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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