Hi! This is Rebbe speaking: Are you ready for this week’s commentary on the Parsha? How many questions can you answer on your own? This week’s parsha, Parshas Chukat, speaks about a Parah Adumah, a red cow. A red cow was used to be Metaher, to purify those that became Tamei, impure. It had to be a red cow that did not have more than two white or black hairs. The Rambam states that there were only nine red cows and the tenth will be when Mashiach comes. It will be used to purify all Jews. The first red cow existed in the time of Moshe Rabbeinu. In the generations following, when the red cow was used, it was mixed with ashes from the first Parah Adumah. There is an interesting phenomenon with the red cow. It purifies the impure and simultaneously makes (those that prepare it) those that were pure, become impure. The Parah Adumah shows us that nothing in this world happens without the command of Hashem. Hashem decides who the Parah Adumah is to purify and who to impurify. To us it does not make sense. Without the command of Hashem nothing can have the outcome that follows. What seems like nature cannot occur without Hashem willing it to. There is a story related in the Gemara – Talmud. There was a poisonous snake that would roam the town and many times kill people with his venom. All were too frightened to try and kill the snake. Reb Chanina ben Dosa, a holy rabbi, said he’ll get rid of this snake. He went to the hole in which the snake resided and put his foot over the hole. Of course the snake bit Reb Chanina’s foot. But a miracle happened. Reb Chanina did not die. Instead the snake died. Reb Chanina pulled the snake out of its’ hole and walked to the Bet Medrash pronouncing its’ death. All were shocked. Reb Chanina announced, “It is We can look around us and see many instances where we seem confused. Times when we believe that a situation seems unfair. Times when a Rasha, an evil person, seems to be successful and has everything and a righteous person seems to have nothing. And yet, we do not see the full picture. We must believe that everything that happens makes sense and is for the good. It’s all part of the master plan. Just like we do not understand how the red cow can purify those that are impure and impurify those that are pure. We must follow all that Hashem demands of us even if we do not understand why. There is a parable that clearly brings about this point: A man went to see a home that he was interested in purchasing. He entered the house and started to walk around. He kept bumping into things. “What a house! Everything is in the wrong place. All the appliances are placed in the way.” Suddenly the lights were turned on and he saw that everything was in the right place. It was he who was foolish. So too, we do not see the whole picture. We assume that things are done wrong. When Mashiach comes the light will turn on and we will then understand all that transpired. There is an amazing story told. An ill man went to visit his doctor. He was diagnosed with a heart condition and the doctor warned him not to eat cheese and drink wine. fterwards he headed to the Rav of Sanz, the Divrei Chaim for a blessing. He described his condition to the Divrei Chaim and was told to eat cheese and drink wine. Although the doctor had warned him that it would be detrimental for his health, he followed the advice of the great Rabbi, the Divrei Chaim. Sure enough, he had a complete recovery. It is not the doctors who heal, nor the abstinence of cheese or wine but Hashem who has the In this week’s parsha, it also relates that Jews were being bitten by a snake. They would die becausebthey complained about the manna. Hashem told Moshe Rabbeinu to create a snake out of copper. He hung it on a stick and those that looked at the snake were healed. Of course it was not the power of the snake but the power of Hashem that healed those that looked at the snake. This snake was used for many generations following. King Chizkiyahu destroyed this copper snake when people were convinced What have we learned today? What was a Parah Adumah? What was the purpose of the Parah Adumah? What can we learn from the Parah Adumah? What are some examples of situation that show divine providence (that all that happens is with purpose)? A leaf does not fall without purpose. People have missed their flight only to discover that the plane crashed. Many were saved on 9/11 because they were delayed on their way to work. Think of personal examples that happened to you or people that you know. You’d be surprised how many you can think of. |
Archive for August 2013
Around the Shabbat Table- Parshat Chukat
Talking Animals?
