If one notices there is no metal or steel in the temple, that is because metal symbolizes war and the Mishkan represents peace. There are communities that remove the knives from the Shabbat table meal before birkat hamazon because the Shabbat table represents the Mizbeach, and believe it or not, is a great way to get close to G-d.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taking Pride in Being Real
   

 

 

Rashi, the main commentary on the Torah, explains, when G-d writes ‘make me a sanctuary for me’ He means solely for Me. We must ask to what extent is ‘solely for Me’.

 

King Solomon, in conversation with Hiram king of Tyre, informed him that the reason my father David did not build the Temple was because he fought many wars.

 

What was Shlomo alluding to? Was King David really so busy with battles that he had to scrap the plans to build a Temple? He did have time to write the book of Psalms, which was an enormous body of work, and probably took much of his energies from other important functions. Perhaps that’s the reason for not building the house of G-d. It would not make sense, if David had even a slight opportunity to build the Temple, he would have made it priority #1. What was the reason behind Shlomo’s statement to Tyre that prevented David, then King not to build the Temple?

 

The holiday of Purim is soon coming!! We learn something fascinating from the Klei Yakar who brings an explanation on what motivated  king Achashverosh to throw the devastating party in which the Jews participated which got them in trouble.

 

Apparently, Achashverosh married royalty. Vashti, his wife who he had killed, was the granddaughter of Nevuchanetzar. If the reader remembers, Nevuchanetzar destroyed the first Temple and took much booty from the Temple. Achashverosh was much excited about the party because he would perform a ceremony in which he assumed, would put him over the top as king. He planned on dressing up with clothes that were taken from the Bet Hamikdash, performing the Kohen Gadol’s rituals in which the Kohen performed in the Temple. As a result, Achashverosh would be unstoppable.

 

The king of Persia, as many others believed, that every time the Jews are about to do battle, they pray and do sacrifices in their Temple and emerge victorious; it’s a guarantee!!

 

Although the plan didn’t work, one needs a lot more then just the clothes and the utensils for G-d to accept one’s Tefilot (prayers). But that was Achashverosh’s mind-set.

 

King Solomon said to Hiram “My father fought a lot of wars and maybe there might have been a slight tinge of ulterior motives; the temptation was great for David, considering his position with an unstable foreign affairs policies.” G-d informed David that he will draw the blueprints, and Shlomo, his son, will build it. Shlomo reigned in peaceful times with his surrounding neighbors.

 

Are we sincere in our belief in G-d? When we give charity, how much is it? Do you really want to help or does one desire the recognition from the community that they’re a super individual? Although one should give and do good things, even with ulterior motives, the Torah believes what starts as insincere, turns to sincerity.

This Dvar Torah was given mostly by Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz who always has a way to make the individual think and to understand our conscience and unconscious thoughts and bring out self-awareness. I hope the reader enjoyed this schmooze as much as I did many years ago. It was one of my favorites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Father & Son Relationship
   

 

 

The most intriguing and fascinating items of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) are the Keruvim. They were found on top of the Aron. They were two child-like faces with wings pointed upwards. When the Israelites were close to G-d, they would embrace each other, and when the Jews were not on the standards that they should be, the Keruvim would face away from one another.

 

The sages say, when G-d wanted to give the Torah to the Jews, he asked for a guarantor. So the Israelites replied “Our Forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Yaacov would be perfect.” G-d refused, stating “They owe me. How can they be guarantors?” An example was given, if a man wants to borrow money from someone and demands a guarantor, and the potential borrower says how about Joe? The potential lender refuses stating “how can he be a guarantor? He owes me money himself.”

 

G-d said to the Jews” bring me someone that doesn’t owe me.” The Israelites answered back “We know someone who doesn’t owe You a thing, the children; they’ll be the guarantors.”

 

Apparently, there are a number of different opinions as to who exactly were the Keruvim; some say it’s a boy and a girl; others say it was a boy and a man. Yechezkel’s vision was that of a boy and a man.

