Spark of Jewish Experience

* Our Sages say if one sees a loved one who has passed away, appear in a dream, he should light a candle. Someone who is no longer in this world has to ask permission from the heavens to make contact with the living; even a dream is considered contact. For the most part, there is no communication with dead people because this is a world of doers and the deceased have already exhausted their resources to accomplish. “See, I have presented to you a blessing and a curse.” Rabbi Gedalya Schorr says that every moment we live in this world, we are faced with opportunities, with the end result of a blessing or a curse. Eating, drinking, walking, talking, greeting, crying and laughing, all require some sort of positive energy or acknowledgement and appreciation of G-d. Then, one will get a blessing, a reward. However, if one takes these opportunities without the awareness of G-d, then that moment is a cursed moment. This concept explains the tradition of wearing a kipa. We wear a kipa so we can constantly be aware of G-d’s existence. The head is where the soul of a man lies and therefore is the most significant part of the physical body.

 

Second Portion
* We had previously mentioned regarding Tisha B’Av, the main reason why our ancestors consumed meat was to sanctify it for the name of G-d in the Temple. The meat, then, tasted better because it had an added flavor of leshem – Mitzvah – to do G-d’s commandment. When the Temple was destroyed, the Sages proclaimed nine days of no consumption of meat, which we have a tradition till this very day. It didn’t taste the same because that added flavor was gone, of “to do G-d’s commandment.” In this parsha, G-d gives us the permission to eat meat without the pilgrimage to the Temple. Although meat was permitted, generally, it should not be over indulged. For there are some commentaries that say it’s not healthy (commentary – Ikarim).
* One of the reasons we eat meat is to show our superiority to animals. This is derived from the two sons of Adam, Kayin and Hevel. Kayin thought that man is no better than animals, therefore, he brought an offering of produce. While Hevel, on the other hand, knew man is superior and man rules them. G-d endorsed Hevel’s view.  Nevertheless, the damage was done; people were confused and they followed the views of Kayin, that man is not superior and therefore sank to all types of loathsome and animalistic despicable acts. After the flood, though, Kayin and his philosophy was obliterated and Noach and civilization undoubtedly ate meat.
* At the same time that G-d permitted the Jews to eat regular meat, he gave another warning against consuming the blood. According to Rashi, the fact that G-d stressed this, is an indication that the people were very much involved in and habituated in violating this prohibition.

 

Third Portion
* There are people that have certain sorcery gifts; the Torah refers to these individuals who try to lure others into serving idolatry as “prophets”, therefore, acknowledging their powers. Apparently, these false prophets of evil have the capability to manipulate nature. They have the power to perform signs and wonders. They give signs as to what will be in the future. A strong question is asked, how is it possible that people who have come to deny G-d be given such strength? According to the RAMBAN, these individuals are called kahin. They have powers more than the average Joe and exploit their influence over simple people in order to spread heretic views. Our nation is tested in a very big way by these people who get their source from evil.

 

Fourth Portion
* Do not over-mourn the dead. One should not take their hair and beat themselves. One of the major foundations of our religion is life after death. As my wife puts it so beautifully; time marches on and it doesn’t wait for anybody. Before you know it, you’ve got gray hair and are huffing and puffing down the basketball court. We are all going to see our loved ones one day soon again, G-d willing, in heaven. One friend was sad after losing his mother. He said to me “I’m sad that I’m never going to see her again.” I said to him “We’re all going to have a chance to see our loved ones again.”
* Some commentaries say fish was prohibited for consumption till the receiving of the Torah. (The Israelites never ate fish in Egypt; they just imagined it.) The Torah was given on Shabbat. This is the reason we have fish, usually first course, during the Shabbat meal.
* The sign of a kosher fish – it should have fins and scales.

 

Fifth Portion
* Every Jew that makes a living has to give 10% of his earnings to Tzedakah; this is called ma’aser.

 

Sixth Portion
* The ability to help your fellow Jew reaps great rewards. The Torah refers to a person who considers his money as belonging to him alone, to do with it as he sees fit as b’li ya’al – wicked or worthless person. The Or Hachayim says “there will be no poor among you” (15:4); namely, that if there is a poor person among you, it is because of you, in that the other man’s portion is in your hands. Whatever he has lacking is in your possession. We have to be unified as a nation, not just in “RA, RA let’s cheer on together!!” but in your pocket as well. One has to see to it that his fellow is financially okay.

Seventh Portion
* There are three holidays called the Shalosh Regalim, the three legs; they are Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. It is called the three legs because on each of these holidays, many Jews all over Israel, would congregate at the Holy Temple in Yerushalayim.