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It must have been funny when that donkey started talking. Hey! come on,no big deal, we’ve seen it before. How many have you have seen the talking horse, Mr. Ed? What about Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, they’re pretty talkative, wouldn’t you say? For the most part, we humans thinks we can communicate with animals. We once had a neighbor who had a dog that was a real nuisance; it would be kept outside and constantly bark; this was very inconsiderate, especially at night. One time out of frustration and annoyance I responded to the owner’s assessment of why the animal is barking. She, the owner, said “ahh, that’s a hungry bark”. I responded “No, that’s an I want to be inside the home and not bother the neighbors bark”. She gave me a dirty look; THE CHUTZPAH!!
The one who was a master in communicating with animals was, none other then king Solomon. There was a story told by an acquaintance named Baruch, who quoted a midrash, coming home one day on the F train. As one knows King Solomon married 1000 wives. One time one of the women he was courting was giving Shlomo a hard time. “If you want to marry me then you have to honor my request and collect all the birds in the entire world and bring them to me”. So Solomon, with his expertise in animal communication, as well as his connections sought out and brought all the birds in the world to this fine lady. After counting them she said to him “hey, one bird is missing.” Now I don’t know how she figured that out but EXCUSE ME!! Regardless of her bird count Shlomo set out to find the one bird which was missing. When he found it Shlomo asked “how come you didn’t come upon my request?” The bird responded “I was busy counting all the males and females in the world”. King Solomon responded “aren’t they even 50/50?” “No”, the bird said “its 70/30. There are only 30% Zachar-males in the world, because they are the only ones putting on Tefillin”. His is the reason we always give a bracha “you should have a BEN-ZACHAR”. It’s not enough just to be a BEN-son he should act like it and complete the ZACHAR part and do the obligations that go with it and put on tefilin as well.
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Boy, Has Time Changed! Well…
Paganism was the way of the world in ancient times. Notice the totally different mindset compared to today’s times where worshiping G-d or Gods is a far second to making money, physical health, etc. One particular idol worshiping was pretty unique. It’s fascinating how the sages describe Ba’al Peor. We discussed in last year’s parshat Balak’s newsletter about how G-d is repulsed at whoever worships Ba’al Peor. What is so terrible about Ba’al Peor? Well, its a little funny how one worships it. He urinates and excretes on it. That sounds more like a lack of respect and disregard for that particular idol worship, doesn’t it ? This is precisely what the philosophy of Ba’al Peor is all about. Its a rebellious disregard for idol worship. So whats wrong with that? one might say. The world should believe in one G-d, right? Not so, worshiping Ba’al Peor means to cause confusion in the world, a total irresponsibility. There are no laws, not civil nor religious. Everybody’s free and anything can go; sounds like Woodstock. Nevertheless, G-d would rather have a paganistic society and have law and order in the land then to follow him as opposed to having a animistic free-for-all.
It’s funny, Ba’al Peor didn’t start that way. It evolved from something completely different. Many years before worshipers would be so focused on there paganistic G-d, they would develop such a fear that they would unconsciously urinate and excrete. The fear factor level was such, when they reached that level of an “accident”, then they fulfilled their worship requirement. Whomever is familiar with physiology knows fear and worry causes a need to relieve oneself..
So we see Ba’al Peor evolved from one philosophy to something strangely different. Pretty frustrating for the initial people who had a completely different intent. Although they’ve been dead for hundreds of years so it doesn’t matter one iota. Perhaps, one should be proud of Judaism. Although there have been minor trimmings over the years and those changes were inevitable and by design (rice on Pesach yes,no or whatever depending on your custom) the core of Torah and its laws are the same. If one thinks about that, its mind-boggling!!
Following these laws that were traditionally kept precisely like our ancestors did several thousand years ago sprouts a real good feeling. Although with modern technology it’s a lot easier for us, we’re doing the same Shabbat table; singing Shabbat songs as they did and being off key as they did. Lastly having a l’chaim as they did.
I guess this is one of the lessons we can learn from Ba’al Peor. Our religion is here to stay, Baruch Hashem.