 

What’s the meaning of having a boy and a man on the faces of the Keruvim? Rabbi Noach Isaac Olbaum explains this is the essential part of Judaism. It’s the father and son relationship that’s crucial to the continuous existence of our nation. It’s the father’s obligation to pass down the tradition to his son. Without a doubt, the fact that the Keruvim were placed in the holies of holies on top of the Aron, shows the importance of the relationship between the father and son. You can’t get holier than that place.

 

Therefore, we have to examine and fortify our relationship with our children. It should be healthy and communicative. The parody of the American dysfunctional family is brought out very well in the satirical TV series, The Simpsons. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen television and that show in particular. The show, indeed, well written, was very funny but very sad; but most important, a very true portrayal of many family structures, or I should say dis-structure in the western world.

The Torah emphasis the importance of the bond of father and son and the crucial treasure the Torah, passing down the tradition, that’s at stake. So perhaps what we could do is go out for a burger with our son; have a catch when the weather gets nice, and most important, learn Torah with him. It’s important and it’s a priceless moment.

Million Dollar Smile

This coming week is my father’s yartzeit; there are many things that were special about Pop. But there’s one particular thought about him, which I put together in one of my earlier lectures a number of years ago, which I would like to share with you:

Pop and I were on a business trip in South Carolina visiting a good customer of his. He had met him years before in Dallas, where both were salesmen. Pop was working for himself while his friend was working for a major (terminology for a ‘leading’) jewelry chain. Now, this friend was running an established business of his own. In the jewelry business it’s called a ma & pa store. We were invited to this friend’s house for a meal, and after the meal, the friend, who was a schmoozer, was having an extended conversation with Pop. I was watching Monday Night Football with his kids in the other room. I can see Pop through the hall in the dining room smiling and nodding his head in approval at whatever the friend was saying. What was odd, after an hour, was that they were still having their conversation. Actually, it was the friend who was doing all the talking and Pop was just nodding and smiling. “Pop doesn’t understand English that well to comprehend a lengthy one-hour English conversation”, I remember saying to myself.

As the evening was coming to an end, the friend said to me as we were by the front door saying goodbye, “Your father and I had an amazing discussion; he’s a pleasure to be around”. In the car, driving back to our hotel room, I asked Pop what did they talk about? He smiled and giggled and said “I have no idea.” Like many conversations with Americans, my father, an immigrant, was able to build his life through one of G-d’s spiritual forces — a smile.

It says in Pirkei Avot, ‘Greet every person be’sever (with intelligence), panim (greetings; for example: hello – shalom which is another name for G-d. When we greet people, we remind each other that greetings are a G-dly trait and we’re emulating it), and yafot (smile; animals show teeth which is a sign of aggression while humans show teeth as a sign of compassion).

Rava said, if a student struggles in his studies, it’s because the teacher did not smile at him. A smile opens up the intellect. It’s a spiritual trait, which is the reason we tend to gravitate to, and therefore we are attracted to a smiley person. Politicians consciously go out of their way to smile. The Talmud says ‘White of teeth is better than a cup of milk’; meaning sometimes, under certain circumstances, it’s a better option than serving guests with refreshment or showering one with gifts.

There is a beautiful story that I once heard on the topic of smiling. Every morning, Abraham enters the plant and greets everybody with a smile. One Wednesday afternoon, Thanksgiving weekend was fast approaching and people were anxious to leave work for the long weekend. Abraham was packing the meat in the walk-in freezer when he realized – as he was attempting to leave – the freezer door is locked.

Apparently, the other workers, in haste, locked the freezer without realizing someone was in there. Abraham realized the dangerous consequences he would be in if he’s left in the freezer for an extended period of time. A few hours passed and it was time for the doorman to change shifts. However, he felt a certain uneasiness that something was missing. He mentioned to the guard that will replace him ‘”You know, there’s one guy, the smiley guy, that I have not seen leave “. The guard went upstairs to look for him and discovered Abraham, frozen, but alive, in the freezer. Apparently a smile can go a long way. This guard gets hundreds of people entering and exiting the building daily. Nevertheless, he remembered Abraham because a smile is magnetic. Humans are drawn to a smile because it’s spiritual.

