Spark of Jewish Experience

“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.

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.

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

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.

 

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

 

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