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Dignity – An Important Part of Life
The most complex character in the whole Torah is Bilam. He was unique in that he was one of few gentile prophets; that within itself is a tremendous feat, yet at the same time he was the slimiest low life that walked the face of the earth. Bilam was a money-hungry, egotistical pervert who had relations with his donkey and was also involved with making prostitution more prominent. An all around guy,don’t you think ? |
Crime of Humanity
We are now, unfortunately, in the midst of the three weeks. During this period, we mourn the loss of our Temples approximately two thousand years ago. Rabbi Jay Shapiro of WITS Institute in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, says in this time we mourn humanity. He quotes a Ramban on the topic of Yosef and his brothers. The brothers were jealous of Yosef; when they were finally alone with him in the field, the idea sprouted in their heads to kill him. This suggestion was shot down by the older brother Reuben as it was too extreme of an act. So instead, one of the brothers suggested to throw him into a pit leaving him for dead. Apparently, they realized it might not be a good idea, where then it was decided to sell him instead. “Why should we have the blood of our brother on our hands?”
After many years, G-d created a famine which led them down to Egypt. The brothers faced the viceroy of Egypt, not knowing it was their long lost brother, and requested food for their families. The brothers were bothered at the trouble they were encountering. They spoke among themselves concluding that the reason G-d was punishing them was because they ignored Yosef’s pleas and cries as they threw him into the pit. He was begging them to get him out; however they disregarded him and enjoyed a meal among themselves.
So the Ramban asks, this is the one action they’re worried about? This is what you regret? What about wanting to kill him? What about selling him as a slave and ruining his life? What about the devastation they caused to their father? Why was it this particular incident that they felt they were in the wrong?
The brothers were intelligent, so the fact they picked this incident perhaps bring to light a concern of this action. They viewed it as cruel. The other incidences, though it was wrong, could be construed as impulsive, a crime of passion. Perhaps they might have had less control of the situation. However, cruelty, which they believed they displayed while they were eating and drinking, while their brother was pleading for his life, was inexcusable.
The first Temple was destroyed because of idol worshiping, murder, and sexual misconduct. These are considered serious stuff. However, it seems like after a number of years, G-d permitted the Temple to be rebuilt. Although horrible and hideous, nevertheless, it was the influence of the surroundings that propelled them to stoop that low. The second Temple, though, was destroyed for baseless hatred. It has been a very long time since, and G-d has not forgiven us.
Cruelty is an advanced state of hatred. It’s found in our inner personality. We have to address and curb this flaw in us because it could lead to devastating results. Some of which may not be forgiven by G-d.
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What Loyalty is All About
If one notices in this week’s Parsha, one will find many of the holiday/new moon/Shabbat Torah readings. For the most part, we read about the sacrifices which were brought in the Temple pertaining to that particular festive period. In most, if not all, the ox is a mainstay in the sacrifice procession. Why is the ox always in the limelight of the sacrifices? Furthermore, who cares? Why do we have to read about it anyway? Can’t we read about something more interesting; maybe some action-packed miracle or a war where the Jews are victorious. We should liven up the Bet Hakneset a little with an interesting story line for the reading. Perhaps reading about Yosef and his brothers and the famous dramatic pause “I am Yosef, your brother. Is my father still alive?” Sorry, but reading about an ox isn’t going to keep my interest.
Throughout the Jewish calendar year, we follow the mystics in performing many symbolic rituals. The ones that stand out are the ones recited on food. For example, apple in honey during the night meals on Rosh Hashanah. The sages say by making the bracha on these symbolic rituals, it will touch a cord in the heavens where the chances are better they will come true.