For some, smiling comes naturally; however, for others, it’s not so easy. If one realizes the importance of a beautiful smile he would be at a tremendous advantage.

Sincerely,
Rabbi Avi Matmon
Spark of Jewish Experience

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Parshat Yitro

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“A Cup of Coffee 

 

&

A Quick Thought”

Steaming Cup of Coffee
Spark Of Jewish Experience
 Parshat Yitro

February 9, 2012
16 Shevat, 5772

Dear Friends,

 

If you would like to receive our newsletter every week, click on the ‘Join Our Mailing List’ button (located on the right side column – below the ‘Quick Links’ section and above the ‘Advertisements’ section).

 

We have expanded the Parsha Highlights section.

 

In appreciation to the staff of The Afikim Foundation for all their help, and to Torahanytime.com for giving us the mic.

 

We are now displaying business ads in our newsletter. If you are interested in placing an ad, please email me or call 917-804-7692. It’s completely tax deductible and the proceeds go to teaching people Torah. Be a part of the Mitzvah!

 

Please print out this newsletter and say over a great D’var Torah at the Friday night Shabbos table.

 

Please forward to a friend and be a partner in spreading Torah.

 

Dedicate a newsletter, shuir and a CD in memory of a loved one.

In This Issue
Parshat Yitro Highlights
Parshat Yitro – Freedom of Choice
The Ultimate Task of Parents
Important to be in a Safe Environment

Parshat Yitro Highlights
First Portion

* Yitro was Moshe’s father-in-law as well as a former advisor to Pharaoh, who actually advised favorably on the subject of the Israelites. However, his advice was not taken well and he was forced to flee; He also was a high priest in Midyan.

* Many nations have seen and heard the miracles that G-d performed on the Jews in Egypt and at sea. However, Yitro comprehended what G-d has done. He was impressed to the point where it changed him and was ready to convert to Judaism.

* Moshe sends a message for Tziporah his wife to meet at a certain point in the desert. So Yitro arrived with Tziporah and Moshe’s two sons at the scheduled meeting place.

* A meal offering was initiated by Yitro commemorating his circumcision and his introduction to Judaism. We see many years later, the King of Israel, Shaul, warned the Canaanites, who were the descendants of Yitro to leave their residents within Amalek (enemies of the Jews) because war was imminent. The reason for such concern not to harm them stemmed from this meal celebration between Moshe, Aharon, Yitro, and other high-ranking officials. We see the power of a sit down meal celebration, for mitzvah sake, and how positive it can be where it has long lasting effects hundreds of years later.

Second Portion

* Yitro’s experience in pubic office where he had a high ranking position in Pharaoh’s super power government, enabled him to advise Moshe on how to be more proficient in his duties and basically make the system run better.

* There is a question as to why Moshe wasn’t able to derive the advice that Yitro gave from the Torah? We have to understand, although the Torah provides great wisdom; there will be on occasion an individual that can provide sound advice. G-d’s purposely teaching us it’s not the intellectual superiority that’s the main part, nor are we more cultural advanced then the other nations, but the focal point is the spiritual superiority.

Third Portion

* Moshe took the advice of his father-in-law.

* Yitro decided to return to Midyan.

* Why did Yitro decide to return to Midyan? Wouldn’t he feel more comfortable with his new comrades (his fellow circumcised Jews)? (See one of my shmoozim on the email newsletter). One should note, Ruth, the Midyanit convert, decided to go to Israel with her former mother-in-law rather then go back to her former home. It would be most difficult to maintain one’s religious level among people who do not have the same goals as you.

Fourth Portion

* The Israelites arrived at Sinai and Moshe went up to receive the Torah.

* G-d told Moshe to tell the people “If you keep my Torah, then I will hold you in great esteem.”

Fifth Portion

* Moshe came down from the mountain and told all which G-d is demanding of us. The elders, the leaders all answered back “We will do whatever G-d says.”

* Moshe gave instructions on the preparations to receive the Torah.

* The nation gathered at the bottom of the mountain.

Sixth Portion

* G-d’s aura had descended on the Israelites; it’s the closest the Jews have been to the presence of G-d.