What special symbolism does the ox signify? We know every creature on earth has a special song. The song that the ox sings is Az Yashir; which is the song that the Israelites sang after the splitting of the sea and discovering the Egyptians didn’t make it in their quest to capture and conquer the Jews. So in a moment of gratitude and appreciating what G-d has done for them, they sang this particular song. The emphasis, though, is on the words ASIHIRA LA-HASHEM KEE GAOH GAOH, sing to G-d for we have pride. What does the ox have pride in? The ox has pride in his wealth. The ox is a very strong animal and is considered a workhorse for his master and therefore brings him riches. With his stamina and work ethics, he is able to endure and weather many difficulties in his quest to satisfy his master. It says in the prophet Yeshayahu, “He knows his master.” An ox has tremendous loyalty to his master and recognizes him.
When Eliyahu, the Prophet, had a showdown with the false prophets, he gave them an ox for them to sacrifice to their G-d. “Who’s ever sacrifice will be accepted is G-d’s choice.” The ox wouldn’t move; he would not go with the false prophets. It was only after Eliyahu convinced the ox that if he goes with them he will sanctify G-d’s name. Then and only then, did he go.
This is the reason the ox is in the limelight. We read about the ox being sacrificed because this is the animal who knows his master. He has the utmost loyalty towards him. The sacrifices are substituted for us. We have to have tremendous loyalty to our Master. It’s our job to do His work at any cost because this will bring us riches by doing His mitzvot – commandments. The ox is symbolic of what we should strive for to be the best in serving G-d.
From the shiurim of Rabbi Isaac Olbaum. |
Our Ideal Woman is Dangerous
Pinchas was a hero!! He practically saved the day. Although 24,000 people died, which is pretty devastating, our sages, however, say it could have been a lot worse. There is a lingering question that Rav Henoch Leibowitz z’l asks. After all is said and done and all damage has been tallied, how can the Jews have faltered? How could they have been seduced by the Moabites and Midyanit girls? What’s so special about them? You see, when the Israelites were in Egypt for 210 years, there was only one incident where a Jewish woman acted somewhat immodest. In 210 years, only one incident? That’s not bad!! Don’t you think? The sages say that Egypt was the dirtiest, slimiest, most impure place that ever existed. In fact, Maimonides writes in his books, “Every day that I’m living in Egypt, I transgress the Torah law of one is not allowed to live here.” One would figure if there is any place in the whole wide world the Jews would falter in the avenue of immorality, it would be Egypt. And yet it was Bilam and Balak, not Pharaoh, that did in the Jews.
The sages say the Jews had their guard down as they walked past the Moabite stores. The old ladies were sitting outside trying to peddle their merchandise inviting the Israelites into the tent to try it on. However, as they innocently walked in, they discovered lo and behold their daughters. Hey, what happened to Aunt Phrecha? This was a carefully designed plan. Now, what happened next in the tent was the main part of their scheme and the reason why the Jewish men came back a second time. A little while before the old lady outside gave the customer one price, inside the tent, the young woman gave him a much lower price. The two women started arguing but at the end of this staged argument, the young woman prevailed and gave the Jewish customer the better price. This act was intended to warm up the heart of the Jewish man. A gesture of a nurturing caring woman who is willing to give up her family for the cute Jewish guy.
Regardless of his strong Jewish identity, the next day he was back for more. The warmth that was displayed by the young woman was irresistible. Who would not be attracted to that? This was the beginning of the disaster. Rav Chaim Volozhin says the ideal woman is not a “yes lady.” It says that Adam found a wife “ezer k’negdo” – a wife beside him. Rav Chaim says ezer k’negdo also means “against him.” She should voice her opinion if she feels the husband is wrong, which is 90% of the time according to the women’s poll (HA, HA! The women are shaking their heads in approval). She should voice her opinion against the husband. In this way, the husband will get an objective opinion and then decide strategies of life. However, we tend to differ with this portrayal of the optimal choice. Hey, Rav Chaim, that’s not what we want; we want a Stepford wife. This is our dream, our desire; however, it’s not what we need.
Bilam and Balak played on the male desire. They didn’t just bring to the table flesh, a pretty face; they brought a situation, a Hollywood script that’s attractive. The smiley wife beautifully made up with an apron. This was the irresistible attraction generously engineered by very intelligent sinister people and it worked.
A CARING WIFE – A man sneaks into field level 50 yard line section from the upper-deck at a championship football game. Boy, he has chutzpah; he quickly sits next to this little old lady in the front row. “Can I sit here ma’am?” he said . “Oh sure, go right ahead,” she replied. Ten minutes later, she commented how great these seats are, that her late husband and her had these season tickets for the past forty years and went to every single game. A little while later, the man, out of curiosity, asks the old lady, “These are such good seats and such an important game, how come you couldn’t get a friend or a relative to come with you?” “They couldn’t make it, they all attended my husband’s funeral.” |
Jewish Continuity
This past Sunday, the mothers and daughters of 147th and 76th road, (actually, it spilled over to 77th Ave as well), in Kew Garden Hills, organized for the boys and girls of their families, a siyum hasefer – a finishing of a book party, in the park. Every Shabbat for the past six years, approximately, these tzadekot would organize a brachos party where the kids would hear a story from various popular inspirational Jewish books. They then, make blessings and answer amen to various goodies that are prepared and presented on the host table. A different family would host each Shabbat.
The Sunday get-together reminds of a story I read a number of years ago which I would like to share. This story probably took place within the past 20 years. A man was walking past a synagogue in Boro Park where a funeral was taking place. Curious, he walked in to see who had passed away. Realizing that indeed, he knew the deceased, he approached the family and insisted that he would like to say a few words about him. Although, he was not scheduled to speak, nevertheless, he got the opportunity because of his persistent nature. Everybody was curious, especially the family, what this person, whom they did not know, was going to say. He began telling his story; “Every morning, I would be waiting at the bus stop for my bus to get to work. After some time, I realized something peculiar on the opposite direction of where I was going, across the street. There was this old man, the deceased, waiting at the bus stop, however, he never got on any bus. He’d be watching all the vehicles that passed by. One day, I got to the bus stop very late and realized that he was getting up to – I guess – walk home. Curious George that I am, I decided to cross the street and asked him, “What’s with your routine?”
He was very friendly and he kept on blessing the Jewish people. Then he started to tell his story. “I was in a concentration camp and we were always taunted by the German guards how it’s the end for “you Jews”; we all felt doomed. Today, 50 years later, I would get up early and go to the bus stop and count, about 30 school busses, with little Jewish children going to Yeshiva. I would not leave until I count 30. After the last bus, I would remember the Germans’ words, “It’s the end for you Jews”, and then I would thank G-d for all he has done.”
It’s a wonderful feeling seeing my children make brachot and even tell stories at this special Shabbat get-together. It’s a tremendous merit that innocent children are saying brachot and answering amen. I remember walking in Yerushalayim, as well as my son’s yeshiva in Queens, and hearing the boys singing in unison passages from the Torah. It reminded me of when I did that. The adrenaline running high and you are screaming and singing on the top of your lungs.
The old man’s last words to the Curious George friend, “It’s not the end for us, Jews”; he then smiled and said, “we are still alive.” |
Mankind’s Precious Gift
Today, when we swear or take upon ourselves a vow, one can bet the house that the percentage of keeping it is, sadly, not very good odds. Although our intentions are genuine and we give it the old college try, we are not trained or as disciplined as our great ancestors were, to be more careful in this area. Boy, if one only knew how important hatarat nedarim and Kol Nidrei are (invalidating vows and oaths before Yom Kippur and at the start of Yom Kippur). Apparently, even annulling the vows and oaths are not a simple matter. It should not be taken lightly and done hastily like it was second nature.
It was said about Nevuchadnetzar that when he died, they were scared in Gehenom – hell – that such a terror was joining them. As one knows his history, he destroyed the first Temple and exiled the Jews to Babylonia. Nevuchadnetzar was known to be a cruel tyrant, never-the-less had sparks of goodness that the sages said were most impressive.