* The first two commandments were recited by G-d. However, the people weren’t able to withstand the rays of G-d’s presence; Moshe then recited the last eight.

* The Ten Commandments are divided into five. The first five on the right are commandments between G-d and man; while the second five are commandments between man and his fellow man (see schmooze in this email newsletter).

 

Seventh Portion

* One cannot even imagine what a special moment in history this was. The scripture says they saw the voices.

* Only three Jews did not witness the revelation at Mount Sinai; Yitro and Moshe’s two sons. How can that be – Moshe sons? This was designed by G-d so Moshe can perform what every father and Rabbi is commanded, and that is to pass it down to the next generation. Apparently, almost the whole nation heard The Sinai experience, so there was no passing down for a while. But they observed the best teacher – Moshe taught his sons.

* Three million Jews witnessed the receiving of the Torah; no other religion has witnesses with this magnitude that have seen the revelation of their religion.

Parshat Yitro – Freedom of Choice
   

King David was quoted as praising Yitro, Moshe’s father-in-law, as a very smart man who has a tremendous insight into G-d and was able to fully comprehend the miraculous events that occurred to the Israelites. This was evident by some of the definitions of his seven names, in which Rashi and many commentaries say he was called by. What was it about Yitro, which impressed David and warranted such praise?

It’s only natural in a successful marriage that more and more matrimonial matches spurt up between the two sides; Moshe’s nephew, Elazar, marries one of Yitro’s daughters. But what’s odd when we are introduced and informed of the union, is Rashi’s description of Potiel, the father of the bride, Yitro’s other name; he describes a man “who fattened calves for idolatry” and “from the seed of Yosef who conquered his passion”. Now I understand the compliment of the comparison to Yosef, that’s very nice; however, why bring up “he fattened calves”? It’s very demeaning not just for Yitro but for Elazar as well. One can only imagine the mazal tov section of the weekly Synagogue newsletter stating ‘Mr. and Mrs. Potiel, the ones who fattened calves for idolatry.’ It doesn’t have a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

In this week’s Parsha, our ancestors received the Torah and we read the Ten Commandments. One has to ask, why did G-d emphasize these ten as opposed too many others he could have mentioned? Furthermore, G-d wanted to give it to the other nation as well; but His reply to their question of what’s in it, always played on their weakness. For example, to the Arabs he emphasized ‘do not steal’; to Edom, ‘do not kill’; G-d knew perfectly well that it would be difficult for them.

Rabbi Oelbaum says that the fundamental importance of the Torah is to enable us to overcome and do the opposite of our nature, to break the one aspect of our personality that we have a tough time overcoming. This is the primary goal of life.

Perhaps this is what G-d intended when approaching the nations and asking, are you ready to accept for real, and therefore you would have to eradicate stealing or murder or what ever weakness one has.

Rav Eliyahu Lopian teaches an important awareness of freedom of choice. This is an important aspect of man. However, one should know the definition of freedom of choice is not that one can do whatever he wants. If that was so, what is man’s superiority over animals? They too can do whatever they want. The definition of freedom of choice is that he’s able to choose himself and go against his nature, against his natural instincts and animals cannot do this.

Perhaps this is the greatness of Yitro; his weakness was idol worship to an extent where he couldn’t control himself. However, he was able to persevere and see G-d where many couldn’t. We must bring another definition of Potiel and that is ‘sheniftar me-avoda-zara’, he was able to disassociate, break off from idol worship.

These Ten Commandments were chosen because they are the fundamental building blocks of the Torah, of life. If we strengthen our character traits and not get sucked in like a magnet, we would have done our duty and we would be able to exercise our true freedom of choice.

The Ultimate Task of Parents
   

One should know and realize by looking at the tablets in which the Ten Commandments are placed on (and is found in every synagogue in the world), that one half represents man’s relationship with G-d while the other half represents man’s relationship with his fellow man. If one examines it closely however, one will notice “honoring your father and your mother” is placed in the wrong column – on the side that represents man’s relationship with G-d. Clearly, as far as I’m concerned, parents are humans and they belong on the other side of the tablets. Perhaps the designer thought it would look awkward having six and four placed on the Aron Kodseh (place where you keep the Torahs). Five and five look much better and even; it gives more presence to the Synagogue, especially the fancy shmancy ones.