In his early years as emperor, he treated the Jewish king Tzidkiyahu, respectfully. When Tzidkiyahu came to Bavel to affirm his alliance to the emperor, Nevuchadnetzar granted him free access to the palace. He appointed him, Tzidkiyahu, ruler over the king of Edom, Moav, Amnon, Tzor, and Tzidon. Tzidkiyahu once entered Nevuchadnetzar private dining room unannounced, and found him tearing the limbs from a living rabbit as he ate it. Eating the limbs of a living animal is forbidden by Noachide law, even to a non-Jew. Apparently, Nevuchadnetzar did not wish to make this public knowledge and give the impression he had cruel habits. Embarrassed, Nevuchadnetzar commanded Tzidkiyahu, “Swear that you will never reveal what you witnessed.” He did swear; however later, a wind of stupidity fell upon him and requested the Great Sanhedrin (the House of Jewish Judges) to annul his oath. Unfortunately, this wind of stupidity was contagious and they did. Their annulment proved fatal to them and put a bad taste in Nevuchnadnetzar’s mouth toward the Jews.
Tzidkiyahu once foolishly disclosed the embarrassing incident of Nevuchadnetzar to the five kings at a dinner, which they apparently immediately dispatched this confidential disclosure to the Babylonian palace. So much for friends.
Nevuchadnetzar, unsurprisingly, considered Tzidkiyahu’s offense an act of treason. He ordered Tzidkiyahu and the Sanhedrin to appear before him, where he gave the sages seats of honor. He then asked them to expound the Torah before him. The Sanhedrin proceeded to translate one Parsha at a time. When they arrived at the subject of vows in Parsha Matot. the Emperor inquired, “If someone wishes to annul a vow, may he do so?” “He can go to the Sage” they replied, “who has the authority to annul his vow.”
“Now, I know Tzidkiyahu betrayed me!” the emperor accused them, “He came to you and you annulled his oath!”
Nevuchadnetzar commanded that each member of the Sanhedrin be tied by his hair to a horse’s tail and be dragged from Yerushalayim to Lud.
This tragic event was one of many that foreshadowed the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
G-d has given mankind a precious gift – speech – as well as many important laws attached to it. He can take this gift and take this world to the highest chamber in heaven. However, he can also destroy it and bring it down to the lowest depths of Gehenom.
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Around the Shabbat Table – Parshat Va’etchanan
 By Rabbi Gedalia Fogel
Hi! This is Rebbe speaking:
In this week’s Parsha, Parshat Va’Etchanan we see the power of Tefillah (Prayers). Moshe Rabbeinu davened (prayed) to Hashem 515 times asking to be allowed to enter Eretz Yisrael (Israel). If Moshe would have prayed one more Tefillah, Hashem would have allowed him entry into the Holy Land. Therefore Hashem told him to stop praying. Chaim, a poor man needed a loan. He went to Natan a wealthy businessman and requested a loan. “Please lend me some money to build up my business.” Natan replied, “Call me in a week.” Exactly one week later Chaim once again contacted Natan. Once more Natan pushed him off saying, “Surely I will loan you money but now I’m very busy, try to catch me in the morning before I leave for work. Each day for a while, Chaim would wait in the synagogue for Natan to finish his morning prayers. Often Chaim would try to speak to Natan but did not succeed. Other times Natan would realize he had just missed him. Even when he finally did speak to him, Natan had some excuse for putting him off. Finally one day Chaim walked up to Natan. All he had to say was “the loan?” and Natan wrote out a check for the full amount Chaim had requested. At that precise moment Daniel, another man in need, entered the shul and saw the transaction between Natan and Chaim. “It’s that easy”, he thought to himself. Daniel walked over to Natan and requested a loan. Natan curtly replied, “Sorry. Now is not a good time.” “What for me you don’t have the time? Only Chaim is worthy of a loan!” Daniel took a moment to explain himself. “You don’t understand. It may seem like Chaim got his money effortlessly. This is not the case. Chaim has been asking me for quite some time now. Come back to me and I’ll see what I can do.” Sometimes we have to pray for something more than once in order for us to achieve the results we want. Hashem likes our prayers. All our forefathers, Avraham Avinu, Yitzchak Avinu and Yaakov Avinu did not have children immediately. Hashem cherished their prayers. We do not realize how meaningful our Tefillot are to Hashem. It may seem that various prayers remain unanswered. This is not so. Every prayer is used for something. We may pray for someone who is not well and unfortunately they do not get better. How can this be? Hashem stores our precious prayers for others that need it or even sometimes puts it aside for future use for the person who said them. We do not know Hashem’s reasoning but we do know that He knows what’s best. There is a fascinating story told about the Holy Baal Shem Tov. The Baal Shem Tov asked to be shown the person who would be worthy of sitting near him in the world to come. When the person was revealed to the Baal Shem Tov, he immediately set out to the far away city where Mendel resided. He wanted to see who this great man was. The holy Baal Shem Tov was astounded to see a simpleton who was sitting and praying. Mendel had an interesting way of praying. He did not know that there are set prayers for different times of the day. Each day, Mendel would take out his prayer book and open it to the first page. He would not stop praying until he reached the very last page of the siddur. Mendel did not know that one does not say the entire siddur from cover to cover in one sitting. When the Baal Shem Tov saw this he offered to make bookmarks for Mendel, in order for him to know what to say when. He marked the morning prayer. He marked the afternoon prayer and also the evening prayer. He placed bookmarks for the Shabbat and Holiday prayers. Mendel thanked the Baal Shem Tov profusely and the Rabbi left. Mendel lovingly lifted his siddur, when a gust of wind blew and all the bookmarks that the Baal Shem Tov had placed were blown right out of the siddur. Mendel was almost in tears. He quickly ran after the Rabbi. The Baal Shem Tov had reached a river. He took off his belt and placed it on the water and thus he was able to cross over. Mendel did the same and he too crossed over. “Rebbe, Rebbe sorry to bother you, but I need you to replace all the bookmarks.” The Baal Shem Tov could not believe his eyes. How did Mendel cross the river? “Mendel how did you get here? Did you have a boat?” “No, I did what the great Rabbi did. I too walked across the river on my belt.” The Baal Shem tov realized that Mendel was no ordinary Jew. “It must be his prayers.” he said to himself. “You do not need those bookmarks. Go back to your old way of praying. Hashem appreciated your Tefillot immensely. Wow, what prayers are worth!” We need not know how to pray as long as we are sincere in our prayers. We must have prayer be a part of us. In all that we do we can pray to Hashem. It does not only have to be a tefillah from a siddur. We can thank Hashem and ask him for things all day. It is our connection to Hashem that we are fortunate to have. We have access to the King of Kings at all times. Keep praying and know that your prayers are worth much and no prayer is for naught.
What have we learned today?
Where do our Tefillot (prayers) go? Our Tefillot are put to good use. Hashem knows where to put our prayers. We can relate to this answer by comparing Tefillot to money that we deposit in a bank. Some are deposited and used immediately to pay outstanding bills. Others are deposited only to be stored in order for it to be available at a time when we need it most. So too, our Tefillot may be used immediately and we can see results right away. Some are put aside for a later time.
What are some examples of things that we can pray for throughout the day? We can pray for anything that we think we may need or want. All things both big and small are achievable by Hashem. Sometimes the answer may be “no”. We may think that our request would be good for us but Hashem knows better. A child may want to eat sweets all day, but the parent will not let. A parent says “no” because he knows what’s best. One can ask Hashem to help him find a parking spot, have a successful shopping adventure or win a ball game. It makes no difference what the request is. It is praiseworthy to ask Hashem for what we want. It shows that we know and believe that He is in charge. Hashem is always listening. The door to prayer is always open. The King of Kings is always available. I’m sure all you intelligent boys and girls have come up with outstanding examples of your own. |