We read in Psalms, which was written by King David; (Sefardim read it daily while the Ashkenazim recite it the month before Rosh Hashanah). “My father and mother have left me but I still have you, G-d”. We can deduce from the Psalm that King David relied heavily on G-d. We can also detect David missing his parents. But that’s kind of odd; before he was anointed King, there was a concern that he might have been illegitimate. Yishai, his father, wasn’t sure David was his son. At best, they had a cold relationship. Although one may argue that any doubt about the legitimacy of Yishai being David’s father was put to rest after the Prophet Shmuel anointed David, and a loving father and son relationship developed. However, David was on the run, whether being chased by King Shaul or whatever wars he fought. Furthermore, David’s parents and brothers (except for one) were massacred by the Moabites. So as far as David’s relationship with his father, what’s there that he missed so much that triggered him to make such a statement?

Any one of the readers who have had the experience of taking care of elderly parents realized that as long as they were alive, one felt the parent was taking care of them even though the opposite was true. The son or daughter paid all the bills and they would escort them to their medical appointments because they would not be able to go by themselves. In fact, my father once said when a person becomes old he reverts back to being a child. Even so, apparently as soon as they pass on, the children feel abandoned; they have an uneasy feeling of losing that nurturing parent.

Belief and trusting G-d requires one to fully rely on Him. How does one develop that ability? This is accomplished by practicing the concept of “leaning on and trusting” through the parents. They are there so we can really on them. They fed and clothed us and took us to school when we were young; they taught us about life. The college tuition was paid and they let us borrow the car. We look up to them until a certain time where then they pass the baton to G-d and we rely on Him fully. It may take twenty years or forty, but it’s inevitable.

This is the reason “honoring parents” is on the same side of man/G-d relationship. G-d and parents are part and parcel in bringing out in us the feeling of trust and having being taken care of and that the ultimate and optimal feeling one has to have to G-d.

Important to be in a Safe Environment

The sages say that one of Moshe’s grandchildren didn’t turn out up to par like the rest of his family. One may ask, “What went wrong?” After all, Moshe was very close to G-d; a perfect leader. In fact, there is no argument; he was the best leader we ever had. Actually, perhaps one can argue and say we see very often, the children of some of today’s leaders have a hard time with their famous parents.

We learn something astonishing about the relationship between Moshe and his father-in-law, Yitro. Apparently, Yitro made a deal with Moshe that his firstborn would be educated by the Grandfather through idol worship. Yes, you read it correctly, idol worship. But how can that be? Didn’t Yitro convert to Judaism? We also learn that he was a great believer. So that really doesn’t make sense. Furthermore, how can Moshe allow his son to participate?

Yitro was a very smart man who came to the realization that Judaism and the Torah is the real deal. But Yitro came to that conclusion through experimenting with every type of idol worship that exists in the world and at the end, when the smoked cleared, only the Torah remained standing. The greatest spiritual high and the closeness to G-d were attained through this method.

Yitro wanted his grandson to reach the same conclusion as he did and he persuaded Moshe to permit his son to attempt to reach this exclusively high level of closeness to G-d. However, this was very dangerous and it backfired. Although Yitro felt his grandson had a similar personality to his himself, nevertheless, apparently that was not the case. Everybody’s different.

We find that Ruth (the convert) realized that if she would go back to her country, she would regress in her spiritual quest to Judaism, and therefore decided to go travel to Israel with her former mother-in-law.

The sages teach us one can find all the wisdom that other religions offer, in our Torah, and there is no need to venture out.

We often think we are infallible and are able to maintain a level in any place, whether it is at work or moving to a new neighborhood where the level of religion is not so strong. We are human and are vulnerable and are influenced by the society around us. It’s an element of survival to surround oneself with a community, proper schooling, and friends.

There was only one Yitro; his uniqueness was singled out. It would be unsafe – to say the least – to do what he did.

Sincerely,
Rabbi Avi Matmon
Spark of Jewish Experience